Ttimessept 26

Page 1

Volume 19, Number 23

Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

www.TownTimes.com

Friday, September 26, 2014

Devils shine at Going to the Sun Invitational By Mark Dionne Town Times

The CRHS girls varsity cross country team took first place at the Going to the Sun meet. Team members are pictured, from left: Aubrey Figoras, Samantha Drop, Ashley Dana, team captain Bailey Thayer, Allie Alsup, Colby Courschesne, and Samantha Vigue. | Mark Dionne / Town Times

The Coginchaug Regional High School boys and girls cross country teams held their only home meet of the season, the Going to the Sun Invitational, on Sept. 18. The girls varsity team took first place team honors, edging out Avon. Christian Alberico of CRHS finished first for the boys varsity with a time of 16:09, ahead of second place finisher Ross Gobeliewski of Lyme-Old Lyme by 16 seconds. The f irst place f inish

Commentary

Concern grows over Lake Beseck By Mark Dionne Town Times

The sluggish refilling of Lake Beseck, drawn down for a $2 million dam repair project, may have cost Middlefield grant money to care for the lake and has also provided exposed ground for extensive plant growth in the summer. Residents’ concerns also have grown and been expressed through the Lake Beseck Ad-Hoc Committee, to the Board of Selectmen, and at a Sept. 22 public hearing, led by a long row of public officials. Many of the concerns focus on plant life. As a body of water, Lake Beseck has been clogged with invasive weeds. Drawn down, the lake bed has supported plant growth that will die when the water returns and, some fear, add to the biomass and nutrient load of the lake, creating more algae growth. In a Sept. 2 letter to First Selectman Jon Brayshaw, Mark June-Wells, the New England Environmental, Inc. lim-

nologist who has studied Lake Beseck, expressed the concerns and urged Brayshaw to request that the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection remove the plants before the water returns. June-Wells noted that while the impact of a large quantity of decaying biomass on the water is unknown, the growth does have potential for harm. “If nothing is done, the best-case scenario is that those nutrients will be flushed out of the system in the spring. Worst case is that these nutrients will remain in the system for an extended period of time leading to more significant algal blooms,” June-Wells wrote. Connecticut DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee attended the public hearing and told the audience of almost 40 residents that DEEP expects a “net zero” impact from the plants and that the plant nutrients, drawn from the lake bed, should return without effect. Of the plant growth, Klee said, “If See Beseck / Page 3

means Christian, a senior, won his last home cross country race and repeated his Going to the Sun victory of last year. The overall girls winner, Sabrina Chesters of Parish Hill, was also a repeat winner. The Coginchaug boys finished ninth out of 17 teams. The combined boys and girls local contingent took second place overall. More than 474 runners completed the three-mile course. The course was reconfigured due to construction on Pickett Lane.

Who is the fair for? By Charles Kreutzkamp Town Times

Every year, the Durham Fair asks the same question: Who is the fair really for, the people of Middlefield and Durham, or the crowds of 200,000 the fair sometimes draws to our quiet little communities? The answer, of course, has always been “Yes.” The Durham Fair always books the best bands and entertainment it can find to draw in the crowds, while also setting aside plenty of space for things specific to our little community – photo contest entries, the Coginchaug show choir, and the fair museum. Plus, the crowds drawn to the fair bring along plenty of revenue to local food booths, supporting many local organizations. The debate over the elephant

A scene from the 2013 Durham Fair. | Mark Dionne / Town Times show last year was about many things, but one tiny piece that may have been overlooked was the way this question – who is the fair for? – entered the minds of many of those for and against. I spoke to a lot of friends and some family last year opposed to the presence of elephants at See Fair / Page 16

A2 Friday, September 26, 2014

Town Times | towntimes.com

Volunteer opportunities Senior Services for the Towns of Durham and Middlefield and St. Luke’s Community Services of Middletown are partnering in recruiting volunteers who would like to help local elderly individuals remain at home and maintain a good quality of life by providing visitation, grocery shopping or transportation to outof-town medical appointments. Volunteers can choose to help one or more individuals for just a few hours a month, as there is no minimum time requirement. Scheduling is flexible, but consistency and reliability is important. All volunteers are background checked, trained and bonded. Orientations sessions (volunteers attend only one) are scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Durham Activity Center, 350 Main St. and Wednesday, Oct. 22, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Middlefield Senior Center, 405 Main St., Middlefield. Volunteer candidates must register at least one week in advance of orientation. For more information and to register, contact Cassandra Aronson, St. Luke’s volunteer programs coordinator, at (860) 999-1683 or cassandra@stlukeshome.org. Scott Houghton and his performing rescue dogs of Mutts Gone Nuts.

Town Times

Don’t miss Mutts Gone Nuts at this year’s fair, a comedy act featuring tricks performed by rescue dogs. “If I can be done with a show and the dog just feels like he’s played, that’s my goal,� performer Scott Houghton said. Houghton and his wife have roots in street theater, and their show features a lot of audience interaction. Long time dog lovers, they decided to bring three rescue dogs into their comedy unicycling act, and the dogs’ performance proved so popular that it slowly became the

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entire show. “The best part of working with dogs is, I think, the fact that they are so eager to rehearse and practice,� Houghton said, explaining that he trains the dogs exclusively with positive reinforcement. He doesn’t want his act to be one of the types where a dog comes out “with his tail between his legs,� Houghton said. Members of the audience often comment that the dogs looked like they had a great time. For Houghton, the dogs’ enthusiasm is contagious. He said he and his wife take a lot of enjoyment in seeing their dogs eager for their turn at practice, and the routines are intended to be tricks the dogs will find enjoyable. The dogs “line up, being like, ‘take me, take me,’� Houghton said, when he brings them to the practice studio. “We’ve never had any flak from the animal (rights) folks,� Houghton added. “I think it’s because they look at us and they see we’re kind to our dogs.� Fairgoers can look forward to seeing Charlie the Jack Russell Terrier walk on a tightwire and hearing talking dogs like “my girl Sammy (who) says ‘momma,’� Houghton said. Dogs also jump through hoops and roll on barrels, and

kids will love the part of the show where “my dogs outsmart me,� Houghton said. Samantha Valle, who has performed with her dog Geronimo on the Today Show and David Letterman, will be helping close the show with “a tremendous Frisbee routine,� Houghton said. “She is a world class trainer (and will) definitely be a highlight of our show.�

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Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, September 26, 2014

A3

Beseck From Page 1

Commissioner of the CT-DEEP Robert Klee (standing) addresses a sizeable audience at a public hearing about the current state, and future, of Lake Beseck. | Mark Dionne / Town Times managed and plant populations are controlled.� When Connecticut finished announcing the Small Town Economic Assistant Grants for 2014, Lake Beseck was left out. STEAP grants are designed to help small towns tackle large projects. Middlefield received one 2014 STEAP grant, $131,000 to rehabilitate the Miller Road bridge. Connecticut awarded 49 STEAP grants in 2014, each with a

maximum value of $500,000. Only one town, Ridgefield, received two grants in 2014 and one of those grants was the third in a multi-phase street project. Middlef ield selectman Ed Bailey, who also serves on the Lake Beseck Ad-Hoc Committee, explained the rejection at the Sept. 2 BOS meeting by saying, “We didn’t get the grant because we don’t have a lake.� In a follow-up e-mail, Bai-

ley explained, “[W]hat has been indicated is that the state wants STEAP grants to be spent quickly to improve employment numbers.� With Lake Beseck refilling slowly, the water would not be ready for a phosphorous treatment or a plant harvester in the near future. The grant was submitted in April, 2014, when projections called for the lake to be refilled sooner. Bailey wrote, “Most of the funds were to

be spent in year one [spring/ summer, 2015] with small amounts to be spent in years two to five. With the lake not refilled our spending would likely not start until spring of 2016.� Bailey said that Middlefield would continue to pursue state money for the lake. The lake itself belongs to the state but, as is often noted by the BOS members, the town ends up taking care of it.

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folks still want to go out and remove some of those materials, we’re okay with that, but not with heavy equipment.� “Why should we have to pull the weeds?� one resident asked later. Greg Bugbee has studied Lake Beseck with the AG Experiment Station. He said that one of Lake Beseck’s problems might help with the other. The decaying plants could form a “bio-barrier� in the water to help suppress the invasive weeds. Bugbee said he expects the impact of the plants to be “minimal.� Brian Murphy, a DEEP representative from the fisheries department called the fish population “resiliant� and said he expects it to rebound after the fill. One resident at the public hearing commented that many of the officials remarks on potential plant related trouble contained words like “should� and “might.� Almost all of the officials present, which, in addition to DEEP officials, included Middlefield BOS members, state Sen. Dante Bartolomeo, and state Rep. Buddy Altobello, expressed a wish for rain. Ted Rybak, DEEP project manager for the dam repair, said that he had to allow some water to “leak� past the dam for the health of the downstream system, but had the dam set up to refill Lake Beseck. “We need rain cooperation to refill the lake,� Rybak said. “We’re waiting for rain and hoping for it to fill as fast as it can,� Klee said. Both before and after the draw down, Middlef ield sought state assistance to clean up the lake. Middlefield had applied for a STEAP grant of $395,000 to combat high phosphorous levels in the water, purchase a plant harvester to fight the invasive weeds, and fund the work of a lake manager. Citing benefits of the lake, the grant application read, “The decline in the water quality of Lake Beseck threatens recreational, economic, and social activities ... Because Lake Beseck is such a valuable local asset, it is important that water quality is

A4 Friday, September 26, 2014

Town Times | towntimes.com

Zen and the art of beekeeping Tina Hurlbert, of Durham, became enamored with beekeeping in the winter of 2011, when she went to a Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) conference, and listened to a talk given by a beekeeper. “This woman was fascinating,” she said. “She talked about everything – getting started, management, harvesting honey.” Hurlbert then talked to people in town about her newfound interest, including beekeeper Mark Shadle. “He hooked me up with his supplier,” she said, “and in the spring I picked up my bees and spent a day with the supplier building the hives.” Hurlbert has since learned

a great deal about what goes on in her three hives. The bees have three main jobs. The role of the queen is to lay eggs that she deposits in the wax cells, with fertilized eggs becoming female worker bees and unfertilized eggs becoming male drone bees. The drones fly out of the hive and meet in places called drone congregating areas, where they find a virgin queen that belongs to another hive, and mate with her in mid-air. The drones die after the mating. The third group of bees are the worker bees, which have several jobs. They feed the larva that are developing from the eggs that the queen laid; they construct new combs or repair old ones See Beekeeping / Page 16

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Friday, September 26, 2014

A5

Two alarm fire in Middlefield home By Mark Dionne Town Times

Jon Brayshaw met with the family and pledged assistance from town services. Brayshaw also encouraged the community to donate to a special fund set up at Liberty Bank. Funds, said Brayshaw, are the best way to help a family that lost their home and possessions to a fire. Any branch of Liberty Bank will accept funds directed to “The Quincy Family Fund.” Donations can also be mailed to Liberty Bank, 486 Main St., Middlefield, CT 06455 c/o The Quincy Family Fund. See Fire / Page 7

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Smoke rises from 324 Jackson Hill Sept. 17. | Fire Department

A fire extensively damaged the family home of Dan and Cecily Quincy at 324 Jackson Hill Road in Middlefield on Wednesday, Sept. 17. According to reports, Dan Quincy was on the property at the time of the fire, and the rest of the family, which includes three school-aged children, were away. Two family dogs were lost in the fire. Multiple calls reported the fire around 11:30 a.m. and firefighters brought it under control in the early afternoon, but not before extensive damage to the structure occurred. According to Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company Chief Peter Tyc, the two alarm fire required assistance from the Durham Volunteer Fire Company and the Westfield Fire Department, which would assist for a one alarm fire, as well as companies from Middletown, Meriden, and the South Fire District of Middletown, which assist with a two alarm fire. The Meriden Fire Company provided coverage at the fire house while the other companies worked to extinguish the house fire. According to Tyc, calls

came in from as far away as Lyman Orchards Golf Course. The firefighters controlled the fire by approximately 12:30 p.m. and engaged in “extensive overhaul,” inspecting spaces like window sills, door jams, and damaged areas, until clearing out at approximately 2:45 p.m. Tyc said that with a fire strong enough to cause “extensive damage to the entire house,” he was glad no one was hurt. The fire is under investigation by Connecticut’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, formerly the state’s Fire Marshal’s Office. Middlefield First Selectmen

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A6 Friday, September 26, 2014

Town Times | towntimes.com

Calendar Friday, Sept. 26

Football - CRHS at Haddam-Killingworth, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27

Pet adoption - Cat Tales has scheduled an adoption event for Saturday, Sept. 27, 1 to 4 p.m., at VCA Cromwell Animal Hospital, 547 Main St. For more information, call Cat Tales at (860) 344-9043. Hike - WalkCT Family Ramble has scheduled a hike up Mt. Pisgah, Saturday, Sept. 27, 5:30 p.m. Hike up, have a picnic dinner and watch the sunset and the lights of the Durham Fair. Hike down the road. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a flashlight and a picnic dinner. The hike is approximately a half mile, occasionally steep, and is appropriate for all ages. Registration is required. For more information, contact Lucy at lucy@EveryoneOutside.org or (860) 395-7771. Farmer’s Market - The Dudley Farm Farmer’s Mar-

ket is scheduled every Saturday through October, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2351 Durham Road, North Guilford. Local and organic fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants, baked goods, eggs, naturally raised meats, arts and crafts, maple syrup, jams and jellies, pickles and more. Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. For more information, call (860) 349-3917 or www.dudleyfarm.com.

Monday, Sept. 29

Boys soccer - CRHS vs. Hale Ray at CRHS, 3:45 p.m. Girls volleyball - CRHS vs. Old Lyme at Old Lyme, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 30

Boys soccer - CRHS vs. Hale Ray at CRHS, 3:45 p.m. Cross country - CRHS at Haddam-Killingworth, 3:45 p.m. Girls soccer - CRHS vs. Hale Ray at CRHS, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Saturday, Oct. 4

Girls volleyball - CRHS vs. Hale-Ray at Hale-Ray, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 2

Boys soccer - CRHS vs. North Branford at CRHS, 3:45 p.m. Girls volleyball - CRHS vs. Valley Regional at CRHS, 5:30 p.m.

Hazardous Waste Collection - A household hazardous waste collection is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown. For more information, call (860) 581-8554 or visit www.rivercog.org. Football - CRHS vs. Lewis Mills at CRHS, 1 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 3

Spay-ghetti dinner - Cat Tales, Inc. has scheduled a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Friday, Oat. 3, 7 p.m., at the Fox Parish Center, 10 Elm St., Middletown. A fee is charged. Raffle and door prizes. Donations of cat food cans and paper towels earn more raffle tickets. For more information and tickets, email info@CatTalesCT.org. Girls soccer - CRHS vs. North Branford at CRHS, 3:45 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 6

Boys soccer - CRHS vs. Old Saybrook at CRHS, 3:45 p.m. Girls volleyball - CRHS vs. East Hampton at CRHS, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 7

Girls soccer - CRHS vs. Old Saybrook at CRHS, 3:45 p.m. Cross country - CRHS at Old Saybrook, 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 8

Girls soccer - CRHS vs. Two Rivers Magnet at Shea Park, 3:45 p.m.

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Girls volleyball - CRHS vs. Hyde Leadership at CRHS, 4 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 9

Garden Club - The Durham Garden Club has scheduled a “Cacti & Succulents for the Home Gardener� for Thursday, Oct. 9, 11:15 a.m., at the Durham Public Library. Matthew Opel, president of the Connecticut Cactus and Succulent Society, is scheduled to speak. College admissions program - A college admissions program is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 9, 5 to 6 p.m., at the Levi E. Coe Library. Brandon Wang has scheduled a presentation on insider tips on college admissions and standardized testing. For more information and to register, call (860) 349-3857. Boys soccer - CRHS vs. Portland, away, 3:45 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 10

Historical Society - The Durham Historical Society See Calendar / Page 7

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Friday, September 26, 2014

A7

Calendar

Saturday, Oct. 11

Historical Society - The Durham Historical Society is scheduled to be open to the public, Sunday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Artist event - Colors of the Wind Artists’ Emporium & Consignments, 360 Main St., has scheduled a trunk show/ meet the artist event for Saturday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artisan Joy Balsamo is scheduled to be featured. For more information, call (860) 788-2514. Cross country - CRHS at Wickham Invitational. Girls volleyball - CRHS vs. Morgan at CRHS, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Boys soccer - CRHS vs. Morgan at CRHS, 3:45 p.m. Girls soccer - CRHS vs. Morgan at CRHS, 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Football - CRHS vs. Enfield at CRHS, 1 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 19

Concert - New England Chamber Choir has scheduled its “High Notes and High Tea” concert for Sunday, Oct. 19, 4 p.m., at Middlefield Federated Church, 402 Main St. The program features the music of Carl Maria von Weber, including selections from Der Freischutz and Sonata No 4 in E minor, Opus 70 on piano. Donations to the choir are accepted. For more information, call (860) 349-9881.

The Quincy family home on fire Sept. 17. | Fire Department files

Fire

letter home to families. Veronesi also referred to the LibThe three Quincy children erty Bank fund and wrote, attend District 13 schools and “Our school community feels on Sept. 18 School Superinten- their loss and is supporting dent Kathryn Veronesi sent a the children in our schools From Page 5

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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Girls volleyball - CRHS vs. Cromwell at CRHS, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 16

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Friday, Oct. 17

Girls soccer - CRHS vs. Valley Regional at Valley Regional, 3:45 p.m.

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Blood drive - The American Red Cross has scheduled a blood drive for Thursday, Oct. 16, 1 to 6 p.m., at the Middlefield Federated Church, 402 Main St. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS. Boys soccer - CRHS vs. Valley Regional at Valley Regional, 3:45 p.m. Cross country - CRHS at Old Saybrook, 2:30 p.m.

and has reached out to the family to offer our sympathy and support.” Attempts to reach the Quincy family were unsuccessful at press time.

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monthly meeting is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m., at the Center School. All are welcome. Football - CRHS vs. Morgan at Peters Complex, 6:30 p.m. Girls soccer - CRHS vs. Portland, away, 3:45 p.m. Girls volleyball - CRHS vs. North Branford at North Branford, 5:30 p.m.

Girls volleyball - CRHS vs. Haddam-Killingworth at Haddam-Killingworth, 5:30 p.m.

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From Page 6

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MON.-FRI. 9-6:30, SAT. 8-6, SUN. 8-5

A8 Friday, September 26, 2014

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Opinion Vote to let more people take part in our democracy By State Sen. Ed Meyer During the last few years, the majority of states in our country have increased voting rights by, for example, permitting no excuse absentee ballots and by permitting voters to vote early before Election Day. Connecticut has not yet made those advances, but our voters will have the opportunity on Nov. 4 when we will be able to approve a ballot resolution which will open up our voting rights. Don’t miss that resolution on the top of your ballot on Election Day. The Connecticut Consti-

tution currently restricts voting by absentee ballot. A voter can only use such a ballot if he or she will be out of town or are disabled or are members of a religion that prohibits secular activity on Election Day. The Nov. 4 ballot resolution this year will allow our State Legislature to expand the absentee ballot system, probably to allow any voter for any reason to vote by absentee ballot by mail. Early voting will also be permitted if we approve the ballot resolution on Nov. 4, although the State Legislature will have the discretion

Once more to the Transfer Station By Lawrence DiBernardo A Sunday morning, 1978. Pawnee Road, Lake Beseck, Middlefield. I’m 10 years old, in and out of sleep. My Dad’s voice, restive, and a shade indirect, defers my dream: “Hey, Kid … Kid!...Wake up, Kid.” I rub my eyes and tilt my head toward the sound. “We’re going someplace really amazing today! Get dressed and meet me in the driveway.” Where could it be? See Transfer / Page 9

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

as to the conditions of such a vote. How many days before Election Day? Where can you cast your early vote and at what hours? A bill is likely to be drafted in 2015 which will describe these specific details, and a public hearing will be held on the proposal with plenty of opportunity to be heard. In my personal view, I would not like to see early voting of any more than five days be-

fore Election Day. The experience of other states which have extended these voting rights has been an increase in the number of voters by 2 percent to 10 percent. That is progress in the exercise of our fundamental voting right in a democracy. Expanded voting rights are particularly suggested by the historical fact that only about 60 percent, on the average, vote in general

elections and only about 20 percent in primary elections. For that reason, I thought it extraordinary that when our state legislature voted recently on these new voting rights, the vote was strictly partisan, all Democrats voting yes and all Republicans voting no. Let’s be more non-partisan on this issue when we vote on Nov. 4. – Ed Meyer represents the 12th Senate District.

Letters to the Editor In favor of solar farms To the editor: I read a recent article concerning solar farms being implemented for a source of power in Durham. It claims that the town can save an estimated $25,000 if these solar panels were to be installed. The article also states that this will come with a 20-year agreement with Green Skies (who I’m assuming will be maintaining the panels for that duration) after which the town can purchase the farms, extend the agreement, or have them removed entirely. The primary downside that was expressed in the article is that the panels would be considered eye sores to some. As far as I see it, saving $25,000 is enough to be unconcerned with a potential eye sore. The other one mentioned is that the second site that the town has been considering was provided to the town for conservational purposes. I can see this site being omitted for the solar farms just because of the fact that it was meant to be conservational; also, with it being less than half the size of the first site, I believe the town can find another place suitable if they need more space. I am a supporter of alternative energy, and I believe that the town could benefit greatly from these farms. Should the town agree to them, and purchase them in the coming years, then there is great potential of saving money which they can put to other endeavors. In my eyes, the benefits and profits outweigh any potential drawbacks or expenditures. Erik Johnson Durham

dlefield residents year round. Sincere thanks. Joan Lombardo Middlefield Social Services

Support for Bartolomeo

To the editor: I had the opportunity to work closely with Senator Dante Bartolomeo this past legislative session. I was one of three mothers who approached Senator Bartolomeo in September of 2013, asking her to help champion an update to CT’s concussion law, which was woefully outdated. As co-chair of the Committee on Children, she took on this challenge. She maneuvered her way through several politically charged situations, and came out a winner each time. She is an intelligent, determined and committed legislator who worked tirelessly to better the lives of Connecticut’s children, and successfully update the Concussion Law (PA 14-66). I have the utmost respect for her. The constituents of Cheshire, Meriden, Middlefield and Middletown are very fortunate to have her as their senator. Pippa Bell Ader Westport To the editor: It’s time to vote for the re-election of Dante Bartolomeo for state Senate. As a mother with a child with life-changing concussions, I had the pleasure and honor of working with Dante Bartolomeo. She championed the efforts to pass concussion legislation to make sports safer for our children, which passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. As a legislator, Dante listened and worked persistently to get results. She understands her role as an advocate for children Thanks for answering the call and families and takes her responsibility to be To the editor: Thank you to all who donated to the Mid- a strong voice in Hartford seriously. We need Dante Bartolomeo in the state dlefield Food Bank. The community response has been overwhelming! Even neighboring Senate, so that she can work for all of us in towns brought food in. Our food bank is now Connecticut. Diana Coyne full again. Thanks to your generosity we are Westport able to provide non-perishable food to Mid-

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Transfer From Page 8

In the Datsun, something doesn’t smell quite right. I look over the back seats, into the hatch, to find it is full of garbage bags. “Dad, are we – “ “Yep.” He rests an elbow out his open window, testing the breeze. “You got it, Kid; the dump.” “Dad, I’m not sure the dump is a special place.” “Not special?... Not special?” He looks crestfallen for a moment, but then he rallies. “The dump happens to be one of the most fascinating places in town.” He delineates the positives of the dump, from the social aspects, to the sights, sounds and smells. By the time we get there, the lesson has settled in: Real life isn’t special, at least not in any way a 10-year-old can fathom. Flash forward 36 years. It’s Saturday morning. I’ve got the garbage and the recycling and some other items in the back, and it’s a nice moment. Thing is, I sincerely enjoy going to what is now called, in politically correct usage, the “transfer station.” The question, though, is, why? Why do I so enjoy the transfer station? As I work out the answers, one word that comes to mind is catharsis: A cleansing, a renewal. I feel better, and my family feels better, as I dispassionately haul stuff out of our house. Obviously the garbage has to go, but the bigger payoff is when I get rid of some things associated with questions that have haunted me for some time. Questions like, who in his right mind would want to buy that “antique” chicken coop rotting in the corner of the basement? Would someone really want a used car seat? Why have I been waiting so long for this vacuum cleaner to spontaneously regenerate? The physical act of throwing stuff away is also brilliant. The bins have just the right echo effect at impact. I like an empty bin best. Lots of fun … most of the time. Once, by mistake, I threw an entire bag of glass bottles into the wrong bin. Everyone knew, at the sound of the glass and at my expression, that I had made an error. Little league

Friday, September 26, 2014

all over again. And that’s the crux: The dump is a surprisingly complex place, from the intellectual to the social, the ethical, the philosophical: What to throw away? Where? Am I sure? Should I ask someone?... Should I say hello to person X, who I haven’t seen in a while, while person Y waits for us to clear off? If yes, what is my time window?... If the parking spaces are taken, should I park over on the other side, near where the goats used to reside, and walk my garbage over to the bin? Wouldn’t that course of action just confuse everyone? ... If I’m the only one arriving up at the lot near the garbage, with no one else in sight, do I back the car up, or just pull forward? All this thinking has made me want to ask the experts. Me: What’s the craziest thing someone has ever left here? Attendant: Well, someone left *##**#. And that is the last superfluous question I will ever ask while at the transfer station. As I drive past the little gate house, with my window down, I think of my Dad, and take one more deep breath. They say the sense of smell is best for bringing back memories. – The writer resides in Durham.

A9

State Foley defends record at Pennsylvania company MIDDLETOWN (AP) — Connecticut Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley says he ultimately saved unionized workers’ jobs following a lengthy strike at a Pennsylvania plant he previously owned. He said Sept. 18 that hiring replacement workers during the early 1990s was “one of the tougher decisions” he made during his business career, but contends Connecticut needs that type of leadership. Union leaders who support Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy are criticizing Foley’s handling of the strike at T.B. Wood’s Sons Co., which lasted about three years. Lori Pelletier, executive secretary of the Connecticut AFLCIO, said Foley’s past as a businessman is “ugly” for workers. Foley said replacement employees were hired to keep the plant running after the union refused to recommend its members return to work. He said most workers got their old jobs back. Employers shed 3,600

Political letters policy For Letters to the Editor regarding any candidates or issues that involve the political season, Town Times will only accept and publish letters that are 100 words or less. This policy is in keeping with the policy of the Record-Journal and is now in effect. The last edition for which we will publish letters of a political nature is Oct. 24. We ask writers to focus on their candidate’s worthiness for office and refrain from personal attacks on individuals. As always, we reserve the right to edit letters or to not publish a letter. Letters should contain contact information, including, full name, address and phone number. Only your name and town will be published. If you have a specific role in politics or the political process, please include that information. Letters on other topics will continue to be accepted up to a 300-word limit. Send letters to news@towntimes.com or Town Times, P.O. Box 915, Meriden, CT 06450.

jobs in August WETHERSFIELD (AP) — The state Labor Department says employers in Connecticut cut 3,600 jobs in August, with schools taking a hit due to a quirk in statistical sampling. Officials said Sept. 18 the state’s unemployment rate of 6.6 percent was unchanged from July. It’s the lowest since December 2008 when the rate was 6.7 percent. The jobs loss broke a sixmonth string of gains. The private sector, which comprises about 86 percent of Connecticut’s employment, added jobs for the seventh consecutive month. Department research director Andy Condon says the halt in employment growth could be due to early sampling in August compared with the typical return of public school educators and support staff. Despite the downturn in August, Connecticut’s nonfarm employment has increased 5,600 jobs since August 2013, an increase of 0.3 percent.

Hundreds pour out to clean beaches NEW HAVEN (AP) — Hundreds of volunteers in scuba gears, kayaks and on foot have spent part of the weekend cleaning up Connecticut beaches and streams as part of the annual International Coastal Cleanup. Laura McMillan of the Save the Sound environmental group says an estimated 700 volunteers were involved in 21 cleanups that occurred Saturday. Others are expected to collect trash from beaches and other waterways on weekends throughout this and the next month. Highlights of this weekend’s initiative include a scuba dive cleanup in New London, a kayak operation in Norwalk and an inland river cleanup on the Scantic River. Volunteers catalog each piece of trash they collect, helping environmental groups paint a global picture of marine debris. Last year, 1,554 volunteers cleaned up nearly 8,800 See Foley / Page 14

Government Meetings

Durham (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held at the Durham Library. Check the town website at www.townofdurhamct. org for updates.) Tuesday, Sept. 30 Ethic’s Commission, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1 Planning & Zoning, library, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 D.A.R.T. Durham Animal Response Team, library, 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 Board of Selectmen, CRHS, 7 p.m. Fire Department Trustees, Durham Firehouse, 7 p.m. Annual Town Meeting, CRHS, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 Town Green Tree Design committee, library, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 Board of Education, John Lyman

Elementary School, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9 Zoning Board of Appeals, Town Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Middlefield Wednesday, Oct. 1 WPCA, 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 Board of Selectmen, Middlefield Community Center, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 Board of Education, John Lyman Elementary School, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16 Board of Finance, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 Board of Selectmen, Middlefield Community Center, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 Board of Education, Strong School, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m.

A10 Friday, September 26, 2014

Town Times | towntimes.com

Health Flu vaccination advisory The Durham Health Department recommends residents obtain a flu vaccine during October. Residents have become accustom to flu clinics sponsored by Mass Dispensing Area 36,

comprised of Middletown, Cromwell, Middlefield and Durham. Funding for the clinics has been depleted and the MDA 36 clinics will not be held. Residents are urged to seek vaccinations at their pri-

mary health care providers, walk-in clinics, pharmacies and other businesses. Some employers and college based health centers may offer influenza vaccinations, also. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. Children between 6 months and 8 years may need two doses to be fully protected from the flu. Children younger than 6 months are at higher risk of serious flu complications, but are too young to get a flu vaccine. Safeguarding the infants from the flu is very important. Therefore, if you live with or care for a child less than 6 months old, you should obtain a flu vaccine to help protect them from the flu. In addition to getting vaccinated, everyone should take preventative actions such as staying away from sick people and washing your hands often to reduce the spread of

germs. If you are sick with the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the flu to others. According to the CDC, various manufacturers have produced trivalent (three component) influenza vaccines for the United States, including intramuscular, intradermal, and nasal spray vaccines. Some seasonal flu vaccines have been comprised to protect against four (quadrivalent) flu viruses. Roughly half of the doses that have been produced are quadrivalent. Flu vaccines are formulated to protect against the most common flu viruses that have been circulating. These are influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B viruses. All of the 2014-2015 flu vaccine has been formulated to protect against the following viruses: an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus; an A /Texas/50/2012 (H3N2)like virus; a B/Massachu-

setts/2/2012-like virus. The quadrivalent vaccine will protect against an additional B virus, the B/Brisbane/06/2008-like virus. It is possible get sick from the flu despite being vaccinated if you were exposed shortly before receiving the vaccine or you were exposed to a virus not contained in the vaccine. Also, some older people and people with chronic illnesses may develop less immunity after vaccination. Flu vaccination is still the best way to protect oneself against seasonal influenza. If you come down with the flu, there are medications that can lessen the severity of the illness. They are antiviral drugs that can prevent serious complications like pneumonia. Immediately contact your health care provider concerning the administering of the antiviral if you suspect having the flu.

Library Briefs

Levi E. Coe Library

at the fair. Stop by or call the library at (860) 349-3857 or sign up.

Library hours: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Fridays. The library is scheduled to be closed Saturday, Sept. 27, for the Durham Fair. Volunteers are needed for the Levi E. Coe coffee booth

standardized testing. For more information and to register, call (860) 349-3857.

College Admissions Passes, Zinio Levi E. Coe Library Explained

Thursday, Oct. 9, 5 to 6 p.m., at the Levi E. Coe Library. Brandon Wang, a recent graduate of Yale University, has scheduled a presentation on insider tips on college admissions and

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Friday, September 26, 2014

PET OF THE WEEK

Library From Page 10

Programs for Children

Mia is a black, domestic short hair female. She is a playful, almost 1-year-old. Mia is a sweet, affectionate cat who loves attention and to be held. She would make a wonderful addition to someone’s home and family. For more information, call Cat Tales at (860) 344-9043 or email info@CatTalesCT.org.

Representatives to hold ‘office hours’ Rep. Candelora represents of North Branford, Durham, State Rep. Noreen Kokoruda (R-101) and State Rep. Vincent the 86th District communities Guilford and Wallingford. Candelora (R-86) have scheduled an “Office Hours” event for Tuesday, Sept. 30 to meet with residents of Durham, Madison, Guilford, North Branford and Wallingford. Residents may discuss state issues and local concerns with Kokoruda and Candelora l at Perk On Main, 6 Main St., 8 to 9:30 a.m. Those who are unable to attend, but would like to voice a concern, should contact call (800) 842-1423 or email noreen.kokoruda@cga.ct.gov or vincent.candelora@cga.ct.gov. Rep. Kokoruda represents the 101st District communities of Durham and Madison.

A11

Preschool programs are underway - Drop in. Bouncing Babies! (birth -crawlers). Mondays, 11 a.m. Mother Goose Storytime (walkers - 30 months). Mondays, 10:15 a.m. Time for Tots (2 1/2 - 3 1/2 years). Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. Preschool Storytime (3 1/2 - 5 years). Tuesdays, 10:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Bedtime Storytime (ages 1 to 5 years). Mondays, 6:30 p.m. Scratch Programming (8 to 11 years). Thursdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16 at 6:30 p.m. Learn computer programming using the free Scratch programming language. Each week builds on the previous week. Registration is required. Visit www.durhamlibrary. org/kids/programs for a full schedule of events.

Programs for young adults Super Smash Bros. Brawl League (ages 12 to 18). Every Thursday, 4 to 5 p.m. Drop in. Teen LEGO Club (ages 12 to 18). Tuesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m. Compete on a different theme each month. Teen Knitting Club (ages 10 to 18). Wednesday, Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m. Needles and yarn available for new knitters. Drop-in.

Programs for adults

Book Lover’s Circle Wednesday, Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. “The News from Spain” by Joan Wickersham. All are welcome. Movie Matinees - Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Oct. 2 - “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Oct. 9 - “August: Osage County.”

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Sports DEVILS CRUISE IN WEEK 2

The Coginchaug Blue Devils defeated the Hyde Howling Wolves of New Haven on Saturday, 42-14. Coginchaug was led by a stifling defense that at one point caused three straight defensive turnovers that resulted in three scores: one from senior Josh Smith, who scooped up a loose ball and rumbled 35 yards to the endzone, another from Devin Rodrigue, who intercepted a pass and darted 34 yards to paydirt. And lastly, Andrew Van Steenbergen, who took a pick-six 40 yards for a score. Van Steenbergen also blocked an extra point and recovered a fumble. It was another great all-around game for the Blue Devils, who are 2-0 on the young season. Coginchaug will travel to Higganum to take on the Cougars of HaddamKillingworth Friday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

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Friday, September 26, 2014

A13

Foley puts headquarters in Southington

CALL HER ‘CAPTAIN’

By Jesse Buchanan Special to Town Times

Tom Foley campaign signs cover the windows of the second story of a downtown building, marking the state headquarters of the Republican gubernatorial candidate. The building at 20 N. Main Street has offices for Foley’s campaign staff and a large room with tables and phones for volunteers. Foley signs and maps line the walls. “It gets packed from the hours of four to eight,” said Mark McNulty, Foley’s spokesman. Southington was chosen as a central location, McNulty said. The campaign has other satellite offices throughout the state. “This is just an easy place to disburse people,” McNulty said. Foley, a Greenwich resident, is the Republican challenger to Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. Southington Republicans backed Foley in the state nominating convention. Southington benefits from volunteers, staffers and politicians who’ll visit Foley’s headquarters, said Brian Cal-

Durham resident Anni Garvy (’15) has been chosen as a varsity team captain by her Cheshire Academy volleyball teammates for the fall sports season. Teams vote for their captains based on a number of qualifications including leadership and knowledge of the sport.

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Commerce, said the headquarters was unlikely to result in a noticeable economic boost but was pleased that Southington was chosen. “It’s a nice compliment to Southington,” Secondo said. Malloy spoke at a chamber event at the Manor Inn recently. Foley is also scheduled to speak at the Manor Inn at a chamber event on Oct. 15. The building at 20 N. Main St. is owned by developer Mathew Florian. He could not be reached for comment.

Town Times Service Directory

School News Coginchaug Regional High School has scheduled a bus trip fundraiser to Mohegan Sun Casino for Saturday, Oct. 25. Bus is scheduled to leave CRHS at 4 p.m. to return at 11 p.m. Fee includes food/betting credit. For more information, email Pat Fontaine at leopatmattkyle@yahoo. com.

lahan, the Republican town chairman. “We’ve got a lot of people coming to Southington — big Republican names,” Callahan said. “It’s bringing a lot of people to the downtown area of Southington who have never been to the downtown.” Ed Rosenblatt, Southington’s Democratic town chairman, questioned why Foley wouldn’t have his main headquarters in Hartford. Art Secondo, president of the Southington Chamber of

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A14 Friday, September 26, 2014

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Seniors

Religious Briefs Notre Dame Church

Senior Happenings Medicare options The Durham Activity center has scheduled a program regarding Medicare options for Monday, Oct. 6, 1 p.m. Laura Crews is scheduled to talk about available plans, and more. For more information, call (860) 349-3153.

Admission fee is charged for some places. Transportation is free for Durham and Middlefield residents. For more information and to make reservations, call St. Luke’s at (860) 347-5661.

Attorney series

appreciated. For more information, call (860) 349-7121.

Scrabble

The Middlefield Senior Center Scrabble Group meets Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. at the Middlefield Senior Center. The group is looking for more players. All are welcome. For more information, call (860) 349-7121.

The Middlefield Senior Center has scheduled a series of talks on topics that directly Day trips affect seniors. Middlefield atOctober trips: Wednesday, Oct. 8 - The torney Edward Lang is sched- 60+ Club day trips uled to speak as follows: Quabbin Reservoir. The 60+ Club has schedFriday, Oct. 10 - Planning uled the following day trips. We d n e s d a y, O c t . 1 5 for Medicaid and use of - Sturbridge. Oct. 14 - Oktoberfest. Tuesday, Oct. 28 - Quadran- trusts, 1 p.m. Nov. 6 - Costa Azzurra, all Friday, Nov. 7 - The Probate about the 50s. gle Museum. Wednesday, Oct. 29 - Process, 1 p.m. For more information, call R.S.V.P. is not necessary, but (860) 346-0724. Northampton, Massachusetts.

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

Harvest dinner

Partnership for Sharing has scheduled its annual Harvest Dinner for Saturday, Oct. 18, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Third Congregational Church, 94 Miner St., Middletown. A fee is charged. The dinner is an all-you-can-eat pork roast dinner. Take out is available.

Estate planning seminar set for Oct. 15 Local attorney Joseph E. Fournier, Esq. will host an estate planning educational seminar Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6 p.m., at the Middlesex YMCA, 99 Union St., Middletown. This estate planning overview will cover some basic and essential topics for you and your family to consider.

Town Times Service Directory

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From Page 9

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pounds of trash from 44 Connecticut beaches. Cheshire seeks to launch police e-ticketing CHESHIRE (AP) — The Cheshire Police Department is seeking state money to set up electronic ticketing of motorists. Police Chief Neil Dryfe says Cheshire police are looking to automate ticketing to avoid what is now a detailed, manual process. Lt. Brian Pichnarcik says 12 cars in the department’s fleet have the technology to issue “e-tickets,” but the practice is not widely used. He said about 70 percent of the state’s towns use the tickets in some form. No departments issue electronic warnings. Electronic tickets are printed by laser printers attached to onboard computers in patrol cars. Officers type drivers’ license numbers and license plates into the computer, which transfers personal and vehicle information onto the ticket. Data also are uploaded to the department’s records management system and the state’s Centralized Infractions Bureau can gain instant access.

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, September 26, 2014

Quincy family fund

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| Mark Dionne / Town Times

rides, and barns prepared. Tuesday, many of the midway rides, including the roller coaster – so big it requires an extra charge – and the Ferris Wheel, were in place, just waiting

for riders. Volunteers engaged in some booth beautification projects or, in the case of the Redneck Arena, mudification work. —Mark Dionne

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Town Times Service Directory

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Durham Recreation has scheduled hip hop dance classes for children. Classes are scheduled to meet at the Durham Activity Center, 350 Main St., Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, Nov. 6, 13, 20 and Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Session 1, for ages 4 to 5, meets 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Session 2, for ages 6 to 9, meets, 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit townof durhamct.org.

Enza contemplates retrieving her dog toy and becoming an early tester of the Redneck Arena’s mudpit.

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Hip hop dance class

The 95th annual Durham Fair opened Thursday, Sept. 25 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 28. Workers and volunteers on the grounds were working in advance getting the booths,

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The Durham Garden Club is accepting orders for holiday wreaths. The wreaths, available in 12 inch and 30 inch, will be available for Dec. 6 delivery. Proceeds benefit the club’s many projects. Order deadline is Oct. 31. For more information, call Flo Flynn at (860) 349-0504.

The Middletown Elks booth opened Tuesday. Jo-Ann Siena and her son Jeff Siena, both of Durham and longtime Elks volunteers, staffed the counter, serving nearly a full menu to workers and volunteers. | Mark Dionne / Town Times

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The Middlefield Social Services Department has established a fund at Liberty Bank to benefit the Quincy family, who lost their home to a fire recently. Donations (of any size) may be made at any Liberty Bank branch or mailed to Liberty Bank, 486 Main St., Middlefield, CT 06455, c/o the Quincy Family Fund.

A15

A16 Friday, September 26, 2014

Town Times | towntimes.com

Beekeeping

Teen driving video contest

Hurlbert inspects the hives once a week “when business is booming and there’s a lot of nectar and pollen flowing in.” She makes sure they have enough room to expand their nests, and she checks for diseases (which can be treated) and the overall strength of the hive. She puts a mouse guard on the entrance so that the mice, looking for warmth, do not move in for the winter. And when she extracts honey (she can get up to 100 pounds from each hive), she makes sure she leaves enough to carry the bees through the winter. In the spring she makes sure that the queen has started laying eggs again. If she is not laying well, Hurbert can order a new queen and replace her. She also checks for disease, space, and activity. “In the winter

From Page 4

The Department of Motor Vehicles has announced the 7th annual Department of Motor Vehicles and Travelers teen safe driving video contest. “Steer Your Friends in the Right Direction,” is open to all Connecticut public and private high school students, including home schooled. The 25-second videos must illustrate two or more of the state’s teen driving laws. Deadline for submitting a video is Jan. 14, with winners announced in April. For information and rules, visit www.ct.gov/ teendriving/contest. Prizes are awarded to the high schools of the students creating the top five winning videos.

with wax produced from their glands; they gather nectar and pollen; and they guard the entrance of the hive. The life of a bee gives new meaning to the phrase “Long live the queen.” The queen can live for several years, but her productivity drops. When that happens the workers build a queen cell cup and raise a new queen. If the old queen is still there when the new queen (who is one of her daughters) is born, they will fight it out. Whoever is left standing takes the throne. “The queen is physically different,” Hurlbert said. “Royal jelly, made from glands of the workers and fed to the larva, is what turns an egg into a queen.”

Friday Night Bridge Durham Recreation has started its third successful year with a growing number of people playing and or learning how to play bridge at the Durham-Middlefield community center every Friday at 6:15 p.m. Classes can adapt to any persons needs or concerns. For more information, call Jim Martinelli at (860) 346-6611.

Town Times Service Directory

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the colony is not as big,” she said, “but you should see the number of bees building up as the spring progresses.” Hurlbert has, indeed, found her passion. “I love beekeeping because it’s calming and fascinating,” she said, “and it feels good to be hanging out with nature. Honeybees are important, because a third of what we eat requires pollination. They’re amazing creatures, with their common purpose and the way they work together. We can learn a lot from them.”

Fair From Page 1

the fair, but most of them were not big animal rights advocates. The real issue, for them, was that elephants simply don’t belong at the Durham Fair. At the same time, I couldn’t help but notice last year that every time I passed by the elephant performances, they never failed to draw a crowd. Perhaps this was a time when the fair leaned too far to serving the 200,000 rather than the 10,000 (approximately the combined population of our towns). Regardless, this year the trick performing elephants have been replaced by the far less controversial trick performing dogs of Mutts Gone Nuts, which feature rescue dogs trained exclusively with positive reinforcement. Fortunately, we’ll always have the first day of the fair, when most of the people you see are locals. When I was growing up, that day was Friday, but now, as my younger sister patiently explained to me last year, it’s Thursday. And, although I’m sure the Fair Committee wishes it weren’t so, there will always be years of heavy rainstorms, when out of town turnout is low but the rest of us have a great time huddling together under pavilions. These are the times the fair is ours alone – and so long as we still have our share, there’s no reason not to share and share alike.

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, September 26, 2014

A17

Doctor: Think twice about lawn care options

See Lawn / Page 18

Cheshire’s ballfields at Bartlem Park are maintained by using natural, pestide-free lawn care.

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Toxic chemicals are all around us. They are “in the food, they are in the water we drink, in the air we breathe, and they can actually get into our bodies through our skin,” said Dr. Jerry Silbert of The Watershed Foundation during his recent presentation, “Our Health in the Balance: Toxic Lawn Pesticides and Chemical Trespass,” at the Cheshire Public Library on Sept. 9. As executive director of The Watershed Foundation, a non-profit environmental advocacy group, Silbert also is a physician trained in pathology, laboratory medicine, and environmental health, who wants to inform the public about the dangers of chemicals and pesticides, those used in food production, and those seemingly innocuous chemicals used to make grass the envy of the neighborhood. Lawn chemicals come under the general heading of toxic chemical trespass. They are chemicals, which “can cause us harm, and get into our bodies without our consent,” Silbert said. “The first sign of spring in my neighborhood is all the yellow pesticide cards on the neighbors’ lawns,” said Margaret Best, a local resident attending the talk. “We are surrounded by pesticides.” Best has not used pesticides on her own property for more than 21 years. However, the pesticide overspray from the lawn services was also on the walkways — her sidewalk, too. “It gets picked up on the dog’s feet, he chews on his feet as a result and gets poisoned. It’s just nuts,” she said in exasperation. “It’s just all over.” What is needed is education, offered Silbert. “Just because you can buy it in a store, doesn’t mean it’s safe,” he said. Almost on cue, a man from the audience speaks up to explain he works at a local store. Homeowners come in asking for lawn pesticides that are safe for kids and pets. The man explains to them,

“There is no such thing.” Karen Schnitzer spoke up in frustration about pesticide use at her condo complex. Spring comes and they spray pesticides, she said. “I wait all winter for the birds to come. The birds arrive and everything they are eating is poisoned.” Chemicals affect all living things. Many toxic chemicals can damage organs, and cause birth defects, said Silbert. He told the audience about chemical sensitivities that may also occur, triggering allergies or asthma, or damaging cells, which may cause cancer, and the disruption or interference with hormones, particularly in the

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Special to Town Times

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By Joy VanderLek

Wallingford: (203) 265-7328 Toll Free: (800) 269-0948 www.RidOfBugs.com

Connecticut Business License # B-2045

A18 Friday, September 26, 2014

Town Times | towntimes.com

Lawn From Page 17

early developmental stages of human growth. Gene mutations in genetic material can result, and the most recent research shows “changes in the genes” which can then be transmitted to future generations, he said. “That’s important in terms of how toxic chemicals can affect us.” Silbert showed statistics from the National Cancer Institute pointing to a “uniform increase” in the numbers of a variety of childhood cancers. “This can not just be due to inherited genetic mutations,” said Silbert. “This is something environmental that is going on that is causing this.” Posting statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder on the room’s projection screen, Silbert said ASD has “become remarkably preva-

Football field at Cheshire High School is healthy and looks good without the use of toxic pesticides. The town of Cheshire’s parks and playing fields are pesticide-free.

Town Times Service Directory

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lent in recent years.” Silbert is convinced the increases are related to environmental toxins. From baby and water bottles made with BPAs, to Genetically Modified foods (GMs or GMOs), toxins used in infant flame-retardant sleepwear and lawn chemicals, “It doesn’t just happen randomly. There is something going on,” he said. To that end, Silbert approached Cheshire town officials early on, to prove natural lawn care would achieve the same results, good-looking fields and parks, that would also be safer for the town and its children. “Cheshire has gone above and beyond what is mandated by law and has all its school fields, parks and playing fields free of toxic pesticides,” said Silbert. Silbert showed examples of the Cheshire High School field hockey and football fields using non-toxic, natural practices. “These are perfectly playable, good-looking fields.” Inviting everyone to look closely, Silbert pointed out white areas of clover. Many landscapers would consider it a weed, but clover used to be added to lawns because clover and grass naturally grow together, he said. “They help each other out.” Clover is a natural fertilizer for the grass. “It’s good for the grass.” This is the proof that if you restore the health of the soil, you get good healthy grass, and you don’t need to use toxic pesticides. Using chemicals decreases the fertility of the soil, he said. “You kill the worms, and the healthy organisms.” Silbert’s lawn at his own home is not a lawn, he said. “I grow moss. I have a lot of shade.”

860-349-0303

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We’d love to print it along with your photos. Send to: The Town Times P.O. Box 265 Middlefield, CT 06455 news@towntimes.com

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Friday, September 26, 2014

WINGS OF FREEDOM

A19

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Local photographer Stephen Cieslewski was on hand when The Wings of Freedom tour made a stop at WaterburyOxford Airport Sept. 5-7. This ‘Living History’ event from the Collings Foundation was part of a 110-city tour. Visitors were able to do a walk through of WWII era B-17F and B-24 Liberator heavy bombers. A P-51 Mustang fighter also took part. Veterans and volunteers were on hand to answer questions giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about their heritage through direct participation.

Durham Senior Café September birthday celebration. From left: Cheryl Siegel, Amanda Pedersen, Pam Fox, Peg Atwell and Mary DiMella.

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Cat Tales, a nonprofit rescue, is seeking foster care volunteers to provide temporary housing for cats and kittens. Volunteers will prepare the cats for adoption and prevent overcrowding in the shelter. Cat Tales will provide food, supplies, and medications, and all vet care. Volunteers will be responsible for daily feeding, play and attention, administering medications, following special dietary plans, handling the cat into and out of a carrier, and transporting cats to veterinary appointments. For more information, call (860) 344-9043 or info@ CatTalesCT.org.

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Call Lori Townsend (203) 265-1821

Seeking feline foster care volunteers

A20 Friday, September 26, 2014

Town Times | towntimes.com

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