8-13-2010 Town Times

Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

Volume 17, Issue 18

Vice chair contends ‘gauntlet has been thrown, but by who?

Durham P&Z discusses Fair Association permit

By Chuck Corley Special to the Town Times

of discussing the 1986 permit that defines how the property may be used.

For the past few months, the Durham Planning and Zoning Commission has had a number of issues with the way the Durham Fairgrounds are used. This began earlier in the year, when commission chairman George Eames reported that an electrical business was running on the property in what Eames considered a violation of permitted uses for the land. The commission’s concerns over usage rose in anticipation of Bombfest, with members worrying about the amount of noise, traffic and other disturbances that the concert might generate. After the concert was actually held, the obscenities spoken by some of the performers finally prompted the commission to seek a meeting with the Durham Fair Association in the hopes

While there was initially no response to the commission’s request for a meeting, one finally came Aug. 4. In a letter composed by attorney John Corona, with the unanimous approval of the Fair Association, members of the Planning and Zoning Commission were described as “small-minded,” with special attention paid to the possible biases of commission members. The letter pointed out that two members

Friday, August 13, 2010

A comfy cow ...

See Fair, page 12

In this issue ...

Calendar............................4 Durham Briefs ...........12-13 Libraries ...............10-11, 14 Middlefield Briefs...........14 Sports ..........................25-27 Spotlight ..........................21

This little farmer took a break from last weekend’s Middlesex and New Haven counties’ 4-H Fair at the Durham Fairgrounds to rest with the cows. See more photos on pages 18-19.

Photo by Stephanie Wilcox

Primary results in our towns: Democratic and Republican

By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times In the Aug. 10 primary election, 29.4 percent of registered Republicans and an unknown (at press time) percent of registered Democrats in Middlefield voted. In Durham, 35.25 percent of registered Democrats voted in District 2 and 30.06 percent in District 3. On the Republican side, 34.5 percent voted in District 2 (where there was a congressional race) and 29.2 in District 3.

For the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Chris Dodd (D), Linda McMahon won the statewide Republican primary and will face current State Attorney Gen-

eral Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, who was not involved in a primary.

Dan Malloy, winner of the Democratic primary for governor, will face Tom Foley, winner of the Republican primary.

Democrat Nancy Wyman, who partnered with Malloy, will face Mark Boughton, who won the Republican primary for Lt. Governor though Durham voters did not agree.

Denise Merrill won the Democratic primary for Secretary of the State, carrying both our towns also.

Kevin Lembo won the Democratic primary for Comptroller statewide and locally.

Martha Dean won the Re-

publican primary for Attorney General. These are the candidates who will represent their parties on the Nov. 2 ballot.

Finally, in the Republican primary contest to elect a candidate to face incumbent Congressman Joe Courtney (D), Janet Peckinpaugh bested the field statewide and in District 2 in Durham.

Compare these results of how Durham and Middlefield voted, below. Names in bold are the town winners, which usually indicate statewide success except in the case of the U.S. Senate Republican primary in Durham, where former Congressman Rob Simmons beat statewide win-

ner Linda MacMahon and in the Republican primary for Lt. Governor where Lisa Wilson-Foley won in Durham but not statewide.

Middlefield Governor: Tom Foley (GOP) 72, Michael Fedele (GOP) 61, Oz Griebel (GOP) 36, Dan Malloy (DEM) 207, Ned Lamont (DEM) 150.

Lieutenant Governor: Mark Boughton (GOP) 79, Lisa Wilson-Foley (GOP) 77, Nancy Wyman (DEM) 231, Mary Glassman (DEM) 125.

U.S. Senate: Linda McMahon (GOP) 83, Peter Schiff (GOP) 42, Rob Simmons (GOP) 45.

Secretary of State: Denise Merrill (DEM) 235, Gerry

Garcia (DEM) 109.

Comptroller: Kevin Lembo (DEM) 261, Michael Jarjura (DEM) 83.

Attorney General: Martha Dean (GOP) 103, Ross Garber (GOP) 60.

Durham Governor: Tom Foley (GOP) 209, Michael Fedele (GOP) 137, Oz Griebel (GOP) 75, Dan Malloy (DEM) 240, Ned Lamont (DEM) 183.

Lt. Governor: Mark Boughton (GOP) 169, Lisa Wilson-Foley (GOP) 220, Nancy Wyman (DEM) 258, Mary Glassman (DEM) 161.

U.S. Senate (GOP): Linda McMahon 174, Peter Schiff 80, See Results, page 3 box

2

Get ready for fall gardening at the Middletown Garden Club plant sale

The Middletown Garden Club will stage a fall plant sale as part of the Wadsworth Mansion Open Air Market, on Sunday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mansion.

The club will be offering a variety of usual and unusual plants for the fall garden and landscape, as well as bargain divisions from members’ gardens. Members will also take

Town Times Community Briefs

Friday, August 13, 2010

ous fall garden?

The gardeners in the Middletown Garden Club will help you with fall plant selections and offer advice about their bargain perennial divisions.

Whether you are adding to your fall landscape, planting with next spring in mind, or holiday shopping, this sale has something for you. Mid-Au-

gust through mid-September brings perfect planting weather for many favorite New England plants.

visit www.meetup.com/ctbarefooters.

The barefoot hikers of Connecticut will hold a barefoot hike at Millers Pond State Park in Durham on Sunday, Aug. 22, at 9 a.m. The hike will be about two to three miles, last two to three hours and will be appropriate for beginners at barefoot hiking. David Ellis, a long time barefoot hiker, will teach how to safely and enjoyably hike barefoot.

There is nothing more natural than hiking barefoot. The soles of your feet and toes are wonderful sensory organs, and the myriad of feelings from earth, grass, moss, pineneedles, and mud are wonderful. Many could not see hiking any other way.

Hiking barefoot causes virtually no trail erosion since a bare foot makes much less of an imprint than a booted foot.

Bare feet are therefore the environmentally sound choice for hiking.

For more information on the event or barefoot hiking,

Notre Dame and Church of the Epiphany. It will be a cook-out and held at the Church of the Epiphany, 196 Main St. in Durham, on Sunday, Aug. 22, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The dinner is free and open to the public. All are invited; all are welcome.

orders for a specially selected daffodil bulb collection and for their popular holiday amaryllis blooms.

Here in New England, gardeners wait patiently through the winter for the emergence of flowers, the greening of trees and the smell of freshly turned soil. When the earth finally awakens, they head out to their favorite garden centers and plant sales to purchase plants that will adorn their properties for the coming seasons. Many buy whatever is in flower, plant it, and call their work “done.” Their gardens are beautiful in spring and summer, but what about fall? Why not make this the year that you plant a glori-

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

Home Works..............................25 Huscher, Debbie, realtor ...........27 Ianniello Plumbing.....................20 J. Randolph Kitchens ................22 Jay Landscaping .......................22 J.C. Farm & Greenhouse ..........11 John’s Café & Catering .............15 Las Eng .....................................23 Lino’s Market .............................11 Lyman Orchards........................12 Masonicare....................10, 12, 14 Middlefield Children’s Center ....17 Middlesex Community College....15 Middlesex Dance Center.............6 Middlesex Ob/Gyn.......................6 Mountain Spring Water .............22 Movado Farm ............................20 Neil Jones Home Imp................22 Peaceful Healing .......................12 Perrotti’s Country Barn..............17 Pet Stop.....................................24 Petruzelo Agency Insurance.....18 Planeta Electric .........................24 Raintree Landscaping ...............24 Realty Associates......................23 Rice, Davis, Daley & Krenz Ins......6 RLI Electric ..........................11, 24 Roblee Plumbing.......................24 Rockfall Co. ...............................19 RSDL Home Improvements......20 Sharon McCormick Design .........5 Singles Alternative.....................18 Smith, Christa............................16 T-N-T Home & Lawncare..........21 Torrison Stone & Garden....13, 19 Town of Durham........................10 Two Mikes Electric ....................19 Uncle Bob’s Flower & Garden.....7 VMB Custom Builders...............21 Whitehouse Construction..........23 Whitney Ridge Stables..............21 Windows Plus............................16 Zettergren, Kevin, realtor ..........27

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

From our online suggestion box: The photograph on page 22 of the Aug. 6 issue of Town Times identifies “Aerial view of earthen works at Fort Griswold...” while the picture is actually of Fort Trumbull, on the west side of the Thames River. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the article regarding the American Revolution and places to visit in Connecticut. Thank you.

Free summer concert

The public is invited to enjoy a summer concert with the Rob and Karen Show at the Village at South Farms, 645 Old Saybrook Rd. in Middletown, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26. Bring the whole family, dance and sing along with the Rob and Karen Show and enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars.

The free event is open to everyone, and refreshments start at 6 p.m. with the concert at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited, so please RSVP by calling 860-344-8788.

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Corrections

Community Barefoot hike at supper This month’s Community Millers Pond Supper will be hosted by

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Town Times

Friday, August 13, 2010

Farmers’ Market, town meeting to transfer funds, road projects engage Durham selectmen

By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times

Permission was also granted to Diana Richter for use of town roads for a charity motorcycle event on Sunday, Sept. 12.

Finally, the selectmen approved a request from the Durham Volunteer Fire Company Parking Committee to use town properties surround-

ing the Durham Firehouse to park cars for the four days of the Durham Fair, Sept. 23-26, as a fundraiser.

Old/new business The selectmen approved two requests from the Durham Farmers’ Market Committee that were presented at the last board meeting. They were willing to continue the market through the end of October, contingent upon the condition of the town green after the Durham Fair. They also supported expanding from 15 vendors to 20, with two ready to join right away.

Francis told market master Tina Hurlbert, who was in attendance, that she needs to

Results, from page 1 .......... Rob Simmons (GOP) 178.

U.S. House District 2: Daria Novak (GOP) 119, Doug Dubitsky (GOP) 44, Janet Peckinpaugh (GOP) 153.

Secretary of State: Denise Merrill (DEM) 263, Gerry Garcia (DEM) 139.

Comptroller: Kevin Lembo (DEM) 301, Michael Jarjura (DEM) 99.

Attorney General: Martha Dean (GOP) 236, Ross Garber (GOP) 164.

“To my knowledge there has never been this many people (on the ballot) in a state, and in this case, federal primary election,” said Durham town clerk Kim Garvis. “In 2006, there were only six candidates on the ballot, and that year there was only a Democratic primary for offices of Governor, Lt..

Governor and U.S. Senate. In this primary, there were four offices for Democrats alone and five Republican offices. It was a very difficult primary for Durham this time, I think, because they were all different offices, except for the top two.

With two districts in Durham, it was like having four mini elections running.” start being more aggressive about enforcing parking rules. According to Hurlbert, the issue has to do with the difficulty in getting the “No Parking” signs into the grass by the curb.

During public comment, Hurlbert thanked the selectmen on behalf of the committee but also expressed their collective disappointment in

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During public comment at the start of the Aug. 9 Board of Selectmen meeting, resident Rick Parmelee raised concern about the town crew wearing shorts — rather than long pants — on the job, citing OSHA regulations, and reiterated his issue with having too many stop signs throughout town. After a discussion on the matter, with several examples of roads mentioned, selectman Jim McLaughlin agreed and said he would like to make a motion at the next board meeting to remove the “No Thru Traffic” signs on Maple Avenue.

Appointments/agreements During the meeting, Bob Thody was appointed to the Conservation Commission.

The board granted permission to the First Selectman to enter into an agreement with Middletown Area Transit to continue the Dial-A-Ride transportation service for Durham residents. Though the service is not funded through the budget this year, the service will continue while the transportation needs of Durham are studied.

The board also approved an agreement for the First Selectman with the state Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security for the FFY2009 homeland security grant program. The Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency will be the lead regional agency for Region 2’s emergency planning committee grant.

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August 13

True Story of Jack and The Beanstalk Shoreline Arts Alliance presents the True Story of Jack and the Beanstalk at 2 p.m. in the Arts Barn, 8 Campus Dr. in Madison.

This is a free performance for everyone.

Town Times & Places

Friday, August 13, 2010

mi Klotsko at 860-349-9558 or Bonnie Olesen at 860-349-9433.

Health Fair Luther Ridge, 628 Congdon Street West in Middletown, will host a health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seniors and their families are welcome to a showcase of services and knowledge to enhance seniors’ lives. There will be nutrition news, assessments, screenings and information.

Participating companies include Allmed, Beltone, Companions and Homemakers, Day Club, Gentiva, Hudson, Lenscrafters, Medoption Patient Care, Peltons, St. Luke’s, Sundance, Vision Dynamics and Luther Ridge Wellness Center. There will also be a bake sale.

Symphonic Band The Middletown Symphonic Band will play a free concert at 7 p.m. at Allyn Brook Park in Durham. For more information, visit www.middletownsymphonicband.org.

SATURDAY

back seat driver contest and a drawing for door prizes, kicks off at 9 a.m. Admission to the cruise-in is $5 per carload, but anyone pulling or riding a tractor or antique truck will be admitted free. For more information, contact Len Baginski at 860-349-3305, or Karin or Bob Thody at 860-349-9191.

MONDAY

August 16

SATURDAY

August 14

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 and crafts.

For info, call 860-349-3917.

Local Music Local acoustic guitarist Jon Swift will play and sing “Americana” music from noon to 2 p.m. at Perk on Main in Durham.

Peach Fest The Lyman Orchards peach fest will include scavenger hunt, peach trivia contest, face painting, horse drawn wagon rides, live music and more. For a full list of events or more info, visit www.lymanorchards.com or call 860-349-1793.

Gospel Concert Come to the Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church, 440 West St. in Middletown, at 5 p.m. for a gospel concert with The Mighty Gospel Revelation, The Watson Family, Yvette Early, Darlene Ellis, From Waterbury, and The Soul Lifters. Free will offering, All are welcome.

Twelfth Night Enjoy a free performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on the Old Saybrook green at 8 p.m.

SUNDAY

August 15

Tractor Cruise-In Antique and modern farm tractors, pedal tractors and antique trucks will assemble on the fairgrounds in Durham to take part in the eighth annual tractor cruisein sponsored by the Durham Fair Foundation, Inc. The event, that also includes a flea market, a die cast toy sale,

Lightning Thief The Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown, will show the film Lightning Thief at 2 p.m. as part of their books in film series for young people. Percy Jackson is the son of Poseidon and is accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt.

Percy embarks on an incredible cross-country journey to prove his innocence, recover the bolt and prevent a war among the gods. Light refreshments will be served.

For info, call 860-347-2528.

Free Movie The Middletown Senior Center, 150 Williams Street, offers a free movie every Monday at 12:30 p.m. Today’s movie is Prince Caspian.

TUESDAY

August 17 PFLAG Meeting Greater New Haven Shoreline Chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays) meets to offer support, information and education and to advocate for LGBT loved ones.

Meetings are held at the Church of the Redeemer 185 Cold Spring Street, New Haven, the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. For more info e-mail greaternewhavenpflag@yahoo.com or call 203-458-0493.

Summer Sounds Enjoy a free concert with Joe Milardo and the Musical Cavaliers playing lively polkas and waltzes at 7 p.m. at the South Union Park at the corner of Old Church and Main Street in Middletown.

WEDNESDAY

August 18 TOPS Durham TOPS Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Durham Town Hall. For info, call Nao-

THURSDAY

August 19 Free Concert Enjoy the music of The Sunshine Band as they play from at 6 to 8:15 p.m. on the grounds of Masonicare, 22 Masonic Ave. in Wallingford.

Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the music. The grounds are available for picnickers at 5 p.m. Call 203-6795900 for information. Tonight is also children’s fun night.

Live Reptiles Meigs Point Nature Center director Russ Miller will host a live reptile show at 7 p.m. at the nature center at Hammonasset Beach State Park.

Participants will meet reptiles up close and learn about their behavior, physiology and habitat.

Patti Smith Film A free screening of Patti Smith: Dream of Life by Steven Sebring will be shown at the Henry Carter Hull Library in Clinton at 6:30 p.m. This free event is an intimate portrait of the legendary rocker, poet and artist, following her personal reflections over a decade.

For information, visit www.hchlibrary.org or call

860-669-2342.

Teen Creative Writing The Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown, will have a drop-in group for kids, from 4 to 5 p.m. Teens will learn about the writing process through a variety of prompts and art activities.

They will create their own characters, write their own stories and participate in prompts to stimulate their imagination. For information, call 860-347-2528.

Farmers Market Enjoy a traditional farmers’ market on the Durham green today and every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m.

MOMS Club

The MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of Durham and Middlefield will hold its monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. at Peckham Park in Middlefield. For info, e-mail momsdurhammiddlefield @yahoo.com or visitwww.momsclub.org.

FRIDAY

August 20 Business Networking The local chapter of Business Networking International will meet in the United Methodist Church, 24 Old Church St. in Middletown, at 7:30 a.m. Contact Kirk Hagert at 860-349-5626 for info.

New D-13 Student Orientation Memorial School will hold an orientation for incoming fifth and sixth grade students who are new to District 13 at 1 p.m. in the Memorial School Media Center. This hour-long program will consist of a brief description of academic and extracurricular opportunities and will include a tour of the building and a question and answer period. Refreshments will be served.

Baked Bean Supper United Churches of Durham will have a baked bean supper at 6 p.m. in the air conditioned Fellowship Hall on the corner of Main Street and Route 66. The supper includes baked beans, scalloped corn, macaroni, salads and homemade breads and pies. Dinners are $7 for adults and $4 for children under 10. All are welcome.

August 21

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 and more.

For info, call 860-349-3917.

Car Wash The Coginchaug Football Club will be washing cars from 9 a.m. to noon at Carolyn Adams Country Barn, 352 Main St. in Durham. The money raised will be used for equipment for the new football team at Coginchaug.

Chicken Barbeque St. John’s Episcopal Church in North Guilford will host its 48th annual chicken barbeque from 4 to 7 p.m. on the church grounds on Ledge Hill Road. Enjoy grilled chicken halves, native corn, salads, breads and home made desserts. Tickets are $14 for adults and $7 for children under 13. Reservations are suggested by calling 203-453-5618 or online at www.stjohnsguilford.org.

Clambake Enjoy an old-fashioned clam bake at Lyman Orchards from 4 to 7:30 p.m.

There will be lobster, steamers, mussels, corn on the cob, potatoes, salads and more.

Tickets are on sale at the Apple Barrel or by calling 860349-1793 or on line at www.lymanorchards.com.

Pig Roast The Boy Scouts of Troop 27 in Durham will hold their third annual pig roast from 4 to 7 p.m. at the United Churches of Durham in the picnic pavilion. There will be plenty of outdoor activities, fun and great food including cole slaw, baked beans, sweet corn, smoked turkey, pulled port, whole roast pork, apple crisp, bread, butter, lemonade and water. Tickets are $10 per person or $25 per family and can be purchased from a scout, at the door, or by contacting pigroast010@comcast.net.

Fish Fry The K-Club, 168 Main Street in Rockfall, will host a fish fry from 4 to 7 p.m. The menu includes fish, clams casino, potato salad and fish chowder. Donation is $10.

Town Times

Friday, August 13, 2010

5

A bumper crop for Durham gardener

By Sue VanDerzee Town Times

USPS 021-924 Published weekly by Record-Journal Publishing Co., d/b/a Town Times, P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Middlefield, CT and at additional mailing offices.

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Jeff Hill, 52, of Durham counts as one of his earliest memories helping his grandfather water his garden in Portland. “I was so excited,” Hill says about his four-yearold self.

At eight, he remembers being given a single tomato plant by a neighbor lady. “I felt so connected to that plant,” he continues. “I remember putting sticks under its branches to hold them up and visiting it every day in the backyard. I think the desire to take care of plants was always in me.”

That excitement and desire are still visible today as Hill escorts this reporter to his current backyard in Durham to view his sevenfoot-tall tomato plants. Hill is just as excited and quite a bit more knowledgeable these days. “I like the old-fashioned tomatoes,” he explains. He orders his seeds from Tomato Growers Supply Company of Fort Myers, Florida, where they sell over 400 varieties, as well as eggplant, peppers and other seeds.

“I start them in my basement the first day of spring – March 21 – every year,” Hill continues. He has a food warmer in his basement that he uses to give them a good start. “I baby them,” he says with a smile. When asked why the particular fondness for tomatoes, Hill lists the look of the leaves, the lovely red fruit, the availability of

heirloom (not changed by man) varieties.

And indeed, his seven-foot plants are a sight to behold.

This year he planted nine varieties in 63 large plastic buckets. “I’ve never done that before,” he explains, “but the soil has diseases in it from planting tomatoes year after year.”

He also keeps a chart of how each variety grows and produces for future reference and help in ordering. His favorite of this year’s crop for taste is aptly named “First Prize.”

Like many local gardeners, he finds the deer like his crops, which also include eggplants, peppers, watermelon, pumpkins, beets, squash, onions, cabbages and soon-to-be-planted collard greens. His natural solution to repelling deer, known to

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Jeff Hill shows off a “First Prize” tomato amidst his 63 See Tomatoes, page 28 plants of nine different varieties in his Durham garden.

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anyone who has ever viewed the movie Doc Hollywood, is urine. “It does the trick,” he says.

While leaning towards natural repellants and tactics, Hill resorted to Sevin this year to avoid losing all his cabbages to beetles. And he’s reveling in his luxuriant garden, a real change from last summer when he, like most gardeners in the Northeast, lost all his tomatoes and “nothing grew very well.”

Hill enjoys all aspects of his fantastic garden, from planting to tending to harvesting. He even likes to

Town Times

6

Friday, August 13, 2010

A fitting end to summer: A day at Lake Compounce

By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times If you’re looking for one more way to have some serious fun with your family before summer ends, my suggestion is to spend a day at a local amusement park.

Throughout this summer, we’ve talked about wine trails/vineyards, boat trips, museums and historic places, but we have not yet covered the epitome of all summer activities: amusement parks. With food, rides, games, music and entertainment all in one place, you can’t go wrong.

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Reporter Stephanie Wilcox trying — and enjoying — fried peanut butter and jelly at Lake Compounce.

Last Saturday, I was on a mission to recall just how fun amusement parks are.

It’s been many years since I’ve been to one in New England, but I can recall visits to Quassy and Lake Com-

pounce as a kid with camp, family or friends. It was always a great time.

This time, I grabbed my older sister and headed to Lake Compounce in Bristol.

From Middlefield and Durham the ride is under 30 minutes. We were there before we finished catching up on the previous week’s events.

Lake Compounce is America’s first family theme park, still in operation after 165 years. General manager Jerry Brick said the mediumsized park strives to keep that “old feel while catering to family fun.�

This we could tell immediately. Old school doo-wop music was playing from speakers in the park’s entrance, the architecture and character of various buildings was from a storybook,

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and there were families partaking in everything there was to be done. Amazingly, the place seemed impeccably clean.

For being the most popular month and a weekend day when the out-of-state crowds come by, it didn’t feel overly crowded or overly big. I personally feel big amusement parks are overwhelming, with long lines and so much to do visitors can feel anxious. Brick predicted 12,000 people that day; of that, 1,600 were there for a lunchtime company picnic and another 1,900 for dinner alone. The park also hosts different events throughout the summer, such as Autism Day, United Way Day, Chamber Day, Cancer Day, etc., so many people attend to support their causes.

The first thing we saw while walking through the entrance gate was two people descending through the air on a bungee cord (aside from the games, this is the only attraction at the park that costs extra to participate). This is going to be fun, I thought.

And was it ever.

We tried to go on each of the rides at least once that Brick told us were the best: Boulder Dash (our favorite),

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Durham Fair Exhibitor Guides are out! Become part of local tradition and appreciation for the land we farm and animal husbandry. He was active in 4-H, showed his Jersey cattle in local fairs, attended Lyman Hall Vo-Ag High School and graduated in 1965. He then graduated from Spring Garden Institute in Pennsylvania where he studied diesel mechanics and served in the United States Army, teaching Prime and Precise Power Generation. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Durham, married his sweetheart, June, built a home and became and active volunteer in his community. He worked for H. O. Penn Machinery CO., Inc. and retired in 2007, after 40 years of dedicated service.

This year will be his 40th year of active service with the Durham Volunteer Fire Company. He was leader of the Middlesex County 4-H Dairy Club, teaching the principles of land conservation and animal husbandry to the next generation.

41 days till the Fair!

Charlie Wimler, in horse drawing contests. He did that for many years, at numerous fairs, near and far, even trucking the team of horses to Texas where they competed in the Fort Worth Invitational Horse Drawing Contest.

It is with gratitude and pride that we dedicate this year’s Exhibitor’s Guide to Dick Porter. If there is a job to

the Conservation Commission cleaning up the Coginchaug River to restore White’s Farm Open Space.

Dick’s contributions to the community, our agricultural heritage and the Durham Fair are countless and the Association is richer because Dick Porter is one of its active Honorary Members.

be done, Dick is always available, regardless of the task. His knowledge and creative skills with tools and machinery are one of the Fair’s greatest assets. Working with our superior and dedicated Maintenance team, no challenge has been too big for him to tackle; cleaning the barns to findings mysterious water leaks, repairing broken equipment or just building what is needed.

Whether it requires a hammer, a welder or just plain grit, he gets the job done. Volunteering and supporting our agricultural legacy has always been part of his character.

Presently, he serves on the Durham Agriculture Commission and is working with

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Durham Fair Exhibitor Guides have been mailed out and are also available for pickup at various locations in Durham and Middlefield, including the Town Times office. If you would like to have your name added to the mailing list, call 860-349-9495 or email secretary@durhamfair. com. Entry forms to exhibit items in the Durham Fair can be found at www.durhamfair.com, and you can enter online beginning Aug. 15.

The 91st annual Durham Fair will be held September 23, 24, 25 and 26, on the Durham Fairgrounds. For more information about the Fair go to www.durhamfair. com.

Dedication It has always been the mission of the Durham Fair Association to promote the preservation of our agricultural heritage. A challenge for its membership is to see that it remains firmly committed to that task. Our designee for this year’s Exhibitor’s Guide honoree has made this one of his major goals and demonstrates it in word, thought and deed.

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Friday, August 13, 2010

The demonstrated limits of polling Town Times 488 Main St., P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455 http://www.towntimes.com News Advertising Fax Marketplace

(860) (860) (860) (877)

349-8000 349-8026 349-8027 238-1953

news@towntimes.com advertising@towntimes.com (toll-free)

Town Times is published every Friday by the Record-Journal Publishing Co. and is delivered to all homes and businesses in Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall.

Sue VanDerzee, Editor Stephanie Wilcox, Reporter Brian Monroe, Advertising Director Joy Boone, Advertising Sales Wendy Parker, Office Manager Contributors: Betsy White Booz, Chuck Corley, Trish Dynia, Kathy Meyering, Judy Moeckel, Tori Piscatelli.

Nineteen people answered our poll question this week, which was: “Have you or will you vote in the primaries this week?” Sixtyeight percent of those said “yes” and only 32 percent said “no.”

Those are exactly opposite the numbers in our front page article on the primary results in our towns. Somewhere between 29 and 32 percent of eligible voters actually turned out for the primary on Tuesday, Aug. 10; numbers varied depending on the district and the party. Since there’s no way to know whether the persons who answered our poll question actually did what they said they were going to do, we do not vouch for this totally self-selected and unscientific data.

However, very interestingly, the people who did turn out to vote on Tuesday dealt a blow to much more scientific predictive polling. In polls taken as close to the balloting as Aug. 9, Democratic challenger Ned Lamont led party caucus-endorsed Dan Malloy for a spot on November ballot running for governor.

This should be a cautionary tale for politi-

cians, much like the oft-quoted and erroneous Chicago Tribune headline “Dewey Defeats Truman” in 1948.

In fact, what happens in the voting booth, or these days as one stands at the voting desk, is quite powerful. Those who choose to vote often change their minds, pen or lever in hand, as they consider the alternatives and the candidates before them. Sometimes it’s a last minute ad or call from a supporter that does the trick, sometimes it’s reflection in that almost-sacred space that causes votes to change, and sometimes it’s a seemingly whimsical decision – a “Let’s see how this goes” kind of attitude.

Whatever it is that leads people to either change their minds at the actual polls or give misleading answers to pollsters, it’s why real elections are still held. Polls are accurate most of the time, but those few surprises keep us on our toes and should impel us to actual polling places in November to cast actual votes that can still change the world.

Sue VanDerzee, editor

Letters to the Editor

Eminent domain is last resort of BOS To the Editor, It is too bad that Mr. Glueck doesn’t take the time to actually come to a BOS (Middlefield Board of Selectmen’s) meeting. If he did, he might be surprised to learn that we have been trying to gain the access for the water line for al-

most a year now. He makes it sound as if we are taking the whole of the property, when we are actually looking for an easement that would be approximately 30 feet wide.

Eminent domain should be only used as a last resort, and I believe the BOS has been more than reasonable in negotiating for this easement.

Eminent domain does not mean the owner gets nothing for the easement; it means that the court would decide

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 250 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. 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.

what is fair and reasonable.

The primary concern of the BOS, in my opinion, is to reestablish a ski area at Powder Ridge. This is what the townspeople voted for. Without access to the lake for water to make snow, there will be no ski area.

Regarding his historical opinions, he might also be surprised to learn that during the period of 1776-1783, no resident of the state of Connecticut could buy, sell or possess property without first taking the Oath of Allegiance. Loyalists living in Connecticut found their property confiscated by the state.

Mary Johnson, Middlefield

Come swim and chat with us!

To all Durham and Middlefield residents: The Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation would like to invite you to the second annual community picnic on Sunday, Aug. 29, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Please join us at beautiful Camp Farnam for a dip in the pool, a visit with your neighbors, some volleyball, basketball or horseshoes.

Bring a picnic supper – drinks and ice cream provided. Camp Farnam is located on Maiden Lane in Durham around the corner from Bear Rock Road. Just look for the picnic sign.

Celebrate the end of summer with us!

Liz Conroy, Nancy Earls, Mike Durand, Denise Brennan, The Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation Picnic Committee

Szewczyk watches bottom line on BOS To the Editor, As the Nov. 2nd elections approach, it is never too early for voters to brush up on those running for the State House and Senate this year.

Knowing that the next fiscal year will be among the most crucial for our state, it is imperative that we look to someone who will put people before politics, someone who will think about our wallets before casting a single vote.

That person is John Szewczyk.

During his tenure on the Durham Board of Selectmen, John Szewczyk has worked to keep spending of the town portion of government relatively stable – quite a feat in a tough economy. For that, he has already proven that he considered our taxes before making any decisions.

That is the kind of leadership we need representing us in Hartford.

Please support John Szewczyk in November.

Michael Geremia, Durham

‘Us’ vs. ‘Them’ sad, inaccurate To the editor, You have made me very sad. Yes, you, residents of the community. You are so quick to jump on the “Us vs. Them” bandwagon that you don’t even consider checking your facts before you repeat criticism. This has been going on for years, and it makes me very sad. What’s my topic?

It’s that dreaded, evil empire, “The Fair,” also often called the “Fair Association,” but more commonly just referred to as “Them.”

“Us vs. them” is easy. “Us” is me and you. “Us” by default is always completely in the right. “Them,” which is any entity on any given day, is by default completely in the wrong just because they are not us.

Since approximately 90 percent of those reading this are or have at one time volunteered for or at “The Fair,” all of us are also part of “Them.”

If a service organization or church you are involved with or support has ever had a booth at “The Fair,” you are part of “Them.”

If this is too deep a concept, picture Durham without the fair. Picture a housing development on the fairgrounds and imagine the increase in See ‘Us,’ page 20

Friday, August 13, 2010

Town Times Columns

Along the political trail ...

State Senator Thomas P. Gaffey (D-Meriden) recently received a 100 percent rating – a perfect score – from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV). The CTLCV scorecard is provided annually, this year on votes recorded on nine qualifying bills. Senator Gaffey’s rating reflects his support and advocacy for those environmental initiatives. Senator Gaffey is one of 11 senators to earn a 100 percent ranking. The CTLCV used bills that address, among other things, energy conservation, creating so-called green jobs, recycling and managing toxic materials in Connecticut.

Senator Gaffey received a 100 percent rating in 2009 as well.

Identity theft:You can do something about it.

By Summer Lerch-Spencer Special to the Town Times Identity theft is a serious crime.

Identity theft occurs when your personal information, including but not limited to your social security number, your bank accounts, your credit card numbers, are stolen and used without your knowledge or permission to commit fraud and/or other crimes. Identity theft costs you time, money and emotional toil to resolve.

Identity theft can destroy your credit and ruin your good reputation.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends deterring, detecting and defending yourself against identity theft.

You deter identity theft by safeguarding your personal information: Shred financial and personal documents before discarding. (See info at the end of this article for a location near you.)

Protect your Social Security number. Do not carry it in your wallet.

Give out only when necessary. Never have it printed on your checks.

Don’t give out personal information over the Internet, phone or through the mail unless you know who you are dealing with.

Never click a link on the Internet that you do not know or one that comes to you unsolicited.

Don’t use obvious passwords like your mother’s maiden name, last four digits of your SS number or birth-date.

Keep your personal info safe and secure, especially if you have roommates.

You can detect suspicious activity by regularly monitoring your accounts and billing statements. Be alert to signs that should cause you to take immediate action: Changes in bills, like not arriving when they should; Unexpected credit card charges or statements; Denials of credit for no apparent reason; Calls or letters about purchases you are certain you did not make.

Regularly inspect your credit report. You can get a free copy each year if you ask for it. Go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 and request your report. You can also write to: Annual Credit Report Re-

quest Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta GA, 30348-5281. All three credit reporting companies are obligated to send you a free report.

You can defend against identity theft by immediately placing a “Fraud Alert” on your credit report as soon as you suspect something.

1. A fraud alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. You only need to call one of the numbers below to place a fraud alert on your credit report.

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 Experian: 1-888-397-9742 2. Close all accounts that have suspicious activity. Call the security department of the companies that have accounts that have been tampered with.

Follow up with a written letter. Go to ftc.gov/idtheft for info and support on how best to write this letter.

3. File a police report as if something has been stolen from you.

4. Report your theft to the Federal Trade Commission at the above mentioned website; or you can call 1-877-ID THEFT (438-4338); or mail to Federal Trade Comm., Washington DC, 20580.

As mentioned above the best action you can take is to shred your valuable personal information. On September 18, 2010, the Lions Club of Middlefield, committed as always to community service events, will be hosting a SHRED-IT gathering, with trucks provided by Connecticut Recycling Recovery Authority. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, the 18th, at St. Colman’s Church you can bring your personal records, bank statements, financial papers, credit card information and other financial and personal assets to be shredded. This is a free community event; and a donation to the Lions Club of Middlefield would be greatly appreciated.

Come enjoy coffee with Lions volunteers and get safe protecting your ID while you do it! Next week we will look at what to keep and what to shred according to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.

9

Governor’s Prevention Partnership offers parents new ways to cope The increasing consumption of entertainment media, including television and the internet, by teenagers not only puts them at risk for poor academic performance, it also makes it harder for their parents to talk to them about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Parents can reduce the risk of their teenagers ever experimenting with drugs and alcohol by 50 percent just by talking with them, but finding the time has become more challenging.

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation study of 2,000 teens released earlier this year, the average amount of time young people (8-18-year-olds) spend consuming entertainment media is up dramatically to almost eight hours per day; that’s 53 hours a week of immersion in some form of media. The research also noted that the more media teens consume, the less happy they tend to be, and those who are most captivated by media reported their academic performance suffered. About half (47 percent) of heavy media users reported they usually get fair to poor grades, mostly C’s or lower, compared to about a quarter (23 percent) of light media users.

In addition, new omnibus research from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America shows that more than onethird of parents are concerned that TV (38 percent), computers (37 percent) and video games (33 percent) make it harder for them to communicate with their media-engrossed teens about risky behaviors like drug and alcohol use. The survey of more than 1,200 parents also confirms that a quarter or more are worried that newer forms of media, including texting (27 percent) and social networking sites like Facebook (25 percent) and Twitter (19 percent) hinder effective parent/child communication about the dangers of teen substance abuse.

“These findings present a unique opportunity for parents to play a more active role in what their kids are watching, monitor how they are spending their time online and remain aware of the impact all of this media consumption is having on their impressionable teens,” said Jill K. Spineti, president and CEO of The Governor’s Prevention Partnership. “Videos of kids abusing cough medicine and common household products to get high are all too accessible online; that’s why it’s more important than ever for parents to break through the media noise and make their voices heard.”

The Kaiser study notes the drastic increases in media consumption among youth are driven in large part by easy access to mobile devices like cell phones and iPod media players.

Among kids and teens, cell phone own-

ership has increased sharply since 2004, from 39 percent to 66 percent in 2009, while ownership of iPods jumped from 18 percent to 76 percent over the same time period. Overall, 20 percent of kids’ media consumption comes from mobile devices. And, as kids get older and consume even more media, the level of concern among parents increases and can lead to breakdowns in parent/child communication.

The Governor’s Prevention Partnership offers parenting tips below: Become mindful of finding time each day to connect personally with your teenager, whether it’s getting up with them before school or catching them between activities. Personal connection is the basis for a trusting relationship.

Insist on “no phone zone” times, as appropriate. Suggestions include turning off phones and technology during meal times, family outings or other times together.

Just as you monitor your teen’s whereabouts when it comes to parties and visiting friends, monitor his or her use of the internet and exposure to the media. Be your child’s Facebook friend and monitor their page.

Take advantage of technology and find new ways to share important messages with your teen, including emails, cell phone calls and even texting. Parents can use these methods to communicate, especially at times when teen drinking and drug use is more likely — after school, on weekends and during unsupervised hours.

With or without technology, set “no use” expectations for your teen when it comes to drinking or experimenting with illegal or prescription drugs. Educate yourself on what teens are facing when it comes to substance abuse, and be prepared to discuss these topics with your teen.

Keep the family computer in a central place where you can unobtrusively monitor his or her use of it.

For those parents who are hesitant or don’t know how to send text messages The Governor’s Prevention Partnership offers a link to a free, downloadable guide called “Time To Text.”

This tool offers quick tips on how to text, suggests examples of different messages to send to teens and even provides a cheat sheet parents can keep in their wallet.

“Parents may still feel apprehensive about embracing media and technology as a way of communicating with their children, but, in today’s world, it is vital that they connect with their kids in any way possible,” said Partnership for a Drug Free America President Steve Pasierb. “It is important that we help bridge the technology gap between parents and ‘Generation Text.’”

Durham Librar y in Town Times

10

Friday, August 13, 2010

On Wednesday, August 4, the Durham Public Library and P.A.L.S., the friends of the library group, hosted a thank you party for all the teen volunteers, or “volunteens,” who helped with the Summer Reading Program. Over 55 teens volunteered 572 hours in six weeks where they ran the entire Summer Reading Program desk.

Teens helped register patrons, updated weekly statistics, handed out coupons, answered program questions and much more. Pictured this page, left, each “volunteen” picked out a new book to keep. At left, volunteens Melanie Frank, Sam Turley, Danielle Drop and Emily Tuttle.

More photos on next page.

Photos submitted by Christine Tkaczyk, Young Adult Librarian

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Durham Librar y in Town Times

Friday, August 13, 2010

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Durham Library end of summer programs 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 860-3499544.

Drop-in program: There will be a special Rock Cats story time on Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 10:30 a.m.

The Mystery Book Discussion Group will meet on Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 7:30 to discuss Pushing Up Daisies

by Rosemary Harris. Copies of the book are available at the library. Everyone is invited to join this informal discussion.

The Book Lover’s Circle will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss

Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen.

Copies of the book are available at the library. Everyone is invited to join this informal discussion.

New titles include Hangman, a Decker/Lazarus Novel by Faye Kellerman, Murder in the Air by Bill Crider, Cat in an Ultramarine Scheme by Carole Nelson Douglas, The Man Who Never Returned by Peter Quinn, Villain by Shuichi Yoshida, On Location, a Rita Farmer Mystery by Elizabeth Sims, Murder by Mistake, an Ellie Quickie Mystery by Veronica Heley, Spiritual Parenting, an Awakening for Today’s Families by Michelle Anthony, Feathers of Hope by Barbara Chepaitis and The Practical Naturalist, Explore the Wonders of the Natural World (an Audubon book).

Fly Away Home by Jennifer

Weiner and Looking for a Love Story by Louise Shaffer are available in large print.

E-Books are Available: If you have a Sony Reader or Barnes and Noble Nook, and a valid Durham Library card, then downloadable ebooks are available online.

Visit http://lion.lib.overdrive.com and follow the instructions.

Left, “volunteens” enjoying pizza and ice cream sundaes. Above, boys and their books: Kevin Bjarnason, Austin Barrett, Michael Decker and Brandon Kwolek.

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Durham Government Calendar

Fair

(All meetings will be held at the Durham Library unless otherwise noted. Check the town Web page at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.)

Tuesday, August 17 7 p.m. — Board of Finance at Town Hall 7 p.m. — Agricultural Commission Wednesday, August 18 7:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday, August 19 7 p.m. — Compensation Review/Personnel Policy Commission at Town Hall 7 p.m. — DMIAAB 7 p.m. — Durham Animal Response Team (DART) Monday, August 23 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen at Town Hall 8 p.m. — Special town meeting at Town Hall third floor meeting room to vote on fund transfers (see story page 13) Tuesday, August 31 7 p.m. — Ethics Commission

of the commission – George Eames and Frank DeFelice – own property adjacent to the fairgrounds and described their conflicts of interest “as obvious as they are deep.”

The rest of the commission received little better, as the letter claimed that they “already tried the fair in its absence,” and that the commission’s intent in meeting with the Durham Fair Association was to obtain control over the activities on the fairgrounds.

Beyond the accusations of bias and small-mindedness, the letter also criticized members of the commission, such as Lisa Davenport, by stating that her problem with the profanity at the Bombfest proved “she is not, despite her contention otherwise, ‘still young enough that I can handle a lot of that stuff.’” Corona’s letter stated that it is not the commission’s place to decide whether “a rapper’s use of profanity in a song is ‘inappropriate,’” adding that the

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songs at the concert are protected under the First Amendment.

The letter disputed the commission’s right to restrict the Fair Association’s activities, noting that “The fair has no interest in yielding any of its existing permit rights” and that the broad wording on the 1986 application was intentional.

Although the letter closed by stating: “The fair is always amenable to constructive dialogue with public officials,” this was preceded by the association declining to meet with the commission and informing them to put any complaints into writing for attorney Corona to review.

The commission’s reaction was, suffice to say, “disappointed,” as members such as Joseph Pasquale put it. According to Richard Eriksen, the association was “throwing down the gauntlet.”

Chairman Eames had no comment on the contents of the letter, but many other commission members spoke against it. Catherine Devaux

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(From page 1)

Friday, August 13, 2010 found it “disturbing,” and commented that the association seems to be saying “You can’t touch us.”

Lisa Davenport conceded that the association may have the right to hold concerts such as Bombfest, as competitive events such as a battle of the bands are allowed under the permit. However, she added, “Just because they’re within their rights, it doesn’t mean I agree with them,” going on to claim that events such as the Bombfest are “part of the decline of our society today.”

Eriksen wasn’t willing to concede as much as Davenport, pointing out that the permit emphasizes agricultural events. He stated that the reason the commission wanted to meet with the association wasn’t to “Tell them what the hell to do,” but rather, “It’s about being good neighbors.” He said, “Usually common sense prevails,” but lamented by adding, “or at least it used to.”

Zoning enforcement officer Geoff Colegrove told the commission that they have two options at this point – either they can find a violation of the permit, or they can file an injunction against the association. He noted that if the matter goes before a court, the permit as a whole won’t be looked at, only the specific conflicts in question. For now, the commission is putting together an informational packet for attorney Steve Byrne to see what can be done about the permit and what it See Fair, next page

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Durham Town Briefs

Friday, August 13, 2010

Fair

(From page 12)

does or does not allow. The commission hopes to meet with Byrne for a roundtable discussion during a meeting in September or October.

Durham BOS

Maiden Lane will be held on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m. at Durham Town Hall. In both cases, there is concern about the Durham Fair and start of school traffic. In other road news, chip sealing is complete on Higganum Road.

Special Town Meeting The selectmen set Aug. 23

(Continued from page 3) at 8 p.m. for a special town

town website at www.townofdurhamct.org) or a note with your address and a $15 check to P.O. Box 428, Durham, CT 06422. Any address costs $15, so if your house number is 365R, write that on the form or in the note. If your house number is 2, write that. The building department at Town Hall can also take checks.

House numbers available We’re looking Per town ordinance, each for your ideas! house must have a visible

light refreshments, a chance to meet new people in a casual setting, and our eternal gratitude.

How do I sign up?

Call 860-349-3997 – leave your name, town, e-mail address, phone number and age (we’re trying to get a mix of ages). Hope to hear from you.

Be part of a CVEF (Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation) focus group, small groups of interested citizens discussing ideas to support lifelong learning in our two towns.

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green, even when offering to foot the bill. McLaughlin made a suggestion, which involves the Durham Fair Foundation, that Hurlbert plans to try for the following market season.

Tuesday night was the first night of filming for the town’s cable broadcast show with two topics on the agenda: the Go Far program with the Farmers’ Market and the mock crash at the high school with the student-run internet safety program. The broadcast dates of the show will be publicized.

Francis reported on the extra Resident State Trooper (RST) detail at Millers Pond in the last few weeks in response to traffic and parking complaints on Foot Hills Road. She explained that Durham spent about $700 for two days of enforcement, while Haddam paid for a separate two days.

The RST believes, as a result of the enforcement, people will be deterred from violating traffic and parking laws at that location.

Francis read off the July Resident State Trooper report and announced a commendation from the Department of Emergency Management for Mass Dispensing Area 36 (Cromwell, Durham, Middletown and Haddam) for the outstanding efforts to protect the public during the H1N1 campaign.

Road work updates First Selectman Laura Francis had no information from the town engineer or attorney to release the final bond amount for Crooked Hill requested by Brian Ferris, who was in attendance. Francis explained that she needs the recommendation of both before doing so.

The selectmen awarded low bidder Charles Pasteryak Jr., Inc. the ARRA bid for the Maiden Lane project.

There will be a pre-construction meeting for Route 68 on Monday, Aug. 16, at 10 a.m. at the Department of Transportation in Rocky Hill. A preconstruction meeting for

meeting. The agenda includes approving the transfer of $20,363 from contingency to Building and Health Town Engineer Consultants in the 2009-2010 fiscal year; transfer of $33,844 from contingency to Tax Refunds in the 2009-2010 fiscal year; transfer of $42,869 from Reserve for Highway Equipment to Capital Equipment Lease in the 2010-2011 fiscal year; the transfer of

$23,050 for Summer Intern Salaries and $2,638 to Grant Program in the 2010-2011 budget.

The next regular meeting will be Monday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. An executive session on Blue Trail Range will follow the regular meeting.

13

PSYCHED TO BIKE Cyclists are no strangers to foot problems. This is due to the fact that the foot is the contact point with the cycling pedal. The more you cycle, the more the fat padding under the ball of your foot wears thin. Achilles tendon problems can occur, particularly with cyclists who cover a lot of miles. This tendon can get inflamed from continuous friction. Sesamoiditis, the inflammation of the two small bones known as the “ball bearings of the foot,” can cause swelling or rupture under the stress of cycling.

The pinching of small nerve branches between the second and third or third and fourth toes can cause numbness in the toes. Should cycling cause you discomfort, see your podiatrist.

For those who participate in sports of any kind, professional attention and guidance can help reduce the potential for discomfort and injury. And since difficulties with your feet can adversely affect your performance, comfort, and lifestyle, we invite you to call us for an appointment at AFFILIATED FOOT CARE CENTER, LLC to receive comprehensive podiatric care geared to your individual footcare needs. Because your feet are our specialty we offer on-site Xrays and diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound. Office hours in Middlefield are Mon. 9-5, Wed. 37, and Fri. 9-5; Tues. & Thurs 9-5 in Wallingford.

14

Middlefield Town Briefs

Friday, August 13, 2010

parks and forests where there is an established parking charge. The pass can also 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 DVDs: The Runaways, Owl and The Sparrow, The Bounty Hunter, The Muppet Movie, Valentine’s Day, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Creation and more! Stop by and view the expanded collection. For more information, visit www.leviecoe.com.

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

Tuesday, August 17 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen 7 p.m. — Conservation Commission Wednesday, August 18 7 p.m. — Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency Thursday, August 19 7 p.m. — Board of Finance 7 p.m. — DMIAAB at Durham Library Tuesday, August 24 7 p.m. — Zoning Board of Appeals Thursday, September 2 7 p.m. — Economic Development Commission

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new, reserve and check your library record on the website.

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 re-

Library Passes: Summer is waning. Take advantage of the library’s Connecticut State Parks and Forests Day Pass. It can be checked out for two days and is used to cover the cost of parking at state

New Titles include Fading Echoes by Mike Sielski, Hangman by Faye Kellerman, Burn

by Nevada Barr, Were You Born on the Wrong Continent?

by Thomas Geoghegan and Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. by Sam Wasson. New young adult and children’s titles include Little Vampire Women by Louisa May Alcott, Betrayal

by Gillian Shields, Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce, Dark Life by Kat Falls, The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey, Legion of the Dead by Paul Stewart, Kindergarten Diary

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Golden Age Entertainment provides audio programming that is specifically designed for active seniors.

The programming is delivered via a satellite dish (29” wide) and plays through an authentic reproduction of a 1944 floor model wood radio. Programming includes eight continuous hours of music and reminiscence, which is broadcast Monday through Friday. Seniors will enjoy music from famous artists as well as classic hits from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s. Every half hour is a different themed show. Shows include Best of Broadway, ‘50’s and ‘60’s Jukebox, Classic Radio and more!

Liberty Bank is sponsoring a year’s subscription to the Golden Age radio service for the Middlefield Senior Center. Above, personal banker Jennifer Rioux, right, presents a check for $239.88 to Antoinette Astle, director of the Senior Center.

If you or a loved one needs help with housekeeping, shopping, transportation — even bathing or dressing — Masonicare at Home can help. Our assistants and homemakers are specially trained and prepared to provide caring, helpful service that comes to you daily, weekly or at intervals that suit your particular situation.

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Magic Below Stairs by Caroline Stevermer. Come in and check out these books or reserve titles that are coming soon! 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.

Town Times

Friday, August 13, 2010

Durham Activity Center taking shape on Main St.

By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times The large, rectangular room with two carved out areas in the building next to Carolyn Adams on Main Street is starting to take shape and come together, and soon enough it will be useable as the Durham Activity Center. The walls are now painted, tiles put down and the kitchenette is expected to be installed by the end of this week.

By Sept. 1, recreation director Sherry Hill hopes to have senior exercise classes started, which will run Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The schools are also used as a location for exercise classes for residents. The only problem, Hill said, is that when schools close for vacation, classes have to be canceled.

She’s looking forward to being able to use the center for these classes so they can continue without interruption. “That’s one benefit of having this Activity Center,� said Hill.

Once senior exercise classes are under way, other activities in the works will unfold, including a senior lunch program, card parties, bingo and a Wii program. The Wii equipment was a donation from the Durham VFW. Other recreation plans coming down the line are adult exercise classes and children’s activities. For instance, Hill is planning a gymnastics workout program

for ages three to five. “It’s pretty exciting,� said Hill, who will have a second office at the activity center in addition to the one at Town Hall. “We’re trying to utilize the facility as much as possible.�

At this time, the Board of Selectmen is working on the policies that would allow other town groups to use the facility throughout the year.

If residents have any ideas for use of the Activity Center, Hill asks that you call the recreation line at 860-343-6724.

She announced that they are also seeking donations and are in desperate need of white banquet tables, card tables and folding chairs.

If anyone is interested, they can attend any of the open Recreation Committee or Senior Citizen Board meetings. Check www.townofdurhamct.org for the meeting schedule.

15

Celebrating Farm Markets Right, Melynda Naples, first market master of the Durham Farm Market and local dairy farmer, and Ruth Naples, bought cookbooks from Guilford authors

Matthew Scialabba and Melissa Pellegrino, husband and wife team who produced The Italian Farmers’ Table. Left, Cadie Hurlbert and Cassidy White-Ryan read farm stories to an eager audience. All of this happened at the Aug. 5 weekly Farmers’ Market from 3-6 on the Durham Green. Join your neighbors and shop very local every Thursday Photos by Sue VanDerzee through October.

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Town Times at Lake Compounce

16

Compounce (Continued from page 6)

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Thunder and Lightning, Ghost Hunt, and Sky Ride.

Having done them, I too, recommend these rides, as well as Saw Mill Plunge and Thunder Rapids Raft Ride. And thanks to Text-2-Ride, we waited in no lines.

Lake Compounce is the first park in the U.S. to use Text-2-Ride, a computer program in which you send a text message to reserve a spot so that you can bypass long lines. So far, it’s being tested on 10 of their rides. I used it and think it’s worth it, though Brick said people mostly use the service on busy days.

There is an extra fee for purchasing the credits to send the messages.

Throughout the day, my sister was fascinated by the archaeological timeline along some areas of the park with descriptions on the formation of the earth and the formation of the mountains and lakes in the vicinity of Lake Compounce. I was just as fascinated by the fried peanut butter and jelly that is new to the park. It was pretty good, and I

Friday, August 13, 2010

don’t usually like fried foods, but I do love peanut butter and jelly. I did not try the funnel cake and fresh dough pizza that Brick recommended, but we did mix ourselves up a cool drink at Slush Works, another “must do” on his list. If we got extra thirsty, did I mention Lake Compounce is one of the only parks in the country to offer free soda all day?

Corinne Alvaredo, 3, of Southington, stays hydrated with a big slushi.

Somewhere in the park there is a ballroom that Houdini, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin and Milli Vanilli all performed in over the years. Very few people know this, but it’s among the many fun facts about the place. The performance we saw at the outdoor stage was Cirque En Vol from Quebec.

Watching the acrobatics was an entertaining way to pass the time while we rested our feet for a bit.

Across the park is the lake itself where most of the water park rides are located. People were riding down tunnels on inner tubes all day. Some were taking boat rides while others lounged and swam at the beach. On a hot day like Saturday was — in the mid80s — this side of the park is even more popular than the roller coasters, Brick said.

Speaking of which, three new rides were added in 2009, totaling over 50 attractions in all. Unfortunatelsy, 2009 also brought 57 inches of rain, so it wasn’t the best season for counting park visitors. On a good note, it was a year for big upgrades to infrastructure. In fact, in the last few See Compounce, next page

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Town Times at Lake Compounce

Friday, August 13, 2010

Compounce (Continued from page 16) years, the park has begun a green initiative, and it began by changing all light bulbs to energy efficient varieties.

Brick said they are working on putting LED bulbs on the rides, which is very costly. All the park’s food grease is sent out to be made into biodiesel, and the park uses recycle bins and Green Works products.

If you’re wondering about the Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce, which opens in October, planning began in June to make it another fun, spooky year (a portion of each ticket for the Haunted Graveyard goes toward the

17

American Diabetes Association).

But don’t wait for October; Bring the family to your local amusement park before the summer ends. The park is located off I84 at 271 Enterprise Drive in Bristol. Parking is $7, regular admission is $34.99; $25.99 for junior admission and $17.99 for senior admission. For more information, visit the website at www.lakecompounce.com/index.php.

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Town Times at 4-H Fair

Friday, August 13, 2010 Did you know that the fiber of an alpaca comes in over 20 natural colors?

If you were at the Middlesex and New Haven County 4-H Fair last weekend, this is one of the things you probably would have learned. While families checked out the alpacas, cows, goats, chickens and other 4-H animals, others enjoyed tractor pulls, livestock shows, entertainment, the Home Arts exhibit, judging and various vendors.

The fair, which took place August 6, 7 and 8, marked the 84th anniversary, and this year’s theme was Life is Good, 4-H Makes it Better.

Photos by Stephanie Wilcox

Clockwise from top left, a curiSATURDAY DANCE ous donkey; August 14th • 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. three young in the ballroom of the men looking U.S.S. Chowder Pot IV 165 Brainard Rd., Hartford 06114 sharp while (Exit 27 off I-91) their chickDJ/Top 40 & Soft Rock Coffee & Dessert • Cash Bar ens are Dressy Attire • Adm. $14 - (at door) judged; fair “for SINGLES only ...” dances food galore; Info: (860) 633-0600 • 1-800-824-3083 www.singlesdances.com (inc. map) a table of 4H girls.

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Town Times at 4-H Fair

Friday, August 13, 2010

19

Left, one goat entertains three girls. Right center, Dee Wilcox poses with an unusuallooking cow while one 4Her stands by her real cow, far right photo.

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More Letters to Town Times

20

‘Us’

(From page 8)

traffic and noise. Picture a church building sold to become a CVS. Picture your taxes increasing because the volunteer fire department doesn’t have enough opportunities to raise its own money. Imagine fewer service organizations struggling to support fewer activities and scholarships. Try to imagine how people can be proud to be part of a community that eliminated the only all volunteer agricultural fair in New England because of petty grievances.

To restate a fact that everyone already knows: no one involved in the fair gets anything from their work except for a whole lot of work and satisfaction. There are no awards, no free lunches and no glory. Just sweat, dirt, frustration and satisfaction for a job well done. If you think you can do it bet-

ter, please join the association. There are never enough volunteers to run this yearround organization. It’s so much more than just a fair.

Now maybe you can understand why someone raised in town, who has served for a long time as a volunteer for many organizations, including “The Fair,” is saddened by your continuous criticism.

Cheryl-Ann Tubby, Volunteer

Time to come home In this political season of games, gimmicks and lies, the economic realities are apparent to us all. Times are tough, as we decide which Fairfield County multi-millionaire is worthy of our support as our new Senator and our new Governor. Which millionaire is most trustworthy, or screwed the fewest people on

the way up? I guess millionaires need jobs right now too.

I am continually amazed by the lack of concern we Americans show for the plight of our troops fighting for their lives in hell. They are in places where it is 120 degrees, and their eyes, noses and mouths, if not covered, are filled with the never-ending blowing dust. Far too many of them are killed and will never see their families or their children again. We call them heroes and chalk up the casualties as the cost of war. We call them heroes and treat them like dogs. We call them heroes and pay them too little. We call them heroes and use them to achieve the unachievable.

We call them heroes and ask them to hold on until we can say we won something, and they can come home. We call them heroes, but when they come home, we warehouse the injured, don’t treat the psychological damage and overlook the domestic, drug and alcohol abuse — results of

Friday, August 13, 2010

their suffering.

Is it worth it? The evidence is that it is not. The military says the suicide rate of our troops over the past year is ever higher. 160 active-duty soldiers killed themselves last year. Another 146 died as a result of “risky behavior,” with 74 of those drug overdoses.

Even more shocking is the fact that there were over 1,700 attempted suicides last year.

The military says this is due to a lack of oversight and poor command decisions. The military also says they have lowered their “standards” for recruits to keep their ranks sufficiently stocked.

Why don’t we put more value on human beings? The human toll is awful, war is hell and war in hell is even worse!

If our troops break mentally, we fill them with drugs and send them right back to hell, They watch their comrades killed and maimed, but if they break, they are called weak. If we leave now, our country will look weak, and we’re told

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the terrorists will have won, be emboldened and will attack us here next. We are trapped by a xenophobic fear, combined with the zeal of extremists on our side who see this as some sort of religious Christian crusade.

Our troops are in a 15th century feudal hell-hole with warlords and tribes, and we’re told they are fighting for our freedom and security against terrorists, although we’re told the terrorists are mostly across the border in another country and only drones and secret forces can go there. We are propping up a corrupt government who controls only a portion of the country and spent the last 10 years building a nation so we don’t have to be afraid anymore. But we can’t leave or what we’ve helped create will fall.

Terrorism is a problem, but we only deal with its results and not the problem itself.

Terrorism is a reaction to a previous action. We did something to them, and now they are going to get us back for it.

It’s revenge. It’s a tool of the few or weak used against the mighty. We throw a lot of money around to make the problem go away, but can’t buy enough friends, and anyway, religious zealots are scary and tough to deal with.

It’s better to just kill them.

Nation-building doesn’t work, the Bush Doctrine has been a nightmare for this country, and those who continue to defend it only further the lies and deception it’s built upon. Who’s to blame for all this? Bush/Cheney? War lovers and torture supporters like Joe Lieberman and John McCain? The media? And why is our military spending higher than the next 18 countries combined?

Politically this is Obama’s war; like the economy, the Republicans have successfully hung it around his neck. Hopefully, after the elections, we will change course and draw down sooner.

We need to stop the lies, and end this war now! In reality, we’re all to blame. It’s us; we don’t like being afraid, we love victory and we like revenge too, and we don’t really care enough anyway. We are the ones who will give up our liberties and allow our government to spy on us, as long as See Time, next page

Town Times Spotlight

Friday, August 13, 2010 The Clinton Art Society gave Durham artist and art teacher Terry Oakes Bourret the Art Appreciation Award at its annual juried exhibition. The prize was for her oil painting “Rocky Hill Ferry At Dock,” painted on location last summer while the ferry was docked for repairs. The show continues at Andrews Memorial Hall in Clinton through Aug. 22.

Bourret’s paintings may be seen by appointment at her 73 Main St. studio or on her web-

Time

(From page 20)

they tell us we’re safe!

We have hundreds of billions in wasted “treasure” as the analysts have the audacity to call it. Yet, it’s our troops who should be treasured, and we have wasted thousands of their lives with little to show for it. Support our troops; we need to bring them home now!

Eric Davis, Durham

Szewczyk for State Rep

say and How to Start a Homebased Resume Business.

J a n Melnik has been selected as an author for the 2010 Connecticut Authors’ Trail, an eastern Connecticut book-signing tour. Jan, a Durham resident, spoke at Sprague Public Library in July as part of the tour, addressing the public about resumes, job searches and social media networking strategies. The final stop for the Connecticut Authors’ Trail will be a Meet and Greet celebration hosted by the Mohegan Sun at the Cabaret Theatre. Jan has written seven books, including Executive’s Pocket Guide to ROI Resumes and Job Search, OneHour College Application Es-

Murray Newton, of Durham, was recently honored with a certificate as “Most Valuable Member” of the Scrollsaw Association of the World. The presentation took place at the annual dinner on July 10 at the Scrollsaw Expo in Wilmington, Ohio.

At DanceMakers, Inc. in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Aug. 1, Team MDC (Middlesex Dance Center) had a very impressive showing at only their second competition appearance. Eleven dancers from the MDC in Middlefield presented eight routines in four age divisions and were awarded eight trophies —seven first place and one second place. Penelope Wickwire, 5,

from Durham, was named Miss Solo Starmaker for the Dance Camp Adventure division with her ballet dance “Garden Fairy.” Rachel Arreguin, 7, and Meghan Crocetto, 6, both from Middlefield, were presented with both the Judge’s Choice and High Score Awards for their tap dance, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” in the Dance Camp Adventure division. Savannah Ngo from Middletown and Alexandra Santiago from Durham, both age 9, presented their junior division ballet “Frederika Polka” and were awarded t h e Judge’s Choice Award for their j a z z d a n c e “Rockin’ Robin.”

In the teen divis i o n , “Bumper Boogie” earned the

High Score Award for dancers Melanie Badin (Rockfall), Kayleigh Crocetto (Middlefield), and Meghan St. Amand (Rockfall) Earning the Judge’s Choice Award in the teen division was the lyrical routine “Huiziopochtli” danced by Kayleigh Crocetto, Gina DeSimone (Durham), Brianna Gasior (Durham), Monika Malek (Durham) and Meghan St. Amand. Monika Malek’s “Country Procession” ballet piece was the fourth place solo in the senior division. Pictured below is Team MDC after the event.

Photo by Gary Antle Produc-

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Our current state legislature has failed to make the tough decisions needed to close the one billion dollar budget gap. Instead, the legislature decided to bond and borrow the one billion dollars needed to “balance” the budget. The results could have been predicted. The state of Connecticut had its credit rating lowered for the first time in recent memory. Jobs continue to leave the state at a rapid pace. Our economy remains sluggish with very little end in sight.

It’s time for things to change in our state legislature. Incumbents need to go.

We need to make room for more fiscally disciplined individuals who are willing to make the tough decisions needed to get our economy back on track and improve our job market. John Szewczyk has long been the most fiscally responsible individual on Durham’s Board of Selectmen. He has made the tough decisions and has not been afraid to say “no” to additional spending. Please support John Szewczyk this November for State Representative of the 100th District (Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown and Durham).

William LaFlamme, Durham

site: www.TerryOakesBourret.com.

21

Town Times Outside

22

Friday, August 13, 2010

Wadsworth Mansion open air market and festival

Lovin’ Lymans’ pick-your-own The weather has been terrific for blueberries this summer, and Lyman Orchards’ Pick-Your-Own has been a busy place. Left, this young man likes to just reach in the bush and pull clumps of the berries. Below, North Haven resident Ryan Brawn’s strategy is to get way under

and pick from the bottom.

Above, oney e a r - o l d Amanda Redmiles is determined to fill her entire quart all by herself.

Photos by Stephanie Wilcox

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As the sultry summer slides towards fall, it is time to celebrate the bounties of Connecticut. The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate, 421 Wadsworth St. in Middletown, is hosting their eighth annual open air market and festival on Sunday, Aug. 22.

The festival will be open to the public from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., rain or shine. The event is free. The historic Mansion will transform its 700-foot vista into a marketplace and festival where a variety of vendors will gather to sell their Connecticut grown or made products. One can stroll from tent to tent purchasing fresh produce, fruit, cheese, breads and prepared foods.

Local artisans, such as potters, painters and jewelers have been invited to sell their work. Families can bring their children and spend the day. It will be a day to enjoy music and art and experience the tradition of shopping at an open-air market.

Over 80 vendors will be participating this year.

Children’s and musical entertainment will be featured throughout the day. The Middletown Commission on the Arts will be sponsoring the musical entertainment. The Middletown Symphonic Band will play from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Dramatix Showband entertains from 11:45 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. and the final performance between 2 and 4 p.m. will be delivered by Tune Chic. There will be horse-drawn carriage rides by Allegra Farms from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Along the vista there will be face painting from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Additionally young and old alike can make their own letterbox stamp, and at 1 and 3 p.m. you can learn to letterbox and take a short hike around the grounds to find a letterbox. Docent-led historical tours will be given by the Friends of Long Hill Estate throughout the day.

Shuttle parking will be available from Snow School.

Additional parking is available at Mercy High School. For a complete list of performers and vendors visit www. wadsworthmansion.com.

Town Times Arts

Friday, August 13, 2010

Oddfellows announces fall theater programming

Call for Artists Greater Middletown Chorale The Arts Center at Killingseeking singers for 2010-11 season worth seeks New England

Tuesdays and Thursdays, for final performances on Nov. 5 and 6. Monologue and scene work will build acting skills and prepare students for a March mainstage production. Tuition is $150.

Oddfellows Playhouse is located at 128 Washington Street in Middletown. More than just a performing arts program, Oddfellows aims to make a positive difference in the lives of young people by using the arts as tools to build self-confidence, communication skills, a sense of responsibility and an appreciation for the richness and diversity of the world in which we live. For more information or to reserve a spot in a fall class, call 860-347-6143 or go to www.oddfellows.org.

Under the direction of Joseph D’Eugenio, Connecticut Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association 2009 Conductor of the Year, the Greater Middletown Chorale presents its 34th season and is seeking talented singers of all voice parts this fall.

Rehearsals begin on Tuesday, Sept. 7, from 7-10 p.m. with registration beginning at 6 p.m. Rehearsals continue each week on Tuesdays at Holy Trinity Church, 381 Main Street in Middletown.

Any interested singers can contact D’Eugenio at 203-2883021 or send an email to joedeugenio@hotmail.com.

This year’s fall concert will be held on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 4 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Portland. The concert “Let’s Dance!” will feature music that is influenced by different styles of early

American as well as ballroom dance, including the waltz and tango. A variety of world music selections will also be included on the program.

The Greater Middletown Chorale is funded by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, Middletown Commission on the Arts, Aetna Foundation, Bissell Foundation, Chevron Humankind Grants, Middlesex County Community Foundation and Pfizer Foundation.

Seventy singers strong, the Chorale is a non-profit, auditioned symphonic chorus committed to excellence in singing and performing choral masterworks and other outstanding music for all generations of listeners. Ticket and concert information may be found at www.gmchorale.org.

painters, sculptors, crafters and jewelry-artists to be part of the sixth annual Autumn Art Trail. Participants can open a tent at the two-day outdoor arts festival at beautiful Clinton Landing in Clinton and demonstrate, discuss and sell artwork. Artists must participate both days and supply their own tent, tables and chairs. $40 participation fee.

Or artists can open their working art studio to visitors.

Demonstrate, discuss and sell artwork. Artists must open their studios both days. There is a $50 participation fee.

Registration form and fees are due Sept. 10, and should be mailed to The Arts Center at Killingworth, 276 North Parker Hill Road, Killingworth, CT 06419. Registration forms and prospectus at www.artscenterkillingworth.org. Call 860663-5593 or email artscenterkillingworth@gmail.com.

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Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater is now registering students for its fall theater classes. New this fall are Wednesday morning classes for preschool students and a full slate of Saturday morning classes for all ages. Interested parents and children can visit the Oddfellows Playhouse newly redesigned website, at www.odddfellows.org.

For pre-school students, Oddfellows offers “Theater Toddlers,” a 10-week, hourlong class Wednesday mornings from 9:30-10:30 a.m. In this class, caregivers participate in the creative journey with the child.

“Little Fellows” is a 10week, hour-long class for 3-4year-olds. “Little Fellows” meet on Wednesday mornings from 11 to noon. Tuition for either class is $200.

New this fall are Saturday morning Complete Actor classes serving students 5-11 held from 9-10 a.m. “First Act” (ages 5-6) and “The Complete Actor” (ages 6-8) classes present a curriculum of age-appropriate basic acting, voice and movement training.

Complete Actor II (ages 911) helps young people develop vocal, physical and emotional skills using theater games, exercises, improvisation and mime. Youngsters also learn how to work with a script — plus have a lot of fun. The eight class sessions are held Saturdays, Sept. 18Nov. 6.

Tuition varies by age level, but Oddfellows’ generous financial aid policy offers assistance with tuition to all who qualify. Additional Complete Actor classes and Mini-Productions at each age level also run throughout the week.

Another programmatic expansion is at the Junior Repertory Company level.

The New Fall Showcase will offer an additional performance opportunity for 12-14year-old actors. Spaces in the Junior Repertory Company Fall Showcase are open. Students will rehearse

23

(860) 346-4063

Town Times Arts

24

Friday, August 13, 2010

Sterling Traviata for silver anniversary

By Larry Kellum Special to the Town Times

For two and a half decades, the Opera Theater of Connecticut (OTC) has been faithfully presenting “affordable opera in an intimate setting” — that being the quaint Andrews Memorial Theater in downtown Clinton. The company offers one opera a year every August, and on Aug. 8, it was Verdi’s timeless masterpiece La Traviata that graced the stage for a week’s run. Based on the famous Dumas classic, the heroine is one of those few jewels that every soprano aspires to sing, but like every precious gemstone, the piece also needs a setting to work — chorus, colorful costumes, dancers, rich orchestration — and OTC came thru resplendently in all aspects of this production.

Maestro Kyle Swann produced some glorious sounds

from the pit and held his forces together for a truly gala evening that would have pleased the composers.

As all divas know, the title role is one of the longest and most daunting in the entire soprano canon, and Sarah Jane McMahon acquitted herself admirably as the doomed courtesan Violetta.

Her voice has a purity more Mozartean than Verdian, but the high tessitura of “Sempre libera” caused her no terrors, she had the requisite vocal weight for the “Amami Alfredo” outburst and long, moving death scene, and like both Annas, Moffo and Netrebko, she couldn’t have been more beautiful to look at. Only more warmth in the lowermiddle register would be welcome.

As the elder Germont who ruins her life, Scott Bearden is a large, imposing man with an even larger, stentorian

baritone, perhaps better suited to heavier Verdi (Amonasro, Nabucco) and bigger houses, but the outpouring was all natural, not shouted, and the tonal quality ideal for any Verdi.

Fabulous as they both were, the revelation of the evening was the recent metamorphosis of Michael Paul Krubitzer as Alfredo. It was only a couple of years ago that the (then portly) tenor was singing bit parts with the now defunct Connecticut Opera. After a substantial weight loss, both he and his voice have blossomed into a technically secure lyric tenor and confident stage figure, his movements as fluid as his gorgeous honeyed pianissimos.

Parents workshop for High Holy Days offered at synagogue

Tickets still remain for the Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14 and 15, performances. For more information, call 860669-8999 or visit www.operatheater-ct.org. After a day at the shore, it’ll make a wonderful nightcap.

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Rabbi Goldenberg said, “Whether a parent raising Jewish children was raised Jewish or not, it can be an overwhelming challenge to make the experience meaningful for all family members.” She will be offering tips on what to do at home and how to plan time at synagogue in order to get the most out of these important days. The holidays will be celebrated in September.

To RSVP and for directions, please contact Wendy in the CBSRZ office at bethshalom@snet.net or 860526-8920.

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Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg of Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek in Chester will conduct a preHigh Holy Days workshop, “Making the High Holy Days Meaningful and Workable For You and Your Kids” on Sunday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m.

The workshop, which will be held at a home in Madison, is designed to help parents prepare for Rosh Ha Shonah and Yom Kippur, the most sacred of Jewish religious holidays.

You bring the children and cake, we do the rest! Let the Arts Center create your next birthday party with balloons, decorations, crafts, games and activities.

Party themes include Be a Rock Star, Sculpting Party, Fashion Is the Passion, and Dance Blast. Ages 4-16 (depending on party theme).

Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. For more information or to schedule a party, call 860-663-5593 or email artscenterkillingworth@gmail.com.

Check out pictures of recent parties online at www.artscenterkillingworth.org.

Town Times Sports

Friday, August 13, 2010

25

Support Hole in the Wall Camp Time Out Tailgate party Taverne defeated by enjoying 18 holes Durham/Middlefield Connecticut Light & Pow- rience,” observes Marvin Falcons Football and

by Café 66 er’s annual employee-run Plaut, a CL&P employee and Cheerleading will hold

By Bob Dynia Special to the Town Times

organizer of the event. “It’s a great way for small and midsize companies to advertise their services while helping some of the most deserving kids on the planet.”

Sponsorship opportunities begin at $100. Last year’s tournament raised more than $22,000 and brought the joy and healing of camp to a host of youngsters with cancer, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, hemophilia and other illnesses. With its year-round programs and outreach to children in hospitals, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp serves 15,000 youngsters each year from the Northeast.

For information, contact Marvin Plaut at CL&P at Plautmg@NU.com; 860-8713459 or Maria Gomez at maria.gomez@holeinthewallgang.org; 203-772-0522.

The Coginchaug Football club will be holding a fundraiser car wash on Saturday, Aug. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon. The car wash will be held at the Carolyn Adams Country Barn, 352 Main St. in Durham. The monies raised will go to purchase needed equipment for the new football team at Coginchaug. Come down and meet some of the players and parents and get your car washed.

their annual tailgate party at the New Haven Raccoon Club, 853 New Haven Rd. in Durham on Friday, Aug. 27, from 7 to 11 p.m.

There will be a southern barbecue prepared by Kevin Smith, music and lots of fun. BYOB. Tickets are $30 and available by calling Carrie Anderson at 860-346 8954.

Fun Run results The seventh Durham Fun Run was held on Aug. 10. Fun runs are held every Tuesday at the high school at 6:30 p.m. for high school students and adults only. The results for the 3.1 mile – 5K run were: Zachary Moller-Marino at 20:30, Ed Mokoski 20:51, Noel Roberts 21:12, Bill Varhue 22:04, Hugh Pearson 22:37, Paul Cienewicz 23:09, Karen Woodward 23:48, Scott Ely 25:28, Zach Roberts 25:35, Jim Ledford 25:43, Guy Pulino 25:56, Molly Sweeney 27:29, Rebecca Durfee 34:54, Pam Durfee 35:00 and Mike Moller-Marino.

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The Time Out Taverne men’s 40 and over softball dropped to 1–5 with a 30–11 loss to 2009 league runner-up Café 66 in seven innings.

The Portland squad scored in each inning off Wayne Hubbard and Bob Edwards on their way to a season sweep of TOT. After allowing five runs in the top of the first, the Gray Wonders came back with two of their own. With two out, Ken Judson singled, then scored on Mike Mills’ double down the left field line. Bob Dynia followed with a single to right, plating Mills. Cafe 66 put the game away with eight runs in the second, four in the third and two in the fourth before the home team could score again on RBI hits by Dynia, Bruce Bisson and Wills Evers.

After the visitors put a fourspot in the fifth, TOT came up with five in the bottom half.

Steve Ackerman, Hubbard and Daryl Edwards singled to load the bases with one out.

Charlie Mather singled in Ackerman, and Judson singled in Hubbard. Mills then cleared the bases with a triple to right center. TOT’s final run was a family affair, with Daryl Edwards tripling in his brother Bob, who had singled and reached third on a throwing error. Café 66 plated seven runners in the last two frames.

Mills had a three-for-three game, knocking in four runs and scoring twice. Daryl Edwards, Mather, Judson, Dynia and Evers each had two hits. Dynia had two RBIs, and Judson scored three times.

Hubbard gave up 23 runs on 32 hits in five innings; Bob Edwards allowed seven runs on 11 hits in two innings of work.

TOT now goes into a homeand-home series against another league powerhouse. On Aug. 16, Essex Vets (Deep River) visits TOT; the Aug. 23 rematch is in Deep River. Home games are played at Vinal High School; park at the lot at Mercy High School on Randolph Road and cross the street to the field. The team invites family and friends to come out and support them.

golf tournament, now in its 17th year, will provide yet another great day of golf while supporting seriously ill children at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp founded by Paul Newman in Ashford, Connecticut.

This year’s tournament will be held Thursday, Aug. 19, at the Portland Golf Course, 169 Bartlett Street in Portland.

The tournament, open to the first 144 golfers who sign up and pay, has gained popularity over the years. Available spots fill up quickly. The $150 per golfer fee includes a cart, greens fees, lunch and dinner with unlimited beverages during play, raffle prizes, a donation to the camp and a souvenir gift.

Registration is at 9 a.m. and the shotgun start is at 10 a.m.

“This tournament promises an excellent golfing expe-

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Town Times Sports

26

LOST CAT

Help Wanted Full time, for machine operation and assembly work.

Physical abilities necessary for occasional lifting. Overtime and Benefits are available. Apply by appointment only 860 349-1061.

United Concrete prevails

By Dave Monroe Special to the Town Times

Lightning, a large grey tabby cat is missing from his home on Creamery Road in Durham. Last seen on Aug 2. If you have seen him, please call Joe at 860-398-1513.

Tag Sale Multi-family tag sale on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 8 a.m. t o 2 p.m., 265 Foothills Road in Durham.

Indoor and outdoor furniture, bookshelves, books, car magazines, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toys and games and more.

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Friday, August 13, 2010

Nolan Field in Portland was scorching hot as league powerhouse Cafe 66 hosted the Durham men of United Concrete. Always a threat when playing at Nolan Field, the Concrete boys started an offensive display with five runs in the first inning of play. Adding three more scores to the board in the third inning put the game tally at 8-2 in favor of the Concrete Crushers.

Game tempo soon changed to defensive, as both teams were superb in the field, thus keeping the score low and close. Several players made exceptional plays in the field, which proved pivotal in shutting down rallies by Cafe 66.

Brian Curry, Kevin Cove,

Ken Vallone and Leo Sirois were all notably excellent, inning after inning. Cove found a rare challenge to his arm strength and responded with a strike to home plate, nailing a Portland runner by a sizable margin.

Ken â&#x20AC;&#x153;the rookieâ&#x20AC;? Vallone also squelched Portlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s run production with several outstanding plays in the outfield.

Fine play from the Concrete infielders produced some rousing double plays, to further extinguish several Portland threats. All told, the United team was Concrete solid at every position this day, and held a very potent Cafe 66 team to a dozen runs, while scoring 15 of their own.

This was a good victory for the Durham team, as all players made contributions. Marc Velardi pitched nine innings

of strikes, and kept the 66 team in the park, as no home runs were hit by a team that can lose six balls in any game.

Kevin Cove had two hits, including a homer, Gary Salva two hits, Brian Curry three hits, Joe Davis one hit, Marc Velardi four hits, with and four runs scored. Kenny Vallone had four hits and three runs scored. Dave Monroe four hits, Leo Sirois four hits, Carm Cocchiola two hits, Gary Solomon served as bench coach and designated hitter for this game as he continues to rehab from a knee injury suffered in a collision with the tooth fairy.

United Concrete looks to follow up this 15-12 victory with a payback to Higganum next week at Brickyard Stadium.

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Friday, August 13, 2010

Town Times Sports

27

Durham coach takes AAU team to the ‘Final Four’ Connecticut Gold, an AAU U-17 boys’ basketball team coached

by Durham’s own Steve Petruzzi, right, competed in a D2 National Tournament in Orlando, Florida in July. After six straight days of grueling competition, the team advanced to the semi-finals (“Final Four”), and placed fourth out of 64 teams.

Mike Oldenwaelder, a grandson of Durham residents Pat and Maryann Boord, CT Gold U-17 boys, from left, Coach Steve Petruzzi, Andrew Markoski, Erik- led the team with strong performances. Two son Wasyl, Austin Calling, Al Torrens Jr., Jack Crampton, Nick Toto, Mike players from CRHS, Andrew Markoski and Oldenwaelder, Seamus Ward, Taylor Rioux, Nico Donato and Nick Cefalo. Erikson Wasyl, also made key contributions.

Congratulations to the team on the outstanding result!

All photos on this page submitted by Chika Wasyl

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Beautifully conver ted horse barn having 44 acres of town owned proper ty directly across the street. Located on a picturesque countr y road with wonderful views. Tastefully finished spacious interior offers 3 bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, radiant heat in floors, and many exciting features over 3163 sqft finished living area. Call Berardino Realtors at 860-349-0344 today for more information or a private showing!

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The barefoot hikers of Connecticut will hold a barefoot hike at Millers Pond State Park in Durham on Sunday, Aug. 22, at 9 a.m. The hike will be about two to three miles and will be appropriate for beginners.

For more information, visit www.meetup.com/ctbarefooters.

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Barefoot hike

28

Town Times

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Friday, August 13, 2010

Garden (Continued from page 5) cook, and so his bushels of tomatoes (150 tomatoes some days) will become sauce, stewed tomatoes and even ketchup. Sometimes these products end up in the Durham Fair, which has earned him a “box full of rib-

bons,” though he admits that he hasn’t entered anything recently. This year’s bountiful harvest may steer him back in that direction, however.

As we sit next to Hill’s well-loved garden, he repeats his theory that “taking care of plants, especially tomatoes, was always just in me.”

It’s clear that this is a man who knows and honors his roots.

Above, a sample of each of the nine varieties of tomato that Jeff Hill is growing this year. Left, part of the chart he is keeping to record what works and which varieties are the most successful in his Durham garden. Below, a photogenic cluster of fruit.

Bottom, a row of tomato sauce in jars canned

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by Hill. Behind the sauce are jars of sauerkraut from the Hill kitchen.

Photos by Sue VanDerzee