Volume 20, Number 38
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
www.TownTimes.com
Friday, Januar y 3, 2014
Historic blizzards: a blast from the past By Diana Carr
Special to Town Times
Past winters may no longer have Connecticut folks singing along with that familiar old tune that pleads “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.” We’ve had our share of the white stuff, and then some. A little research tells us just how much. The Blizzard of 1888 was known as the “Great White Hurricane.” It dumped 45 inches of snow in New Haven and 50 inches in Middletown, with drifts up to 40 feet. The Blizzard of 1978 gave 24 inches of snow to New Haven and 36 inches to eastern Connecticut, with 18-foot drifts. The 2013 Blizzard saw New Haven buried in 34 inches of snow, Oxford in 36 inches, and Milford in 38 inches, with eight-foot drifts. Town Times talked to a few locals about how they fared when Mother Nature was having her way with here, around the towns. Phyllis Naples recalls the storm of ’78. “It was the worst experience I ever had weather-wise. It was horrendous, with no electricity for a week. We slept in our small living room, where we have a fire-
north end of town, and its crew walked up to the barn at Barnes Nursery, which housed burlap bags and crates for apples. The men stayed there overnight and might have burned some of the crates for warmth. The next morning they waded out through the waist-deep snow (it was probably four feet deep) with burlap bags wrapped around their feet. They dug out their truck and off they went.” Some, like Rick Huntley, have rather enjoyed our winter weather. “My wife, Pam, and I have had no particular hardships with the storms. We would store our food in While blizzards can present problems, a good snowfall has a positive side as well. In this coolers, which we put out in photo, students at Korn Elementary School enjoy snow that fell in mid-December as they the snow on our deck. We make snowmen at recess before the Christmas break. | (Submitted by Eileen Chupron) cooked on a propane stove and a gas grill. We used a kerof bed, thinking osene heater for heat, making place that we it was an earth- sure there was plenty of venused for heat and And what’s in store for us this winter? quake. A tree tilation and carbon monoxfor cooking meat. You might want to keep the snow had put a hole in ide detectors. Pam read with We carried water the roof, and had a flashlight. We had a good from the pond, shovels and long-johns close by. done damage to time. We were blessed to which was ret h e c h i m n ey,” have come through so easily. ally hard because “I’m a volunteer trail manDoreen Raney said. the ice was so thick. Driving Naples said. Malcolm Pearce remem- ager for the Connecticut Doreen Raney and her hushome from work was scary because there were fallen band, Rob, got quite a fright bers a blizzard from his Forest & Park Association, limbs and downed wires on when last winter’s blizzard childhood. (He says it was and what stands out in Please at 203-317-2308 call my mind -isafter the5 pm October either incall ’36for orcorrections ’38.) “There the road. When the electric- put a tree on their roof. 203-317-2282 “It was early morning when was no movement on Route Nor’easter we had a couple ity came back on the mornAd#:1270657 Pub:BERLIN Date:01/03/13 Day:THU Size:2X2 ing of Christmas Eve, there we heard a huge noise that 17, which was Route 15 back of years ago, when lots of Cust:HOUSE AD ACCOUNT Last Edited By:EALLISON on were marks everywhere from shook the house and rattled then. A big truck stopped 12/27/12 3:06 PM. Salesperson:200 Tag Line:FRONT PG the candles we had burned,” the windows. We jumped out in front of our house in the See Blizzards / Page 2 MUST-NEW YR-NEW YOU Color Info:FULL 1270657 - Composite
‘Joe Kap’ is MCC Role Model of the Year Press release
County Chamber of Commerce made the announcement recently. Known as “Joe Kap” by his comrades and friends, Joe is the only amputee in the history of the United See Kapacziewski / Page 3
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Sergea nt First Class Joe Kapacziewski, who also will serve as guest M idd le tow n — T h e speaker of the Chamber’s Middlesex Chamber of Role Model of the Year Commerce has named it’s Breakfast. The breakfast will be held on Friday, Jan. Role Model of the Year. T h e aw a rd w i l l b e 3. Darlene Briggs, chairp r e s e n t e d t o A r m y person of the Middlesex
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How to revel in renewal for a New Year “Can I make a resolution in the long run,” she said. “So many people start the new to slow down the world, even year with big ideas that just for maybe an hour?” said the When it comes to New aren’t realistic when done all mother of three, all under the Year resolutions, Cheryl at one time. Choose one or age of six. Relax. Take a deep breath. Monaco knows exactly what two things to focus on, and hers will be for 2014. Simple, things that are measurable.” “Live. Laugh. Love” is the Betsy Crisafulli Nutrition, motto of the Vita l Life it’s the same one she’s made of Southington, provides in- Center, located on West for the past five years. “Eat better. Live better,” dividual nutrition counseling Main Street in Plainville, the Berlin native says matter- for clients looking to man- a comprehensive wellness of-factly. “Now if only I can age their weight or any nu- center, offering yoga, medresolve to have better will trition-related concerns due itation, massage, nutrition, power, maybe that’s what I to chronic disease, such as and spiritual, wellness and high blood pressure, heart life coaching. should really shoot for.” “A n y o n e c a n m e d i As we reach that a n- disease, high cholesterol and tate,” said Jayaprabha Mare nual celebration of the holi- diabetes. In order to stick to any res- DiBenigno, owner and didays with an eye on a fresh rector of the new start in center. “One the new year, of the common Mon aco a nd “I’ve been making New Year’s resolutions misconcepmillions of the since I was a kid. Making them’s the easy tions is thinkothers just like part, keeping them is the hard part.” ing you don’t her will soon have the kind think of their —Gary Schneider, Durham. of personality own personal that can medresolutions of itate or relax. making better, healthier choices for their olution, Crisafulli suggests A lot of people think medideveloping a clearly defined tation means making their body, mind and soul. “I’ve been making New plan, and then work towards mind stop, which is not the Year’s resolutions since I was meeting your small initial case, and in fact, would be impossible to maintain and a kid,” said Gary Schneider, goal before setting another. “Changing a lot of things at not what we’re after. One a self-described “proud senior” living in Durham. one time can be overwhelm- doesn’t need to make their “Making them’s the easy ing and lead to feelings of mind stop. We pull attenpart, keeping them is the failure when you aren’t able tion away from thinking, but to do everything,” she said. thinking will still occur.” hard part.” Wearing multiple hats To help stay on track with “By making goals realistic your annual New Year’s res- and measurable, you’re more at the center as a meditation teacher, yoga instrucolution, and not store it away likely to succeed. “ Hurrying through her hol- tor and spiritual life coach. with holiday decorations in early January, registered di- iday shopping list, Brenda DiBenigno champions the etician-nutritionist Betsy Dillon, of New Britain, said benefits of meditation, claimCrisafulli has two words: she would just like time to ing it vastly improves relarelax and catch her breath in tionships with ourselves and think small. the world around us. “Small changes will add up 2014. By Keith Hagarty Special to Town Times
Vital Life Center owner and director, Jayaprabha Mare DiBenigno, leads a class at the Plainville facility. Students Barbara Luchansky, left front in gray , and Cat D’Amato, far right in teal, practice their form. “Meditation def initely benefits our mind, body and soul. It increases our creativity, empathy and compassion for ourselves and others,” she said. “There are many, many studies on the benefits of meditation now because of the use of MRI technology, where they’re now seeing exactly how meditation works in the brain and its positive
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You might want to keep the snow shovels and long-johns close by. For our neck of the woods, the Farmers’ Almanac is predicting below-average temperatures with an abundance of rain and/or snow, with the first 10 days of February seeing “heavy winter weather.” It’s predicted that mid-March will bring a wave of storms, with a wide variety of precipitation and strong winds.
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trees came down across the trails. It took a lot of volunteers going pretty far into the woods carrying chain saws, to clear the trails. And we had to replace the blue blazes that mark the trees on the trails, because a lot of them had been on trees that were down.” And what’s in store for us this winter?
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effects. One recent study has even compared the significant pain relieving effects of meditation to that of morphine. “Meditation is shown to reduce physical pain by increasing our threshold to pain, as well as the ability to reduce and eradicate our
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Friday, January 3, 2014
Kapacziewski for sale and a book signing will be a component of the States Army Rangers to re- Member Breakfast Meeting. The Member Breakfast turn to combat. Joe Kap was born in Durham and was ed- Meeting will be held at the ucated in Bristol. He has de- Crowne Plaza Cromwell, 100 ployed 10 times in support of Berlin Road, Cromwell, with the Global War on Terrorism networking beginning at 7 and has been honored with a a.m. and a breakfast buffet at number of awards and deco- 7:45 a.m. The meeting prorations. The Chamber stated gram begins at 8 a.m. The event is sponsored that it looks forward to adding the Role Model of the by AT&T. An admission fee will be charged, and adYear Award to that list. SFC Joe Kap is the author vance registration required. of “Back in the Fight.” Copies Register online at www.midof the book will be available dlesexchamber.com. From Page 1
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BOY SCOUTS TO RECYCLE TREES Boy 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, Jan. 4 and 11. Donations are appreciated. To schedule a pickup, call (860) 3492370 or email Troop270DurhamCT@ aol.com.
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Personal growth class Personal Growth: Identifying and Overcoming What’s in Your Way, a four-session course, is scheduled for Thursdays, Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30. The free class meets at 6 Way Road., Middlefield, at noon. For more information and to register, call Dr. CaldwellAndrews at (860) 538-3266.
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Police seek suspects in Durham robbery
Police look for suspects in robbery at Valero Gas Station in Durham. | (Courtesy of State Police)
By Lauren Sievert
is described as a light-skinned Hispanic man about six foot one inches tall, 160 to 170 pounds with a long, scruffy black Police are searching for two suspects in beard and mustache, and long black hair a robbery at the Valero gas station early that came down to his shoulders. He was wearing two jackets and had on red and in the morning, Dec. 19. State police said a man walked into the black pajama type pants, and was wearValero gas station about 4:30 a.m., walked ing a black “skull cap” with the Nike logo to the counter, implied he had a weapon on it. The men were last seen driving westand demanded money. The clerk gave the man an unknown amount of cash, state bound on Rt. 147 in a white lower rider police said. A second man also entered single cab pickup truck with unknown the store and is believed to be an accom- Connecticut license plates. State police released security camera photos of the plice, state police said. The first suspect is described as a suspects. The case is open and under investigadark-skinned Hispanic man, about five foot ten inches tall, 160 pounds, with a tion, state police said. Anyone with inshaved head and wearing a light colored formation is asked to call the Troop F coat and blue jeans. The second suspect Barracks at (860) 399-2100. Special to Town Times
Federal and State Law GUARANTEES that a married couple can protect most of their savings/ investments from a costly Nursing Home Stay!! Do you know how this works?? Most people don’t. The very few people who are informed and know the rules-- WIN; the healthy spouse keeps the money!!
The Town Clerk’s office has scheduled new hours of operation. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon.
THE VAST MAJORITY OF UN-INFORMED PEOPLE LOSE MOST OF THEIR LIFE SAVINGS!! Get INFORMED: Attend our Free meeting on either: TUESDAY, January 14th 6-7:30 PM OR THURSDAY, January 16th; 10-11:30 AM at The Executive Inn & Conference Center, 900 East Main Street, Meridan, Ct.
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Send your news and photos to us at: The Town Times P.O. Box 265 Middlefield, CT 06455 news@towntimes.com
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Friday, January 3, 2014
WREATHS FOR REMEMBRANCE
Crash claims life of Middlefield man By Lauren Sievert Special to Town Times
Boy Scout Troop 27, of Durham, recently honored Veterans during the Wreaths Across America event held at the Veterans’ Cemetery in Middletown. Through the Troop’s Wreaths Across America fundraiser, the boys obtained sponsors for wreaths and laid the wreaths on veterans’ graves. Scouts originally planned to travel to Arlington National Cemetery to participate; however due to weather conditions, they attended the event at the Middletown location. Pictured above, Nick Knowlton places a wreath. | (Submitted by Kathy Nizen)
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A pickup truck smashed into a tree on Meriden Avenue, Southington, near the intersection of Scenic Drive, Dec. 26, killing one person and hospitalizing another with serious injuries. Master Sgt. Steve Elliot of the Southington police said the accident, which occurred just before 3 p.m., caused the death of the driver and sent the vehicle’s only passenger to Hartford Hospital in a LifeStar helicopter. The driver was identified Friday, Dec. 27 as William Mazo, 19, of 61 Maryland Drive, Middlefield, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, identified as David Lanning, 20, of 39 Main St., Middlefield, was taken to Hartford Hospital for treatment of serious injuries, police said. Mazo was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche northWe’re on the web: www.towntimes.com
bound on Meriden Avenue when the truck crossed over the double yellow lines, exited the road on the left, westside shoulder, police said. The pickup truck went for several hundred feet before striking a tree, police said. Meriden Avenue was shut down between Beechwood and Greenwood Drives
shortly after the incident and remained closed for hours. Southington fire crews cleared the scene at about 8:15 p.m. The crash is being investigated by the Southington Accident Investigation Team. Witnesses are asked to call officer Jason Plourde at (860) 621-0101.
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. 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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Dance performance
A CHILD IS BORN The Middlefield Federated Church presented its third annual Living Nativity Dec. 21. Donations to the Amazing Grace Food Pantry were accepted as admission. Centurions gave a guided tour through the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Visitors journeyed with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and through the events that transpired leading up to the birth of Mary’s baby. Townspeople of the era were encountered along the way until the tour ended at a stable. Joseph and Mary are seen as Mary holds her newborn son amongst shepherds, angels, sheep and cows. The theatrical performance ended with everyone in attendance singing “Joy to the World.” In Durham, the Church of the Epiphany planned to host its first Living Nativity on Christmas Eve, with 5-month-old Max Lopez as the baby Jesus. | (Photos
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. 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.
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Programs for Kids: Bouncing Babies! (birth to17 months). Mondays at 11 a.m. Drop in. Mother Goose Storytime (18 to 30 months). Mondays at 10:15 a.m. Drop in. Time for Tots (2 ½ to 3 ½ years). Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. Drop in. Preschool Storytime (3 ½ to 5 years). Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Drop in. Bedtime Storytime (ages 2 to 5 years). Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Drop in. Story Magic! (Grades K to 2). Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Drop in. LEGO Club (6 to 12 years). Thursday Jan. 9 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Drop in. Kids in the Kitchen (8 to 11 years). Wednesdays, Jan. 15 and 29, Feb. 5 and 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Observe, learn, try, saute, boil, bake, mix, fry taste, enjoy! Games, Games, Games! (Grades 3 to 5). Thursday, Jan. 16 from 4 to 5 p.m. Bring friends and test your skills at Apples to Apples, Sorry, Scrabble Jr., and other fun games. Drop in. Lunch Bunch Book Discussion (Grades 4 to 6). See Library / Page 7
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Levi E. Coe Library
Library hours are: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Fridays.
Lewis G. Hinman Jr. active in many town organizations By Charles Kreutzkamp Town Times
More than 50 people gathered at United Churches of Durham, Dec. 23, to remember Lewis Hinman Jr., former member of the Board of Selectman, Planning and Zoning Commission, longtime volunteer for the Boy Scouts, the Exchange Club, The Durham Ambulance Corps. and the Republican Town Committee. Hinman, 93, passed away Dec. 7 and was remembered as a veteran, as neighbor, colleague, friend, father, uncle, grandfather, brother, and husband. He and his wife, the late Alma Mathewson Hinman, were married for 57 years. Rev. Elven Riggles led the
memorial service. He said, “Lew was a truly wonderful human being, his entire life was devoted to service to our community and, in particular, to the Boy Scouts.” Riggles told those gathered that loved ones “linger on in the great canvas of memory” and that “Lew may be gone from our sight but not from our hearts.” Lewis G. Hinman III, known as Trip, eulogized his father, saying that by any measure the elder Hinman was an amazing person and lived an amazing life. Trip Hinman said his father’s childhood nickname was Poss and that he’d been a mischievous child who when he found himself in trouble would pretend to be asleep. According to Trip Hinman,
his father served in World War II in China, Burma, and India. Initially, he’d been assigned to the calvary division in spite of his fear of horses. Trip Hinman said that his father, an Eagle Scout, served the Boy Scouts for 64 years despite his brother and he spending an “unremarkable, short stint” in scouting themselves. “Dad was a giver, not a taker,” he said. One of the things that defined Hinman was his opti-
mism. Trip Hinman said that only a few weeks ago his father asked him if he should purchase and learn how to use an Ipad. He also was thinking of joining a gym and planned to teach himself to write with his left hand, to get around the arthritis in his right. Trip Hinman concluded by giving those in attendance the same advice he’d often received from his father. “Drive slow and drink milk.”
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Bring lunch; dessert provided. Saturday Jan. 18 at 12:30 p.m. Discuss “How to Steal a Dog” by Barbara O ’ Con nor. R e g i st r at ion required. Programs for Young Adults: Teen Adv isor y Group (ages 12 to 18). Saturday, Jan. 4, 3 to 4 p.m. Share ideas for the library. No registration required. 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. Knitting Club (ages 10 to 18). Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m. All levels welcome. No registration, drop in. After school movie (ages 13 to 18). Wednesday, Jan. 15, 3:30 p.m. Movie to be announced. No registration, drop in. Practice SAT test (high school students). Saturday, Ja n . 18 , noon to 3 p.m . Prepare for the SAT by taking a practice test. Register at the desk or call (860) 349-9544. Stop motion movie making with Legos (ages 12 to 18). Wednesday, Jan. 22, 6 p.m. Learn to create a movie using the stop motion techn ique a nd L egos. P i zza and beverages provided. Register at he desk or call (860) 349-9544. Program for adults Book Lovers’ Ci rcle Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m . Discuss “T he Blue Sweater ” by Jacquel i ne Novograty. Copies of the book are available at the Library. All are invited. Mystery Book Discussion. Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Discuss “Child 44” by Tom Rob Smith. Copies of the book are available at the library.
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Opinion
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 spe-
cific 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 your sales representative at (203) 317-2313.
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Town Times is published every Friday by the Record-Journal Publishing Co. and delivered to all homes and businesses in Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall. Executive Vice President and Assistant Publisher – Liz White Senior Vice President of Operations and Major Accounts – Michael F. Killian Senior Vice President and Editor – Ralph Tomaselli News Editor – Olivia L. Lawrence Assistant News Editor – Nick Carroll Reporter – Mark Dionne Advertising Director – Kimberley E. Boath Advertising Sales – Joy Boone Office Assistant, Press Releases – Marsha Pomponio
Commentary
Random kindness a good habit to develop By Joy VanderLek Special to Town Times
In 1978, I was digging my orange VW bug out from a curbside snow bank. The snow was just the latest in a series of regular dumps that year in Allentown, Penn. The public works trucks had done a great job plowing the street where I lived, but they left an avalanche of snow on my small beetle. It took about an hour before you could even tell there was a car underneath it all. My car. At any rate, there I was, just 19 and freshly graduated from high school, and only working in this new place, on my own, for a few weeks at that point. I was broke. I believe I was using something other than a shovel to dig out my car. I
know I did not have snow boots on. In fact, I did not own any. I was wearing what I always wore, which was a pair of clogs, the kind with wooden bottoms and leather uppers. My feet were wet and as cold as ice cubes. I didn’t ask for it. I didn’t seek it out—but I did receive a random act of kindness that day. From behind me, I heard a woman’s voice. “Here, this is for you,” she said as she handed me a large brown paper bag. I didn’t know her. Never saw her before now. I took the bag, looked inside, and saw a pair of boots. “I’ve been watching you from my window,” she said pointing to her garden apartment in our building. “I saw you didn’t have boots. These are for you,” she said. She smiled.
I thanked her. And that was it. I’d never met her, and to be honest, I never did see her again. But I never forgot her through that random act of kindness. Through the years, I’ve practiced random acts of kindness as well. It could be as little as letting someone else ahead of me in a line, or buying a few groceries for a friend who recently lost his job. The point is, if you believe there is nothing but bad news every day, that the world has gone completely mad, you are wrong. There are so many more shining moments committed by ordinary people each and every day. It is important to realize that, especially in this holiday season, and to remember and practice random acts of kindness all year round.
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Schools
Friday, January 3, 2014
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SONGS FOR WINTER
Pre-school and kindergarten students participated at Brewster School’s recent Winter Celebration concert. | (Submitted by Patti Checko)
School News
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academic achievement, financial need and community Savannah College of Art involvement. and Design - Carleen Doyle Applications are available of Durham. by calling 1-855-670-4787 or online at www.rmhc-ctma. org/scholarships. Deadline to Scholarship Ronald McDonald House apply is Jan. 21, 2014. Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts plans College admission to award a total of $50,000 to 25 local high school seniors forum The guidance department this academic year through its scholarship program. at Coginchaug regional High Eligibility requirements for School has scheduled its anthe RMHC scholarship are nual College Admissions be eligible to enroll in and at- Forum for Thursday, Jan. 9, tend a two-or four-year col- 7 p.m., in the auditorium. lege with a full course study Parents and guardians of juand reside in a participating nior and senior students are welcome. area. Scholarship recipients will See School / Page 19 be selected on the basis of
A10 Friday, January 3, 2014
Town Times | towntimes.com
Health Carbon dioxide emissions have dropped Dear EarthTalk: How can it be that carbon dioxide emissions are the lowest they have been in the United States in 20 years despite the fact that we have no binding federal legislation limiting them? – Jason Johnson, Port Chester, N.Y. Carbon dioxide emissions are indeed lower than at any time since 1994, according to data recently released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. But if you think that the rise of the hybrid car, our embrace of public transit, walking, biking and those new windows on the house are behind the trend, think again. According to the EIA, increased energy efficiency has played a role, as have recent warmer winters and the recession, but the key driver has been the swapping out of coal at power plants and industrial facilities across the country for cleaner-burning and now more abundant natural gas. The reason so much natural gas is around is the rise of hydraulic fracturing (“frack-
ing”), a technique whereby drillers inject water and chemicals into underground shale rock deposits to free up otherwise trapped natural gas. Fracking has allowed U.S. oil companies to access huge natural gas deposits from the Marcellus Shale in the Northeast and elsewhere. The increased supply has brought natural gas prices down so that it has been cheaper than coal during the last few years. Our carbon footprint benefits because burning natural gas to generate electricity generates about half the carbon emissions of coal for every megawatt hour of power generated. But Americans might not want to pat themselves on the back for too long, as the positive trend won’t continue indefinitely. “Replacing coal with natural gas reduces smokestack emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and mercury, but natural gas production and distribution comes with a host of problems, including methane leaks, contaminated water supplies, destroyed streams and devastated land-
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Furthermore, EIA says our energy-related carbon emissions are already rising again given recent increases in natural gas prices that have steered some utilities back to coal. The EIA anticipates U.S. energy-related carbon emissions rising 1.7 percent in 2013 and another 0.9 percent in 2014. The most im-
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portant remaining question, says Lashof, is whether the U.S. will continue to reduce its CO2 emissions to achieve the president’s 2020 goal of a 17 percent reduction from 2005 levels—and eventually the 80 percent or more reductions needed to prevent the most dangerous risks of climate disruption. The target is within reach, he says, but power plant carbon pollution standards, among other changes, will be needed.
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Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, January 3, 2014
Seniors
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vation 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 be closed 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 Scrabble Off Pounds Sensibly” is a The Middlefield Senior weight loss support group. Center has a Scrabble Yearly fees are charged. ga m e . A n i n t e re s t e d person is looking for a Scrabble partner. For more Dial-A-Ride Dial-A-Ride will transinformation, call (860) port seniors to doctor 349-7121. appointments within Middlesex County. It is Middlefield/ necessary to be Registered w i t h D i a l -A- R i d e i s Durham Senior required. Bus A fee is charged. The The Senior Center has Dial-A-Ride service opera 17 passenger bus that ates Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. transports seniors to out to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, of county doctors’ ap8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. pointments and twice a For more information, week trips. The bus is call Dial-A-Ride (MAT) at free; participants pay for (860) 347-3313. their lunch. To reserve a spot on the bus, call (860) AARP tax aide 347-5661. AARP offers free tax-aide For more information, call the Senior Center at to Durham and Middlefield low and moderate income (860) 349-7121. taxpayers, especially those 60 and older. Senior Center The program is scheduled for Feb. 4 through Programs The Senior Center of- April 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., fers a knitting group, a a t t h e M i d d l e f i e l d card group, a bridge group, Community Center, 405 an exercise group, a yoga Main St., by appointment. If tax counselors do not group. have adequate knowledge or a return is too comOffice hours and plex, participants may senior lunch need to seek another qualThe Senior Center office ified counselor or paid tax hours are Monday-Friday, assistance. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch For more information is served on Mondays, or to schedule an appointWednesdays, and Fridays ment, call Joan at (860) at noon. Make a reser- 349-8121. Senior exercise class - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 7:45 a.m. Cards - Tuesday, Jan. 7, 12;30 p.m. Senior lunch - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, noon. Call (860) 349-7121 24 hours in advance for reservations. Classic movie Wednesday, Jan. 8, 1 p.m. Knitting - Thursday, Jan. 9, 9:30 a.m. Bridge - Friday, Jan. 10, 12:30 p.m.
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A12 Friday, January 3, 2014
Town Times | towntimes.com
Renewal From Page 2
emotional pain,” DiBenigno added. “When we meditate, we learn how to activate our parasympathetic nervous system—which is the opposite mode of our stress response—it immediately relives and eradicates stress, improves digestion and boosts the immune system, increasing our physical health.” Other contributing physical and emotional benefits discovered through meditation, according to DiBenigno, include an increased ability to focus, improved memory, anxiety reduction, positive
emotional stabilization, and helping curb the decline in cognitive functioning associated with aging. “It opens us up into deeper insight which can transform us in the way we relate,” she said. “It helps us to look at and shift our perspective in a positive way that can change some of the patterns of mind that causes us to suffer.” As an avid yoga enthusiast for over a decade, Karen Tedesco, of New Britain, firmly believes in the power of meditation, but doesn’t plan to make any resolutions this year. “I never do because they mean nothing to me by
February,” she said. “I would like to know how to resolve to stay away from snacking, especially during the holidays when it’s just too easy and accessible. Too hard to ignore.” For a deliciously festive alternative to holiday cookies and high caloric, fattening treats, Crisafulli suggests serving a veggie plate with red and green items like broccoli and radishes, or red and green peppers, to dip into a white yogurt-based dip. “Include protein at meals and snacks to promote most lasting fullness,” Crisafulli advises, offering additional
sensible snacking options, such as reduced fat cheese with whole grain crackers a side of fruit and a serving size of nuts. “By eating meals and small snacks with protein every three to five hours, you can keep hunger at bay and be less tempted to splurge on holiday goodies,” she said, noting the high fiber benefits of plant proteins, such as those found in beans and nuts. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends having a serving of nuts most days of the week. Although nuts are high in fat, it’s a healthy fat. However, if not limited to one serving size, even healthy fats contain calories which can add up quickly.
Whether it’s the holidays or any day of the calendar year, our daily diet, according to Crisafulli, should always include: two to four servings of fruit per day, three to five servings of vegetables, three servings of lower fat dairy products, and at least three servings daily of whole grains. “Make sure these items make it onto your grocery list, and have a backup plan for when you don’t have fresh produce,” said Crisafulli. “Maybe keep raisins or fruit canned in juice (not syrup) in your cabinet to pack when you run out of bananas for the week … make half your plate vegetables at lunch and dinner—they’re low calorie, filling, and nutritious.”
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(Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Durham Library. Check the town website at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.) Monday, Jan. 6 Fire Department Trustees, Durham Volunteer Firehouse, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7 Town Green Tree Design Committee, Library, 5 p.m. Compensation Review/ Personnel Policy Board, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 Board of Education, John Lyman Elementary School, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 Zoning Board of Appeals, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13 Town meeting, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 Conservation Commission, Library, 7 p.m. Library Board of Trustees, Library, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15 Planning & Zoning, Library, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 DMIAAB, Middlefield Community Center, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21 Board of Selectman Budget Meeting, Town Hall, 5 p.m. Town Green Tree Design Committee, Library, 6 p.m. Board of Finance, Town Hall, 6 :30 p.m. Agriculture Commission, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 Senior Citizen Board, Durham Activity Center,1 p.m. Joint Board & Commission Meeting, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Board of Education, Memorial School, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27 Board of Selectman budget meeting, Town Hall, 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28 Ethic’s Commission, Town Hall, 7 p.m.
Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Wednesday, Jan. 8 Water Pollution Control Authority, 7 p.m.
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Calendar Friday, Jan. 10
Casual bridge - The Durham Activity Center, 350 Main St., schedules casual bridge every Friday at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, call Jim Martinelli at (860) 346-6611. Boys basketball - CRHS vs. North Branford at North Branford, 7 p.m.
scouts in need of camperships. The event includes a silent auction and scouting displays. For more information, call Bob Olenick at (860) 347-4208. Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Haddam-Killingworth at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.
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 Tuesday, Jan. 14 a donation for the local food Girls basketball - CRHS bank or local animal shelter. Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Haddam-Killingworth at vs. Cromwell at CRHS, 7:30 CRHS, 7:30 p.m. p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 4 Girls basketball - CRHS vs. North Branford at North Branford, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Monday, Jan. 6
Community supper- The Notre Dame Church, 272 Main St., has scheduled a free community supper for Sunday, Jan. 12, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the church hall. All are welcome.
Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Old Saybrook at Old Saybrook, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 7 Girls basketball - CRHS vs. Old Saybrook at Old Saybrook, 7 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 13 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
Thursday, Jan. 9 Boys basketball - CRHS vs. Cromwell at CRHS, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 16
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.
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.
Find us on the Web: www.towntimes.com
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
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Town Times | towntimes.com
gardenspotlight
Gardens not just for summer By Judy Moeckel Special to Town Times
It’s easy to think of winter as a bleak, dead time when your garden is to be ignored. But winter can add a special beauty to the garden. In landscaping, think beyond pretty flowers and impressive foliage. Think about using some shrubs and trees that have interesting shapes in fall and winter. I have a couple of miniature Japanese maples with quirky shapes that have visual interest, even when their delicate crimson leaves have fallen. I also love the Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick; its contorted branches give it sculptural interest, especially in the winter. Both of these trees grow very slowly, so they won’t take over your garden and ruin your layout! Although the winter winds and snows will eventually pummel them, hydrangeas can be breathtaking in the fall, when their blooms have dried out and they have turned brown or reddish. Ornamental grasses, such as fountain grass, are nice to leave up in the winter, says Tina Gossner, of Durham. A master gardener and land-
natural materials — take on a sculptural look when the trees have shed their leaves and flowers are nowhere to be found. When dusted (or covered) with snow, they have yet another look. Planting bushes that provide food for birds, such as the bright red winterberry, not only adds color; it helps native and transient (migrating) birds survive. Consult a garden center that doesn’t just sell plants they don’t grow. Look for a place with staff who know about sustainable gardening that helps maintain (or restore) the balance of nature. Nancy DuBrule of Natureworks in Northford is one such person. “The garden in winter can be a place of great beauty. As the leaves fall off of the deciduous trees, the evergreens become the star of the show. Pines, spruces, cedars, and Japanese maple in my yard, with the recent snow fresh on it. | (Photos: Judy Moeckel/Submitted) hemlocks not only provide color in the garden, they offer shelter to birds and wildscape designer, likes their weeping birch next to her tree is a great place to sit in life; pine cone seeds and holly color and shape, and that an- house for its graceful shape. any season; her favorite tree berries are also an important Birdfeeders hang in the trees is accented by a stone bench food source for them.” imals feed on them. For visual impact, she Larger trees may have in- around her house, and, with and flagstone walkways. Terraces, patios and walls teresting shapes off-sea- the leaves down, the birds are son, too. Gossner planted a easy to see. Under her apple — especially when made of See Gardens / Page 20
Harry Lauder Walking Stick at Tina Gossner’s house in Durham.
Ornamental grass at Tina’s house.
Town Times | towntimes.com
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Town Times Service Directory
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Two of the year’s best films are sure to place statues on their mantles this award season. Based on true stories, even if embellished for the silver screen, “Captain Phillips” and “12 Years A Slave” are front runners for the Golden Globe Awards with four and seven nominations respectively. Captain Phillips tells the tale of American cargo ship MV Maersk Alabama hijacked by Somali pirates in 2009. With an unarmed crew, Phillips attempts to protect his men from the ruthless attack only to find himself held hostage on a small life boat. The tension in those close quarters could have sparked a tsunami. Not everyone may love Tom Hanks, but no one can deny the man’s talent. What starts out as a simple portrayal of a captain set to follow the rules becomes a rich character study of a man facing uncertain death. His evolution from stoic and rigid to desperate and tortured moved me more than any other performance this year. My heart pounded as I watched him plan out escape plans without speaking a word. An impressive feat and one that may well earn him the big one – the Academy Award for Best Actor. Hanks is paired with the talented Barkhad Abdi as Somali pirate Muse, but the music score, in its own way, may deserve its own acting nod. Each note added intensity throughout the film and when the music ceremoniously stops during the climactic scene,
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The Durham Agricultural Fair Association elected the 2014 slate of officers and volunteers at its recent annual meeting. The 2014 Durham Agricultural Fair Association Executive Committee is as follows: Daniel Miramant, president; John LaPointe, first vice president; Karen Conway, second vice president; Karin Thody, secretary; Carol Schilling, assistant secretary; Leonard Baginski, treasurer; Jason Camassar, assistant treasurer; Pat Boord, associate treasurer; Bill Currlin, administrative services; Norm Hicks, directors; Emily Annino, education; Wendy Manemeit, entertainment; Kathy Robinson, livestock exhibits; Hans Pedersen, maintenance; Debbie Huscher, marketing; Kim Terrill, personal skills; Dianna Dixey, plant science exhibits; Joe Davenport, public safety; Melissa DiVito, revenue.
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Town Times | towntimes.com
Changes and challenges in 2013 By Charles Kreutzkamp Town Times
The headlines in Durham and Middlefield in 2013 were many — here is a sampling of some of the year’s highlights. The kick-off to 2013 began for Durham with the birth of the first Connecticut baby of the year to Durham parents Kelly and Ed Johnson. Meanwhile, in the aftermath of Sandy Hook the Board of Education raised safety concerns about the portables in use by many of the schools. Then superintendent Sue Viccaro announced her intention to find a long-term solution to the problem. Powder Ridge’s new owner Sean Hayes announced in January that the park would be on track to open, and the opening proceeded as
planned in November. In Durham, a Right to Farm ordinance was unanimously approved in Durham by about 45 residents Jan. 14. The ordinance is intended to encourage the pursuit of agricultural operations in town. O n Feb. 1 , t he Tow n Times published Durham Road Foreman Kurt Bober’s prediction that the winter would be severe, a prediction he made looking at the black stripes on woolly bear caterpillars. Days later, on Feb. 8, Winter Storm Nemo dumped record amounts of snow on Durham and Middlefield, requiring massive cleanup operations, burying snow blowers and private plows, and even stalling backhoes. The 2013-2014 school budget was passed with a 4.39
The town of Middlefield bade farewell to this enormous evergreen tree on the green this year, which arborists said had to come down. | (Mark Dionne/The Town Times)
percent increase attributed to a drop in revenue, primarily from state reimbursements, as well as demographic changes, curriculum implementation and technology needs. Superintendent Viccaro called this budget the hardest she had ever worked on. Durham Resident and illustrator David Wenzel was the guest of honor at an event in France this year. Wenzel is known primarily for his work illustrating “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of The Rings”.
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Pent Road in Middlefield began construction, which was completed in June. After Andre Hauser resigned in April, former Coginchaug Regional High School business teacher Donald Gates returned as interim principal. T he members of t he St . Col m a n’s C hoi r i n Middlefield rehearsed to prepare to perform for the Pope Francis at St. Ignatius Church in Rome. While, ultimately, the Pope did not attend, the choir was praised by the Holy See for its performance. Middlef ield voters approved the sale of some of the remaining Powder Ridge land, still owned by the town, and not purchased by the new ski park owners to resident Lori Vogel-Brown. In late October, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection began to drain Lake Beseck to start the dam repair project. Local school children promptly renamed the body of water “Puddle Beseck.” Jon Brayshaw was reelected and returned to office as Middlefield’s first selectman for his fifth and (he says) final term. In the town of Durham, Republicans won all of the town’s contested races. See 2013 / Page 17
Town Times | towntimes.com
Friday, January 3, 2014
2013
Regional school choice fairs on tap
From Page 16
The Hartford Region Open Choice Program will hold a Regional School Choice Fair. The event will feature booths and information about the wide array of programming options available to Hartford and suburban students ages preschool to grade 12. A list of RSCO school choice fairs is below. For more information on school fairs, information sessions and open houses, please visit www.choiceeducation.org or call RSCO’s Parent Information Center at (860) 713-6990 weekdays (excluding state holidays) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Powder Ridge staff members get ready to open in Middlefield, Nov. 23, 2013. | (Justin Weekes/Special to
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Great Path Academy 60 Bidwell St. Manchester, CT 06040 Snow Date and Time: Saturday, Jan. 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30 5 to 7:30 p.m. International Magnet School for Global Citizenship 625 Chapel Road South Windsor, CT 06074 Snow Date and Time: Friday, Jan. 31, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. S p o r t a n d Me d i c a l Sciences Academy 280 Huyshope Ave. Hartford, CT 06106 Snow date and time: Sunday, Feb. 9, 1 to 4 p.m.
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As the year wound down, more than a 1,000 food items were collected during the annual community round-up. The towns remembered Lewis Hinman, who spent over 65 years with the Boy Scouts as well as serving in town government. Hinman died in December 201 3. The towns also remembered 5 -year-old Brenna Zettergren, who was lost to leukemia in December 2012. Brenna’s memory was honored in both word and deed as donations of toys were collected for the Smilow Cancer Center during the annual tree lightning ceremony in Durham. A study commissioned by the Board of Education that found enrollment rates would likely decline, leading the towns to begin to weigh options that may involve closing one of the schools. The debate surrounding this issue will continue into the following year.
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2013 COACH AWARD WINNERS
The following athletes received the 2013 Coach Award —Above: Winners of the Most Valuable Players award, from left: Alex Markoski, Soccer; Dana Foley, Cheerleading; Jack Granger, Football; Victoria Buonanni, Soccer; Christian Alberico, Cross Country, boys; Samantha Drop, Cross Country, girls; Caryn Sibiskie, Volleyball. | (Submitted by Karen
Below: Winners of the Coach Award, from left: Brenna Goldberg, Volleyball; Artie Koba, Football; Amy Stankiewicz, Cheerleading; Devin Rodrigue, Football; Sydney Trusty, Volleyball; Alison Luther, Soccer; Joe Ertle, Cross Country; Samantha Vigue, Cross Country; Max Temple, Soccer; Audrey Schock, Cheerleading.
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your heart stops too, if just for a moment. Captain Phillips is impactful film-making. In 12 Years A Slave, free man Solomon Northup is sold into slavery after being abducted by a pair of circus wranglers. Separated from his wife and two children, Solomon faces trials and tribulations under the ownership of different slave owners, some exhibiting inexplicable cruelty, others offering moments of kindness. Only when he meets a sympathetic abolitionist does Solomon regain his freedom. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Solomon with a hopeful if torn heart. In his struggle to survive, his sense of right and wrong falters at times, but his honor prevails when it matters most. Michael Fassbender and Benedict Cumberbatch are exceptional as slave owners, Lupita Nyong’o heartbreaking as Patsey, but Brad Pitt is so … Brad Pitt. Some actors are so famous that it is hard to see past their celebrity to the character. Even if he had one of the most poignant speeches of the film, he was still Brad Pitt first. As a woman I love him; as a film critic, I am distracted by him. The ensemble cast toSee Films / Page 20
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School From Page 9
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.
Emissions From Page 10
Friday, January 3, 2014
Get stitchy
A19
SANTA SING-A-LONG
Durham Recreation has scheduled its Get Stitchy program for Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Durham Activity Center, 350 Main St. Get Stitchy is an open sew event for quilters and sewers. Participants may work on projects in the company of other sewers, and exchange tips and ideas. Bring your project and sewing machine (including extension cord.) For more information and to to sign up, contact Pam Carey at (860) 3490453 or carey_clan@ sbcglobal.net or Vicki Berry at (860) 343-0879 or vberry11@comcast. net.
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Lashof adds that the only way to keep the ball rollChildren at Middlefield Children’s Center entertained their families during the recent ing is via a coordinated holiday sing-a-long. The program ended with a visit from Santa Claus. | (Submitted by effort including stricter fedMissy Booth) eral carbon and energy efficiency standards, new state renewable energy and energy efficiency incentives Town Times Service Directory and reworked zoning and transportation policies that discourage the use of private 33 Years • Relining automobiles. • Cleaning “We can build the clean energy future we need, but we • Rain Caps aren’t there yet and it’s not Custom Building & Remodeling • Waterproofing Contractor going to happen by itself.” • Insurance Claims Also, even if Americans • New Homes • Additions can mobilize to get their • Flashing Repair • Kitchens • Garages • Decks emissions in check, will it All Types of Remodeling & Renovations • Crown & Brick Repair matter? During 2012, enerNEW ENGLAND HIC #0606486 • Pellet & Wood Stove gy-related carbon emissions CHIMNEY SWEEP & MASONRY Call after 5 pm (860) 347-1445 fell by some 3.7 percent in Peter Frey 349-9918 *Certified* Installation the U.S., but rose 1.4 percent overall around the world. Indeed, global carbon emissions are on an unrelenting upward march as developing nations acquire the taste for the extravagant fossil-fuel-driven lifestyle perfected • Tractors • Blowers • Lawn Mowers • Hedge Trimmers in the U.S. • Tillers • Snow Blowers • Trimmers • Chainsaws • Generators Est. 1965 CONTACTS: U.S. Energy • Septic tank cleaning Sales - Repair (All Models) - Parts Information Administration, Welding - Pick-up & Deliver - Buy & Sell Used Equip. • Septic systems installed & repaired www.eia.gov; NRDC, www. • Sewer drain cleaning • Portable restroom rentals 860-349-3854 Stan Prusinski nrdc.org. 152 Guilford Rd. - (Rt. 77) - Durham 270 Main St., Middlefield 860-349-8551 EarthTalk® is written and Durhampowerequipment.com edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send Specializing in Bathroom Remodeling questions to: earthtalk@ • Painting/Dry Wall emagazine.com.
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Films
Gardens
From Page 18
From Page 14
gether, however, boasts one of the most memorable films of the year. What unites these stories is fear. The lead characters face violence, threatened with bodily harm and even death. Their strength of character decides whether or not they persevere. Put in those situations, how would you fare? In fact, what fears hold you back in your own life today? How can you overcome them? No matter how challenging those problems may seem, these films remind us that the strength is within you to fight back. Captain Phillips: 4 stethoscopes 12 Years A Slave: 4 stethoscopes (Dr. Tanya Feke is a family physician and guest columnist for the Town Times. 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.diagnosislife.com), Facebook page (Diagnosis Life), or twitter (@tanyafeke).
suggests planting shrubs and trees that have colorful branches or interesting bark. “There are dogwoods with orange twigs, and willows with orange stems; stewartia (a camellia tree) has beautiful peeling bark.” DuBrule also suggests making containers of evergreens for cold weather decoration. She suggests trying a native plant theme: combine berries (such as inkberry) with woodland ground covers such as wintergreen and partridgeberry, and add a few rocks and some moss. Put them on the patio or on the front porch, or as accent by that not-so-lovely garage door. P e r s o n a l l y, I t h i n k Christmas decorations— wreaths and such—are lovely left up until the first signs of spring. Okay, stash the multicolored lights and the inflatable snowmen… Finally, a few wintery ideas
from my friend Candace Kearney, a landscape designer at Winterberry Gardens in Southington: “The silver blue needles and pyramidal form of the Colorado spruce provide height, color and contrast,” she says. “You can almost imagine yourself up in the Rocky Mountains. I especially like Baby Blue Eyes, a dwarf spruce that grows slowly.” Another favorite of hers is the white birch. “It offers a strong vertical anchor, an impressive slash of white in both the summer and winter landscape.” She also favors the river birch (Betula Nigra), whose peeling bark offers great “texture.” As she says, “winter can be a time of looking out on the frozen world as a bleak and cold place, or it can be a time of enjoying winter vistas from your windows, and bundling up to go walking in a winter wonderland.
Right: Tina Gossner, of Durham, with her mixed-breed dog, Buddy, under an old apple tree at her house. | (Judy Moeckel/ Submitted.)
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