Volume 15, Issue 52
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
BOE moves budget to referendum unchanged
Here comes Easter!
By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times
Seen at the Middlefield Lions egg hunt at Peckham Park on April 4:Left, Julia Kosienski won the Easter basket by guessing there were 350 jelly beans when there were really 347! Below left, Jacob Kosienski is a two-fisted pailcarrier!
Top photo by Jen Schulten; bottom photos by Wendy Parker
Friday, April 10, 2009
After a public hearing on Tuesday, April 7, that consisted of both praise and criticism, the District 13 Board of Education voted to move the $31.8 million net budget for 2009-10 to referendum with no additions or deletions (see sidebar on page 3 for budget summary). During the public hearing, many people spoke in support of the 2.42 percent budget increase. “I want to commend the board and (Superintendent) Susan Viccaro for using very good discretion in working on the budget,” said parent Brad Jubelirer, who was an advocate of adding a teacher to the fifth and sixth grade at Memorial School to reduce class sizes. “You didn’t use an ax,
you used a scalpel blade.” Others felt the board didn’t cut enough, including Durham resident Donia Viola, who said she wasn’t pleased with the “very substantial budget” because, “I don’t think you tweaked it enough.” Viola compared Region 13’s 2.4 percent budget increase with Simsbury, Westbrook and Region 4 schools who all came in at one percent increases. She also asked the board why employees aren't giving back salary increases. In a follow-up conversation, Viccaro said she talked with all union employees in December and February about the budget, its challenges and possible layoffs, and asked if they had any ideas of ways to reduce the budget. See BOE budget, page 3
Middlefield town meeting votes to sell property, postpone server decision By Sue VanDerzee Town Times Middlefield has been buying property lately – Powder Ridge, the Merriam tree farm (if the court allows), but on Monday, April 6, a sparsely attended town meeting voted to sell some property. The parcel in question is located on Baileyville Road (Route 147) just north of Rover’s Lodge. The onethird acre piece is the site of a public water company, now run by the town, which serves only Rover’s. In the past, before the installation of sewers at Lake Beseck, the company served homes on both sides of the lake. However, as the homes hooked up to sewers, they were often able to drill their own wells. According to First Selectman Jon Brayshaw, the property “has been a nosebleed for the town.” The sanitarian goes there almost every day, and the well has been declared deficient by the Department of Public Health due to contamination. The town, now owners of this one-client public utility, have been ordered to drill a new well. In the interest of stopping the “nosebleed,” officials began to plan for sale of the parcel. Assessor Steve
Hodgetts valued it at $50,000. One audience member at the town meeting questioned whether that was high enough for waterfront property. However, because an easement for state highway drainage runs straight across the middle of the property, it is unbuildable. According to Brayshaw, the sale for $50,000 will net the town “around $40,000” since the agreement with Sam Babcock, owner of Rover’s Lodge, is that the town will still drill a new well, but he will be responsible for all the hook-ups and provision of a pump. Between legal fees and the drilling, town expenses are forecast to be about $10,000, but “then we’ll be
See Mfld. BOS, page 15
In this issue ... Calendar ........................................4 Devil’s Advocate ....................19-25 Libraries......................................36 Obituaries...............................40-41 Spotlight..................................30-31 Strong Spring Sports ..................42 Town Briefs ....................14-18 & 42
Town Times Community Briefs
2
Index of Advertisers To advertise in the Town Times, call Joy Boone at (860) 349-8026.
JAC Excavation.........................37 Jay Landscaping .......................36 JC Farm & Greenhouse............14 Ken Marino Sales & Service .....12 Kim’s Cottage Confections .......29 Larkin’s Run ................................3 Lino’s Market.............................13 Lyman Orchards .......................15 Masonicare................................28 Master Carpentry ......................39 Michael S. Lanzo.......................42 Michalowski Agency Ins............17 Middlesex Community College .17 Middlesex Ob/Gyn ....................12 Middletown Plate Glass ............33 Mims Oil ....................................29 MLT Painting .............................35 Moran’s Television ....................41 Mountain Spring Water .............39 Movado Farm............................36 Natlo Painting............................42 Neil Jones Home Improvement...38 Ogonowski, Jeff.........................41 Old Oak Tree Services..............36 Painter Plus...............................41 Planeta Electric .........................38 Precise Landscaping.................41 Rice, Davis, Daley & Krenz Ins.12 RLI Electric................................37 Roblee Plumbing.......................17 Rockfall Co................................33 Roger Norke Jr. Building...........41 Ruby’s Discount Oil...................34 Saldibar Construction................35 Santi, Shirley .............................16 Sharon McCormick Design .........5 Sheriscapes ..............................40 Singles Alternative ....................29 Sisters Cleaning Service...........34 Skincare Studio .........................13 Sticks and Stones .....................34 Suburban Cleaners ...................25 Suburban Cycle.........................16 T-N-T Home & Lawncare..........35 TJ’s Auto Body ..........................17 Torrison Stone & Garden....11, 33 Tuxis-Ohr’s Fuel........................29 Uncle Bob’s Flower & Garden ..13 Victory Tabernacle ......................6 VMB Custom Builders...............36 Wesleyan University Athletics...29 West End Recording Studios....37 Whitehouse Construction..........38 Whitney Ridge Stables..............37
Local news Local events Local issues Every week in the
Town Times
show, visit a museum and dine at famous restaurants. Three drop-off points in Manhattan: Metropolitan Museum, Rockefeller Plaza and Battery Park — give you many choices. The bus leaves Coginchaug High School in Durham at 8 a.m. and returns to the high school at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $40 per person. For more information and to register, please call the District 13 Adult Education office at (860) 349-2232 or e-mail scarroll2@sbcglobal.net.
care HelpLine at 1-888-6799997.
Masonicare is pleased to announce it is holding a Medical Office Building Open House on Wednesday, April 15, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 67 Masonic Avenue in Wallingford. The new, separate building houses several practices, including Masonicare Primary Care Physicians and Radiology Associates, Inc. The Medical Office Building is conveniently located on the lower Masonicare campus, just off Route 150. All residents of Wallingford and surrounding communities are cordially invited to meet and mingle with the physicians, radiologists, geriatric specialists, and staff while enjoying refreshments and a tour of the new offices. For additional information or directions, contact Masonicare Primary Care Physicians at 1-203-265-0355 or the Masoni-
Corrections 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.
Your
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A2z Garage Door Service.........41 Abacus Heating & Cooling........41 AC Exterminating ......................40 Ace Oil.......................................16 Addy& Sons ..............................39 Advance Care ...........................14 Advanced Window ....................30 Advertising Donations ...............18 Allan’s Tree Service ..................34 Anderson Lawn Care ................12 Apec Electric .............................39 Around the Clock Heating.........25 Baci Grill ....................................29 Behling Builders ........................35 Berardino Company Realtors ...45 Bert Dorr Roofing ......................34 Billy Carlson Heating.................41 Binge Bruce...............................35 Black Dog..................................14 Bonterra Italian Bistro ...............16 Brockett Paving & Construction...38 Cahill & Sons.............................33 Carlton Interiors.........................29 Carmine’s Restaurant ...............14 Central Ct. State Univ. ..............23 Center for Better Hearing..........14 Chaplin, Bruce, attorney ...........15 Classic Wood Flooring..............38 Colonial Flooring Plus ...............40 Conroy, John, D.M.D. ...............29 CRHS Scholarship Committee ...7 CV Enterprises..........................36 Dalco Electric ............................42 Dean Autoworks..........................6 Dow Construction......................42 Durable Sealcoat ................40, 42 Durham Auto Center ...................2 Durham Dental..........................25 Durham Family Eyecare ...........13 Empire Construction ...........40, 42 Executive Offices ......................39 Family Tree Care ......................37 Ferguson & McGuire Ins...........31 Financial Benefits Unlimited .....10 Fine Work Home Improvement.39 Glazer Dental Associates .........10 Golschneider Painting...............36 Gossip .........................................3 Gutters Plus ..............................40 Handy Man................................13 Home Works .............................38 Hoyt, Deborah .............................5 Ianniello Plumbing.....................34 J Randolph Kitchens...........26, 37 J. Boober Construction .............42
Masonicare physicians open house
Friday, April 10, 2009
Spring wreathmaking workshop Create a bright, floral wreath as crafter Rose Eberle shows you how to use silk flowers, ribbons, birds and moss to design a personalized wreath with a spring motif. Presented by the Arts Center at Killingworth, these Sunday afternoon wreath-making workshops will be offered for each season of the year! The spring workshop will be held on Sunday, April 19, from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $40 and includes materials. The Arts Center at Killingworth is located at 276 North Parker Hill Road in Killingworth. To register, call the Arts Center at (860) 663-5593 or email artscenterkillingworth@gmail.co m. Visit us online at www.artscenterkillingworth.org.
Oddfellows’ preschool Wacky Wednesdays Oddfellows Playhouse is offering Wacky Wednesdays, a series of interactive monthly workshops for pre-schoolers aged 2-6. The next workshop is on April 22 from 10-11 a.m. and features stories with crafts, music and other activities. Taught by Kim West, these workshops engage children and their caregivers in creative structured group play designed to stimulate the imagination and nurture listening and motor skills. The workshops are held at Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington St. in Middletown. Cost is $10 per family. Members of KidCity receive a $5 discount. For more info or to reserve a spot in a Wacky Wednesdays workshop, call (860) 347-6143.
D-13 Adult Education NYC bus trip Warmer weather and fewer crowds make April a great time to visit New York! Enjoy the convenience and comfort of a motor coach ride on April 25, and plan your own day and activities. Stroll through Central Park, see a Broadway
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Friday, April 10, 2009
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Town Times
Looking for ‘original’ Little Leaguers
District 13 budget summary
Rick Quirk, president of Coginchaug Little League, is looking for players who played in the 1959 season (first season for Coginchaug Little League) to take part in this year’s opening ceremonies as part of the 50th anniversary of Coginchaug Little League. Anyone with questions or who thinks they might qualify is asked to contact Jason Sokol at (860) 682-4498. Opening day is Saturday, May 2.
The 2009-2010 total net budget for District 13 is $31.8 million, which represents a 2.42 percent increase over the current year. There are 3.5 less positions in the budget that come from not replacing a retirement and eliminating a teaching position a Brewster, Korn and Lyman schools because of declining enrollment at the elementary level. A part-time assistant position at Coginchaug was also eliminated. The board is using grants to fund as many positions as possible, which resulted in a net decrease of 7.8 positions. A total of seven categories in the budget have decreases that range from savings of 4 to 40 percent, while salaries, benefits and dues and fees were areas that increased; salaries because of contractual obligations already negotiated and employee benefits due to significant increases in claims. The budget is also impacted by projected revenue loss from state and federal grants, but the district anticipates receiving money from the IDEA grant from The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This money can be used to supplement the budget, but not supplant anything already paid for with local dollars. The board is saving money by purchasing heating oil, diesel and electricity as part of a consortium that locks prices in for fuel, and using the state contract for large purchases. They will also join other school systems to pool their buying power for technology and cleaning supplies. (Stephanie Wilcox from the Superintendent’s message)
BOE budget
“I opened up the door for any contractions, but I don't negotiate directly with any of the unions," she said. Board chairman Tom Hennick said, based on what Viccaro came back with, the response of the unions indicated seeking employee give-backs wasn't something that is palatable at this time. "We determined as a board that it is not something to pursue right now," he explained. "This wasn't Susan's decision. These are signed contracts." According to Hennick, the BOE currently has six union contracts. Of those, three are currently in negotiation and the other three are signed agreements that were reached through mediation. The teacher's union, the largest, was reached through binding arbitration. Hennick explained that one reason the board didn't go that route is because reopening contracts could be more costly because it requires reopening negotiations, hiring attorneys and putting the
(Continued from page 1) terms that they worked hard to get in a vulnerable position. One Durham resident stood to thank the board for their hard work every year, despite always receiving criticism. “I’ve been retired for 20 years and my kids are grown, but I still have to support the board as payback for the good education my kids received,” said the speaker. Durham resident Rick Parmelee responded, “I always support education, but not always the budget.” Parmelee expressed his issue with the credibility of the budget because he feels that the class size concern in fifth and sixth grade was used to gain community support for an additional teacher, and therefore money. He also criticized the board for spending so much time on the budget and not being accessible. “I feel very handicapped,” he said. Board member Kerri Flanagan told the public that the board doesn’t talk enough about the work that goes on behind the
scenes. “We spend a great deal of time balancing the wishes of the taxpayer with the needs of the school system.” Durham resident Jeff Grenier acknowledged the hard work of the board and said that one of the main attractions to Durham and Middlefield is the school system. “People always ask me about the school and are envious,” he said. “I think it’s crazy that we’re fighting about it all the time when it’s what sets us apart from other towns in the state.” A district meeting will be held on Monday, May 4, at 8 p.m. in the Coginchaug High School auditorium. A referendum to vote on the budget will follow on Tuesday, May 5, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Korn School in Durham for Durham residents and at the Middlefield Community Center for Middlefield residents.
860-349-2468 OPEN 7 DAYS ... 6 AM-9 PM Gift Cards Available You Asked - We listened!!! Homestyle Food - Better Value!!! Build Your Own Breakfast Pick any three $3.99 • Pick any four $4.99 • Pick any five $5.99 • Two Eggs • Two Pancakes • Two Bacons • Two Sausage • Slice Ham • Half A Waffle • Smoked Sausage • Two French Toast • Applesauce • Cup Fruit • Oatmeal • Choice Toast • Home Fries • Hash Browns
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Classes on: MONDAY-THURSDAY EVES. Starting at 6:15 For more info call 860-349-8493 or our website at: larkinsrun.com
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KIN’S RU R N A
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Formerly Cousins 339 MAIN STREET, DURHAM
Open All Day EASTER
See the April issue of The Devil’s Advocate beginning on page 19 or go to www.crhsnews.org for up-to-the-minute coverage of happenings at Coginchaug Regional High School.
Town Times & Places
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April
April 10
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Good Friday No school in District 13. Easter Flowers From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow, members of the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department will be selling Easter flowers at the firehouse. The Explorers will be selling Easter chocolates to benefit the Middlefield Emergency Services Explorer Post 82. Durham Historical The Durham Historical Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the Centre Schoolhouse. Everyone is welcome.
SATURDAY
April 11 Easter Egg Hunt The Durham Rec Easter Egg Hunt will take place at Allyn Brook Park at 9 a.m. The Easter Bunny will be there to take pictures with. Call (860) 343-6724 for info. American Legion Post Durham’s American Legion Post 184 will meet at 11 a.m. at the Durham Library. Plans for the Memorial Day Parade and flag decorating of veterans’ graves will be discussed. Call Dan Murphy at (860) 349-1304 for info. Doggie Swim Bring your pooch, play fetch, watch him swim, or just let him get much-needed exercise with a bunch of other dogs. The donation is $5 per dog with proceeds benefiting the Middlefield Dog Park. Come to 27 Powder Hill Rd. in Middlefield between noon and 2 p.m. For info, email Midog@comcast.net or call Tyler Sibley at (860) 3491954.
SUNDAY
April 12 Eckankar Worship All are welcome to a service that consists of uplifting music and inspirational talks to awaken spiritual understanding in everyday life. This month’s theme: Ways to Open Your Heart to Love. The service is at 10 a.m. at the Eckankar Temple, Rt. 66 and Harvestwood Rd. in Middlefield. For information, visit www.ct-eckankar.org or call (860) 3462226.
MONDAY
April 13 Japanese Garden Tour Stephen Morrell, designer of the Freeman Family Japanese Garden, will provide an illustrated lecture at 4:30 p.m. followed by a tour of the garden at the Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies 343 Washington Terrace in Middletown. Call (860) 685-2330 for info. Job Outlook in CT Linda Kobylarz is the featured speaker for this workshop from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. at the Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown. She will focus on job projections until 2016 and connecting this job outlook information to your career decisions. Call (860) 347-2528 for info. Durham 60+ Club The Durham 60+ Club will meet at 1 p.m. in the United Churches of Durham Fellowship Hall on the corner of Rt. 68 and Main Street. The Elm City Banjo Society will entertain with old time songs. Blood pressure clinic from noon to 1 p.m. Newcomers are always welcome. Memorial PTO The Memorial Parent Council will meet at 7 p.m. at Memorial School.
TUESDAY
April 14 Business Seminar The Middlesex Chamber of Commerce morning business seminar, held at 393 Main St. in Middletown, will discuss workers’ compensation claims. Call the Chamber at (860) 347-6924 for information or to register. Cost is $25 for members and $35 for non members. BKPTA The Brewster Korn Parent Teacher Association will meet at 6:30 at Brewster School. Festival Concert The John Lyman grade one and two spring festival concert will be held at 2:15 and 6:30 p.m. Vagina Monologues
The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler will be presented at the Green Street Arts Center, 51 Green St. in Middletown, at 7:30 p.m. and again on Saturday, April 18. Middlefield Women The Middlefield Women’s Club will meet at 7 p.m. in the Middlefield community Center. Everyone is welcome. What’s on your Mind? This three-part workshop: Your Finances, Your Home and Your Health Insurance, will provide information and answers in today’s shaky economic times. Your Finances will be offered tonight in the Middlefield Community Center auditorium, from 7 to 9 p.m. Panelists include Dick Miller from Wesleyan University and Gail Russell and Tom Forma from Merrill Lynch. There will be time for questions and answers and light refreshments. For information, e-mail to coginchaugvef@comcast.net. The workshops are sponsored by the Coginchaug Valley Educational Foundation.
WEDNESDAY
April 15 TOPS Durham TOPS Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Durham Town Hall. For information, call Naomi Klotsko at (860) 349-9558 or Bonnie Olesen at (860) 349-9433. Tax Free Crafts This craft event for children age three and above will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown. While parents struggle with their 1040s, kids relax and enjoy their tax deductible status by making easy crafts. We provide all materials, so just let your imagination and creativity loose! Call (860) 347-2528 for info. MasonicareOpen House Masonicare will hold an open house in their medical office building from 2 to 6 p.m. at 67 Masonic Ave. in Wallingford. Everyone is invited to meet and mingle with the physicians, radiologists, geriatric specialist and staff while enjoying refreshments and a tour of the new office. For info call (203) 2650355. Financial Peace Enjoy a preview of Dave
Friday, April 10, 2009
Ramsey’s Financial Peace University class at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1055 Randolph Rd. in Middletown, at 7 p.m. Each weekly session will start with Dave Ramsey teaching on video and is followed by a powerful small group discussion. For more information, call Darin at (860) 888-5957. Eucharist Healing Service The Church of the Epiphany, 196 Main St., in Durham will hold a Eucharistic and healing service each Wednesday at 9 a.m. Call (860) 349-9644 for info.
THURSDAY
April 16 Church Program The Church of the Epiphany presents the “3D Plan/Journey to Wholeness” at 9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall on Main Street in Durham. This on-going program is for eating right, living well, and loving God. This plan will help you make positive, practical and permanent changes.. Coginchaug Parent Forum “Dangers in our Technological Age-Internet, Cell Phones - Are There Others? will be presented by Sg. Jim Smith of the CT State Police at 7 p.m. at Coginchaug. Art Guild The 7 p.m. meeting of the Art Guild of Middletown will include a program on drawing by Lesley Braren. The meeting will take place at the Middlefield Federated Church, 390 Main St. in Middlefield. Refreshments will be served. A donation of $3 is suggested for non-Art Guild members. Volunteer Open House Midstate Medical Center is hosting an open house from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for prospective volunteers who want to learn more about volunteering opportunities at the hospital. Light refreshments will be served. Call (203) 694-8275 for info.
FRIDAY
April 17 Business Networking The local chapter of Business Networking International will meet in the United Churches Hall, 228 Main St. in Durham, at 7:30 a.m. to-
day and every Friday. Contact Kirk Hagert at (860) 3495626 for more information. Cogin-Chuggers The Cogin-Chuggers Square Dance Club will hold their April Showers dance tonight at Brewster School from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Ed Rutty will be the caller and Sue Lucibello will cue the rounds. Donation is $6 per person. For more information, visit www.coginchuggers.net or call (203) 235-1604. Free Lecture The distinguished writers series presents Pulitzer prize winning author Edward P. Jones in the Chapel on the Wesleyan campus at 8 p.m.
SATURDAY
April 18
Secrets of Getting Published Jan Kardys, literary agent and president of Black Hawk Enterprises, is the featured speaker for this workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown. She will provide information on all facets of getting your book through the publishing process. Call (860) 347-2528 for more information. Tag Sale St. James Episcopal Church will have a tag sale today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Parish Hall on the corner of Killingworth Road and Rt. 81. For info, call Amy Soobitsky (860) 345-2006. Family Story Time Storyteller Lot Therrio will entertain the entire family at 10 a.m. at the Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown. Whether the story is a Native American folktale about the world’s beginning, the fun of a little baby wide-mouthed frog, or even a scary one. Lot invites the listener to discover the wonder in the tales he tells. Call (860) 347-2528 for info. Petting Zoo Support the Relay for Life Team Dolphin Days at a petting zoo event held at 74 Ernest Dr. (off Route 17) in Durham, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $5 admission includes a small petting zoo, a picture with your favorite animal, bag of popcorn and juice. Call (860) 343-0398 for information.
Friday, April 10, 2009
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Town Times
Earth Hour 2009 was successful, but not complete By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times
Earth Hour 2009 was a huge success as hundreds of millions of people “voted earth” in the world’s largest demonstration of public concern about climate change on Saturday, March 28. Across 25 times zones, 4,000 cities and 88 countries, people switched off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., signaling “urgent action on climate change and a mandate for the world’s leaders to secure a new deal in Copenhagen that defines an effective global response,” said WWF (World Wildlife Fund) International Director General James Leape in an article on earthhour.org.
In fact, Earth Hour was not so much about saving energy as it was in getting the point across to leaders in a very big way, overwhelming way. The goal for Earth Hour 2009 was to receive one billion “votes,” and the results will be presented to leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark in December 2009. The meeting is very important as leaders will agree on future official government policies to take action against global warming that will replace the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. A major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets targets
for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to Leape, while leaders spend the next eight months deciding how to step up to the climate change challenge, people across the globe are still asked to push for progress. “Earth Hour 2009 was an incredible success,” said Leape. “If you participated in Earth Hour, thank you, your participation made that success possible.” Earth Hour global director Andy Ridley was also impressed by the number of people who “voted” in the lights out campaign. “It is humbling to see the unbelievable reaction and
solidarity shown by the millions of people voting earth with their light switches,” he said. “The next task is to build on this amazing momentum and to make those votes count in Copenhagen.” According to the website, Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. By 2008, the message had grown into a global sustainability movement where 50 million people switched off their lights, and Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.
The house at 717 4th Street N.W., Cedar Rapids By Judy Moeckel Special to the Town Times
Sharon McCormick 1100676
Allied Member, ASID (860) 349-1349 40 Main Street, Suite 201 Durham, Connecticut
city (after the flood relief work, we adjourned to the church for several days to discuss issues about the church and its role in charity and justice work). Back to the little house, laden with mud and mold. It was obvious nothing has been touched since the flood almost a year ago. The family that lived there fled, never to return. Nobody knows where
they went. Everything in the house—and there was a LOT of stuff—rests just as the receding flood waters left it. A fan in a half open window turned slowly in the open window (it was probably warm when the flood hit); stained drapes moved in the chilly wind blowing in from another window, this one broken. FurSee House, page 29
In keeping with the Earth Hour campaign described at left, our poll question last week concerned participation in that event. With 36 respondents, 33% said they participated (outstanding, in our view), 39% said they had not particpated, and 28% said they would have participated if they had known about it. We guess organizers are right when they say the event was successful but not complete ...
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I walked into the little house in a working class neighborhood of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, one of many houses that were inundated during the flood of mid-June 2008. The devastation in this small Midwestern city didn’t get the media attention of Hurricanes Katrina or Ike, probably because it was on a smaller scale, few if any people died, and the people of the city were fairly well-prepared, because the river waters rose slowly (but inexorably). Also, community connections are strong, including church groups, social service agencies and civic groups, aided by Americorps volunteers. Re-
building will take years, but people have pulled together, and it is happening. (The flood, by the way, was not just a 500-year flood, it was a “millennial” one, that is, an event that, by probability, should happen no more than once every 1,000 years. Well, 2008 was THE year.) I was in Cedar Rapids at the end of March for a conference of Episcopalians from around the country who participate in mission and outreach ministries. Our group of about 35 people was equally split among lay people (like myself), deacons and priests. I was the representative from the Diocese of Connecticut. Our work party was sponsored by a large, welcoming Episcopalian church in the
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Friday, April 10, 2009
Town Times
Odyssey of the Mind teams score big By Beth Manley Special to the Town Times
where they had to build a small vehicle to visit four different locations. They needed All of the District 13 teams to incorporate the visits to the finished in the top five at the locations with a change in the Connecticut Odyssey of the appearance of the vehicle into Mind state finals! Three their performance. They built teams advanced to the World some large sets to set the scene for their vehicle’s trips. Finals in Ames, Iowa. Morris commented, On March 28, 171 teams Bill from all over the state arrived “Their ideas were great, and in Bethel to compete in the it really showed!” He said that Connecticut Odyssey of the they learned much this year; Mind (CTOM) State Tourna- they were working late on the ment, including eight teams Friday night before competifrom District 13. The stu- tion getting everything comdents, in teams of five to sev- pleted. en, have been working on one FOURTH PLACE: Kim Toof five problems presented by bin’s Memorial MS team conCreative Competitions, Inc. sisting of Owen Tobin, Dan (CCI). Meskill, Kevin Clark, Jessie FIFTH PLACE: Bill Mor- Nelson, Josh Martowski, ris’s Memorial MS team of Michael O’Keefe and Adam TimPlease Morris, McDonald, Skelps, chose Teach Yer callTyler for corrections at 203-317-2308 - after 5 pm callCreaJared Grier, Nathan Ortega, ture, where they had to create 203-317-2282 Ryan Ad#:1108246 Gossart and Luciano a mechanical creature that Pub:RJ Date:04/09/09 Day:THU Size:2X6 DelMonte decided to tackleLastacts like a real animal.onThe Cust:VICTORY TABERNAC Edited By:DDONNELLY the4/7/09 vehicle problem, EARTH creature had to be taught 9:39 AM. Salesperson:114 Tag Line:NONE Color Info:lesTREK, sponsored by1108246 NASA, - Composite sons and learn. This team
Above, Shock Waves Division I silver medalists are students at John Lyman School. From left, back row, Kyle Borbas, Gunther Wallach and Emma Blair; front row, Camden Stockdale, Seth Azevedo and Abby Blair. Right, Molly Fehon of the Division II United Youth Fellowship team works on a tree for her team’s squirrel character.
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scored very high in the spontaneous portion of the competition where they were given a problem they had to solve in eight minutes. In this case, they had a hands-on problem where they had to figure out the middle of a series of strings without a yardstick and without touching the strings. THIRD PLACE, BRONZE MEDAL: From John Lyman School, Carolyn Rinaldi and Nancy Simcox coached Elle Rinaldi, Stasia Simcox-Matyjas, Otto Wallach, Erin Houchin, Ivy Linden-Dionne, Nicole Murphy and Kayden Fujio in Division I. They chose the Superstition problem where they had to create and present a performance that included two documented superstitions; then they had to create an original one of their own. Because there were 28 teams in this age group who chose this problem, the team had to perform their solution once in the morning semi-finals and again in the afternoon finals! It was a long day, but I think that bronze medal made it worth it! THIRD PLACE, BRONZE MEDAL: Mary Jo Brigante and Petra Taylor coached another Memorial MS team that is proudly wearing those bronze medals. Alex Taylor, Gillian Murphy, Olivia Marran, Abby LaVigne, Parker Tregoning, Lilian Zhou and Brianna van Eyndhoven are second year veterans of the Balsa Structure problem, Shockwaves. In Shockwaves, the team had to build a structure to withstand weight out of only balsa wood and glue. As usual there was a complication in the balsa problem — they had to place and remove spacers, which resulted in the weights dropping on the structure. Their structure held 207 pounds! They also presented a team-created performance featuring a pink fairy (see the photos on page 34) played by Alex Taylor. THIRD PLACE, BRONZE MEDAL: Debbie Proctor’s Division II United Youth Fellowship team featured Odyssey veterans Douglas Hanley, Sam Gossner, Josh Tobin, Connor Romeyn, Davey Proctor and Charlie Proctor. You may remember this
See OM Finals, page 34
Friday, April 10, 2009
7
Town Times
Donovans of Durham join Book of Golden Deeds honorees By Jill Phillips Special to the Town Times
The Book of Golden Deeds is the National Exchange Club’s longest running program. The first award was presented in 1919. It is an opportunity to recognize individuals who very quietly make significant contributions to our communities. There was a book published in 1864 by Charlotte Yonge entitled, A Book of Golden Deeds of All Times and All Lands. I took a few phrases from the preface of the book where the author described what a Golden Deed was: “The true metal of a golden deed is self-devotion, that spirit that gives itself for others. There is nothing so noble as forgetfulness of self. “ This book may have been the genesis of Exchange Club’s Book of Golden Deeds program, but I don’t know that for sure. What I do know is that this is one of the most rewarding programs we do simply because this honor is unsought. It looks for those who do not stand out but who stand up, who give of themselves for others, and do it very quietly. John and Ellen Donovan, of Durham, are our honorees this evening. I only recently met them, but the moment I walked into their home, I felt welcome and comfortable. One of the first questions I asked was how they had met. A chuckle and a smile for each other passed between them as they related that they met
roller-skating. This was the time when roller-skating to music was like going to a dance. John had asked Ellen to skate, and she remembers saying to her friend afterwards that “he was very cute, and she hoped that he called her.” He did, and they were married four years later. They will be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary in May. They moved to Durham Heights 52 years ago. Their home was the first to be built on Edwards Road and they speak of their neighbors as part of their family. They were blessed with a daughter, Marie, who was visually handicapped but made them very proud and accomplished much in her short life. She passed away seven years ago, but there are many photos and remembrances of her throughout their home. They have a summer cottage in Charleston, RI and spend half of the year there. With the weather warming up, they are itching to get up there again. One of their neighbors in Rhode Island is Joan Youngs, former director of the American Red Cross, Middlesex chapter. Early in the 1970s, Joan asked Ellen if she would like to volunteer in the office. She did so for a time, figured out she could type, but then began to become involved in other aspects of Red Cross blood drives, eventually becoming chair of the day, and as her experience grew, she began training other chairs
set up, supervise all other volunteers, troubleshoot and complete all paperwork associated with the day-long
drives. Some of the job qualifications are the ability to See Golden Deeds, page 1`1
THE CRHS SCHOLARSHIP FUND IS PROUD TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS FOR THE 37TH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP BALL ALUMNI LEVEL SPONSORSHIP Coca Cola Corporation SENIOR LEVEL SPONSORSHIP Careers in CT JUNIOR LEVEL SPONSORS BASREP Jack & Karen Castiglione Farrell, Guarino & Boccalatte, P.C. Middlesex Dental Assoc. GKN Areospace Services Structures Corp SOPHOMORE SPONSORS Durham Pharmacy EBenefits Group Northeast ServPro WaveCrest FRESHMAN SPONSORS Coginchaug Family Practice Green Man Studio Durham Veterinary Hospital Giacco Electric Uncle Bob’s Florist & Garden Center Liberty Bank Cooper Atkins MHS Primary Care Durham Dental J. Randloph Kitchens Feldman Orthodontics PC Higgins Insurance SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUALS FOR THE GENEROUS DONATIONS TO OUR SILENT AUCTION!!! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Alana Adams Anntya Visard Potter Blackbird Tavern BSK Design Beautiful People Salon Black Dog Grooming Carmines Carol Halling Artist Classic Car Wash Coginchaug High School Cozy Corner Crowne Plaza Curtis Studio The Dressing Room Dried Flower Designs Dunkin Donuts Durham Fitness Durham in Bloom Durham Market Durham Auto Center Durham Wine & Spirits Durham Fair Elite Creations Salon Enzo’s Fairchild Interiors Firehouse Steakhouse First & Last Tavern Fitness 4000 Four Your Paws Only Gracious Interiors by Diana Hair Affair Durham Vol. Fire Company Hitchin’ Post Tavern Holly Locks Inn At Middletown
• ION Restaurant • JC Farm & Greenhouses • Jennifer’s House of Hair & Stormy Mt Candle • Joe Davenport, General Contractor • Justin Lonergan DJ • Kristan Higgins, Author • Kim’s Cottage Confections • Lang & Corona • Liberty Limousine • Lombardi’s Restaurant • Lyman Golf • Martin, Block Island Vaca • Liberty Limousine • Lisa Davenport’s Home Gallery • Malloves Jewlers • Michecli Salon • Miller Tree Farm • Middlefield Pizza
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Mitchell Jewelers Muddy Paws Nikita’s Bar & Bistro Northern Middlesex YMCA Peaceful Healing & Massage Paula Murphy - Jafra Perk on Main Pizza King PJ Jewelers Ramani’s Clothiers Stop & Shop Subway The Charming Teapot Theresa Holder Trendz Time Out Tavern TLC Cafe Ultimate Sports Valentinas Home Design Jan & David Wenzel Whole Enchilada WTNH Weekend Studio Tour
Thanks again for another successful Event! See you next year!
1108077
John and Ellen Donovan were honored as Book of Golden Deeds award recipients. At right is Phil Gaudreau, president of the Exchange Club which bestows the award.
in that role. The chair of the day is an individual whose purpose is to oversee a blood drive. They
Town Times Opinion
8
Friday, April 10, 2009
Easter — and Passover — economics Town Times 488 Main St., P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455 http://www.towntimes.com News Advertising Fax Marketplace
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Why not? To the Editor: As I watch the events of today unfold around me, police shot randomly in Pennsylvania and California, senseless shootings in New York state, increasing youth gang violence, and an economy spiraling out of control to name a few, I continue to hear the question “why” raised. Society, in its desire for an explanation, is asking why. I myself have been asking “why not?” I am as horrified and saddened by current events as any of my fellow citizens, and I pray for peace and comfort for all those affected. However, I feel that, to a great extent, we are becoming a product of what some are trying so hard to accomplish. Removing God from our society. As a society, we have removed God from our schools, from our town squares, from our legal system, from our homes, and are trying hard to remove Him from our nation. Even the National Day of Prayer is under attack. When God is allowed, we want to make Him subject to our view
In this season that features money. Forgive debts. important holy days for both Town Times freelancer Sue VanDerzee Christians (Easter) and Jews Kathy Meyering wrote last (Passover), editorial writers, week about the fact that these especially this one, are likely to two spring celebrations are look to scripture for a theme. based on freedom. For Jews, Scripture, however, no matPassover is the celebration of ter how revered, poses its own problems. For the literal release of their people from slavery example, what exactly does the Bible say in Egypt. For Christians, Easter symbolizes about capital punishment? Is “an eye for an freedom from the ultimate bondage of sin and eye” or “let he who is without sin cast the death. Based on Scripture, however, that freefirst stone” the applicable reference? dom also extends to our relationship with the And what about war? Or homosexuality? economy, in whatever shape it’s in. And what Or other perplexing questions? Verses on scripture asks of the faithful is contrary to these topics are either lacking, hard to underwhat most 21st century Americans would stand or in disagreement with other verses. deem common sense. What’s a faithful person to do then? What is required – across the board, loud On one subject, however, the Bible (and the and clear – is generosity with what we have Koran) are totally clear, and in the case of the been given, which we often mistake for what Bible, spends more words than on any other we have earned. single subject. Surprisingly, that subject is Faithful people may disagree on many subeconomics, which fits nicely with our current jects (though hopefully not disagreeably — national obsession with the state of the Ameri- see Carol Luckenbach’s column on page 9), can and world economies as well as our annubut this mandate seems crystal clear. “Give, al round of local and state budget discussions. and it will be given to you. A good measure, The clarity is exceptional: Feed my lambs. pressed down, shaken together and running Give water to the thirsty and food to the hunover, will be poured into your lap. For with gry. If a man asks for your cloak, give him the measure you use, it will be measured to your shirt as well. Give away all that you have you.” (Luke 6:38) and follow me. Take care of the widow and the Happy Easter. Happy Passover. Happy orphan. Do not charge interest when you lend giving.
From The Editor’s Desk
Letters to the Editor of what’s right and wrong. Under the banner of free speech, we allow pornography and violence into our homes in the form of entertainment on television, computers and video games and then ask why marriages are failing, men abandon their families, and many of our youth have disconnected with violent activity. Many in society have directed their worship to material things in the pursuit of happiness, and many in the financial sector, having lost their moral compasses, have been more than happy to oblige that pursuit. We ask why. As a nation, we condone the taking of the unborn life, the marriage of same sex couples and questionable medical research on human embryos in the spirit of being politically correct. Again, we ask why is there such national disharmony. In the Book of Judges in the Old Testament, the people of Israel had taken matters into their own hands, rejecting the need for the One that had brought them so far. In Judges 10:13-14, God tells the Israelites, “But you have for-
saken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble.” What has our society made their gods? I’m sure many, if not all, who read this will write me off as a politically incorrect homophobic religious zealot, and that’s alright. I’ll love you anyway. But try to look at things some time through the eyes of a Sovereign Creator, and you might wonder “why not” also. Steven Wlodkowski, Durham
BOE budget needs review Once again we begin the round of tax bills being sent out by the town of Middlefield, and once again we see the raises. Yet no explanation of worth has ever been made, especially for Sewer Use Fees and its $70 increase. The Board of Education and the superintendent are, as they have been for years now, the primary cause for tax in-
creases in the town, and the time for this small group that eats 80 percent of town taxes to be held accountable for every dollar is long overdue. Sometime back I wrote a letter stating my absolute disgust with how the BOE and the superintendent have been allowed to tax the town to death without any oversight, auditing or direct election of BOE members. I wrote as someone who has taught for 30 years in the USA and abroad and on a number of levels, and who has two family members that are public school teachers, so I am not one of those who argue about those who “work only 180 days,” etc. But to look at what passes for a budget of over $30 million in a district that has a combined student population of about 2,000 is to stare at an absurdity. In trying to gain a more objective view of the proposed school budget, I asked three school administrators I know who work in the state of Connecticut and in two other states to look at the printed budget sent out by the superintendent and the BOE. There were no lead-
ing questions on my part, only my request that they “take a look and tell me what you think.” In each case — and these administrators did not consult one another — the results were the same. “Someone needs to look into this budget because it doesn’t really tell you anything.” “How do they justify this amount of money for that low a student population?” “Something’s wrong down there.” “The town needs to have an independent auditor examine the whole budget line by line.” “The town doesn’t seem to have any accountability or control over the BOE.”
To have to listen to the superintendent’s rationale that this is the lowest budget request she has ever seen as though this budget was somehow to be seen as a virtuous action on her and the BOE’s part was angering. First let it be pointed out that in almost every case in this state and country, it is cuts and freezes that are the order of the day. Teacher salaries are certainSee BOE budget, page 33
Town Times Columns
Friday, April 10, 2009
9
Civility in a contentious age
Our life is our environment
Recently I had the have apparent diffiCarol Luckenbach opportunity to read to culty abiding by these a fourth grade class as Director of Curriculum and values. From the elecpart of District 13’s Professional Development tion of a president to celebration of Read the choice of an educaAcross America. Betional program, we fore I started to read, I seem unable to distold the children that agree with one anothone of the themes of er on a philosophical the book would be level without resortsomething that is very important to ing to derogatory remarks and innuthe students in their school as well as endo on a personal level. This has bein the district as a whole. Although I come particularly problematic given did not ask for a prediction, one the wide variety of media available for child’s hand shot up. “I have a predic- expressing disagreement, sometimes tion that this book will be about the anonymously. The idea of civilized Core Ethical Values,” she proclaimed. discourse – that is, discourse that reI asked her why she was making this flects respect and kindness even when prediction, and she said, “Because the it represents fundamental differences Core Ethical Values are so important of opinion — seems almost to have disin our school and in our district. What appeared from the comment pages of else could be that important?” our newspapers, websites and blogs, In a year that has featured numer- and from our public meetings. ous vocal disagreements on the naThe childish saying, “Sticks and tional as well as the local level, I was stones may break my bones but names struck by the fact that a group of 9- can really hurt me,” holds true throughyear-olds were very able to articulate out one’s life. Verbal messages intended why the Core Ethical Values of re- to wound rarely communicate content, spect, responsibility, kindness, because the feelings behind the mescourage and honesty are so impor- sages and the feelings experienced by tant. We have discovered in the 10 the listener block communication. In years that we have been working with fact, communication, even if it is conour Core Ethical Values that almost trary to the views of the listener, is every interpersonal or behavior prob- much more easily received and underlem in our schools can be viewed and stood if it is respectful and kind. addressed through the lens of one or Bringing a civilized tone to our pubmore of these values. I often ask stu- lic discourse would improve our envidents, from kindergarteners all the ronment immeasurably, and would way to seniors, which of the core ethi- almost certainly ensure that differing cal values they might have violated points of view could be heard and unthrough their words or actions. They derstood instead of rejected purely on can always tell me, and they can al- an emotional level. It would also proways explain how they might make a vide a positive model for our children, better choice the next time. Our stu- so that they don’t think the Core Ethidents have truly internalized the val- cal Values are just “kid stuff.” Let’s do ues; even if they don’t always remem- some spring cleaning of our language; ber to practice them, they know why we might even find that speaking it’s a problem when they don’t. more kindly and respectfully makes Many adults, on the other hand, us FEEL more kind and respectful.
My appointment Protection Agency. last year as the Senate - Establishment of a chair of the General Municipal Green Assembly’s EnvironFund for environment Committee has ment-friendly projgiven me a platform to ects and preservation try to improve the of open space. quality of our lives in - Seeking to mainConnecticut. We have tain our rivers and been on a roll during wetlands by 100 feet the last year, approvbuffer zones between ing a fund to acquire the rivers/wetlands open space, a climate and any development. change initiative to re- Restrictions on duce carbon dioxide several toxic chemiState Senator Ed Meyer emissions and a five cals including Bisphecent return on water nol-A, Polybrominatbottles. Our legislation ed Diphenyl Ethers on climate change led and pesticides in daythe nation as we comcare centers. mit ourselves to reducIt will take strong ing our reliance on fossil fuels, becom- advocacy to get these bills approved ing more energy self-reliant and going by other committees, both houses of “green.” the General Assembly and the GoverDuring the current session of the nor. General Assembly, the Environment Despite the above achievements, Committee has already approved much of the environmental agenda resome significant other initiatives, in- mains unfinished as a result of our cluding: large budget deficit. The recent state- Granting more authority to the ment of one pro-environment organiDepartment of Environmental Protec- zation is significant: tion for the enforcement of our envi“Funding for environmental proronmental standards. This initiative tection has shrunk over the last two was motivated in part by Atlantic decades. As a result, Connecticut Wire’s enormous pollution discharge struggles to protect open spaces, enviinto the Branford River, killing a ronmental enforcement suffers, state large clam population. parks and forests are falling apart, - As a result of a Madison experi- and urgent clean energy investments ence, we approved a bill requiring the in solar power and energy efficiency State Department of Public Health to are under-funded.” notify our local legislative bodies of To contact Senator Meyer about any drinking water found to be con- your priorities, email him at Meytaminated above the levels estab- er@senatedems.ct.gov or call (860) lished by the federal Environment 240-0527 or 1-800-842-1420.
Middlefield’s treasures
Governor M. Jodi Rell announced The Great Park Pursuit – Connecticut’s state park family adventure – is returning for its fourth season as part of the No Child Left Inside initiative. Free registration has begun at www.NoChildLeftInside.org and runs through Saturday, April 25. “The Great Park Pursuit provides families and children with an opportunity to visit Connecticut’s state parks and forests and have fun at the same time. I encourage all of you to sign up now for an escapade your family will never forget,” Governor Rell said. “What a great way to spend quality time together during these difficult fiscal times, not only for the seven-week Great Park Pursuit, but throughout the whole summer. Without going far from your own home you can easily visit one of Connecticut’s
A View From District 13
When Eagle Scout designee Ben Hamilton began working on refurbishing our very own Dinosaur Park, he discovered that dinosaurs lived in Middlefield only 170 million years ago. What he missed was the one working out of the Town Hall … ME. Seems that one of Ben’s fellow scouts Tyler Sibley had Jon Brayshaw, his dog park (Eagle Scout) project christened by about 20 dogs last week … after which I viewed the happening on the WTNH “BLOG.” Guess I’m a BLOGGER now. Speaking of the diversity and rich-
Middlefield
From The Desk Of The First Selectman
ness of our town parks, have you seen the improvements at Peckham Park? The baseball diamond looks great, and the installation of the new playscape features are nearly complete, including the climbing rock. It’s not Pikes Peak, but it is fun. Hopefully most of the remaining improvements will be finished in time for Old Home Day. Speaking of which, if you haven’t made a donation and you love fireworks, don’t hesitate unless See Brayshaw, page 29
From The State Capitol
State parks perfect place for families in tough times 139 state parks or forests where you can enjoy a day filled with fishing, swimming or just plain relaxing at a no or low cost.” The Great Park Pursuit The Great Park Pursuit, the Connecticut State Parks Family Adventure, is a central element of Connecticut’s nationally recognized No Child Left Inside initiative. The game will take Connecticut families to seven different state parks and forests this spring. Connecticut’s state park system is also partnering with the National Park Service. The Great Park Pursuit kicks-off on Saturday, May 9, at Squantz Pond State Park, New Fairfield and concludes on Saturday, June 20, with a day of activities followed by a family
Guest Column
See State parks, next page
10
Friday, April 10, 2009
Town Times
Easter plant sales & egg hunt
Fabulous bakers and lucky tasters at the Notre Dame Palm Sunday bake sale: Pictured, from left, are Marilyn Toomey, Flora Price, Priscilla Caso, Mary Ellen Dontigney, Betsy Spiro and Deacon David Young. The lucky cookie samplers are Kate and Peter Schulten.
Pet fair in Durham
Everyone is invited to the first annual Durham pet fair, jointly organized by Durham Veterinary Hospital and Help Willy’s Friends. This event will be held at the hospital, 178 Parmalee Hill Rd., on Sunday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-oriented event will feature local merchants, adoptable
pets, live music, wine-tasting and a silent auction. There will be food and free kettle korn. Children’s activities will include a DJ, face painting, toucha-truck event, fun house, state police K-9 demo, a pet agility course and more. For those attendees who bring their pets, the Durham Veterinary Hospi-
Durham-Middlefield Exchange Club The Durham Middlefield Exchange Club will hold their annual plant sale at the Frank Ward Strong School parking lot on Route 17 in Durham. The sale will be held on Thursday, April 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come and support a good cause. All proceeds go to help children in need. For more information, call Peter Nilson at (860) 349-5156. Middlefield Fire Company From 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11, the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company will be selling a variety of Easter flowers at the firehouse. The local Explorer Post will be selling Easter candy, same time and place, to benefit their activities. Durham Rec Egg Hunt The Durham Recreation Easter Egg Hunt will take place Saturday, April 11, at 9 a.m. at Allyn Brook Park. There will be five age categories. 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-9, and 10 and up. There will be five golden eggs in each age category. The Easter Bunny will be there for all to take pictures with. Bring your basket and hop on down. Call Durham Recreation at (860) 343-6724 with questions. tal will provide micro-chipping at a nominal fee ($35), free nail clipping, free pet photos, pet Reiki and a pet psychic! If you represent an animal shelter or a rescue organization and would like to be part of this pet adoption day, visit www.durhampetfair.com and complete the appropriate application form no later than April 18. Send an e-mail to
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willy@helpwillysfriends.org for more information. For local business tables, a small set-up fee of $50 is required. The fee for any shelter is $25. All proceeds will be donated to Help Willy’s Friends. If you wish to make a donation, donate an item to be auctioned, and/or volunteer to help, send an e-mail or visit www.durhampetfair.com.
State parks
(Continued from page 9) campout. Some of the events in the contest will take place on specific Saturdays and will be guided by DEP staff. Other activities are “self-guided” and families can visit these locations anytime during the seven-week contest period. Clues to activities and locations of the contest will be available at the end of each week’s activity and on the No Child Left Inside website. At each location, teams will be asked to complete at least one activity that highlights the vast opportunities in Connecticut’s state parks and forests, such as hiking, canoeing, fishing and more. Participants will be eligible for prizes of outdoor equipment, donated by local retailers. The contest is open to families – which must include one person 18 or over and one person under the age of 18. In the past Connecticut families consisted of grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and uncles with nieces and nephews, and even Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy said, “The No Child Left Inside initiative and The Great Park Pursuit have proven themselves to be a success as more and more people join in for a fun-filled, actionpacked adventure in Connecticut parks. With the guidance of DEP staff and volunteers, families will make memories together as they learn about the outdoors and participate in activities they never dared try before, all while being outside in the fresh air.” Commissioner McCarthy added, “There is, however, a serious side to it all. Today’s youngsters do not have enough opportunities to get outside, and when they are outside, they don’t know what to do. We are here to help. Youngsters need to be encouraged to love the outdoors by participating in hands-on activities that later they can do on their own. Our goal is to nurture environmental stewards of the future and mold our youngsters into adults who, in the future, will be willing to speak up and fight for their environment.” For more information, contact DEP State Parks at (860) 424-3200.
Friday, April 10, 2009
11
Town Times
Touch a Truck coming to Middlefield By Lori Helmadach Special to the Town Times
Golden Deeds communicate with people at all levels, to remain calm and resolve any issues that come up diplomatically. They need to be cheerful, meticulous, good conversationalists, stand a lot, friendly, well organized, people persons, good delegators AND not faint at the sight of blood. The American Red Cross relies heavily on volunteers to accomplish their mission and Joan has been a consistent volunteer for over 40 years! Each year she thinks, “Well, maybe this will be the last one,” and each year, she and John do one more drive. Not to be outshone, her husband John got involved in the Red Cross as well, becoming a driver and assisting others to get to various doctor appointments inside and outside of Middlesex County. He also provided much of the heavy lifting on the days of the blood drives, helping to get things set up and ready. John is also a past member of the Board of Tax Review (now called the Board of Assessment Appeals), and both he and Ellen were members of the first parish council for Notre Dame church. He was a part of the Durham Ambulance Corps for 10-12 years, long before technology be-
a hayride also. MVFD is in need of some
too small. Also, if you have unwanted McDonald toys or other small toys, such as Beanie Babies, please donate them for our fish pond prizes.
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Middlefield Volunteer Fire Departmetn (MVFD) is very pleased to update everyone on the Touch a Truck event planned for May 9, from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $5 per person with advance tickets at $4. Interested people can either email firefightergrandma@yahoo.c om or call the firehouse at (860) 349-7124. Thanks to District 13, children in grades K-6 will receive a flyer and an advanced ticket purchase form right at school. All tickets will be delivered to the child’s class in a special envelope for your child to bring home to you. There will be a large number of booths run by our nonprofit neighbors with things such as hot dogs and hamburgers, popcorn, snow cones, homemade donuts, ice cold drinks, luscious desserts, cof-
fee and tea, fried dough and hopefully a few more to come. Also there will be kids’ crafts, some kids’ games, face painting and oh-so-much more. For car buffs, there is going to be a great classic car show, and we have heard from quite a few people who are planning on attending. Have you ever wondered what an antique military vehicle looks like? Well, wonder no more. There will be some of them, too. Has your child ever asked how they pump concrete up a hill, or for that matter, have you ever wondered? Well, wonder no more, a local concrete pumping company will set up a concrete pump for all to see, and they will be more than willing to answer any questions you might have. A few other vehicles that will be present are police cars, fire trucks and trash haulers; there are just too many vehicles to list. There just might be
volunteers to help man the face painting/fish pond booth, with all proceeds going to the Middlefield Social Services Council. No amount of time is
(Continued from page 7) came a part of the process and EMTs were even heard of. And, unbelievably, John Donovan has donated 112 pints or 14 gallons of blood over the years. Many of us have donated blood. Some of us may have even needed a blood transfusion at some time. I think there must be some sort of spiritual or cosmic part of our world and that many of us get involved in an endeavor without an immediate, tangible connection or need. But somehow, things seem to come full circle. John and Ellen have been associated with the American Red Cross for over 40 years, but only when their daughter’s health was failing did they have the need to draw on the precious resource they had been volunteering for over the decades. Their daughter required many transfusions towards the end of her life. So sometimes we pay things forward without any thought that we may ultimately need those services; we do it merely because of our devotion, that spirit within us that gives itself for others. For exemplifying that spirit, thank you, John and Ellen.
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Friday, April 10, 2009
Town Times
Making housing affordable in our towns: Is it possible? Desirable? By Betsy White Booz Special to the Town Times
Lack of affordable housing ranks high among the numerous economic woes affecting Connecticut, but the problem pre-dates the current economic downturn. According to Diane Randall, executive director of Partnership for Strong Communities, it has been an issue for many years, with the spectrum ranging from assisting the homeless, to providing affordable housing for young adults and seniors wanting to stay in the state, to so-called “workforce housing” that lets people with lower and moderate income jobs live and work in Connecticut. In 2007, the state legislature took steps to address the problem by approving the Connecticut Housing Program for Economic Growth, a plan proposed by HOMEConnecticut.
Briefly, the legislation provides incentives to municipalities that “voluntarily create Incentive Housing Zones (IHZs) at sizes and locations of their choosing.” Zones must accommodate higher densities, and towns must agree that 20 percent of the units in each development will be “affordable to residents earning 80 percent of the area median income or less ($59,175).” The incentives include state payments of $2,000 per unit allowed in the zone and $2,000 per multifamily unit or $5,000 per single-family unit for each building permit issued in the zone. The legislation also gives municipalities complete control over the location, amount and design of the new housing. In 2008, $4 million was provided by the state, from which technical assistance and planning grants are also available to towns. Currently, only
about half of the money has been awarded. At a March 24 Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce forum on “Overcoming the Obstacles to Affordable Housing in Connecticut,” experts were there in force looking to educate the audience of over 100 about the status of this program. Moderated by Hartford Courant columnist Rick Green, the panel included state and municipal officials, a developer, a land use attorney and a bank officer. Setting the stage was keynote speaker Diane Randall, who stressed that obstacles to affordable housing include financing and regulations – and resistance on the part of municipalities. She noted that the HOMEConnecticut program puts control in the hands of the towns. “Housing is where jobs go at night,” Randall stated, pointing out that education, health-
care, transportation and the workforce are all tied into the issue of affordable housing. Land use attorney Tim Hollister presented the audience with an overview (see box on page 14), summarizing that 16 towns have submitted a project plan and 33 have either received the $50,000 grant or are preparing a draft zoning regulation for an Incentive Housing Zone. In fact, Wallingford adopted the required zone regulation just the night before, March 23, with plans to move forward around the train station. For those in the homebuilding business who were present, Hollister called this a “great opportunity…the most active and dynamic process in housing right now.” He cited the benefits, including the underbuilt Connecticut market, lenders more willing to finance, faster permitting process, municipal process
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helped by builder participation, minimal impact on public schools, substantially property tax positive and – via the federal stimulus package – infrastructure improvements. Developer Liz Verna said there is a public perception that developers are “bad and not interested in helping communities.” Countering that, she claimed, “When communities and citizens fight, it increases housing costs. Housing becomes not affordable when developers have to pay so much to get the necessary approvals, and then the enduser (i.e., the homeowner) absorbs the cost.” She said there should be a way to streamline the process that is “efficient, consistent and predictable,” and she asked that “fairness, common sense and balance” be the rule for municipal boards and commissions. Speaking on behalf of one town, Westbrook, consultant Mike Cushing maintained that a good way to overcome the “political aspects” of the process is to have many open meetings “for the public and for the naysayers to have their say.” As for Westbrook, which has one of the $50,000 technical assistance grants, “We’ve got it covered,” he said. Old Saybrook town planner Christine Nelson maintained
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Housing
(From page 12)
that “many factors need to be aligned to make the project successful,” and she said her town is well on its way. Citing “top-down leadership, a notfor-profit community developer, a piece of available property, in-house resources and board and commission members who are on board,” the municipality has been able to use the $50,000 grant money for due diligence as it moves forward. Last to speak before the Q&A period was Chandler Howard, Liberty Bank president and CEO, who stressed the importance of the business community “being an active partner” in affordable
13
Town Times housing efforts. He reported that housing is one of the top three funding priorities for the bank’s foundation. “At the end of the day,” asserted Howard, “we can’t have a strong economy without a strong housing market. And we can’t have a strong housing market without affordable housing.” Audience questions During the question and answer period, one attendee talked about the “spider web of local approvals” as being part of the problem. Commissioner McDonald concurred, and she encouraged “regionalism” and “collapsing approvals” as two approaches. Randall, responding to a question about how communities can protect the quality of
trol…loving to get in the way”; the need for rehabbing and not just rebuilding; lowering taxes (not just housing costs) so that people can stay in the state; educating the community about misperceptions associated with affordable housing; residents not understanding the benefits of “less than high earners” living in their town. The fact that the two state officials were quick to judge local government prompted several during the Q&A to respond, challenging the DECD and DEP panelists. Middlesex Habitat for Humanity executive director Joyce Yarrow maintained that a “collapsing of the state approval process” is necessary. She talked about a piece of property in Middle-
life and still have development, called for a change in how towns look at this and how they approach the approval process. “You want to attract people with a moderate rate of income,” she maintained, stating that “mixed income communities” are a good thing. Picking up on that, one audience member stated that, although the representation is that the thrust is economic and political, it should be cultural; mixed income neighborhoods are OK and, in fact, are the way towns used to be. Other attendees expressed concern with associated issues – young families having to move back in with parents; local governments “loving their turf…loving the con-
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field where Habitat wants to rehab an existing home and has two approved families; however, the application has been “bogged down in the state process” since February 2008. “These are not just local problems,” she stressed. Locally, it would appear that at least Durham will not be moving forward with any higher density residential affordable housing initiative. Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission have voted twice – once in December and once in January – not to pursue the $50,000 technical assistance state grant to study the viability of such housing in Durham. (Middlefield P&Z discussed this in a meeting on March 25. See report on next page.)
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Middlefield Town Briefs
14
Some Connecticut housing statistics Housing prices increased 66 percent between 2000 and 2006. Higher percentage decrease of 25-34 year-olds than any other state since 1990 (30 percent decline between 1990 and 2006). Households earning median income unable to qualify for median sales price homes in 154 of 169 municipalities. Loss of nearly 21,000 one and two-bedroom units since 2000 (while four, five and six-bedroom homes have increased by 31,000). Statistics by www. HOMEConnecticut.org
We’re on the Web: http://www.towntimes.com
P&Z meets with David Fink to discuss housing grants The Planning and Zoning Commission met with the Partnership for Strong Community’s policy director, David Fink, during their March 25 meeting. Fink met with the commission to discuss the $50,000 housing study grant available through the state. Housing Authority members also attended to hear his presentation. Fink explained that the grant can offer up to $50,000 and so far 33 towns have received it with 16 applications pending. The purpose of the grant is to find locations for housing that can be supported with a family income of no more than 80 percent of median income for the area. This is one response to the state’s loss of 23-34 year olds, with Connecticut losing more than any other state in the country. Furthermore, because
Middlefield’s population is under 5,000, Fink noted that the town can get away with lower density numbers than larger towns – four units per acre rather than six. The state will also pay a $2,000 incentive for each unit allowed. He added that while the grant is funded through tax money, it’s still tax money that’s going back into the town. Fink also stressed to the commission that control is in their hands and that a town doesn’t need to move forward with any findings. In response to a question from Bill Charboneau of the Housing Authority, Fink noted that the town could also own any units built. While the town can’t restrict non-Middlefield residents from renting the housing, the money could be used for projects such as Sugarloaf II. The town also puts out the RFP for consultation and chooses what areas it wants studied. In the case of outside developers, a 30-year deed restriction insures that at least one out of five houses put up based on the study has
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to qualify as affordable housing. Another matter brought up by commissioners is whether or not the town can go back to the state for more funding if they do not use $50,000 the first time. Fink informed them that should the town only study a few select locations and later decide to look elsewhere, it can still apply for any funds remaining in the $50,000 grant. However, Fink was uncertain whether or not this grant will still be available in the coming fiscal year. P&Z Commission chairman Ken Hamilton suggested they move along with applying for the grant and suggested they put it on the agenda for their next meeting. Other business The commission also spoke with Sal Monarca about his property at 80 Industrial Access Road. Their issue with the property is that he’s storing equipment on a neighboring piece of town property and that he hasn’t built a storage shed as required by his
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certificate of occupancy. Monarca replied that he has moved equipment off the town property but is also seeking to purchase the parcel for his own use. As for the shed, he understood that it was optional. However, he stated his desire to cooperate as much as possible with the commission. While no action has yet been taken, the commission will put together a list of their concerns with the property and look into whether or not the shed is required or optional. It was further noted that, if the shed is required, Monarca can apply for a site plan revision. The neighboring town property will also need rezoning for industrial use should Monarca obtain it. An informal discussion with Raymond Terminni was also held, as Terminni wants to run a business out of his 185 Baileyville Road property. Terminni had a number of ideas that centered on offering cooking lessons, opening a restaurant or possibly putting in a bed and breakfast. He was told that private schools are an allowed use in the area and that offering cooking lessons should conform to the regulations should he seek a special permit for the site. A few other miscellaneous issues were addressed during the meeting. Marianne Corona asked the commission to look into the Strickland Farm property to ensure that the local businesses are conforming with their site plans, while commission member Bill Waff remarked that there are cars on the Route 66 garage property again. The commission agreed to have the ZEO look into these matters. (In attendnance/Chuck Corley)
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Middlefield Town Briefs
Committee stumbled into this mittee going to be there when issue in the course of their the server blows up? If it work on finding out what breaks down, I can do this by (Continued from page 1) town records should be re- myself. There will be a server tained, for how long and in the size of a Buick up there.” what form. In this computer Brayshaw also explained that free of it,” said Brayshaw. Following this, the eight age, that means looking at officials felt “comfortable” persons in attendance voted computer equipment, which with Withers and that he is unanimously to sell the par- ran the committee directly available to the town on an “a cel to the adjoining property into the brewing issue of what la carte” basis as needed to fix Whether he owners by July 22, contingent the town might do about the equipment. on the signing of a contract by ailing server. To get a handle comes in a timely fashion and all parties and the successful on hardware and software re- whether he answers officials’ quirements for retention of questions in the most helpful drilling of a new well. town records, the RRC invited way were debated by the variServer issue postponed The second item on the town computer consultant ous officials in attendance, inagenda of the town meeting – Mark Withers to one of their cluding finance director Joe “To consider the purchase of recent meetings. They ques- Geruch, Brayshaw, town a new, updated server to re- tioned the lack of specificity clerk Donna Golub and regisplace the current server for in the documents he provided trar of voters Barbara Rowe. the town of Middlefield” – did about what the town might Audience members were not go quite so smoothly. De- need in the way of computer also unhappy with the fact spite the low attendance, sev- hardware and software. that there were no numbers Accordingly, Marianne in eral audience members had the motion though major concerns centering on Corona, a member of that Brayshaw offered to amend it a recent meeting held by the committee, showed up at the to indicate that the equipRecords Retention Commit- town meeting to ask that offi- ment appropriation should be cials follow a bid process and “up to $15,000.” Corona retee (RRC). At issue is the fact, attested ask Withers for a specific list to by all, that the server at the of required computer hardTown Hall breaks down too ware so that the committee often and that the tax collec- and the citizens could comtor and the first selectman in pare. “We have several people particular are very worried who come forward and investabout what might happen af- ed themselves in this issue, ter July 1 when taxes come and we should listen to them,” due if there is no change in Corona said. the equipment. took AM exception lym_2colx5_tt_apr_6:Layout 1 Brayshaw 4/2/09 11:07 Page 1 The Records Retention to that and asked: “Is the com-
Mfld. BOS
sponded that such financial information should be in the motion and the warning of the town meeting. Following lengthy discussion, residents tabled the motion till the next selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday, April 21, at which time Brayshaw hopes for resolution. Regular meeting Because the town meeting took longer than expected and because selectman Dave Lowry was away, the other selectmen ran through the regular meeting agenda quite quickly. During public comment, audience member Bob Johnson asked if Brayshaw had asked the town employee unions for a wage freeze. Brayshaw replied that he had not, despite demanding a wage freeze for non-union and elected officials. He added, “I don’t like to break contracts.”
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Johnson responded that he is a union member, and his union members voted overwhelmingly to take less in wages than their contract specified to help out during difficult times. He passed along several articles from area newspapers detailing unions in other towns who had voted “to share the pain.” “All I’m asking is that you ask the unions about it,” Johnson concluded, and Brayshaw said that he would, while adding: “There are multiple ways to keep the budget stable while respecting agreements.” Brayshaw announced that a third round of Small Cities Housing Rehabilitation money has been allocated to the town. That makes another $300,000 available to residents who meet income
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Middlefield Town Briefs
Friday, April 10, 2009
Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Wednesday, April 15 7 p.m. — Inland Wetlands Commission Thursday, April 16 7 p.m. — Board of Finance Tuesday, April 21 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen 7 p.m. — Conservation Commission Wednesday, April 22 6 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Commission Monday, April 27 11:30 a.m. — Housing Commission at Sugarloaf Terrace Wednesday, April 29 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Korn School Monday, May 4 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at CRHS 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen Tuesday, May 5 6 a.m.-8 p.m. — Referendum on District 13 education budget; vote at the Community Center 7:30 p.m. — Midstate Planning, 100 DeKoven Dr., Middletown
Mfld. BOS (Continued from page 15) guidelines to make repairs to their Middlefield homes. Interested residents should contact Joe Geruch at Town Hall. A letter has been sent to property owners along Route 66 by the Economic Development Commission concerning a meeting to be held to discuss development along the refurbished road. Mike Waller was reappointed to the New Haven Visitors Bureau and Howard Weissberg was appointed an
alternate on the Inland Wetlands Commission. Constable Scott Halligan has applied for a promotion to Officer First Class and that appointment will be granted at the selectmen’s next meeting on April 21. Finally, an open house at Powder Ridge has been scheduled for Saturday, April 18, so that townspeople “can see what they bought,” said Brayshaw. The gates will be open from 8 a.m. till noon.
Board of Finance Budget workshopping continued on Thursday, April 2,
with the Board of Finance meeting with sanitarian Lee Vito. The main issue they wanted to review with Vito was the First Selectman’s proposal for Vito to serve as the Wetlands Enforcement Officer and Emergency Incident Manager. Vito informed the board that he never said he didn’t have enough to do in his current job, merely that he could squeeze in some additional work. He added that this is in part because he’s already out in the field, anyway, where a Wetlands Enforcement Officer may be needed. Despite this, the board noted that the role of the WEO shouldn’t be intertwined fully with the sanitarian. Member Paul Pizzo said the board should speak with the Selectmen about looking for another WEO and to discuss the matter further with labor counsel. As for Vito serving as Emergency Incident Manager, Vito stated that were he to chose between the roles, he’d rather serve as WEO. Vito shared another matter with Municipal Agent Antoinette Astle. Both were asked if they would be willing to accept a pay freeze for the coming fiscal year. Both were agreeable to the proposal, but the decision rests in the union’s hands. The board noted that while the board can’t reduce union pay, they can remove positions if necessary and suggested that the
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Basic computer classes are being offered in May on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. for Middlefield seniors (if space permits non-residents may be put on a waiting list). These classes will cover basic computer and internet. Please call the center to register as space is very limited. Please register by April 17. A Wii system is now in place at the Center. Wii bowling will be introduced on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. No registration is required, just stop in to learn about this new and fun version of physical fitness. On Wednesday, April 29, Middlefield State Trooper Tom Topulos will have lunch with the seniors. Following lunch he will discuss protecting yourself from scams, identity theft, your personal and household safety and what crimes have been committed in our area. If you would like to join us for this very informative afternoon, please make your reservation by Friday, April 24. Complementary lunch, at noon, will be provided by the Senior Center. The AARP Safe Driving Course will be held on Thursdays, May 14 and 21. The cost for this course is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Bring a snack or light lunch to the class. The class will be taught by Ray Flynn of Durham. Registration and payment is due by
See Seniors, next page
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Board of Selectmen at least look into union pay freezes, with emphasis placed on involving the teacher’s union. As for the rest of Astle’s budget, she reported that she will no longer have an assistant for the coming year as the grant that paid for it in 2008-2009 is no longer available. The main increase Astle noted was in the Senior Social Services category in order to better fund the Eddie Shelter. However, the whole category is down $300 from $3,040 as other associated line items have been reduced. As with other departments, the board also asked what Astle needs to fund her conferences. Astle reported that $200 should suffice. The board asked the same question of the Registrars, who reported that $1,500 should suffice for their conferences. However, while they have $800 in their Election Expenses line item, they stated it probably won’t cover everything as the state is no longer paying for phone lines, memory cards and other election expenses. They made no additional request, only noting that the current amount likely won’t cover their needs. The Registrars did request an increase in their paid hours. Barbara Rowe stated that while their pay covered the amount of work they put into an election 15-20 years ago, it no longer sufficed due to the additional work they must put in. She and Barbara-Jean DiMauro asked for $20,000 to cover the hours worked during an election. (Chuck Corley)
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Town Briefs
Seniors
(From page 16)
May 8. When registering for this course, please have available your AARP member’s number. Space is limited so sign up early. Call Antoinette Astle to sign up for any programs or lunch offered at the Senior Center at (860) 349-7121.
Writing class The six-week memoir writing session sponsored by the Durham Senior Board and slated to begin in mid-April has been postponed until the fall. Call Jan Muraca at (860) 349-3153 with any questions.
To all residents and businesses: As you know, the town of Durham has implemented a state-of- the-art notification system to alert you about emergencies and other important community news. The Safer Durham system, provided by 3N Global, enables the Town of Durham to provide essential information quickly in a variety of situa-
communicate with you when needed. It will also give you a opportunity to know what to expect when called. What to Expect Using the Public Resident Phone List and the additional information you provided if you signed up for the system, the system will send the following message, starting with your Home Phone, Mobile Phone(s) and Email Address provided. When your phone rings, the Caller ID will say TOWN
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Middlefield Children’s Center has been in the community for over 20 years and recently expanded to offer five days of programming. Middlefield Children’s Center is currently accepting enrollment for three- and fouryear-olds and is continuing its kindergarten enrichment program. Call Ann for more information at (860) 349-0202.
tions, such as severe weather, fires, floods, unexpected road closures, or evacuation of buildings or neighborhoods. I am happy to report that the Emergency Management Department working with the help of town agencies and 3N Global, has finished the implementation of the system. Last month all Durham residents received a mailer that provided information for you to sign up to the system by the town website, via phone or filling out the form and dropping it off at the Town Hall. If you need another copy of the mailer or did not receive one, please stop by the Town Clerk’s office. On Saturday April 11, at 11:30 a.m., we will be sending all Durham residents a test/welcome message from the Safer Durham System. We would appreciate your participation in this test. This is a very important step for us to ensure that the system is working and ready to help us
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Durham Town Briefs
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Friday, April 10, 2009
Durham Government Calendar
TAG SALE CONNECTICUT’S LARGEST! Saturday, April 18, 2009 Under the Festival Tent Hubbard Park, West Main Street, Meriden, CT 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Durham
- rain or shine Join friends & neighbors, get rid of that old dresser, lawn mower, Sonny’s comic collection, Grandma’s old Crock Pot ... you know, the stuff you “are going to use someday” ... or come by to browse & buy at the area’s largest tag sale ... and while you’re at it, take a stroll through historic Hubbard Park among the 600,001 blooming daffodils ...
For only $20.00 you can rent a 10’x10’ space under the Festival tent, including 1 table. Additional tables are available for $10.00 each. Set-up is at 7:00 AM - all items to be removed by 3:00 PM (no exceptions)
+++++++++++++ HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ONLY
+++++++++++++ NO COMMERCIAL VENDORS
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APPLICATION FOR SPACE ADDRESS: PHONE: SPACE REQUIRED:
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(From page 17)
Our emergency service departments have implemented this program because your safety is our paramount concern. Should an emergency occur, we have the ability to immediately notify residents and businesses in a matter of minutes. For questions or more information regarding the Safer Durham notification system, please visit our website at www.townofdurhamct.org or call my office at Town Hall. Again, thank you for signing up for the Safer Durham notification system. Press 1 to confirm you received this message.” When you confirm that you received the message, you can hang up. It’s important to do this step so that we know that we reached you.
American Legion Post 184 looking for new members
NAME:
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 4/10/09
(All meetings will be held at the Durham Library unless otherwise noted. ) Friday, April 10 7:30 p.m. — Historical Society at the Centre Schoolhouse Monday, April 13 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen at Coginchaug 7:30 p.m. — Inland Wetlands Commission 8 p.m. — Annual town budget hearing at Coginchaug Tuesday, April 14 7:30 p.m. — Library Board of Trustees 8 p.m. — Fire Company at the firehouse Wednesday, April 15 7:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday, April 16 7 p.m. — Water Commission at Town Hall
On Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m. the Durham American Legion (Post 184) will have a meeting at the Durham Library. The American Legion is comprised of U.S. armed forces veterans. The Durham Legion conducts quarterly meetings and takes part in several events throughout the year. The American Legion is also responsible for the planning of the annual Durham Memorial Day parade. You will also join fellow veterans in helping to advance issues that are important to all veterans. Plans for the Memorial Day Parade and decorating veterans’ graves with flags will be discussed. All prospective and
present members are encouraged to attend. Please contact adjutant Dan Murphy at (860) 349-1304 for additional information. If you can’t join us on April ``11, please feel free to call Bob Francis at (860) 349-0881 and get more information about the organization.
Durham P&Z discusses expansion of Air Line Drive business The Planning and Zoning Commission met April 1 with Jim Cassidy of Pearson and Cassidy, as well as Frank Dorrick of Hobson and Motzer, to discuss expanding facilities on 30 Air Line Drive. The businesses propose putting in a 22,940 square foot addition for equipment onto the existing 43,403 square foot building. The expansion would take up the parking lot to the east of the current building; the applicants also asked to increase the size of the southern parking lot by 50 spaces to make up for the loss of the eastern lot. Furthermore, they proposed putting in an additional 50 feet of pavement to store up to five trailers on the site with room to maneuver. While the zoning commission expressed their desire for the company to stay in town, they chose to hold off on a vote until April 15 due to reviews from the town engineer and sanitarian regarding on-site septic and receiving an easement to link their southern parking lot property to the building, as they are on opposite sides of the street. Town
See Durham P&Z, page 42
Volume 15, Issue 7
Coginchaug Regional High School
April 10, 2009
Taking a Peep at Easter By Meghan Woolley I love Easter. I’m sure many oth- the only way that peeps are making er people would say the same people smile. thing. People everywhere love The simple joy of finding a packEaster for its religious significance, age of peeps in my Easter basket is for the candy, for time with family enough to keep me grinning for and friends, but my favorite thing days, or at least until I’ve eaten all about Easter is the peeps. of them. What could be better to You may not think that peeps are bring some color and delight to a that significant, but they have simple basket? Nothing against jelplayed a very important role both ly beans, but they just don’t smile within and outside of Easter. First, the same way that peeps do. they helped raise awareness of and Whether you prefer the chicks or combat poverty in Bangladesh. the rabbits, their faces are John Green, an author and popular adorable. These heavenly offspring youtuber, promised to eat one peep of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the for every $10 donated to the Uncul- Easter Bunny are experts at thrilling tured Project, an “experiment in your taste buds and looking great community” that is working to re- doing it. lieve extreme poverty, particularly The only downside I can think of in Bangladesh. Over $3000 dollars is that, because they contain gelawere raised in the given time peri- tin, peeps are off-limits for strict od, so I don’t envy John Green or vegetarians. Luckily, I’ve thought of the stomachache he’ll have. a great solution. Vegetarians can Of course, who can forget the buy peeps, have the pleasure of various creative ways that peeps looking at them, and then give them have been shown, for example, as a gift. That way, you can also ex“Lord of the Peeps,” a parody of perience the joy of giving. If anyone Lord of the Rings. This story, is looking for a peep-recipient, I’m through pictures, showed a humor- sure I can help out with that too. ous (and delicious) side to the tale And if any of the vegetarians out of good versus evil. After all, what’s there don’t like eating things that remore important than making people semble animals, you can send your smile? Of course, parodies aren’t chocolate bunnies my way, too.
Three Trash Cans?! By Hannah Bober ECO students and other ecoloYou may’ve thought St. Patrick’s Day was in the past, but Cogin- gy/economy-minded faculty and stuchaug is still getting greener. Begin- dents hope not only to cut down on ning after April break, the school will trash, but to emphasize recycling implement a new recycling program throughout the school. Plans to eduthat includes a special composting cate the student body and teachers sector. Thanks to environmentally include a short assembly on the imresponsible school administrators, portance of heeding the new sysCoginchaug has teamed up with tem, as well as posters and/or Global Environmental Services to demonstrations showing everyone cut down on waste. Not only does how materials are sorted. Many this include the all new compost op- Coginchaug-ians have expressed tion (which is actually much more in- their displeasure with the current reclusive than many home compost cycling set up, in which many dissystems), but it also involves updatSee Trash, page 25 ing items allowed in paper recycling.
From left, juniors Jaci Adams, Sarah Hopkins, Mark Flanner and Alyssa Marone take the anchor chairs at the WFSB Channel 3 news desk. The group won a special award for their video that they produced in Ms. Robin Fox’s TV production class. Photo courtesy of Ms. Fox.
Coginchaug Video Students Honored by Channel 3 News By Dan Bergstrom On Thursday, February 26, el of around twenty judges. It’s unbiCoginchaug students Alyssa ased and shows them that others Marone, Garrett Ercolani, Sarah think their video is effective and is a Hopkins, Jaci Adams and Mark quality piece.” Flannery were presented with a speThe students received a grant for cial award from WFSB News Chan- $1000 to help promote safer driving. nel 3. The video that the students Principal Dr. Steve Wysowski, who produced was entered into a also attended, said, “I’m very proud statewide contest and specifically of the students, and I think that they addressed the new safe driving laws did a wonderful job. This money will for teens. The students placed third be used for the promotion of safer overall in the competition. teenage driving; this includes awareTelevision production and special ness about cell phone usage, drug education teacher Ms. Robin Fox and alcohol usage, and specifics of said, “It’s great that these kids are the laws newly in effect.” able to experience a reward for their The students’ video can be found work that’s not academic. This was online at: http://www.ct.gov/teenan outside assessment from a pan- driving/videos.
Visit us on the web at: www.crhsnews.org
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Devil’s Advocate
Friday, April 10, 2009
How will you spend April vacation? Inquiring photographers want to know! Editors-in-Chief: Meghan Woolley and Hannah Bober
By Mackenzie Hurlbert, Tyler Greenbacker and Pierce Watson
Contributors: Taylor Maus Dan Bergstrom Jennie Ochterski Hannah Bober Natalie Sabino Tyler Greenbacker Chris Struchowski Mackenzie Hurlbert Ruth Vizard Morgan Jacques Pierce Watson Mike Markoski Meghan Woolley Production: Meghan Woolley Advisors: Mr. Nate Fisher and Mrs. Sue VanDerzee The Devil’s Advocate is the Coginchaug High School newspaper. These pages are the creation and expression of the students. All students are welcome to contribute.
“I’m taking my kids to the Muse“I’m going to hang out with my um of Science in Boston and also to the aquarium,” said Math teacher friends. Maybe go over my dad’s house,” said sophomore Julian Mr. Craig Bradinini. Pasquale.
Administrators Say Economic Outlook to Affect Budget By Christopher Struchowski
With the current state of the economy, the budget for Regional School District 13 is something that many people are thinking about. So what changes are planned for Coginchaug in the proposed budget? "One of the changes is the addition of a part time library assistant," said RSD13 Superintendent Mrs. Susan Vicarro "Another change is that some money will be cut from the athletic department, but none of it will be noticeable to the students. I do not expect any cuts in after school programs." "This year we have a very lean budget," said Principal Steve Wysowski. "I hear parents and they are concerned, but understanding and pleased that we have not devastated any programs. The cuts in the budget are mostly in supplies. We are also losing an uncertified teacher spot." With the state of the current econ-
omy, it is understandable that the budget this year will be smaller. "The economy has affected the budget in a big way," said Mrs. Vicarro "This is the lowest budget I have ever come in with. We are laying off three teachers [in the district] and cutting one and a half teacher assistant jobs."
“I’m going on a fishing trip with my dad,” said sophomore Jayson Gribko.
“I’m going to go camping with some of my friends and maybe listen to some Steppenwolf,” said junior Cody Given.
"Everybody's frightened," said Principal Steve Wysowski. "There's a trickle down effect. The states are not sure about their funds, so schools can't be sure of theirs. The Board of Ed has done a masterful job of keeping the integrity." At the April 7 public hearing, the BOE voted to move the proposed budget to the referendum on May 5 without making any additional cuts or changes. Durham and Middlefield voters will have the chance to vote on the budget at that time.
“I’m going on the California field I’m looking forward to the warmer weather, being outside and wear“I’m going to stay at my dad’s ing lighter clothes,” said gym house. I’ll probably just going to chill teacher Mr. Bob Nemphos. out,” said junior Kevin Kowalski.
We’re on the Web: http://www.crhsnews.org
Devil’s Advocate Your source for school news and events
“I’m going to be doing a lot of re“Over the vacation, I’m hoping to laxing over vacation. I won’t be doget out and plant in my gardens,” ing too much,” said Spanish said administrative assistant Mrs. teacher Ms. Kate Martino. Janet Thompson.
Friday, April 10, 2009
21
Devil’s Advocate
Wrappers’ Delight
By Pierce Watson Adam Sandler and Chris Farley more sandwiches. There is always once did a comedy sketch for Sat- room for expansion and improveurday Night Live called Lunch Lady ment.” Land. It made fun of the normally Thanks to a couple George below average food served by Foreman grills, one can also order school cafeterias. Thankfully at several different kinds of hot sandCoginchaug, our cafeteria serves wiches including the now famous mouth-watering, quality food. chicken quesadillas. Over the past two years, the The idea came from the school Coginchaug lunch staff has made food directo, Mark Basil, who is the considerable changes to the menu. mastermind behind the new café They have changed from the basic options. “We’ve had a lot of cool, pizza, pasta, fries and breadsticks new additions,” said Debi Johnson. to a plethora of new and improved “Kids really seem to like the new items. One can now order a mon- food. I’ve seen a lot of new faces strous wrap, a meatball sub, a up here especially since the quespicy chicken sandwich or a steak sadillas were introduced.” and cheese sandwich. The Coginchaug cafeteria has “We are always adding to what impressed students with their new we have,” said cafeteria worker food. Hopefully they continue to Debi Johnson. “Currently, we are impress with even more improved thinking about introducing even entrees.
Coginchaug Students Bring CPR to Conference By Dan Bergstrom
“You can count the number of high school students in the nation that have presented at seminars such as the third annual Literary Conference on your hands,” said Mr. Kris Nystrom, English teacher at CRHS. “The students were spectacular at the conference, and it’s incredibly difficult to stand up in front of college professors and explain a completely new literary strategy.” Seniors Rachel Lang, Allison Neuberger, and Meghan Woolley co-wrote a paper with Mr. Nystrom about the process of recognizing and categorizing an image. This process is called CPR, and it’s something that the UConn English class has been working with throughout the year. “CPR helps bring a piece of literature to life, because when a piece of text is sitting on paper it is dead,” said Mr. Nystrom. “We have a recognition system with images, more so than any other generation because of the Internet. When we see a picture, we have a space of time that is incredibly small where we recognize the image. CPR looks at that time, the process of recognizing what an image can be and giving it a name. Each of the students was assigned a different aspect; a static and older picture, a contemporary picture like an ad and plain text. Each student applied the process of CPR and analyzed the
results of it. While this process hasn’t been scientifically tested, the purpose of the conference is to introduce new ideas into the field. Hopefully someone will choose to expand on the process and give it hard evidence.” The Literacy Conference was held at Central Connecticut State University on Saturday, March 21. “Rachel, Allison and Meghan were spectacular in their presentations, and it’s hard to get up in front of your peers, much less the greatest minds in the field of literacy techniques,” said Mr. Nystrom. “Professionals do this all the time, and it gives each of them valuable experience in co-writing a paper and in presenting to a seminar.” “I feel really accomplished, and proud to have been a part of the publication of Mr. Nystrom’s paper,” Rachel said. “It was a really fun experience.” “It was really unlucky that we were placed in the same timeslot as the key speaker for the conference, David Berliner,” said Allison. (Berliner is one of the most respected educational researchers.) “However, we did get a large number of people who came to the presentation anyway, and they really seemed to understand it.” “It raised a lot of interest with the participants,” Meghan said, “and the buzz got all the way back to one of the two chairs of the conference!”
Coginchaug Students Take Physics for a Ride By Natalie Sabino “Enjoyable,” said senior Alyssa Deegan, “Better than other projects.” Alyssa was describing the physics roller coaster project. The project was to build a scale model of a roller coaster. “In all my years at Coginchaug, I have seen roller coasters in Mrs. Anderson’s room. I finally got to make my own,” said senior Ruth Vizard. The roller coaster project was enjoyable, yet educational to the students. “The project helped me understand the subject a lot more, how to calculate different things on a roller coaster,” said Ruth. Some students didn’t really know what to do with parts of the project. “I really liked it, but I had a tough time coming up with how to make the track,” said senior Chelsea Veranis. It wasn’t the regular type of project, it was very involved and the students had to get creative. This led to a project that may have cost more than other projects normally would. “It was an expensive project,” said senior Rachel Lang. She was glad that her parents would abide with the extra funds. Luckily there was a snow day a couple days before the project was due, which was helpful for some students. “The snow day gave me some extra time to work on the project, which saved me in the long run,” said senior James Carmichael. “I had time to paint and prep the roller coaster.” The guidelines to the roller coaster project were that it had to be a scale model or a poster. It had to
obey the law of physics. “Over all, the project was a little overwhelming and time consuming, but it came out well,” said physics teacher Mrs. Ericka Anderson. “I had a great time, but stayed up till 2:30 in the morning,” said James. The original idea of this project came from when Mrs. Anderson was student teaching in New Hampshire. Her cooperative teacher did a similar project. She tweaked it over the years to make it an opportunity for the students to be creative and artistic while learning physics . This year there were secret judges. They judged the roller coaster on their design theme, artistic medium and creativity. Students went into Mrs. Anderson’s classroom just to look at the roller coasters. They are fun to look at and see all the different themes and ideas. Mrs. Anderson wrote an article about the project for an assignment for her sixth year degree. It was submitted to The Connecticut Journal of Science Education. The journal is a physical science journal for teachers looking for resources and activities for conservation of energy concepts. The journal is published two times per year and sent out to science teachers. Mrs. Anderson’s article was called Energy Transformation and Amusement Park- Physics. Mrs. Anderson was published along with Matt DeRosa, who was a senior last year. He wrote an article for the newspaper about the project.
Visit us on the web at: www.crhsnews.org
22
Devil’s Advocate
Choral Night Spins Jigs and Reels By Morgan Jacques
A night of Irish singing and laughter brought the community together on March 24. Choral Night took place at 7 p.m. that night in the CRHS auditorium. Guests Connecticut state troubadour Tom Callanan and folksinger Ann Shapiro performed with grades five to 12 chorus students of Regional School District 13. Tickets were free and each student was allowed two to three of them for family to attend. Choral teacher at Memorial Middle School, Mr. Allen Schulenberg, conducted fifth and sixth grade chorus students through their song, “McNamara’s Band” (Words by John J. Stamford and music by Shamus O’Connor, arranged by Mark Brymer.) “I think the students’ hard work and desire to make a beautiful choral sound will be evident in tonight’s concert,” said Mr. Schulenberg before the concert. “I can’t think of a more wonderful thing than a
community joining together in an evening of song!” The Coginchaug chorus students from grades nine to twelve sang Irish folk songs “Molly Malone” and “Whiskey in a Jar.” Strong Middle School students’ grades seven and eight performed their own song as well, the old folk tune “Gypsy Rover.” “It was a really fun song to sing,” eighth grader (and my sister) Kelsey Jacques said after the concert that night. Other songs performed by the entire chorus included “The Rattlin’ Bog,” “Fiddle-Me-Ooree-Ooree-Ay,” “The Unicorn,” “When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” “Bill Grogan’s Goat” and “Drill ye Tarriers Drill.” Choral night was a successful and entertaining concert worth going to see. Every year Choral Night’s a blast because chorus classes from all different grades get together and sing a loud, incredible concert that blows the crowd away.
Calling All Graduates! By Mike Markoski At the turn of the semester, sen- what path the group takes within the iors begin to make plans for life after community. “I want to get all the Coginchaug. Whether or not stu- alumni involved and hear what they dents that graduate from high want to do,” said Dr. Wysowski. school are on the road to college, “I want to get the word out that we life will inevitably change drastically. are Coginchaug,” explained Dr. There will no longer be teachers, Wysowski. “Obviously I am biased, guidance counselors or parents but I think that we have a good prodconstantly monitoring the progress uct.” Although anyone currently livof students. Although there are a ing within the community would be number of graduating students who deemed biased, many people share claim that they are ready to leave the same view concerning Coginhigh school to move on from its pa- chaug. These claims can be supternalistic atmosphere, Principal Dr. ported by recent graduation rates Steve Wysowski is currently organ- for Coginchaug, which have been izing a CRHS Alumni group, so that hovering around 90 percent in past graduates can come back and hon- years. Also, a great majority of or what they accomplished during those graduated students go onto their academic years. pursue a degree in higher educa“I want to form an active alumni tion. Dr. Wysowski explained that association, not for fundraising, but these academic accomplishments, more for the community,” said Dr. along with the many contributions to Wysowski. “I want to get them in- the community, can be greater exvolved with the children that are emplified with an official alumni coming up.” Although the plans are group. still in the preliminary stages, the asThe plans concerning the group sociation would aim fully towards are still being organized, but any the community, not towards finan- dedicated alumni are welcomed cial matters. and encouraged to join. To get the The idea sparked during this word out about what Coginchaug is year’s Scholarship Ball, an event really about, this group will need that many Coginchaug alumni at- committed individuals to join and tended. If these alumni, or any oth- represent what is considered a very ers that live in this community impressive district. Alumni interested in joining the choose to join and support the new group, they will have a say in what new CRHS Alumni Association direction the group takes. The active should contact Dr. Steve Wysowski members in the group will choose at swysowski@rsd13.org.
Friday, April 10, 2009 Celebrating St. Pat: Back row, from left, Ms. Kate Martino, Ms. Marilyn Horn, Ms. Donna Cashore, Ms. Mary Sersanti, Ms. Nancy Alberico; front, Ms. Marissa Thurston and Ms. Jackie Lejoly-Hendricks.
St. Patrick’s Day at Coginchaug By Mackenzie Hurlbert Everyone knows that time of land; historians believe this is simply spring when the smell of corned an exaggeration which probably beef and cabbage floats through the started as a metaphor. The common air and their vision turns into a hazy belief that St. Patrick, the patron shade of kelly green. While sham- Saint of Ireland, introduced Chrisrocks pepper doors and windows, tianity to the Celts is also false. In children keep their eyes peeled for fact, St. Patrick was a missionary the mischievous leprechaun con- who worked with a group of Irish stantly guarding his vat of treasure, Christians already living on the isand Irish-Americans salute their her- land, but he is responsible and deitage with a cheer. St. Patrick’s Day serves credit for spreading the reliis a symbol of Irish heritage in the gion throughout Ireland. He was U.S., but the Irish themselves have born in Britain into a prosperous extremely different traditions when it family. He was later taken prisoner comes to the day of their patron at age 16 by Irish raiders, and worksaint’s death. Corned beef is seldom ing as a shepherd, he spent six eaten in Ireland, and leprechauns, years in captivity. He escaped after cantankerous souls depicted in the six years and walked 200 miles Celtic folklore as the menders of from County Mayo, where he was fairy shoes, weren’t the chubby, believed to have been held, to the cheerful little men we see on TV ads Irish coast. St. Patrick returned to Britain, but he decided to head back and cereal boxes. Many Coginchaug students cele- to Ireland to be a missionary when brate St. Patrick’s Day in their own an angel spoke to him in a dream. way. Senior Deanne Wallace said, He is most famous for spreading his “We have corned beef and cabbage Christian beliefs peacefully, and he blended Christianity with Druid befor dinner.” “We have a special dinner and we liefs to make it easier for the Celts to wear green,” said teacher Mr. Craig adjust to the “new” religion. Bradanini. The first St. Patrick’s Day took Corned beef became a St. Patty’s place in the U.S. on March 17, 1761, Day tradition in the late 1800s to the when Irish soldiers marched through early 1900s when Irish-Americans the streets to celebrate the anniverliving in the lower east side of New sary of the death of Saint Patrick. York couldn’t afford the traditional Since then, Irish-Americans have Irish bacon, and they were forced to celebrated the holiday, and during buy the cheapest meat possible the St. Patrick’s Day season of which was, at the time, corned beef. 2007, the U.S. sold 41.5 billion Cabbage, on the other hand, has al- pounds of corned beef and 2.6 billion pounds of cabbage. ways been a common Irish dish. The cheerful leprechaun is a The Coginchaug staff held their purely American invention, and it own Saint Patrick’s Day feast, orwas introduced in 1959 when Walt ganized by the world language deDisney filmed the movie Darby partment. It included a corned beef O’Gill & the Little People. The sham- dinner cooked by English teacher rock, a plant associated with St. Pat- Mr. Nate Fisher, a cake baked by ty’s Day and Ireland, has been used French teacher Ms. Jacqueline as a symbol for Irish nationalism. Lejoly-Hendricks, Irish soda bread Also, the shamrock is considered a baked by school psychologist Ms. sign of rebirth and spring in Celtic Stacy DellaCamera, buffalo chicken lore. dip made by Spanish teacher Ms. St. Patrick also has some myths Nancy Alberico, brownies made by woven in with his history. First of all, Spanish teacher Ms. Kate Martino, he didn’t banish snakes from Ire- and much more.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Get WISE: Staging Success By Ruth Vizard The famous comedy and tragedy masks are symbols dating back to ancient Greek theater. It is difficult to believe that simple plays in ancient Greece have developed into high-tech performances complete with high voltage lights and special effects. Senior Rachel Lang has been involved in theater for many years and is planning to establish a career for herself in that field. Rachel’s WISE project is very unique in that it involves many other students in Coginchaug. She is directing a play. Going to School is a comedy starring Bill Neidhardt who plays the role of Nick, a high school graduate who is on his way to college, escorted by his wacky family. Senior Emily Ide acts as Nick’s overprotective mother and junior Bobby Ober is the strict father. Seniors Allison Neuburger and Alyssa Onofreo are Nick’s younger sisters. The play is not only fun to watch, the actors say it is enjoyable to be in as well. “I’m a little girl in the play, and it’s a really fun part to act out,” Allison said. “I love being able to be a little kid again.” “I’ve enjoyed working on this play with my friends,” Bill said. “It’s a really fun script and everyone should come see the show.” “My character is the grandmother, and it’s perfect for me,” senior Chelsea Veranis said. “Everyone’s character really fits their personalities.” The cast members agree that the grandmother is definitely a humorous character. Rachel has been involved in many plays at Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown, which is where she got into acting. “I directed a play at Oddfellows, and that’s when I was introduced to playscripts.com, which is a website that you can order lots of scripts off of,” Rachel said. “You search the criteria you want, and you get results back which you can order.” Directing Going to School proved a little more difficult to organize than Rachel anticipated. It is a different situation to organize rehearsals at Oddfellows than to plan around people’s busy schedules. “It’s really frustrating to work with high school students because everyone has such busy schedules,” Rachel said. Rachel’s WISE project reflects how much she loves acting and the theater. She is one of the fortunate seniors who knows what she wants to go to school for. “Nothing else in life interests me as much as theater,” Rachel said. “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” Devil’s Advocate reporter Ruth Vizard played Clare in Going to School, performed at Coginchaug on April 3.
23
Devil’s Advocate
Get WISE: About Drugs and Alcohol
By Ruth Vizard This is the third article in a series profiling Her project focuses on spending more class this year’s group of 2009 seniors and their time on drugs and alcohol in order to more WISE projects. A WISE project is an exten- thoroughly teach about the dangers they sive research and learning opportunity for pose to the human body. seniors. Students doing WISE learn about a Alyssa believes that more class time on topic of their choice by reaching out to the these subjects will help children develop the community and interviewing people with ex- confidence they will need when they are oldpertise in the topic. Learn about previously er to stay away from using drugs and alcoprofiled WISE project seniors like Deanne hol. “The current fourth grade curriculum Wallace by going to the Devil’s Advocate only requires teachers to spend a few days wesite at www.crhsnews.org. on it, instead of a good amount of classes,” Every day, young people try drugs or al- Alyssa said. As part of her WISE project, Alyssa is forcohol for the first time. For many of them, this will become a regular activity. Why is this mulating lesson plans. “I want to put my own such a predictable trend? What can educa- twist to it, so kids have more fun learning,” tors do to make children less vulnerable to She said. “This way, when they get into peer pressure and drug abuse? Coginchaug higher grades, they are less prone to peer senior Alyssa Deegan is doing a WISE proj- pressure and less likely to drink.” “I’m not quite sure what I’m doing for my ect and hopes to answer these questions. “I want to change the drug and alcohol See WISE Lessons, page 25 curriculum for fourth graders,” Alyssa said.
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24
Devil’s Advocate
Friday, April 10, 2009
Sports ‘Love’ means nothing to these girls.
1,000 for Buckey
By Mackenzie Hurlbert With a team of 30 girls, 10 of lot of matches in practice to prepare whom are freshmen, Coach Amy our players for competitive tennis.” Shaefer, has a lot to handle for the Coginchaug’s first tennis match 2009 girls’ tennis season. will be on April 8 at Old Lyme, and it “I’m keeping all 30 of them,” will be for the girls’ and boys’ tennis Coach Schaefer said. As far as teams. All tennis games will be away records show, this year’s team is the due to the fact that our courts are largest tennis squad in three years, cracked and claimed as unfit for any and Coach Schaefer plans that by home games; furthermore, let’s just the time this year’s freshmen be- say both tennis teams are eagerly come seniors in 2012 “We’re hope- looking forward to the upcoming fully going to be one of the better track project, which will include new teams in the league.” tennis courts. Co-captain and senior Kate Clark Junior Emily Fields is another new has been playing tennis for Cogin- addition to the team this year. When chaug since her sophomore year. asked about the upcoming game Last year she ranked third in our Fields replied, “Oh, I’m very nervschool’s top singles, and this year ous.” Fields has been playing tennis she’s ranked first. “I’m really nerv- for fun, but she’s never played comous, but I’m excited because I’ve petitively before. “I love tennis bebeen playing matches during the cause it gets me outside exercising winter to prepare for this season,” and having fun with friends.” said Kate. “Playing with the team is Freshman Melissa Gerardi is also much more fun.” nervous for her first competitive “Kate Clark will definitely be some- game. She played intramural tennis one to watch this year,” said Ms. at Strong, and she also plays with Schaefer. “She’s one of our top play- friends and family outside of school. ers.” The best part of playing tennis is the Also, senior Erica Hill started play- adrenaline rush and need to win,” ing for the tennis team this year, and said Melissa. “Tennis will always be Coach Schaefer said that she will be a fun sport to me whether competisomeone to watch because of her tively or for fun.” athleticism and competitiveness. Chelsea Tuttle, a Coginchaug jun“You need to be competitive to win ior, has been playing tennis since in tennis,” said Ms. Schaefer. Fresh- freshman year. “Tennis is great bemen to look out for on Coginchaug cause you get to meet people in tennis courts are Ashley Penn and grades you usually wouldn’t meet,” Melissa Conway, two new players said Chelsea. Ms. Schaefer believes will be sucThis year’s tennis team is comcessful. prised of 30 girls who are all pasThe girls have been practicing for sionate about the sport. Currently, about a week now, and they are they are practicing running, serving mainly focusing on conditioning and and hitting drills to prepare for the getting ready for competitive tennis. away game at Old Lyme on April 8. “Tennis is a mental game,” said “It’s fun, and this is a good group of Coach Schaefer. “We’ll be doing a girls,” said junior Katie Smith.
By Pierce Watson
The year was 1999 and I was a third grader at Korn Elementary School. From the first time I picked up a basketball, I couldn’t get enough of it. I started playing Durham recreation basketball that year, and I was building up a lot of confidence in my game and my shot. I considered myself one of the best players on my team, and I loved playing every Saturday morning. However, the inevitable happened. I played a small, quick, slashing, sharpshooter named Matt “Buckey” Biesak for the first time in my life. After the game, my dad and I went out for a late breakfast at a diner. I sat in disbelief asking my Dad, “How he could be so good?” I couldn’t understand how they could let him play in the league. As the years went on, Matt only got better. He would dominate the recreation games so incredibly that sometimes it wasn’t even fun. In one game, he had so many steals and points, that the director of the league came out to play defense on him. He still kept scoring. Ten years later, Matt has become only the sixth player in Coginchaug history to rack up 1,000 career points. He started scoring those points as a freshman coming off the bench. He was the sixth man, and if it weren’t for the amazing starting five on Coginchaug that year and the next, he probably would have started. On Thursday, March 12, in a secBy Jennie Ochterski ond round state tournament game The outdoor track season is up Although many people are overcom- against Stafford High School, he hit and running and ready for some ing injuries, morale is never low on his thousandth point as a high tough competition. Already a week Coginchaug’s track and fields. “We all schooler on a three-pointer, which is and a half into the season, the support each other and work together Coginchaug girls’ outdoor team has as a team,” explains Taylor Maus. been training hard through gorgeous “That’s what makes us special.” 60 degree days and drizzling cold. Track covers many different On field day, freshmen and people events, including sprinting, distance trying track for the first time got to running, jumping and throwing. All test out different events, ranging events compete in weekly meets; from the 1600-meter race (one mile) Coginchaug’s first meet is on Saturto the shot put throw. “Yeah, the mile day, April 11, the annual Bellringer hurts…but that’s why I do track, to Invitational. “I’m really excited to challenge myself,” says Elise compete against other schools!” Pasquale. says sophomore long jumper Jen “Every year is brand new,” says Benson. Here’s to a successful, inEmily Spence, a sophomore sprinter. jury-free season!
Outdoor Track Warms Up
fitting for Matt, who is the best threepoint shooter on our team. When it sank through the basket without catching even a piece of the rim, the student section went berserk. As the other team tried to quickly inbound the ball and get down the court, our players never left Matt’s side. They held a mini-ceremony for him as we chanted his name. “It felt really good,” he said. “I was definitely relieved. It was a great conclusion to a magnificent four years.” “It was awesome when everyone started chanting ‘Buck’,” said junior Jack Bascom. “Chills went up my spine.” We had all watched Matt play through his whole high school career, and this was his shining moment. “I felt really proud to be a part of that moment,” said senior Senya Bekui. “I’ve known Buckey for a while, and it was great to see him get the 1,000 points.” “Buckey definitely earned his 1,000 points,” said senior post player Cody Donecker. “I’ve been with him the last four years, and he is a true hard worker.” I really enjoyed watching Matt Biesak these four years and I am proud to have him as apart of my class. Unfortunately, the 1,000 points were bittersweet for the Devils, who lost the game by two points. “We were in the lockerroom after the game and I told him congratulations,” said senior and starting center James Carmichael. “He said to me, ‘I would have rather won the game than have scored 1,000 points.’ That meant a lot to me.” Congratulations, Buckey.
Checkout our web site at www.crhsnews.org for the most up-to-date news.
Friday, April 10, 2009
WISE Lessons
Reviews
(Continued from page 23) presentation yet,” Alyssa said. “I might go down to Korn and teach with a few of my lesson plans and videotape it.” She would show this video to the school as evidence that her lesson plans are effective. “I started my WISE project by looking at the entire drug and alcohol curriculum from first grade to eighth grade, and thenIdecidedtonarrowmyfocus to just fourth grade,” Alyssa said. “This is an importantgrade,becauseit’sthelast one before middle school where peer pressure really starts.” She hopes that her proposed curriculum can heighten young children’s self-confidence so they do not give in to peer pressure. This project gives WISE participants experience in a field they are potentially interested in. Some find that they enjoy the work the project presents. Others find that they would not enjoy a certain career as much as they believed. “I did want to be a teacher until this project, when I realized how stressful it is,” Alyssa said. “Now I am thinking of being a wedding planner.” Alyssa is planning on attending Eastern Connecticut State University where she will take classes to determine her major.
25
Devil’s Advocate
Reviews
Reviews
Watching the Watchmen By Christopher Struchowski With the release of Watchmen into theaters, Alan Moore’s famous graphic novel is finally on the silver screen. Watchmen takes place in an alternate version of the 1980s where Nixon is still president, Vietnam has been won and the world is dangerously close to nuclear war. The Watchmen were a group of vigilantes who fought crime before they were outlawed; now they are retired. When one of them is murdered, Rorschach sets out to investigate, and the remaining Watchmen discovers a plot far worse than they could have ever imagined. If you haven’t read the graphic novel before, then you should know a few things before you go to see the movie. First of all, this isn’t your average superhero movie; while there is action in it, the story is more focused on plot. Also, this is an adult take on heroes. It is rated R, and it definitely earns that rating with a lot of graphic violence and nudity. Visually, the movie is amazing. Director Zack Snyder brought the gritty feeling of the comic book world of Watchmen to the screen perfectly. The visual effects are very well done, and some of the effects, such as Dr. Manhattan and
Rorschach’s mask, are breathtaking. Zack Snyder really did a great job filming a lot of things exactly like they are in the panels of the book. The fight scenes in this movie are very intense, but I did feel like there was too much slow motion used in them. Zack Snyder did a great job casting the movie. He used actors who were pretty much unknown to most people, and I think this was the right decision. First of all, I have to congratulate Jackie Earle Haley for absolutely nailing the part of Rorschach. He was definitely the standout character in the movie, and he did a great job. Billy Crudup did a great job as Dr. Manhattan even though the character was mostly CG. Also, Patrick Wilson, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Matthew Goode and Malin Akerman all did a great job as their respective characters. No movie is perfect, and neither is Watchmen. The soundtrack is very odd. While most movies usually use a score written for the film, Watchmen instead used a lot of older classic rock songs. While it worked for some of the scenes, others suffered from this decision. The scenes with an actor playing Richard Nixon took me out
of the flow of the movie. I wasn’t able to tell if the huge and fake-looking nose they gave him was the result of a joke or a botched makeup job. One of the things that there was controversy over was the changed ending, I didn’t think that this was that big of a deal, as the whole ending wasn’t changed, just one part of it. I felt that some of the non-action scenes could have been done better, such as a big plot twist in the
novel that is not made shocking in the movie like it was in the book. Even with all of these flaws, Watchmen is an awesome experience. With an almost three-hour running time, the movie is very long. However, I didn’t feel that the movie dragged at any point. Overall, I thought that Watchmen was a very good movie. Grade: B+
Lost: Have You Found it Yet? By Taylor Maus A time traveling island, the ability to cure human injuries yet perhaps the deadliest place on earth? Seem too unrealistic to you? If so, you probably haven’t been absorbed into “Lost” yet, but after just one show you will be. The fifth season of “Lost” is well underway, and for those of you who do watch it, you’re probably left with just one word, “Huh?” The season is filled with twists and turns, flashbacks and flashforwards and confusing time travel. Many times this would make a show seem more annoying than enjoyable, but it has the opposite effect on “Lost.” The fact that it is so confusing is perhaps what makes it so addictive. Unlike other shows where you just sit and stare blankly at the screen, you are forced to think about what is happening, leading to one of the most exciting hours on TV. Still not convinced that “Lost” is worth your time? It is not only filled with twists, but with romance and action that would attract viewers of all ages and interests So give “Lost” a chance; without it you surely will be lost.
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Town Times — Friday, April 10, 2009
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Friday, April 10, 2009 — Town Times
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Town Times In Our Schools
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Spanish Honor Society (SHS) at Coginchaug High School greeted 11 students from Oaxaca, Mexico on Friday, April 3, with a “welcome” breakfast during x-block. Left, the Oaxacan students, SHS and teachers all together.
Above, Pilar Ambrosio, Mariana Villacaña, Daniela Zarate (v.p. of the junior high at the Instituto Blaise Pascal) and Ashley Horn (English teacher at Blaise and CRHS graduate) enjoying breakfast. Right, Alizee Flores and Andrea Vázquez.
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Right Pilar Ambrosio and Mariana Villacaña taking photos of their first District 13 experience.
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Right, Teo Jara receives a CRHS sweatshirt as a gift. Behind him are Alex Holderman and Ben Shoudy. See more photos and an article in the next Devil’s Advocate. Photos by Stephanie WIlcox
Friday, April 10, 2009
Brayshaw
the house (they call it “mucking out”), bringing literally everything to the curb, and we stand and look at the niture upended, dressers and shelves piles. The heap was a family’s history, and nowarped from the water. A pink body was plastic canister marked “sugar” there to contained…yes, sugar, clumped claim it. to a scoop. There were videos and Everychildren’s toys, including a forthing had lorn, dirty teddy bear. Stray shoes to be deand photographs lay on the floor, stroyed bealong with baby books and other cause of personal items. I found a birth the mold certificate for a Michael Sheldon infestation (he was born in 1946) as well as the (all of us announcement of his death, and w e a r that of his wife. The couple who m a s k s lived here were about my age. w h i l e They did not die in the flood— working they died a few years before that. there). But Apparently their daughter and Furniture and toys tossed since I probably three children lived in the house. Judging by the size of about by 2008 Cedar Rapids took photos of some the house and the mattresses on floodwaters. of the the floor, they were people of simple means. But the baby books told the items, at least those can be given to the story of how much these children were family—if they are ever located. I still ask myself: Where did this famloved. Notes were made of their growth benchmarks; on the wall there ily go? Why didn’t they come back to was a picture of a baby, and one of a get their things? The city seems to be rebuilding—did they lose hope of that? guardian angel. The next day our bus drives by the This truly was “A Family Interrupted.” It is hard to describe the feeling house and the curb is clean. The door that hit me—it was “in the gut,” you to the house is open and the wind blows through. Hopefully, the house might say. Being the semi-official photogra- will be scrubbed and taken down to pher, I did not work as hard as others the bare walls, rebuilt and, hopefully, in my group did. Our crew cleaned out sold or given to a new family. But the
House
(From page 9)
you want a ten second grand finale. Speaking of money, things are vacillating as we come into the home stretch on this year’s budget. At present we are looking at a ZERO percent increase for Town Operations and about two-something percent increase for education. Together we are looking at less than a mill increase. If you have thoughts about a particular budget item or the entire budget, you will have opportunity for input over the next few weeks. Watch for it and take advantage. By the way, I have introduced the concept of “multi-tasking” of duties by our employees. I do believe when we work out the bugs, it will work fine. It’s quite simple; it’s like me typing this letter and washing dishes. Two jobs — one person! Speaking of washing, the town crew has begun sweeping the streets and will soon begin picking up brush. If you see a sixpack or a branch in the gutter, pick it up. Debris does a job on our nice new street sweeper. The town will be hosting an open house (come see what you bought) day at Powder Ridge on Saturday, April 18. The gates will be open from 8 a.m. until noon. You can feel free to walk the property and see your tax money at work. Please no small children and See Brayshaw, page 37
(Continued from page 5)
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Town Times
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Shoreline art contest winners Eight CRHS students had a total of 13 artworks accepted in the 26th annual Future Choices Art Show. The juried event is sponsored by the Shoreline Arts Alliance as part of their ongoing commitment to give the most talented and dedicated high school art students in the region the recognition they deserve. Above, Lanya Staneika with her ink portrait, which received an Honorable Mention Award.
Devin Margaret Opotzner, a senior majoring in anthropology at the University of Rochester, has been named to the dean’s list for academic achievement in the College of Arts, Sciences and Engineering for the fall 2008 semester. Opotzer, a resident of Rockfall, is the daughter of Gene and Patti Raffile, and a graduate of Coginchaug Regional High School.
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Elliot Seldner, of Durham, was selected to read two of his poems and present an essay at the 24th annual National Undergraduate Literature Conference held April 2-4 at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. A CRHS class of 2006 graduate, Elliot is a junior majoring in English at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. Berklee College of Music announced that Joe Slavinski, of Rockfall, has earned placement on the dean’s list for the fall semester of the 2008 year by earning a GPA of 3.4 or better. Formerly of Meriden, Joe is a graduate of Maloney High School and the son of Joseph and Beverly Slavinski of Rockfall. Eric Troiano, of Rockfall, son of Gino and Nancy Trioano, was named to the dean’s list at Ithaca College’s School of Music for the fall 2008 term by attaining a minimum GPA of 3.5. The Thomas Edison Magnet Middle School (TEMS) running club is made up of students from Meriden, Wallingford, Middletown, Middlefield and Durham. A Durham student, Bailey Basiel, placed first in the girls 12 and under category in a charity race, Julia’s Run for Children in New Haven, on March 30. The run is an event in memory of Julia Rusinek. Julia was a student at Yale University who was involved in several non-profit children’s organizations. Bailey ran four miles in 36:35 and was #90 overall (182 runners finished the race). Bailey was the only girl to represent the
TEMS running club in the four-mile race. Bailey is the kind of kid who runs because she enjoys the sport, but also because she believes in helping others. Last Sunday she was able to accomplish both. She helped raise money for children, and she also brought home a beautiful first place trophy.
Charlie Larsen, above, has officially retired from his job as an associate at the Wallingford Stop & Shop. Charlie worked at Stop & Shop for 18 years and was a loyal and trusted employee. His friends at work held a party for Charlie on his last day of work, complete with cake and balloons. His retirement plans include working at his new job at the Durham Pharmacy and participating in Special Olympics.
Jake Brunelle, of Durham, was awarded the Marksman and Pro-Marksman in small bore, 50 foot course of fire, for his participation in the Blue Trail Range Junior Rifle Club. Jake earned the award for “Most Improved” in his junior class and was named “Most Valuable” participant on behalf of Memorial School. He also earned the Merit Award for
More on next page ...
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Students at the Independent D a y School in Middlefield were recently presented with a Faculty Recognition Award for the second trimester. The faculty chooses students from the middle school w h o demonstrate o u t standing citizenship, cooperative behavior and service to the school. Congratulations to sixth graders Presley Termini, top photo, from Middlefield and Ricky Murphy, directly above, from Durham.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Town Times Spotlight
Friday, April 10, 2009 Continued from previous page
participation in the 78th annual CT State Gallery Championship for the sub-junior class. Jake, pictured below, has been a member of the Blue Trail Range Junior Rifle Club since September 2008. He is a fifth grade student at Memorial Middle School. Jake, in shooting form, below.
Molly Norton, of Durham, had her artwork, Otis, a gold leaf, ink jet print on tissue paper and canvas, featured at the 2009 annual Minumental exhibition at the New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester, NH where she is a freshman. Xavier High School honored six seniors for accomplishments both as students and athletes, including Kris Patterson, of Durham, who has signed a National Letter of intent with CCSU football. After All-State performance as a senior, he earned all-conference and all-area recognition, received a Senior Leadership Award and also lettered in track and field.
the opening of the f i r s t phase of the park off Mattabeseck Road in Middlef i e l d . Tyler’s work, and a lot of happy dogs, were featured in an evening news segment on WTNH Channel 8 on April 1. Above, Tyler shakes hands with Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw. Mark VanDerzee, a Coginchaug High School graduate (1993) and son of Bob and Sue VanDerzee of Durham, recently participated in a 10th anniversary celebration for the Boston theater company he helped found. Company One was started 10 years ago by six Clark University graduates, and since that time has attempted, according to their mission statement: “Making socially-relevant theatre a must see event by producing world premieres, off Broadway hits, experimental theatre and collaborative projects; Increasing the accessibility of fringe theatre among Boston’s diverse under 35-population; and Ensuring future generations of theatre artists by teaching theatre with a focus on individual artistic growth.” To that end they have produced over 30 plays in a decade, been accepted as a resident company at Boston Center for the Arts and run a theater program for youth every year. Company One brought their touring educational production of Twilight: Los Angeles to Coginchaug several years ago. Mark lives in Roxbury with his wife, Sasha and son, Aaron Henry. Besides being technical and educational director for Company One, Mark teaches technical theater at Brookline High School.
Mark VanDerzee, left
31
More Shoreline Arts winners ...
Pictured from left to right, back row, Paul Benjunas, Laura Lyman and Paige Peterson. In the front, Alyssa Onofreo, Melissa Zanelli and Emily Brown. Missing from picture are Christine Lilley, Alex Wettemann and Lanya Staneika (pictured on facing page). Photos submitted by Jan Wenzel
We’re on the Web: http://www.towntimes.com
Maxwell Coviello, of Durham, has been placed on the dean’s list at Roger Williams University where he is a freshmen majoring in creative writing. Fairfield University has selected Donald Rawling, of Durham, for the dean’s list. Rawling is the son of Don and Lisa Rawling, and is double majoring in International Studies and French. Father Bill Sangiovanni, principal of Notre Dame Catholic High School in Fairfield, recently announced the honor roll for the third marking period. Congratulations to Gina DeSimone, a resident of Durham, who achieved high honors.
1107056
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Friday, April 10, 2009
Town Times
CONGRATULATIONS TO: Durham Pharmacy & Bob Dingwell for winning the
2009
Contest
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Round Five Business: Meriden Pawn Ted’s Restaurant
Business: Suzio Insurance Reader: Tony Russo
Reader: Jaci Accarpio
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Round Five Business: 601 Deli & Catering Reader: June Vumback
Round Five Business: Durham Pharmacy Reader: Bob Dingwell
Town Times Letters
Friday, April 10, 2009
BOE budget (Continued from page 8)
is to be on the board; 4) that a freeze be placed on the 2009-10 school budget and that the process of cutting administrative posts be examined. A student population of 2,000 does not justify the number of high administrative positions which draw high salaries and benefits; 5) teacher salaries be frozen as the general economy does not warrent raises, especially when borne on the back of other people whose incomes have been reduced or are themselves frozen. If need be, we might have to look for a superintendent who grasps the realities of taxpayer’s economies and a BOE who understands that the town does not work for it. We also need leadership from Town Hall willing to take on what is by now an unacceptable tax and election situation with the BOE. Taxes were never meant to be confiscatory nor was an educational system meant to mean a free hand into people’s income. Accountability and control is the need and demand. John Perry, Middlefield
A tribute to the Adams women Moving is a bittersweet time, and it’s especially sad when the people moving are ones who are so active in your own life. Our original Girl Scout troop started back
when most of us were just in kindergarten as Daises; now some of us are freshmen in high school, and some of us are in eighth grade, and throughout all these years, Mrs. Dawn Adams has really helped mold us into the young women that we are today. And who could forget Caelyn, Mrs. Adams’ daughter, and a sister to all of us Girl Scouts; simply put, the sister we never had. We all know that as we get older, our schedules get extremely busy with sports, clubs, more homework and a lot of new responsibilities, which is why we can imagine why most girls quit Girl Scouts once they get to middle school or high school. But all of the girls in our troop can agree on one thing, and that is that Mrs. Adams makes our girl scouting experience so interesting that you would never even consider quitting. Our troop originally started out with 18 girls, but once we hit middle school, the numbers started to dwindle, and although we are currently down to six, it is safe to say that we are all in it for the long run. Mrs. Adams always keeps us busy with badges, and currently we’re under the clock with our Silver Awards, but it’s never overbearing. Who could forget all of the crazy Pictionary games we have, and we know what you’re thinking, Pictionary? Seriously? But if you’re with-
in a mile of us when we play, you are guaranteed to hear Mrs. Adams, Caelyn and all the other mothers and girls in our troop getting very competitive. We look over the other team’s shoulders when our pictures are pathetic, adults will be shoving the kids over; it is by far the most competitive game ever when played by our troop. Even though the number of girls in our troop has fluctuated and our interests are always changing, there is one thing that has remained constant, and that is Mrs. Adams’ devotion to our troop. When things started to get busy and we really started getting seriously into our Silver Award, she never once thought of herself; this is all while she was planning her move to Massachusetts, by the way. Although you already may be thinking that she’s just our Girl Scout troop leader and only we will be missing her, it is pretty safe to say that the entire Durham community will miss the Adams family. Mrs. Adams is not only our Scout leader, but she takes a role in the church, and has been singing in the choir this year. On top of that she homeschools her two children, Caelyn and Jacob, all while planning her big move to Massachusetts. Although one might think that moving means no longer
See Tribute, page 45
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ly not raised 4.5 percent in this near depression economy, and they must not be allowed to be raised here. A freeze is what is required, not a nearly three percent raise. One tactic — and it is a tactic — that is used when budget approvals are in danger of rejection, is to lay out generally popular programs that would have to be cut unless the budget passes. Yet one does not see the elimination of higher administrative positions which cost the town a great deal of money. There is not even a clear and precise description of what constitutes an administrative position as distinguished from staff or faculty. I will maintain again that our school system is top heavy with administrators, and that is the first place one cuts, not student programs. I will again call for a revision of the way in which BOE members are elected and advocate that they be held as part of the general election and that all candidates must run openly, stating their qualifications and positions on issues and matters regarding BOE membership and philosophy. The argument that the present system keeps politics out of the education process is specious at best and certainly an inaccurate understanding of the reality of the case. Tax money is political and taxpayers have every right to demand control over the how and what of tax matters. Anyone looking at his or her tax bill for the year must ask the first question: Where is this money going and what services am I paying for? As things now stand, the answers to this question do not reveal anything like a satisfactory result. Our entire school population is that of a medium to large high school. What we have is a situation where a school system has been allowed to operate as though it is a separate entity from the town, and one that is not to be held directly accountable to taxpayers. I have heard the argument that “We don’t want to jeopardize our kids’ education,” and regard this as little more than emotional blackmail of the cheapest sort. Education does not suffer when adminis-
trators are reduced; it doesn’t suffer if teachers, students and parents do their job. Obviously money does matter, but up to a point. And to freeze teacher salaries in the present economic climate is not a threat when teacher job losses are at an all-time high throughout the nation and state. I do not know of any town residents who are getting 4.5 percent raises in salary, but I do know people who are trying to sell their houses in a reduced market because they cannot afford to pay taxes to the town. Should any teacher wish to leave the system because he or she cannot live without a 4.5 percent raise, then so be it. As with anyone, they can be replaced, especially today. I would ask how many people in town know the average salary of teachers and administrators and staff or the true results of spending. It is clear that the BOE and the superintendent have no idea as to the income of town residents and seem to believe that they have a free hand into people’s pockets. I therefore propose that: 1) a citizen’s action committee be formed, as I have been told that one is in the process of being formed now; 2) that an independent audit be made of the school budget and the process of budgeting; 3) that a move be made for direct elections for BOE in which the entire town can vote in an informed manner as to just who
33
40 Union Street, Middletown (860) 347 - 2581
34
Friday, April 10, 2009
Town Times
Alex Taylor, as a pink fairy, right.
OM Finals (Continued from page 6) team won a third place trophy at World Finals, for doing the vehicle problem, three years ago. This team has a versatile set of skills and talents. Next year, they are all going in different directions so this may have been their farewell performance as a team in Odyssey. They, too, chose the difficult
and challenging balsa problem, Shockwaves. Their Division II team (grades 6-8) designed and built a structure that held a very respectable 412 pounds — sensational for only their second year in the balsa problem! In the performance portion of their competition, their style points were the highest in the field of competitors!
John Lyman School team also chose to do the balsa problem. Emma Blair, Gunther Wallach, Kyle Borbas, Camden Stockdale, Seth Azavedo and Abby LaVigne are no strangers to this problem. Last year the team structure held only 15 pounds at the competition. Carolyn Wallach explained, “The team was determined they could build a stronger structure the second time around. They took what they learned last year and experimented with new techniques
(some worked, some didn’t). When all was said and done, they built a structure that held the second highest weight in their division, 252 pounds. It didn’t matter where we finished on Saturday. The kids were so proud of themselves and how they executed their long-term and spontaneous solutions.” The silver medal was really just the icing on a very healthy, delicious cake! To top it off, Gunther won his silver medal on his 11th birthday! The day was a special day
Above left, the Memorial School Shockwave team prepares to perform. Right, Samantha Turley and Audra DeVoto measure beSECOND PLACE, SILVER fore building, MEDAL, and a World Finals invitation: Carolyn Wal- a real life skill. lach’s and Josh Stockdale’s
Submitted photos
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for the Wallach family who had three sons in the competition and all three came home with a medal! Carolyn Wallach commented, “As a parent, the greatest thing about this weekend was seeing how much these sometimes squabbling brothers supported each other and how proud they were of each other. It’s a testimony to Odyssey that there’s room in the program for all different types of kids.” SECOND PLACE, SLIVER MEDAL, and a World Finals invitation: Jen Huddleston’s Division II United Youth Fellowship team with Wolfgang Wallach, Marty Daniels, Samantha Turley, Clarity Huddleston, Molly Fehon and Audra DeVoto chose Teach Yer Creature. Their creature was a mechanical squirrel that shot with its tail, climbed a tree and soared, swept leaves with its tail, made a growling noise, and cracked a nut with its mouth. It also met a very interesting tree character and a mushroom narrator resulting in top style points, too. In Odyssey, the teams need to do all the work themselves. As you can see in the pictures submitted by the team, measuring, thinking and drilling are all done by the students. STATE CHAMPIONS, GOLD MEDAL and a World Finals invitation: Finally, the Division III (grades 9-12) United Youth Fellowship team with Dan Grumm as coach returned with some new members this year — Jack Grumm, Lora Manley, Ryan Behling, Hannah Fowler, Matt Biesak, Pete Thompson and Brian Algiere. Their builder graduated last year, but his younger sister took over the structure building. A member of one of the other teams was heard to say, “Their builder is a girl!” (as in only a girl). It was with great satisfaction that the team proved that antiquated attitude wrong when the structure exploded with a whopping 957 pounds aboard, and that was after dropping five weights. When the structure explodes, it means it was holding its maximum weight and didn’t break because of a defect! Only 817 pounds counted because they ran out of time because a team element required the team to
See OM Finals, next page
Friday, April 10, 2009
Deer Lake camp out By Shane Phenicie Star Scout, Troop 27 BSA
At Deer Lake
OM Finals (Continued from page 34)
On March 15, boy scouts from Troop 27 of Durham embarked on a two-day camping trip. The trip was organized by Scoutmaster Jim Smigel, Michael Phenicie, assistant scoutmaster and Matt Amendola, senior patrol leader, to allow the troop’s newest scouts to fulfill requirements needed for advancement to higher ranks. Twenty-nine boys from Troop 27 went, along with eight leaders. Almost half of the boys who attended were new scouts or boys who had just crossed over from Cub Scout Pack 27 to Boy Scout Troop 27. The trip started at 7 a.m. Saturday morning with the 20-minute drive to Killingworth. When they arrived at Deer Lake, they started to unpack their gear (tents, sleeping bags and food, as
All sorts of sprouts!
well as any equipment needed to cook the food). From Deer Lake they went to Chatfield Hallow to begin their five-mile hike uphill, with about 25 pounds of gear on their backs, and a group of incredibly slow leaders. That lasted about half the day with the scouts returning to their tents for an afternoon of working on requirements toward the next rank (Tenderfoot, Second Class or First Class). This lasted until dinner time.
Brownie Troop 62127 recently visited J.C. Greenhouse in Durham to learn about plant life and plant their own tomato and marigold plants with Vivian Caturano. The hope is that after the last frost the girls will plant them, and when they begin to harvest tomatoes from their cherry and Big Boy plants they will share them with family, friends and neighbors. We hope that this gesture of the girls may be paid forward by those who receive the tomatoes. Pictured left to right are Maddie Montz, Victoria Slight, Kaitlin Gossart, Vivian Caturano, Alyssa Lecza and Hailey Byrne.
After dinner the boys settled around the campfire for some story-telling, and a couple of boys had enough courage to perform a skit or two in front of all the leaders and other scouts. In the morning, the boys packed up their personal belongings quickly, ate breakfast, and were headed home by 10 a.m.
Photo submitted by E.S. Slight
Town Times Service Directory
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create an original method of placing the structure onto the tester base. The mechanism that lowered the structure from a team-made airplane took some of their weightplacing time. While all this was going on, other members performed a skit delivered in rhyme! In this problem, as in all of the Odyssey problems, it is truly a team effort to complete and present all of the required elements. This was a sensational year for the Region 13 teams. I want to thank our Odyssey coaches, all parents with very busy schedules who have given of themselves and their valuable time to make this happen for some very wonderful kids. Odyssey, as Carolyn Wallach points out, has a place for kids of all kinds. We believe all students can discover their hidden talents, grow and thrive in Odyssey. The number of students able to participate in Odyssey is only limited by the number of dedicated adults willing to coach. Most coaches will tell you it’s a challenge at times (it helps to have a high mess tolerance – creativity is not orderly and neat process), but a rewarding experience. Most coaches wish there had been Odyssey of the Mind when we were kids! But in case you think you could never do that, remember, the KIDS have to do all the work; it’s against the rules for adults to do the work. Every prop, device and structure, every line in the skit must come from the students on the team. So it takes the pressure off; the kids need to be the creative ones, not the coach!! Coaches supervise, ask many, many questions, and keep the team focused on the goals set by the team. Watch for our information session at John Lyman School on Sept. 22.
35
Town Times Kids Out & About
Kathy Tirone Owner/Operator Green Products Available
Town Times: In Our Libraries
36
Friday, April 10, 2009
National Library Week is April 12-18: Love your library! Levi Coe Library
Hours: The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Call the library at (860) 349-3857 or visit www.leviecoe.com for information or to register for any program. You can also renew, reserve and check your library record on the website. Closing: The Levi Coe Library will be closed on Thursday, April 30, for staff in-service and will re-open Saturday, May 2. Levi E. Coe Library Annual Book and Bake Sale: The library’s annual book and bake sale has been postponed until Saturday, Nov. 7. The library will accept donations until then. Books must be in good condition. Textbooks, encyclopedias, magazines, moldy books and Reader’s Digest condensed books
will not be accepted. Great new book titles include The Rose of Sebastopol by Katharine McMahon, More than Just Race by William Julius Wilson, A Lion Called Christian by Anthony Bourke, Turn Coat by Jim Butcher and Ablutions by Patrick deWitt. To view anticipated arrival dates for new titles, visit www.leviecoe.com, click on Activities and Events and go to monthly calendars. New DVDs include: The Pirate Code: Real Pirates, The Inheritance, Travel With Kids: New York, Library Skills for Children: Using the Library, Milk, Twilight and more. Coming soon are Marley and Me, Milk, Twilight and more. Stop by and view the expanded collection, or visit www.leviecoe.com, click on Online Resources, select Book Talk, then Recently Acquired Titles. Scroll down to
DVD link. Spice Up Your Week: Join this group of fourth to sixth graders every Thursday after school to discuss a Nutmeg book. Nutmeg and Pizza, a Parent-Child Book Group: Meets the first Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. to discuss one of the 10 Nutmeg nominees. Pizza will be served. Call to register. Story times: Don’t forget about fun-filled story times on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Call the library to register.
Durham Library Hours: 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. Annual Book Sale: The PALS’ annual book sale will be held in October this year. Please hold donations until the end of summer. New titles include Malice by Lisa Jackson, A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick, The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton, A Fortunate Language by Joanna Smith Rakoff, The Hornet’s Sting, the Amazing Untold Story of World War II Spy Thomas Sneum by Mark Ryan, Honeymoon in Tehran by Azadeh Moaveni, Cheever, a Life by Blake Bailey, Falconry, Art and Practice by Emma Ford, Cooking Green by Kate Heyhoe, The Day Wall Street Exploded, a Story of America in Its First Age of Terror by Beverly Gage and Now or Never, Getting Down to the Business
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of Saving Our American Dream by Jack Cafferty. Pursuit by Karen Robards is available in large print. The Mystery Book Discussion Group will meet on Tuesday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom. Everyone is invited to join this informal discussion. The Book Lover’s Circle will meet on Wednesday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss Damascus Gate by Robert Stone Garrett. Copies of the book are available at the library. Everyone is invited to join this informal discussion. Gentle Reads: These are stories that revolve around families and personal relationships, guaranteed to entertain, not shock. Discover authors you may not have read before. If you enjoy Jan Karon, Rosemunde Pilcher and Elizabeth Berg’s books, there are lists to guide you to other authors whose works will offer similar enjoyment. Reading History: Patrons can now keep a reading history of the books they have checked out from the library. This can only be done online by going to the library website at www.durhamlibrary.org. Select “Catalog,” “My Account” and fill in last name and patron ID number (barcode on your library card). Select “Submit” and then “My Reading History.” Choose the “Opt In” button and any items checked out after opting in will be recorded. Items can be deleted from the history and patrons can always change their mind and “Opt Out” of the process. Free “Greening Our Valley” bag: Help save postage and paper by registering your email address. All new registrants will receive a Middlesex County Libraries’ “Greening Our Valley” bag. Email courtesy notices will be sent three days prior to items being due. This is a great way to keep track of items that are checked out. Patrons will also receive email notification when items that have been requested are ready to be picked up. Email addresses can be registered online by going to www.durhamlibrary.org, clicking on catalog, then clicking on my account or registering at the library.
Friday, April 10, 2009
37
Town Times
Future looks bright for new real estate business in Durham By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times This past January, Pamela Sawicki-Beaudoin and Lisa Golebiewski opened Realty Associates on Main Street in Durham, despite the down housing market. They were already founders, owners and brokers of the same business in Meriden that provides a full service real estate source specializing in buying, selling, first time home buying, new construction and commercial, but were ready for the next step in their business, even if it meant going out on a limb. “When we first started, it was a long term business plan to open an office in Durham,” said Sawicki-Beaudoin, a Durham resident. The women met years ago while working for the same
Brayshaw
(From page 29)
about the real estate business. They say the turn-around is primarily thanks to extremely low interest rates and the first-time homeowner tax credit, a part of the new stimulus package that is supposed to be an incentive for first-time homebuyers to purchase a home. “We’ve definitely noticed the activity picking up over the past few weeks, and we’ve seen multiple offers on homes,” said Sawicki-Beaudoin. In fact, last Sunday she did an open house where there were 15 very positive consumers. “It boosted my spirits, and it definitely boosted the buyers’ and sellers’ confidence.” Golebiewski added, “Last year was a low point in the market, and now we’re on the upward curve. I think the worst is behind us now.” Even so, the strengths of Realty Associates don’t just come from conditions in the economy. Sawicki-Beaudoin and Golebiewski say experi-
ence, personal attention and teamwork are the foundation of their company. “We have a team of agents working together to provide great service to Lisa Golebiewski and Pamela Sawicclients, and you Photo by Stephanie WIlcox don’t find that in ki-Beaudoin. many real estate companies,” said Golebiews- were surprised at how fast it ki, of Meriden. “We take pride has grown. Realty Associates in the agents, our company now has 17 agents, covers and the personal service we many areas of Ct., including provide, and we want to con- New Haven, Hartford and towns in Middlesex County, tinue to keep clients happy.” as Durham, They also added that part of such their goal in opening a hometown Haddam/Higganum, and Midoffice was so that residents can dletown, as well as Meriden work with people they know and area towns. They are open sevtrust and who are familiar with en days. Realty Associates in Durham is located at 360-C the area. Though they planned on Main Street. For more inforbringing the business to mation, call (860) 349-5300 or www.myrealtyassociDurham all along, Sawicki- visit Beaudoin and Golebiewski ates.com.
Town Times Service Directory Comfortable/relaxed Environment
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for information email johnly@sbcglobal.net
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Vinyl/Tape Transfers to CD
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Beginner’s to Advance
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RLI Electric, LLC. 1107036
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BOB ISLEIB Office: (860) 349-8855
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NO going into buildings or the pond. Now, back to dinosaurs. This town has been operating without the capability of scanning items to e-mail out or to feed our up-and-coming website. So, we are trading in our stegosaurus units for copiers that will scan. And finally, the town’s heart goes out to the Allan and Nancy (Winship) Poole family on the death of Allan’s father Robert. Bob Poole, a long time resident, for years kept the Higby reservoirs that we enjoy as we travel over one of the most beautiful parts of town. And finally, finally, THANKFULLY on very rare occasions, Middlefield and Rockfall experience a tragic house fire. Such was the occasion two weeks ago when a long time resident, Frank Calamaro, escaped with his life minutes before a fire engulfed his home on Garden Hill Road. To end up (at our age) with nothing but charred memories causes me to share the situation with TT readers and to extend sorrow at his loss. As usual our fire department (and three others) did what they do so well…with quiet confidence….put the fire out. So, this week concludes with Easter and my daffodils are popping through. The way I look at it all is well.
agency, and it didn’t take long to discover that they work well together and share the same goals and work ethic. After joking for many years about having their own company, the opportunity arose for both women to actually make that move. Thus, over lunch on one November day in 2006, SawickiBeaudoin and Golebiewski, who have over 30 years experience in real estate combined, decided to go for it, and Realty Associates opened its doors in Meriden the following January. The business continued to grow over the next two years, and when a space opened in Durham last November, they decided to take it, even though news headlines said the housing market was flailing. As it turns out, doing so was a smart move. Sawick-Beaudoin and Golebiewski agree the housing market has picked up tremendously — an exciting reality for two women who are passionate
38
Friday, April 10, 2009
Our Schools In Town Times
The children at the Middlefield Children’s Center had fun making a paper mache volcano during their dinosaur theme. Middlefield Children’s Center has been in the community for over 20 years and recently expanded to offer five days of programming. Middlefield Children’s Center is currently accepting enrollment for three- and four-year-olds and is continuing its kindergarten enrichment program. Please call Ann for more information at (860) 349-0202school. Photo submitted by Debbie Dumont
Town Times Service Directory 1104334
WHITEHOUSE
SEPTIC
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Phone: (860) 349-8384
Fully Insured
Photo submitted by Eileen Chupron
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Fourth grade students at Korn School have been learning about electricity, conductors, circuits and pathways, positive and negative current and safety. An educational outreach teacher from Eli Whitney Museum conducted the workshop “Electric City.” Students were able to take a structure, wire it and have it light up. Later in the month, a representative from CL&P spoke to the students about safety when working with electricity. Students were able to try on the equipment that CL&P uses when working on electric lines. Students found both hands-on activities informative and fun.
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Connecticut Valley Educat ional Foundation (CVEF) is offering a workshop series on finance, housing market and healthcare. Do you know what a recession is really? How will the bankruptcies of the major banks and auto companies affect us in Middlefield and Durham? Be sure to attend the first of three programs sponsored by the CVEF on Tuesday, April 14, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Middlefield Community Center. This first program is an overview to address citizens’ concerns and answer their questions about the current financial climate. For more info, visit www.coginchaugvef.com.
Friday, April 10, 2009
39
Our Schools In Town Times Left, Cassidy Arnold, Katrina Anderson and Victoria Footit watch carefully how the earth’s plates moved before trying with their crackers.
Photos submitted by Betty Hadlock
Above right: Region 13 Outdoor Education specialists Marcy Klattenberg and Lori Martin recently spoke with third and fourth graders at John Lyman School about geologic time. After listening to the story of Earth’s formation and a view of a geologic timeline spanning four billion years, students simulated the crunching and separating of continental plates during continent formation millions of years ago using graham crackers and frosting. Yumm!
Town Times Service Directory Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Licensed • Insured
All Purpose Electrical Contractor
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Best Water
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Addy & Sons Landscaping
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Above, third and fourth graders in Mrs. Hadlock’s class at John Lyman School are studying colonial times. One way to feel the way a colonist might is to take on the role of a craftsperson of that time. Soon the students will travel to the Webb-DeanStevens Museum in Old Wethersfield for more hands-on experiences and tours of colonial houses Top Melissa Grenier works as a weaver on their small looms. Directly above, AIden Doyle’s weaving project.
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Town Times Obituaries
40
George McLean, and a son-inlaw, Norma Getchell.
Ralph Olsen McLean
Ralph Olsen McLean, 81, beloved husband of 47 years to Sunrae Agostini McLean, of Durham, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at the Connecticut Hospice surrounded by family. He was born in Westbrook, ME on August 10, 1927 to the late Charles and Florence Andrews McLean. Besides his wife, Ralph leaves his four children, Cynthia Getchell of Hallowell, ME, Debra LaPorte and her husband Rocco of Hamden, Dawn Leos and her husband Jay of Trumbull, and R. Brian McLean of Wallingford. he also leaves grandchildren, Terri, Robert, Eric, Trisha, Tracey, Kyra and Kyleigh, and great-grandchildren, Ty, Isaac and Gabriel. Also, his sister Charlotte Peet of Hamden, brother Edward McLean of Norwich, his very special Godson George Peet, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Allan, Charles and
Ralph grew up and lived in Hamden until meeting his bride and moving to Durham 47 years ago. Once out of high school, he joined the U.S. Navy where he was on the Aircraft Carrier USS Lake Champlain and a part of the Magic Carpet Missions to bring our troops home towards the end of World War II. Once out of the service, he became a sheet metal worker for Local 40 until his retirement in 1989. He was a 50-year member of Day Spring Lodge #30 AF&AM and a long time parishioner of the Mt. Carmel Congregational Church. Ralph was also a classically trained opera singer. Singing was his passion. He sang for the New Haven Opera Society, was a soloist at many churches in New Haven, Middlesex and Hartford counties, and spent time working on cruise ships entertaining with his wonderful voice. When he wasn’t spending time with his very much loved family, he could be found cheering on the UConn
SPRING
women’s basketball team. Ralph’s pride and joy was the pond he built on his property in Durham. He had always enjoyed time outside, whether it was to tend his gardens, do yard work or sit quietly watching the ripples dance peacefully across his pond. Besides the love Ralph showed to his family and friends, they will miss his beautiful voice that brought joy to so many lives. Beecher and Bennett of Hamden, has care of the private arrangements. Memorial contributions in Ralph’s memory may be sent to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405 or to the charity of ones choice. To send a condolence, visit www.beecherandbennett.com
Jane (Gunn) Satagaj Jane (Gunn) Satagaj, 84, of Sunrise Ridge, Rockfall, loving wife of the late Anthony P. Satagaj, passed peacefully Saturday, April 4, 2009, at her home after a short illness.
Friday, April 10, 2009
She was born in Bangor, ME, the daughter of the late Bradford F. and Isabella (Reid) Gunn. Jane moved to Connecticut when she was 18 and has been a resident since then. Prior to her retirement, she was employed with Cooper Thermometer. She was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 59 in Hillsboro, NH, a past member of the Emblem Club in Meriden and a member of the New England Athletic Club in Cromwell. A loving mother and grandmother, she leaves her daughters, Katherine Montagnon and her husband Kenneth, and Linda Hogue and her husband Dennis, all of Rockfall; grandchildren, Allison Montagnon of North Attleboro, MA, Jillian Montagnon of West Hartford, Melanie Montagnon and her husband Sam Uddin of Rockfall and Brandon Hogue of Meriden. Also two sisters, Florence and her husband William Hammond of Portland, ME, and Catherine and her husband Charles Day of North Charleston, SC; also
by her many brother and sister-in-laws: Ceil Wolak and John and Rita Satagaj of Middletown, Eleanor Cleary of Durham, Peter Satagaj of Chester and Richard and Lois Satagaj of Middlefield, and her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, John Gunn of Brewer, ME. Also brothers-in-law, Walter Satagaj and Walter Wolak of Middletown. Jane will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Jane loved to travel and her favorite place to go was her summer home in Hillsboro, NH. She was a woman who was always on the go, and helping whomever in any way that she could. She was our angel and will be forever missed by all who loved her. Funeral services were held at Biega Funeral Home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department, 405 Main St., Middlefield, CT 06455. More on next page
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Friday, April 10, 2009
Obituary (Continued from page 40)
Tina (Chou, Aihwa) Sivigny
Tina (Chou, Aihwa) Sivigny, 70, of Foot Hills Road, Durham, beloved wife of Arthur (Larry) Sivigny, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at home after many years of battling multiple medical issues. She was born in Taipei, Taiwan on Dec. 30, 1938 to the late Chou, Ho-sun and Chou, (Lee) Lein. Besides her husband of 41
41
Town Times years, she is survived by a daughter, Debra and a sonin-law, Randy Baker of Washington, D.C.; two much loved brothers-in-law, Gordon and his wife, Marilyn, of Killingworth and Robert of Chesapeake, VA and several nieces and nephews in Connecticut and Taiwan. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by several siblings in Taiwan. Prior to moving to Durham 26 years ago, Tina and her husband lived in Bridgeport where she worked several years as a lace finisher and inspector at American Fabrics Company. There will be no services and interment will be pri-
vate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tina’s memory to the Middlesex Hospital Weiss Hospice Unit c/o Office of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457. The family would like to especially thank the hospice home care team at Middlesex Hospital for their expert and gentle care and also the Assisted Living Services for the wonderful aide, Benny, they sent to care for Tina at home during her last days. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.
Conversation with Anne Frank What if Anne Frank, whose famous letters were written while hiding from the Nazis and compiled in the iconic “Diary of a Young Girl” many years later, had somehow escaped from her captors and was living among us in the Connecticut River Valley. What would she be like now – and what would she say? We’ll find out on Saturday night, April 18, at 7 p.m., when veteran Broadway actors Scotty Bloch and Peter Walker, of Chester, star in a dramatic reading of an essay by David Hays, directed by J Ranelli, of Old Lyme, former artistic director of the Eugene O’Neill Theater. Scotty and Peter have appeared in the region recently in productions of A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters” to rave reviews. Tickets (in advance) are $20 for members of CBSRZ and $25 for nonmembers. Included in the cost is a wine and cheese reception. Call the office at (860) 526-8920 for reservations. Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek is located at 55 East Kings Hwy. in Chester. (Tickets at the door will be $25 for all.)
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SPRING
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• 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008
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SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION
TIME
42
Friday, April 10, 2009
Town Times
Durham P&Z
Strong School baseball/softball Coordinator - Kevin Larson Coaches: softball - Mike Cheney; baseball - Eric Kallberg April 15 Hale Ray 28 Portland Games generally 30 @ RHAM start at May 4 Rocky Hill 3:30 p.m. 6 @ Cromwell H o m e 7 East Hampton field sites 12 Middletown in District 13 are still 13 @ Berlin to be de15 @ Portland 18 East Hampton termined. 19 @ Rocky Hill 21 Ice Cream Social at 6:30 p.m. 26 RHAM 28 Berlin June 3 Cromwell
SPRING FIX UP
(From page 18)
planner Geoff Colegrove explained that the expansion could not be vertical rather than horizontal, because Hobson and Motzer’s equipment must be anchored to the ground. The commission also held an informal discussion with Tom Briggs regarding the active adult housing project previously approved between Stagecoach and New Haven Roads. Briggs approached the commission as neither of the two model homes on the site has sold, and he now wants to put up non-age restricted housing. Furthermore, rather than put up 14 twobedroom homes, he wants to put in 10 three-bedroom homes. While the site was originally approved to have up to 33 bedrooms, this was when it was agerestricted housing. Taking away the
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cense. While the commission felt the work should fall under light industrial use, they were concerned that other motor vehicle repair businesses may use it as precedent to set-up shop in Commerce Circle. They asked Barrett to submit a site-plan review to document the business’ exact activities. In other business, the commission continued their discussion on the definitions of yards, walls, structures, fences and buildings. The only item of note was the size of setbacks, which range from 50’ for the front yard to 20’ for the side yard and 40’ for the backyard on a typical residential lot. Member Jim Kowolenko was curious as to why it was so much. Colegrove explained that it’s partially due to tradition and partially to maintain privacy between lots. A public hearing on the matter was scheduled for May 6. (In attendance/Chuck Corley)
age restriction would cut the number of allowed bedrooms in half. While Briggs suggested reaching an agreement with the town to get around this restriction, P&Z member Dick Eriksen replied that if the town makes an exception for one applicant, they’ll be expected to do it for all. Colegrove offered to sit down with Briggs and engineer Pat Benjamin to discuss the property’s density limits, but noted that any compromise would probably require fulfilling a housing need in town. Another informal discussion was held with Allen Balduck of Commercial Acquisition Services, who spoke on behalf of his client, Ed Barrett. Barrett wants to set up an antique automobile restoration service in Commercial Circle at the Dattco building. While this will mostly involve reupholstering the vehicles, Barrett will still require an automobile repair li-
Friday, April 10, 2009
43
Town Times
14-1 (09)
release dates: April 4-10
© 2009 Universal Press Syndicate
from The Mini Page © 2009 Universal Press Syndicate
A Symbol of the Season
Do you keep any stuffed animals in your bedroom at home? You might have a fluffy stuffed bunny among your favorites. Rabbits, both stuffed and alive, seem very cuddly with their soft fur, long ears and twitching noses. To celebrate the arrival of spring, The Mini Page takes a closer look at rabbits.
Rabbit or hare?
photo by Kent Miller, courtesy National Park Service
You might think the words “rabbit” and “hare” describe the same animal. In fact, there are big differences between rabbits and hares. • Rabbits are born without hair and are blind. Hares are born with fur and with their eyes open. • Hares are usually bigger than rabbits and have longer legs and ears. • Hares can usually run faster A hare in Alaska’s than rabbits. Denali National Park. • Some rabbits live in underground burrows, while hares have their nests above ground.
photo by Jim Pisarowicz, courtesy National Park Service
Hopping Into Spring The wild rabbit most often seen in the United States is the cottontail. These gray or brown rabbits sometimes have a white spot between their eyes and a white tail that looks like a cotton ball. This is a desert cottontail.
Wild rabbits
What’s for dinner?
Many thousands of years ago, rabbits could be found only on the continents of Africa and Europe. Today, they live on every continent except Antarctica. North American rabbits usually like to live alone. They can mate at any time during the year, but February to October is their main mating season. Male rabbits, or bucks, will fight over a female rabbit, or doe. A pregnant rabbit builds a nest for her babies. She may have four or five litters of babies during a year, with five to eight bunnies in each litter. But rabbits have many predators, or other animals that hunt them, so many of the babies will not live to be adults.
Rabbits look for food at night. During the day, they hide in their nests and sleep. Plants, including vegetables, grasses, clover and even tree bark, are their favorite foods. Four sharp front teeth (two on the top, two on the bottom) help them bite through tough plant stems and leaves. A wild rabbit eats quickly, then goes back to its safe nest. Next, it passes partly digested, or processed, food. It eats the soft droppings, which still have minerals important to the rabbit’s health. Then it passes the food again, usually outside its nest. The rabbit will not eat these hard, dry droppings.
Please include all of the appropriate registered trademark symbols and copyright lines in any publication of The Mini Page®. 1031332
44
Friday, April 10, 2009
Town Times
®
14-2 (09); release dates: April 4-10 from The Mini Page © 2009 Universal Press Syndicate
Who’s Your Bunny? © Disney Enterprises, Inc. Based on the “Winnie the Pooh” works by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard.
1. In this book, the little bunny tries to convince his dad of how much he “_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ loves him. The book is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _” called:
3. This poor nervous rabbit is also smart. He helps his friends in the Hundred-Acre Wood solve problems. He has a very simple name: ______
art © Frederick Warne & Co., 1902, 2002
4. This brother-and-sister team from books and TV take good care of each other. Sometimes brothers and sisters can be frustrating, but these two always find ways to work things out. Their names are: ___ ___ ____
from The Mini Page © 2009 Universal Press Syndicate
Mini Spy . . .
art © Frederick Warne & Co., 1902, 2002
Answers: 1. “Guess How Much I Love You”; 2. Buster Baxter from “Arthur”; 3. Rabbit from “Winnie the Pooh”; 4. Max and Ruby; 5. Peter Rabbit; 6. Brer Rabbit
art courtesy WGBH/ Cookie Jar Entertainment Inc.
Text © 1994 Sam McBratney. Illustrations © 1994 Anita Jeram. Reproduced by permission of Candlewick Press on behalf of Walker Books Ltd., London.
2. This goofy character from a favorite TV show is the star’s best friend. They get into many adventures together. His name is: ______ ______
5. This bunny from a series of books by Beatrix Potter has been a much-loved character for more than 100 years. Beatrix’s bestknown book has been translated into 16 languages. This naughty bunny’s _____ ______ name is:
art courtesy Nickelodeon
Rabbits have long been a symbol of spring. Some of our favorite characters from books, movies and television bring joy and laughter all year long. Can you identify these beloved bunnies or where they come from?
6. This clever rabbit was written about by Joel Chandler Harris in the late 1800s. Harris collected African-American stories and wrote several books that included this character, whose name is: ____ ______ from The Mini Page © 2009 Universal Press Syndicate
TM
Mini Spy and her friends are hunting for Easter eggs. See if you can find: • puppy • bell • beaver • rabbit • sock • alligator • letter n • number 3 • word MINI (twice)
Brown Basset ws TRY ’N The Ned’s FIND n u Ho Words that remind us of rabbits are hidden in the block below. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: HOP, SPRING, RABBIT, HARE, EAR, FAST, BUCK, BURROW, DOE, PREDATOR, TEETH, COTTONTAIL, BUNNY, PETER, BRER, PET, CAGE, PELLET, MOON, VEGETABLE, CUTE, LUCK, PLAY, LITTER. T S P R I N G R O T A D E R P I K A B Q L J W H K C U L E E HOP, HOP, HOP B E X N B Y I T G A J V T C L INTO SPRING! B U C K W U E T Y K R E W Q L A Z A V Y E N A T H R E O C E R P G X T B L N D E E L R U T C Q E S J P O G Y D R V R T X L I A T N O T T O C B F U E H Z F V J M H V E G E T A B L E TM
Rabbits
Please include all of the appropriate registered trademark symbols and copyright lines in any publication of The Mini Page®. 1031334
Friday, April 10, 2009
Town Times
Music review: Magnificent Requiem at the Bushnell By Larry Kellum Special to the Town Times
Requiem masses have been composed by most major symphonic and operatic composers throughout the history of classical music, but Verdi’s is perhaps the most powerful, austere and, yes, even melodic. The terrifying and louderthan-loud “Dies Irae” has been used in numerous movies, commercials and even in Sweeny Todd. The piece is usually performed to honor the death of a noted
Tribute seeing the ones you love, for us that is not the case. Even though we are far apart, the Adams women will always remain in our hearts and minds. One weekend that will go down in our troop’s history is when Mrs. Adams was the allaround champion of air hockey at a dude ranch that we were visiting. Mrs. Adams has taught us many things about girl scouting that have molded us into better people. Although you may not hear about our troop much, we participate in numerous badge workshops and community service. We also go on many trips, allowing us to bond and form tight friendships. Without Girl Scouts, many of us would never have been able to visit the places and do the things that we have. A lot of us have fallen in love with kayaking, rock climbing, arts and crafts, cooking and many more things because of Girl Scouts. We’ve visited Hershey Park, Boston, Washington, D.C., Rhode Island, and this summer we will be rejoining the Adams women at Martha’s Vineyard. We all learned valuable skills at the dude ranch, and got to appre-
celebrity — i.e. at the Met after President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963 — and, at the Bushnell on April 3, to honor a few members of the Hartford Symphony and Hartford Chorale who recently passed on. Originally, the composer intended it as a tribute to fellow composer Rossini, and, ultimately, to Italian playwright and novelist Manzoni. Four top-flight opera singers are needed for this majestic work, but the real “stars” of this oratorio are a stentorian chorus and a thundering or(Continued from page 33) ciate our American culture and history in Washington, D.C. Not only did these trips give us an insight into history and culture, but some of the places we visited inspired our dreams for the future. At a time when people who are close to you are moving farther away, one might focus on the sadness. But for our troop, it’s a time to reminisce about the Adams women and Troop 62891. It’s been 10 years for most of us with Mrs. Adams and Caelyn, but we know that this isn’t the end of our relationship because relationships are tested throughout life, but our bonds with the Adams women are at their strongest.
chestra. The Hartford Chorale and the Hartford Symphony under the paternal baton of Edward Cumming left nothing to be desired, and the Bushnell walls shook under the weight of their glorious outpouring of crisp Verdian sound. The most interesting of the four singers was Jennifer Hines, who possesses that rare instrument called a genuine contralto. It’s a throwback to a bygone era and a strange, almost masculine sound to modern ears — most mezzos today just sound like older sopranos — and unusual that such a deep voice is housed in the young, slender figure that is Ms. Hines. As the soprano soloist, Kate Mangiameli displayed a gorgeous upper-middle register and the ability to float and spin a fine high pianissimo, so crucial in singing anything by this composer.
However, hers is a fully lyric Alice Ford voice — not the Aida-type dramatic soprano this piece requires. Thus, a little more punch in lower declamatory phrases and the sheer volume to soar above the big chorus would have been welcome. Barring some occasional nasality, both men (tenor Bryan Register and bass Gustav Andreassen) acquitted themselves well with the technical demands of their music. With the recent demise of the beloved Connecticut Opera, Hartford’s opera aficionados desperately needed an evening of this caliber as momentary, slight compensation. For more information on the remainder of this season and the Hartford Symphony’s upcoming 66th season, call (860) 246-8742 or visit hartfordsymphony.org.
We’re on the Web: http://www.towntimes.com
45 Coming to a Durham street near you ...
The Public Works Department will continue its annual spring curbside brush pick-up. To ensure that your brush will be picked up, please check the weekly schedule and follow the strict guidelines that are posted on the town website at www.townofdurhamct.org. The department will make one pass only so be sure to check the schedule each week. Please understand that inclement weather may cause delays in the schedule. Residents with questions may call the Public Works Office at (860) 349-1816. Week of April 13: Stagecoach Road Area, Coe Road, Old Farms Road area. Week of April 20: Barbara Lane, Camera Road Area, Howd Road, Mauro Drive, Tri Mountain Road area. Week of April 27: Parmelee Hill Road, Saw Mill Road, Tuttle Road and the areas off of these roads.
COMING SOON ...
Caelyn and Mrs. Adams have meant so much to us, and this is why we believe they deserve this tribute, this shining moment for all of the hard work that they’ve put into this troop, our friendship and our lives. Our hats go off to you, Mrs. Adams and Caelyn, we know you’re going to love Massachusetts, but you’ll always have a home back here, with your troop in Connecticut. With love, Girl Scout Troop 62891 1107857
If you would like your business to participate in our next Aunt Clara’s Online Store, please contact your local advertising representative for details. For more information, call Brian Monroe at (203) 317-2312 or by email: bmonroe@record-journal.com
1106111
Be a part of our community Promote your products & services in the Town Times Call today - (860) 349-8000
46
Town Times — Friday, April 10, 2009
market
e place 877.238.1953
Build Your Own Ad @ towntimes.com
JOBS ■ TAG SALES ■ CARS ■ HOMES ■ PETS ■ RENTALS ■ ITEMS FOR SALE ■ SERVICE DIRECTORY LOST & FOUND
FOUND-Ladies ring. Vicinity of Queen St Mobil gas station, Southington. Call 860-621-6523 w/accurate description to claim.
AUTOMOBILES
BMW 1985 5-Series Charcoal / Red Leather Interior Runs & drives. Needs Minor Mechanical. $800 or OBO. Call Don after 6pm @ 203-237-1339
AUTOMOBILES
AUTOMOBILES
TRUCKS & VANS
SUV’S
MITSUBISHI 2000 Diamante LS 4DR, auto, 90K, lthr, sunroof. 1 owner. Mint condition! Must See! Serviced! $5,995.Call 203-634-1991
21 FT BAYLINER cutty cabin 1987 with 130 hp Evinrude ob 1997 and loadrite trailer, low hrs,great shape. Fun boat. $4800 Call Bob @ 203-314-3412
FOUND: Necklace. Holiday Cinema In Wallingford, 5pm Show On Sat 4/4. Call To Describe 203-265-0100 LOST Silver Chamilia charm bracelet@ Wallingford HomeDepot or Lowes. Reward offered. Heart is broken. Call 203-272-0407 LOST- Cat since 4/3/09. Very pettite. All black w/a split right ear. Responds to “Abby”. Missing from Old Kiln Rd near Cottontail, North Haven. Call (203) 234-7868 LOST- Green Amazon Parrot w/ yellow head on Wednesday, March 25 from 156 Sherman Avenue, Meriden. Responds to Kelby, speaks English & Spanish. Reward if returned. Call (203) 440-1551 LOST- Set of keys. Toyota & remote start and 8 other keys. Vic. of Meriden/Wallingford. Email if found: rintrah13@hotmail.com
CHEVROLET CORVETTE 1998 Convertible. 8-cyl. Auto. Red w/black int. Power windows. AM/FM/CD player. Leather interior. Very clean. 69,000 Garage kept. Reduced $14,000 (203)886-9783 Leave message DONATE YOUR CAR to SPECIAL KIDS FUND. Help Disabled Children With Camp and Education. Non-Runners OK. Quickest Free Towing. Free Cruise/Hotel Voucher. Tax Deductible. Call 1-866-4483254.
FINANCE Buy Here Pay Here Financing! Down pymts as low as $588 plus tax & reg, low weekly pymts, no finance charge, or credit check cars under $3000. Call 203-5305905, Cheap Auto Rental LLC.
LOST-Grey & black male tiger housecat. Answers to “Dusty”. Last seen on South Washington St, Norton Park area, Plainville. Very skittish. Please call if seen 860-302-8348 LOST-Miniature Pinscher. Black with rust colored spots. Vicinity of Columbus Park area Westside Meriden. Red & silver collar w/red leash. He is microchipped. Call 203-537-0585
PETS & LIVESTOCK PONTIAC 2002 Sunfire 4DR, 4 cyl, auto, AC, CD, PW, PL. 39K. 1 owner. Mint condition! $5,995. Call 203-634-1991 ROBERTS CHRYSLER DODGE Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles. 120 So. Broad St, Meriden, CT 203-235-1111
SUBARU OUTBACK 1997, at, all wheel drive, loaded, heated seats, remote start, good tires, all maint. records. 216,000 miles. No oil leaks. Asking $2100 or best offer. 860-573-9218
CLASSIC & ANTIQUES
FORD 2003 RANGER EDGE 137K 4X4,V6 Well maintained, Black cold AC, new tires and suspension, 2nd owner-SHARP TRUCK. $5950. Call 860-349-1725 GMC BRIGADIER DUMP 1987 33k GVW, 3208 Diesel. Plow rig, sand rig, 48K. $6500. CHEVY 1/2 TON 1991 Runs extraordinary. $1550. 203-2131142
SATURN Vue 2006 SUV. 4-cyl. Auto. Blue w/gray interior. Power windows. AM/FM/CD player. Remote start. Pwr. locks. New battery. Original owner. 19,500 Excellent condition. $11,000 Christine 860-747-8101
MOTORCYCLES ATV’S, ETC.
SUV’S ACURA SLX SUV 1997. V-6 engine, loaded, leather seats, moon roof, power and heated seats. More room than any other SUV. Same owner for the past 100,000 miles. Well taken care of. $2,700. 203.248.5982 SAAB 9-5 2004 sedan. Tan Alarm system. Excellent condition. HTD Leather seats, new tires and wipers, cd, 5 spd 2.3 T 78000 HWY. $6200 or best offer. (860)561-0549
TOYOTA 2000 Camry LE 82K, 4DR, auto, loaded. Serviced. Mint condition. Must See! $6,495. Call 203-634-1991 JEEP Grand Cherokee 1997150K, leather interior, power everything. $2500. Call (860) 729-1316
BOATS & MOTORS
TOYOTA CAMRY 2001 4 door, AT, Loaded! Exc. cond. $6350. SATURN 2002 4dr, AT, air, 77K. Excellent. $3450. 203 213-1142
JEEP Cherokee 2001 TRIUMPH Spitfire Convertible 1976. Runs great, rebuilt engine, good tires, top, paint, interior. Extra 2 engines plus many parts. $3250, best offer. Call (860) 628-6773
TRUCKS & VANS
DODGE DAKOTA LE 1993 Club cab, air, am/fm/CD, cruise, tilt, cap, bed liner. Good condition. $2,500 or best offer. Call 203-440-2842
Loaded, excellent condition. Paid $9000, asking $6800. Just bought. Changed mind. Title cleared. (203) 427-3199
See the great selection of used cars in Marketplace.
2 DRUMS, 12” tom, 14” floor tom, both for only $100. Call 203-634-0809
BIRD cage for small birds 23x16x23 like new $35 puppy or rabbit exercise pen 8 panels 42"h with door use indoors or out Used once. $60. 203-630-0290 FREE To Safe Loving Homes Young adult cats. Grey, beautiful, healthy & fixed. Owner ill, can no longer care for them. Call after 9am. (203) 626-5413
ARCTIC CAT 400 ATV, 2005, 4x4, 376 cc, 24.75 hp, winch & plow, 289 mi, 645 hrs, $4000 OBO (203)284-0160
I AM looking for a male siamese to breed with my one year old Sealpoint/Flamepoint. No papers needed. Call Cara at 203-284-9691.
HONDA VT1100C2 Shadow Sabre 2002 Silver. 832 miles had no time to ride. Garage kept. needs to be tuned up. $5000 or b/o. 203-631-2842 or 203-237-5580 ask for Gene
AUTO PARTS TIRES Used, Continental. 5. 235 55 17. $80. 860-224-7209
LAB AKC, OFA, Black & yellow. Parents are therapy dogs. Health guaranteed. $800-$900. Call (860) 681-5402
Call to place your Marketplace ad any time
Day or Night
Marketplace Advertising Direct Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
(877) 238-1953
47
Friday, April 10, 2009 — Town Times PETS & LIVESTOCK YORKSHIRE Terrier. 14 month male. Healthy, loving & playful. Can send photos. $500. By appointment only. 203-506-3632
LAWN & GARDEN CASE Ingersoll Ride On Mower w/ snow caster & chains. $99 “AS IS”. Call 203-238-4547 DUAL bagger off x75 John Deere Excellent. $50 or best offer. Call 203-269-9579 PARKER lawn sweeper $25. Call 203-634-0457 TORO Cordless Trimmer; Good condition. $25.00. (203) 2377330
SNOW BLOWERS/THROWERS SNOW BLOWER 5 HP Agway $99. Call 203-668-6707
CONSTRUCTION EQUIP & TOOLS 1-1/2HP TARGET 10” TILE SAW Good Condition. $275.00. Call 860-828-7617
FURNITURE & APPLIANCES 1105482
Absolute Lowest Price New Mattress Sets Includes Foundation Twin - King Starting at $159
Towne Auction Sales Junction of Rte 16 & 149 Colchester
860-267-0026 See Jay APT. size dryer 120 volt Good condition. $75. Call 203-440-2520 BEAUTIFUL Brown 3 cushion couch. Great shape. Only $100. (203) 634-0048 BUNK BED for sale. Light wood. Good Condition. Asking $75.00 860-259-5389 BUNK beds Cherry posts, black metal rails. Can be separated. $70. Call 203-284-8135 BUTCHER BLOCK Kitchen Table With 6 chairs. FREE. You pick up. (860) 620-9634
FURNITURE & APPLIANCES COUCH, full size, dark blue, clean. $45 Can deliver. 860682-4435. DINING room set w/6 chairs, oval, walnut, formica top, 2 leafs, opens to 94in. $350. Call for more info. VitaMaster Exercise bike, $20. Call 203-237-6807
EXCELLENT condition. Whirlpool Super Capacity 465 Oven Range w/ Accubake System. Flat surface 4 burner cooktop. Color: White. Dimensions: 29 3/4" X 25". Comes with matching 30" vent hood w/ light. $250. Call 203-634-6066. HEADBOARD- Twin, Ethan Allen. Solid walnut with bookcase. Perfect. (203) 630-3819 HITCHCOCK TABLE 5’6” sides drop down 9 1/2”. $99. Call 860-426-1214 KING WATERBED Mirrored headboard, mattress and heater. $95. (203) 484-1162 MAGIC Chef fridge ALM.22.5cf Vg cond $100 203-634-1586 QUEEN BR Set. Like new - Headboard, frame, dresser, mirror, 2 nightstands, mattress/boxspring - $400. Also Coffee Table & End Table $50. 860-966-8379 REMODELING Must sell: blue couch & love seat w/lamps $375; oak & white kit set $150; VT rock maple bed, 2 dressers, mirror & night stand $400; leather sofa & recliner set $650; chest freezer $75; GE refrig, 17.7, $240; Antique stove, 1950’s, Frigidaire, $500. Samsung microwave, $35. Other items. Call after 5:30 203235-4988 SLEEPER SOFA with matching recliner, dark green, very good condition, $500. Oak Entertainment TV stand with swivel top and lower cabinet $50. Please call (203) 679-0605 SWING into Spring! Metal couch w/cushions, 1st $50. Call 203-238-3774
Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators & Stoves
CHAIRS DEXTRAL HERITAGE FLORAL PRINT 2 FOR 100. Call 203-269-5161
CLEAN Will Deliver (203) 284-8986
CHAIRS-4 blk padded back/seat, stackable. Like new! Kit., office, ent. $40. 203-630-1866
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE
Find something that belongs to someone else? Find the owner with a Marketplace Ad!
(2) WHITE thermo windows, 31 5/8 x 37 1/2, low E w/Argon glazing, tilt to clean alum 1/2 wire screen. Like new. $100. 860-346-5395
FOUND ADS ARE
BABY stroller & car seat Graco Both for $60 or best offer. Call 860-621-5511
FREE!
BIG Tex trailer. 6’ x 12’. 12” sides Drop down gate. Good cond! $750. Call 203-237-7646
in the
BISSELL powersteamer Pro with tools. Works great. $75. Call 203-2657186
Tow n Times
BRICKS FOR FREE Located in Meriden. Pick Up Only. (203) 715-1965
CALL (203) 238-1953 to place your ad TODAY
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE
54” CUSTOM Oak vanity, left finish, with top and sink and white one piece toilet. $175. (203) 269-0877
CELL Phone, Used MotoKRZR, VW, $35. Ed 860-426-1753
SPORTING GOODS & HEALTH ROWING Exercise machine $65 Call (860)621-5918 .
BUTCHER block kitchen table with 4 chairs. $70. Call 860621-5918 DOORS-2 antique, brown, black handles/hinges. 80.5”H x 31”W w/3 sides. $85/BO. 203-272-1643 FREE-Toilet-white. Good condition. Remodeling. Call 203-630-2705 HOUSE & CAR PHONE Chargers and cover for LGVX5300. $20.00 203-235-3778
TREADMILL- Like new. Worth $1200. Sell for $400 or best offer. Dresser, $100. Call (203) 631-7958
ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
WANTED Treasure Hunters Izzabella’s 34 High Street, Meriden Grand Opening April 4 & 5
LAMINATING Service. Let us help you preserve your most precious moments. From $2.50 to $4.50 per piece. Call 203238-1953 for info. LARGE wrap around flower pot for mailbox. 21” dia. x 18” ht. $35. Call 203-630-0841
WW I & WW II Japanese & German Swords, Flags, Helmets, Fighting Knives, Daggers, Bayonets, Medals, etc.
OAK crib with mattress. Good condition! $50. Call Lisa 860478-2870.
203-238-3308
SET/4 Goodyear 215/65R17 tires mounted on Chrysler 5lug steel rims. Tires & rims. Both have less than 500 miles! $275/best. Tom (860) 250-0016 Meriden.
COMPUTERS & OFFICE EQUIPMENT
SUBWOOFER Box $25.00 (203) 634-8053 SUBWOOFER JBL 10” $40.00 (203) 634-8053 TOOLBOX for full size truck. Polished aluminum diamond plate. Like brand new cond. $100/BO. 203-464-2979 WORK OUT Center, Weider Ultra Force XT stations including bench press, butterfly, leg press & stepper. Free. Call (860) 628-8090 YARD Machine riding mower, 42 in deck, rear double bag, good for parts, engine blown. Best offer. (203) 213-6587
WOOD, FUEL & HEATING EQUIPMENT BULK FIREWOOD. 8 cord, log truck delivery, oak, hardwood. $800. 20 ft. lengths, 8-12” diameter. Visa/MC accepted. 860-836-1727 VERMONT CASTINGS -Resolute Coal or Wood Stove. $350. (203) 237-7883
CLOTHING
A NEW COMPUTER NOW. Brand Name laptops & desktops. Bad or NO Credit - No Problem. Smallest weekly payments avail. Its yours NOW. 800-3177891 COMPAQ monitor, $30. HP ink jet printer, $30. Keyboard & speakers, $20. Call 860-6212928 leave message COMPUTER complete; Win 98; Office 97; CD writer drive. $85. 203-288-8790 after 6pm
ELECTRONICS JVC DIGITAl camcorder. 2 years old. Model#GR-D33. $50. 203440-1202. MOTOROLA T-mobile w/extras pink $100. Call 203-294-9699 TV 32” RCA COLORTRACK With storage/stand. $100. 203-430-7531
WANTED TO BUY
1-2 ITEMS Silverware, china, glass, furniture, 50’s items, whole estates.
203-238-3499
GOWN light pink chiffon tailored. Size 8 extra length $75. Call 203- 238-9823
SPORTING GOODS & HEALTH
ALL OLDER COSTUME JEWELRY WANTED Especially Napier. 203-530-8109
2 YANKEES TICKETS Sunday, 4/19, 1:05. Grandstand Section 420c. Behind home plate! Great view, see all the action. $200 (203) 507-4259 leave message. BIKE Peugeot girls 10 speed good condetion $75.00 call 203-630-2291 FISHING equipment. Asking $65. Call 203-237-0126 HOYER Lift for sale. Pick up a person up to 500 pounds. $99. (203) 237-5001 or 203-213-0716 Chris PISTOL PERMIT CERTIFICATION. 1 Session only, $100. Group discount available! Call for next class 203-415-1144
DEE’S ANTIQUES Buying Silverplate, Glass, Furn, music instruments, china, art, collectibles. 1 item to estate.
203-235-8431 WANTED Antique military guns and knives wanted by collector. Call Richard 877-978-7842 WANTED: Fishing tackle, local collector looking for old or new, Rods, reels, lures, highest prices paid. Call Dave anytime 860-463-4359
48
Town Times — Friday, April 10, 2009
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT & INSTRUCTIONS
DRUM LESSONS Area Pro (203) 630-1299 GUITARS- 1-Martin, 1-Yamaha. For information, call (203) 2387604
MUSIC INSTRUCTION Guitar, bass, beg. piano, beg. drums. All ages, 20 years experience. Wesleyan instructor, performing and recording artist. johnnyiband@yahoo.com Studio (203)206-0110.
CONDOMINIUMS FOR RENT
MERIDEN- 2BR, 1 bath, newly renovated. Eastgate Commons. $775/mo. Section 8 & MHA approved. Call (203) 889-8700 WALLINGFORD 1 bdrm Judd Square. End unit. EIK. Fully applianced. No pets. $775 mo + 1 mo security deposit. Rob 203-410-5513 WALLINGFORD- 2BR, end unit. Freshly painted. New carpet. W/D hookup. $800/mo. No dogs. Owner/Agent. Call 203284-3757
John B. Sliney Apartments, 21 Rice Terrace, Branford. One bedroom units, age 62 & 0ver. Rental assistance available. Utilities included in rent. On-site laundry & parking. Accepting applications for wait list only. To request an application, call (203) 481-5632 Merit Properties, Inc. 93 Deming Road, Suite A, Berlin CT 06037
SOUTH MERIDEN - 1BR Apt. 1st floor, appliances, laundry facility. No utilities. No pets. No smoking. $695 month. Security deposit req. Call 203-238-7562
You Found It! S a g e Po n d P l a c e
WLFD- Judd Square- 1BR, No pets. $700. Call Quality Realty, LLC 203-949-1904
Voice Lessons All Ages and Levels Welcome
Piano Lessons CHESHIRE-4Rms, appls, 1 level, deck, garage. No pets. Convenient to 691 & 84. $1175/mo inclds heat. 203-393-1117
CT & FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING LAW
CHESHIRE. 2 BR, eat-in kit, front and rear porch, off st parking. 2nd flr. Pet OK. $925/mo. 203-250-8288
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, revised March 12, 1989, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap, or familial status or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination; and is also subject to the State of Connecticut General Statutes Sections 46a64c which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, or physical or mental disability, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate or for the sale or rental of residential property which is in violation of these laws.
CONDOMINIUMS FOR RENT
MERIDEN 1 BR, appliances, laundry, storage, AC and pool. Heat & HW included. $765/mo. (203) 264-2555 MERIDEN Sterling Village, 3BR, 1 1/2 ba. All kit appls, W/D hkups. Carpet/hdwd/tile. Pool. Pets. $1,275/mo. First, Last and Sec Dep. Call 603-675-9128 evenings
MERIDEN (54 NORTH AVE)1 bdrm., 3rd-floor, No pets. $570+utilities. $1000 security deposit. Call 203-223-3983. MERIDEN - 3BR, new paint, new tile, new carpetm, new appl’s, garage. 60 Springdale. $900/ mo. Lease. 203-996-7379 Jack Regan Realty MERIDEN 1 & 2RM EFFICIENCY $450 & $550. Some incld utils. 2 mo sec. Credit ck req. No pets. Call 203-284-0597 MERIDEN 1BR Beautiful. Remodeled, 2nd floor. Huge sunny kit., brand new appls, floors & baths. $750+ util. No pets. Days 860635-2266. Eves 860-342-0880
MERIDEN 2BR unit with Dining Rm or use as 3rd BR on the 2nd flr in this quiet area. Newly renovated with parking. 81 Parker Ave. North. $900 + sec. Utils not included. No pets. 203-537-1278 MERIDEN 3 & 4 BRs avail. Great apts in great locations. 2Mos sec; No pets; app and ref a must. Starting at $925/mo. Call for details (203) 715-1965 MERIDEN 3BR East side. 1st floor. On a quiet street. $1,175. No pets. (203)440-2779 MERIDEN 3BR Very large clean units. Your choice 2nd or 3rd flr. Gas heat. Washer & dryer hookups. $900 mo. + sec. No utils. No pets. 92 Franklin St. 203-537-1278 MERIDEN EFFICIENCIES - $650 1BRs - $750 2BRs - $850. Heat & HW incl. ACs. 24 hr maintenance. Sec. guard. Laundry Rm. Off street parking. 203-630-2841
SOUTHINGTON - 1 1/2 RM Efficiency, near I-84 $130/wk. Incld heat & HW, A/C, appl’s. Sec dep & refs req 860-620-0025 SOUTHINGTON 2 BDRM. Downtown. 136 Center St, 2nd Floor. $850/month. No pets. Mike (860) 919-1908 SOUTHINGTON-3BR, 2nd flr. LR, big kit & bath, gar, laundry. $850/ mo. 17 Bristol St. No pets. Credit check. Open House Sun 4pm-5pm back dr. 203 699-9143 WALLINGFORD - Curtis Ave. near Choate, 5 rooms, 2 Br., 1st floor, Appl., hardwood flrs, porch, w/d hookups, Gar, no pets, credit check. $1000 plus sec & utils. Call 203-265-9871/203-269-9755
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
Beginner to Intermediate De Fiore Vocal & Piano Studio Roberta (203) 630-9295
MIDDLEFIELD APT FOR RENT 1BR unit in quiet neighborhood with spacious rooms on 1st flr. $800/mo+utilities. No pets/ smoking. 2 mos sec required. Call 860-982-3000
Applications processed according to order received.
Looking for the perfect new home for your Mother, Father, Aunt, Friend or Yourself?……. WLFD- Brentwood Village, 2 Bdrm, 1.5 Baths, 1,100/mo +Util. No Smoking, No Pets, Credit CK Required. Call 860-729-0576
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
PLAINVILLE 1BR units Starting at $515/month. One months security required. No pets. MBI 860-347-6919
Financed by CHFA
Professional Violin Lessons & String Instruments Repaired! For Children & Adults $25 per 1/2 hour. First lesson FREE! 30 yrs exp. We repair: Violins ● Violas ● Cellos ● Bass Bow Rehairing 203-294-0888 STUDIO BLUE GUITAR Of Durham- Lessons for all ages. Berklee Alumna. 860-836-8157
BRANFORD
WALLINGFORD 1BR, 2nd flr, w/d in bsmt, $800 + utilities. Credit application. Call (203) 284-0741
Nestled off the road in a quiet, wooded setting!
Brand New Beautiful 1 Bedroom Apartments in Berlin For Active Adults 55 and better
Only $950 Heat, Hot and Cold Water Included Central air! Intercom system! Fully applianced kitchens On-site laundry! with frost free refrigerator, Library with computer range with self cleaning oven, workstation! dishwasher, garbage disposal! Ample on-site parking! Community room with fireplace Picnic area with grill! and full service kitchen! 24-hr. maintenance! Secure three-story building with elevators!
Call Now!
WALLINGFORD 2BR, Choate area, walk to downtown. Large bright & sunny. Pet ok. $975 + utils & sec. 203-671-6979 WALLINGFORD Great Location, N. Main St. Near Choate area. 5 Remodeled Rms w/storage space. 2nd flr. New appliances. WD hookup. Off st. parking. No smoking. $1300/mo + 1 mo sec & refs. (203) 269-7671
APARTMENTS FOR RENT WALLINGFORD Great Location, N. Main St. Near Choate area. 5 Remodeled Rms w/storage space. 2nd flr. New appliances. WD hookup. Off st. parking. No smoking. $1300/mo + 1 mo sec & refs. (203) 269-7671 WALLINGFORD- 2BR 2nd flr, 50 Lee Ave. No smoking or pets. $800 per month. (203) 444-5722 WALLINGFORD- 2BR 3rd flr, new appliances, off st. parking. W/D hookups. No smoking or pets. $800 per month. (203) 444-5722 WALLINGFORD- 3BR, 1st floor, w/d hookup off kitchen. No smoking, no dogs or cats. Electric hot water. $1100/mo. 33 So. Elm St. Stacey 203-265-2713 WALLINGFORD-1BR, Kitchen & Bath. 34 S. Whittlesey Ave. Hardwood floors. No pets/smoking. Avail now. $795/mo. + security. Credit check. Call 203-269-9398 WLFD- 1st flr, 2BR, hdwd flrs, off st. parking. No pets or smoking. $975/mo + 2 mos. sec. Call (860) 349-0282
WLFD- NORTHRIDGE Commons, spacious 1 & 2BR units. $695 & up - $750 & up. Also avail 2BR units $775-$795 203-269-5770 WLFD-2BR, 3rd flr, $750/mo + utils inclds refrig, stove & W/D hkup. Whittlesey Ave. Off-stpark. No smoke/pets. Good credit. 2mos sec. Jerry 508-758-6927 WLFD. Studio Newly renovated, Hdwd flrs, private driveway, No pet 203-284-2077/203-654-6190
ROOMS FOR RENT Meriden Clean, Safe Rooms Cable, phone, kit priv, off street parking. Start $135/week. Security req. (860) 965-4227 MERIDEN Share Kitchen, Bath & Living Rm. 2 weeks security. $150/week. (203) 605-8591 MERIDEN. 1 rm, share kit, DR & bath. Includes heat & util. $150/wk. 203-238-9239
NORTH HAVEN Meadowstone Motel- Off I-91. Sat. TV, furn’d. Daily/Wkly On Bus Line. 203-239-5333
VACATION & SEASONAL RENTALS ARUBA Mariott Ocean Club, fully equipped kit with living and dining area. Accommodates 4 people. Master BR and sleeper sofa. Private balcony overlooking pool and ocean. Jan 3-Jan 10, 2010. $1200/wk. Call 203-250-7511 SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE NOW!!! Maintenance fees too high? Need Cash? Sell your unused timeshare today. No commissions or Broker Fees. Free Consultation. www.sellatimeshare.com 1-866-708-3690
GARAGE & STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT WOW! CALL FOR THIS MONTH’S AMAZING MANAGER’S SPECIALS! Storage Space-Clean, well lit, fenced facility. 5’x10’-$58.29, 5’x15’-$68.89, 10’x10’-$94.33, 10’x15’-$116.59, 10’x20’$132.49, 10’x30’-$206.69. CALL (203) 250-1515 for details.
JACK KNEW
(860) 828-3958 also accepting applications for Affordable Units Income Restriction Apply Merit Properties, Inc. Financed by CHFA APARTMENTS FOR RENT MERIDEN- 1BR $725/mo. Heat, HW & Electric incl. Private balcony, off st parking, laundry facilities, management & maintenance on site. Section 8. approved. No dogs. Cat w/deposit. For info 203-639-4868
APARTMENTS FOR RENT MERIDEN- 2nd flr, 1BR, 5 rms, heat included. W/D hookup. Off st. parking. $825/mo. Call 203-238-9948 MERIDEN- Nice 1BR, 72 North First St., parking, appliances, $595. Credit, references. No pets. 203-238-1890
MERIDEN- 1BR, quiet area, good location. Spacious rooms. FP in LR. Private entrance/exit. 860-301-8705.
MERIDEN- Wallingford line, Large, Luxury 2BR condo. Laundry. Rent - $850 + utils, no pets. 203-245-9493 x 2.
MERIDEN- 2BR TOWNHOUSE 1-1/2 Bath, Basement, WD Hookup. $850. 2 mos security. Credit check required. No pets. (203) 284-0597
MERIDEN- Wallingford line, Large, Luxury 2BR condo. Laundry. Rent - $850 + utils, no pets. 203-245-9493 x 2.
MERIDEN- 2BR w/FP, hdwd flrs. $900. 306 Brittania St. Call Alex 203-213-3162 or George (917) 696-2869
MERIDEN- 1BR, 2nd flr. Stove & refrig incld. New carpeting. Secure bldg. No pets. 1 1/2 mo sec $800/mo. 203-376-1259
MERIDEN- 2BRs, 1 bath (w/Radiant heat floors), brand new appliances, 1 1/2 mos. security. Credit check. No pets. $850. Call (203) 537-1772
MERIDEN- 2BR $1000/month. No pets. Sec dep & crdt ck req'd. MBI 860-347-6919.
MERIDEN- 3BR, 1st flr, off-st parking, hdwd flrs. Avail 4/1. $950/mo. (203) 634-1881
MERIDEN-Newly renovated, 1st fl apt. 1BR, 1BA. Furn or unfurn. Close to 691/mall. No pets/smoking. Prvt parking. 203-440-1941
This was the paper that sold the house that Jack built.
MERIDEN. 1st flr 2 BR, quiet area near park, recently renovated, all appliances plus washer & dryer. $900/mo plus sec. 203-631-6875
To speak with a Marketplace Advisor call today at (877) 238-1953.
MERIDEN. 819 Broad Street. 1bd $600. All Utilities Included. Section 8 welcome, No pets. 860-246-0613
Tow n Times
49
Friday, April 10, 2009 — Town Times STORES & OFFICES FOR RENT
HOUSES FOR SALE
HOUSES FOR SALE
MERIDEN 1 unit avail at approx 1130sqft $1,000/mo w/o utils. Bathrm & storage rm. Near Gianni’s Restaurant. MBI 860347-6919 MERIDEN Approx 900sqft, 5Rms + reception area & 2 baths, bsmt option extra. $1000/mo w/o utils. Near Gianni’s Restaurant. MBI 860-347-6919 WALLINGFORD RT 5 - 1400 SF Office Space Parking lot/stop light/busy plaza. Negotiable terms. Free start-up rent. Make offer. (203)397-2009
HOUSES FOR SALE
PLAINVILLE $439,900 Room for everyone in this 3-4BR, 4 full bath home with double staircase. Second BR has own bath. Open and sensible floor plan with neutral colors. Hardwood flooring. Call Linda (203) 235-3300.
WLFD East side, desired location RR. 3BR, 2bath, private entrance in-law apt. New windows, 1 car garage, level private lot. Close to all 3 levels of schools, easy access to 91. $334,900 Al Criscuolo 203-2655618
Giving You Clear answers during complex times. Call Pam Sawicki-Beaudoin Broker/Owner. 203-623-9959 Experience Makes the Difference!
WLFD Move right in! 3BR, 1 1/2BA Split in Cook Hill area. HW floors, updated kitchen w/stainless appliances. Large level lot. Great for summer picnics. $315,000. Call Fred 203-265-5618
WLFD- WONDERFUL RANCH! 1,320 sf with many updates! New windows, siding, frt porch & HW heater! Beautiful kitchen! Large LR w/FP & HW flr! $239,900. Dan Combs RE Inc 203-265-2356 www.dancombsre.com
CONDOMINIUMS FOR SALE
1105484
Buy Your First home by Nov. 30th
Get $8000 from Uncle Sam! 100% financing still available. *Call or Email for details.
Linda Bohne, 203-715-5518 or linda_bohne@yahoo.com Coldwell Banker Resid. Brokerage MERIDEN Our builder will buy your home at fair market value if it qualifies for its program, when you buy one of its homes. You can also find other homes for sale on our website. Visit us at www.galleriahouses.com Galleria Real Estate 203-671-2223.
Giving You
MERIDEN Lovely top flr remodeled 2BR Ranch, East side, open flr plan, remod bath, master w/walk in closet & dressing area, CAIR, sliders to deck & pool. $99,000. Kathy (203) 235-3300
Clear answers during complex times. Call Lisa Golebiewski, Broker/Owner. 203-631-7912 Experience Makes the Difference!
MERIDEN Condo - Remodeled End Unit. 3 BR, one full bath, two half baths. Finished basement. Minutes away from RTs 691, 15, 91. Move-in condition. $189,900. 203-639-4711 By appointment.
Sports
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Current Events
MERIDEN Lovely 3BR Ranch w/HW fls, remod EIK & bath, 3 season sun room, 2c det gar, fin LL w/bar, many updts, including roof, windows & much more + CAIR, private quiet area. $189,900. Kathy (203) 235-3300
and more...
All Rolled Into One
Tow n Times
MERIDEN- New construction on 1/3 Acre. 2,000 sq.ft. high efficiency home. 8 rooms featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with a 2 car garage. Starting at $329,900. Call P&M Custom Homes for more information at 203-238-3095. www.p-mbuilders.com
MIDDLETOWN Spacious 2BR 1.5 bath Townhouse in lovely Ridgely. Plenty of space plus a family room. Come see! $169,900. Brian Miller 203-2655618
Millions of people look to Marketplace everyday. It’s used news.
50
Town Times — Friday, April 10, 2009
ATTIC & BASEMENTS CLEANED A TO Z REMOVAL Free estimates. Garages, attics, basements, brush, pools, decks, etc. Sr. discounts. 203-238-0106
PETE IN THE PICKUP JUNK REMOVAL. 203-886-5110
203-494-1526 Junk Removed
DECKS CENTRAL CT HOME IMPROVEMENTS All types remodeling & repair. Interior/exterior, decks & more. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Licensed& insured. #0673083 203-213-0033 MATTSON Home Improvement Affordable, quality decks. Free estimates. Insured. CT Reg 581924. (203) 631-7459
DUMPSTERS
GUTTERS
C&M CONSTRUCTION Over 25 years experience. Call today for free estimates. Call 203-440-3535 Ct. Reg. #578887
DOW GUTTERS Seamless gutters/leaders. 13 colors. Free estimates. Ct #612964 Steve 860 426-0045
FREE estimates. Call Ed
15 & 20 Yard Roll-Offs. ATTORNEYS
Bankruptcy Free Consultation Keep home, auto, 401k, etc. STOP FORECLOSURES IRS & “Repos” Atty F.W. Lewis 439 Main St, Yalesville 203-265-2829 “Debt Relief Agency” We help people file for relief under the bankruptcy code
Home, Business or Job Site We do clean-outs too! Empire Construction, LLC 203-269-3559 www.EmpireLLC.biz
ELECTRICAL SERVICE
All Phases of Electrical Work 24 hr. Emergency Service
203-237-4124 an LLC co.
FENCING
JT CONSTRUCTION
REPAIRS Additions, Sunrooms, Finish Bsmnt, Decks & Porches 203-238-1449 #578107 Free est. www.marceljcharpentier.com
HOMETECH Carpentry, repairs. No job too small or large. Member BBB.
203-235-8180 CT Reg #564042
Green Planet Remodeling Addt’s, decks, Rec rms, kits, baths. 41 yrs exp 203-639-8389 CT #573358
COMPUTER SERVICES
CT Reg #606277. GIVE us a call, we do it ALL. Free est. 203-631-1325
All types of remod. 30+ yrs exp. No $$ Down. CT Reg 523804. Ins
CARPENTRY
ROOFING AND SIDING We are professional roofers. New roof, re-roof, tear off roof We fix leaks. No job too small! HIC # 0610788 yumbla@sbcglobal.net 203-715-7154 203-715-1275
A-1 HANDYMAN PLUS
T.E.C. Electrical Svc LLC
203-237-2122
One call does it all. No job too big, no job too small. Fully insured. (203) 379-0064 CT Reg #607116
HANDYPERSONS
Shamock Roofing
SMALL JOBS WELCOME
CORNERSTONE FENCE & Ornamental Gates. All types of fence. Res/Comm. AFA Cert. Ins’d. Call John Uvino 203-237-GATE CT Reg #601060 BICO FENCE - All types of quality fencing & repairs available. Professional installations. 20 years exp. Lic’d & ins’d. 203715-0567. CT Reg# 616240 MORGAN Fence Co. Installation & Repair. No job to small! Owner operated. #HIC-623033 Call 203-886-8029
GARAGE DOORS RWL CONST. SERVICES RON LIGAS - 35 YRS EXP. Garage doors & openers installed CT Reg. #622764 860-349-6873
CENTRAL CT OVERHEAD DOOR centralctoverheaddoor.com Sales/ Service. Reg # 565116 203-630-1058 or 860-349-3372
A2Z GARAGE DOOR SERVICE Installation & Repairs CT #600415 203-235-9865
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
JT CONSTRUCTION One call does it all. No job too big, no job too small. Fully insured. (203) 379-0064 CT Reg #607116
O’CONNOR ROOFING 203-639-0231 Lic. & ins. Free est. Work performed by owner. CT Reg #602521 CENTRAL CT HOME IMPROVEMENTS All types remodeling & repair. Interior/exterior, decks & more. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Licensed& insured. #0673083 203-213-0033
MATTSON HOME IMPROVEMENT Free est. Quality. Insured. CT Reg 581924. (203) 631-7459 E & D HOME ImprovementsComplete home services. Electric, plumbing, kitchens, baths, etc. (203) 376-7532 CT Reg# 616307.
HOUSE CLEANING
For gutter cleaning, call Kevin at (203) 440-3279 Fully insured. CT Reg. #569127.
LANDSCAPING EL SOL Spring clean-up, Hedge Trimming, Mowing. Comm/Res. Accepting new accounts. Free est. Walter 203-619-2877
LANDSCAPING RICK’S AFFORDABLE- Comm/ resid Mowing. Spring cleanups, hedge trim, brush, tree & pricker removal. 11 yrs exp. 203-530-4447. A KYLE LANDSCAPING Affordable lawn care in Meriden/ Wlfd. Lic & ins. CT Reg #622733. Call for est (860) 637-7294
STUMP GRINDING Multiple stump discounts. Fully ins. Call Mark at Eagle Stump Grinding 203-704-0821 JOE’S LAWN CARE, LLC Spring clean up, mowing, landscape work, mulching and irrigartion service. 203-631-7444 Lic, fully insured. Reg #563805 BILL RUDOLPH Landscaping Paver walkways & patios, retaining walls, landscape design, water features, planter bed renovations, drainage work backhoe work. Est 1972. Free est. #563661 (203) 237-9577 JT’S LANDSCAPING, LLC Spring clean-ups. Full lawn maintenance. Comm. & Res. Top quality work. Ins., Free est. 203-213-6528 CT Reg #616311 A & A Lawn Care-Spring cleanups, hedge trimming, tree, shrub, debris removal #584101 Free estimates. Jim 203-237-6638
MASONRY ROCKY Construction Mason Contractor. General Masonry. Patios, Stairs, Retaining Walls, Chimneys, Brick, Block, Stone. Basement repairs. Any size job. Work guraranteed. Free estimates. lic & ins. Ct# 618008. 203768-4789 Fax 860-274-1419 CASCIO Mason. Chimney repair, sidewalks, walls, brick work, etc. CT Reg #611774. 203-265-7826 or cell 860-398-1223 JIMMY’S MASONRY Stonewalls, steps, patios, chimneys, all types. Lic. & Ins’d. 25 yrs exp. Call for free est. 860-2744893 CT. Reg. #604498
203-272-4216 Quality Landscaping, LLC Spring Clean-ups, mowing, landscaping, stone work. WWW.QLSLLC.COM CT Reg #620306 Jim 203-537-2588 or 860-349-2118
HEDGE TRIMMING No Hedge/shrub too big, small or tall. Fully Ins. Free estimates. Quality Landscaping, LLC. WWW.QLSLLC.COM Jim 203-537-2588 or 860-349-2118 SPRING CLEAN UPS Starting now! NORM THE GARDENER (203) 265-1460
A-1 Quality Powerwashing HOT WATER, LOW RATES Call Dennis 203-630-0008
POWER WASHING IS Spring cleaning on the outside. FREE ESTIMATES. Call Kevin 203-440-3279 POWERWASHING Spring Clean-up. Houses, RV’s, boats, etc. We clean it all! CT Reg# 616391. Call 203-235-7916
ROOFING
PAINTING/ WALLPAPERING BIG GREEN LANDSCAPING Spring Cleanup, Lawn Care, Hedge Trimming. Great pricing on seasonal or year contract. CT#619909 Call 203-715-2301 ALLEGRO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LLC. Specializing in sm. lawn maintenance, property clearing & seasonal clean-up. Full landscaping services including design & installation. Retaining walls & patios, stone/paver walkways, driveways, mulching & excavating #0965092. 203-687-1347
LAWN & GARDEN
DAN - The Painter Man. Great work - best prices. CT Reg #0678307. Insured. (203) 376-8023
A-1 QUALITY PAINTING Specializing in Wood/Aluminum siding. Low rates. Reg#533474. Call Dennis 203-630-0008
SPRING IS HERE! - The grass is riz - I wonder how your driveway is? Call for free estimate.
LaRosa Construction Co. Inc. MATT D. Lawn Mowing. Affordable, dependable. 15 years experience. Will beat any quote. (860) 302-0990 ACE PROPERTIES MGT. Estate Services, Property Maintenance, Lawn Service, Attic, Basement & Garage Cleanout. Gardens Roto-Tilled. Free est. Fully insured. (203) 440-4280 ALLEGRO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LLC. Specializing in sm. lawn maintenance, property clearing & seasonal clean-up. Full landscaping services including design & installation. Retaining walls & patios, stone/paver walkways, driveways, mulching & excavating. #0965092. 203-687-1347
ROOFING AND SIDING We are professional roofers. New roof, re-roof, tear off roof We fix leaks. No job too small! HIC # 0610788 yumbla@sbcglobal.net 203-715-7154 203-715-1275
O’CONNOR ROOFING PAVING
(203) 237-5409 CT Reg #503554 GREAT PRICES! Full service landscaping & property maintenance. Irrigation srv avail. Call Presise Now
POWER WASHING
PEST CONTROL
203-639-0231 Lic. & ins. Free est. Work performed by owner. CT Reg #602521 Fine Work Home Improvements. FREE estimates. Quality work with a great price. Owner on job at all times. Lic & fully insured. 860-349-6597 CT Reg #558904
Empire Construction, LLC RIDOFBUGS.COM Got pests? Need Help? 203-265-7328/860-426-1040 CENTURION EXTERMINATING
PLUMBING
DON’T Flush money down the drain, call Duane. Plumbing, heating. Quality work Low rates. Accepting Major Credit cards. Lic. #0283401 #0389224 203-379-8944
POWER WASHING MASONRY
Your Professional Roofer New Roofs, Reroofs, Tearoffs. We fix leaks too! 203-269-3559 CT Reg#565514 www.EmpireLLC.biz
FIDERIO & SONS Siding, roofing, windows, decks, sunrms, additions. 203-237-0350. CT Reg. #516790
Gonzalez Construction ★★★★★★★★
Roofing, siding, windows, decks, gutters & remodeling. ★★★★★★★★
RH MASONRY SERVICES ALL YOUR MASONRY NEEDS. Stone walls, patios, walkways, pool decks, fireplaces, etc. Fully Lic & insured. Call for free estimates 860-483-0139 #584436
QUALITY home & office cleaning, weekly, bi-weekly, special projects. Exc references. Reasonable rates -860-754-8757 HOUSEKEEPER- Experienced & detail-oriented w/excellent refs. Flexible hours and days. Please contact Judy at (860) 347-2575
GUTTERS
GUTTERS DON’T WORK IF THEY’RE DIRTY
To ensure a quality job at a fair price. Call 203-630-6459 CT Reg #608488
TRUSTWORTHY and Professional Housecleaners Great rates, free est. Refs . Call Agnes (860) 632-7174 or 860-518-5357
JUNK REMOVAL COMPUTER PROBLEMS? Upgrades, installs, repairs & viruses fixed at your home. DMT Computer Services. 860621-4295. After 5 - 860-424-1177
KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING
INTEGRATED LAWN & LAND SERVICES, LLC April Special! Free power washing with a full service lawn maintenace program 203-537-7060 CT #615483
BILL RUDOLPH Landscaping paver walkways, patios, retaining wall. Free estimates. #563661 . Call 203-237-9577
JG LANDSCAPING LLC CT Reg # 580999. Services: Patios, Stone Walls, Spring Clean Ups. 203-265-5227
Veneer (Brick, Stone, Block), Concrete, stucco, steps/stairs, repair. Free est. 203-982-3087 or 203-755-9469 CT Reg #577098
203-639-0032 Fully license/insured. CT Reg# 577319
C&M CONSTRUCTION To ensure a quality job at a fair price. Call 203-630-6459 CT Reg #608488
JOHN Biafore and Son Masonry Chimneys, brick, block, stone walls, patios. In business over 50 yrs. CT# 549071 (203) 537-3572
AMERICAN MASONRY COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL Clean Outs. Free estimates. Affordable rates. Call 203-715-2301
THE POWERWASHING KINGS Others Wash - We Clean! 203-631-3777 or 860-839-1000 thepowerwashingkings.com
Shamock Roofing All types of remod. 30+ yrs exp. No $$ Down. CT Reg 523804. Ins
203-237-4124 an LLC co INTEGRATED LAWN & LAND SERVICES, LLC APRIL SPECIAL! Free power washing with a full service lawn maintenace program 203-537-7060 CT #615483
ROOFS R US WE BEAT ANY QUOTE! Siding, windows, gutters, carpentry. 41yrs exp. (203) 639-8389 CT #573358
51
Friday, April 10, 2009 — Town Times HELP WANTED
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ MYSTERY Shoppers Needed. Earn up to $150 per day. Undercover Shoppers needed to Judge Retail & Dining Establishments Exp Not Required. Call Now 1-877-218-6211
SERVICES OFFERED
SIDING
TREE SERVICES
CENTRAL CT OVERHEAD DOOR
Gonzalez Construction
centralctoverheaddoor.com Sales/ Service. Reg # 565116 203-630-1058 or 860-349-3372
Roofing, siding, windows, decks, gutters & remodeling.
LAVIGNE’S TREE SERVICE
RIDOFBUGS.COM Got pests? Need Help? 203-265-7328/860-426-1040 CENTURION EXTERMINATING
Fully licensed/insured. CT Reg.# 577319
SANDBLASTING We come to you. Snowplows, trailers, truck bodies, etc. Reasonable prices. Bill Coleman. 203-7150567. CT Reg# 616240
SIDING
FIDERIO & SONS Siding, roofing, windows, decks, sunrooms, additions.
203-237-0350 CT Reg. #516790
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
203-639-0032 SWIMMING POOLS & SPAS ALL Types pool & spa serv. Complete service on pools & spas, above and inground liner replacement. Lic & ins. CT Reg 622885. Call (203) 537-9188
TOP SOIL SAND & FILL HAZELWOOD EXCAVATING Dry farm screened topsoil and colored mulch.
203-269-0135 SCREENED Top Soil. Picked up or delivered. 860-681-3991
HELP WANTED CALL CENTER, 7p-3a and overnight shift avail. Looking for Inbound, customer service friendly, sales reps. Please call Tactical Marketing Solutions 203-284-6040 Ext 1970.
WLFD Take over this Filipino store, restaurant, catering and take in $$$. Great Rt. 150 location, parking, frontage. Low rent, many established clients. $135,000. Maria 203-265-5618
Commission Sales Associates Full or Part-time Available Strong relationship-building skills and persuasive nature. Drive, persistence and strong desire to assist customers above and beyond service levels. Polished, professional and focused. Commission based on sales. Experience preferred. Fax resume to Mary, HR, (203) 238-3062.
COURIER – Medical
HELP WANTED ATTENTION all college students, career changers, experienced educators and paraprofessionals! Find an education job in Arizona! Register Online at: www.teachinaz.com ATTENTION all college students, career changers, experienced educators and paraprofessionals! Find an education job in Arizona! Register Online at: www.teachinaz.com AUTO A/B Tech & Detailer. Foreign car exp. Tech must have tools. Call 203-284-8989, Fax 203-269-1114
Great opportunity for independent contractor with professional appearance and excellent customer service skills to service medical accounts throughout Connecticut. Daytime, weekend and evening shifts available Apply online @ millersexpress.com DRIVER/WAREHOUSE HELPER w/varied skills for const. co. Must pass drug test and have clean dribing record w/knowledge of Wtby area and St. of CT. FT $12/hr plus benefits; 146 Sheridan Dr., Naug., CT 203-7292266 AA/EEO. GENERAL
GRAND OPENING!! $1000 Sign-on bonus after 30 days of FT work
CABLE TV TECHS Experienced. Grow with us! Call 860-357-2282
All depts. hiring International co. operates Full Company Training FT & PT work available. Customer Service★Sales Service★Packing
CNC PROGRAMMERS MACHINIST with MILLING or LATHE experience. Please send resumes to Mrichter@ctpersonnel.com
$450-525/WEEK! Call Today! Start Tomorrow!
866-271-9064
IN BUSINESS 28 YRS. Tree removal. Stump grinding. Crane Srv. Free Est. Fully insured. 203-294-1775
PROF. ARBORIST #S3365 60ft bucket truck. Precise Tree CT Reg #562159.
203-272-4216 YARDLEY TREE SERVICE.com Fair, reasonable. Free estimates. Reg. Insured. 203-440-0402 or 860-595-4159 STUMP Grinding, tree removal. Spring Clean-up. Free est. CT Reg# 616391. 203-440-3142
Always a sale in Marketplace
HELP WANTED Housekeeping GENERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATES The Hospital of Central Connecticut’s Bradley Memorial campus (in Southington) has two immediate openings in Environmental Services: ●Full-time, 40hrs/wk, evenings ●Part-time, 24hrs/wk, evenings Both positions require working varied evenings from 3 pm 11:30 pm, including every other weekend and rotating holidays. Responsibilities will include performing a variety of cleaning/ housekeeping duties, moving/ rearranging furniture, hanging draperies, replacing supplies, vacuuming, mopping/stripping/washing/waxing floors, disposing of biomedical wastes and other duties as assigned. We prefer a minimum of one year of related experience, including floor finishing knowledge. In addition to having a high school diploma or GED, applicants must be able to speak, read and write English, have good problem solving skills, be a team player and provide exc. customer service. Qualified candidates should apply online at www.thocc.org or in person at: Human Resources, The Hospital of Central CT, Bradley Memorial campus, 81 Meriden Avenue, Southington, CT 06489. An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
MYSTERY SHOPPERS Earn Up to $100/day! Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail & dining estab. Exp not req’d. 1-800-378-2859
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (OTR) CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (COTA) Rehab facility looking for per diem hours. Competitive rate. Apply in person or fax resume to: MERIDIAN MANOR 1132 Meriden Rd Waterbury, CT 06705 fax: 203-757-0634 Attn: Ms. Smith
Part Time Early Morning Driver Needed Reliable individual with vehicle needed to make early morning deliveries to contractors and customers of the Record-Journal. Ability to read maps and follow directions a must. Knowledge of Meriden, Wallingford, Southington, and Cheshire areas a plus.
Adults Wanted! Come join our fast growing team of adult newspaper carriers for the Record-Journal! It's an excellent way to supplement your income during early morning hours without interfering with day jobs, family and other obligations. Looking for carriers in all areas, Meriden, Wallingford, Southington & Cheshire
Those interested should call 203-634-3933
$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Please apply in person between the hours of 10:00am -2:00pm Monday Friday to:
Record-Journal Circulation Department 75 S. Colony St Meriden, CT PART TIME position for experienced assistant in a preschool program. Call 203-949-9000 PHARMACY TECHNICIANS Wed and Fridays 10AM-4PM Tues, Wed, Fri 4PM-9PM Sat 8AM-2PM Apply in person Hancock’s Pharmacy 840 East Main St., Meriden PIZZAMAKER neeed. Must be able to speak English. Full-time. Apply in person: Lido’s Rest., 75 Pomeroy Ave, Meriden. RECEPTIONIST - Part time. Please contact Linda at Yalesville Veterinary Hospital at (203) 265-1646 RECEPTIONIST/CLERICAL Light phones & general office duties. Exp. MS Office & Quickbooks. FT-resumes excepted by email only HR@practicales.com
Reporter Experienced part-time news reporter wanted for weekly community newspaper. Must be able to write news and features. Photography experience a plus. Flexible, 32-hour per week work schedule. Includes some nights and weekends. Send cover letter, resume and clippings to:
news@ northhavencitizen.com or to: The North Haven Citizen 460 Washington Ave North Haven, CT 06473 WAITSTAFF M/F- Apply in person only after 3pm. Laskara Rest. 295 Parker Farms Rd, Wlfd WAITSTAFF Min 2 or 3yrs exp in fine dining. PT nights & wknds. Apply in person 11:30am-9pm Avanti Restaurant, 34 River Rd S. Meriden.
RN or LPN 32 hrs, 3 PM - 11 PM No Weekends
MEDICAL CAREERS MEDICAL ASSOCIATE. Busy practice, computer skills, billing background helpful, $13-14/hr depending on experience. 888-485-5118
CAREER TRAINING & SCHOOLS ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. Medical, Business, Paralegal, Computers, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. Call 800-4880386 www.CenturaOnline.com HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA!! Fast, Affordable, Accredited. FREE Brochure. Call NOW! 1-888-532-6546 ext 96 www.continentalacademy.com
IT’S SO CONVENIENT! Pay for your RecordJournal Marketplace ad with your credit card. For your convenience we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discove r & American Express. Just call (203) 238-1953 to place your Marketplace ad and have your credit card # ready for the advisor.
Miller Memorial Community, Meriden's choice for excellence in senior residential health care services, is seeking compassionate, caring candidates who are interested in joining our professional team. They must also be team players and able to work independently. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills and the ability to perform multiple tasks are required. Short term rehab experience a plus, but willing to train. Miller offers very competitive wages and benefits (including pension plan and noncontributory health, dental, life, and disability insurances for employees). Drug testing and criminal background check required. Applicants must be Connecticut licensed. If you are willing to go the extra mile for your patients and are truly interested in personcentered care, please apply to:
Personnel Manager Miller Memorial Community, Inc. 360 Broad St. Meriden, Ct 06450 Fax 203-630-3714 or email: hfparisi@emmci.org EOE
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Friday, April 10, 2009
Town Times
Happy Easter 2009 Dear Alexis, Our “little gal�, we love you so very much! Hope the Easter Bunny brings you all kinds of wonderful things! Love, Mommy & Daddy
Elizabeth, Cooper & Dakota-Marie Happy Easter to all of my little bunnies!! Love, Mommy XOXO
Daddy Following in your footprints will continue to bring us joy, love & precious memories. Happy Easter to the Best! Love, Brooke, Mackenzie & Mommy
Happy Easter Cameron & Corey McConnell All our love. Hugs & Kisses. Gramma Judy & Terri Happy 9th Birthday Cam.
Maia To a special little girl, who we love very much. Happy Easter. Love always, Memere, Pepere and Auntie Jenn
Ava May Happy Easter, Ava May, my lollipop! Love, Nana XXOO
Nathen & Dylan Brini Happy Easter to the sweetest little jelly beans around! Love, Mommy & Daddy
Maisey Mae Zuder We love you sweet Maisey Mae! Happy Easter to a very special baby girl! Love, Mommy & Daddy OOXXOO
Brooke & Makenzie May the Easter Bunny bring you your favorite treats. Happy 1st Easter to our little Makenzie and love to both our girls. Love, Mommy & Daddy
Kyle & Connor Happy Easter to the cutest Grandsons! We love you lots! Grandma Laurie & Grandpa Dan
Matthew & Mikalyn To my two little jelly beans! Happy Easter! I love you! Mommy
The Pippa Girls Happy Easter We love you!
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