Town Times July 20, 2012 by Town Times Newspaper

Volume 19, Issue 29

Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

Hennick resigns from BOE By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times Durham resident Tom Hennick resigned from the RSD13 Board of Education. Hennick was a member of the board for 10 years and served as chair for the last five. Last month, board member Kerrie Flanagan was unanimously elected as chair. Superintendent Susan Viccaro said, “He certainly has done a great job as board chair for the last five years. He has exhibited leadership and

looked at issues from multiple perspectives. He was pretty even-handed. I think he did a good job.” “On a personal note,” Viccaro continued, “I will miss him.” The reason for his resignation is unclear. A town meeting must be called within 30 days from the date of resignations to elect a successor to serve until the next general election, at which time a successor shall be elected to serve any unexpired portions of such term.

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Friday, July 20, 2012

Church participates in mission trip to Kentucky Members of the United Churches of Durham’s annual Summer Mission Trip to Eastern Kentucky were treated to a special BBQ dinner at the Magoffin County Health Department in Salyersville, Ky., recently. The dinner marked mark the 10th anniversary of their mission work with LINKS (The Low Income Housing Coalition of East Kentucky) and was cohosted by members of the board of directors of LINKS, including John Rosenberg, Esq., Ned Pillersdorf, Esq.

The 45 members of the 2012 Mission Trip in front of the Durham Building - named in honor of the United Churches of Durham - at LINK’s Bonanza, KY VolunSee Mission, page 11 teer Center.

Going solar was natural next step for Durham family By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times

Lynn Hettrick says her husband, Doug, calls her Captain Planet because of her recycling efforts. Yes, she is very earth-friendly. In addition to recycling as often as possible, she started a compost bin last fall, has grown a small vegetable garden the last three years, changes out incandescent light bulbs for LED lighting and uses high efficiency appliances. She uses reusable canvas bags for shopping — never plastic bags — buys local food as much as possible and purchases products made from recycled material. She’s even drastically reduced her consumption of red meat. It was only a matter of time before the Durham family installed solar panels on the roof of their home — the next step in going greener. “I’m very interested in doing my part to help the planet and reduce my impact on the environment,” said Lynn Hettrick. “That’s always been very important to me, and I knew at some point I wanted to use solar panels and renewable energy.” She had looked into solar panels a

Photo submitted by Lynn Hettrick

Solar panels are installed at the Hettrick house. few years ago, but Doug wasn’t quite convinced. But after last year’s Storms Irene and Alfred, the Hettricks were out of power for almost a week each time. “That was the tipping point for my husband,” Hettrick said. “Either we look into solar panels or get a generator. When we were getting low on gas and no stations were open, we

were thinking generators were not the way to go. That’s what finally convinced him.” So in May, the Hettricks had 36 solar panels installed on their southfacing Hellgate Road home. In early June, the power company switched their meter, and after a month of being officially solar, Hettrick said her family “notices nothing at all” about

the switch. Except for their most recent electric bill. Where once the bill was around $170 a month, this time it was just $18 — $16 of it is a small fee to be connected to the grid as a customer; the other $2 is electricity they used last month. “I think we used the air conditioner,” she said. The law in Connecticut says that utility companies have to buy back the power your solar panels produce. During the day, most homeowners are not home to use the power, so the energy flows back to the utility grid for someone else to use, and you get a credit. At night, you aren’t generating any, power so you are buying the “kilowatt hours” from the company. Every month, the utility company looks at what you sold them and what you bought and then bills you on the difference. On a monthly basis, it generally nets out. “It’s kind of a credit, a trade thing,” she said. “If we end up producing more than we use in a year’s time, we get a refund.” Another perk to going solar are the rebates and tax credits. Connecticut’s rebate is about 50-60 per-

See Solar, page 5

Friday, July 20, 2012

Town Times

Local awarded trip to national 4-H dairy conference

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

Voter registration scheduled The Middlefield Registrars of Voters have scheduled a voter registration session for Tuesday, July 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. The purpose of the session is to register and/or enroll voters entitled to vote in the Aug. 14 Democratic or Republican primary. Only unaffiliated electors may change their enrollment at that time. The registrars will hear requests by persons, removed from the registry list, to reinstate their names. The registrars advise that mail-in application of new voters must be received by registrars or postmarked on or before Thursday, Aug. 9, in order to be eligible to vote in the Aug. 14 primary. Mail-in enrollment application by unaffiliated voters must also be received by registrars or postmarked on or before Aug. 9. Unaffiliated voters may file application of enrollment in person with the registrars by noon on Monday, Aug. 13.

4-H members at the State Capitol. She has received recognition and awards for her work with 4-H, including the Dairy Proficiency, Super 4-Her award for two consecutive years, and a leadership scholarship award to attend the FFA National Convention in Indiana. This year Basiel will travel to Madison, Wis. with three other girls from Connecticut for the National 4-H Dairy Conference. She is excited to attend workshops on

See 4-H, page 7

Fabric donations wanted

Members from Girl Scout troop 62027 are working on their silver award by creating fleece quilts for the Middlesex Hospice and ask any local sewers to donate extra cheerful fleece fabric and batting. People also can donate new quilts or blankets, either knitted or crochet, for a twin size bed. The donations will be collected at the lobby of the Durham Public Library and the Levi Coe Library from July 18 to Aug. 18.

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agriculture) program. Basiel’s involvement has since grown to competing at local fairs (Durham, Middlesex and New Haven County 4-H, Chester, Eastern States Exposition), attending UConn’s Dairy Day (statewide event), the teen connection at UConn and 4-H Citizen Washington Focus in Washington, DC, affording her opportunities to meet youth from around the country. This year Basiel has participated in planning and running Citizenship Day for

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Bailey Basiel’s involvement with 4-H started with a visit to a farm open house with her mother. They met Melynda Naples, operator of Deerfield Farm, and were impressed by the operation and Naples’ commitment to 4-H. Basiel joined Jolly Rancher’s 4-H Club at Deerfield Farm when she was 10, and by age 12 was showing cows. Now 16, Basiel attends Middletown High School through the Vo-Ag (vocation

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This week, we asked our online readers: Have you ever hosted an exchange student? Here are the results: Yes, more than once - 20 percent Only one time - 30 percent No and I never plan to - 30 percent

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Friday, July 20, 2012

Voter registration scheduled

The Durham Registrars of Voters have scheduled a registration session to enroll new voters for Tuesday, July 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Durham Public Library. The registrars will be available to hear requests by persons removed from the preliminary registry voting list to add their names back to the list. The final day to register by mail is Thursday, Aug. 9, in order to vote in the Aug. 14 Democratic or Republican primary. Residents not currently enrolled who wish to vote Aug. 14 may enroll in person until noon on Monday, Aug. 13. Voters who wish to change from Unaffiliated to a Democratic or Republican party affiliation for the Aug. 14 primary may do so in person until noon on Monday, Aug. 13. Residents should appear in

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Chicken Barbecue The Church of the Epiphany has scheduled a traditional chicken barbecue for the Epiphany on Saturday, Aug. 11 from 3 to 7 p.m. The menu includes a half chicken baked beans, coleslaw, lemonade or iced tea and assorted desserts. Entertainment will be provided by Epiphanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Theater Production cast of Godspell. Reservations are requested in advance by calling Katy Reddick at (860) 908-1570 or visit www.epiphanychickenbarbecue.weebly.com. A fee is charged.

Durham Fair plans talent show The entertainment committee of the Durham Fair has scheduled its 9th Annual

(860) 349-5411

Talent Show. Imagine an opportunity to perform on the Center Stage at the Durham Fair as one of our Idols! Our finalist have all enjoyed this opportunity, win or not win, to share their talent with their friends, families and several thousand fair goers! Many of our candidates have returned a following year. Since we have been doing this show, many contestants have said how much they â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;just love to performâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. We hope you feel this way, because we are fair goers also and we enjoy having you and watching you grow with us. We have had an overwhelming interest in this show and are hopeful that this application finds you in time to jump in and tryout.

Opportunities to participate in our Talent Show are open to all performers. What an opportunity here! Consideration for our contestants is not taken lightly. We respect that you will have worked hard to prepare your presentation to a selection committee. Every performance will be evaluated with your talent and hard work in mind. As a selection committee, we are first of all, looking to entertain our Durham Fair audience. We do this by selecting a variety of acts that will fit together to make one exciting event for this audience. We hope you will apply and join in the fun. For more information, call (860) 343-3414. Please return application information to

Bill Currlin, 84 Jackson Hill Road, Middlefield, CT 06455, or e-mail the application information to:wcurrlin@sbcglobal.net Application information can also be found on the Durham Fair web site, www.Durhamfair.com/entertainment. Professionals may not audition for the Durham Fair talent show. Auditions are scheduled at the United Churches of Durham on Sept. 8. Please respond by Sept. 4 for convenient audition times. Submitted by William Currlin

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Town Times & Places FRIDAY

July 20 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. 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 organic and non-organic fruit, vegetables, eggs, naturally grown meat, baked goods, jams, jelly, honey, maple syrup, sprouts, fresh flowers and crafts. 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 20, 2012 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.

Sit, stay, roll over

MONDAY

July 30 A special guest, Trooper Taylor and her German shepherd, Schutz, came to Durham Park & Rec on Law Enforcement Day. The kids saw Shutz’s amazing training abilities and the counselors received embroidered badges as souvenirs. Middlefield Ukulele Club If you live in the Greater Middlefield area and you are a uke player at any level or are interested in trying out this fun instrument, we want uke. Join this group of enthusiasts at today’s meeting. Middlefield Ukulele Club typically gets together on the third Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Middlefield Community Center, 405 Main Street. Feel free to come and simply sing along, if you prefer. For information, contact Cindy at (860) 349-5656 or at lucyr1953@yahoo.com.

MONDAY

July 23 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 lunches on Mondays 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 café manager, at (860)3493153. Middlefield Ukulele Club The Middlefield Ukulele Club is scheduled to meet Saturday, July 21 at 9 :30 a.m.

Ukulele playes of all levels are welcome. For more information, call Cindy at (860) 349-5656. Middlefield Senior Lunches The Middlefield Senior Café is serving lunch three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Reservations are required 24 hours prior, and their monthly menu can be picked up at the center, Town Hall, or at www.middlefieldct.org.

teers dedicated to finding good homes for lost and abandoned dogs. There will be games, raffle prizes and lots of fun. The event takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Nora Cupcake company, 700 Main Street in Middletown. For ticket prices or information, please e-mail paw364@yahoo.com.

July 25

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. Bridge Night Come join in at the Durham Activity Center every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. for a fun night of bridge with great people. 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.

WEDNESDAY

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.

THURSDAY

July 26 Durham Farmers Market The Durham Farmers Market is open today from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on the Town Green. Cupcake social A cupcake social will take place today featuring Cuptails (cocktail inspired cupcakes) and PupCakes (puppy inspired cupcakes) to benefit MAC Pack, a group of volun-

FRIDAY

July 27

SATURDAY

July 28 Dudley Farm Farmers’

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 lunches on Mondays 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 café manager, at (860)349-3153. Middlefield Senior Lunches The Middlefield Senior Café is serving lunch three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Reservations are required 24 hours prior, and their monthly menu can be picked up at the center, Town Hall, or at www.middlefieldct.org.

WEDNESDAY

August 1 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.

THURSDAY

August 2 Durham Farmers Market The Durham Farmers Market is open today from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on the Town Green.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Town Times

Durham chosen as a Solarize CT pilot town ed in the Solarize Connecticut Program, it will be easier for residents to make the decision to install solar. Similarly modeled programs in Oregon and Massachusetts have successfully delivered a lower cost to consumers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very excited about launching Solarize Connecticut through our partnership with The John Merck Fund and SmartPower,â&#x20AC;? said Bryan Garcia, president and CEO of CEFIA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This program builds on our efforts to drive down costs in the residential PV market here in Connecticut. Through our selected Clean Energy Communities, we will aggregate customer demand and continue to work toward developing a sustainable market that attracts private capital investment.â&#x20AC;? Ten years ago, CEFIA and The John Merck Fund invested in SmartPower to create the award-winning Clean Energy Communities campaign. The partners are coming together again to launch Solarize Connecticut â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a program which they are hopeful will achieve success in driving down the cost of residential solar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Arizona Solar Challenge helped us crack the code on marketing residential solar

(Continued from page 1)

installations,â&#x20AC;? said Brian F. Keane, president of SmartPower. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more excited than ever to add Solarize to our efforts and bring solar to rooftops throughout Connecticut.â&#x20AC;? The initial pilot phase will run from mid-July through the end of 2012. The best practices and lessons learned from these four towns will then be applied to a second opt-in phase of the Connecticut pilot in early 2013. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our team of elected officials and volunteer residents came together to create a plan to promote Solarize Connecticut in our community,â&#x20AC;? said Francis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are ready to begin implementation of the plan. The pilot towns will be working with organizers on the next steps to get the program moving. Stay tuned for more information. www.ctcleanenergy.com/solarizect Submitted by Laura Francis

cent of the cost and the federal tax credit is 30 percent, according to Harsh Luthra of BeFree Solar, a solar installation company. There also are 20-year loans which are fixed rates, making the payment less than a electric bill. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So either you pay forever to the electric company a small amount each month, or you have that money go toward your own solar panels which generate your power,â&#x20AC;? Luthra said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After the loan period is up, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free power for a long, long time. Solar panels can last 30-40 years. They are under warranty for 25 years.â&#x20AC;? One thing Hettrick said her family did differently than most solar-panel customers is going with a battery backup system, which works like a generator. The

The back-up batteries are stored in the garage.

ĹŻĆľÄ&#x17E;Ä?Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;Ć? Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; WÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć?Í&#x2014; KĆ&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ĺś Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹŻÇ&#x2021; Ď´Ä&#x201A;ĹľÍ˛ĎąĆ&#x2030;ĹľÍ&#x2022; dĹ&#x161;ĆľĆ&#x152;Ć?Ä&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ç&#x2021;Ć? ĆľĹśĆ&#x;ĹŻ ĎłĆ&#x2030;ĹľÍ&#x2014; :Ĺ˝Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;Ć?Í&#x2014; KĆ&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ĺś Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹŻÇ&#x2021; Ď´Ä&#x201A;ĹľÍ˛ĎąĆ&#x2030;Ĺľ

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Photo submitted by Lynn Hettrick

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See Solar, page 11

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alternative, doing without, seemed silly to Hettrick: If the power company goes out, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out too, even with solar panels on the roof.

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The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, The John Merck Fund and SmartPower announce the launch of Solarize Connecticut, a pilot residential solar program that aggregates homeowners across communities to offer discounted prices for residential solar power. The program will be piloted in four communities selected through a competitive solicitation process. Durham, Fairfield, Portland and Westport were selected for the first phase of the Solarize Connecticut Program based on an ability to execute an effective outreach and community based campaign. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gratifying and exciting to be selected to participate in the pilot effort and to see how well we can advance solar technology in Durham and the State of Connecticut,â&#x20AC;? said First Selectman Laura Francis.â&#x20AC;? The Solarize Connecticut model is designed to drive down the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for residential consumers. The more residents who sign up to install solar, the greater the price declines. Because the installer, the technology and the exact price of PV are already provid-

Solar

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Friday, July 20, 2012

Summer Freelance Series

You say ‘Endless Summer’ like it’s a good thing By Mark Dionne Special to the Town Times

A few years ago, I decided to start the summer with a list of things I wanted to accomplish before fall. This turned out to be a terrible idea, which I followed up with another idea, also terrible. I showed the list to my kids. I think my motivation was to demonstrate that summer could be a time of accomplishment and self-improvement. I meant to give them inspiration; instead I gave them comedy. Summer ended and I was forced to look at my list and realize that I finished only the first item. “#1 Make a list.” My kids are perfectly aware that I never finished the list and to this day ask what’s going to become of the poor homeless bats. “#2 Build a bat house” Bats are cool creatures and great bug control so I thought a bat house would be

fun. Also, our house at the time was a hangout for turkey vultures, snakes and hornets. Decorators insist a house needs a theme. I thought a few bats would play up the unloved animals vibe. I figured by the end of the summer I’d be expanding my list (“#25 Get jellyfish aquarium”) and we’d live in the House of Things that Sting, Bite and Spit. I researched bat houses. Turns out it’s best to put one up in the spring. I couldn’t build it in the summer because I didn’t want my bat house to sit on the market for too long. I didn’t want prospective tenants to wonder what was wrong with the empty house. They’d fly by and think “Oh, leftover plywood exterior, really?” and not even go inside. I gathered materials for a bat house but never finished construction. See, in the summer my garage warms

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I approach all yard work in the summer with the question, “What can I do that will keep me in the shade?” (My follow up question is “What can I do while holding a beer?”) So I follow the shade around the yard, poking feebly at the monstrous weeds until I remember that it all looks the same when it’s been run over with a lawn mower.

See Summer, page 13

Well-stocked Submitted by Robert Chadd

The Durham Volunteer Fire Company has recently purchased medical equipment with the donation money it has raised during the past year. The purchase was necessary to add needed equipment to provide service as a recently accepted Supplemental First Responder. The company purchased four medical bags and the supplies to fully stock them along with two new LifePak 1000 Automated external defibrillation and one training AED.

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go outside I spend most of my time working to stay in the shade. “#3 Fix up the yard.” Maybe it’s just the family history of skin cancer talking, but I kind of hate the sun. Standing in direct sunlight in the summer, I can almost feel the cancerous rays coating my skin like a lacquer paint. To me, there’s very little difference between setting up a folding chair in the sun and stretching a hammock across the top of an active smokestack.

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up a bit. Is there a temperature that melts steel? It’s in that range. The nails melted into pools of liquified metal before I had a chance to pound them into the wood. Or at least I assumed they did. It was hard to see through the rivers of sweat in my eyes and the heat stroke. To me, summer is a season that’s not quite as nice as advertised. It seems like you should be outside, with the “nice” weather and the school vacation, but when I

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Friday, July 20, 2012

Town Times

4-H (Continued from page 2) the dairy industry — showing, production and judging — which will in turn make her more successful in competitions such as the judging competition at the BIG E. Basiel is grateful for Naples’ mentorship and support, which includes letters of recommendation for school and competitions. Bailey must work 200 hours per year to pass her vo-ag class, which she is able to perform at Deerfield Farm. Because Naples also attended Middletown High School and 4-H conferences in Washington, DC and Wisconsin, she is able to provide guidance and advice to Basiel and others. Naples also serves as the 4H Fair Office mentor and encouraged Basiel to run for office. Basiel ran and currently serves as coordinator of publicity, making signs and other publicity, all with help from Naples. As market master for the Durham Farmers’ Market three years ago, Naples encouraged Basiel to get involved as well. She did, and still serves as a junior member, helping primarily with vendors. Naples is proud of Basiel, sharing “Bai-

Photo by Elisabeth Kennedy

Bailey Basiel at Deerfield Farm. ley has been a true joy to work with, as have all the 4Hers. It is so nice to see Bailey have such a sincere and self motivated interest in agriculture.” Jolly Ranchers, Middlesex County’s 4-H Club, currently has nine youth members from Berlin, Guilford, Durham and Deep River. Naples provides the animals

for training and showing and transports the animals to fairs. Basiel also explained that Jolly Ranchers are fortunate because Deerfield Farm is one of the few farms in Connecticut that processes its own milk (most other farms send raw milk out for

WE STOCK See 4-H, page 15

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Letters to the Editor

Go to referendum

Lately, there have been a lot of facts and opinions brought to the attention of Middlefield taxpayers. Mr. Brayshaw states “the town did not buy Powder Ridge to make a profit.” Well, I would be willing to bet that the residents of Middlefield, when voting whether or not to purchase Powder Ridge, never had the thought in mind to give it away. This sounds like a terrible deal. It certainly would make sense, especially in these hard economic times, to take our time and weigh the proposed deal and facts carefully. We will still have to pay off this loan. We apparently are not even charging interest on the loan to Brownstone, but yet we’ll continue to pay interest. What kind of “business” deal is this? What kind of a “business deal” only limits that conditions to 10 years of skiing? All of these “facts” need to be voted on in a democratic way, the same way in which the town voted to purchase Powder Ridge, not by a show of hands from a few people who attend a town meeting. This needs to go to a referendum. Most people would like to see skiing resume, but not at any cost. Regardless, we still have to pay off the loan, so what’s the hurry? If it’s not a good deal, keep the land and sit on it until there is one. Once it’s gone, we’ll never be able to get it back, unless

Opinions in Town Times

we’re put into a position to buy it again, and I doubt the residents would be apt to do that again. We’ve managed just fine, and I doubt a few more years are really going to matter. I’d rather see it remain open space than make the wrong deal for the town and its future generations. Mt. Southington isn’t that far away. Let’s amend the town charter and vote for this the appropriate way. Bev Smith Middlefield

Memorable event Once again the Leclerc Walkathon that was held in May was a big success that can be contributed to the school staff, students, and parents’ dedication and hard work. We were overwhelmed at the number of students who came up to us, introduced themselves and wished us good luck. A special thanks to the students that collected four leaf clovers and mounted them on paper for us to take home, and the memory book that his past students shared with us. The school and the parents of these students that went the extra mile to make the walkathon a memorable event should be proud that they have raised their children to show respect and kindness. The Leclerc Family

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 20, 2012

Medic Alert Magnets

The Durham Senior Citizens Board would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Walter and Carol Douglas of the Durham Pharmacy for generously funding the Medic Alert Magnets. These magnets come with a pocket in which there is an emergency medical information form. This form should be filled out and kept in the pocket of the magnet and then placed on the refrigerator. The important information on this form will be an enormous help to the emergency responders if and when it is necessary to contact them. The magnets are available, free of charge to seniors and can be found at the Durham Pharmacy, from Amanda Astarita, social services director, and at the Town Hall. Durham is indeed fortunate to have such philanthropic donors to our community as Walter and Carol Douglas. The Durham Senior Citizens Board and its seniors are extremely grateful for their kind support. Lainy Melvin, chairperson Henry Coe, vice-chair Anne Cassady Evelyn Frady Norm Hicks Stu Keating Bev Pedersen Shari Slight Karen Thody

Scout centennial To the editor: On behalf of the Durham Middlefield Girl Scouts I would like to take this opportunity to thank people in our community who have helped to make this 100th year of Girl Scout memorable. Mrs. Joanne Nytch was our guest speaker at our annual Mother Daughter banquet held at Coginchaug High School this past spring. Mrs. Nytch shared her experiences with Girl Scouts as well as what scouting has meant to her and her family.

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Deacon Peter Gill from St. Colman/Notre Dame church presented a beautiful blessing. I would also like to thank individuals who donated items for our Girl Scout Display at Levi Coe Library in Middlefield during the month of May. Also, thanks to Lillian White, for taking the time to answer my call for the oldest Girl Scout in the community. Lillian turned 95 in May and joined Girl Scouts in 1927 at the age of 10. She also served as a Girl Scout leader in the 1950s for her daughter’s troop. She shared a story with me that when she was a leader she entered an essay contest for a sewing machine, because she wanted to teach her troop to sew. She won. About 15 years ago, she read in the local paper about another

Girl Scout leader looking for a sewing machine. She and her husband loaded up the machine and brought it to this woman’s house. She is curious to know if this machine has continued to help other scouts as well. If anyone may have any knowledge about this, please email me at slightes@sbcglobal. net. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this 100th Year of Girl Scouting memorable for the scouts in Durham and Middlefield. I wonder what Juliette Gordon Low would think if she knew that 100 years later that 2.3 million girls would be Girl Scouts in the United States! Sheryl Pietrzyk Slight Troops 62127 & 62650 Durham/Middlefield Girl Scouts

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Town Times Columns

Friday, July 20, 2012

All is well with Powder Ridge deal

place in the state that There are towns provided such a and there are unique quality of life TOWNS…some have experience. And it nothing to crow about was right in our own and some have much back yard. The propto. I have always been erty has been sitting a cheerleader for our quiet for six years decommunity and soon teriorating, waiting hope to have more to for an injection of cheer about. The remoney, love and imagvival of Powder Ridge ination waiting for Ski Area. the town to make the When Powder Ridge first move. There are failed, we all felt it in Jon A. Brayshaw now people living in various ways. Some town who never expeliving in the neighborrienced what I write hood and on the feeder about, to whom the isroads (perhaps) resue may mean little. joiced since the cloBut I can assure them, sure meant fewer cars that a fully functionand no making snow ing recreational ski at night. To those across town it meant the night lights area just like the Lyman Farm, is a were out. The darkness of the Ridge plus to your quality of life in this became just another section of open town. When I first took office, seven space that blended in. To the town, it meant no taxes. To a hundred teens, years ago my first official meeting it meant no jobs and no place to hang was with PR owner, Ken Leavitt and out. No season pass. To some, like outgoing First Selectman Charlie Lloyd Blair, it meant loosing the Augur. We discussed the future of “spin-off” benefit of feeding PR visi- PR. and its importance to the town. I tors at his restaurant for 16 years. To found out quickly that I had some parents it meant no place to bring heavy lifting ahead. In 2007 when PR became available, kids on a snow day. To me it meant no Sunday night skiing and no a referendum was held to see where watching my grandchildren learn to ski. For over 40 years there was no See Deal, next page

From The Desk Of The First Selectman

Powder Ridge sales agreement signed

After a long, and often heated, period of deliberation about whether or not to sell the Powder Ridge property, a sales agreement has been signed between the Town of Middlefield and buyer Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort LLC, represented by its manager Sean Hayes. The agreement lists a price of $700,000 according to documents released by town officials Tuesday morning. The agreement was signed during a meeting Monday afternoon. “There is much that lies ahead before the actual closing where the property changes hands,” said First Selectman Brayshaw. The agreement is contingent upon a referendum or town meeting vote within 60 days. Additionally, the town is tasked with promoting approval of the agreement. A public hearing on the topic will be held, but a date has not yet been set.

The contract stipulates that the new owners of Powder Ridge will spend $2 million in improvements over the next two years and open for downhill skiing by Dec. 31, 2014. The town states it will help the buyer with certain aspects of making the property useable, such as obtaining easements. The town also has applied for grant money for improvements to the property and the agreement details how the new owners would be able to access the funds. The site at 99 Powder Mill Road includes five parcels in the towns of Middlefield, Meriden and Wallingford. The purchase includes fixtures located on the property. A 20-acre portion of the site is excluded from the sale. See the Town Times website for a PDF of the complete text of the agreement. — Olivia L. Lawrence

Still Revolutionary these towns sure are The Connecticut Tourism Bureau launched a new campaign this spring to let visitors to the Nutmeg state know there are ample opportunities to enjoy historic and scenic sites around the state. The “Still Revolutionary” campaign drew a lot of interest and a range of reaction. The Connecticut Tourism Bureau expects to spend $27 million on the campaign over the next two years targeting potential visitors in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Philadelphia with a multi-media approach. One piece of constructive criticism suggested the campaign would be better if more emphasis was placed on directing tourists towards historical sites and helping them to learn more about Connecticut’s heritage. In keeping with these ideas, we offer a few suggestions, in your town or a town near you, for destinations that fit the Still Revolutionary theme. Each of our small towns presents a strong sense of identity and pride in their history. Volunteers who work with historical projects are truly involved in a labor of love and their greatest re-

ward is sharing their discoveries and resources with others who want to learn about their heritage. The collections, exhibits, and other archival materials they tend represent countless hours of research and expert knowledge. The success of our local historical groups, in saving history for generations to come, does not have big bucks behind it. Nearly all funding comes from community sources and most of the work is done by volunteers. We encourage you to take in these sites yourself and direct summer visitors to plan a stop. Learn about your own town, if you haven’t had an opportunity yet, but also check in with your neighboring towns to see the similarities and common threads of the people, life and lore of our communities. Ask your museum guides for ideas on other historic offerings to visit in the local area. - Olivia L. Lawrence, weeklies news editor In Berlin: See Revolutionary, next page

June police statistics from cash register) Durham: Eric Kelly, Middlefield RST and two domestics Town Calls for Service: Pete DiGioia, Durham RST were investigated. Traffic Enforce404 ment was conducted Criminal Investion the following gations: 8 Streets: Motor Vehicle AcRt. 17 near Strong School, Maidcidents w/Injuries: 2 Motor Vehicle Accidents w/o In- en Lane near Picket, Rt. 17 near Rt 147, Rt 17 near Town House Road juries: 12 and Rt. 68 near Greenbackers Motor Vehicle Infractions: 31 Farm. Motor Vehicle Warnings: 14 Middlefield Motor Vehicle Accident DWI’s: 1 Town DWI’s On Sight: 0 Calls for Service: 541 TFC DiGioia Criminal Investigations: 5 Calls for Service: 216 Motor Vehicle Accidents w/InCriminal Investigations: 1 Motor Vehicle Accidents w/In- juries: 1 Motor Vehicle Accidents w/o Injuries: 1 Motor Vehicle Accidents w/o In- juries: 12 Total Motor Vehicle accidents juries: 3 for June 2012: 13 Motor Vehicle Infractions: 28 Motor Vehicle Infractions: 152 Motor Vehicle Warnings: 12 Motor Vehicle Accident DWI’s: 0 issued. Motor Vehicle Warnings: 24 isIn the month of June there was one theft of power equipment from sued. Motor Vehicle Accident DWI’s: 0 a residence on Pent Road. There On-sight DWI’s: 1 were two smash and grabs at the Dari Serv, 13 Main St, (cash stolen

Trooper Talk

Friday, July 20, 2012

Town Times

Revolutionary (Continued from page 9)

The Berlin Historical Society Museum is open Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. (except for holiday weekends). The museum is located at 305 Main St., at the corner of Main and Peck streets, Kensington. This summer, the museum features special displays about Berlin’s participation in the Civil War as well as information on two Civil War monuments in town: one of which is the first one in the country. The museum has a new display: “Playthings from the 1930s”. This is a memory case full of toys and entertainment memorabilia from the

Great Depression years. (There is also a large collection of old toys and cast iron banks.) Still on is The Leatherman exhibit as well as the permanent collections of bricks, tin, Berlin Iron Bridge and Simeon North’s pistol factory. Museum members are currently creating new exhibits for this year’s Berlin Fair. These include topics such as: Native Americans who were living in this area at the time of the Great Swamp Settlement and the Seymour Fort; the history of the Berlin Turnpike; and a celebration of Berlin resident Emma Hart Willard, one of the first women educators in the country. The first settlers arrived in the area that would be-

come Berlin in the mid 1600s. The Town of Berlin was established in 1785. In Plainville: The Plainville Historical Society is open for tours until 2:30 p.m. each Wednesday and Saturday beginning in June through early December. The museum is located at 29 Pierce St., Plainville. Plainville, originally part of Farmington, was first settled about 1657 and incorporated as a separate town in July 1869. This year, the show is about the Plainville Stadium and features a model of the stadium was built from photos. Owned by Joseph Tinty, it began as Tinty’s Flying Ranch where small air shows were held. In 1948, the

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See Revolutionary, page 18

Deal Got news?

(Continued from page 9)

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voters stood on buying and restoring PR. When the count came in, the tally was 1097 YES votes to 151 NO votes. Inside I rejoiced for I felt the will of the people was clear and it matched my personal belief. That vote sealed the focus of my life for the next five years. The wrinkles just needed to be worked out.(Yea right) There have been ups, downs and withdrawals, primarily because of a bad economy and suitors that saw extreme risk in dumping millions into a weather dependent seasonal business without a backup venue for a bad season. Today we finally have a fit with Brownstone. They bring success, vision, money, jobs, taxes, and an off season venue. There are a few who already insist that the deal is no good (without even reading it of course). It will never be good enough. Let’s wait, it’s too cheap, what about this and that…on an on. Their strategy is to stall so that Brownstone goes home. What I ask of readers is when you read a comment in the local media, find the forth unsigned mailer in your mailbox or when yard signs begin to show up ask two question: who and why. Both have simple answers. I have been faithful to carry out the instructions you gave

me at the referendum in 2007. “To secure and restore PR” were my orders. I have no intention of turning the ship around and now look to develop houses, condos, time shares or would you believe a hotel as some (behind the scenes) want. If that’s what you want that’s cool, but don’t involve me. A change in direction would require a new bonding referendum with new instructions. Soon we will be hosting the second public hearing where you can learn about Brownstone’s vision and the details of the agreement. Then, at some point, it will be your opportunity to reconfirm the 1097 YES votes that you cast in 2007 by voting to sell PR to Brownstone. Remember that a contract is like a Subway sandwich with 25 toppings. When combined it is a complex and tasty sandwich as long as you don’t pick out the various chunks. The bottom line is that all is fine; we found jobs for 30 youth this summer. Chris Hurlbert reports that summer camp is packed. The park looks great. A lot of chip sealing of our roads was accomplished with more to come. The quality of the water in Lake Beseck is being studied and I am sitting this Sunday evening in a sweltering 85 degree Town Hall office cranking out this monthly piece. What can I say, enjoy your family and summer. They both move on too quickly.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Town Times

Durham Government Calendar Mission (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Durham Library. Check the town website at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.) Monday, July 23 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen at Town Hall Tuesday, July 31 7 p.m. — Ethics Commission

Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Monday, July 23 9 a.m. — Middlefield Housing Authority Tuesday, July 24 7 p.m. — Zoning Board of Appeals Wednesday, July 25 6:30 p.m. — Planning & Zoning

Solar (Continued from page 5)

and Justice Judge Janet Stumbo, as well as LINKS Director Brett Davis and LINKS Volunteer Coordinator Bertha Daniels, was also attended by Salyersville Mayor James Shepherd and Kentucky State Senators Robert Stivers (R), Majority Floor Leader and Johnny Ray Turner (D), Minority Caucus Chair. Just six month previous Saylersville had been hit by a devastating tornado. This year the 45 members of the church’s mission trip concentrated their efforts on tornado relief and rebuilding. During the dinner Senators Stivers and Turner presented Senior Deacon Tracy Morse of the United Churches of Durham a special commendation from the State Legislature of the Commonwealth of Kentucky recognizing with gratitude and appreciation the United Churches of Durham’s ten year commitment to the people of Eastern Kentucky. Commendations

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“The batteries we have are maintenance free and are good for 12 to 15 years,” she explained. Better yet, “We have that safety net. If power goes out, it automatically switches the system.” Though Hettrick said she has the ideal house for solar panels because of the direction it faces and having no trees in the front yard to block sunlight, she said many companies have ways of putting solar panels in yards on free standing structures for those with not-soideal homes. And for those who think switching to solar panels seems overwhelming or difficult, Hettrick said it wasn’t. “We were very impressed with BeFree Solar (who installed the solar panels),” said Hettrick. “They came in and explained the government incentives and how it all would work.” In the end, Hettrick is one step closer to her goal of getting away from fossil fuels and moving toward renewable energy. Her solar panels produce enough energy to cover more than enough for the family’s needs. In the meantime, she’s enjoyed teaching her two sons about solar energy and what the family is doing to help the environment. She says her

younger son especially has taken to it. “He told his class we got solar panels,” Hettrick said. The next thing the Hettricks would like to do is get rid of the oil furnace — “I hate being dependent on any kind of oil,” she said — and the next car purchase will most likely be an electric.

(Continued from page 1)

Friday, July 20, 2012

Town Times

Commentary

State of technology By Kyle Swartz Special to Town Times

There is much risk and reward in Connecticut’s reported plans to allocate $250 million over five years to back high-tech startup companies. While job creation and economic expansion are possible advantageous outcomes, like any venture investment this has no guarantee to produce returns. At the very least, though, by openly allotting funds for smallbusiness aid, legislators appear serious about fostering a more pro-business atmosphere in a state not necessarily known to have one. According to a recent Associated Press article, “Half of the $250 million will come from returns on investment tied to the performance of the volatile stock market, with the other half coming from the state Bond Commission.” Project leaders are the Bond Commission and Connecticut Innovations, the state’s semi-public venture

investment agency. Primary motivation is to lower Connecticut unemployment, which has remained above 8 percent since May 2009. Bringing in new businesses potentially on the verge of blooming could help grow employment opportunities, especially in top-paying, indemand markets. Already, state leaders are perceptively targeting companies in life sciences, medical devices, information technology, software and digital media. Of course, danger exists in supporting startups. Percentages which eventually turn large profits for initial investors are low. Some state-backed businesses will fold, showing nothing for money which could have funded other forms of addressing unemployment problems. And many companies only refund the principal plus some return — actually, not a regrettable scenario for Connecticut, for spending at least yielded extra jobs.

Regardless of monetary payoffs, this initiative is a positive step toward ending Connecticut’s unhelpful reputation to some as being business-unfriendly. Modern technology has created a global marketplace where competition for topearning companies — important municipal taxpayers — occurs in a worldwide arena. Each day, different states and countries fight to entice away Connecticut’s and America’s best businesses by offering fiscal incentives. For our state to retain firstclass companies, or to be home for tomorrow’s highlevel businesses, we must

give such organizations worthwhile reasons to remain. Beyond incentives such as $250 million worth of investments, the state contains another asset of value here — universities and colleges like Yale, UConn and Quinnipiac. Institutions of higher learning supply research opportunities and well-educated personnel for high-tech workplaces, especially when the two organizations are within close proximity. By increasing numbers of businesses which specialize in technology and other contemporary fields, Connecticut can retain its intellectual

capital before these people leave for lucrative careers elsewhere in America or other countries. Politicians are wise to offer seed money for modern companies but should extend deals only after thorough scrutiny of each business and its prospect for profitability. Although this boils down to risk and reward, one benefit is definite. Legislators have crafted a plan which should help chip away at notions that Connecticut is anti-business, a must to secure future financial stability amongst our uncertain global economy.

In the garden Coginchaug Area Transition continues to celebrate local gardens this summer. This photo is from the O’Connell family of Durham. “Our simple garden has just four rows and sits next to our house on the south side. It includes green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, basil and peppers. We haven’t had any pests short of a few beetles. Everything seems to be doing well except the peppers. The green beans we ate with our dinner last night were delicious.” If you have a garden photo you would like to share, CAT invites you to send your name to cog.areatransition@gmail.com. Or visit CAT on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CoginchaugAreaTransitionCAT.

ORTHODONTICS

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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.

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Corrections

We’re on the Web: www.towntimes.com

Friday, July 20, 2012

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

Summer (Continued from page 6)

your account, register for a program or renew your materials online. For information or to register for a program by phone, call (860) 3499544. 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 king of American literature, it’s the benchmark for all other ambitious novels, it’s the weighty doorstop of art. Moby Dick is the Moby Dick of books. It is not, however, a summer book. Since it’s on my summer list, I now can’t re-read it in any other season and so seven or eight summers have gone by and the great white whale continues to elude me. “#10 Learn a new language” I was really reaching here. I thought maybe I’d learn a little bit of Spanish, expose the kids to some foreign language while also teaching them that it’s okay to set high goals even if you don’t quite reach them. See, when I started the list I thought it might be a problem if I checked everything off too quickly and easily. Turns out this was the only item on the list after “Make a list” that I can almost claim to have done. That was the summer I learned Pig Latin. I never really understood how that gobbledygook language worked when I was little, mainly because I figured out that other kids would stop speaking Pig Latin if you hit them hard enough. Turns out, Pig Latin isn’t so difficult to learn, especially if you’re not wasting your time with Melville and woodworking. I’ve accepted that I’m not a summer person. I no longer make summer lists, but if I did I’d take a realistic approach. #1 Stay inside #2 Wait for it to be over.

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. Teen programs 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. Teen Blog: Get the latest on new books, graphic novels, programs and more. www.durhamteen.blogspot. com Summer Reading News: “Dream Big” is this year’s theme.. Young adults ages 12

and up are encouraged to sign up to work at the summer reading desk this summer. Sign up in the binder on the circulation desk.

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 www.leviecoe.com.

visit

Summer reading program: Monday, July 23, at 11 a.m. My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian.

Russell Library

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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“#4 Spend more time at the beach” I crossed that one off as soon as I wrote it. The reality of the beach, like the reality of summer, rarely lives up to the idea. When we think of the beach, we picture long stretches of clean, white sand where two gorgeous models gaze across sparkling blue water. The real New England beach scene is just like that except it takes place in a car stuck in traffic on 95 for two hours until the air conditioning gives out. Ha, ha, just kidding! Sometimes you make it all the way to the beach and are rewarded with a brownish packed sand-like surface, crowded with angry, un-model like people who occasionally venture into the grey water-y substance and express their disappointment by dropping half-eaten hot dogs within 50 yards of a trash can. Really, what’s not to love? Okay, the only thing I kind of like about the beach is it gives you an excuse to read a trashy novel. I’m something of a connoisseur of trashy novels and the beach gives me an excuse to read them in public, which makes the next item on my list pretty inexplicable. “#5 Re-read Moby Dick” I read more than my share of challenging novels as well and I liked the incongruity of putting Moby Dick on my summer reading list. It’s the

Town Times

Friday, July 20, 2012

Town Times

Why we moved here and why we love it

This week we are continuing our series of “Why we moved here and why we love this town.” The remaining five Town Times writers (this group happens to all be from Durham) have shared their stories. Again, we hope these snippets remind you why you came to town and why you are still here. Feel free to share your stories with us: e-mail news@towntimes.com, send to P.O. Box 265 Middlefield, 06455, or post to our Facebook wall.

Michelle P. Carter Durham My family and I moved to Durham when I was going into the fourth grade. Our little family was growing up and we were growing out of our small little home in Meriden. In looking for a new place to live, my parents’ first concern was that my sister

Jackie and I get a good education. My cousins were moving their family to Durham as well and enrolling their children in RSD13. After scoping out many possible options for our home and family, we decided to build our own home in Durham. The house was due to be finished by February 1998, but my parents didn’t want my sister and me to have to switch schools in the middle of a school year. For several months before our house was habitable, my mother drove us to our respective new schools in Middlefield. Because of our age difference, my mother and I had some time to kill between dropping off Jackie at Memorial Middle School and me at John Lyman Elementary. Every morning between drop-offs, my mom would take me to Llyod’s Restaurant in Middlefield for an English muffin with butter and a hot chocolate. Getting acquainted with our new schools and town earlier than the move made the transition much smoother. Even as a nine-year-old, I fell in love with the intimate community environment of Durham and Middlefield, with small family businesses like Llyod’s around every quiet corner. For the next nine years, my sister and I found the school system to be superlative and the other children our ages very welcoming and supportive. I

loved my time here, and I am grateful to my parents for being so prudent with regard to our education and quality of life. Diana Carr - Durham I came to Durham 25 years ago, with my then-husband and my four-year-old and six-year-old sons. It was not due to any planning on our part. It’s just where the Hand of Destiny happened to plunk us down. We had gotten a government loan for a house, with the stipulation that our new abode lie in a rural town in Middlesex County, and we had only 90 days to find such an abode. Panic set in as we neared the end of the time frame, so when the real estate agent called and said she found us something in Durham, I wouldn’t have cared it if was a chicken coop. Luckily, the town and I, I would soon discover, were a good fit. And the fit just keeps getting better and better. I love this town because I am country through and through, and so I am at home here with the rolling hills and the pastures and the cows. I love that you can wind your way through the center of town, and still feel like you’re in the country. I love that people here generally do not have suspicious natures, and trust their fellow man; I have been the recipient many times of this trust. I love living in a small town where shopkeepers know my name, and always

have the time for pleasantries and a bit of chit chat; running errands in town is truly a social occasion for me. And I love that if anyone in this town is in need, for whatever reason, hearts will open and hands will help. I should send that real estate agent a thank-you note. Judy Moeckel - Durham When my husband Jeff and I decided to get married in 1982, I lived in Hartford and he lived in Middletown. While I worked in Hartford, he was stationed in New Haven, so we decided to try to find a place to live that was somewhere in between the two cities. We also wanted something on the “rural” side. Somehow, we decided on Durham; neither of us had any knowledge of the town, but it seemed to possess the right combination of services and country atmosphere. My memories of living in the bungalow include getting to know Brenda Eddy, who was working next door; at the time, what is now Lino’s was a feed store! I also remember the way the traffic would back up all the way to our place on Durham Fair weekend. I wondered what all the fuss was about...until I actually went to the fair. Now I am hooked. I still remember the hurricane of 1985 (was it Gloria?) that uprooted a pine tree next door, which then pummeled our neighbor’s car a foot or so into the ground. I had a great

vegetable garden in the fertile soil. We have happy memories of our time there. In late 1985, right after the hurricane, we bought a house on William(s) Drive off Parmelee Road, and we lived there for more than 11 years before moving to Killingworth. My heart is still in Durham. Editor’s note: Judy lives in Killingworth now but called Durham home for almost 15 years. Karen Kean - Durham As far as why I moved here, the schools. Little did I know I would be working for the school district, now 33 years. I live on Main Street now, and I also grew up on a Main Street in Wynantskill, New York. I love the Town Of Durham and the school district very much. It’s a great place to live and work. Christine Foster Durham I first glimpsed Durham during the crazy winter of 2010-2011. After 13 years living back in my home state of California, my husband had accepted a job with ESPN and we were preparing to relocate to Connecticut. We looked at lots of towns closer to their Bristol headquarters, but we wanted a small, nurturing school for our three kids, then ages 5, 7 and 10 and we had fallen in love

See Why, next page

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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 To order, Times will only accept and publish letters that are 100 please call or visit: 101 Washington Nor th Haven Avenue, words or less. The last edition for which we will publish let203.234-9664 ters of a political nature is writers focus $ Oct. 26. We 1920ask Dixwell Avenue, to Hamden 203-907-0070 on their candidate’s worthiness for1060 office and refrain from West Main Street, Branford 203-483-9300 onon any order personal attacks individuals. As always, we reserve the 425 South Broad St, Suite 9, Meriden Code:SUM2012 right to edit letters or to not publish a letter. Letters should 203-440-4315 753full Wolcott St, Waterbur y contain contact information, including, name, address 203-591-9463 and phone number. Only your name and town will be pubEdibleArrangements.com lished. Letters on other topics will continue to be accepted up to a 300 word limit. Send letters to Watermelon Festival news@towntimes.com or Town Times, P.O. Box 265 Middlefield, CT 06455.

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Friday, July 20, 2012

4-H (Continued from page 7)

processing), so the kids are able to learn how to process the milk and make other products from the raw milk (cheese, yogurt, etc). Basiel has learned about rotational grazing, cutting and bailing hay, and producing milk and other dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. “Before I joined 4-H, I didn’t know much about agriculture,” she explained. “My love of animals drew me to the farm, and I’ve learned so much

Why (Continued from page 14)

with The Independent Day School in Middlefield. Doing a 40-minute commute to IDS from, say, West Hartford seemed insane, so we asked our realtor to show us some houses in Durham and Middlefield. We looked at just three houses and one of them — a charming 200-year-old Georgian farmhouse across from Deerfield Farm — was intriguing. My husband poked his head into Durham Wine and Spirits and saw a bottle from a favorite winery in California. “I think we can live

Town Times and had so much fun working here.” Basiel now hopes to become a large animal veterinarian. Bernadette Basiel, Bailey’s mom, adds, “4-H has kept Bailey very busy and provided many opportunities to meet youth from all over the country; 4-H has kept her from getting involved in risky behavior.” Statistics confirm that: according to research by Tufts University, 4-H youth are 25 percent more likely to contribute to their families, themselves and their communities, and 41 percent less likely to engage in risky/problem behavior. here,” he said. And three months later we did. In the last year and a half I have come to love Durham. Within a couple of months I found that I saw someone I knew virtually every time I stopped into Perk on Main. I see the same faces over and over again at church, at my sons’ basketball games, at Cub Scout events and at the Memorial Day parade. I also love the beauty of rural New England. I never fail to be surprised at how amazing the light is in the mornings and the evenings. I treasure the chance to see brand-new calves lying beside their mothers in the barn across the street. I am delighted to call Durham home.

Jolly Ranchers 4-H Club active in local, state activities

Submitted by Audra Smigel, club reporter

For the past few months The Jolly Ranchers 4-H Club has participated in many different events locally and state wide. On April 28, members attended the CT State 4-H Dairy judging day held at Beaver Brook Farm and Tiffany Farm located in Old Lyme. At these two farms the 4-Hers judged four classes of Holstein and Jersey dairy breeds and also experienced a little bit of marketing of sheep products such as the cheese that Beaver Brook Farm makes. Members sampled many different types of cheeses. Club members participated in the Middlesex County 4-H Advisory Committee Auction at the Extension Center in Haddam on May 12. Many 4-Hers from the county helped to sell raffle tickets, food, and served as auction runners. The Jolly Ranchers Club also donated a sock basket and a healthy living basket to be auctioned off. The auction benefits Middlesex County 4-Hers who participate in county activities and educational trips. On May 20, the Jolly Ranchers and other Connecticut 4-H members attended a Livestock Showmanship Clinic held at the Chester Fairgrounds. The clinic helps to develop showmanship skills for the Premier Showmanship contest held at the 4-H fair. The animals included rabbits, chickens, dogs, sheep, horses, dairy and beef cattle, llama, alpaca, and goats. Up next, the Jolly Ranchers are getting ready for the State Jersey Show held in Durham and the Middlesex and New Haven County 4-H Fair at the Durham Fairgrounds on Aug. 3 through Aug. 5. Members are working to prepare animals for show at the fair and are excited for another 4-H year.

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Friday, July 20, 2012

Town Times

Going to the Waterpark

Graduates Cornell University - Charles Abbott of Durham; Atle Selberg, of Middlefield. Choate Rosemary Hall - Maris Nyhart, Alexandra Zachowski, of Durham. University of New Haven - Caitlin Predom, of Durham.

Dean’s list Becker College, Massachusetts - Jeffrey Garuti of Middlefield. Brandeis University, Massachusetts - Jamie Garuti of Middlefield. Fairfield University - Victoria DelVecchio, Emily Bower, Timothy Rhone, of Durham; Michael Smith, of Middlefield. Merrimack College, Massachusetts - Kelly Boylin of Durham. Simmons College - Sarah Bugal of Durham. Providence College - Melissa Marks of Durham.

Academic achievements Anni Garvy of Durham was named to the honor roll for the fourth quarter at the Cheshire Academy.

Honor roll Xavier High School announced the names of the following residents to it fourth term honor roll. High honors Lawrence Bourland, Joseph Braum, Gregory Brown, Matthew DeKoeyer, Geoffrey DeVille, Ryan DeVille, Andrew Gonzalez, Eric Lee, Connor Marszalek, James Rosborough, Akshay Vig, Tushar Vig, Victor Wu, of Durham; Patrick Booth, of Middlefield. Honors Sean Doyle, Christopher Fusco, Connor Landers, Timothy Morris, Noah Palo, Christopher Peach, Raymond Peach, Joseph Prifitera, Jake Whalen, of Durham; Timothy Boyle, Robert Cocchiola, Jack Levine, Trevor Root, Michael Scherer, John Yusza, of Middlefield.

By Jim Ahern, Grade 2, John Lyman School I went to Brownstone with my family and some friends. I went with the Byrnes, the Danas and the van Eyndhovens. It is my favorite water park in the world. My favorite thing to do is zip off the 90-foot cliff and jump off the 30-foot cliff in the water. When you are zip lining, you have to walk on the road to get there. If you are small, you have to stand on a stool. If you are seven or younger, you have to wear a special harness. The 15-foot cliff jump is not so scary after two or three jumps. Conner did not like the 30- and 15foot jumps. In the middle of the park in the water there is a lot of stuff to climb on, like an iceberg to climb on. The iceberg

is something that is 25-feet tall. It has a lot of handles so you can climb on it. There is a rock wall that goes to a huge diving board. The rock wall has a picture of a guy zip lining and the side. There is also a big obstacle course. You try to make it through the obstacles by jumping over poles and keeping your balance on a slippery bar. It is really fun. If you make it to the top, you have to jump in to the water. You wear your bathing suit. You also have to wear a life vest the whole time. Some people wear water shoes, but you can lose them when you jump. They can also slow you down on some rides, so I don’t wear them. I love going to the water park with my family and friends.

Rainbow Poem By Alex Nick, Grade 1, John Lyman School, and Aunt Jill Carcia Special Persons’ Day, May 11, 2012 Red is the color of apples or a strawberry. Orange is the color of peaches or leaves in the fall. Yellow is the color of the sun or lemonade. Green is the color of the grass or lettuce. Blue is the color of the sky or the water in a pool. Purple is the color of flowers or Easter eggs.

Town Times Your source for local news and events

Sun and smiles on Craft Day Photo by Karen Kean

The Little People (four and five-yearolds) group at Durham Park & Rec had fun during Craft Day. They decorated their visors with animal stickers and posed with the senior and junior counselors.

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Friday, July 20, 2012

Town Times

A big win

The Swan By Jack Roberts, Grade 2, John Lyman School I’m a trumpeter swan And I live in a pond My wings are faster than the wind I am an incredible bird.

We’re on the Web: http://www.towntimes.com

Submitted by Helen Larkin

Connecticut Junior Softball league District 9 were named Connecticut 2012 Coginchaug Little League Junior Softball District 9 Champions recently after defeating East Hampton.Pictured with the team are manager Helen Larkin, coach George Manguilli and coach Deb Vynalek.

Building Shelves By Nicholas Sklutovsky, Grade 1, John Lyman School

Selectman Cindy Cartier has received the endorsement and support of the REALTORS Political Action Committee in her bid for election to State Senate for the 12th District. RPAC is a voluntary, non-partisan committee of the Connecticut Association of REALTORS that promotes homeownership and the right to freely transfer, own, and use real property of all types. It strives to encourage REALTORS to take a more active part in the political process and to fulfill their civic responsibilities. Christopher Shays, who is running for U.S. Senate, was at Lyman Orchards Berry Fest on July 14.

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My dad built shelves for my room. He made one in the middle, one on the left and one on the right. We decorated them. I decorated my shelves by putting pictures and stuff like my Legos and an alien head lamp. It is green. My uncle gave me a red magnet ball. I can put it there too. I put some Mexican geckos that I painted on the shelves. I had to finish my witch doctor to put him on the middle shelf. I made the witch doctor by putting pieces together. He is huge. He is awesome. He is strong and powerful. His colors are white, gray and red. He has a robot skeleton head. His energy source is called Quaza. Finally the shelves were done! We had to remove the right one because my door is on the right side of my room and the door wasn’t closing very well.

Campaign notes

Friday, July 20, 2012

Town Times

Powder Ridge debate continues aims to bring back skiing on the site, will come after that hearing. Perhaps the most strongly worded rebuke of the night came from Lucy Petrella, a member of the Board of Finance. Petrella read aloud a letter, that complained that after refusing to allow the Board of Finance to attend the negotiations, the board then invited the chairman of the town’s Economic Development Commission to attend. “ I am strongly in favor of developing Powder Ridge…What I am not in favor of, however, is selling out the people of Middlefield to any buyer at any cost just to ‘get Powder Ridge off our backs.’” Another angry exchange came after Carl Zanoni asked Dave Burgess, the member of the board who seems to side with frustrated residents, if his concerns about the project had been incorporated into the agreement. Burgess said no, prompting an angry response from one of his fellow board members. “I am not going to discuss

By Christine Foster Special to Town Times

A day after a special meeting where the Middlefield Board of Selectman voted 2-1 in executive session to sell Powder Ridge to Brownstone owner Sean Hayes, about a dozen members of the public came to say they weren’t yet sold on the plan. The hour of sometimes heated discussion about the agreement came at the start of the board’s regularly scheduled meeting on July 17. The members of the public who spoke expressed distrust about the process and the concerns that the town may not end up with what they hope for from the plan. “[Hayes is] getting the deal of a lifetime,” said Susan Heuberger, of the $700,000 sale price. “I’m just looking to see if he has gratitude for that.” First Selectman Jon Brayshaw said the date has not yet been set for a public hearing on the agreement. The final vote by town residents on the project, which

SUDOKU ANSWER

what goes on in executive session, but what you are saying is inaccurate,” Selectman Ed Bailey said, his face reddening markedly. Some of the concerns that were voiced were procedural. Marianne Corona said that notice of meetings is not always posted to the town website. Pat Brown said that the hard copy of the agreement that she got at town hall earlier in the day was missing several pages. The portion of the agreement that was missing addresses the circumstances under which the new owner could avoid offering skiing on the site. Members of the Board of Selectman said their legal counsel told them that that would only happen in extreme circumstances – like 50-degree winters – but residents remained worried. “It’s not good. It’s not safe for the town,” said Christine Leavitt. “He could just opt out.”

Don’t miss out Check the events in Town Times & Places to see what’s happening in Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

CROSSWORD ANSWER

Town Times (860) 349-8000

Revolutionary (Continued from page 10)

Established in 1949, the so-

ciety is dedicated to preserv-

ing Durham’s history. The

town was first settled in 1699 first auto race was held on a dirt track and spectators could expect to be covered in dirt. Consequently, Tiny paved the track. The track was known for spectacular crashes and also fights. Several local drivers became nationally known. The exhibit includes photos of the stadium during various time periods with events such as motorcycle races and a circus as well as photos of drivers and their race cars. The museum also offers other exhibits dedicated to topics in areas such as: the barn room, the canal room, the children’s room, the tool room, the Tunxis room and the Victorian parlor. The summer exhibit closes Aug. 25. In Durham: After a 10 year hiatus the Durham Historical Society has reopened its Center Schoolhouse facility, built in 1775. During the past decade, the facility has been in the midst of a major overhaul; including moving, sorting and cataloguing materials for exhibits. Located at 38 Town House Road, near the Green, the schoolhouse will be open to the public July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13 and Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Exhibits will feature items from the Civil War, World War 1 and World War 11, as well as children’s samplers and women’s clothing.

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and originally called Cogin-

chaug, the Native American

name. Durham has one of the

first public libraries in the

country, founded in 1733; just

two years after Benjamin

Franklin founded the first library in Philadelphia.

According to the society’s

early mission statement, it

intends to “research and

record facts relating to early

Durham; to collect and pre-

serve articles of historical

value or legend; and to com-

memorate the early citizens

and their colonial homes in paintings

photo-

graphs.”

The work on the school-

house, all undertaken by vol-

unteers and other assistance

from the community, includ-

ed renovation of the second

floor for meeting and exhibit

space. The original flooring

was refinished and beams

were placed to support a

vaulted ceiling and roof, with new

lighting,

insulation,

painting and other repairs.

(Information provided by museum sources.)

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Town Times Sports

Friday, July 20, 2012

Commentary

LeBron, take your best shot tionally televised event. At a subsequent uber-celebration in Miami, complete with marching band and pyrotechnics, James infamously forecasted his new team to win “not one, not two . . . not seven” championships.

every quote from or about him has received press. In the 2012 finals, an opposing player questioned his defensive toughness. In the past, James might have allowed himself to fight it out in various media channels. Instead, he brushed off the censure, focused on his game, and won his first title.

Many spectators may have taken the fanfare as conceit, and the oversized prediction as disrespect for the game. (And, of course, this celebration was watched millions of times on YouTube.) Arguably, James changed this post-season. Dating back to his domination of highschool basketball, almost

Youths on area sports teams should note the implications. Competition involves pursuing personal triumph at the expense of another’s defeat, a win/loss sitSee LeBron, next page

Miami Heat star forward LeBron James during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

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The mere mention of Miami-Heat-player LeBron “King” James is a gauge for opinions about him. Are readers supportive of the superstar finally attaining his first NBA title — the perfect conclusion to a lifetime’s journey? Or are viewers of the type who detest James and the Heat? Whether one is a sports enthusiast or not, chances are they know of James. A threetime MVP, he likely is the best basketball player alive, an unmatched blend of talent and physicality. Another possibility is that — short of Barack Obama or Mitt Romney — James is the most polarizing figure in America. People love him — or loathe him. Why? As recently argued by Malcolm Gladwell and Bill Simmons on Grantland.com, one factor helping divide fans here is the technological era of James’ ascension. Both writers proffered that James’ life — he’s 27 — coincides with the explosion of social media, texting, ESPN television, Twittering, 24-hour news cycles, etc. Historically, top athletes received perhaps-excessive coverage. But because of the contemporary, multifarious, high-tech media machine, James is thrust into our lives - and dissected by everyone from professionals to bloggers — at a rate unequaled before. It’s difficult to avoid content which causes consideration of him. Admiration for athletes is logical. Their televised success under pressure makes for natural role models, gripping stories to follow. But why so much hate for LeBron? He is a product of the userfocused-technology era, with an oversized personality broadcast nightly across a litany of media outlets. But excessive expression of self can become cloying to fans. The turning point for many was “The Decision” in 2010. A free agent seeking a new team, James turned his signing decision — normally a routine matter — into a na-

Friday, July 20, 2012

Town Times

Commentary

Rich rewards for all involved in student exchange program

Exchange students from Coginchaug Regional High School with stuAs a recent graduate of dents from Blaise Pascal Coginchaug Regional High School I’ve been reflecting in Oaxaca. By Ben Plant Special to Town Times

upon what I enjoyed most about my high school career. The answer tends to surprise people. This is because my fondest memory of high school didn’t take place at a dance or assembly, or even in this country at all. It was an exchange program I took part in. While I was a junior at Coginchaug, a two-week exchange program was offered to Oaxaca. Pronounced “wahhaak-kah”, it is an artisan city in southern Mexico. As part of the program, participants flew down in February and stayed separately in the home of a teen from a prep

school in Oaxaca called “Blaise Pascal Preparatoria”. I happened to stay with a 15-year-old named Boa Contreras. We attended school with our student hosts as well as going on fun excursions throughout the two weeks. When we returned to Connecticut, our students then flew here to stay with us in March and it was our turn to be the host. Between these two separate experiences I have gained worlds of knowledge on how to successfully host an exchange student. I hope to share what I have learned

with as many people as I can so they can all see how rewarding it really is. I decided to do the program because I have always

wondered about how my life might differ from someone who lived down the street or on the other side of the world. In my situation, if you

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wanted to be an exchange student, it was expected you would also host the same student. That was the program my school was involved in. Then it hit me that I probably wasn’t the only one that pondered this. Other teens from Mexico probably felt the same way I did. That was when I knew that hosting an exchange student was the right thing to do. I participated in the program a year and a half ago and I got so much more from it then I thought. Not only did I learn about the culture of Mexico, I learned that it was something I want to be a See Exchange, next page

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uation which can lead to momentary lapses of pride. But, as James possibly discovered, the most important aspect of athletics is not celebration, but sportsmanship and respect for the game — and with this helpful knowledge, perhaps James can win over a few more fans.

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Friday, July 20, 2012

Town Times

John E. Mulcahey

Ben Plant and his fellow exchange student Boa Contreras, from Oxaca, Mexico.

Exchange (Continued from page 20)

See Exchange, page 23

High School in 1937. In 1951, John moved to Connecticut to sail on the M/V Excello, transporting chemicals between New Haven and Corpus Christi, Texas. Later, he worked ashore at the New Haven Terminal, Inc., dispatching imports and retiring after 35 years. John was an avid golfer and gardener, spending his retirement years enjoying those passions between North Haven and Gloucester. Besides his wife of 55 years, John is survived by his five children, John Mulcahey, Jr. (Ann), Sharon Martin (Wayne), and Diane Juden (Daniel), all of Gloucester, Massachusetts; Susan Mulcahey (Jamie Burnett), of Durham, and Holly Mulcahey, of New Haven. He also leaves six grandchildren, J. Michael Mulcahey (Paula), Bridgette Mathews (Neil),

Colleen Moceri (Joseph), Wendy Murrin (Peter), Daniel Juden, and Jay Juden, all of Gloucester, Massachusetts; eight great-grandchildren; many devoted nieces, nephews and friends, including special friends Robert and Marilyn Terry, of Durham. His kind and gentle spirit will live in the hearts of all who knew him.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend a celebration of John’s life at noon on Saturday, July 21, 2012, at 315 Stage Coach Road in Durham, Connecticut. Interment in Gloucester, Massachusetts will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

The North Haven Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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part of for the rest of my life. Since then I have decided to pursue a degree in Spanish in college. Also, I wasn’t prepared for this new person in my life. Before the actual exchange program, my exchange brother was more of a concept to me than an actual person. I never imagined I would have such a strong relationship with him and the other people I met. I was able to connect with so many Mexican teens and I still communicate with most of them through Facebook. When I’m talking to other teens and their families about my experience, they respond with the old “That’s wonderful for you, but I don’t know if I could ever do anything like that.” The most common concern is that they don’t know much about the other country or what they have to offer. The thing is, that’s the best way to start. You don’t need anything but an open mind. The whole idea of an exchange program is to learn about something you don’t already know about. One of the most important lessons is the one you find in yourself; how much you can learn from someone else and what you can share with them. If doing it for someone else isn’t enough, do it for you. Finding fun things to do

with your student is much easier than you think. You will want to show them day

John E. Mulcahey, 93, of North Haven and Gloucester, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at The Connecticut Hospice in Branford, Connecticut, on July 10, 2012. He was the husband of Gail (Nearis) Mulcahey. John was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts on Aug. 17, 1918 to John C. and M. Elizabeth (Aptt) Mulcahey. The youngest of three siblings, he was predeceased by his brother Clayton J. Mulcahey and his sister Margaret F. (Mulcahey) LaPointe. He grew up in Manchester, Massachusetts and graduated from the former Story

Obituary

Insured

Friday, July 20, 2012

Town Times

State announces search for ‘Still Revolutionary’ destinations

The Connecticut Office of Tourism has unveiled a socially-driven campaign for residents and visitors to share which Connecticut destinations and attractions embody the spirit of still revolutionary, the state’s new brand. The destination that receives the most votes will be featured in a digital ad spot, as well as in a short documentary video that will run

online and on the state’s social media channels this fall. Similar to the “What’s Your Connecticut Story?” campaign, which launched earlier this year, the program offers another way for the public to get involved in the state’s marketing efforts. The CT Fan-Favorite campaign will run on state’s Facebook and Twitter pages for two weeks, with the 10 most frequently submitted

destinations included in a Facebook poll and final destination chosen by popular vote. “Since launching still revolutionary this spring, we continue to hear stories about the places and hidden gems that inspire our residents and visitors. That ability to innovate and inspire people every day is what being still revolutionary is all about,” said Christopher

“Kip” Bergstrom, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development. “Whether passionate about the underwater adventures at The Maritime Aquarium, exploring the history of aviation at the New England Air Museum, curling up with a good book at Ocean Beach Park or taking in thrill after thrill at Lake Compounce, the CT

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Fan-Favorite campaign is a way for residents and frequent visitors to not only share their favorite destinations with each other, but with anyone looking to plan a trip Connecticut.” To get involved, residents and visitors can post or tweet their favorite destination from today through July 31. To be considered, destinations must be submitted on a Facebook status update that includes #CTFanFavorite or tagged on Twitter with the same hashtag. The top ten most frequently submitted destinations will be compiled into a Facebook poll which will live on the Visit Connecticut Facebook page from Aug. 6 – Aug. 20. Destination/Attraction Criteria for Consideration: located in Connecticut; enhances and supports the image of Connecticut as still revolutionary; a destination that continues to inspire visitors each and every day; serves as a true tourism attraction/destination for the state; either built or natural; Natural Tourism Attraction: Natural attractions comprise geographic or other natural features of tourist interest and be managed by a recognized agency or body, including: parks and reserves; waterfalls, lakes, dams and other water catchment areas; beaches; caves, rock formations; scenic lookouts, viewing areas, vistas and areas of impressive natural beauty. Built Tourism Attraction: Tourism must clearly be an important part of the business; have all relevant state and local government licenses and approvals to operate as a commercial tourist attraction including health, planning, parking and disabled access facilities. See Destinations, next page

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Destinations (Continued from page 22)

business and tourism destination. It is a 360-degree integrated campaign delivered through a variety of touch points including TV, radio, print, digital, out of home, public relations and social media. Since the campaign launched in May, CTvisit.com has seen an 80 percent increase in site visitation. To obtain more information about Connecticut tourism or plan your next trip, visit www.CTvisit.com or call 1-888-CTvisit.

Exchange (Continued from page 21) trips and exciting sites in our area, however you can also have enjoyable experiences closer to home. The great thing about having an exchange student is showing them what life is really like here. Take them to school or around town with you as you normally would. What might seem boring to you can be new and exciting to someone

who spends his or her time differently than you do. The most important thing to do is ask them for suggestions. That was what I appreciated most while being an extended guest in someone else’s home. If you are going somewhere, ask them if they want to go. If you are going by the house, ask them if they want to get dropped off. It is impossible to profile every exchange student as to how they will want to spend time. It wasn’t hard for me to convince myself that hosting

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a student was what I wanted. If the others in your house are the challenge, let them know this: As someone who participated in a program where 20 families housed students, I don’t know one family that wouldn’t do it again. Not only will you learn so much about a new culture and aid someone else in doing the same, you will share that culture with our entire community. I can’t think of a better experience to share.

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Any destinations/attractions included in the first round of creative this spring (including Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House, Essex Steam Train, Hammonasset State Beach, Brownstone Quarry Adventure Park, Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods, Rocky Neck State Park, The Bushnell, The Hartford Capitol Building, Connecticut Science Center) will not be eligible for submission/receive the consumer vote. Please note that for this particular program, restaurants, individuals, retail stores, cities or municipalities will not be eligible for consideration. Events submitted must be open to the public and be available for 100 or more visitors or spectators. The full list of criteria can be found on facebook.com/VisitConnecticut. For more information or to submit your favorite destination to the Fan-Favorite campaign visit the Visit Connecticut Facebook page or follow on Twitter @CTvisit. For additional information on CT events, trip ideas and exclusive deals check out www.CTvisit.com. Still revolutionary is a new marketing initiative designed to serve as a rallying point to help build pride among residents and bolster the state’s reputation as a

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