5-7-2010 Town Times Newspaper by Town Times Newspaper

Volume 17, Issue 4

Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

Friday, May 7, 2010

Education budget down by 18 votes How does your garden grow? By Sue VanDerzee Town Times

An abysmal turnout of around 22 percent of the voters in District 13 narrowly defeated the District 13 $34.8 million education budget by a vote of 876-858. As has been customary in recent years, Durham voters approved the budget, 611-485, but Middlefield voters defeated it, 247-391. The margin of defeat was 18 votes. Board of Education chair Tom Hennick said that he was “saddened, both by the defeat and the poor turnout.” “When a budget is defeated so narrowly by such a small percentage of those eligible to vote, it is difficult to determine the message,” he explained. “I’m disappointed because I thought we presented a fair budget. I feel that some people who voted no did it on the basis of misinformation, and that’s too bad,” he concluded. Superintendent of Schools Sue Viccaro said after the vote, “We’ll look at everything and listen to what the residents have to say at our board meeting

next week, and then we’ll go from there.” She expects Hennick to allow a longer public comment session during this meeting to help set the board’s direction. Last year the budget was defeated twice, with Middlefield voters twice defeating the proposal by a greater margin than Durham voters approved it by. On the third try, both towns passed the budget. The defeated proposed net budget of $32.04 million, the amount needed to be raised by taxes, represents an increase over the current year’s net budget of 2.53 percent. However Middlefield’s share would rise by 2.9 percent because Middlefield’s proportion of students in the district has risen. The board will decide whether to cut the defeated proposal, and if so, where those cuts will be made, at their regular meeting next Wednesday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Coginchaug High School library. (This is a change in venue to accommodate more people.) They will also schedule a second referendum at that time.

Very well, thank you, if you happen to be a Master Gardener like Deb Carras, whose garden is pictured above, or Tina Gossner, whose garden is below. More starting on page 3.

State Senate approves ‘Fair’ bill

The State Senate unanimously approved legislation introduced by State Representative Matt Lesser (DDurham/Middlefield/Middletown) and State Senator Ed Meyer to assist the Durham Fair and other agricultural fairs across the state. Rep. Lesser introduced the legislation earlier this year at the request of the town of Durham and Durham Fair officials. It makes small but important changes to Connecticut’s 40-year-old ‘mass gatherings’ law, that would apply to about two dozen agricultural fairs beginning this year. “I am grateful that the Senate acted before the legislative session ends tomorrow—now we can all look forward to a successful fair this year,” he said. Meyer added: “My hope and expectation is that Gov. Rell will sign this popular and bipartisan bill and that the Durham Fair and other state fairs will benefit from its provisions.” The bill (HB 5446) would: Exempt towns and fairs from adopting onerous licensing requirements; Provide the town of Durham with additional information to ensure that

health and safety at the fair are protected; Allow towns to waive the mandatory bond requirements ($4 per attendee, an estimated $1 million bond for the Durham Fair); and Change the statutory requirement that one security guard be hired for every 750 attendees (an estimated 300 security guards per day for the Durham Fair) to a number arrived at in consultation with local police. At a public hearing held in March, State Senator Ed Meyer, Durham First Selectman Laura Francis and Durham Fair Association president Eugene Chiappetta provided testimony in favor of the bill. The Durham Fair is the largest agricultural fair in Connecticut and the largest fair in North America without a paid manager or staff. It is owned and operated by the Durham Agricultural Fair Association, Inc., a private, not-for-profit organization. This year, the Durham Fair will be held September 23, 24, 25 and 26. For more information, visit: www. durhamfair.com. Compiled by S.V.

Top photo by Stephanie Wilcox; bottom photo by Judy Moeckel

In this issue ... Arts.............................................26-27 Calendar ...........................................4 Devil’s Advocate........................15-22 Durham Briefs ...............................12 Honor Rolls.....................................34 Libraries.........................................32 Middlefield Briefs .....................13-14

Mother’s Day .............................24-25 Obituary .........................................28 Real Estate......................................28 Spotlight .........................................29 Sports ..............................................35 We’re on the web at: www.towntimes.com

Town Times Community Briefs

Giant tag and craft sale

The United Churches of Durham will hold a giant tag and craft sale to benefit the annual summer mission trip on Saturday, May 8, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine. There will be a variety of items, including crafts, antiques, household items, a bake sale and lunch too. The crafts include candy and sewing items, hair bows, ribbons, hats, pottery, hot sauces made from apple cider, hardwood cheeseboards and

colonial reproductions, chocolates and birdhouses. There is plenty of free parking for this event at the United Churches of Durham on the corner of Main Street and Route 68.

Gail Freeman to retire Gail Freeman, a teacher at John Lyman School, will retire after 36 years working in District 13. There will be a celebration at John Lyman School on Thursday, May 27, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. with cake and punch. Everyone is invit-

Index of Advertisers To advertise in the Town Times, call Joy Boone at 860-349-8000. Jay Landscaping .......................31 J.C. Farm & Greenhouse ..........11 Joel’s Detailing ............................6 Lehet Fence ..............................33 Lino’s Market ...............................5 Lyman Orchards..........................6 Lyon & Billard ............................24 Marianne Urbanski, D.M.D........10 Masonicare................................14 Middlesex Hosp. Vocal Chords...6 Middlefield B.S. Troop 33............3 Middletown Plate Glass.............34 Mountain Spring Water .............29 Movado Farm ............................33 Neil Jones Home Imp................31 Orthodontic Specialist ...............12 Perma Treat Corporation ..........27 Perrotti’s Country Barn................5 Pet Stop.....................................35 Petruzelo Agency Insurance.....30 Planeta Electric .........................35 Prete Chiropractic Center............7 Professional Security ................32 Putter’s Paradise.......................13 Raintree Landscaping ...............33 RLI Electric ................................32 Roblee Plumbing.......................35 Rockfall Co ................................34 Rockfall Northeast.....................31 RSDL Home Improvements......30 Rudolph’s Landscaping.............14 Sea Breeze Hauling ..................33 Sharon McCormick Design .........5 Sisters Cleaning Service...........31 Split Enz ....................................13 T-N-T Home & Lawncare..........33 Tony’s Masonry.........................30 Torrison Stone & Garden ..........29 Town of Durham..........................7 Town of Middlefield ...................11 Uncle Bob’s Flower & Garden.....2 VMB Custom Builders...............33 Whitehouse Construction..........34 Whitney Ridge Stables..............32 Wildwood Lawn Care ................30 Windows Plus..............................3

ed to attend. Please RSVP by next Friday, May 14.

Step up and be counted! U.S. census workers, also called “enumerators,” are visiting homes and apartments throughout the region. Through early July, anyone who hasn’t sent back their 2010 census form may expect a visit. This includes residents who use P.O. boxes who did not receive forms. In order to increase the chances of finding someone at home, census visits are often made during late afternoons, evenings and on weekends. Every census worker wears an official badge. The badge will have their name on the front and the expiration date on the back. Residents are encouraged to ask to see the badge to confirm that the worker is official. Their vehicle will have an official plaque displayed on the dashboard. Real census workers will stay on doorsteps. They will never ask to come inside your home. Residents who are concerned about a person at their door who says they are a census taker should ask for their name and call the Norwich Census Office Helpline at 860367-8371. As always, call 911 for any emergency situation. Census questions can also be answered over the phone at 1-866-872-6868.

Enjoy Toy Story 2 with your family and help raise money for the Durham Co-Op Nursery School!

Durham Co-op Nursery School presents Family Movie Night The fundraising committee of the Durham Cooperative Nursery School is excited to announce that a Family Movie Night will be held at the Durham Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature the enchanting Disney-Pixar film, Toy Story 2, on an enormous two-story high inflatable movie screen near Center Stage. Doors to the outdoor theatre will open at 6:30 p.m. and a wandering magician will entertain families prior to the film. A concession stand will be open, offering delicious and traditional movie theatre treats. All are welcome to enjoy the fun of an old-fashioned drive-in theater with chairs and blankets instead of cars. On-site parking is free and ad-

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mission is $5 per person, with a $25 family maximum. As an added bonus, children will not only enjoy the adventures of Woody and Buzz, but their ticket entitles them to a free kids cone (12 and under) at Durham Dari Serv on the day of the event. There are a limited number of tickets so if you are interested in purchasing tickets, please call Tyler at 860-9839396 or the Durham Co-op at 860-349-9885. Tickets will also be available at the Durham Pharmacy on Saturday, May 8, from 10:30-12:30 p.m. and at the event (if not sold out). For weather and cancellation information on the day of the event, please call the Durham Co-op. Rain date is set for Saturday, June 5.

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140 West Street.........................28 Addy & Sons..............................34 Affordable Excavation ...............34 Allan’s Tree Service ..................33 Anderson Lawn Care ................35 APEC Electric............................30 Appraisal One Associates.........35 Around the Clock Heat..............11 Assisted Living of Meriden ........12 Awning Place.............................24 Baci Grill ......................................6 Berardino Company Realtors 3, 28 Binge, Bruce..............................34 Black Dog ....................................3 Bonterra Italian Bistro................25 Brockett Paving & Construction 29 Cahill & Sons.............................29 Carlton Interiors.........................12 Carmine’s Restaurant .................5 Central Ct. State Univ. ..............21 Centurion Exterminating............31 Cieslik, Ewa Agata, D.M.D........25 Classic Wood Flooring ..............35 Conroy, John, D.M.D.................27 Country Landscaping ................32 CV Enterprises ..........................31 Daricek Landscaping.................35 Desjarlais, Marsha, realtor ........28 Durham Auto Center .................13 Durham Dental ............................6 Durham Fitness.........................13 Durham Healthmart Pharmacy .36 Durham In Bloom ........................7 Durham Veterinary Hospital........7 Durham Wine & Spirits..............13 Executive Offices ................28, 34 Family Tree Care ......................29 Fine Work Home Imp. ...............32 Five Star Performance Horse ...30 Fuel & Service .............................5 Fugge, David M.........................35 Glazer Dental Associates..........27 Grosolar.....................................23 Home Works..............................29 Ianniello Plumbing.....................34 J. Randolph Kitchens ................32

Friday, May 7, 2010

Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

It’s Mother’s Day. Time to plant. Meet two local Master Gardeners with sage advice.

Since Mother’s Day, or mid-May, is the traditional time to plant annuals and vegetables (except cool weather veggies like lettuce and peas) in Connecticut, we thought we’d go out and find a Master Gardener or two to encourage the rest of us. Luckily, we found two – Deb Carras in Middlefield and Tina Gossner in Durham. We hope you enjoy their tips as much as we did!

Deb Carras By Stephanie Wilcox

more,” she says, especially when it comes to fertilizers. For example, it’s better to use organic matter on your soil that will replenish nutrients rather than adding a manufactured product with chemicals. In fact, Carras said the most important thing you can do for your garden is to add compost, and therefore everyone should have a compost bin, no matter how big or small their property. “All you need is a pile and patience while the compost breaks down,” said Carras. Similarly, if you have a bug on your plant, do your research, says Carras, who has amassed a huge library of gardening books and often utilizes the local libraries for garden resources. It could be a beneficial bug, so try not to interfere with the process and mess with Mother Nature. Carras recommends first spraying bugs with water, then insecticide soaps, then take it from there. “Go as organic as possible, and consider how everything is connected and how it will effect birds and other things,” she said. “There are lots of or-

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Above, one of Deb Carras’s beautiful gardens. She mulches her flower beds to conserve moisture and control weeds. Photo by Stephanie Wilcox ganic products out there now so it’s actually quite easy.” She also recommends doing your homework when it comes to other things, like finding the right plant for the

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right spot, i.e. shade versus sun, wet versus dry. When it comes to watering, Carras explains that people

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Deb Carras was not born with a green thumb. Growing up, her mother did not do much gardening, and her father’s vegetable garden did not interest her the least bit. There wasn’t a houseplant that Carras didn’t unintentionally kill with her “black thumb.” When she got married and bought land on Powder Hill Road in Middlefield to build a home with her husband, the property was nothing but a plot of dirt. Therefore, it was only out of necessity that Carras tried her hand at gardening, and eventually an interest in beautifying her own yard slowly blossomed. Fast forward a few years. Carras was working part-time at Country Flower Farms in Middlefield and heading up the garden program at John Lyman School with Fran Ludwig. At the school, she helped develop about six gardens in the open space made available during the school’s then-renovation project. Around this time, she signed up for the

Master Gardener program run by the University of Connecticut, where participants gain vast knowledge – from turf management to vegetable gardens to fruits and berries — and then act as stewards to the land and spread the gardening word. In 1997, after five months of training, 30 hours of volunteer work and an exam, Carras became a Master Gardener. Now, each year in March, she attends a Master Gardener seminar where new ideas and information are shared. A new idea being talked about these last few years is to not till your garden, Carras noted. “Because of the complex structure of the soil, things feed off of each other and are interconnected,” she explained. “Farming might be different, but for home gardening we learned that tilling breaks that all up. It’s still important to loosen your soil, but it’s good to keep this in mind.” In fact, the Master Garden program pushes gardening with an ecological focus. In other words, “more is not

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P O S T M A S T E R: Send address changes to Town Times, P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455.

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Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

It’s Mother’s Day. Time to plant. Meet two local Master Gardeners with sage advice.

Deb Carras By Stephanie Wilcox

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right spot, i.e. shade versus sun, wet versus dry. When it comes to watering, Carras explains that people

“Sparky”, a white Schnauzer, lives up to his name and is full of fire! He is very loved by the Keurajian Family of Middlefield!

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ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT PASTA/SALAD DINNER May 16th 4-6 pm Middlefield Federated Church $10/adult, $8.00/seniors, $5.00/12 & under, $25.00 family of four

Come join your family and friends for an easy dinner!

40 Main St., Durham 860-349-0344 www.berardino.com

Amy Greenbacker Office Manager

For all your real estate needs, call Berardino Co. Realtors 349-0344! We’re on the Web: http://www.towntimes.com

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1142953

P O S T M A S T E R: Send address changes to Town Times, P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455.

1157608

USPS 021-924 Published weekly by Record-Journal Publishing Co., d/b/a Town Times, P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455. Periodicals Postage Paid at Middlefield, CT and at additional mailing offices.

Town Times & Places

4 FRIDAY

May 7

Social The Strong School social event begins at 7 p.m. Spring Fling All Durham seniors are welcome to attend the third annual spring fling at the Durham Firehouse from noon to 2 p.m. There will be refreshments and Bob Mel will entertain. For info on this free event, call 860-343-6724. Tag and Bake Sale The Third Congregational Church, 94 Miner St. in Middletown, will hold a tag and bake sale from 4 to 8 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow. There will be a snack bar on both days.

SATURDAY

May 8

4H Auction Middlesex County 4H auction will be held at the Haddam Cooperative Extension Center, 1066 Saybrook Road in Haddam. Preview begins at 3 p.m. with auction at 5 p.m.For infomation, call 860345-4511. Movie Tickets Stop at Durham Pharmacy from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to get tickets for the May 22 showing of Toy Story 2 on the Durham Fairgrounds. Tickets are $5 per person or $25 for family. American Legion American Legion Post 184 will meet at 10 a.m. at the Durham Library. All veterans are invited to attend. For info, call Bob at 860-349-0881. Plant Sale Project Graduation will hold a Mother’s Day plant sale today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Strong School parking lot, Main Street in Durham. Open House The Learning Collective, a progressive school for children grades K-3 in Middletown, invites families to an open house at 10:30 a.m. Join the teacher and current TLC parents in the classroom space at 186 College St. in Middletown. For info, visit www.thelearningcollective.o rg or call 860-704-8181. Pottery Wesleyan Potters annual spring festival and sale will

be held at 350 South Main St. in Middletown from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For info, visit www.wesleyanpotters.com. Craft and Tag Sale The United Churches of Durham’s annual spring tag and craft sale to support the summer mission trip to Kentucky will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine. Rep. Lesser State Rep. Matt Lesser will hold office hours at the Durham Public Library, 7 Maple St., from 10 a.m. to noon. Mothers Day Walk Grab your mother, daughter or both and meet at the Coginchaug High School parking lot at 2 p.m. for a 2.5 mile hike for women and girls. The group will use a compass, do letter-boxing and look for creatures in the vernal pools. Send an e-mail to Lucy@womenofthewoods.org or call 860-395-7771 for info.

SUNDAY

May 9 Pasta Dinner Amber Ostrander, a second grader at Brewster School, is organizing a spaghetti dinner fundraiser in honor of her aunt for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The dinner will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Durham Fairgrounds. Call 860788-6856 for info.

MONDAY

May 10 Free Movie Every Monday the Middletown Senior Center, 150 William St., offers a free movie at 12:30 p.m. Today’s movie is Men Who Stare at Goats with George Clooney and Kevin Spacey. Call 860344-3513 for information. The Job Market Is Not Fierce! It’s Different! Duane Cashin is the featured speaker for a workshop at 6:15 p.m. at Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown. He will show job seekers how to adjust and take advantage of new opportunities. This presentation is designed to inspire you to take action, as well as help you see the possibilities, have focus and maintain confidence on your journey. Call 860-347-2528 for information.

Parent Council The Memorial School Parent Council will meet at 7 p.m.

TUESDAY

May 11 Concert The CRHS instrumental concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Rep. Lesser State Rep. Matt Lesser will hold office hours at the Levi Coe Library, 414 Main St. in Middlefield, from 5 to 7 p.m. Car Cruise Cruise Rt 66 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Palmer Field Middletown. Paved lot for cars, cut-off year 1980, free music, 50/50 raffles and goodie bags. For info, call Jay at 860-306-1280 or Louie at 860-638-8234. JLPA The John Lyman Parents Association will meet at 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

Friday, May 7, 2010

Homes, the thousands of children who are living in the shadow of homelessness in Middlesex County and Connecticut are the subject of a panel meeting of the Middlesex Coalition for Children, open to the public, from 9 to 10 a.m., in the community room at deKoven House, 27 Washington St. in Middletown. Art Guild The Art Guild of Middletown art demonstration will be given in colored pencil by Susan Tait Porcaro, a lifelong illustrator and photorealistic artist, at 7 p.m. The demo will take place at the Middlefield Federated Church fellowship hall, 390 Main St. in Middlefield. A donation of $3 is suggested for non-members of the Guild. Light refreshments will be available. For info, call 860-346-6546. Farmers Market Enjoy a traditional farmers’ market on the Durham green today and every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m.

May 12 TOPS Durham TOPS Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Durham Town Hall. For info, call Naomi Klotsko at 860-349-9558 or Bonnie Olesen at 860-349-9433. Free Movies The Middlefield Senior Center will present free movies at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at the senior center. Today’s movie is The Bucket List; May 19, Because I Said So and May 26, Mall Cop. Stories in Stone Jelle Zeilinga de Boer of Wesleyan University will talk at the Henry Carter Hull Library at 6:30 p.m. about his book Stories in Stone: How Geology Influenced Connecticut History and Culture. Registration is required by calling 860669-2342. Visit www.hchlibrary.org for more info.

THURSDAY

May 13 Dreaming of a Face Like Ours Professor Bill Foster will talk about his latest work at 7 p.m. at Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown. His book illuminates the historical record of African Americans in the comic industry. Call 860-347-2528 for info. Homeless Children Children Without Stable

Band Geeks! Goodspeed Musicals presents Band Geeks!, a new musical, opening tonight and running through June 6. For tickets, call the box office at 860873-8668 or online at www.goodspeed.org. Dinner with a Doc MidState Medical Services, 61 Pomeroy Ave. in Meriden, presents Dinner with a Doc from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Topics include the ABCs of skin cancer, strokes and eating healthy. Registration is required by calling 203-6948733. The fee is $15, which includes dinner.

FRIDAY

May 14 Business Networking The local chapter of Business Networking International will meet in the United Methodist Church, 24 Old Church St. in Middletown, at 7:30 a.m. Contact Kirk Hagert at 860-349-5626 for info. Klezmer Music Emmanuel Church, the Little Church in the Wilderness, 50 Emanuel Church Rd. in Killingworth, will present folk music of the Eastern European Jewish community at

8 p.m. Admission is $20 and a reception will follow the concert. For info, call 860-663-1109. MOMS Club The MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of Durham and Middlefield will hold an open house at Allyn Brook Park from 9:30 a.m. to noon for prospective members. For information, send email to momsdurhammiddlefield@yahoo.com or call Becky at 860-349-2346. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat The Church of the Epiphany, 196 Main St. in Durham, will present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the Parish Hall tonight and tomorrow at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, May 16, at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, five and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door or by calling Lisa at 860-349-6918.

SATURDAY

May 15

DART Tag Sale Durham Animal Response Team (DART) is holding a tag sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and tomorrow at Brenda’s Main Street Feed in Durham. Live Music The acoustic duo BluesGrass, with local musician Jon Swift on upright bass and vocals and Mark White on guitar, harmonica and vocals, will play from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Perk on Main, 6 Main St. in Durham. Water Buffalo Bake Sale Notre Dame Church’s annual Water Buffalo bake sale will include a Haitian artisans crafts sale in the church hall from 4:30 to 6 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, May 16. This year, more than ever, people around the world are suffering because of natural disasters. Hospice St. Joseph in Haiti and Heifer International, which the sale benefits, help alleviate that suffering. Plant Sale/Exchange The Durham Library annual plant sale and exchange will be held at 10 a.m. Plants must be in pots and labeled. Anyone wishing to exchange plants will receive a receipt, which will be credited for purchases at the sale.

Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

Threat at Thomas Edison Middle School investigated

A threat to Thomas Edison Middle School (TEMS) was detected by state and Meriden police on a Facebook account, according to a posting to parents on the magnet school’s website on May 4. According to Craig W. Edmondson, Ed.D., executive director of ACES (Area Cooperative Educational Services), as a result of the monitoring the state police performs on Facebook on a regular basis, it was alleged that some TEMS students were involved in communications on the social networking site in which they were talking about a threat to the school near the end of the school year or perhaps on the last day. When ACES was notified yesterday (Tuesday, May 4), the students of interest and their parents were subse-

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Liam Houchin and Luc Bray-shaw played the bedinboa, a Brazilian musical instrument, at John Lym a n School recently. L u c m a d e the ins t r u m e n t himself. Photo by Betty Hadlock

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very seriously and the appropriate disciplinary action was taken, which he did not elaborate on. “I stress that there was no evidence this was a real threat,” he said. “I think this is a situation where students did not make good decisions and might have been joking around on a public forum. At this time, we don’t believe it’s broader than that.” Edmondson said Meriden and state police did a wonderful job getting the information, and the students and parents involved cooperated with police and school personnel. Thomas Edison Middle School focuses on math, science and technology for students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. For questions, contact administration at Thomas Edison or call Craig Edmondson at ACES at 203-498-6816.

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quently interviewed by school personnel in the presence of police. “It is our understanding that Meriden and state police did make an arrest of two students yesterday,” Edmondson said. The superintendents and central offices of sending districts, including Regional District 13, which currently sends nine students to Thomas Edison, were notified, as well as the Thomas Edison Steering Committee and the ACES Board of Governors. The information was also posted to the Thomas Edison website last night, and Thomas Edison students brought home letters to parents Wednesday with the information. Edmondson noted that while there was no information that suggests the threat was real, it was assured that the situation is being taken

By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times

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Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

Board of Ed discusses possible Pickett Lane traffic light and approves new Strategic Plan By Karen Koba Special to the Town Times

The highlight of the Board of Education (BOE) meeting on April 28 was the introduction of the 2010-2015 Strategic Plan, presented by Carol Luckenbach, Director of Curriculum/Professional Development and Amy Emory, Director of Pupil Personnel. However, an item of intense public interest was introduced during Superintendent Susan Viccaro’s report. Viccaro spoke about a letter from John Carey, of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT), regarding the need for a crossing guard at the end of Pickett Lane. The DOT “believes there should be a traffic light there,” stated Viccaro. Estimates for a traffic light would be around $100,000, and District 13 would be responsible for 10 percent of that, or $10,000. “We need to respond to DOT in order to get into the queue if we think we are interested in doing this,” said Viccaro. A brief discussion took place as to where this money might come from. One sugges-

tion was to use capital reserve funds for the installation of the traffic light, and that Durham might pay for the electricity used. BOE member Dr. Joseph Ochterski mentioned that if it is decided to use the money in capital reserve, it will require a district vote. Back to Strategic Plan Luckenbach began the presentation of the new Strategic Plan with a slide of an empty student chair and asked the BOE members to imagine the impact of this Strategic Plan on a single student. She asked the BOE members to think of a particular student, past or present, and to imagine the child seated in that chair. “Now ask yourself, how will this plan impact that student? By imagining a real student, it becomes less abstract, which is important, because this is ultimately your plan. You have to own it,” she stated. Luckenbach commented that she has been through strategic planning for District 13 since 1993. This will be the fourth plan. “We are like poster children for strategic

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planning,” she commented. Emory added that after looking over the beliefs from as far back as 1993, many have remained the same. A few of the beliefs formed and maintained within the district include the idea that every human has inherent worth; individuals are responsible for their actions; change demands that learning continue throughout one’s life; and people are the most important resource in achieving excellence. After discussing District 13 beliefs, Luckenbach and Emory expanded on some of the changes to the District 13 mission statement. They presented the BOE with a slide showing how the mission has evolved over the past 17 years. After presenting the remaining elements of the Strategic Plan, including expectations of district members and key objectives, they spoke about how the plan will be implemented. They focused on five strategies and formed five action groups. At this time, both Luckenbach and Emory paused to commend the action teams for their hard work in tackling these strategies. “I know they aren’t in attendance for tonight’s meeting, but I want to thank them anyway. They gave an incredible amount of time and energy to the strategic planning, and they should

all be commended for their efforts,” Luckenbach commented. She mentioned the extraordinary efforts of the Action Team leaders – Jen Keane, Jenny Lussier, Jan Wenzel, Tara Amatrudo and Tara Heikkila. At the conclusion of the presentation, the BOE approved the fourth Regional District 13 Strategic Plan as presented. A detailed description of the plan will soon be available on the district’s website at: www.rsd13ct.org. Superintendent’s report Superintendent Viccaro opened with the announcement that Coginchaug High School senior Matthew Solomon was awarded $1,000 from the Carter Mario Injury Lawyers Arrive Alive Scholarship Program. Solomon was one of 10 Connecticut seniors to win the scholarship out of over 350 applicants across the state. The scholarship program requirement was to prepare a presentation regarding the dangers of distracted driving and cell phone usage when behind the wheel. Next, Viccaro commended Korn Elementary School principal Laurie Sinder for her efforts leading to the award of $1,000 to support the library sciences program at Korn Elementary. Viccaro concluded her report with a brief presentation

William J. Witkowski, D.M.D. 360 Main Street P.O. Box 177 Allan A. Witkowski, D.M.D. Durham, CT

of the Phase II Race to the Top (RTTT) grant application process. The RTTT grant is a $4.35 billion education reform program, implemented as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). In January 2010, Governor M. Jodi Rell, along with the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and the Connecticut State Board of Education (CSBE) submitted an application for $192 million in federal RTTT funding. This was to support a four-year plan for education reform in Connecticut. District 13 participated in the application process for the Phase I grant and has now received feedback from the U.S. Department of Education reviewers on how best to improve their application for Phase II. Viccaro provided a handout which detailed the expectations on both state and local levels, in order to achieve the objectives outlined in the RTTT program. “The Commissioner is really pushing for this and wants to send the Memorandum of Understanding very soon,” stated Viccaro. According to Viccaro, the district could receive a grant of approximately $39,000 under this program. “For larger districts, the award could mean significant dollars,” she stated. Under the RTTT grant program, District 13 would have to show how it is working to implement steps toward achieving the goals as outlined by RTTT. Before hearing comments and questions from the board lym_SS55_5_03:Layout 1

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Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

Middlefield selectmen’s meeting short and sweet Up for election, or re-election By Sue VanDerzee Town Times

withdrawn their deal to swap land with the town. The camp was interested in some of the flat land at the back of the field on Powder Hill Road adjoining the camp to allow for more sports and other activities. In return, they offered to give the town a big chunk of the land behind their buildings that is too steep to be of use to the camp, but might have provided another access route to water for the owners of Powder Ridge. The camp is only asking at this time for a 50-foot driveway easement across the front of the camp connecting their current driveway with the Powder Ridge driveway and allowing for loop access to the facility and a place to park busses while dropping off and picking up campers. Brayshaw reported that the new town website is slated to go “live” before the end of June, and the selectmen approved a proclamation naming the week of May 2 Municipal Clerks’ Week.

DART looking for tag sale donations

Durham Animal Response Team (DART) is accepting donations for an upcoming tag sale fundraiser that will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16, at Brenda’s Main Street Feed in Durham. All proceeds from the tag sale will directly benefit DART, which is a division of the Durham Department of Emergency Management. All donations can be delivered to Brenda’s Main Street Feed. Pick ups can be arranged. No linens or clothes please. Call 860-349-0410 for information. Be sure to visit DART at the Pet Fair being held on May 17.

Besides voting on town budgets at town meetings on Monday, May 10, residents of both communities will elect members to their two joint boards. Durham DMIAAB (Durham Middlefield Interlocal Agreement Advisory Board, the transfer station management board) members who are up for election are Dom DelVecchio (R) and Ronald Capozzi (D). At press time we had not heard whether they will run. Frank Petrella (D) and Katie Hughes (D), DMIAAB members from Middlefield, are running again. The Durham terms on the District 13 Board of Education that are ending are Elizabeth Gara (R) and Mary Jane Parsons (R). As of press time, we had not heard whether they will run. Merrill Adams (D) and Joseph Ochterski (U), of Middlefield, are both running again. Durham’s town meeting starts at 8 p.m. in the Coginchaug auditorium and Middlefield’s starts at 7 p.m. in the Memorial School gym. At press time we had not heard back from party chairs in either town regarding any other nominees. By Stephanie Wilcox ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

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The Middlefield selectmen met in the Community Center auditorium on Monday, May 3, with an audience of one. Since the audience was this reporter, “public comment” was non-existent. Nevertheless, some interesting updates were offered, particularly on Powder Ridge. According to First Selectman Jon Brayshaw, the three entities still in the running for buying the ski area from the town have put in countless hours in Middlefield recently. “They all need to do due diligence,” Brayshaw said. The selectmen have also done their due diligence by going to Hartford to make certain (or as certain as one can be in a state that as of press time still lacks a budget) that the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) grant was still available even though the specific deal being negotiated at

that time has fizzled. The $540,000 grant was announced with much fanfare in the snow at Powder Ridge by Governor M. Jodi Rell on Jan. 29. According to Brayshaw, “the money is still on the table,” and DECD officials seemed willing perhaps to award the grant to the town to upgrade Powder Ridge infrastructure even if the town was involved in selling the property, which seems the most likely scenario at this time. Meanwhile, related to the Powder Ridge situation, the land swap approved at a town meeting last year has been finalized. The town is swapping a triangular piece of townowned land to Angelo Micciulla of Powder Hill Road for a strip of his land that would allow the new owners of Powder Ridge to run a water line from Lake Beseck for snow-making. This access to lake water is essential as the process moves forward. Also, Brayshaw announced that the Nerden Camp has

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Legal Notice Town of Durham Board of Finance

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Phone: 860.349.9555 Fax: 860.349.9665 Jamie Stanley 28 Main St., Durham, CT 06422

The Annual Budget Meeting will be held on Monday, May 10, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. in the Julian B. Thayer Auditorium, Coginchaug Regional High School, Durham, Connecticut. The Proposed Budget for the fiscal year 2010-2011 for the Town of Durham, Connecticut, as prepared by the Board of Finance will be presented for adoption to the General Public. Copies of the Proposed Budget are available at the Office of the Town Clerk, Durham Public Library, at www.townofdurhamct.org, or by calling (860) 343-6716. Dated at Durham, Connecticut this 29th day of April, 2010

Francis E. Korn, Chairman Board of Finance

Town Times Opinion

Friday, May 7, 2010

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

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

Letter to the Editor

Probable opponent bashes State Sen. Ed Meyer

We teach our children to be respectful and to play nicely with their friends. We urge them to be polite and cooperative. Most important, do not be a bully. Senator Ed Meyer has not learned these basic lessons and as a result, citizens of his district (Branford, Guilford, Madison, North Branford, Killingworth and Durham) including the rest of Connecticut are considerably worse off by his actions and statements in the legislature this past week. He accused another Democratic legislator, co-chair of the Planning and Development Committee of purposely killing two bills he supported and went to the press with his accusations. In so doing, he created a fight between Democrats in both houses of the General Assembly. Exposing not only how ineffective he has become as a state senator to make law and state policy but why people in his own party as well as Republicans pay little attention to him. Representative Sharkey of Hamden replied as follows, “‘He lied, he’s slandering me.”

His actions, so close to the end of the session, created an unnecessary distraction which impeded important business like figuring out how to handle the estimated $750 million deficit in the fiscal year beginning this July 1. Frankly, I agree that restoring authority to approve location of cell towers to municipal land use agencies is sound policy and I am for that. As a member of Durham’s Planning and Zoning Commission, I believe towns should have a say in the issue of siting towers and other large structures in their towns. The difference of opinion I have with Senator Meyer is based on my belief that more preparation, more follow through and more civility would produce better results. From his angry letter and statements it would appear he believes that because he is a co-chair of another committee, his bills should be automatically passed. I will soon be nominated to run for State Senator by the Republican Party. I intend to wage an issue oriented campaign. In the words of Senator Meyer which appeared in the New Haven Register on April 23rd, “This place needs to be cleaned.” I respectfully agree. Lisa Davenport, Durham

Mother’s Day? Twenty perother for in a democracy. We Sue VanDerzee cent voter turnout? Mother’s count on being able to speak Day? Twenty percent voter or write our minds, and we turnout? count on a free press to allow Those were the two subus to both express our views jects that sprang immediately and read others’ views. We to mind as I contemplated count in our two towns on volwriting this week’s editorial. unteers to do a lot of work on our behalf – Upon closer reflection, however, I realized from putting out fires, to providing emerthat maybe I didn’t have to choose. After all, gency medical care, to making hard deciwhat do mothers do? If you are anything like sions about spending and taxes, to cleaning the folks that Town Times photographer up our roadsides, to putting on an annual Karen Kean questioned for our Mother’s Day agricultural fair. Signing on to do these feature on page 24, then your mother had things may have come from lessons learned some pretty good lessons for you. Among as children who would one day be volunteers those lessons was undoubtedly the notion watched their mothers perform the same that you should do your share in your family, kinds of service. your community and for the world at large. Not everyone can serve in every way, howAnd that’s exactly what 78 percent of the ever necessary all of these “jobs” might be to citizens of Durham and Middlefield did not the smooth functioning of our communities. do on Tuesday, May 4. They didn’t bother to Everyone, though, can vote. go and vote. Now, it wouldn’t matter if those As you go about honoring your mother 78 percent had voted “yes” or “no” on the this weekend, take a moment to think about school budget; that’s not the point. The point the lessons she taught, and then, when the is, they didn’t do their share. next opportunity arises, please go out and There are many things we count on each “do your duty” and vote.

From The Editor’s Desk

Durham/Middlefield Youth & Family Services Unless noted, all events take place at the Youth Center in the Middlefield Community Center. Office Hours: 3:30-5:30 Tuesdays-Fridays; phone 860-349-0258. Game Night Friday, May 7, enjoy a kids only game night for kids 7 to 14 only. $5 per person includes dodge ball, freeze tag, and the game room will be open from 7 to 9 p.m. Dance Friday, May 21, for fifth and sixth graders from 7 to 9 p.m. $5 per person CPR class for adults and teens Monday, May 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. Learn CPR for children and infants. Call to reserve a spot by May 19. Family Bingo Night Friday, May 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. Fee is $5; kids under five are free.

Local nominating conventions Nominating conventions for the upcoming state elections in November are set by state law. They are as follows: May 6 — Multi-town Judge of Probate (includes Durham and Middlefield). Expected candidates include incumbent Judge Marino (D). May 11 — Multi-town state House of Representatives (includes Durham and Middlefield). Expected candidates are incumbent Matt Lesser (D) and challenger John Szewczyk (R) May 13 — State Senate (also includes our towns). Expected candidates as of press time are incumbent Senator Ed Meyer (D) and challenger Lisa Davenport (R) for Durham and incumbent Senator Tom Gaffey (D) for Middlefield. May 18-25 — Registrars of Voters in all towns.

Letters policy The Town Times intends to present a forum for the lively exchange of ideas and issues. To facilitate the publication of your contributions, several guidelines should be followed. Letters to the editor must be signed, with a phone number included. The writer will be called to confirm authorship. No anonymous letters will be printed. Contributions by any individual or group will not be published more frequently than once a month. Every effort will be made to print all letters received. However, the selection and date of publication will be at the discretion of the editor. Finally, the opinions expressed by our letter writers are not necessarily those of this newspaper. Deadline: Tuesday noon for Friday publication.

Town Times Columns

Friday, May 7, 2010

The last hours of a legislative session

Spring reflections for Middlefield

A further priority is to It is a unique experinegotiate a state budget ence to be a state legislathat is balanced and not tor in the last two days of in deficit for the fiscal a legislative session, and year beginning this July as I write this column, it 1. That balancing inis the last two days. The volves a complex combiConnecticut General Asnation of spending cuts, sembly is legally adborrowing and — if necjourned at midnight on essary — revenue inMay 5. creases. Wednesday Let me give you a snapmorning, we will go into shot of what I am trying to do, as your State Sena- State Senator Ed Meyer caucuses to discuss the latest developments in tor, in these last 48 hours the negotiations between of the session. First, I am the Governor and our trying to get bills called legislative leaders on the on the calendar and state budget. At these passed which will help caucuses, we will have my constituents. Foremost is an energy bill, realizing that an opportunity to react to the budget energy costs in Connecticut are the proposals, and I will withhold my highest in the nation. I seek a bill vote if I believe that the budget direcwhich will reduce our energy costs, tion is negative. The atmosphere in the Capitol in reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and move us in the direction of such these last hours of the 2010 session is forms of renewable energy as solar, very charged – lots of constituent egeothermal, wind, fuel cells and mails (more than 200 per day), inbiodiesel. Secondly, as chair of the tense lobbyist interaction with legisEnvironment Committee, I have a lators, long hours (we recessed at 3 significant responsibility to move a.m. Tuesday morning), negotiations environment bills that are sitting on between the majority and minority the Senate calendar, and there are parties to avoid intolerable filinow about eight such bills. I have in- busters by the minority party, and dicated to the Majority Leader cer- (of course) establishing priorities on tain priorities among these bills, and what bills we will actually take up. Finally, I want to thank so many of they include a major recycling initiative and a bill that will streamline you for being in contact with me or the permitting process of the Depart- my good aide, Darcy Jones, during ment of Environmental Protection. this difficult session. I have enjoyed Currently, it can take more than a a larger exchange with constituents year for a person or business to get a than I have had in any of my prior five years in the State Senate. permit from the DEP.

hefty deposit all will be Earth Day came and revealed at a public hearwent this year, leaving ing. Keep in mind that a notable list of “accomyou (the voter) will evenplishments.” The Metatually have the ultimate comet Wind Farm study say on whether or not to application remains consummate the deal. (optimistically) in the The BOS does not want to funding queue at the reveal all the ins and outs state; we will soon be inat this point for obvious stalling new high effireasons. ciency heat pumps in By the way, hearing the Town Hall; our joint (with Durham) energy Jon Brayshaw, Middlefield gossip that the $540K grant issued by Govercommittee is getting nor Rell last winter (to closer to having a phohelp revive Power Ridge) tovoltaic (PV) system may have disappeared, installed at the high an entourage made their school; on May 22 our way to the DECD office two towns will be handin Hartford. According ing out 400 free rain barrels; soon, up to 40 street lights (out of to DECD officials, the money remains 400+) will be turned off; and Earth “on the table,” waiting for a deal to be Day programs took place at all of our made. Speaking of waiting, my hope is that schools. It needs to be said that we are not slackers in living responsible our website will be ready to go live around the end of June. Like many asenergy-consuming lives. Corporately, we are also living re- pects of life in Middlefield and Rockfall, sponsible financial lives. For the fifth we have depended on volunteers to creyear in a row, the administration and ate our website with little outside help. Board of Finance have kept the cost of As usual, there is more to it than was “Town Operations” at a near zero in- originally thought. Our committee has crease. We seem to hover at the $4M most certainly gone above and beyond mark year after year. The 1.70 mill in- in their quest for a quality, informative crease (from 25.69 to 27.39) that you see and complete site. The real challenge in the latest BOF Budget is due, in part, will come when we all try to work as a to the cost of paying for a quality edu- team in maintaining and uploading cation. As a point of reference, the av- stuff. Soon, I may even know what the erage home in town has seen a $279 per word “uploading” means. On a few other fronts, speaking of year increase over the past five years. As required by our Charter, we will be team effort, our baseball season offihaving our annual town budget meet- cially began on April 24 with literally ing on May 10. On that date, if all goes hundreds of hyped-up players signed well, the Town Operations budget will on. What a smooth operation, thanks be reviewed and acted on. Also, on that to the Coginchaug Little League mandate, two members of the Board of Edu- agement, parents, coaches, helpers and sponsors. If you want to experication and DMIAAB will be voted on. Also in the “if all goes well” column, ence small town life at its best, an the BOS has been working with what evening at our park might be just the we hope will be the next buyer/opera- thing to lower your blood pressure. And finally, we lost two Middlefield tor of the Powder Ridge ski area. We have zeroed in on the essence of a pos- originals this past month. I note the sible deal that will conclude with a passing of Edna Hewes and Chet Mrocontract within the next month or two. zowski. Both knew well who we are Keep in mind that most of us know the and what is important … and lasting. property inside and out, but someone Our town family is slowly changing. coming from afar needs plenty of “due Stake your claim. How the clock ticks diligence” time to determine what by, leaving nothing but memories and needs to be done, by whom and what a legacy. Both were known for what will it cost. Just as soon as we have a they did and what they didn’t do.

From A Senator’s Desk

Brewster and Korn schools attempting a world record

More than 200 students at Francis E. Korn and Brewster elementary schools will try to set a new record for reading this summer during the Read for the World Record challenge as part of the Scholastic Summer Challenge, a global campaign designed to keep kids reading and fight summer reading loss. During the summer-long challenge, Korn and Brewster students will compete for top reading honors with schools across the country by logging as many “reading minutes” as possible from May 1 through Aug. 31. The top 20 schools – those logging the most minutes – will be featured in the 2011 edition of the Scholastic Book of World Records. Other participating schools also will be headlined along

with their logged minutes. Last year, more than 8,000 schools participated in the summer-long reading challenge, logging a total of 35,846,094 reading minutes. Top honors went to a Florida school where students logged more than 683,057 reading minutes over the summer break. “The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to encourage our students to read as much as possible during the summer months while giving them a fun incentive to compete against other schools across the country,” said Laurie Sinder, Korn principal. “Our goal is to expose more kids to the joy of reading and, of course, we also want to try to make it into the World Record Book’s Top 20.”

From The Selectman’s Desk

Web update

Counting contest

We’re leaving our current web poll — Do you have another woman, other than your mother, who has been a "mother" to you in some way? If yes, please comment. — up for one more week. Go to www.towntimes.com and find our poll on the righthand side.

Be the first to count the matching Mother’s Day roses in this issue correctly and win a rose for Mom (or yourself). You must come to our office to claim your prize.

Town Times

10 Carras

(From page 3)

don’t need to water their plants unless they are just being established or the weather is extremely dry. It’s best to use soaker hoses that lay in the garden or at least spray right down at the base, and early morning is the best time of day to water, otherwise early evening. Sprinklers are not only wasteful because a lot of the water is lost in the air, but the droplets land on the tops of leaves and can cause mildew if the leaves are not able to dry completely. Finally, Carras recommends checking the invasive species list as it is updated every year (look on the UConn website). This can help you be aware of what to look out for in your gardens. It’s a far cry from her days of having a black thumb, but

today Carras does landscape designs for local people in the summer months, mostly through word of mouth, and is involved in a lot of volunteer garden work. She can often be found planting in front of the Durham Town Hall and several schools in the district as the Durham Garden Club’s “designer-in-residence.” The club’s president, Flo Flynn, whom Carras met during classes in the Master Gardener program, has encouraged her. Carras is also excited to help with the Mother’s Garden at Middlefield Federated Church, which will likely be unveiled on Mother’s Day. Last year for Mother’s Day, Carras’s husband and three children built a raised bed in full sun for a vegetable garden, “Because my tomatoes were getting too much shade and ripening in October.

“I’m still a novice veggie gardener,” she said, adding that she is more of a flower person. Her youngest son has also been treating Carras to a Mother’s Day present of “a day in the garden” where he helps weed, transplant and deal with the snakes that take a liking to one particular patch. “That’s a part of gardening I don’t like,” joked Carras, who also admits she has a bad relationship with the Japanese bamboo in her yard and still hasn’t gotten the hang of seed germination. Therefore, in the winter, she gets her flower fix by watercolor painting floral images. Thank goodness for having other passions! And a passion this has become. Carras is happy she took the leap and became a Master Gardener, where she

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Friday, May 7, 2010 learned so much and met a lot of people. She encourages anyone interested in becoming a Master Gardener to go for it, and at the very least she recommends participating in the many local gardening programs offered to the public right here in Durham and Middlefield.

Tina Gossner By Judy Moeckel Tina Gossner, who grew up on Main Street in Durham, says gardening was important to her parents, and that’s why it’s an important part of her life, too. Her father Arved Larsen loved to grow vegetables, and her mother cultivated flowers. “I have always gardened,” she says. “Even as a child, I had flower beds.” In the 1980s, Gossner taught special education at East Lyme High School and lived with her husband Mark in East Hampton. She dreamed about becoming a Master Gardener, but the intensive program — offered through the Home and Garden Education Center (part of the Cooperative Extension System of the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources) was too demanding, especially as their children Hannah, Julia and Sam came along. Eleven years ago, the Goss-

ners moved to Maple Avenue in Durham, and she began developing gardens there. The dream of taking the Master Gardener course was still alive and well. “Once the kids were all in school, about nine years ago, I decided to sign up. The coursework was one day per week for 16 weeks, which made for a very full day. But it was my reward to myself. It was taught by professors from UConn. They are incredible professionals; they teach the science behind gardening,” she notes. Gossner points out that the Master Gardener program is not about landscape design. It teaches about things like soil (a world unto itself); plant diseases; how to identify plants, shrubs and trees; invasive plants; entomology (the study of insects); pesticides; grasses and turf care; water quality; diagnostic techniques; and environmental factors in gardening. Gardening to not harm the environment is very important to Gossner. She strongly believes in “organic solutions” to garden problems that crop up — for example grubs in the lawn, one of my bugaboos (no pun intended). While organics, such as bioinsecticides, may be slower to act, they last longer, she says. Luckily, organic products are sold widely nowadays. She

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from the house (where it tends to pool up and leak into the basement). If we hook up one gutter to a barrel, then I can hook up a hose to it, and water my plants from there. Free rain barrels are also being given out by the towns of Durham and Middlefield on a first come, first served basis to residents of both towns on Saturday, May 22, at the Durham Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Proof of residency reSee Gossner, page 31

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you can put about eight sheets down, cover it with compost and manure (whether from a suggests Gardens Alive, an or- bag or from your own compost ganic products mail order pile), and leave it for about six company. weeks. It’ll kill any weeds in Once the Master Gardener the soil, and you won’t have to coursework is completed, the dig up the sod!” student must do 60 hours of inAnother favorite organic service training, which in- technique Gossner suggests is cludes 30 hours of answering collecting rainwater (you can questions from gardeners at collect it from the open sky, the Home and Garden Educa- but a covered barrel hooked tion Center, as well as a 30- up to a downspout is the best hour community outreach way because it keeps bugs project. “On the phones, I used from breeding in it). I wonwhat I learned in class. For dered why one should bother my outreach project, I worked to do this, and I found the anwith Jane Kaminski (of Mid- swer on the website of Gardlefield) to redo the gardens at deners’ Supply, which sells John Lyman School,” ex- rain barrels and lots of other plains Gossner. neat stuff. Collected rainwater The school garden renova- does not have the chemicals tion, which involved one that can be in public water whole side of the school, used supplies; it’s naturally soft. the organic techniques she Also, of course, you save wabelieves in, such as putting ter, which doesn’t hurt, even down newspaper to smother in our relatively damp part of weeds. the country. I am now think“You can use newsprint to ing about installing a barrel at get rid of weeds in an existing our house, so we can direct the Boston;Around the Clock Heating & Cooling;B14014;3x6 garden. With a new garden, water off our roof and away

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The Town of Middlefield has nearly $300,000 in its Small Cities Housing Rehab Program. This program provides financial assistance to help with needed repairs and renovations to your home. Funds are available at 0% interest with no monthly payments required. Use this money to repair or replace roofs, plumbing, wells, electrical upgrades, septic systems, heating systems, siding, windows, and all other general renovations needed to upgrade your home to current health and building codes. Projects such as family room additions, decks, central air conditioning, etc. are not permitted. Eligibility is based on total household income, which ranges

from $44,800 to $84,500 depending upon the size of your family. For instance, a family of two would be $51,200; a family of five would be $69,100; and so on.

Here’s how it works. The Town pays the contractor for the work being done. The Town then puts a lien on your house. The lien is for just the cost of repairs (no other fees, no interest) and is to be paid back when you sell your house. Simple as that, of course you may pay it back earlier if you wish.

For more information or to determine your eligibility, contact: Joe Geruch Middlefield Town Hall, 393 Jackson Hill Road, or phone: (860) 349-7112

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Durham Town Briefs

Durham Government Calendar (All meetings will be held at the Durham Library unless otherwise noted. Check the town Web page at Monday, May 10 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen annual town budget meeting at CRHS; your chance to vote on town budget 7:30 p.m. — Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Wednesday, May 12 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Coginchaug library; at this meeting the BOE will decide how to deal with the defeat of the budget on May 4. Tuesday, May 18 7 p.m. — Board of Finance at Town Hall Wednesday, May 19 7:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday, May 20 7 p.m. — Compensation Review/Personnel Policy Commission at Town Hall 7 p.m. — DMIAAB at Middlefield Community Center 7 p.m. — Durham Animal Response Team was held on April 26 to take care of three separate items.

Town meeting approves transfers By Stephanie Wilcox A special town meeting

First, electors approved the transfer of up to $131,400 from Revaluation Reserve Fund to Revaluation as recommended by the Board of Finance (BOF). First Selectman Laura Fran-

1996 - 2010

cis explained that this is the fee associated with the revaluation process that has begun. She explained that the town went out to bid for this service. The transfer of $4,400 from Undesignated Fund Balance to Conservation Commission Mowing/Cleanup was also approved after a brief discussion. This will cover expenses for the mowing of Whites Farm for the prior two fiscal years as recommended by the BOF. According to Francis, the new chairman of the commission, Casey Cordes, found two bills, one for 2007 and one for 2008 mowing. The bill was paid for 2009. Finally, electors approved the transfer of $7,833 from Skating Pond Repair Reserve Fund to Skating Pond Repairs as recommended by the BOF. This money will go toward poles and lights that were installed as part of a $50,000 grant, Francis explained. There is now a little over $17,000 left that must be spent on repairs in and around the area to enhance skating by Oct. 2010.

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PALS book sale May 21-22

PALS volunteers are hard at work getting ready for their annual book sale to take place at the Durham Public Library on Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can beat the crowds by attending the preview reception on Friday, May 21, ($10 admission) from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is, of course, free on Saturday. This popular annual event benefits the Durham Library and its patrons in several ways – book lovers have an opportunity to donate books they’ve read, loved and want to pass along; book buyers have their pick of thousands of great reads at greatly discounted prices; every year the library staff is able to add hundreds of books to its permanent collection from donations; and last but not least, all proceeds from the book sale go directly to PALS-funded programs and projects at the Durham Library. Donations in good condition can be left in the front hall of the library. Please bear in mind that there are some things that just don’t sell and we can’t accept: damaged and mildewed books, encyclopedia sets, textbooks, condensed books, outdated computer manuals and self-help books, magazines and VHS tapes. PALS, Friends of the Durham Library, are looking for volunteers to help sort books before the sale, to work Saturday, May 22, at the sale, and help with wrap-up the week following. Call Pat Murawski at 860-349-8514 if you can lend a hand – no experience needed.

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spring curbside brush pick up. Please be sure to take note of the very strict guidelines that need to be followed in order for your brush to be picked up. Brush should be less than four inches in diameter and not longer than six feet in length. Brush should be stacked at roadside in an open area, away from mailboxes, trees, telephone poles and other structures. Brush should be stacked perpendicular to the roadway, butt end toward the road. No leaves, stumps, wood or foreign matter will be picked up. Each household will be strictly limited to one truck load during this collection. In an effort to be more efficient, it is recommended that neighbors combine piles on property lines. Loads shall not measure any larger than four feet high, six feet wide and eight feet long, unless combined with a neighbor. If your load does not follow these guidelines, it will not be removed. The town website, www.townofdurhamct.org, has info on each street/area to be passed each week. We will make one pass only so be sure to check. Residents with questions may call the public works office at 860-349-1816.

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Quick Stop Country Market has had its liquor permit suspended for allegedly selling alcohol to a minor. The market, at 1041 New Haven Road, was also cited for failure to hang its liquor permit in plain view, according to the Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Commission. The permit will be suspended from May 24-26, and the market has paid a $800 fine. (Stephanie Wilcox)

Middlefield Town Briefs

Friday, May 7, 2010

P&Z approves skate park

The use of Peckham Park featured heavily into the Planning and Zoning Commission’s meeting on Wednesday, April 28. Park and Recreation director Chris Hurlbert met with the commission to propose constructing a skateboard area at the park. The discussion focused on making the skating park safe, such as by putting in fencing, proper signage, and whether or not the park would include lights for evening use. According to Hurlbert, a 4’ fence will be built around the skating area, with a sign to warn people that the area is designated for skateboards. No lighting is included in the plan. In an effort to help the area blend in with the park, the proposal also included dying the concrete green. The only opposition to the proposal came from resident Al Smith, who reminded the commission of a 2006 survey that asked residents what park improvements they

wanted to see. Smith noted that a skate park only ranked at 23 out of 26 items. However, residents such as Debbie Berry spoke in favor of the proposal, declaring it to be an “Excellent thing,” and that she was “Thrilled as it keeps kids safe and off the street.” After the presentation, the commission unanimously approved the skate park with two requirements: that the proposal is approved by the town engineer, and that the applicant dyes the concrete. The commission also discussed the use of the six-acre field adjacent to Peckham Park. Based on a letter from the town attorney, the field is considered an expansion of the park and that if there is any doubt about the matter, the town can officially approve it as an expansion. Furthermore, the commission need not approve or otherwise act on any activities in the field so long as its use remains informal. Al Smith disagreed with the attorney’s opinion, noting that no information on the field’s intended purpose is

available through FOI. He stated that when the field was purchased, it was to prevent the development of three houses on the property, not to expand Peckham Park. Smith also stated that there are two structures that need to be removed as they were placed illegally on the field. These structures are two dedication plaques surrounded by a flower bed. Smith’s comments on the field and other uses of the park prompted resident Dave Stinson to ask what Smith’s problem was with kids playing at the park, adding, “You’re wasting everybody’s time because you have a problem with the park.” An argument broke out briefly between the two before they were reminded to address their comments to the commission and not debate each other. As the commission didn’t need to act on anything concerning the field, they moved on to other items once

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(Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Monday, May 10 7 p.m. — Annual town budget meeting at Memorial School Wednesday, May 12 6:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning 7 p.m. — Water Pollution Control Authority 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Coginchaug library Tuesday, May 18 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen 7 p.m. — Conservation Commission Wednesday, May 19 7 p.m. — Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency Thursday, May 20 7 p.m. — Board of Finance 7 p.m. — DMIAAB Tuesday, May 25 7 p.m. — Zoning Board of Appeals Wednesday, May 26 6:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Commission

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Middlefield Town Briefs

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the public was finished commenting on the park. The commission also reviewed the town’s property between Hubbard and Brookside to see whether an A-24 review would be necessary for the building of a gravel driveway to access the lot. They decided one was not necessary. Otherwise, the commission occupied itself with reviewing the state’s Plan of Conservation as well as the town’s own plan in an effort to reconcile the differences between the two. This is due to a number of areas marked as wetlands on one map and not the other, or where various properties are otherwise marked differently.

After reviewing both maps, the commission agreed that the town planner should put together a draft of where the state map needs to be changed. (In attendance/ Chuck Corley)

Shred it at the Senior Center! Time to get rid of those papers that are taking up all that space in your home. The Middlefield Senior Center and Senior Resources, are sponsoring “Shred-IT” on Wednesday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Senior Resources has received funding that brings Shed-It (a professional company) to help the seniors safely dispose of documents and statements.

Guidelines for documents that should be shredded are: All credit card, debit card and ATM receipts. All statements from your health plan, anything that bears your signature, credit account number, phone or cell phone number, social security number or medical or legal information. All tax-related documents should be kept for seven years. Keep pay stubs and cancelled personal checks for just a year. If you have any questions, contact Antoinette Astle at 860-349-7121.

P&Z tackles violations at industrial park The Planning and Zoning

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Commission discussed site plan violations in the industrial park during their meeting on April 14. The commission visited sites owned by Monarca and Xenelis, both of which currently exceed their 50 percent coverage restriction. According to town planner Geoff Colegrove, it is unlikely that Monarca could comply with its coverage limitation based on the amount of material currently stored on the property as well as on town property. Should the town go forward with a land swap with Monarca, Colegrove recommends that Monarca put in storage structures to contain the materials. Colegrove also recommended changing the regulations to deal with some of the storage issues in the industrial park, and the commission asked that he put together a proposal. A Park and Recreation-related item was the use of the new field at Peckham Park. Hurlbert said that it should see the same sort of use as the rest of the park, but that no new structures would be built without commission approval. The commission agreed with Hurlbert’s statement, noting that approval shouldn’t be needed to use the field, only to build anything on it. Resident Al Smith challenged the use of the field, stating that he has not been able to find any proof that the new portion of the park was bought for the purpose of expanding Peckham Park. However, attorney Mark Branse

explained that Smith needs to bring this up to the Board of Selectmen, and that the commission cannot get involved in the matter.

Touch-a-Truck coming May 22

Once again, the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company will be sponsoring a touch-a-truck show on Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event will be held at Peckham Park in Middlefield. Touch-a-Truck will allow everyone to get up close to many types of vehicles and see what they really look like. Many of these vehicles are from local businesses and are seen every day around town. The fire company thanks all these businesses for taking time out of their busy schedules to help out. There will be construction vehicles, large trucks, the Connecticut urban search and rescue team and, of course, some fire trucks. There will also be some kids’ games, a magic show by Christopher at 10:30 a.m. and an appearance by Rocky, the mascot for the New Britain Rock Cats. Local groups will be selling food, drinks and snacks, so come down for lunch. The Over the Hill Gang will be holding a classic car show as well. Admission is $5 for everyone three and over. (Rain date is Sunday, May 23)

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Volume 16. Issue 7

Coginchaug Regional High School

In Memory of Ryan Weckesser Compiled by Jaclyn Caturano

On Saturday, April 17, the community lost a wonderful person. Ryan Weckesser had a great heart and was full of life. Almost anyone you talk to can recall a funny story about Ryan because he truly touched so many different people. Below are memories of Ryan written by some of his closet friends at Coginchaug. Ryan will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten. Ryan was such a good friend. He always knew how to put a smile on everyone’s face. He was always someone that was there for me when I needed someone to talk to. He was definitely one of the funniest kids I’ve ever met. I’m never going to forget him and his smile. Durham isn’t going to be the same without him. -Garrett Ercolani Ryan was a great friend; he was always there for me when I needed someone to talk to or needed advice about something. It is devastating that this had to happen to him. He was working hard on his schoolwork and trying to get good grades and he really didn’t deserve this. We’re all going to miss you so much, Ryan; it’s not going to be the same without you. -Craig Salva Ryan was a hardworking kid who I’d been able to talk to any day, at

any time. I lived across the street from him and had become accustomed to seeing him everyday. We had a lot of fun times in the neighborhood along the way and it’s tough to know you’re gone, but I know you’re up in the sky watching down on all those who may have crossed your path in the duration of your life. RIP Wackad00d. -Joe Ianniello Ryan was one of the few people that I became really close with last year. Prom was one of the memories that I will always cherish that I had with him. Ryan was always a strong person and kept his head high through the tough times. His smile was one of the things people loved about him, and he was always a good listener. I would go to Ryan with all my problems and he would drive over my house to help me. I couldn’t ask for a better friend. I’m really going to miss him driving by while I’m running. Love you, Ryan! - Stacey Fumiatti Ryan Weckesser was like a brother to both Katie and I. He was the sweetest person and always loved to help us through our tough times. He had the biggest heart and loved to see our reactions to the little surprises he would give us. We both have had such great times with him and are extremely happy we got the chance to get to know and love him. We will miss and remember him for the rest of our lives. We will always love and cherish the memories that we made with him. He and his family are forever in our hearts and prayers. We love you, brobro! Your two favorite girls, Alyssa Tiedemann & Katie Chabot

May 7, 2010

Senior Arts Showcase Right, CRHS Seniors Joe Oblon, left, and Bobby Ober perform a duet In Lily’s Eyes from the musical “Secret Garden” during the Senior Arts Showcase. See more photos and information on page 23.

SSOS = Students Stranded Overseas By Mackenzie Hurlbert Volcanic ash from Iceland, thousands of flights cancelled, and students left for a prolonged April break in a foreign country. Sounds like something in a movie right? Coginchaug senior Caitlin Rogers was stuck in England with her family for almost an extra week thanks to the giant ash cloud polluting northern Europe’s atmosphere. Other Coginchaug students were also stuck in foreign countries with their families. Planning to fly out of the UK on Sunday, April 18, the Rogers family found out the airport they were scheduled to fly out of, Heathrow, was going to be closed. The earliest flights available were for the following Thursday, April 22, or Tuesday, April 27. “Nobody had any information aside from that,” said Caitlin Rogers. The family waited out the delay in a hotel near the airport along with other Americans waiting to head home. “We met some people who had already been waiting for

flights for a week,” said Rogers.

Not helping at all was the uncertainty of the media and airline employees. News stations would clear the air for travel, and then cancel their claim two hours later. “It was very hectic,” said Rogers, “but the situation was unprecedented, so it was expected.”

“On Wednesday night at about 9 or 10 p.m., we saw the first flight fly into Heathrow,” said Rogers. “It was a big deal because it sort of announced the opening of the air to flights.” The following day, the Rogers family boarded their plane home, but were shocked to see so many open and unsold seats. “There were 50 empty economy seats on the plane, as well as many free first-class seats,” said Rogers. “We couldn’t figure out why the airline wasn’t selling these seats. The waiting list to get on the flight was a week long. It was crazy.”

Devil’s Advocate

Friday, May 7, 2010

Student Opinion

Editor-in-Chief: Mackenzie Hurlbert Contributors: Sarah Bugai, Zhining Fang, Tony Gambardella, Erin Holden, Mackenzie Hurlbert, Dan Jacobs, Zach LaVigne, Kaitlin McKernan, Jennie Ochterski, Michelle Palma, Ben Plant, Marissa Puchalski, Emily Romanoff, Emily Shoemaker and Adam Twombly. Production: Mackenzie Hurlbert, Michelle Palma and Adam Twombly Advisors: Mr. Nate Fisher and Ms. Stephanie Wilcox The Devil’s Advocate is the Coginchaug High School newspaper. These pages are the creation and expression of the students.

Growing up too fast? By Mackenzie Hurlbert There are two types of teenagers, those who enjoy and live in the moment, sometimes illegally (wink,wink). Then there are those who are so focused on what they want in life that they rush at the chance to grow up by taking on more responsibilities, in turn taking on burden after burden until all circuits are overloaded and every fuse blown. Being a member of the latter group, I must admit that yes, sometimes I do spend time attempting to plan out my future, down to the color of my house and the name of my dog, but I’m not so naïve as to actually believe that everything will come true like in a fairy tale. Still, I do have the urge to take on more grown-up responsibilities, and lately, after getting a job, getting my license and buying a car, I actually feel as if the neon lights and tiki torches of “adult world” aren’t too far away. The other day, I decided to take another step toward independence by opening up a checking account at the local bank. So I spiffed up, teeth brushed to minty perfection, make-up on, nice clothes and all, and walked out the door. Driving over to the bank in my car, I felt enlightened by freedom. My car, a standard Mazda, isn’t the prettiest thing in the world, but it gets me from A to B, and I admit, I feel really cool driving with a stick-shift. Pulling into the stall, I got out and admired my even parking job, walked into the bank, envelope in hand, ready to take yet another step toward adulthood. Yeah, I opened an account, got to flaunt how much of a responsible teen I was by reciting my SSN without a single stutter, but I was in for a rude awakening when I got back in my car to head to work. I checked my rearview mirror but had to take a second glance when I noticed something weird about my mouth. Taking an experimental swipe with my thumb, I turned red with humiliation as the toothpaste residue caked my thumb. It surrounded my bottom lip and the corners of my mouth like clown make-up, and the rosy blush on my cheek didn’t help. Sighing with embarrassment and vowing to not step foot in that bank for awhile, I pulled out of the parking lot and headed to work. Although this was a bit embarrassing, I wanted to share it to remind those of us who are so focused on growing up, taking on responsibilities, and becoming independent that we need to slow down, take a breath, and make sure to always check for toothpaste before leaving the house.

Look for the last Devil’s Advocate of the year on Friday, June 4 Writers and photographers: deadline is Thursday, May 27

Certain Evolution vs. Convergent Evolution: Where did birds really come from?

By Dan Jacobs Dinosaurs once ruled this Earth turned backward, vertebrae filled before man took his first step. Tow- with air sacs and hollows, three forering Apatosaurus lumbered ward-pointing toes, long, thin shoulthrough the forests of Colorado, fe- der blades and swiveling wrists, rocious Allosaurus roamed modern- amongst others. The most compelling discovery to day Portugal, dim-witted Stegosaurus stumbled throughout support this theory was the stunEurope. Then, with a sudden flash ning find of Archaeopteryx. Arin the sky, they were obliterated, chaeopteryx, commonly categorized as the first bird, has many their reign tragically ended. theropod features combined with a Or so we thought. There are top paleontologists in beak-like structure and featherthe world today who are certain that coated body. It was a pigeon-sized dinosaurs still walk among us. Or creature with a long, reptilian tail should I say, fly among us. These and clawed, grasping features, simpaleontologists firmly believe that a ilar to Deinonychus. However, certain suborder of dinosaurs, these fingers were used to climb called theropods, slowly evolved trees, not to slash at prey. It had tiny into the birds that rule our skies to- teeth in its beak-like jaw, used for day. They are backed by striking gripping meals, not chewing. It had similarities and identical features three-toed scaly legs, also used to climb trees, and it had the one piece that are difficult to disprove. that confirmed the speculation, the However, other paleontologists highly sought-after wishbone. are not so convinced. They state On the other side of the spectrum, that these similarities are merely an there are scientists who say the theevolutionary goof called convergent ory is nothing but hype with barely evolution, or separate development any evidence to support itself. It may of like features. There are other sim- even be a thrown-together excuse ilarities that disprove ancestry. They to put the bird ancestry controversy also point out geological facts that to rest. The biggest argument that appear to disprove many theories. other scientists have is the converIt is widely accepted throughout gent evolution theory. Supporters of the scientific community that di- the convergent evolution theory renosaurs are modern-day birds’ an- garding dinosaurs and birds mostly cestors. There are so many skeletal agree that they are related, but did and anatomical similarities that it is not directly evolve from theropods; hard to dispute. Most paleontolo- they agree that they have a comgists agree that a suborder of di- mon ancestor. For example, Tyrannosaurs called theropods are the di- nosaurus and the modern day pirect ancestors of birds. (Manirapto- geon are related, but evolved along ra, more specifically.) Theropods separate paths, sort of like second are characterized by a three-toed or third cousins, instead of the pifoot and a furcula, or wishbone. geon evolving directly from TyranSome commonly known theropods nosaurus. If you think about it, why include Tyrannosaurus Rex, Veloci- would the most fearsome predator raptor, and Deinonychus. Deinony- of his time evolve into something as chus is the dinosaur that quieted tiny and non-threatening as a pimost paleontologists who disagreed geon? with the theory; it was the first diAs mentioned before, there are nosaur unearthed that had a full many skeletal structures that can wishbone intact. The wishbone is relate dinosaurs and birds. Howevsuch a big deal because it is an er, there are also some anatomical adaptation for flight; it is what an- structures that make flight seem unchors the muscles that give birds likely. the ability to flap their wings. ThereFirst off, theropods have long fore, it is a sign of certain evolution. tails. In some, such as However, the wishbone is not the Sinosauropteryx, it is nearly twice its only similarity that birds and body length. If a dinosaur’s tail is theropods have in common. There are many more. There is the presSee Evolution, page 22 ence of feathers, the pubic bone

Friday, May 7, 2010

Devil’s Advocate

Music, food and prizes, oh my! By Michelle Palma

From left, Jon Champagne, Tim Heller, Alex Holderman, Tresa Roberts, Eric Kelley, Sierra Querns and Gwen Kotlarz of the FBLA.

FBLA inside scoop By Kaitlin McKernan Coginchaug Regional High School has many clubs and extracurricular activities available for students. The club called FBLA has many exciting and interesting things going on that the world of Coginchaug should know about. When we interviewed Ms. Wagemaker about the club, we found out a lot. FBLA stands for Future Business Leaders of America; they are a local chapter of the national FBLA organization. The club itself is a group of 20 students whose major goals are to develop complete business leadership; strengthen confidence; understand American business enterprise; contribute to improvements throughout the home, business and community; and finally to develop character, prepare for useful citizenship and foster patriotism. The club has a variety of events and activities throughout the year. This year the club did many fundraisers and ran a lemonade booth at the Durham Fair to help accomplish their goal of developing business leadership, and on top of it, they had fun. Many members also attended a field trip to New York City, Wall Street and the Federal Reserve. You may have noticed a CRHS merchandise booth at the school store during some of the home basketball games; that was FBLA in action. Members usually participate in the eighth grade parent night, the Community Round Up and the Blue Devils fair. The club prepares all year for the annual State Leadership Conference and competition. Members of the club compete with other FBLA chapters in events such as Business Presentations, Web Site Development, Mock Job Interviews, Public Speaking and a variety of tests in

different business subjects. Students from Coginchaug have always done very well in the competition. This year the results were as follows: Tim Heller and Sierra Querns placed fourth and fifth in the state for the business calculations event. Sierra Querns also placed fourth in the annual chapter business report event. Tresa Roberts placed fifth in marketing, Eric Kelly placed fifth for web development and Gwen Kotlarz, Alex Holderman and Jon Champagne were all strong competitors in their first FBLA state conference. These students work very hard and are vigorously applauded for representing our school with such honor. Remember those lollipops and chocolate-covered pretzels that were sold for Valentines Day? The money made from selling those at the school was a fundraiser for the families of those who died in the Middletown energy plant explosion. The club raised a total of $115 in a matter of just two days and, of course, had fun running the business. Like every good club, they have plans for the future. FBLA plans to continue to look for more opportunities to learn more about local businesses. The club is often invited to attend the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast, and hopes to have a booth set-up at a future Chamber of Commerce meeting. Like any other club at Coginchaug, FBLA is always busy; they continue to prepare for competitions and make our school proud. FBLA is always looking for new members and new ideas. If you are a CRHS student interested in finding out more about FBLA, see Ms. Wagemaker.

Friday’s annual Fajita Fiesta run by Coginchaug’s Spanish Honor Society was filled with entertaining music, delicious food and camaraderie. As everyone caught up with their friends and family, they enjoyed quesadillas, fajitas filled with chicken, vegetables, and any other chosen toppings, and even chips and salsa followed by an astounding array of scintillating treats to choose from. A traditional mariachi band played cheery tunes in the background and even got some people

dancing, but the main event of the night was the silent auction fundraiser. A plethora of items that were either donated, or purchased or compiled by Spanish students were displayed with creative signs and a list of bidders and at the end of the night, those who bid the most received the prizes. Once again this night was a big hit and helped the Spanish Honor Society to raise a lot of money while having a really fun time and enjoying great food. Left, Sheehan Michael, at left, and Ben Shoudy got into Fajita Fiesta spirit at Coginchaug on April 30.

Visit anytime during the month of May ...

Devil’s Advocate

Friday, May 7, 2010

A Look into the Future By Michelle Palma Recently many Coginchaug jun- snacks and beverages filled stuiors traveled to the Connecticut dents’ needs for nourshment along Expo Center for its annual college the way. fair. Upon walking through the enRegardless of whether or not trance, attendees received a you’re sure what you want to do, I brochure and a giant plastic bag to would definitely recommend atfill with numerous booklets of infor- tending the college fair because mation, each filled with information the vendors are more than happy on the hundreds of colleges pres- to inform you about what each of ent from all over the country and their schools has to offer, so you even the world! At each table you never know. You could discover could find brochures, free pens, what your interests have been all business cards and information along just by finding out a little bit cards to request even more. By the more about the endless possibiliend of the day that plastic bag was ties of pursuing a college degree or close to bursting at the seams. a career in one of the armed A cafeteria selling all sorts of forces. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s home in Hyde Park.

Juniors Step into History By Erin Holden What do scavenger hunts, ser- consisted of a visit to the Vanderbilt vant-themed tours and a movie on Mansion. Instead of leading another FDR have in common? They were humdrum tour, the park rangers at all events on the junior class field the mansion put a twist on how they trip to Hyde Park, New York on presented the information. They Monday, April 19. Hyde Park, most gave each pair of students a card famous for being the birthplace of which represented a servant’s title FDR, is the site of the Franklin D. (like butler, kitchen girl or third Roosevelt National Historic Site, chambermaid). The students were which includes FDR’s family home, then told to explore and view the presidential library and a museum. mansion as though they were serThe trip was an educational one; vants. the students participated in a scavTresa Roberts said that as a reenger hunt in the museum where sult, the juniors “were forced to think they examined the different exhibits on FDR’s presidential life about how the servants would have and answered intuitive questions lived and how they would have been about what they saw. They took a treated by the extremely wealthy tour of Springwood, Roosevelt’s Vanderbilt family.” home, while simultaneously learnThis exercise, in combination ing about FDR’s childhood and with the movie and tours at FDR’s how he used the house while he home, presented a unique opporwas president. The juniors also tunity for the juniors; they were took part in a mini-primary source able to review and reinforce conexercise in which they analyzed cepts about FDR and his politics documents leading up to the attack while literally stepping into history on Pearl Harbor. as they roamed his ancestral The second part of the field trip home.

Walk like MADD By Mackenzie Hurlbert

Mothers Against Drunk Driving off at 9:30 a.m. on the sidewalks of (MADD) organized their second downtown West Hartford, including annual family fun walk in West snacks and drinks provided by loHartford. The walk is focused on cal businesses. After the walk, the mission to stop drunk driving, there were door prize drawings support the victims of drunk driving and other activities for the whole and prevent underage drinking. family. Each team sets a fundraising goal, Math teacher Ms. Rebecca Anand last derson y e a r participatM A D D ed in the walkers walk for r a i s e d the past a b o u t two years $100 each with fellow for the faculty and cause. students. T h e This year walk took Ms. Anderplace on son and Saturday, the EDGE May 1, and team had included a Liam Bialabreski, Brittany Lowry, Megan strong supvariety of Sherman, Miss Rebecca Anderson port in doactivities. nations and Registration started at 9 a.m. with members for the walk. “The recent a hearty breakfast, a warm up, in- events (two fatal car crashes) have troduction ceremony and the top really fueled our group’s re-inteam awards. The 5K walk kicked volvement this year,” she said.

School Store Goes Retro

Touring the Vanderbilt Mansion was a chance to look at another side of life in 20th century America.

By Adam Twombly For two weeks during the month basketball uniform from 1974.” of March, the school store, run by But where does the extra money business teacher and athletic di- go? Last year, it went toward new rector Mr. Ted Lombardo, conduct- track uniforms. ed a retro sale. The items for sale “This year the $400-$500 that were sold for one, two, or three we made is going to the new footdollars and mostly consisted of old ball program,” Mr. Lombardo said. uniforms from various sports Students were able to take advanteams at Coginchaug. tage of the opportunity to purchase “We’ve sold things from the ‘70s, old uniforms, providing the store ‘80s and ‘90s,” Mr. Lombardo said. with more business during a time “In fact, last year there was a stu- of the school year in which sales dent who purchased his father’s are slow.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Devil’s Advocate

Show choir earns silver medal What actually happened on By Ben Plant the way to the forum? Extravagant costumes, bright were very close to receiving a gold

lights and up-beat songs. Coginchaug’s show choir witnessed all this at this year’s Show Choir New England Classic. This is basically a competition among New England high school show choirs. The fifth annual classic was held on Feb. 28 in Somerset, Massachusetts. Although Coginchaug’s show choir has participated in competitions before, it was an exciting experience for both new and old members. We got on the bus at Coginchaug bright and early and arrived at Somerset about an hour and a half later. We had little time to rehearse and went right on stage to perform; we were the third group on stage. Coginchaug’s musical numbers consisted of “Rehab,” “Pinball Wizard,” “The River” and “Celebrate.” After we were done performing, we changed costumes and watched other show choirs for about four hours. Member Rachel Viccaro said, “It was interesting to see the other groups’ choices of costumes, music and sets. It gave us ideas for future shows of our own.” Some of the groups were more traditional with classic dresses and swingy music, while others tackled more difficult songs such as “Headstrong.” Mercy High, a local high school, performed songs based on the weather, and complemented the music with rain coats and umbrellas. It was great to see something new in every group’s performance. The end of the day was the award ceremony. Coginchaug received a silver award, a great honor. Also, we

award. Probably the most exciting thing for us was the fact that we received a judge’s award, an honor given to only four of the choirs. Each judge picks one choir that stuck out to them for any reason, and they receive the award. Coginchaug got the award for the use of chairs in our dance, “Rehab.” Overall, Coginchaug did great and everyone learned a lot from the experience. Show choir is a lively group of kids who devote their Monday and Wednesday evenings to dancing and singing with friends. This year show choir has performed at the Durham Fair, performed a couple songs for an African choir who came to town, had a January concert and will be performing at John Lyman Elementary School and in the spring choral concert. Auditions for next year’s show choir are scheduled for this June. Anyone who will be in Coginchaug next year is encouraged to come and try out!

Students take on foreign language and poetry all at once By Sarah Bugai Countless hours of repetition and dents to recite in 19 languages. It’s a staring at the same poem could real thrill to watch the awards ceredrive some students mad; however, mony in the gym, where the exciteseveral brave students have taken ment is palpable. Instead of cheeron the challenge. These students ing for athletes, the crowd erupts for, from Coginchaug competed at the say, the winner of a Latin contest. 29th annual Connecticut Council of This is too cool. Go, Nerds!” Language Teachers (COLT) poetry Senior Olivia Cocchiola, who recontest on April 27 at Wilbur Cross cited for level four Spanish, said, “It High School in New Haven. keeps getting bigger and bigger Junior Aubree Keurajian, who recited for Latin, said, “I’ve been prac- every year. From the first year I did ticing for a month and a half, and I it, the contest just keeps getting more exciting with more people.” did a lot better than last year.” Because the Coginchaug group Coginchaug sent participants for the Latin, Spanish and French com- did not stay for the awards ceremopetitions, but there were 16 other ny, whether or not a student placed languages, including Japanese and in the competition is currently unknown. Nonetheless every student Nepalese. The chair of poetry judges, Dr. who participated truly worked hard MaryLouise Ennis of Durham, said, and gave it his or her all, and that “94 schools registered 1,122 stu- alone makes everyone a winner.

By Marissa Puchalski

F o r weeks and m a y b e e v e n months, there had been rumors of R o m a n soldiers marching in the hallways, Proteans eating in the cafeteria, and Roman maids and citizens had been spotted in the music room during x-block. These observations could only mean one thing: Rome had come to Coginchaug, or should I say Coginchaug’s stage. Signs and posters on the walls of Coginchaug left students flustered: What actually happened on the way to the forum? The only solution to answering this question was attending A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, directed by Lisa Larsen and produced by John DeMeo. This musical was performed on Thursday, April 8, Friday, April 9, and Saturday, April 10, but because this was the weekend before vacation and some of you readers might not have had a chance to see the play, I will give you a quick overview. It all started on a beautiful spring day in 200 B.C. in Rome outside the houses of Marcus Lycus, played by senior Brian MacDuff, Senex, played by senior Ben Morganti, and Erronius, played by senior Mike French. Although it appeared to be a peaceful morning, this was just the beginning of a series of disastrous events as told by Pseudolus, senior Joe Oblon. Everything takes a turn for the worse when Senex and his wife Domina (Caitlin Rogers) take a trip to the countryside and leave their house to their son, Hero (Robert Ober). Hysterium (Alec Bandzes), faithful slave who found the thought of freedom completely overbearing, was supposed to watch over the house and Hero. However, Hero was obsessed over the beauty of Philia (Kelly Dorsey), a young woman who lived in the house of Lyus, until he realized he couldn’t live without her. Hero promised Hysterium

his freedom if he could get the girl. Hysterium would do anything to fulfill this deed, including: dressing up as a girl, faking death, stealing, lying, pleading, and doing any other cynical deed possible. This was only the beginning of a tale of love, misunderstanding, and chaos that caused laughter to fill the Coginchaug auditorium, and a tale which made every member of the audience crack a smile at one of the many jokes throughout the play. After talking to many viewers of the play, all I heard was positive feedback. Freshmen Kayla Votto stated, “The play was hysterical and certain actors made the play even funnier!” Freshman Jackie Benson also commented on the comical aspects of the play: “It was really funny and exceeded my expectations of a high school play. I truly give this play five stars.” Besides comments from the audience, I also received positive feedback from those involved in the play. Sophomore Rachel Viccaro, who played Vesta, said, “Being in the show was a lot of fun, especially meeting new people and spending time with my friends. I already miss rehearsals.” Christian Biagiarelli, who played a soldier, added, “I enjoyed being in the play and it took up my spare time.” Still we cannot forget the various other parts that made this play possible such as the offstage crew and the pit band. The pit band, under the direction of Dean Coutsouridis, worked diligently at preparing every musical number, which really added to the show. Sophomore and pit band member Frank Posca stated, “It was a great experience. Everybody worked really hard and I’m glad it was so successful.” After looking at the success of this musical, we can only imagine what the next musical or play will have in store for us!

Devil’s Advocate Reviews

History can be colorful

Friday, May 7, 2010

It’s a Kick-Ass Movie Review by Tony Gambardella

To study for their Advance Placement history test, Mrs. Catherine Munson’s AP history class mapped out important events from American history on the back wall of their classroom using sticky notes.

The Challenge of Twenty Boy Summer Book review by Zhining Fang “It was just over a year ago … 13 summer romance, Matt will be months ago, everything was per- erased. Matt and the memories fect.” And perfect it was for the in- they had shared. Matt, the boy she had loved since she separable trio, Anna, was 10. In Zanzibar, Frankie and Matt. where things are never Somewhere along the really permanent or way, Anna accidentally real, Anna must let go fell in love with Matt. of Matt and finally move Anna had wished for the forward. day that Matt would finally kiss her since her When I picked this 10th birthday. And finally up, I thought that it was on her 15th birthday, he just another book equivdid. They stole secret alent of a chick flick: sukisses when Frankie perficial, fleeting and had her back turned. predictable. The only They were going to thing that somehow protell her; Matt promised he would pelled me to read it was the cover: a when they went on their yearly trip to heart made of blue sea glass exZanzibar, California. Anna promised cept for one red shard. I found that she wouldn’t say anything. Then, this story is real and honest. It doesMatt died in a car accident. Every- n’t sugarcoat the pain of death. It one told the girls they were lucky to shows that love happens unexpectbe alive. He wasn’t a careless driver; edly, and that every chance the sky he only had a hole in his heart that drops on you, take it wholeheartedno one noticed for 17 years. ly. Of course, the setting is the Fast forward 12 months, nine whole summer-vacation-in-a-newdays and six hours. Things have place-full-of-strangers-so-let’schanged. Frankie turned from a shy have-a-fling scenario, but Sarah girl to a glamorous, confident wild Ockler makes it somehow more. child. Anna becomes Frankie’s She turns it into a story of self-dissupport, her anchor. Before their covery and moving forward. trip back to Zanzibar, Frankie And so, as summer vacation is comes up with a game. Twenty only a month or so away, and you’re days in California, 20 boys, one for outside in your backyard on a suneach day. Anna agrees to the game ny day working on your pre-vaca but the only thing is Matt. She fears tan, Twenty Boy Summer is a that if she allows herself to find her great book to pass away the time.

Dave Lizewski is a fairly normal kid, like you or me. He reads comics as more and more teens are doing, he hangs out with his nerdy friends, and he pines for the gorgeous popular girl who is far out of his league. Then, suddenly, INSPIRATION! (Or maybe a sudden masochistic development...) And just like that, a hero is born. There is no origin story, no accident or trauma. Dave’s mother died of a brain aneurism, leaving him nothing to avenge (much to his chagrin). Thus, the burden of beginning a life of vigilantism is set squarely on Dave’s shoulders. The spark? “Why hasn’t anyone tried it before?” In all honesty, this beginning is very, very weak. Why has nobody tried it before? Because the film opens with a “hero” plummeting to his death from the top of a skyscraper. Because unlike the comics, in real life, heroes fall and heroes die, as the fledgling vigilante soon finds out. An eBay bid on a wetsuit later, Dave’s metamorphosis has begun; as he dons the suit in his bedroom and looks upon himself in his vanity mirror, the power of the suit begins to stir, to mold and shape Dave’s withered self-confidence into a young Batman. No longer is he a loser, a geek, an outcast. In his eyes, Dave has become that which he idolizes: a superhero. Unfortunately, while it may not take a radioactive spider bite to get the job done, it does take a significant amount of training. Our hero does not possess this, which is reflected after we see him repeatedly getting his ass kicked (Kick-Ass, ass kick...it’s mafia humor.) While Dave’s recovering from multiple injuries after his first “patrol” goes bad, he has multiple metal plates inserted into his head, and metal rods and joints to reinforce his bones. This is Dave’s “power”: he can take a major beating. His nerves are mostly dead. His bones are nigh unbreakable. He can take a well pretty good pummeling before he lets the bad guys win, which comes in pretty handy when he holds off three thugs from beating a man to death while the police race to the scene. The entire confrontation is caught on camera, and overnight, Kick-Ass becomes not only a YouTube phenom but a household name. Comics, posters, drinks named after him ... the cliché comic nerd fantasy of becoming that which he idolizes seems to be going perfectly. Enter Big Daddy and Hit Girl, the father-daughter mass murder ‘hero’ team out for vengeance against lo-

cal stereotypical Italian mob boss Frank D’Amico. Big Daddy, a former cop, was shamed by D’Amico, who framed him and sent him to jail, while his wife died in childbirth with his now ruthless daughter, Mindy. Marcus, Big Daddy’s former partner, raises Mindy until finally, after ten long years, her father is set free from prison. And he has a plan: revenge is a dish best served cold, especially ten years cold. Becoming less of a hero and more of a true vigilante, he and Mindy begin the long arduous road to hero status, aided by large caliber weapons and bladed homicidal fury. These events spiral out of control into a tale of adoration, betrayal and 11-year-olds killing grown men with large swords. Before the end of the film, you will have a new appreciation for those who stand up for justice, and the most epic mode of transportation has been invented and had chain guns mounted on it, which are put to excellent use, but could have shorted the movie significantly if they’d used it to begin with. Plot holes aside, Kick-Ass ... well, kicks ass. The significance of this movie is that it’s not what people expect: it’s not a genre-defining masterpiece about superheroes and comic books come alive - it’s just a really, really good movie about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, doing amazing things. While not entirely faithful to the comic it’s based on (also worth checking out if you’re a fan of comics and this movie), KickAss does a much better job than other adapted films. (Wanted, you are completely and utterly disowned.) Notable departures from the comic can’t really be mentioned without giving away major plot points, but suffice to say they make the film, and the characters, much better. In the comics, Big Daddy and Hit Girl fund their exploits out of a silver case of questionable origin or content - in the movie they do the much simpler and obvious thing and rob the drug dealers they kill. There is also no Marcus (Big Daddy’s former partner, and Mindy’s surrogate father), who, while not important in the comic’s storyline, is the only minority character who ISN’T a drug dealer or mugger. You can’t get around the fact that stereotypes are played up in this film. (The gangster is Italian, the drug dealer is black, the mugger is Hispanic.) However, it doesn’t really matter. Comics and See Movie, page 23

Friday, May 7, 2010

Watch Out FORE Golf Team

Run! Jump! Throw! By Jennie Ochterski qualify for Shorelines, and Amanda Boyle impressed the team with an outstanding 300-meter hurdles time. “It was a great meet to try different events and get out of your comfort zone,” said Elise Pasquale, junior jumper and sprinter. The next meet was the first invitational of the year, held at East Hampton High School. Many throwers stepped up to the plate, in-

Ask Me 3: Good Questions for your Good Health

On a cold, cloudy day in late March, the first practice for the Coginchaug Blue Devil golf team, coached by Brewster and Lyman teacher Alex Edwards, took place at Lyman Orchards Golf Club. Though the first two weeks of practice were plagued by rain, matches have finally begun for the very young team. There isn’t a single senior on the team, and there are only two juniors: Jon Champagne and captain Jason Monnes. Sophomore members include Adam Twombly, Liz Divincentis and Laura SchiSee Track, page 22 anna. The rest of the team is

made up of freshmen Sean Harper, Allen Haberern, Sean Cavanaugh and Scott Smith. Though we lost our first four matches, the team is getting progressively better, and our first win came on a very windy April 29, when we trounced North Branford in a home match at Lyman’s. Our next match is at North Branford on May 4, with another away match on May 6, against Cromwell at TPC River Highlands. With the goal of making the state championship in June, we look forward to the rest of this promising season.

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By Joe Oblon and Emily Shoemaker Your doctor just delivered treatment to actually underthe news that you have lung stand the treatment, othercancer. He continues to wise, what’s the point?” said walk through your diagnosis, junior Alec Bandzes. The Coginchaug chapter but your mind starts to drift. Rather than listening, you of the National Honor Socibegin to worry about your ety was introduced to a program initiated by the Middlefamily and affairs. Health information can be sex Chamber of Commerce both shocking and confus- titled Ask Me 3. The goal is ing. Learning about a seri- to teach elderly patients a ous health condition affects simple way to ensure they your ability to accurately understand their health process information. This needs. “There was a need in problem is complicated by the community to inform advanced health jargon, seniors about protocol in gowhich the average person ing to a doctor and being able to understand what is can’t interpret. Health literacy will affect often a life or death situaeveryone at some point in his tion,” said English teacher life. Doctors and nurses have and National Honor Society received a thorough educa- advisor Ms. Donna Mattei. The program is based on tion and have a large medical vocabulary, but terms such the three questions needed as “hypertension” (high blood for good health: What is my pressure) can confuse pa- problem? What do I need to tients. “It’s when you’re really do? Why is it important I do hyper, right?” said a CRHS this? By posing these questions senior who, after learning of his mistake, wished to re- to a healthcare provider, the patient can get a clear diagmain anonymous. The combination of nosis, learn about their treatshocking news and special- ment plan, and understand ized terminology can make what will happen if they don’t understanding the health follow through. While the program was condition and its diagnosis even more difficult. Studies designed for senior citizens, show that by the time a pa- adults and teens alike can tient has left the doctor’s of- benefit by using the three fice, they have forgotten 80 questions. “I think that Ask percent of what they were Me 3 will help [people] make told. Of that 80 percent, only better decisions toward the thing that matters to them half is correct. Due to a lack of clear un- most, their health,” said senderstanding, health literacy ior Ryan Ciarlo. The members of the Narelated problems cause over $63 million in the United tional Honor Society will be States every year. This re- taking this program to varisults in a lower quality of ous assisted living complexcare and increased costs for es and senior citizen houspatients. “It’s very important ing throughout the surroundfor the people receiving the ing area.

By Adam Twombly

cluding sophomore Megan Campbell with a shot put throw of over 24 feet! On Friday the 16th, the girls’ team suffered through freezing rain and icy temperatures to represent Coginchaug at the Record-Journal meet at Platt High School. Senior Amanda Bedding placed in both JV discus and shot put and wore her medals proudly, although many others were affected negatively by the frigid weather. The team this year contains a lot of underclassmen talent, including some upand-coming freshman and

Start with a dream. Finish with a future!

The outdoor track season, which normally begins with dreary and cold weather, has been lucky in its first few meets. The North Branford dual meet on April 7 was on one of the warmest days this spring, and many girls were glad they brought sunscreen. CRHS girls competed well, with a few first place wins and Shoreline qualifiers. Katie Tuttle threw a 65foot plus discus throw to

Devil’s Advocate Sports & Health

Devil’s Advocate

Friday, May 7, 2010

WISE project comes to life

A Facination with Truffles

By Michelle Palma

By Lauren Stafford

Every year seniors have the option to complete a WISE project to demonstrate their skills at anything that interests them. Participants complete their project with the help of a chosen mentor who guides them until they’re finished, at which time they make a presentation of their accomplishments. Projects have ranged from musical concerts and culinary masterpieces to works of art like Hannah Kowalski’s 9.5 foot tall gryphon costume made from pine wood, coat hangers, fabric, foam and hot glue. Hannah started her “building a gryphon” project in November of 2009 and made her final presenta-

Evolution that long, it must be heavy. Throw physics in the mix, and having a dinosaur take flight with a giant tail does not make Much sense. The tail would hinder flight; it would be nearly impossible. In my opinion, I think certain theropods evolved into birds, but not all. I believe that certain winged theropods, such as Archaeopteryx, evolved into modern day birds, but when it comes to Deinonychus, not so much. Think of Deinonychus as an airplane and Archaeopteryx as a hang glider. It is much easier to

WISE, or Wise Individualized Senior Experience, is a .5 credit course at Coginchaug that students can take in order to “study a topic of special personal interest. During their senior year, students conduct research related to their topic, making a final formal presentation to an audience consisting of school and community members” (CRHS program of studies 2010-2011). Senior Sierra Querns chose to explore the world of chocolate truffles. “I started my WISE project on chocolate truffles because I wanted to learn something new and different. I got the idea for my project from a book I read, Chocolat, and wanted to make the kinds of desserts that the main character did,” explained Sierra who met many different people along the way. She made contacts such as Mrs. Hauser from Hauser Chocolatiers, vice principal Mr. Hauser’s family business. Sierra said that she “visited the factory in Westerly, Rhode Island. The Hausers were a great help to me because they taught me all about the business side of chocolates. I learned a lot about the processes and history of it, but through the interviews and visits to Hauser Chocolatier, I learned mostly about the different parts of producing chocolate and all about how Hauser Chocolatier went from becoming a small shop to the huge company it is today.” (Continued from page 16) Another person she met was Mr. Paul Staley from Madison Chocojump off a perch and begin a crude lates in Madison. He taught her how glide than it is to get a heavy body off of the ground into the air, similar to how it’s easier to hang glide than Track it is to get a plane off the ground. In the end, only time will tell where the ancestry of birds lie. Right now, returning sophomores. In throwing many scientists know that birds land, freshman Melissa Handy has evolved from dinosaurs. However, already proven herself by heaving many scientists once knew that the the shot put more than 22 feet at Earth was flat. So, until technology practice last week. Returning from a is advanced enough to go back in promising Indoor season is freshtime, we will never know for sure man Lauren Giannini, with impreswhere birds came from and where sive sprinting times already on the boards. dinosaurs went.

tion on March 29 after plenty of hard work and determination. “The presentation went well,” she said. “I started with a description of what gryphons are and then showed slides of pictures from building it, then it came out.” When asked what exactly a gryphon is and why she chose to create one, Hannah explained: “The gryphon is a two-person costume with moving wings and beak. My inspiration came when my friends were talking about my potential to be a mad scientist and said ‘you should clone a gryphon!’ and I was like, ‘I can’t clone one, but I can build one!’” After that the idea was set in motion and Hannah began to meet with her mentor, Madame Lejoly, to discuss how to execute the costume properly. She especially appreciated that Madame “was always enthusiastic about (my) work, which helped to keep (me) motivated.” Now that the amazing gryphon has been completed and presented, with possible future appearances at the elementary schools, Hannah can look back and reflect on the experience and how she was able to push the envelope and do something completely unique. “I would encourage everyone to try a senior WISE project, especially if it’s as outrageous as my gryphon was.”

to make truffles in his shop, and he gave her some inspiration for her final presentation. During her formal presentation, Sierra informed spectators and teachers about the ups and downs of truffle-making. She said that she “messed up a few batches of truffles, which was frustrating since chocolate is costly, but those types of mistakes are easy to learn from for next time so it’s not a total loss.” Although she feels as though there were several mistakes, the project overall “ran very smoothly.” “I learned a lot throughout my project through both research and working with my contacts. I learned a lot about the chocolate business, how beans become usable chocolate, the different types of chocolate, and of course, how to make truffles. I learned a lot of background information about chocolate, but most importantly how to make chocolate truffles in my own home,” said Sierra. Her project seemed to benefit her in many ways. Not only did she learn how to make truffles for her presentation, but also she said that “it’s something I can do for the rest of my life for gifts, special occasions, or just for fun. I’m really glad I used my WISE project to learn something like this, because now I have a hobby that I can enjoy for the rest of my life.

(Continued from page 21) For upperclassmen, senior captain Paige Trusty has shown her skill in discus, and junior Hannah Goulis has been covering the middle distances impeccably. With Shorelines held at East Hampton HS this year, instead of Valley Regional, many expect that Coginchaug will make a good showing.

Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

Movie

(Continued from page 20)

Hollywood are a world of stereotypes, and no amount of political correctness will get around the fact that some of these stereotypes can be accurate. The audience associates these stereotypes, and there’s no reason to depart from it. Kick-Ass contains some truly gutwrenching scenes, not all of them violent, and the shining moments in this film don’t always belong to Dave. Big Daddy and Hit Girl obviously love each other from the moment they’re introduced, and Cage’s performance as BD manages to be somewhat odd while still being completely terrifying. As a team they’re in perfect sync, a perfect killing machine. These two are the true stars of the film, and though they tend to kill people in truly horrible ways, they’re heroes through and through. Just, more like antiheroes. They exemplify the real life superhero, what it’d take to be a real Batman in the real world. And it’s neither pretty nor heroic, which is exactly the way it should be. If you have to choose between any of the comic book-based movies released recently or soon-to-be-released ... go see Kick-Ass. He can’t read your mind, but he can kick your *&#.

Seniors to Seniors: Art for all ages

Coginchaug’s Senior Arts Showcase 2010 was celebrated April 26 by graduating seniors exhibiting and performing in their respective arts areas. CRHS Seniors were delighted that the senior citizen watercolor class, under the direction of Aleta Gudelski, accepted the invitation to exhibit their work as well! After viewing the exhibition, the attendees moved to the Band Room where all were entertained by instrumental, vocal and video presentations. Above, the participating CRHS senior visual artists with the senior watercolor class. Participating CRHS Senior Visual Artists were: Shelby Artkop, Amanda Bedding, Shaina Bradley, Emily Brown, Ashley Davenport, Rachel DiSilvestro, Archie Doyle, Jeff Ducki, Kim Hayes, Sarah Hopkins, Dan Jacobs, Hannah Kowalski, Callan Pollitt, Matt Solomon, Stevie Thompson, Alex Wettemann, and Kate Riotte. Participating Senior Watercolor Class members were: Joanne Keurajian, Chris Leigus, Janet Rea, Donna Costa, Lynn Stanwood, Karen Storrow, Maria Sanford, Gwen Clark, Gloria Earls, Susan Berry, and Lainy Melvin. Photo by Jan Wenzel, CRHS art teacher

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Honoring Mothers in Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

“What’s the most important thing you learned from your mother?” Inquiring photographer by Karen Freelance Kean

Mother’s Day-Father’s Day Diaper Appeal kicks off in Middlesex County Middlesex United Way and the Middlesex Coalition for Children are sponsoring a Mother’s Day-Father’s Day Diaper Appeal from now through Father’s Day, with a goal of collecting 50,000 diapers for families in need in Middlesex County. It can cost $800 a year to adequately diaper a child, yet there is no diaper bank in Middlesex County and diaper purchases are not covered by WIC (Women, Infants and Children) or SNAP (food stamps). Licensed childcare providers will not allow cloth diapers, and Laundromats do not allow the cleaning of cloth diapers due to potential health risks. In cooperation with the Connecticut Diaper Bank, Middlesex United Way can buy diapers at a discounted price. A $10 donation to the Mother’s Day-Father’s Day Diaper Appeal can buy diapers for one week, and a $45 donation can buy diapers for one month. Checks can be made out to MUW Diaper Fund and mailed to Middlesex United Way, 100 Riverview Center, Suite 230, Middletown, CT 06457. Donations of diapers will also be accepted. Diapers will be collected at 29 Crescent St. in Middletown between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the week of May 10, or at Middlesex United Way between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Monetary donations in honor of your mother or father will be accepted, and Middlesex United Way will send him or her card in time for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Download a contribution form and view the cards at middlesexunitedway.org. For cards to arrive by Mother’s Day, donations must be received by May 3, and for cards to arrive by Father’s Day, donations must be received by June 14. The diapers will be distributed through WIC and maternal and child health programs at Middlesex Hospital.

Valerie Kilmartin: To be self-reliant and not dependt on anyone else.

Amy Schaefer: To tell the people you love that you love them.

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Garrett D’Amato: Don’t be afraid, just have fun in life.

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Honoring Mothers in Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

Mother’s Day – working moms through the years

There’s just something about mothers. Whatever they do, they do it 100 percent. And whatever is asked of them, they step up to the challenge. As if her responsibilities at home weren’t hard enough, women today work outside the home in many different fields, many are selfemployed and many own businesses. In fact, as of November, women held 49.1 percent of the nation’s jobs, according to non-farm payroll data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many people point to World War II for being the driving force that put many women to work, but the experience of the working mom back then looked a lot different than it does today. When we visited the Middlefield Senior Center last week, we were treated to many stories of the working moms of the past, and thought it would be nice to share them. “Back when women began working, they were clerks and secretaries, certainly not executives,” recalled one. “Secretaries were the highest you could be, but many women are now breadwinners.”

One Middlefield senior recalled a friend whose mother worked for the phone compa-

“It absolutely delights me to see women directing traffic, doing construction and working as police officers.” ny back in the 1930s. She was a widow with three small children, and she couldn’t get married while working for the phone company. She got pregnant, however, and concealed her belly under a smock all the way through her pregnancy. Amazingly, her priest and doctor were the only two people in town who knew about it. Another Middlefield senior said that around this same time, teachers also could not be married, but by the time she became a teacher in the ‘70s, this had changed.

In the Catholic hospital where another senior worked, if you got engaged, you had to ask to wear the engagement ring. And when one of these women was supposed to get a raise, she recalls that it went to a man whose wife was pregnant. “That was not uncommon, especially when it was a ‘family man,’” she added. So how do they feel about women working outside the home today? “We’ve come a long way, baby,” was one response. And more exciting and encouraging for these older moms is that lots of women are involved in what are considered male-dominated fields. “It absolutely delights me to see women directing traffic, doing construction and working as police officers,” one said.

Mother’s Day brunch in Middlefield Moms deserve the very best! On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9, treat her to a special day she will long remember - a delicious family brunch in the historic Lyman Homestead. Pre-paid reservations required. There are multiple seating times from which to choose. Call Lyman Orchards at 860-349-6043 for reservations or information.

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Arts in Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

Opera returns to New Britain and Middletown By Larry Kellum Special to the Town Times Two of the most popular operas from the Italian repertory - Puccini’s comic Gianni Schicci and Leoncavallo’s violent Pagliacci - appeared together on Friday, April 30, at New Britain’s Trinity-on-

Main, and will travel to Middletown High School’s stateof-the-art performing arts center on Saturday, May 15. Pairing one-act operas always makes economic sense because several singers can double up on contrasting roles. Those responsible for producing this gala event at

both venues are Connecticut Lyric Opera, based out of New London, and its resident orchestra, the Connecticut virtuosi chamber orchestra, conducted by the charismatic Adrian Sylveen. Middlesex County opera aficionados unable to attend this premiere are in for a treat on May 15. In

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a word, Pagliacci was a smash hit, and the Puccini opus pleasant entertainment. Last season, these forces presented a lackluster La Traviata with bare bones sets, costumes and chorus. Not the case here - the company went all out this time with the visuals, and the small chorus was in resplendent form in Pagliacci. One did have to overlook an unusually young Canio, a tall, handsome Schicci and a glamorous soprano who did not look like two teenage girls in springtime love. But opera is, after all, primarily a vocal, not cinematic, art form, and the voices this evening were basically magnificent. The prima donna for both works was Lyric Opera’s “inhouse” diva Jurate Svedaite, star of that Traviata last year. Once again, she displayed the same attributes - a warm middle register, a soaring top (in Pagliacci), and idiomatic phrasing, though the technical demands of Lauretta and Nedda combined don’t equal those of Verdi’s heroine. Her jealous husband in the Leoncavallo and teenage boyfriend in the Puccini was former baritone Daniel

Kamalic, who has now transitioned to tenor. He sang Canio with exciting, tremendous force and a burnished tonal quality that only lacks true Italianate squillo. However, sheer heft of the part caused slight fatigue in the high notes of his rinuccio later on. Despite these two sets of romantic leads, the evening was ultimately a real baritone fest from a purely vocal standpoint. If ever a singer deserves a major international career, it is Chad Karl, who simply flooded the theater with torrents of glorious baritone sound, and the dashing Luke Scott as Schicci wasn’t far behind him. The final member of this glowing constellation was Sylveen and his orchestra - perhaps the best group of classical musicians in the state. Their playing of the intermezzo was as atmospheric and beautifully sculpted as anyone could ask, especially from the strings. For tickets for the May 15 show, call the Greater Middletown Concert Association at 860-347-4887, and for more information on the Lyric Opera’s upcoming season, call 860-4403594 or Trinity-onMain at 860-229-2072.

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This summer, Green Street Arts Center of Wesleyan University is offering a brand new arts and science immersion program. The program runs from July 6 to Aug. 5, Mondays through Fridays from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Your child will have the opportunity to take exciting classes with scientists, artists, dancers and musicians. The Arts and Science Academy is structured around an interdisciplinary curriculum that intersects the arts and sciences through music, painting, dance, drawing, observation and experimentation. Outings to Wesleyan University science laboratories, libraries and local nature walks are some of the many exciting field trips planned. Students will be placed in classes, by grade, of no more than 10 students each. Each group will have five different

classes twice a week. Classes include music, math and more, intersections in visual arts, science of dance and the community science project. Through the project, the entire academy will also actively participate in tending the Green Street Arts Center plot at the Erin Street Community Garden. The program is for kids entering grades one through five. The five-week program costs $400; limited financial assistance is available. Contact artistic and education coordinator Sarah-Jane Ripa at 860-685-7860 or sjripa@wesleyan.edu for more information. For more information about the Green Street Arts Center, visit www.greenstreetartscenter.org or call 860-685-7871. Green Street Arts Center is located at 51 Green Street in Middletown.

Arts in Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

Summer theater program presents Les Mis

Art Guild demonstration

The Young People’s Center for Creative Arts has announced that the 2010 summer production will be Les Miserables: School Edition. While this is a change from the original show choice, they are thrilled to be able to produce this Broadway classic. Widely considered to be among the most popular and well-loved musicals of all time, Les Mis is based on Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name and was written and produced by the same creative team responsible for Miss Saigon. The winner of

The Art Guild of Middletown’s next scheduled art demonstration will be given in colored pencil by Susan Tait Porcaro, a lifelong illustrator and photorealistic artist, on Thursday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at the Middlefield Federated Church fellowship hall, 390 Main St.

multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score, Les Mis features some of music theater’s best-known repertoire, including “I reamed a Dream,” “One Day More,” “Castle on a Cloud” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?” Because of this change, they are extending the early registration deadline to Saturday, May 8. Auditions for Les Mis will be held on Saturday, June 26, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Goff House in East Hampton. All roles in the show are open. A special note: the casting of

Birthday Wishes By Vic Galanto Born on May 5, 1911 Today, dear Lord, I’m 99 and looking forward to 100. Dear Lord, there’s much I haven’t done; I hope you’ll let me live until I’m 101. But then if I haven’t finished all I’ll want to do, would you please let me stay until I’m 102? So many places I want to go, so very much to see; do you think you could manage to make me 103? The world is changing very fast, there’s so much in store, I’d like it very much to live until I’m 104. And if by then I’m still alive, I’d like to stay till 105. More plans will be up in the air, so I’d really like to stay alive and see what happens in the world when I’m 106. I know, dear Lord, it’s much to ask (and it must be nice in heaven), but I would like to stay until I’m 107. I know by then I won’t be fast and sometimes I will be late, but it would be so pleasant to be around at 108. I will have seen so many things and had a wonderful time, so I am sure that I’ll be willing to leave at 109. Maybe.

this show includes feature roles for one younger boy and two younger girls (approximately 11-13 years of age). YPCCA will take place Monday, July 6, through Sunday, Aug. 1. It is open to students entering grades six through freshman year of college and is located at East Hampton High School. Tuition for the four-week program is $500 per student if you register by May 8. YPCCA offers two full and two partial scholarships each summer. Mornings at the camp are devoted to workshops in a variety of artistic endeavors, including show choir, stage combat, comedy improvisation and Shakespeare. Afternoons are spent rehearsing for the full-length musical production. The staff of YPCCA is made up of professional actors and teachers from throughout Connecticut. Students and staff of the program have gone on to work and perform at such theaters as Long Wharf Theater, Goodspeed Opera House, Hartford Stage and the Eugene O’Neil Theater.

“Cezanne once said that you can draw an apple or a head, and it isn’t about the apple or the head — it’s all about line and color,” says Tait Porcaro. “My greatest joy is working with line and multiple layers of brilliant color to create the illusion of three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface. These layers of color eventually blend together to create a painterly effect.” She taught art at her former high school for one year, then illustrated for an advertising agency in Andover, MA before moving to Connecticut

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Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

Obituary years and Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center for 15 years, retiring in 2002. In earlier years, she was employed in the blueprint department of Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford. She enjoyed square dancing, bird watching, flowers and crafts. Survivors include her husband of North Springfield, Vt.; three daughters, Debra Shaw of Springfield, Vt., Diane Fos-

Carolyn F. Shaw

Carolyn F. Shaw, 74, died April 28, 2010, at her home. She was born July 31, 1935, in Saco, Maine, the daughter of Madeline Free, and attended local schools. She married Robert I. Shaw on Jan. 28, 1956, in Saco.

Mrs. Shaw was an LNA caring for the elderly at Durham Nursing Home for several

ter and her husband Doug of North Springfield, Vt. and Brenda Shaw of Middlefield; two stepdaughters, Pamela Meyers and Patti Cartwright of Washington state; a brother, James Free of Saco, Me.; grandchildren Robert and Christina Foster of Vt., Nicole Satow of Vt., Eric Webb of Middlefield and several other grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Washington state. A memorial cookout will be

held on June 20 in Chester, Vermont. Memorial contributions, in lieu of cards and flowers, may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Vt. Office, 172 North Main St., Barre, VT 05641; or Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156. Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vt.

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Governor M. Jodi Rell’s request for federal Individual Assistance for five counties, including Middlesex, has been denied. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has been instructed to prepare an appeal of this decision. Residents and businesses of the above listed counties are being asked to use 2-1-1 to report damages they received from the storm events (for example, March 29-31 storm, and

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continuing) even if the damages were previously reported. Data will be collected starting April 29 (starting at 6 p.m.) through Friday, May 14 (ending at 6 p.m.) Data will be collected by phone by dialing 2-1-1 or online at www.211ct.org. The phone lines and website will be open 24/7. Residents and business owners will be asked approximately 10-12 questions about the extent of damage. This data collection process will assist DEMHS in preparing the appeal. Note this is a damage data collection process. By completing the survey, residents and business owners have not applied for assistance. If the appeal is granted and the state receives a declaration authorizing Individual Assistance, residents and businesses in the declared counties will receive further instructions on how to apply for assistance.

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DAR awards go to two local students Recently, the local Wadsworth Chapter of the DAR presented its “Good Citizen Awards.” Given as part of DAR’s commitment to the education of our youth, the Good Citizen Award recognizes high school seniors who exemplify the qualities of a good citizen: dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. The recipients are chosen by their schools because they best demonstrate these qualities in their homes, schools and communities. Lauren Bradley of Vinal Technical High School was honored as that school’s winner. The school offered the following account of her work: Lauren has consistently maintained high standards and a high GPA, while exhibiting great leadership ability. Lauren had been involved in many extra-curricular activities all four years at Vinal, as well as working as an intern for Infiltrator Systems, Inc., in Old Saybrook. She is an active member of the senior class, serving as vice president. She is a vice president of the Diversity Club, a Senior Mentor, a member of the National Honor Society, and is competing in this year’s Skills USA. She has been captain on the volleyball and basketball teams and has been MVP in both volleyball and softball. Lauren’s local community service includes cleaning up Camp Farnum and fostering dogs for Labs-4-Rescue. Danielle Charette of Coginchaug Regional High School was honored as that school’s winner, as well as statewide winner for her essay. The school offered the following: Danielle has demonstrated the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. In school, she has served as class president and as co-captain for both the girls’ soccer and indoor track Teams. As a student advocate for her school district, she has served on Region 13’s District Technology Action Plan Committee, and promoted district accomplishments in a series of local newspaper articles in the Town Times, the latest on April 30. In addition to writing for her school newspaper, she has had articles printed in the Hartford Courant and Time magazine.

Town Times Spotlight

Friday, May 7, 2010 Daniel Infeld, of Durham has been named to second honors on the Clark University dean’s list. Daniel is a graduate of Coginchaug High School. Sara Jane Gamelli, of Durham, was named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at the University of Tampa. A 2012 marketing major, Sara will be inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi, in April.

The following students were named to the winter term 2010 deans’ list at Choate Rosemary Hall. From Durham, Bailey Bennett, William Bronson, Maris Nyhart, Hannah Nyhart and Emily Sokol. From Middlefield, Daniel Piscatelli, Katharine Selberg and Kristine Yamartino.

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has announced that Julie A. Slomkowksi, of Middlefield, has been named to the dean’s list for the fall semester. Julie, the daughter

of David Laducer and Susan Ingraham, is pursuing a doctorate of pharmacy degree and will graduate in 2011. Congratulations to the CRHS music students who were accepted by audition to the New England Music Festival held on March 20. These students worked countless hours preparing for the concerts, and included Adam Twombly on trombone, Greg Smith on trumpet, Tim Hayes on violin, Kelly Dorsey in chorus and Robert Ober in chorus. Carrianne Boord, of Durham, was recently voted Teacher of the Year by her peers at Church Street School in Hamden. She presently teaches third grade and is in her 17th year of teaching. Carrianne is the daughter of Pat and Maryann Boord and the mother of Gabriella and Liliana Diaz, all of Durham.

April Christine Graichen, of Middlefield, has graduated summa cum laude from Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in Child-Life Psychology. She is the grand-daughter of Sharon Graichen of Middlefield. Daniel G. Ravizza was awarded the Outstanding Senator at the 25th annual student leadership banquet for Western Connecticut State University on April 29. This award is given to a student/senator who has dedicated him/herself to outstanding service in the student government association. It is awarded to only one senator out of the entire student government association. Daniel was also awarded a Student Leadership Recognition Award for his work with The ECHO, the on-campus newspaper. Dan is a 2007 graduate of Coginchaug Regional High School.

Rockfall resident Nelson G. Prue, a graduate of Xavier High School and Norwich University of Vermont, is currently serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army. First Lieutenant and Executive Officer Prue is pictured in the front/center of the group kneeling. He is surrounded by the other Executive Officers of his battalion. He is the son of Nelson and Donna Prue.

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203-457-9652 On Sunday, April 18, Rob Merante Academy of Dance competed at Starpower in North Branford. They received the choreography award and the overall excellence award for “Yankee Doodle.” Pictured, in the back, from left, Nikki Woznyk, Erika Russ, Gabby Pakech, Spencer Root, Amy Boyle and Gabby Didato; in the front, Hannah Pakech, Sabrina Cofrancesco , Erin Murphy, Madison Terril, Charlotte Devers, Morgan Perschy and Kalin Verardi.

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Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat coming to Epiphany By Judy Moeckel Special to the Town Times For months, the youth of the Church of the Epiphany, under the guidance of Heather McCutchen and Lisa Kopcik (director and producer, respectively) have worked to prepare a full-length production of the original London and Broadway show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. By every indication, this is a production that will knock your socks off visually, with its colorful and ever-changing sets. Be prepared for a lively and hilarious presentation suited for all ages. The production will take place on Friday and Saturday, May 14 and 15 (7 p.m. curtain) and Sunday, May 16, (5 p.m. curtain). Tickets may be purchased by calling 860-349-6918; tickets also will be available at the door. Prices are $10 for

ceited!” adults, $5 for stu“We’ve been talkdents. Children five ing about doing this and under are free. play for years,” KopThe musical, by cik says. “It has amAndrew Lloyd Webbitious vocals, but it ber and Tim Rice, also has a variety of was a great success musical styles, huwhen it premiered mor and spirit. in London in the Leads are Ian Koplate 1960s. It came to cik as Joseph, and Broadway in 1982, Catherine Kannam and has remained as narrator. Besides extremely popular kids from the over the years. It Epiphany church tells the Biblical school, we have perstory of the “dreamformers from the er” Joseph, who community, includwas sold into slaving Michael O’Sulliery by his brothers. van as Pharaoh, and The actors say From left, Eric Wind, Ian Kopcik and JilTim Hayes with his one of the best things about doing lian Kopcik rehearse for Joseph next violin. Our youngest cast member is five.” the production is tion for some of them, “With Kannam says, “It’s an amcommunity. every show, we get closer and bitious musical with really “I enjoy us coming together have more fun!” as a church family,” Emily Ian Kopcik, says, as Joseph, only one spoken word. EveryShoemaker says. Sierra he has the opportunity to act thing else is sung. We’ve Querns adds that, this being “goofy”, which he enjoys. worked on it since September, the third Epiphany produc- “Joseph is…well…sort of con- and I think it will be great!”

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On June 27, Durham 60+ will sponsor a trip to the Warner Theatre for a matinee performance of I Left My Heart-A Tribute to Tony Bennett. This is a jazzy musical revue featuring all of his classic hits. The group will stop for lunch at San Marino Restaurant. Cost is $74 per person. The bus will leave the Strong School parking lot at 10:30 a.m. and return at 5:30 p.m. On Wednesday, July 21, they will travel to the Delaney House in Holyoke, Mass. for an all you can eat lobster lunch followed by a comedy and impression show by Frank Cirell. The cost is $89 per person with payment due by June 9. The bus leaves the United Churches parking lot at 10 a.m. and returns at 4:30 p.m. For further info on either of these trips, contact Ellie Golschneider at 860-349-3329 or Karen Dyndiuk at 860-3493468.

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Epiphany’s theater group has coalesced and bonded over the years, bringing younger and newer members into the circle. It has also provided a vehicle for studying the Bible, as part of the Sunday School’s “workshop rotation” model. The workshop rotation allows children to move among a variety of “workshops,” including a cinema, an art room, a game room, a computer lab and a temple room. For Joseph, the stage of the church parish hall has been transformed, thanks to the talents of Chris Balay; Diane, Sarah and James Rosborough; and Dan Shoemaker. Joseph’s AMAZING coat (which includes scraps of material on which children of the church school have written prayers) was designed and created by Suzy Balay, and other costumes were created by Jessica Coviello.

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A set of keys was found on Sunday near St. Colman’s Church on Hubbard Street in Middlefield. There are two remotes for an Acura, several other keys and an “I love my first house” key chain. Call Town Times

Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

Pot a pretty posy

By Chris Coe, Project Graduation secretary “One Safe Night” is an allnight, fun-filled, drug-and-alcohol-free, adult-supervised graduation party held in honor of the Coginchaug graduating senior class. It’s a celebration for our graduates for 13 years of hard work and dreams of the future. It provides a safe alternative to party-hopping, keeping our graduates and their classmates off the roads and granting peace of mind to parents knowing their child is safe. Project Graduation is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization run by a committee of parents and community members whose single goal is to raise funds and provide “one safe night” of food, fun, entertainment and lasting memories on graduation night. This event is held each year thanks to the generosity of District 13 parents, townspeo-

ple and the Durham/Middlefield business community. If you are willing to support us with donations of food, prizes, time, etc., we thank you in advance for your support. If you would prefer to support this event with a monetary donation, please send your check, payable to Project Graduation, PO Box 81, Durham, CT 06422. The committee is always in need of new members. We recognize your time, like ours, is limited, and we welcome any amount of time and effort you can devote to this activity. Project Graduation is a great way for underclass parents to get involved. For more info on Project Graduation, call Leann or Phil Harper at 860-349-0371 or email latiedemann@snet.net or ask any project graduation committee member.

The Durham Garden Club enjoyed a planter design workshop in April at Stone Post Gardens on Randolph Road in Middletown. The program was led by Bobbi Eddinger of Stone Post. Potting benches and free soil are available to all who purchase annuals to pot up their creations at the store. Photo by Lynn Stanwood

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quired). For more information, contact Beth Moncata, at 860349-3625 or bmoncata@townofdurhamct.org. Another important part of organic gardening, Gossner says, can be creating your own personal “loam pile” or, as my father used to call it, a “compost heap.” Sometimes the directions for these are ponderous: put the right amount of stuff on the pile at just the right time, keep it watered, turn it over periodically, etc., etc. But the pile is not fussy, and neither is nature. Just don’t put proteins or fats on it. Instead, put a variety of “leftovers”; Gossner suggests piling on household vegetable waste, green yard waste, soil (dig some from a not-so-fertile part of your yard), leaves, newspaper, and fallen fruit, especially if there are worms in it. Before you know it, you’ll dig at the bottom of the heap to find gorgeous, dark soil and, probably, some happy worms. At my house, I feel like we are always fighting nature (mostly, we seem to be fighting water in one form or another; lately, it was that flood before Easter). But Tina Gossner’s approach is just the opposite: work with Mother Nature rather than against her. The time and study have paid off for Master Gardener Gossner. After taking a course in landscape design at NatureWorks, an organic garden center in Northford, she began doing garden designs for family and friends. Before long, she was hired by Torrison Stone and Garden in Durham. “I am learning all the time — each garden is different,” she says. “The soil and drainage are different, the house is different, and what people want is different … there are so many variables.” A few last words from Gossner: use mulch to stop weeds, lower the soil temperature, hold in the moisture and add to the soil content and “the right plant in the right place.” Nope, those zinnias won’t like being in the shade. Yep, hosta can burn if it gets too much sun… For information on the Master Gardener program, go to www.ladybug.uconn.edu/ma stergardener, or call 877-4866271.

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Gossner (From page 11)

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Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

Durham Library

Girl Scouts and mothers share achievements

Durham and Middlefield Girl Scouts Service Unit held a mother-daughter potluck banquet April 23 at the high school. The evening began with opening ceremonies by Troop 62127. Mother Beth Hoffman of the Church of the Epiphany gave the blessing. Mother Beth shared with the audience that her own mother was so impressed with Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts, that she became the first Girl Scout in Illinois. Lisa Davenport, of Durham, was the guest speaker. Davenport is a longtime resident of Durham and the mother of Ashley, an Ambassador Scout. She spoke about how Girl Scouts has been a great part of their lives. Bronze and Silver awardees spoke about the projects they did to earn the third and second highest awards in girl scouting. Troops shared their activities, adventures and goals for the future. One troop hopes to go to Hawaii and Carole Sibiskie’s Troop 62200 shared the Lego robot they are using in the Lego robotic competition the first weekend in May (photo above). Troop 62199 conducting the closing ceremonies, and leaders and cookie parents were asked to take a geranium plant as a thank you for all their hard work. The plants were donated by J.C. Greenhouse in Durham. For info about Girl Scouts, call Lisa Deschnow at 860-347-5768, ext. 3751.

Hours: Regular library hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Visit www.durhamlibrary.org to search the catalog, review your account, register for a program or renew your materials online. For information or to register for a program by phone, call 860-349-9544. Page Turners Book Club: Children in grades four through six are invited to read and discuss the edge-of-theseat eco-thriller and mystery novel Scat by Carl Hiaasen on Tuesday, May 11, from 7 to 8 p.m. Copies of the book are available. Registration is required; space is limited. Annual Plant Sale/Exchange: Start potting up your houseplants, perennials, herbs, annuals and shrubs. The annual Plant Sale and Exchange will be held on Saturday, May 15. Plants may be dropped off at the library on

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Thursday, Friday or before 9:30 a.m. on sale day. The Sale/Exchange starts at 10. Plants must be in pots and labeled. Anyone wishing to exchange plants will receive a receipt, which will be credited for purchases at the sale. The Mystery Book Discussion Group will meet on Tuesday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss Waiting for Armando by Judith K. Ivie. The author will be presen. Copies of the book are available. Everyone is invited to join this informal discussion. String Quartet: The Kalmia Quartet will perform works by Mozart, Borodin and Shen Yiwen on Thursday, May 20, at 7 p.m. The group formed at Bard College Conservatory of Music and includes Leah Gastler of Durham. PALS Book Sale: The annual book sale is scheduled for Friday, May 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday’s hours are a preview with an admission fee. All proceeds go to support library programs and new initiatives.

Levi Coe Library Hours: The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.leviecoe.com or call the library at 860-3493857 for information or to register for any program. You can also renew, reserve and check your record on the website. New Titles: Oprah by Kitty Kelley, Lucid Intervals by Stuart Woods, Deliver Us from Evil by David Baldacci, Eight Days to Live by Iris Johansen and Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick. New young adult and children’s titles include Dead is So Last Year by Marlene Perez, The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, Here’s to You, Rachel Robinson by Judy Blume, Awakening on Orbis 4 by P.J. Haarsma, Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus by R. LaFevers, The Sable Queen by Brian Jacques, The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood and Two Bad Pilgrims by Kathryn Lasky.

Town Times

Friday, May 7, 2010

BOE

(From page 6)

facilities. “So what happened to the $40,000 then?” Montgomery asked. One BOE member explained that the $40,000 was used for preliminary drawings and preparation work for the proposed athletic complex. BOE member William Currlin added that the overall scope of project would have been much larger anyway. Kathy Kokoszka, Middlefield resident, demanded that the Board of Education members think about where residents are supposed to get more money. “I know the ref-

erendum is next week and you’re asking for more, but you’re not telling us where we are going to get more. There is only so much we can do in the private sector. Where do you expect us to get the money to pay for the increases you are proposing?” Hennick reminded Kokoszka that board members “are also taxpayers. The idea that we are looking for excess money, is just not true. The increase is modest.”

buses.” “And teachers aren’t willing to give up a little?” Kokoszka asked. Hennick reminded her that the contract is a binding contract. “Can’t the people make some kind of concession?” she asked. Hennick answered simply, “I think they feel that the contract is fair.” Board members share comments Following public comment, board members shared recent experiences at District events, including the Inven-

BOE member Merrill Adams added: “We went to bid for insurance, we tried to negotiate contracts for

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members, Viccaro stated that the grant money would be divided up over a four-year period and that the application deadline is June 1. Board member Kerrie Flanagan asked “Does this mean that we would be required to sign this before we have a chance to do a cost analysis?” BOE member Mary Jane Parsons added, “But, if we don’t sign on, then the state probably won’t get the money and the districts that really need the money won’t get it.” BOE member Nancy Boyle asked the Superintendent if there was the option to opt out if we see that it’s not feasible after doing a cost-analysis. Viccaro answered, “That answer is unclear at this time.” She added that she is aware of a few districts that are not planning on joining the state in this application, but the majority of districts are. Parsons commented that it was her understanding that the states which received awards were states in which every district had joined. Flanagan asked if, for the next BOE meeting, the Superintendent can highlight the areas that would financially impact the district. Viccaro highlighted the overall goals of Scientific Research-Based Interventions (SRBI) for dealing with educational challenges. “Through SRBI we are shifting the sands and moving from the old method of operation to where we are headed for the future,” explained Viccaro. “All students can learn, and we’re not just looking at students as having a fixed intelligence. We are also looking at the role of the teacher being a facilitator of learning,” Viccaro continued. “Schools are not the same as when we went to school, and this provides a great explanation of the change that has happened and where we are headed.” Public comments Prior to the Strategic Planning presentation and the Superintendent’s Report, the BOE meeting began with public comment. Durham resident Dave Montgomery stated that he has been approached by several people who share his confusion and lack of understanding regarding the issue of necessary repairs to the high school track and the

whereabouts of the $40,000 raised through contributions for that purpose. He asked why this project had changed in scope. BOE chair Tom Hennick explained that the scope of project became much greater than the $40,000 raised. BOE member Parsons also reminded Montogmery that during the analysis phase of the repairs to the track, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) determined that the Coginchaug/Vinal football team would have to disband, leaving the Coginchaug football team with no field or

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Mercy honor roll Sister Mary A. McCarthy, principal of Mercy High School in Middletown, has announced the following honor roll students for the second marking period. From Durham, earning high honors are Megan Bogdanski, Sarah Bower, Julia Kannam, Catherine Kannam, Jennifer Kennedy, Melissa Marks, Sarah Marran, Kelsey Pietruska, Sara Richardson, Elizabeth Rinder, Sara Rosborough, Cassandra Santoro and Allison Pearson; earning first honors are Emily Bower,

Margaret Bruno, Shannon Egan, Jane Landy, Rebecca Ludecke, Alexa Marks, Madison Marone, Shannon McAuliffe and Jessica Nielsen; earning second honors are Leah Cerritelli, Ashley McLaughlin, Morgan McNulty and Erin Peterson. From Middlefield, earning first honors are Jillian Chongruk, Megan Freemantle, Sara Gmyrek, Genieva Hylton, Kathryn Overturf and Victoria Piscatelli; earning high honors are Delia Ernst and Mary Wojtowicz; earning second honors are Brigid Ernst, and Mary Neidhardt.

From Rockfall, earning high honors is Alexia Mazzotta and earning second honors is Anastasia Griffin.

Xavier honor roll Xavier High School announces the following students have earned a place on the honor roll. From Durham, earning high honors, are Mark Fusco, Matthew Gueble, Thomas Linden, Gregory Brown, Matthew DeKoeyer, Geoffrey DeVille, Andrew Gonzalez, Akshay Vig, Victor Wu and

Friday, May 7, 2010 Tushar Vig; earning honors are Andrew Brown, Matthew Criscuolo, Joseph Kask, Kevin Landers, Tucker Landy, Kyle Pietruska, Walter Augur, Taylor Bonin, Geoffrey Bruno, Anthony DeMarinis, Eric Mischke, Jacob Randazzo, Timothy Rhone, Nathan Tobias, Matthew Verderame, David Brennan, Jonathan Manacchio, Michael Mastroianni, Michael Mischke and Ryan Murphy. From Middlefield, earning honors are Jonathan Geenty, Kyle Parrilla, Tomas Virgadula, Andrew Williams,

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Mathew DiDato and Wallace Meadows. From Rockfall, earning high honors is Christopher Scamporino and earning honors are Raymond Satagaj and Nicholas Mazzotta.

BOE

(From page 33)

tion Convention and a new lobby TV screen (paid for by the PTO) with a scroll of upcoming activities at Memorial School and the “Senior to Senior” art exhibit and production of an award-winning safe driving video at the high school. Again this year, the BOE voted to decline the state’s invitation to join the Healthy Food Certification program. After a light-hearted discussion about the program and the recently reduced reimbursement from ten cents per meal, to five cents, the board unanimously voted to decline the offer. Parsons provided a brief update to the other BOE members, stating that they had met with Middlefield Board of Finance member Bob Yamartino and had a lively discussion around the 2010-11 Board of Education budget. Building Committee member Currlin shared that it has been determined that the roofs on Memorial and John Lyman schools are conducive to installing solar panels, with no penetration to the roof or building structure. “If we install photovoltaic cells on Memorial and John Lyman schools, it would be about a $14,000 per year savings for both schools,” he said. He explained that in addition to the solar panels, there will be a monitor in both schools so that students can see the savings and track the effects of using solar. It will also be available on the school website. “The best is that it doesn’t cost us anything,” he exclaimed. A motion was approved to accept the power purchase agreement for DBS Energy for solar panel installation with 25-year leases at Memorial and John Lyman schools at no cost to the district. Due to the length of the meeting, the Superintendent’s evaluation in executive session was postponed for another time. The next meeting is scheduled for May 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coginchaug library.

Town Times Sports

Friday, May 7, 2010

Register for August Golf Greater New tournament Haven Warriors Mark your calendars now! Golfers and sponsors, Hockey 101 Thursday, Aug. 5, is the 13th annual Liberty Bankclinic Riverview Hospital Auxiliary, Inc golf tournament. It will be at Portland Golf Club in Portland. For more info, contact Rob Rougeot at 860704-4243 or email Robert.Rougeot@ct.gov or Liz Tringali 860-343-7404 or email etringali@libertybank.com.

Connecticut Cobras AAU basketball team won gold in the state championship. Local girls on the winning team include Audrey Arcari and Lauren Davis of Middlefield, Hannah Michalik of Durham, and Jolie Erchaler of Middletown. Photo by Bonnie Arcari

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Registration is now open for the Greater New Haven Warriors Youth Hockey 101 clinic beginning May 15. This is an introductory learn-toplay hockey program designed to teach new players proper skating, balance and introductory hockey skills. It is designed for players between the ages of 4-10 who have completed a Learn-toSkate or similar program. On-ice instruction will be provided by No Limit Hockey under the direction of former Quinnipiac University hockey captain Ty Deinema. The program consists of 14 sessions on Saturdays and Sundays from 9–10 a.m. May 15 through June 27 at the Northford Ice Pavilion. Full equipment is required (discounted equipment packages are available in the pro shop at the rink). The program is limited to 35 players. Players who complete the Hockey 101 program are eligible for the Warriors Hockey 102 program and will eventually be assigned to a Mite Development team. Costs and details available online at www.gnhwarriors.org. To register, log on and click on the “Register On-Line” tab on the left. The Greater New Haven Warriors Youth Hockey Association is a direct descendent of the first youth hockey program in the United States started in 1946 by Lynn and Lester Patrick of the New York Rangers and former Ranger and Yale head coach Murray Murdoch. Its mission is to assist players between the ages of 4-18 in developing athletically, socially and mentally through the game of hockey in a fun and enhanced learning environment. The Warriors draw players from more than 30 towns in the New Haven and shoreline area. For more information, contact Greg Juliano, director of player development, at 203-245-4113 or by e-mail at gjuliano01@snet.net.

Town Times

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