Town Times July 13, 2012 by Town Times Newspaper

Volume 19, Issue 14

Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

TownTimes.com

Friday, July 13, 2012

Durham Conservation Commission meets 100+ friends of Melynda By Sue VanDerzee Special to the Town Times The meeting room downstairs at the Durham Library was overflowing on Tuesday evening, July 10 — quite literally. At about 9 p.m., library staff helped put away the divider doors so the packed room could accommodate some of those standing in the hall since 7:30 to weigh in on the issue of Deerfield Farm, a town-owned property operated as a dairy farm for the last eight years by Melynda Naples.

In Durham, the Conservation Commission oversees and manages the town’s open space property. After much discussion, about nine years ago the commission developed a Request For Proposals which it made available to the public. The commission interviewed several potential tenants for the former dairy farm property once owned by farmer Tony Caltobiano. The commission eventually chose Melynda Naples, whose plans for the See Conservation, page 3

Deerfield Farm.

Super Coaster coming to Durham Fair By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times The Durham Fair will now be home to the first big roller coaster to grace a Connecticut fair. The “Super Coaster” is 47,20 meters in length, 17,20 meters wide and 11,20 meters high. The track it runs on is 435 meters long, and the ride itself will last an average of one minute and 40 seconds. “It will be a super fantastic ride,” said Durham Fair Marketing Coordinator Michelle LaPointe. “It will definitely be worth the experience. We are really excited — it’s a one-of-a-kind event that will happen in Connecticut.” Last month, the Durham Fair association voted 26 to 3 to have its ride company, Rockwell Amusements, bring the Super Coaster to

the midway. The coaster needs two weeks for assembly and will be disassembled after the fair. LaPointe said the midway will require some restructuring and site work. She did not know the cost of riding the coaster but said it will be a little bit more expensive than the average ride. “We are thinking it is something that could bring in new people,” LaPointe said. “It was a new idea that had come to us. We’re always looking for new attractions and stuff to provide fun, cutting edge things for fairgoers.” Fair President Gene Chiappetta added, “I’m very pleased we were able to get the ride company to bring this ride. I think it will be a welcome addition and great experience for fairgoers.” In addition to the roller-

coaster, the fair has some other changes. The craft tent — always an iconic image on the town green — is moving to the Robert’s Dodge area. Robert’s Dodge is moving onto the green along with the giant pumpkins. LaPointe said the fair is also looking to bring something along the lines of a historical car restoration to the green. “We like to add new things every year, change it up,” she said. “All these things are still {at the fair}, we just like to keep it fresh.” Though the two buildings, President’s Building and Crow’s Nest, damaged by winter storms are not going to be replaced for this year’s fair weekend, the buildings are expected to be demolished in a couple of weeks. The rollercoaster project will start in the near future.

Photo by Christine Foster

Powder Ridge sale agreement near completion By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times

Perhaps as early as this month, the public may be able to view the deal to sell Powder Ridge to B r o w n stone’s Sean Hayes. The Midd l e f i e l d Board of Selectmen met for nearly three hours in a special meeting July 2 to hear from town Attorney Ken Antin about the agreement being worked on with Brownstone’s attorney.

First Selectman Jon Brayshaw said this “very productive” meeting was the second executive session since negotiations with Brownstone began. “We were at a point where Ken A n t i n thought it was appropriate for the Board of Selectmen and (town planner) Geoff Colegrove and (finance director) Joe Geruch meet to go over what appears to

See Powder Ridge, page 12

Friday, July 13, 2012

Town Times

Corrections We strive to bring you the most accurate information available each week, but if you see something in Town Times that isn’t quite right, give us a call at (203) 317-2448, and we’ll do our best to make things right.

Index of Advertisers To advertise in the Town Times, call Joy Boone at 203-317-2313

By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times Editor’s note: This meeting took place before the Conservation Commission meeting where the issue at hand was discussed further. For coverage of the Conservation Commission meeting, see page 1. “A bunch of us are here to support Deerfield Farm,” said Bernadette Basiel at the July 9 Board of Selectmen meeting. With a packed room of Deerfield Farm supporters, the topic quickly became the focus of the meeting where neighbors, 4-H youth and their parents, friends

and customers of the farm — even residents from Branford and Wallingford — had something to say during public comment. Supporters of the farm, like those in attendance, have started paying attention to the Conservation Commission as it reviews how the town leases townowned property. “This has nothing to do with the quality of Deerfield Farm,” Francis said. “It has everything to do with the responsibility of a government agency.” Roger Passavant, owner of Rivendell Farm in Durham,

Web poll results This week, we asked our online readers, “Do you think the vote on the sale of Powder Ridge should go to referendum?” Here are the results: Yes, it’s too important a decision for town meeting: 59% No, a town meeting is a sufficient way for citizens to vote: 41% One Facebook comment in response to this poll said: “Absolutely it should go to referendum. It is quite unfair to just have the town meeting and the few dozen people who show up for a vote of this magnitude.” Be sure to vote in our next poll at www.towntimes.com.

said he preferred to see the Board of Selectmen take over the responsibility of negotiating contracts and “handling millions of dollars of our property” rather than appointed members of the Conservation Commission. “A responsibility like that should be put into your hands,” he said. Francis explained that the town charter says the comSee BOS, page 7

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Selectmen hear from public regarding Deerfield Farm

Friday, July 13, 2012

Conservation (Continued from page 1)

See Conservation, page 20

By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times

Think you can’t make a difference outside of your own community? Think again. Those in Durham and Middlefield who voted for a video contest for Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots helped the non-profit win a $10,000 grant that will go toward needy children in Oaxaca, Mexico. “The residents of Durham and Middlefield helped us win this grant with their voting, their reposting my daily messages and their interest in the Oaxaca community,” said Marilyn Horn. Over the last two months, Cultivate Wines sponsored a video contest that granted a $50,000 for the first place winner and $10,000 for the runner ups. Horn, a Durham resident, is on the Board of Directors of Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots, a child-sponsorship program that helps over 600 children and young adults in Oaxaca receive an education they would not receive without outside help. She used newspapers and social media to get the word out to the community about her group’s video, which featured the work done by Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots. When the contest concluded June 31, the video placed fourth out of six winners. “We had 5,196 votes — an average of 85 votes each day,” Horn said. “I have a positive feeling that a big part of those votes came from our communities here in Durham and Middlefield. There are eight of us on the board, from seven different states. The real push for voting seemed to come from a small group of the board — those of us with active Facebook sites. I’m sure that the votes from our communities helped us clinch a spot in the top six.” Horn said the money will be added to the Oaxaca Streetchildren Fund which

wonderful and much needed boost to our ongoing fundraising efforts,” Horn said. “There are so many projects waiting for funding at the Center in Oaxaca. Although the grant will not be used for sponsorships, we also are always hoping for more sponsors for the needy children in Oaxaca. Hopefully, the publicity during our voting campaign will inspire more people to become sponsors.” Horn said the bonds between Durham/Middlefield and Oaxaca go back to A young girl in the Oaxaca several CRHS school trips to the area as well as the program. CRHS exchange program Submitted by Marilyn Horn with Blaise Pascal in 2009 is used for programs in Oax- and 2011. “Several adult residents aca, supplies for the children as well as other needs of our communities have that arise from their “sister also visited Oaxaca, and organization”, Centro de Es- some have volunteered a peranza Infantil in Oaxaca. Horn has been involved See Powder Ridge, page 14 with Centro de Esperanza Infantil since 2000 when the www.carminesdurham.com Spanish Honor Society at for our menu Coginchaug Regional High School began sponsoring Rodrigo Mesinas Perez, now in his third year of college studying to be a special education teacher. “His life, like those of so many other poor children in Oaxaca, has been drastically changed for the better due We Deliver! to this program,” Horn said. “Receiving this grant is a

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this is part of it.” Selectman Steve Levy, a veterinarian, said, “This decision should not be about dollars and cents; it should be about who has the most to offer the town. Bid to my mind means dollars. We have to consider the value added aspect.” Levy added that he was heartened by the commission’s approval of Chase’s motion and “what I’m hearing here tonight.” Then audience members were invited to speak. All of these speakers, especially the youngest, were met with waves of applause. In the midst of them, Charlie Augur, former first selectman of Middlefield, announced that should Naples’ lease be terminated, he had two potential tenants waiting with contracts in the wings. There was no applause. Katie Hughes, owner of Perk on Main, asked whether the commission would consider adding Naples’ name as tenant specifically to the motion. “As a business owner, I can’t operate if I can’t plan ahead,” Hughes explained. “How can she operate with no security?” Resident Joe Pasquale noted, “The RFP process in this instance may be a mistake since we already have a good tenant. Perhaps we should save that process for when we have a vacancy pending on the property.” Ann Malcolm, of Middlefield, said that organic milk from Jersey cows, such as that produced at Deerfield Farm, “is one of the two best, most nutritious milks in the world, and we can get it right here.” Charles Suchen, of Newington, explained that he and his family come to town specifically to purchase state certified raw Jersey milk from which they make their own yogurt. “And while we’re here, we shop and eat. Family-friendly farms bring friendly families to town.” Half a dozen young members of the Jolly Ranchers 4-

Durham/Middlefield help secure grant for Oaxaca non-profit

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property included a dairy farm that also would be used for educational purposes. The first lease term was for five years, extended for two after that and now continuing on a month-by-month basis. It is not entirely clear when or why the issue of Naples’ continued presence at the farm came under recent scrutiny, but sometime before the June meeting of the Conservation Commission, co-chair Bob Melvin, First Selectman Laura Francis and town attorney Robert Poliner met, at which time Poliner recommended that future leases be of shorter term than five years, that rent be paid one year in advance and that any future contract should go out for bid. The commission discussed these points, as well as whether the bidding process should necessarily go to the highest bidder or whether it could choose on some other basis among potential tenants, called “at will” bidding. As commission members tackled the issue again at their regular meeting on Tuesday, they faced a room overflowing with people wearing red heart stickers bearing the name of Deerfield Farm. Commission Co-chair Ralph Chase, after an impassioned speech on the value of the farm to the community, noted “We are in this together (the town and Naples), and if there is an unfortunate adversarial relationship, it is mostly our (the commission’s) fault.” He noted the impressive turnout, and proposed a motion that the property should be used “as an educational dairy demonstration farm,” thus formalizing Naples’ use, though not Naples herself as the tenant. The motion passed without stated opposition. Chase was followed by Francis, who explained, “We just don’t want to lose money on the farm. I’m trying to bring government operations into the open, and

Town Times

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Town Times & Places

4 FRIDAY

July 13

Bridge Night Come join in at the Durham Activity Center every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. for a fun night of bridge. If you are not sure how to play, Jim will teach you. You may call Jim at (860) 346-6611 with bridge questions. Call Durham Recreation at (860) 343-6724 with further questions. Discover Durham Today is your last chance to register for the Economic Development Commission’s Discover Durham Business Expo, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Commercial Building on the Durham Fairgrounds. The Discover Durham Business Expo is open to manufacturers, retailers, contractors, professionals, artists, artisans, farmers and home occupations located in Durham. Participants will be charged a fee to cover the cost of the rental of a table and two chairs. Admission to the expo is free, but the foundation charges for parking. The rain date is Sunday, Aug. 12. Registration forms are available from Economic Development Commission members and in the library and Town Hall. MOMS Club The MOMs Club of Durham/Middlefield meets every Friday at 9 a.m. at Peckham Park. Babies, toddlers and children of Durham and Middlefield are welcome. For more information, email momsdurhammiddlefield@gmail.com.

SATURDAY

July 14 Durham Historical Society The Durham Historical Society is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Berry Festival Lyman Orchards has scheduled its Berry Festival for today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features pieeating contest, pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting and country music by CJ West & Great Train Band. For info, call (860) 349-1793 or visit

Friday, July 13, 2012

Happy birthday, June babies

THURSDAY

July 19 Durham Farmers’ Market The Durham Farmers’ Market is open today from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on the Town Green.

FRIDAY

July 20

June birthdays were celebrated at the Durham Activity Center. From left: Lucille Parmelee, Ted Dydiuk, Daren Dydiuk and Art DeNicholas. Submitted by Amanda Astarita

www.lymanorchards .com. Dudley Farm Farmers’ Market The Dudley Farm Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday through the end of October from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. rain or shine. The market offers a variety of both organic and non organic fruit, vegetables, eggs, naturally grown meat, baked goods, jams, jelly, honey, maple syrup, sprouts, fresh flowers and crafts. All products are homegrown or homemade by the vendors. The Dudley Farm is located on the northeast corner of Routes 77 and 80 in North Guilford. Tennis tournament Durham Fitness is sponsoring a tennis tournament Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22. Play begins at 8 a.m. both days at Coginchaug High School. Balls will be provided. Registration deadline is today. Adult players will play an eight-game proset, and the final match will be best of three sets. Kids will play best out of three games, and the final match will be pro-set of eight. A fee is charged. Rain date will be Saturday and Sunday, July 28-29, in lieu of weather suspension. No refunds. Call Durham Fitness at (860) 349-2480 or e-mail info@durhamfitnessct.com.

café manager, at (860) 3493153. Middlefield Senior Lunches The Middlefield Senior Free film Café is serving lunch three Coginchaug Area Transitimes a week, on Mondays, tion group will have a free Wednesdays and Fridays. showing of a film, The Power Reservations are required of Community: How Cuba 24 hours prior, and the Survived Peak Oil, with re- monthly menu can be freshments and discussion picked up at the center, tonight at 7 p.m. at Middle- Town Hall or at www.midfield Federated Church. The dlefieldct.org. film is about the inspiring TUESDAY ways one society coped with the sudden drastic curtailment of fossil fuels. Uke performance Zumba Middlefield Ukulele Club A Zumba Party with a DJ will perform well-known is scheduled for Tuesday hymns and songs of praise nights at the Core Club from throughout the service today 7 to 8 p.m. in Durham. For at 9:30 a.m. Come join us for more info, call (860) 349-9100. the service and time of felWEDNESDAY lowship at Middlefield Federated Church, 402 Main Street, Middlefield.

SUNDAY

July 15

July 17

July 18

MONDAY

July 16 Durham Senior Lunches Every Monday and Wednesday, hot lunches are available for seniors over 60 and their spouses at the Durham Activity Center (350 Main St.). Following the lunch on Monday is game time which includes billiards, Wii and cards. Bingo starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. For pricing info and to make a reservation, call Amanda Astarita, senior

TOPS Meeting TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Durham Town Hall. Contact Naomi Klotsko at (860) 349-9558 or Bonnie Olesen at (860) 3499433 for more information. Highland Rovers Band The Highland Rovers Band, featuring Durham resident Michael Ryan on drums, will play at the Wadsworth Mansion today from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the back lawn. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Bridge Night Come join in at the Durham Activity Center every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. for a fun night of bridge. If you are not sure how to play, Jim will teach you. You may call Jim at (860) 346-6611 with bridge questions. Call Durham Recreation at (860) 343-6724 with further questions. Bean supper The Women’s Society for Christian Service at the United Churches of Durham will host a community bean supper tonight at 6 p.m. as a fundraising effort to support church and community. Members of the United Churches family prepare and donate the dishes. The menu includes baked bean, baked corn, mac and cheese, mac and beef in tomato sauce, salads (usually containing produce grown at home), sliced white and brown bread, an assortment of pies, and coffee and tea. Seating is family style, and “waitresses” clear the table and keep your cup filled. You can also stop by for takeout. A fee is charged.

SATURDAY

July 21 Dudley Farm Farmers’ Market The Dudley Farm Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday through the end of October from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. rain or shine. The market offers a variety of both organic and non-organic fruit, vegetables, eggs, naturally grown meat, baked goods, jams, jelly, honey, maple syrup, sprouts, fresh flowers and crafts. All products are home grown or home made by the vendors. The Dudley Farm is located on the northeast corner of Routes 77 and 80 in North Guilford.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Town Times

CVEF awards eight grants to local groups

underway for the formation of an adult band, ages 50+, an opportunity to learn a new skill, participate in a group and perhaps make new friends. No previous musical experience necessary.

By Betsy White Booz Special to the Town Times

Enjoying the reception at Peckham Park are, from left, grant recipients: Anne Doyle, Sue VanDerzee, Vicki Berry and Jenny Lussier. Submitted by Betsy White Booz ciety’s collection of artifacts, photos and documents to make it available to all town citizens. Also funded is a traveling exhibit on the Freedom Riders, which will be housed at Strong School and used as a learning experience for American history students and the community. Thanks to a CVEF grant, there will be new technology to support the idea of using QR codes and book trailers to encourage and excite students about reading. There also will be an expansion of the already suc-

cessful Clicking Nutmeg at Night program to include students in grades seven and up, adults, parents and teachers. The so-called Transition Team will get funding for those attending a training to help them learn how to explore ways in which the two communities can create an

independent, healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Finally, plans can now get

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Visit CVEF on Facebook or at www.coginchaugvef.com for more information about activities and programs.

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Most of these projects will kick off in the fall, and the community is invited and encouraged to participate in all of them. Through sponsorship of these programs, CVEF is continuing to promote lifelong learning in the communities of Middlefield and Durham. Notes Earls, “We look forward to another exciting grant cycle next year, and we encourage any citizen or group with a unique idea to consider applying.”

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On June 7, the Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation completed its fourth successful grant cycle by hosting a reception at the Peckham Field Pavilion in Middlefield for its eighth annual grant award winners event, 2012 edition. Before an enthusiastic audience of 40 people, each recipient described his or her innovative project idea and thanked CVEF for providing funding to help bring these ideas to reality. “This year’s recipients represent a broad spectrum of the community and span the realms of history, literature, music and environmental sustainability,” explained CVEF grants chair Nancy Earls. CVEF is funding the following projects: A community read, which will include an adult and a children’s selection with the theme of small town life and TREET bags (The Reading Education Enrichment Tote) full of themed educational activities to do with pre-school children. Next is a software program called Past Perfect, which will catalog and computerize the Middlefield Historical So-

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Friday, July 13, 2012

Town Times

Udderly grateful for her years of service Jean Chittenden, of Durham, was recently visited by the “Traveling Cow of Austin Road.” The cow has the reputation of randomly appearing throughout the neighborhood to honor individual accomplishments, family heritage, holidays and, sometimes, no reason at all. In honor of Chittenden’s dedication to the country and years of service in the United States Coast Guard, the cow celebrated Independence Day in patriotic fashion, giving thanks to her help ensuring freedom. Facebook funnies: Town Times put this photo on Facebook — without the info — to see if followers could figure out what was going on: “I think maybe she is a bit crazy, just what I like best about our towns!” “I think it is her crazy neighbors who pass the cow around all year long — gotta love crazy neighbors!” Thanks for your input, guys! Submitted by Sandy Wade

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BOS (Continued from page 2) mission can negotiate contracts, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and we cannot take away their authorityâ&#x20AC;? to do so. Furthermore, she said the commission is made up of dedicated people, and she would like to see their efforts respected. Still, others were concerned what would happen to the property if it is no longer operated by Melynda Naples. A Branford resident and regular visitor to the farm said Melynda Naples and Deerfield Farm â&#x20AC;&#x153;are incredible ambassadors for your town.â&#x20AC;? A Wallingford Conservation Commission member gave input on leasing land

Town Times and recommended an approach where the town looks at stewardship on the land as opposed to an open public bid process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just offering some friendly help from a neighbor,â&#x20AC;? she said. Deerfield Farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nearest neighbor, Parmelee Hill Road resident David Foster, also mentioned stewardship: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the context of a farm, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stewardship responsibility, not fiscal responsibility.â&#x20AC;? Resident Sue White presented a goal for the board: to first figure out what the town really wanted to see in the future with this property. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Did you assume we were buying {the farm} to make money?â&#x20AC;? she asked the board. Selectman Steven Levy said it is not an issue of making money but maintaining quality of life.

Berry Fest! This Saturday Great Family Fun! dĹ&#x161;Ĺ?Ć? ^Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;ĆľĆ&#x152;Ä&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ç&#x2021;Í&#x2022; :ĆľĹŻÇ&#x2021; ĎĎ°Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161; Íť ĎĎŹÄ&#x201A;Ĺľ

>Ĺ?Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E; DĆľĆ?Ĺ?Ä? Íť ^Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ä?Ĺ?Ä&#x201A;ĹŻ Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x152;Ç&#x2021; dĆ&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ć? Íť WĹ?Ä&#x17E;Í˛Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? Ĺ˝ĹśĆ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć?Ć&#x161;Ć? WĹ?Ä?ĹŹ zĹ˝ĆľĆ&#x152; KÇ Ĺś ĹŻĆľÄ&#x17E;Ä?Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;Ć?Í&#x2022; :Ĺ˝Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;Ć? Î&#x2DC; WÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć? Ä&#x161;Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x161;ĆľĆ&#x152;Ä&#x17E; 'Ä&#x201A;ĹľÄ&#x17E;Ć? Ç Ĺ?Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161; ĹľĆ&#x2030;Ĺ˝Ç Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; Ĺ?Ć&#x2030; >Ĺ?ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ć? ^Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ç&#x2021; dĹ?ĹľÄ&#x17E; Î&#x2DC; Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ&#x152; Ç Ĺ?Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161; Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; >Ä&#x17E;Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ? Ĺ˝Ä&#x17E; >Ĺ?Ä?Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ç&#x2021; ,Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ć?Ä&#x17E;Í˛Ä&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ç Ĺś tÄ&#x201A;Ĺ?Ĺ˝Ĺś Î&#x2DC; WĹ˝ĹśÇ&#x2021; ZĹ?Ä&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć? Íť &Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x17E; &Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹśĆ&#x;ĹśĹ?

Russell Library

Levi E. Coe Library The library is located at 414 Main Street in Middlefield. Hours are as follows: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Fridays. The library will be closed Saturdays for the summer. Call the library at (860) 349-3857 or visit www.leviecoe.com. Summer reading program: Monday, July 23, at 11 a.m. My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian.

Russell Library, located at 123 Broad St. in Middletown, is open from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

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Opinions in Town Times

Friday, July 13, 2012

Free film showing on the power of community What would we do if we were all suddenly cut off from fossil fuels? Would we be able to get to work? Would we be able to Kathy buy food at the grocery store or favorite restaurant? Where does our electricity come from? Would we be able to heat or cool our homes? Coginchaug Area Transition is hosting a free screening of the film, The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil, this Sunday, July 15, at 7 p.m. at the Middlefield Federated Church. About the film: When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba’s economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half — and food by 80 percent — people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans share how they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural system to one us-

ing organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens. It is an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic criWeber sis, which they call “The Special Period.” The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time in our history when world oil production will reach its all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis — the massive reduction of fossil fuels — is an example of options and hope. The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil is a project of the Arthur Morgan Institute for Community Solutions, a non-profit organization that designs and teaches low-energy solutions to the current unsustainable, fossil fuel based, industrialized and centralized way of living. There will be time for a short discussion following the one hour film.

Coginchaug Area Transition

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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. Stephanie Wilcox, Editor Marsha Pomponio, Office Assistant Olivia L. Lawrence, News Editor-Weeklies Kimberley E. Boath, Advertising Director Joy Boone, Advertising Sales Contributors: Diana Carr, Trish Dynia, Elisabeth Kennedy, Karen Kean, Judy Moeckel, Mark Dionne, Christine Foster and Michelle P. Carter.

Letters to the Editor Keep Deerfield Farm Deerfield Farm, an organic working Jersey farm, is one of Durham’s crown jewels. Melynda and her family need our support, not threats to remove them. They produce beautiful, healthful, raw milk products and organic meat: no irradiation, no additives, no mega-farm infectious hazards. They work harder than most of us, as farmers do. As a payer of Durham’s hefty property tax, I would like a large portion of my tax money to go to Deerfield Farm. Money isn’t everything. Let’s do what’s right and keep them. Sue McIntosh, M.D. Durham

Affordable Healthcare Act The letter from Robert Poliner concerning the Affordable Healthcare Act awakened my curiosity. I wondered why the American Association of Retired People would support a law that treats seniors unfairly. We seniors already benefit from the law through the closing of the Medicare Part D

“doughnut hole” and the free annual wellness exam and preventive services newly available for Medicare recipients. In understanding the costs of the Affordable Care Act to me and to all of us, two sources were helpful. The impartial Congressional Budget Office and the Annenberg Foundation Fact Check website indicate that the total cost of the Affordable Care Act will be $437.8 billion over 10 years. If you include a projection of the fees to be paid by those who choose not to obtain health care coverage, the estimated cost reaches Mr. Poliner’s $500 billion. However, that is the total cost of the program, not the cost paid for by seniors. The Fact Check website states that a “large majority will not see any direct tax increase from the health care law.” The costs of the new coverages are paid for starting in 2013 primarily by wealthier Americans, those with incomes over $200,000 per year for a single person and over $250,000 for couples. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that Obamacare reduces the federal deficit by $210 billion from 2012 to 2021. In considering whether to support

Mr. Shays for Senate, I’m curious whether he would continue the health care provisions that assist seniors in staying well. Ann Clarke Middlefield

Brownstone deal The Brownstone deal to buy Powder Ridge deserves serious consideration. At the worst case, we still own the Powder Ridge land, open space, and, most importantly, the development rights. At the best case, the town will have a new attraction open within two years that offers both recreation and leisure to travelers and townsfolk alike. The $100,000 payments for seven years will help the town pay off some of its borrowing. The downside is most of the town’s expenses will be not be covered under the current terms. If Hayes does what he says, we will have a bar, lodge, restaurant, pool and multitude of sporting activities to look forward to, with a 20 percent off discount on lift tickets. Real estate property taxes are likely to kick in some extra dollars each year once the park opens. When considering the deal, revisit the agreement available online at http://middle-

fieldct.org/. Read the agreement carefully to see if these promises have been spelled out in detail with terms and conditions we can live with given the economic uncertainty. As many of you know, we are living in challenging times, and the last thing we need is to hang our hat on promises that, at the end of the day, may not amount to a hill of beans. Some conditions of the deal have been challenged by various board and commission members, but at the end of the day, none of those suggestions were given any serious consideration. Laura Williams Middlefield

Keep praying As some of you may know, Brian Copperthite, son and brother, was in a serious accident while qualifying for a race at Lime Rock Park on Friday, June 8. What has been a trying time for our family has been made easier through all of the kind words and support that we have received from so many of the kind residents of Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall. Brian’s recovery is coming along, and he has been transferred to Helen Hayes Hospital in New York. There is no way to express how much gratitude my fami-

ly feels for all the words of support and all the people who made donations for Brian out of sheer generosity, and I would have never expected so many people to be praying for Brian. Thanks to everyone so much. Keep praying for Brian and his continued recovery. Any cards or well wishes can be sent to The Copperthite Family, 130 Mack Road, Middlefield, CT 06455. Thank you to all of the generous residents of Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall. Joel Copperthite Middlefield

Vote for Shays On Aug. 14, Republicans have an opportunity to nominate former Congressman Christopher Shays for United States Senator. Mr. Shays is a fiscal conservative and a social moderate. Mr. Shays has pledged to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a more cost effective and less disruptive plan for dealing with uninsured people. He opposes penalizing businesses and young people and taking away benefits from seniors. Thousands of Connecticut citizens who work for health insurance companies, many of whom live in Durham and Middle-

See Letters, page 10

Town Times Columns

Friday, July 13, 2012

Photos from our gardens Coginchaug Area Transition is sharing photos of local gardens with Town Times this summer. The flower bed of the week comes from Carol Bufithis, of Middlefield, owner of Therapeutic Massage Center. CAT continues to take names of gardeners at cog.areatransition@gmail.com. Or visit CAT on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CoginchaugAreaTransitionCAT.

‘It is all good’ in Durham

tices. Remember, A few weeks ago I these companies operposted a teaser mesated at a time when sage on my Facebook there was very little, page stating that good if any, environmental things were happenregulation prohibiting in Durham. Well, ing such practices. it’s official, and it is The sites were added all good, as they say. to the national SuperOver the past severfund list and put in a al weeks I attended a queue for federal and city council meeting state funding for rein Middletown and a mediation. After Durham Board of Semuch study, a Record lectmen meeting at Laura Francis, Durham of Decision was filed which resolutions which included remewere passed to enter diation plans and a into a Memorandum preferred source of of Agreement to conpotable water (City of struct a water main Middletown). Fundfrom the City of Miding was secured and dletown to the Town of Durham to deliver potable water to clean-up is complete. A consent order for distribution of the property and the properties polluted from the permanent restrictions on the properDurham Meadows Superfund Site. I ty is now being reviewed by the met with Mayor Drew last week and courts. signed the MOA. This will set in moDuring this time, Durham First Setion a project that has been discussed at different levels for at least 20 years. lectmen, including me, have worked with the EPA and Connecticut DeIf you are not familiar with the partments of Environmental Protecproject, here is a brief summary. tion and Public Health to find the Years ago, Durham had several manmost secure and cost effective method ufacturing companies that were reto bring potable water to the affected sponsible for polluting the soils around the area of Main Street as a result of certain manufacturing pracSee All good, page 17

From The Desk Of The First Selectman

In the “Garden Tub” is basil, sage, mint, rosemary and thyme. There is also one tall tomato plant and some little annuals. “It’s graced my yard for years,” said Bufithis. “My entire backyard used to be raised beds, and as the family has “shrunk”, so has my garden path.” Photo submitted by Carol Bufithis

Mindless eating would work if we had better instincts Great Little League games and

Americans have too During my lifetime, Claudia O’Connell much protein in their Americans have spent diets because protein is a pathetic percentage present in so many of of time dieting and our foods. By the way, looking for the magic good non-meat options bullet to a trim body. for protein include almonds, low (Notice I didn’t say a healthy body.) carb flat breads, chickpeas, kidney We are an impossibly malleable beans, oatmeal, quinoa, peanut butspecies and whatever food fact has ter and Greek yogurt. been pushed to the headlines or feaWe formerly believed that calories tured on our favorite non-news news consumed should roughly equate to show, we have assimilated the data calories expended for maintaining and run with it. weight. Now experts explain that all Since the 1950s, when TV dinners calories are not equal. There is so and packaged foods became widely available to rescue weary homemak- much to know, and people rely on ers supposedly in need of convenient what is right in front of them, even if it isn’t always the whole truth. Basiand time saving foods, we have been cally, we eat the way we do for three awash with food options and simulsimple reasons: 1) the unhealthy taneously too much and too little information. Every new food trend and foods consumed by Americans are made widely and inexpensively invention since then has felt like a available, 2) we have heard or read manipulation: frozen meals, diet sothat it is okay to consume these undas and foods, fat free and low fat foods, sugar substitutes, government healthy foods, and 3) we have food subsidies and engineered foods. evolved to crave and expect certain tastes from the food we consume. Food myths abound, thanks to We are an indulgent culture when strong marketing efforts by the it comes to food with a complicated stakeholders of food producers. For and psychologically dependent relainstance, most Americans believe tionship with the foods we eat. Of that meat should be their primary source of protein. Debunk: many See Earthwise, page 12 0

Earthwise

not-so-great parent behavior As the “unofficial” Scott Strang, announcer for Coginchaug Little League, I sure have gotten to watch some great games this season. I saw four fantastic late night minors baseball games under the lights, two ended as walk-off wins (one in extra innings), one ended with the tying run at 3B and one was a brilliant 3-2 game where Sean Carroll and DJ Arnold of Monitor Controls just barely out-pitched Derek Grant and Blake Courschesne of Grant Grounscapes for a win. It took extra innings and a 30-minute rain delay to decide our girls’ majors softball championship. In our majors baseball playoffs, I saw Peter Onofrio and AJ Kleczkowski make a pair of great defensive plays to preserve a semi-final victory for Anderson Lawncare over Durham Dental, and the following day Cam Biro pitched heroically for Anderson to hold off The Whole Enchilada for a 94 championship win. And maybe the best was watching Lexi Raffles

sprint home for the winning run to cap a 10-9 District 9 softball tournament win over Madison in a game they trailed 8-0 just two innings prior. The kids sure can make us crazy sometimes with these exciting and competitive games. Unfortunately sometimes I see the bad effects of that. We’ve had parents berating our umpires, fans booing coach’s decisions and coaches having to deal with upset parents in the dugout in the middle of a game. I can assure you that Coginchaug Little League is serious about maintaining a proper balance between good sportsmanship and good competition. I also can tell you that, by-and-large, our coaches are very well-intentioned and are working extremely hard all season to try and bring the best parts of baseball to the players on their teams. Our Board of Directors and coaches do make mistakes. We don’t

VP baseball

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See Behavior, page 12

More Opinions in Town Times

Letters (Continued from page 8) field, may lose jobs because of Obamacare, and that would be a tragic consequence of trying to provide a benefit to others. I am helping Chris Shays and hoping other like minded Republicans will join the effort. In Durham you can call (860) 349-9563. Please vote on Aug. 14 for Christopher Shays. Cheryl F. Salva Durham

No farm. No food. Deerfield Farm, operated by Melynda Naples, has become an important stop, not only for our town residents, but for people who are willing to drive a distance for local

Two of the club members are students at the Middletown Regional Agriculture Science & Technology Center. Their work at the farm counts toward their Supervised Agriculture Experience, which they are graded on. Their love for animals and learning about them has made the club a great success; what’s surprising is that most of the club members come from nonfarming backgrounds. Seeing them work on the farm and at dairy shows is amazing. I believe in all of the Jolly Ranchers, and I know that Melynda had a huge part in developing their interest in dairy and agriculture sciences.

farm foods. Melynda works hard, but as some of you know, she has a little help. Members of the Jolly Ranchers 4-H Club are very experienced with farm chores. Some of the 4-Hers have been helping out since 2005. The club gathers at the farm on Saturdays for cleaning stalls, feeding, milking, labeling milk bottles, cleaning milking equipment, stacking hay and training new calves for show. Some of the older club members also milk during the week to help Melynda and get more time in at the barn because they truly love being there. Some club members put in over 250 hours a year at the farm. Club members show Deerfield heifers and cows at local and state fairs. Older club members also show at the Eastern States Exposition with other 4-H youth representing Connecticut in the New England 4-H Dairy Show.

Everyone should support local farms. No Farm, No Food. Shirlon Smigel Durham

Friday, July 13, 2012

A diamond in the rough The Town of Middlefield holds a precious treasure — a diamond in the rough — called Powder Ridge. Powder Ridge has been synonymous with Middlefield for decades. We purchased Powder Ridge to resurrect skiing, retain open space and prevent a rash of residential housing. The RFQ seeking a developer offered only the ski area (115 acres) to lease or buy for skiing. The remaining 100+ acres of the property was to be left as open space. We have strayed a long way from the will and the vote of the public and the RFQ in the last five years. Today, Powder Ridge is split into two parcels. All but 19.8 acres are being sold. We are promised only 10 years of some type of skiing and only 10 acres of open space. We purchased Powder Ridge for $2.5 million but the

town will get just $500,000 from the sale. (At least we keep the residential development rights.) The buyer receives a $500,000 state grant. The town receives $35,000 a year in taxes — maybe. How have we strayed so far from what the people voted on and will be paying for in taxes of more than ½ a mil a year for the next 15+ years? Are we worried that no one is interested in Powder Ridge? In five years, four buyers have come forward. Others wait on the sidelines. Why isn’t a deal to sell the ridge a financial win-win for the town, too, and not just for the buyer? Could it be because the town leaders entrusted to determine its future only see the decay of its present condition instead of seeing its beauty, its worth, its value? I can’t bring myself to accept a deal that is not truly in the best interests of the town and Powder Ridge. Lucy Petrella Middlefield

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Friday, July 13, 2012

Town Times

Living near a farm — the good, the bad and the smelly By Christine Foster Special to the Town Times

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Deerfield Farm Photo by Christine Foster

work. At the end of June, for example, Greenbacker hosted on-site tours of their facility. Naples hosts a 4-H group

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“There are some things you can’t do anything about,” she says. For example, she has tried to tackle the issue of flies on her farm, but none of the tricks seem to work.

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and regularly invites visitors in to see her Jersey cows. Agvocate, an organization that promotes farming, produces a brochure about how to be a good neighbor to a farm (pamphlets are available at Durham Town Hall and Durham Public Library). It asks that people be patient when faced with slow-moving tractors, advocate for legislation that maintains the rural character of a community and communicate with farmers when there are problems. Naples says the communication is key. She urges

farmers are also eager to educate the public about their

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Newly constructed homes may now dominate portions of the Durham-Middlefield landscape, but sprinkled throughout both towns are the institutions that once mattered most: farms. Durham and Middlefield, like many towns, sometimes have a conflicted relationship with their farms. Residents may like the concept of living near farms, but find some of the side effects to be more than they expected. In March, Durham heard public opinions on a Right to Farm Ordinance that would bolster a state statute that already prevents farmers from being held to some nuisance laws because of the very nature of their work. Many residents spoke in favor of the law, but the Board of Selectmen asked the town’s agricultural commission to review the proposed law before

bringing it back to the town for a vote. Melynda Naples, who runs Deerfield Farm, a small dairy farm, acknowledges that living near a farm brings both benefits and drawbacks. The downsides are mostly related to noise and odor. Dairy farms, like hers and Greenbacker on Route 68, come with flies, mooing cows and the smell of manure. Those who live near more agricultural operations, like Lyman Farms in Middlefield, may hear tractors begin working the fields early in the morning. But being near a farm also means a chance to see your food being produced. Some farms may sell their product on-site, too — meaning truly local food or plants are available to farm neighbors. Many

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Friday, July 13, 2012

Town Times

Behavior (Continued from page 9) always get it right. But I ask parents to exercise some patience and some restraint for these umpires and amateur volunteer

coaches who are putting in huge amounts of their time on your kids’ behalf each spring and fall. As for my favorite moment of the 2012 season, it was during one of those late-night minors games with my son Nathan’s Forrester Dental

team, and I happened to be fortunate enough to be on the field as an assistant coach. In the bottom of the sixth, leading by a run, with Guiffrida Electric having the tying and winning run on base, our game was brought to a halt by the

sounds of blaring sirens heading our way. We stopped play for about five minutes as all the players, coaches and fans started to wave and cheer on the CRHS softball team as the girls paraded down Pickett Lane on their way home

from the state championship victory. Our young baseball players got to celebrate the success of a team that had just completed a fantastic run to the state softball title. And what could be more fun than an impromptu parade on a Friday night?

Earthwise

slippery slope? Obesity is killing Americans, but thanks to the proliferation of the American diet to other parts of the world, our national problem has gone global. Closer to home, 35 percent of American adults are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And measured by state, there isn’t a state in the Union with an obesity rate less than 20 per-

cent (Connecticut’s rate is 22.5 percent of adults with obesity). Our healthcare costs are embarrassing, preventable diseases are rampant and our life expectancy ranking is among the worst in the world.

out there on the television, Internet and in books to keep you learning for the next 20 years. The bad news is that it will take a bit of sifting and time. There are many theories about healthful eating, but it is up to you to separate the facts and statistics from the scams and propaganda. Consider your longevity and quality of life worth the investment.

Brayshaw expects there will be a third executive session, or “work-in-progress meeting”, to sort out details in the next week. The board will then vote to endorse the agreement, and copies of the

agreement will be printed and made available to the public and posted on the town website. Before the July 2 meeting, a citizen cited a conversation with the FOI, suggesting the Board of Selectmen, attorneys and town officials could not meet in executive session to discuss the Powder Ridge deal. But Brayshaw received confirmation from the FOI office in Hartford that they could proceed with an executive session as draft agreements, the sale of real-estate and attorney/client privilege (le-

(Continued from page 9)

Powder Ridge (Continued from page 1)

be about a 97 percent completed document,” Brayshaw said.

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Summer is a ‘beautiful melancholy’ music. Another tradition I have is to grow basil in pots and to make pesto, and I am doing it again this year. I usually end up freezing some of it, and find myself defrosting a container and using it the following spring. Almost nothing is better than eating a spoonful of this garlic-y creation, full of olive oil and parmesan cheese. I also have a tradition of making zucchini bread. When I had a vegetable garden — back when I lived in Durham — I grew my own. Now, I only have flowers and shrubs, but I buy zucchini and make the pumpkin spicy bread from that. Almost as good. Of course, there is always summer vacation (or, if I get lucky, vacations). Now that I am grown up (yes, I am joining the Medicare brigade this fall), I get to go to the places I want — money and my husband’s willingness to go along with my ideas being the only limitations. Probably the best vacations we have had are trips to the coast of Maine, to Alaska, and to Wyoming, Utah and Montana. But

By Judy Moeckel Special to the Town Times

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See Summer, page 21

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When we are children, summer is framed by the school year. That all too brief period between sometime in June and (used to be) early September meant freedom. But, looking back, freedom quickly gave way to boredom. My father, hating to see me with nothing to do (that was a definite nono), would rope me into helping with the shrubs and flowers around the house. My memories are of weeding and edging, above all. Sure we took vacations to nice places around New England (never outside New England; my mother did not like to travel far from home), but being with my parents was less than exciting (sorry, Mom; sorry Dad). My brother, being older and being a boy, had more freedom and even went to Europe with his college choir one time. Me, I was stuck. As an adult, when I think of summer, I think less of freedom than of the lushness of the season that I never appreciated when I was a kid. Summer is so full and ripe, but for me it is tinged with a certain melancholy, because I always feel it’s going to be over before it’s even begun. And that makes it even more special. I have developed certain rituals in summer, things that I just have to do, or else I feel something is missing in my summer. One of the enduring things I do is go to Tanglewood, in Lenox, Massachusetts, the summer home of the Boston Symphony. I have been going there since a boyfriend took me there in 1965, and, in those nearly 50 years, I have only missed two summers, because I was living out west. Each year, when I get there, I feel like it has only been a moment since I left. Sitting on the lawn eating great picnic food and drinking wine, I want to hold onto the mental snapshot of being in that lovely place with its great

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Friday, July 13, 2012

Durham Government Calendar

(Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Durham Library. Check the town website at www.townofThe annual Musical Ice durhamct.org for updates.) Cream Social is scheduled Tuesday, July 17 for Wednesday, July 25, at 6 p.m. — Board of Finance at Town Hall 1:30 p.m. at the Senior CenWednesday, July 18 ter. Enjoy the sounds of 7 p.m. — Recreation Committee at summer with Rob and Jen Durham Activity Center from “Sign of the Times.” 7:30 p.m. — Planning & Zoning Commission The event is free, but space Thursday, July 19 is limited. Deadline for 7 p.m. — DMIAAB at Middlefield Community Center reservations is July 19. 7 p.m. — Public Safety Facility Renovations Planning Free Blood Pressure Committee at firehouse screenings are scheduled on Monday, July 23 the first and third Wednes7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen at Town Hall day of each month at noon. Tuesday, July 31 The next screening is sched7 p.m. — Ethics Commission uled for July 18. No appointments are necessary. Card games are played three times a week at the center. Set back is scheduled for Tuesdays at 1p.m.; (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the bridge is scheduled for Community Center.) every Thursday and Friday Tuesday, July 17 at 12:45 p.m. The games are 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen on a drop-in basis; no regisWednesday, July 18 tration or sign-up is neces7 p.m. — Inland Wetlands Commission sary. Thursday, July 19 The knitters and cro7 p.m. — DMIAAB cheters meet through the 7 p.m. — Board of Finance summer on Thursday mornMonday, July 23 ings at 9:30 a.m. A delivery 9 a.m. — Middlefield Housing Authority of their afghans was recentTuesday, July 24 ly made to the Middlesex 7 p.m. — Zoning Board of Appeals Cancer Center. All are welWednesday, July 25 come to come, bring projects 6:30 p.m. — Planning & Zoning Commission that you are working on or come and learn a great craft. Yarn and needles are Center is located in the Mid- at 405 Main Street. If you stocked. have any questions or The Middlefield Senior dlefield Community Center would like to sign up for any programs or for lunch in the Senior Café (serving on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays), please contact Antoinette Astle at (860) 3497121.

Middlefield Government Calendar

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Durham Library Hours: Regular library hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.durhamlibrary.org to search the catalog, review your account, register for a program or renew your materials online. For information or to register for a program by phone, call (860) 349-9544. DPL Book Talk: Favorite book or movie? Let the library know by writing a message on the Facebook page or fill out a Patron Picks form when you’re at the library. Next week, the library will list all your favorites on its book blog, DPL Book Talk. Just follow the link from the library website. Children Dream Big Lunch Bunch Book Discussion: for grades 4-6 Mondays 12:30-1:30 p.m. July 16, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Books are available at the library; bring your lunch, dessert provided. Registration is required. Teen Teen Book Club: July’s book is The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson. Discussion and snack on Wednesday, July 25, at 7 p.m.

Oaxaca (Continued from page 3)

part of their “vacation” time at the Centro de Esperanza Infantil,” she said. “So many of my former students still have strong contacts with the friends they have met through the CRHS programs, and several of my friends in Durham are also sponsors of children in this program. I am so grateful for the outpouring of sup-

port for this grant competition, as well as the strong financial support from these communities toward the $100,000 we received last year for the renovation project (which also turned into new construction — adding several new rooms to our prior space). “I’m proud to be a member of the Durham/Middlefield communities who have such a rich history of volunteering and reaching out to the less fortunate.”

Election letters policy In keeping with the policy of the Record-Journal, letters to the editor regarding any candidates or issues that involve the political season (ends Nov. 6 Election Day), Town Times will only accept and publish letters that are 100 words or less. The last edition for which we will publish letters of a political nature is Oct. 26. 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. 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.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Town Times

A sky high experience Four boy scouts experienced their first adventure with Troop 27 last April. The scouts camped at Camp Wanocksett at the base of Mount Monadnock and hiked up the mountain for the 260 degree view. While exploring the caves, the scouts found a geocache near the peak. The boys also enjoyed indoor skydiving.

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Town Times

MDC celebrates 20 years

Submission reminder The Town Times welcomes submissions regarding upcoming events happening in the community, letters and obituaries. E-mail news@towntimes.com with your submission by Mondays at noon. We do our best to run calendar events and announcements at least one time. However, due to space constraints, we cannot guarantee a submission will be published on a specific date. To ensure your submission runs exactly as you would like it to, contact our sales representative, Joy Boone, at (203) 317-2313 or e-mail advertising@towntimes.com for a paid ad. Thank you.

On May 12, the Middlesex Dance Center of Middlefield concluded its 20th anniversary season. ToniLynn Miles, owner and director, presented dance study trophies as well as other awards recognizing the special accomplishments of her dancers. Local dancers who earned 14 Year Dance Study awards were: Melanie Badin, Gina DeSimone, Sarah Graichen and Monika Malek. Receiving 10 Year Dance Study awards were:

Lauren Badin and Kayleigh Crocetto while Alexandra Santiago received her Eight Year Dance Study trophy. Jessica Carta and Sarah Godbout received their Five Year Dance Study trophies, and receiving their Three Year Dance Study trophies were Bridget Higgins, Grace Higgins, Lauren Konefal, Isabella Lenoce, Mya Seymour, Hailey Spooner and Emma Ufferfilge. Other dance study certificates recognizing dancers who

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earned four year through 12 year dance study awards were handed out at the last class of the season. Receiving the 2012 Rosamund F. Lange awards for dedication and pursuit of excellence in technique and presentation were 10-year-old Savannah Ngo for jazz, 11year-old Emily Dell’Orfano for ballet and 13-year-old Lauren Badin for tap. The winner of the 2012 Dance Spirit award and scholarship presented each year to that dancer who best exemplifies what dancing is all about was Grace Higgins, of Rockfall. Grace studies jazz, tap, ballet and lyrical and participates in the American Academy of Ballet Performance Awards program. In lieu of selling performance tickets, the studio collected an entire truck full of food, blankets, toys and supplies during the performance, as well as over $135 in donations for C.A.T.A.L.E.S., of Middletown, and Animal Haven, in North Haven. Pictured from left: Lauren Badin, Grace Higgins, Toni-Lynn Miles, Savannah Ngo and Emily Dell’Orfano.

Submitted by Toni-Lynn Miles

Friday, July 13, 2012

Announcements

All good (Continued from page 9)

Town Times

White, Comtois to wed

sites. Two feasibility studies Mr. Henry Comtois of St. Albans, VT, and Ms. Shirley were conducted. The first Simard of Montpelier, VT, are pleased to announce the enone, completed over 10 years gagement of their daughter, Jenny Anna Comtois to Jeffrey ago, was deemed outdated David White, son of David and Kathleen White, of Durham. and a new one was commisJenny is a 2003 graduate of Bellows Free Academy in St. Alsioned in 2008-2009. After a long, arduous and expensive process, it has been determined that connecting to the Middletown water supply is the preferred solution. The last study included areas outside of the superfund that we may want to have connected in the future; sites that either have low level contamination issues or quantity or quality issues.

Greg and Leslie Patterson, of Stow, Mass., announce the birth of their twin sons, Corbin Garrett and Cooper Allan, on April 5, 2012 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Cooper and Corbin’s grandparents are Allan and Karen Patterson, of Durham, and Garrett and Florence Gray, of New Providence, N.J.

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I am grateful for the persistence of our federal and state partners who are as equally committed to this project as we are in Durham. While it may still be several years before we see a shovel to the ground, the process has officially begun. There is more work to be done, but it is all good. Stay tuned for another press release regarding improvements to our Fire and Ambulance departments.

.....................................

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There have been at least two public meetings regarding this process, and there will be at least one other opportunity for the public to comment on the Environmental Impact Evaluation. We are currently awaiting letters of support from the commissioners of DEEP and DPH. Once they go in the file, the EPA will fund the project design to the superfund site. I am negotiating with the EPA now for a way to include all areas of concern in the design which will have to be funded via another source. EPA cannot fund design outside of the affected areas, but I believe there is value to having a complete design even if connections aren’t made initially. The design phase should take approximately 12 months. At that point, we will have a project ready for permitting and competitive bidding. I will continue to work with our state and federal partners to seek construction funding during the design phase.

bans, VT, and received a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education and psychology from St. Michael’s College in Colchester, VT, in 2007. She is currently employed by CBI Rehabilitation Services in Lansing, MI, working with children needing emergency respite care. Jeffrey is a 2004 graduate of Coginchaug Regional High School, and received a bachelor of science degree in biology from St. Michael’s College in 2008. In 2011, he earned his master of science degree in fisheries and wildlife from Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, where he is currently working on a doctoral degree in ecology. The couple met in the St. Michael’s Wind Ensemble, where both played the French horn. A summer 2012 wedding is planned at the Chapel of St. Michael the Archangel at St. Michael’s College.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Town Times

Why we moved to town and why we love it Recently we took a poll asking our online readers what their favorite thing is about Middlefield/Rockfall/Durham. Forty-five people said they love the “atmosphere”, while 27 percent said “everything.” “People” and activities” received no votes, and a disappointing 18 percent said “nothing.” We hope the “nothings” read the following and recall why they moved to their town in the first place and what keeps them here. We’re sure the answers run the gamut — we all have a story to share about being residents of these town. We’ve asked the first select-

men of Durham and Middlefield to share their reasons they moved here and what they love most. And our writers have weighed in on this, too. We’d love to hear from members of our community on why they moved to their town and what they love the most (e-mail your answers and a photo to news@towntimes.com, send to P.O. Box 265 Middlefield, CT, or post your responses to our Facebook wall). Stay tuned for more next week! I’ll kick this off... Stephanie Wilcox, editor

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Middlefield I didn’t exactly move to Middlefield. In 1983, my parents owned a boat and thought it would be great to live on Lake Beseck, so they moved here from Meriden. Three years later I was born here, and I haven’t left yet. Though I love visiting cities, I have come to appreciate living in a quiet town. Everything feels so relaxed here, and trust me, it is. As the editor of this newspaper, I like to think I know pretty much the extent of the “craziness” that goes on around here…and there isn’t much. How can you, when everyone is busy spending time at one of our four golf courses, or on the lake, or at the orchard? We have a dinosaur park, for crying out loud. All of my memories of living in 06455 are centered on the places and “the feel” of this town. A few months ago, I drove an intern around Middlefield to take video clips of some of these local landmarks. She was nearly hanging out the window taking in all the beauty and constantly declaring “Oh wow, Middlefield is so beautiful.” Yep, I knew that. And that’s why my favorite way to take in Middlefield is on the back of my boyfriend’s Harley Davidson. We can make a day out of following one scenic road after another (ok, we cover Durham’s beautiful farmland and back roads, too). He’s from a small town in Massachusetts and is always im-

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my husband’s job was too far away. A job change to Cromwell finally gave us an opportunity to look in Durham. We had to pay a little more for a little less than the surrounding towns, but we wanted Durham to be our children’s home town. Six months after our move, I was hired as the assistant town clerk and fell more in love with the history, heritage and volunteer spirit of Durham.

Town (Continued from page 18) pressed with my hometown. That makes me proud. There are a lot of quiet, pretty towns all around the country, but with the memories I have of bike riding our roads, hiking our trails, swimming in our waters, skiing on our slopes, etc. etc., I like this one best.

Laura Francis Durham For several years I worked for companies that were vendors in the Commercial Building at the Durham Fair; when the commercial vendors were in President’s Hall now scheduled for demolition. I felt such a sense of community from all the people I met. Each year I wished we could move to Durham, but

We now have friends that will last us a lifetime and have had opportunities to give back to such a welcoming community. We also found out we have some family ties to Durham. Almost 70 years ago, my mother-in-law attended a Francis Family Reunion held on the Durham green! One of these days I will look up the family tree to see to whom we are related!

Elisabeth Kennedy Middlefield We moved to Middlefield when our daughter Sara started kindergarten. We were drawn to the beauty of the lake, the quiet community and quality school system. Although I was somewhat concerned about raising a biracial child in a very small community, Middlefield has been a wonderful place to raise a child, from good schools to a very warm and caring community. Sara always had a lot of friends, we quickly became involved in

Mark Dionne Durham Why did I move to Durham? Because of the Witness Protection Program. Why do I like it here? Nobody knows I’m in the Witness Protection Program.

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church and other organizations. I think the greatest testament to why we love Middlefield was the outpouring of love and support following my husband Richard’s death in February. I hope to be able to stay in Middlefield, as I know I would not find the same level of love and support in another community.

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Jon Brayshaw Middlefield Why I moved here? In the beginning, I had no choice. I was born here in 1944. My father was in the WWII army. My mother and I lived with my grandparents in the same house I now live in. Later we moved to Meriden…but because our family, friends and many relatives lived here, we drifted back living in what had been my grandparents’ and then my parents’ house. I spent 67 rich Christmases in the same living room. What I like best is that I feel comfortable living in town. I feel grounded and secure. I like the variety of physical features. I like the town’s proximity to the outside world. I like the dynamic of raising a family here, which includes open space, schools, scouts, sports, the park, the lake and other similar families. I like seeing so many volunteers, the fire whistle (sometimes) and the train that runs through town. I like the wholesome assortment of regular people.

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Town Times

Conservation (Continued from page 3) H group then spoke in turn about the opportunities that Naples had made available to them as part of the group she mentors. Bailey Basiel, of Durham, said, “In six years of 4-H at Deerfield Farm, I have won awards based on my work at Deerfield Farm, and I now even go to an agricultural high school. I cannot express how much agriculture means to me now, and I urge you not to put the lease out to bid.” Kristin Ciarlo echoed her friends’ statements and pointed to the wonderful relationships she had made through 4-H and Deerfield Farm and also urged the commission to keep Naples on the farm. A third Jolly Rancher urged audience members to raise their hands if they took

a week long vacation last year. Most did, and she went on to add “But Melynda didn’t. She’s lucky if she ever gets a weekend away. Farmers don’t have an easy life. Please renew her lease.” Tina Hurlbert, of Durham, the town’s farmers’ market manager, noted that Naples uses no fertilizers, no pesticides and no herbicides on the land. “She is a willing steward of our land and water and air, of our health. Why would we look elsewhere for a tenant when we have one who is doing such amazing things?” Bernadette Basiel, Bailey’s mom, reaffirmed Deerfield Farm’s influence on her daughter and added, “More than milk is produced at this farm. There’s a calmness, a real peace that comes from visiting the barn and petting or bottle-feeding a new calf. This is a hard life, and we’re lucky that Melynda (Naples) has chosen to do it here.”

Marianne Stannard, of Durham, a teacher in the Southington High School agriculture program, noted that she brought her students to Deerfield Farm every year, and, not only did Naples provide an outstanding educational experience to those who sought it out, but she also goes to schools and volunteers to help spread the word about agriculture and present programs. In response to an earlier comment from a commissioner about recreation, Stannard said, “You must expand your definition of recreation. There are tons of ways to enjoy this farm. Recreation is not only team sports. I am proud to have this farm in Durham.” Dianne Saunders, of Wallingford, a member of their Farm Committee, declared, “I wish we had Melynda in Wallingford. This farm is an asset to the town and recognized at the

state level.” She pointed out that funds to help the farm could be obtained from the National Resource Conservation Service if the lease was long enough. Tonya Locke, who cares for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, described visiting the farm with clients who “get such joy from being in the barn and petting the cows. To many it seems like the old country in Poland, a piece of their childhoods, and Melynda welcomes us. This farm is known throughout the state.” Resident Joe Pasquale noted the difficulty of following particularly the youngest speakers, to a round of laughter, and then raised several points to counter Attorney Poliner’s recommendations. “The lease payment should not be a year in advance. This is farming. What farmer can afford that? It should be in

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smaller increments, perhaps quarterly. Also, Naples only leases 60 acres of the 190-some the town purchased, so if the commission desires, some other recreational opportunity can be developed on the remaining 70 percent or so.” He pointed out the commission’s powers to manage and negotiate leases for open space under the town charter and urged them: “We have a gem. Use the powers you have to renew the lease with Melynda.” Dave Foley followed Pasquale’s comments with an equally urgent plea: “This is special, a gem, not a grass-cutting contract. Keep what we have. Melynda promotes Durham’s agricultural heritage by living it and sharing it with us.” Victor Friedrich, of Durham, added, “You have a lesson here from the people on how we want our land to be used. Listen to it please.” The subject of the lease of Deerfield Farm will undoubtedly be on the agenda at Conservation Commission meetings for the next few months. Other Business Following the wave of public speakers, the commission talked about regular business, including clearing brush at the Dunn Hill Road open space property, plans to conduct an Allyn Brook stream bed cleanup in August that should de-water the surrounding land and reenergize the stream, and getting at least two more quotes on repainting the barn at Deerfield Farm.

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Town Times (860) 349-8000

Friday, July 13, 2012

Obituary Douglas DiMella

Summer

wife Catherine, of Old Lyme; two granddaughters, Nina and Julia; three step-grandchildren; a great- granddaughter and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Antoinette Stephenson, of Cromwell. The family would like to thank Debbie Fisher, Brenda Marino and Carla Williams for their help and support. Services were held on July 6 at The Church of the Epiphany, Durham. Burial, with military honors, followed at Mica Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Durham Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 154, Durham, CT 06422. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.

(Continued from page 13) those were the more spectacular ones. Every bit as memorable and pleasurable is what we are doing right now: heading up to a small lake in New Hampshire, near the White Mountains and the Vermont border. We will stay in a little cottage that has everything we need, including a canoe. We will fish, watch movies and read a lot (something I never seem to find enough time to do the rest of the year). One thing about summer as an adult connects me to summer as a child: I have

always been aware that, as summer rolls on, the days get shorter and shorter. My father, who was into astronomy and meteorology in an amateur (meaning “being a lover of”) way, taught me about the summer solstice and how, on about June 21 of the year, things swing back, and the sun starts setting earlier and earlier. Hey, wait, I thought summer was about long days stretching into long evenings! It’s nature’s little trick on us that everything is a bit delayed: the air may be warm in June, but the ocean water is pretty darned cold. And the reality is that, by the time we hit August, we are already see-

ing little signs of fall. That’s part of the summer melancholy, at least for me. It’s a beautiful melancholy, I think. It’s something I never felt as a kid, probably because I wasn’t yet aware of the big picture. I couldn’t yet envision moving into my older years, when, as Frank Sinatra sang, “But now the days grow short; I’m in the autumn of my years. And now I think of my life as vintage wine from fine old kegs, from the brim to the dregs. It poured sweet and clear…it was a very good year.”

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Douglas DiMella, 87, of Durham, beloved husband of 60 years to Mary DiMella, passed away June 30, 2012 after a long illness. He was born Sept. 27, 1924 in Middletown, son of Edith (Ryon) and Antonio DiMella and grandson of Florence (Daniels) and George Ryon. Doug grew up in Hartford and graduated from Buckley High school but had great memories of time spent with his grandfather in Middletown, building and running a saw mill and tinkering with machinery of all kinds. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the US Army Air Corps as a mechanic on C-46 cargo planes. He worked as a HVAC mechanic and oil truck driver for Ryon Oil and Peterson Oil companies. After his retirement, he began what he would say was his favorite job: rocking babies as a volunteer in the nursery at Middlesex Memorial Hospital. He was a member of the Durham Volunteer Fire Company for over 40 years and a longtime member of Wesleyan Potters. A man of many talents and interests, he was well known as mechanic, chef, baker, painter, potter, basket maker, woodworker, boat builder and generally as the guy who could make or fix anything. In addition to Mary, he is survived by three sons, Peter DiMella and his wife Donna, of Silverdale, Pa., David DiMella and his wife Susan Heath, of Haddam, and James DiMella and his

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Caroline Ann Thomson, a 2010 Coginchaug High School graduate from Durham, has graduated Summa Cum Laude with honors from Johnson & Wales with an associates in science, baking and pastry arts degree. After an internship at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore, Thomson is now a pastry chef at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Harwich, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod.

Ivy Linden-Dionne and Daniel Turecek were honored as outstanding scholar leaders from memorial Middle School by the Connecticut Association of Schools and McDonald’s Owner Operators of Connecticut. They were among 290 scholar leaders from 145 middle schools in Connecticut to be honored for their academic achieve-

ment and service and whose personal standards and accomplishments are models for others. From left: McDonald’s owner operator James McGarry, Associate Commissioner Marion Martinez, Ivy Linden-Dionne, Daniel Turecek, keynote speaker Jeff LaRoux and Master of ceremonies Scott Gray. Photo courtesy of G&B Photography

Friday, July 13, 2012

The Middletown Rotary Club selected scholarship winners Heather Macintyre, of Durham, and Maeghann Revis, of Higganum, for 2012. Macintrye graduated from Coginchaug Regional High School and Revis graduated from Haddam Killingworth High School in June. Recipients were chosen based on Rotary’s motto

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Emily Dzialo, of Middlefield, was presented with the Violet Richard Award for her outstanding service to the March of Dimes at the recent annual Awards Night of the Connecticut River Valley Club of Soroptimist International. Each year Soroptimists recognizes a young woman between the age of 14 and 17 who is engaged in volunteer action within her community or school. The award is given to young women whose activities make the community and world a better place. Dzialo has exemplified these qualities which has made her this year’s recipient. She has given years of service in raising funds and helping organize the March for Babies in Middletown. She began her involvement with the March of Dimes while in the fifth grade and in 2011 she raised $11,000. This made her the top youth walker in Connecticut and number four walker in the United States. Dzialo is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Dzialo, of Middlefield.

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of “Service Above Self”, rewarding students who showed extraordinary volunteer service, as well as academic achievement. From left: Middletown Rotarian Kevin Wilhelm, Maeghann Revis and Heather Macintyre.

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Town Times Sports

Friday, July 13, 2012

New freshman football coach named at CRHS coach at the University of Pennsylvania before he rejoined the Columbia coaching staff in 1986 as the offensive coordinator. Jackson remained at Columbia through the 1989 season when business interests brought him back to Connecticut.

By Jonn Bozzi Special to the Town Times

Coach Jackson’s love of

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Doug Jackson has been named the new freshman football coach at Coginchaug High School. Jackson’s appointment is a homecoming for him because he served as a varsity assistant coach during the first seven years (1999-2005) of the former Vinal-Coginchaug co-op team. “It’s great to be back in the Coginchaug community,” Jackson stated. He takes over for Hugo Bolin who coached the Blue Devil freshmen from 2008-2011. Coach Jackson has a long and impressive career as both a player and coach. As a senior at Bristol Central High School in 1970 he was an All-State and All-American running back. Jackson’s academic and athletic achievements attracted the attention of numerous college recruiters. He chose to attend Columbia University where, during his senior season in 1975, he led the Ivy League in rushing and scoring, was named the Ivy League Player of the Year and was voted to the AP All-American team. After graduating from Columbia, Jackson spent two years each with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. Following his NFL career, Jackson returned to Columbia in 1979 to coach the receivers. He spent the next six years as the running back

football led him to return to the game in 1994 as an assistant coach at Bristol Central. Over the past 18 seasons, in addition to his prior stint with the Vinal-Coginchaug program, Jackson has also served as an assistant coach at St. Paul’s and, most recently, at Prince Tech.

NICHOLLE DAGATA •860-205-4053 www.beckleyfarms.com PREMIERE REAL ESTATE 860-357-2008 1230676

INDUSTRIAL SPACE TO SHARE Call: 203-317-2330 for more information or search our listing on LoopNet.com (11 Crown Street, Meriden, CT)

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Town Times Sports

Friday, July 13, 2012

Blue Devils attend summer football camp

Above and right: The Coginchaug football team attended Coach Mac’s Football camp June 26-28. Coaches and players participated in drills, 7-on-7 and a full-on Photos by Rita Van Steenbergen scrimmage.

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Durham Recreation Summer Fun Run results from June 3 Ages 0-4 years; 1 lap Ella Bodner – 2.44 minutes Aiyana Donecker – 2:45 Macy Gerry – 2:47 Madelyn Ventola – 2:48 Ryan Stern – 3:11 Ella Ullman – incomplete data Haydn Farsnworth – in-

W e welcome Simina Ionescu, MD Specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics

Simina Ionescu, MD, has joined the Masonicare Primary Care Physicians practice. Dr. Ionescu’s primary role is within the geriatric assessment program. Known as Masonicare Pathways, the team conducts evaluations of cognitive, emotional and physical function and provides follow-up recommendations. In addition, Dr. Ionescu is part of the internal medicine staff and sees patients over the age of 55 from the community. Dr. Ionescu is Board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics. She received her medical degree from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest. Dr. Ionescu was formerly an attending physician at the Hospital of St. Raphael, where she oversaw geriatric assessments and also served as clinical education coordinator for geriatric fellows. Masonicare Primary Care Physicians is Masonicare’s community-based physician practice. For additional information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ionescu, please call 203-679-6370.

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67 Masonic Avenue, Wallingford (off Rte 150/South Turnpike Rd. and off Rte 15, Exit 65) www.masonicare.org

complete data Gavin Farnsworth – incomplete data Alex Labaty – incomplete data Hannah Stern – incomplete data Ages 5-7 years; 1 lap Abby Gerry – 1:48 minutes Cooper Woodward – 1:52 Rachel Hayward – 1:54 Natalie Woodward – 1:58 Jimmie Schafer – 2:07 Allyson Hayward – 2:18 Allison Vigue – 2:18 Daniel Labaty – 2:21 Liam Ullman – 2:32 Conor Ullman– 2:33 Silas Webb - 2:35 Annie Thiel – 2:36 Ages 8 – 10; 2 laps Ryan Gerry – 3:27 minutes Alyssa Woodward – 3:28 Ashley Woodward – 3:29 Ages 11-14; 2 laps Brandon Hayward – 3:26 minutes Mixed ages and adults; 3.5 mile course Lavinia Vigue – 25:18 Hugh Pearson – 25:30 Samantha Vigue – 34:07 Submitted by Dave Bellemare