Towntimes20170707 by Town Times Newspaper

Volume 23, Number 6

www.towntimes.com

Friday, July 7, 2017

New laws Durham co-op nursery school closes are now in effect By Mark Dionne Town Times

After 59 years of operation, the Durham Cooperative Nursery School has closed.

By Mike Savino Record-Journal staff

Several new laws went into effect July 1, including one requiring that judges make certain findings before they can set monetary bail for defendants charged with misdemeanors. The law, which took effect Saturday, requires that judges find that defendants are charged with a family violence-related offense, are likely to miss court appearances, are a threat to obstruct justice, or otherwise pose a danger to the public before setting monetary bond. The law also bars judges from imposing so-called “cash only” bonds, with exceptions for all class A felonies, promotion of prostitution, second-degree assault and related offenses, and other specific charges. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who proposed the bail reform bill as part of his “Second Chance Society” initiative, said the changes are needed to transform a criminal justice practice that has disproportionately affected lower income residents. “The system of pretrial justice that we have been operating under for many decades has resulted in many unintended consequences that often have adverse effects on public safety,” Malloy said of the law. The new law requires that See Laws, A17

Citing social changes, the Main Street pre-school for 3 and 4-year-olds closed its doors ahead of the 20172018 school year.

“The school’s philosophy of learning through play and helping 3- and 4-year-old children acquire basic life skills and social skills such as sharing and task transition has been instrumental in the development of all who have had the opportunity to attend,” the co-op posted on its Facebook page. An institution for local families, the co-op struggled with enrollment in See Nursery, A15

Town a long way from acquiring Korn By Mark Dionne Town Times

The town of Durham’s potential acquisition of the former Francis E. Korn Elementary School building and a sixacre lot surrounding it has numerous steps involved, some straightforward and some complicated. The details of the proposed plan, first revealed on June 12, involve Durham and Regional School District 13 swapping a six-acre parcel of land near Brewster Elementary School for the Korn building and a surrounding sixacre lot. Durham would then pay Middlefield about $27,000 per year for five years to compensate Middlefield for its remaining debt in the building. At the Durham Board of Selectmen’s June 26 meeting, Board of Education Chair Bob Moore said that the plan had been worked on extensively by school and town officials and should be considered by the public. Moore said, “We’re at the point of ‘Let’s move forward.’” The initial agreement is in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding. The MOU is still being updated by the district and town and remains unapproved by either. One change will make it clear that Durham will not acquire the property unless the townspeople approve the expense.

Board of Education member Kerrie Flanagan explained part of the plan for the future of the Korn building to a full audience in June. It took multiple school and town officials to walk through the steps for Durham to acquire the Korn building when the plan was first publicly detailed. | Mark Dionne, Town Times

“The ultimate agreement won’t happen until we get permission from the townspeople to fund it,” Durham First Selectman Laura Francis told the Town Times. “The language in the original MOU wasn’t clear enough on that.”

nal transfer agreement. This MOU sets the parameters and sets everything in motion to do the due diligence and sets basic agreement to terms – transfer of property, assumption of the debt – and then we move forward. But it does not represent a final agreement.”

Approval of the MOU by the district and town boards allows the process to move forward, but does not transfer the properties.

An approved MOU would start a due diligence period for Durham, which involves Planning & Zoning, the Zoning Board of Appeals, financing, and

“This MOU does not represent the fi-

See Korn, A16

A2 Friday, July 7, 2017

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School News Dean’s list

Xavier High School:

Bryant University, Rhode Island - Morgan Dickson of Durham.

Headmaster’s list - Rohan Patel, Blake Courchesne, Owen Cordes, Ryan Leahy, Michael Salley, William Egan, Samuel Longworth.

Connecticut College - Zoe Stublarec of Rockfall. Saint Michael’s College, Vermont - Marissa A. Berry of Middlefield.

Honors - Giulio Giuffrida, Ryan Hooking, Patrick Hocking, Nicholas Pitruzzello,

Xavier High School

Periodicals postage paid at Meriden, CT and at additional mailing offices.

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CLUE: G = U

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Record-Journal, P.O. Box 915, Meriden, CT 06450

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Principal’s list - Spencer Brayton, Giulio Guiffrida, Ryan Hocking, Wylie Malcolm, Nicholas Carta, Patrick Hocking, Nicholas Pitruzzello, Joshua Fazz-

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tic achievements of local students. Company policy requires verification from the school, i.e., a copy of the letter, email or certificate received by the student.

Town Times prints scholas-

Scripture Bits Scripture Bits

Local students named to the fourth quarter honor roll at

Town Times

ino, Andrew Kleczkowski, Alexander Kulasenski, Alex DiVincentis, William Lallier, Timothy Rinaldi, Jake Woznyk, Ryan Child, Dmitrey Guenther.

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University of New Hampshire - James Peters, Bailey Basiel of Durham.

High honors - Spencer Brayton, Rohan Patel, Blake Courchesne, William Lallier, Owen Cordes, Ryan Leahy, Michael Salley.

Joshua Fazzina, Andrew Kleczkowski, Alexander Kulasenski, Griffin Saks, Alex DiVincentis, Timothy Rinaldi, Trevor Scotto, Jake Woznyk, Ryan Child, William Egan, Dmitrey Guenther, Samuel Longworth, Sungum Saharan.

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Friday, July 7, 2017

State police charge 60 motorists with DUI over holiday weekend State police charged 60 motorists with driving under the influence and cited more than 4,000 for speeding and hazardous moving violations over the Fourth of July holiday. From Friday morning to Tuesday night, state police cited 1,368 motorists for speeding and 2,941 motorists for hazardous moving violations, including unsafe lane changes, following too closely and using a cell

In 2016, state police charged 39 motorists with driving under the influence, cited 1,227 for speeding and 2,913 for hazardous moving violations, and investigated 315 accidents. — Bryan Lipiner

Logano Foundation fundraiser July 13 Driving Hope Home, the fourth annual Joey Logano Foundation Connecticut Fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, July 13. The event features a golf tournament, dinner, live and silent auctions, raffle and a car show at the Southington Country Club and Aqua Turf Club. NASCAR driver Joey Logano plans to attend all events. Driving Hope Home raises

money for children with illnesses, military families in need and organizations offering second chances to children and young adults in time of crisis. This year, proceeds benefit Connecticut’s foster care programs and Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut & Western Massachusetts. Visit joeyloganofoundation. com.

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On Tuesday, July 4, about 9 p.m., state police responded to 26 Pine Ledge Trail, Durham, a listed address for Lynch, after receiving multiple reports of a large fireworks display.

By Bryan Lipiner Record-Journal staff

A Madison man has been charged after police say he was found in possession of $20,000 worth of illegal fireworks in Durham Tuesday. Theodore Lynch, 50, of 148 Middle Beach Road, Madison, was charged with illegal possession of fireworks, second-degree reckless endangerment and breach of peace. He was released after posting $10,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned in Middletown Superior Court on July 19.

Care

After arriving, authorities discovered about $20,000 of exploded and unexploded illegal fireworks, state police said. Lynch was taken into custody and the state police emergency services unit responded to collect and dispose of the fireworks. Lynch

blipiner@record-journal.com 203-317-2444 Twitter: @BryanLipiner

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State police: Man found in possession of $20,000 worth of illegal fireworks in Durham

phone while driving. Authorities also investigated 398 accidents, 50 of which had reported injuries and one of which was fatal.

Kids must be registered to sell. (Rain Date is Sat. July 15th)

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LEGAL NOTICE Town of Durham, CT

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Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the Town of Durham that the Town Tax on the Grand List of October 1, 2016 is due and payable in two installments, July 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018. All Motor Vehicle Taxes and Taxes in the amount of $100 or less are due and payable in full July 1, 2017. If the first payment is not paid on or before August 1, 2017, interest must be charged from July 1, 2017 at 1.5% per month (payment on 8/2/17 will have a 3% interest added) with a minimum interest charge of $2.00.

We also offer an Adult Day program, Respite and Short-stay options.

Payments may be mailed to: Town of Durham, P.O. Box 428 Durham, CT 06422 Or visit: www.townofdurhamct.org to find other accepted forms of payment by clicking on “View & Pay Taxes”. The Tax Collector's office hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30-4:30pm and Friday 8:303:00pm. Additional hours: the first Tuesday of each month 8:30am to 7pm and for this collection period; Saturday July 29th, 2017 from 10:00am - 12:00pm. Martin French, CCMC Tax Collector, Town of Durham

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A4 Friday, July 7, 2017

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Library Briefs Levi E. Coe Library Library hours - Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Friday and Saturday.

Call the Children’s Department at 860-349-3857 or stop by the library to register.

Durham Public Library

Adult/Teen Summer Reading Program

Library hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enter to win a Kindle Paperwhite E-reader. Stop by the library and pick up a reading slip for each book you read, return to the library.

Children’s Summer Reading Programs Call for appointments to read to Bailey the Reading Dog.

Programs for children and teens Kids’ Tag Sale. Saturday, July 8, 10 a.m. to noon. Rain date is Saturday, July 15. (Participants must be registered to sell items.)

Harry Potter Book Club. Tuesday, July 11, 6:30 p.m. Discussion of one book each week and activities. All ages, registration required.

Wednesday, July 19, 3 p.m. Temporary tattoos for grades 4 to 6. Registration is required.

Crafternoon. Thursdays, 2 p.m. Crafts and snacks for grades 3 and up. Registration is required.

Mystery Book Discussion. Tuesday, July 18, 7:30 p.m. “Is Fat Bob Dead Yet” by Stephen Dobyns. All are welcome.

DIY Bath Bombs. Thursday, July 13, 6:30 p.m., for grades 6 and up. Registration is required.

Thursday Movie Matinées. Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. Visit www.durhamlibrary.org for schedule.

Tween Glitter Tattoos.

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Dudley Farm Museum, 2351 Durham Road, Guilford, has scheduled a basket making class, with Donna Lowell, for Wednesday, July 26, 10 a.m.

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Celebrating 30 Years of Caring for Our Community

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The class includes oval bread basket, field basket, trestle table basket and cat nap basket. A fee is charged and includes all materials. Registration is required by Wednesday, July 12 with check made out to The Dudley Foundation received by Sunday, July 16. For more information and to register, call Donna Lowell at 203-457-0033.

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Friday, July 7, 2017

EDITORIAL

Walking her own path Each June, at high schools throughout the country, the top students in their graduating class are given the opportunity to address their classmates and those gathered at commencement.

all, their motivation never wanes. Again, top students deserve all the praise they get. However, many of their classmates have pushed themselves and accomplished great things as well and certainly are capable of dispensing some worldly wisdom at the podium.

Hines, led a school anti-bullying group. Also, she is a seasoned stage performer and musician.

Hines, who addressed the crowd at graduation prior to the class valedictorian, said there is huge pressure They’ve earned this moon students to excel in upment in the spotlight. It’s per-level classes, but it is an incredible feat being fine not to be on track to named valedictorian or sabecome a “rocket scienlutatorian. Students sacritist,” the Connecticut Post fice a great deal to earn the With that in mind, at its reported. “Unlike most of moniker. They dedicate late recent graduation ceremony, Staples High School my classmates, I have never nights and early mornings in Westport offered the taken an honors or AP class to their studies. To keep microphone to a “class day at Staples, but I still learned their grades glistening, speaker,” an honor based a lot,” said Hines, who will they pass up many enticattend the University of ing invitations from friends. on a student’s contributions to the community, not Rhode Island. They battle stress and faon their GPA. tigue, and the usual teenage drama. But through it This year’s honoree, Megan

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at the head of the class. – Originally published in the Meriden Record-Journal.

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A6 Friday, July 7, 2017

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IT’S ALL GOOD

Independence Day around the world By now you have most likely stuffed yourself to the gills with all kinds of delectable goodies that starred at your

same day, but in a big way nevertheless. Here’s what an Internet search coughed up. France’s version of our Independence Day is Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14. Like us, they will have fireworks. Not like us, they will be in Paris, and they will be watching them with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. And then there will be the all-night Fireman’s Ball, celebrated on the 13th and 14th. India celebrates its independence on Aug. 15, with the prime minister raising the Indian flag and giving a speech. Followed by people everywhere flying kites, which are considered a symbol of freedom. It can get competitive, we are told, with enthusiasts trying to knock other kites out of the sky. Pakistan’s Independence Day is on Aug. 14. The dayapart celebrations of PakiMORE WAYS TO

MOVE YOU

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stan and India began in 1947, when the two countries were carved out of one British colony in order to allow the outgoing British viceroy to attend both independence ceremonies. The two nations have become rivals, but in recent years their consecutive Independence Day celebrations are seen as a time to promote peace, with activists from both sides meeting for talks. There’s a ceremony where citizens from both countries gather on opposite sides to cheer on high-stepping border guards as they lower their respective flags, and last year Indian officials brought sweets to their Pakistani counterparts in honor of their Independence Day.

Australia pulls out all the stops on Jan. 26, which is their summer. Barbeques on the beach. A day-long celebration that includes the People’s March, which is a multicultural flood of Australians who show the country’s diversity. Ghana does independence big, on March 5, with parades, parties, and dancing. Eating soup joumou on Jan. 1 is an act of independence for Haitians. Under French colonial rule they were not allowed to eat this Caribbean-style pumpkin soup because it was too much of a delicacy for slaves. That came to an end when the slaves revolted and defeated the French forces in 1903.

South Korea celebrates on Aug. 15, in a rather unusual Finland’s Independence Day way, with special prison is held on Dec. 6, to celebrate pardons, primarily for petty its declaration of indepencrimes. There’s also Russian R an S ofR Q Q dence W Mfrom G EtheM G A ReSZAFE ficial ceremony where the public in 1917. The day will president speaks and all see houses decorated in blue burst out into a song and G Wthat M is I AY F white A Y(the R Ecolors B A of D theO E M G I L tailor-made for the day. Finnish flag), and special Indonesia has an interesting cakes with blue and white Z their I L inB A E frosting. F Z U BPeople G Wwill Mbe I inA Y F L E D way of celebrating dependence, on Aug. 17. Nut front of their TVs, watching the reception at the Presitrees with buckets of prizes in E the M G A U D Q Z I L; S R QPalace. Q WAnd MG at the top, are slathered withR dential evening they will light two oil. Young men then work candles in each window of together, using each other’s to comBW R EtoR Atheir Z Ihome, L UinDorder HQ F B B R I O B. bodies as stepping stools, memorate the safe houses climb to the top to grab one that hid Finns from the of the goodies. ------ R B ZRussians. R Z Y 44:3-4

Scripture Bits

So however you celebrated

the Fourth, whether it was CLUE: G = U

climbing up trees, flying a kite, or getting that longedfor prison pardon, I hope it was a good one. You didn’t eat too much, did you? I didn’t think so.

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holiday picnic. You may have battled the crowds so that you could “ooh” and “aah” at the fireworks that lit up your part of the sky. You’re not alone. Countries the world over celebrate their independence, too. Maybe not exactly like us, and not on the

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I will pour out water upon the thirsty ground and streams upon the dry land; I will pour out my spirit and my blessings. Isaiah 44:3-4

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Friday, July 7, 2017

YOUR MONEY

Get a jump on 2017 tax savings 2. Home ownership By Jeff Jolly

With the April deadline for filing taxes behind us, it can be easy to put taxes out of your mind until next filing season. Before you do, review your financial situation to see if you could benefit from early tax planning. A little organization today may help you reduce your 2017 tax burden. Review the five considerations below to see if payments or contributions you make this year could help you unlock tax savings: 1. Retirement plan contributions If you participate in a retirement plan through your employer, such as a 401(k) plan, consider maximizing pre-tax contributions to the extent you can afford it. In 2017, you can contribute up to $18,000 in pre-tax dollars to a workplace retirement plan, or $24,000 if you are 50 or older. Those dollars are deducted from your income before taxes are calculated, so it reduces your taxable income while you build savings for the future. If a workplace plan is not available to you or if you’d like to save additional income for retirement, you can consider putting up to $5,500 annually in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). You may contribute up to $6,500 to an IRA if you are age 50 and older. For traditional IRAs, you may be able to deduct those contributions from your current income, however those dollars will be taxed when they are withdrawn.

Many Americans reduce their tax burden by using deductions related to home ownership. Interest payments you make on your mortgage loan as well as property taxes may be deducted from your income (if you itemize the deductions). Also, if you paid some interest upfront in exchange for a lower rate on your mortgage loan (also known as paying points), you may be eligible for additional tax breaks. If you’re planning to make any changes to your housing situation this year, it’s important to consider how your taxes may be impacted before making any big moves. Downsizing as part of your retirement plan or purchasing a vacation home, for example, may have tax implications. Consult with a tax advisor for more information on how your current or future housing situation could affect your taxes. 3. College education There are several savings options you may be able to use if one of your financial goals is helping your children pay for college. Common options include Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts, Uniforms Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) accounts, tax-exempt savings bonds and 529 plans. 529 plans are a common tax-advantaged savings option because they are specifically designed to help families save for higher education. Contributions are not tax deductible at the federal level (but may be in certain states), however

your earnings are permitted to grow tax free. You will not be taxed at the federal level (and in most cases at the state level) when the money is withdrawn for qualified higher education expenses. Keep in mind that there are advantages and disadvantages to each college savings option, and each one may impact your current financial situation and your child’s eligibility for financial aid differently. When it’s time to pay tuition and other college expenses, you may qualify for one or more tax incentives. If you pay qualified higher educational expenses for yourself, your spouse, or student in the first four years of attending a post-secondary school, you may be able to claim up to $2,500 in tax credits. Unlike a tax deduction that reduces taxable income, a tax credit reduces your tax liability dollar-for-dollar. The American Opportunity Tax Credit is a valuable education related tax-saving strategy, but there are others as well. 4. Job-related moving expenses For most of us, tax savings are not a reason to seek a new job. Yet you may qualify for some tax savings if you find yourself with a different employer this year. Generally, the expense of seeking a new job is not tax deductible. However, if you seek a position in the same field of work, expenses may be deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction. (Taxpayers may only take miscellaneous itemized deductions to the extent that they add up and exceed 2 percent of your adjusted gross income.)

Although a wide range of energy tax credits expired at the end of 2016, one is currently available for the cost of installing solar electric and water heating property in your primary or secondary

Important tax reminder: The tax strategies and deductions available to you may vary based on your income and other circumstances in a particular year, and are not limited to the categories mentioned here. Consult with an accountant before adjusting your tax strategy. Jeff Jolly is a financial advisor and senior vice president of Root, Borajkiewicz, Lucarelli Wealth Management, with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in North Haven.

Uncle Bob’s

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375 EA.

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ing grades 5 and 6. The clinic focuses on basketball fundamentals and improving skills. There is a fee to attend. Register at www.cbcthunder.org.

191 Meriden Road (Rt 66) Middlefield 860-704-8414 unclebobsgarden.com FULL SERVICE FLORIST

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the outdoor courts at Coginchaug Regional High School from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and are open to Durham and Middlefield boys and girls enter-

5. Solar energy installation

residence. If you’re considering this option, see your tax advisor to discuss the tax credit details, including qualification requirements and amount.

Low Prices, Great Quality & Service... What Else is There?

Summer Sunset Hoops Clinic The Coginchaug Basketball Club’s 13th Annual Sunset Hoops Clinic will be held Monday evenings, July 10 to Aug. 14. Sessions are held at

If you meet certain requirements related to the length of your employment, the time-frame for when you start a new role and distance your new job is from your previous work location, you may be able to deduct moving costs. Expenses that can be deducted include the costs of using a moving company, transporting items yourself and travel to a new residence.

A8 Friday, July 7, 2017

Town Times | towntimes.com

Merrill won’t release data to voter fraud panel attempted to” influence the 2016 election outcome and hack into election systems around the country. Kobach’s letter drew bipartisan criticism, with Mississippi Secretary of the State Delbert Hosemann refusing to comply before his office received a letter.

By Mike Savino Record-Journal staff

Secretary of the State Denise W. Merrill has joined the growing list of election officials around the country who are balking at the request for data from President Donald Trump’s voter fraud commission.

“My response would be — they can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi is a great state to launch from,” Hosemann, a Republican, said in a statement.

Merrill, in a letter released to reporters Monday, said it is “not in the best interest of Connecticut residents” to comply with an “overly broad” request seeking personal information for a “vague purpose.” Election officials from more than 20 states have said publicly that they won’t comply with the order from the Presidential Advisory Commission on Voter Integrity. Commission Vice Chairman Kris Kobach, Kansas’ secretary of the state and operational leader of the board, sent letters last week seeking any “publicly available” voter data.

Kentucky Secretary of the State Alison Lundergan Grimes, a Democrat, raised concerns that the commission could have ulterior motives.

Secretary of the State Denise W. Merrill, right, speaks during a press conference in January. | Mike Savino, Record-Journal

tions, voting histories for the past decade and the last four digits of voters’ Social Security numbers.

Merrill raised concerns Kobach is among those who that Kobach’s letter gave have said their state can’t no indication of how the fully comply with the recommission would protect quest because any portion that information, includof a Kansas voters’ Social ing complying with some Security number is not pub- states’ protections for licly available under state police officers, domestic law. violence victims, or other Along with names and voter groups granted some level affiliation, Kobach asked for of confidentiality. birth dates, felony convic“Your request fails to out-

line any legal authority of the commission and lacks the detailed assurances necessary regarding how to safeguard the personally identifiable information you are attempting to obtain,” she wrote. Merrill’s letter is a reversal from a statement she put out last week stating she intended to comply despite her concerns. Trump formed the commission to investigate voter fraud and his claim that between

3 million and 5 million votes were cast illegally last November. Election officials and experts have dismissed the claim. Trump took to Twitter Saturday to question states refusing to comply with his “very distinguished voter fraud panel.” “What are they trying to hide?” Trump wrote. Merrill questioned whether Trump and the commission “acknowledge that Russia

Religion Briefs Church of the Epiphany 196 Main St., schedules Sunday worship service of the Holy Communion at 9:30 a.m.

Middlefield Federated Church 402 Main St., 860-349-9881 or www.mfcct.com, is a union of the Middlefield Congregational Church and the Middlefield Methodist Church. Sunday worship service and Sunday School are

scheduled for 10 a.m.

Notre Dame Church 272 Main St., 860-349-3058. Mass schedule, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m.; Saturday, 4 p.m., at St. Coleman Church; Sunday, 8 and 11 a.m.

Sunday service at 11 a.m.; Tuesday prayer meeting, 7 p.m.; Women’s Bible study meets on the first and third Wednesday at 7 p.m.; Men’s Bible study meets the second and fourth Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Rock of Refuge Church Saint Colman Church 350 Main St., Durham, second floor, 860-704-0477. The church is a non-denominational Christian/Pentecostal Church.

145 Hubbard St., Middlefield, 860-349-3868. Mass schedule; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m., at Notre Dame Church; Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m.

The United Churches of Durham 228 Main St., 860-349-3683, schedules Sunday worship for 10 a.m. Holy communion, open to all, is scheduled for the first Sunday of each month.

Victory Christian Church 191 Meriden Road, Middlefield, 860-346-6771. Sunday services, 8:45 and 10:45 a.m.; Thursday, 7 p.m.

“Kentucky will not aid a commission that is at best a waste of taxpayer money and at worst an effort to legitimize voter suppression efforts across the country,” she said. Merrill didn’t include voter suppression as an issue in her letter, but did mention it on Twitter Monday and in her initial statement last week. Kobach has denied claims that the commission is aimed at suppressing or targeting certain groups of voters. Wire service reports were used in this story.

Mid-Lea Garden Club seeks members The Mid-Lea Garden Club is looking for new members. The club meets the third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Middlefield Community Center. Members do not need to be Middlefield residents. Gardeners interested in joining are welcome to attend a meeting. DIGITAL

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, July 7, 2017

WOODS ‘N’ WATER

Finding a fine freshwater fish who put up a fight By Mike Roberts

Edna and I were making a drive around Mirror Lake about a week ago and spotted an angler with his fishing rod bent over. I pulled the car over and got out to see what he had on the other end of his line.

by a school of carp that kept cruising the wall area on the road by the tennis courts. There were maybe 9-10 carp ranging from 1520 pounds in weight. They appeared to be almost playing as they swam along the wall. My presence did not bother them a bit. I believe I could have bent over and touched them if I chose.

Roger Pyzocha, was listed with a 31-pound, 8-ounce carp caught in the Connecticut River on April 28, 1978. However, remember that the book I have was published in 1987.

Having fun! Many tackle shops carry some carp baits. Food stores also carry a variety of ingredients that are used in making carp baits: cornmeal, flour, cottonseed meal, wheat germ, corn germ, cereals, crackers, eggs, corn, syrup, honey, cocoa, coffee, Jello, sugar, molasses, cinnamon, sorghum, peanut butter, onions, garlic, salt, grated cheese, powdered potatoes, vanilla and anise oil, just to name a few. Many serious carp fishermen have their own “secret” recipes for baiting carp.

As for a carp’s toughness when it comes to surviving under just about any condiThe one odd thing I did no- tion, recall that a number of It would be about 45 mintice was a carp-looking fish years ago Mirror Lake was drained and heavy equiputes before I got a chance to that was almost all white look at the fish: a 23-pound with just a few orange spots. ment brought in to haul the muck out. The only water carp. I think it was a Koi, an Orileft was a small pond in the ental variety of domestic The reason it took him so deepest portion of the lake. carp. It showed up and the long to reel in the monIt only seemed logical there school of carp appeared to ster was he was using an would be no fish left over What surprises many firstchase it off. (Speaking of ultra-lite fishing rod and a after the dredging operation time carp fishermen is that Koi, anyone out there rereel spooled with 6-pound the carp can be very picky member when the “Wishing was complete. test line. He had the drag when t comes to picking up a Well Fountain” at Hubbard The Meriden Rod & Gun set light so the line would bait. The slightest indication Park had goldfish/Koi in it?) Club and the City of Mernot break and it was a nip that something is wrong will iden were going to restock and tuck battle for quite a The school of carp along make them drop the bait. the lake with some trout while before he was able to the wall were there for the from Harding Trout Hatch- Also, the heavier line you land the critter. two mornings I fished. Every. It was a sort of rainy use can make it harder to ery once in a while one of The angler had a buddy catch carp, although now them would breach — come afternoon and I was in my with him and, sorry to say, I halfway out of the water truck waiting for the stockthere are so many specialdid not get their names. The — and then land with a ing truck to show up when ized lines, reels and rods, it buddy said they were trying huge splash. This is a trait I saw a tremendous splash can be mind-boggling and a new bait with corn and expensive. common to carp and I have out in the lake, and then some added flavors. another one. yet to find a reason for this Carp have been known to The way the angler with the behavior. I could see that they were even hit fishing lures at fishing rod was battling the I do have a book, “Carp In carp, and pretty big ones at times. Former R-J Sports Edihuge carp, I could tell he that. The carp, along with tor Bob Morrissette was fishNorth America,” published had done this before. He some bullheads and eels, ing Lake Ontario years ago by the American Fisheries told me he had also caught had survived the summer in for trout when he had a treSociety back in 1987 and it some huge carp in Hanover does say that some of the that small pond that was left mendous strike and battle. Pond. after the lake was drained. To his surprise, it was a carp behavior I witnessed along the wall could be part of the As for the carp, the rest is his- in the 20-pound range. After the 45-minute batcarp’s spawning behavior. tle with the carp at Mirror tory. Many of the fishermen I was also surprised to see Lake, they beached it on the Make no mistake about it, who come to Mirror Lake are that fly fishermen have also boat launch at the northern carp are excellent survivors after the carp simply because targeted carp on their fishend. To their credit, they and can grow to some awe- the thought of catching such ing forays, although I do not were extremely careful not a monster in freshwater is know of any local fishermen some sizes. The Connectito hurt the carp when they mind-boggling. who have caught carp while cut state record for carp had it on shore. It was mea- weighed in at 43 pounds, 12 fly fishing. My 1987 edition The other day I ran into felsured at, I believe, 30 inches ounces and was caught by of “Carp In North Amerlow fisherman Skip Sauer and weighed at 23-plus ica” does list three carp that Michael Hudak in the Con- and his two fishing grandpounds and was immediwere taken by fly fishernecticut River in 2012. That daughters, Sydney and ately turned back into the men in the 80s, the smallest is an awesome freshwater Emmy, who have made quite being 5 pounds, 8 ounces lake to fight another day. fish. a name for themselves with The released carp showed and the largest tipping the no signs of fatigue from the “Carp In North America,” in their fishing endeavors at scales at 22.7 pounds. just-finished battle. its section on state records, Mirror Lake. I’ve watched those young ladies land I also receive an outdoor reported a carp caught by What made the carp battle some serious-sized carp over publication called New York a Curtis Wade on June 13, even more interesting was the years, yet they seem to Outdoor News and fly fish1963 in Pelahatchie Lake, the fact that I had been ing writer Morgan Lyle had Miss. that tipped the scales get more excited catching fishing Mirror Lake for catlesser fish on their fishing an interesting article on a at a whopping 74 pounds! fish for a couple of days lures. But that is what fishNew York City fly fisherman A Massachusetts angler, and had been entertained ing is supposed to be about: who has made the “Big Ap-

ple Carp Slam” by catching carp in all five boroughs of New York City while fly fishing. His flies include generic round carp patterns, nymphs, buggers and trout flies. Just wondering: Have any of our readers out there caught carp while fly fishing? In much of Europe, and especially in England, the carp is a prized specimen and favored by many even over the lordly salmon. In England, a carp fishing trip is taken very seriously. The waters that are going to be fished are baited (chummed) prior to the time they will be fishing, and then that trip might last for a couple of days or even a week. I find it fascinating that this member of the Minnow family, once looked upon as a “trash fish,” has moved up in the ranks and has quite a following. And, most importantly, the carp fishermen go all out not to hurt the fish after it is landed. It is gently measured and weighed and then released back into the water from whence it was caught. Just imagine catching a freshwater fish that can weigh over 40 pounds on you fishing tackle. Why not give carp fishing a try. In our area, both Hanover Pond and Mirror Lake are good spots to try.

Q-River Fishways Haakonsen Fishway in Wallingford passed 5,524 alewives, 263 blue back herring, 107 gizzard shad and 309 sea lamprey eels. The Hanover Dam Fishway had 15 alewives. 2 gizzard shad, 46 sea lamprey eels and 3 American eels to date. See ya’ and God Bless America and watch over our troops wherever they may be.

A10 Friday, July 7, 2017

Town Times | towntimes.com

Strong Middle School Honor Roll High honors

IDEN YMCA R E ’s M

Grade 7 - Albin, Zoey Ruth; Amankwah, Afua Felisa; Benbow, Carly Jane; Case, Amanda Rose; Castiglia, Elliana Kaye; Charest, Lucien Alexander; Cleveland, Isaac Dylan; Coppola, Brendan Charles; DeCaprio, Emma Catherine; Dell’Orfano, Ava Elizabeth; DiPentima, Madalena Susan; Donlan, Erin Nicole; Forbush, Piper Casady; Hoyecki, Christopher Arnold; Hutchins, Samuel John; Jacek, Kenneth Joseph; Kosienski, Rachel Elizabeth; Lenoce, Isabella Michelina; Lowe, Eliza; Lowry, Alicia Noel; MacKenzie, Kenneth James; Malone, Wyatt Gunner; Marenna, Ava Kathryne; Mariani, Alison Rose; Marotta, Francesco John; Melillo, Faith Elizabeth- Eve; Milardo, Taylor Lily; O’Connell, Nora Ahern; Overton, Seth Erik; Patel, Kareena Nilesh; Patenaude, Justin Christopher; Paul, Samantha Josephine; Quijano, Vincent Nolan; Rovelli, Gage Cooper; Sorensen, Rachel Kathryn; Stone, Sydnee Marie; Ulizio, Jenna Marie; Willett, Connor Allan; Yusza, Faith Frances.

GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR WINNERS!

MERIDEN YMCA 150TH ANNIVERSARY

MIDSTATE

VOICE COMPETITION

! S N O I T I D U A G SINGIN e best local voice? Who has th

/voice rg .o a c m y n e d ri e www.m n REGISTER NOW: quired to Auditio Re Pre-Registration

Auditions

Friday, July 7 from 6–9pm & Saturday, July 8 from 1–4pm

Grade 8 - Astle, Jaden Bryce; Domian, Ellie Grace; Doyle, Ryan Thomas; Finnerty, Patrick Edmond; Frier, Ryan; Gavin, Claire Sachs; Kaliszewski, Mary Hope; Mancarella, Megan Joy; Mattison, Nina Mulvey; Meliso, Ava Rose; Nelson, Caitlyn Christine; Patel, Bayla Rajesh; Patel, Rhea Amit; Salley, Jason Mark; Sorensen, Noelle Mariah.

at The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main Street, Meriden

Semi-Finals

Sunday, August 27 from 1–4pm

at The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main Street, Meriden

Finals

Sunday, September 17 from 1–5pm

Honors

at The Meriden Green - during the Meriden YMCA’s and the Record-Journal’s 150th Anniversary Celebration, featuring Guest Judge Braiden Sunshine!

GUEST JUDGE

Braiden Sunshine

Braiden Sunshine is a 17 year old Singer-Songwriter, performing musician, with a taste for pop, rock, and blues. 2015 fan favorite and semifinalist on NBC’s The Voice.

CELEBRATION on The Meriden Green A Community & Family Event 68010-01

Get Audition Packets & Register online today! www.meridenymca.org/voice Questions? Email Carolyn Daniels at cdaniels@meridenymca.org

Grade 7 - Carusone, Ava Simone; Christiana, Gianna Marie; Cole, Grace Livia; Corona, Jennie May; Coughlin, Lauren Paige; Craig, Lila MacKenzie; DeCaprio, Kaleigh Marie; DeRenzo, Salvatore Giuseppe; DiLeone, Leo Joseph; DiNallo, Katerina Charlotte; Herrington, Olivia Ling; Hinsch, Grace Gene; Huscher, Jack Roscoe; Infeld, Zachary Paul; Jose, Janna Marie; King, Jennifer Julie; Koba, Braden William; Kobus, Tyler; Lesniak, Joshua John; Lowry, Nathaniel Morgan; Machnik, Erin McK-

enzie; Mangiameli, Jeremy Michael; Meliso, Eric Anthony; Morales, Haley Danielle; Murphy, Colin DiMauro; Palardy, Logan Francis; Paulson, Alex Christopher; Pitruzzello, Benjamin Thomas; Roberts, Jack Michael; Ryer, Zackery Curtis; Sawka, Catherine Claire; Sheehy, Brooke Erin; Tobin, Rebecca Lillie; Toth, Anthony Daniel; Ufferfilge, Emma Rose; Viski, Kelly Christine; Wagner, Leah Diane; Wickham, Kayla Marie; Woodward, Alyssa Paige. Grade 8 - Albanese, Ralph Joseph; Beisler, Paul James; Berens, Jessica Ann; Boothroyd, Elyse Roberta; Boothroyd, Kelly Jeanne; Branciforte, Lia Rose; Brandt, Abbey Mae; Buckheit, Shane Alexander; Burt, Madison Bassett; Carafeno, Christopher Patrick; Caramanello, Talia Elizabeth; Carey, Isabella Maria; Casey-Leonard, Philip John; Cerritelli, Lila Grace; Ciarleglio, Nina; Climie, Madeline Judith; Crocetto, Meghan Rose; D’Errico, Marceline Ann; DeMartino, Amalia Rose; Dykas, Jacob Sutton; Faiella, Evan John; Fazzino, Jacob Edward; Fitzpatrick, Alexandra Elizabeth; Florio, Tyler Christopher; French, Lily Anne; Garcia, Aidan Antonio; Helmedach, Ayanna June; Hesseltine, Olivia Concetta; Holahan, David Francis; Houchin, Liam Ferguson; Hurlbert, Cadence Alessia; Infeld, Alexander James; Kozik, Lena Janine; Labasi, Audrey Elizabeth; Landry, Griffin Michael; Lecza, Bryan Michael; Lenoce, Gregory Peter; Malek, Michael Paul; Moore, Jackson Paul; Moreno, Matthew Anthony; Nemeth, Hailey Renee; Planeta, Nicholas John; Prout, Ryan Christopher; Racki, Christopher Hayden; Ricci, Stevie Ann Marie; Rondinone, Alyssa; Satton, Alexandra Grace; Shafir, Anabella Rose; Smith, Caroline Audrey; Solomon, Ryan Thomas; Sung-Cuadrado, Maria Isabel; Szymaszek, Ashley Lyn; Vumback, John Robert; Zettergren, Maura Barbara; Zhou, Andy Yueyu; Zolnik, Dylan Kenneth.

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, July 7, 2017

Senior Happenings Middlefield Senior Center Senior Picnic - The Middlefield Community Center has scheduled its annual Senior Picnic for Wednesday, July 12, noon to 3 p.m., at the Senior Center. All Middlefield and Durham seniors, 60 and older, are welcome. The event features food, games and more. For more information and to sign up, contact Sue D’Orvilliers at 860-349-7121. Booce - Senior Bocce is reserved for Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Registration is recommended. For more information and to register, call Sue D’Orvilliers at 860-349-7121.

Book Club - “The Plum Tree” by Ellen Wiseman. All are welcome. Senior Lunches - Senior lunch is provided Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to Middlefield and Durham residents, 60 years of age or older. To participate, contact Sue D’Orvilliers at 860-349-7121. For more information regarding Senior Center programs, call 860-349-7121.

Durham 60+ trips

2017

THE PEOPLE THAT

MOVE YOU

Durham 60+ has scheduled the following trips. The public is welcome.

Wednesday, Aug. 2 - Block Weekly Fun Excursions (Mid- Island, lunch at the National Hotel, free time. dlefield and Durham Senior Bus) - Tuesday, July 11 ButFor more information, call tonwood Farms; Wednesday, Giuffrida at 860-346-0724. July 12 Mohegan Sun. For more information and reser- Tuesday, Aug. 29 - Log Cabin with show, lobster, ribs and vations, call 860-347-5661. chicken. Dial-A- Ride - Middlefield Thursday, Oct. 12 - Fall Foliparticipates in Dial-A- Ride from your home to anywhere age trip, Kringle Candle, New in Middlesex County. A fee is England House lunch, Applebarn in Bennington. charged. (Cash or vouchers available from Dial-A- Ride). December - Newport PlayRegistration is required. Call house “Dashing Through the 860-347-3313. Snow,” buffet. Middlefield Food Bank - The Middlefield Food Bank is need of pasta, tuna, personal care items, cereals, peanut butter, jelly and side dish Natural Medically Supervised mixes.

Looking for Pain Relief? Pain Relief Program Drug Free * Opioid Free

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Free Blood Pressure Screenings - Free blood pressure screenings are scheduled for the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the Middlefield Senior Center.

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Includes many Physical Therapies, Techniques & Modalities under one roof. Covered by Most Insurances

The Life Center 203-239-3400 www.thelifecenterofct.com

Kaitlin Horn, RJ Media Consultant “I have a lot of pride working for the Record-Journal. Being family owned for 150 years, it is so special to me to work for a great company that cares about their employees and advertising partners.”

Learn more about Kaitlin and the people moving the RJ forward at

myrecordjournal.com/150.

William J. Lema, D.M.D. Serving Durham & Middlefield for 26 Years

William J. Lema, D.M.D. Accepting New General Family Dentistry Patients • Children & Adults

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William J. Lema, D.M.D. Regular 9am–6pm FillingsHours: Tues–Fri 6 Way Road, Middlefield William J. Lema, D.M.D.

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A12 Friday, July 7, 2017

Town Times | towntimes.com

Gypsy moths’ demise a relief to residents By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

State officials say there will be fewer gypsy moths next year and that’s welcome news to area residents with chewed-up trees and soiled patios.

Bob McAviney, of Cheshire, removes one of several gypsy moth caterpillars from a Japanese maple tree in the front yard of his residence June 29. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Kirby Stafford, a state entomologist with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, said the drought “It’s disgusting. I don’t even want to come outside,” Swan- over the past two years suppressed the fungus and son said. allowed the gypsy moth popRecently the caterpillars, ulation to grow. The rain this nearly done with their larval year has helped spread the stage, are dying off in large fungus, which resides in the numbers although their limp soil. bodies still cling to the trees. “This will definitely set the That’s caused by a fungus population back,” he said. which kills the gypsy moths.

Stafford said he’s among those in central and eastern Connecticut who have had caterpillars eating their tree leaves. “I would hate to think what would happen if we had a third year of a drought,” he said. Swanson and her neighbor Bob McAviney have been killing caterpillars with sticks and shoes or blasting them off trees with garden hoses. Some tree branches are devoid of leaves and appear dead. “You hear them at night,

Gypsy moth caterpillars on the trunk of a tree at the residence of Rosalie Swanson in Cheshire on June 29. | Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

munching and pooping,” McAviney said.

Stafford said the caterpillars are voracious eaters, even devouring the needles on coniferous trees if they can’t get their preferred oak leaves.

58226-01 103333R

“There’s not much they won’t eat,” he said.

William J. Witkowski, D.M.D. 360 Main Street P.O. Box 177 Allan A. Witkowski, D.M.D. Durham, CT We will submit claims to all insurances

860-349-1123

Trees that aren’t too weakened by poor soil or drought will likely grow new leaves and survive. Pines without their needles or weaker trees won’t survive a gypsy moth infestation, according to Stafford. Portions of eastern Connecticut were particularly hard hit.

67382-01

“If you drive along (Interstate) 395, you’ll drive along big expanses that look like winter,” Stafford said. 62325-01

Rosalie Swanson, a resident of Glen Hill Lane in Cheshire, has living and dead caterpillars covering the trunk of an oak tree in her front yard. There are more caterpillars on other trees on the property as well as the accompanying defoliation and caterpillar excrement.

Based on surveys last year, state officials knew the infestation would be severe this year. Once people notice their trees covered in caterpillars, there’s little to be done.

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, July 7, 2017

A13

COMMENTARY

Middlefield mill rates explained

The town budget that was approved at the town meeting in May has a reduced municipal budget from last year and reflects educational cost increases. Given the proposed reduction in state

state law that does not allow in our power to impress municipalities to assess a upon them to complete their mill rate above 32 mills ef$1000 OFF work as soon as possible so ANY ROOF OF $10,000 OR MORE fective 1.onlyWe anticipate that there is a certainty as to With thisJuly coupon. Can be presented at time of Not valid with other offers or prior puchases. thatcontract. this8/31/2017 mill rate tax cap the mill rates. I also encourExpires on motor vehicles might be age you to contact the govincreased or eliminated alto- ernor’s office and your state gether. Therefore, depending representatives. $500 on the outcomeOFF of the state’s ANY ROOF OF $5,000 OR MORE With this coupon. Can only be presented at time of budget, it may be necessary contract. Not valid with other offers or prior puchases. Expires 8/31/2017 to send out a supplemental The implication of not having tax bill for your motor vehicle an approved state budget is to reflect any required legthat the town may need to islative changes to this mill adjust your tax levy downrate tax cap. ward with a revised tax bill or ctroofing.com send a supplemental tax bill The Board of Selectmen and to adjust for any additions the Board of Finance know or reductions in municipal that the legislators and govaid once the state budget is ernor’s failure to adopt a adopted. budget prior to the start of our fiscal year is a major inFurthermore, your motor ve- convenience for local taxpayhicle tax bill reflects current ers. We are doing everything

Pet-A-Palooza will feature vendors and adoption options

The event, supporting New

The writer is First Selectman of Middlefield. He can be reached at: e_bailey@middlefield-ct.com.

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Friends of Berlin Animal Control plans to participate in a Pet-A-Palooza event, Wednesday, July 19, 5 to 9 p.m., at Walnut Hill Park, New Britain.

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Middlefield and Rockfall Residents, as you are probably aware from the media reports, the State of Connecticut has not adopted a state budget. This office and the Board of Finance in preparing the town’s budget, had to rely on reduced municipal state aid amounts and new financial obligations to the state that were put forth in the Governor’s proposed budget.

aid and financial obligations to the state, the Board of Finance, after careful consideration, adopted a prudent mill rate of 36.61 for real estate and personal property (this follows two years in a row when the mill rate decreased); and 32 mills for motor vehicles.

69561-01

By Edward P. Bailey

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Britain Animal Control, features adoptable pets, food, vendors and free music by Tirebiter. FOBAC plans to offer dog clothes, toys and magnets. Fun for the whole and family (including your dog.)

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