3-5-10 Town Times by Town Times Newspaper

Volume 16, Issue 47

Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

“In like a lion” ... March, that is ...

Viccaro presents education budget with 2.88 percent increase By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times District 13 Superintendent Susan Viccaro introduced the 2010-2011 proposed education budget on Wednesday, March 3. This year’s projected increase of 2.88 percent, combined with last year’s increase of 0.58 percent, yields an average increase over the last two years of 1.73 percent, said Viccaro. For a net bottom line of $32,155,840, the budget contains no staff cuts aside from one retiring teacher at the elementary level who will be replaced by moving another current teacher into the slot. “Last year 6.8 positions were cut, and, based on that,

Photos submitted by Jaime Irizarry

Above, the lone tree on the Strickland Farm on Cherry Hill Road in Middlefield stands sentinel in the snow. Left and below, the Coginchaug River from the Miller Road Bridge shows the effects of lots of water.

Now we’re waiting for the “out like a lamb” part ...

Friday, March 5, 2010

we don’t want to cut this year,” said Viccaro. “Six point eight is a significant number.” Salaries and benefits are up by 3.56 and 11.20 percent, respectively, and capital expenditures are up by 231.69 percent. This line item is expected to stand out, as the Board of Education has received criticism in the past for lack of an annual capital plan. This year they have drawn up a five-year capital plan. The first year of the plan includes $376,575 for fire alarm replacement, oil tank replacement, classroom furniture and a new clock and PA system at Brewster. See Education, page 26

Brayshaw hands lower budget to finance board By Sue VanDerzee Town Times Just in the nick of time, 120 days before the end of the fiscal year on June 30, Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw and finance director Joe Geruch handed over a municipal budget proposal of $3,847,994 for fiscal 2010-11, 1.5 percent less than last year’s request of $3.9 million. While it’s way too soon to talk about tax impact, the figure Brayshaw gave informal-

In this issue ... Calendar ............................4 Devil’s Advocate.........11-18 Durham Briefs............22-23 Libraries..................20 & 22 Middlefield Briefs ......20-21 Puzzles ....................19 & 22 Sports ..........................28-31

ly was that if the school budget came in with a 2.5 percent increase for Middlefield (pretty close; see above), then a .83 mill rate increase would be needed to fund both proposed budgets. In his transmittal letter to the Board of Finance explaining the highlights of his budget proposal, Brayshaw noted that the flat grand list (list of value of taxable property in town) and undependable state funds must lead the town to be more “self-reliant.” The most obvious selfreliant piece of the proposed budget is a $100,000 income line from sale of town property, which includes former water company property next to Rover’s Lodge whose sale to adjoining property owners has been discussed for years, but may finally happen. Also See Brayshaw, page 21

Town Times Community Briefs

Congregation Irish music at Adath Israel to Wallingford host wine-tasting library Shake off the winter blues with a night on the town. Congregation Adath Israel, 8 Broad St. in Middletown, will

Irish eyes will be smiling at the Wallingford Public Library on Wednesday, March 10, when Connecticut troubadour Tom

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

Cogin-Chuggers The Durham Cogin-Chuggers will hold their March dance on Friday, March 12, at Brewster School in Durham, from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Bill Mager will be the caller and Sue Lucibello the cuer. Donation is $6 per person. For more info, call 203-235-1604 or 860-349-8084.

Late-life depression Wallingford Public Library and Masonicare present Dr. Rehan Aziz, M.D., director of behavior health at Masonicare, for a program on late-life depression on Thursday, March

Benefit concert at First Church On Saturday, March 13, at 3

Corrections

p.m., Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band with special guest vocalist Dianne Mower play a benefit concert. Snow date is Sunday, March 14, at 3 p.m. The band will present an allgospel concert which will be recorded for later release. The Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band performs in many venues throughout Connecticut, including the Durham Fair and The Great Connecticut Jazz Festival. Guest vocalist Dianne Mower has worked with Dave Brubeck, sung and recorded internationally, and performed in the top New York City jazz clubs. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Skip Hughes, trombonist, whose house and all contents were lost in a fire in December 2009. The concert will be held at First Church of Christ, 190 Court Street in Middletown. Suggested donation is $10.

Durham/Middlefield Youth & Family Services

We strive to bring you the most accurate and upto-date information available each week, but if you see something in Town Times that isn’t quite right, give our news department a call at 860-349-8000, and we’ll do our best to make things right. In our article last week in which municipal insurance for Durham was mentioned, the insurance is carried by MIRMA, not CIRMA. The little girl pictured on the far right of page 27 was not Isabel Cuadrado.

Unless noted, all events take place at the Youth Center in the Middlefield Community Center. New office hours: 3:305:30 Tuesdays-Fridays; phone 860-349-0258. Dance The 5th and 6th grade dance has been rescheduled to Friday, March 5, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Pizza and snacks will be sold. Admisssion $5. Father/Daughter Dance On Friday, March 12, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. enjoy a father/daughter dance and fun night. Listen to great music, enjoy arts and crafts, for just hang out in the game room and see who will win. $10. **** Go to www.dmyfs.org for the calendar of events and information about DMYFS programs and services. If you are interested in volunteering or to register for any of the Center’s programs, call (860) 349-0258 www.linosmarket.com

MEAT SPECIALS

AN ITALIAN SPECIALTY MARKET!

2M e a i n Str ha m 9-1

Home Works..............................29 Ianniello Plumbing.....................29 Ken Marino Sales & Service .......5 Lema, William J., D.M.D..............5 Lino’s Market ...............................2 Masonicare............................3, 20 MHS Primary Care....................21 Michalowski Agency Ins............31 Micheli Unisex Styling Salon.......5 Middlefield Housing Authority ...10 Middletown Plate Glass.............30 Mims Oil.....................................23 Movado Farm ............................26 Neil Jones Home Imp................27 Northern Middlesex YMCA .......21 Orthodontic Specialist ...............23 Realty Associates......................31 RLI Electric ................................30 Roblee Plumbing.......................26 Rockfall Co. ...............................30 RSDL Home Improvements......29 Saldibar Construction................26 Sea Breeze Hauling ..................28 Sharon McCormick Design .......27 Singles Alternative.....................19 Split Enz ....................................27 T-N-T Home & Lawncare..........30 Tony’s Masonry.........................30 Torrison Stone & Garden ..........28 VMB Custom Builders...............29 Whitehouse Construction..........27 Whitney Ridge Stables..............26 Windows Plus............................31

Friday, March 5, 2010

11, at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to this free program; however, advance registration is required. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Please call the library or sign up online at www.wallingford.lioninc.org or call 203-265-6754 to make your reservation.

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Ace Oil.......................................25 Ahearn Builders.........................29 Allan’s Tree Service ..................27 APEC Electric............................29 Appraisal One Associates.........26 Assisted Living of Meriden ........23 Barillaro Services ......................10 Behling Builders ........................30 Berardino Company Realtors.., 32 Binge, Bruce..............................28 Bogen, Charles Jr., CPA...........26 Boylin, Dr. William .......................6 Brenda’s Main Street Feed .........5 Cahill & Sons.............................28 Caliber Computer Services .......29 Carlton Interiors.........................20 Carmine’s Restaurant .................5 Central Ct. State Univ. ..............15 Centurion Exterminating............30 Cheshire High School Band......23 Cieslik, Ewa Agata, D.M.D........22 Conroy, John, D.M.D.................19 Ct. Home Add. & Remodeling...30 Custom Digital Prints.................28 Custom Travel.............................6 Dean Autoworks........................10 Durham Healthmart Pharmacy ...7 Durham In Bloom ........................5 Exchange Club of Durham..........3 Family Tree Care ......................28 Glazer Dental Associates............6 Golschneider Painting...............27 Grace Lutheran Preschool ........21 Grosolar.....................................25

Callinan performs his unique blend of Irish songs and stories at 7 p.m. Young and old enjoy his traditional and original songs, humorous stories and corny sense of humor. Callinan has been entertaining Wallingford crowds for many years, and seats for his performances are always in demand. Please reserve your seat early by registering online at www.wallingford.lioninc.org or by calling 203-265-6754. All ages are welcome to this free event.

USDA Choice Cube Steak or Stew Beef .......... $3.49 lb. USDA Ground Chuck.....................................$2.99 lb. USDA Choice Angus N.Y. Strip Steaks............$5.99 lb. USDA Choice Angus Sirloin Steaks.................$3.99 lb. Hummel Barrel Cured Corned Beef ................ $5.25 lb. Bone-in, Center Cut Pork Roast ..................... $1.79 lb. Loin End Pork Roast (Avg. Wgt. 4-5 lbs.)........$1.59 lb. Country Style Pork Ribs.................................$1.69 lb. Chicken Legs ................................................ 89¢ lb.

Xavier High School, 181 Randolph Rd. in Middletown, will host their annual antique show and flea market on Sunday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have something to sell, they want you to be part of this antique show/indoor flea market. Please consider purchasing a display space at $50 which includes a table. Call 860-3467735, today to reserve your spot. If you have nothing to sell, they welcome browsers and shoppers. Admission is only $4 per person or $3 with a canned food donation.

host wine-tasting and dancing on Saturday, March 6, at 6:30. The festivities begin with a soul-warming Havdalah ceremony at the conclusion of the Sabbath, followed by a tasting of unique and affordable kosher wines. The wines will be introduced by wine connoisseur Richard Kamins. The wine-tasting will be followed by a lively dance demonstration from Randi Cohen. Then all will have a chance to put their new-found dance skills to work swirling and twirling the night away. Appetizers and desserts will be served. Everyone is welcome. Tickets are $35/couple, $18/single and are available by calling the synagogue office at 860-346-4709.

Antique car show and flea market

, CT

4 • (8 60) 3

472 Main St., Durham, CT

(860) 349-1717 Hours: M-F 7am-7pm Sat. 7am-6pm, Closed Sunday

BONUS BUY $20.10 3 lbs. Ground Chuck 3 lbs. Stew Beef 2 lbs. Italian Sausage

FISH SPECIALS Fresh Salmon ................................................ $6.99 lb. Fresh Dry Sea Scallops .................................. $9.99 lb. King Crab Legs..............................................$8.99 lb.

DELI SPECIALS Land O’Lakes American Cheese ..................... $2.99 Hoffman Super Sharp Cheddar......................$5.49 Domestic Ham..............................................$2.29 Boar’s Head Black Forest Ham ...................... $6.49 Citterio Mortadella........................................$4.49 Canadian Prosciutto......................................$8.99 Italian Pancetta.............................................$8.99 Russer Cooked Salami...................................$2.99 Mother Goose Liverwurst...............................$3.49 Boar’s Head Salsalito Turkey Breast...............$6.99

lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb.

PRODUCE SPECIALS

Idaho Potatos, 5 lb. Bag ............................... $1.99 ea. Romaine Hearts ........................................... $2.39 pkg. We reserve the right to limit quantities We are not responsible for typographical errors. Expires 3/10/10.

Town Times

Friday, March 5, 2010

Middlefield selectmen catch an earful about Powder Ridge, Hubbard Street and 2010-11 budget By Sue VanDerzee Town Times It’s old news that the latest deal on Powder Ridge has fallen through. However, at the selectmen’s meeting on March 1, First Selectman Jon Brayshaw expressed optimism that among the half dozen or so potential buyers who contacted him after Snow Time and Dan Frank withdrew would be two or more viable options. After two weeks spent crafting a proposed 2010-11 budget, Brayshaw said he will return to meeting with prospective owner/operators and working with the selectmen to bring a deal before the public. That’s when several members of the audience took advantage of public comment time to offer criticism and

suggestions. Jim Malcolm, a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, suggested that P&Z should steer discussions since so many issues involved would have planning and/or zoning ramifications, such as whether there would be septic or sewer service for the property. Malcolm further encouraged the selectmen to reschedule a public information meeting to talk about the current status since the hearing scheduled in February was called off due to the twin blows of losing Dan Frank and heavy snow. “You have to hear what the people want,” he admonished. Ken Leavitt, former owner/operator, added that the selectmen should not rush and that “a public debriefing is needed.” Christine Leavitt

asserted that the process was “lacking transparency.” Resident Marianne Corona objected on all levels to the conduct of the process as well as the lack of public detail available and the amount of money spent thus far and going forward. Town clerk Donna Golub suggested that a flyer eventually be inserted in Town Times with details of any possible deals before a public meeting so that people would have time to digest the information. Brayshaw continued to reiterate that “Powder Ridge update has been on every sin-

gle selectmen’s agenda for the last two years so to say we haven’t talked about it is just not true,” and “according to the town charter, the selectmen have the sole right and responsibility to negotiate on behalf of the town.” Ken Leavitt also objected to the minutes of the Jan. 28 meeting of the Board of Selectmen because at several times when Leavitt was speaking, the notation was “static.” Brayshaw invited Leavitt to borrow the actual tapes to see if “static” was an

See Selectmen, page 20

Former District 13 superintendent Howard Kelley passes away Town Times received word on Monday that former District 13 superintendent of schools Howard Kelley passed away over the weekend. Kelley, a resident of Durham, served as District 13’s first superintendent and retired in 1991 after 22 years in the district. A service in celebration of his life will be held in the near future with details to be announced.

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All You Can Eat Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner PL U S Door Prizes & Raffle!

Sunday, March, 14th CRHS Cafeteria • 3:00-7:00 pm

We see it every day in the acute hospital care unit at Masonicare Health Center in Wallingford: Attentiveness helps speed the

$6 each or $20 for a family of 4 or more Spaghetti & Meatballs, Salad, Bread & Butter, Dessert & Beverage

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HOSPITAL CARE FOR SENIORS AT

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Event Sponsored by the Durham/Middlefield Exchange Club Tickets may be purchased at the door or from an Exchange Club member.

Brewster& & Memorial Korn School Strong & CRHS musical groups will provide continuous entertainment.

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Town Times & Places

4 March

FRIDAY

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

SATURDAY

March 6 Winter Farmers Market The Dudley Farm winter farmers’ market will be held from 9 a.m. to noon indoors in the yellow barn at 2351 Durham Rd. (Route 77) in Guilford. There will be local organic produce, artisan breads, baked goods, honey, jam, eggs, cheeses, handcrafted soaps, baskets, knitted items, jewelry, photography, and more. For information, call 860-3493917. Corned Beef Dinner You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy the luscious, complete, homemade, all-you-can-eat corned beef dinner at the Third Congregational Church, 94 Miner St. in Middletown, from 5 to 7 p.m. Dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10. Take-outs available. Wine Tasting Congregation Adath Israel, 8 Broad St. in Middletown, will host a wine tasting and dancing evening at 6:30 p.m. The evening begins with a Havdalah ceremony at the conclusion of the Sabbath followed by a tasting of unique and affordable kosher wines. Appetizers and desserts will be served. Everyone is welcome. Tickets are $35 per couple, $18 for a single and are available by calling 860-346-4709. DanceMaster Weekend Today and tomorrow Wesleyan University celebrates its eleventh annual DanceMasters Weekend. This year’s showcase performance features the Taylor 2 Dance Company, Merce Cunningham Dance Company and Carmen deLavallande. Master classes provide instructions in West African dance, jazz, hip-hop and tap. Performance takes place at 8 p.m. in the CFA Theater, 283 Washington Terrace in Middletown. Tickets are $23 general admission and $18 for seniors and students, available at www.wesleyan.edu/boxoffice or by calling 860-685-3355. Corned Beef Dinner Join St. James Episcopal

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Church in Higganum for the annual corned beef dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Dinner includes corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and homemade desserts. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children. Take out is available. The church is located on the corner of Route 81 and Little City Road. For more information, call 860-345-2445. Enrichment Program Minds in Motion enrichment program will be held at Snow School, 299 Wadsworth St. in Middletown, from 1 to 4 p.m. All interested students K8 throughout the area are welcome to attend. This is an afternoon of fun, fast-paced, hands-on workshops including chess, dance, chemistry, pottery, karate, circus skills, theater, DNA, African drumming, music, math, tessellations, TV production and more. Admission is $15 for members of Ct. Association for the Gifted, and $20 for nonmembers. Financial aid is available for anyone in need by sending an e-mail to middletown@gmail.com. Call 860347-2579 for more information.

SUNDAY

March 7 Car Show and Flea Market Xavier’s High School, 181 Randolph Rd. in Middletown, will host the annual antique show and flea market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 per person or $3 with a canned food donation. Special Services The Towel will be the sermon subject today at the Middlefield Federated Church, 402 Main St. in Middlefield as part of the special sermon series on the symbols of Lent at 10 a.m.

MONDAY

March 8 Career Workshop Jan Melnik is the featured speaker for a dynamic workshop for recent college graduates from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. at Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown. She will concentrate on resumes and cover letters, ways to capitalize on experience and methods for

networking. Register by calling 860-347-2520. Durham 60+ The Durham 60+ club will meet at 1 p.m. at the United Churches of Durham Fellowship Hall in Durham. Brian Russell will sing and play Irish tunes. A blood pressure clinic will be held at noon. Memorial Parents The Memorial School parent council will meet at 7 p.m. Free Movie Mondays the Middletown Senior Center, 150 William St., offers a free movie at 12:30 p.m. Today’s movie is The Invention of Lying with Christopher Guest and Ricky Gervais. Call 860-344-3513 for information.

TUESDAY

March 9 Business Seminar Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, 393 Main St. in Middletown, will present “Get a Business Check-Up” from 8 to 10 a.m. Registration is required by calling 860-347-6924. Cost is $25 for members and $35 for non members. B/KPTA The Brewster/Korn PTA will meet at Korn School at 6:30 p.m. Jazz Concert Zachary Sayah from Troop 27 will present a jazz concert featuring the Classical Magnet Jazz Band and the Spivak Brothers performing swing, blues, Latin jazz and jazz standards. Admission is a donation of non-perishable food items. The show is from 6 to 7 p.m. at South Church, 9 Pleasant St. in Middletown. For info, call 860-558-3930.

WEDNESDAY

March 10 TOPS Durham TOPS Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Durham Town Hall. For info, call Naomi Klotsko at 860-349-9558 or Bonnie Olesen at 860-349-9433. Kids Gardening Join the Middletown Area Green Children at Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown at 4 p.m. when they begin a new vegetable garden. Last year they created a highly successful vegetable garden. Today is the first step in starting plants from seed. Call 860-3472528 for more information, The Philadelphia Story The Philadelphia Story will be presented at the Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St. in

Friday, March 5, 2010

Ivoryton, tonight through March 28. For tickets and showtimes call 860-767-7318 or visit www.ivorytonplayhouse.org.

THURSDAY

March 11 Rep. Lesser State Representative Matt Lesser will hold office hours at the Levi Coe Library, 414 Main St. in Middlefield, from 5 to 7 p.m. Late-life Depression Wallingford Public Library and Masonicare present Dr. Rehan Aziz, M.D., director of behavior health at Masonicare for a program on late-life depression at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to this free program. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Advance registration is required online at www.wallingford.lioninc.org or by calling 203-265-6754. Arts Five art forms, one night of entertainment will be held at 7:30 at the Button Wood Tree, Main Street in Middletown. This will include a short film, two one-act plays, live music, poetry readings and a visual arts exhibit. All original and produced by CT artists. This event also takes place on March 12 and 13. Proceeds to benefit Simply Smiles. For information call 860-346-6051. Irish Music Irish eyes will be smiling at the Wallingford Public Library when Connecticut troubadour Tom Callinan performs his unique blend of Irish songs and stories at 7 p.m. Register online at www.wallingford.lioninc.org or call 203-2656754. All ages are welcome to this free event. Garden Club The Durham Garden Club will present the film My Reflections: the Beauty of White Farm by Beth Manley at 10:30 a.m. at the Durham Public Library. This will be followed by refreshments and speaker Nancy McKinnon from Balleks Garden Center in East Haddam, who will speak on bringing English cottage gardens to New England. This program is open to all.

FRIDAY

March 12 Social Strong School will hold a social event at 7 p.m. Business Networking The local chapter of Business Networking Internation-

al will meet in the United Methodist Church, 24 Old Church St. in Middletown, at 7:30 a.m. Contact Kirk Hagert at 860-349-5626 for more info. Dental Clinic Connecticut Mission of Mercy will hold a free dental clinic today and tomorrow at the Aetna Building on Industrial Park Road in Middletown beginning at 8 a.m. The clinic will provide free dental care, including cleanings, fillings, x-rays, oral surgery, root canals, extractions and replacement teeth for children and adults. For info, call 866539-9372 or contact Rep. Lesser by e-mail at matthew.lesser@cga.ct.gov or 800-842-8267.

SATURDAY

March 13

Scholarship Ball The Scholarship Ball will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Marriot in Rocky Hill. The evening includes a two-hour open bar and buffet dinner, music by the Savage Brothers Band, a silent auction, dessert and coffee. Tickets are $65 per person. Contact Kim Donecker at 860-349-9840 to reserve a spot. Skating Event Figure skaters from Cardinal Figure Skating School will perform “A Night on Ice,” at 7 p.m. at the Freeman Athletic Center on the Wesleyan campus. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, available at the door, are $5 each, kids five and under are free. For info, visit www.cardinalfigureskatingschool.com.

SUNDAY

March 14

Spaghetti Dinner The annual Exchange Club spaghetti dinner will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. at Coginchaug Regional High School. Four Season Concert Enjoy the music of David Ewart and friends on violins, piano and voices playing music by Tartini, Saens, Bach and more, at 4 p.m. at Emmanuel Church, 50 Emmanuel Church Road in Killingworth. For information, call 860-663-1109 or visit www.churchinthewilderness.org. Special Services The Crown of Thorns will be the sermon subject today at the Middlefield Federated Church, 402 Main St. in Middlefield, as part of their special sermon series on the symbols of Lent at 10 a.m.

Town Times

Friday, March 5, 2010

Fall driving tragedy spurs teens at Coginchaug By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times

Coginchaug, they will have a period each day to do homework and access to email, and students are responsible for getting any work before the trip begins. The board heard updates from the Policy and Long Range Planning and Magnet School committees. Norm Hicks noted that the magnet school approved a 4.54 percent increase in their budget, which includes reductions of $258,105, the bulk of which is the elimination of three teachers. The effect on District 13 is

See BOE, page 6

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Emergencies

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program’s founder visit the district in the future as more staff are involved and the program expands to other communities. Field trip requests and committee reports With a few concerns addressed, the board approved two field trip requests: the annual Camp Jewel trip for June 3-4, 2010 and a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico for Feb. 12-26, 2011. The latter is described as “cultural immersion” as students will speak Spanish for the majority of their stay and will be attending morning classes in Mexico. Since they will be missing some days at

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campus takes place in the fall, thwarting fall sports. Letters will be sent out to parents affected by these sports when the plan is finalized, and Viccaro noted that the sports will definitely take place, though “everything is still unfolding as we speak.” In other construction news, the installation of a new playground at Brewster School, funded by B/KPTA fundraising and federal grant money, is looking more and more likely to happen, according to Viccaro. The final design is completed but some details are still being worked out. Installation would likely begin in June, at which time volunteers will be needed. Viccaro’s final report had to do with Capturing Kids’ Hearts, a program that builds positive, productive and trusting relationships between teachers and their students. Staff throughout the district have been trained, and the program has been successful thus far. Viccaro hopes to have the

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Out of bad news, good things can come, as a group of students showed the Board of Education at their Feb. 24 meeting. The Coginchaug High School seniors, all friends of Michelle DiVicino who died tragically last November in a car crash, gave a presentation on Teens in the Driver Seat, a program newly adopted at the high school. Health teacher Christen Bertz heard about the group out of Texas through Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council (MCSAAC) and shared it with students, who leaped at the idea. On Feb. 1, what was to be DiVicino’s 18th birthday, the group was unvield at Coginchaug, and the response from peers was very positive. “We lost a very close friend, and we don’t want other teens to go through what we went through,” the group said. They showed the board a video on Teens in the Driver Seat, which focuses on the dangers of driving that teens often overlook, including texting, music, friends and other

distractions, driving at night, driving while tired, not wearing a seatbelt, and of course, drinking and driving. The group at Coginchaug conducted a survey among their classmates, focusing on these distractions and plan to administer it again at the end of the year when they hope the results will look different. They are also planning activities throughout the year for teen driving safety, and each Friday a fact is presented to students right before they leave for their cars for the day. “Six thousand teens die each year because of driving related incidents,” said the group. “That’s like filling a 747 with teens and crashing it once a week for an entire year.” Superintendent’s report In her report, Superintendent Susan Viccaro said there are contingency plans being developed for soccer and football if construction of the athletic facility at the Coginchaug

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Town Times

6 Sample of survey responses: 1. Have you read for fun any fiction books outside of school in the past week? Yes: 54 percent No: 46 percent 2. Have you read for fun any nonfiction books outside of school in the past week? Yes: 33 percent No: 67 percent 3. Have you read for fun any magazines or comic books outside of school in the past week? Yes: 87 percent No: 13 percent 4. Name the titles of all the books, magazines and/or comic books you have read in the past week. No titles named: 8 percent One or more fiction books named: 45 percent One or more nonfiction books named: 29 percent One or more magazines named: 70 percent One or more comic books named: 9 percent 5. About how often do you read a book or magazine outside of school, for fun? Almost never: 22 percent About once a month: 23 percent About once a week: 39 percent About every day: 33 percent 6. About how often do you read for fun something in a newspaper outside of school? Almost never: 22 percent About once a month: 16 percent About once a week: 44 percent Almost every day: 18 percent 7. About how often do you go to a bookstore or the library just for enjoyment? Almost never: 22 percent About once a month: 55 percent About once a week: 18 percent Almost every day: 5 percent

Dr. William Boylin, Ph.D. Family Therapist

Friday, March 5, 2010

Debunking some myths about reading By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times With National Reading Month upon us, now is an appropriate time to share information that may be helpful the next time your child peruses the book shelves for their next pleasure reading selection: what students are reading for fun â&#x20AC;&#x201D; particularly the level of challenge and the volume involved â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is much more important to consider than how often they read when it comes to their reading scores on tests. This is what Louise SpearSwerling found when she conducted a study on the reading habits of sixth graders and how they correlate with reading test scores. A professor of special education and reading at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), SpearSwerling, of Durham, has an extensive background in reading development and reading policy in the state, and she is particularly interested in older childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pleasure reading habits. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Evidence shows that outof-school reading can contribute to growth,â&#x20AC;? said SpearSwerling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tool for success in school, and we wanted to know what kinds of reading were children doing and if there were any differences between the habits of girls and boys.â&#x20AC;? The study, which has been

accepted by the peer-reviewed journal, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reading & Writing: An Interdisciplinary Journal,â&#x20AC;? found that students who have demonstrated strong comprehension skills, as measured by the Connecticut Mastery Test, tended to read longer and more difficult selections than those with weak comprehension skills, while both are just as likely to say they read for pleasure frequently. It also found that weaker comprehenders more often read non-fiction, such as Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, The Guinness Book of World Records, or books classified as special topics, like cars, animals, recipes or other topics the reader had an interest in. Stronger comprehenders and more avid readers are oriented toward fiction like The Search for Belle Prater or Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a speculation, says Spear-Swerling, but fiction makes certain demands that might have been especially difficult for weak comprehenders, such as a complex plot and having to track multiple characters over hundreds of pages. Weaker comprehenders would more likely pick nonfiction that was relatively easier for them to comprehend based on its shorter chunks of information or topics of special knowledge. Does this mean children should be pushed to read fic-

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tion over non-fiction? SpearSwerling says â&#x20AC;&#x153;no,â&#x20AC;? but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important information for teachers to pay attention to. In fact, Spear-Swerling can use this information to address topics she covers with her students at SCSU. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re teachers in training who are learning how to teach kids and teach reading, such as encouraging pleasure reading and understanding the types of books that interest and suit certain students,â&#x20AC;? she said. Similarly, parents in particular need to be especially careful not to find selections for their child that are too difficult. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If parents are worried about a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reading skills, they often push a harder level which will only cause them to not read at all,â&#x20AC;? cautions Spear-Swerling. Instead, think about what is appropriately challenging for the individual. When it came to gender, the study showed no differences in gender-based ability, but it did play a major role in the choice of magazines, where there was almost no overlap in the genre. While girls said they read fashion and glamour magazines, boys read sports and adventure magazines. Books tended to have more overlap with both genders reported reading Harry Potter, or Lemony Snicket. However, girls ultimately favored fiction with social themes like Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants while boys are more likely to read science fiction, horror or adventure books. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The gender differences were mostly not surprising to me, but I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize the plethora of magazines that target children in this age group,

(From page 5)

an increase in magnet school cost from $11,837 to $12,958 per student. Hicks said the number went up because they are budgeting for fewer students (721 down from 734) and because of the budget increase. The next board meeting will be 7:30 on March 3 at Strong School where presentation of the proposed District 13 budget will be the hot item. The board meets every Wednesday in March.

Friday, March 5, 2010

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Town Times Opinion

Friday, March 5, 2010

We get creative writing ... Hammonasset

Town Times

By Cameron Nielsen, Lyman School, Grade 2

488 Main St., P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455 http://www.towntimes.com

My class went to Hammonasset Beach. When we got there, the scientists were already at the beach. Their names are Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Klattenberg. They showed my class the way to the tidepools. It was a long walk! The first thing we did was to catch hermit crabs - with our hands! I touched a hermit crab’s shell. The hermit crab hid in its shell. Then we went fishing in the ocean. On the way to the ocean Mrs. Martin found a blue crab shell. I learned that blue crabs swim really fast and people eat blue crab. My chaperone almost

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

caught one. But I think it dug underground or something. But I don’t really know. There were a few more minutes left. In that time, I fell off a rock or two. We went fishing in the creek. Mrs. Klattenberg and Mrs. Martin caught fish and crabs for our tanks. We just kept on standing there and put sea animals from the nets into pails. Only the grown-ups could go in the water because there are worms in the creek water. If they get to you, you’ll itch like crazy. Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Klattenberg had caught four huge green crabs. Then Mrs. Martin found another blue crab shell. Someone picked it up and tossed it aside. I also picked up a fish. It squirmed in my hand. I threw the fish into a pail with water in it. Then I got a crab. I

Letters to the Editor Durham Fair questions As many area residents already know, the Durham Fair Association has decided to formally open the Fair to the public on Thursday evening between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. This change attempts to accomplish a number of objectives, including the minimization of loss of fair revenue from weather and other uncontrollable circumstances, increased opportunity for the fair’s many vendors, and better control of grounds on Thursday night. Coordination between the fair and town officials and departments for Thursday night has already begun. The issues to be addressed are largely the same as those addressed every year for the fair, and include traffic and security. This process will continue, along with the usual planning process, through fair time.

I have received a number of calls and emails inquiring whether the fair must obtain permission from the town government before changing its operating hours. There is no requirement for such permission. The fair holds a zoning permit dating back to 1986 which allows the operation of an “annual multi-day event.” At an earlier point in its history, the fair expanded from a two-day event to a three-day event. Over the last several decades, there has been a continuing discussion about further expansion to include a full fourth day. To my knowledge, the fair has no plans to expand to a full fourth day. Just as the town itself has evolved over its years, the fair will likely continue to change. Despite such changes, the fair remains one of the best and most prominent public examples of what can be done when people come together for a common purpose. It is a continuing source of pride, a tribute to

Letters policy To facilitate the publication of your letters in Town Times, be sure to include your name and phone number. 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.

our heritage, and a staple of our community. I am committed to make this latest evolution of the fair the safe and enjoyable experience we always expect the fair to be. I meet regularly with the fair president, town fire and emergency officials, and health and building officials, and many more with responsibilities for the fair’s success. I am confident that all necessary issues will be discussed and addressed, and that this change will be evaluated again at fair’s end. Questions about Thursday night’s events and arrangements should be addressed to the fair. As always, I remain available for your thoughts and questions. Laura L. Francis, First Selectman, Durham

Thanks for a great afternoon Dear Editor: On behalf of the Brewster/Korn PTA I would like to thank everyone in the community and from afar who came to the Harlem Wizards shows at Coginchaug on Sunday, Feb. 28. What a great afternoon of family fun! I would especially like to thank all of our BKPTA parents/volunteers, especially Karen Bates and Kathy DeBrum, for their hard work chairing the event, Boy Scout Troop 270, Durham Volunteer EMS, and all of the community

members who volunteered their time! Lastly, a special thanks to all of the faculty and staff of Regional District 13 who made up the BK Bruisers. The kids had a ball watching their teachers and principals out of their element. Without all of you, this event would not have been such a success. Thank you! Debbie Sokol President, BKPTA

Thanks to local businessman Dear Editor, A couple of weeks ago, the Town Times printed an article about our medical mission to the Dominican Republic. In preparation for our next trip in early March and subsequent trips later this year, we approached Walter Douglass of the Durham Health Mart Pharmacy to help us obtain some medications. Not only did Wally jump in enthusiastically to help us, he donated all the medicines to our organization, Health Horizons International. We are extremely lucky to have such a caring and generous man as Wally Douglass in our town. The desperately poor of the Dominican Republic and Haiti thank him, as do we. Brad Wilkinson, MD Michael Good, MD

got it into a pail also. I felt happy because I picked up a big crab. Then we went to the pavilion to have lunch. I sat next to Kyle He was the only other person in my group. After everybody was done, Kyle and me did a scavenger hunt. But it was too hard. The scavenger hunt was hard because everybody was taking the items we needed. So we just started hopping on rocks. When Kyle and I went for a little walk, sea gulls were everywhere. When that time was over I got to pick 10 things to bring back to school. I found a hollowed out crab claw, two slipper shells, one layer of an oyster and a shell that looks like a flipper. After that was done, I got to play a little. So I got on a rock and stuck my face near the water and a big wave came and splashed salt water all over me. I was soaked. Then Josh and Connor started calling it the “splash rock” because waves splashed against the rock and splashed us. Then we went back to school. I had fun at Hammonasset. I hope I go there again.

The big tree By Jocelyn Ram, Grade 2 My family and I went to Rockefeller Center in New York City. My mom, my dad, my brothers Noah and Dylan, my aunt and my grandmother went with me. We saw the tree. It was “gi-normous.” My brother Noah and I brought our cameras and we took pictures of the tree. Under the tree there was an ice skating rink and on the ice skating rink, there were people skating. There were angels and people who played instruments. Those were statues. Then we looked in the windows of the stores. There was a star that told a story and there were cartoons. The story was about a snowflake that flew away. Next I saw the stages for New Years Eve. They were set up in Times Square. They were really big. Then we were going to go back to my grandmother’s house. But we drove to Chinatown to get a duck to eat because my dad really likes duck. I waited in the car with everyone else. Dylan was crying so my grandmother gave him some Cheerios. Finally we got back to my grandmother’s house. I hope we can go next year. I loved seeing the tree. I had lots of fun.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Town Times Columns

Welcome to the future Whereas what’s past the Durham green has is prologue, clearly, the Scott Nicol, Strong School probably read the sign future is right now. displaying our town’s principal & Danielle Brad Paisley sings, proud history and Charette, CRHS senior “...look around, it’s all smiled at the Native so clear, wherever we American meaning bewere going, well we’re hind Coginchaug: Long here...so many things I Swamp. Beyond being never thought I would just a tad bit folksy and see, happening right in endearing, the name front of me.” Long Swamp has some real connotaOften I have found my mind to be tion as to what it means to be a student blank — blank as in a mind dominated in District 13. by past experiences and future worries Recalling my biology knowledge or even successes. Over the past year I from sophomore year, I know that a have come to understand those swamp is a collection of shallow, slowthoughts were simply a distraction moving water, an area that is transikeeping me from truly enjoying all this tional to the more intense river rapids. world has to offer. It is living in the now What a perfect description of District that is real, a reality that is the future, 13. I’m always on the lookout for just without the unnecessary fixation metaphors, and when I think of a long on its uncertainty. swamp, I think of a place where it’s In keeping with a musical theme, okay to get your hands a little dirty, a Van Halen sings, “Right now, hey...it’s stretch of water where you can explore, your tomorrow; Right now, come investigate, and learn to swim. Certainon...it’s everything. Right now, catch ly a bayou is not without its muddiness, that magic moment; do it right here and Coginchaug has its set of chaland now...” Right now, the future at lenges: French translations, US HistoStrong Middle School is happening: ry exams, track team work-outs, to Right now, Strong students are treat- name a few. A swamp is an area of real ing each other with respect. ecological biodiversity, and this is true Right now, Strong is starting up a of Coginchaug’s Model UN team, which health club. competed recently at Yale University Right now, 100-plus Strong students against teams from all around the are participating in our after-school world. This is true of the AP Governvolleyball unit. ment class which attends Middlesex Right now, Strong art students are Chamber of Commerce meetings and creating self-portraits. has had the chance to shake the hands Right now, Strong students are of Jodi Rell and Joe Lieberman. And proud of the questions they asked Con- this is true of students who are particigresswoman Rosa DeLauro. pating in Coginchaug’s well-regarded Right now, Strong students are en- independent-study W.I.S.E. projects thusiastically preparing for the Con- that have set them learning to play the necticut Mastery Tests. piano, designing computer software, Right now, Strong students are ethi- and interviewing Pulitzer Prize-wincally using school and personal tech- ning poets, all within the bounds of a nology. safe and all-nurturing marshland. Right now, Strong technology educaStreams, though, have the tendency tion students are creating sturdy to sweep us along without us realizing bridges. it: a slow but steady current into deepRight now, Strong Middle School is er waters. Suddenly the Class of 2010 is on top of the world! a group of seniors, acclimating to the And right now, Danielle Charette, idea of voyaging on into the next stage CRHS senior, has been accepted to col- of the river, and many of us find ourlege and will continue to share her Re- selves determining that Coginchaug, gion 13 journey with us. Welcome to the our beloved Long Swamp, prepared us future, Miss Charette. well for the upcoming journey. A numThe Ecology of Coginchaug ber of now college students have returned to Coginchaug to inform teachBy Danielle Charette, CRHS senior ers that they indeed feel well-prepared I have always been fascinated by and well-versed in collegiate subject word etymologies, those linguistic matter. When I received my own aclegacies that secretly embed them- ceptance letter, I found my reaction to selves in the richness of language. Most be that District 13 had tremendously often, we speak without understanding assisted me in getting into the college the anatomy of our word choice, the of my choice. Somewhere in the tanLatin and Greek roots lurking like gled swamp life of our seventh grade benevolent ghosts. Words, of course, projects and middle-school field trips, enable us to tell stories, but sometimes, up to this past year of reading Plato’s it only seems fair, that we tell the story Republic, cheering for a winning basof words. Speaking of wonderful words, ketball team, and learning statistics Coginchaug is a mouth-full, not to men- formulas, emerged formidable swimtion a difficult name to fit across sports mers, ready to take on the faster uniforms. Anyone who’s ever been to rapids of tomorrow.

A View From District 13

Responsible budgeting must transcend ideology As the gavel came down to convene this year’s legislative session, the overarching challenge confronting lawmakers and the governor remains the huge budget deficit that must be dealt with immediately. Responsible budgeting must be our state’s priority as we continue through exState Senator tremely difficult economic times. Providing for the current needs of residents and our state’s future stability must be balanced with what is likely to be anemic revenue and a compromised ability to pay for services for the foreseeable future. There are sporadic indications at the national level to suggest a modest economic rebound is underway. One recent story reported fourth-quarter economic growth at the fastest pace in six years. But such hopeful signs, even if they do signal the beginning of sustained and meaningful recovery, will take several years to be reflected in our state budget. State revenues continue to lag, contributing to deficit forecasts and requiring revised projections of available resources. Austerity must be our watchword going forward. On the spending side of our budget, there is no other way to describe what’s in store: there will be painful cuts to programs near and dear to everyone. While we will do our level best to preserve essential services, no ‘sacred cows’ can be spared the necessary contraction. In a word, we will have to redefine the meaning of essential as it applies to state programs. True leaders need to recognize and own up to this problem. At the same time we must not—and will not—allow our students to go une-

ducated, our parents and grandparents to go without geriatric care, and the vulnerable in our state to go without heat. We cannot skimp on essential public safety measures, and we must maintain a safety net for the truly destitute who have nowhere to turn for daily sustenance. Tom Gaffey We also must be careful not to make imprudent decisions. For example, Governor Rell’s recent decision to close the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) education program offered at our vo-tech high schools is extremely shortsighted and costly. First, Connecticut has a nursing shortage. One reason is we lack qualified nursing teachers. Second, the vo-tech nursing program supplied the lion’s share of LPNs working at the state’s nursing homes. Third, instructors who all received their master’s degrees at state expense have been re-assigned to other state jobs. One nursing instructor testified before the Education Committee that she now earns a whopping $50,000 more per year in her new job at a state psychiatric nursing home. Talk about pennywise and pound foolish. We can refine the manner in which the state does business and reorganize to make it more efficient and cost effective. One of our first targets for elimination should be a thick layer of political appointees who earn very high salaries yet neither deliver services nor make decisions to administer policy. State agency commissioners and our highest elected officers should drive their own cars to and from work and put the state

From The State Capitol

See Responsible, next page

See Diagnosis: Movies Oscar predictions on page 27.

Web update We got a little behind this week so our poll question — “Do you think it is a good idea to add Thursday evening hours to the Durham Fair?” stayed up another week but yielded dozens more responses. Even with more responses, the basic breakdown stayed pretty much the same as last week, with 40 percent agreeing, 51 percent disagreeing, three percent not sure, and six percent not caring one way or the other. In total, 191 people answered the question, which has been up two weeks. We welcome ideas for further polls; call us at 860349-8000 or email us at news@towntimes.com if you have a suggestion. Meanwhile, we promise a new poll by Friday. Log onto www.towntimes.com and register your opinion!

Town Times

Friday, March 5, 2010

Judge reveals ‘what’s worth knowing’ New summer theater camp about the judicial system Superior Court Judge Robert L. Holzberg was the guest speaker at the DurhamMiddlefield Exchange Club dinner on Feb. 25. His speech could be best described as a humorous but honest crash course on the judicial system. Judge Holzberg currently presides in Middletown as Administrative Judge and Presiding Judge for Civil and Family Divisions. These are the things he considers worth knowing about the judicial system. First and foremost, those who base their knowledge of judges and the court system on television, shows such as “Judge Judy,” are sorely misinformed. Unfortunately, that’s where most people get their information from, and these people “are led to believe

the role of a judge is to be bombastic and have an attitude.” But this is not true, says Judge Holzberg. Judges are expected to maintain decorum and treat each person and case with dignity. “In a nutshell, our job is to listen intently, be fair and decide cases,” he said. “We do lots of work that impacts people’s lives, and the decisions we make effect the most intimate parts of lives – divorce, child care, issues of life and death, literally.” Consequently, Judge Holzberg said he anticipates that what he does will evoke public scrutiny. He likes to encourage citizens to remember the U.S. Constitution and keep in mind that people come to him with issues that otherwise couldn’t be resolved. “And these are the issues that don’t lend themselves to simple solutions,” he explains. Judge Holzberg understands when judges are criti-

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The Connecticut judicial system is a busy enterprise. Each year 575,000 new cases are filed. There are 200 judges and a half billion dollar budget. According to Judge Holzberg, fees from fines, etc. provide $95,000 a year for the general fund. When it comes to his job, Judge Holzberg, who is in his third term, says the top two questions he gets are: How do you get your job and What is under your robe? He answered the first by explaining that Connecticut has a terrific method for selecting judges. Eighty percent of judges in the U.S. are elected, but Connecticut judges are not. Instead, they go through a long process of being placed on an approved list that goes to the governor’s office to use to fill vacancies. Judges are then subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Every eight years, judges are vetted again. The second question was never answered.

YPCCA has been running a four-week summer theater camp in East Hampton for over 25 years. They have had many students from Durham and Middlefield over those years, and have decided to try starting a second camp in District 13. If you are interested in this, visit www.ypcca.org.

Responsible

(Continued from page 9)

cars up for auction. We also must consolidate state agencies and eliminate those whose services can be provided by more creative means. We certainly don’t need three economic development agencies, particularly when one considers the state has not grown jobs in 20 years. We need to subject existing tax credits to the scrutiny of a transparent cost/benefits analysis. Any tax credit should be considered unsustainable unless the return on that investment reaches a certain threshold directly tied to job creation and economic growth, with strict provisions for accountability. For example, I highly doubt that people who can afford a yacht need the current sales tax exemption on repairs to their vessels. In terms of additional rev-

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cized for being caught drinking and driving or doing illegal things. However, he stresses that judges cannot fear losing their jobs because people will criticize them for courtroom decisions. “In other words, if we have to concern ourselves with what’s popular or what you think is correct, we may not always do what’s right,” he said.

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enue, creativity and common sense will have to come into play. I would remind readers I remain a longstanding advocate for the reinstatement of highway tolls at Connecticut’s borders. Other states along the eastern seaboard generate hundreds of millions of dollars this way each year; Connecticut can no longer afford to be a toll-free thoroughfare. We ought to bring back the tolls and reverse the illogical increase in hunting and fishing license fees that are exponentially higher than in other New England states. Connecticut is resourceful and resilient. Its government must reflect those qualities as it builds a responsible budget for these challenging economic times. Hindsight reminds us of the obvious: Wall Street, greedy bankers and hedge fund managers, along with individuals who simply overextended their own personal credit and government regulators asleep at the switch, all helped cause this horrible jolt to our economy. To reverse all that and get out of this mess, foresight and thoughtful planning in a cooperative atmosphere that transcends ideological leanings will be required.

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In August of 2010, the Young People’s Center for Creative Arts (YPCCA) will be producing a one-week summer theater camp at Coginchaug Regional High School. Open to students in grades six through 12, the camp will focus on the performing arts, and will feature workshops including show choir, Shakespeare, voice, stage combat and improvisation. YPCCADurham will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 2 through 6, and will culminate with two performances on Friday evening.

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Friday, March 5, 2010

Volume 16. Issue 5

Devil’s Advocate

Coginchaug Regional High School

March 1, 2010

Composting Crisis By Joe Oblon and Emily Shoemaker Since the introduction of the food and waste composting bins several months ago, composting has gone into the trash. Literally. Students have taken to throwing everything and anything in the garbage, simply ignoring the bright yellow composting bins. “It’s not really working out too well,” said junior and ECO member Aubree Keurajian in regard to the composting program. “It’s kind of sad how it’s not living up to our expectations.” “The plan for the composting program [was] to divert compostable material out of the waste stream so that it could be dealt with more ecologically,” science teacher and ECO leader Mrs. Susan Michael wrote in an e-mail. Mrs. Michael, along with the rest of the ECO club here at Coginchaug, have invested time throughout the year to inform the school of the benefits of composting. A video, shown in the fall of 2009, along with the yellow trash cans stationed throughout the cafeteria, were all part of the well-thought-out plan to get the school to compost. “It’s not so much a problem of people throwing non-compostable [items] in the composting bins [as it is] throwing compostable [items] in the garbage,” said Aubree. She is in fact correct. After doing some “undercover reporting,” we discov-

ered that students are more prone to dump everything into the garbage cans rather than take the time to separate compostable items. From our observations at lunch, we determined that most students who bring a paper bag lunch walk up and throw the entire thing out. Cafeteria lunches are also proving to be a problem, according to junior Emily Spence. “It’s hard to compost because of all the styrofoam plates at lunch,” she said. “I see the biggest problem right now is the paper bag lunch population,” said Mrs. Michael. “Students are eating their bag lunches, ramming all the mixed waste into the bag and throwing it in the regular trash. If a student were to separate their trash from the compostable material at the table as they eat, they could easily put the correct waste in the correct bins.” Why not just take the time to separate waste and compostable items? Many students wished to remain anonymous after not composting properly. “I’m just lazy,” said one senior. Others questioned exactly what could be composted. ECO has been, according to Mrs. Michael, “trying to think of some kind of incentive program.” But until then, remember, brown paper bags, leftover food and wax-coated lunch containers are all compostable.

Some of this “garbage” should be in the yellow compost bin.

Sarah Bugai lights the candle of Scholarship at the National Honor Society induction. Photo by Beth Manley

New Additions to NHS By Jaclyn Caturano Many Coginchaug students know basically nothing about National Honor Society. They assume it’s just a group of smart kids, but in reality it’s much more. To qualify for the Coginchaug National Honor Society, seniors and juniors must have a grade point average of at least a B+. They also must demonstrate leadership skills and take part in community service. “Students are not accepted into this program. They are invited,” said English teacher Ms. Donna Mattei, who is Coginchaug’s NHS advisor. After meeting these requirements, the students then have one more step to conquer: the character reflection. For most candidates, this is the most difficult part. Every teacher gets a list of potential inductees and must comment on the students they know. The teachers can give feedback about students they have had in class, coached in athletics, or are familiar with from an after-school group. This feedback can be positive or negative, and it is an important part of the application process. “This part of the application process

is very important and very specific,” said Ms. Mattei on the teachers’ reflections of students’ character. Once the teachers give their input, Coginchaug principal Dr. Steven Wysowski, puts together a five-person faculty committee. The members of this committee are kept secret from students for obvious reasons, and they have the final decision on which students make it into NHS. This year’s induction took place on February 24 at the Coginchaug auditorium. Eighteen juniors and two seniors were inducted: Seniors were Chelsea Tuttle and Shaina Bradley. Juniors were Emily Spence, Nicole Jubelirer, Julia Gossner, Hannah Goulis, Aubree Keurajian, Amy Solomon, Josef Danczuk, Benjamin Hamilton, Roby Granger, Tom Ryan, Alec Bandzes, Alex Holderman, Erin Holden, Lora Manley, Jessie Maniscalco, Jean Ochterski, Zhining Fang and Kyle Backus.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Devil’s Advocate

Student Opinion

Class Rings: Pros and Cons Editor-in-Chief: Mackenzie Hurlbert Contributors: Sarah Bugai, Jocelyn Brown, Cody Given, Mackenzie Hurlbert, Joseph Oblon, Jennie Ochterski, Cam Pollitt, Emily Shoemaker, Michael Tubis, Colin Boylin, Taylor Maus, Jaclyn Caturano, Rachel Kowalski, Erin Holden and Lauren Stafford Production: Mackenzie Hurlbert, Joe Oblon, Emily Shoemaker and Michelle Palma Advisors: Mr. Nate Fisher and Ms. Stephanie Wilcox The Devil’s Advocate is the Coginchaug High School newspaper. These pages are the creation and expression of the students.

Deer in Headlights: Not a Metaphor By Colin Boylin Most new teenage drivers don’t care which direction they’re going as long as they’re in the driver’s seat. Like the rest of the teenage world, the first night I was legal to drive, I forced my dad to take me out. We had been driving for awhile, and as I was coming out of a turn, my heart practically leapt out of my body and went underneath a tire. Standing in the middle of the road, innocently staring into my headlights, was a terrified deer. Of course I slammed on the brakes and skidded a few feet before coming to a stop in front of it. What should have been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life rapidly turned into one of the more terrifying things that had ever happened to me. The very first day with a permit, and I almost hit a deer. Not to mention the agony that just a few hours before I had experienced to get that learner’s permit. After four hours in a room packed with strangers, one five minute vision test and one written test later, I had completed the first step in getting a driver’s license, a learner’s permit. Although the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may not make it easy for teenagers to get their permits, the reward is more than worth the wait. Jesse Siegel, a 16-year-old sophomore at Coginchaug Regional High School, currently enrolled in driver’s education, said that “driving has been a great experience.” However, the day he got his permit Jesse recalled “watching the workers sit around and take coffee breaks while I (he) sat there waiting to get on the road as soon as possible.” Jesse strongly suggests anyone attempting to get a learner’s permit to arrive at the DMV at least several hours ahead because of the ridiculously long lines. Also many people may not be aware that there have been several dramatic changes to the laws regarding 16- and 17-year-old drivers. Some of the changes involve more restrictions, stricter punishments and higher fines. For example, according to the DMV’s newly issued manuals, the first time a 16- or 17-year-old licensed driver is caught texting, he or she will receive a 60-day suspension of their license and a fine of $125. The second time, you receive a 90-day suspension and another $125 fine, and the third time you’re caught texting, you get a six-month suspension and a $125 fine. The new laws also include a curfew between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. During the first six months, a newly-licensed driver can drive only with a licensed driving instructor, a parent or guardian, or another person at least 20 years old who has held a driver’s license for four consecutive years. These laws went into effect on August 1, 2008, so anyone about to get a license may want to brush up on that area of knowledge since it is now a new section on the written portion of the driver’s test. These new laws and regulations can be intimidating. When I began to drive, I wasn’t sure exactly how to get the process started or what I had to do before I went to get my permit. A great place for most kids to start getting their driving information is from the Connecticut Driver’s manual. Inside they can find information varying from the closest DMV to what to do if your brake lights go out on the highway. Some of the best information can be found on the DMV’s website, www.ct.gov/dmv. Many people don’t know that the entire process of getting your permit, even if you arrive before the motor vehicle bureau opens, can take at least three hours if not more. The best strategy is to go on a day off from school when it might be less crowded. Some of the best times to visit, which are listed on the DMV’s website, include Wednesday and Thursday mornings or Fridays. Unfortunately for

By Michael Tubis Nearly everyone knows how they feel Opinions around the school differ perabout class rings and if they are going to son to person. get one or not. In case you’ve not yet “I saw them when I was little and liked decided, here are some things to con- them a lot. Now that I’ve had it for a sider: while, I’ve noticed that I haven’t worn it Pros: much, but it still is a good keepsake to They show school spirit. have,” said senior Paige Peterson. They are the best keepsake you can “My parents encouraged me to get get from your high school career. They have replacement plans so in one; if they didn’t, I don’t think I would case you lose it, you don’t have to buy a have gotten it,” said senior Danielle Charette. new one. Cons: “The price is fair for what the rings People who have gotten them said represent; it’s the easiest way to show that they don’t wear them a lot. school spirit,” said freshman Carly St. Other then showing school spirit and Amand. keeping memories, there is not much “They are stupid, they are a waste of use for them. money, and there is no point to them at And the biggest con, the price. Prices for rings can get pretty ridicu- all,” said junior Ryan Scherer. Balfour is Coginchaug’s main supplilous. If you just want to get a ring with the bare minimum, a small jewel, your er for class rings, but there are other name and an emblem, it will cost some- companies that you can go to buy rings, where in the $100-$500 range. But if like Jostens or Artcarved. If you are inyou want everything, the jewels, the en- terested in contacting our school’s sales cryptions and all the little personaliza- representative Bruce Rock, you can call tion, the price can go well over $2,000. him at 860-388-9647.

SAT Prep By Jennie Ochterski It’s big. It’s bad. It’s blue. It’s the Second Edition Official SAT Study Guide, available at your local Borders. At 997 pages, it’s not exactly light. This gem of a book contains 10 practice tests, complete with directions and answers and comprehensive explanations for all the examples. Personally, I haven’t taken any SAT prep classes, but with the March, May and June SATs coming up, many juniors are worrying about getting “good” scores. “For most schools, the SATs, while not the only factor, certainly contribute to a student’s acceptance,” mentions Michelle Palma. She took a prep class on Saturday mornings in the fall, and felt that it really helped to give her a feel for the type of problems on the test. Some students receive emails every day with SAT questions of the day, some take practice tests until the numbers, letters, and punctuation swim before their eyes. However you prepare, it’s important to remember that a few weeks of cramming won’t replace years of slacking off. On the other hand, a general knowledge and review of test format and math concepts can’t hurt.

The PSAT offered in the fall for sophomores and juniors, provides a loose evaluation of skill level and a general score. “I would recommend taking the PSAT at least once,” says Henry Willis. “It helped bring back some math things I hadn’t done since freshman year. “Whether it’s angles or adjectives you struggle with, a review book provides good samples of essay topics, grid-ins, and editing and revising work. They can be expensive, but the one I purchased was only $21.99, a good investment considering that decent SAT scores can get you scholarships. When test time rolls around, get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast (I’ve heard potatoes and fish are “brain food” if you can face that at 7:30 in the morning). Bring a watch on test day so you can tell how long is left on each section. However, do NOT bring beepy things, calculators that are not allowed -see http://sat.collegeboard.com/register/sat-test-day-checklist or photographic equipment. And remember, practicing a little every day will help more than a three-hour study period the night before.

me, I went to the DMV in Old Saybrook on a busy Saturday morning and found myself waiting for several hours. The wait, however, was more than worth the reward, or at least it was until my first encounter with a deer in my headlights.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Devil’s Advocate

Vacation: Sleeping In and Hanging Out By Mackenzie Hurlbert Oh, sweet February vacation! That’s one week of the year when all responsibilities are forgotten and you can spend your days doing whatever you please. Shall I sleep in ‘til 10, eat an early lunch for breakfast, and spend the rest of the day cuddled up on the couch with a book? Yeah, that sounds about right. It’s every high school student’s chance to escape and travel to a tropical place where blue sky and water replace the dreary February gray, and the nose-biting wind is replaced by a sweet-smelling, hair-tousling breeze. So how did the Coginchaug community enjoy their break? I took the opportunity to walk around and ask… “The sleeping in was good and being able to hang out with my friends

everyday,” said sophomore Ben Plant. Senior Morgan Jacques agreed, “The highlight was being out of school and able to hang with my friends, but it didn’t feel like it was long enough.” Coginchaug intern Ms. Just said, “It was great, I had classes at UNH for my masters in secondary education, but it was a lot of sleeping in.” “Not too shabby,” said junior Roe Granger. “I was enjoying my free time and catching up on sleep.” “I went to Tennessee and visited colleges,” said junior Jennie Ochterski. “It snowed everyday.” “I went to my brother’s college for a day. It was lots of fun,” said freshman Rachel Kowalski. “And I went to New York City and saw the Broadway show Race.”

Sláinte* for St. Patrick’s Day By Cody Given Everyone who is Irish knows the fore the Declaration of Independence date: March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. It was signed! It is obvious that St. is simply the most Irish day in the Patrick’s Day is a very Americanized year, but why? How did it start? What holiday, and it has formed many freeare the traditions? And why do we standing traditions. love it so much? One large tradition is the New St. Patrick ’s Day revolves around York parade, which in 2010 is marchone of the most recognized saints in ing for the 248th consecutive year. the Catholic religion, St. Patrick. The Also, in Chicago every year the legend of St. Patrick starts when he Chicago River is dyed green. It is a went to Ireland and converted a ma- common tradition to have corn beef jority of the native pagan people. and cabbage for dinner with a thick Otherwise known as druids, or Celts, headed beer (For those of age, of they tried to poison the saint without course), but what are your traditions? the king’s knowledge or consent. Junior Erin Holden said, “I’m 56 perPatrick saw through the plot and cent Irish and my family eats corn said, “The Lord God has told me this. beef and plenty of potatoes! We also The cup the druid now holds is like wear green, no orange, and listen to the druid himself. Outside he looks Celtic music.” When asked if she lisright, but inside he is full of poison, tens to the Irish Rovers, she replied like the wine has poison in it.” When “Yes, also the Clancy Brothers.” hearing this, the king questioned the When junior Max Dumas was druid then banished him and all of his asked, he replied, “I’m 50 percent kind to exile for their deed, and he Irish and on St. Patrick’s Day, I get became Christian. Also the legend together with my family and watch goes that St. Patrick rid Ireland of the parade and only wear green.” snakes. Whether you are Christian, And senior “Irish lass” Laura Reimer religious, or neither it still makes a said, “ My family and I eat corn beef and cabbage. I’m 85% Irish and pretty good story. We all now know it started as a re- proud to be Irish!” No matter what nationality you ligious holiday, but we look at St. Patrick’s Day now and what is it? are, you will most likely take part in Well, nowadays we think of parades some Irish festivity on St. Patty’s day! and parties with plenty of Guinness It’s a good-hearted time and a day to and Irish shenanigans. The ironic be proud of who you are! So this St. thing is that the first St. Patrick’s Day Patty’s Day find your Irish friends and parade was in New York on March wish them a Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 17th, 1762. That was 16 years be*Sláinte = Cheers

“Poor high school teaching” led Mrs. McClintick to try and do it better.

New English Teacher Brings Pep to CRHS By Tim Rizzo A new English teacher joined the CRHS staff, adding some young pep to the faculty. Her name is Mrs. Michelle McClintick, and she’s taking over English courses after teacher Ms. Melissa Roy left the staff to take advantage of a teaching opportunity in West Hartford. Mrs. McClintick grew up in East Haddam, and has always stayed in the state. She went to elementary school in the Durham area, college at Central Connecticut State University, and currently lives in Middletown. The poor teaching she had in high school influenced her to pursue a teaching future. In ninth grade, her math teacher at Mercy constantly taught out of the text book and focused her lesson plans around the text as well. When students asked for questions that weren’t in the book, she just didn’t bother answering. Deep down Mrs. McClintick knew she could present that material better, and that drive brought her to college for English and

to become an English teacher. The transition to CRHS has gone well so far. “The students and staff have been very welcoming and nice,” she said. “It’s a great suburban town, and I really liked the reputation and challenge of teaching at a high school level.” Away from the book work and teaching, she enjoys cooking and playing her Wii. Her big accomplishment was learning to bake bread. “It’s very tricky to make bread,” she said. “But when it’s done, it’s very satisfying.” Along with her baking, she enjoys spending time with her husband Jason; she has been married since September of 2008. Although what’s to come remains up in the air, Mrs. McClintick remains positive, hoping to remain teaching where her childhood roots began.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Devil’s Advocate Clockwise from top left, Mrs. Lorrie Martin, Aubree Keurajian, Ben Hamilton and Sarah Ertle, Marissa Puchalski, Katie Carria and Marssa’s younger brother Garrett who practiced with the group all year.

Students who participated in last weekend’s 30-Hour Famine at Middlefield Federated Church.

Hungry? We were! By Erin Holden

On Feb. 26 and 27, approximately 30 teens gave up the luxury of food while participating in the 30-hour famine. The participants, spanning grades seven to 11, as well as several school districts, began fasting at noon on Friday. They arrived at the Middlefield Federated Church that evening, anticipating the next day’s worth of events. The 30-hour famine program consists of activities, called Tribe, which enable the teens to simulate how necessary tasks would be affected if hunger was a daily part of life. The teens are broken into “tribes” where they compete in games to win survival cards. Games, like collecting food in a pretend minefield or using teamwork to cross an imaginary river, are a typical part of Tribe. Alec Bandzes, a junior and four-year veteran of the famine, said that his alltime favorite Tribe game was “the one where we had to steal the cork-filled socks from each other while in a human snake!” These activities not only strengthen the impact of hunger, but also keep the participants’ minds off food!

In addition to Tribe, 30-hour faminers traditionally do a service project to help out the community. In past years, the teens cleaned the Middlefield Community Center and organized the local food pantry. This year however, the fasters decided to expand their service to the devastated country of Haiti. In the midst of fasting, the teens collected and constructed simple toys to donate to the children of Haiti. Additionally, all the money raised this year — which was matched tenfold by the government — was sent through World Vision to Haiti. Colin Plant, sophomore and threeyear veteran, summed up the experience of the 30-hour famine. “It was great to spend time with all my friends while learning about the devastation that hunger can do to one’s body and mind. Although we specifically learned about Ethiopia this year, I felt that it was right to send our money to Haiti and help prevent the people there from experiencing the real pain of hunger.”

Coffeehouse A Success By Cam Pollitt Jazz music coursed throughout the room as poets sat around tables and gossiped while onlookers sipped coffee. No, this wasn’t a Friday night at Java Palooza, but the soon to be annual Creative Writing Coffeehouse. This new event was thanks to Mrs. Sarah Aceto and her creative writing class. Held at Coginchaug on Jan. 25, the atmosphere was relaxed and echoed an actual coffeehouse as the audience ate pastries and waited for the class to get up and present their pieces. The 12 students and their teacher Mrs. Aceto hosted an extremely interesting and intriguing night. Each student presented a piece

they had written in the Creative Writing class the previous semester. Poems, songs and even a chapter of a story were on the list of works. Before each piece, a student would stand up and tell the audience what inspired them to create their work or how it affected them. Each student seemed proud of the work they did and were full of emotion. After speaking about their piece, it would be presented through a slide show of spiritual scenes and even Japanese art. The slide show was accompanied by electric guitar. The audiSee Coffeehouse, next page

Cephalopods place second in Quahog Bowl By Marissa Puchalski Do you know what a “Cephalopod” is? Besides being the most intelligent invertebrate, it is also the team name for a group of Coginchaug students who competed in the Quahog Regional Ocean Sciences Bowl and placed second on Feb. 6. Under the leadership of Mrs. Lorrie Martin, passionate sea life educator, coordinator of school aquariums and one of Coginchaug’s two Oceanography teachers, the Cephalopods had practiced weekly, expanding their knowledge of the ocean and its inhabitants, enhancing their oceanography skills, and exercising their “buzzer fingers” in order to prepare for the competition. On Feb. 6th, the five starting students of this team competed in a daylong event that took place at the UConn Avery Point campus in Groton. The students included senior Katie Carria, juniors Ben Hamilton and Aubree Keurajian, and sophomores Sarah Ertle and Marissa Puchalski. After two previously successful seasons in which the Coginchaug Cephalopods, accompanied by octopus and squid stuffed mascots, placed fourth in the Quahog Bowl, the team lost four starting seniors and were not expecting to go far this year. In fact, the morning of the competition, the team was hoping just to make it past the first disqualifying round. Captain Katie Car-

ria claimed, “I was really surprised that we made it that far and placed so well, I was worried because I knew there was tough competition! It definitely shows how great our team is, and I am really proud of everyone.” Sophomore Sarah Ertle added, “I am really happy about how well we did, especially since it was my first time, and I definitely will never forget this experience. I was also really impressed with the prizes.” This year’s winner of the Quahog Bowl, Cranston High School West, a school from Rhode Island, was also last year’s winner, and in 2009 they went on to the National’s where they took overall third place in the entire country. As the third place winner, the team was sent on an all-expense-paid, five-day trip to Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Michigan, where they snorkeled at a shallow shipwreck, kayaked the scenic AuSable River, and took part in field sampling aboard a NOAA research vessel. The top prizes for this competition reflect the deep commitment to ocean sciences that many businesses share. As spectacular as Cranston West was in 2009, the Waterford High team from Connecticut very nearly upset this very same team of students at last See Cephalopods, next page

Devil’s Advocate

Friday, March 5, 2010 Google’s latest web service is taking on social networking - Google style.

What’s the Buzz? By Joe Oblon

Cephalopods year’s regional meet at UConn. Coach Martin had nothing but praise for the academic competitors that her team faced. “Yes, we CERTAINLY had our work cut out for us… but I am extremely proud of my young team’s spirit. Only one had ever seen the fierce academic questioning that goes on at this Quahog Bowl. Only one had ever even had the opportunity to take an Oceanography course at all. We will walk away as ‘winners’ from this challenging event…even if we are carrying the last place trophy!” Still this year’s Cephalopods easily defeated Waterford High School while demonstrating all the qualities of good sportsmanship; moreover, the judges awarded them the “Best

Coffeehouse

Freshmen Kevin Onofreo, Christine French, and Melissa Handy sport spring spirit with colorful painted faces. Senior Paige Peterson helped them out, along with many other CRHS students, by replicating the Northern Indian holiday of Holi, which she learned about in her Comparative Religions class. Photo by Mr. Nathan Fisher

See Google, page 18 (Continued from page 14) Sportsmanship” award, which included a $50 check for each Coginchaug competitor. This was in addition to the $150 that each member of the second place team was awarded. Besides prestige, prizes and a great experience, the Cephalopods walked away from the event with new friends from Classical High School in Rhode Island. “The whole experience was so fun,” said junior Aubree Keurajian. “Not only was it really exciting to see that we know a lot about marine topics, but it was also really fun to make new friends. I am still so amazed that we did so well, but I’m not really surprised because we are a great team and we work well together!” (Continued from page 14) works throughout the year so they were available to the worldwide web. “I would love for next year to be at an actual coffee shop,” said Mrs. Aceto “I wasn’t expecting this many people to come tonight. I am very proud of my students.” Listening to the student’s pieces, the audience surely felt that creativity. “It has been a medium for me,” said senior Heidi Emack. “Whenever I wanted to write about something or get something out, this class really helped.” With the amazing turnout, it would be surprising if this did not become a new annual event for Coginchaug.

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ence certainly had its attention captured. English teacher Nate Fisher, previous teacher of the Creative Writing class, said, “The turnout was great. It was awesome for the students to get a chance to present their work.” Even though some students were not able to make it, the turnout was surprisingly large. Nearly 35 people attended. After each student presented their piece, Mrs. Aceto invited the audience into the next room (without the food and coffee) to view the class website. The website was surprisingly intuitive and well-designed. Each student had uploaded many of their

advantage Google holds is the access to other Google services. Want to share photos? Since many users already upload photos to Picasa, Google’s photo service, sharing these photos to your followers or friends on Buzz is a click away. Those who browse articles using Google’s Reader can also share information with others quickly. Buzz integrates very well with other Google services. Convincing users to create a new account when many of the features in Buzz are al-

Spring Spirit

Start with a dream. Finish with a future!

A few weeks ago, the internet titan Google unveiled its new creation Google Buzz. If you take a quick glance at the new service, you might notice that it looks like another take on Twitter or Facebook. And it is. Google Buzz allows you to post your status and share photos just like Facebook. The layout and appearance also look fairly similar to Twitter. While many of the core social features are available on alternative programs, there are plenty of new features and incentives to make the switch or add Buzz to your daily social networking routine. The largest

Friday, March 5, 2010

Devil’s Advocate

Devil’s Advocate Movie Reviews

Sherlock Holmes is back By Jocelyn Brown

The click-clack of a horse-drawn police carriage over brick streets transports the audience of Sherlock Holmes into the early 19th century in London, England. A feeling of confusion hits when there seems to be a man of true satanic powers who appears to have accomplished the impossible, with more on his agenda. Sooner than later, all is underway for Sir Sherlock Holmes, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., and his loyal and trustworthy friend, Doctor John Watson, played by Jude Law. As the clues and suspicions whiz by the audience, Watson and every member of Scotland Yard, Downey seems to collect, and connect, them all. Throughout this mysterious action thriller, the audience can get a peek inside Holmes’ mind to see how he thinks certain things through, like a

crippling attack on a foe. Downey explains the moves he uses by describing a brief description of why and how long it will take for physical and psychological recovery. Rachel McAdams enters the scene as the calm, collected, and completely dangerous Irene Adler for whom Holmes has a slight affection. Unfortunately, his weakness isn’t as secret as he might have hoped, because this soon takes its toll on the safety of our heroes. But with just as many tricks up his sleeve as he has papers in his room, this movie is comic, banter, explosive, odd, shocking, impulsive, and a touch of genius. The second best part is the sequel, which has already begun filming. All have appeared to sign on, with Brad Pitt as a mysterious professor. It’s elementary, my dear reader, that you should attend this movie.

Dear John Knocks Avatar from Further Box Office Glory By Lauren Stafford Dear John recently put an end to the calling, texting and e-mailing their sigseven-week reign of Avatar. From Fri- nificant others bothers her during colday, Feb. 5, to Sunday, Feb. 7, Dear lege. At this point in the film, there’s a John made $32.4 million. As I walked real connection that anyone watching into the theater, one question re- can understand. Seniors attending colmained in the back of my mind during lege in the fall definitely feel the reality the whole film…will this top The Note- of it, because they too will be leaving book? Even Nicholas Sparks, author of people and missing them greatly. Saboth novels, must have felt some pres- vannah writes John the first of many letsure, because the hype about Dear ters in which she proclaims her love for John has been incredible. him. Not only does John return a letter The movie begins like any classic stating his love, but he tells her all about chick flick would. John (played by the war he’s fighting and how he’s feelChanning Tatum) jumps over the ing. Although he cannot tell her where boardwalk to save Savannah’s (Aman- he is, they find similarities in both da Seyfried) purse, which got acciden- worlds, such as the moon, which anytally knocked into the ocean. She runs one can feel comfort in. down to the beach to thank him, and My advice would be to bring the tissurprisingly there were a few twists to sues to this movie, because some the plot after this point. I was surprised points in it are real tearjerkers. There to learn that not only do they fall in love are so many times in this film where I over the next two weeks of spring va- found myself wondering if Savannah cation, but also that John is actually a and John would ever have a happy member of the Special Services in the ending. And although there is a very United States Army. brief time of relief at the end of the film, Savannah has difficulty through the when I walked out of the theater, I next year when she tries to cope with couldn’t help but think that the classic John’s absence. She must return to col- film entitled The Notebook still is, and lege, as he must go back to the Army. always will be, Nicholas Sparks’s best The fact that everyone is constantly love story adapted into a movie.

The next deadline for Devil’s Advocate writers and photographers is Thursday, March 25.

Harry Potter step aside; Percy Jackson’s here to stay. By Mackenzie Hurlbert Harry Potter better back-off because there’s a new teen champ in theaters, and he’s got the power of Olympus behind him. He may not have a cute, cuddly deer for a Patronus or a nifty scar on his forehead, but Percy Jackson is the son of Poseidon, and he’s on a quest to prove his innocence and the fact that he did not steal Zeus’s lightning bolt. This book-based, adventure-filled film blends the perfect amount of special effects, historical mythology and an intricate story line to form a perfect family movie. There’s a war about to start between brothers Zeus (Sean Bean) and Poseidon (Kevin McKidd) over Zeus’s missing lightning bolt, and Poseidon’s son Percy Jackson is the prime suspect. Percy (Logan Lerman) is living the life of a normal, problem-ridden, teenage boy and is totally oblivious to his “godly” family tree. When his substitute teacher turns into a Fury, a hellish, supernatural representation of the anger of the dead, and he’s attacked by a Minotaur, his life turns upside down into a world of demigod buddies, angry Olympians, and one final quest for Zeus’ lightning bolt. The movie has enough action and thrills to keep the younger generation occupied while still providing the more mature crowd with the foundations of Greek mythology. There’s a garden-

statue-selling Medusa (Uma Therman), an intimate view of Hades’ humble abode complete with the imprisoned Persephone (Rosario Dawson), and even a more modern version of Hermes’ flying sandals – in this case they’re Converse sneakers. For you special effects addicts out there, be warned: this movie uses special effects to epic proportions. It opens with colossal Poseidon emerging from the sea Godzilla-style, and viewers are left awestruck as he transforms into a swirling mass of water and eventually a normal-sized man. Yeah it may sound a bit “Harry Potter-ish,” and to tell you the truth, the plot and story line are quite similar. They are both based on a boy discovering his own identity and going on a quest to save mankind (or in Harry’s case, wizard-kind), but the most significant difference is that, unlike Harry Potter, Percy Jackson’s movie weaves a story within the foundations of the ancient Greek and Roman mythological characters and creatures. Also, this movie is based on a series of books by Rick Riordan, so will we be expecting a sequel in the future? I hope so. For those of you who love Harry Potter, mythology, or simply want to see a good, special effects-filled movie, I recommend Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.

The Lovely Bones By Taylor Maus Mixed feelings surround the movie theater. Whispers of loving or hating the movie pollute the butter-scented air. Many of us, including me, wipe mascara streaks from our cheeks. Now it doesn’t really mean a whole lot that the movie made me cry, mainly because I cry at even the corniest movie, but the two friends who I went with rarely do. They too had streaks staining their cheeks. The Lovely Bones had actually succeeded in this. Personally I loved the movie. Putting aside the fact that I hadn’t read the book, I can still vouch for how good it was. Starting off, the acting was very strong. Saoirse Ronan was a perfect person to play the Salmon girl. “It was good to see a fresh face play such a powerful role,” said Jen Roth. She was a face of innocence, portraying the young girl who merely wanted her first kiss but had her life ended in the most degrading way. Her father,

played by Mark Wahlberg, also was a powerful character. The two together had a great connection, bringing on the feeling of a true father-daughter relationship, which added a level of reality to the movie. “I was able to connect with them,” stated Michelle Palma. Those who had read the book, like the friends I went with, had their own criticisms. “That wasn’t how I pictured Holly at all.” “I know, me either,” was a conversation overheard at the end of the movie. At the same time, they said that they really liked it, and although the book may be better (as most books tend to be), the movie was definitely worth watching. So whether or not you have read the book, if you haven’t already, I recommend watching the movie. Be your own judge as to whether or not you like it. After all, it’s your decision, but take my word, this movie is definitely worth the watch.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Devil’s Advocate

Devil’s Advocate Sports

Blue Devils Jump in the Pool By Laura Reimer Coginchaug’s athletics have been As a 15-18-year-old swimmer, I comdoing great this year, and that is no ex- peted on Friday and Sunday. Like many ception for those students who do al- others, I had a very successful meet. In ternative sports, like myself and Leah the 100-yard Butterfly, I was able to Slawinowski. place seventh and qualify for New EngThis past weekend, Feb. 19-21, we lands with a time of 1:06.91. had swimming championships for the As a whole, the 13-18-year-old girls Northern Middlesex YMCA Barracudas placed fourth overall and the 13-18s as swim team. The team competed in a a whole got second place. three-day competition, and we finished Fellow swimmer and student Leah in fourth place. Many swimmers made also had a great weekend. She got a personal record-breaking times and personal best time in 50- and 100-yard were able to qualify for the New England freestyles and 100-yard backstroke. Her Regional Championships. There were over 15 people who qualified in this relay also came in tenth place. As a senior on this team, it was a bitweek. In total the team moved up 557 places over the course of the meet and tersweet weekend, because it was my took off a total of 5 minutes and 48 sec- last championships with this team. Many onds. Head coach Brian Fazzino said, swimmers from the Durham/Middlefield “It was a great weekend. The coaching area swim on this team, and are rarely staff is very proud of all the kids.” recognized in town for their efforts.

Track Team Tramples Records By Rachel Kowalski The CRHS boys’ track team has set an unbelievable five new records in this season alone. Junior Aleksandr Morin, senior Sheehan Michael, junior Garri Saganenko, as well as the sprint medley relay (SMR), all broke previously set records at Coginchaug. Breaking these records means that these athletes have surpassed all past times in their event in Coginchaug history. Michael ran the 55-meter hurdles in 7.82 seconds and ran the 300-meter dash in 36.79 seconds. Saganenko ran the 600-meter race in one minute and 27.89 seconds, as well as being part of the SMR team. Morin raced in the 1000-meter run in a mere two minutes and 39.82 seconds. The SMR team consists of two 200 m. runners, one 400 m. runner and one 800 m. runner. The boys sprint medley relay team included senior Archie Doyle, senior Greg Smith, junior Paul Benjunas and Saganenko. The team tore through the total distance of 1600 meters in three minutes and 53.43 seconds. “Practice the week before Shorelines had been really intense… this year was, by far, the hardest I’ve trained for indoor. It paid off for everyone on the team,” said Michael, commenting on the five new records. Saganenko and Michael both expected records for out-

door track, Saganenko in the 400, and Michael in the 300. Morin is continuing to strive for the record in the one-mile race. All three realized that an indoor record was reachable at some point this season, but none had imagined such success in their freshman years. Even more impressive, Michael broke a 36-year standing record, Morin had only run this race twice this year, and Saganenko broke the 600 meter record three times. “Once the results came out (for the SMR), Archie and I were ecstatic. It was awesome to get a relay record because all four of us had put in the effort,” Saganenko replied when asked about receiving the race results. Michael has been striving to break a track record since freshman year, making this a great accomplishment. Saganenko has only been in track for two years, yet is still able to set Coginchaug records. “I plan on running for as long as my body lets me,” Morin said, showing his incredible commitment to his sport. It is obvious that these teammates have not let this immense accomplishment go to their heads. “If I could have done so, I would have given up my record for a team’s championship,” stated Morin, reflecting on the Shoreline meet at the end of the track season.

The Lady Devils played hard, but couldn’t take Portland

Lady Devils Lose Shorelines By Sara Bugai Despite the horrid weather outside, read 40-27 with Portland leading. The fans flocked to the semi-final round of Lady Devils knew they had a lot of Shoreline games last week to support ground to cover. Coginchaug girls’ basketball team The final score was 46 to 32, with against Portland. The Lady Devils the Devils defeated, despite great efranked first in the league versus the fort and consistent perseverance fourth-place Highlanders. throughout the game. The game began slowly, with PortCoach Megan Kavanaugh said, “We land making the first point off a free were hoping for a better result, but we throw. However, sophomore and All came out with everything we had.” Shoreline player Audrey Beisak came However, it is not over for the Lady through for Coginchaug, quickly scoring two points. At the end of the first Devils. They will be playing this coming Monday, March 1, in the state tournaquarter, Coginchaug led 6 to 5. As the game progressed, Portland ment. Coach Kavanaugh said, “This began scoring more than the Lady Devils. With about a minute left in the should be motivation for us for the tourfirst half, Portland made a three-point- nament. We can use the pain of defeat and motivate our players.” er, making it 20-13. In the final minutes, Coach Tony With such an incredible regular seaCalcagni used the remaining timeout son behind them, the state tournament for the Lady Devils. The scoreboard should definitely be interesting.

Old News Olympics-style

By Lauren Stafford While the Vancouver Olympic week, but they ultimately lost to CanaGames of 2010 were in full swing, da in the big game. many Coginchaug students watched Senior Garri Saganenko, who plays all the events while some chose to hockey himself for the Middlesex Devwatch a select few. With sports rang- ils, said that he “didn’t really expect us ing from bobsled and curling, to snow- to medal, but they’re in the top two boarding and figure skating, there seeds. I’ve been glad other people were endless possibilities for the fans have been watching it who normally at Coginchaug. don’t as well.” The U.S. finished the games with Senior Sarah Woolley has been them most total medals, 37, and Ger- “watching some pairs ice skating, snowmany trailed behind with 30. boarding half pipe and some of the An unlikely event, curling, caught speed skating.” She is a fan of Shaun the attention of some students. Unfor- White and said, “I really liked him, and I tunately, the women’s curling team lost definitely thought he was the best.” to Switzerland 10-3. Junior Megan Schatzman has been “I always thought it [curling] was stu- a pretty big fan of skiing lately. She pid, but I took the time to watch it and said that she really liked “the ski jumpit’s extremely interesting. There’s a lot ing” but wasn’t following any athlete in of strategy,” said senior Joe Oblon. USA men’s hockey beat the CanadiSee Olympics, page 8 ans on their home ice earlier in the

Friday, March 5, 2010

Devil’s Advocate

Durham Resident Designs iPhone App By Emily Shoemaker Durham resident Mr. Mark Conforti them, with lots of input from the creand his colleagues at Venan Entertain- ators, of course.” Prior to this, Mr. Conment recently submitted their first inde- forti worked as a video game tester, p e n d e n t only to build iPhone applihis way up cation to Apthe ranks and ple’s App take part in Store. Rethe creation leased only a of the game. few weeks “I like beago, their ing able to game, Space create worlds Minor Space other people Ore Bust, is can enjoy,” already residMr. Conforti ing as the said. “It’s renumber one ally cool to featured apmake games plication on after playing iTunes. games my Mr. Conentire life.” forti, a graduOut of its ate of Xavier current 572 High School, rating on has always i T u n e s , been drawn Space Miner to video Space Ore games and Bust is getdesign. “He’s ting amazinghad an inter- Mark Conforti shows off his featured app. ly positive est in video feedback and games since averaging he was four years old. It’s all he’s ever five stars in customer reviews. “At first wanted to do,” said his mother, RSD13 glance, Space Miner looks like just ansubstitute Mrs. Muriel Conforti. other Asteroids game: don’t let that For years, 25-year-old Mr. Conforti fool you,” said username abuelito on has had an inkling that video game de- iTunes’ customer review page. “This is sign was something he wanted to do. “I probably the best, funniest RPG on the went through a short period where I was platform. Every aspect of the game trying to be mature, saying ‘video games has been polished ‘till it gleams.” are dumb, I should be an architect,’ but I The reviews are right: Space Miner quickly grew out of that,” he said. is amazing. The graphics are unbelievNow one of three designers for Ve- able, the story within the game is crenan’s new game Space Miner Space ative, and the action is entertaining. All Ore Bust, Mr. Conforti assisted with around, this app is a must-have. On the production of the app by “designing sale now for $1.99, Conforti’s game is the levels and setting up the rules for a bargain in itself.

New summer theater camp coming to CRHS In August of 2010, the Young People’s Center for Creative Arts (YPCCA) will be producing a one-week summer theater camp at Coginchaug Regional High School. Open to students in grades six through 12, the camp will focus on the performing arts, and will feature workshops including show choir, Shakespeare, voice, stage combat and improvisation. YPCCA-Durham will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 2 through 6, and will culminate with two performances on Friday evening. YPCCA has been running a four-week summer theater camp in East Hampton for over 25 years. They have had many students from Durham and Middlefield over those years, and have decided to try starting a second camp in District 13. If you are interested in this, visit www.ypcca.org.

Projector Possibilities? By Cody Given When you go into a class and look on the ceiling, what do you see? Hopefully, if that teacher is lucky, you see a projector. You may ask why all the classrooms don’t have this incredible device that is almost a staple in every class taught by math teacher Mrs. Diane Walsh. “The tech committee only gets so many a year, and we hand them out to the departments who need them. Math has three and others have less so I won’t be getting one for a while,” said Ms. Becca Anderson, math teacher and member of the technology committee. “The other problem is that only one man, Jim Croteau, can install them. He works for the whole of District 13, not just for Coginchaug, so he has very little time to install them because we have a few sitting around.” The Sharp Notevison XR-30X is the model number of the projectors that are put in the ceiling. They can run from about $800 to $1,000, not including the extra-long cords that can cost an arm and a leg themselves. Because of the

Olympics particular. She also mentions that the “U.S. did really well. I enjoy watching the Olympics, especially the winter.” It is definitely an enjoyable time for Coginchaug students. Not only did it entertain a large population of the student body, but the

Google the features in Buzz are already available somewhere else might prove difficult. However, Google holds the solution because the thousands of Google G-mail accounts will automatically work with Buzz. In fact, Buzz shows up right next to your in-box tab. When this service was first introduced, G-mail users were prompted with a pop-up announcing Buzz asking them to “take me to Buzz” rather than going to the in-box as usual. Instead of introducing Buzz as a stand-alone service such as Google Docs or Picasa, Buzz was included as part of Gmail and appeared to be automatically activated by default. This seems trivial, until you consider that Google had enrolled every G-mail customer into a new social networking program. Amidst the recent controversy, Google has since provided the option to turn the service off. This proves the point that even large web companies simply can’t impose new services upon their customers, especially if those services put personal information at risk. “That’s scary,” said junior Megan

lengthy installation time, they have to be done after school or on the weekends. According to library media specialist Mrs. Tracy Earnshaw, “It all comes down to money. We had a few tough budget years like everyone knows so we got fewer then expected. We try to spread them out evenly. The next shipment will equalize the numbers between the departments and the departments choose who gets them. Until then we have three carts, two of which have the Sharp Notevison XR-30X lthe same as those mounted on the ceiling. The other is a Sony, and they are for teachers who don’t have them in their classrooms. Also because it’s winter, they will most likely be put up more because Jim does things inside more in the winter.” So, as usual with public schools, it comes down to money and time, both of which we don’t have. So don’t worry, Ms. Mattei and all other teachers. You’ll get your projectors soon. Just be patient. Soon an angel with an electrician’s bag will show up and install your projector. (Continued from page 17) Olymics promotes peace by having athletes from all over the world compete in sports regardless of their beliefs, culture or ethnicity. As Joe Oblon would say, “It gives the viewers a sense that regardless of what we think of other cultures, we all share a common interest in sports.”

(Continued from page 15)

Schatzman. “I don’t want any of my personal information getting out.” Megan is currently working on improving the Devil’s Advocate website. With around 200 registered accounts online, privacy is a big concern when it comes to personal information. As a result, several privacy options are available to readers. “We even give the option for people to take an alias if they are concerned about their privacy,” Megan said. Since the service is available to all G-mail customers, many parents are worried about their younger children who use the email service for school and communication. Providing social networking features right in G-mail with the ability to push personal information to the entire web could lead to concerns about parental controls. Google Buzz is still a first version product, but for those who use G-mail, Buzz may be an interesting thing to try out. While the security adjustments are welcome, it would still be nice to see Google really take social networking to the next level rather than just doing the same thing as Twitter and Facebook.

Town Times in School Libraries

Friday, March 5, 2010

Study

(From page 6)

11 and 12-year-olds,” said Spear-Swerling.” The study was conducted on 87 sixth graders in three Connecticut schools, one suburban, one urban and one magnet school, with the suburban children making up about half the total number of students. Sixth graders with strong comprehension skills reportedly read fiction books for fun of an average length of 372 pages and written at an average grade level of 5.5 (fifth grade level, fifth month) — nearly grade level. Sixth graders with weak comprehension skills read fiction books on their own of an average length of 205 pages and written at an average grade level of 4.7. To improve the grade level of reading, parents can encourage pleasure reading by making sure the child has access to books, magazines, newspapers and other reading materials that interest them and that are at an appropriately difficulty level. No matter the reading material, the most important lesson, according to Spear-Swerling, is pleasure reading is not a cureall; it won’t substitute for structured reading and good instruction in school. It is merely a supplement, but a critical one at that. “Part of what I love about teaching is that there’s always opportunities for you as a professor to keep learning and growing,” said Spear-Swerling, who has taught at SCSU for 30 years. “This study was a great influence on my teaching.”

Local news Local events Local issues

Because March is National Reading Month, in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday and because we featured folks from our town libraries last week, we decided to send Karen “Freelance” Kean to some of the school libraries to see what’s going on. Here’s what three of the librarians had to say:

John Lyman School

Strong School “A lot of our seventh graders are researching ancient civilization (nonEuropean). They’re diligently at work researching and, like with many projects, I’ve pulled together about 65 books on the topics. I think they like their time in the library. It’s a very pleasant space. We have an art museum which features new art all the time so that’s exciting. We also just hung a new mosaic of an Edward Hopper masterpiece (a 20thcentury artist). And I play classical music in there as well. It’s a very inspiring place.” Mike Klimas

“We did a special for Read Across America that’s coinciding with Dr. Seuss’s birthday on Tuesday. All non-classroom teachers, from support staff up to the building principal, were guest readers for each classroom where we read our favorite books. That was really fun. During a typical week, each class visits the library for 45 minutes for different library lessons. The library is a very busy place, and the students definitely get inspired by one another by talking about the different books they’ve read, etc. It’s a very happy place to be, and everyone wants to learn.” Carly Cohs

Memorial School Here are a few things we do at Memorial School: 1. Have daily book shares where kids share books that they have read. 2. Teach internet safety skills. 3. Have lunch discussion book groups. 4. Learn how to access the card catalog from their home computers. 5. Play Dewey Bingo and go on Library Scavenger Hunts. “We’re a busy, hopping place!” Anne Doyle

Above and below, Memorial School library

Photos by Karen “Freelance” Kean

Above, Strong School library

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Middlefield Town Briefs

Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Wednesday, March 10 6:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Commission 7 p.m. — Water Pollution Control Authority 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Strong School Tuesday, March 16 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen 7 p.m. — Conservation Commission Wednesday, March 17 7 p.m. — Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Strong School Thursday, March 18 7 p.m. — Board of Finance 7 p.m. — DMIAAB, transfer station management board Wednesday, March 24 6:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Strong School Tuesday, March 30 7 p.m. — Zoning Board of Appeals Thursday, April 1 7 p.m. — Economic Development Commission Monday, April 5 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen

Selectmen (Continued from page 3)

accurate term for what could be heard by the person who transcribes the minutes. Brayshaw said he doubted that the tape had been tampered with as Leavitt alleged might have happened. Hubbard Street property The next item on the agenda after Powder Ridge led to intense selectmen’s discussion. Brayshaw produced a map with four residential lots on town-owned property on Hubbard Street, which he suggested selling to offset town expenses. The property is part of a 47-acre parcel purchased for over $900,000 with the help of a state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) grant because it was to be used for industrial development. The property

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Friday, March 5, 2010

lies between Brookside Road and Hubbard Street and has been the source of contention for a long time. Residents along Hubbard Street and Whisper Wind have objected to industrial plans, and Zygo Corp., whose access is from Brookside, only recently granted an easement for a road into the property from Brookside as long as no road would connect through to Hubbard and no trucks would be permitted on the access road that might cause vibrations in the Zygo facility which manufactures precision optical tools. Selectwoman Mary Johnson was concerned that selling residential lots from a parcel purchased partially with a state grant for economic development might lead the state to ask for all or some of the money back. Brayshaw said that he had contacted the DECD and asked that question but had so far heard nothing. He doubted it would matter since the rest of the property would be reserved for industrial development, but Johnson said that she would like to be sure. Before any such sale could take place, the affected property along Hubbard Street would have to be rezoned residential. Nerden Camp Attorney John Corona and Nerden board member Tom Weaver, a Meriden attorney, brought a map of the Camp Nerden property, which is carved out of Powder Ridge property and houses a summer program for children and youth with development disabilities. The selectmen and the camp had agreed months ago to swap a driveway easement for Nerden for a water pipe easement for the town and Powder Ridge. Corona and Weaver came, however, to ask for a possible land swap of space on the field in front of the camp for approximately two-thirds of the back of their

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15-acre parcel. The back land would negate the need for water easements and the front land would allow for more usable recreational land for the campers. Since Brayshaw had just gotten a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals for the original easements, he asked that a more specific proposal be developed by the camp before he went back to the ZBA. Other Business The rest of the agenda was easy. The selectmen unanimously adopted proclamations honoring Girl Scouts during their 98th birthday week in March and declaring May 1 Silver Star Banner Day in honor of wounded soldiers. The selectmen also appointed Nancy Grenier to a vacancy on the Conservation Commission with a term ending in 2013 and elevated David Glueck from an alternate to a regular seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals, with a term also ending in 2013. Brayshaw expressed satisfaction that most boards and commissions are currently at full strength, but he urged any resident interested in serving to contact his office. Finally, the selectmen went into executive session to discuss personnel issues related to the 2010-11 proposed budget and the latest version of the Powder Ridge memorandum of understanding to take into negotiations with persons yet unnamed going forward.

Levi Coe Library Hours: The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.leviecoe.com or call the library at 860-3493857 for information or to register for any program. You can also renew, reserve and check your library record on the website. The Levi Coe Book Club will meet on Wednesday, March 17, at 1:30 p.m. to discuss Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. “In 19thcentury China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, an ‘old same,’ in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. The laotong, Snow Flower, introduces herself by sending

See Levi Coe, next page

Middlefield Town Briefs

Friday, March 5, 2010

Brayshaw (Continued from page 1) in this category is the possible sale of residential building lots along Hubbard Street. These lots would be carved from 47 acres of town-owned industrial property located between Hubbard and Brookside Road. Brayshaw counted

Levi Coe (Continued from page 20)

Lily a silk fan on which she’s written a poem in nu shu, a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men. As the years pass, Lily and Snow Flower send messages on the fan and compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams and accomplishments.” New members welcome. New Titles: Jamie’s Food Revolution by Jamie Oliver, Worst Case by James Patterson, Noah’s Compass by Anne Tyler, The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova, Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky and To Hell on a Fast Horse: Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett, and the Epic Chase to Justice in the Old West by Mark Lee Gardner. To view anticipated arrival dates for new titles, visit our web page www.leviecoe.com, click on Activities and Events and go to monthly calendars. New DVDs include The Stepfather, Zombieland, Katyn, The Time Traveler’s Wife, Couples Retreat, The Gathering Storm, Pandorum and The War Tapes. Stop by and view our expanded collection. For more information on our newest DVDs, visit our website www.leviecoe.com, click on Online Resources, select Book Talk, then Recently Acquired Titles. Scroll down to DVD link.

$100,000 of income in the proposed budget from sale of property. Brayshaw also explained that purchase of Powder Ridge will have an impact on the upcoming budget to the tune of approximately $250,000. Until now, expenses for the purchase of the 240acre property have been borne mostly by the $2.85 million authorized by a 2007 referendum. The price of the property was $2.55 million in December of 2008, with other expenses including bond counsel, interest on bond anticipation notes (BANs), lawyers’ fees and insurance. Starting in the next fiscal year, $137,000 will be due as a minimum payment on the principal, plus $6,000 for bond counsel, $46,000 for BAN interest, $11,000 for property taxes in Meriden and Wallingford (in which towns part of the property lies), $8,000 for insurance and $35,000 for lawyers and consultants. “We own 240 acres of prime recreational land, however,” Brayshaw noted. The plan is for the town to sell or lease part or all of the land to a person or group who will develop and enhance recreation on the land. The goal is to make back the money spent on the purchase through property taxes over time, as well as enhancing jobs, the tax base and recreational opportunities. As a comparison, Brayshaw noted that the town-owned Hubbard Street property cost

just under $1 million for 45 acres of land while Powder Ridge cost about half that per acre. Going through the budget proposal, Brayshaw and Geruch explained it represents a 2.5 percent wage increase for non-union and elected personnel after a year in which salaries for those employees were frozen. Town clerk Donna Golub, upon reading the proposal, called Town Times to say that she had not requested any raise. Most categories in the proposed budget went up or down by one or two percent points, except professional and legal costs (up by 45 percent) due mostly to services needed to deal with the Powder Ridge and Hubbard Street properties, insurances not including health insurance (up by 19.5 percent), land use and health departments (up 14.7 percent) and emergency management (essentially a new category, up 22 percent to $6,600). Holding to a middle ground were general expenses (utility, auditing and printing costs) down 7.9 percent and employee benefits, including health insurance, up 9.8 percent. To keep programs and personnel, the items that took the biggest hit were capital expense items and contingency accounts, down 93.8 percent and 30.7 percent respectively. Now the budget will be presented at a public hearing called by the Board of Finance

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in the next several weeks. After that hearing, the BOF will discuss and possibly amend the budget before another public hearing in April.

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Durham Town Briefs

Friday, March 5, 2010

Writing program for seniors rescheduled

Pictures from an accident in Durham on Sunday, Feb. 28, on Route 17 that closed a small portion of Main Street between Fowler Avenue and Higganum Road for more than six hours. Photographer David Michnowicz was able to walk on the sidewalk to the site and directly up to the vehicle parked at the Brenda’s Main Street Feed. While the pole needed to be fixed, injuries were minor though traffic control was a major issue. Photos by David Michnowicz

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

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Local seniors are invited to take part in a seven-week memoir writing class at Durham Town Hall. “Written Legacies: Stories from your Life” begins Wednesday, March 17 and will be held from 1-3 pm in the third floor meeting room. No class will be held April 7. Participants will learn memory-jogging and writing techniques that will help turn memories into meaningful stories. They will write about and share these experiences in a supportive environment in which everyone learns from one another. Novice and experienced writers, alike, will find benefit in this course that stresses personal stories told from the heart. The workshop is being provided by the Durham Senior Citizens’ Board. Instructor is former Hartford Courant columnist Marlene Clark. A member of the National Association of Memoir Writers, she has been a professional writer and editor since 1976. She created “Written Legacies” in 2002 and teaches it at senior centers throughout Connecticut. Class size is limited. Students should bring a threering binder to class. Seniors may register by calling Jan Muraca at 860-349-3153.

Hours: Regular library hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Visit www.durhamlibrary.org to search the catalog, review your account, register for a program or renew your materials online. For information or to register for a program by phone, call 860-349-9544. E-Books are Available: If you received a Sony Reader or Barnes and Noble Nook for Christmas or are thinking about getting one, downloadable e-books are now available online from the library. Visit http://lion.lib.overdrive.com and follow the instructions for downloading e-books to your device. You must have a valid

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Durham Town Briefs

Friday, March 5, 2010

Library (Continued from page 22)

plete Story of England’s Most Notorious Dynasty by G. J. Meyer, Evidence of the Afterlife by Jeffrey Long, MD, Valley of Death, The Tragedy at Dien Bien Phu that led America into the Vietnam War by Ted Morgan and Letters from the Land of Cancer by Walter Wangerin Jr.

Help our preschool!

The Durham Cooperative Nursery School families will be selling Smencils during the month of March for their spring fundraiser. Smencils are available in packets of five. If you would like to purchase a packet, ask any Coop family or call the Durham Co-op at 860-349-9885. Pictured from left to right with some Smencils are Grayson Dykas, Kiernan Driscoll, Analiese Driscoll, Mia Poturnicki, Julia Slight and Aidan Driscoll.

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(All meetings will be held at the Durham Library unless otherwise noted. Check the town Web page at www.townofdurhamct.org for agendas and last-minute changes.) Monday, March 8 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen at Town Hall 7:30 p.m. — Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Wednesday, March 10 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Strong School Tuesday, March 16 6:30 p.m. — Board of Finance at Town Hall Wednesday, March 17 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Strong School 7:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday, March 18 7 p.m. — Compensation Review/Personnel Policy Commission at Town Hall 7 p.m. — DMIAAB at Middlefield Community Center 7 p.m. — Durham Animal Response Team Monday, March 22 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen at Town Hall Wednesday, March 24 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Strong School Tuesday, March 30 7 p.m. — Ethics Commission Tuesday, April 6 6:30 p.m. — Public Safety Committee Wednesday, April 7 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at CRHS 7:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Commission

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Durham Library card. Coupons: The library has 20 percent off coupons for admission to the Connecticut Science Center which are free while supplies last. The Durham Garden Club will present the film: My Reflections: the Beauty of White Farm by Beth Manley on Thursday, March 11, at 10:30 a.m. This will be followed by refreshments and speaker Nancy McKinnon from Balleks Garden Center in East Haddam, who will speak on bringing English cottage gardens to New England. This program is open to all. Storytimes: The winterspring 2010 story times will run through April 7. Mother Goose for children 18 to 30 months will be on Mondays at 10:15 or 11 a.m., Time for Tots for children ages two and half to three and a half will be on Wednesdays at 10:15 or 11 a.m. and the Preschool Story Time will be on Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Please stop by or call the library to register. Love Your Library by purchasing a favorite title for the library’s collection. Titles are available at the library for purchase and are ready for your special dedication. Participants will receive a special treat bag from Amato’s. There will be a dedication celebration on Saturday, March 13, at 11 a.m. The Mystery Book Discussion Group will meet on Tuesday, March 16, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews. Everyone is invited to join this informal discussion. The Book Lover’s Circle will meet on Wednesday, April 7. at 7:30 p.m. to discuss The Plot Against America by Philip Roth. Copies of the book are available at the library. Everyone is invited to join this informal discussion. Check out new titles:

Money to Burn by James Grippando, False Mermaid by Erin Hart, The Last Illusion by Rhys Bowen, House Rules by Jodi Picoult, The Wolf at the Door by Jack Higgins, The Man From Saigon by Marti Leimbach, On Deadly Ground by Michael Norman, The Tudors, The Com-

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Town Times

Friday, March 5, 2010

Make your voice heard, tell your elected officials...

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

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

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

Visit www.ctdailynews.com to contact your legislator today

Connecticut daily newspaper, is automatically uploaded to that newspaper’s web site and CTPublicNotices.org. Newspapers are your watchdogs. Don’t let that role be changed now. Voice your opinion. To keep your notices in the newspaper, contact your local elected officials or: Governor Jodi Rell - 860.566.4840 Senate Democrats - 860.240.8600 House Democrats - 860.240.8500 Senate Republicans - 860.240.8800 House Republicans - 860.240.8700

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Friday, March 5, 2010

What’s Cooking at Town Times?

Area students cook up a storm

Cook-chef training program being offered

Although Durham’s Strong School was not in The Middlesex County session for winChamber of Commerce, in coter break, tantaoperation with the Office of lizing aromas of Workforce Competitiveness, sizzling bacon, is sponsoring a cook-chef frying onions training program. The class and baking apis limited to 10 participants ples with cinnaon a first come, first served mon emanated basis. from Room 103 as Due to the overwhelming nine junior chefs need for a skilled workforce were busily in the cook-chef occupation preparing for and the expansion of tourism their end-of-week in the state, the chamber will lunch with offer this 60-hour training friends and famiprogram. Participants will be ly. It was all part selected from the following of a special fourgroups: (1) upgrade skills of day student cookpersons already employed in ing program a restaurant who want to upsponsored by grade their skills; (2) provide Durham RecrePhoto by Christine Firth training to newly hired lowation for students in grades five Student chefs Brianna Bailey and Nathan Ferrier serve dessert skills and low paying posithrough eight. to Durham recreation director Sherry Hill and First Selectman tions in food service. Classroom training will be Each day four Laura Francis at their cooking classes’ lunch-finale. six-weeks, for a total of 60 boys and five hours, starting on March 22. girls broke into three teams fashion the long, continuous was had by all. to tackle the menu item of the apple-skin coils into everyA similar program is being Class will run from 3 to 6 p.m. day. Before heading to their thing from fanciful necklaces planned for summer because, Monday through Wednesday. team’s cooking area, the to jump ropes. “We want to offer something Classes will be held at Vinal Technical High School in groups met to gather ingredi“We want the students to for everyone,” said Sherry ents and address questions enjoy themselves, but we also Hill, director of Durham their new state-of-the-art culinary department. Nick Folsuch as, “What’s the differ- want to be mindful of the Recreation. ence between white and skills and information they brown sugar” and “How do can learn,” said Firth. Those you know which vegetables skills and techniques includgo into boiling water?” Pro- ed peeling, chopping, renderduce was portioned on a digi- ing, braising, basting, creamtal scale, and spices and sea- ing and the timing and servsonings (including Dijon ing of a meal as well as safety, mustard, Worcestershire sanitation and clean-up. “But sauce and hot sauce) were the most useful cooking skills carefully measured out be- are flexibility and creative cause “You can always add problem-solving,” she added, more but you can’t take any “and this class has been conback,” cautioned Christine tinually awesome in that reFirth, class instructor. Stu- gard!” dents critiqued their creCame Friday noon, class ations and were encouraged groSolar, a leading installer in CT and to adjust seasonings accord- members welcomed their ing to their group’s personal guests (one per student), including Durham First Selectnationwide, will make it easy for you. preferences. The class cooked up a man Laura Francis, and Sign up for a free site evaluation at storm, but it wasn’t the only proudly served the threestorm in town, if you recall. course lunch. A good time

lacchio, retired culinary teacher, will be the classroom instructor. Follacchio has over 20 years experience in the culinary trade and classroom instruction. The classroom phase will be in conjunction with on-the-job training, and the employer will receive up to $1,000 reimbursement for this training. Participants will learn many new and exciting techniques, and cover many topics, from the basics of sanitation and cleanliness to food preparation and purchasing. This is a great opportunity for member restaurants and their employees. The class fills up quickly, so if you are interested please contact Johanna Bond at the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, at 860-347-6924 or jbond@middlesexchamber.com. Businesses should indicate whether the position would be an entry level or upgrade in present position.

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Tuesday’s corn chowder class got snowed out and was made up on Welsh rarebit Wednesday, which was extended (time-wise) so the class could stay on track. On Thursday, apple crisp was the item du jour and everyone enjoyed a turn at spinning big Rome apples on a gizmo that peeled, cored and sliced them. And no one missed the opportunity to

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Creations from the hands and minds of children the state, are all home-schoolers. This year, 45 children submitted their artworks, with a total of some 300 pieces on display. Artists were as young as 18 months (no kidding) and as old as 18 years (sorry, that’s not old!). Sponsors of the event included Durham Dental Family Dentistry, and A&P Super Foodmart, Joe Riff’s Music and Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy, all in Middletown.

By Judy Moeckel Special to the Town Times On Saturday, February 20, Levi Coe Library once again presented its Art Gala, “Creations from the Hands and Minds of Children.” And what a gala it was! Staff and volunteers decorated just about every inch of Coe Library for the event. Art of all types was on display and some of it was on sale (many pieces were purchased by parents and friends, hoping to preserve a keepsake or maybe the work of a future master). Bristol’s Old Time Fiddlers played and there was a café as well as activities for children of all ages, including a story hour.

Education

Clockwise from right, Maddy and Ben Wooding of Middlefield helping set up for the Art Gala. Carl Osowski of Oxford with his creation, “Love—Chinese New Year.” Jeremy Ternig of Waterbury and Joshua Myjak of Middlefield (on right). Julia Bavasso of Middletown with the apron she made.

(Continued from page 1)

According to Regenia Allen of Durham, who coordinated the sparkling event along with Candy Hayden, the annual gala usually raises about $1,200 for the library’s children’s department. The artists, who come from around

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Crumbling masonry between bricks of the north gym wall and chimney will also be replaced at Brewster. There will be a new lockdown system and new clock and PA system at John Lyman School; and a lockdown system, replacement of oil tanks and lockers at Memorial School and cafeteria equipment in all schools. To fund these projects, $150,000 will be raised from taxes and the rest will come out of a surplus in the current capital account. “We’re trying to get all the puzzle pieces in place,” said Viccaro. “The capital plan is part of it.” Another plan — the Strategic Plan — makes this year a significant one as the new plan will be officially rolled out April 28, marking the fourth five-year strategic plan for District 13. Under estimated receipts, business manager Ron Melnik explained that the district recognized the towns’ concern with the fund balance and subsequently looked into ways to bring the money forward. Melnik noted that $1.2 million from the accumulated fund balance, as well as approximately $600,000 of unspent money in the current budget, are counted as receipts to help offset taxes in next year’s budget. Aside from support staff, no contracts are being negotiated at this time, but Viccaro noted that administrators, the superintendent, business manager, IT director, director of building and grounds, central office and nursing staff all took furlough days this year in order to save money. Viccaro said the goals with this budget are to maintain current staff, move forward with current curriculum initiatives and follow the technology plan and implement year one of the newest strategic and capital plans. Melnik and Viccaro credited administrators and staff for tenaciously keeping the budget down, and are pleased that reallocating money has helped reduce the effect of the 2010-2011 budget. Board of Education meetings will be held every Wednesday through March 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Strong School to discuss the budget.

Town Times

Friday, March 5, 2010

Countdown to the Oscars Dr Tanya Feke

Diagnosis: Movies with America, bringing the prevalence of domestic violence to light. Mo’Nique, no question, is the soul of the film. She is so figuratively ugly throughout her performance, emitting power with every spoken word and gesture. There’ll be at least one Oscar for this film by night’s end. 4. An Education. The bittersweet betrayal of a 16-year-old girl by an older lover. The sets and costuming brilliantly transport you into the 1960s, but it is the acting that brings you home. You fall in love with Jenny, a 16-year-old with plans to go to Oxford, who meets a handsome stranger in the rain. An absolutely fantastic film that didn’t get enough media exposure. 3. Inglourious Basterds.

Quentin Tarantino’s wacky vision of how World War II should have played out. An adventurous ploy to eliminate the heads of the Third Reich as they watch a movie premiere was sure to be up my “red carpet” alley. With a genius script and a witty acting ensemble, everything about Basterds was extraordinary, making my pick for the top three a difficult choice. 2. Up in the Air. The timely tale of a man hired to do corporate down-sizing for cowardly employers. Ultimately, life is all about character, and Up in the Air is ultimately about our humanity. Who are we? How do we cope? How do we get through another day? In this economy, we could all use a little perspective. From soup to nuts, this is film-making at its dramatic best. 1. The Hurt Locker. The intense portrayal of a bomb disposal squad risking life and death on tour in Iraq. Hauntingly poignant. I cannot stop

Photo submitted by Toni-Lynn Miles

thinking about it. There is noting else to say. Director Kathryn Bigelow has without a doubt delivered the best film of 2009. We’ll just have to watch and see on March 7th if the Academy agrees.

Former Town Times film critic Rob Glidden also predicts a Best Film Oscar for The Hurt Locker, though he believes Avatar might be in the hunt as well. We shall see.

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The Academy Awards have shaken up the race this year by expanding the Best Picture category from five to ten nominees. As if it wasn’t hard enough to see the top five! To make it easier for those of you who haven’t had the good fortune to see the best of the best, here is my Oscar countdown to who should win the big one. 10. Avatar. The special effects laden in-your-face morality tale featuring blue aliens. A movie should not win simply because it makes a lot of money at the box office but because it is outstanding based on the sum of its parts. Special effects alone won’t do it. Avatar may be entertaining the masses around the world, but it isn’t deserving of the film industry’s most famous statue. 9. The Blind Side. In the saccharine (and embellished) true story of Michael Orr’s rise to fame. Sandra Bullock is outstanding as Leigh Anne Tuohy, the woman who takes Orr into her home out of Christian charity. The fire is sure to ignite between Bullock and Streep for Best Actress, but not in this category. 8. A Serious Man. The Coen brother’s existential Book of Job featuring a 1970s physics professor. The brothers delight in confusing people, especially when the point of the film is about nature’s laws of uncertainty. A stand-out script and engaging character development spin an interesting tale, but what does it really mean? 7. Up. The tale of a disgruntled old man finding meaning after the death of his wife. It’s nice to see an animated feature on the list, and Pixar will likely make a run for it every year with their endless line of quality projects. The montage depicting Carla and Elli’s relationship at the beginning of the film is enough to capture hearts everywhere. 6. District 9. The strikingly original story of aliens living in a militarized slum in South Africa. The film is captivating in its creative genius with an award-deserving script. It only goes to show that a big budget is not needed to engage an audience with fantastical ideas. Even for non-science fiction fans, this is a stand-out from the rest. 5. Precious. The heartbreaking portrayal of the ultimate family dysfunction. This horrific story has struck a cord

Dancers from the Middlesex Dance Center in Middlefield have been cast through audition in an upcoming production of Alice in Wonderland. The show will include ballet, modern, hip hop and jazz and is being produced by CONNetic Dance and the Ballet Theatre Company. Kayleigh Crocetto, 12, has been cast as a flower and as a soloist dancing the part of the Lory Bird. Meghan Crocetto, 6, will be dancing as a Wonderland Critter. The performances will be May 22 at St. Joseph College in West Hartford.

Town Times Sports

Friday, March 5, 2010

Coginchaug boys’ basketball

Honoring Blue Devil seniors

By Alan Pease Special to the Town Times

Photo by Karen Kean

Pictured above, from left, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hewitt with son Eric, Ms. Lee Ann Ruddy and Mr. Paul Tiedemann with their son Jeff, and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ruddy Jr. with their son Ed.

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

On Friday, Feb. 19, the Coginchaug boys hosted the Warriors of Valley Regional. The game was played fairly evenly, but after playing to a 14-all tie in the first period, the Devils could only manage five points in the second period, and trailed by eight points, 27–19, at the half. The third period saw Coginchaug make up two points of their deficit at 37–31, but they gave one of those points back in the final period, resulting in a 52-45 loss. On a relatively disappointing day, the bright light for Coginchaug was Jeff Tiedeman, who led the team in scoring with 19 and in rebounding with 15, for a solid double-double. Tiedemann also blocked a shot. Erikson Wasyl scored 12 points, the only other double digit performance for the Devils, and added three rebounds, a block, a steal and an assist.

Eric Hewitt pulled in eight rebounds and also had three points, three assists and two steals. Tommy Ryan had six points, three steals, an assist and a rebound. Andrew Markowski had two each of rebounds, steals and assists, and added a block and a point. Off the bench, Ethan Donecker scored four points and grabbed a rebound. EJ Luther had a steal and a rebound. Ed Ruddy also played.

A loss against North Branford On Monday, Feb. 22, the Coginchaug boys hosted the Thunderbirds of North Branford, hoping to break out of a two-game slump after losses to Hyde and Valley. It was not to be, as the Devils fell behind early, came back strong, but squandered opportunities for more in the second period, then played the visitors pretty evenly in the second half, finally falling by a 63–59 count.

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The game featured 12 ties and 12 lead changes. Coginchaug actually started relatively well, with two baskets from the Thunderbirds being bracketed by three buckets from Ethan Donecker, for a 6–4 lead two minutes in. Over the next six minutes, however, they would manage only one Tommy Ryan connection from beyond the arc, while North Branford poured in 14 points, to take an 18–9 lead. For the first four minutes of the second period, neither team performed well, as the visitors connected on only one of nine shots. Thanks to seven turnovers, the Devils only took three shots during that time, making one, an Eric Hewitt rebound put-back. In the last four minutes of the period, they had no turnovers, and got four points from Tiedemann and Hewitt, three from Ryan, two from Markoski and one from Donecker. The visitors only managed four to allow the Devils to take a 25–24 lead into the half. There was a lot of give and take in the third period, with Coginchaug scoring 21 points and North Branford 22 points to make the game a 46-all tie entering the final period. Erikson Wasyl had five points, Ryan, Hewitt and EJ Luther each had four points and Markoski and Donecker had two each in the period. The first six scores in the fourth period resulted in lead changes, with a Donecker free throw putting the Devils on top, two hits from the line giving the T-birds the lead, a Luther assisted basket by Hewitt again putting the Devils on top, answered by two free throws by North Branford, with Wasyl responding with two from the line, and a rebound put-back by the T-birds putting them on top 52–51. A single Hewitt free throw tied things up, then North Branford traded baskets with Ryan to again tie at 54 all. With three minutes left, two charity hits for the visitors were answered by another Ryan basket, and the score was tied for one final time at 56. North Branford converted on an old-fashioned three-point-play, so Tiedemann’s steal and layup brought the score to within one point with two minutes remaining, 59–58. Over those final minutes, the Devils would manage only a single Hewitt

See Devils, page 29

Town Times Sports

Friday, March 5, 2010

Devils

(From page 28)

free throw, while the T-birds were two-of-two from the field, to make the final score 63–59 in favor of the visitors. Coginchaug’s losing streak was up to three games. Hewitt and Ryan each scored 14 points, with Hewitt adding eight rebounds, a steal and an assist, and Ryan adding two assists. Donecker, putting his first start to good use, scored 10 points and also had five rebounds and three steals. Wasyl had seven points, two rebounds, a blocked shot and an assist. Andrew Markoski had four points, four rebounds, two steals and an assist. EJ Luther scored four and added three assists and a steal.

pretty inside feed to Hewitt for a bucket, then a pass to Ryan for the basket that tied things up at 46-all with a minute and a half left. After a Tiger miss want out of bounds, it was Tiedemann time. With 30 seconds left, Wasyl got the ball to Jeff for a short jump shot, which settled though the net to give the Devils their first lead since early in the third period. Despite calling two consecutive time outs after Tiedeman’s basket, the Tigers quickly turned the ball over, and the Devils had the ball under their own basket with five seconds left. On the inbounds, EJ Luther got the ball to Tiedemann under the right side of

the basket, and Jeff converted to make the final score 50–46 in an entertaining and tightly contested game. Tiedemann led the Devils with 16 points, nine of those in the last period. He added five rebounds, three assists and a steal. Tommy Ryan had 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Eric Hewitt scored six, grabbed six rebounds and also had two assists and a steal. Wasyl scored five points, assisted four times and had a rebound. Ed Ruddy, starting on this Senior Night, had a steal and a rebound. Off the bench, Andrew Markoski scored seven points and added two rebounds and

two assists. EJ Luther had a rebound and an assist and Ethan Donecker had a rebound. Prior to the game, seniors Jeff Tiedemann, Eric Hewitt and Ed Ruddy were honored for their last regular season home game. This win gave the Devils a 14–6 regular season record, and was a great way for the seniors to end their regular season careers.

Dominate Old Lyme On Saturday, Feb. 27, the fourth-seeded Coginchaug boys hosted the fifth-seeded

See Devil boys, page 30

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On Thursday, Feb. 25, the Coginchaug boys hosted the Tigers from Sports and Medical Sciences Academy (SMSA). Prior to this game, SMSA had only five losses, all to state tournament-bound teams, four in the L division and one in the M division. In a game that featured five ties and seven lead changes, the Devils started strong, leading 19–17 after one, and 26–20 midway through the second period on a Tommy Ryan basket. Unfortunately, that proved to be the last score for Coginchaug until five minutes were gone in the third period. The home team still led 26–24 at the half, but counting the last two baskets of the half, the Tigers went on a 15–0 run that gave them a 35–26 lead with three minutes left in the third. At that point, Ryan finally broke the dry spell, connecting on a single free throw. SMSA hit a basket, but then Wasyl and Markoski teamed up for an 8–2 run, with Markoski first assisting on a Wasyl trey, then Markoski scoring unassisted. After a hoop by the Tigers, Markoski closed the period, on a Wasyl assist, converting on an old-fashioned three-point play to make the score 39–35. In the fourth, a Ryan steal and feed for a Tiedemann basket got the Devils within two points. The Tigers answered by hitting two buckets around a single free throw to push the lead back to seven at 44–37. Tiedemann assisted on a Ryan hoop, then on a nice kick-out from Hewitt, dropped in a shot from beyond the arc to again pull within two at 44–42. SMSA scored again, but Wasyl had a

Wildcats from Old Lyme in a first round Shoreline Conference tournament game. The last time these two teams met, also at Coginchaug back on Jan. 23, the Wildcats came away with a 16-point win, handing the Devils one of only two double-digit losses this season. Coginchaug did NOT want to see a repeat of that event. Therefore, the Devils started off in the best way they could, holding the Wildcats scoreless for over five minutes and sprinting out to a 13–0 lead. Old Lyme finally did manage a basket, and later a

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Town Times Sports

30 Devil boys (Continued from page 29) free throw, but Coginchaug led 18–3 by period’s end. Tommy Ryan contributed nine points, Andrew Markoski five and Eric Hewitt and Erikson Wasyl two apiece. The second period saw the lead extended by one, with Ethan Donecker scoring four points, Markoski three and Eddy Ruddy, Hewitt and Ryan two points apiece, making the score at the half 31–15. Between the end of the second period and the beginning

of the third, Coginchaug again held Old Lyme scoreless for a five-minute span, though the Devils managed only five points in that same span. In the period, Coginchaug had two points apiece from Hewitt, Ryan and Wasyl, with Wasyl extending that to five points on a late trey with EJ Luther assisting. The score entering the final period was 40–26. Again at the beginning of the last period, the Wildcats were held scoreless for five minutes (the third time that occurred), and the lead was up to 50–26. For the period, Tiedemann scored four points and Hewitt, Ryan, Markoski, Wa-

syl and Donecker all scored two, making the final score 54–33, a 21-point win and a 37point turn-around from the game back in January. Ryan led the Devils with 15 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Markoski scored 10 points, and added four rebounds, a steal and an assist. Wasyl had nine points, two assists, two steals and a rebound. Tiedemann, playing limited minutes due to early foul trouble, grabbed six rebounds and scored four points. Off the bench, Donecker had six points and three rebounds. Ed Ruddy had two

Friday, March 5, 2010 points and a rebound. EJ Luther had two assists, two rebounds and a steal. Alec Corazzini had a steal, while Jay Norton, Roby Graenger and Jake Tietlebaum also played. By the time you read this, Coginchaug will have played a semi-final game against undefeated Hyde in New Haven on Tuesday, March 2. (Editors note: The Blue Devils did not win that game. But state tournament games begin March 8, with a home game at 7 p.m. against University School from Hartford.)

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Town Times Sports

Friday, March 5, 2010

Coginchaug girls’ basketball Squeezing past Old Saybrook

By Scott Strang Special to the Town Times

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three-pointers to easily defeat Red, 64-45. Alex Schade, Kevin Walsh and Greg Bereski led the Gunz (3-2), each scoring in double digits. Schade leads the league in total points so far with 54. Red (1-4) was led by

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On Tuesday, Feb. 23, the number one seeded Coginchaug girls hosted the fourth seeded Highlanders of Portland for a second round Shoreline Conference tournament game. Twice before this season, the Devils had played the Highlanders, losing by two points at home, then by 17 points in a foul-plagued game in Portland, accounting for two of their three regular season losses for the year. The hope was that the third

Photo by Karen Kean

From left, the Lady Devil seniors: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Meiman and Elizabeth, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kleczkowski and Nicle Demoranville, Mr. and Mrs. Neil Jones and Erica and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Edinger and Taylor.

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selected to the All Shoreline first team, and Coach Tony Calcagni earned Coach of the Year honors for the Shoreline Conference. Next up for the girls was round one of the state Class S tournament, where they won their home game in the first round of the Class S state tournament against Stafford, 60-41. They now have another home game on Thursday, March 4. If they are still in it, they would then have a neutral site game on Wednesday, March 10.

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On Saturday, Feb. 20, the Coginchaug girls hosted the Rams of Old Saybrook in a first round Shoreline Conference tournament game. Coginchaug came in as the number one seed, at 17 wins and three losses, while Old Saybrook entered the contest as the eighth seed with a record of 10 wins and 10 losses. So based on the relative seeds and records, it should have been an easy win for the Devils, right? Well, no, not really. Coginchaug did start well, going up by 10 at the half, 32–22. But they came out cold in the third period and allowed the Rams to get close, letting the lead to dwindle to one point entering the last period of regulation. Old Saybrook stayed hot in the fourth period, and managed to tie the game at 53. Coginchaug had a shot for the win, but it failed at the buzzer. Despite some trouble at the charity stripe, Coginchaug controlled the game in overtime. Big baskets by Taylor Edinger and Samantha Mancinelli, along with a key free throw by Cassidie Cade, iced the game for the Devils, as they took the 62–58 win in overtime. Samantha Mancinelli led the Devils with 19, while Audrey Biesak had 15 and Tay-

time would be the charm, that it’s difficult to beat a good team for a third time in a season. But Coginchaug’s tournament championship hopes were dashed as Portland took control in the second period and never looked back in a 46–32 win. In a scenario eerily similar to the game at Portland, the Devils were called for 24 fouls and lost two players to foul trouble. Portland had 31 attempts from the charity stripe, while Coginchaug had 17, with some of that high Portland number due to late game attempts by Coginchaug to slow the clock. Samantha Mancinelli led Coginchaug with 18 points, five rebounds, four steals and three assists. Esposito had eight points, three rebounds, a steal and an assist. Biesak had two points, a rebound and a steal. Jones had five rebounds and two points. Cade had two points, a steal and an assist. Amanda Boyle had five rebounds, Taylor Edinger had two blocks, a rebound and a steal, and Andrea Braga had an assist. (See Devil’s Advocate, page 17, for a recap of this game.) Prior to the game, three members of the team were honored as all Shoreline selections. Samantha Mancinelli was an honorable mention, Audrey Biesak was

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