Volume 20, Number 28
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
www.TownTimes.com
Friday, October 25, 2013
New superintendent selected The run down on Durham’s ballot
By Mark Dionne Town Times
At a special meeting on Oct. 16, the RSD13 Board of Education appointed Dr. Kathryn Veronesi as superintendent of schools. The appointment ends a search that began in April, when then superintendent of schools Sue Viccaro announced her departure. Veronesi, a graduate of Central Connecticut State University and Clark University, has been an educator and administrator in Cheshire, Plainville, and Hebron, among other places. “After reviewing the applications, conducting extensive interview sessions and soliciting feedback from over 80 participants from both the school and the extended community, the board is confident that Dr. Veronesi brings the leadership, personal characteristics and ed-
By Mark Dionne Town Times
Election activity has been quieter in Durham than it has in Middlefield in recent weeks. There are no selectman running for office in the election to take place on Nov. 5. First selectman Laura Francis’ term will not be up until 2015. In 2006, Durham revised its charter, changing the selectman’s term of office from two to four years. Selectmen John Szewczyk’s and Dr. Steve Levy’s terms will also end in 2015. According to Durham Town Clerk Kim Garvis, since municipal elections are held in odd years and with Durham’s four year cycle, the first selectman, selectman, tax collector, and town clerk will be up for election in 2015. In the upcoming election, there are four candidates for the Board of Finance running for four seats. Republican candidates Loraine Coe, current chair of the BOF, and Laurie Tuttle are running
New superintendent of RSD13 schools, Dr. Kathryn Veronesi, right, with Board of Education Chair Kerrie Flanagan. ucational background necessary to continue to enrich our educational programs and our overall student experiences here in RSD13,” said BOE chair Kerrie Flanagan. After her appointment,
Veronesi spoke about the community focus groups and surveys conducted by the BOE during the superintendent search. See Superintendent / Page 25
These days, less trash in Quinnipiac River Durham, Middlefield in the watershed By Daniel Jackson
for full six year terms. Democratic candidates M a r t i n A nderson a nd Molly Nolan are running to fill vacancies of four and two years, respectively. Tuttle and Anderson are currently serving as appointees on the BOF, and now have to be elected to finish those terms. “Unless anything else happens, those four are in,” said Garvis of the BOF race. The race for the Board of Assessment Appeals is t he f i rst one w it h more ca nd idates t h a n seats. Republican candidate Debra DeFelice and D emo c rat ic c a nd id ate Elizabeth White Booz are running for that office. Seven candidates are running for five seats on the Planning and Zoning Commission, which h a s n i ne members a s well as three alternates, who are elected separately. Republican candidates Alana Adams, Lisa Davenport, Peter Cascini, and Bonnie Ryder are runSee Ballot / Page 6
Town Times
See Watershed / Page 21
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Lex Sorrell, 15, picks up trash along Hanover Pond, Meriden. | (Dan Jackson/Town Times.)
The Quinnipiac River is the state’s most urban waterway. Over the years, the river, which starts in Plainville and runs south to Long Island Sound, has become polluted. Old industry waste, pesticides from lawns and litter all made its way into the Quinnipiac, according to the Quinnipiac River Watershed
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Durham’s Economic Development Commission sponsored a Fall Fest along Main Street and on the Town Green Oct. 19. Local stores held sidewalk sales, the Durham Public Library held a bake off, and visitors who collected stamps from enough local merchants got a bag of free gifts. Above: Gabby Larkin relaxes with a sleepy, two-day-old calf from Deerfield Farm on the Town Green. Directly below: Two-year-old Jeremiah from Middlefield took advantage of the Fall Fest Touch-a-Truck event to climb in one of the Durham volunteer firefighter’s trucks. Far below: A group of kids and parents make fall crafts with teens from Durham Recreation Department. | (Photos by Mark
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Items for Durham Fair off season rentals will be accepted on Sunday, Nov. 3, 10 and 17, from 9 a.m. to noon. Items that need to be placed in storage after Nov. 17, call Pat at (860) 301-5688. A fee is charged to store items.
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Friday, October 25, 2013
Pumpkins ripe with legend According to Irish legend, a man named Stingy Jack tricked the devil, not once It’s that time of year again, but twice, and upon departing when pumpkins are perched from his earthly existence, on nearly everyone’s front was denied entrance to both step. But did you ever wonder heaven and hell. However, the how pumpkins came to be devil gave him a burning emassociated with Halloween? ber from hell that would light A little research sheds some his way back to the land of the living. Placing the ember light on the subject. Special to Town Times
in a hollowed-out turnip, Jack roamed the Earth without a permanent resting place. On Halloween (believed to be a time when spirits visited the living) the Irish placed a light in hollowed-out turnips, rutabagas, gourds, potatoes, and beets, in order to keep Stingy Jack at bay. When Irish immigrants came to America, the tradition came with them. The pumpkins they found here were easier to carve, and thus they became the jack-o’lanterns we associate with
Halloween. Vivian Diglio-Caturano, the owner of J.C. farm and Greenhouses, Durham, has pumpkins of all sizes and shapes for your jack-o’-lantern. “People are getting fancier with their carving,” she said. “The carvings are detailed, and you’ll see pumpkins with people’s faces, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, witches, or Halloween scenes.” Her son, Alfonso Caturano said, “Over the past three
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Vivian Diglio-Caturano with a pumpkin display at her stand, J.C. Farm & Greenhouses. | (Photo by Diana Carr.)
years there’s been a trend of people printing a picture they like off the Internet, putting it over the pumpkin and tracing it, and then carving it.” “For a while people weren’t leaving their pumpkins out on the steps because they were being stolen,” DiglioCaturano said, “but now they’re putting them out again. As for pumpkins being smashed, that usually happens on Mischief Night, and
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A4 Friday, October 25, 2013
Town Times | towntimes.com
Voter registration sessions
must be postmarked by Oct. 22; hand-delivered mail-in registration applications must be received by registers (or DMA or voter registration agency) by that date for the applicant to be eligible to Middlefield vote in the municipal election The Middlefield Registrars on Nov. 5. of Voters are scheduled Durham to be in the office at the Community Center, 405 Main The Durham Registrars of st., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from Voters are scheduled to be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. to register at the Fall Fest on Saturday, voters for the Nov. 5 munic- Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on ipal election. the Town Green, registering This is the last day to regis- people to vote. ter to vote before the municiState law requires a pal election. Applicants must Saturday voter registration apply in person. Mail-in reg- session prior to an election. istration applications cannot Prospective voters must be be accepted. Mailed mail-in a United States citizen, over registration applications the ages of 18 and resident of
Durham. The final day to register to vote in the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 22 (by mail) and Oct. 29 (in person). The Middlefield Registrars of Voters are scheduled to be in the office at the Community Center, 405 Main St., on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to register voters for the Nov. 5 Municipal Election. Hand-delivered mail-in registration applications must be received by registrars (or DMV or voter registration agency) by Oct. 22 and mailed mail-in registration applications must be postmarked by that date for the applicant to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 5 municipal election.
Absentee ballots
Limited voter registration
Absentee ballot application forms for the November election are available from the Town Clerk or downloaded www.ct.gov/sots. The requesting voter must sign the application form, (not a spouse or other family member.) Follow the directions for absentee balloting exactly, or your vote may not be legally counted. The last day for most voters to register in person is Oct. 30. Election Day Registration goes into effect this November and will require additional identification.
The Middlefield Registrars of Voters has scheduled a limited voter registration session of Monday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 5, in the office in the Community Center, 405 Main St. The session is to register only those whose qualifications as to age, citizenship, or residence was attained since Oct. 29. Applicants must appear in person.
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Friday, October 25, 2013
Schools
A5
School News
AMAZING COLLECTION Open house
Vinal Technical High School has scheduled an open house for Thursday, Nov. 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Students entering ninth grade in 2014, and their parents, are welcome. The event includes demonstrations and hands-on activities. For more information, call (860) 344-7100, ext. 313 or visit www.cttech.oeg/vinal.
Graduates
Kingswood Oxford School. Roger W i l l i a m s Clothing drive University, Rhode Island - Je ff re y B e l l m o re o f The Coginchaug Music Middlefield; Alyssa Sirois of Department has scheduled a Durham. clothing drive for Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Scholastic Sunday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m. to 1 achievement p.m., at Strong School parkWarren C. Hadley Jr. was ing lot. Clothes, shoes, pocknamed a commended scholar etbooks, fabric and curtains in the 2014 National Merit will be accepted. For more inScholarship program at formation, call (860) 346-3555.
TAG/MOVING SALE
Students at The Independent Day School recently collected over 1,000 pounds of food and donated it to the Amazing Grace Food Pantry of Middletown. The students initiated the service project as one aspect of the Autumn Games team competition. Each can counted as five points towards either the Blue or Green team, the school colors. | (Jackie Pisani/Submitted)
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Political Advertisement
Put us to work for you! The welfare of Middlefield is very important to me. I am now at a point in my life where I find I have the time to give back to my community. I believe my qualifications are best suited for the position of Town Treasurer. As a Rockfall resident for the past 24 years, I love living in this small town, rural environment. My 20 year career in the financial services industry has included multiple positions requiring computer skills, management, accuracy and attenMary Ann Zieminski database tion to detail. These skills and background Town TreAsurer will complement the duties of town treasurer and enable me to work successfully with the Finance Director, The First Selectman and provide support to the Board of Finance. I can provide superior dedicated service as a fiduciary officer for Middlefield and Rockfall and would be honored to serve you. Please vote for me on November 5th.
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Qualifications: • A 20+ year career in the financial services industry • Currently a licensed property/casualty insurance agent for Nationwide Insurance (Zavaski Agency) in Durham, managing commercial and personal lines. • Aetna retiree • Education: BS University of Connecticut CPI (Computer Processing Institute) graduate in systems analysis UConn Paralegal Litigation certificate • Rockfall resident – 24 years
This is my town. I was born here and my roots go back nearly a hundred years. It is an extension of myself, and it is very important to me for it to be well taken care of. I have served the town in different ways over the years, currently sitting on the WPCA Board. To me, the position of Town Clerk is one more way to make a contribution. The job is no longer just a clerical position. It has evolved to need advanced computer skills, web experience, and a solid understanding of technology. I feel that my skill set Kathy Kokoszka fits all of the above and that I can do so much more, especially with the town web site where Town ClerK my design background can come into play. Expanding services is also on my agenda, one example being the addition of extended office hours to make Town Hall accessible to people with difficult schedules. I hope that you will give me a chance to bring this position into the future and make it more responsive to your needs.
we wAnT To MAKe A differenCe And Are AsKing for your VoTes
on noV. 5
Qualifications: 9 years as clerk, office manager and Records Technician for Hartford Hospital and Hartford Hospital Credit Union. A.S. from Becker Junior College, B.A. from Paier College. Former department manager for Hartford area publishing companies, founding member of Life Publications. Versed in computer, web and design skills. Middlefield small business owner. Member of the Water Pollution Control Authority and Town advocate. Life long resident.
Paid for by the Middlefield Republican Town Committee, Charles Schmaltz Treasurer
A6 Friday, October 25, 2013
Town Times | towntimes.com
Ballot
Pumpkins
candidates for five seats race. From Page 1 State law forbids one party ning as are Democratic can- from having more than six didates Joseph Pasquale, members on a nine member David Foley, and Christopher board. Since there are four Flanagan. The candidates do current Republican members not run head to head in this of P&Z whose terms have not race and voters can select expired, Garvis said, “All four Republican [candidates] any five. Accord i n g to Ga r v i s , can’t get in.” The top two vote getters Connecticut’s minority representation law puts an inter- on the Republican side will esting wrinkle in this seven win the seats and the other
From Page 3
by then people don’t care.” Let’s not forget that pumpkins, specifically sugar pumpkins, make for good eating. Diglio-Caturano likes to take the top off, scoop out the seeds, fill the shell with a meatloaf stuffing, and bake at 350 degrees for about an hour, or until the fork goes through the skin easily. “You have your meat and potatoes,” she said, “because the pumpkin is like a sweet potato. Pumpkin is very nutritious. It’s a good source of vitamin A.” The seeds can be baked for 15 minutes at 425 degrees. She has tips for making
your pumpkin last longer: don’t carve it until a couple of days before Halloween; keep it off the ground; and keep it out of the sun. If you’re wondering why pumpkin pie always shows up for Thanksgiving, www.bigsite of amazingfacts.com tells us the tradition started because the pumpkin season coincides with the celebration, and because the Native Americans introduced the pilgrims to the marvels of the plant. Early on, pumpkin was customarily made into a custard and put into a hollowed-out pumpkin shell. Pumpkin pie didn’t make its appearance until the mid 1600s.
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two will not, regardless of where they finish. Flanagan, Pasquale, and Davenport are currently serving on P&Z. Ryder is currently one of the alternates. Four candidates — David Slight, Catherine Devaux, Chris DiPentima, and Teresa Opalacz — are running for the two seats available on the Zoning Board of Appeals. During the Nov. 5 polls will be open from 6 am to 8 pm at Francis Korn Elementary School on Pickett Lane. Absentee ballots are available at the Town Clerk’s office. (Next week: The Run down of Middlefield’s ballot.)
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Above (top left clockwise): John Wilson, MD; Esra Hatiboglu, MD; Rena Jacobs, PA-C; Lauryn Slomkowski-Buller, APRN
Town Times | towntimes.com
Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Road., North Guilford, has scheduled its final farmers market of the season for Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The market offers seasonal produce, mums and cut flowers, eggs, baked and canned goods, naturally raised meats, honey and maple syrup, handmade crafts and sundries. In addition, a special self-guided Halloween Scavenger Hunt and Trick-or Treat fun with costumed vendors is planned. Children are encouraged to wear costumes. All children must be accompanied by an adult For more information, visit www.dudleyfarm. com.
V F W Po s t 10 3 62 , Middlefield/Rockfall, has scheduled a veterans Day ceremony for Monday, Nov. 11, on the Middlefield Town Green. The public is welcome. Various elected officials are scheduled to speak. A wreath will be placed honoring all fallen heroes world wide.
Halloween parade
Obituary fee
A Halloween party and parade is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m. at the Durham Activity Center, 350 Main St. The event, for children 1 to 13 years old, includes games, cookie decorating and a costume parade. Participants are welcome to bring a decorated pumpkin. For more information, call (860) 343-6724.
Town Times charges a $50 processing fee for obituaries. For more information, call Town Times at (203) 317-2240.
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Veterans Day ceremony
A7
Afternoons, M-F. 2:30-5:30 Infant/ Toddler Room. Must be working on degree or have at least 12 credits in ECE or Elementary Ed. NAEYC Accredited. EOE Call Suzanne 860 635-3485
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Middlefield and Durham residents are welcome to help clean of the streets in town o n Na t i o n a l M a k e Difference Day, Saturday, Oct. 26. Interested participants are scheduled to meet at the Exchange Club Pavilion at Alynn Brook Park from 8 to 9 a.m. for coffee and donuts before heading out to help clean the streets. Individuals, families, and organizations are welcome. For more information, call (860) 349-0798 or email adoptaroad@att. net.
Dudley Farm
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National Make a Difference Day
Friday, October 25, 2013
Political Advertisement
Cast Your 3 Votes for this Dynamic Board of Finance Team! As Your Board of Finance Team our focus is on a Financial Plan that can meet today’s challenges Joel Nick, Dave Lowry and Bob Yamartino are committed to working with the Board of Selectmen to implement a financial plan operating on three solid financial pillars: • Rainy Day Fund – Grow/Maintain a strong Rainy Day Fund to enhance the town’s credit rating • Further strengthen the Capital Plan to a town-wide multi-year plan • Exercise strict financial restraint while providing vital services to all town residents
Joel Nick
Dave Lowry
• Vice Chairman Board of Finance • Vice President Webster Bank • MBA Finance
We Want to Work for you! We are asking for your 3 Votes on Nov. 5
Paid for by the Middlefield Republican Town Committee, Charles Schmaltz Treasurer
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• Education Consultant • Member Board of Finance • 15 yrs Administrative Experience • Former Selectman • Economics Teacher • Chairman Powder Ridge Committee
Bob Yamartino
A8 Friday, October 25, 2013
Town Times | towntimes.com
Opinion Letters to the Editor
Political Opinions
Finance and Lisa Davenport, David Slight, Chris DiPentima and Bonnie Ryder, all ca(100 words maximum) pable members of our land use commissions and new Diverse slate faces like Alana Adams and Peter Cascini for Planning To the editor: T h e 2 0 1 3 D u r h a m and Zoning Commission, Republican Party slate of can- Deb DeFelice for Board of didates is one of the best and Assessment Appeals and more diverse slates the party Eric Francis for alternate pohas ever chosen. It combines sition on the Zoning Board years of experience with of Appeals. On Nov. 5, please veteran officeholders like vote the Republican slate. Bob Poliner Loraine Coe, Chairman and Durham Laurie Tuttle of the Board of
Letters policy for political season For Letters to the Editor regarding any candidates or issues that involve the political season, Town Times will only accept and publish letters that are 100 words or less. This policy is in keeping with the policy of the RecordJournal and will be in effect starting with the next edition of Town Times. The last edition for which we will publish letters of a political nature is Oct. 24. We ask writers to focus on their candidate’s worthiness for office and refrain from personal attacks on individuals.
As always, we reserve the right to edit letters or to not publish a letter. Letters should contain contact information, including, full name, address and phone number. Only your name and town will be published. If you have a specific role in politics or the political process, please include that information. Letters on other topics will continue to be accepted up to a 300 word limit. Send letters to news@towntimes.com or Town Times, P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455.
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Town Times is published every Friday by the Record-Journal Publishing Co. and delivered to all homes and businesses in Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall. Executive Vice President and Assistant Publisher – Liz White Senior Vice President of Operations and Major Accounts – Michael F. Killian Senior Vice President and Editor – Ralph Tomaselli News Editor – Olivia L. Lawrence Assistant News Editor – Nick Carroll Reporter – Mark Dionne Advertising Director – Kimberley E. Boath Advertising Sales – Joy Boone Office Assistant, Press Releases – Marsha Pomponio
Budget in good shape
of open land. The more we own, the fewer large homes, which bring in more stress on the school system. Can we To the editor: The Regional District 13 afford to build new schools? education budget consumes The school budget is 74 perin excess of 74 percent of cent of the tax bill. Let’s see more 55-plus comall Middlefield tax revenues. What remains is allocated to munities built in town. They bring tax dollars without putthe town. Since 2006, the Town’s ting stress on the schools. Jon, keep up the good job. Operating Budget has funcEllen Williams tioned at a modest 2.8 percent Middlefield growth rate. All the while, Middlefield has been able to Expertise noted meet its normal operating expenses without showing a To the editor: history of borrowing. Sound Bob Yamartino is a great fiscal management has en- asset to taxpayers by servabled the Undesignated ing on the Middlefield Board (Rainy Day) fund to more of Finance. His background than double over the past as a banker coupled with a eight years to over 1.5 million MBA in finance provides high dollars. level of financial expertise to Middlefield’s finances are Middlefield’s town budget. in excellent shape. That is Yamartino has successfully why I am supporting the pushed to expand the town’s Brayshaw/Bailey team for rainy day fund; he saved the re-election on Nov. 5. town hundreds of thousands Mary Ann Zieminski in interest on Powder Ridge Rockfall debt by advocating the use of short term, low interest rates; Impressed and he stabilized the town tax burden by establishing a level To the editor: I am writing this letter in funded capital plan to pay for support of Jon Brayshaw and big equipment and projects. Ed Bailey. I have been very Taxpayers need his skills. Reimpressed with the way that elect Yamartino for finance Jon and Ed have handled the on Nov. 5. Edward Bailey town budget over the years. Second Selectman It is true that both our naTown of Middlefield tion and our state are currently being sucked into a Lake improvements whirlpool of unsustainable debt and reckless spending To the editor: that seeks to avoid personal One of Middlefield’s best responsibility at any cost. It is places – Lake Beseck – is getalso true, unfortunately, that ting a makeover, with help those waves will break one from First Selectman Jon day on our very own shores. Brayshaw. But why hasten that day? Environmental concerns Please join me in voting for are being addressed and a Jon Brayshaw and Ed Bailey. new dam will be constructed, David Glueck each making our lake cleaner Rockfall and safer. I applaud Jon Brayshaw Good job and Ed Bailey for their work on the Middlefield Lake To the editor: Jon is one of the best first Beseck Ad Hoc Advisory selectman we have had in a Committee. The lake is one of Middlefield’s best natural long time. I feel Jon tries to keep tax resources and the work being dollars down by grants, the done is a long time in coming. Vote for Jon Brayshaw and two sales of Powder Ridge, Ed Bailey on Nov. 5. etc. Helen Kokoszka The biggest one that keeps Middlefield our taxes down is purchasing
Little things count
To the editor: Besides the BrayshawBailey team’s known accomplishments are the little things the Brayshaws do behind the scenes that encourage the spirit of volunteerism. I’ve seen Jon quietly stringing the lights on the town Christmas tree in a bucket truck on a Sunday afternoon. Shoveling snow off the roof of our community center as we feared a roof collapse. Gwen made fresh crèpes at Coginchaug during storm Sandy for those unable to cook. These kind acts are what comes natural to them, never just for a photo opportunity. I feel privileged to cast my vote for the entire Brayshaw-Bailey team. Jamie Roraback Middlefield
Fair and professional
To the editor: The Board of Assessment Appeals in Durham should be of particular concern for our community as their decisions directly impact our tax base. A member of that board will need to evaluate and render a decision in a fair and professional manner. It can be challenging to find someone to serve on a board with a huge fiscal impact and one who holds a high level of integrity and understanding. Durham is very lucky to have Deb (Dahlmeyer) DeFelice as a candidate for the Board of Assessment Appeals. Please support this candidate who understands our property values and the framework of our community. Wendy Manemeit Town Treasurer Durham
Fresh eyes To the editor: It is an honor to be on the Nov. 5 ballot. I live on the east end of Lake Beseck. As a candidate for the Board of Finance, I am well qualified. I have an MBA in Finance from UCONN along with 13 See Letters / Page 9
Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, October 25, 2013
A9
Letters years of finance experience. As f inance director at Hartford Steam Boiler, I look for ways to reduce risk, measure the profitability of services, and spend our budget dollars more wisely. Please give me the opportunity to put my business experience and educational background to work for you. Put fresh eyes to task, vote for Sue and Laura. Laura L. Williams Middlefield
Restraint needed To the editor: As one of the more “experienced” members of this community, town government is of great concern to me. I live on a fixed income and appreciate Board of Finance members who know that. I will be voting for those who have demonstrated fiscal restraint - Bob Yamartino, Dave Lowry and Joel Nick. They are prudent with the town’s finances, otherwise known as the taxes they collect from me and you. Holding the line on spending, also seeking grants and expansion of the tax base is their responsibility. Vote for Yamartino, Lowry and Nick and the entire top line. Barbara Rowe Middlefield
us know exactly, many are undecided even with all the campaign material. Democrats have historically had a conscience and a will for others. We recognize self-determination and responsibility to one’s self and dependents. We look out for our country’s well-being and its citizens’ needs. Democrats are not a “me” party, we are a “we” party. Middlefield Democratic Town Committee supports candidates who are at core ethical citizens of our community. We serve the community and support the nation. Anne Malcolm Middlefield
Secure future
To the editor: Democracies are strengthened by citizens who volunteer to serve. I am running for Board of Finance. I am a life-long resident, a registered nurse with over 30 years experience including several management and union positions. I will promote and maintain a productive working relationship between the Board and all other town agencies. I will help create a meaningful plan for Middlefield’s financial future. I will attend workshops at CCM for the latest information at the state level. Vote Hard worker for Sue Heuberger and Laura Williams, Vote for a secure To the editor: I would like to encourage financial future. Susan K. Heuberger everyone to get out and vote Middlefield on Nov. 5 for Kathy Kokoszka for town clerk. With Kathy’s Her heart’s in it advertising background and computer skills, she will To the editor: help bring our Town Hall During my time at the up a notch. She works hard Town Hall, I have had the opat whatever task is in front portunity to work alongside of her. She would treat ev- Donna Golub. She has strived eryone who comes into the since 1998 to courteously asTown Hall fairly and with sist Middlefield/Rockfall resrespect. Vote for Kathy be- idents. On a daily basis, I have cause she would make our witnessed Donna going above Town Hall “user friendly” on and beyond her job duties as our website and in the office. town clerk. The extensive Karin Nickel work that is involved in her Middlefield position and her knowledge astounds me. She truly puts The ‘we’ party her heart into her job for all the people of Middlefield/ To the editor: America’s annual national Rockfall. We should be proud pastime is a tug of electoral of her accomplishments. differences that hone our Re-elect Donna Golub on future, for better or worse. November 5th 2013. Leanne M. Henry Who do we really know Assistant Town Clerk among candidates? Some of
Dougan serves
Good managers
To the editor: While raising her children in Durham, Elizabeth Dougan has been serving Durham through its library for over ten years, first as a loyal volunteer and member of PALS, and now as a member of the library staff. She is happy to serve the town further by providing the Zoning Board of Appeals with another discerning point of view and will fulfill her responsibility capably. On Nov. 5, please join me in voting for Elizabeth. Anne Cassady Durham
To the editor: I would like to endorse Susan Heuberger and Laura Williams for the Board of Finance. Susan is a life-long resident and homeowner since 1985. She knows how to be fiscally responsible and balance a budget, how to distinguish between wants and needs. With over 30 years experience as a nurse, including management and union positions, she is able to work with a spectrum of people. Laura has professional financial experience as well as personal experience. Both of these working single mothers have shown A big win that they know how to manage financial matters. Vote To the editor: Bravo to First Selectman for Sue and Laura! Mary E Johnson Jon Brayshaw on saving Middlefield Powder Ridge. When others said we should sell, Jon and 90 percent of townspeople said no. Let’s preserve this piece of land that helps define Middlefield. Now, with winter just a few months away, we will see skiers back on the slopes in our own town. Thanks to Jon Brayshaw, a major business has been restored. A win-win-win for our town: expansion of the tax base, creation of jobs and no housing development. F i r s t S e l e c t m a n Jo n Brayshaw, you have my vote on Nov. 5. Bob Veeley Middlefield
Sensible platform To the editor: Lucy Petrella is a candidate for the First Selectman of Middlefield, and I support her. She has a sensible campaign platform that can be summed up in four E’s: Economy - she will hold the line on taxes. Environment she will balance open space with business recruitment. Education - as a former educator, she will promote collaboration with the Board of Education in offer to reduce costs. Ethics - she believes in openness and fairness. She is likely to knock at your door in Middlefield and Rockfall. Talk to her about a government that can accomplish these goals. Richard Burgess Jr. Middlefield See Letters / Page 10
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A sure thing To the editor: When a person of integrity and energy runs for office, then you have an opportunity to make the right choice. My friend Lucy Petrella is just such a person. In the past, Lucy served on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Finance. Lucy is again making the choice to serve you and the town she loves as first selectman. Now it’s your chance to choose leadership, resourcefulness, integrity, and new vitality by electing Lucy as your First Selectman. It’s a choice you can’t afford to pass up. She’s a sure thing. Dave Webster Former Middlefield First Selectman
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A10 Friday, October 25, 2013
Town Times | towntimes.com
Letters Invaluable To the editor: Middlefield/Rockfall Voters - We need a first selectman for Middlefield who can balance the appeal of open space with the tax advantages that come from the growth
of our Grand List. Lucy Petrella is that candidate. Lucy served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for eight years and the Board of Finance for four years. Lucy was the chairman of the Board of Finance for two of those years. Lucy wants to work with the Economic
Development Commission to find new proposals for Hubbard Street and Route 66. Her expertise will be invaluable as First Selectman. Vote for the leadership of Lucy Petrella. Sharlene Menard Middlefield
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We need someone who has integrity and who is regularly a presence at Town Hall in orTo the editor: Middlefield and Rockfall der to answer questions that voters--For the past two may come up about finances. years, Middlefield has been Re-elect Ellen Waff as town well served with Ellen Waff treasurer. Rosemary Malcolm as town treasurer. What does Middlefield she do? She is in charge of the checks and balances in Timely action the town finances. She pays the bills, she deposits the needed money that comes in, she To the editor: balances the town bank acRecently, the first selectcounts, she works closely man of Middlefield advertised with the finance director to that Middlefield residents make sure that everything is will now have access to a correct and ready for audit. discount prescription program offered by Connecticut Conference of Municipalities due to his efforts. HALLOWEEN PARTY The reality is that this drug COSTUME CONTEST program has been available SINGLES DANCE from CCM for many years. Saturday, October 26 th Other towns have been enjoying its benefits because 8:00 PM - 12:30 AM they applied into the program 556 Mulberry St. Plantsville, CT when it became available. It is not a new program. The A variety of top 40 music Town of Middlefield was just Coffee & Dessert • Cash Bar tardy in making it happen. Dressy Attire / No Jeans Timely action is critical Admission $15 “for SINGLES only...” Dances to bring savings and opporInfo: (860)824-3083 • 1-800-824-3038 tunities for residents. Lucy www.singlesdances.com (inc. map) Petrella will react in a timely manner as first selectman. Frank Hilsdon Middlefield 42745R
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To the editor: For the next 15 or so years Middlefield taxpayers will pay approximately $250,000 annually in connection with the purchase and sale of Powder Ridge? The sale has not covered associated debt. This property was purchased, by the town, as a cost exceeding 2.8 million dollars and sold for one million dollars... a loss of 1.8 million dollars of taxpayers’ money. The new ski area won’t make payments until 2014, and then only $100,000 for five years, while the sale of the small lot brought a one-time amount of $300,000. Middlefield needs fiscal watchdogs Lucy Petrella for first selectman, Laura Williams for BOF, and Sue Heuberger for BOF. Sandra Greenberg Middlefield
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To the editor: The next couple of months See Letters / Page 21
Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, October 25, 2013
A11
Political Advertisement
PART TWO:
Town of Middlefield Finances – On a Solid Footing
Town finances are in the spotlight as Election Day approaches. The Board of Finance provides fiscal oversight of the town’s budget and operations. The Board adjusts the First Selectman’s budget based on evolving information, and then presents it at town meetings for ratification or adjustment. The main elements of the budget provide for day-to-day operations, education expenses, a Capital Fund for long-term big-ticket purchases, and a Rainy Day Fund. So how are we doing? Since 2008, the Rainy Day Fund has appropriately increased from 5.1% to 9.4% of operating expenses (goal 8-10%). Capital funding for both the Fire and Public Works Departments has been restored, and the overall operating budget has been growing at a modest 2.7% per year, despite increasing insurance costs and Powder Ridge. By practicing sound fiscal management, and with the cooperation of town boards, commissions, and departments, the First Selectman has under-spent his budget by $150,000 to $250,000 per year. I am very proud of the work that your Board of Finance has accomplished. I first decided to run for the Board of Finance when the then Chair of the Board suggested we reduce expenses by eliminating snow plowing on weekends and evenings, thus compromising public safety. Since that time, my goal has been to strike a balance between providing necessary services, forward-looking planning for Lake Beseck, and long-term capital planning, while limiting tax impact. Sincerely Yours,
Robert C. Yamartino Robert C.Yamartino - Vice Chairman Middlefield Board of Finance
Your Vote Matters Your town’s finances are in very good shape with a strengthened Rainy Day Fund, limited spending on vital services, and open and honest discussions about funding priorities. There have been no smoking guns or shady dealings. The only thing that can change the town’s character and finances is how you vote on Election Day. It is important that your next board of finance--like the current board--work closely and constructively with the board of selectmen, town finance director, and the heads of town agencies and departments. The town budget is the result of a truly collaborative process. As such, no one person can claim credit for any budget reductions.
There are challenges to be met • Short term (BAN) vs. permanent funding decisions for Powder Ridge • Making the long-term Capital Plan more comprehensive: extending it to all big ticket purchases (we remain underfunded in some areas such as road improvement and repair) • Rising health insurance and worker’s comp costs for town employees • Preserving and maintaining the health of Lake Beseck as a resource for the whole town
A Town Financial Plan can meet the challenges Dave Lowry, Joel Nick and I are committed to working with the Board of Selectmen to execute a financial plan operating on 3 solid financial pillars: • Rainy Day Fund – Grow / Maintain a strong Rainy Day Fund to enhance the town’s credit rating • Further strengthen the Capital Plan to a town-wide multi-year plan • Exercise strict financial restraint while providing vital services to all town residents
Town of Middlefield Budget The town’s budget governs all aspects of the town finances and ultimately sets the mill rate. Included are revenues, operational expenses, the Capital and Non-Recurring (CNR) Fund, the Rainy Day Fund, and the RSD-13 funding. Since 2008: • The budget increased an average 3.47% per year; driven primarily by education expenses, which increased 3.48% annually. Over the same period the town’s operating budget (non-education) increased only 2.7% annually. • Jon Brayshaw has underspent the operating budget $150,000 to $250,000 annually since taking office. These savings have funded reductions in the following year’s taxes, Rainy Day Fund increases, and Capital and Non-Recurring Fund increases.
The Town’s Rainy Day Fund
The Rainy Day Fund (aka the Undesignated Fund Balance) is the town’s operational reserve fund; like your household savings account or a business owner’s working capital. The fund is used to pay bills on time, cushion us from unforeseen losses from uninsured events, and serve as a type of credit rating for setting the interest rate we pay on bonds. Municipalities should hold 8% to 12% of their Town’s budget (including the school costs) in reserve. Given state funding uncertainty, some recommend communities reserve as much as 15%. • The Rainy Day Fund Balance has increased from 5.1% of the operating budget in 2008 to 9.4% in 2013 ($708,247 –$1,556,098).
The CNR Fund - Long Term Big Ticket Purchases
WhaT CaN The voTeRS Do To MaiNTaiN aND iMPRove FiSCaL oveRSighT? Cast your vote for Jon Brayshaw – First Selectman • Cast your vote for Ed Bailey – Selectman Cast Your 3 Board of Finance votes for: Bob Yamartino • Dave Lowry • Joel Nick Paid for by the Middlefield Republican Town Committee, Charles Schmaltz Treasurer
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The “Capital and Non-Recurring” fund sets money aside to purchase and replace big-ticket (capital) items such as fire trucks, dump trucks, snowplows, bridges, roads, and building infrastructure (roofs, HVAC etc.). Since 2008: • The Board of Finance has adopted a long-term (10 year) capital plan for the Fire and Public Works Departments, allowing for the purchase of capital equipment while preventing wild swings in taxes. • The Board has restored the Fire and Public Works Dept. capital funds, after both were stripped at a town meeting 5 years ago. • The fund delivered a new fire truck and dump truck with snowplow this fiscal year – the first in many, many years.
A12 Friday, October 25, 2013
Town Times | towntimes.com
Commentary
Public input needed on declining enrollment
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The first workshop will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 29 in the cafeteria at Coginchaug Regional High School from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The purpose of the first workshop is to get your ideas on how the board should address declining enrollment. The board has selected Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc. to develop a Facilities Utilization Study. DRA has been conducting building evaluations and will meet with school staff to conduct programming and educational planning meetings throughout the fall. The Oct. 29 workshop is part of this initial evaluation process and is designed to listen and obtain your input. Breakout sessions will collect your thoughts, comments and input on the following topics:“Containers” - the physical facilities; “Contents”---educational programming; “Currents”--
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tend all three. The overall goal of the school utilization study is to align enrollment trends with district wide operational and program efficiencies in order to make the best use of district and taxpayer resources while optimizing educational opportunities for our students. The potential benefits to be obtained from the study are wide ranging and include the following: 1. review and update the physical status of buildings and grounds including possible capital improvement needs 2. assess facility needs and capabilities to more effectively incorporate technology in our educational programs 3. review educational programs to determine more efficient uses of our facilities 4. assess the security and safety status of our facilities and 5. consider the impact on transportation costs of any alternative proposals. The Board of Education has not made any decision or reached any conclusion about how best to respond to decreasing enrollment in the district. For now, our focus is
-RSD 13’s trends, including demographics and enrollments, and; “Children/students”---focusing on the issues and needs of students A nyone who l ives i n Durham or Middlefield, is a parent, a student, a family member, a taxpayer, a senior, a teacher, an elected official, anyone who works or is retired, members of the business community or civic groups, members of the clergy and anyone else who has an interest in the future of RSD 13 can attend the workshops. All members of our communities are invited and encouraged to attend and share your thoughts and concerns. If you are unable to attend send your comments to feedback@ RSD13publicschools.org or call the Board of Education with any questions at (860) 349-7200. Subsequent workshops will focus on “Alternatives: Understanding the options”, scheduled for Dec. 11 and “Shaping Recommendations for Board consideration”, at a date to be determined in January 2014. Since the focus of each of these workshops is different, it would be most beneficial if you are able to at-
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BREAKING UPSPURS NOT SO BONNY BONE The bones ofthat the develop foot canalong be broProjections the ken as a result of falls, overuse, edges of bones in the foot are known as direct blows, and numerous othbone spurs.ofPrimarily by wearer types injuries.caused Breaks can and-tear, bone spurs mayThe notfoot be detected be quite painful. may for years. and swell andTheir feel specific tender,location inhibiting potential health threat the ability to put anydetermine pressure how on it. Initially, the RICE they are treated. Tightapproach ligaments (Rest, Ice, and resulting from Compression, repetitive, impactful Elevation) may of activities such as help. running,X-rays carrying the footweight, may and bewearing necessary to excessive shoes that if there are, in fact, dodetermine not fit properly can result in bone fractures. Most of the bones in spurs of the complicate the the foot willfoot. heal To in time if propmatter, tissue build up over the bone er rest is can observed. However, spurs, callusesthe and foot corns.toA someresulting breaksinrequire simple X-rayincana cast. identifyMore and pinpoint be placed complicated may Treatment require the locationsituations of a bone spur. surgery. Contact yourrestpodiatrist can range from icing and to the use if you suspect that ofimmediately orthotics, injections, and possibly you have broken a bone in your surgical removal. foot. The components of the foot, ankle, Your podiatrist will provide inand leg are designed work together, structions for care tofollowing sursharing pressures of daygical the or tremendous non-surgical treatment to-day Whenbroken they don’t work when living. you have a bone. properly, it canexercises cause painand and Physicalthough, therapy, rehabilitation well be body, inother troubles formay the rest of the cluded in atoschedule for return to and it’s time get help. Our specialized normal AFFILIATED care andactivities. treatmentAtcan make an FOOT CARE CENTER, you’ll important contribution to anLLC, individual’s receive the highest quality medtotal health and well-being. At ical care coupled with the perAFFILIATED FOOTyou CARE CENTER, sonal attention expect and LLC, we offerWecomprehensive foot care deserve. offer comprehenbysive appointment. treatment a full foot care.ForGood footfor health range of foot problems, pleaseexistence call us for can enhance your daily improve your of life. anand appointment. Goodquality foot health can Office hours Middlefield enhance your in daily existence are and Mon. 9-5, andOffice Fri. 9-5; improve yourWed. quality3-7, of life. hours & Thurs. 9-5 9-5, in WallinginTues. Middlefield are Mon. Wed. 3-7, ford. For our patients’ conveand Fri. 9-5; Tues. & Thurs. 9-5 in nience we offer on-site x-rays, Wallingford. For andourtherapeutic patients’ and diagnostic convenience we offer on-site X-rays, and ultrasounds.
The Board of Education’s recent appointment of Dr. Kathryn Y. Veronesi as the new superintendent of schools for Regional District 13 brought a successful conclusion to arguably its most important responsibility. The high level of community support and participation in the selection process was invaluable and contributed significantly to its success. Selection criteria developed as part of the Community Assessment were an integral factor in the final selection. The board is now seeking community support with another important challenge; developing a comprehensive strategic plan to address declining enrollment in the district. Here’s how you can help. The board invites you to participate in a series of community workshops regarding the development of a utilization plan for district schools.
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October 25, 2013
Volume 20, Issue 1
Commended Scholars By Dena Branciforte
Five Coginchaug seniors recently received commendations from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their high scores on the PSATs. They were honored as “Commended Scholars” for scoring within the top 5 percent of 1.5 million testtakers. These Commended Scholars are Jesse Azevedo, Kevin Bjarnason, Sarah Brady, Emily Tuttle, and Kasi Whitaker. Although they did not score high enough to compete for National Merit Scholarships, they have the potential to win other Special Scholarships. Principal Don Gates said, “We are proud to have five scholars [to represent the Coginchaug community].”
Durham Fair Evolution By Lauren Melchionne
Since 1916, the Durham Fair has been affecting people from across Connecticut. Durham’s annual fair on the town green and midway has grown significantly over the years due to the changes in our culture; it wasn’t like people knew about Justin Moore in 1916. The very first Durham Fair was held on October 4, 1916, a Wednesday, on the Village Green,
now known as the Town Green. Featuring a milelong parade which had kids riding horses and oxen down Main Street and exhibits ranging from fruits and vegetables to domestic science, the fair was a confidence booster to the town. Attracting about 2,000 patrons with an entry fee of twenty-five cents for adults and ten cents for children ages five to fourteen, the very first
1938 shut down the Fair as did WWII during the years 1942-1944. In 1929, the Middlesex County’s 4-H fair was combined with the Durham Fair due to the Great Depression. Cancellations weren’t the only things that changed the fair. Chairman of the Board of Education Kerrie Flanagan said, “…it has changed
We Are... DECA p. 3
but it’s still an agricultural fair.” Some changes include the number of days the fair lasts. For instance, from 1916 to 1921, the fair was only a one-day event, and from 1922 to 1950, the fair was a two-day festival. Starting in 1951, the fair was a three-day occasion. In 2012, the fair became
See EVOLUTION page 6
Fall Sports p. 8
Durham Fair p. 4-5
Inside this issue... Opinion ............ 2 We Are... ........... 3 Feature ............. 4-5 School News ... 6-7 Sports ................ 8
Durham Fair was deemed a success by the local paper. The parade ran anually but was canceled in 1924 due to traffic concerns. The Fair was a huge success and a favorite among the people. The Durham Fair Association has held the fair every year since 1916 with some exceptions. The Great New England Hurricane of
Staff Baby Boom p. 6
2
October 25, 2013
The Staff Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Brady Copy Editors: Dena Branciforte Emily Tuttle Sports Editors: Jeff Peracchio Jennifer Crandall Production Staff: Sarah Durand Nikki Woznyk Contributing Reporters: Tyler Bjarnason Marty Daniels Abby Eisner Lara Ellison Nora Khalil Lauren Melchionne Advisor: Ms. Rebecca Suchy
We Are... The Devil’s Advocate! Changes are afoot in the school newspaper. The Devil’s Advocate has a new advisor, a new staff, and a whole new look. Check out our website crhsnews.org. Follow us on Twitter @crhsdevilsadv. Please submit story inquiries, pictures, or letters to the editor to crhsdevilsad@gmail.com. The Devil’s Advocate is the official student newspaper of Coginchaug Regional High School of Regional District 13, representing Durham and Middlefield, Connecticut.
Volume 20, Issue 1
Sarah Says... Blue Devil Blues By Sarah Brady
The first month of back to school is exciting. There’s a bunch of new faces for you to get to know, your classes aren’t too hard yet, and best of all, the fair is coming up. But then you get back from the fair, and October seems to stretch out in front of you like an unending desert. Especially for seniors, October is a month full of hard work and very few breaks. It can be overwhelming. If you feel like you want to scream or give up on school because there’s too much stress, try some of these tips to beat the October blues. Watch a movie in the background while you work on the easier stuff. Some of my favorites are cheesy rom-coms, but if you like something else, pick what you like. Be sure to pick a movie you’ve seen a couple of times. It wouldn’t do well to get distracted and lose two hours of working time. The point of the movie is to keep you motivated while working, not to keep you from getting work done. Take some time for yourself. I know I was just telling you not to waste time, but your mental and physical health are more important than school work. If you’re getting stressed out to the point of tears, you should probably take a break. I set a timer, usually for one hour, and do something for myself. I sit in my room and listen to music. I straighten my hair. Just do anything that’s not school work for a little while so that you don’t get overwhelmed. Combine two things. Let’s say you have a test coming up, but you also want to have time to work out. Mash them together. You could invest in podcasts that have to do with the subjects you’re studying and listen to them while you run. When I read a chapter of my Gov textbook, I pick certain words that I know will show up frequently, and then I assign exercises to each word. When I read those words, I do the exercise. Don’t let October get you down, readers, and I’ll see you next month.
Opinion: Durham Fair Green By Tyler Bjarnason
In 1916, the first Durham Fair was held on the green with a few booths and a ferris wheel. Now the fairgrounds cover 45 acres of land, omitting the green. For years, the first thing you normally saw at the fair was the set up on the green. In 2011, it was the craft tent, but it rained, so the green got destroyed. In 2012, there were cars and a crane with balloons. This year, it was the Connecticut Wine Festival, which is completely new and has never been done at the fair. I am assuming that the idea behind it was that wine is an agricultural thing and made money. They also placed the can’t-miss food and some kid rides along with the wine, allowing parents to entertain their children while tasting the wine--or so that people could get those food items and hit those rides with the young ones right before leaving. Personally, I do believe that we should keep the wine on the green because it is, in fact, agricultural in nature. But what is in store for next year on the green? At this time it’s hard to tell, but I’d assume it won’t be left empty.
Volume 20 Issue 1
October 25, 2013
3
We Are... DECA By Nora Khalil
Photo by Ryan Donecker
DECA members pose for their first club photo.
See DECA page 6
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DECA, run by Business Education teachers Ms. Susan Wagemaker and Mr. Ryan Donecker, is a modern business club now offered at Coginchaug. Founded in 1946, DECA is a national program known for developing successful entrepreneurs and capable leaders. DECA’s projects and activities help familiarize students with the latest technology and techniques in business. “It’s a student-run business club… It’s to get kids interested to discover: do they like business? Do they have certain things they might want to pursue in the future?” Ms. Wagemaker said when asked about the purpose of DECA. Colleges and business schools worldwide recognize DECA as a leading program in the study of business. This club is highly beneficial to students who plan to pursue careers in business. DECA allows its members to try out different occupations in the business field. The current officers in DECA are Morgan Kuehnle as President, Erin Mallinson as VP of Fundraising and Community Service, Jessica Dontigney as Secretary, Kristen Burtt as Treasurer, and Morgan Dickson as Historian. These positions offer responsibilities similar to those in business careers. “[DECA] gets you interested in careers... You can try out careers before you actually go out to study it,” Ms. Wagemaker said. Aside from learning the ropes of business, DECA members participate in state competitions. All year, students work on projects of their own and have the chance to present their idea to professionals. FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) used to be the only business club offered at CRHS until recently when Ms. Wagemaker and Mr. Donecker replaced it with DECA.
Finish with a
future.
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October 25, 2013
Volume 20, Issue 1
Durham Fair 2013 CRHS Students Take the Stage By Jeffrey Peracchio The Durham Fair has been an iconic symbol for the town of Durham for close to 100 years, made popular in part by hosting music and entertainment. From Kellie Pickler to 38 Special, the fair has always maintained a headlining musical performance. Local bands and choirs play at the fair as well, including the Coginchaug Jazz Band and Show Choir. On Friday and Saturday, the Coginchaug Jazz Band performed at the Durham Fair, which some students said made the fair seem more inviting and welcoming. CRHS sophomore Josh Martowski had positive comments regarding the Jazz Band’s performance: “It was a loud and powerful performance. It showed how hard-working the band is as well as the band’s effort and dedication to the band and the school.” Jazz Band senior captain Alex Preneta, “We begin rehearsal close to the first day of school so we don’t have a lot of time to learn the music; however, we sound really good. This is one of the best sounding bands that I have heard out of my four years in high school.” Coginchaug Show Choir performed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Senior member Danielle Drop was enthusiastic about Show Choir’s performance. “[The performance] was much better than shows in the past years. We showed how hard-working not only Show Choir is but the school as well. Since there were only three weeks to rehearse, I think that we put on a great performance and definitely showed our motivation.” Senior captain Julia Orosz said, “Since I’m with all of my friends who I know support me through everything we do, we put on a great performance. I like how there was a bunch of people to watch us at the show as well so people can see just how good we really are.” The Durham Fair is an event where local students can show their talents and provide entertainment for the fair-goers. Coginchaug’s music is a symbol of how well-rounded and committed our students are and how important they are to our community.
Scarce Volunteers
There was concern this year regarding school volunteers for the By Lara Ellison Durham Fair parking. The Durham Fair pays the school $3500.00 to park cars that have handicapped passes. For the last several years, juniors and seniors have volunteered to park the cars to earn money for their graduating class. Most students who help with parking are using the hours towards their seven required hours of community service time for graduation. Many students give much more time than that. This year though, there was concern as too few students signed up to help with parking. Many students who are busy with their studies, sports, music, art and other activities have little free time. Some of the students say they are too busy this year. CRHS senior Abby Eisner thinks volunteering is a good idea. She thinks it is reasonable that the school wants the students to be part of the community and to be involved in the town’s activities and events. “It’s important to give back,” Abby said, although she already has too many commitments to help with parking as she is working at three other jobs for the fair. According to volunteer coordinator Mrs. Wilda Castro, a Special Education Teacher Assistant at CRHS, juniors and seniors have always risen to the challenge. Because of the number of vehicles and the large area of the parking lot it takes many students. Since the shifts for the Durham Fair parking are usually threeand-a-half hours, it takes 104 students to do it safely. Almost 40 adults from the school community also volunteer to help the students with this task. “Safety is our number one priority,” said Mrs. Castro.
Carnival Workers
Most residents of Durham and Middlefield see the fair come and go four days each year. It’s a special time for locals and a holiday for some, but for a small few, each day at the fair is just another day on the job. For the last 40 years of the fair’s presence, the majority of the attractions unrelated to food and agriculture have been provided by Rockwell Amusements, the “Spectacular Traveling Amusement Company.” Centered in North Scituate, RI, Rockwell Amusements maintains the rides and games located on the lower fields of the fairgrounds. Three seasons a year (all but winter), Rockwell Amusements employs carnival workers (“carnies” as some of them called themselves), four of whom were interviewed for The Devil’s Advocate--Tom, Aaron, Alan, and Jordan. Aaron worked Thursday and Friday, which, according to him, are the “slow days” at the fair, but he wasn’t without a few tricks to draw in more business. “We try to give out the bigger prizes early in the day… We’re all trying to help each other out here. So if someone sees someone carrying around a big teddy bear, it’s like free advertising for all of us.” Jordan worked the “bottle game,” a game in which the player tries to knock down a pyramid of three bottles with a baseball. “It’s really a mind trick,” he explained. “Everyone aims for all three bottles, but if you just hit the bottom two, the top one comes down anyway.” Tom, (who according to Jordan, is the “new guy” around), shared his enthusiasm for pulling in new customers. “I love talking to people. That’s what sold me… You get to meet new guys every day.” When questioned about the fairgoers who chose not to play, Tom told the Advocate “Some people just ignore you. They just keep on walking… You get used to it after a while, but it’s not easy.” Alan, somewhat of a veteran to the fair scene, explained his plans for after the carnival season. “Come winter I go down South Florida, take the two months off, fix up the house, and just blow it all.” Before that, though, he had “about five more weeks” of work ahead of him. As he was concerned, he’s “living the dream.”
By Marty Daniels
Volume 20, Issue 1
Vendors: Local or
Commercial? By Abby Eisner
October 25, 2013
5
Opinion: Fair Foods By Nora Khalil
Trucks roll into the fairgrounds, their large wheels imprinting the soft soil. Vibrant colors and bolded words stamp the outside of the vehicles. Each driver parks in his designated spot, shifting gears and backing up, over and over again, willing his vehicle into the perfect position. The hum of the engines surrender to silence. Little by little, owners begin to transform their trucks, sometimes pulling out their sides to create windows, other times raising flattened signs into view. As the vendors ready their merchandise, scents waft into the air--the tang of lemons, the sweet glaze on donuts. The familiar scent of fair food, grease and all, reminds the locals of this special event, the Durham Fair. The Durham Fair is memorable for its large variety of delicious foods. With everything from Jamaican patties to smoked ribs, visitors can hardly resist the temptation of fair food.
The Durham Fair is an exciting and fun-filled event every year, with a wide variety of dining options. Whether you buy from local booths that support different aspects of the community or from commerciallyowned booths that provide a living or some form By Jennifer Crandall of income to their owners A Durham Fair favorite to many people is the Big is a decision that almost Donut, a very large donut covered in sugar and every fair-goer has to sold by the Dough House. make. “It’s one of the best donuts I’ve ever had. It’s by CRHS senior Jessica far one of my favorite fair foods,” said junior MarDontigney said, “I look garet Bossie. Senior Deanna Puchalski adds that at the price and quality many people have it as a “midday snack.” of the food, the quantity, Others prefer it for breakfast. Sophomore Jordan and if it even catches my Solis said, “The first thing I eat when I get to the attention. The marketing fair is the Big Donut.” definitely affects my deciThe Dough House has been making the donuts sion.” for over 70 years, using a “one-of-a-kind recipe.” With local choices rangThey travel to local fairs including the Berlin Fair, ing from mozzarella sticks and chili to choco- where people indulge in the dessert. Senior Kim Romanoff said, “The donut makes late-covered bacon, buyme feel warm and fluffy on the inside just like the ing local provides a large inside of the donut.” spectrum to choose from. At the same time, commercial mobile vendors also offer many tasty options like pizza and gyros. Senior Kaitlyn Mentlick explained why she’d rather buy from booths that support the community. “[Whether it is community or commercial] definitely affects my decision. I would much rather buy from the community as it goes to a better cause so I can appreciate what I’m purchasing much more. I also know where the food is coming from and exactly where my money is being put to use.” Middlefield resident Laureen Corazzini strictly purchases from local booths. When deciding where to purchase, she looks at “taste, group or organization, and the popularity of that booth or food item.” In the 20 years she has attended the fair, she has had plenty of opportunities to test out the many dining options. After much contemplation when asked what her favorite food at the fair is, she exclaimed with a smile across her face, “I love the apple fritters!” Kaitlyn and Jessica also shared their fan-favorites. Jess said, “The chocolatecovered bananas for the CRHS Scholarship Fund are so good; I eat so many every year.” Kaitlyn shared that she enjoyed the Exchange Club fries and the baked potato booth: “I make sure to buy them both each year!” Kaitlyn and Jessica have attended the fair for the past 17 years. Overall, the consensus seems to be that local is better; people like to know exactly where their money is going and like to see it put back into the community they love. After all, it is the “largest fair in North America managed entirely by unpaid volunteers.”
The Big Donut
Bloomin’ Onion This is not your typical onion ring. The Bloomin’ Onion is a massive onion specially cut to resemble a blooming flower. The fresh onion is dipped in a heavenly batter and set in the deep-frier. When the onion is crisp and lightly browned, it is taken out and set on a plastic plate. Served with a creamy dipping sauce, the Bloomin’ Onion is a must-have. The delicious crunch of the batter couples perfectly with the onion’s taste. Corn on the Cob This booth, owned by John Lyman School, is found near the town green and offers sweet corn that is abundant in fresh flavor. The corn is prepared like any other, but it is their pick of ripe and extremely fresh corn that makes them the best. When served, the stillsteaming corn is wrapped in aluminum foil and coated with glossy butter. With a heavenly taste and an enticing appearance, this corn is definitely the best the fair has to offer.
Fried Oreos Fried Oreos are a must. They start with regular Oreos and coat them in a thick, creamy batter that looks similar to that of pancakes. Once the Oreo is completely enveloped in the batter, it is dropped into the fryer with a hiss. When the Oreos are lightly browned and fluffy, they are pulled out of the fryer; six are set onto a plate and sprinkled with powdered sugar. The first bite is the best. The layer of batter breaks to reveal a melted Oreo. The chocolate and cream of the Oreo turn into gooey deliciousness inside the cave of crisp batter. People with intense sweet-tooths will surely be delighted with this delectable dessert. Fried Dough Fried Dough is the most prominent of all fair foods, made of a light, hand-crafted dough and topped with either a red sauce (if you prefer something savory) or powdered sugar (if you would rather have something sweet). The Durham Fair holds many booths with this dough. The dough is kneaded by hand and dropped into the frier. The oil crisps the outside layer of the dough and creates air pockets that fluff the dough. When the color resembles a dark gold, the large dough is served on two paper plates. The dough has a subtle taste of sweetness. It has a crisp outside shell that protects the heavenly fluffiness of the inside. This appetizing dough is an icon of the Durham Fair.
6
October 25, 2013
DECA
Evolution
Continued from page 3
Continued from page 1
With up-to-date technology and modern business tactics, both business teachers agree that DECA will restore the spirit of CRHS’s business-based club. “We’ve got a lot of new energy, a lot of new ideas, and that’s why we feel that DECA is going to revitalize business club,” Ms. Wagemaker said. DECA sponsored its first student contest over the Durham Fair weekend. It required CRHS students to tweet a picture of themselves in Coginchaug gear at the Fair to #DevilNationDurhamFair. The winning entry was submitted by senior Stephanie Fisher and featured the CRHS Cheerleaders wearing CoginShop t-shirts. Students at CRHS are encouraged to join DECA, even students who are not currently taking a business class. DECA meetings are usually hosted during xblock in Mr. Donecker’s room. For more information on DECA, see Ms. Wagemaker or Mr. Donecker.
a four-day fair. Other changes, those more noticed by the kids, are the rides. The Coleman Brothers, in 1926, were allowed to have the first ride in the history of the fair, a Merry-GoRound, located on the green. It wasn’t until 1972 that the Midway was presented in the lower section of the grounds. During the early years of the fair, all of the food booths were run by the Durham Fair Association. In 1936, the Dur-
Volume 20, Issue 1
ham District Nurse Association was given special permission to have a food booth in order to raise money for a car. Now there are rows of non-profit booths ready to sell anything to raise money for their organizations. Things have indeed changed since 1916. The small fair once attracted only 2,000 patrons, but now, a little less than a century later, the fair had so many patrons this year that the police had to tell those operating the ticket booth to stop
charging people and just let them all in because the long lines were becoming hazardous. What once was a single ride grew to around twenty different rides. From a single non-profit booth in 1936 to countless nonprofits from all over the state, “...we work with other towns to make sure it’s not too onerous,” said First Selectman Laura Francis. Facts were gathered in part from The Durham, Connecticut 1866-1980 Century of Change.
Banner Contest Winners The Devil’s Advocate recently underwent a rebranding, opening a banner contest to the entire school. Out of 22 entries, the top two gave major elements to the current masthead. The Devil’s Advocate would like to extend a special thank you to Ms. Susan Wagemaker for involving her Keyboarding/Word Processing class. Thank you for all of your sumbissions.
Melissa Grenier
Sarah Gianinni
Volume 20, Issue 1
October 25, 2013
Teacher Baby Boom By Abby Eisner This past year has been a teacher baby boom here at Coginchaug, and students were extremely curious as to how these new additions to the CRHS family were doing. Science teachers Mrs. Francis and Mrs. Anderson, English teacher Mrs. McClintick, and ABA Therapists Mrs. Popp and Mrs. Harrison are five of this year’s new moms. Social Studies/History teacher Mrs. Jacob also became the proud mother of a baby boy!
Riley Rose Popp
7 Riley Rose Popp is nine months old and was born prematurely but is developing well. Riley can “crawl and looks like a caterpillar when she does,” said her mom Mrs. Popp. She has also learned to say her first words, mama and dada. As Riley is her first child, Mrs. Popp said becoming a new mom has been both rewarding and challenging. “Watching her grow and develop has been so exciting and every day she is doing something new and entertaining, like blowing raspberries at everyone and doing ‘paddy cake.’” Mrs. Popp said the hardest part about becoming a mother is the extra time it takes to get places and get ready, but overall, “being a mom is such a blessing and a wonderful experience.” *NEW ARRIVAL! The long-awaited newborn Calvin Otto Jake was born Tuesday, October 15 at 7:17pm to Mrs. Jacob and her husband. Social Studies/History teacher Mrs. Julie Selberg provided all the details. “He weighed in at 7 lbs. 14 oz. and is 20.5 inches tall. Mom and baby are doing well.”
Brynn Patricia Harrison
Calvin Otto Jacob Brynn Patricia Harrison is just under four months old and is a lively and happy baby. Brynn can roll over and babbles a lot. This is Mrs. Harrison’s second baby and her three year old son Colin loves being a big brother. On becoming a mom again, Mrs. Harrison said there are some new challenges but it is a very fulfilling experience. “I have to manage my time a lot more in order to make time for both of my kids and get everything done at home. I love being a mom and it is so exciting to watch her and my son grow more and more every day!” Lilliana Lezah Francis Lilliana Lezah Francis was born December 16, 2012. Mrs. Francis said her husband and she loved the name Lilliana and chose the name “Lezah” after her grandmother. “My grandmother’s named Hazel, but neither me or my husband liked the name Hazel so we just used Lezah which is Hazel backwards.” Lilliana has recently started crawling, can stand with help, and loves Cheerios. She will be ten months on October 16. On being a new mom, Mrs. Francis said, “It is the best thing ever! I love it, but I definitely need all of the support and help from my husband and family.”
Kya Claire McClintick
Caleb Jace Anderson
We wish Mrs. Jacob a heartfelt congratulations and can’t wait to have her back at Coginchaug!
Kya Claire McClintick was born in the late spring and is four months old. Originally, Mrs. McClintick and her husband liked the name Jennifer, but at the last minute they liked Kya Claire. Kya is “smiley, loves her walker, can roll over in her crib but cannot sleep through the night or sit up by herself yet.” As another new mom, Mrs. McClintick likes finding out something new about her daughter every day. “I like how at first you don’t know how they will react to certain situations, and how even though they can’t talk, you can learn to understand them.”
Caleb Jace Anderson was named after his two grandfathers. Mrs. Anderson’s dad is named Joseph and her father-in-law is named Carl. To combine the two, they came up with Jace as his middle name which includes both a J and a C. Jace is ten months old and has a big sister who is four-and-a-half. “She loves being a big sister; she is always getting toys for him and helping whenever she can.” Caleb has three teeth, can stand and “inchworm crawls” everywhere. Mrs. Anderson said that the hardest part about becoming a mother again is sleep. “You don’t get consistant hours, you have to adapt on a lot less sleep.”
8
October 25, 2013
Volume 20, Issue 1
Page by Jeff Perracchio and Jenn Crandall
Girls X-Country
Coginchaug Girls Cross Country never seems to disappoint. With the girls heading to Shorelines and hopefully States, we can expect a strong run and effort from the entire group. Coginchaug has long been known for its strong sportsmanship and athleticism, and the Girls Cross Country team illustrates that effort.
Girls Soccer
This is season for the girls soccer team was predicted by many to be a strong one. One aspect that is really helping the girls reach their goal is that there are eight seniors on the team with tons of varsity experience. Also the seniors have the seniors were able to experience winning the shoreline tournament their sophomore year. This year the style of played had changed to a very technical play. Coach Kavanaugh says, “If we play to our fullest potential, then there’s no doubt we can have the run we’re hoping for in both tournaments.” One aspect they want to focus on this season is playing 80 full minutes of their style of soccer. Overall it This season, injuries have affected the boys soccer seems like the season is going to be as promising as expected. team, taking main players off the field; however, underclassmen have gotten a lot of playing time. They still have a positive outlook on the season and believe that they still have a chance to make states. Coach Chris Capp said, “I feel if we play quality soccer that For the 2013 Coginchaug football team, hard work and determination are the we should not only qualify for States but surprise a two main descriptors of this squad. With Jack Granger, Ty Kartiganer, and Tyler Meeker as the three captains, this team not only has a motivated mindset but a few teams along the way.” strong and functional leadership as well. Coach Doug Frasier said, “I think we are finally acting as a unit on the field and coming together. It’s encouraging to see the younger kids come up to try to fill the slots that our previous seniors left behind. This season seemed challenging due to a low num- It’s also encouraging to see what we will have for the rest of this year and for the ber of runners and very young boys with little experi- year to follow.” ence; however, Coach Dave Bellemare said, “The kids are making a big improvement, and the younger kids have a ton of enthusiasm.” They’re hoping that the team will be able to finish 5th or 6th in the league. With only having one senior this year, it’s going to be This season, volleyball has a new coaching staff for varsity and junior varsity. For a large building year for the next season; however ju- the junior varsity, their new coach is Craig Clarke. Varsity Head Coach Claire Manior Christian Alberico has been putting Coginchaug tasavage said she believed the first half of their season would have a rocky start until the team figured things out; however, she has strong beliefs that the second on the map, winning Shorelines on October 17. half will be strong. Ms. Matasavage also predicts that the varsity will make the Shoreline and State tournaments.
Boys Soccer
Football
Boys X-Country
Volleyball
Cheerleading Cheerleading has a few changes to their year. There are many seniors with a ton of experience--eleven to be exact. This is a “very close group of girls,” said Coach Sherry Hill. This upcoming season, the cheer team is planning to use more difficult stunts. They are always creating and working on new material, including cheers for the football games. Each year, the seniors are able to create the new bows to give their own special touch to the team. So far the season is going “super,” states Sherry Hill. This year at the football games, cheerleaders will be The CRHS Cheerleaders support breast cancer aware- throwing t-shirts and selling cupcakes. Senior captain Dana Foley said, “Come to ness as they cheer duiring an October football game. football games and watch us. We have big plans.”
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Friday, October 25, 2013
Watershed From Page 1
Association, a grassroots and advocacy organization. But that is slowly changing, according to the QRWA. According to several interviews with QRWA officials and volunteers, there is less trash in the river than even five years ago and the organization is conducting a study to find ways to reduce pollution in the waterway. On Oct. 12, the QRWA held its annual fall cleanup. Up and down the river, groups scoured the banks for trash. Where the river empties into Hanover Pond in Meriden before continuing its journey south, Meriden Ro ta r y P re s i d e n t Cl i ff Carlson and Lex Sorrell, 15, walk down the bank to check out a spot. “It might be out of reach, but we’ll see,” said Carlson.
A21
Letters “I think we can do it,” Lex said. “Got your rake?” “Oh yeah.” The two push through the brush to stand on the edge of dry ground. They start picking up old water bottles and liquor nips, using a rake and a stick to fish for trash lying out of reach. “How pleasant,” Carlson remarks. Carlson said Rotary Clubs in the towns where the river runs through have scheduled their own fall cleanups of sections of the river. In the past, the volunteers have pulled anything from hot tubs to cars out of the river. “It seems like the same stuff we pull out every year, but it’s getting better,” Carlson said. David James, secretary for QRWA, said that the See Watershed / Page 23
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for the past four years. Chris believes the commission’s goals should include a plan many of us will be reading for: more affordable housabout Power Ridge regarding ing; appropriate growth of various offers, total amount new business in commercial/ of taxpayer’s dollars spent, industrial areas; some mixed and by using hindsight how uses of the proper kind on our it should have been handled. historic Main Street. He is The fact is this: Powder currently working to modernRidge is a completed part of our history at this time due to the overwhelming popular vote of the town’s taxpayers. What the public needs to focus on is the future and forward direction of the of the town and has the previous administration brought Middlefield to a better place during his time in office. Jon Brayshaw is the correct answer. Scott Wheeler Middlefield From Page 10
ize the content and language of existing P&Z regulations and looks forward to reviewing and updating Durham’s Plan of Conservation and Development. I encourage voters to support Chris Flanagan. Diane C. Moore Durham
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October cooking club
We’re online: www.towntimes.com
e welcome Amy Davis WAPRN, Dermatology
Durham Recreation has scheduled a cooking class for grades seven through 12, Monday, Oct. 28, from 2:15 to 5:15 p.m. at the Strong School. The class plans to bake Halloween cinna-buns. Fee includes all ingredients and materials. Class is limited to 12 participants. For more information, call (860) 343-6724.
Masonicare Primary Care Physicians is pleased to announce that Amy Davis, MSN, APRN, has joined the medical team at the practice in Wallingford. Ms. Davis, a nurse practitioner, specializes in general medical dermatology for adults over the age of 18. She is able to do a full body skin exam, as well as treat a variety of skin disorders and perform biopsies and the removal of skin moles. Prior to joining Masonicare, Ms. Davis was an APRN in dermatology at Yale University for 10 years. She has her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Nursing from the University of Connecticut School of Nursing, and is board-certified as an adult nurse practitioner.
Halloween event
She is seeing dermatology patients on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Masonicare Medical Office Building, just off Route 150 in Wallingford. 44266R
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Compost bins
Paula Bevilacqua
The DMIAAB offers discounted pricing on two types of compost bins for Durham/ Middlefield residents. Orders must be placed by Oct. 20. Price includes tax and delivery. Payment, cash or check, is expected at time of pickup. For more information and to place an order, contact Chris Flanagan at (860) 227-7515 or email cflanagan6520@comcast.net.
Cheshire Dermatology to Open Satellite Office in Meriden
Dana Correale
Cheshire Dermatology is pleased to announce the opening of a satellite office at 546 South Broad Street in Meriden. Board certified physicians, Drs. Paula Bevilacqua, Dana Correale, and Michael Thibault, PA-C, practice medical, surgical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology and are currently accepting new and established patients at our new location Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm beginning November 4th.
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Patients may call 203-250-7577 to book appointments. Michael Thibault
The Durham Volunteer Ambulance Corp., with the Durham Animal Rescue, has scheduled a Trick or Treat Halloween event for Thursday, Oct. 31, from dusk to 8 p.m. at 205 Main St. Pets are welcome to trick or treat with children. For more information, call (860) 558-2162.
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Watershed From Page 21
river quality improved after President Nixon signed the Clean Water Act and the industry along the river faded away. “Well, it was a lot better than it was in the ’70s,” he said. One such industry located along the western bank of the river in North Haven was the Upjohn Chemical Company. There, the company made chemicals that went into products like sunscreen, pesticides, soaps and dyes. The property was acquired by the Pharmacia
Friday, October 25, 2013
Corporation and eventually, manufacturing ceased at the property in 1993. Today, Pfizer Inc. is cleaning up the site from chemicals that have sunk down into the ground. It is installing a hydraulic barrier to keep contaminated groundwater from seeping into the river and flowing into the sound. Roger Kemp, vice president of QRWA, said the organization tries to educate towns in the watershed about its impact to the river. A watershed is the area where rainwater feeds the river. A watershed is much larger than the river itself. For example, while the Quinnipiac flows through
seven towns, 19 towns are a part of the river’s watershed. The problem, Kemp says, is portions of towns like New Britian, Durham, Middlefield and Berlin “don’t even know they are in the watershed.” Kemp said the QRWA is currently in the middle of studying the watershed in order to create a watershed management plan. The study, which is state funded, will be the first management plan for a watershed in the state. The study will look at what causes problems. After the plan is completed during January 2014, the QRWA will send the plan to all the towns in the watershed, asking for cooperation.
Enrollment are many, the opportunities for improving district operaon gathering facts and infor- tions, cost savings and, most mation and listening to com- importantly, enhancing the munity comment, input and educational experience and preparedness of our children feedback. The school utilization are far greater. Bob Fulton is treasurer for study may be the single most important initiative under- the Board of Education and a taken in the district in many member of its Facilities Study years. While the challenges Committee. From Page 12
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Great win for the Coginchaug softball fall ball team as the Durham Womens Club defeats Guilford 15-3. Front row from left: Caroline Fournier, Bailey Zettergren, Alex Grenier, Micayla Fontanella, Isabel Milardo, Back row, Dana Boothroyd, Kerry Turecek, Allie Lecza, Kelly Boothroyd, Isabel Marotta, Erica Fontanella, and Carina Mancini. Not in photo Manager Mike Mancini and Assistant Coaches Tom Boothroyd, and Mike Lecza. | (T Mancini/Submitted)
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The Meriden Historical Society has scheduled an open house at the Andrews Homestead, 424 West Main St., for every Sunday in October, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free; donations are accepted. The October exhibit features the history of the Meriden police and fire departments including photos, trophies and uniforms. For more information, visit www.meridenhistoricalsociety.org.
We’d love to print your news and stories. Send to: The Town Times P.O. Box 265 Middlefield, CT 06455 news@towntimes.com
Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, October 25, 2013
Superintendent
what school officials call the “CORE ethical values” of respect, responsibility, honesty, kindness, and courage. Veronesi began in the special education field in East Haddam. She briefly taught at Vinal Regional Technical School in Middletown before serving in Cheshire as an educational diagnostician and teacher. In 2001, she became assistant principal of Plainville Middle School and then principal of an elementary school in Hebron. She was appointed acting superintendent in Hebron from Dec. 2012 through July 2013. Veronesi will start in RSD13 on Jan. 16, 2014, leaving a position as interim principal in Marlborough. According to Flanagan, interim superintendent Dr. Ernest Perlini will assist with the transition. The job opening drew a pool of 21 candidates, with six of those gaining interviews.
From Page 1
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“I want you to know how grateful I am to the communities of Durham and Middlefield for having their voices heard in the community assessment because it was those voices that made me know without a doubt that this is where I wanted to be,” Veronesi said. Veronesi accepted the position while wearing earrings that once belonged to her grandmother and told the board that a lesson learned from her grandmother would define her purpose in RSD13. “There is no substitute for hard work and there is no substitute for love,” Veronesi said. “The CORE values that you identified are the values that I have and your vision will be my vision,” Veronesi said, referring to the district’s commitment to
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A26 Friday, October 25, 2013
Town Times | towntimes.com
Sports RSD13 hires new athletic director By Mark Dionne
Regional School District 13. The BOE cited Barbieri’s experience as a teacher, coach, The Board of Education and athletic director. “Mr. had announced its hired Barbieri has been a Physical of Nicholas Barbieri as the Education and Health teacher new athletic coordinator for for nearly 14 years, and served Town Times
as an Athletic Director for three years of that time. His teaching experience is Pre-K to 12th grade, as well as coaching a variety of sports from elementary school to college,” the BOE said in a press
release. Barbieri will begin on Nov. 18, replacing the longtime athletic director Ted Lombardo, who is retiring. In August, the BOE agreed by a 6-3 vote to change the
Town Times Service Directory
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position from part time to full time. During that meeting, the BOE discussed both the challenges for the position and additional responsibilities the position could have at full time, such as overseeing grades K through 12 and contributing to teacher evaluations. State law now requires all new athletic director hires to have 092 certification, which allows them to conduct teacher evaluations. According to BOE discussions, teacher evaluations have become more involved and time-consuming. According to BOE chair Kerrie Flanagan, one of the recommendations of the still unreleased Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Co n fe re n c e rev i ew o f Coginchaug Regional High School athletics is that the district develop curriculum for coaches and health instructors. This will be another area for the new AD. According to interim Superintendent Dr. Ernest Perlini, an early draft of the CIAC report recommended more administrative time and resources to athletics. Barbieri’s full title will be Regional District 13 athletic/ physical education/health coordinator. The evaluation and curriculum responsibilities put the position in the administrator’s union, with a salary of $97,000. The increased salary from changing the position to administrative and full time was balanced by the elimination of a proposed but never filled part time special education position, an elimination that had been previously and separately recommended. According to the press release, Barbieri “has extensive curriculum experience in physical education, health and athletics. He holds a sixth-year certificate and masters of science in Educational Leadership, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a minor in Psychology See Barbieri / Page 30
Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, October 25, 2013
A27
Commentary
Trout, turkey and the gateway to autumn areas on the Housatonic River, which is a beautiful spot to fish in the autumn. The DEEP will be releasing a total of 9,000 trout into the Housy: 1,000 large brown trout, 5,000 rainbow trout and 3,000 “yearling” (small 5-7 inch) trout and 2,500
rainbow trout going into the Bull’s Bridge TMA section of the Housatonic River. The DEEP says that the large brown trout are intended to augment the population of holdover trout in the river this fall, while the rainbow trout and yearling
browns should enhance the holdover population next spring. For those of you who might not know, the Housatonic River is a very popular fly-fishing river and See Autumn / Page 28
Town Times Service Directory
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The trout are on their way. The DEEP says that it has began its autumn Mike stocking of Roberts trout, which is good news for local fishermen, especially those that like to fish our own Black Pond in Meriden. The ongoing trout stocking will continue right through mid-October with about 29,000 trophy (greater than 12 inches in length) and adult (9-10 inch trout) going into 23 lakes and ponds and 14 rivers and streams, including 12 of the Trout Management Areas and eight trout parks. As most of you already know, trout parks are maintained to enhance fishing opportunities for families and novice anglers and are easily accessible with picnic areas and other amenities nearby. Properly used, they are great spots to take a family to during these early autumn days while the foliage is in a change to fall mode. And, sad to say, there are a few shallow sports that use these trout parks to prove to the world what great fishermen they are because they seemingly have the ability to catch and release these newly stocked trout at will, while some of the beginning young fishermen look on knowing they would be happy to simply catch their two trout limit. Approximately 29,000 adult trout will be released this fall, of which 12,800 are trophy-sized brown trout and the remaining 6,200 trout will be adult rainbow trout. The Farmington TMA has already received its annual Labor Day stocking with the release of 2,000 large brown trout just prior to the Labor Day weekend. These fish were stocked into sections of the
Farmington River TMA area from the Goodwin (Hogback) Dam to the old bridge abutments just below the Route 219 Bridge in New Hartford to the Route 177 Bridge in Unionville. Among other TMAs being stocked this fall are two
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By Mike Roberts
Special to The Citizen
A28 Friday, October 25, 2013
Town Times | towntimes.com
Autumn From Page 27
it also holds a decent population of small-mouth bass. I have seen hardcore fly fishermen on the Housatonic in the dead of winter fishing for trout. It is that popular. A number of years ago, while on a bear hunting trip to the Grand Lake Stream area of Maine, I ran into a Maine fly fishing guide. I was amazed when he told
me that the Housatonic River in Connecticut was on his “Bucket List” of best places to fly fish in New England. Fishermen are reminded that fishing in all TMA during the fall is catch-andrelease only. Trout parks have a two-fish-per-day creel limit. Fishing regulations constantly vary on the many bodies of water and the DEEP advises fishermen
to use their 2013 CT Angler’s Guide to make sure they are in compliance with the varying regulations. Trout parks that will be stocked are Black Rock Pond, Chatfield Hollow, Day Pond, Mohegan Park Pond, Natchaug River, Valley Falls Park Pond, Wharton Brook and Wolfe Park. Trout Management Areas (TMA) to be stocked are Bull’s Bridge
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River. They are listed twice because there are areas in these rivers that have different regulations. Lakes and ponds that will be stocked are Amos Lake, Beach Pond, Bigelow Pond, Black Pond (Meriden), Black Pond (Woodstock), Cedar Lake, Coventry Lake, Crystal Lake, Gardner Lake, Highland Lake, Long Pond, Mashapaug Lake, Mohawk Pond, Mount Tom Pond, Pattaconk Lake, Quonnipaug Lake, Rogers Lake, Squantz Pond, Stillwater Pond, Tyler Pond, Wauregan Reservoir, West Hill Pond and West Side Pond. For the locations and regulations of any of the above fishing areas that will be stocked with trout this autumn, go to the 2013 CT Angler’s Guide for all the information you will need. Hey, you didn’t expect me to make it too easy for you did you? Atlantic Salmon Stocking The Inland Fisheries Division of the DEEP has also been busy with their Atlantic salmon stocking program here in Connecticut. Peter Aarrestad, director of the DEEP’s Inland Fisheries, said, “The Atlantic salmon are renowned for their beauty and size as well as their fighting ability. The Atlantic salmon recreational fishery has become quite popular and catching one of these large leapers provides a thrilling experience for anglers.” While I have yet to experience the thrill of hooking up with one of these DEEP-stocked salmon, I am aware of their thrill of catching them. Many years ago, there was a pay-to-fish spot in Monroe called Loch Day Hatchery that had Coho and Atlantic salmon in their pond as well as trout. The thrill of a salmon taking a fly or a lure is something you will never forget once you experience it. Loch Day also supplied trout and salmon to any organization that wanted to purchase them for stocking purposes, and the Meriden Rod & Gun Club had them See Autumn / Page 29
Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, October 25, 2013
Autumn season ends Oct. 31. There is a two-bird, either sex bag limit on private and a one-bird, either sex bag limit on state lands. You must have a firearm hunting license and a Fall Firearms Turkey Permit. For fall turkey hunting on state land, check out pages 35-38 in your 2013 CT Hunting & Trapping Guide. If you hunt private land you
must have a signed official permit form from the landowner. That’s it gang, See ya’ at the Turkey Shoot and God Bless America and watch over our troops wherever they may be. Mike Roberts ‘Woods N’ Water column appears in the Record-Journal.
Craft fair Roadside Academy, 30 Brooks Road, Middletown, has scheduled a craft fair for Saturday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features vintage linens, handmade jewelry, knitted items, bake sale and more.
Town Times Service Directory
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in their trout pond for a couple of years. At that time, the Meriden club was also involved in a city-sponsored stocking program. We stocked some Coho salmon into Crescent Lake up in Giuffrida Park here in Meriden. Unfortunately, the owner of Loch Day Hatchery and Fishing Pond sold out to a private owner and the business was discontinued. It’s really too bad that more salmon fishing opportunities are not available to Connecticut anglers. However, there are places in Connecticut that you can fish for these salmon. The Inland Fisheries has already released 300 salmon into the Naugatuck River and Mount Tom Pond and will have released another 300 salmon into the Shetucket River and Crystal Lake in Ellington as you read this. To their credit, even though the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program was discontinued in 2012 because of storm damage to the hatchery and low returns of salmon each year, the salmon stocking still prevails. The DEEP has developed a new “Legacy Program” to maintain this popular recreational fishery and to also preserve the unique and potentially important strain of southern Atlantic salmon that had been developed during the restoration effort. The group of salmon that were recently released weighed 2-6 pounds each with more stockings yet to come. In the Naugatuck, Housatonic and Shetucket rivers, from Oct. 1 through Nov. 30, angling for Atlantic salmon is restricted to catchand-release only. From Dec. 1, to March 31, 2014, the daily limit for Atlantic salmon is one. During the open season on the rivers, the legal method for taking a salmon is limited to angling using a single fly or an artificial lure with a single free-swinging hook. No additional weight can be added to the line above the fly or lure.
Also, from Oct. 1 to March 31, fishing for other species in the designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Areas is restricted to the gear legal for Atlantic salmon. Wild Turkey Season The fall firearms season for wild turkey in Connecticut opened last week. Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset and the
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From Page 28
A29
Robert Trombetta 860-798-5374 Middlefield, CT
A30 Friday, October 25, 2013
Town Times | towntimes.com
Calendar
Saturday Oct. 26
Chili cookoff information, email bivenne@yahoo. com or visit www.middletownartguild .org.
Saturday Nov. 2
Coginchaug Football: 1 - 4 p.m. Coginchaug Regional High School, 135 Pickett Lane. CRHS vs. Hyde Leadership.
Middletown craft show: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Roadside Academy, 30 Brooks Road. For information about this fundraiser, call (860) 343-6031.
Middletown Harvest potluck dinner/ concert : 5 - 8:30 p.m. First Church, 190 Court St., Middletown. For information, call (860) 346-6657.
Middletown watercolor workshop: 9 a.m. Art Guild of Middletown. To register and for information, email Eva Dykas at evagdykas@gmail.com or visit www.middletownartguild.org.
Guilford Dudley Farm Open House and Farmers’ Market: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Road. For information, visit www.dudleyfarm. com or email Phyllis at naplesfarm@sb cglobal.net.
Thursday Nov. 14
Saturday Dec. 14
Monday Oct. 28 Durham meeting 60+ Club: 1:30 p.m. Activity Center, 350 Main St. New officers will be installed and a social hour will follow. New members welcome.
Middlefield meeting Art Guild of Middletown: 7 p.m. Middlefield Federated Church, 402 Main St. Jon Sideriadis will be demonstrating fantasy art and mythological storytelling techniques. For
Saturday Dec. 7
Guilford Dudley Farm Open House and Farmers’ Market: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Road. For information, visit www.dudleyfarm. com or email Phyllis at naplesfarm@sb cglobal.net.
Town Times Service Directory
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The Middlefield Federated Church, 4502 Main St., has scheduled its holiday fair for Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Women’s Christian Fellowship, the event features homemade gifts, baked goods, cheese, jams and jellies, Christmas items and gift baskets, homemade fudge and bulbs. A silent auction is planned, as well as children’s workshops. Fellowship Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and snacks for purchase. For more information, call (860) 349-9881.
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and has completed numerous professional development activities in the area of athletics. He holds all necessary certifications.” BOE chair Kerrie Flanagan said, “On behalf of the RSD13 Board of Education, faculty, staff and the towns of Durham and Middlefield, I welcome Nick to our school community. Nick has a big pair of shoes to fill following in the footsteps of long time AD Ted Lombardo. Nick is completely aligned with our core ethical values and brings great enthusiasm to our school district. We look forward to working with him.”
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Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, October 25, 2013
Real Estate
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$
SHOPPING SPREE! www. auntclarasonlinestore .com
Visit daily to enter and check out the latest businesses to join the store! Sponsored by: The regular store opens Monday, November 11th at 9:00 am.
A32 Friday, October 25, 2013
Town Times | towntimes.com
Acura
Formerly Morande Acura
LIN
TP KE
GET A MINIMUM OF
2014 Acura ILX per month for 36 months
AWD! OVER 35 MDX’s IN STOCK!!!
ALL WHEEL DRIVE!
Brand New!
2014 Acura RDX
LEASE FOR ONLY*
per month for 36 months
Brand New! 2014 Acura MDX LEASE FOR ONLY*
$2,995 due at signing. Includes down payment with no security deposit. Excludes taxes, titles and fees. For well qualified lesses.
per month for 39 months
$2,995 due at signing. Includes down payment with no security deposit. Excludes taxes, titles and fees. For well qualified lesses.
43193R
$2,995 due at signing. Includes down payment with no security deposit. Excludes taxes, titles and fees. For well qualified lesses.
*can not be combined with any other offers, excludes previous sales. Must present trade prior to purchase.
9
LEATHER & SUNROOF STANDARD!
LEASE FOR ONLY*
on ANY new Acura in stock now thru thru 10/31! 9/30! now
15
Acura of Berlin is a proud member of the Executive Auto Group
$2500
FOR ANY TRADE IN
5 372
Brand New!
160
BE R
9
www.acuraofberlin.com . 245 Webster Square Rd, Berlin . (860) 828-1100
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED JUST MINUTES AWAY, AT THE CROSSROADS OF RT. 9 & RT. 15 Closed-end leases: All leases are 10k miles per year, 20¢ per mile thereafter. $2,995 due at signing. Includes down payment with no security deposit, excludes taxes, titles and fees. For well qualified lesses. 2014 ILX 5 Speed Automatic (Model DE1F3EJNW) MSRP $27,795* (buyout $16, 399.05)2014 MDX 6 Speed Automatic (Model D4H2EJNW) MSRP $45,185* (buyout $28,466.55) 2014 RDX 6 Speed Automatic (Model TB3H3EJNW) MSRP $35,215* (Buyout $22,185). All vehicles subject to prior sale. All offers Offers end end 10/31/13. are based on Super Preferred rates through Acura Finance. All offers are subject to change and can not be combined with each or any other offer. Offers 9/30/13.
Myrecordjournal.com/deal
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