7-2-2010 Town Times Newspaper by Town Times Newspaper

Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

Volume 17, Issue 12

What’s going on at Hank’s garage? By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times It looks like your typical garage with an assortment of bottles, cans and tools on the shelves. But scattered throughout the room with the tires are empty black cases the shape of guitars, mandolins, banjos, fiddles and a base. Sitting on mismatched chairs in a circle in the garage are a group of folks singing and strumming their instruments along to a bluegrass tune. It’s a homegrown musical gathering. Does it get any cooler than this? “We call it Hank’s Garage,” said Larry Bartlett, of Wallingford. “This was Hank Crandall’s idea about 20 years ago.” On nearly every Wednesday evening during the year, anywhere from nine to 20 people, some listeners but mostly players, gather with their instruments at Hank Crandall’s garage on Main

Street in Middlefield to play music — mostly bluegrass. Going around the circle, one by one each person gets their turn to pick a song that everyone plays and sings. No one acts embarrassed by the quality of their voices, and an incorrect note or chord is easily forgotten. No one’s really reading music anyway. Best of all, there are no age limits, as long as you can play and/or you like the music. In fact, Bartlett says, “You basically have to know just three chords, and it doesn’t matter which three.” Some people have even learned their instruments while playing at Hank’s Garage over the years. In total, the group, which changes weekly but includes folks from Middlefield, Durham, Rockfall, as well as surrounding towns (one guy even comes from New York once in a while), know about 150 songs. Songs include, “I See Hank, page 25

Shirley Bastura takes her turn at a Wednesday evening jam session at Hank’s Garage in Middlefield.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Blessing of the Animals

Rev. Dale Azevedo. left, pastor of the Middlefield Federated Church, blesses one of the two horses who showed up at the special service last Sunday while Anastasia Koch looks on. More photos of the Blessing of the Animals service on page14.

First in our summer series of in-state places to visit ...

For July 4th: On the trail of Nathan Hale By Trish Dynia Special to the Town Times What we know for sure Connecticut State Hero Nathan Hale was born in Coventry, Connecticut in 1755, and was the sixth of 12 children born to Richard and

In this issue ... Calendar............................4 Durham Briefs................17 Libraries .........................24 Middlefield Briefs...........16 More Graduation .......18-19 Sports ..........................26-27 Vacation Day Trips ..5, 22-23 Weddings.........................21

Elizabeth Hale. After studying with a local preacher for several years, he was accepted to Yale College at the age of 14. Following his graduation in 1773, the 18-year-old taught school in East Haddam and later in New London for two years. When word came of the battles at Lexington and Concord in 1775, Hale ended the wanderings of a young man when he traveled to Coventry and gained permission from his father to join the Revolutionary Army. He served under Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton. Knowlton is recognized as the United State’s first intelligence professional, and his unit, Knowlton’s

Rangers, made a significant contribution to intelligence gathering during the early years of the war. Hale’s father was a dedicated patriot and one of the wealthiest landowners in Coventry. He provided shelter and food for traveling soldiers during the war and was proud that his son wished to serve in Washington’s Army. However, family lore indicates that had the elder Hale known of his son’s intention to become a spy, his permission might not have been granted so readily due to the extreme danger. While stationed in Con-

See Hale, page 12

Town Times Community Briefs

BASREP bake sale & can drive

BASREP (Before and After School Recreation Enrichment Program) of Durham and Middlefield will be hosting a bake sale and can drive on Friday, July 9, at Francis E. Korn Elementary School. Please stop by between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to purchase some delicious baked treats and/or donate canned goods for the collection. All of the proceeds will benefit the Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown.

Baked bean supper

Get out of the hot kitchen! Enjoy an old-fashioned, homecooked meal without the cook-

ing. Come to the air-conditioned Fellowship Hall building located at the corner of Route 68 and Main Street in Durham on Fridays, July 9 and 23. The baked bean suppers are a local tradition featuring dishes such as baked beans, scalloped corn, macaroni, salads and homemade breads and pies. The cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children under 10. Serving begins at 6 p.m. All are welcome.

Travel to Italy The Rev. Dr. Elven Riggles, Senior Minister of the United Churches in Durham, announces a fall trip to Rome and the Amalfi Coast. Departing for 10 days beginning on Nov. 11, this tour, arranged by Collette Vacations, includes visits to

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

J.C. Farm & Greenhouse ..........11 Joe Riff’s Music .........................10 Ken Marino Sales & Service .......3 Las Eng .....................................20 Lehet Fence ..............................24 Lino’s Market .............................11 Lyon & Billard ............................18 Marchese, Barbara....................27 Middlesex Community College .15 Middlesex Dance Center.............7 Mountain Spring Water .............24 Movado Farm ............................26 Neil Jones Home Imp................20 Orthodontic Specialist ...............10 Peaceful Healing .........................5 Pet Stop.....................................26 Petro Oil.......................................5 Planeta Electric .........................26 Prete Chiropractic Center..........10 Project Graduation ....................17 Raintree Landscaping ...............25 Realty Associates......................27 RLI Electric ................................26 Roblee Plumbing.......................20 Rockfall Co. ...............................22 Rockfall Northeast.....................23 RSDL Home Improvements......25 Sea Breeze Hauling ..................21 Sharon McCormick Design .........5 Singles Alternative.....................19 T-N-T Home & Lawncare..........24 Torrison Stone & Garden ..........25 Town of Durham..........................6 Two Mikes Electric ....................20 Uncle Bob’s Flower & Garden...14 VMB Custom Builders...............26 Whitehouse Construction..........26 Whitney Ridge Stables..............21 Wildwood Lawn Care ................24 Windows Plus............................19

Scouts have maintained the herb garden and established a new garden of native plants to beautify this oasis in busy downtown Middletown. Along with the sounds of the Spear Park fountain, it is a perfect place to beat the July heat and get away from the stresses of the day.

and executing the event. Volunteers may contact Brenda Eddy at 860-349-0410, Peter Cascini at 860-349-2309 or Ona McLaughlin at 860-349-8415. Go to durhamedc@townofdurham.org for more information.

Transfer station

Volunteers closed July 4 needed for transfer station will Discover Durham beThe closed on Monday July 5, The Durham Economic Development Commission is seeking volunteers to help stage the second annual Discover Durham business expo planned for Saturday, Oct. 9, in the commercial building on the Durham Fairgrounds. The Discover Durham business expo is open to manufacturers, retailers, contractors, professionals and home businesspeople located in Durham. This year, Durham artists, artisans and farmers are invited to participate. Help is needed in planning

Corrections We strive to bring you the most accurate and upto-date information available, but if you see something in Town Times that isn’t quite right, give us a call at 860-349-8000, and we’ll do our best to make things right.

Your

The garden luncheon features a menu of finger sandwiches, fruit, homemade pastries and cookies, iced tea and lemonade and will be held on Wednesday, July 21. Two seatings are offered at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Required reservations are $20 per person and group bookings are welcome. For additional information or to make reservations, call the Middlesex County Historical Society, 151 Main St. in Middletown at 860-346-0746. Past luncheons have been well attended, so early reservations are encouraged. Proceeds will benefit “Living Main Street: 1 House, 1 Family, 2 Centuries,” the Society’s upcoming exhibit.

for the Fourth of July holiday, but open on Tuesday July 6, from 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Garden lunch at the General Mansfield House The Middlesex County Historical Society invites everyone to help celebrate the recent restoration of its gardens by joining together for a relaxing luncheon under the 150-year-old gingko tree that graces the back yard. Middletown Garden Club members and local Boy

Durham/Middlefield Youth & Family Services Unless noted, all events take place at the Youth Center in the Middlefield Community Center. Office hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; phone 860-349-0258. Call before stopping by please. Board of Directors DMYFS Board of Directors meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6. Come and meet the new director, Betsy Dean.

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Rome, Ravello, Vietri-sulMare, Sorrento, Paestum, the Isle of Capri, Naples and Pompeii. For more information or to receive a brochure, call Dr. Riggles at 860-3490742. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

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Friday, July 2, 2010

Middlefield Habitat for Humanity project moving fast By Betsy White Booz Special to the Town Times

FIrework displays will be held between 9 and 9:30 p.m. Left, a “Teach for America” group volunteered two weeks ago. They are recent college graduates from around the country, working in urban Ct. school districts. Above is Brian Yakey, of Durham, the volunteer site supervisor. Bottom photos - community volunteers. Photos submitted by Manny

July 2 in Madison off the West Wharf Beach. July 2 in Meriden at the Westfield Mall. July 3 in Wallingfore at Sheehan High School. July 10 in Hartord at the Riverfest celebration.

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If it’s Saturday, then it’s a work day at Middlefield’s Habitat for Humanity house on Ballfall Road – and it’s basically been that way since February, when the project began. But now, says property manager Manny Cunard, things are coming together quickly. “It’s all going very, very well,” he commented when contacted just over a week ago for an update. The exterior is finished, including the roof, and – after a full demo of the interior – all the infrastructure work is now done, meaning plumbing and electric, as well as insulation. “We’ll be sheetrocking next,” Cunard said, “and then installing trim and doors and working on the interior painting in two weeks.” He expects they’ll be putting in kitchen cabinets and kitchen and bathroom fixtures by mid-August. “We only work on Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and there’s a different group every weekend,” the part-time Habitat property manager explained. For example, the June 19 work crew included a church group and folks from United Health Care. To see how you can help, call the volunteer coordinator at 860-343-9179. A family has already been selected to move into the house when it’s completed. We’ll be updating you as the project moves towards that point, and the family takes occupancy.

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Town Times

4 SATURDAY

July 3 Notre Dame Tag Sale Notre Dame Church on Main Street in Durham will have their monthly tag sale and flea market, rain or shine in the church hall, church, garage, parking lot and on the lawn from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sale features tons of household goods, crafts, furniture, clothing ($2.50 per bag), and much more. Breakfast and lunch are available in the church hall. Vendor space is $15, and available by calling Bob Smith at 860-349-0356. Dudley Farm Market The Dudley Farm farmers market will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the corner of Routes 77 and 80 in North Guilford. The market features produce, shell fish, beef and lamb, maple syrup, honey, baked goods, pickles and crafts. For more information, call 860-349-3917. Car Wash The Coginchaug Durham Middlefield Babe Ruth program will hold a car wash fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Carolyn Adams’ parking lot on Main Street in Durham. Proceeds will support travel baseball teams. Water Safety Karen Brock-Gallo, director of Safe Kids Connecticut, will discuss water safety and ways to prevent drowning on the Healthline radio program at 3:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. on WIHS 104.9 FM and every Monday throughout July at 4:05 p.m. on cnxradio.com.

SUNDAY

July 4

MONDAY

July 5 Transfer Station Closed The transfer station will be closed today for the Fourth of July Holiday, but will be open from 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. tomorrow.

Stroke Club Middletown Stroke Club will meet at 1 p.m. in the community room at Sugarloaf Terrace in Middlefield. The Stroke Club meets the first Monday of every month. For information call Ida at 860344-9984, Ray at 860-349-9226 or Ann at 203-235-4275.

WEDNESDAY

July 7 TOPS Durham TOPS Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Durham Town Hall. For information call Naomi Klotsko at 860-3499558 or Bonnie Olesen at 860349-9433. Summer Concert The free summer concert series continues at Allyn Brook Park in Durham tonight with the Karma Brothers playing classic rock at 6:30 p.m. Music at the Mansion The Wadsworth Mansion concert series begins tonight with Souled Out performing Motown and soul sounds at 6:30 p.m. The grounds will be open for picnicking at 5:30 p.m. Parking is available at the Mansion, Snow School and Mercy High School. Concerts will be held in light rain, or the threat of showers. For more information, visit www.wadsworthmansion.com or call 860-347-1064. Prescription Drug Abuse The Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council will hold a teen influencer training session on prescription drug abuse from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce board room, 393 Main St. in Middletown. The training session will include how to recognize, deal with and prevent prescription drug abuse among children in their teenage years. For info, call Betsey Chadwick at 860-347-5959 or Erica Mullins at 860-343-1819. Buddy Holly Story The Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St. in Ivoryton presents the Buddy Holly Story tonight through Aug. 1. For show times and tickets, call 860-767-7318 or visit www.ivorytonplayhouse.org Stroke Survivors MidState Medical Center stroke support group, an interactive group designed to assist stroke survivors and

Friday, July 2, 2010

their caregivers in learning more about stroke and recovery issues, will meet today. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Conference Room 7 at MidState Medical Center.

chairs and blankets and enjoy the music. The grounds are available for picnickers at 5 p.m. Call 203-679-5900 for info.

THURSDAY

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 more info. Bake Sale Can Drive BASREP will hold a bake sale and can drive at Korn Elementary School from 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. All of the proceeds will benefit the Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown. Your Spiritual Frontier Connecticut Eckankar regional seminar, Exploring the Spiritual Frontier, will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Eckankar Temple of CT, corner of Rt. 66 and Harvest Woods Road. Explore the spiritual nature of yourself as soul through talks and creative arts. Speakers and musicians may inspire you on your own personal quest. Share a weekend filled with opportunity to explore your inner worlds. E-mail eckinfo@ct-eckankar.org, visit www.ct-eckankar.org or call 860-346-2226 for information. This program will be repeated on Sunday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Baked Bean Supper United Churches of Durham will have a baked bean supper beginning at 6 p.m. in the air-conditioned Fellowship Hall on the corner of Main Street and Route 66. The suppers include baked beans, scalloped corn, macaroni dishes, salads and homemade breads and pies. Dinners are $7 for adults and $4 for children under 10. All are welcome. Shakespeare & Music ARTFARM presents Shakespeare’s As You Like It tonight at Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Rd. in Middletown. Live music with Banning Eyre and Dirck Westervelt playing string music of West Africa begins at 6 p.m. and the play begins at 7 p.m. Bring picnics, blankets or lawn chairs. The event is free, but a $20 donation is suggested. For info, call 860-346-4390 or visit

July 8 Shakespeare & Music ARTFARM presents Shakespeare’s As You Like It tonight at Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Rd. in Middletown. Live music with Nancy Tucker on guitar, begins at 6 p.m. and the play begins at 7 p.m. Bring picnics, blankets or lawn chairs. The event is free, but a $20 donation is suggested. For info, call 860-346-4390 or visit www.art-farm.org.

Farmers Market Enjoy a traditional farmers’ market on the Durham green today and every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. Jazz Quartet Joel Frahm will perform with Orrin Evans on piano, Omer Avital on bass and Mark Ferber on drums at 8 p.m. in Wesleyan’s CFA Theater, located in the Center for the Arts complex at 283 Washington Terrace, on the Wesleyan University campus in Middletown. Admission is $18 general; $16 senior citizens; $10 students. For information and tickets, visit www.wesleyan.edu/cfa or call 860-685-3355. Trio of Solos Green Street Arts Center, 51 Green St. in Middletown, will spotlight three different artists featuring sculpture, jewelry, paintings, live music and refreshments from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for kids. Visit www.greenstreetartscenter.o rg for information.

Free Concert Enjoy the music of the Frank Porto band playing “golden oldies” at 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. on the grounds of Masonicare, 22 Masonic Ave. in Wallingford. Bring lawn

FRIDAY

July 9

www.art-farm.org.

SATURDAY

July 10

Dudley Farm Market The Dudley Farm farmers market will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the corner of Routes 77 and 80 in North Guilford. The market features produce, shell fish, beef and lamb, maple syrup, honey, baked goods, pickles and crafts. For more information, call 860-349-3917. Interview Coaching Business professional Jeff Thierfeld will offer in-depth interview coaching from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown. Sign up for a 45minute appointment by calling 860-347-2520. Please bring your resume. Shakespeare & Music ARTFARM presents Shakespeare’s As You Like It at Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Rd. in Middletown. Music with Noah Baerman and friends playing jazz begins at 6 p.m. and the play begins at 7 p.m. Bring picnics, blankets or lawn chairs. A $20 donation is suggested. For info, call 860-346-4390 or visit www.art-farm.org

SUNDAY

July 11

Coginchaug Soccer Club The Coginchaug Soccer Club annual meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Middlefield Community Center. Shakespeare & Music ARTFARM presents Shakespeare’s As You Like It tonight at Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Rd. in Middletown. Live music with Tom Callinan singing folk music begins at 6 p.m. and the play begins at 7 p.m. Bring picnics, blankets or lawn chairs. The event is free, but a $20 donation is suggested. For info, call 860-346-4390 or visit www.art-farm.org

Monday

July 12

Free Movie The Middletown Senior Center, 150 Williams Street, offers a free movie every Monday at 12:30 p.m. Today: The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei.

Town Times

Friday, July 2, 2010

On the Connecticut Wine Trail Our excellent Connecticut wine tour adventure By Kathy Meyering Special to the Town Times Napa Valley is a lovely place to visit, especially if you are a wine enthusiast. The wineries there are quite impressive and boast many familiar labels. My husband and I enjoyed a day of visiting several of these with friends of ours, and came home wishing there was a “wine trail” in Connecticut. Little did we know that such a thing existed until last summer, when we decided to combine a concert at Tanglewood Music Theater in Lenox, Massachusetts, with a day-long tour of the Connecticut wineries in the northwest corner of the state. Anyone who has been to Tanglewood knows that the cost of lodging in Lenox during the concert season is high, and securing a room is difficult unless booked months in advance. To avoid both of these downsides, after the

concert we drove an easy 40 minutes to the Blackberry River Inn in Norfolk, Connecticut. The Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places, and served one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had at a B&B. While the Inn was charming, it was also a perfect launching spot for our Connecticut Wine Trail adventure. The Blackberry Inn is right on Route 44, and a “Connecticut Wine Trail” sign less than a mile down the road directed us on our way through some of the most scenic areas of Litchfield County. Within a half hour, we stopped at the first of five vineyards we would visit that day. Haight Vineyard, located in Litchfield, was one of the largest establishments. Their wide-open tasting room offered views of acres upon acres of grapevines. In addition to wine, there was a shop featuring handcrafted items by local artisans and an interesting collection of cheeses. This was the only vineyard that served us a substantial snack with our wine. The staff provided us with some

general guidelines for matching the cheeses and chocolate they served us with the appropriate wine. Their website, www.haightvineyards.com, lists several special events the vineyard hosts over the summer. We left Haight’s with two bottles of their wine, two new “HV” monogrammed wineglasses, and a “Connecticut Wine Trails Passport.” The passport program is sponsored by the Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council and makes traveling the wine trail a bit like a scavenger hunt. For each Connecticut winery you visit, you receive a stamp in your passport. Our passport promised that after we had earned 14 stamps we would be eligible to win a trip for two to Spain. Our next stop was Hopkin’s Vineyard in New Preston, (www.hopkinsvineyard.com) . Since my husband and I spent our wedding night at the Hopkin’s Inn, which is adjacent to the vineyard, we made this our lunch destination as well. The Inn is well known for its excellent Austrian cuisine, and since we

A view of the vineyards at Haight Vineyard in Litchfield.

Photo from website

learned from our California adventure that a wine tour can be a bit worrisome on an empty stomach, this stop was well-timed. After a delicious lunch, we moseyed over to the winery, a converted 19th century barn. We were able to take a self-guided tour of the wine-making apparatus, enjoyed a sample of some of the wines in the tasting room, and then went upstairs to their wine bar in the loft, where wine-themed gifts were available for purchase. We departed from Hopkin’s with two more bottles of wine, two monogrammed wine glasses, another stamp in our

wine trails passport, and headed out to visit three more vineyards that afternoon: White Silo Winery in Sherman, DiGrazia Vineyards in Brookfield, and McLaughlin Vineyards in Sandy Hook.

DiGrazia Vineyards (www.digrazia.com) was the fanciest of the three, offering the largest selection of wines and a lovely courtyard garden that reminded me of Italy. I felt inclined (for health reasons, of course!) to swallow more of the wine at this vineyard, since Dr. DiGrazio is known for his

See Wine, page 22

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It’s time for ‘lights out’ in Middlefield

Help for HELO P e t e r Cascini, left, of the DurhamMiddlefield Exchange C l u b , hands a check to Elisabeth Kennedy of Middlefield, cofounder of HELO, an orphanage in Haiti. Kennedy has been a frequent traveler to Haiti on mission trips and longer to do something more for the children of that country so she helped start an orphange. The earthquake early in the year added immeasurably to the burdens, and HELO has just opened a third house to care for orphans of the quake. Cascini noted that this is the kind of direct action the Exchange Club loves to support. Go to www.helohaiti.org to find out more. HELO stands for Home, Education, Love, Opportunity. Boston;Around the Clock Heating & Cooling;B14014;3x6

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By Sue VanDerzee Town Times “This time, the people have spoken,” said Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw as he explained town officials’ ongoing crusade to turn off some of the town’s 425-450 streetlights. “We’re half the size of Durham in area,” Brayshaw continued, “and we have more than twice as many streetlights.” The issue, however, is financial this time around. Middlefield will have spent around $60,000 for electricity to power its many streetlights during the fiscal year that ended this week on June 30. The budget approved at town meeting for the next fiscal year, which began on July 1, is $40,000. The math is easy – all other things being equal, it would mean that Middlefield would have to turn out about a third of their streetlights. All other things are not equal, however, since some lights cost more to operate than others (there’s one at Peckham Park, for example, that costs over $800 a year by itself), and Brayshaw

expects an electric rate hike to impact the budget as well. So far, officials are building on the work done three years ago by the Energy Advisory Committee, which set guidelines for turning off streetlights appropriately. No streetlight at an intersection will be turned off. Also density of both housing and lighting will be considered. Brayshaw is also trying to get the state to explain why they pay for lighting on some state highways (Route 66 and 691) but not others (Routes 147 and 157). “Road foreman John Wyskiel has traveled around making sure that cutting off a particular light will not affect snowplowing,” continued Brayshaw, “and the fire department and police have looked at each light we’ve shut off for safety issues.” That doesn’t necessarily carry much weight with residents who live near the 20+ lights that have so far been shut off. “For so long electricity was cheap, and if someone asked for a light, they got it,” said Brayshaw. “Now, with budgets so tight and energy saving in the news, we’re looking to go the other way,

Prescription drug abuse seminar The Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council (MCSAAC) will hold a teen influencer training session on prescription drug abuse on Wednesday, July 7, from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Chamber of Com-

merce board room, 393 Main St. in Middletown. The training session will include how to recognize, deal with and prevent prescription drug abuse amongst children in their teenage years. The

LEGAL NOTICE Town of Durham, CT Notice is hereby given tot he taxpayers of the Town of Durham that the Town Tax on the Grand List of October 1, 2009 is due and payable in two installments, July 1, 2010 and January 1, 2011. All Motor Vehicle Taxes and Taxes in the amount of $100 or less are due and payable in full July 1, 2010. If the first payment is not paid on or before August 2, 2010, interest will be charged from July 1, 2010 at 1.5% per month (8/3/10 = 3% added) with a minimum interest charge of $2.00.

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problem goes way beyond cough syrup. Do you know what a vic, oxy or red is? Can you tell if a girl is taking diet pills? Recognize a teen on steroids? If you are working with kids this summer, take a little time to learn about the hazards of prescription drugs. This free workshop will bring together sports coaches, camp counselors, youth advisors, parents, and mentors. To register, or for more information, contact Betsey Chadwick at 860-347-5959 or Erica Mullins at 860-343-1819, or email Betsey@mcsaac.org.

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and people don’t always like it.” He’s had several calls from affected residents worrying about safety issues or just complaining about losing the convenience of having a light beside their driveways. “It’s the not-in-my-backyard in reverse,” he said. “Saving energy and money is up to the other guy; don’t take my light away.” Brayshaw pointed out that the town itself has “done virtually all it can do” to save energy and money with installation of a new efficient heat pump in Town Hall, insulation at the Community Center and new insulated doors for the highway department garage. The next area of town where streetlight shutoffs will be targeted is in the area around Lake Beseck, and that’s not the end. Besides this program, Brayshaw noted that the Energy Advisory Committee will be asked to develop an energy policy for the town that will apply to such things as new police cruisers and leaving town trucks running unnecessarily. “It’s a new budget and a new day,” concluded Brayshaw.

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Town Times

Friday, July 2, 2010

Getting out and about with the senior bus places they never thought they’d get to see or be able to drive to.”

About six years ago, with a monetary contribution from the Durham/Middlefield Exchange Club and a grant from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT), Durham and Middlefield were able to launch a bus service for senior citizens and disabled residents. The bus, provided by the American Red Cross, transports riders for out-of-county medical appointments on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays and to organized therapeutic activities, such as the Big E, Hammonasset State Beach, Rocky Neck, Yankee Candle, IKEA, WestFarms and Meriden mall, Ocean State Job Lot, Super WalMart, Elizabeth Park, Trader Joes and various restaurants on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. After a few years of using the bus service, we wondered how residents were liking it. “I really enjoy it,” said Rockfall resident Shirley Bastura. “I’ve used the bus quite a few times, and I go somewhere once in a while that I think I might like. I think the bus driver, Marvin, is great. He helps with my bags sometimes.” Bastura appreciates having the option of going to those activities she is most interested in, and she says having the option to venture out if she desires is a great feeling. “(The senior/disabled bus trip program) far exceeds anything I expected,” said Middlefield municipal agent for the elderly Antoinette Astle. “Seniors are getting out instead of staying in their homes, and they’re going to

Astle says those who use the bus tell her it is a blessing because they don’t feel so isolated. Not to mention, they thoroughly enjoy the entire experience, from the camaraderie to the ride itself. “It’s not just about the destination or the store,” said Astle. “But, boy, do those seniors love going to the Christmas Tree Shop.” Since the start of the bus service, the program has continually grown and been utilized by a growing number of residents. Some trips, like the Thimble Islands, fill up more quickly than others. But regardless of the destination, all trips throughout the state cost $3 round trip and return no later than 3:30 p.m. According to Astle, depending on where the bus is going for the day, it will leave between 8:30 and 10 a.m. There

are designated bus stops in both towns, but if a resident is unable to drive to them, they can arrange beforehand to have pick-up at their homes. Medical appointments in the Hartford area take place on Mondays, appointments in the New Haven area are on Thursdays and Meriden/Wallingford on Fridays. For those who love the Christmas Tree Shop as much as everybody else seems to, the next trip back is July 13. For questions call Astle at 860-349-7121 or Durham municipal agent for the elderly Jan Muraca at 860-349-3153. To sign up for the service, call the Middlesex County American Red Cross at 860347-3313.

On the way to an adventure (above right). Seniors on the bus and preparing to embark!

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By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times

Photos by Antoinette Astle

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Town Times Opinion

Friday, July 2, 2010

It’s beginning to feel a lot like summer

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, Joseph Adinolfi, Chuck Corley, Kathy Meyering, Judy Moeckel, Tori Piscatelli.

This issue of Town Times feels like summer. Just note the lack of meeting coverage and the wealth of places to visit and enjoy presented by our writers, who just happen to be fantastic vacationers who love to bring you those out-of-the-way, off-the-beaten-path kind of opportunities for fun, fascination and relaxation! Note also the many opportunities to listen to music, often for free, and do something a little different with those long, firefly-studded evenings. We also welcome readers’ tips and suggestions, as well as photographs, of some of your favorite summer places to go. This year, we’re focusing on in-state places (well, mostly; we will cross a border or two from time to time). That’s because it’s often those sights nearby that we ignore, thinking, “That’s so close. I can go there anytime.” Way too often, “anytime” doesn’t ever come while vacationers from farther

away rave about the things to do in our own backyards. And speaking of backyards, we can’t help but call attention to the plight of Middlefield, as explained on page 6, with regard to its campaign to turn off streetlights. What’s not to like about trying to save energy and money (taxpayers’ money – your money, to boot)? How can we ever make decent public decisions if “what’s good for me” or “what I think is good, comfortable or usual for me” always trumps the common good? We can’t have it both ways. We can’t demand lower taxes and no more oil spills and no wind farms spoiling our view and all the services we’re used to, and oh yes, lower taxes. We’re a contrary species, that’s for sure, but we may have to learn to put some of that attitude aside as we consider the challenges that confront us, even in the summer. Sue VanDerzee, editor

Letters to the Editor

DEP on the job To the Editor: The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been actively involved in addressing safety issues at the Blue Trail Range in Wallingford. Our interest in this matter stems from our responsibility to protect people using our lands — in this case, nearby Tri-

Mountain State Park. DEP successfully negotiated an agreement with Blue Trail Range in 2008. Under this agreement, the operators of Blue Trail implemented many safety improvements — both structural and procedural – and closed the 200-yard firing range they had previously operated. This agreement has had a positive effect on the safety of Tri-Mountain

Special election letter rules In order to allow the largest number of citizens to express their opinions on the November elections, we set a few special election season letter rules. Number one, the deadline for election letters will be Monday at 5 p.m. Number two, election letters will be limited to 200 words. Also, in order to allow as many people as possible to weigh in, we will not print letters that have already been printed in another publication. For the last week before elections (deadline Oct. 25), only positive letters of support will be accepted. Of course, only signed letters with phone numbers, so we can verify authorship, will be printed.

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.

State Park. Since it was signed, we have not detected any fresh bullet strikes on the park property, nor have any complaints of fresh bullet strikes been reported to us by users of the park. While these improvements have the potential to provide similar protections to nearby residents who have raised concerns, DEP has no legal authority to act on their behalf. We are not empowered to regulate rifle ranges or the terms of their operation. Our ability to focus on range safety is strictly limited to protecting our state parks and forests. Since the agreement between DEP and the range remains in place and is being honored, the agency sees no need at this time to pursue costly legal action. DEP’s posture would change, however, if Blue Trail attempted to reopen the 200-yard range without providing additional safety measures and protocols to prevent bullets from striking the state park property, or if our unannounced inspections of the range showed any laxness in enforcing safety requirements. In either of those two circumstances, DEP, in consultation with the Attorney General’s office, would carefully weigh the legal options and take whatever action was deemed appropriate. In addition to safety issues, concerns have been raised by some about the impact the

lead contained in bullets from the range could have on the water quality of nearby Ulbrich Reservoir. The quality of those waters is monitored on an ongoing basis by the local water company to make certain water provided to customers meets safety standards. People who rely on drinking water provided by the town of Wallingford’s Water Division should know that their water continues to meet these standards. When it comes to Blue Trail Range, DEP has taken appropriate steps to meet its responsibilities to protect users of the state park and to safeguard the nearby water resources. Susan Frechette, Deputy Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection

Where is Brayshaw taking Middlefield? I am writing this letter as a volunteer member of the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) and as a concerned citizen. I am not running for office nor do I intend to do so. I feel responsible to bring this issue of great concern to the public. Where is the first selectman of our town trying to take us? He does not appear to have a valid plan to lead the

town into the future. He only has ideas that never seem to work and that may not be in the best interests of the town. I will start with the most recent issue, but will also mention events from the past. Perhaps Mr. Brayshaw does not understand the functions of our commissions. Yes, he and the Economic Development Commission (EDC) are trying to entice businesses to locate in our town. However, the Inland Wetlands Commission (IWC) and the P&Z have the responsibility to ensure that a submitted proposal meets the regulation requirements established in law. Mr. Brayshaw, in a recent EDC meeting discussing an application, stated that the IWC and P&Z need to “get their act together” and that we should not “behave like this” and that it “wastes a lot of time.” IWC and P&Z will ask a lot of questions, but it is only to insure that the proposal meets all requirements. That application proposal was approved, but is much improved. We are not anti-business! Mr. Brayshaw also has authored several misguided attempts in the past. The original Powder Ridge proposal as presented by him was an attempt to please every wish of the previous owner. The Board of Finance (and the See Where, page 10

Town Times Columns

Friday, July 2, 2010

What’s in a flag?

The days of summer

these four representaWhen I was in grade tives of the Armed school in the ‘60s, Kathy Meyering Forces, men who dideveryone knew that n’t know my father, the 14th of June was took time out of their Flag Day. I still can reday to honor his servmember being given the honor of raising the flag on the ice and comfort his family. But certainpole that morning. The entire school ly, the honor guard was an important body sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag” recognition of my father’s patriotism, in the courtyard, and then went back passed down to him by his immigrant into the classrooms to write poetry parents. Somehow, the moment connected myself and my siblings to the faabout being an American. Over the years, the observance of ther we didn’t know when he served Flag Day has fallen by the wayside. his term in the Army, connected us to But symbols do not lose their power. his contemporaries gathered at the As a sign of our country and its stated grave, connected us even more powervalues, the flag has been used as a ve- fully to our mother, who was perhaps hicle to express support and disap- the most grateful for this chance to proval. Anti-American protestors set honor the man she had been married to fire to it; children wave it alongside for more than 50 years. Over the Memorial Day weekend, I Memorial Day parade routes. I’ve never considered myself partic- happened upon a website posted by a ularly patriotic. Grateful for our free- photographer who has made it his doms, yes; proud of how our country mission to film military funeral servconducts itself, not always. Perhaps ices. In one moving video, a military because of this, the sight of the star- honor guard is waiting to transport spangled banner failed to cause a stir the bodies of two fallen soldiers from a in my heart. However, two years ago transport plane. While the camera is the flag took on new and powerful trained on the plane, there is no sound meaning for me when we buried my on the video. However, as a flag-covfather, an Army veteran, to the sound ered coffin appears and is moved of “Taps” and the folding of the flag by down a ramp to the tarmac, the cries and sobs of the grieving families and a military honor guard. A military honor guard has long friends becomes audible. It was the been the tradition for soldiers killed sight of the flag-draped coffin that in combat. However, in the year 2000, brought home the horrible reality of the Department of Defense imple- their loss. That sight delivers a commented a new program, “Honoring pelling image of the cost of war and Those Who Served,” which provides the dreadful price so many men and dignified military funeral honors to women pay in the line of duty. It is a all eligible veterans. On the family’s private moment for the family, but the request, a veteran can receive a grave- grief they experience unites us all. These days the sight of the red, side ceremony which includes folding and presenting the United States bur- white, and blue stirs all kinds of feelings in me. Symbols point us to things ial flag and the playing of “Taps.” For my father’s funeral, two uni- that matter. In a personal way, the flag formed representatives of the Army certainly connects me to the memory took the flag that draped my father’s of my father. But in a more global coffin and, at the orders of a third offi- sense, it reminds me of the connection cer, folded it in a solemn and respectful I have with all those Americans who ritual and then handed it to my moth- have given of themselves, at times at er. As soon as the flag rested on my great cost, to our country and our mother’s lap, a fourth uniformed man world. And that is reason to be proud. (For more information on the “Honturned his back to the assembly and played a mournful rendition of “Taps.” oring Those Who Served” program, fuIt is difficult to explain the power in neral home directors should be able to this ritual, but the reaction of those help families who request military fugathered at the graveside made it clear neral honors. Veterans’ organizations that all were deeply moved by the cere- may assist in the provision of military mony. Perhaps it was the fact that funeral honors as well.)

of town, including Nat King Cole sang White’s Farm, Hadabout the “Lazy, Hazy, dam Quarter Road, Crazy Days of SumHigganum Road, Bear mer,” but that is not Rock Road, Guire the tune we’re singing Road and other areas. at the Durham Town Not only will we reHall. Our time is more store the roadway at like BTO singing White’s Farm, but we “Taking care of busiare working closely ness, every day, taking with state and federal care of business, every officials to create a way.” We are busy and plan to restore the we are excited. Here stream bed and reduce are some of the projflooding elsewhere on ects we are working on Laura Francis, Durham White’s Farm. this summer. We will begin to reFirst and foremost, place our road signs to we are busy getting the comply with new fednew Durham Activity eral reflectivity stanCenter ready to offidards. Because no cially open in Septemfunding accompanied ber. Painting began last week, which will be followed by this mandate, we are phasing in the floor installation and build-out of a approximately $45,000 project over the kitchenette. Thank you to those of you next five years. You may have already who have sent in monetary and equip- noticed the larger blue signs and how ment donations, but we still need more, much more noticeable they are, which specifically a pool table, ping pong is particularly appreciated by our table, banquet and card tables, folding emergency responders. What are we chairs, soft chairs, couch, board games doing with the old signs? They will be and puzzles, kitchen equipment and collected and put up for sale once we just about anything you can think of to have a good supply to offer, possibly as make our activity center more inviting. a fundraiser. Speaking of fundraisers … the PubA new committee, the DMIAAB task force, will begin work this sum- lic Safety Committee, Volunteer Fire mer as soon as the town of Middlefield Department, Volunteer Ambulance appoints their members. The new task Corps and Emergency Management force has been created because the Department will join together and agreement between Durham and Mid- soon announce a fundraiser to help us dlefield that governs the existence and properly display our house numbers. operations of our transfer station is ex- Highly reflective house numbers will piring in 2011. The new task force will be sold with the proceeds to benefit the evaluate the current interlocal agree- Durham Animal Response Team ment for up-to-date utility, research (DART) and the Fire Explorer procontemporary models for interlocal, gram. There is a town ordinance regional municipal agreements ac- which you can find at http://licording to state statutes, conduct effi- b r a r y 6 . m u n i c o d e . c o m / d e f a u l t ciency review of current operations, test/home.htm?infobase=12177&doc_ conduct management/operational reaction=whatsnew that requires all view and research best practice mod- houses to have house numbers promiels or alternate service delivery mod- nently displayed. Look for more deels and will make recommendations tails about how you can purchase new for modifications and re-approval of numbers. These are just a few things that will the interlocal agreement. As of this writing, we have signed keep us busy this summer. Don’t get off on approximately $36,000 of storm me wrong, we will also find time to endamage with FEMA. We are also joy this glorious season. In fact, I am working with them on two other proj- off to the beach for a few days to celeects. Our plan is to use this federal aid brate our 50th birthdays with some to repair some of our flood-prone areas high school friends. The big 50! Yikes.

Guest Column

From The Desk Of The First Selectman

Along the campaign trail ...

Successful Democratic rally held on the Middlefield town green

Under the shade of large maple trees, an old-fashioned political rally was held on Saturday, June 26. The rally was complete with food, political conversation and a raffle. Senator Tom Gaffey spoke of his passion for education. Representative Matt Lesser explained his opposition to hidden elec-

trical charges. Representative Denise Merrill stated that, as a candidate for Secretary of State, she followed a family tradition for passion in politics. New Haven councilman Gerry Garcia, another candidate for Secretary of State, promised to strive to bring more voters into the political process.

Two drawings were held for raffle prizes of $500 each. The winners were Holly Pearce Bisson from Durham and Leonard Pinz from Middlefield.

Right, Alma Elder of the Middlefield Democratic Town Committee hands a prize to Holly Pearce Bisson. More photos on page 16.

Town Times

Another young fundraiser ...

Where

K i y a h Reynolds, a s e c o n d grader at Brewster School, recently participated in a fund-raising walk for the K i d n e y Foundation with her father, Daniel Reynolds. They raised $155. Her past efforts have included collecting toys for the Ronald McD o n a l d house, nonperishable food items for the food bank and cases of water for Haiti earthquake victims. Photo submitted by Bonnie Ruffino

town) was correct in voting down that proposal. He has now spent over $200,000 on this issue to date. Where is the public involvement? Several proposals have come and gone, and we do not know why. What is the delay with the current proposals? Is it hidden behind the overused executive sessions at the Board of Selectmen (BOS)? Are the other selectmen even informed of most of his actions? The public needs to be informed and participate in the process. What is the status of the state grant for Powder Ridge? It is not on the latest State Bond Commission agenda despite being proposed several months ago. Concerning the Hubbard property, he delayed for well over a year to negotiate the access with Zygo, and now proposes to add residential units on the north end of the property. Why? These units would be on land polluted by the previous owners. Who will pay for the cleanup? What happens to the state grant that was for industrial development uses only? In another industrial park situation, Mr. Brayshaw wants to propose a zone change to allow a zoning violation on town land to continue without correcting it. This zone change would decrease town open space and establish the dubious precedent of changing a type of zoning that has not previously been allowed in our town. Mr. Brayshaw, as far as I know, has not sought the advice of anyone or very few on

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(From page 8)

Friday, July 2, 2010 town planning. Our town does have ideas on what we want. Will he listen to us? William B. Waff, Middlefield

What you should expect from the Census Bureau The 2010 Census will continue through the summer, visiting households across the country to collect information. However, not everyone knows that Census Bureau representatives also visit or call a sample of households to collect information for a variety of important surveys. In an effort to avoid confusion, I would like to clarify these operations. For the 2010 Census, our enumerators are visiting housing units from which we did not receive a form, did not receive a form in time to update census workers’ assignments, or received a form that requires verification. Enumerators will ask for your information even if you state that you mailed back a form in order to ensure the accuracy of the count. In addition to the once-adecade census, Census Bureau field representatives collect data on a monthly basis for a number of other surveys, such as the American Community Survey and the National Health Interview Survey. These surveys provide invaluable data about a variety of topics, including health, education, income, employment, and disability, that guide representatives of your community and organi-

zations to make more informed decisions about vital services. You can call 1-800562-5721 to learn if you are in a survey. It is easy to identify a 2010 Census enumerator or field representative. He or she will have a census ID badge that contains a Department of Commerce seal and will provide supervisor and/or office contact information for verification, if asked. Field representatives have photo IDs and use a computer to facilitate the collection of data. Census workers will not contact individuals by e-mail, but may do so by phone. In addition, they will not ask about immigration status or for bank account or credit card numbers. Remember that your responses to either the 2010 Census or any ongoing survey are protected by federal law and cannot be shared with any agency or person. Please, step up and be counted in the 2010 Census. If your household is selected for a survey, please participate to help us collect vital information that will help your community receive its fair share of federal funding, representation, and effective planning. I appreciate your cooperation. Kathleen Ludgate, Regional Director, U.S. Census Bureau

Legal discrimination?

The Middlefield Housing Authority (whoever they are) wants to some day expand Sugarloaf. For people 55 years See Legal, next page

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Town Times

Friday, July 2, 2010

Nina Akerley asks for your votes to be a ‘blog-o-spondent’ By Tori Piscarelli Special to the Town Times

When Nina Akerley entered the “Live from Lexington” contest to report as a “blog-ospondent” for the World Equestrian Games this fall in Lexington, Kentucky, she never thought that anything would come of it. Now, Nina has been selected as a one of four semi-finalists, beating out

250 other contestants. Nina entered the contest at a friend’s request who knew of Nina’s passion for horses and writing. Nina submitted an essay and video in what she compares to an “American Idoltype contest of the equestrian world.” Nina grew up in Durham with her four siblings and parents where she was able to ride horses through the woods and

Legal

(Continued from page 10) kind of discriminatory practices by our commissions and boards make me want to puke. My next novel will deal with you. The poorer people of our state have no shot at living here amongst the elite. Mark J. Czaja, Keene State Institute of Higher Learning, Keene, New Hampshire

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trian contests and are held every four years. This year’s games will be held from Sept. 25 to Oct. 10. Along with the honor of attending and blogging about the 2010 Games in Lexington, the two finalists will each win one ton of horse feed. Since Nina does not own her own horse, she will be donating her prize to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm to help abused and neglected horses. However, to get there, Nina needs your votes! She is only a few clicks away from being a finalist and would greatly appreciate your help. To vote for Nina Akerley and help support her dream, visit www.livefromlexington.com where you can read Nina’s essay, view her contest video and read her blogs. Voters are permitted one vote per day until voting ends on July 12th. You can also follow Nina on Twitter under EquineWriter.

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or older. One bedroom apartments for $1,250 a month. (I can almost buy a house on snob hill for that.) There will be 22 new units of housing on Powder Ridge, for persons 55 years or older and with a clause stating that no children will be allowed. Can someone out there tell me how, in the year 2010, our government here can still get away with discrimination? Aren’t there any laws against zoning out poorer people? These are the same people who go to church on Sundays and pray for the poor amongst us. $1,250 a month is not affordable housing. God Almighty forbid if we should actually have any affordable housing in Piddlefield and Dumham; there might be children in them and some of them might have brown or black skin. These

fields. It was in Durham that she was able to explore her love for horses and where she has ridden since first grade. Although Nina has never owned a horse of her own, she used to work hard as a child at Movado Farms stables in order to take riding lessons. She also worked with other trainers and eventually became an assistant trainer herself. Nina graduated from Coginchaug High School and said, “Through the Durham school system, I became a good writer

and developed my passion for reading and writing.” Not only has the town of Durham provided Nina with horses to ride and a great education, but also tremendous support throughout this incredible experience. Nina says that if she wins, she knows it’s because of the people from Durham who have been behind her the whole time, supporting her with votes and encouragement. She’s been working towards an opportunity like reporting at the World Equestrian Games all her life, and it is good to know that “Durham has my back,” Nina says. Two finalists will be selected to go to Lexington and report for a week each at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) this fall. This will be the first time that the games will be held in the U.S.; their usual venue is Europe. The WEGs are comprised of eight eques-

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Town Times

12 Hale

Friday, July 2, 2010

(From page 1)

necticut near New York City in September 1776, Hale received word that the British were about to take the city, and he volunteered to go behind enemy lines, traveling as a teacher in search of work. From a Monday morning quarterback perspective, his eagerness could be seen as an attempt to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic, but at this time and place, it was the proper course of action. Prior to leaving for New York, Hale left a trunk containing his Bible, long rifle and fancy shoe buckles with a friend in New Haven. It is said that he told the friend he could not take his shoe buckles because such fancy items would not be worn by an itinerant school teacher. During his brief stay in New York, Hale created drawings of British troop movements with notations in Latin, which he hid in his now buckleless shoes. The city fell to the British on Sept. 15, 1776, hundreds of patriots were rounded up, and Hale was executed as a spy on Sept. 22, 1776. Rumors of his younger brother’s death first reached the Reverend Enoch Hale, who was tending to troops in Northwestern Connecticut. He rode to New Haven to verify the news, picked up his brother’s trunk and arrived in

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A replica of the house Nathan Hale grew up in. Coventry to break the sad news just as the family was moving into a newly-built, larger home. Although Nathan was the only Hale son to die during the war, five others served. Three of them died shortly after returning from war, possibly from tuberculosis. His eldest brother Samuel, who also served with Knowlton’s Rangers, returned home after the war and was considered “infirm,” suffering from what we would today call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He lived in a separate home on the property under the conservatorship of older brother John until he died in his seventies. The second oldest son, John, became the designated heir, but both father and son died within months of each other, most likely from tuberculosis. How did the British know he was a spy? In the aftermath of a mysterious fire in New York City on Sept. 21, 1776, 200 suspected revolutionary sympathizers

were rounded up by British soldiers. One account has Hale being outed by British officer Major Robert Rogers who spoke with Hale at a New York pub and tricked him into admitting that he was a patriot spy by pretending to be one himself. Another account states that his Loyalist cousin, Samuel Hale, was the man who revealed the itinerant school teacher’s true identity. The maps and Latin notations later found in his shoes and the Yale diploma he carried in his pocket sealed his fate. What did he say as the noose was drawn around his neck? Was it the now-famous line, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country?” Modern historians note that as a Yale student, Hale would have been familiar with the play “Cato” by Joseph Addison. In one scene he writes, “How beautiful is death when earned by virtue! Who would not be that youth? What a pity is it that we can die but once to save our country.”

Others present would likely have been familiar with the famous passage, and through word of mouth, the edited version became part of our national consciousness. What is not disputed is that various accounts later written by British soldiers present at his execution describe Hale as conducting himself with respectable composure and heroic demeanor as he bravely stepped up to the gallows to his fate. Where was he hanged/ buried? Numerous newspapers of the time and later accounts by historians and the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution point to various areas in present day Manhattan as the site of Hale’s hanging and burial. Hale’s body was never found and is assumed to have been buried in a mass grave. An empty grave cenotaph was erected by his family in Nathan Hale Cemetery in South Coventry. What did he look like? Though many statues have been erected throughout Connecticut and New York City, there are no known likenesses of Hale other than a candle silhouette, probably drawn

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by a sibling when Hale was in his teens. Fellow soldiers, classmates and family members described him as a blueeyed young man with blond hair who was slightly taller than the average. Is the Nathan Hale Homestead haunted? On August 1, 2009, the Connecticut-based ghost investigation group CPEAR conducted an on-site study of the property. Several members of the CPEAR investigation crew heard and saw strange things that they could not explain away via scientific means, and electronic equipment revealed anomalies that also could not be explained. For more information on this investigation, go to the website: CPEARGROUP.COM. The Nathan Hale Trail The best place to begin is at the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry, which is open from Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31 and conducts informative tours of the property throughout the day. Many activities are planned for the homestead throughout the summer and those interested should log onto: ctlandmarks.org for more information. Other areas of interest include the Nathan H a l e schoolhouses in East Haddam and New London, as well as F o r t Nathan Hale in N e w Haven.

The Hale Homestead in Coventry is a pristine example of a Georgian-style home. Although sold out of the Hale family in the 1820s, the house has remained virtually intact. The house was first restored by George Dudley Seymour, who saved the house in the early 20th century. Recent paint analysis has resulted in the repainting of the house interior in historic colors. This is the home that his family moved into right around the time of Nathan’s death.

Town Times

Friday, July 2, 2010

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Town Times

Friday, July 2, 2010

“All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all ...”

Sunday, June 27, 2010 They came in all shapes and sizes with owners young and not-so-young — chickens, guinea pigs, kittens, horses and LOTS of dogs — to receive a blessing at a special Blessing of the Animals service held on the lawn of the Community Center across from the sponsoring Middlefield Federated Church. They even came with “not quite real” animals like stuffed ducks (above right). And along with “All things bright and beautiful” and “This is my Father’s world,” the choir (above center) sang an appropriate anthem — “Rise and Shine,” a rolicking version of Noah and the ark!

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Town Times

Friday, July 2, 2010

How sweet it is!

One last wave before summer ...

All the staff at John Lyman School gather to wave one last good bye to their students on the last day of school. On June 6, the Jolly Ranchers 4-H Club visited Alan Poole and his bees in Middlefield. Mr. Poole, center above, showed us bee anatomy diagrams and told us the difference between drone bees and worker bees; drone bees stay in the hive and have a larger body than the worker bees. He explained why the queen beeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body was longer than other beesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bodies. Bees communicate using the sun to tell the other bees where to find the pollen. He showed us both of his hives and let us sample the honey in the combs. In one of the hives, he showed us the beautiful complex body of the queen bee, center of bottom photo; her body was much longer than I expected. After presenting the hives, Mr. Poole brought us in his home where we sampled different flavors and types of honey.

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tects by designing and creating a building model. In Flamenco and Gypsy Cultural Evenings (July 1923, $300), teens and adults will learn the footwork, arm movements, and clapping in rhythm needed for the dance of Flamenco. Explore this rich culture with videos, gypsy music, and props such as fans, hair combs and flowers. Cap off the week with a dance performance! To register for Art Weeks, call (860) 663-5593. Registration form online at www.artscenterkillingworth.org.

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Middlefield Town Briefs

Town government calendar on page 24.

Cool down at the Senior Center

Beat the heat with free movies and popcorn every Wednesday at the Middlefield Senior Center. The movies start at 1 p.m. and no reservations are required. Upcoming movies are Geisha, Seven Pounds, The Guardian and Pursuit of Happiness. Schedules and movies descriptions are available at the Center.

This is a great relaxing way to spend a summer afternoon with friends and neighbors. The Senior Cafe is open for lunch every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Lunch is served at noon and reservations for meals must be made 24 hours prior. Monthly menus are available at the Center, but a sampling of what we will be serving up next week is Wednesday, July 7: baked ham with raisin sauce, apple butter, baked

beans, Hawaiian coleslaw, marble bread and tropical fruit; Friday, July 9, cranberry juice, turkey cutlet with gravy, sweet potato with apples, peas and pearl onions, cranberry jelly, dinner roll and double chocolate cake. All lunches are served with milk and coffee or tea. They are provided by CRT and served by volunteers, and the suggested donation is $2. Free Blood Pressure Clinics are held every first and third Wednesday, July 7 and 21, at 12:15 p.m. Play Bocce on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Just bring a lawn chair! Refreshing, cold drinks are served. Foot care is provided by Connecticut Visiting Nurses every third Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $30 and it includes a soaking, assessment, toe nail clipping and massage. Appointments can be made by calling the Center. Exercise classes are offered for Middlefield seniors on Mondays and Fridays (yes, Fridays are back!) at 7:45 a.m. Gentle yoga is held on Wednesdays at 7:45 a.m. These are drop-in classes; no registration is needed; nonresidents or those under 60 pay $3 per class. The Middlefield Senior Center is located in the Community Center at 405 Main Street. Call Antoinette Astle

On the political trail, continued from page 9

Above, incumbent State Rep. Matt Lesser (D) and below Gerry Garcia, candidate for Secretary of the State, at a rally on the Middlefield town green on June 26.

at 860-349-7121 for information or to make reservations for any programs.

P&Z talks, nothing to vote on The Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission met on June 23, at which time they briefly discussed the progress on Powder Ridge ski area. Regarding the negotiations between the town and Alpine, Inc. for the property, town planner Geoff Colegrove said, “I think they’re pretty close on the details.” He also expects the town to receive a counter-offer for an easement through the Green 40 property before July. This would allow the owners of Powder Ridge to connect most directly with Lake Beseck to access water for snow-making. Member Jim Malcolm informed the commission that Matthew Crescimano had applied for a permit to move a salon business into 1 Lorraine Terrace soon after the site was approved for retail use. Malcolm described it as “peculiar” that this move occurred so soon after approval. Colegrove informed Malcolm that because a salon is a permitted use on the site, it is perfectly legal for the business to move in. He noted that the permit only covers one year, after which the owner

Friday, July 2, 2010

must come before the commission for re-approval. Furthermore, Colegrove understood that the Crescimano’s lease lapsed on his previous building, possibly explaining why the move occurred when it did. Although the proposed zone change that would allow Monarca to use part of the Strickland property for industrial purposes was brought up, the matter was tabled as First Selectman Jon Brayshaw still hasn’t signed the application. This issue involves a current occupant at the Industrial Park – Monarca – legitimizing the currently illegal storage of building materials on town-owned open space land contiguous to his business property. Otherwise, the commission concerned themselves with John Marosz’s 23 and 29 Meriden Road properties. This was brought up as Marosz failed to submit a site plan, which he was supposed to have done. Furthermore, Marosz is storing and selling vehicles on a residential property. In light of these violations, the commission will request Marosz to come before them for their next meeting. While they also discussed giving Marosz a deadline to submit a site plan, they chose to hold off until they meet with him. (In attendance/Chuck Corley)

Skate park construction to begin

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Above is a schematic drawing of the skateboard park planned for Peckham Park in Middlefield. Construction by contractor Jeff Paprocki, who has experience building such parks, will begin next week. The skate park will be located between the playscape area and the basketball court. Recreation director Chris Hurlbert hopes that the park will be ready for use by the end of August.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Durham Resident State Trooper report By Trish Dynia Special to the Town Times

tions, one at Durham Dari Serve and the other at Cozy Corner Restaurant.

Cookbook couple to speak at Durham Farm Market According to market manager Tina Hurlbert, the husband and wife cooking duo of Melissa Pellegrino and Matthew Scialabba will be visiting the Durham Farm Market in midAugust. Their cookbook will be available at that time. Watch for announcements about specific time and date. Below, an introduction provided by the August guests. By Melissa Pellegrino and Matthew Scialabba Two years ago we quit our jobs, sold our cars, and moved all of our belongings into storage, to leave for Italy and pursue our dream of writing a cookbook about the agriturismi (working farms with accommodations and restaurants) of northern Italy. For four months we traversed the eight most northern regions of Italy, visiting 30 agriturismi and cooking in their kitchens, to learn authentic farm to table regional Italian cuisine. The Italian Farmer’s Table is the result of our efforts. A 300-page cookbook brimming with over 150 transcribed recipes, packed with photographs, anecdotes and the pulse of agriturismo life. It’s exploration into rural Italy is truly unique with original recipes that represent an Italian cuisine forged from the seasons and what can be grown locally. In writing The Italian Farmer’s Table, we adapted each recipe for the home kitchen, to ensure ease in recreating these wonderful dishes with readily available ingredients accessible to the home cook. We are Matthew Scialabba and Melissa Pellegrino, a husband-and-wife cooking and writing team, who met while both living in Italy. Our shared passion for Italian food and culture led us to embark on many culinary journeys throughout the country. These experiences include apprenticing at a Roman bakery, studying winemaking at a Ligurian vineyard, graduating

from a professional culinary school in Florence, and working and cooking together at several Italian agriturismi. We live in Guilford, where Melissa works as assistant food editor at Fine Cooking, and Matt works for an Italian wine importer that represents only high quality, limited production estates. In our free time we like to take long walks with our dog Japhy. Our website and blog is at www.theitalianfarmerstable.com. Vendors at the weekly market, held each Thursday from 3-6 p.m. on the town green on Main Street, are: Pisgah Mountain Primitives: Kettle corn Madison Gourmet Beanery: Bread, sweet rolls, scones, cardamom loaves, pie, coffee cake Sweet Sage Bakery: Hearthbaked artisan breads, scones, muffins, bars, cookies Naples Farm: Veggies, herbs, flowers, plants, jams, pickles, bread, eggs C.W. Shellfish Company: Clams, oysters, flowers, maple syrup Auntie Arwen’s Spices: Herbal teas, spices, seasoning blends Dondero Orchards, LLC: Fruit, vegetables, pies, jams, jellies, pickles Cecarelli Farms, LLC:

Durham mill rate for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2010: is 26.81 mills, which means that taxpayers pay $26.81 for each $1,000 worth of assessment on the town’s grand list. A home assessed at $100,000 would thus pay 100 X $26.81 or $2,681 in annual taxes. The mill rate last year was 26.20.

Durham Government Calendar (All meetings will be held at the Durham Library unless otherwise noted. Check the town Web page at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.) Monday, July 5 Town offices closed for July 4th holiday. Tuesday, July 6 6:30 p.m. — Public Safety Committee Wednesday, July 7 7:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Commission Monday, July 12 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen at Town Hall 7:30 p.m. — Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Thursday, July 15 7 p.m. — Compensation Review/Personnel Policy Commission at Town Hall 7 p.m. — DMIAAB 7 p.m. — Durham Animal Response Team Tuesday, July 20 7 p.m. — Board of Finance at Town Hall 7 p.m. — Agricultural Commission Wednesday, July 21 7:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Commission Spring spinach and lettuces, peas, sugar snaps, produce 80 Licks Ice Cream: Ice cream, gelato, sorbet, Italian ice, dog ice cream Deerfield Farm: Raw milk, cheese spreads, yogurt, chocolate and strawberry milk, milk soaps Summerton Farm: Grass fed,

antibiotic and hormone-free beef, sausage, pork, hotdogs Marcy LaBella: Pottery, jewelry, free-range eggs Dragon’s Blood Elixir: Hot sauces, BBQ sauce, dipping sauces, local ingredients Perk on Main: Crepes, smoothies and more, locally grown ingredients

The Project Graduation Board of Directors would like to thank all the families who made donations and volunteered their time to provide a safe and memorable evening for the graduating “Class of 2010” We would also like to thank the following businesses for their support. Absolute Advantage Amici Italian Grill BKPTA Black Dog Grooming Salon Bruce A. Chaplin, Esq. Byk USA Inc BYSTREK Oil Carmines Carolyn Adams Chef Kevin Smith Coca-Cola Bottling- Ed Hewitt Country Flower Farms/LLC CT Overhead Door CT Rental Center Cuomo Construction Dattco Dean Autoworks Dick’s CITGO Domino’s DOT Dr. Jeffrey Bert Durham Co-op Durham Dental Durham Fair Association Durham Family Chiropractic Center Durham Family Eyecare

Durham Manufacturing Durham Pharmacy Durham Power Equipment Durham Volunteer Fire Company Durham Women’s Club Emanuel’s Hair Salon Exchange Club Expect Discounts Five Guys Flo-Tech Glazer Dental Associates Hobson-Motzer Indian Springs Golf Club JC Farms and Greenhouses Jerry’s Pizza John J. Conroy D.M.D., M.S. John Kelly Kellish Properties Unlimited Larkin’s Run Lee Manufacturing Lino’s Market Lions Club of Middlefield Lyman Orchard’s Mallove’s Jewelers McWeeney Marketing Group Micheli Unisex Styling Salon LLC (Middlefield Barber Shop)

Middlefield Vol. Fire Dept. Middlefield Women’s Club Middletown Elks Club Miss Joanne’s Learning Center Mountain Spring Water Neil Jones Home Improvements New Haven Raccoon Club Patricia A. Carta, DMD Performance Foodservice Sebastian Thomas Petruzelo Insurance Agency, Inc. PIP Printing Scholarship Ball Sheyrons Salon St. Coleman Church Stop & Shop Strong School PTO Sunshine Dairy Inc. Tadeusz Kosciuszko Society TD Bank North The Lyman Farm, Inc. Tilcon Trackside Deli Wellness Ritual & Freshen Style Captiva Salon Wild Wisteria

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At the June 21st Board of Selectmen’s meeting, the board received the following written reports from Resident State Trooper Peter DiGioia: In April, the trooper received 463 calls for service, conducted nine criminal investigations, made five criminal arrests, and investigated seven motor vehicle accidents, three with injuries. Also, 93 motor vehicle infractions and 28 warnings were issued, and there were two on-sight DWIs. Motor vehicle enforcement was conducted at the following locations: Parmelee Hill Road and William Drive, Maple Avenue and Old Cemetery Road, Pent Road near Route 68, Tuttle Road near Brewster School, Route 17 near Town House Road, Route 17 near Winsome Road, Route 17 near Coe Road, Maiden Lane and Wheeler Hill Drive, Maiden Lane near Bear Rock Road, and Route 79 near Shunpike. In May, the trooper received 441 calls for service, conducted 15 criminal investigations, made two criminal arrests and investigated eight motor vehicle accidents, two with injuries. One hundred and one motor vehicle infractions and 19 warnings were issued and there were two on-sight DWIs. Motor vehicle enforcement was conducted at the following locations: Parmelee Hill Road and William Drive, Maple Avenue and Talcott Lane, Pent Road near Route 68, Tuttle Road near Brewster School, Route 17 near Town House Road, Route 17 near Winsome Road, Route 17 and Little Lane, Route 17 near Coe Road, Maiden Lane and Wheeler Hill Drive, Maiden Lane near Bear Rock Road, Route 79 near Shunpike, and Route 77 near Creamery Road. Finally, Trooper DiGioia reported that there are two on-going burglary investiga-

Durham Town Briefs

Graduates in Town Times

Friday, July 2, 2010

Salutatorian Address — Coginchaug Regional High School Class of 2010 By Danielle Charette

Thank you parents, teachers, administrators, family, guests, and specifically Dr. W, who has not only served as an outstanding principal, but also as a mentor and friend over these past four years to all of us. Sometimes I wonder about the evolution of life. No, I’m not talking about Charles Darwin here. I’m not talking about mutations and cell mitosis, nor do I plan to break into biology banter. You see, I think a distinction needs to be made — a distinction between existence and life. Anyone can live a life that’s guarded, that’s calculated and refrigerated. I call this the Petri Dish life. So do you want to live life in a Petri dish, or do you want to go to the Prom? Do you want to be putty in someone else’s hands, or do you want to be the protagonist of your own life? Bacteria exists, but is it alive? Does it cry after watching To Kill A Mockingbird for the umpteenth time, or enjoy the simple things: a fleck of vanilla ice cream smeared on his chin, a hot coffee with friends, the way the summer sun melts on the horizon? Does it appreciate the full moon and his mother’s warm handwriting and

long, grandfatherly hugs? Often, in the mad rush of earning a diploma, we get caught up in this notion of progress, of moving forward, of evolving. I used to think of life as a linear progression, a stroll along the yellow-brickroad that might one-day, one-day lead to happiness. But alas, there’s no one named Dorothy in the graduating class of 2010. There’s no Wizard of Oz moment in which you will suddenly step into a Technicolor alternative. Despite pre-1950’s films, life is in color — all the hues you can imagine. So live with your eyes wide open. See the world. See it fully. Recalling our biology knowledge from sophomore year, we know that a swamp is a collection of shallow, slow-moving water — an area that is transitional to the more intense river rapids. What a perfect description of District 13 and more specifically Coginchaug, which in the native tongue means “Long Swamp”. I’m always on the lookout for metaphors, and when I think of a long swamp, I think of a place where it’s okay to get your hands a little dirty, a stretch of water where you can explore, investigate, and learn to swim. Certainly a bayou is

not without its muddiness, and Coginchaug has its set of challenges: French translations, U.S. History exams, track team work-outs, to name a few. A swamp is an area of real ecological biodiversity, and this is true of Coginchaug’s Model U.N. team which competed at Yale University against teams from all around the world. This is true of the A.P. Government class which attends Middlesex Chamber of Commerce meetings and has had the chance to shake the hands of Governor Jodi Rell and Senator Joe Lieberman. And this is true of students who are participating in Coginchaug’s well-regarded independent-study W.I.S.E. projects that have sent them learning to play the piano, designing computer software, and directing videos, all within the bounds of a safe and all-nurturing marshland. Streams, though, have the tendency to sweep us along without us realizing it: a slow but steady current into deeper waters. Suddenly the Class of 2010 is a group of seniors, acclimating to the idea of voyaging on into the next stage of the river, and many of us find ourselves determining that Coginchaug, our beloved Long Swamp,

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prepared us well for the upcoming journey. A number of now college students have returned to Coginchaug to inform teachers that they indeed feel well-prepared, wellversed in collegiate subject matter. Somewhere in the tangled swamp life of our seventh grade projects and middle-school field trips, up to this past year of reading Plato’s Republic, cheering for a winning basketball team, and learning statistics formulas, emerged formidable swimmers, ready to take on the faster rapids of tomorrow. In Zoology class, we did a lot of categorizing. Ac- Danielle giving her speech at cording to their birth CRHS graduation cereprocess and teeth strucmonies. ture and habitat, we placed animals into neatpig on which others experily formed groups, organized ment. Be the platypus. Be a strata of existence. But my mammal. Lay eggs. favorite animal that I met in As apart of my W.I.S.E. Zoology is the platypus. It de- project this year, I had the fies organization, defies la- opportunity to interview a beling. A mammal that lays number of English profeseggs. Go figure. sors. One of my questions So you’re about to gradu- was: Can you teach poetry? ate from high school. You are This speech isn’t about poetabout to enter college or the ry, but it is about art. That is, workplace in which many the art of living. The art of will have the same degree, painting your life so that it’s the same credentials. But the most picturesque waterwhat the others don’t possess color your mom’s ever taped is your uniqueness, your in- to the fridge. The art of perdividuality, your you-ness. forming the best serenade Not just the you who factors your shower’s ever heard. polynomials or performs The unanimous answer of arabesques or runs the 400. these professors, who after The you who also loves all, study the art of humanity licorice and reads poetry and as a profession, was that you dreams fanciful dreams. can’t teach poetry, but you Own your soul. Hitch your can teach craft. It’s expenwagon to a star. Be the star sive to enroll in a pottery on stage. Stage a wonderful class, but it’s affordable to performance. Perform gen- enroll in life. If you’re not aluinely, fully, wholehearted- ready crafting it start sculptly. So don’t be the rat in the ing! Congratulations, Class rat-race. Don’t be the guinea of 2010!

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Friday, July 2, 2010

Graduates in Town Times

Valedictory address: Vinal Regional Technical High School By Lauren Bradley

Ralph Waldo E m e r s o n : “What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” We all have the ability to do great things, so live each day as if it is your last because tomorrow is a privilege and not a promise.

At right, Lauren at the Vinal Technical HIgh School graduation ceremony.

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three minutes of passing time? I didn’t think so. Then again, it may just have been a desperate attempt to help us pass the Physical Fitness test. As much as we all have had our share of complaints about high school, the truth is Vinal has probably helped us all more than we can ever imagine. We have all had that class where we learned lessons, not necessarily taught from a textbook, but through intriguing conversations that exposed us to the reality of what we are facing after graduation. Many of us had at least one teacher who has shown us that the best lessons are taught by those who are not only educators, but friends as well. Thank you to the administration that has been incredibly supportive of everything that we have done this year. In addition, thank you to the teachers who have been there for many of us. Personally, I would like to thank Ms. Protsko and Mr. Arena, who have been there for me always with an open mind and classroom any time I needed them. Thank you to Ms. Schleipman, Mrs. Casey, and Mrs. Ocasio, who have supported me through every challenge I have faced. Also to Mr. Petras and Mrs. Juan, who have opened numerous opportunities for me in my future. I do not know where I would be without all of their guidance, and I cannot thank you all enough. Thank you to my family, including my brother who paved the way for me at Vinal. I apologize to my younger sister Lisa who is stuck following in both of our footsteps….no pressure. I leave you with these final words from American author

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Welcome families, friends, staff, and especially graduates, Writing this speech was without a doubt the hardest assignment I have been given in my four years of high school. I was going to write this speech on the future and everything we have to look forward to, but how am I supposed to know what the future holds? I am valedictorian, not a fortuneteller. I also contemplated starting my speech by trying to reflect on these past four years, but who really wants to remember that awkward first year of high school? I figured that trying to make up this speech on the spot was going to be a lot more difficult than making up all those essays this year. Unlike in class, there’s no rubric where I’m getting graded on my supporting details or number of paragraphs. The reality is that it is hard to find something meaningful to say to a group of seniors who have spent the last week tying up those last loose ends and just waiting on that 2:11 dismissal bell so we can all get on with our lives. Honestly, there is no way that I can sum up everyone’s four years of high school in this speech. I am not even going to attempt to, but hopefully by the end of my speech, you may have a better understanding of how we, the graduating Class of 2010, have created a lasting impression on Vinal. I am sure all of you have heard about how high school was supposed to be the best four years of your life, but somehow I think that the best four years of someone’s life should not include peeling yourself off a desk in 90degree weather between classes. If “Write to Learn,” CAPT testing, and senior portfolios are going to be in the same thought as “the best years of your life,” then all of us have been doing something terribly wrong. Our best years are definitely yet to come. Throughout this year, all of us have felt on top of the world, as if we ran the

school. We have learned how to push limits and pick our battles. With all this inside knowledge of Vinal, you would think someone would figure out what that brick sculpture in front of the school is meant to be. We have definitely left our impact on Vinal. With the support of the seniors, Vinal was undefeated in football this year, took home first place in SkillsUSA for multiple competitions, and even became widely recognized for all of our Diversity Club activities. You may not be able to see the impact that we have had on the school environment overall, but I can guarantee that we have made an impact on this staff. What other graduating class can say they had half of the chaperones at their prom fist pumping in the middle of the dance floor by the end of the night? Take that, Class of 2009. I’m sure as of right now, most of you have already zoned me out and are counting down the minutes until your name is read to receive that diploma and be done with high school officially. What you may not realize is the impact that Vinal has had on every single one of your lives. I guarantee that at one point or another, everyone has thought back to what it would have been like to attend our sending schools. I am glad that all of you decided to pursue your high school careers at Vinal because every single one of you – from J. Toolan and Allison Parker who were voted class clowns, to Sarah Boehm and Lawrence Young who were thought of as most likely to be famous – has helped make our high school careers memorable. Next year, when many of you are rushing to a class on the opposite side of campus or stuck in rush hour traffic, you might actually appreciate the training you got at Vinal. Some of you may be wondering what this socalled training was. I will put it this way, do you think it was an accident that your schedule had you running from Mrs. Ocasio’s room to Mrs. Luster’s room with only

Town Times Honor Rolls

Friday, July 2, 2010

Frank Ward Strong School announces third trimester honor roll

Eighth grade students earning high honors are Curtis Bennett, Molly Breen, Kristen Burtt, Richard Chi, Sean Doyle, Danielle Drop, Anna Ferrari, Melanie Frank, Brenna Goldberg, Justin Hall, Morgan Kuehnle, Alexander Markoski, Kara Mather, Caitlin McAuliffe, Alice Ochterski, Gabrielle Pakech, Jeffrey Peracchio, Deanna Puchalski, Jeffrey Roblee, Kimberly Romanoff, James Rosborough, Jack Temple, Samantha Turley, Emily Tuttle, Kasi Whitaker and Katelyn Williams. Eighth grade students earning honors are Jesse Azevedo, Austin Barrett, Jenna Barton, Kevin Bjarnason, Tyler Bjarnason, Chelsea Blackwood, Sarah Brady, Hayley Brant, Emmett Brayton, Morgan Cahill, Katherine Chi,

Robert Cocchiola, Olivia Corazzini, Mary D’Orvilliers, Martin Daniels, David DeSimone, Ryan DeVille, Morgan Dickson, Jessica Dontigney, Mikaela Dumont, Abigail Eisner, Carolyn Fetchel, Dana Foley, Samantha Foley, Matthew Fontaine, Elizabeth Gable, Nathaniel Graichen, Jack Granger, Colton Gray, Laurence Hill, Mara Hintz, Clarity Huddleston, Leandra Hylton, Ty Kartiganer, Kayla Keathley, Tyler Kovacs, John LaTorre, Alison Luther, Molly MacDuff, Erin Mallinson, Morgan Manning, Tyler Meeker, Julia Orosz, Gabriel Oshana, Noah Palo, Bryan Paxton, Christopher Quick, Timothy Rausch, Emma Roth, Caitlyn Ruggiero, Ashley Scotto, Caryn Sibiskie, Megan Sirois, Jennifer Skaanning, Ian Stewart, Sydney Trusty,

Allyson Wickham and John Yusza. Seventh grade students earning high honors are Christian Alberico, Audrey Arcari, Jacob Barton, Marissa Berry, Janelle Berry, Erin Blecha, Alexandra Bonin, Jacob Burt, Natalie Charette, Amy-Ariel Choplick-Ward, Victoria Conroy, Jonathon Conway, Kayleigh Crocetto, Garrett D’Amato, Lauren Davis, Kyle Farrell, Anna Flaws, Alyssa Gambardella, Anni Garvy, Caroline Gervais, Ryan Gossart, Elena Huntington, Noelle Khalil, Arthur Koba, Jillian Kopcik, Megan L’Heureux, Kendra Landy, Zoe Lerman, Holly Longobardi, Carrie MacDougall, Michelle Mandel, Stephanie Mangiameli, Aleksander Marczuk, Connor Marszalek, Tyler McDonald, John McLaughlin,

Hannah Michalik, Wilson Nickel, Michael O’Sullivan, Kristina Pascarelli, Rachel Plant, Matthew Quick, Megan Quinley, Hayley Quirk, Caelyn Radziunas, Danielle Richardson, Devin Rodrigue, Eliza Romeyn, Audra Smigel, Erin Smith, Jennie Smith, Joshua Smith, Meghan St. Amand, Kayleigh Struchowski, Zoe Stublarec, Bailey Thayer, Zachary Vallone, Courtney Votto, Nathaniel Weir and Mikayla Wyskiel. Seventh grade students earning honors are Molly Anderson, Vincent Bellacicco, Talia Biagiarelli, Lawrence Bourland, Julia Bowles, Dena Branciforte, Catherine Brennan, Kelly Brennan, Marguerite Busey, Jeremy Cannon, Eli Christenson, Joshua Collins, Andrew Conway, Kristofer Copeland, Jordan Cowles,

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From Durham, Mark P. Fusco, `Matthew J. Gueble, Thomas Linden, Jacob Randazzo, Gregory Brown, Matthew DeKoeyer, Geoffrey DeVille, Andrew Gonzalez, Michael Mastroianni, Akshay Vig, Victor Wu, Tushar Vig, Matthew Criscuolo, Joseph Kask Jr., Kevin Landers, Tucker Landy, Walter Augur, Taylor Bonin, Anthony DeMarinis, Eric Mischke, Nathan Tobias, Matthew Verderame, Tenzin Tashi Bhumba, David Brennan, Jonathan Manacchio, Michael Mischke, Ryan Murphy and Raymond Peach. From Middlefield, Ryan Overturf, Tim Boyle, Trevor Root, Jonathan Geenty, Kyle Parrilla, Tomas Virgadula, Andrew Williams, Mathew DiDato, Josh Etheridge, Joel Williams and Wallace Meadows. From Rockfall, Christopher Scamporino, Raymond Satagaj and Nicholas Mazzotta.

Town Times Weddings

Friday, July 2, 2010

Bardwell and Doweyko to wed

Horn and Moore wed

Rebekah Bardwell, daughter of Eva Bardwell, of Chester, and Quitman Otto Bardwell, of North Carolina, and Arthur Doweyko, son of Arthur and Lidia Doweyko, of Florida, will be married by Rabbi Thomas Alpert at the Branford House in Groton on July l4. The bride will be attended by maid of honor Sara Baker and the groom by best man Tom Azzolini. Bridesmaids include Sarah Baylin, Kate Simson (cousin of the bride), Melissa Bardwell (sister-inlaw of the bride), Nella Liuzzi, Mimi Zimmerman, Jessica Robertson and Beth Ferguson. Attending also will be Linda Bardwell (sister of the bride), with Eliana Bardwell (niece) as the flower girl. Groomsmen include Ori Baylin, Dean Lapham, Josh Bardwell (bride’s brother), Jeff Hunt, Brett Hodgson, Todd Zaczek and Greg Phelan, with Jacob and Nathan

Robert and Marilyn Horn, of Durham, are pleased to announce the marriage of their son Jason Edward to Jennifer Alana Moore, daughter of Ms. Sharon Moore, of Parkville, MD. The wedding was held at the Naval Officer’s Club in Newport, RI, on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. The reception followed immediately. The groom is a graduate of Coginchaug Regional High School. He received his Bachelor’s in Education from CCSU and his Master’s degree from UConn. He is a teacher at Ashford School. The bride is a graduate of Parkville Senior High

Bardwell (nephews of the bride) as ring bearers. Arthur and Rebekah both grew up and attended high school in Connecticut: Arthur at Choate Rosemary Hall, in Wallingford and Rebekah at Coginchaug Regional High School, in Durham. Years later they met for the first time at Dicey Riley’s in Fort Lauderdale, and within 20 minutes realized they were meant for each other. Arthur is pursuing a career in chemistry, currently working at Oxygen Development, in Pompano Beach, FL.

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School in Parkville, MD. She received her Bachelor of Science in Oceanography from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and is a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. The couple currently resides in Mystic.

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The Coginchaug Regional High School Class of 1990 is holding its 20th reunion on Saturday, July 10, at 6 p.m. at The Tradition Golf Club at Wallingford. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by visiting Coginchaugclassof1990. ClassQuest.com. The registration deadline is June 26. Classmates are asked to provide their maiden and married names, addresses, and phone numbers to update the reunion’s mailing list. Please email updated information to jengiven@hotmail.com.

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Town Times on Vacation

prise...we walked away with two bottles. It was near closing time by the time we got to McLaughlin Vineyards in Sandy Hook (www.mclaughlinvineyards.com), but the proprietor welcomed us with samples of five of their six varieties. McLaughlin is obviously connected to the local community, as they maintain a nature preserve on their property open to visitors year-round and hold weekly

The White Silo winery in Sherman.

Wine

(From page 5)

high anti-oxidant wine. White Silo (www.whitesilowinery.com) was the smallest, but probably impressed us the most with their unusual flavors and homegrown style. All the wine they produce comes from their

Friday, July 2, 2010

summer concerts in a pavilion outside the “country store” that also serves as their tasting room. The store sells other Connecticut grown or made items, such as honey, maple syrup, baked items and chocolate. Driving time between each vineyard was about 15 minutes, and because the scenery along the route was so pastoral, the time in the car became part of the adventure. For a one-day getaway, we

Photo from website

And in northeastern Connecticut, find Sharpe Hill Vineyard

own farm. The parking lot was bordered on one side by the largest bank of rhubarb plants that I have ever seen, and on the other side by rows upon rows of fat, ripe blackberries. They offer pick-yourown for their red, yellow and orange raspberries in September and October. The rhubarb wine was a real sur-

By Judy Moeckel Special to the Town Times

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were able to pack in sight-seeing, shopping, and lots of delicious wine. By the way, it was raining for most of the day, which had no affect on our enjoyment of the wine trail. While we weren’t able to collect enough stamps on our passport to qualify for the trip to Spain, I think we enjoyed our own little European fantasy journeying through our home state. And it’s a new year. Between now and the end of November, I hope to hit the rest of Connecticut’s wineries and revisit a few of the ones mentioned here. Who knows … we might get to Spain yet!

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For our anniversary, I decided to make reservations at Sharpe Hill Vineyard in Pomfret, up in the northeast corner of the state, also known as “The Quiet Corner.” Having been there a couple of years ago with some girlfriends, I remembered it as a romantic place in a lovely setting, perfect for an anniversary. It did not disappoint, and the trip there was every bit as memorable as the destination! We headed out on a gorgeous day (such luck), taking Route 66 from Portland through East Hampton and Hebron; at Hebron, we turned right on Route 85 and, after a few miles, hooked up with Route 207 eastward. This route took us through the picturesque and historic town of Lebanon, chock full of old houses, many dating from the 18th century. It also showed us what must be some of the most beautiful farmland in the state. At the small, quaint town of Baltic, we turned north on Route 97, crossing the Shetucket River (my husband grew up in this area, and can attest to the good fishing — trout, bass — here. Up the road apiece, Scotland has a beautiful town green, and a charming general store — the real thing). Going further up Route 97, you come into the town of Hampton, with a main street rather like Litchfield’s: lots of lovely old houses, mostly painted white. Very quiet. My

See Wine, next page

Town Times on Vacation

Friday, July 2, 2010

Wine

The Bridge of Flowers in nearby Massachusetts By Judy Moeckel Special to Town Times

(From page 22)

Outside restaurant Sharpe Hill Vineyard.

Photo by Judy Moeckel

husband lived here briefly during his college years, and says the Little River offered the best trout fishing he ever had. We stopped at what the locals call the Indian Burial Mound, an odd hillock covered with very old gravestones poking out of the ground at odd angles. Maybe the ground is creeping towards the Little River? Spooky.

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local women’s club, an oversight committee, and a paid gardener and assistant. Donations from the public account for most of the upkeep. In the early 1980’s, the bridge underwent a major renovation; during this yearlong process, its historic wisteria vines were removed and “babysat” for by volunteers, then put back after the work was completed. The bridge has become a major tourist attraction,

T o w n Ti m e s S e r vi c e D i r e c t o r y

Finally, before you get into Pomfret itself, you turn off 97 onto Kimball Hill Rd., and arrive at Sharpe Hill Vineyard (www.sharpehill.com), with its barn red restaurant and rolling hills covered with grapevines in the distance. The restaurant has an outdoor patio with a view of the vineyard, and the interior (in case it rains) is filled with antiques. If you wish, you can sit under the trees while you taste some of the wines they produce. “Ballet of Angels,” a white wine, has won a slew of awards. The food is simple, not overly tinkered-with: salmon, chicken, beef, etc. with vegetables, herbs and garnishes, most of which are grown in their gardens.

The Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts is a great day-cation! To get there, just go straight up Route 91 until you see the signs, and turn west on old Route 2. It’s about one and three-quarter hours from Middletown. The Bridge of Flowers came to be when the local trolley abandoned the bridge in 1928. Apparently it became quite an eyesore, and, in 1929, the local Fire District purchased it because the bridge carried water mains across the river. Shortly thereafter, a fundraising drive was launched to turn it into a garden. Gradually, the bridge was covered with a mind-boggling combination of annuals and perennials that bloom from early spring into the fall. To do this, the bridge has lots of friends, including the

bringing in thousands of people a year. The town of Shelburne Falls is small and quaint, with shops featuring high-quality artwork and crafts. (I couldn’t resist buying a gorgeous silk scarf.) Good restaurants, too! And you don’t have to walk far: the bridge is right there, as is parking. While you are up there, you may want to go to North Adams and check out the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA) which is a wild and wooly museum located in a sprawling old factory complex. Lots of thought-provoking “installations,” and some beautiful exhibits also.

In Our Libraries

Durham Library

Hours: Regular library hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Visit www.durhamlibrary.org to search the catalog, review your account, register for a program or renew your materials online. For information or to register for a program by phone, call 860-349-9544. Holiday Closing: The library will be closed July 3 and 5 for the Fourth of July holiday. New Titles: Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evonovich and Family Ties by Danielle Steel. Innocent by Scott Turow, The Lion by Nelson DeMille and Fever Dream by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child are now available in large print. New DVDs include Entourage, Sixth Season and The Last Station. Drop-in programs: Story times are held in July on

Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for ages one-and-a-half to two-and-ahalf and on Tuesdays at 10:30 for ages two-and-a-half to five. There will be a special Rock Cats story time on Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a summer reading celebration with a magic show and dessert on Tuesday, Aug. 3, at 6:30 p.m. Movies at the library: Enjoy free movies on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the library. On July 6, Jaws; on July 13, The Hunt for the Red October; on July 20, the movie The Sea Hawk will be shown at noon, on July 20, Pirates of the Caribbean: the Curse of the Black Pearl; and on July 27, Lady in the Water. Ocean Jewelry Workshop: On Wednesday, July 7, at 6 p.m. teenagers 10-18 are invited to make beautiful beaded jewelry using the colors of the sea. Registration is required for this program. The Book Lover’s Circle will meet on Wednesday, July 7, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss A

Widow for One Year by John Irving. Copies of the book are available at the library. Everyone is invited to join this informal discussion. Children’s events: Pet parade on Saturday, July 10, at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. Mystic Aquarium touch tank on Saturday, July 17, at 10:30 a.m. Pirate cartooning with Rick Stromski on Wednesday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. for ages eight and up. Sea serpent stories, crafts and games on Saturday, July 24, at 10:30 a.m. for ages four to seven. Hula show on Wednesday, July 28, at 1 p.m. for all ages to learn about Hawaii, sing, play instruments and hula dance. Death at DPL:CSI Mystery: Solve a mystery at the library by using forensic techniques on Wednesday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. The Mystery Book Discussion Group will meet on Tuesday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen. Copies of

Friday, July 2, 2010 the book are available at the library. Everyone is invited to join this informal discussion. Henna Program: Register for a henna program to be held on Wednesday, July 28, at 6 p.m. Teen Book Club will meet on Wednesday, July 28, at 7 p.m. to discuss The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson.

Levi Coe Library Hours: The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Visit www.leviecoe.com or call the library at 860-349-3857 for information or to register for any program. You can also renew, reserve and check your library record on the website. Library Passes: Connecticut State Parks and Forests Day Pass can be checked out for two days and is used to cover the cost of parking at state parks and forests where there is an established parking charge. The pass can also

T o wn T im es S e rv ic e Di re ct ory

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be used to cover the admission fee for up to two adults and four children at state historical sites and exhibit centers at Dinosaur, Fort Trumbull and Gillette Castle state parks. The pass is valid through Dec. 21. New Titles: Private by James Patterson, Hungry Girl Happy Hour by Lisa Lillien, Born Digital by John Palfrey, An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon and Captive: My Time as a Prisoner of the Taliban by Jere Van Dyk. New young adult and children’s books include No Moon by Irene Watts, The Lab by Jack Heath, The Espressologist by Kristina Springer, The Queen’s Daughter by Susan Coventry, It’s Elementary! by Robert Winston, Summer According to Humphrey by Betty Birney, Tales from a Not So Popular Party Girl by Rachel Renee Russell and The Mystery of the Conjured Man by Tracy Mack. To view anticipated arrival dates for new titles, visit our web page www.leviecoe.com, click on Activities and Events and go to monthly calendars. New DVD Titles: Green Zone, The Last Station, She’s Out of My League, Remember Me, Informant!, Clue, Leap Year and more. Stop by and view the expanded collection. For more information on new DVDs, visit www.leviecoe. com, click on Online Resources, select Book Talk, then Recently Acquired Titles. Scroll down to DVD link.

Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Wednesday, July 14 6:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Commission 7 p.m. — Water Pollution Control Authority Thursday, July 15 7 p.m. — Board of Finance 7 p.m. — DMIAAB at Durham Library Tuesday, July 20 7 p.m. — Conservation Commission Wednesday, July 21 7 p.m. — Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency Monday, July 26, 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen Tuesday, July 27 7 p.m. — Zoning Board of Appeals

Town Times at Hank’s Garage

Friday, July 2, 2010

Hank

(From page 1)

Clockwise from upper left, Louie and Pat Damiata and Louise Yother; an overview of participants on that particular Wednesday; Dorothy Pogmore, more often seen by most of us at her family’s farm stand on Route 147; Al Statler on base. Unfortunately, H a n k

T o w n Ti m e s S e r vi c e D i r e c t o r y KENNETH R. JAY

Addy & Sons Landscaping

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Backhoe and Loader Work • Planting Trimming • Harley Raking • Pruning Insured • Free Estimates CT Lic. # 579167

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wonder how the ol’ folks are at home,” “In our little cabin home,” “Tennessee Waltz,” and “Home Sweet Home.” For two, three or even four hours (When do they stop? When they get tired!), there’s not much talking except for, “I screwed up the three-quarter time,” and “I can’t think of the name of that song.” And except for the low humming of the base, no one would even hear the music outside the garage. What you can notice, however, is the line of cars that leaks out of Hank Crandall’s driveway on occasion. “We have to be careful how many people come for fear of the cops showing up,” said Bartlett. It’s usually the summers that get busy, and that’s also when they take the music outside. “It’s really a lot of fun,” said Dorothy Pogmore. “It’s very informal.” Other than here, where’s a bluegrass lover to go for some good tunes like this? Bartlett says there’s a barn in Bethany, Connecticut, called “Fishers.” On the third Friday of each month, Fisher’s can have close to 200 people, some of whom are regulars from Hank’s Garage. There are also lots of summer festivals for bluegrass lovers, which is how Bartlett met Crandall years ago. “So many people went through here, and many are gone now,” said Bartlett about Hank’s Garage. “Everyone has a good time, and that’s the main thing.”

Town Times Sports

Friday, July 2, 2010

Timely Hitting, Solid Defense Gives Time Out Taverne First Win of Season By Bob Dynia Special to the Town Times

first base, Gary Grodzicki, Tom Hill, Mike Mills, Charlie Mather and Scott Vertucci smacked singles for a five-zip advantage. Bob Dynia followed with a home run that plated Vertucci ahead of him. As with the first two games, TOT slowed their offensive output and let the home team keep within striking distance. The Coginchaug elders, however, did not let Killingworth overtake them. A run by the home team in the second was matched by TOT in the third on a sac fly by Hill. Killingworth came

The Time Out Taverne 40 and over men’s softball team notched their first win of the young season, holding off Killingworth 12–9 on June 28 in Killingworth. After going 0–2 at home, including a mercy loss to Killingworth, the Gray Wonders were eager to get on the winning track. For the third straight contest, they jumped out to an early lead, scoring 7 first-inning runs, all after two were out. With Wills Evers on

back with two in the bottom of the third. A Scot Burns sac fly scored Vertucci in the fourth. The home team again scored one in their half of the frame. Ken Judson’s second homer of the year gave TOT a 10-4 lead in the fifth. Killingworth immediately closed to 10-7 in the bottom of the inning. The Gray Wonders last scoring came in the sixth on RBI singles by Dynia and Bisson. The home team scored once in the sixth and again in the ninth to complete things. TOT, after some question-

able defense in the first two games, made several key plays to limit Killingworth’s scoring. Dynia made two running catches in right field to end innings. Shortstop Grodzicki made two great over-theshoulder catches to prevent runs. George Miller, inserted into right-center in the eighth inning, made three straight catches to keep the home team at bay. Vertucci led the offensive attack, going four-for-four with two RBIs and scoring three runs. Bruce Bisson went three-for-four, with

T o wn T im es S e rv ic e Di re ct ory 1162869

Intro to Lacrosse camp

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There will be an introduction to lacrosse camp held the week of Aug 16-20. It is open to children ages eight and above. The camp will cover the basics of catching and throwing. The camp will meet at Peckham Park and run Monday through Friday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The cost of the camp is $60. Send an e-mail to MiddlefieldPR@aol.com for more information.

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Evers, Grodzicki, Hill, Mills and Dynia getting two hits each. Dynia had three ribbys. Wayne Hubbard picked up the win; he allowed eight runs in six innings of work. Bob Edwards earned the save, giving up a misplayed fly ball for a home run with two outs in the ninth, the only run he allowed. After the July 4 break, the team returns home to face last year’s league champion Mad Murphy’s on Monday, July 12. Home games are played at Vinal Technical High School; park at the lot at Mercy High School on Randolph Road and come across the street to the field. The team invites family and friends to come out and support the team and their favorites.

Ron Nagy Sales Representative

Hockey Technique, in Northford, will be conducting three specific skills minicamps for travel players aged 9-15 years old as part of their summer 2010 program. Skating technique will take place on July 23 and 25; shooting technique on July 30 and Aug. 1; and puck-handling technique on Aug. 6 and 8. All three mini-camps will be held at the Northford Ice Pavilion and include one hour of on-ice skills, 30 minutes of off-ice skills and 30 minutes of sports training. Tuition for each camp is $99, with discounts available if players sign-up for two or more camps. Each camp will be split into two sessions by age with each session limited to 25 players. For more information and to download a registration form, log onto www.mbsportstraining.com.

Town Times Sports

Friday, July 2, 2010

A tale of two fish Ryan Stafford, 8, with his first ever striped bass. The fish, at 31 inches and 12-and-a-half pounds, was caught on June 20 using live eels for bait in Old Saybrook. Ryan is an avid fisherman. He often fishes the Connecticut River with his dad for catfish, perch, northern pike and bass. Photo submitted by George Stafford

From the sports banquet

Mike Smith, Coach’s Award Boys’ Tennis

Car Wash

Attention: Rickie Fowler fan from Durham!

The Coginchaug Durham Middlefield Babe Ruth baseball team will hold a car wash in the parking lot at Carolyn Adams on Main street in Durham from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m .on Saturday, July 3.

Teresa, a volunteer at the Travelers golf tournament last Sunday, met an eighth grade girl who wanted Fowler’s autograph. Call her at 860-301-6352 for a surprise.

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SUDOKU ANSWER

1148245

Mike had a record of 11 wins and 9 losses as the number three singles player. He has great hand-eye coordination, speed, and one of the best serves on the boys’ tennis team. Mike is going to Fairfield University in the fall.

Photo submitted by Lori Helmedach

Real Estate Page

Fun Run One The first Durham Fun Run of the year was held on Tuesday, June 29. In the open 3.3 mile race, the finishers were: Bryan Feitel at 21:11.4, Ed Mokoski 21:55.4, Zach Marino 22:43.3, Larry Hodge 23:54.1, Bill Varhue 24:09.3, Lauren Hodge 25:21.5, Mike Marino 26:15.3 and Scott Ely 26:30.3. Fun runs are held every Tuesday at 6 p.m. for high school students and adults only at the Coginchaug parking lot.

James Helmedach, age 11, fishes along the shore of Lake Beseck as many hours a day as he can. On a normal day, he comes home with a fish tale. Sunday, June 27, he came home with this 22-inch, nearly fourpound bass. You might say James lives to fish and fishes to live. By lunchtime, the fish was cooked and eaten.

Experience makes the difference. Moving Sale Saturday, July 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 10 Janet Drive in Middlefield. Lots of items to choose from.

360 Main Street Durham, CT 06455 Phone: (860) 349-5300 Pamela Sawicki-Beaudoin

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Broker, Owner

Cell: (203) 623-9959

Cell: (203) 631-7912

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Town Times

Friday, July 2, 2010

The following businesses wish you and your family a happy Fourth of July Durham Market 238 Main Street, Durham 860-349-1785 Lino’s Market 472 Main Street, Durham 860-349-1717 Durham Health Mart Pharmacy 321 Main Street, Durham 860-349-3478 MidState Tractor 560 So. Main Street, Middletown 860-347-2531

Quilter’s Cove 16 Main St. - Durham Village Durham 860-349-0007 Durham Auto Center 428 Main Street, Durham 860-349-2273 Dick’s Citgo 22 New Haven Road, Durham 860-349-8644

B&G Power Equipment 336 Main Street, Durham 860-349-2333 Carolyn Adams Country Barn 352 Main Street, Durham 860-349-1737 Gossip 339 Main Street, Durham 860-349-2468 Durham Wine & Spirits 6 Main Street, Durham Open 4th of July 9-1 860-349-5646 Dean Autoworks 18 Middlefield Rd., Durham 860-349-9980

Michelli Unisex Styling Salon Middlefield Barber Shop 193 Strickland Road, Middlefield 860-349-8220 Durham Dental 360 Main Street, Durham 860-349-1123 Durham Fitness 6 Main Street, Durham 860-349-2480 Wild Wisteria 354 Main Street, Durham 860-349-1550 Glazer Dental Associates 16 Main St., Durham Village, Durham 860-349-0007

1164536

Perma Treat Corporation 74 Air Line Drive, Durham 860-349-1133

JC Farm & Greenhouses 385 Wallingford Rd. - Rte. 68 Durham 860-349-5649 Perk On Main 6 Main Street, Durham 860-349-5335