5-25-2012 Town Times

Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

Volume 19, Issue 7

Town and fair officials react to Girl Scouts jubilee traffic issues

By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times While many people were celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Girl Scouts at the Durham Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 19, many others were cursing the impact the jubilee had on the traffic in town. Comments like “traffic is a mess... evidently

they didn’t notify the state police� and “don’t go Route 17, it is at a stand still!� were posted to the Town Times Facebook page early on Saturday in response to an announcement about the Girl Scout celebration. While many residents were unhappy about the traffic delays on Route 17 — Durham Fair Association president Gene

TownTimes.com

Friday, May 25, 2012

Lemonade for a cause

Chiappetta was equally surprised. He planned to meet with officials as soon as possible to address the concerns. “I’ve talked to the people from the Fair Association that head up grounds rental and public safety,� said Chiappetta on Monday. “This is clearly going to require See Jubilee, page 14

Hitchin’ a ride Talia, Micayla and Gianna Caramanello, of Middlefield, set up a lemonade stand during their neighborhood tag sale recently. The girls intend to participate in, and donate the proceeds to, the Walk for Cystic Fibrosis later this month.

Submitted by Maura Caramanello

Peter Valenti named grand marshal for Memorial Day Parade

By Trish Dynia Special to the Town Times

Pet fair volunteers from Coginchaug ride with Haley, a yellow Labrador retriever, at the annual Durham Pet Fair May 20. See more on pages 10-11.

Due to their unselfish nature, it becomes harder each year to find a veteran willing to serve as grand marshal of the Memorial Day parade in Durham, and this year was no exception. Parade chairman Rob Francis approached sev-

Photo by Judy Moeckel

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Town Times Community Briefs

2

Corrections We strive to bring you the most accurate information available each week, but if you see something in Town Times that isn’t quite right, give us a call at (860) 203-2448, and we’ll do our best to make things right.

We incorrectly spelled the name of Dr. Joseph Forrester, a nominee for the Board of Education, in the May 18 issue.

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

DMYFS annual Books and plants abound meeting Right, books Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services will be holding its annual meeting on Tuesday, June 5, at 7 p.m. at the Middlefield Community Center. All are welcome to attend.

Author to visit Award-winning author Neal Shusterman is scheduled to visit District 13 on Friday, Oct. 12, to give a presentation to students in grades 5-9. The district is one of 20 schools nationwide to be selected for a visit.

are for all ages! The basement community rooms of the Durham Library were filled with books during a book sale last Saturday.

Photos by Sue VanDerzee

Left, Grandpa Steve and grandson Wyatt from “just over the Killingworth line” enjoyed both the plant and book sales at the Durham Library on May 19. Library staff ran the plant sale while the book sale is sponsored by PALS, the friends of the library organization.

Shusterman is the author of The Schwa Was Here, Unwind, The Everlost Trilogy, and other young adult novels. His book, Unwind, was chosen for Strong School Reads this past February and was the 2008 ALA Best Young Adult Book. The sequel to Unwind, unWHOLLY, is due out this fall, coinciding with the author’s visit. Books can be pre-ordered. Forms are available at Durham and Middlefield libraries, as well as at Strong Middle School, Memorial Middle School and Coginchaug High School libraries.

Orders must be in by June 10.

For more information, visit www.storyman.com.

J.C. Farm & Greenhouses 385r Wallingford Rd. (Rt. 68) Durham, CT 06422 (860) 349-5649

Memorial Day Sale Large Variety of • Geraniums 4 1/2” pots

2.99 ea. $ 29.99/dozen $

• New Guinea Impatiens

2.49 ea.

24.99/dozen

4” pots $

$

3 Flats for

• Large variety of

Annual Flowers

Annual Vegetable Plants

1.99

$

flat/48 plants

11.99

$

4” Premium Annuals

2.49 ea.

$

24.99 Dozen

$

tray/6 plants

30.00

$

• Large variety of

tray/6 plants

(no mixing)

11” Hanging Baskets

14.99

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1.99

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flat/48 plants

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Friday, May 25, 2012

3

Town Times

Durham selectmen discuss energy, acquisition and ordinances

By Elisabeth Kennedy Special to the Town Times Susan Michael addressed the Board of Selectmen on May 14 regarding the Clean Energy Task Force’s reorganization efforts to keep current and vital to today’s community.

The selectmen embraced the task force focus areas outlined in its draft goals and objectives; however they took issue with the proposed name change to Sustainability Task Force.

First Selectman Laura Francis felt clean energy is recognized across the state and more aptly qualifies it for funding as it clearly identifies the role of the task force.

Michael felt perhaps a broader name might create more interest. Francis proposed that “clean energy and sustainability” would maintain recognition but fuse sustainability to encompass other goals.

Francis then expressed concern over lead certification as it could cause significant increases in the cost of future

projects. She proposed editing the goal to “encourage lead standards.” Selectman Steven Levy was pleased with the focus areas targeting recycling, hoping to reduce costs of the recycling center by encouraging each home in Durham to recycle 100 percent of the time.

He identified composting as another area of positive impact. Francis indicated that DMIAAB (transfer station) is working to create a document outlining recyclable items to circulate and promote.

Michael was asked to synthesize the goals and objections into a shorter document to put on the town’s website and agreed to present the selectmens’ suggestions at the task force’s next meeting. The goals and objectives will be ready to be adopted at the next BOS meeting on May 21.

Discussion moved to the sta-

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The Environmental Protection Agency has indicated that, if the town is interested in acquiring the property, it is time to state that interest.

Francis explained requirements placed on the property by the EPA (no building below grade and ceiling filtration system in any building). Current ownership was discussed.

Francis reported that the prop-

nance as the zoning regulations address blighted properties to a point, but an ordinance could strengthen the town’s position and ability to act. Szewczyk had also heard from residents, and agreed that an ordinance is a great idea. Francis will do some research and begin work on the ordinance.

A public hearing date of July 9 was set for the Fire Marshal Fee Ordinance, which will establish fees for permits (new commercial buildings or renovations) from the building official and fire marshal.

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erty is in probate and subject to federal and tax liens, adding that the town has a right to foreclose on the tax lien.

However, the EPA will not allow anyone to have a windfall after spending $8 million to clean up the property, but will recoup some of that money.

The selectmen were in favor of expressing interest in the property; Francis will give the EPA the green light and will follow its direction on how to move forward.

Levy asked the board to consider an ordinance regarding blighted properties as many residents have spoken to him on that subject. Francis agreed it is time to consider an ordi-

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tus of Merriam Manufacturing site clean-up, which Francis reported is nearing an end.

Top soil has been spread, but more material needs to be removed before seeding can take place. That removal is on hold pending approval of where to put the contaminated material.

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Town Times & Places

4 FRIDAY

May 25 Bridge Night Come join in at the Durham Activity Center every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. for a fun night of bridge with great people. If you are not sure how to play, Jim will teach you. You may call Jim at (860) 346-6611 with bridge questions.

Call Durham Recreation at (860) 343-6724 with further questions.

TOT Time Bring your babies, toddlers and preschoolers to join other moms and children in your community.

Event hosted every Friday by MOMS (MOMS Offering Moms Support) Club of Durham/Middlefield at the Middlefield Community Center at 10 a.m. Tot Time is only open to residents of Durham and Middlefield. For more information, contact momsdurhammiddlefield@gmail.c om.

MONDAY

May 28 MEMORIAL DAY Ceremony A Memorial Day ceremony, under the guidance of the Middlefield/Rockfall FVW Post 10362, is scheduled for today at 8 a.m. at the town green. State and town officials are scheduled to speak and a wreath will be place honoring the nation’s fallen heroes.

Wreaths will also be placed at the Middlefield Cemetery and the North Burial Grounds Cemetery. The public is welcome to attend.

Durham Senior Lunches Every Monday and Wednesday, hot lunches are available for seniors over 60 and their spouses at the Durham Activity Center (350 Main St.). Following the lunch on Monday is game time which includes billiards, Wii and cards. Bingo starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. There will be no bingo on Wednesday, May 30. For pricing info and to make a reservation, call Amanda Astarita, senior café manager, at (860) 349-3153.

Middlefield Senior Lunches The Middlefield Senior

Friday, May 25, 2012

Auction supports advocacy The annual auction to benefit the Center for Children’s Advocacy, directed by Durham attorney Martha Stone, attracted a large group of local supporters, including, from left standing: Betsy White Booz, Ann Mueller, Becky Anderson, Sue VanDerzee, Connie Brown, Martha Stone and Gloria Earls; kneeling, Penny Robiner and Nancy Earls. Money raised at the benefit helps children in Hartford and across the state.

Photo by Sue VanDerzee

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Notre Dame Church, 272 Main St., rain or shine. New items are continuously added. Food is available for purchase. For more information, call Bob Smith at (860) 349-0356.

E.J.K. car show The 7th annual E.J.K. Car Show is scheduled for today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Xavier High School, 181 Randolph Rd., Middletown.

Proceeds benefit the Eric J. Kalber Xavier High School Memorial Scholarship Fund. Trophies will be awarded. Food, raffles and music are featured. For more information and cost, call (860) 870-8590, e-mail ejkcarshow@gmai.com of visit www.ejkcarshow.com.

SUNDAY

June 3 Café is serving lunch three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Reservations are required 24 hours prior, and the monthly menu can be picked up at the center, Town Hall, or at www.middlefieldct.org.

Transfer Station The Transfer Station will be closed today due to the Memorial Day Holiday. It will be open normal hours on Tuesday.

Bonnie Olesen at (860) 3499433 for more information.

THURSDAY

May 31 Durham Farmers’ Market The Durham Farmers’ Market is open today from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on the Town Green.

FRIDAY

June 1

TUESDAY

May 29 Latin Banquet The CRHS Latin Banquet will take place today at 6:30 p.m. for Latin students and their family and friends.

There will be an authentic spread for dinner and dessert, prepared and served by the students, as well as ancient Rome-style entertainment to celebrate the accomplishments of the Latin students this academic year.

Please bring a canned good for donation. RSVP to Mrs. Sersanti at CHRS.

WEDNESDAY

May 30 TOPS Meeting TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Durham Town Hall. Contact Naomi Klotsko at (860) 349-9558 or

TOT Time Bring your babies, toddlers and preschoolers to join other moms and children in your community. Event hosted every Friday by MOMS (MOMS Offering Moms Support) Club of Durham/Middlefield at the Middlefield Community Center at 10 a.m.

Tot Time is only open to residents of Durham and Middlefield. For more information, contact momsdurhammiddlefield@gmail.com.

Cheerleading tryouts Try-outs for the fall Coginchaug Cheerleading Team is scheduled for today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Coginchaug High School for students in grade 8 through grade 12.

Bridge Night Come join in at the Durham Activity Center every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. for a fun night of bridge with great people. If you are

not sure how to play, Jim will teach you. You may call Jim at (860) 346-6611 with bridge questions.

Call Durham Recreation at (860) 343-6724 with further questions.

Aristocats Kids The John Lyman Parents Association is presenting Aristocats Kids today at 7 p.m. at John Lyman Elementary School. The cast is made up of students from grade 1 through grade eight.

There will be concessions.

Tickets are available now at showtix4u.com under the keyword Middlefield. The Friday night show is sold out.

SATURDAY

June 2 Aristocats Kids The John Lyman Parents Association presents Aristocats Kids today at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at John Lyman Elementary School. The cast is made up of students from grade 1 through grade 8.

There will be concessions.

Tickets are available now at showtix4u.com under the keyword Middlefield.

Car wash CRHS Project Graduation Committee has scheduled a car wash for today at Carolyn Adams Country Barn from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rain date is Saturday, June 9.

Flea market & tag sale A tag sale and flea market is scheduled for today from

Aristocats Kids The John Lyman Parents Association presents Aristocats Kids today at 1 p.m. at John Lyman Elementary School. The cast is made up of students from first through eighth grades.

There will be concessions.

Tickets are available now at showtix4u.com under the keyword Middlefield.

MONDAY

June 4

Durham Senior Lunches Every Monday and Wednesday, hot lunches are available for seniors over 60, and their spouses, at the Durham Activity Center (350 Main St.). Following the lunch on Monday is game time which includes billiards, Wii and cards. Bingo starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. For pricing info and to make a reservation, call Amanda Astarita, senior café manager, at (860) 3493153.

Middlefield Senior Lunches The Middlefield Senior Café is serving lunch three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Reservations are required 24 hours prior, and the monthly menu can be picked up at the center, Town Hall, or at www.middlefieldct.org.

Friday, May 25, 2012

5

Town Times

Go Far running program earns state recognition

By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times John Lyman School was one of five schools selected by the Connecticut Association of Schools to receive the 2012 Thomas Flanagan Student Activities Memorial Grant. As a recipient of this annual award, John Lyman is recognized as an “exemplary school based on student activity programs that have made a significant positive impact in both students and their school communities.� a press release said.

The program that earned the school this recognition is Go Far, an ongoing non-competitive fitness and wellness program that encourages students to exercise. Currently, Go Far involves 92 percent of the student body at John Lyman school and has been implemented in the other elementary schools in the district. “I never knew when I started this years ago that it would grow into the program it has,� said Go Far creator

and Middlefield resident Jennifer Schulten. “I do know this — it’s a lot of work, but in the same breath, it’s extremely rewarding.�

Lyman School will receive the grant money from the award that will be used for ongoing programming cost. “But you never know,� said Schulten. “Maybe we’ll add some type of permanent fixture to the running field.�

Over the years, the program changed and evolved to the current needs of the students. John Lyman Principal Karen Brimecombe noted that only about 20 kids in the entire school have not participated in Go Far. “Participation and enthusiasm is amazing,� she said.

About the award, Brimecombe said she couldn’t be happier: “Oh my gosh, it is incredibly exciting. First of all, Go Far is such a wonderful program. The fact that it started here and has spread to all of the elementary schools is incredible. We have several preschoolers who will come to John Ly-

man as marathoners because their parents are (Go Far) volunteers. We have had parents say that Go Far has changed their children’s lives.�

On Friday, May 18, members of the John Lyman School community, including Brimecombe, Schulten, students and parents attended a ceremony honoring this year’s recipients.

Other schools recognized are Hall High School in West Harford for their “Do Something Week� program — an entire week dedicated to school wide community serv-

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Friday, May 25, 2012

Town Times

New children’s librarian gears up for summer reading

By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times Some of Christine Michaud’s earliest memories are, as a very small child, walking out of the library with huge stacks of books.

These memories bring a smile to her face today as she writes the summer reading lists for the elementary school kids as the Durham Public Library’s new children’s librarian.

The Durham resident of 14 years is thrilled to be running the Children’s Department, a role she took over at the end of April. “We loved the library for years,� she said. “I spent a lot of time here before I was hired.�

Prior to becoming the children’s librarian, Michaud was a part-time library assistant at Durham Public Li-

brary and at Quinnipiac University. “When the job opened, I was extremely happy and pleased to accept it,� she said. “My best friends are those I’ve met at Story Time way back when my kids were small.�

With her children grown (her son is a junior in high school and her daughter is in the seventh grade), Michaud is happy to be working in her hometown. At the library, she finds some quiet time to create reading lists between the preschoolers coming in the mornings and the elementary kids coming in after school. “At the moment, we’re getting ready for the summer reading program which will be similar to previous years,� she said. “The theme this year is Dream Big. {The program} keeps the kids

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Photo by Stephanie Wilcox reading over the summer and also gets them out and doing interesting things with their parents.�

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miliarizing herself with the collection, and “all is going well so far.�

Michaud has been in the publishing field for a long time as an editor, former Town Times writer and running a freelance indexing business for books — “something I did at home when my children were small.�

But the work at home became lonesome over the years. “Several years ago I decided I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in my basement,� confessed Michaud. “I was looking around for a career that would combine the books and information part of indexing that would get me out dealing with people again. It led me straight to library school.�

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7

Town Times

Marshal (Continued from page 1) eral veterans who were recommended to the committee and each of them declined saying “there must be someone more deserving than I am.”

Finally, and after a bit of arm twisting, Durham resident Peter Valenti accepted the call to be this year’s grand marshal and remind each of us that Memorial Day once was, and at least for part of the day still ought to be, an auspicious and somewhat solemn occasion.

Valenti grew up in Darien and moved to Higganum in 1939 to serve on the Civilian Conservation Corp, a depression era public works program that put young men to work creating pleasant park spaces for the public’s enjoyment. There he worked as an ambulance driver transporting injured employees from work sites to the hospital located on Fishers Island.

When Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 11, 1941, Valenti was married and had two young sons to support.

Understandably, his family did not want him to volunteer, but, said Valenti, “I felt it was my duty and I felt funny walking around here as an able-bodied man.”

Already a trained mechan-

Left, a military photo of PFC Peter Valenti. Right, Valenti at a recent Fighting Ninth reunion.

Submitted by Trish Dynia ic, he joined the Marine Corp in 1942 and went to motor transport school at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

He left with the 9th Defense Battalion from San Francisco on a Dutch freighter in 1943 which took them on an arduous 30-day sea journey to the Island of Guam. Said Valenti, “That freighter was in bad shape and we almost wished it had sunk.”

During this time, Valenti serviced vehicles, built roads, inspected equipment and went on 12-man patrols in search of the enemy, “and always hoped we didn’t find them.” He also recalled that the people there were friendly and happy to have Marines

there building roads and protecting them.

According to the USMC World War II history website, the 9th Battalion was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for its service in action at Guadalcanal, Rendova, New Georgia and Guam.

Valenti added that the battalion also had the best record for shooting down enemy aircraft and received a presidential citation for most planes shot down. But Valenti was careful to not take any credit for his division’s exemplary service. Said Valenti, “I was in Okinawa the whole time except when I traveled to do vehicle inspections.”

After the war, Valenti re-

turned to Connecticut and worked for the New Haven Railway and Bus Company before moving on to Pratt & Whitney where he worked as a maintenance foreman until his retirement in the 1980s.

He retired to Myrtle Beach

South Carolina but moved to Durham when he married Phyllis Naples in 1996. Said Valenti, “We had worked together at Pratt and always kept in touch.”

Said Naples, “He used to go to the 9th Battalion reunions every year, and during the three times I went with him I was struck by how close these men were.” The reunions were held at various venues throughout the United States and were always well-attended until recent years as age, illness and death prevented the closeknit group from coming together.

The Valenti family has a long record of military service to the United States in times of need. Valenti’s three brothers also served during World War II, and his youngest brother was wounded at Okinawa. Valenti’s three sons volunteered

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Town Times Opinions

8

Friday, May 25, 2012

Letters to the Editor Movie night The Family Movie Night Committee and the Durham Co-Op Nursery School would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make Family Movie Night on May 12 a great success.

We were blessed with a beautiful day and evening, and it was wonderful to see the children having fun and families taking time out to relax and enjoy themselves on the hill of the fairgrounds. We would like to especially thank all of our sponsors who generously supported our event and The Karma Brothers Band for providing us with fantastic pre-show music. A big thank you also goes to the Durham Fair Association and their staff for their assistance with the set-up and clean-up processes.

To everyone involved, including all of the dedicated co-op parents, thank you for supporting our wonderful school, which has been providing excellent early childhood education for our community for over 50 years!

Kelly Johnson Family Movie Night Committee Chair

isting Community Center or build a new one up at Powder Ridge. How does a community-owned health club with an indoor pool sound?

How do a larger Senior Center, larger DMYFS space, larger Historical Society space, offices for Emergency Management and Park and Rec sound? Currently the property is owned by all the people of Middlefield. We all deserve some benefit from it! A lease agreement or a higher sale price would allow us to do these very needed improvements .Why settle?

This is the largest deal ever in the history of the town; why let it slip through our fingers? I am in favor of skiing but I also feel there should be something for the rest of the people as well who are paying for this with their taxes. If Mr. Hayes buys it for this small amount, he is getting the “deal of the century” — he doesn’t have to pay to clear trees off the slopes or do any of the basic work; the valuable infrastructure is already there (the roads, parking lots, etc.). Let’s get a better deal.

Susan K. Heuberger Middlefield

A better deal

Concerns about comments

Plans are in the air to sell Powder Ridge to Sean Hayes. I am asking why are we overlooking the fact that a large percentage of Middlefield’s residents do not ski.

What’s in this deal for them?

If we get a fair price we could either enlarge the ex-

I am presently a volunteer member of a Middlefield board. A response in an article in an area newspaper has me greatly concerned. In the article titled “Ski Area plans moving forward”, First Selectman Jon Brayshaw commented in response to con-

cerns raised by an EDC member with regard to the negotiations to purchase Powder Ridge.

Mr. Brayshaw stated: “They have a vested interest in seeing me fail... They’ve basically forded anything that’s come down the pike. They’re not interested in seeing (the deal) succeed.”

Since when is the Powder Ridge deal a personal deal?

Powder Ridge has nothing to do with the first selectman but everything to do with the welfare and best interests of the town. Since when is it wrong for a commission or board member to do his/her due diligence on an issue relevant to their position on that commission or board and to ask questions and raise concerns? Since when should a person, volunteering his or her time to the town, be chastised for bringing up facts, even if those facts disagree with Mr. Brayshaw? It concerns me that at any time I, or other volunteer members of the board I serve on or any other board for that matter, could be called out and chastised for a concern or expressed opinion. One has to wonder why commission and board members cannot do their due diligence and raise legitimate concerns and issues without worrying about being rebuked by the first selectman.

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Enlightening presentation Paul Czarnecki of Connecticut Light and Power recently presented a program about electricity to third and fourth graders at John Lyman Elementary School recently.

Submitted by Elizabeth Hadlock

Frank P. Petrella Middlefield

Letters policy

Submission reminder

The Town Times intends to present a forum for the lively exchange of ideas and issues.

To facilitate the publication of your contributions, several guidelines should be followed.

Letters to the editor must be signed, with a phone number included. The writer will be called to confirm authorship. No anonymous letters will be printed, and letters may be edited for grammar or content. Contributions by any individual or group will not be published more frequently than once a month. Every effort will be made to print all letters received. However, the selection and date of publication will be at the discretion of the editor. Finally, the opinions expressed by our letter writers are not necessarily those of this newspaper. Deadline: Monday noon for Friday publication. Look for our special election letter guidelines in an upcoming issue.

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Town Times Columns

Friday, May 25, 2012

9

Big Foot at Peckham Park

You are not alone

report that their family It’s been a long time life provides a high levin my monthly column el of love and support. since I featured the acNice going, LWC. tivities and values of Speaking of our qualour “Local Wellness ity of life, you may reCouncil.” There are call, we made a serious very few efforts that acdent on needed repairs complish so much with to the Community Censo little and that has ter. This year, we plan such a direct affect on to deal with several our families and qualiitems at the Town Hall. ty of life in town.

For starters, we’ll be inThe council memstalling a new roof and bers include stakeholdJon Brayshaw, Middlefield three new entry doors. ers from RSD13, The main entrance Durham, Middlefield door will be power acand Rockfall whose eftuated. I hope before I forts move along every croak that we can reweek of every month. fresh the interior Let me share a few that (paint/carpet) of the you may not have Town Hall as, accordheard of: Parent Eduing to records, it has been more than cation Forums; Prevention Groups; Go-Far Running event; DMYFS Activi- 20 years. Also, I hope to see our parking lot repaved before some small ties; Community Round-up; DARE; child gets lost in a crack. Our citizens Substance Abuse Programs; Social Hosting; Prom Night (mock car crash); deserve to have a Town Hall that they are proud of.

Prescription Drug Take-Back; Teen Speaking of which, I am pleased Power Conference; EDGE Program; with our uneventful budget season LEAD Program; and Anti-Bullying. If thanks to a unified mindset between you want to know more about any of our finance director, our BOF, the adthese programs, contact Betsy or Jane ministration and a rational public. For at DMYFS at (860) 349-0258. you number crunchers, a couple of tidAlthough there is no way to prove the efficacy of these programs, what is See Big Foot, page 18 encouraging is that 75% of our teens

our resident state This week is Natroopers and the CSP tional Prevention leadership, SuperinWeek, a Substance tendent Susan VicAbuse and Mental caro and her staff, Health Services Adthe Local Wellness ministration supCouncil, Durham ported annual health Middlefield Youth observance that celeand Family Services, brates the work that our Chiefs Council community organiza(Public Safety Chiefs tions and individuals of Service) and the do year-round to help Middlesex County prevent substance Laura Francis, Durham Substance Abuse Acabuse and promote tion Council. I have mental, emotional also had great supand behavioral wellport from our civic being. This health and business partobservance is an opners who have been portunity for comvery generous with munity members to funding and other learn more about bevolunteer efforts. havioral health issues and get inYou have seen the press releases volved in prevention efforts that can in this newspaper and other news continue throughout the year. media about the local events Like so many families, mine has been affected quite closely with sub- planned for this week and all year round, all good work done by many stance abuse and behavioral health of the officials mentioned above. issues. In fact, the more I learn and Many students have been involved the more I share, I find that there as well. There are student prevenare precious few families that are tion clubs in both Strong School and not affected in one way or another.

CRHS called EDGE which stands for When I became first selectman, I Excellent Decisions Guiding Everymade a vow to myself to use my ofday. I have been very pleased with fice as best as I could to support prehow well and professionally our vention efforts. I soon found very willing and able partners in MiddleSee Health, page 20 field First Selectman Jon Brayshaw,

From The Desk Of The First Selectman

You choose: a bright or dim future? and utilities. I enviWhen I first began Claudia O’Connell sioned headlines to really consider the heralding a changing environment, I started environmental landout doing small things. scape, embracing new For a time, it was sustainability practices and techenough to recycle cans and bottles, nologies on a massive scale. turn down the thermostat and Oil is running out. Even politichange out some bulbs. Frankly, my cians can’t argue with that. Howevtiny brain couldn’t grapple with the er, the idea of exploiting other dirty truly big ideas like a world without fuels and perpetuating a future that oil or what that may mean. I conis rich with fossil fuel options is unvinced myself that I was doing my forgivable. I say, suck it up. Let’s part, little by little, to make a differphase out fossil fuels and deal with ence. And as a fairly optimistic perthe consequences sooner rather than son, I really did put my trust and faith in world leaders, policy makers later. In the meantime, we need to prepare by racing toward sustainand corporate icons. I actually believed that smart people make smart ability. Our focus should be on responsible land management to elimidecisions, and that elected leaders nate air, water and soil pollution. were capable of thinking for the We need to invest our time and monmasses, and not just working on beey in supplanting our fossil fuel dehalf of private interests and lobby pendence with renewable sources, groups. even if we rely on a multitude of For instance, I believed that the methods. We need to look at natural scientists’ well-meaning recommendations would steer government ini- resources and renewable energy tiative. I expected to see government sources as revered gifts and use impose stringent petroleum reduction criteria on car manufacturers See Future, page 20

Earthwise

From The Desk Of The First Selectman

Construction of annual budget ‘a dynamic procedure’ On May 8, Pamela Mangini, voters from the towns of Durham and Middlefield had the opportunity to vote on the Regional School District 13 budget as approved by the Board of Education. As this was my first budget for Region 13, I was very pleased that it passed through referendum that day. Now that I look back on my first six months as the district’s business manager, I realize that the majority of my time here has been spent in developing this budget. The amount of time necessary to put together a school district’s financial plan is often overlooked. Many do not realize that the budget process begins in early fall, almost an entire year prior to the start of the school year. So, as the budget season comes to a close, I thought a review of the school budget process would be worthwhile.

Much like the method we use personally to set up our household

budget, the school budget process involves the review of anticipated expenditures balanced against projected revenue. Also much like our household budgets, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to ensure the financial means to cover increasing costs. School districts are continuously burdened by costly state and federal mandates and rising expectations in education. In addition, the school budget has an obligation to the taxpayers to represent a responsible plan that continues to offer the high level of educational excellence that the district has traditionally provided, while keeping in mind the financial constraints of our community.

Thus, the budget process begins.

The launch of the school budget development process officially begins with the formulation and dis-

Business Manager

A View from RSD13

See Budget, page 20

Town Times at Pet Fair

10

Friday, May 25, 2012

It’s a dog’s life at Durham Pet Fair May 20 Sandy doesn’t seem to mind going for a ride as she gets pulled around the park. Sandy traveled all the way from Attleboro, Mass., to attend the Pet Fair. Dachshund groups arranged to meet at the fair, resulting in packs of dachshunds greeting each other.

None of the others rode in Sandy’s style, though.

Photos by Judy Moeckel and Mark Dionne

1245117

Ruby from Durham waits patiently during her free nail cutting. Among other services and activities, the Pet Fair offered nail cutting and grooming for dogs and face painting for humans with donations going to Help Willy’s Friends.

Father Anthony Dinoto, of Church of the Epiphany, blesses a pet at the fair. He is with Doreen and Craig Benson, of Durham. The dogs are Erin (on the left), a red bone coonhound, and Cole, who is half German shepherd and half black and tan hound.

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Wearing foot pads may alleviate the issue. However, if they offer no relief, surgery that culminates in the excising of the nerve (or part of it) can provide immense relief.

Treatment options differ with the severity of each neuroma, and identifying the neuroma early in its development is therefore important.

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Town Times at Pet Fair

Friday, May 25, 2012

11

Donna Moll, of Durham, with Father Anthony Dinoto. Her dogs are Newfoundlands: Rica, right, and Finn.

Willy, the face and namesake of Help Willy’s Here is Bonnie Friends, enjoys the Sherwood of Old Johnny Angel sports the Blitz, a two year-old fourth annual Pet Fair Saybrook, with Harley, tie dye bandana Chihuahua mix, lounges with Mark Paturzo. Nine a dachshund. Harley is organizers designated for in the sun with Christine years ago Paturzo resdressed as Crocodile adoptable dogs at the Pet from Protectors of cued Willy and then Dundee. Bonnie was Fair. Johnny, a Animals at the Pet Fair. founded the charity beunable to keep Harley. handsome-faced Blitz played with numerhind the Pet Fair. Help His new owner, Sue two year-old neutered ous people at the fair but Willy’s Friends supports Cotter of Jefferson, male, has been with the had not found a permalocal animal shelters and Mass., brought Harley Middletown Animal Connent home by mid day rescue groups and last down to visit Bonnie at trol for months waiting Sunday.

Anyone interestyear donated over 40,000 the pet fair. for a home. ed in Blitz can contact pounds of dog food dogloverlaura@gmail.com. among other supplies.

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Durham Town Briefs

12

Durham Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Durham Library. Check the town website at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.)

Tuesday, May 29 7 p.m. — Ethics Commission Monday, June 4 7 p.m. — Historic District Commission, 7 p.m. — Fire Department Trustees at Firehouse Tuesday, June 5 7 p.m. — DMYFS annual meeting at Middlefield Community Center 7 p.m. — Compensation Review/Personnel Policy Board at Town Hall 7:30 p.m. — Midstate Regional Planning Agency at 100 DeKoven Drive in Middletown Wednesday, June 13 7:30 p.m. — Board of Ed at Brewster School

Memorial Day food drive The Durham Fair has scheduled a food drive during the Memorial Day parade. All items collected will be donated to the food

pantries in Durham and Middlefield. Donations will be collected as the float goes by at the parade.

Summer Rec Registration is being accepted for summer recreation programs.

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Little People Program Little People Programs are scheduled for Monday, June 25, through Friday, Aug. 10, for Durham children ages 4 and 5. Program meets Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon or 10:30 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is required. Limited enrollment.

Night Recreation Youth Program meets every Tuesday and Thursday from June 26 through Aug. 9 at Strong School for Durham and Middlefield students entering grades 5-8. Activities include table games, music, volleyball, basketball and special events.

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Blue Devil Varsity Plus Football Clinic Clinic is scheduled for Monday, July 23, through Thursday, July 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Coginchaug High School Varsity Football Field. This is a full contact camp for players entering grades 7 through 9. For more information, contact John Bozzi at coachbozzi@yahoo.com.

All recreation registration Forms and information are available at townofdurhamct.org or call (860) 343-6724 or e-mail shill@townofdurhamct.org.

Town Times Your source for local news and events

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Junior Counselor Program Junior Counseling program for students going into grade 8 to age 15. Students will volunteer and participate in all summer programs. No Fee. Registration is required.

Shoshin Ryu classes will be held at Allyn Brook Park Monday and Thursday evenings. For grades 2-8 and adults. For more information, call Toby Bates at (860) 349-3075.

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Middlefield Town Briefs

Friday, May 25, 2012

13

Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.)

Monday, June 4 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen Tuesday, June 5 7 p.m. — DMYFS annual meeting at Middlefield Community Center Thursday, June 7 7 p.m.— Economic Development Commission

Food Bank low on donations The Middlefield Food Bank is very low on the following items: soup (no broth, tomato or cream soups; more hearty and meat based), peanut butter, pasta and canned meats (chicken, roast beef, tuna, etc.) Expired,

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Friday, May 25, 2012

Town Times

Jubilee (Continued from page 1) changes if we’re ever going to offer any kind of event that’s going to get people on the grounds.”

Chiappetta explained that the Fair Association has been in negotiations with the Girl Scouts for quite a while.

“They wanted a good place to come,” he said. “Every time we talked about numbers, they were talking 1,000 to 2,000 (people).” But by the end of the week leading up to Saturday’s event, Chiappetta heard the number was closer to 4,000.

“What we had planned

from the beginning was that we knew we were going to have remote parking,” explained Chiappetta. “We felt we had a reasonable plan, but... that reasonable plan could not support the success of the event.”

First Selectman Laura Francis said that as well as the event was planned, the attendance was “probably underestimated”, creating traffic problems that “probably could have been addressed in a better way.”

“We do have plans to talk about it in a debrief session, and leadership is very willing to talk about how to do it better next time,” she said about the plan for a Chiefs Council meeting. By Monday

morning, she already had been part of a preliminary discussion with leadership of the Durham Fair as well as state police.

According to Francis, the town was in constant contact with Durham Fair leadership, state police and emergency personnel. An emergency alert went out to residents that said, “Please be advised that due to an event on the Durham Fairgrounds there will be heavy traffic in the center of town on RT 17.

Please use alternate routes if possible.”

“We’re continually working with our local organizations so that we can have events in town that are run safely and with little impact

to the community,” said Francis. “The Durham fairgrounds and local schools and other places — we have great resources here. We want to be able to utilize them to our greatest benefit.”

the fairgrounds. “I like to encourage {use of the grounds by non-profits}, he said. But about the poor planning for an event of that size, he said, “It’s not right, I’m sorry it clogged up roads in town.”

As a non-profit, Chiappetta said the Girl Scouts paid the non-profit rate for using

The number of jubilee attendees was estimated to be 8,000.

Paws Place: George Hi, I’m George. I am about 13 years old and am in desperate need of a home. My foster mom is moving the end of June and I do not want to end up back in a cage.

When I was found I was emaciated and was very weak and sick. I am a very affectionate boy who loves to be held, pet and cuddled. I am constantly purring and am a very happy and loving cat. I love to sleep right by your side at night. I do not ever scratch furniture and come every single time I am called.

I am a lap cat and will follow you everywhere you go. I love to play and play as if I were a kitten. I’d do best as the only cat, or with other cats that will let me be the boss and the dominate one. I’d also do okay with a dog as long as the dog didn’t ever bother me. I would be fantastic with children. I do require medicine twice a day in my moist food for my gums and have a polyp in my nose. If you are interested in permanently fostering or adopting George, please contact Catales today. His time is running out. Call (860) 344-9043 or visit info@catales.org.

Coming June 8th The Town Times Annual

Women in Business Section Vivian Caturano

J.C. Farm & Greenhouses L.L.C. 1203718

385R Wallingford Rd. Durham, CT 06422

(860) 349-5649 Vivian Caturano, along with her husband Giuseppe Caturano, are the owners of J.C. Farm & Greenhouses. The business was started January 1st, 2000 and over the past ten years we have grown to better serve the community. We offer a large variety of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and hanging baskets as well as planters, all to beautify your gardens and home. We also offer fresh fruit and vegetables during the summer months.

Vivian Lives in Durham with her husband and four children. She is involved in a lot of school fundraisers and local charities. Vivian and 216 take Main St.in their work and hope to pass their experience onto Giuseppe pride the customer.

Durham

Marie Curtis

Curtis Studio LLC

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(860) 349-8676

Over 30 years as a professional photographer have set Marie Curtis and Curtis Studio apart from the rest of the crowded photography field. She turned a childhood hobby into an exciting career and fine art. Curtis Studio is fortunate to have recorded cherish memories for families, children, pets, brides and grooms, high school and college graduations, corporate executives, people at play, people at work, and even some in their final hours, from their restored barn on Main Street in Durham.

Marie is a member of Connecticut Professional Photographers, where she served on their Board of Directors and is a past president. She is a Certified Professional Photographer, a credential held by less that 3% of all professional photographers, and acts as the liaison from CT to the Professional Photographers of America, which recently awarded her their 243 Main Master of Photography Degree in recognition of her achievements and Street, Route Durham photographic skills.

Dr. Frances E. Sites, O.D.

Durham Family Eye Care

Dr. Frances Sites, O.D. has been an Optometrist for 21 Years. She has been practicing in Durham since 2007.

Her business partner is her husband Phil Perrino, O.D. Recently they purchased a beautiful Historic home and relocated the practice to the first floor of 243 Main Street (formerly Fairground Mortgage). This home was built in the 1760’s, previously owned by the Quick family as well as Marshall’s Variety Store. While the exterior is historic the interior is updated and beautifully decorated. It houses the latest technology in eye care.

The office provides routine eye exams for adults and children. They also treat pink eye and glaucoma, as well as provide diabetic eye care.

Dr. Sites is proud to be an owner run and operated business in a small town. Many patients express how happy they are to have this service in town and choose to stay local and support Durham businesses.

There are hundreds of contact lenses in stock and they can accommodate many same day fitting. Dr Sites specializes in difficult contacts.

Durham Family Eye Care participates in most insurance plans. The office is open Monday thru Saturdays with evening hours on Thursday. There are over 800 frames in stock to choose from ranging from budget to designer.

Dr. Sites is married with 3 children ages 15, 11 and 7. She and her family have lived in Wallingford for 16 years. You are invited to visit our office and browse our showroom of glasses and discuss any issues you may have concerning your eye health.

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Friday, May 25, 2012

15

Town Times

Church of the Epiphany celebrates Pentecost

By Christine Foster Special to the Town Times

This year, Church of the Epiphany plans to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, which Dinoto said is second only to Easter in importance in the church calendar, in a big way. The party is in part to honor Epiphany’s own 150th birthday, which is being celebrated throughout this year.

The feast is often considered the “birthday of the church” and has several traditions associated with it.

Because of the imagery of fire, people often wear red to church that day. During some services, the Gospel reading is also done simultaneously in multiple different languages because of the experience of being able to speak in other languages that is described in that Bible passage.

The festivities will begin with the church service at 9:30 a.m. this Sunday, May 27, and will include a procession of children carrying red balloons. Afterwards, everyone will enjoy a barbecue beginning with munchies at coffee hour and then continuing with hamburgers, hotdogs and salmon, as well as cole slaw and a birthday cake for the church. As a special treat, there will be a bouncy house

“We plan to harness the tongues of fire for the grill,” joked David Foster, one of the organizers of the event.

“And we are hoping the wind of the Holy Spirit will help up keep the bouncy house for the kids inflated.”

All are invited to attend.

Rev. Tony Dinoto, Epiphany’s interim rector, especially hopes that former Epiphany members or others who might be interested in checking out the church will take advantage of this celebration to stop in. The

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Town Times Your source for local news and events

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“The people gathered speaking in different tongues shows us that the Holy Spirit allows us to have a deeper sense of understanding of others that goes beyond language… and the Holy Spirit continues to inspire us even to this day,” Dinoto said.

1231515

Everyone knows about Easter and Christmas, but lots of people — even regular churchgoers — may not know that there is a third holiday that many Christians consider to be just as important.

Pentecost, which means ‘the Fiftieth day”, commemorates the day when Christians believe that God sent the Holy Spirit to the disciples after Jesus’ resurrection. “The origins of the holiday are really interesting,” said Rev. Anthony Dinoto, the interim rector at Durham’s Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.

“The Christian church sort of adopted a holiday that already existed — celebrating the giving of the ten commandments and then celebrate the birth of the church.”

The scene on the day Christians now remember is described in the New Testament Book of Acts: “And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave

them ability.”

16

Friday, May 25, 2012

Town Times

Pilgrimage from Middlefield cemetery honors St. Sebastian

By Frank LoGiudice Special to the Town Times

About 200 “Nuri” were dressed in white clothing, wore red sashes with a picture of St. Sebastian pinned on their clothes and held flowers in their hands while running either barefoot or in stockings through the streets of Middlefield and Middle-

town on Sunday, May 20.

Men and women of all ages participated in the 91st annual “I Nuri” Run, a celebration of the St. Sebastian’s Church Festival in Middletown.

Parishioners of the Italian church proclaimed their love of God and St. Sebastian by making their annual pilgrimage from St. Sebastian Cemetery in Middlefield to the St.

Sebastian’s Church in Middletown on Washington Street. Another contingent of Nuri stationed at the former Sons of Italy Hall on Court Street also pilgrimaged to St. Sebastian’s Church.

About 80 people gathered at the St. Sebastian’s Cemetery in Middlefield to honor their patron saint, according See I Nuri, page 24

A group of “I Nuri” leave St. Sebastian’s Cemetery in Middlefield for St. Sebastian’s Church in Middletown.

Photo by Frank LoGiudice

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Friday, May 25, 2012

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Town Times

CVEF Flights of Fancy a great success Close to 140 people attended a birdhouse auction to raise funds for Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation’s grants programs on Friday night, May 18, at the Lyman Homestead in Middlefield. A total of $4,000 was raised.

Right, Dina D’Amato, center, listens as Vickie Berry points out details on a birdhouse decorated

by Merrill Adams, chair of the Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation birdhouse auction and founder of CVEF. The auction raised money to be given as grants to local groups and individuals for projects that support lifelong learning.

Current CVEF chair Renee Edwards announced the winning bidder on each birdhouse.

Marge Stahl, Jane Eriksen and Etzie Heyl enjoy refreshments and conversation.

The imagination and talent demonstrated by more than 30 birdhouse creators was enjoyed by all.

Photos by Sue VanDerzee and Betsy White Booz

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In addition, Edgar’s daughter, Eileen Valenti Verble, is a Marine Captain and nurse in Afghanistan.

Her son, Austin Verble, is an Army Sergeant and Purple Heart recipient who has been deployed in both Afghanistan and Iraq. “We expect him home from Afghanistan soon,” said his grandfather, Edgar Valenti, who expressed pride in the fact that his father is receiving this recognition. “We are a military family. It started with my grandfather who served in World War I.”

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(Continued from page 7)

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18

Friday, May 25, 2012

Town Times

Inquiring Photographer Karen Kean asked: “What is Memorial Day?” Photos by Karen Kean

Charlie Anderson:

Jack Granger: “A day that we remember those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom.”

“Remembrance for all the fallen soldiers who lost their lives fighting for our country.”

Big Foot (from page 9) bits to ponder: Six budgets (years) ago, the property tax on the average assessment was about $4,586. This year’s

Steven Thody: “A day we honor our soldiers who fought and died for our country.”

budget carries a tax burden of $5,314 on that average (home) assessment. The average assessment increased $728 over the six years noted. This works out to be about $121 per year. The cost of town opera-

Garrett D’Amato:

Andrew Conway:

“A day to honor and remember those who fought for our freedom.”

“A day to remember all those who put their life on the line for our lives.”

tions (excluding education) rose from about $3.7 million to $4.4 million in the same six years.

Not many years ago, it was quite common in Connecticut towns for property taxes to double every 10 years or so.

The likelihood of your house tax ever decreasing would compare with a sighting of Big Foot at Peckham Park. There will always be a premium to living in Paradise.

Paradise was set aside last

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Jonathon Conway: “A day to remember all those who have served.”

Saturday night when two hikers fell off of Lake Beseck Mountain. I won’t get into the details, but suffice to say that these two brought to six the number of hikers who have fallen in six years. There have been many more before these six. This couple was lucky that they survived their fall.

Readers must understand that a typical “rescue” involves as many as 40 or more skilled (and willing) individuals. This one involved three helicopters and truck loads of equipment. The rescue crews did what they did in total darkness over a six hour period. They risked their lives to save this couple. Parents and readers, please, in some way, impart to your kids the danger of walking along a shear cliff hundreds of feet high. It makes no sense.

Watching the ordeal play out, I have nothing but praise and thanks to our Fire and Police Departments and the other responders who helped the occasion to a successful outcome.

We have an abundance of outstanding employees in town. One in particular is Trooper 1st Class Eric Kelly.

On the evening of May 17, our Police Department and I attended a “salute” to Connecticut’s finest where 28 police officers were recognized for their achievement in their police duties. Eric, thanks for being our Resident Trooper.

The Powder Ridge sale details keep moving ahead as we take one step at a time. We’ll get there. If you have any questions, feel free to stop in.

Friday, May 25, 2012

19

Town Times

Connecticut Invention Convention: the District 13 connection

By Maureen Hamilton Special to the Town Times How much do you have in common with an inventor?

Do you question how things might be improved? Do you persevere in the face of obstacles? Do you think of many creative solutions to the same problem before trying one out?

The grade 6 Integrated Day students at Memorial School had their chance to share in these experiences as inventors in their own right.

Each student decided on a problem to solve, or a task to make easier, then embarked on the difficult process of designing an original invention to meet that need.

A school invention convention was held in March judged by Bill Currlin, First Selectman Jon Brayshaw, Lorrie Martin and John Puziss.

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At that time, nine inventors were chosen to represent the school. These inventors are: Riley Carey with The Ultimate Cover; Carol D’Agostino with the Warm Bit, No Bite; Ashley Dana with the Fruity Finish; Tucker Fowler with Portable Sand Mat; William Glidden with The Creeper Sweeper; Alan King with the Live Batter; Sarina McCoy with Sanitary Sneeze; Nicole Murphy with Super Special Sled Shield; and Alyssa vanEyndhoven with the Pup Trundle.

On Saturday, May 28, they attended the statewide Connecticut Invention Convention in Gample Pavilion at UConn. The top nine sixth graders joined hundreds of other inventors from grades 1 to 8 from around the state.

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Friday, May 25, 2012

Town Times

Future

(from page 9)

them respectfully, minimizing waste, recycling and reusing whenever possible. And because we need to become healthy, we should be thinking about food and how it is grown in dramatically different ways. By caring more about what goes into our grocery carts and mouths, we can refocus our priorities on living healthy lives, leaving diabetes, cancer and heart disease in our wake.

When we hear news about

peak oil and melting polar ice caps, people should be concerned. But sadly, most people don’t seem to care, too concerned with work demands and family commitments. Despite the virtual social villages all over the Internet, promising a world of personal connections and enhanced sense of community, people are more disconnected than ever. Think about the last time you were in a shopping mall. Do you remember people cutting you off, bumping into you without a word or letting a door

close in your face? I’ve experienced every nasty example of people who have reached their limit.

What kills me is that I really don’t believe that I’m doing enough. No doubt, smart people around the world are making smart decisions, developing best practices in all sorts of industries with the goal of achieving a sustainable future. Great things are happening all over the world. Yet you have to seek this information out. It’s not making headlines or the nightly news. I’ve never been

one to believe in Armageddon. But perhaps it would be useful to think of Armageddon as not the end of the world, but rather the beginning of a new one. I think instead of Armageddon, we need to Armageddgoing before it’s too late. And forget about waiting for everyone else to do the right thing, it starts with you, grassroots style. If you would like to learn more about what’s happening in our community, visit www.facebook.com/CoginchaugAreaTransitioncat.

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students work with the adult leaders in our community.

They participate in our Local Wellness Council meetings and have partnered with our Chiefs of Service to organize the mock crash. This is especially impressive considering the pressure on our teens to engage in risky behaviors.

I recognize the challenge that students, parents and officials have and want to send the message that no one is alone. Despite what you may hear or feel, you are not the only family dealing with substance abuse or other behavioral health issues, you are not the only parent who says no, you are not the only one who is worried for the safety of our youth. We are working as a community and need to continue to do so. We are anxiously awaiting the results of a Drug Free Community grant application for $125,000 each year for five years that would help fund a myriad of more prevention efforts. In the meantime, we welcome your comments and participation.

I wish our students a wonderful and safe prom weekend and hope to see you all at the Memorial Day parade!

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tribution of budget guidelines and budget preparation materials in October.

This information sets the parameters in which the schools and various departments work within to develop their individual budget recommendations presented to the superintendent of schools. Over the next two months, the administrative team discusses its educational objectives and budget goals, estimating the funds necessary to operate the school district’s instructional and support programs for the coming year. They carefully review program requirements, work toward cost containment strategies and prioritize needs.

Once the building and department proposals are submitted to the Business Office, the superintendent and See Budget, next page

Friday, May 25, 2012

21

Town Times

an opportunity for open communication during this process. It is also during this (Continued from page 20) timeframe that the board makes decisions to reduce or business manager conduct reject budget requests or add individual hearings and dis- to the budget in areas that cussions with principals and they determine are a priority department management re- in their goal to maintain exviewing each budget line. cellent academic programs Throughout the month of and services to all students January, each request is reof Region 13. This year, there viewed and evaluated for were numerous parents and submission as part of the sucommunity members that adperintendent’s recommended budget to the BOE. Subse- dressed the board to voice quently, during this process, their opinions on the various issues relating to the school line item expenditures are adjusted in an effort to balance requested expenditures toward a final budget proposal that is fiscally sound, providing adequate financial support to our schools while remaining aware of the financial impact to the area taxpayers during these difficult economic times.

Budget

board budget. There were even some students in attendance who served as reminders of the real reason we are here doing what we do.

In late March, the BOE approves a final budget to present to the voters of both towns at a public hearing held in early April. The public hearing date this year was April 11 and was held at Coginchaug Regional High School. The budget included funding for all-day kindergarten and the addition of literacy and numeracy tutors,

which provided for an energetic discussion from community members in attendance. The board was sensitive to all input and subsequently voted to present the final budget at a District Meeting on May 7, and for town voting on May 8. Seven months after the start of budget discussions, the financial plan for the 2012-13 school year was approved.

The construction of the annual budget is a dynamic procedure that requires support and cooperation from so

many who participate in the development of this financial plan. Accordingly, a special acknowledgement is owed to the members of our BOE who donate countless hours to the process. The public education provided to our students is a shared responsibility that ultimately benefits the entire community, and I believe that this budget represents a responsible financial plan that will allow us to continue to provide an outstanding educational experience for all of our children.

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Next, the superintendent presents a budget proposal to the BOE at a public meeting in early March. This presentation is also shared on the district’s website for review by the community.

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Scouts in Town Times

22

Friday, May 25, 2012

Girl Scouts celebrate 100 years Several thousand Girl Scouts from across the state gathered at the Durham Fairgrounds, May 19, for a jubilee celebrating the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts

Willow Small and Stephanie Finaldi with a life-size Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts.

Local scouts from the Durham/Middlefield troop pose on the hill behind their banner. More next page.

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Scouts in Town Times

Friday, May 25, 2012

Angela Koerber, above right, exchanges “SWAPS” (Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere) with other girl scouts from other towns.

23

Flower heads: Megan Szymaszek, Julia Slight and Alyssa Szymaszek.

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Friday, May 25, 2012

Town Times

(Continued from page 16) to Scott Colavito, an organizer of the I Nuri. Before the Nuri started on their trek to the church, they said prayers to their departed relatives, to God and St. Sebastian.

The people who ran in the I Nuri Run from the cemetery left in small groups between 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. so they could arrive at the church by 12:15 p.m. for the conclusion of the High Mass in honor of St. Sebastian. When the mass was over, both groups of I Nuri converged with each other and ran into the church chanting “E Chiamamulu

Paisanu! Primu Diu E Sammastianu!” Translated to English, it means “He’s one of our own! First God and then St. Sebastian.”

From left, Angella Barbagallo, of Middletown, gets her sash adjusted by her aunt Tina Barbagallo, of Haddam, at the St. Sebastian’s Cemetery in Middlefield prior to leaving for the “I Nuri” Run.

The statue of St. Sebastian was carried out of the church by the St. Sebastian Church parishioners who then transferred the St. Sebastian statue over to the I Nuri to parade it through downtown Middletown for everyone to see. During the processional, the Nuri continued chanting “E Chiamamulu Paisanu!

Primu Diu E Sammastianu!” until the statue was returned inside the church. Flowers were placed at the base of the statue.

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The Nuri came from Connecticut, Massachusetts and

Photo by Frank LoGiudice

Let us find the right company for you.

~ George and Anna Geer

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worry-free lifestyle.“

r On-site laundry room r 4BGF DPOWFOJFOU QBSLJOH r .BTPOJDBSF .FEJDBM Office Building just steps away with physicians and laboratory services r 4IPVME ZPV OFFE JU QSJPSJUZ access to Masonicare Health Center, its hospital unit and rehab therapy units

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And we truly enjoy the

r One monthly rent that includes extended basic cable and all utilities except telephone r A 12-month lease contract r 24-hour emergency response and security services r 0QUJPOBM IPVTFLFFQJOH services, meal plan and online access

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many new friends here.

With access to a host of activities, volunteering, spiritual services and amenities, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. Our over-55 apartment options vary in size and features, but all have:

Home • Business • Life • Car

203-265-6763 821 East Center Street, Wallingford

This lifestyle is popular, so plan ahead by getting your application in now. For more information, call The Masonicare HelpLine at 888-679-9997.

www.michalowskiagency.com

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The independent living apartments at Masonicare Health Center include the Hawkins, Johnson and Wells Apartments.

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friends, yet we’ve made

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If you’re tired of shoveling snow, mowing the lawn and keeping up with home repairs, consider independent living on the Masonicare Health Center campus in Wallingford.

didn’t have to leave old

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njoy Affordability and Peace-of-Mind

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E

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Independent Living at Masonicare Health Center

“Being from the area, we

Pennsylvania, according to Gene Nocera, the general chairperson of the festival.

Why do the Nuri do this?

There are several reasons, such as preserving tradition, to thank St. Sebastian for his help throughout the year, to honor relatives, for health or family reasons, personal sacrifice to honor St. Sebastian and hoping for a miracle of some kind from St. Sebastian. The I Nuri never do it for monetary reasons.

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I Nuri

Delivered to your home or business every Friday