3-26-2010 Creative Community by Town Times Newspaper

Amy Bloom, Author

David Wenzel, Illustrator

Our Creative Communities

DURHAM A Marketing Special Section

MIDDLEFIELD

Susan Peak, Musician

1150937

Barbara Ryan, Painter

Lucy Meigs, Nature Art

ROCKFALL Friday, March 26, 2010

March 2010

Authors need readers

To our readers,

Sarah Aceto reads to her daughter Shiloh at Perk on Main in Durham.

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

Academy for Little Learners ..................30 Appraisal One Associates......................36 Brenda’s Main Street Feed.....................31 Carolyn Adams Country Barn ...............19 Creative Solutions by Cheryl.................36 Currlin, Nancy, realtor .............................13 Dean Autoworks.........................................3 Desjarlais, Marsha, realtor......................26 Durham Dental .........................................18 Durham Healthmart Pharmacy ..............35 Durham Market.........................................25 Durham Wine & Spirits ...........................16 Glazer Dental Associates .......................20 Gossip .......................................................12 Huscher, Debbie, realtor .........................11 J.C. Farm & Greenhouse ........................18 Joe Riff’s Music........................................16 Lino’s Market ............................................17 Lyman Orchards ......................................14 MHS Primary Care ...................................39 Micheli Unisex Styling Salon .................38 Middlesex Community College .............28 Middlesex Dance Center.........................12 Midstate Tractor .......................................34 Miss Joanne’s Learning Center.............24 Neil Jones Home Improvement.............24 One MacDonough Place.........................32 Paint Spot .................................................27 Painter’s Edge ............................................9 Perrotti’s Country Barn...........................21 Pet Stop.....................................................33 Pools by Murphy......................................15 RLI Electric..................................................5 Sharon McCormick Design ......................7 Time Out Tavern.......................................23 Torrison Stone & Garden........................40 Uncle Bob’s Flower & Garden ...............37 Used Hitchcock Furniture ......................26 Whitney Ridge Stables............................29 Wild Wisteria.............................................30 2

One of the consistently surprising aspects of putting out the weekly newspaper for Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall is the number of creative citizens we have in our towns. We boast painters and writers, sculptors and musicians, actors and stained glass artists, potters and more. So, when we were considering a theme for the annual community guide, we settled on “Our Creative Communities” and asked readers of the Town Times to tell us about their creative endeavors. Boy, did they ever! In the following pages, besides the annual data that will make your life easier, such as contact information for local clubs and organizations, schools and politicians, local places to go, etc., we have sprinkled short paragraphs and photographs of a selection of our local artists. This is, of course, by no means a complete listing. These are people who have selfreferred or who have been interviewed previously by our staff so that we have information about them. If yourself or someone you know who is involved artistically is missing from these pages, please let us know so that you or they might possibly appear in a future issue of Town Times. Meanwhile, settle in, grab a cup of tea and read about “Our Creative Communities.” The Town Times staff

Table of Contents Creative folks in our towns 1-39 Durham attractions 12-13 Durham town information 4 Middlefield attractions 11 Middlefield town information 6 Political information 20 Regional School District 13 8 State and national reps 20 Organizations 28-33 Worship 18-19 Youth organizations 24-25 & 39

March 2010

Town Times Community Guide

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Town Times Community Guide

March 2010

General town information: Durham, Ct. The town of Durham was founded in 1699 and incorporated in 1708. It is a rural community centrally located and bordered by Middlefield, Middletown, Wallingford and Haddam. The government includes a Board of Selectmen, consisting of a First Selectman, who is the chief administrative and executive official, and two other members. The Board of Selectmen and the Town Meeting are the legislative bodies of the town and may enact ordinances consistent with the General Statutes of Connecticut and specific provisions of the Town Charter. Together with Middlefield, the towns form Regional School District 13, offering both Contemporary and Integrated Day education programs for students in both communities. Town Hall: 30 Townhouse Rd. on the Green, Durham, CT 06422 Town Hall hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday County: Middlesex Area: 23.3 square miles Population (2007 census): 6,955 Zip code: 06422 Web site: www.townofdurhamct.org Mill rate: 26.20 TOWN DEPARTMENTS Board of Selectmen: First Selectman Laura Francis 860-349-3625; Selectman John Szewczyk, jszewczyk@townofdurhamct.org; Selectman James McLaughlin, Jmclaughlin@townofdurhamct.org Assessor: John S. Philip, CCMA II 860-349-3452 Assistant Assessor: Beverly A. LeVasseur 860-349-3452 Finance Director: Maryjane Malavasi 860-349-9366 Human Services and Municipal Agent for the Elderly: Janet Muraca 860-349-3153 Tax Collector: Martin French 860-349-1165; Assâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Tax Collector: Jacklyn Downes Town Clerk: Kimberly Garvis 860-349-3453, kgarvis@townofdurhamct.org Assâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Town Clerk: Alicia Fonash-Willett, afonash-willett@townofdurhamct.org Town Treasurer: Wendy Manemeit 860-349-9366 Bookkeeper: Karen Antin Recreation and Senior Activities Director: Sherry Hill 860-349-8451 Board of Finance chairman: Francis Earle Korn Cemetery Company president: Gerry Brown Economic Development Commission chairman: Peter Cascini Library Director: Valerie R. Kilmartin, 860-349-3857 Probate Judge: Joseph Marino 860-342-2650 Public Works Director: Kurt Bober 860-349-1816 Recreation Committee chairman: Kate McLaughlin Registrar of Voters, Democrat: Karen Cheyney Registrar of Voters, Republican: Robert Schulte Town Attorney: Halloran & Sage and also Myron Poliner 860-346-8691 Durham Library: Regular library hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Website: www.durhamlibrary.org. Phone: 860-349-9544. DMYFS (Durham/Middlefield Youth and Family Services): Its mission is to provide, promote and support substance-free activities and programs that encourage, strengthen and build character, self-esteem and confidence in the children, youth and families; located in the Middlefield Community Center; phone 860-349-0258. LAND USE Building Official: Richard McManus 860-349-8253 Conservation Commission chairman: Casey Cordes Inland Wetlands chairman: George Zeeb Inland Wetlands Officer: Geoff Colegrove 860-347-7214 Planning & Zoning Commission chairman: George Eames III Sanitarian: Bill Milardo 860-349-8253 Town Engineer: Call building department at 860-349-8253 Town Planner: Geoff Colegrove 860-347-7214 Water Commission chairman: Raymond Bahr Zoning Enforcement Officer: Geoff Colegrove PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTH Resident Trooper: Peter A. DiGioia 800-256-5761, for emergencies call 911 Emergency Management Director: Francis Willett Fire Chief: Harry Hall, non-emergency calls 860-349-9112 Fire Marshal: Robert Morpurgo, non-emergency 860-349-8253, emergency (800) 618-6711 Animal Control Officer: Bruce Rau 860-349-3980 Director of Health: Brad Wilkinson, M.D. 860-349-8253 DMIAAB (Durham-Middlefield Interlocal Agreement Advisory Board): 860-3498702; Transfer station located on Cherry Hill Road near the junction of Route 147. Hours: Monday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Closed holidays. 4

March 2010

Town Times Community Guide

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Town Times Community Guide

March 2010

General town information: Middlefield/Rockfall The town of Middlefield was incorporated in 1866, and is a rural community centrally located and bordered by Middletown, Meriden and Durham. The form of government includes a Board of Selectmen consisting of a First Selectman, who is the chief administrative and executive official, and two other members. The Board of Selectmen and the Town Meeting are the legislative bodies of the town and may enact ordinances consistent with the General Statutes of the state of Connecticut and specific provisions of the Town Charter. Together with Durham, the towns form Regional School District 13, offering both Contemporary and Integrated Day education programs for students in both communities. Town Hall administrative building: 393 Jackson Hill Rd., Middlefield, CT 06455 Middlefield Community Center: 405 Main St., Middlefield, CT 06455 Town Hall hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays County: Middlesex Area: 13.3 square miles Population (2006 census): 4,598 Zip codes: Middlefield (06455), Rockfall (06481) Current Mill Rate: 25.92 TOWN DEPARTMENT HEADS First Selectman: Jon A. Brayshaw 860-349-7114 Selectman Ed Bailey, Selectwoman Mary E. Johnson Assessor: Steven Hodgetts 860-349-7111 Finance Director: Joseph Geruch 860-349-7112 Tax Collector: Anne L. Olszewski 860-349-7117 Town Clerk: Donna Golub 860-349-7116 Assistant Town Clerk: Nancy Davidson 860-349-7116 Agent for the Elderly: Antionette Astle, 860-349-7121, Community Center office Social Services: Antoinette Astle, 860-860-349-7121, Community Center office Housing Authority administers the federally subsidized elderly housing complex at Sugarloaf Terrace. Brenda Cowett, executive director. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Phone 860-344-9933. Board of Finance chairman: Rebecca Adams Economic Development Commission chairman: Charles D. Kreitler Highway Foreman: John Wyskiel 860-349-7118 Library Director: Todd Fabian 860-349-3857 Middlefield Historical Society: 860-349-0665 Park and Recreation chairman: Robert Levine Park and Recreation Director: Chris Hurlbert 860-349-7122 Probate Judge: Joseph Marino 860-342-2650 Registrar of Voters, Democrat: Barbara Jean DiMauro 860-349-7119 Registrar of Voters, Republican: Jeff Drenzek 860-349-7119 Town Attorney: Kenneth H. Antin 860-346-8691 Levi Coe Library: The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Website: www.leviecoe.com Phone: 860-349-3857. DMYFS (Durham/Middlefield Youth and Family Services): Its mission is to provide, promote and support substance-free activities and programs that encourage, strengthen and build character, self-esteem and confidence in the children, youth and families; located in the Middlefield Community Center; phone 860-349-0258. LAND USE Building Official: George R. Stronkowsky Conservation Commission chairman: David Chowaniec Inland Wetlands chairman: Darin Overton Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer: Lee Vito Planning & Zoning Commission chairman: Mike Turner Zoning Enforcement Officer: Alan Johanson Sanitarian: Lee Vito 860-349-7123 Town Engineer: Brian Curtis, Nathan L. Jacobsen & Associates, Inc. 860-526-9591 Town Planner: Geoff Colegrove 860-347-7214 Water Pollution Control Authority chairman: Edward Bailey PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTH Resident Trooper: Thomas Topulos 860-349-9685, for emergencies call 911 Constables: Michael Polansky, Scott Halligan Fire Chief: David Quick 860-349-7124; Assistant Fire Chief: Rob Carlson Jr. Deputy Fire Chief: Dan Wheeler Fire Marshal: Stanley Atwell Deputy Fire Marshals: Jeffrey Doherty, David Quick, Charles Zieminski Emergency Management Director: Terry Parmelee Animal Control Officer: David Chowaniec 860-349-1333 Director of Health: Matthew Huddleston, M.D. 860-349-7123 DMIAAB (Durham-Middlefield Interlocal Agreement Advisory Board): 860-3498702; Transfer station located on Cherry Hill Road near the junction of Route 147. Hours: Monday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Closed holidays. 6

March 26, 2010

Town Times Community Guide

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Town Times Community Guide

March 26, 2010

District 13 Schools One of the unique and creative aspects of District 13 is the fact that it allows parents a choice of programs for their K- grade 8 children. Regional School District 13, administrative offices 135A Pickett Lane, Durham, 860-349-7200 www.rsd13ct.org Susan Viccaro, Superintendent of Schools Ron Melnik, business manager . Coginchaug Regional High School 135 Pickett Lane, Durham, 860-349-7215 Dr. Steve Wysowski, principal Andre Hauser, assistant principal Parent organization: Coginchaug Parent Advisory Group Contact person: Karen Meiman 860-349-0827 Memorial Middle School 124 Hubbard St., Middlefield, 860-349-7235 Kevin Brough, principal; grades 5-6, both Integrated Day and Contemporary programs. Parent organization: Memorial Parent Teacher Council; Contact person: Jill Root 860788-3858; Meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Library. Strong Middle School 191 Main St., Durham, 860-349-7222 Scott Nicol, principal; grades 7-8, both Integrated Day and Contemporary programs. Parent organization: Strong PTO; Contact person: Denise Brennan 860-349-9227; Meets first Monday of each month, 7 p.m. in the Strong library. Brewster Elementary School 126 Tuttle Rd., Durham, 860-349-7227 Nancy Heckler, principal; all preschool; grades K-2 Contemporary program. Parent organization: BKPTA (Brewster Korn PTA);Contact person: Debbie Sokol 860349-2527; Meets on the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between Brewster and Korn schools. Korn Elementary School 144 Pickett Lane, Durham, 860-349- 7210 Laurie Sinder, principal; grades 3-4 Contemporary program. Parent organization: BKPTA (Brewster Korn PTA); Contact person: Lisa Onofrio 860349-2160; Meets on the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between Brewster and Korn schools. Lyman Elementary School 106 Way Rd., Middlefield, 860-349-7240 Karen Brimecombe, principal; K-4 Integrated Day program. Parent organization: JLPA (John Lyman Parent Association); Contact person: Michelle Rulnick at 860-343-1617 and Mark Dionne 860-349-3783; Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at John Lyman School.

Creativity in District 13 Schools Lyman School student dancers led by artist-in-residence Efraim Silva.

A student mosaic project from Strong School based on Picasso’s “Starry Night.” 8

March 26, 2010

Town Times Community Guide

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March 26, 2010

Creative Couples: Middlefield’s Boyntons With no formal art training, the first time Dick Boynton put a paint brush to anything was in 1955, when he added a few buildings and trees to a friend’s mural. All guests were asked to add their own touches, and Dick was sure he’d ruin the mural. “But they said to me after looking at it, ‘Oh come on, you’re an artist,’” recalls Dick. “I guess I never knew I could paint!” After that, he bought a canvas and his lifelong passion for painting took off. Today he uses acrylic for his oil paintings because it dries faster, and he also enjoys doing pen and ink sketches. Though he prefers painting surreal style, Dick found that people like realistic art better, and a walk through the Boynton’s Rockfall home will show you that, based on the dozens of paintings of Up in a Tree by Dick Boynton happy children and natural landscapes, Dick certainly has a knack for capturing what’s real. What helps Dick is having a story in mind before and while you paint. It also helps to look at photographs. He says, laughing, “I actually have no visual memory.” Dick paints for the sheer joy of the process and as an emotional outlet. And he’s never felt like selling his artwork. In a different creative realm, Dick has also written 3,000 pages of stories which he also doesn’t show to too many people. But poetry, an area he says he has no talent in, he leaves to his wife Nancy. Though Nancy majored in English and American literature at Brown University, when she graduated in 1955, her father thought the field was just not practical. His graduation gift to her was a course at Hitchcock Secretarial School in Boston. Her creative instincts remained strong, and in the end, Nancy would go on to have varied experiences in writing, from journalism to publishing and poetry. In 1975 she read what she considered “terrible poetry” and, having creative writing training, decided to try her own for others to enjoy. “I think poetry should be something people can relate to without needing an encyclopedia,” explained Nancy, whose poems are best described as non-rhyming free verse. While raising four kids and working full time, Nancy wrote a collection of poems that were published in a book Traveling the River in 1984. Her other collection of poems is published in A Web of Longing and Desire, which can be purchased at Perrotti’s Country Barn and Broad Street Books at Wesleyan University. A singer in the Wallingford Chorus, Nancy finds inspiration in music, nature and emotions. When she’s at a loss for inspiration, she finds that if you just sit and wait, more times than not something is there. “If not, if it doesn’t work out, no one has to see it,” she said. As a pair, Nancy and Dick make it — their creativity — work out. Every year, the Boytons make their own Christmas card — he designs the image and she crafts the poem. It’s a simple and charming way they blend their passions and share them with family and friends.

The Deep, Deep Woods By Nancy Boynton I went for a walk in the deep, deep woods Where the sunlight never penetrates The mysterious darkness of creation— Where centuries exist in a single breath And the soul has quietness for company, To gather leaf mold for my garden To satisfy a thirst for beauty, As unquenchable as the search for the grail of legends past, Not based so much on religion as defined by men, But more a belief centered in the human heart Of how the world began, And how it lives today. 10

For a creature such as I, needy as any woman for the Constant warmth and presence of friends, Whose house is filled with light in all seasons of the year, Who fears loneliness as the specter of death closing in, The silence of nature and its eternal spectrum of simplicity Confounded me at first, then bound me to it With the tenderest of ties, light as spiders’ webs on trees. There is a voice that speaks When the rest of the world is silent, It is the voice of the inner soul, And it needs to be answered.

March 26, 2010

Town Times Community Guide

Middlefield Attractions Lyman Orchards is a 1,100-acre farm at the junction of Routes 147 and 157 in Middlefield. Established in 1741, Lyman Orchards is the ninth oldest family-owned business in the United States. One of the most scenic areas in the state, the orchard features a variety of pick-your-own apples, peaches, pears, berries and pumpkins. The Apple Barrel market, Connecticut’s largest year round farm market, features a variety of fruit and produce, in addition to a bakery, deli and much more. The Apple Barrel is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 860-3491793. Lyman Orchards Golf features two championship 18-hole public golf courses designed by Robert Trent Sr. and Gary Player. Call 1-888-99-LYMAN for more information. Wadsworth Falls State Park was given to the state in 1942 through the will of Col. Clarence Wadsworth, a Middletown resident who devoted his life to civic endeavors and preservation of real estate. The 285-acre park, located on Route 157 in Middlefield, contains several waterfalls with an overlook, as well as an expanse of wooded areas for hiking. The park also offers areas for mountain biking, swimming, stream fishing and picnicking. Indian Springs Golf Club, located at 124 Mack Rd. in Middlefield, is a 9-hole course featuring 3,000 yards of golf with a par of 36. Designed by Al Zikorus, the golf course opened in 1964. Call 860-349-8109 for more information. Lake Beseck is a manmade impoundment created by a dam across Ellen Doyle Brook. The lake is fed by several small brooks and submerged springs. The lake, which offers a public beach for Middlefield residents and a public state boat launch, has a surface area of approximately 120 acres, a maximum depth of 25 feet and an average depth of 10 feet. It contains approximately 416 million gallons of water. Most of the shoreline is privately owned and developed with numerous houses and cottages. Fish species observed in Lake Beseck include largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie and sunfish. The beach is open during July and August, a pass is required and can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s office beginning July 1. Peckham Park, located between Main Street and Strickland Road, offers a variety of activities for residents of all ages and features a walking path, basketball court, playscape areas, baseball and soccer fields and a pavilion. The park is operated by the Park and Recreation Department. Dinosaur Park is a vest-pocket space on the west side of Powder Hill Road where several very clear dinosaur tracks can be found on the rocks. Historical Society, located in the Middlefield Community Center.; 860-349-0665.

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Town Times Community Guide

March 26, 2010

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Durham Attractions Allyn Brook Park is located on Pickett Lane behind Strong School. Allyn Brook Park features a playscape, walking/fitness trail, pavilion, picnic tables, seasonal bathrooms, tennis courts and a brook. Site is adjacent to high school and Little League playing fields. Durham Farmer’s Market is held on Thursday afternoons from the first week in May through Sept. 10, from 3-6 p.m. on the Durham Town Green. Market master is Tina Hurlbert. If you would like to help with the market or become a vendor, contact Tina at 203-715-1387. Shoppers, meanwhile, are most welcome any time the market is open. All items are locally grown and/or made. Supporting local farmers, cooks and craftspeople makes sense! The Durham Fair is traditionally held the last full weekend of September. This year, for the first time, Durham Fair hours have been extended to include Thursday from 4-10 p.m.; thus the 2010 fair will be held from Sept. 23-26. The fair is the largest all-volunteer fair in the nation, according to publicity. The Durham Fair Association, listed in under Organizations in this guide, is in charge of the fair; www.durhamfair.com. Miller’s Pond State Park, on Foothills Road off Haddam Quarter Road, offers fishing, hunting, hiking and mountain biking. This park is a designated a “walk-in” facility. Parking is available at the main gate; pit toilets are available. Miller’s Pond is a scenic, quiet lake without a boat launch or beach. Numerous rock outcrops reach out into the pond to provide fishing platforms. An easy, flat trail circles the lake, although it is a little rocky in places, so shoes should be worn on your hike. Miller’s Pond was acquired in 1955 by the State Park and Forest Commission from the heirs of Thomas Macdonough Russell with monies provided in the trust fund of George Dudley Seymour. At that time the park consisted of 30 acres of pond and 170 acres of wooded land in the towns of Durham and Haddam. In succeeding years the state purchased additional property, completing acquisition of all the land around the pond in 1972. Miller’s Pond is unique in that its principal source of water comes from large springs which create a body of

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Ttown Times Community Guide

unpolluted water excellent for small mouth bass or trout. The original dam at the pond was erected some time before 1704. Thomas Miller built the upper dam to provide a reservoir to serve his gristmill further downstream. Deerfield Farm is located on 75 acres of rolling hills. This growing business started as a 4-H project and hobby 34 years ago. Prior to that farming was the way of life for the Naples family of Durham. In 2004 Deerfield Farm spread its wings and grew into a fulltime business. The present location on the corner of Parmelee Hill Rd. and Pent Rd. is town-owned open space. The land and barn are leased from the town of Durham. All of the milk is bottled at the farm or made into cream, butter, yogurt, chocolate milk or soft cheese in the state-certified processing room on premises. Their bottled raw milk is also sold at 10 stores throughout Middlesex, New Haven and Fairfield counties. Deerfield Farm welcomes visitors and groups for field trips. Call 860-301-7828 or email Melynda@deerfieldfarm.org; for further information, visit their website at www.deerfieldfarm.org. White’s Farm is a beloved open space area off Maple Avenue, adjacent to the Durham Fairgrounds. It is a popular place to walk dogs and features a section of Allyn Brook. Various dog and rocket interest clubs use White’s Farm for activities after obtaining permission from the Durham Conservation Commission, who are in charge of the area. Contact Casey Cordes, commission chair, at 8603490408.

Creativity at the Durham Fair ranges from cake decoration, above, to painting, right.

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Town Times Community Guide

March 26, 2010

Creative Couples: Durham’s Bourrets Terry Oakes Bourret practiced as a registered nurse for 15 years, gaining some fame as the “Duck Lady” for drawing cartoon ducks on patient bandages after administering IVs. Studying with Helen Van Wyk (PBS’s “Welcome To My Studio”) changed her life, and she left nursing to immerse fully in the study of art. Terry has been a professional artist and art teacher for over 30 years now and works in her studio at 73 Main Street. She has always been interested in the meditative practices of the art process and research on how the brain works. She uses techniques from Betty Edwards (Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain) and other brain researchers and has developed her own methods to enhance her art study and that of her students. Working outdoors became a passion, and she is seen every year painting at the Durham Fair. This fall she will be featured in the anthology “100 Artists Of New England” compiled by E. Ashley Rooney. She has been recognized by the National Arts Club in New York City and has received over 100 regional and national awards. Her work is included in the Connecticut Collection and collected in the U.S. and Europe, including St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, where she worked as a nurse many years ago. She teaches private lessons at her studio in all mediums to all ages, with or without “talent.” She loves to help with portfolio preparation and creativity counseling, does pet and house portraits, and drawing and painting vehicles, especially old farm equipment. Her website www.TerryOakesBourret.com has information about upcoming exhibitions and workshops. Contact Terry at 860-349-1485 or oakesbourret@comcast.net. Don Bourret’s life on stage began with a “gift” for his 50th birthday from wife Terry. She showed him a Town Times article announcing a meeting for anyone interested in starting up a local community theater. A half-dozen people attended that meeting in 1992, and it led to the formation of the short-lived Village Repertory Theater. With a troupe of local theatrical neophytes, the VRT bravely mounted three productions in the Durham Grange Hall over the following year before disbanding for financial reasons. Don since has acted in two dozen shows for various community theaters. He was the first Governor of Australia in Our Country’s Good, George Jacobs in The Crucible and J. Edgar Hoover in The Hiss Chronicles, all for the Long Swamp Players, the company created by local impresarios Dan Poliner and Mark VanDerzee. He is currently in rehearsal for East Hampton’s Podium Player’s production of A Nice Family Gathering, a domestic comedy about a Thanksgiving dinner disrupted by some startling family issues and the uninvited ghost of the departed father. Think Topper visits Lake Woebegone. The show runs on April 23, 24, 30 and May 1 at the Goff House in East Hampton. Visit www.podiumplayers.org for details. Don’s advice to anyone who has toyed with the idea of joining a theater group but fears getting on a stage: join anyway. If you don’t want to be on stage, volunteer for backstage work; all groups are desperate for such help. If you would like to be on stage but have fears, audition for a musical as a member of the chorus. Home of the Singing and dancing skills are less important for ensemble roles in community theApple Barrel Market ater musicals; they’re often happy just to Open Year-Round have live bodies and can always stick you in the back row during big numbers. 32 Reeds Gap Rd., Middlefield CT (860) 349-1793 Bottom line: being involved in community Sign up for Pick-Your-Own alert and e-mail newsletter. theater in any capacity is very exciting www.lymanorchards.com and a lot of fun for children of all ages.

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Town Times Community Guide

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Town Times Community Guide

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Amy Bloom is a local author whose work typically explores the themes of love, sex, death, family and friends. “I’m interested in the love between friends, between lovers and spouses,” Bloom said. “I’m interested in the gap between what people do and what they feel; the gap between what people say and what they mean. As I enter the second half of my life, mortality, consequences and passion are certainly things that are on my mind.” Her most recent book, Where the God of Love Hangs Out, is Bloom’s third short story collection. The first two were A Blind Man can See How Much I Love You and Come To Me. Bloom is currently working on another novel set in the 1930s after the Great Depression and just before the war. The story showcases the relationships between two half-sisters and their father. Bloom expects that the novel will be released sometime in 2012. Bloom’s work has been on bestseller lists and on television. In 2007, Bloom wrote several episodes of State of Mind, about a group of therapists and their personal and professional lives, which aired on Lifetime. The author equates the writing of a novel to having a bad case of the flu. “It feels like ‘oh my God, I’m going to die,’” she said. “I have to prepare myself so much for a novel.” For more information visit www.amybloom.com. Zahir Abid is an artist who grew up in Tiwal in the Atlas Mountains of North Africa and now lives in Middletown. At a young age he found his calling studying visual art. While traveling throughout Europe, Abid was introduced to an American who invited him back to the states. He accepted, and soon found himself hitchhiking across the U.S. where he found lots of inspiration. Abid finally settled in Middletown in ’93 and he currently works at Middlefield Post Office. Calling upon all of his life experiences and how he views the world, Abid creates paintings of a surreal nature. He tries to cover every subject, from human rights to human experiences and beauty — everything that makes us live. His interests lie in politics and what’s going on in the world, and his artwork always has a message or

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story. “Whether we like it or not, art is always a historic instrument,” explained Abid. “For me, it has to play a role in society to raise consciousness about justice or environment. It has to be more than aesthetic, and it’s got to be humorous if we want people to get it.” He has illustrated children’s books and is currently working on a series of paintings for a conference for gifted children. “Art is a food savored by your eyes, digested by your brain and absorbed by your soul,” said Abid. “As an artist, my mission is to catch the eye, tickle the heart and liberate the mind.” For more information or to purchase one of Abid’s painting, visit www.arteatery.com. Marv Beloff, sculptor, works primarily in wood and is known for his wood bow ties sold internationally from a website - www.woodbowties.com. Find in the gallery on this internet site other examples of his sculptures and references to his books. He has lived in Middlefield since 1941. Also, on the same web site find photographs of creations by Bill Kent,

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Town Times Community Guide

March 26, 2010

Houses of Worship Church of the Epiphany (Episcopal) 196 Main Street Durham, CT 06422 Rev. Beth Hoffmann 860-349-9644 www.durhamepiphany.org Middlefield Federated Church (Congregational UCC & United Methodist) 402 Main Street Middlefield, CT 06455 Rev. Dale Azevedo 860-349-9881 www.gbgm-umc.org/mfc/ Notre Dame Church (Roman Catholic) 272 Main Street Durham, CT 06422 Rev. Fr. Mariadas Lipton 860-349-3058 www.ChurchofNotreDame.org St. Colman’s Church (Roman Catholic) 145 Hubbard Street Middlefield, CT 06455 Father Gregory Mullaney 860-349-3868 stcolmanchurch.com/default.aspx Temple of Ekcancar 1 Harvest Wood Road Middlefield, CT 06455 Sri Harold Kemp 860-346-2226 www.ct-eckankar.org United Churches of Durham (Congregational UCC & United Methodist) 228 Main Street Durham, CT 06422 Rev. Dr. Elven Riggles 860-349-3683 www.uccwebsites.net/unitedchurchesofdurhamct.html

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Town Times Community Guide

Middlefield Federated Church hosted a Bluegrass Cantata the last Sunday in August, left, and Notre Dame celebrated Christmas with a traditional pageant, above. Victory Tabernacle Church 191 Meriden Road Middlefield, CT 06455 Pastor Peter Leal 860-346-6771 www.vcconline.org Congregation Adath Israel 8 Broad Street Middletown, CT 06457-3203 Rabbi Seth Haaz 860-346-4709 visit adathisraelct.org Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek 55 East Kings Highway Chester, CT Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg www.CBSRZ.org 860-526-8920

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March 26, 2010

Local Political Committees

State and National Officeholders

fDurham Democratic Town Committee Current chairman, Laurie Stevens, 860-349 1916 e-mail address Durhamdems@comcast.net Durham Republican Town Committee Current chairman, Jay Berardino, 860-349-3110 e-mail address Durhamrepublicans@sbcglobal.net Middlefield Democratic Town Committee Current chairman, Seb Aresco, 860-349-9785. Middlefield Republic Town Committee Current chairman, Kathleen Kokoszka, 860-346-5321

Sen. Ed Meyer (Durham) Email: Meyer@senatedems.ct.gov Phone: 860-240-0527, or 1-800-842-1420 Legislative Office Building, Room 1000 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 State Rep. Matthew Lesser (Durham and Middlefield) 1160 South Main Street Middletown, CT 06457 Legislative Office Building, Room 4014 Hartford, CT 06106 860-240-8585 800-842-8267 Matthew.lesser@cga.ct.gov Sen. Thomas Gaffey (Middlefield) Email: Gaffey@senatedems.ct.gov Phone: 860-240-0425, or toll-free 1-800-842-1420 Legislative Office Building, Room 3100 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Third Congressional District (Middlefield and part of Durham) Washington, DC 2262 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-3661 Main District Office 59 Elm Street New Haven, CT 06510 203-562-3718 Congressman Joe Courtney, Second Congressional District (Part of Durham) 860-577-8283 P.O. Box 1372 Vernon CT 06066 Sen. Chris Dodd 448 Russell Building, Washington D.C., 20510 202-224-2823 30 Lewis St., Suite 101 Hartford, CT 06103 860-258-6940 Sen. Joe Lieberman 706 Hart Office Building Washington, DC 20510 202-224-4041 One Constitution Plaza, Seventh Floor Hartford, CT 06103 800-225-5605

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Town Times Community Guide

Barbara Ryan’s formal art education began at Middlesex Community College, where she received an Associate’s degree in Fine Arts. She has since studied with many Connecticut artists including Ellie Bender, John Bickford, Bruce Raven and Terry Oakes Bourret. She has exhibited in juried shows in Washington Square, New York City, and in Mystic and Old Saybrook, and at galleries in Chester, Meriden and Middletown. Her paintings are in many private collections and the permanent collection of Middlesex College. Before moving to Durham from New York City, Ryan received a BA in history from Hunter College and attended Columbia University and the New School for Social Research. She is a professional editor and was also director of Meriden’s Gallery 53 for four years. The immediate past president of the Arts and Crafts Association of Meriden, which owns Gallery 53, she is now a volunteer at the gallery, as exhibits director. Examples of Ryan’s work may be seen online at www.meetinghousegallery.com. Michael Waller calls himself a Saturday painter who works for fun and personal enjoyment, but reacts to all the beauty around the northeast and elsewhere. Many of his current works reflect scenes in Middlefield, particularly around Lyman Orchards, where he and his wife, Dorothy Lyman Waller, have resided since 1982. As for formal training, Mike is essentially self-taught, but he has benefited from excellent courses offered by the Art Department at Middlesex Community College. He has been, and is inspired by American impressionists, John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, Eustace Paul Ziegler, Wm. Merrit Chase and a contemporary midwest artists, Helen Copeland. Mike retired in 1998 as senior vice president of the Lyman Farm, Inc. and remains active in local activities in (More on next page)

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Town Times Community Guide

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(Waller continued) Middlefield and Middlesex County. He is a director of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, a past officer of the Ct. Valley Tourism Council and serves on the Greater New Haven Convention and Visitors Council. He has been chairman of the Middlesex Community College Foundation and is a member of the Middlefield Economic Development Commission and a past chairman of the town’s Board of Finance. Mike is a native of Columbus, Ohio, and is an alumnus of Oberlin College, where he and his wife Dorothy met. They were married in Middlefield in 1951. The Wallers are parents of three married children, and are blessed with 11 grandchildren. Roseann Berluti is a landscape painter in oil, capturing the beauty and mood of natural settings by the thoughtful use of color as well as bold brushwork and the stimulating portrayal of light and shadows on the landscape. She paints many of the lovely vistas in town, as well as other New England scenes. She is a member of the Lyme Art Association and Madison Art Society and is also active in different artistic venues in Connecticut. Her work has been shown in many juried exhibits and is held in numerous private collections. In addition to show and gallery sales, sales directly through the artist are available, as well as commissioned house and landscape portraits. Please contact Roseann directly for more information at 860-349-2192 or rberlutiartist@att.net. See paintings at facebook: rberlutiartist. Durham resident, historian and author Diana Ross McCain always had an interest in history, was a double major in history and French in college and ultimately received her master’s degree in history from Wesleyan University. She has worked for the Connecticut Historical Society, as well as written for several publications including Connecticut Magazine and the Hartford Courant. Her first book, To All on Equal Terms: the Life and Legacy of Prudence Crandall, won the Commission on Culture and Tourism’s American Association for State and Local History award as well as the Betty M. Linsley Award by the Association for the Study of Connecticut History. It Happened in Connecticut, McCain’s second book, covers interesting and significant parts of Connecticut’s 350-year history and her third book, The Connecticut Coast, features the history of all 24 towns along the state’s coastline. “There is so much in Connecticut history that is fascinating and significant,” said McCain, who aims to write her books in a way to appeal to the average reader, not necessarily just history buffs. “We’ve suffered for 200 years from a lack of PR. Connecticut has this fabulous history that people really don’t know much about.” McCain has lived in Durham with her husband Jack for 20 years. They have two children, Coginchaug High School graduate Jay, and Ross who attends Strong School. Her books can be purchased at www.amazon.com or Barnes and Noble stores. Susan Peak, right, is a local singer/songwriter/guitarist who moved to Durham 10 years ago. After attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, she spent several years playing in bands, duos and in the orchestras of musicals. Following a break from professional music to work in the medical field, she has returned to her first love, music and teaches guitar in Durham; please see studioblueguitar.com. Susan has also played locally in duos and bands, and she writes music, including children’s songs. She is currently a solo performer who enjoys playing for people of all ages — from seniors in assisted living communities to audiences in restaurants to providing rousing, interactive shows for children in libraries and schools. Susan is now working on recording a CD of original material. 22

March 26, 2010

Town Times Community Guide

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Town Times Community Guide

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Youth-serving organizations, including sports 4H Club Local leader, Kathy Naples 860-982-1366 Local leader 4H/Horse club, Pat Bandzes 860-349-3076 For information on any area 4H clubs, contact Emily McCabe Alger at 860-345-4511 4-H Mini Mustangs Horse Club The club is open to youth, ages 7 to 19. There are many opportunities to learn about horses and to use this knowledge to compete in academic contests, horse shows and other 4H events. The club also participates in several community service projects throughout the year. The Mini Mustangs 4-H Horse Club meets monthly at Grace Meadow Farm, 42 Miller Rd. in Middlefield. Co-leaders are Debbie Sommers and Pat Bandzes. Call 860349-8159 or e-mail pbandzes@gmail.com for more information. Benchwarmers Fundraising organization for athletics and scholarships in District 13, meet first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the KClub. Contact Tom Hanchuruck at hanchuruck@sbcglobal. Boy Scouts Boy Scouts are for boys in fifth grade through 18 years old.

Middlefield Troop 33 Scoutmaster Robin Heath 860-349-1154 Cub Scouts Cub Scouts are for boys in first-fifth grade. Durham Pack 27 Cubmaster Toby Bates 860-349-3075 Middlefield Pack 33 Cubmaster Heather Baker 860-349-0531 Coginchaug Little League Coginchaug Little League, P. O. Box 34, Durham, CT 06422, Rick Quirk, president, 860-349-3520. Visit www.coginchaugll.org for more info. Coginchaug Scholarship Committee The Coginchaug Regional High School Scholarship Fund is recognized by the communities of Durham and Middlefield for their efforts in raising funds to assist young people in educational pursuits. This is a nonprofit organization, staffed by student and adult volunteers. Each year scholarships are presented to the graduating class of Coginchaug students. Fundraising events include operating the chocolate-covered Banana Booth at the Durham Fair, a golf tournament and the annual Scholarship Ball which is held in March. The organization includes 18 adult members (board of directors) with terms of three

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Town Times Community Guide

years each, not including the elected officers. There are also 12 directors from the student body of CRHS, with three students appointed from each class. Meetings are held the first Monday of each month (except December) at the high school. Contact Lori Sbona at 860-349-4046. Coginchaug Soccer Club Coginchaug Soccer Club promotes the game of soccer within the towns of Durham and Middlefield and provides a positive soccer experience for all club participants. The club promotes the development of coaching and player skills to enhance team play and the overall soccer experience, and emphasizes fun at all levels of play, good sportsmanship, physical fitness, healthy attitudes and teamwork. The club meets the first Sunday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Middlefield Community Center. Website www.cogsoccer.org. Contact club president Matt Taber at president@cogsoccer.org or 860-349-0647, or Will Kovacs, registrar, at registrar@cogsoccer.org or 860-349-5932. Durham Basketball Association of CT Visit www.dbact.org or send an e-mail to contact_us@dbact.org for information. Durham/Middlefield Youth and Family Services The Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services’ main mission is to provide, pro-

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mote and support substance-free activities and programs that encourage, strengthen and build character, self-esteem and confidence in the children, youth and families of our community. 405 Main St., Middlefield CT 860-349-0258. ** Falcon Football and Cheerleading President, Jim Banack, 860-349 8773 Forms and information are available at www.dmfalcons.com. Girl Scouts Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Girls in the Durham Middlefield area are placed in troops generally by grade/age level dependent on availability of adult leadership teams. Training and support is available to all on the leadership team; parent helpers are encouraged. Troop meeting times vary. For more information, contact Pat Sidoti, Membership Marketing Manager, Girl Scouts, Connecticut Trails Council, Dekoven House, 27 Washington St., Middletown, CT 06457, 860-347-5768. Visit www.gsofct.org for more information. Lisa Deschnow is the membership and marketing manager. Phone 860 347-5768 ext 3751.

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March 26, 2010

Christopher T. Wenzel is a recent graduate of Paier College of Art where he received a BFA in Illustration. He is currently working on a Post-Baccalaureate certificate in painting from Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, with aspirations to continue on with a Masters degree in the arts. He is an oil painter who does representational work with a strong focus on traditional subject matter. He is currently teaching from his studio in Durham and accepting students who wish to learn drawing and oil painting techniques. For more information, please contact Christopher at 860-301-1882. Lori Murphy grew up in Meriden and moved to Middlefield about 20 years ago. She now lives in a log cabin by Lake Beseck with her husband Dennis and two children, Jeremy and Justin. She started doing stained glass about 15 years ago when a friend of hers suggested she try it. She did and loved it. She began taking classes from several different glass masters around Connecticut and was taught many different techniques that are very useful. She has been employed for the past eight years as a glass artist at a stained glass studio in the Southington area. She works on church windows, cabinet doors, jewelry boxes and lamps etc. She especially enjoys working on repairs as there is a feeling of satisfaction in restoring something to its original state. Contact Lori at Irishmurphyfamily39@comcast.net. Lucy Meigs focuses on seeing the art in nature and incorporating nature into her art. Lucy is a metalsmith, basket weaver, nature enthusiast, and outdoor educator. Many of her metalwork items have impressions of leaves or organic forms. Her baskets are made of materials from nature, some of which she gathers herself. Lucy also leads frequent hikes in the Connecticut woods that focus in part on observing and connecting with the

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Town Times Community Guide

beauty in nature (see www.womenofthewoods.org). Contact Lucy on her cellphone (860-3957771) or home phone at 860-349-0313. Rebecca Parker, right, teaches guitar at Joe Riffs Music in Middletown. She has played guitar for seven years, and has taught for a little more than two. She is best at teaching children ages 7 to 14, but is able to teach anyone who wants to learn. Rebecca provides real world music experiences to all her students, such as being able to play showcases, create ensembles with other musicians, and record in a real recording studio. She graduated from Coginchaug in 2008, and now attends Middlesex Community College. She is studying for a business degree in hopes to one day own her own music store. Rebecca teaches lessons Monday through Thursday and Saturdays. To contact her to schedule a time, feel free to call her at 860-707-3823, or contact her through email at rparker116@yahoo.com.

Susan Cummings has been doing pen and ink line drawings of houses and pets her entire life. It started because her father-in-law had a line drawing business, but it got to be too much for him so she took over. Now, she does it on a freelance basis. Most of the time these pen and ink house drawings are given to parents who are moving from their homes, as wedding gifts, house-warming gifts, businesses or Christmas gifts for spouses. She also does work on the computer in Photo Shop and Illustrator creating logos, business cards and brochures and makes wreaths, sprays and cemetery logs at Christmas. Susan also does photography, calligraphy, paints pumpkins, signs, murals and more. “I really enjoy line drawings,” she says. “It’s a lot of fun.” To contact Susan, call 860-349-3403. 1148933

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Town Times Community Guide

March 26, 2010

Interest and Service Groups Art Guild of Middletown The Art Guild of Middletown was formed to foster and encourage art and the development of the visual artists in the Middletown area by developing quality programs to bring artists together, providing venues for the artists to exhibit their work and providing art instruction and workshops in drawing and painting and related visual arts. The guild meets once per month on a Thursday evening in the fellowship hall of the Middlefield Federated Church. Meetings usually include demonstrations. Art Guild of Middletown, PO Box 205, Middletown, CT 06457 Web site www.middletownartguild.org Bob Spooner, president, bspooner@yahoo.com 860-346-6546 Business Networking International The local chapter of Business Networking International conducts its weekly meeting in the United Methodist Church, 24 Old Church Street in Middletown at 7:30 a.m. on Fridays. To learn more, contact Kirk Hagert at 860349-5626. -

Cause for Paws P.O. Box 420, Durham CT 06422 860-349-0410 or e-mail ctcauseforpaws@yahoo.com Cause For Paws is a small rescue group that will trap, alter, vaccinate and release adult feral cats in Durham and Middlefield. Using an in-home volunteer foster care system they test, treat and socialize all kittens brought in from cat colonies and then place these kittens in new permanent homes. Their focus is on the feral and strays from the towns of Durham and Middlefield and they do not have the capacity to take in adult cats. Cogin-Chuggers The Cogin-Chuggers square dance club holds dances on the second and fifth Fridays at Brewster School on Tuttle Road in Durham. Dances are 8-10:30 p.m., with rounds throughout the evening. For more information on beginner lessons or directions, call Alicia Morse at 860-3498084. Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation P.O. Box 19, Durham, CT 06422 President: Merrill Adams

Middlesex Community College Middlesex Community Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Middletown Campus offers day and evening classes leading to associate degrees, certificate programs as well as numerous credit and non-credit courses. The college provides educational opportunities and programs to a diverse student and community population. The college also offers accelerated classes and customized business and industry training. Its Internet Training Center provides additional opportunities for specialized courses in internet and web design. You may visit the Middlesex web site at: www.mxcc.commnet.edu.

1149404

Middletown Campus 100 Training Hill Road Middletown

Making the opportunity for higher education affordable and accessible... Supporting Connecticutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic development... Improving the quality of life through lifelong learning.

(860) 343-5865 March 26, 2010

Town Times Community Guide

E-mail: coginchaugvef@comcast.net Website: www.coginchaugvef.com The Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation (CVEF) was founded in March, 2008, as an independent education foundation, whose mission is to promote excellence, innovation and creativity in education for the community and to support life-long learning in the two towns by giving grants and sponsoring programs. CT Forest and Parks Association The Connecticut Forest & Park Association protects forests, parks, walking trails and open spaces for future generations by connecting people to the land. CFPA directly involves individuals and families, educators, community leaders and volunteers to enhance and defend Connecticut’s rich natural heritage. CFPA is a private, non-profit organization that relies on members and supporters to carry out its mission. Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) 16 Meriden Road Rockfall, CT 06481 Phone: 860-346-2372; e-mail info@ctwoodlands.org. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. -

Durham Fair Association Main Street, P.O. Box 225 Durham www.durhamfair.com 860-349-9495 For information e-mail to secretary@durhamfair.com The Durham Fair will be held from Sept. 25-27 in 2009. Durham Fair Foundation The Durham Fair Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 by the Durham Fair Association. The foundation’s mission is to preserve and promote Connecticut’s agricultural heritage, history, rural life and the Durham Fair by sponsoring educational events and programs. Donations to the Durham Fair Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information, including memorial donations, gifts and bequests, write to: The Durham Fair Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 642 Durham, CT 06422. Len Baginski, president, 860-349-3305. Durham Garden Club P. O. Box 105, Durham; Lynn Stanwood, president, 860-349-6942. Durham Historical Society P.O. Box 345, Durham Durhamhistoricalsociety@hotmail.com Sarah Atwell, president, 860-716-5497