Ttimesaug1 by Town Times Newspaper

Volume 20, Number 15

Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

www.TownTimes.com

Friday, August 1, 2014

Government intern spending the summer at Town Hall By Mark Dionne Town Times

Before returning to Washington, D.C. for his sophomore year at American University, Justin Etheridge of Durham is spending the summer as the Government Intern for the town of Durham. Etheridge said he does “anything and everything that is needed of me.” “I work in almost all the departments in the building,” Etheridge said. “I’m an intern for everyone.” See Intern / Page 17

July 25, the house on the end of Tuttle Road damaged in a 2010 fire had been mostly hauled away to Manchester. The removal of the home immediately changed the look of the neighborhood. | Mark Dionne / Town Times

Demolition of fire-ravaged house cheered Town Times

The destruction of the house at 322 Tuttle Road in Durham that began with a fire on Jan. 15, 2010 was completed more than four years later. On July 25, workers leveled and removed what was left of the fire-ravaged structure for the new owner. The fire was severe enough to ruin the large home – which had 3,984 square feet of living space – and summon fire departments from

several nearby towns. According to residents, and the original Town Times report, the house was vacant at the time of the fire. The new owner, Nicholas Laudano, purchased the property on Dec. 16, 2013 from Capital One for a price of $119,995, according to public records. Capital One foreclosed on the property on Sept. 25, 2013, taking possession from Alicia Alfano, who owned the home at the time of the fire. Of the structure that had been

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eye-catching for all the wrong reasons on the corner of Tuttle and Parmelee Hill roads, only the foundation remains. Neighbors reacted positively to seeing the construction crews level and remove the house. One neighborhood resident said drivers honked their horns as they drove past the demolition. “Bulldozers were like the sound of music to my ears,” one neighbor said. After the fire, the open areas of See Demolition / Page 18

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Government Intern Justin Etheridge has been helping out in different Town Hall offices, including the Town Clerk’s office. | Mark Dionne / Town Times

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The Emerald Ash Borer has made its way into Middlesex County, with sightings in Durham and Cromwell, according to Dr. Kirby Stafford, the Connecticut State Entomologist. It’s too late to exterminate the Asian-originated beetle from America, Stafford said. “That battle was given up a long time ago.” In Connecticut, the De-

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said. The Asian Longhorn is another tree-boring beetle that has been spotted in New York and Massachussets and may be on its way to Connecticut. According to Stafford, this year’s polar vortex that brought colder temperatures to the United States in the winter has had little effect on the EAB. The insect fares quite well in the North American climate, able to survive anything warmer than temperatures below 30 degrees. The first symptom that a tree has been infested with the EAB is a thinning of bark. The telltale sign is a D-shaped hole, which is unique to the insect. Trees infested with EAB also often see activity from woodpeckers, which feed on EAB larva, though not effectively enough to control the population. Entomologists are continuing to work on forestry techniques and biological and chemical agents that can control the beetle’s population and stop the spread. DEEP has requested that individuals report any sightings of the beetle, and use firewood that is obtained locally to prevent accidental spread of insects.

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partment of Environment and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is doing all it can to slow the onslaught of the insect, nicknamed “EAB,” which has a devastating effect on ash trees without its natural predators to control the population. The Journal of Forestry estimates that the beetle has already killed more than 150 million ash trees in North America. A quarantine on ash logs, firewood, and yard waste is the control measure the average person is most likely to encounter. EAB first came to America in Detroit, Michigan in 2002. Since then, it has spread to 12 states. In Connecticut, DEEP says it is feared that EAB could annihilate ash trees entirely, as the population is already struggling due to a disease called ash yellows that is afflicting the trees. “The idea is to slow the spread for a number of years,” Stafford said, to give entomologists more time to come up with a long-term control strategy, as the insect is now considered established in America. “In contrast to the Asian Longhorn, which we are still trying to eradicate,” Stafford

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Friday, August 1, 2014

Public hearing for horses and solar farm set By Mark Dionne Town Times

At its regular July 28 meeting, the Durham Board of Selectmen voted to hold a public hearing on Monday, Aug. 25 for two unrelated issues. At the public hearing, which will take place at 8 p.m. at the Durham Public Library, there will be a vote to exempt horses and ponies from personal property tax. In its last session, the Connecticut legislature enabled towns to exempt horses and ponies from personal property tax, but towns must still approve that option. Durham First Selectman Laura Francis said she hoped

the Town Assessor and members of the Board of Assessment Appeals would attend the meeting. Also at the public hearing, the possibility of building a solar farm on town-owned property will be discussed. There have been three potential sites for the proposed solar farm, one on the corner of Haddam Quarter Road and Brick Lane, one on the corner of New Haven Road and Birch Mill Road, and one on Tuttle Road. Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw has also spoken recently about installing a solar farm on Hubbard Street in Middlefield. The interest in solar farms has been

Francis said that technical spurred by Connecticut’s Ze- Quarter Road and New Haven ro-Emissions Renewable En- Road are undeveloped prop- questions could also be anergy Credit (ZREC) program. erties with wetlands on them. swered at the public hearing. The ZREC program, which is funded through CL&P and UI, allows utility customers to get credit for electricity Cat Tales, a non-profit rescue, is seeking foster care generated by solar farms they volunteers to provide temporary housing for cats and install. kittens. Volunteers will prepare the cats for adoption and “We did go forward with an prevent overcrowding in the shelter. Cat Tales will proapplication to the ZREC provide food, supplies, and medications, and all vet care. gram because we didn’t want Volunteers will be responsible for daily feeding, play to lose the opportunity and we and attention; administering medications; following spedid get picked,” Francis said. cial dietary plans; handling the cat into and out of a car“There is no obligation berier; transporting cats to veterinary appointments. cause we were chosen.” For more information, call (860) 344-9043 or info@ Francis said that Durham’s CatTalesCT.org. selection was fortunate because the program received many applications. The properties are unencumbered and the Haddam

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Farm Museum receives vintage John Deere The Durham Fair has an amazing Farm Museum with a vast collection of antique farm equipment and collectibles that will transport you back in time. Our collection is priceless and we are grateful for all the generosity of donations we have received so that we can showcase Connecticut agriculture history. The Durham Fair was re-

cently gifted with a vintage John Deere tractor from a long time supporter, Henry Sagan, who passed away in March of this year, at age 89. Sagan was a lifelong resident of Middletown, a World War II veteran and an avid agriculturalist. In his youth, his family owned chickens and cows, See Museum / Page 5

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Friday, August 1, 2014

Museum From Page 4

and he even sought a degree in chicken raising during his college career at the University of Connecticut, before eventually becoming a tool designer at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. In the late 1970s through 2000, Sagan raised Christmas trees and was a member of the CT Christmas Tree Growers Association, which has sponsored tree exhibits at the Durham fair for a number of years. Tagging and cutting your own trees at Saganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Tree Farm was a favorite tradition for many families for more than 25 years, and he even was recognized by the Mayor of Middletown, who designated Dec. 19, 2003 as Henry Sagan Day, for his contributions to the town. Throughout his life he also indulged his passion for raising gladiolas, which he inherited from his mother. He was a member of the CT Gladiolas Society and faithfully exhibited his beautiful flowers in their annual flower

shows and, of course, at the Durham Fair for many years. At its peak, Sagan grew almost 3,000 gladiolas a year, and sold them to local florists and at his own roadside stand off of Randolph Road, as well as gifting them to family and friends. He owned and enjoyed tinkering with his numerous tractors and implements including Cub Cadet, Farmall, Kubota and John Deere. He often visited the Farm Museum at the fair and intended to donate his vintage John Deere GP tractor to the museum one day, but never finalized his plans prior to his passing. His daughter, Karen Young; son, Allen Sagan, and their families wished to fulfill his wishes and have donated this antique tractor to the fair for future generations to enjoy. We are grateful for their donation and look forward to restoring it to its previous glory. --Submitted by Debbie Huscher Marketing Coordinator, Durham Fair

Summer concert series Summer Concert Series at Peckham Park Saturday, Aug. 9, 7 p.m. The Benevolent Dictators. Music of the 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Bring your musical instrument. Musicians and singers are welcome to sit in. Percussion available for children. Thursday, Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m. The Humble Bees. Music mixed with comedy. Thursday, Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m. Jackson Hill. Contemporary country and rock, with some original songs. Thursday, Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m. Zydelicious. Zydeco is dance music of Southwest Louisiana, combining Creole with blues and soul. For more information, call the Middlefield Parks and Recreation Department, (860) 349-7122.

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Calendar Farmer’s Market - The Dudley Farm Farmer’s Market is scheduled every Saturday through October, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2351 Durham Road, North Guilford. Local and organic fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants, baked goods, eggs, naturally raised meats, arts and crafts, maple syrup, jams and jellies, pickles and more. Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. For more informa-

tion, call (860) 349-3917 or www.dudleyfarm.com.

Thursday, Aug. 7

Saturday, Aug. 3

Adoption event - Cat Tales non-profit feline rescue has scheduled an adoption event for Saturday, Aug. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. , at PetCo, 760 Queen St. Southington. For more information, call Cat Tales at (860) 682-2383.

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Fundraiser - Middlesex County Historical Society has scheduled a book signing fundraiser, Nails: The Story of the Modern Manicure, for Tuesday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m., at the Wadsworth Mansion, 421 Wadsworth St., Middletown. Reservations are required by Aug. 6. For more information, call (860) 346-0746.

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Tractor Cruise-in - The Durham Fair Foundation has scheduled the 12th annual Tractor Cruise-In for Sunday, Aug. 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Durham Fairground, Rt. 17. Tractors, antique cars and trucks are welcome. Food will be available. Free parking. A fee is charged.

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Artisan event - Colors of the Wind Artists’ Emporium & Consignments, 360 Main St., has scheduled a truck show/ meet the artist event for Saturday, Aug. 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rose Muolo-Carrano of

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Durham Farmer’s Market - The Durham Farmer’s Market is scheduled for Thursdays, 3 to 6 p.m., on the Durham Town Green.

Durham plans to attend. For more information, call (86) 788-2514.

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Friday, August 1, 2014

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The Entertainment Committee of the Durham Fair has scheduled its 11th annual talent show for Saturday, Sept. 27. Auditions are scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6 at the United Churches of Durham. Professional performers are excluded. For more information and an application, contact Bill Currlin at (860) 343-3414 or email wcurrlin@comcast.net.

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Museum passes Levi E. Coe Library has museum passes. Multiple state parks and forests are available. Summer Reading Program - Fizz, Boom, Read, In-person registration only. Zinio - The Levi E. Coe Library subscribes to Zinio. Patrons may access over a dozen different magazines online.

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m. “Something Wicked This Way Comes” by Ray Bradbury. All are welcome. Learn the Essentials of Medicare from Physician Dr. Tanya Feke - Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2:30 p.m. Feke is the author of “Medicare Essentials: A Physician Insider Explains the Fine Print.”

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shops (ages 7 to 10). Tuesdays, through Aug. 12, 4 to 5 p.m. Led by Coginchaug High School student Shaun Whitaker, the prog ram uses games, songs, stories and crafts to appreciate and teach basic French and Spanish. The Magic of Christopher - Summer Reading Closing Celebration (all ages). Thursday, Aug. 7, 6:30 p.m. The Magic of Christopher comedy magic show closes the sumer reading program. Programs for teens: Robotics Club (ages 11 to 18). Tuesday, Aug. 5, 3 to 4 p.m. Use a solar kit to build one of 14 different robots. Teen End of Summer Party (ages 11 to 18). Friday, Aug. 8, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Food, games, music, and raffle prizes.

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Op-Ed Letter to the editor EDC must do more To the editor: I had to laugh at the article entitled “The need for more revenue is inevitable” in the July 18 issue. How ironic that some of the people on our Economic Development Committee who are claiming that we need to support business in town to increase tax revenue, are the same people who repeatedly opposed any prospective buyer of Powder Ridge for years and fought hard against the deal that finally went through. Furthermore, the article states “there is a very definite opinion out there… that Middlefield is unfriendly to developers.” Of course there is, and this opinion is well founded. There are several people serving on committees and working for our town who are trying to derail Powder Ridge at every turn. The reason so many things have been delayed (restaurants, mountain biking trails, etc.) is because some of our planning and zoning and building officials are making it almost impossible to get the business up and running. What has gone on over the last few years here with Powder Ridge will surely scare any prospective business owner away from Middlefield. I certainly hope that our Economic Development Committee will encourage the people who are currently serving as obstacles to Powder Ridge to support the owners instead. The sooner Powder Ridge gets up and running to its fullest potential the more tax revenue it will generate. Having a successful business in town that everyone supports and is proud of will also encourage other developers to invest in our town. Cindy Nick Middlefield

Durham GOP gets behind Foley The Durham Republican Town Committee unanimously endorsed the Republican slate of state candidates, led by Tom Foley for Governor, that had been selected at the state party convention in May at the town committee meeting on July 23. State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi, candidate for Lieutenant Governor, and Peter Lumaj, candidate for Secretary of the State, were at the meeting and urged members to vote on Aug. 12 in the Republican state primary and to encourage all Durham Republicans to come out and vote. The committee endorsed Tom Foley for Governor; Rep. Bacchiochi for Lt. Governor; Mr. Lumaj for Secretary of the State; Trumbull First Selectman Timothy Herbst for State Treasurer; Sharon McLaughlin for State Comptroller; and Attorney Kie Westby for Attorney General. Bob Poliner, Vice Chair of the committee said, “Tom will make a good governor.

He has the executive experience needed to lead an organization with nearly 50,000 employees and a $20 billion-plus annual budget. He will achieve what our current Governor could not; a state economy that provides jobs in the private sector for out of work and underemployed workers, lower taxes for individuals, businesses and estates and a balanced budget that is not full of gimmicks and giveaways.” Jay Berardino, who represents Durham and five other neighboring towns on the Republican State Central Committee added, “Tom Foley nearly won the election in 2010 and don’t we wish he was our governor today.” Berardino went on, “Governor Malloy has imposed the largest tax increase in Connecticut history, increased state spending way beyond the ability of the average citizen to pay and failed to build a vibrant economy in which jobs for

those folks laid off five years ago would be created. He has spent his time courting Washington and as a result he and the Democratic legislature passed Common Core over the opposition of parents and teachers. Common Core allows Washington to set the curriculum for our local school system. That is not right and that is one more reason why his term in office is a failed term and we need a new governor.” The Republican Party will be holding a primary on Aug. 12 and all registered Republicans are urged to take advantage of the opportunity to vote. Folks who will be away on the 12th can obtain an absentee ballot from the Town Clerk’s Office during regular office hours. Committee members will be reminding folks to vote and urging them to support Mr. Foley and the entire endorsed slate. --Submitted by Robert Poliner

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Durham (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Durham Library. Check the town website at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.) Monday, Aug. 4 Fire Department Trustees, Durham Volunteer Firehouse, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 Town Green Design Committee, Durham Public Library, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 Planning & Zoning, Library, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 D.A.R.T. Durham Animal Response Team, Library, 7 p.m. Public Safety Facility Renovations Planning Committee, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11 Board of Selectman, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Inland Wetlands, Town Hall, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 Conservation Commission, Library, 7 p.m. Library Board of Trustees, Library, 7:30 p.m. Durham Volunteer Fire Company, Durham Volunteer Fire Department, 8 p.m. Republican State primary, Korn Elementary School, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19 Board of Finance, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Agriculture Commission, Town Hall, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 20 Planning & Zoning, Library, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 DMIAAB, Library, 7 p.m. Public Safety Facility Renovations Planning Committee, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25 Board of Selectman, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 Ethic’s Commission, Library, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 Board of Education, Coginchaug Regional High School, 7:30 p.m.

Middlefield (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Monday, Aug. 4 Board of Selectman, Middlefield Community Center, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8 WPCA, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 Republican State primary, Middlefield Community Center, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 Board of Finance, Middlefield Community Center, 7 p.m.

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, August 1, 2014

The Road Within: The film is its own journey friendship develops between the two as they learn to trust each other. The relationship that develops between the roommates is only a fraction of the dynamic that builds between Vincent and female clinic patient Marie (Zoe Kravitz). Marie suffers from anorexia, and while the boys must struggle with the challenges their psychiatric conditions bring, her disease – if left unchecked – is one that could actually kill her. Kravitz lost consider-

By Tanya Feke MD Special to Town Times

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meets others with mental disorders and this is where writer/director Gren Wells flourishes. Vincent is roomed with Alex (Dev Patel), a young man with obsessive compulsive disorder who is overcome by the invasion of his personal space. His obsession with cleanliness triggers outbursts of painstaking fear. An unlikely

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glimpse into what life would be like with the condition. Vincent is not the only one who must learn to cope with the effects of his Tourette syndrome. Emotionally abandoned by his father, the always brilliant Robert Patrick, Vincent is raised by a mother who resorts to alcohol as a defense mechanism. When she dies, Vincent finds himself in confrontation with his father who believes his best recourse is to send his son to an experimental clinic for treatment. Sadly, Bob Rhodes’ priorities are to his profession and his bid for political office rather than to his son. A son cursing and swearing at his campaign events after all would surely not earn him votes. At the clinic, Vincent

See Movies / Page 10

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As a family physician and movie critic, I am drawn to films that draw on medical topics, be they about physical or mental illness. It allows me to offer insight into my dual passions of film and medicine, the essence of Diagnosis Movies. I had the pleasure of meeting with director Gren Wells and the cast of THE ROAD WITHIN prior to the film’s world premiere at the LA Film Festival. This is one independent film that you have to hunt down Diagnosis: and see. It stimulates Movies the mind and stirs the soul. Robert Sheehan transforms himself into Vincent, a young man affected by a rare form of Tourette syndrome known as coprolalia. Coprolalia, often misunderstood to be synonymous with Tourette syndrome in the public eye, results in uncontrolled swearing and outbursts. It is present in less than 10 percent of cases. Vincent’s struggles to live with his affliction are evident with every contorted gesture and verbal outburst. Sheehan’s research into the disease included months of research including moving in with advocate Jaxon Kramer who himself has Tourette syndrome. The result is a thoughtful and realistic

able weight for the film and actually ate clay as a way to cleanse the body. Vincent develops sincere feelings for Marie but is she capable of loving another person if she does not love herself or her own body? The trio make their way to the ocean after they steal their doctor’s car. The road trip becomes as much of a personal journey of self discovery as a scenic one. His father, forced to abandon

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A10 Friday, August 1, 2014

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New chair for Alzheimer’s Association Town Times

The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter has a new Chairman of the Board of Directors, Al Gatti, who is also the Law Gatti Firm Administrator for CzepigaDalyPope. The firm specializes

in areas of the law affecting elders. “I am honored to serve with such an incredibly experienced and diverse board,” Gatti said in a statement. “I look forward to supporting the chapter and its staff.” Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for more than half of all cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. No cure is yet known, but treatments are

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available and scientists are still working on understanding exactly what causes the disease, which is not a part of normal aging. Alzheimer’s usually manifests first with difficulty in short-term memory and gets worse over time. The Alzheimer’s Association is a great organization with a lot of excellent resources, according to Mina Silverberg, Assistant Director of The Alzheimer’s Disease Center Program at the National Institute on Aging. According to Silverberg, if an elderly parent or relative is acting strangely, it’s a good idea to read up on the NIA website as well as the Alzheimer’s Association website, alz.org, and to visit a doctor. In some cases, certain vitamin deficiencies,

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aging techniques have been discovered that can detect new types of proteins that may be related to the disease. Although the cause of the disease isn’t known, it has been noted that proteins form plaques in the spaces between nerve cells in the brain, while another type of protein forms “tangles” from within cells. Silverberg said that it is critical to find volunteers to participate in research, both participants who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and those who have not. Volunteers who give up their time to assist in research can have an enormous impact on developing better treatments or even a cure for the disease. Visit tinyurl/BCAlz14 for a list of symptoms to look for.

Movies his politics in the moment, unites with Dr. Mia Rose (Kyra Sedgewick) to track them down and does some growing of their own. The acting in the film is full throttle, frequently hys-

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medication, or other curable conditions can have dementia as a symptom. “We know from our research that a lot of people with dementia are not diagnosed in primary care,” Silverberg said in a phone interview. It can be helpful to accompany an elderly relative to the doctor to privately discuss the symptoms that have been observed. If the doctor seems reluctant to provide a diagnosis, ask for a referral to a geriatrician or a neurologist, Silverberg said. The Alzheimer’s Association can also assist in locating a doctor trained to diagnose memory problems. Silverberg said that exciting things are happening in research for Alzheimer’s as, relatively recently, im-

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terical and always honest. That can only be the case with exceptional directing. Cast and crew together give the proper stage to these conditions. People with psychiatric illness need not be ostracized from society. They have the potential, like everyone else, to live independent and meaningful lives if they look within themselves. A condition alone does not define you. You define you. While The Road Within remains a bit sensationalized in parts, it is an enriching journey into life’s realities. Follow us on Twitter: @TheTownTimes

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Friday, August 1, 2014

A11

Essay contest

Dungeons, dragons and duct tape Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services has scheduled Dungeons, dragons and duct tape for Monday, Aug. 4 through Thursday, Aug. 7, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The program, for boys and girls in grades 5 through 9, encourages adventures in cardboard. Participants design and construct castles, amour, spikes, plates, helmets, shields and more. Groups form identities and team strategies to defend or storm a castle in daily competitions of capture the flag and compete in games that instill integrity, chivalry, creativity and collaborative play. A fee is charged. Registration is required. For more information, call Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services at (860) 349-0258.

Republican primary is Aug. 12 Durham Republican voters may vote in the Republican primary, scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 12 to determine which candidate will be the Republican candidate for governor on the November ballot. Only Republicans are eligible to vote in the Republican primary. To register to vote, or to change from unaffiliated to Republican, visit https://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/. A driver’s license number is required. The form may also be printed at http://www.sots.ct.gov/sots/lib/sots/ electionservices/electforms/electforms/ed-671s.pdf and returned to the Registrar of Voters office. The final day to register by mail is Thursday, Aug. 7. The final day to register in person is Monday, Aug. 11 at noon at Town Hall. To see if you are registered to vote, visit www.dir.sots. ct.govLookUp and type your name and birth date in the box. Those who will be out of town should submit an application for your absentee ballot now. College students who will be back in school on Aug. 12 must fill out an absentee ballot in Durham (or register to vote in the new town.) Absentee ballot application forms can be downloaded from the Town’s website, the website for the Secretary of State or obtained from Town Hall.

The Eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna) is one of the bird populations on the decline in Connecticut.

Audubon report: State of wild birds in Connecticut Press Release Connecticut’s wide diversity of bird species is diminishing and is at risk of continued declines as habitats throughout the state suffer from neglect caused by a lack of conservation management. That’s the key finding of Connecticut Audubon Society’s annual Connecticut State of the Birds report, released in late July at a news conference in Easton, at Aspetuck Land Trust’s 1,009acre Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area, based in Fairfield. The report shows how land conservation agencies and organizations throughout the state have reduced or eliminated the natural processes that otherwise would create a mosaic of different habitat stages and types, resulting in an increasingly large forest monoculture and a diminishing variety of birds. It also highlights examples of how sound conservation management planning is leading to sustainable improvements around the state. As Stephen B. Oresman, chairman emeritus of Connecticut Audubon Society, put it in his article, “What we are promoting is an approach to wiser land us

that is complex, detailed, and long-term.” Released annually since 2005, Connecticut State of the Birds has become the leading research-based assessment of conservation conditions in Connecticut. This year’s report, “Connecticut’s Diverse Landscape: Managing Our Habitats for Wildlife,” highlights examples of where

conservation planning and management has succeeded in sustaining the habitats that are most in danger, including grasslands and early-successional fields. “There is still a wealth of beauty and biodiversity throughout Connecticut,” said Connecticut Audubon See Birds / Page 16

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Wildlife department seeks black bear data

Pour Tour Todd’s CT Pour Tour is scheduled to stop at Time Out Taverne, 100 New Haven Road (Rt. 17), Sunday, Aug. 3, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Todd Ruggere plans to have a beer in all 169 Connecticut towns to raise money for Smilow Children’s Hospital at Yale-New Haven. For more information or to make a donation, call (781) 974-9428 or email Toddy351@yahoo.com.

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More than 4,000 black bear sightings have been reported to the Department of Energy and Environmental protection this year and DEEP encourages residents to keep sending in bear data. So far in the area: Berlin has had 30 sightings; Cheshire 3; Durham 11; Southington 14; Plainville 28; and Middlefield 12. Of course, those figures pale in comparison to Farmington at the top of the sightings list with 444 bears. Avon is close behind with 431. Burlington, one of the state’s woodsier towns records 218 See Bear / Page 13

Letting bears get comfortable at your place is not a good idea, according to the state’s wildlife specialists.

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Friday, August 1, 2014

A13

Bear

Amy Bloom reading

From Page 12

Amy Bloom of Durham will be reading at well-known independent bookstore R.J. Julia’s in Madison Friday, Aug. 1 at 7 pm. Bloom is the best-selling author of the novels “Normal,” “A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You,” and the story collection “Come to Me,” among other works. Her latest novel is titled “Lucky Us.” The reading is free, but R.J. Julia recommends reservations (available at their website rjjulia.com) for all its author events.

sightings. Even areas considered cities have had a few. New Britain residents reported 13 bear sightings and Meriden, 10. The Wildlife Division states that since the 1980s there has been a dramatic and continuing increase in bear sightings. Already this year, residents have filed reports for 4,298 incidents. The trend is expected to continue. The tracking system DEEP has devised is meant, in part, to reduce duplication of sightings. Residents can fill out an

Get Stitchy Durham Recreation has scheduled Get Stitchy, an open sew event for quilters and sewers, for Tuesday, Aug. 12, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Durham Activity Center, 350 Main St. Get Stitchy is a time intended for participants to work on projects, exchange tips and ideas. Bring your project materials, sewing machine and extension cord. For more information and to sign up, contact Pam Caery at (860) 349-0453, carey_clan@sbcglobal.net or Vicki Berry at (860) 343-0879, vberry11@comcast.net.

online form that asks for specifics, such as where the bear was spotted, when, and if it had an ear tag. If an ear tag is seen, note the color and any numbers or letters that are visible. Sightings can also be called in, during regular business hours, to the Wildlife Division at: (860) 675-8130 Those who need immediate assistance concerning a black bear should call the DEEP’s 24-hour hotline at (860) 424-3333. In most situations, DEEP does not intervene with a bear presence, however the response to each situation will depend on the specifics.

If there is “persistent negative behavior” then other methods, such as removal or relocation will be considered. The bear management program advises those who are lucky enough to see one to “enjoy it from a distance… black bears are impressive animals. Even a long-distance glimpse of one foraging in a woodland is an unforgettable experience for most outdoor enthusiasts.” Black bears can weigh from 150 to 450 pounds, depending on age and sex, and adults are five to six feet long. DEEP adSee Bear / Page 15

Golf tournament World’s Largest Golf Outing and Lyman Orchards Golf Club have scheduled the 4th annual World’s Largest Golf Outing, benefiting Wounded Warrior Project,, for Monday, Aug. 11 at Lyman Orchards Golf Club. In 2013, over 10,500 golfers participated at 110 golf courses nationwide and raised $735,440 for Wounded Warrior Project. For more information, call Ashley Ryan at (860) 349-6019.

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Town Times | towntimes.com

Mrs. CT preps for national pageant By Farrah Duffany Special to Town Times

Later this month Kim Beaudoin will be on a stage in Tuscon, Arizona dressed in a glitzy green bathing suit covered in rhinestones, wearing large green wings, and sporting sparkling antennas on top of her head. The Southington resident chose to dress as a praying mantis during the costume competition portion of the 2014 Mrs. America Pageant. Why is Beaudoin planning to dress like an insect? Many women pick the state flower or bird, but Beaudoin decided she wanted to be different so she chose the state bug. “Yes I’m going to be a praying mantis,” she said laughing.

Mrs. Connecticut, Kim Beaudoin, 34, of Southington, will be traveling to Arizona to compete in the 2014 Mrs. America pageant. | Dave Zajac / For Town Times

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“I’m going to be the prettiest praying mantis you’ve ever seen!” In March, Beaudoin won the Mrs. Connecticut America Pageant. She and the other state winners will arrive in Arizona Aug. 23. Interviews will be held on Aug. 26, final rehearsals on Aug. 28 and the final competition on Aug. 29. “She’s been working so hard. She’s so amazing,” said state pageant director Elaine Paolo, who has been working with Beaudoin on her preparations for the national pageant. “I really, really, believe that she will do well at Mrs. America.” Since she was crowned M r s . Co n n e c t i c u t , t h e 34-year-old has made nearly 30 appearances around the state, including walks in support of the March of Dimes and Make a Wish foundations. She has also been working on cancer awareness, a cause that is very personal. When she was 24, Beaudoin’s father died from colon cancer. Her mother is a colon cancer survivor and Beaudoin’s sister and mother-in-law are breast cancer survivors. For the past five years, Beaudoin participated in Southington’s Relay for Life to help raise funds for cancer research. She married Jerry Beaudoin nine years go. The couple has three boys, Kamron,9, Konner, 7, and Kaden, 2. “My father never got to meet them and I didn’t think that was fair,” Beaudoin said. Beaudoin’s work with Paolo to prepare includes selecting outfits for rehearsals, dinners, and the competition. She also needs to be prepared her interview with the judges. “I love talking with people so I’m not nervous,” said Beaudoin, who has participated in pageants since she was 16. “I don’t want to over prepare because I don’t want to sound rehearsed.” Paolo, who is also helping guide Mrs. New Jersey, Mrs. Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Rhode Island, said it’s important for contestants to “be themselves.”

See Pageant / Page 15

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, August 1, 2014

A15

Bear From Page 13

Mrs. Connecticut, Kim Beaudoin, 34, of Southington, will be traveling to Arizona to compete in the 2014 Mrs. America pageant. | Dave Zajac / For Town Times

vises that if you should unexpectedly encounter one, you can either slowly walk away or make noise and wave your arms to alert them to your presence. “The mere presence of a bear does not necessitate its removal. In most cases, if left alone, the bear will make its way to a more natural habitat,” DEEP explains on its website. However, in urban areas it may be necessary to relocate the animal if it appears unlikely it can leave safely on its own. Bears cannot be relocated to another state because no other state allows it. The agency also urges people to learn to live with bears and not encourage them in residential areas – remove food sources, for instance. Garbage cans and bird feeders can draw interest, so can grills, compost piles and fruit trees. The DEEP website offers tips to avoid conflicts. For instance, a tablespoon of ammonia can be added to garbage cans to discourage wildlife. If bears become problematic, they may have to be destroyed. −Information compiled from the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Wildlife Division.

Pageant

This black bear wandered the Route 6 corridor, near Bristol, earlier this summer. At one point he made himself at home at this residence. The state’s wildlife division urges homeowners to discourage bears in residential areas.

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“It give judges a chance to get to know the girls and learn about their personality...it will be the only time the judges will have a chance to speak with these girls oneon-one,” Paolo said. On July 29, Beaudoin was to attend a send-off party to help cover pageant expenses at Zingarella Pizzeria & Italian Ristorante in Southington, an event put together by one of her best friends, Allyson Genovese. Genovese and Beaudoin both competed in the Mrs. Connecticut pageant. Genovese, representing Plantsville, was the first runner-up. “I thought it would just be something really nice to do, to give back to her as she’s giving so much to the community,” said Genovese. Beaudoin appreciates the support from the Southington community. “My love is overflowing,” Beaudoin said. “There are no words to say how much I appreciate them.”

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From Page 14

A16 Friday, August 1, 2014

Town Times | towntimes.com

Birds From Page 11

Society President Alexander R. Brash. “But managing areas for wildlife is a lot more complicated than just letting them go. Because our landscape is already human dominated and no longer naturally balanced, we must determine what we want a landscape to look like and then actively manage the process to achieve that goal.” There are signs of progress, and the report recommends increasing support for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the largest owner of conservation land in the state; and the creation of a grant program to help Connecticut’s 100-plus private land conservation organizations pay for professional planning.

“We are starting to wake up to this dilemma,” said Milan Bull, senior director of science and conservation for Connecticut Audubon Society, “and land management processes are evolving so that they consider broader scale biodiversity, particularly in terms of early successional habitat.” Birds that require early successional, or scrub-shrub, habitat have experienced the most rapid decline of any group of Connecticut birds, because their habitat has been allowed to grow into mature forest or has been converted to lawn. Those birds include blue-winged warbler, Eastern towhee, indigo bunting, chestnut-sided warbler and field sparrow. Grasslands birds such as bobolinks and Eastern meadowlarks have similarly declined.

The report includes an article about how Aspetuck Land Trust is attempting to use conservation management planning to resolve use conflicts at Trout Brook Valley that are threatening the preserve’s spectacular diversity of plants, birds and other wildlife. Other articles examine the restoration of tidal marshes in Fairfield, creation of a grassland in Waterford, and the loss of a heron colony in Norwalk. The report also looks at the Department of Environmental and Energy Protection’s role in conservation management. The 2014 report documents that to meet the state goal of preserving 21 percent of the land in Connecticut by 2023, conservation agencies and organizations would have to preserve about 25,000 acres a

year for the next decade. But even that is only an estimate because while officials have a good idea how much land the state has protected, no one knows how much land the municipalities and private organizations have protected. And, further, no one knows how much of that land has important conservation value or what that value is. Other Actions and Recommendations in the report include calls for the state to fully implement the 2012 open space law; and for the creation of a state commission of land conservation experts to work with the DEEP and the state’s municipalities to document the location, amount and status of their preserved lands, including their conservation values and the status of conservation planning.

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The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division at any time. For more information about the association or the 93rd reunion in Omaha, Neb., contact Bob Hayes at 2idahq@ comcast.net or (224) 225-1202.

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Notre Dame Church, 280 Main St., has scheduled its monthly flea market and tag sale for the first Saturday of each month, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 4. The tag sale will be located in the church hall, rectory garage, parking lot and lawn, rain or shine. Breakfast and lunch will be available. Vendor space is available for purchase. For more information, call Bob Smith at (860) 349-0356.

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Jackson is an affectionate, playful 2-year old, black domestic short hair boy. He was rescued from an abusive situation as a stray. He loves attention and toys. Jackson prefers to be the only pet in the house, but would do okay with another non-dominate cat.. Trixie is a 1 year-old female. She is petite, full of energy and loves attention. Trixie likes to be held. Trixie is FELV+ (people cannot catch this). She gets along with other cats (they must be FELV+) or would do well as an only cat. A family with children over 8 years old is perferred. For more information, call Cat Tales at (860) 344-9043 or email info@CaTalesCT.org.

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Etheridge has assisted in the Town Clerk’s office, the Tax Collector’s office, and gone into the field with the Town Assessor. Etheridge, salutatorian of Coginchaug’s class of 2013, is majoring in Political Science and hopes to enter public policy, either within government or as a policy advocate. While Etheridge said he will add the position to his resume, working as Durham’s Government Intern has also brought him up close to the workings of small town government. “You forget how personable government can be. It can seem so isolated and official, but people come in here all the time ... and the people here are very friendly and open,” Etheridge said. As a freshman, Etheridge got to meet both Connecticut senators and went to the Capital Building during the argument over the government shutdown. “That was interesting in a contrasting way,” Etheridge said. “Here in Durham we run pretty well.” Etheridge said as Government Intern he has witnessed some interesting things about the workings of government, such as a regional meeting of registrars of voters, and also experienced the day to day activities. “There’s something very relaxing about opening the mail,” Etheridge said. Based on a tip from Henry Coe of Durham, Etheridge tracked down records indicating that a time capsule was buried on the town green. According to Board of Selectmen minutes, students from the now-defunct gifted and talented program at Strong School buried a time capsule in May of 1986. According to Board of Selectmen minutes taken before the burial, the students intended to put “architectural pictures, tapes, drawings, prophecies, [and] invested monies” in the capsule. The records indicate that the capsule was scheduled to be unearthed in May of 2016, but there is no more specific reference to the location than “near the flagpole.” Etheridge is also working on digital records of meetings and approval of town roads.

PET OF THE WEEK

Some of the early documents, according to Etheridge, contain still familiar names, like Coe, Parmelee, and Pisgah, but direct roads around landmarks like a tree or a pile of rocks. The intern program for Durham dates back to 1999 with one intern per summer helping town officials. In two previous years, two interns were selected, but in 2014, Etheridge is the only intern. The Government Intern is selected based on an application and interviews with two or three town officials. Assistant Town Clerk Alicia Fonash-Willett, who participated in this year’s interviews, said that all the candidates were great, but Etheridge was selected based on his energy and leadership capabilities. “He was a good find,” Fonash-Willett said.

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Demolition poured in, especially from some of the massive weather the house were secured with events in recent years. All tarp and wood and a no- four sides of the house, and tice warned “DANGER This the roof, had large openings. The yard had also turned Structure Is Declared Unsafe For Human Occupancy more wild and overgrown. Several times the grass was or Use.” And there it sat for four mowed by people unknown. In an August, 2011 interview and a half years. Tarp and wood were battered and torn with Town Times, Durham away. Openings to the home First Selectman Laura Frangrew larger and the elements cis said the town would From Page 1

not do any grass-cutting or tree-pruning on the property except for public safety, such as clearing the sight lines near the intersection. The inaction of the town regarding the entire property upset some residents and brought complaints to Town Hall and public meetings. Durham does not have a blight ordinance and, since the property taxes contin-

ued to be paid for years after the fire, Francis said in 2011, “The town does not have the right to go onto that private property.” Building Official Richard McManus sent a letter to Alfano on May 14, 2010, four months after the fire, instructing her to take down the house, saying “Section 115.1 of the Connecticut State Building code allows for the

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Building Official to order necessary actions of the owner which will render the property safe.” After instructing the owner to take down the house, town officials, who consulted with the town attorney on the matter, did not push the issue. As the house remained in its fire-ravaged state, both Francis and McManus said that public safety was the only issue that would cause the town to take action against a still-owned property. Records indicate the town did monitor the situation. On April 12, 2013, McManus sent a letter to Joe Alfano, who was often regarded as the owner of the property even after transferring the property to his daughter Alicia, reporting the results of a recent inspection. At the Tuttle Road property, the “structure is unsafe,” the letter read, because “plywood that was placed to safeguard the structure has been removed.” McManus also recorded that the problem was subsequently fixed. In an August, 2011 interview, Joe Alfano said that he had buyers ready to purchase the property and renovate the building. Potential buyers never emerged to take control and, presumably, demolish the structure before foreclosure and Laudano’s purchase. Laudano is the owner of a neighboring property. Recently the property, including the ruined home, was put on the market with approximately 12 additional acres located behind the lot for a listing price of $455,000. That listing has since been removed. Attempts to reach Laudano, who also has a Florida address, were unsuccessful as of press time.

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A19

Sports New grid plan targets playoffs, reduced contact CHESHIRE — The future of high school football in Connecticut is taking shape. For the sake of player safety, it will likely mean slightly fewer games and a lot less contact in practices. July 24, the CIAC Football Committee met with physicians from the CT State Medical Society Sport Medicine Committee. The resulting proposal calls for a threegame playoff series, a regular season limited to 10 games — including league championship games — and a built-in bye week. Contact during practice would also be subject to strict limits, especially during the bye week and in the postseason, when it would prohibited entirely. The changes would take effect in the 2015 season and run on a two-year trial through the 2016 season. The football committee’s proposal does require approval by the CIAC Board of Control. That board will meet in late August and again in mid September, by which time the 2014 season will be under way. The upcoming campaign, thanks to another late Thanksgiving like last year, features an 11-week regular season. The playoffs, however, have been reformatted to two rounds in eight divisions. Under the proposal issued July 24, the 2015 and 2016 playoffs would go back to three rounds and four di-

visions, starting with quarterfinals the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. There would be 4-5 days between rounds. That’s how the playoffs have run since 2010, when Connecticut football expanded its postseason to 32 teams. The big change would apply to postseason practices, when no player-to-player contact would be allowed. There would also be limits on contact in practice at other points in the season.  Preseason, week 1: No contact.  Pre-season, weeks 2-3: A maximum of 120 minutes per week.  Regular season, games

1-9: A maximum of 90 minutes per week.  Regular season, after game 9: A maximum 45 minutes (though if a game 9 is played on the Thursday, Friday or Saturday prior to Thanksgiving, no live contact will be allowed between games 9 and 10).  Postseason: No contact. The July 24 proposal also states that one week would be added to the regular season allowing for a bye week with zero live contact. The regular season would be limited to 10 games, including any league playoffs, which are still played in the FCIAC, South-West Conference and Naugatuck Valley League. Those, clearly, are likely to be reconsidered should the proposal be adopted. Also, all Connecticut high schools that play football will be required to participate in the RIO Injury Surveillance study.

Is Legion baseball striking out? By Jim Bransfield Special to The Citizen

American Legion finds itself in a continuing struggle with other summer baseball leagues. It bills itself as the finest teenage program in the country, and in many ways that’s true. But in Connecticut and in other places around the nation, Legion ball is struggling. The number of teams is shrinking. In Connecticut alone, the program is down three or four teams, and Zone 3, is down to eight teams as Madison has folded its tent. The response by the state Legion has been to tinker with its state tournament format. Every year the state commission comes up with something new. This year, the top 40 teams -- five from each of the eight zones -- will qualify for the postseason. The zone champions will

--Record-Journal staff

See Legion / Page 20

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get a bye until there are only eight survivors from the first couple of single elimination rounds and in order for a zone champion to be eliminated, it would have to be beaten twice. Then there will be eight survivors who will play in two regionals -- Torrington and Stamford -- in a double elimination format. Then the two survivors will play a best of three. It’s too long and too convoluted for the average fan to keep up with. It’s too convoluted for me, and I think I get it. One of the reasons the state Legion allows so many teams in is based on an assumption that unless teams have something to play for, kids will lose interest and teams will fold before the season ends, presenting the state with the headache of

www.TheHuscherGoup.com dhuscher@comcast.net 860.918.4580

Debbie Huscher

A20 Friday, August 1, 2014

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Legion

ing playoffs were instituted in all its mutations, early From Page 19 round games draw mom, dad, friends and relatives. It dealing with forfeits. isn’t until the final rounds are Methinks that assumption is shaky at best because it un- played that crowds get bigger. But with the competiderestimates kids. tion from other programs, Almost always, the teams the Legion is deeply conthat have forfeited games cerned about the future of its -- and they are very few in program. number -- have done so for That helps to explain why internal reasons. Oftentimes the National Legion backed the coaching is, well, let’s just off its plan to reduce the maxsay is inexperienced. There imum age of players from 19 are not clear rules at the beto 18. Small towns across the ginning of the season about country protested, saying this commitment, a team begins the season with small number further diminished its talent pool. of players and so it goes. It’s also the reason why the Almost always, it’s shaky Legion in Connecticut has management at the local instituted a prep division, for level. eighth and ninth graders. The But it has been my experience in involvement with Le- idea here is, obviously, get ‘em early. gion baseball since 1966 that The underlying concern kids hang in there. Kids don’t may be the reason that the quit because a team is 10-15. National Legion has gone to Kids generally like to play. pool play for its World Series. Study after study has shown Pool play is one in which the that kids would rather be Series is divided into two playing, even if a team is losing, than sit on a bench when four-team divisions and the two winners play a title game. a team is winning. Another reason is that hav- The reason? ESPNU will televise the title game, but only if ing 40 teams in the field creates more fan interest. Not so. the game is on a date certain. In the years since the expand- Double elimination makes that impossible.

Olympian shares his story

Former Olympic bobsledder, Robert W. Huscher, visited his grandson’s classrooms and Boy Scout troop in the spring to talk about his experiences in the 1968 winter Olympics. He discussed how he was chosen for the team and showed a film that detailed how the U.S. Navy Bobsled Team was formed and how team members represented the United States in Grenoble, France.

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