Volume 20, Number 45
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
www.TownTimes.com
Friday, Februar y 21, 2014
Durham treasure found in chest
By Diana Carr
Special to Town Times
Rob and Doreen Raney, of Durham, got the surprise of their lives one day. A few years back, Rob’s mother, Kathryn (Kitty) Francis had passed away. The couple was helping the family clean out her attic when Doreen saw a chest in the corner. “We don’t have time to look through it right now, so let’s just take it home,” she said. “And thank heavens we did. When we opened it, we found paperwork from 1700s and 1800s Durham. We were expecting family pictures or family records.” The Raneys don’t know the origins of the chest, just that Francis’ second husband, Bob Francis, brought it to his marriage. “We’ll keep the chest, but we’re giving the contents to the town, where it belongs,” Doreen said. “It’s
town history. It doesn’t belong to us.” Peg Atwell, secretary of the Durham Historical Society, agrees with the importance of the discovery. “It’s a significant find and we must praise the Raneys for saving this. So many would have tossed it all in the garbage. This is our town and we should be diligent in saving our records for the future.” “I’m grateful to the family for their generous donation,” said First Selectman Laura Francis. (She is not related to the Francis family who pos-
sessed the chest.) “I’m appreciative of the fact that they value our town’s heritage and history and are giving the public the opportunity to enjoy these artifacts.” The chest offers a peek into lives lived long ago. Contents include a wide range of old books, paperwork and various items such as postcards. There is a committal form from the
1880s that sent recalcitrant youth to the Connecticut Industrial School for Girls (in Middletown), a school for juvenile delinquents. Cause for admittance included being “stubborn and refusing to obey her parents, guardians, or others who have the charge and control of her, or being “an habitual truant, in
the habit of wandering about the streets and public places.” There are: a package of tax bills, from the 1870s, unopened and wrapped in the original parchment paper and string; peddlers’ licenses from the 1880s, which were required for anyone wanting See Chest / Page 15
Rob Raney, First Selectman Laura Francis, and a chest full of old town records the Raneys plan to return to the town. Right: Some of the contents of a chest found in the attic of the late Kathryn (Kitty) Francis. | (Diana Carr/ Special to Town Times)
‘Giant salad spinner’ will clean river By Charles Kreutzkamp Town Times
The hydroponic particulate seperator drains runoff from Jackson Hill Road and Main Street here, nex to the Levi Coe Library, where it flows underneath the railroad tracks to rejoin the Coginchaug River. | (Charles Kreutzkamp/Town Times)
This year, as the snow melts, sand and other contaminants on Jackson Hill Road will be caught by a hydroponic particulate separator before they reach the waters of the Coginchaug River. Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw explained this device is like a “giant salad spinner” that uses centrifugal force as water passes through it to collect sand, tin cans, pieces of glass, and other pollutants on their way to the river.
Contaminants collected by the separator will be periodically vacuumed out by large trucks, specialized for the purpose, which already regularly service other particular separators in the area. “We have four or five of them around town, but this one is the biggest and most expensive,” Brayshaw said. Before the new separator was installed, Jackson Hill, a large drainage area, deposited dirty water from storm drains directly into the river. “From a water quality perspective, if someone was going to tell me they were doing anything to reduce sediments deposited into
the river, that’s great. That is going to reduce all sorts of pollutant types,” said Traci Iott, environmental analyst for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Iott explained that the Coginchaug River was evaluated several years ago and had been reported to have elevated levels of harmful bacteria. Reducing contaminants may not solve the problem entirely, but it is certainly good for the health of the river, Iott said. Storm water is one comSee River / Page 7
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The 2013 grand list for the town of Durham increased less than one percent (0.85 percent), according to the tax assessor’s office. The net taxable amount on the 2013 grand list is $744,269,657. The 2012 total was $737,958,996. The grand list is the total of all property taxable by the town. The grand list total comes from three components - real estate ($649,656,475), personal property ($32,533,667), and motor vehicles ($62,079,515). The mill rate, or level of taxation, for each town is determined by the grand list and the town’s budget. Last year’s mill rate, applied to the grand list of 2012, was 32.66, meaning that $32.66 was owed in taxes to the town for every $1,000 in taxable property owned. The mill rate for the 2011 grand list was 32.19. The year before, it was 30.46. The 2013 mill rate can not be determined until the town budget is passed. Real estate, the largest component of the grand list, saw only a 0.49 percent growth from 2012 to 2013. Without a full reevaluation, last done in 2010 not scheduled in Durham until 2015, the real estate line changes
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from new construction and demolition. The motor vehicle component grew 2.2 percent, from $60,731,840 to $62,079,515. The personal property line, which largely consists of business and manufacturing equipment, had the biggest jump. That taxable property grew 5.6 percent in assessed value on the grand list. A large percentage of the personal property line is exempt from taxation. The gross assessed value of the business and manufacturing equipment on the 2013 list is $50,722,253, but $18,188,586 or almost 36 percent, is exempt from taxation. The net assessed value is $32,533,667. Of the gross motor vehicle assessed value, 4 percent is exempt. For the real estate line, 7.4 percent is exempt. In 2013, Durham Tax Assessor John Philip noted that the state used to reimburse town for exempting personal property taxes, but those reimbursements have nearly vanished.
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The list of entities with the highest assessed taxable property in 2013 remains nearly identical to the previous year. The top ten assessments on the grand list are: 6. Durham MFG 1. Connecticut Light & Power 7. CSK Realty 2. Stonegate Springs 8. Dinatale Rentals 3. Tilcon 9. Hobson & Motzer Realty 4. Covidien 10. Diana Lynch 5. Durham Manufacturing
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Friday, February 21, 2014
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Wallingford Chorus is looking for male singers to participate in a spring concert scheduled for Saturday, May 17. The chorus rehearses every Tuesday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Lyman Hall High School. For more information, call (203) 269-6218.
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Calendar Friday, Feb. 21 Dance - DMYFS Fun Night and Dance for fifth and sixth graders is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 21, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the DMYFS Middlefield Community Center, 405 Main St. Registration is required. A fee is charged. Bring a nonperishable food item for the Children’s Nutrition Program. For more information, call (860) 349-0258 or bdean. dmyfs@comcast.net. Casual bridge - The Durham Activity Center, 350 Main St., schedules casual bridge every Friday at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, call Jim Martinelli at (860) 346-6611. Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Haddam-Killingworth at Haddam-Killingworth HS, 7 p.m.
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has scheduled an online selling workshop for Thursday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m., at the Durham Library. Claudia O’Connell is scheduled to present the free workshop regarding selling items online. For more information, email atcoconnell1927@ sbcglobal.net.
Feb. 28 Scout fundraiser - A pasta dinner fundraiser for Boy Scout Tommy Pellegrino’s Eagle Scout project is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 28, 5 to 8:30 p.m., at United Churches church hall. Proceeds benefit Pellegrino’s project of installation of electricity to the church outdoor pavilion. For more information, call (203) 213-5110 or email 4pellegrinos@comcast.net.
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Open house - The Durham Cooperative Nursery School,
16 Main St., Suite 307 has scheduled an open house for Saturday, March 1, 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, call (860) 349-9885 or email durhamcoopnurseryschool@ gmail.com. Tree pruning workshop Coginchaug Area Transition has rescheduled its free fruit tree pruning workshop for Saturday, March 1, 9:30 a.m., at Allan’s Tree Service, 220 Jackson Hill Road, Middlefield. Dress for the weather, bring tools, if possible, and gloves. For more information, call (860) 539-1466.
Monday, Feb. 24 Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Enfield at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 26 Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Valley Regional at Valley Regional, 7 p.m.
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Friday, February 21, 2014
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Frisbee-Carras Mr. and Mrs. Peter Carras of Middlefield, CT are pleased to announce the marriage of their son Nicholas to Monica Frisbee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Frisbee of Palm Bay, Florida. The wedding took place at the Middlefield Federated Church on Saturday, September 28, 2013, followed by a reception at the Barns at Wesleyan Hills.
Durham 60+ welcomed newcomers Emily Annino, Mary Lou Garofalo, Joanne Nytch and returning member Claudette Kleczkowski at its January meeting at the Durham Activity Center. | (Submitted by Mary
The bride is a graduate of Mt. Anthony Union High School in Bennington, Vermont. She received her bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University and a masters in Behavioral Science from Northeastern University. Monica is employed by Adelbrook Behavioral and Developmental Services. The groom is a 2005 graduate of Coginchaug Regional High School. He earned his bachelors of science in business from Southern New Hampshire University. Nick is employed at Paul C. Higgins, Inc. as a property claims adjustor.
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The couple recently purchased their first home in Middletown, CT.
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Winners at the recent Senior Luncheon at the Durham Activity Center are, from left: George Planeta, Joanne Keurajian, and Fred Magetteri. | (Submitted by Amanda Pedersen)
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The Coginchaug River from the Cherry Hill Road bridge, flowing downstream from the particulate separator. | (Charles Kreutzkamp/Town Times)
to which it is the main tributary. From there, the water flows on to the Connecticut River. As part of the Mattabesset river basin, the Coginchaug River supports a habitat for many species of fish, including the brook lamprey, which is a state threatened species. Fortunately, as Iott explained, despite increasing bacteria measured, the Coginchaug River was rated as fully supportive of aquatic life at a testing area in Middlefield near Route 66.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 AREA BUSINESSES The Town Times is pleased to announce the edition of DESIGN-AN-AD, the awardwinning special section showcasing ads designed by area students. HOW IT WORKS You simply tell us which size ad you wish to buy (full page, half page or quarter page) and fill out a brief information form describing your business. We do the rest. This is an opportunity for you to help promote local school children and give exposure to your business. Special low ad rates apply.
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A pasta dinner fundraiser for Boy Scout Tommy Pelleg rino’s Eagle Scout project is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 28, 5 to 8:30 p.m., at United Churches church hall. Proceeds benef it Pellegrino’s project of installation of electricity to the church outdoor pavilion. For more information, call (203) 213-5110 or email 4pellegrinos@ comcast.net.
The bacteria are primarily a concern for recreational uses of the river by humans. Although the river was deemed safe for canoing and kayaking, it was deemed unsafe for swimming due to the bacterial presence, which includes E. coli.
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ponent of bacterial build-up, and although it does not create bacteria, it can move those organisms into the river. Other areas DEEP looks at when dealing with elevated bacterial levels in rivers includes agricultural activities as well as sewer and septic contamination. Brayshaw said the Coginchaug River is known for high water quality, and valued for recreation and fishing. The new hydroponic particulate separator, which cost more than $40,000, is a small, but important part of keeping the river clean. Water that passes through the particulate separator drops sand, broken bottles, cans, animal feces, and other pollutants. The water then continues through a tunnel underneath main street, before passing underneath the railroad tracks near the Levi Coe Library. From there, it rejoins the main Coginchaug River. The Coginchaug River is 16 miles long, and begins just south of Durham in Guilford before flowing through Middlefield. The Coginchaug River feeds Wadsworth Falls, and is regularly stocked with trout. From Wadsworth, the river flows to Middletown, where it joins the Mattabesset River,
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A8 Friday, February 21, 2014
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Opinion C.A.T. Chat
Government Meetings Durham government calendar
Library Board of Trustees, Library, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 Board of Education, Strong (Unless otherwise School, 7:30 p.m. indicated, all meetings are held in the Durham Library. Middlefield Check the town website at www.townofdurhamct.org for government updates.) calendar Tuesday, Feb. 25 Ethics Commission, (Unless otherwise indiLibrary, 7 p.m. cated, all meetings are held in Monday, March 3 the Community Center.) Fire Department Trustees, Tuesday, Feb. 25 Durham Volunteer Fire Ethic’s Commission, Library, Department, 7 p.m. 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 Wednesday, Feb. 26 Town Green Design Board of Education Student Committee, Durham Achievement, Central Library, 5 p.m. Office, 135 Pickett Lane, 9 Clean Energy & a.m. Sustainability Task Force, Senior Citizen Board, Durham Library, 6:30 p.m. Durham Activity Center, 1 Wednesday, March 5 p.m. Planning & Zoning, Library, Board of Education, Strong 7:30 p.m. School, 7:30 p.m. Board of Education, Strong Thursday, Feb. 27 School, 7:30 p.m. B oard of Assessment Monday, March 10 Appeals, 3 p.m. Board of Selectman, Town Middlef ield Housing Hall, 7 p.m. Authority, 3 p.m. Inland/Wetlands, Town Monday, March 3 HAll, 7:30 p.m. Board of Selectman, 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 Thursday, March 6 Conservations Park & Recreation, 6:30 p.m. Commission, Library, 7 Economic Development, 7 p.m. p.m.
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Town Times is published every Friday by the Record-Journal Publishing Co. and delivered to all homes and businesses in Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall. Executive Vice President and Assistant Publisher – Liz White Senior Vice President of Operations and Major Accounts – Michael F. Killian Managing Editor, Online/Weeklies – Carolyn Wallach News Editor – Olivia L. Lawrence Assistant News Editor – Nick Carroll Reporter – Mark Dionne Advertising Sales – Joy Boone Advertising Director – Kimberley E. Boath Contributors – Diana Carr, Trish Dynia, Elisabeth Kennedy, Karen Kean, Judy Moeckel, Christine Foster and Michelle P. Carter.
Swap party a fun way to recycle and socialize By Claudia O’Connell Special to Town Times
(C.A.T. Chat features information from members of the Coginchaug Area Transition a local group dedicated to promoting a more thoughtful and sustainable, give-and-take approach to living on this planet. Look for C.A.T. Chat on a regular basis throughout 2014.) The start of a new year can be a time for scrutinizing and sorting through your stuff, keeping around only those items that you use and enjoy. One of the newer trends is swapping. Really a nod to the ancient bedrock of commerce, bartering-swap parties are an environmentally friendly version of home parties. The basic concept begins with choosing a category of items to swap such as clothing, accessories, books and CDs, sporting goods, jewelry, toys or baby items. Once you have a theme, you choose a date and a site (like someone’s house or a church hall). After sending invitations, the rest is all about atmosphere with details like refreshments, mood setting and logistics. Consider the types of items your guests are planning to swap and arrange rooms and furniture to maximize traffic flow and viewing space. Use furniture as merchandising tools to showcase items on table tops, to display books and jewelry, have guests supply hangers for clothing or fold and arrange items along chair backs. Be creative and have fun with displays by using peg hooks or ladders. For fashion items, have mirrors and dressing areas available. There are simple rules
for swap parties and stepby-step instructions can be found online. Basically, guests arrive and are given one token (tickets or poker chips work well) for each item being donated for swap (multiple items are okay). All items must be clean and in good condition. Add your items among those on display. Items brought for swap are no longer yours. The host will determine a time period for viewing, an hour being typical. At the appointed time, the host will open the swap and guests can claim items for their tokens. After the party, unclaimed items are packed by the host and delivered to a nearby not-forprofit donation center. At the end of a party, guests hopefully leave with something they love without having spent a dime. They also can relish the feeling of the trade knowing that nothing will end up in a landfill. In coming months, gatherings like swap parties will be a welcome alternative for those who like to socialize, but want to save the money they formerly spent on dinner and drinks out. Swapping makes great sense and really impacts the environment in a positive way by keeping things out of landfills and reducing the amount of resources needed to manufacture new
goods. Consider hosting your own swap party and search “swap party” online for more ideas. Coginchaug Area Transition (CAT) will be writing regular columns in 2014. We will also be co-sponsoring a series of programs on Thursday evenings beginning in February with the Joint Task Force on Clean Energy and Sustainability. Our program on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Durham Library will feature q workshop by Claudia O’Connell on using the internet to sell/ trade/swap stuff. Anyone interested in learning more about CAT can stop down at Perk on Main any Wednesday starting Feb. 6 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. There will be a CAT member there to talk to you about creating a more environmentally sustainable and community-minded future. Coginchaug Area Transition is co-sponsoring a series of programs on Thursday evenings beginning in February with the Joint Task Force on Clean Energy and Sustainability. Our program on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Durham Library will feature a workshop by Claudia O’Connell on using the internet to sell/ trade/swap stuff. Anyone interested in learning more about CAT can stop down at Perk on Main any Wednesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. A CAT member will be available to discuss ways to create a more environmentally sustainable and community-minded future. For updates and interesting articles, “Like” us on Facebook at Coginchaug Area Transition or check out the Transition movement website at www.transitionus.org.
Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, February 21, 2014
School budget proposes 1.74 percent increase
CHINESE NEW YEAR
Students at Miss Joanne’s Learning center are “traveling the world” to learn about different cultures. Pictured, the children celebrated the Chinese New Year with a parade complete with dragon hats. Draya Gohagan eats a snack with chopsticks and Kylie Rybak shows her name written in Chinese characters. | (Submitted by Joanne Hargreaves)
See Budget / Page 10
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In her first budget proposal to the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Kathryn Veronesi, who started in January, proposed a budget for the 2014-2015 school year with a net increase of 1.74 percent. The proposed budget for 2014-2015 totals $35,178,402 and was the result of what Veronesi characterized as “many, many challenging conversations.” BOE Chair Kerrie Flanagan echoed that sentiment, saying the budget construction was “thoughtful and hard-fought” and “a painful process.” According to the presentation conducted by Veronesi and Business Manager Ron Melnik, the proposed staffing in District 13 drops by a net total of 13.2 positions. Part of that reduction comes from eliminating 4.5 teaching positions plus an additional one special education teacher, as well as a .6 librarian position. The rest of the staffing reduction comes from non-certified staff, including four instructional assistants, two applied behavior analysts positions, and 1.5 maintenance positions. Referring to the reductions, Veronesi said, “When I talk to you about challenging discussions, this is where they were.” Although the positions were not discussed specifically, according to documents in the presentation those teacher loses occur at Brewster (a net loss of one teacher), Korn (one teacher), in the contemporary program at Memorial (a net loss of one teacher), and at Coginchaug Regional High School (1.5 positions total from math, science, and languages). “What the [budget] team was charged with was looking across the board at what kind of cuts could be made while still maintaining the
educational integrity of the programs that we have here,” said Veronesi, who cited enrollment decline for the reductions. Those staffing proposals are already likely to change by the next BOE meeting. The budget process began earlier than in the past. For planning purposes, the kindergarten enrollment of 89 students from the current year was used. Actual enrollment for 2014-2015 turned out
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Town Times
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By Mark Dionne
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A10 Friday, February 21, 2014
Healthy Family Funfest Th e f i f t h a n n u a l Healthy Family Funfest is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 23, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry St., Plantsville. Admission is free. The event includes health information, screenings, car seat information, food samples, and demonstrations. For more information, call (860) 276-1966 or visit www.healthyfamilyfunfest.com.
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Budget be the benefits line, driven by an increase in health insurto be 104 students, or 15 more ance costs. The benefits cost than anticipated. One of the of $7,289,215 for 2014-2015 proposed reductions is a kin- is over a half a million dollars more than the 2013-2014 dergarten teacher. “We don’t have enough kin- budgeted cost of $6,739,160, dergarten classes in this bud- which is almost $700,000 get,” said Flanagan after the higher than the 2012-2013 acpresentation, “so we’re going tual cost of $6,045,540. “There’s a lot of pressure to have to take a look at what on that line,” said Melnik. to do about that.” The salary line, the largest The proposed budget includes several additions, line by in the budget, has a including a K-4 computer 0.95 percent increase. The teacher’s contract, teacher, additional advance placement courses at CRHS, which makes up part of that line, was settled. The sides and PSAT support. The largest increase in the were not able to come to an proposed expenditures, both agreement in mediation. The by dollar amount and per- contract was settled after arcentage change, continues to bitration was scheduled but From Page 9
not started. The new contract smooths out the seniority step increases, sets a maximum for tuition reimbursement, and sets the stipends for leading clubs and sports at a dollar figure instead of a salary percentage. The salary increases were set at 2.51 percent, 3.25 percent, and 3.10 percent for three years, which Flanagan characterized as comparable to the state average. The BOE could not vote to accept or reject the contract because it was reached after arbitration was scheduled and is considered an arbitration award. “The way we proceed with our budget process, we’re going to define a new normal,”
said Veronesi. “We’re not just talking about the fact that things in school have changed, the community and the society and the economy in which our school is supported has changed dramatically.” Starting on Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Strong Middle School, the BOE will meet weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Strong until March 26.
Library Briefs Levi E. Coe Library
Library hours are: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Fridays.
Durham Public Library
Independent Living at Masonicare Health Center
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Programs for Kids: Bouncing Babies (birth to 17 months). Mondays at 11 a.m. Drop in. Mother Goose Storytime (18 to 30 months). Mondays at 10:15 a.m. Drop in. Time for Tots (2 ½ to 3 ½ years). Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. Drop in. Preschool Storytime (3 ½ to 5 years). Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Drop in. Bedtime Storytime (ages 2 to 5 years). Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Drop in. Story Magic (Grades K to 2). Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Drop in. Nutmeg at Night G a m e s h o w. T h u r s d a y, March 13, grades 4 to 6 p.m., 6 to 7 p.m. Grades 7 and up, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Form a team to answer questions about this years Nutmeg books. Lunch Bunch Book Discussion (grades 4 to 6). Saturday, March 15, 12:30 p. m . Br i n g lu nc h ; de ssert provided. “Stomp” by Carl Hiaasen. Registration required. Programs for Young Adults: A f ter school mov ie Movie to be a n nounced (ages 13 to 18) Wednesday, Feb. 26, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Teen Book Club (ages 12 to 18). Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. “Steampunk!” No registration. Programs for adults B ook L overs Ci rcle Wednesday, MArch 5, 7:30 p.m. “Fun Home” by Alison Bechdel. All are welcome.
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Friday, February 21, 2014
Obituary ews; and friends whom she loved so dearly. She was predeceased by her brother, Charles and his wife, Joan Hamel; sister, Lexi Sardilli; and Patricia’s twin brother, Patrick Hamel. After retiring from CEUI, Pat enjoyed spending much of her time with her very dear friends and family. She found true happiness in her home which she loved, and where so much joy and laughter was had with her friends and family. Patricia was a devout Catholic with a very deep and profound faith from which she gained her strength. She was an active member of St. Colman’s Church and enjoyed dedicating much of her time with the Ladies Guild. Funeral services were held at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown on Friday, Feb. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by a Funeral Liturgy on Saturday, Feb. 22, at St. Colman Church, Hubbard St., Middlefield, at 10 a.m. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to St. Colman’s Church, 145 Hubbard St., Middlefield. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.
The Coginchaug High School team won the Quahog Bowl held in Groton, Conn. The Quahog Bowl is an oceanographic sciences competition, held annually and sponsored by the Consortium for Ocean Leadership. This is the first time ever the Coginchaug team, which is coached by Lorrie Martin, has won this competition. Foreground (left to right): Team members: Abby Eisner, Deanna Puchalski (Captain), Ryan Gossart, Amelia Bianchi. Rear (In Hat): Team member Tyler Bjarnason. | (Submitted)
Obituary fee The Town Times charges a $50 processing fee for obituaries. For more information, call (203) 317-2240.
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MIDDLEFIELD — Patricia (Hamel) D’Amato, 74, of Middlefield, passed away at her home unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, after a brief illness. Born in New Britain, she was the daughter of the late Onesime and Rose (Luke) Hamel. Patricia was raised with her seven siblings in a close knit and loving family. Patricia was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and friend. She will be forever missed by her son, Marc and his wife, Dina D’Amato, of Middlefield; her daughter, Deborah D’Amato, of Mooresville, N.C.; and her beloved grandchildren, the joys of her life whom she loved dearly Garrett and Lydia D’Amato. She leaves behind her brothers, Joseph and his wife, Mary Hamel, Albert Hamel, David and his wife, Joyce Luke; and sister, Melvina and her husband Joseph Lavigne; a brother-in-law, Henry Sardilli; a sister-in-law, Joan Hamel; and many nieces, neph-
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A11
A12 Friday, February 21, 2014
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Senior Happenings
To submit sports info
Stroke program
strokes, prevention, recognize stroke signs and sympA free presentation “Stroke toms, importance of early - I m p rov i n g O utcom e s recognition and more. For more information, call Through Action” is scheduled for Monday, March 17, 1 (860) 349-3153. p.m. at the Durham Activity Center, 350 Main St. The program, presented 60+ Club day trips by Paramedic Brad Fowler, The 60+ Club has schedwill discuss stroke incidence uled the following day trips. and impact, who is at greatWednesday, March 12 est risk, causes and types of Ronan Tynan of the Irish
The Town Times welcomes news and scores from all sports leagues in Durham and Middlefield. Send information and photos to: Town Times, 11 Crown St., Meriden, CT 06450 or email to news@towntimes.com.
tenors at Venus De Milo, Swansea Mass. Thursday, April 10 Newport Playhouse $ Cabaret “My Husbands Wild Desires”. Wednesday, May 28 Frankie Valli and 4 Seasons Tribute at the Aqua Turf. Wednesday, June 11 - Doris Duke Estate walking tour. Tuesday, July 8 - All You Can Eat Lobster at Delaney House.
Town Times Business Service Directory
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The Middlefield Senior Center has scheduled free blood pressure screenings for the first and third Wednesday of each month at 12:15 p.m. No appointments are required. For more information, call (860) 349-7121.
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Wednesday, July 23 Na u t i c a l New p o r t I n c Newport Slots, Harbor Cruise. Sunday, Aug. 17 through 23 - Mackinac Island. Thursday, Sept. 4 - Hidden Treasurers of New England. Tuesday, Oct. 14 - Jimmy Sturr at the Log Cabin. For more information, call (860) 346-0724. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call Dial-A-Ride (MAT) at (860) 347-3313.
AARP offers free tax-aide to Durham and Middlefield low and moderate income taxpayers, especially those 60 and older. The program is scheduled through April 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Middlefield Community Center, 405 Main St., by appointment. If tax counselors do not have adequate knowledge or a return is too complex, participants may need to seek another qualified counselor or paid tax assistance. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Joan at (860) 349-7121.
Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, February 21, 2014
Men’s Basketball Ryan Ronan led Carmines with 10 points. Torrison Stone 53, Scott Tax 49: The rematch of last season’s championship game lived up to the hype, as Scott Tax looked to use its speed to combat Torrison Stone’s size. Both teams entered the night undefeated at 6-0. Torrison ended a physical first half with a 22-17 lead behind nine points from Matt
Tree pruning workshop
Lynch. Scott Tax battled back by attacking the basket and making an incredible 26 of 32 free throw attempts, led by Leland McKenna, who finished with 16 points. To r r i s o n c o u n t e r e d McKenna with dominating inside play from Adam Poturniki, who scored 14 of his game-high 20 points in the second half. - Kevin Walsh
Coginchaug Area Transition has rescheduled its fruit tree pruning workshop for Saturday, March 1, at 8:30 a.m., at Allan’s Tree Service, 220 Jackson Hill Road, Middlefield. The free workshop will focus on pruning and growing fruit trees. Dress for the weather; bring pruning tools (if possible) and gloves. For more information, call (860) 539-1466.
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Grade A Home Improvement 60, Carmines 37: Grade A connected on seven first-half threes on their way to a commanding 39-17 halftime lead. Carmines played hard in the second half, but could not ma ke a dent in the deficit. Despite 17 points from Ryan Donecker, Carmines struggled to find any kind of offensive rhythm. Three players finished in double figures for Grade A, led by Dan Pease with 15. Scott Tax 88, Cody D’s Team 43: Scott Tax continued its torrid scoring pace setting five-year Men’s League records for points in the first half (48), and total points in a single game (88). Ryan Pelletier of Scott Tax made an incredible 15 field goals on his way to 31 points. James Carmichael f inished with 14, leading the way for Cody D’s Team. Allstate Fire Equipment 39, Around The Clock 38: Both teams traded leads throughout in what was the closest game of the season thus far. The first half was marked by tough defense as Around The Clock led 17-16 at the half. Allstate held a two-point lead late in the second half until Pete Donecker’s tip-in rebound tied the game at 38. A l l s t a t e ’s J o e D a v i s broke the tie with a free throw that proved to be the game-winner. Trevor Hansen led all scorers with 13. Grade A Home Improvement 48, Allstate Fire Equipment 42: Mark Crayton scored 18 points as Grade A Home Improvement won its f ifth consecutive game. Grade A continued to play suffocating defense, only allowing one player to score in double figures for Allstate. Joe Davis finished with 10 points in defeat. Co dy D ’s Te a m 49, Carmines 38: Cody D’s Team got its first win of the season behind 24 points from Ja mes Ca rmichael. C a r m i c h a e l ’s s i z e a n d strength in the paint proved to be too much for Carmines to handle.
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A14 Friday, February 21, 2014
Preschool screening
Regional School District 13 has scheduled preschool screening for Friday, Feb. 28 at 9 and 11 a.m. at Brewster Elementary School. All district four year old and children turning three by Aug. 30 are welcome. The screening allows parents the opportunity to have
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Schools their child observed by district professionals in an informal, fun setting. Parental permission and involvement are required, however, children will also separate for parents during the screening. For more information and registration, call Crystal at (860) 349-7210.
Mercy High School
The following local students were named to the second marking period honor roll at Mercy High School High honors - Molly Breen, Madeline Dumas, Flannery Keenan, Kendra Landy, Abigail Marran, Caitlin McAuliffe, Isabella O’Keefe, Gabrielle Pakech,
Mackenzie Scotto of Durham; Amy Boyle, Victoria Conroy, Stephanie Mangiameli, Alice Ochterski of Middlefield. First honors - Demery Coppola, Olivia Marran, Ashley Mason, Hannah Pakech, Nina Peach, Danielle Richardson, Katelyn Richardson of Durham; Cecelia Giuffrida, Brittany
Town Times Business Service Directory Lic# PL204680
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Hall, Tiffany Mangiameli of Middlef ield; Mikayla Mazzotta of Rockfall. Second honors - Kelly Brennan, Ashley Scotto of Durham; Megan Etheridge of Middlefield.
Sacred Heart Academy
The following local students were named to the second semester honor roll at Sacred Heart Academy. High honors - Julia Davis, Lauren Davis of Middlefield.
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Warren Hadley, Abigail Mancinelli of Durham were named to the first semester honor roll at Kingswood Oxford.
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Southern Connecticut State University - Katherine Conroy, Monica D’aria, Nicole Fekete, Amber Lake, Amber Ryan of Durham; Bailey Berardono, Jessica Robinson of Middlefield; Justin Giambrone of Rockfall.
Clarkson University, N e w Yo r k - D o n a l d MacNaught of Durham. College of the Holy C ro ss , M a ssac h u s e tt s - Victoria Piscatelli of Middlefield. Fairfield University Emily Bower, Shannon Egan, Annalee Forline of Durham; Michael Smith of Middlefield. Marist College, New York - Alexander Kovacs of Durham. McDaniel College, M a r yl a n d - B e n j a m i n Shoudy of Durham. Quinnipiac University - Connor Bates, Anthony DeMarinis, Heidi Emack, Mark Fusco, Ariana Giacco, Brian MacDuff, Allison Person, Amy Solomon, Chelsea Tuttle of Durham; Anastasia Griffin of Rockfall. Salve Regina University, Rhode Island - Elizabeth Harlow, Jocelyn St. Pierre of See Schools / Page 15
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Chest $1 for tolling the bell at a funeral that took place Sept, 26, 1883; cutting bushes, $1; work on Hellgate Road, $2; work on Loveland Road, $4.50; in 1882, a bill for one day’s work, for $1.75; in 1883, a bill for $28 for work done with a team of horses for seven days Oscar Leach advertised that his store sold groceries, crockery, hardware, oil cloths, boots and shoes, grain and feed, and paper hanging. Oscar promised good ser-
vice. “I propose to do a Live Business on ‘Small Profits’ for prompt pay.” In 1883 he billed the town for 13 cents for a padlock, 27 cents for four packs of tobacco, 10 cents for two pounds of nails, and 88 cents for a shovel. “If we didn’t find all this,” Doreen said, “Durham would have missed out on that whole section of recorded history.” “This treasure chest is very special,” said daughter Jenny Raney Nims. “It gives
you a glimpse into the past and it gives you a better understanding of where you came from.” Although thrilled to have come upon this slice of history, the family is happy to be living in today’s Durham. “I don’t wish I lived back then,” Rob said. “It was much tougher to survive. People spent all their time working hard, and there was little time for leisure. Plus there was no ESPN.”
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to sell something; the grand list for taxes, from the 1870s and 1880s — and the leather pouch used for collected money. Some examples of property taxes are: $1.90, $2.10, $7.79, $16.35, and $20.90. The treasure trove also yielded: military enrollment papers, sealed shut, from 1872 to 1880; property deeds; a description of deeded land, dated 1742; a list of people who had registered their dogs, dated 1881; a postcard from 1887, which cost one cent; book of uncollected taxes from 1875 to 1879; a letter from Durham, England, dated July 10, 1882, from a man writing to his wife while he was waiting for dinner at a hotel; a form stating an exemption from military service due to hardness of hearing, dated 1884; an insurance policy in the original Aetna envelope, dated 1890, issued to the Selectman of Durham — it was for $600,
with a premium of $9.50 A transfer of the title of land, from 1790 took place “right after the Revolutionary War,” Rob said, “so the money was in pounds.” Letters include one dated 1797 and “Some were sad,” Doreen said. “Some were hard to read because of the handwriting. There were done in ink, in calligraphy.” There are also a number of bills from various people who had done work for the town;
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Allan Poole, Licensed Arborist (B-0384) CALL: (860) 349-8029
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Durham; Alexia Mazzotta of Rockfall. Springfield College, Massachusetts - Michael Mastroianni, Jessie Maniscalco of Durham; Marissa Puchalski of Middlefield. University of Hartford Edgar Carrasco, Ross McCain of Durham; Tyler Berry of Middlefield. University of Rhode Island - Kathryn Carria of Durham; Katie Bednarz, K ristopher Selvaggi of Middlef ield; Nicholas Mazzotta of Rockfall. U n ive r s i t y o f Ne w Haven - Emily Carria, Kevin Donovan, Aaron Norowski, Laura Reimer of Durham; Jennifer Roth of Middlefield; Eric St. Armand of Rockfall. University of Delaware - Shannon McAuliffe of Durham. University of Vermont - Kristen Ciarlo, Zachary LaVigne, Anne Linden of Durham. Wake Forest University, North Carolina - Matthew
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CHET Dream Big!
The sixth annual CHET Dream Big! Competition, aimed to get kindergarten through fifth grade students thinking about their education, is accepting entries. The competition features two entry categories based on grade level. Students in kindergarten through grade 3 may submit an original drawing that answers the questions “What do I want to do after I go to college?” Fourth and fifth grade students must submit an essay that responds to the question, “How will I change the world after I go to college?” Entries are judged on creativity, originality, portrayal of theme, spelling and grammar. Three $1,000 grand prizes will be awarded (one winner from each grade). Fortyeight winners (six per county) will be awarded a $500 CHET account. Twelve statewide winners representing Connecticut’s Review and Turnaround Schools will be awarded a $500 CHET account. Deadline for entries is March 26. For more information and entry form, visit www. CHETDreamBig.com.
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The Executive Board of the Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords is accepting applications for its annual scholarships to students pursuing a career in nursing or music. The $1,000 scholarships will be presented at the spring concert at Portland High School, Saturday, May 17. Applications are available at guidance offices or a www. vocalchords20.org/. Deadline is Monday, March 31. For more information, call (860) 277-3913.