Ttdec6 by Town Times Newspaper

Volume 20, Number 34

Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

www.TownTimes.com

Friday, December 6, 2013

RINGING IN THE HOLIDAYS AT FIRST NIGHT

Neither the cold nor the loss of the town green’s giant pine tree kept families from enjoying Middlefield Park and Recreation’s First Night and tree lighting ceremony Nov. 30. Santa also honored the annual tradition. Families dressed for warmth and gathered for carols on the green, stories in the library, food at the fire house, and crafts at Middlefield Children’s Center and the Community Center. | (Mark Dionne\Town Times.)

Before Santa’s arrival, Park and Recreation Director Chris Hurlbert, left, gathered children for songs with Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw, in back. Brass musicians from Coginchaug Regional High School, including the trumpet section, accompanied carol singing at Middlefield’s First Night celebration. | (Mark Dionne\Town Times.)

Local dog and owner train for international competition By Charles Kreutzkamp Town Times

Middlefield trainer Monique Plinck and her dog Tiki participate in agility competitions in the U.S. and around the world. | (Monique Plinck/Submitted)

Monique Plinck’s dog Tiki has been running through tubes, leaping over obstacles and weaving through posts, hard at work training for the upcoming International Federation of Cynological S p o r t s Wo r l d A g i l i t y Championships, being held in Holland this May. Plinck, a Middlefield resident, and Tiki have won awards at dog agility competitions in the past, including several at the United States Dog Agility Association’s BARK Agility event. Tiki is a 6-year-old male papillon. Plinck explained that preparing for agility competitions takes two to three years of training. Plinck developed an interest in the sport 20 years ago when she owned a

“very smart, very active rottweiler who was doing really well in obedience school but needed more than obedience could provide. It was recommended that I check out Agility. There weren’t many in the area at that point, so I started out in Newtown and I’ve continued from there.” Plinck now trains Tiki at Criterion Agility, a facility she owns and operates in Middlefield, where she teaches her dogs and shares her expertise with others part time to “help pay for my habit,” Plinck said. Plinck said she began participating in competitions because, “You get to a point in your training where you are really excelling at the sport and someone recommends that you compete. Everybody See Agility / Page 14

A2 Friday, December 6, 2013

Town Times | towntimes.com

Like ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Powder Ridge awakens By Mark Dionne Town Times

On the night of Nov. 29, a handful of drivers pulled their cars off to the side of Powder Hill Road and looked over the orchards at something that has not been seen for seven years in Middlefield —lights running up the mountain at Powder Ridge. Hundreds more gathered at the base of Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort, as it is now called, for an Opening Night celebration that featured food, drink, live music, and, most significantly, lights and snow. When he stood in the dark to address the crowd before officially turning the lights back on, owner Sean Hayes got a rousing applause, only slightly muffled by mittens and gloves. “There’s a lot of people behind the scenes that made this possible,” Hayes said. Noting that Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park, where Hayes is one of the owners, was expanded with input from the Portland community, Hayes said that the vision for the new Powder Ridge was guided by this local community. “You guys wanted weddings,” Hayes said, and gestured to the top of the mountain, where the lights would later reveal a gazebo for ceremonies. “We didn’t want to create another local ski area. This is an adventure sports park for the whole family,” Hayes said. When the powerful lights came on, they were slow to warm up and only gradually revealed the slopes but peo-

ple cheered anyway. In that, the lights were an apt metaphor for the ski resort itself, which took a long seven years to return to business. The rebirth of Powder Ridge was also supported by the community, which approved the purchase of the land at a referendum in 2008 and its sale for use as a ski resort at another referendum in August of 2012. Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw kicked off the ceremony by comparing Powder Ridge to Sleeping Beauty. “It went to sleep,” Brayshaw said. “Sean Hayes had the vision, the ability, and the courage” to bring it back. Speaking after the ceremony, Brayshaw pointed to the long line of cars coming into the parking lots and the crowds of people moving into the food tent and said that this location was special to the community. “Almost mystical,” Brayshaw said, “I’ve known so many people who have met their husband or wife here.” In the tent, people lined up to buy food prepared by Kevin Cottle, Head Chef for Powder Ridge, including Fire at the Ridge, the fine dining restaurant planned for the resort. There were tables of leg of lamb and steamship leg of pork, as well as a pasta station. “We’ve got some soup,” said Cottle, “It’s freezing out there.” Cottle pointed out that the butternut squash bisque was made with Lyman Orchards a p pl e s wh i l e t h e New England Clam Chowder reflected Cottle’s background. “I’m a New England kid. I’m pretty seafood heavy.”

Wreaths Across America Boy Scout Troop 27 has teamed with Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization who raises money through donations, to purchase wreaths that will be laid on graves at Arlington National Cemetery. Troop 27 is scheduled

to assist in laying those wreaths on Thursday, Dec. 14. Tax-deductible donations are accepted to help make this cause possible. For more information and to make a donations, visit http://www.waastore/ com. At checkout, enter CTBSA27 as the group id.

For the first time in years, Powder Ridge drew crowds, not to a public meeting or a referendum, but to the mountain itself for an official opening celebration Nov. 29. Park owner Sean Hayes, right, and Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw, left, addressed the crowd before the lights turned back on. Crowds watched the lights and the snow machines, gathered around fires, and formed intertwining lines to get to the food tables. | (Mark Dionne\Town Times)

According to Cottle, the three dining options at Powder Ridge - cafeteria style, tavern fare and fine dining - will have three different roll out dates. The cafeteria, called The Marketplace, will open between Christmas and New Year’s. The tavern is scheduled to open “January-

ish,” with Fire at the Ridge’s opening planned for April. “We’re shooting for when the mountain closes,” Cottle said. Powder Ridge’s website announced that they were not able to make snow to open the snowboarding jib area for the celebration as

planned, but snow making did return to the mountain during the Opening Night ceremonies. Like the lights and like the re-opening of Powder Ridge itself, the snow machines took a while to get going, but when they did they were greeting with cheers.

FASCINATING FOSSILS Lorrie Martin, the Regional School District’s outdoor education teacher, recently organized a fossil lesson for the entire fourth grade at Korn Elementary School. World wide fossil collectors Bob and Sue Reynolds and “Mineral Al” brought an extensive fossil collection to show the students. The collection included rocks and fossils from before the dinosaurs, and a 3.8 billion year old fossil called cyanobacteria (pond scum that turned into a rock because of time, temperature and pressure.) Students learned that the Crinoids were the first animals. | (Submitted photo.)

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Friday, December 6, 2013

Powder Ridge pays off remaining Middlefield debt

MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE

between the town’s purchase price and the sale price of the two properties reflects the value of the development rights which were removed or altered from the properties. The referendum approving the town’s purchase dedicated the land to recreation and open space. According to Geruch, Middlefield originally took out $2.8 million to handle the purchase. “We currently still have about two million outstanding on the property,” Geruch said.

That $2.8 million debt had been paid down by the town to approximately $2.3 million. The debt dropped to approximately $2 million after the Vogel sale. The $500,000 payment will be used to pay down the debt, according to Geruch and Brayshaw’s statements. “That is our intention,” Geruch said. Because the funds were unanticipated at the creation of the town’s budget, the town may face

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voters, at referendum, approved the sale of most of the property to Sean Hayes’ Brownstone group. The sale closed in September 2012 for $700,000. The amount was divided into yearly payments as a loan from the town of Middlefield, with $500,000 remaining before the wire payment. The remaining property carved out of the town’s purchase was recently sold to Middlefield resident Lori Vogel for $300,000. That sale — the source of some contention locally — was also approved at referendum. The $1.55 million difference

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According to Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw and Middlefield Finance Director Joe Geruch, the town received a $500,000 wire payment, Nov. 3, to settle the remaining debt from Sean Hayes’ Powder Ridge group for the purchase of the ski area from the town. In a Nov. 4 press release from Powder Ridge, when the pay-off intention was announced, Brayshaw said, “I am thrilled for both the town and Sean Hayes to hear the news. There is no downside,

Sean is moving ahead and the town gets to pay down its debt five years early. It’s funny how things work out. I don’t have the exact figures but suffice to say the town will save tens of thousands in interest costs because of Sean’s willingness to pay us early.” The town of Middlefield purchased Powder Ridge for $2.55 million in December 2008 from Middlef ield Holdings, which had purchased the property at auction only months before. Attempts to sell the property to Snow Time and then Alpine Ridge both collapsed. In August of 2012, Middlefield

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Town Times

A4 Friday, December 6, 2013

Town Times | towntimes.com

Memorial fund started to honor Albin

Melissa Albin’s efforts at library events were never half-hearted. For Durham residents have various occasions she’d s t a r t e d w o r k i n g w i t h appeared in full make-up, D u rh a m P ubl ic L ibra r y tiaras, wizard robes, or her Director Trish Connolly on traditional Halloween cat a memorial fund in memory costume. A memorial fund of former children’s librarian Melissa Albin, who died has been started at the library in her memory. | (Paula in September. A l b i n ’s f r i e n d s Jo d y Pietruszka/Submitted) Benbow and Sheryl Slight of Durham have been coordi- Also, memorials of a more nating the memorial efforts permanent nature are being and have met with Connolly considered. Some permanent ideas include a dedicated to start the fund. Benbow said that a memo- book collection or a bench rial effort has a lot of moving with a statue of a reading pieces and the end result is child outside the library. “I can guarantee it’s not gonot yet known. “There’s a lot ing to be spent on staplers,” of ideas being discussed.” Albin’s affection for chil- Benbow said. “But we’re not dren’s events at the library saying exactly what it will go A l b i n ’s m o t h e r, P a t discussions once the fund could be recognized by fund- to because we don’t know. ter consideration and discusKonecny, will attend future has been established. ing children’s programming. Every dollar will be spent af- sion with Melissa’s family.” Albin was a fixture at the Durham library for over 10 ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS years, welcoming young readers to the children’s room, reading to Story Time CHIROPRACTIC CENTER groups, and running themed & ACUPUNCTURE parties. After her death, Specializing in the treatment of many patrons recalled her • Sports Injuries • Low Back & Neck Pain • Auto Accidents • Headaches presence as a reading vol• Work Related Injuries • Carpal Tunnel unteer in the elementary • Personal Injuries • Sciatica schools and her attention to Most Insurances Accepted Dr. April J. Prete each individual child. CALL FOR APPOINTMENT “People are so generous in 16 Main St. Unit 302 Durham, CT 06422 • Office 860-349-0639 Fax 860-349-0519 By Mark Dionne

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SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN ROTARY CLUB OF MIDDLETOWN DAY! 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM BREAKFAST WITH SANTA and A FREE PICTURE at the Middletown Parks & Recreation Office (100 Riverview Center Suite 140).

10:30 AM - 2:30 PM

ROTARY CLUB of Middletown will be staffing the POPCORN & HOT PRETZELS stand in front of the Chamber. HOLIDAY MUSIC played by HARVEST WOODS AUDIO.

GREET SANTA & FREE HAYRIDES along Main Street FUN TRAIN FREE RIDES on the sidewalk around downtown ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR at the Church of the Holy Trinity SANTA’s STAMP HUNT GAME Visit the Chamber to pick up your passport sheet. Find the 10 Stamps Hidden within walking distance of the Chamber. Stamp your passport sheet with all 10 Stamps. Return to the Chamber to Win a Golden Ticket to attend a Special Event with Santa on Dec 14. THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FOOD DRIVE Items may be dropped in front of the Holy Trinity Church to benefit the Amazing Grace Food Pantry. PHOTO BOOTH Take holiday pictures with your friends and family located at 363 Main Street.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM 2:00 PM

HOLIDAY STORY TIME come to the Inn at Middletown (70 Main ST) to meet the VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLER and MAYOR DAN DREW will read stories to you. At the end of the reading there will be a “BOOK SIGNING” Bring your camera.

Bring the whole family to see these films ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS & FROSTY THE SNOWMAN at the Goldsmith Family Cinema, located at the Center for Film Studies at Wesleyan University. Admission is FREE! (made possible with support from the

See Albin / Page 10

JOIN THE FUN!

Don’t Miss This Annual Holiday Celebration

Saturday, December 14th 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS THE EXCHANGE CLUB of Middletown SANTA’s Stamp Hunt Game Holiday Story Time with Police Chief & Cookie Mouse Mobile Petting Zoo Special Event with Santa and SANTA’s Stamp Hunt Golden Ticket Winners Ornament Decorating Workshops

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Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, December 6, 2013

Community roundup The event has filled both towns’ food pantries each year and additional food items are delivered to the Amazing Grace food pantry in Middletown. Last year over 11,000 food items and $2,400 were collected. For more information, contact Kathy Bottini, Melissa Cook or Rebecca Sinusas in the Guidance department at Strong School at (860) 349-7255 or kbottini@rsd13.org.

Holiday food drive

Miss Joanne’s Learning Center, 82 Cedar St., Rockfall, is participating in the “Coats for Connecticut” coat drive. Donations may be dropped off between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Coats will be donated to families in need in the community.

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The Core Club and 24/7 Gym, 350 Main St., has scheduled its annual food drive. Items in need include cereal, tuna fish, soup (other than tomato), pasta sauce, canned fruit and vegetables, baked beans, rice, boxed potatoes, peanut butter, stuffing mix and cake and cookie mixes. For more information, call (860) 349-9100.

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The 8th annual community round-up is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to noon. Teams made up of students, teachers, parents and community members plan to rove the town in a scavenger-like fashion. Students will travel in teams of three or four following assigned routes to collect non-perishable items, canned goods and gift cards that will be distributed to the needy.

Coats for Connecticut

A6 Friday, December 6, 2013

Town Times | towntimes.com

SUPER SEASON

The Coginchaug U10 boys travel soccer team salute their fans and Coach Jon Driscoll for a great season. From left: Dylan Kaczor, Felipe Perez, Alex Brandt, Leo DiLeone, Ryan Frier, Nick Cassarino, DJ Kozik, Brenden Kane, Aiden Driscoll, Kevin Ryan, Adam Schaffer, Cameron Neville, Jack Roberts. Not pictured: Glen Miarecki, Ethan Sirois, Ethan Bufford-Cournoyer, Andy Zhou. | (Photo by Mike Kane)

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Submissions The Town Times welcomes submissions regarding upcoming community events. These brief items run free of charge. We do our best to run a submission at least one time, however, we cannot guarantee a submission will be published on a specific date and content may be edited. Send submissions to news@towntimes.com or contact Marsha at (203) 317-2256. If you have specific requirements contact sales at (203) 317-2313.

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Friday, December 6, 2013

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. Holiday hours - The Levi E. Coe Library is scheduled to close: Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 1 p.m.; and Thursday, Nov. 28, for Thanksgiving. Middlefield First Night Librar y Activities Saturday, Nov. 30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Drop-in storytime and craft. The Giving Tree Librarians choose a selection of books that would benefit the children’s collection. Patrons may browse, pay for their donations, take the book home and wrap it. Books are brought to the library on Tuesday, Dec. 3 as a gift to the library. G i v i n g T r e e /O p e n House - Tuesday, Dec. 3,

5:30 to 7 p.m. Children are welcome to help build a graham cracker house. A visit from Sa nta is expected. Register at the Children’s Department or call (860) 349-3857. Book talk at Middlefield Senior Center - Wednesday, Dec. 18, 1 to 2 p.m. Discussion of “Blessi ngs” by A n na Q u i nd len at t he Sen ior Center.

Durham Public Library

Zinio E-Magazines available - Zinio is an online magazine service that allows patrons to view full digital copies of magazines. It is the same material as the print version. Magazine issues are not checked our so they are always available. Read online or download to read offline.

A current Durham Public Library card (or a card from another LIOBN library) is required. For more i n for m ation and Zinio instructions, visit www.durhamlibrary.org. Programs for Kids: Kids’ Club (grands 3 to 5). Thursday, Dec. 19, 4 to 5 p.m. Drop in. Visit from Santa (all ages). Saturday, Dec. 7, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cookies, crafts, photo

opportunities. Drop in. LEGO Club (6 to 12 years). Thursday, Dec. 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Drop in. Teens Telling Tots (4 to 9 yea rs). Saturday, Dec. 14 , 10 : 3 0 a . m . a nd 1 : 3 0 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 and 28 at 10:30 a.m. Local teens plan to read seasonal books to younger children. Registration is required. Lunch Bunch Book Discussion (grades 4 to

6). Saturday, Dec. 21, 12:30 p.m. Bring lunch, dessert is provided. Registration is required. Programs for Young Adults: Afterschool Movies (ages 12-18). Every Wednesday 3:30 pm. Popcorn and water served. December movies is “Despicable Me 2.” Drop in, no registration required. See Library / Page 18

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A8 Friday, December 6, 2013

Town Times | towntimes.com

Opinion

Brayshaw is back with a big update By Jon Brayshaw Special to Town Times

Now that the election season is over, I assume Town Times w i l l a llow m e from the desk of First to reSelectman sume my Jon Brayshaw monthly blurb. But first, before I get into some “stuff” of interest, let me assure you that it was an honor to be elected to serve the town once again. It was a humbling experience knocking on 1,000 doors while walking (no joke) over 200 miles. Ed Bailey was the perfect running mate and my wife Gwen the perfect marriage mate of 48 years. For the next two years I will resume my goal of kindness

to all who approach. So, here we go….. Lake Beseck has seen quite a transformation. It now looks like a giant ugly mud pie. Work finally began on the dam so the clock is ticking. The Lake Environment Committee has been working with two consultants and the DEEP to determine what can be done to make improvements while the water level is down. The “problem” is that we do not own the lake … the state does. To get them to budge takes the usual nuclear explosion and money — lots of money. Both are being worked on. As for wells, as of today, we have knowledge of four wells that went dry. They were shallow dug wells and therefore needed replacement anyway. As for lake tidbits, would you believe that every evening an army of raccoons make their way to the water’s edge an chow down on the abundance of freshwa-

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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 Senior Vice President and Editor – Ralph Tomaselli News Editor – Olivia L. Lawrence Assistant News Editor – Nick Carroll Reporter – Mark Dionne Advertising Director – Kimberley E. Boath Advertising Sales – Joy Boone Office Assistant, Press Releases – Marsha Pomponio

ter clams —yuck! T h is fa l l, A ntoi nette Astle resigned from her post as our Senior Center/ municipal agent after 20 years of employment. The Senior Center Advisory Board jumped into action fielding applications and conducting interviews resulting in the hiring of Joan Lombardo. Joan is a great fit and will soon be up to speed. The town’s sincere thanks to Amanda Pedersen (Durham’s Senior C o ord i n a tor) for f i l l ing in while we found a replacement. As for great fits, Brian Dumas recently resigned his roll of emergency manager. Brian worked around the clock during our several weather-related emergencies over the past few years. Luckily, hardly a day had passed when Bill Roberts stepped up and agreed to fill the roll. You ask, what’s an emergency manager and why do we need such?

Witness the 6 p.m. news for an answer. As small as we are, we need to make good decisions when an emergency shows up on our doorstep. You and your family deserve the best. And, by the time you read this some old news — Black Friday and the touted “soft opening” of Powder Ridge went off as planned. Seven years have elapsed since it closed. The word on the street among those at the opening was that the ski area seemed to be in hibernation. The lights and snowmakers were certainly part of the waking up process. Recently, the Board of Selectmen agreed to introduce and make available a discount drug card to our citizens. We are one of nearly 100 small towns and cities that have signed up for the program. You should have by now received a card and info in the mail having to do with the free program. If you misplaced it,

call my office and I’ll get you another. And finally, the “Vogel” land sale was signed on Sept. 13 and a check gladly accepted and applied to the mortgage. If you recall, the 20 acres was appraised at $300,000 and was sold for same. The land is zoned agriculture and can not be developed, except for one house in the rear. The $700K for Powder Ridge and the $300K for Vogel tops out at the $1 million that we voted for. And speaking of voted for — Joe and I are starting to work on next year’s budget. This year we have a few new members on the Board of Finance who will be all ears to hear your input. Don’t be bashful. In case I do not get another blurb in before Christmas, I do want to wish readers and nonreaders alike a blessed Christmas season. Jon A. Brayshaw is first selectman for Middlefield.

Government Meetings (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Durham Library. Check the town website at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.) Monday, Dec. 9 Board of Selectman, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Inland Wetlands, library, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 Conservation Commission, library 7:30 p.m. Library Board of Trustees, library, 7:30 p.m. Durham Volunteer Fire Company, Durham Volunteer firehouse, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 Board of Education student achievement, 135 Pickett Lane, 9 a.m. Board of Education, Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 Zoning Board of Appeals, Town Hall, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 Board of Selectman, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 Board of Finance, Town Hall, 7 p.m.

Economic Development Commission, library, 7 p.m. Agriculture Commission, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 Senior Citizen Board, Durham Activity Center, 1 to 5 p.m. Planning and Zoning, library 7 p.m. Recreation Committee, Durham Activity Center, 7 p.m.

Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Wednesday, Dec. 11 Planning & Zoning, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 Board of Finance, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m. Board of Selectmen, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 Inland/Wetlands Commission, 7 p.m.

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, December 6, 2013

Street names help tell town history By Diana Carr

Special to Town Times

Streets do more than just get us from point A to point B. They hold our stories. Malcolm Pearce and his wife, Helen, both natives of Durham, know a lot of those stories. The Pearces recently sat down for an interview with Town Times to share some of that knowledge with our readers. Maple Avenue was formerly Back Lane, because it was in back of Main Street (which was originally Broad Street). In 1952, the Pearces bought four acres on what is now Clark Road. Their’s was the only house on their dirt road, which they named Bayberry Hill because of the abundance of bayberries on the property. When two other houses came along, they all just stayed with the name. “Back then you didn’t have to go to the town hall for this,” Malcolm said. “We used Bayberry Hill as our mailing address (none of the houses had numbers in those days), and I used it for my license and checks.” At that time, zoning said that if there were three houses on a road, the developer had to build a town road. Clifford Clark, who owned 65 acres and had sold land to

three unmarried daughters walking down it every Sunday on their way to church, single file and in order of their age. The town of Haddam originally owned a piece of land in Coginchaug (Durham was called Coginchaug from 1703 until the mid 1700s, when it took on its present name), and when they gave it to Coginchaug it became Haddam Quarter. (In those days a piece of Malcolm and Helen Pearce. | (Diana Carr\ land was called a Special to Town Times.) quarter.) When a the three houses on Bayberry road was later put in, headHill, was that developer. After ing toward Haddam, it was he paved the road, he named named Haddam Quarter it after himself. The same sit- Road. uation applied to a neighborRoute 17 heading north out ing road, and he named that of the center of town was one Ernest Road, after his son. originally Elden Hubbard Fowler Avenue was named Hill, named after the tax colafter William Chauncey lector who once lived there. Fowler. He came to Durham Meadow Lane used to be in 1662 and wrote an early his- Swamp Lane. In 1707 the tory of the town. town fathers decided to build Maiden Lane was originally a road that would connect Garnsey Road, named for the what is now Route 17 to Tuttle family that had a big farm Road. “But it was too wet and on it. It got its current name the swamp took over the because of a man and his road,” Malcolm said. “It was

abandoned after a few years. Meadow Lane is a small part of the original road, with only a few houses on it.” The “Bear” in Bear Rock Road was originally “Bare,” because it runs toward Bare Rock, named because nothing grows around it. Not surprisingly, Saw Mill Road had a saw mill on it. “There’s a rapid brook there and back then wherever there was running water there was a mill,” Malcolm said. The birch mill on Birch Mill Road churned out bottles of birch extract before switching to witch hazel. Indian Lane was named after Esther Beaumont, a Native American who made baskets and died in 1893. Snell Road, running from Durham into Middlefield, is now Little Lane. Mr. Snell’s farm was at the end of the road and had a windmill generator that supplied him and his wife with electricity-the first wind-generated power in the area. In the 1930s Malcolm’s mother, Louise Pearce, and her neighbor, Jean Gastler, changed the name of

the road to Little Lane. Mr. Snell had died, and they liked that name better. Later on the town made the change official. Rt. 68, heading toward Wallingford, was known as Quarry Hill Road. The quarry there provided brownstone for the foundations of some of the early buildings in town. In the 1700s, Stagecoach Road was part of the original route that went from Boston to New York. Six stagecoaches passed through Durham every day. Finally, Jessica Hall, of Durham, tells of a formation of rocks at the end of Hellgate Road (they’re now on private property) in the shape of an armchair. Legend has it that people used to go there to worship the devil. If you know of other interesting stories behind the name of a road or have additional information to share on this topic, email your comments to news@towntimes. com and put “street names” in the subject line. If more information becomes available, we’ll plan a follow-up story.

Letters to the Editor

To the Residents of Durham and Middlefield: The second of three RSD 13 School Utilization Study Community Workshops is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Strong School Gymnasium. The workshop will again be conducted by Region 13 Utilization Study consultant, Drummey, Rosane Anderson, Inc (DRA). The purpose of the first Community Workshop was to gather input and feedback from workshop focus groups on the needs in the school district. The workshop generated a tremendous level of community participation and the discussions were informative, thoughtful and productive. The purpose of Community Workshop #2 is to explore a wide variety of options drafted in response to the research done and the discussions held at the first workshop session. Participants will have an opportunity to dis-

cuss these options and to offer their ideas during the workshop. Like the f irst session, Community Workshop #2 will be organized around focus group breakout sessions, each devoted to discussing district facilities, educational programs, RSD 13 trends and student issues and needs. While these series of workshops build on each other, your participation is vitally important and we encourage you to attend workshop #2 whether or not you were able to participate in the first workshop. You may also provide your comments to us at survey@ rsd13.org or calling the Board of Education at (860) 349-7200. A third workshop session to be held in January, 2014 will focus on the feasibility of options developed at the second workshop and will present these considerations to the Board of Education and the community. We look forward to your continued support and participation in this important process. Bob Fulton, Chairman School Utilization Study Committee

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this town and loved Melissa,” Benbow said. The library is administering the fund and town is handling the accounting. She put her confidence in the administration of the memorial fund at “150 percent.” Donations can be sent by check payable to the Durham Public Library, 7 Maple Ave., Durham, CT 06422; attention Trish Connolly. “Melissa A lbi n Memor i a l F u nd ” should be indicated on the check.

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Community supper - The Church of the Epiphany, 196 Main St., has scheduled a free community supper for Sunday, Dec. 8, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the church hall. Everyone is welcome. Holiday bazaar - The Wadsworth Mansion at Long

Valley Shore Acappella - Valley Shore Acappella of Sweet Adelines International welcomes all women to sing Christmas melodies with it four-part harmony. Rehearsals are Tuesdays, 7 to

Concert - The Middletown Symphonic Band has scheduled a holiday concert for Sunday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m., at South Congregational Church, 9 Pleasant St., Middletown. The concert is free

Wednesday, Dec. 11 Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Kolbe Cathedral at Shehan center, 7 p.m. See Calendar / Page 19

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Dudley farm - The Dudley Farm Museum, 2351 Durham Road, North Guilford, has scheduled an open house for Dec. 7 and 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Munger Barn will be open for its 18th annual holiday market. St. Nicholas is scheduled to visit. For more information, call (203) 457-0770 or visit www.dudleyfarm.com. Christmas Bazaar - The United Churches of Durham, 228R Main St., has scheduled a country Christmas bazaar for Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafts, gift baskets, jewelry, Boy Scout Troop 270 tag sale and more. Lunch will be available for purchase. Holiday fair - Church of the Holy Trinity, 381 Main St.,

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Hill Estate has scheduled its annual holiday bazaar for Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 421 Wadsworth St., Middletown. Children are free, a donations for adults is appreciated but not expected. The event features various vendors offering homemade baked goods, clothing, jewelry, Christmas arrangements, pottery, wood furniture and more. Lunch will be available for purchase. For more information, call (860) 347-1064.

Middletown, has scheduled its holiday fair for Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Items from over 30 crafters and vendors will be offered for purchase. Lunch will be available form 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Handicapped accessible. For more information, call (860) 347-2591.

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Square dance - The 4C’s Square Dance Club has scheduled a dance on Friday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., at the Brewster School. Caller will be Chris Pinkham; cuer will be Gene King. For more information, call (860) 349-8084 or (860) 235-1604. Casual bridge - The Durham Activity Center, 350 Main St., schedules casual bridge for every Friday at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, call Jim Martinelli at (860) 346-6611.

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Seniors Senior Briefs

New Office Hours and Senior Lunch

Wednesday, Dec. 18. Menu includes egg nog, chicken kiev with cream The Senior Center office sauce, oven roasted potatoes, hours are Monday-Friday, 9 buttered beets and onions, a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch is served dinner roll, cheesecake with on Mondays, Wednesdays, strawberries. Reservations are required and Fridays at noon. Make a reservation at least one day in by Dec. 16. Call (860) 349-7121. advance, by visiting the senior Senior Center center or call (860) 349-7121.

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Monday, Dec. 2 Exercise, 7:45 a.m.; Lunch, noon; Advisory Board meeting, 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 TOPS meeting, 10 a.m.; Set back, 1 p.m.; Bus Trip to Trader Joe’s, Dollar Tree, Talbot’s, LL Bean. Lunch at Bertucci’s in Orange. Wednesday, Dec. 4 Exercise, 7:45 a.m.; Lunch, noon; Bus Trip to Kringle Candle, Lunch at the Farm Table, Bernardston, Mass. Thursday, Dec. 5 Knit/Crochet, 9:30 a.m.;

Bridge, 12:45 p.m.; Senior Bus to out of county medical appointments West Haven and New Haven. Friday, Dec. 6 Exercise, 7:45 a.m.; Lunch, noon; Bridge, 12:30 p.m.; Senior Bus to out of county medical appointments in Meriden or Wallingford. To make bus reservations, call St. Lukes Transportation at (860) 347-5661. To make lunch reservations, stop by the Senior Center or call (860) 349-7121.

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Friday, December 6, 2013

Obituary

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Robert Crowell Birdsey MIDDLEFIELD — Robert

Crowell Birdsey left to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013. Born on Oct. 10, 1919 to the late Daniel Howard Birdsey and Mary Etta Crowell Birdsey, he lived his whole life in Middlefield in the same house built by his grandfather on the farm that had been in the family for many generations. Bob started school in the East District School and moved to the Center School when it opened. He biked to classes at Woodrow Wilson High School and then entered Wesleyan University. The death of his father caused him to drop out of Wesleyan to run the family farm. He never lost interest in the University attending Middletown Scientific Association meetings and Alumni functions. After operating the farm for years, he went to work as a lab technician for Connecticut Department of Transportation Testing Lab. At the time of his retirement, he was in charge of all physical testing at the lab. Bob loved many genres of music and especially enjoyed playing the piano. He was an active member of the Goodspeed Opera Guild and the Connecticut Opera Society. Bob will also be remembered for his collection of peonies,

The Durham 60+ Club installed officers for the 2013 and 2014 year at its meeting at the Durham Activity Center Oct. 28. Susan Giuffrida, president; Jean Stierle, treasurer and Mary Ellen Dontigney, vice president, are pictured at the installation. Janet Moore, secretary, was not present. | (Submitted by Mary Ellen Dontigney)

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numbering more than 200 varieties. They have been the subject of several feature articles over the years published in The Hartford Courant, The Middletown Press and the Town Times (Durham). Bob is survived by his son, John H. Birdsey and his wife, Christine, of Phelps, N.Y.; three daughters: Esther M. Bernhardt of Middlefield; Barbara L. Birdsey of Canaan, N.H.; and Phyllis M. Augeri and her husband, Richard, of Middletown; eight grandchildren: Elizabeth Soleiman and her husband, Justin; Abigail Burden and her husband, David; Daniel Birdsey; Jennifer dePadua and her husband, Christopher; Shawn Birdsey; Kevin Birdsey; Joseph Augeri; and Christopher Augeri and his wife, Rebecca; thirteen great-grandchildren: Timaetheus, Rebecca, Johnathan, Rachel, Andrew, Matthew, Daniel, Nathanael, Anna Rose, Lacey, Katelyn, Nicole, and Ciarah; and very dear cousins in California and South Carolina. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Edward Birdsey. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. at Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church St., Middletown with the Rev. Dr. Dale H. Azevedo officiating. Burial followed in Pine Grove Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www. doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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Agility From Page 1

else that is like-minded in the hobby is there doing it with you as well. It’s a pretty supportive community that I know well regionally and nationally with all the travel I do. I have friends all over the country that I get at chance to see at the different trials that I go to.” The highest honor Plinck has achieved thus far has been winning one of the classes at the world agility open in Belgium in 2012 with

Tiki. This year, she said she hopes Tiki may win the overall combined class at IFCS in Holland next May. The obstacles at IFCS include a “dog walk,” “See-saw,” “A-Frame,” “closed tunnel,” “tire jump,” and “weave poles.” IFCS regulations describe with exacting specifications how obstacles are constructed. During competitions, participants in the sport direct their dogs to run through each obstacle using only hand gestures and voices - whis-

tles, toys, and food are forbidden, although a baton is allowed during relay events. Trainers run alongside their dogs and direct them through the obstacles. After training, dogs only need to be directed toward an obstacle to know what to do with it. Well-trained dogs will be familiar with the tasks of weaving around poles, running through cloth tunnels, and jumping over posts without touching them. Plinck is currently training another dog, a “one-yearold that is following in Tiki’s footsteps that I think is going Tiki shows off great form to be even more talented than during an agility exercise. | Tiki is. I’m really looking for- (Monique Plinck/Submitted) ward to bringing him out to competitions in 2014.”

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The Coginchaug football team dealt host Cromwell a 35-6 loss Thanksgiving morning to improve to 9-2. With the win, the Blue Devils earned the No. 7 seed in the CIAC Class S state playoffs. Coginchaug earned a quarterfinal round date with undefeated No. 2 seed Ansonia.

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A16 Friday, December 6, 2013

Town Times | towntimes.com

CRHS Winter Sports Schedule

Boys basketball

Wed., 12/11 Kolbe Cathedral Sat., 12/14 Valley Regional

Away Away

Tue., 12/17 Hyde Leadership

Home

Fri., 12/20 Hale Ray Sat., 12/28 Granby Memorial

Away Home

Thu., 1/2

Westbrook

Home

Sat., 1/4

North Branford

Away

Tue., 1/7

Old Saybrook

Away

Fri., 1/10

Cromwell

Home

Tue., 1/14

Haddam-Killingworth Home

Fri., 1/17

Old Lyme

Away

Mon., 1/20 Morgan Thu., 1/23 Portland

Away Home

Mon., 1/27

Away

East Hampton

Mon., 2/3 North Branford

Home

Thu., 2/6

Home

Valley Regional

Mon., 2/10 Old Saybrook

Home

Thu., 2/13

Away

Cromwell

Mon., 2/17 Morgan

Home

Wed., 2/19 Haddam-Killingworth

Away

Shehan Center 7:00 p.m. Valley Regional High School, 7:00 p.m. Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Hale-Ray HS, 7:00 p.m. Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. North Branford High School, 7:00 p.m. Old Saybrook Gymnasium, 7:00 p.m. Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Old Lyme High School, 7:00 p.m. Morgan HS 7:00 p.m. Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. East Hampton High School, 7:30 p.m. Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Cromwell High School, 7:00 p.m. Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Haddam Killingworth HS, 7:00 p.m.

Girls indoor track

Wed., 12/11 Shoreline Developmental Meet Away Floyd Little Athletic Center, 4:00 p.m. Sat., 1/4 Shoreline Coaches Invitational Away Floyd Little Athletic Center, 10:00 a.m. Tue., 1/14 Shoreline One Away Floyd Little Athletic Center, 4:00 p.m. Fri., 1/24 Shoreline Two Away Floyd Little Athletic Center, 4:00 p.m. Sat., 2/1 Shoreline Championship Away Floyd Little Athletic Center, 10:00 a.m.

Boys indoor track Wed., 12/11 Shoreline Developmental Meet Away Floyd Little Athletic Center, 4:00 p.m. Sat., 1/4 Shoreline Coaches Invitational Away Floyd Little Athletic

Wed., 12/18 Hyde Leadership

Home Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Sat., 12/21 Hale Ray Away Hale-Ray HS, 7:00 p.m. Mon., 12/23 Windsor Locks Away Windsor Locks High School, 7:00 p.m. Mon., 12/30 Westbrook Home Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Fri., 1/3 North Branford Away North Branford High School, 7:00 p.m. Mon., 1/6 Old Saybrook Away Old Saybrook High School, 7:00 p.m. Thu., 1/9 Cromwell Home Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Mon., 1/13 Haddam-Killingworth Home Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Thu., 1/16 Old Lyme Away Old Lyme High School, 7:00 p.m. Tue., 1/21 Morgan Away Morgan HS 7:00 p.m. Fri., 1/24 Portland Home Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Tue., 1/28 East Hampton Away East Hampton High School, 7:00 p.m. Tue., 2/4 North Branford Home Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Fri., 2/7 Valley Regional Home Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Tue., 2/11 Old Saybrook Home Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Fri., 2/14 Cromwell Away Cromwell High School, 7:00 p.m. Tue., 2/18 Morgan Home Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Fri., 2/21 Haddam-Killingworth Away Haddam Killingworth HS, 7:00 p.m. Mon., 2/24 Enfield Home Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m. Wed., 2/26 Valley Regional Away Valley Regional High School, 7:00 p.m.

Tue., 1/14

Shoreline One

Fri., 1/24

Shoreline Two

Sat., 2/1

Shoreline Championship

Center, 10:00 a.m. Away Floyd Little Athletic Center, 4:00 p.m. Away Floyd Little Athletic Center, 4:00 p.m. Away Floyd Little Athletic Center, 10:00 a.m.

GOOD LUCK, BLUE DEVILS!

Proud Sponsor of the Sports 428 Main Street (Rt. 17), Durham â&#x20AC;˘ 349-2273 Schedule

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Girls basketball

(Home games are in bold)

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, December 6, 2013

Thunder hoop team drops a pair

FAIRFIELD BOUND

6th grade boys travel basketball The Coginchaug Thunder had a tough game, dropping a 31-24 decision. Chris Onofrio led the way for the Thunder with 9 points, while Nico Kulpik and Justin Penney added 6 points apiece. The boys played good team defense but struggled on the offensive end. The Thunder dropped a tough road loss on Thanksgiving weekend at Old Saybrook, 41-27. Leading the way for the Thunder was Nico Kulpik with 14 points. He also did a great job on the boards. Chris Onofrio added 5 points, while Adam Copeland, Derek Grant, Hugh Barrett and Devin Geoghegan chipped in with 2 points each.

Laurence Hill recently signed his letter of intent to play baseball at Fairfield University next year. He is a student a Xavier High School and the son of Larry and Melissa Hill of Durham. Pictured with Laurence, from left: Xavier Director of Athletics, Tony Jaskot ’69; Head baseball coach and director of Guidance, Richard Magner ’69; Melissa and Larry Hill and Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X. | (Submitted by John Guerin)

Send your sports news and photos to us: news@towntimes.com

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A18 Friday, December 6, 2013

Town Times | towntimes.com

Library From Page 7

Teen Adv isor y Group (ages 12 to 18). Saturday, Dec. 7, 3 to 4 p.m. Share ideas for the library. No registration required. Drop in. Tween and Teen Knitting Club (ages 10 to 18). Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7 to 8 p.m. Share

BIG PINK EVENT FOR BREAST HEALTH

your knitting project or learn to knit. Yarn and needles available. Drop-in. “Mockingjay” Book Discussion (ages 12 to 18). Tuesday, Dec. 17, 6 to 7 p.m. Discuss the final book in the “Hunger Games” trilogy. Register at the desk or call (860) 349-9544.

Team MDC Pink raised over $7,000 at a recent American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Hartford walk. The team was ranked seventh out of 415 teams in fundraising and exceeded their team goal. The 22 team members included past and current Middlesex Dance Center dancers and family members as well as friends and family of team leader breast cancer survivor Toni-Lynn Miles. The group walked the 5K event held at Bushnell Park and the MDC Junior and Senior Jazz Troupes performed as part of the pre-walk ceremonies. While most of the money was raised through direct donations, the team held several fundraising events throughout the month of October. | (Submitted by Toni-Lynn Mills)

Reach every home and business every week: advertise in Town Times! Please call Joy Boone at 203-317-2313.

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Rehabilitation

“Masonicare was here for Me.” ~ lois, double knee replacement

When you need inpatient therapy to get back on your feet, come to Masonicare. Their clinical team of therapists, nurses, physicians and case managers will work closely with you every step of the way. For admissions or referrals, call 203-679-5901.

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Pre-bookings welcome. Most insurances and Medicare accepted. To hear Lois’ story, go to Masonicare.org/HereforMe/rehabilitation.

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, December 6, 2013

Calendar

BRING HOME THE WARMTH

From Page 11

Saturday, Dec. 21 Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Hale Ray at Hale-Ray, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 13

Tuesday, Dec. 17

Saturday, Dec. 30 Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Westbrook at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.

Town Times Service Directory

Hans C Pedersen COMPANY LLC

(860) 916-2457 www.hcpremodeling.com

Celebrating Our 28th 27th Year Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Skylights • Decks • Gutters • Custom Carpentry Flooring • Ceilings • Painting • Sheetrock • Kitchens • Baths • Window/Door Screening FREE Estimates Reg. #517277 No Obligation Fully Insured

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Full Service Florist: Funerals, Special Occasions or Just Because... 1283530 41527R

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Personalized LOCKSMITH Service Locks Sold, Installed, Re-keyed & Repaired

Receptionist High-Speed Internet Conference Rooms

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65 offices from $350-up (860) 349-7000

• Painting/Dry Wall • Tile Flooring • Basements/Skylights • Decks/Patios/Sheds • Odd Projects • No Job Too Small

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191 Meriden Road (Rte. 66) Middlefield 860-704-8414 • unclebobsgarden.com

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Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Hyde Leadership at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.

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OVER REMODELING 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND DESIGN

Monday, Dec. 18

Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Hale Ray at Hale Ray, 7 p.m.

Additions Remodeling Kitchen/Baths Siding Snowplowing Decks

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Valley Shore Acappella - Valley Shore Acappella of Sweet Adelines International welcomes all women to sing Christmas melodies with it four-part harmony. Rehearsals are Tuesdays, 7 to 8:15 p.m., at the Open Door Missionary Baptist Church Hall, 47 Oak St., Middletown. Music provided. For more information, call Joan at (860) 767-8540. Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Hyde Leadership at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.

For more information, cost and to place an order, call (860) 349-0665.

Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Granby Memorial at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.

Since 1898 50212R

Dudley farm - The Dudley Farm Museum, 2351 Durham Road, North Guilford, has scheduled an open house for Dec. 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Munger Barn will be open for its 18th annual holiday market. For more information, call (203) 457-0770 or visit www.dudleyfarm.com.

Saturday, Dec. 28

Saturday, Dec. 14

Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Windsor Locks High School, 7 p.m.

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Boys basketball - CRHS Jamboree at CRHS, 5:30 p.m. Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Valley Regional at Valley Regional High School, 7 p.m.

The Middlefield Historical Society has designed an afghan with scenes and items about Middlefield, including the Town Seal. It measures 50 inches by 60 inches, is 100 percent cotton and is made in the U.S.A.

Saturday, Dec. 23

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Indoor track - CRHS at Shoreline Developmental at Floyd Little Athletic Center, 4 p.m.

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A20 Friday, December 6, 2013

Town Times | towntimes.com

Schools

Scholastic achievements

Watson-Coleman, Nicholas Cumello, John-Rudy Fronc, Scott Marks, David Apkech, George Trapp, Ryan Child, Tr e v o r M o r r i s , Ry a n Vynalek of Durham; Patrick Booth, Michael Scherer, Paul Martorelli, Alexander Wyskiel, Nicholas Carta, Nicholas Pitruzzello of Middlefield; Trevor Dell’Oso of Rockfall.

Conroy, Alice Ochterski of Middlefield. First honors - Gabrielle Bellacicco, Demery Coppola, Hannah Pakech, Nina Peach, Katelyn Richardson, Brianna Sawicki, Mackenzie Scotto of Durham; Morgan Cahill, Megan Etheridge, Cecelia Giuffrida, Brittany Hall, Tiffany Mangiameli of Middlef ield; Mikayla Mazzotta of Rockfall. Second honors Mercy High School Mercy High School local Francesca Andranovich, Erin students named to the first Houchin, Mackenzie Scotto, Ashley Scotto, Abigael marking period honor roll. High honors - Molly Simlick, Sydona Tregoning Breen, Madeline Dumas, of Durham. Flannery Keenan, Kendra Landy, Abigail Marran, Scholarship Olivia Marran, Ashley Mason, Ronald McDonald House Caitlin McAuliffe, Isabella Charities of Connecticut and O’Keefe, Gabrielle Pakech of Western Massachusetts plans Durham; Amy Boyle, Victoria to award a total of $50,000 to

Kendra Landy of Durham was recently inducted into the McAuley Chapter of the National Honor Society at Mercy High School.

Xavier High School

Xavier High School local students named to the first term marking period honor roll. High honors - Joseph Braun, Ryan DeVille, James Ro s b o ro u g h , L aw r e n c e Bourland, Connor Marszalek, William Egan of Durham; John Yusza, Patrick Hocking of Middlefield. Honors - Patrick McCann, Timothy Morris, Richard Murphy, Christopher Peach, Joseph Prif itera, Xavier

25 local high school seniors this academic year through its scholarship program. Eligibility requirements for the RMHC scholarship are be eligible to enroll in and attend a two-or four-year college with a full course study and reside in a participating area. Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of academic achievement, financial need and community involvement. Applications are available by calling 1-855-670-4787 or online at www.rmhc-ctma. org/scholarships. Deadline to apply is Jan. 21, 2014.

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Town Times Service Directory

Wheelchairs • Lift chairs • Rollators Walkers • Canes • Incontinent care products Diabetic shoes • Stockings Rentals Orthopedic Products Available Bathroom Safety & more….

Homemakers Companions Personal care Live-In services Hourly services

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Durham Recreation holiday and recreation activities Brownies in a Bottle - A great holiday work shop for youth in grades 2 to 7. Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. to noon, at Strong School. Bake brownies, eat brownies, and layer the ingredients in a bottle and package it for great gift. A fee is charged, which includes all ingredients and materials. Holiday Ginger Bread House Craft. Join Sue Cummings in making Ginger Bread houses at the Durham Activity Center. The craft is for grades 2 to 7 and is limited. Two sessions are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14. Session meets from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; session two meets from 12:30 to 2 p.m. A fee is charged. Cupcake blizzard Santa Party. Join the Recreation Committee and Santa Clause on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. for a holiday afternoon with music and a Cupcake Blizzard contest. Take pictures with Santa, and enjoy homemade Cupcakes and hot chocolate. Bake one dozen cupcakes to be judged by Santa’s Elves. Children’s division 12 and under, adult division 13 and up. Awards include best of show, best frosting, most Festive, and most yummy. Call Durham Recreation at (860) 343-6724 to register for this activity. Cupcakes may be dropped off at the Durham Activity Center on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Holiday Tree Lighting. Join the Durham Recreation Committee on the Durham Town Green for is annual tree lighting on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m., rain or shine. Hot chocolate, cookies and Santa. Sing along with the Coginchaug Regional High School Brass band. Durham Senior Holiday Lunch. Join the Durham Senior Committee on Friday, Dec. 13, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Durham Activity Center for holiday games and a visit with See Recreaion / Page 21

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, December 6, 2013

Recreation Activity Center, Monday and Wednesdays, Evenings 7 to 8 p.m. and Saturday Mornings, at 7:45 a.m. Men’s Durham Recreation Basketball league is accepting registration. Games begin in January. For more information, call Kevin Walsh, at (860) 690-9453. For more information and registration forms for recreation programs, call (860) 3436724 or visit townofdurhamct. org, Recreation.

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Colors of the Wind Artists’ Emporium & Consignments

To submit sports info 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.

The Church of the Epiphany, 196 Main St., has scheduled a free community supper for Sunday, Dec. 8, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the church hall. The meal will be prepared by Epiphany’s parishioners. Members of Notre Dame Church will provide dessert. The Community Supper is planned for the second Sunday of the month (except on conflicting holidays) from September through June. Various local churches and organizations host the event. All are always welcome.

Town Times Service Directory

Letters Policy - E-mail letters to news@ towntimes.com, mail to 11 Crown St., Meriden, CT 06450 or fax to (203) 639-0210. - Town Times will print only one letter per person each month. - Letters should be approximately 300 words. - We reserve the right to edit letters. - Letters should be on topics of general interest to the community. - We do not list names of people, organizations and businesses being thanked. - Names of businesses are not allowed. - Letters must be signed and names will appear in print. - Include a phone number so Town Times can contact you for verification. - Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday to be considered for publication on the following Friday.

Community supper

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Santa. Lunch will be provided. Holiday deserts are welcome. Bring a friend. Seniors must register for this event. Call Sherry Hill (860) 343-6724. Brazilian Style Indoor Soccer. Jan. 13 through March 26. For boys and girls grades one through six. The program is intended to develop the foot skills necessary to prepare and improve players for soccer. It combines training sessions

with competitive play. Space is limited. A fee is charged. Yo u t h Recreation Basketball. Kindergarten through grade 8. Games begin in January 2014. A fee is charged. Students will learn the fundamentals and fun of the game. Body Sculpting offered at the Durham Activity Center, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 5:30-6:20 a.m. Yoga is offered at the Durham

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From Page 20

A21

860-349-0303

A22 Friday, December 6, 2013

Town Times | towntimes.com

Dudley Farm holiday open house The Dudley Farm Museum and Farmers’ Market has scheduled its holiday open house for Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Munger Barn is scheduled to be open for its 18th annual holiday market. The decorated farmhouse will offer complimentary mulled cider and cookies. Also featured is the annual cookie bake sale and drawing for the centerpieces on display. Over 30 vendors are expected at the Munger Barn, featuring baked goods, eggs, fibers, holiday greens, wreaths, tress and decorations, handmade art and crafts, honey, jam and jellies, maple syrup, naturally-raised meats, pickles and soap. Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Road, North Guilford, can be reached at (203) 457-0770 or visit www.dudleyfarm.com.

Giving Tree 2013

Holiday stroll The Durham Holiday Stroll is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7. Participants should gather at the Town Green for the Holiday Tree Lighting at 4 p.m., to kick off the first annual holiday stroll caroling on Main Street. Carolers will head north on the east side of Main Street, finishing at the steps of the church, where the children’s choir will perform. Refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall. The United Churches of Durham has scheduled its annual Christmas Bazaar for the same day. In addition to the holiday stroll, free babysitting will be available at the Durham Activity Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local businesses have planned special events around town and many businesses will collect non-perishable items for the Durham Food Pantry.

A Christmas “Giving Tree” is located on the first floor in Town Hall in the First Selectman’s office. Second grade Brownie Troops made ornaments to decorate the tree. Located on the tree are tags that symbolize an item for a family in need. The tags contain age and needs information of gift recipients. Names are not listed or given to donors. (Each family or individual is designated by number or letter.) Recipients receive a donor gift from a wish list of items. Residents, service organizations, and businesses that wish to donate a gift may choose a tag of their

Debt

Town Times Service Directory

From Page 3

33 Years

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choice from the Giving Tree. After purchasing a gift, the donor should return the purchased item to the Giving Tree. Gifts will distributed to individuals and families. Monetary donations can be made payable to Durham Interchurch Assistance and mailed to Town Hall P.O. Box 428 , Durham, CT 06422 or dropped off at the Town Hall, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers are scheduled to distribute items on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more information, call Amanda at (860) 349-3153.

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limitations or a need to get authorization to apply the money. Geruch said he anticipates that by the time of the town’s next payment in March, the issue will be figured out. The interest-free loan to the Brownstone group was an area of contention, when discussed at public meetings both before and after the sale. The issue also came up during Middlefield’s three way race for First Selectman between Jon Brayshaw, Lucy Petrella, and Marianne Corona. The pay-off announcement took place at Powder Ridge’s ski swap event, the weekend before the town’s Nov. 5 elections and was immediately incorporated into campaigns for town Republicans. After Brayshaw’s victory, he said that the announcement likely helped his campaign. “I would not deny it probably did,” Brayshaw said. Corona also thought the announced loan pay-off factored in the election. “Sure the pay-off had a big play in the election,” said Corona, who also maintained on election night that the loan was only part of the costs incurred by Middlefield in the Powder Ridge purchase.

Town Times | towntimes.com

OUTDOOR WORK HONORED

The Probate Court for the District of Middletown has scheduled its annual holiday gift drive to benefit residents of area health care facilities. Gift wish lists are provided by the health care staff. The public is welcome to visit the court, 94 Court St., between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to pick up a wish list. The holiday gift drive continues through Wednesday, Dec. 18. For more information, call (860) 347-7424.

Marcy Klattenberg, recently retired from the District 13 Outdoor Education program, accepted checks on behalf of Friends of Hammonasset recently. Donations were given to honor Klattenberg’s years and contributions to outdoor and environmental education. The funds are slated for the construction of a pond turtle exhibit to be housed in the Meigs Point Nature Center. Pictured, from left: Janice Keeman, Marcy Klattenberg, Victoria Slight, Lorrie Martin and Mary Foreman. Front: Jakob Slight and Julia Slight.

Town Times Service Directory

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Durham and Middlefield has joined the Connecticut State Police in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign on drunk and drugged driving. The nationwide drunk and drugged driving initiative is sponsored by the Durham Middlefield Local Wellness Coalition, in collaboration with the Connecticut State Police. The coalition focuses on keeping Durham and Middlefield youth safe, successful and drug-free through education, support and collaboration. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is supported by national and local paid advertising to curb drunk and drugged driving in communities. Research has shown that high-visibility enforcement like the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign reduces drunk and drugged driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent, according to Betsy Dean, director of Durham Middlefield Yo u t h a n d Fa m i l y Services. Drivers that are arrested for driving drunk brings a range of negative consequences. Drunk drivers face jail time, loss of licenses, and financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court cost, lost time at work, and potential loss of job, according to Sargent Salvatore Clavo of the Connecticut State Police.

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Town Times | towntimes.com

Find us on the Web: www.towntimes.com

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The Favorite Gift Brewster School kindergarten students recently participated in a variety of activities to celebrate the study of native Americans. Students painted with paint made from trees, leaves and berries; they participated in native American games and wore hand-made headdresses. Lori Martin, outdoor education specialist, helped plan the events with the kindergarten teachers. Parents, grandparents and family friends assisted at various stations for the event. Pictured, Katie Harmon helps Jacob Harmon and Elizabeth Lavado make headdresses. | (Submitted by Patti Checko)

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