Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
Durham shows Brenna the love By Kevin and Jen Zettergren Special to Town Times
We lo st ou r s a s s y, brave, funny, extraordinary 5-year-old daughter, Brenna Zettergren, to leukemia on Dec. 22, 2012. As the one year anniversary of her death approached, we asked our friends and neighbors to remember Brenna by donating a toy to Smilow Cancer Hospital’s pediatric unit at the Durham tree lighting held Dec. 7. Not surprisingly, peo-
ple came out in the freezing cold to give us a hug and drop off gifts. In fact, the gifts have not stopped coming. We will be delivering multiple car loads full of toys during this season, to very sick children, from the greatest community and the kindest people we have ever known. We e st abl i s hed t he Brenna Zettergren Memor ia l Schola rsh ip Fund in our daughter’s honor to preserve her
Brenna Zettergren. | (Submitted)
See Brenna / Page 3
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Friday, December 20, 2013
School closing options discussed By Mark Dionne Town Times
At a community workshop, Dec. 11 at Strong Middle School, the public got a look for the first time at potential plans to close one or more schools in Regional School District 13. A rch itectura l a nd educational planners from Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc., a firm hired by the Board of Education at a cost of $69,300, spelled out a range of options for the district. While emphasizing that they were not yet endorsing any specific plan, the DRA representatives described plans that ranged from doing nothing, meaning keeping all six schools, to reinventing the school system. All of the options in the middle of those extremes involved closing at least one school. A demographic study commissioned by the BOE predicted declining enrollment in RSD13. In the months since, BOE members have cautiously avoided speculating about closing a school. In public meetings and the BOE’s website FAQs, closing a school has only been referred to as one of the potential options being considered. Jim Barrett, a DRA education facility planner who ran the workshop, made that option far less hypothetical, presenting five different district reconfigurations with fewer schools. “We want to cover the widest range possible,” Barrett said.
Paul Moore, left, educational planner from Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc., listens to a parent speak in favor of maintaining two programs in Regional School District 13 during a breakout session of the Dec. 11 workshop. Standing in the back row observing are several Board of Education members and district administrators, including BOE chair Kerrie Flanagan and interim Superintendent Ernest Perlini, back center. | (Mark Dionne/Town Times) The options had several common characteristics. They each created a traditional middle school at Strong School with sixth t h roug h eig ht h g rades . Each plan maintained both the Integrated Day a nd Contemporary programs. While maintaining the two programs, four of the five options presented housed the two programs in the remaining elementary schools, creating so-called “neighbor-
hood schools” where either program would be available. Korn Elementary School, Lyman Elementary School, and Memorial Middle School were each targeted for closure in different plans, Korn most frequently, followed by Lyman. As an example, the first presented option closed Korn Elementary School, converted Strong Middle See Closing / Page 31
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Boy scouts to recycle trees
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. Engagement Announcement
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An ounce of prevention It’s hugging, kissing and handshaking season By V. Deborah Culligan
helps to protect against food Special to The Citizen borne illness, which affects millions of people each year It is a time of the year and results in about 5,000 when friends and family get preventable deaths. Around the turn of the together for celebrations. There is lots of hugging, kiss- century, it was recognized ing and handshaking, as peo- that fewer persons died from ple greet one another in the medical procedures if the spirit of festivities. These ac- doctors washed their hands tions convey the love and af- in between patients. This fection between people, but seems like common sense these actions also provide to us today, but prior to that the opportunity for the ex- recognition, this was not rouchange of an unwanted gift: tinely done. Throughout the years, multiple studies have cold and flu germs! There is a single personal continued to document the action that all people can importance of handwashing take to reduce their chance and its relationship to cerof getting sick or spreading tain illnesses. To be effective, hand washgerms. As simple as it may seem, this action is hand- ing should include the use of washing. Not only does this soap and water, friction for at help to prevent the spread least 20 seconds (rubbing toof colds and the flu, it also gether), and a thorough rins-
ing and drying. Most soap is effective for reducing bacteria on the hands. Washing hands with soap and water is still the first choice for cleaning hands but hand sanitizers have become very popular. Kids carry them to school; you see them as you walk into the doctor’s office or the grocery store. Many people have asked, are they effective? The answer is in the absence of soap and water, these products are effective in reducing the number of microorganisms on your hands (but do not eliminate them all.) They are not an acceptable alternative when hands are visibly soiled (appear dirty) as they do not remove dirt. When using a
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Boys Scout Troop 270 of Durham has scheduled its third annual Christmas tree removal fundraiser. As a service to the community, scouts will pickup and dispose of resident’s Christmas trees on Saturdays, Dec. 28, Jan. 4 and 11. Donations are appreciated. To schedule a pickup, call (860) 349-2370 or email Troop270DurhamCT@aol.com.
Maureen and Joseph Dooley of Durham, CT are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Patrick Dooley to Ying Wang, daughter of June and Derrick Wang of Fairfax, VA. Patrick is a 2003 graduate of Coginchaug Regional High School and a 2008 graduate of Dartmouth College. He is currently finishing his MBA at The University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. Ying is a 2004 graduate of Poway High School and a 2008 graduate of Harvard College. She is also currently finishing her MBA at the Wharton School of Business and Lauder Program at The University of Pennsylvania. Patrick surprised Ying with the proposal while they were enjoying a walk through the Longwood Gardens outside of Philadelphia. After graduation they plan to move to NYC and will marry in the fall in Boston, where they met.
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58 Main Street • Durham • 860-349-0410
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Brenna preciation for the support we received not only during this toy drive, but since the beginning of Brenna’s diagnosis a nd during this most painful year. And we thank you for being a part of Brenna’s life. The impact she left...the difference her foundation will continue to make...the lives she touched...the love she left behind...all matter because of her. And she will continue to matter because of all of us. Brenna Zettergren with sisters Maura and Bailey. | (Submitted by Jen Shulten.)
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memory and give back to the people who helped us every day of her fight. We awa rded our f i rst scholarship this past May to a spectacular young woman, Rachel Kowalski. Our goal is to continue to award a scholarship to an outstanding graduating senior in our community until at least the year 2025 which would have been Brenna’s graduating class. We also helped sponsor this year’s annual GO FAR GO FAST race and were very grateful that awards were given out in her memory called “Bean Awards” to children who demonstrated strength of character and community spirit. We will continue to look for ways to benefit our community in Brenna’s memory. We have recently found an author we love. His name is John Green and in his book, “An Abundance of
Katherines”, he wrote the following: “I feel like, like, how you matter is def ined by the things that matter to you. You matter as much as the things that matter to you do...All this time there were real things to care about; real, good people who care about me and this place.” Brenna was blessed with the concept of understanding what mattered. Her friends mattered, her family mattered, her community mattered and her dog mattered. She was keenly aware of how much she mattered in the lives of those she loved and who loved her in return. We have come to realize what a gift that was — that she had that understanding at such a young age and as someone who was disconnected to normal life with all her time spent in the hospital and all the special precautions we had to take. My husband and I wish to extend our deepest ap-
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From Page 1
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Seniors Senior Happenings
The Senior Center office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch is served on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at noon. Make a reservation at least one day in advance, by visiting the Senior Center or call (860) 349-7121. Middlefield Senior Center happenings The Senior Center is scheduled to celebrate Middlefield seniors with December birthdays on
Monday, Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. RSVP to (860) 349-7121 or sign up at the Senior Center. The Senior Center is scheduled to be closed Wednesday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day and Wednesday, Jan. 1, New Years’ Day. The Senior Center is exploring the possibility of starting a TOPS group that will meet during the day. A meeting to discuss the topic is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 1 p.m. TOPS “Taking Off Pounds Sensibly” is a weight loss support group. Yearly fees are charged.
LEGAL NOTICE Town of Durham, CT Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of Durham that the second half of Real Estate and Personal Property taxes and the total Supplemental Motor Vehicle tax on the Grand List of 2012 are due and payable to the Town of Durham on January 1, 2014.
Thursday, Dec. 26 - Out of county medical New Haven, West Haven. The Senior Center has a 17 Friday, Dec. 27 - Out of passenger bus that transports county medical Meriden, seniors to out of county doc- Wallingford. tors’ appointments and twice Monday, Dec. 30 - Out of a week trips. The bus is free; county medical Hartford, participants pay for their Newington, New Britain. lunch. To reserve a spot on the bus, call (860) 347-5661. For more information, call Senior Center the Senior Center at (860) Programs 349-7121. The Senior Center offers a Monday, Dec. 23 - Out of knitting group, a card group, county medical Hartford, a bridge group, an exercise Newington, New Britain. group, a yoga group. Tuesday, Dec. 24 - No senior bus. Wednesday, Dec. 25 - No Dial-A-Ride Dial-A-Ride will transport senior bus. seniors to doctor appoint-
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No bill is sent for the 2nd installment of Real Estate. If not paid by February 3, 2014 these taxes will be considered delinquent and interest will be charged at the rate of 1.5% per month from the due date, with a minimum interest charge of $2.00. Note: Feb. 4th payment will be charged a 3% penalty. (Jan. & Feb.) Payments may be mailed to: Town of Durham, P.O. Box 428, Durham, CT 06422. Hours for the Tax Collector’s office are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:30-4:30pm, Tuesday 8:30-7:00pm and Friday 8:30-3:00pm. Additional hours for this collection period will be Saturday January 25, 2014; from 10:00am-12:00pm. Martin French, CCMC Tax Collector - Town of Durham, CT
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Scrabble
The Middlefield Senior Center has a Scrabble game. An interested person is looking for a Scrabble partner. For more information, call (860) 349-7121.
Drawing classes The Durham Senior Center offers drawing classes for seniors and adults. Local artist, Aleta Gudelski, is scheduled to teach skills and principals to budding artists. Classes are scheduled for Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Durham Activity Center, for five weeks, beginning Jan. 10. Bring a pad and pencil or marker. A fee is charged. For more information and to register, contact Sherry Hill at (860) 343-6724 or (860) 788-3337.
Community Round-Up Food Drive Thank you!
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Thank you! We collected... $12,905 food donations $2,681 cash and gift card donations Sponsored by RSD13 and the Durham/Middlefield Local Wellness Coalition
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School News
HELP FOR THE PANTRY
College admission forum
The guidance department at Coginchaug regional High School has scheduled its annual College Admissions Forum for Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m., in the auditorium. Parents and guardians of junior and senior students are welcome. Admissions officers from Central Connecticut State University and Quinnipiac University plan to present an overview of the entire admissions process. The guidance department plans to discuss the procedures. In the event of inclement weather, the forum will be rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16. For more information, call the guidance department at (860) 349-7221.
The Durham 60+ members collected food items and health and beauty aids for the Durham and Middlefield food pantry, at its Dec. 9 meeting, at the Durham Activity Center. Donations will be delivered to residents in Middlefield and Durham during the Christmas season. Pictured, members Sanya Cowett, Judy Didato and Ellen Cassidy.
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Boating course The Basic Sail and Power safe Boating Course is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Polk Elementary School, 435 Buckingham St., Oakville. The public is welcome. Satisfactory completion of the 8 week course
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Dance performance Dancers will perform a series of prescribed port de bras, adage, allegro and pirouette combinations as well as short solo dances. Admission is a donation for the local food bank or a local animals shelter.
Bill and Sheila Panciera, Durham residents and members of Notre Dame Church, recently donated the new Nativity located on the front lawn of the church. Bill Panciera constructed the stable which houses the Nativity figurines. The Nativity was blessed by Father James J. Sucholet, administrator of Notre Dame and St. Colman Church, Dec. 8.
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Durham adopts online tax payments By Mark Dionne
Town Times
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At its regular meeting, Dec. 16, at Town Hall, the Durham Board of Selectman voted to enter into an agreement with Quality Data Services, Inc. to manage on-line payments to the town, including tax bills. Check, envelope, and stamp payments and payments in person will still be accepted, but the selectmen anticipate an increasing number of online payments as the years
pass and the system becomes more accepted. The system will cost the town a one time set up fee of $200, then $80 per month as a “maintenance fee,” which increases to $100 per month after the first year. There is no surcharge to the taxpayer for using the system. Durham First Selectman Laura Francis said the system had benefits and could also contain some savings. Tax collecting, Francis said, might be “cheaper if we don’t
William J. Witkowski, D.M.D. 360 Main Street P.O. Box 177 Allan A. Witkowski, D.M.D. Durham, CT We will submit claims to all insurances
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have to mail the bills.” When asked during public comment, Francis said that on-line payments would not be mandatory. “We might offer it and people might opt into it at such numbers that it might create savings.” “This is also going to help when we get inquiries,” such as title searches, said Francis.
Also during public comment, the idea to present taxpayers with their bill separated into the town’s portion and the school system’s portion, which had come up in previous meetings, resurfaced. Francis noted that the on-line system could be an opportunity to show the split. “This is probably one step
closer for transparency,” said Francis, who noted that the information was already out there, just not easily seen. Connecticut Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey, a Democrat representing Hamden, has recently been advocating for local educaSee Tax / Page 29
The Providers at Middlesex Hospital Primary Care Durham would like to wish all their patients and the community a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
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A8 Friday, December 20, 2013
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Opinion Commentary
Diagnosis: Movies
Writing left me hungry for ‘Hunger Games’ By Tanya Feke M.D. Special to Town Times
This is a wonderful time of year to reflect upon all that we have been blessed. Truly, I have so much to be thankful for in my life. My family, my friends, my health, and turkey with leftovers upon leftovers top the list though there was one key ingredient missing for the month of November. Movies. I placed myself on a movie fast over the month of November. Instead of indulging in my love of cinema, I pursued my second love, writing. In 30 short days, I completed a 50,000-plus word n ove l for Na NoWr i Mo (National Novel Writing Month). I am hopeful you will all see this novel on book shelves one day, a medical thriller, but I will admit the going was rough at times. Dedicating every waking moment to my novel
left me without a leg to stand on because my bottom was planted in a chair morning, noon, and night. While that level of intensity may be unhealthy long-term for someone raising two children and working a full time job, the NaNoWriMo challenge re-ignited a passion in me that had long been dormant. Whether I am published in the future or not, I now consider myself a real writer. But that level of intensity comes with a price, and that is withdrawal. When I submitted my word count on Nov. 30, there was an instant satisfaction and pride that I had accomplished a goal long on my bucket list back, but the first thing I wanted to do was buy a ticket. I was hungry for the movies. I was hungry for “The Hunger Games”. I hit the theater with the ferocity of a film addict. The smell of buttered popcorn,
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the twinkle of f loor lights guiding me up the aisle, the chill of excessive air conditioning, they all brought me home. Even the lackluster previews could not deter my excitement of what was to come – transportation to another time and place. I was not disappointed. “T he Hunger Ga mes: Catching Fire” picked up where t he origi na l left of f . R e lu c t a n t h e r oi n e Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) must face the repercussions of winning the 74th Hunger Games. When she tricked the gamers into having two winners instead of one, she brought hope to the people of Panem that the rules could be changed. Threatened by a possible revolution, President Snow develops a devious plan to punish Katniss and another Hunger Games ensues. The story flows smoothly, the actors share chemistry, and the scenes are brought to life relatively true to the book. When Katniss hits the Capitol stage with the slimy Caeser Flickerman (Stanley
Tucci), I at first ogled her wedding dress and then gasped at its transformation into the mocking-jay. After reading the book, knowing the scene, and still being surprised, I have to give the filmmakers kudos for a job well done. While my level of fashion sense is minimalistic at best (I try not to mix stripes with polka dots, though for all I know that may be all the rage right now), I could not help but marvel at the costuming on the project. The couture of the Capitol played out like New York fashion week and every fashion venue in between. Effie (Elizabeth Banks) evokes, gasp, a hint of emotion though my attention was drawn more to her styling. I wanted to paint my eyes up with sparkle and wear larger than life tufted plumes around my neck. Truly a feast for the eyes. Yet throughout the film, I kept thinking about Suzanne Collins, how she developed this magnificent dystopia, and how she drew in audiences on page and screen.
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.
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My first instinct was to go home and write. Yes, I love the movies. Maybe it’s time to write one of my own. “May the odds be ever in your favor.” T he Hunger Ga mes – Catching Fire: 3 stethoscopes. Dr. Tanya Feke is a family physician and guest columnist for the Record-Journal weeklies. She has been press credentialed to the LA Film Festival and continues to pursue a love of film. Her reviews are rated on a five stethoscope scale. Follow her blog (www. tanyafeke.com), Facebook page (Diagnosis Life), or twitter (@tanyafeke) for more insights.
Help available for winter utility bills After a welcome period of above average temperatures, seasonally cold weather is returning to Connecticut and with it comes an increasing need for home heating. Connecticut Light & Power and Yankee Gas encourage customers to consider how they’ll conserve energy to save on their winter heating bills now, before the bitter cold arrives. The companies offer several programs to help customers lower their energy bills and have experts who can assist in finding and signing up for the programs best suited for them. Setting eff iciency See Help / Page 25
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Friday, December 20, 2013
Commentary
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SNOW SHADOWS
Toddlers can be happy travelers, too By Amy Flory
Special to Town Times
Toddlers are inquisitive and busy, they are budding walkers and climbers, and they love to move. These traits are outstanding for a day at the park, but are not suited for a day on a plane. Here are some tips for traveling with toddlers. In many ways, planning a flight with a toddler is similar to doing so with a baby. You will first need to decide if you’re child (under two) will be a lap baby or a ticketed passenger. If they are a lap child, ask the gate attendant to seat you next to an empty seat (if the flight isn’t full). They will usually attempt to accommodate this request. Bring a stroller and gate check it. Make sure that stroller folds up easily. If your child is ticketed passenger, you can purchase a Cares Airplane Travel Harness, which is FAA approved and is suited for kids over 12 months, weighing 22-44 pounds. They retail for about $70 and are much easier install on an airplane than that bulky car seat. If you decide to bring your child’s car seat on the plane, make sure it’s one that’s approved for airplanes. With toddlers, the last thing you want is more time on the plane, so I don’t recommend pre-boarding, unless it’s a flight with no seat assignments. You want to keep your carry-on under your seat where you can reach it, so you don’t need to worry about getting on
the plane early to ensure overhead compartment space. Unless you have a tight connection, select a seat near the back of the plane. The loud plane noise will drown out your toddler’s antics, you will be close to the bathroom, you will have better access to flight attendants, and the stream of passengers to and from the bathroom will entertain your kid. Try to plan your itinerary with layovers that last about 1 ½ hours. This allows time to use the restroom, change a diaper, get some food, get to your next gate, and let your toddler run. Layovers are great for this age. If time allows, see if the airport has a play area. Pack plenty of food. We like: dried fruit, crackers, cheese, sandwiches, and cut up fruits and vegetables. We avoid foods with nuts out of consideration for those passengers who may have sensitivities. We also avoid foods containing sugar, because a toddler on sugar does not make a peaceful flying companion. Pack more diapers, wipes, and spare clothes than you think you’ll need for your toddler. Put some kids games and movies on your iPhone or iPad, and don’t forget kid headphones. Our Kidz Gear headphones have lasted for three years, and they don’t hurt the kids’ ears. My kids’ favorite plane toys have included: Post-It notes (stick on, pull off, stick on, pull off…), Play
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Doh, gel window clings (you can often find seasonal ones in the dollar section at Target), colored pipe cleaners, and small coloring books. Instead of crayons, I have a retractable multicolor pen for each kid, so they have fewer items to drop. These items are all inexpensive, so when they get lost or broken, it’s not a big deal. You child’s nap time will probably fall during your flight. They may or may not sleep, but mine have never stuck to their regular nap schedule on a travel day. Do not intentionally deprive your toddler of sleep before the flight to force a nap on the plane. An overtired child is an unhappy child. Your toddler is going to love aspects of flying and hate being confined. Stay calm, take it in stride, and smile. Keep the peace with fellow passengers by keeping your child engaged and keeping little feet from kicking seat backs, and you will arrive at your destination with minimal trauma.
Find us on the Web: www.towntimes.com
Seeking volunteers for tax prep assistance Volunteers are needed for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to help low-to moderate-income households prepare and file their taxes. Through the program, volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS to ensure that working families and individuals are filing for all of the appropriate tax credits. The program is looking for volunteers for two VITA sites located in Middletown to provide free basic tax preparation assistance for eligible taxpayers. Tax preparation assistance is offered Jan. 25 to April 9.
No prior experience is necessary. Training is scheduled for Jan. 6 to 9 to Jan. 13 to 16. Volunteers must attend consecutive evening sessions. VITA volunteers must complete a minimum of one 4-hour shift per week during tax season in the late afternoons and evenings or on Saturdays; maintain confidentiality of all client information; and interact with the public in a helpful and supportive manner. For more information about volunteering, contact David Morgan at dmorgan@wesleyan.edu or (860) 346-1522.
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A10 Friday, December 20, 2013
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Commentary
FIRST FOR TREES
Snow Views: Thanks, Ashford By Dave Mongillo Special to The Citizen
J.C. Farm and Greenhouses are offering Fraser fir and balsam trees for the first time this year.
Here’s a way to reduce your college costs!
Thank you, storm Ashford. We can finally say it is the ski season. Resorts all across the east are running full tilt, and preparing for the holidays. Mountains in Vermont gathered about
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The big news from ski areas across the east is about improvements to snow-making systems. Mount Southington is happy with its new Tec Alpine system. Ski Sundown and Mohawk Mountain both added to their firepower over the summer with new guns, pipes and compressors. Over at Powder Ridge, it’s a whole new ball game. The Ridge is rebuilding a ski
16 inches of new powder while Massachusetts came in around the 10- to 12-inch mark. A quick look online shows that all hills and resorts to our north will be open this weekend. Here at home, four of the five Nutmeg State resorts were open last weekend, and all plan to make a run at the season Friday. There will be a lot of happy skiers and boarders on Connecticut trails this weekend.
See Snow / Page 11
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MIDDLEFIELD— John Simonzi, 82, of Middlefield beloved husband of Mildred (Griffith) Simonzi died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, at his home. John was born in Putnam the son of the late John F. and Louise (Rovero) Simonzi. Prior to his retirement John worked as an Unemployment Insurance Manager with the State of Connecticut Department of Labor. He was a graduate of Tuffs University. John served on the Board of Directors for the Levi E. Coe Library, Volunteered at the Dinosaur State Park and attended the Middlefield Federated Church. He was also a life member of the Mortlake Fire Department. John was a kind, intelligent and gentle man; characteristics he displayed most with his children in being a great father. Besides his wife Mildred, John is survived by four sons, Michael Simonzi and his wife, Beatrice, of Masschusetts, Mark Simonzi
Obituaries and his partner, Don Richards, of New Hampshire, Steve Holcomb and his fiancée, Karen Johnson, of Higganum, Michael Shannon, of the Bahamas; three daughters, Donna Sewall and her husband, Steven, of Maine, Nina Shorey and her husband, David, of California, Kathleen Harraburda and her husband, John, of Pennsylvania; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Reynold Simonzi; and a sister, Gloria Smutnick. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Middlefield Federated Church. Burial took place in Middlefield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Middlefield Federated Church Capital Campaign, 402 Main St., Middlefield, CT 06455. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome. com.
View obituaries online: www.legacy.com.
Lewis G. Hinman, Jr.
ROCKFALL— Stanislawa Matyjas, 89, resident of Rockfall for 64 years, passed away on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at Middlesex Hospital. She was born in Piotkov, Poland on July 25, 1924, daughter of the late Aleksandra and Bronislawe (Nowak) Bakowska. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Marion Matyjas; five children, Christine Goik and her husband, Roman, Barbara Carso and her husband, Thomas, John Matyjas and his wife, Lori, Ronald Matyjas and his wife, Nancy Simcox and Mark Matyjas and his wife, Vicky. She will be missed by her nine grandchildren, Guenever and Tristan Goik, Jessica and Alexandra Carso, Aura and John Matyjas, Stasia Matyjas and twins, Isabelle and Aaron Matyjas. A graveside service was held on Thursday, Dec. 19, at Middlefield Cemetery. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www. biegafuneralhome.com.
DURHAM - Lewis G. Hinman, Jr., 93, of Durham, husband of the late Alma (Mathewson) Hinman, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 at his home. Born on Oct. 7, 1920 in Rockville Center, N.Y., he was the son of late Lewis G. and Virginia (Nelson) Hinman. Lew was a graduate of The Tome School (Port Deposit, Md.,) and Hobart College (Geneva, N.Y.,) in 1943 where he was a member of the Sigma Phi fraternity. Following college he served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the China, Burma, India and South Pacific theaters in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). He was very active in Durham and served on many boards and commissions, including Chairman of the Republican Town Committee, Chairman of the Library Board, Board of Selectman, Deputy Sheriff of Middlesex County, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Durham Ambulance Corps, Board of Directors of the Boston YMCA, Durham-Middlefield Exchange Club, Durham Planning & Zoning Commission, and he was a member of The United Churches of Durham. Lew proudly served the Boy Scouts of America for 64 years, receiving its highest civilian award from the National Court of Honor of the BSA in 1976. He is survived by two sons, Lewis G. Hinman, of Hebron, and his wife, Krista, and Peter K. Hinman, of Wethersfield, and his wife, Sara; and one daughter, Virginia N. McEachern, of Natick, Mass., and her husband, Paul; and six grandchildren, Tyler, Lindsay, Nathan and Christopher Hinman, and Molly and Sarah McEachern; as well as his beloved cousin, Ann Britt, of Maitland, Fla. A memorial service will be held at The United Church in Durham, 228 Main St., Durham at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 23. There will be no calling hours. Kindly omit flowers. In lieu thereof, memorial gifts may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 27 for camper scholarships, checks should be made out to Brian Venables, Treasurer Troop 27, 27 Mattabasset Drive, Durham, CT 06422. Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church St., Middletown is handling the arrangements. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com
Snow From Page 10
area from the ground up, in only six months. They are repairing lifts and building a new snow making system. Repairing buildings and lodges, and hiring and training a crew to run the whole thing. They have done a massive job and expect to open for the season Friday. With the holidays coming fast it’s time to finish up that shopping list. If there are boarders or skiers in your brood there a lot of things they’ll need before they hit the trails. For equipment and clothes I recommend a ski and outdoor specific shop. The big box sports stores at the mall can help
with clothes, but, remember, the jacket that does just fine for a few minutes at the bus stop may not work for a day on a mountain. Ski clothes, like athletic shoes, are sport specific. Stick with major brands for the best performance. When it comes to equipment, I suggest a specialty ski shop. If you’re not a skier or boarder, the kid at the mall can’t really help you get the right equipment. Chances are they haven’t used all of the gear in the shop. At a ski shop, the associate is probably also a ski instructor and has tested, on snow, all the gear in the racks.
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Stanislawa Matyjas
If you’re not up for a major purchase there are some always-good stocking stuffers. Every boarder and skier needs more hats, gloves and socks. Base layer parts: think long johns, are nice to get. Keep those winter outdoor people warm and dry, and they’ll be thankful. If you plan to take young ones -- under 18 years old -- to the mountains over Christmas, bring extra hats and gloves. I guarantee your 5-, 8-, or 10-year-old will lose a hat, glove, sock or boot while you’re there. Trust me, I’ve been there. All of these items will cost less at home than in the base lodge ski shop.
Obituary fee The Town Times charges a $50 processing fee for obituaries. For more information, call (203) 317-2240.
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Friday, December 20, 2013
A12 Friday, December 20, 2013
Town Times | towntimes.com
Coginchaug girls fall in opener
The Town Times P.O. Box 265 Middlefield, CT 06455 news@towntimes.com
By Alan Pease
for a career opportunity in Dallas. Mancinelli’s replacement The current year’s edition is Nick Economopolus, and of the Lady Devils is missing the team will need to adjust one starter from last year, the to what appears to be a more deliberate style. graduated Jessica Solomon. The girls traveled to Another significant change is that Rett Mancinelli is no Bridgeport Dec. 11 to play the longer patrolling the sideline Cougars of Kolbe Cathedral for the girls -- he has departed in a non-conference matchup.
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The Devils kept the game close most of the way, trailing just 34-31 at the end of three. Coginchaug scored the first two buckets to start the final period to take a 35-34 lead, but would not score again, falling, ultimately, 44-35. Morgan Kuehnle and Caryn Sibiskie led the Devils in scoring with 10 points apiece. Kim Romanoff added six points, Katelyn Williams five and Olivia Corazzini four for the Devils. Kuehnle had nine rebounds. Romanoff tallied five steals and four assists.
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Lombardo Legacy
December 20, 2013
Volume 20, Issue 3
By Jennifer Crandall
For over 40 years, Coginchaug has been honored to have an unforgettable leader, Mr. Ted Lombardo. He has made huge impacts on many students’ lives, in many different ways. He reached kids through school work and as a coach. He taught at Coginchaug for 38 years and spent 41 years of his life as the athletic director, helping to make the sports program what it has become today. Coach Todd Salva says, “I met Ted Lombardo in 1974. He has been my coach, teacher, athletic director, mentor and friend. Over the years I have had the privilege of witnessing Coach Lombardo interact with four decades of students. He gave them direction and guidance to achieve the skills that are so necessary for success whether in the classroom or on the playing field. I can speak from experience when I say that Mr. Lombardo unselfishly committed himself to the betterment of the community as a whole in Regional District 13. He has earned a well-deserved retirement from his home away from
home. Congratulations, Ted, and yes, your phone will still ring.” To be an athletic director, you must be committed to the school 100%. Mr.Lombardo says, “I was very fortunate to teach and be an athletic director here. I have no regrets and fond memories.” He coached golf for 20 years at Coginchaug. Early on in the program, having Lombardo as the coach, the team was very successful and ended up winning two Shoreline Championships. Giving up that coaching spot was a very difficult decision. For 14 years, he coached baseball. Lombardo said, “The baseball ball job was open and that was the sport I’ve been involved in all my life; it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” Outside of Coginchaug, Lombardo has coached for 17 years at Middletown American Legion where he helped kids become more successful at baseball. He also coached baseball at the University of Hartford for four years. It was a hard choice for him to retire. He spent
(continued on page 7)
SHED Conference 2013
By Naomi Rinaldo
On November 15, Coginchaug hosted the 10th annual SHED Writing Conference. Eleven different schools participated in this event, with a total of 150 students.There were numerous workshops for the students to take part in, ranging from songwriting to fictional novel writing. There were seven writ-
ers presenting, including Kristan Higgins, who has published eleven books and is currently writing her twelfth. Higgins is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a winner of the 2008 Romance Writers of America Award, and, perhaps most importantly, the mother of a freshman at Coginchaug.
(continued on page 2)
Sports Profile: Jack Grander page 8
Inside this issue... Opinion ............... 2 School News ....... 3 DC Trip ............. 4-5 School News ....... 6 Sports ................. 7-8
The new CRHS turf field was constructed during Mr. Lombardo’s tenure.
School Council page 6
Photo by Naomi Rinaldo
We Are... Best Buds
By Lara Ellison
Best Buds is a club that brings different types of students together. It is about being social and making new friends, which is important so teens can learn how to share their feelings and care for one another.
(continued on page 3) A Trip through Time: My Journey through The Holocaust Museum page 4
Washington DC page 5
2 4
November 15, 2013 December 20, 2013 Volume 20, Issue 3 Volume 20, Issue 2
presented themselves ghettos. Although it conA Trip through Time: Opinion: Techy Teachers during the Holocaust. tinues to paint a picture The exhibits that imof the atrocities of this My Journey through Bypacted Erinme Hassmann and Emily Carroll the most were time period, a glimthink teachers should have ful when your is teachers located on this floor. A mer of hope shown What is up with teachers post to remind you about model of the gas chamthrough those that were Twitter because I want to The Holocaust Museum having Twitter? Twitter homework, but at the post things on my Twitter
The Staff
murdered up is bers part that of our generation,
freed. But the freeing same time, slaves they post of Jewish andpersonal campinformation victims wasabout not themselves that students all happy. Even after the Adults looking in of everything you own, of what lies ahead. The creepy. do notended need to know. Just the horror and fear war discrimination your personal life and separated from your dark, neutral tones that onpainted the other day Ms. Milardo, on the victims’ everywhere. Some posting about school? Who a was Copy Editors: math teacher at CRHS, family, and forced to line the building set the faces. It sickened me to could still not survive wants that? Twitter and that after the snow into what- tone for how devastating- realize that although this posted slave yourself Dena Branciforte after malnourishment other social media sites day, it would be an A day. ever you are told to do. ly truthful this museum Emily Tuttle was a model, was and abuse while locked are forjust posting what it kids Many students, even some You have no way to fight is. When you are ready reality millions of away, not to mention the are doingfor every second teachers, were trying to back and there’s nowhere to begin your tour, you andthat thousands mental and emotional ofJews the day doesn’t of figure out what day it was Sports Editors: to escape; death is right are taken to an elevator non-Jewish effects of everything they include school.people. Ok so we going to be. This is one of the corner. where you pick up an around Jeff Peracchio Another exhibit that had witnessed. Many don’t post every second, the times when teachers This hellish experience identification card with a but it sure does feel demonstrates the like devas- having people, including my was Jennifer Crandall a Twitter is helpa reality for over 6 victim of the Holocaust’s that. Sometimes help- ful. tation, and putsit itisinto grandfather, were the Personally, I do not million Jews, gypsies, name on it, who you “be- perspective is the shoe only survivors of their homosexualsStaff: and other come” and whose story Production exhibit. The sight of family. At the end of the discriminated groups Sarah Durand you follow from the start 4,000 shoes, stolen from tour, you are able to visit during the Holocaust. of Nazi Germany to the the victims before they a silent memorial to light The Holocaust Melanie Frank Continued from Page 1 Museum end of World War II. It is were pushed to their a candle for the surviving in Washington, Nikki Woznyk DC proyour job to read a section death is a humbling and and deceased victims. vides an inside perspecof the card at the end of difficult sight to witAs you journey towards tive of the horrors that a unique opporthe good writer ness. is From the museum thestretch exit ofathe museum Contributing Reporters: each floor, discovering “SHED these people faced every the journey of this victim tunity for poets, writers, of needs to make,” comwebsite, a description you have the opportunity day. TheMarty Daniels connection that during the Holocaust. musicians, actors, and mented presenter Bill of a quote painted on the to search a database with the stoYou then ride the eleva- thinkers you make Abby Eisner to come together Earls, who was equally wall of the exhibit porthe victims. I was able read and experi- tor up, to the top floor, and collectively theirof impressed. ries youLara Ellison trays the true share meaning to find my grandfather, ence at this museum is while a short video plays talents, we “When shouldSobe these and shoes. Mordka Ajzner (Mike Eis extremely Nora Khalil emotional. My entailing an introduction doing it,” Vice the viet more troopsofliberated ner), and with an employ experience Lauren Melchionne with the Holo- of what lies ahead. Each Principal Patrick Gustafson Auschwitz-Birkenau and ee’s help, find informa caust Museum is one that floor represents a differ- believes. Majdanek camps, they tional cards about him. each workshop, I will never forget. The ent part of the Holocaust. In discovered huge mounds This was definitely the Advisor: from the varithree hours I spent in On this representation, students of shoes, hundreds of most meaningful part of those halls Ms. Rebecca Suchy schools formed their had a person- An informational data- ous thousands of pairs, but my experience. The first writings with the al impact on me that will base for DC attractions unique very few living prisoncard we came across was of the presenters. After Singer/Songwriter Kate stick with me forever. says “The Holocaust Mu- aid ers. At the sight of these his Canadian Immigratime in different Callahan also put on a I’ve always wondered seum uses its collection spending inanimate witnesses, tion card, which was crethe students show for all of the writers. what it was like to be of more than 12,500 arti- workshops, veteran CBS News correated after the war, when able to share what Callahan instructed the alive during the Holofacts to reveal the Jewish were spondent Edward R. Murhe was 18 years old and had written that day songwriting class. She apcaust, as my father’s experience in three parts: they row commented, ‘One was able to leave Europe in front of all attendees, proached it with the ideolside of my family is Nazi Assault, Final Soluwith a friend that had whether it was a poem, ogy that, “improvisation is Jewish, and I knew that tion, and Last Chapter.” also survived. The card song, or monologue. Poet a gateway to songwriting, my grandfather was in When you arrive at the lists his Hebrew, meaning you don’t and need a slave camp and was fourth floor, you are told and presenter Dr. Steven Polish names and English Ostrowski had confidence to be able to read music to the only survivor of his of events leading up to last name, along with all in the group of students be a songwriter. You just entire blood-line. My the war and Nazi power, fourto ofbe the camps he awas that he interacted with. need able to take curiosity always craved along with basic disenslaved to work in givdur“I’m so happy, and risk.” She also, “loves more information, but crimination of Jews. This Check out our website crhsnews.org. ingstudents the war.the From there, impressed with the talent ing space to my grandfather had troubling reality leads to we were able to find what I got to work with today. be original.” passed before I was born the third floor, an even It truly gives me hope for was in my opinion, the Two seniors from HK Follow us on Twitter @crhsdevilsadv. so I was never able to ask narrower corridor, with the future of American most important piecea of shared that SHED was him what it was like dur- passages describing the writing,” Ostrowski said. information, a card that Please submit story inquiries, pictures, or leting this time and how it horrific genocide that Dr. Ostrowski teaches describes his informatwo shoes, a dozen changed his life forever. occurred during World atshoe, ters to the editor to crhsdevilsad@gmail.com. Central Connecticut tion from his last camp, shoes, yes. Butand how can The museum is set up War II. The content is ex- State University has Kaufering. This card you describe on four floors, with the tremely graphic, which I published threeseveral books of shows his identification The Devil’s Advocate is the official student thousand shoes?’” ground floor holding the think is something every- poetry. number while he was in newspaper of Coginchaug Regional High The extremely final floor,hopeful The Last gift shop, informational one needs to see as most “[I’m] his camp, his hometown School of Regional District 13, representing the desks and candle lighting people, including myself, forChapter, the nextdiscusses generation of Praskau and the date he end ofThey the war strucmemorial. When you step are usually sheltered Durham and Middlefield, Connecticut. writers. wereand very was brought to Kauferture ofand camps andtoJewish through the doors there from the barbarities that creative willing go outside the box, which is
By Abigail Eisner to we onethink thousand Jewish and that teachEditor-in-Chief: people per day at the invading it is kind of being stripped is already an eerie feeling ers ImagineSarah Brady Auschwitz camp, shows
SHED Writing Conference
We Are...
The Devils Advocate!
that I do not necessarily want my teachers to see. If a teacher sees me post something they do not like or do not agree with, I worry they could be biased against me with grading or ing, they Feb. treat 6, 1945. how me.My favorite part of the card is “Delivered in out-detail by U.S. Army” meaning he was freed. I couldn’t help but get choked up as this really made the experience real for me. Not only did I experience this museum for my grandfather, whom I would give anything to have met, but for my relatives that weren’t lucky enough to survive this great way for them exgenocide. I did thistofor press themselves, and that my great-grandparents, they learned many new who were thrown into a forms of writing. With so concentration camp. I did many opportunities availthis for my 18-year-old able at the conference, great-aunt Rose, whom SHED hopes to inspire the my brother would’ve next generation of Ameribeen named can literaries. after if he was a girl. I did this for my 21-year-old greatuncle Bernard who was shot in the back while trying to escape Nazi custody and who my uncle Ben is named after. I did this for my 8-yearold great aunt Edith who was too young to know what laid ahead for her. These people were my family, and the Holocaust Museum pays tribute to them and millions of others whose lives were cut far too short.
For more
Check out the information CRHS English regarding The Department Holocaust website at Museum, please
www.crhsenglish. visit: weebly.com www. ushmm.org
www.crhsnews.org
We Are... Best Buds
Continued from page 1
Best Buds is open to anyone who wants to join. Right now, there are about 60 students that belong to the club. The events they hold include parties, meetings, and shopping at the Meriden Mall. Some of the students really enjoy Best Buds. Sophomore Sadie Leiler says, “You can interact with different people.� Senior Laynie Joyce says,
“Everybody gets to have fun and not worry about school during the meetings.� Back in 2002, it started as the Peer Mentor Program. By 2007, it was changed into Best Buds. The advisors of Best Buds are Ms. DellaCamera, Mrs. Bottini, and Ms. Davidson. “Different schools in America have a program like this. We started Best
December 20, 2013 Buds because there was a need for kids to socialize with other peers,� says Ms. DellaCamera. Ms. DellaCamera really enjoys working with the students involved and enjoys watching students step up and help others. “It’s important for students to have social opportunities and have social role models,� she said. This is really important because some kids are shy or can’t speak very well and have trouble making friends and need help making friends with others. This club makes them part of the community and gives them an opportunity to make friends with other
teens. Laynie says, “It’s a good opportunity to meet new people. It’s a really great program and a really good idea to help make new friends.� The whole group gets together at least once a month for an event or meeting. Activities include parties, socials or field trips to different places. The advisors say they look to the kids involved for their input on the types of activities. Ms. DellaCamera’s favorite event is the movie and pizza event before winter break. She also enjoys the Rock Cats game and the shopping mall trip.
3 Sadie says that her favorite Best Buds event is the Rock Cats game in May. Laynie wished they played more board games but likes the Halloween party “because everybody dresses up.� Best Buds is a really good group that all schools in the U.S. should have according to Ms. DellaCamera. It brings kids with different abilities together to become friends. It lets kids show kindness to school mates and learn more about each other in a warm, fun, positive way. For more information about Best Buds, students can see Mrs. Bottini at CRHS.
Come to one of the best universities in New England CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY Halloween with the Best Buds crew
We’re here for you! Best Buds members at the Best Buds Halloween Party
Visit from Therapy Dog Students in Mrs. Coon and Mrs. Herman’s class had a visit from Max, a therapy dog. He is a boxer who is 5 years old and weighs 80 pounds. Therapy dogs are used in schools to help students gain confidence, self esteem and relieve anxiety.
Photo and article contributed by Mrs. Coon
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From left to right: Emma Hintz, Saige Avery, Ian Stewart, Caitlyn Lowry, Rue Strothers, Sarah Durand
4
December 20, 2013
A Trip through Time: My Journey through The Holocaust Museum
presented themselves during the Holocaust. The exhibits that impacted me the most were located on this floor. A model of the gas chambers that murdered up By Abigail Eisner to one thousand Jewish people per day at the Imagine being stripped is already an eerie feeling Auschwitz camp, shows of everything you own, of what lies ahead. The the horror and fear separated from your dark, neutral tones that painted on the victims’ family, and forced to line the building set the faces. It sickened me to slave yourself into what- tone for how devastating- realize that although this ever you are told to do. ly truthful this museum was just a model, it was You have no way to fight is. When you are ready reality for millions of back and there’s nowhere to begin your tour, you Jews and thousands of to escape; death is right are taken to an elevator non-Jewish people. around the corner. where you pick up an Another exhibit that This hellish experience identification card with a demonstrates the devaswas a reality for over 6 victim of the Holocaust’s tation, and puts it into million Jews, gypsies, name on it, who you “be- perspective is the shoe homosexuals and other come” and whose story exhibit. The sight of discriminated groups you follow from the start 4,000 shoes, stolen from during the Holocaust. of Nazi Germany to the the victims before they The Holocaust Museum end of World War II. It is were pushed to their in Washington, DC proyour job to read a section death is a humbling and vides an inside perspecof the card at the end of difficult sight to wittive of the horrors that each floor, discovering ness. From the museum these people faced every the journey of this victim website, a description of day. The connection that during the Holocaust. a quote painted on the you make with the stoYou then ride the eleva- wall of the exhibit porries you read and experi- tor up, to the top floor, trays the true meaning of ence at this museum is while a short video plays these shoes. “When Soextremely emotional. My entailing an introduction viet troops liberated the experience with the Holo- of what lies ahead. Each Auschwitz-Birkenau and caust Museum is one that floor represents a differ- Majdanek camps, they I will never forget. The ent part of the Holocaust. discovered huge mounds three hours I spent in On this representation, of shoes, hundreds of those halls had a person- An informational datathousands of pairs, but al impact on me that will base for DC attractions very few living prisonstick with me forever. says “The Holocaust Mu- ers. At the sight of these I’ve always wondered seum uses its collection inanimate witnesses, what it was like to be of more than 12,500 arti- veteran CBS News correalive during the Holofacts to reveal the Jewish spondent Edward R. Murcaust, as my father’s experience in three parts: row commented, ‘One side of my family is Nazi Assault, Final SoluJewish, and I knew that tion, and Last Chapter.” my grandfather was in When you arrive at the a slave camp and was fourth floor, you are told the only survivor of his of events leading up to entire blood-line. My the war and Nazi power, curiosity always craved along with basic dismore information, but crimination of Jews. This my grandfather had troubling reality leads to passed before I was born the third floor, an even so I was never able to ask narrower corridor, with him what it was like dur- passages describing the ing this time and how it horrific genocide that shoe, two shoes, a dozen changed his life forever. occurred during World The museum is set up War II. The content is ex- shoes, yes. But how can you describe several on four floors, with the tremely graphic, which I ground floor holding the think is something every- thousand shoes?’” The final floor, The Last gift shop, informational one needs to see as most desks and candle lighting people, including myself, Chapter, discusses the end of the war and strucmemorial. When you step are usually sheltered through the doors there from the barbarities that ture of camps and Jewish
Volume 20, Issue 3 ghettos. Although it continues to paint a picture of the atrocities of this time period, a glimmer of hope is shown through those that were freed. But the freeing of Jewish slaves and camp victims was not all happy. Even after the war ended discrimination was everywhere. Some could still not survive after malnourishment and abuse while locked away, not to mention the mental and emotional effects of everything they had witnessed. Many people, including my grandfather, were the only survivors of their family. At the end of the tour, you are able to visit a silent memorial to light a candle for the surviving and deceased victims. As you journey towards the exit of the museum you have the opportunity to search a database of the victims. I was able to find my grandfather, Mordka Ajzner (Mike Eisner), and with an employee’s help, find informational cards about him. This was definitely the most meaningful part of my experience. The first card we came across was his Canadian Immigration card, which was created after the war, when he was 18 years old and was able to leave Europe with a friend that had also survived. The card lists his Hebrew, and Polish names and English last name, along with all four of the camps he was enslaved to work in during the war. From there, we were able to find what was in my opinion, the most important piece of information, a card that describes his information from his last camp, Kaufering. This card shows his identification number while he was in his camp, his hometown Praskau and the date he was brought to Kaufer-
ing, Feb. 6, 1945. My favorite part of the card is “Delivered in out-detail by U.S. Army” meaning he was freed. I couldn’t help but get choked up as this really made the experience real for me. Not only did I experience this museum for my grandfather, whom I would give anything to have met, but for my relatives that weren’t lucky enough to survive this genocide. I did this for my great-grandparents, who were thrown into a concentration camp. I did this for my 18-year-old great-aunt Rose, whom my brother would’ve been named after if he was a girl. I did this for my 21-year-old greatuncle Bernard who was shot in the back while trying to escape Nazi custody and who my uncle Ben is named after. I did this for my 8-yearold great aunt Edith who was too young to know what laid ahead for her. These people were my family, and the Holocaust Museum pays tribute to them and millions of others whose lives were cut far too short.
For more information regarding The Holocaust Museum, please visit: www. ushmm.org
www.crhsnews.org
December 20, 2013
Coginchaug students Morgan Kuehnle, Sara Brady, Kasi Whitaker, and Dana Foley presenting the Coginchaug wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Abby Eisner being held up by Jenna Barton, Caitlyn Ruggiero, and Stephanie Fisher in front of the Reflection Pool
Rachel Judson hugging Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s dog “Fala”
5
Tyler Kovacs stealing the Statue of Freedom
Mr. Brad coming in hot
Mr. Donecker getting his chance to finally sit on the Capitol steps
A butterfly lands on Alison Luther in the Butterfly Exhibit at the Museum of Natural History
DC Trip Class of 2014
Senior DECA mebers on the balcony of the John F. Kennedy Theatre
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December 20, 2013
Volume 20, Issue 3
Reinventing School Council By Marty Daniels
In previous years, the CRHS School Council has consisted of a select few students and has been in charge of organizing school events that were not reserved for specific classes or clubs. Typically, the different departments & clubs would claim ownership over the annual events and fundraisers, ato claim. This year, School Council Advisor Kate Germond decided to take the club in a different direction, focusing more heavily on collaboration with other clubs and organizations. “Last year we had a teacher appreciation breakfast, a blood drive, and that’s
it,” Germond explains, illustrating how limited the School Council has been in past years, despite the efforts of all those involved. “We want to team up with other groups and hold more school-wide events to get more students participating.” Such events include September’s distracted driving assembly and the annual pep-rally held this November, both of which received positive responses from students and teachers alike. Shaun Whitaker, a sophomore attendee of the recent pep-rally, praised the efforts of the council, stat-
ing the rally was “better than last year’s” and that the staff and students were “much more involved.” Senior Tyler Kovacs agreed, insisting “it was the best one yet.” Currently, the members of the School Council are studying other schools’ government regulations to inspire the restructuring of the club and its duties within the school. While the specifics of the new Council’s bylaws are currently uncertain, if all goes well, the changes made will stand for years to come. While reactions to this year’s school events have been consistently positive,
the reorganization of the club is still very new and foreign, and more changes may come as new challenges are presented. Three
months into the year, the Council’s restructuring has proved to be beneficial, but the extent of its success will only be known in time.
Sophomore class competing in the annual Tug of War
Community Round-Up: A Time of Giving
Photo by Amelia Gagner
By Nora Khalil On December 7, students of RSD 13 and their chaperones visited Durham and Middlefield’s streets, going door to door to collect canned goods and other nonperishable items for the 8th annual Community Round-Up. Community Round-Up is an event held at CRHS from 9:00 to 12:00 in the morning. Students sign in at CRHS and receive their route assignment, a small section of Durham or Middlefield where they will visit houses in order to collect food items. Students travel in small teams, including
an eligible driver. These teams have until noon to complete their assigned route and gather as many goods as possible. When finished, teams report back to CRHS. “Counters”, or volunteers in charge of counting each team’s total, record the quantity of food items and then sort the items into categorized boxes. “We sorted all the food into boxes with different labels. We have boxes labeled soup, another with pasta,” Holly Longobardi explained, “so we can pick one item from each box,
put it into a bag, and give it to a family. They can get some of everything.” All items collected are given to families in Durham and Middlefield who desperately need it. Community Round-Up has been generously feeding the hungry and filling the towns’ pantries for eight year. If there is a surplus of canned goods, the extra food is donated to the Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown. Last year’s totals resulted in over 11,000 food items and $2400. This year, the totals
were 12,905 food items, $2,446.07 in cash donations, and $235 worth of gift cards. “Community Round-Up is a great way to give back to the community,” Emily Stanwood, a volunteer and student at CRHS, commented. “It’s a wonderful time to bond with the friends in your group.” Participating members agreed that it was a joy to see the community come together in a time of need. “It’s a worthy cause,” says Saige Avery, a CRHS student who taped the event for her TV Production
class. “It’s nice to see the community come together and help, and everyone had fun in the process.” Jenna Barton, a senior at CRHS, enjoyed giving back to the community, stating, “Community Round-Up is always such a wonderful activity to take part in. Not only are you having fun with your friends but you’re providing a meal for someone in need. It’s a joy to give back, especially around the holidays. Community Round-Up has always been extremely successful, and I hope it continues!”
car or choose public transportation. Then there were the chance cards. At random, students would pick a card and on it, a curveball. In real life, not everything goes as planned. Sometimes you lose your job and cannot pay for the flat screen TV that you wanted, but then there are times when you may get that promotion that you were hoping for and can now pay
for your family to go on vacation. The chance cards were exactly that. After the students decided on the essentials, the teacher would hand out the cards, and the students would have to find a way to adjust. When the simulation was complete, the students had to create a two-minute presentation and share it with the class. The display could be made using either Powtoon, an animated presen-
tation, or a skit. Through this, the students would have to demonstrate one thing they learned from the project. “My favorite part was probably to see what we had done at the end,” said junior Zach Terrill. “It was probably the most fun project I have done in my senior year,” said senior Emily Norton.
Budgeting for Life By Lauren Melchionne
Budgeting can be challenging and tedious, but to most, it is a way of life. In Personal Finance, a class for juniors and seniors, students practice this for about 3 to 4 weeks. Through this simulation, students discover what it is like to budget for the things they want versus the things they need. “It’s my favorite unit to teach, and I think it’s a great dress rehearsal for
life,” said business teacher Ms. Wagemaker. Before any financial decisions were made, students were paired, assigned a hypothetical family, and given a paycheck. Some of the families had kids and parents to take care of. After that, the students, as a couple, would have to make decisions on where to live (whether in the city or the country) and whether they would rent or buy a
www.crhsnews.org
December 20, 2013
Lombardo Legacy (continued from page 1)
By Dena Branciforte Junior Naomi Rinaldo (Superman), scores a touchdown!! (left)
New Addition to Girls Basketball By Nora Khalil
CRHS girls basketball is introducing a new coach, Nick Economopolous (Coach Eco), for the upcoming season. Coach Eco, who took the past three years off from the coaching business, will begin to train the girls varsity team starting Monday, November 25. Coach Eco is a very experienced coach. One of his many achievements includes being the director of the CT sports organization AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) since 1988, which allows young athletes to continue participating in a sport during their off-season. Coach Eco has been training sports teams for a total of 33 years and has more than 600 wins under his belt. He has coached Lyman Hall High School’s Girls Varsity Basketball in Wallingford for 13 years, leading them to the state championship twice. Coach Eco was the head basketball coach for East Catholic High School
for another 13 years and also took this team to the state championship twice. Coach Eco has also served on the Board of Education for one term and the Wallingford Town Council for three terms. The CRHS girls basketball players look forward to practicing with Coach Eco. Freshman Emily Stanwood commented, “The coaches are very prepared. I’m looking forward to my first season of basketball at CRHS.” Although Coach Eco hasn’t yet seen the CRHS girls on the basketball court, he plans to start the season with an optimistic outlook. “They seem to have a positive attitude,” Coach Eco replied when asked about the CRHS girls. Coach Eco is determined to polish the varsity girls’ skills and lead them to victory. “We are going to win,” says Coach Eco. “Definitely win.”
many years at Coginchaug and paid his dues helping with sports and teaching. In his life, he learned that there is nothing more important than being a teacher and impacting kids in a positive way. Although Lombardo’s retirement is for the better for him at this time, it saddens many students who have had him as a teacher or coach. It is even hard on students who will miss just hearing his voice booming down the hallway. Junior Naomi Rinaldo says, “Mr. Lombardo has always been dedicated to Cogincahug whether teaching, coaching, or managing all of our sporting events. He has been a role model
for many people over the years, including myself, and is a true legend.” Lombardo has showed Coginchaug and the towns of Durham, Middlefield, and Rockfall that he is fully committed to Coginchaug athletics. Lombardo says, “I have no regrets and have made many fond memories.” Every year that he spent teaching validated for him that there isn’t a more rewarding profession than being a teacher. He plans to spend time with his wife down in Florida at their house, relaxing and golfing. He still plans to be involved in Coginchaug athletics
Mr.Lombardo and Naomi Rinaldo pose on Halloween
C R H S
7
S P O R T S
Girls Basketball 2013-2014
With a new coach, new work ethic, and new plays, fans this year are more likely to see a new edition of the Coginchaug girls basketball team. This year, the girls have four captains to bring the team to its fullest potential. The captains are seniors Morgan Kuehnle, Kim Romanoff, Olivia Corazzini, and Katelyn Williams. “I feel like since we have so many seniors, we have to act as role models,” says Kuehnle. “We have a chance to leave a legacy behind for the upcoming classes to follow.” For more information about Coach Eco, please see the article to the left.
8
Boys Indoor Track
This season the indoor boys track team has about 40 boys coming out to compete. There is a solid size crew coming back from last year but also a lot of newcomers. They are preparing for the upcoming season with preseason conditioning and plan on cracking up the intensity. There are many athletes to keep your eye on this season: Christian Adams, Christian Alberico, Alec Bogen, Zachary Lein, Michael Decker, Leonid Funaro, Jack Temple, Tyler Meeker, Tim DeBaise, and Jake Ober. They plan on working on their technique and keeping a positive attitude throughout the season. Having talented upperclassmen will help the underclassmen reach their fullest potential. Coach Belemere says, “Christian Adams is an amazing captain and a great leader.”
Cheerleading
December 20, 2013
working on more individual stunts but also more advanced pyramids. During the football season all of the seniors had stepped up and they plan on the same leadership to be taking place during the winter season. The cheerleaders will be competing at States and in the New England Cheerleading Association (NECA) Open Cheer and Dance Championship. Senior Co-Captain Jessica Dontigney said, “We are hoping to make top three in the NECA competition.” The team hopes to have a successful competition season in the spring.
Football Coginchaug football really started working together as a team by the end of the season. Senior Captain Ty Kartiganer said, “All the players have come together as one, and it feels like a family atmosphere.” All the seniors have acted as leaders and gave a ton of support and encouragement to the underclassmen. Throughout the season, there was significant improvement by individuals and as a team. The boys were able to make Coginchaug football history by beating Cromwell for the first time and also making it into playoffs. On the off-season the boys will work on lifting and conditioning in hopes to beat the standard that they set for themselves this past season.
This upcoming winter cheerleading season is going to have more advanced routines with a ton of practices. They’re planning on conditioning hard and added extra practices to help them succeed. For the two winter teams there was 23 girls that came out and only three open spots on the competition team. With having many seniors they are planning on keep a positive attitude and motivate the underclassmen to cheer Boys Basketball to their fullest potential. Determination and pride This season they will be are in the hearts of the
2013 boys basketball team, according to this season’s captains. With a limited amount of seniors, there are not as many players this coming year who have had a large amount of varsity experience; however, theupcoming sophomores and juniors are looking to keep the team strong and confident. The captains have a lot to prove this season, not only to show what Coginchaug Boys Basketball can do but also to prove that it doesn’t matter the size or age of a team; what matters is the heart they put into their style of play. “We’re looking really good this year,” said senior captain Jack Granger. “We lost a few key players from last year, but there is no need to worry with the underclassmen we have this season.”
Girls Indoor Track Indoor Girls Track has been preparing for the upcoming season with a ton of preseason conditioning. With nine seniors, they plan on really pushing the underclassmen and newcomers to their fullest potential. With a ton of encouragement, the new runners will become stronger runners. This year, the girls track team will be strong in the 4x2 and in hurdles. This indoor season, people should keep a look out for Jessica Drop, Bailey Maus, and Megan Decker. They have a large number of 58 girls who signed up to run track. They do not have a lot of girls with experience, but they still expect to do well overall this season.
Volume 20, Issue 3
Photo by Tara Dandelski
Jack Attack “Don’t take work lightly; work hard...It will pay off in the future,” said Coginchaug senior Jack Granger. Jack is a local “sport-a-holic” at Coginchaug and has many educational and extracurricular tasks that he has to do every day of his life. He is able to balance sports, family, and clubs while still maintaining A and B grades. “I have a system,” he said, “which works to help me keep all of my priorities in life on track. Family always comes first, then school work, then sports, and finally free time with friends.” He is currently captain of all three sports which he is a part of for the 2013-14 school year: football, basketball, and baseball. Being a part of sports that are played in all three seasons, Jack’s time to relax is very limited. After attending school until two o’clock, it is then time for sports practice which takes up about three to four hours of his time. After practice he goes home and is faced with hours of schoolwork and studying. Finally, Jack is able to rest his eyes only for a while where he then wakes up the next day and has to go through this same schedule over again. Jack’s character, commitment to his team, family, and friends, and ability to maintain outstanding grades make him a model student-athlete.
Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, December 20, 2013
A21
Living Nativity
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The Middlefield Federated Church, 402 Main St., has scheduled its annual Living Nativity for Saturday, Dec. 21, 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a can of beans as a donations to Amazing Grace Food Pantry. Walk with a guide through the story of Jesus Christ’s coming. The journey ends with the Holy Family at the Creche in the company of shepherds, angels and live animals. The event is handicapped accessible.
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Girl Scout Troop 62650 made and sold dog treats, at a recent Christmas Festival at the Church of the Epiphany, to support the Silver Award project, the second highest award in girl scouting. The troop plans to clean and beautify White’s Farm this spring. They also hope to install a bench or picnic table. Scouts, from left: Megan Szymaszek, Stephanie Finaldi, Julianna DeFlora, Victoria Slight, and Willow Small. |
A22 Friday, December 20, 2013
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Friday, December 20, 2013
A23
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U.S. residents set to get new infrared heaters to save up to 50% on heating bills for only $159 and free shipping Compared to the Suggested Retail Price of $399.95 this is a great opportunity for our residents to own one of the highest quality, energy saving, cool-to-the-touch, portable infrared heaters available today, and stop spending a fortune on heating bills. The first 785 callers who beat the 48-hour deadline are getting these money saving portable infrared heaters. said to be the most sought after brand of infrared heaters. iHeaters have been selling strong for many years, they have in-house customer service located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The iHeater infrared heating elements are backed by a lifetime warranty and don’t burn out, like other low-end brands of infrared heaters that use bulbs. Similar infrared heaters of this quality are expensive, the suggested retail on this unit is $399.95, but state residents are being urged to call the Toll Free hotline listed below because the first 785 callers who beat the 48hour deadline will be able to claim one of these infrared iHeaters and have it delivered directly to their door for only $159 and the shipping is free. This is an extraordinary opportunity for those in need of help on winter heating bills to take advantage of this zip code distribution. “We’re preparing ourselves for all the calls because a program like this, for a new infrared heater of this quality, has never been released before. So if the lines are busy, keep trying. We’ll answer every call in the order they are received” Brinkman said.
■ Simply Plug it in: Saving money on heating bills is very easy with an iHeater infrared heater. Today’s distribution is intended to help those in need of keeping warm this winter without spending too much on heating bills.
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USA Zip Code Dis. - If you or a loved one has difficulty paying for heating bills, then this distribution of brand new portable infrared heaters is your chance to make life a little easier. These infrared heaters warm the room evenly and efficiently without drying out the air. They never get hot to the touch, like other heaters, so they are safe for pets and children. Company spokesman, David Brinkman, says, “We have 785 of these brand new, high quality infrared heaters reserved for residents in these areas, so those who find their zip code listed in today’s paper need to call the zip code Distribution Hotline immediately to get theirs.” These revolutionary infrared heaters are changing the lives for many that find it difficult to pay for the high cost of heating a home. Infrared heat warms in a way similar to the warmth we feel from the sun, it’s been described by many as “bone warming” heat. It is completely safe and does not deplete oxygen from the air, which would make you tired, nor dry out the air, which irritates your skin. The iHeater brand is
The Toll Free Distribution Hotlines open at 9:00 am this morning for US residents only. You must be one of the first 785 callers who beat the 48hour deadline to have your infrared heater delivered to your door for only suggested $159 and free shipping. ( retail: $399.95 )
A24 Friday, December 20, 2013
Friday, Dec. 20 Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Hale Ray at Hale Ray, 7 p.m.
Town Times | towntimes.com
Calendar 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.
Saturday, Dec. 21 Living Nativity - The Middlefield Federated Church, 402 Main St., has scheduled its annual Living Nativity for Saturday, Dec. 21, 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a can of beans as a donations to Amazing Grace Food Pantry. Ukulele Club -The Middle-field Ukulele Club is scheduled to meet Saturday, Dec. 21, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Middlefield Community Center, 405 Main St. All ukulele players are welcome. For more information, call Cindy DiLauro at lucyr1953@yahoo. com or call (860) 349-5656. Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Hale Ray at Hale-Ray, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 23 Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Windsor Locks High School, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 26 Blood drive - The American Red Cross has scheduled a blood drive for Thursday, Dec. 26, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Middlefield Community Center, 405 Main St. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Saturday, Dec. 28 Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Granby Memorial at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 3 Boys basketball - CRHS vs. North Branford at North Branford, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 4 Girls basketball - CRHS vs. North Branford at North Branford, 7 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 6 Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Old Saybrook at Old Saybrook, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 30
Tuesday, Jan. 7
Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Westbrook at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.
Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Old Saybrook at Old Saybrook, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 2
Thursday, Jan. 9
Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Westbrook at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.
We welcome your submissions. Send your news, photos and letters to us at: The Town Times P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455 news@towntimes.com
SUDOKU
Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Cromwell at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 10 Dance performance Middlesex Dance Center has scheduled an American Academy of Ballet Performance Award event for Friday, Jan. 10, at 6 p.m., at the Church of St. Coleman, Middlefield. The event is open to the public. Admission is a donation for the local food bank or local animal shelter. Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Cromwell at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 13
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Ham dinner - Boy Scout Troop 16 has scheduled a ham dinner for Saturday, Jan. 16, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Third Congregational Church, 94 Minor St., Middletown. A fee is charged. Proceeds benefit scouts in need of camperships. The event includes a silent auction and scouting displays. For more informaSee Calendar / Page 25
Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, December 20, 2013
Calendar
Help
tion, call Bob Olenick at (860) 347-4208. Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Haddam-Killingworth at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 14 Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Haddam-Killingworth at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 16 Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Old Lyme at Old Lyme, 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 17 Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Old Lyme at Old Lyme, 7 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 20 Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Morgan at Morgan High School, 7 p.m. Follow us on Twitter: @TheTownTimes
From Page 8
Tuesday, Jan. 21 Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Morgan at Morgan High School, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 23 Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Portland at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.
goals can be challenging without enough information about where the most energy is being used in a home. To help customers get started, the companies recommend signing up for the Home Energy Solutions program. The program starts with a top-to-bottom assessment of the home by an authorized home energy expert who will
learn more about the program, call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873). In addition to making improvements in energy efficiency, customers may consider payment plans and other programs offered by CL&P and Yankee Gas. Any customer can receive help managing their utility expenses with the Budget Billing program, which helps See Help / Page 29
Friday, Jan. 24 Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Portland at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 27 Girls basketball - CRHS vs. East Hampton at East Hampton, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 28 Boys basketball - CRHS vs. East Hampton at East Hampton, 7 p.m. 59186R
From Page 24
test for drafts and air leaks. The energy expert can also make on-the-spot improvements such as caulking and sealing air leaks, installing compact fluorescent light bulbs and water-saving, lowflow showerheads. In addition, customers will also receive information about money-saving rebates for appliances and heating and cooling systems. Depending on the circumstances, some customers may receive these services at no cost. To
A25
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A26 Friday, December 20, 2013
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An ounce of prevention:
ENRICHED BY SPANISH
The many faces of flu immunizations By V. Deborah Culligan Special to Town Times
The Before and After School Recreational Enrichment Program children participate in a special “Spanish Club” taught by Coginchaug Regional High School senior, Carolyn Fetchel, as part of the “W.I.S.E. project.” Fetchel teaches the value of learning a second language to children in the primary grades.
Three-component (trivalent) formulations, four-component (quadrivalent) formulations, high dose preparations, injectable regular-length needle, intradermal short needle, standard preparation, egg-free preparation, nasal preparation —there are many ways to get a flu immunization! However, regardless of the preparation or method of delivery, the bottom line is the same: Everyone six months and older should get an annual flu shot. CDC and the Advisory
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Town Times Service Directory
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Committee on Immunization Practices recommends flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu, however, neither CDC nor ACIP is expressing a preference of one vaccine over another at this time. They do, however, advise that the guidelines and recommendations for the administration of each preparation must be followed. For example, the nasal preparation should only be administered to persons between the ages of 2 and 49 who are healthy and not pregnant. The intradermal (short needle preparation place under the skin instead of into the muscle) may be used only in adults 18-64 years of age. Fluzone High-Dose, manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., is designed specifically for people 65 years and older. Fluzone High-Dose vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that prompts the body to make antibody) contained in regular flu shots. The additional antigen is intended to create a stronger immune response (more antibody) in the person getting the vaccine. Flublok was introduced last year for use in persons between the ages of 18 and 49. It is manufactured differently than traditional flu vaccines as it does not require chicken eggs to be produced. It can therefore be manufactured more quickly, but does have a shorter shelf life than other preparations. It is a good choice for people with severe allergy to eggs. The many faces of vaccination may seem confusing but your health care provider (or agency that provides the vaccine) should know what preparation you can or should receive. The choice of product will also be dependent on what preparations are available. The CDC notes that most of the vaccine that will be available for the public will be the three-component (trivalent) injectable preparation. Most of the nasal preparation will See Flu / Page 28
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Friday, December 20, 2013
Library Briefs
Miss Joanne’s Learning Center has collected 70 coats for Coats for Connecticut. The center will continue to accept donations until Dec. 31.
Town Times Service Directory 33 Years
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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.
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.
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The Durham Public Library is scheduled to be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24; Wednesday, Dec. 25 and Wednesday, Jan.1. 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 out 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: 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: Teen Holiday Party (ages 12 to 18). Saturday, Dec. 21, 2:30 to 4 p.m. Games, decorate cookies, gift swap. Bring a gift ($5 to $10.) Register at the desk or call (860) 349-9544. Holiday Food Gifts (ages 12 to 18). Monday, Dec. 23, 4 to 5 p.m. Make and warp chocolate stirring spoons and gumdrop fudge to give as gifts. Register at the desk or call (860) 349-9544. Practice SAT test (high school students). Saturday, Jan. 4, noon to 3 p.m. Prepare for the SAT by taking a prac-
tice test. Register at the desk or call (860) 349-9544. Teen Adv isor y Group (ages 12-18). Saturday, Jan. 4, 3 to 4 p.m. Share your ideas for the library. Drop-in. Teen Cuisine (ages 1218). Wednesday, Jan. 8, 4:30 to 6;30 p.m. Learn cooking skills, safety, prepare and eat a meal. register at the desk of call (860) 349-9544.
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A28 Friday, December 20, 2013
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CL&P warns about green dot scam Scams targeting utility customers nationally continue to affect Connecticut Light & Power customers, with the most recent version targeting Spanishspeaking customers. The scam involves prepaid “Green Dot” VISA credit cards. Callers claiming to represent CL&P may contact customers, telling them their service is scheduled to be shut off, then advising them to make a payment by purchasing an untraceable pre-paid debit “Green Dot” VISA card. Customers are then asked to call another phone number where information is obtained from the
credit card and the monetary value is removed from the “Green Dot” VISA card. “If a customer gets a call of this nature, he or she can verify that it is CL&P by asking for some basic information about the account. Our customer service representatives will always be able to provide the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past-due balance,” said Penni Conner, Chief Customer Officer at Northeast Utilities, parent company of CL&P. “If the caller cannot provide that information, the call is not from one of our employees. Customers should not
provide any type of payment or financial information, and should call Customer Service immediately at 1-800-286-2000, and local law enforcement, to report the incident. C u stomer s who a re scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice that includes the actions they can take to maintain service. They can also find their account status, including the past-due balance, on www.cl-p.com, or by calling and using the company’s automated phone system. CL&P does not require customers to purchase any type of pre-
· When using online and mobile technology, use passwords that have at least eight characters and include numbers or symbols, and don’t give your passwords to anyone. · Research online entities so you know who they are. · Make sure you check your web browser and virus protection software for updates regularly. Visit www.cl-p.com for more information on how to protect personal information. Visit ftc.gov/idtheft to learn what to do if identity is stolen or personal or financial information has been compromised.
paid card to pay their bill. Customers have several payment options, including direct debit, credit card, and personal check. It is important reminders for consumers to always remain vigilant for potential fraud or identity theft, and protect their personal information. CL&P offers the following tips: · Don’t give out information such as your Social S e c u r it y nu m b er, ac count number or mother’s maiden name unless it is truly necessary to complete a transaction and you have verified you are speaking with an authorized company representative.
Flu
Town Times Service Directory
From Page 26
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be the four-component (quadrivalent) however; the nasal preparation makes up only a small portion of the flu vaccines produced. While a flu shot is not a 100 percent guarantee that you will not get the flu this season, it is a safe, inexpensive and an effective method to reduce your chances of getting the flu. (Last year, there were 170 cases of flu reported to this health district, with 54% needing hospitalization.) Please consider vaccination this season. Not only do you protect your own health, but you protect the health of those most vulnerable to complications from the flu. Make an appointment with your health care provider or watch your local papers for places to receive your vaccination. V. Deborah Culligan is deputy director at Quinnipiack Valley Health District and coordinator of public health education programs. Follow us on Twitter: @TheTownTimes
Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, December 20, 2013
Tax
Help
From Page 7
From Page 25
tion boards to send out their own tax bills separate from the town tax bills. Sharkey has pushed for splitting the town and school tax bills as a way to promote accountability and efficiency in education spending. In other financial news, Francis reported to the board that the town’s finances were on pace with the budget. “The budgets are tracking where they’re supposed to be,” said Francis. The BOS also briefly continued the process of reviewing Durham’s procurement policy, or the rules governing how the town buys things. Roger Kleeman of Durham was the only respondent to a previous request for comments on the procurement policy. Kleeman, who attended the BOS meeting, said that the current policy did not address smaller purchases that were made repeatedly and could be clearer regarding verbal versus written quotes. Francis suggested two changes to the procurement policy. One change could allow the town to state the cost of a project when requesting bids to stimulate interest. Another change could clarify the town’s policy when it sells services. The procurement policy remains under review. The Dec. 16 meeting was the last one for the BOS. Its first meeting of 2014 will take place on Jan. 13 at 7 p.m.
avoid seasonal peaks associated with heating and cooling by equalizing monthly utility bills based on a customer’s annual energy usage. A winter protection program is also available for income-eligible customers. The program protects qualifying customers from having their electricity or natural gas shut off for nonpayment from Nov. 1 to May 1. Customers still will receive monthly bills and are encouraged to pay what they can each month to avoid a large balance becoming due when the protection period ends. For more information about programs that can help save energy and money, visit www.cl-p.com and www.yankeegas.com. — Submitted by CL&P and Yankee Gas.
DOOR-TO-DOOR FOR FOOD PANTRIES
Teams of scavengers got together on Dec. 7 for the 8th annual Community Round Up, going door to door, asking for food donations for area food banks. Shown are team members with their findings. | (Submitted by Sue VanDerzee)
Town Times Service Directory
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A30 Friday, December 20, 2013
Town Times | towntimes.com
Keep exercising to prevent heart disease As winter settles in, head out for an outdoor winter adventure. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of heart healthy exercise most days of the week— even during winter—to help prevent heart disease, the nation’s number one killer. According to the American Heart Association, exercising in cooler weather has some
distinct advantages over working out in the warmer weather. First, there is no heat and humidity to deal with. In fact, winter’s chill can make you feel awake and invigorated. Also, you can work out harder in the cold weather— which means you burn even more calories. Heading outside in the winter is also a great way to take in the sun-
light during those shorter winter days. Not only does light dramatically improve many people’s moods, it also helps you get the vitamin D your body needs. The AHA encourages walking as a primary heart healthy activity since people are more likely to stick with walking than any other exercise. Why walking? It’s efficient. Just
30 minutes of walking a day can improve your circulation, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and help you lose weight. Walking is free, simple and convenient. The only thing needed to start is a pair of supportive walking shoes. There’s nothing complicated to learn. Just step outside. Run errands, walk the dog, take a lunchtime
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walk, catch up with friends, or bundle up the kids and walk as a family. By changing up the time, distance, pace and route, you can create the right walking program for you. There are many of ways to get physical activity inside, too—no gym required. Weights (such as a set of 5-pound and 10-pound dumbbells) are a great addition, but not absolutely necessary. Adding in an exercise circuit (a cycle of 5–6 moves, run a few times through) is a great way to stave off boredom and get a lot done in a short amount of time. You can create your own mini-circuits at home if you don’t belong to a gym. Ideally, your circuit will include a cardio burst of 1–2 minutes, followed by 3–5 exercises that work various parts of your body. For example: • Jump rope, jog in place or run your steps (start with 1 minute and progress to 2). • 10 push-ups (You can modify with knees down if you are having trouble holding a straight body push-up position; remember to keep your palms flat on the floor.) • 20 crunches (with feet flat and knees up, legs bent in the air at 90 degrees or straight up, or your favorite variation) • 20 hip lifts (flat on your back, arms down on the ground at your sides with fingertips pointing toward feet, feet flat with knees bent at 90 degrees; press feet and shoulders into floor as you lift your hips as high as you can; lift and lower) • 30-second plank hold (holding a push-up position; body as a straight line, or with knees down) • 10 triceps dips on a chair/ couch (Sit on chair with feet flat and knees bent at 90 degrees; hands at sides, palms pressed into the chair with fingertips facing forward; take one large step with right foot, and join left foot beside it. Bend your arms to 90 degrees as you lower and lift; keeps abs tight.) The beauty of exercise circuits is that you can be creative. Mix and match different moves. Take 30 minutes for your heart this winter! — S u b m i tte d by t h e American Heart Association.
Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, December 20, 2013
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the “Contents” group, run by DRA’s Education Planner Paul Moore and dealing with educational content, was the largest. Some of the feedback focused on keeping Integrated Day and Contemporary in separate schools at the elementary levels. The additiona l busing costs, cited at the meeting as $40,000 per year, were worth the expense according to several speakers. One parent noted that programs at separate schools brought Durham and Middlef ield together for a “unified district.” One parent questioned whether Lyman could maintain its status as a HOT school if the Integrated Day program were split between two schools. One parent questioned the goal of filling the schools to capacity. “I get a little worried when we’re talking about maximum capacity,” she said, adding that smaller class sizes could help with t h e i mple m e nt at ion of the Common Core State Standards.
In their closing remarks, both Flanagan and DRA’s Moore noted the sentiment in the audience for separate schools for Integrated Day and Contemporary. The audience was less than a 100 attendees, about half of the previous workshop, a nd comprised largely of parents and educators. The last of the three DRA workshops will take place on a yet to be scheduled date in January. That last workshop will discuss options and their implications to be presented to the BOE.
Durham First Selectman Laura Francis asked if, once the educational needs were met, the extra space could be used as a community resource. “Space has been a problem and there are a myriad of other uses if there is a surplus,” said Francis. Francis pointed out that Durha m currently rents space for t he D u rh a m Activity Center and said that extra space could be used for shared administrative offices for Durham and Middlefield, recreation activities, or community uses.
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School to a sixth through eighth grade facility and Memorial Middle School to a fourth and fifth grade school, and ended Brewster E lementa r y School a nd Lyman Elementary School at third grade. Other plans had more complications, such as creating a pre-kindergarten and kindergarten center at Korn or Coginchaug Regional High School. A different option expanded Brewster E lementa r y School a nd Lyman Elementary School to fifth grade and Strong Middle School to sixth, closing both Memorial Middle School and Korn Elementary School. That last option involved adding classrooms to the elementary schools. “We’re still early on in the process,” Barrett said during his introductory remarks. “Although we’re offering these options, we’re not advocating for them at this point.” Barrett said that DRA was still listening to feedback
and was not locked in to the presented options. DRA did not give handouts to the audience, Barrett said, because they did not want the public to regard the five options as finalists. According to BOE chair Kerrie Flanagan, DRA was selected as the planning firm in part because of their community outreach. At a workshop designed to listen to the community on Oct. 29, members of the public voiced a strong defense of the two programs and the firm appeared to have listened to that feedback, as none of the options closed a program. Although the options presented all maintained both the Integrated Day a nd Contemporary programs, DRA representatives again pointed out, that arrangement was out of the ordinary. At one point during his introductory remarks, Barrett used the word “unique” to describe the dual programs four times in four sentences. Like the previous session, the Dec. 11 workshop broke out into smaller groups and
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A32 Friday, December 20, 2013
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league is accepting registration. Games begin in January. For more informaYoga is offered at the tion, call Kevin Walsh, at Durham Activity Center, (860) 690-9453. For more information and Monday and Wednesdays, Evenings 7 to 8 p.m. and registration forms for recreSaturday Mornings, at ation programs, call (860) 343-6724 or visit townofdur7:45 a.m. Brazilian Style Indoor hamct.org, Recreation. Body Sculpting offered Soccer. Jan. 13 through Men’s Durham March 26. For boys and girls at the Durham Activity grades one through six. The C e n t e r, Tu e s d ay a n d Recreation Basketball Yo u t h R e c r e a t i o n Basketball. Kindergarten through grade 8. Games begin in January 2014. A fee is charged. Students will learn the fundamentals and fun of the game.
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.
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hand sanitizers: • Be sure it is an alcohol-based product, containing at least 60% alcohol. (Others are ineffective.) • It should not contain bleach or other harsh ingredients that could present a health hazard. • Be sure to cover all the surfaces of your hands and fingers. • Wipes or towelettes designed for use on hands are another option, and should also be 60% or more alcohol-based. CT Department of Public Health Fact Sheet on Hand Sanitizers also suggests the following: • Use caution with children. If ingested, they can be harmful. • No n - a lc oh ol b a s e d hand-rub sanitizers (usually foams) contain benzethonium chloride, a type of ammonia. These sanitizers have not been proven to be as effective as alcohol-based sanitizers against viruses. • Limit the use of anti-microbial found in many liquid and bar soaps. Overuse of these may lead to the development of resistant bacteria. They are no more effective in removing germs than soap and water. • Avoid liquid hand soaps with the active ingredient triclosan. The chemical has raised health concerns. In addition to frequent hand washing, you will help to prevent the spread of germs to others if you cover your cough. If a tissue is not available, cough into your sleeve. This will help keep germs from becoming airborne. You can also help prevent illness from spreading by staying at home when you are sick and staying away from those must vulnerable, such as infants, the elderly and those who are ill. You can access a copy of the State of CT Fact Sheet on Hand Sanitizers to post in your home, school or workplace. Request online, www. qvhd.org, for a copy.
Durham Recreation activities
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