Middlebury Bee January 2015 by Mario-Design

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Bee Intelligencer AN INDEPENDENTLY OWNED FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Informing the towns of Middlebury, Southbury, Woodbury, Naugatuck, Oxford and Watertown

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Volume XI, No. 1

January 2015

P&Z hearings move to January By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE The Middlebury Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) at its Dec. 4 meeting continued two public hearings, discussed possible regulation changes at Tyler Cove, and obtained a permit for unauthorized excavation on Middlebury Road. At its Nov. 6 meeting, the commission approved renewal of an excavation and grading permit for Middlebury Land Development LLC for Benson Woods and a Quassy Amusement Park site-plan modification to add a snack bar, candy store, two water slides and a new maintenance building. Also, in response to a request from attorney Stephen Savarese, they agreed to write a letter to the Connecticut Siting Council opposing the proposed CPV Towantic Energy Center at Oxford Airport that would be 500 feet from the Middlebury town line. In December, the commission continued until Jan. 8 a decision on changes to Section 22.7 of the zoning regulations for calculating the resale of affordable housing in the Brookside development. Town attorney Dana D’Angelo requested the continuance, saying written comments from the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (COG) had not yet been received. The commission had decided at its November meeting it would allow surrounding towns to comment on the proposed changes before proceeding. The affordable housing regulations, originally worded for the Steeplechase subdivision, were applied to Brookside in 2003. Attorney Michael McVerry told commissioners in November it took about eight months to sell such a house last year because the formula in the Brookside property declaration was not part of the regulations. D’Angelo said her proposed change would clean up the wording and tie it to Connecticut state statutes. The change also would broaden the definition of moderate income from the Waterbury metropolitan statistical area

to the more general Litchfield and New Haven County statistics. Also continued until Jan. 8 was a public hearing for a special exception for a 4-foot-by-8-foot sign at the former Golden Age of Trucking Museum at 1067 Southford Road because the new owner, Dr. Dean Yimoyines, d/b/a JSD Partners LLC, did not appear. At the November meeting, commissioners approved a change in use to warehouse and retail space. Yimoyines told commissioners the majority of the building would be used by Middlebury Consignment as warehouse space to process shipping and receiving, with some sales made out of the front of the building. He was told at that meeting to apply for a special exception for the sign, which he said was needed to guide people to the building. In an informal discussion with commissioners, D’Angelo said McVerrry advised her that residents of the 38-unit Tyler Cove Association would be seeking to change the zoning regulations applicable to their Lake Quassapaug condominium community. She said this might be a good time for the commission to review and possibly clean up controversial parts of the Lake Quassapaug Preservation District regulating the nearby West Shore Homeowners Association (WSHA). The preservation district, known as Section 25 in the zoning regulations, was adopted in November 2013 for the 26-unit WSHA to permit limited cottage expansions, but those regulations were later said to be flawed by commissioner Erika Carrington and others because of inconsistencies in the “before” and “after” calculations used to determine square footage. Those inconsistencies were discussed at the November meeting when commissioners denied without prejudice an application to expand a 1,161-square-foot seasonal cottage at 2 West Lake Road on Lake Quassapaug. Commissioners were assured by WSHA president John Butkus that

– See P&Z on page 3

Armed robber hits Sullivan’s Jewelers Middlebury Police Chief James Viadero said a male wearing a dark hoodie, black ski mask and gloves, and carrying a duffle bag entered Sullivan Jewelers at 403 Middlebury Road in Middlebury Thursday, Dec. 11, at approximately 6:45 p.m. He produced a black handgun, ordered the employees onto the floor and began removing items from a jewelry tray. The man was very calm and stressed he would not hurt anyone. Prior to exiting the store, he smashed a glass jewelry case and removed additional jewelry. Store employees described him as being of medium build, possibly in his mid-twenties and white, which was observed through a portion of the mask that exposed his eyes. Middlebury Police asked the

Connecticut Sate Police Major Crimes Unit to assist in processing the crime scene for forensic evidence. Officers from the Middlebury Police Department were conducting a canvas of the area and are in the process of obtaining possible video footage from area businesses. No vehicle information was provided by witnesses. An undetermined amount of jewelry was taken, and an inventory will be conducted by the owner upon completion of the scene processing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Middlebury Police Department at 203-5774033. All information will be kept confidential. All employees present at the time of the incident were unharmed. The incident occurred just prior to the normal closing time of 7 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday

Inside this Issue Book Review................... 2 Senior Center Events....2, 3 Classifieds....................... 7 Diversified Tax Tidbits....... 5 Community Calendar....... 2 This is a Hammer............. 7 In Brief............................ 4 Varsity Sports Calendar.... 6 Library Happenings.......... 2 Winning Ways................. 6

Editorial Office: Email: mbisubmit@gmail.com Phone: 203-577-6800 Mail: P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 Advertising Sales: Email: mbiadvertising@gmail.com

Upcoming Events

Adoptable Pets................ 8 Obituaries....................... 5

Jan. 3 & 4

State Sen. Joan Hartley speaks at a press conference on the Towantic Energy Center Monday at Oxford Airport. Also speaking were, left to right, State Sen. Joe Crisco, flight instructor Burt Stevens, pilot Vince Calio and pilot Tracy Anastas. Middlebury First Selectman Ed St. John is behind Hartley.

Power plant a risk to aviation By MARJORIE NEEDHAM Monday, Dec. 29, State Sen. Joan Hartley told a group of about 60 people the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released information showing the proposed Towantic Energy Center’s administrative building will pose a hazard to air traffic at Oxford Airport. The power plant to be built by Competitive Power Ventures (CPV) also was designed with two 150-foot high stacks. It will be roughly a half mile from the airport. Hartley said an FAA letter dated Nov. 17, 2014, was sent to CPV’s project manager, Andrew Bazinet. It said the FAA conducted an aeronautical study and found the structure “is presumed to be a hazard to air navigation.” The FAA said CPV could resolve the plant’s issues by reducing the structure’s height to 46 feet above ground level from 52 feet above ground level. Other options are further study that includes public comment and could last up to 120 days or a request to terminate the study. CPV has 60 days from the date of the letter to resolve the issue. If it does not do so, it will have to reactivate the study by filing a new FAA Form 7460-1. Hartley and other speakers stood in front of a chain link fence in the parking lot of the 121 Restaurant at 7 Juliano Drive in Oxford. On the other side of the fence, several single-engine airplanes belonging to the Oxford Flying Club waited for their pilots. Hartley was joined by State Sen. Joe Crisco and Middlebury First Selectman Ed St. John, along with Master Certified Flight Instructor Burt Stevens, pilot Vince Calio (a member of the Flying 20’s Flying Club in Danbury) and pilot Tracy Anastas, who frequently flies out of Oxford Airport. Stevens expressed concern for student pilots who would be flying about 700 feet above the power plant. Although he would tell his students to avoid flying into the plumes from the power plant stacks, he was concerned a pilot from another area might not know about the plumes. He said they could get their plane into an unusual attitude and be unable to recover before crashing the plane. “I’m not concerned with the physical height of the stacks,” he said. “I’m concerned with what is coming out of the stacks, with

Attorney Steven Savarese, left, and Ray Pietrorazio, both of Middlebury, were representing Middlebury’s interests at the Monday press conference along with Middlebury First Selectman Ed St. John (not shown). (Marjorie Needham photos) the velocity and the volume.” He said the turbulence caused by the effluent is much more significant for small planes like those he uses for instruction. Anastas said having the power plant near the airport will affect how she flies into and out of the airport. When she circles to land, if there is low cloud cover and she comes down through that cover as she is flying over the stacks, she said the turbulence from the stacks could force the plane back up into the clouds and she would have to go around again. Barbara Berg, a resident of Oxford Greens, said, “We’re here with our walkers and our

canes. We’re opposed to the plant for safety and health reasons.” Thursday, Jan. 15, members of the Connecticut Siting Council will be in Oxford at 3 p.m. for a field review of the Towantic Energy Center site on Woodruff Hill Road and then will hear public comments in the auditorium at Oxford High School at 6:30 p.m. They also will hear cross examination by parties and intervenors who have submitted testimony in advance (by Jan. 8, 2015). The cross examination will start before the public comments period and continue after it.

St John of the Cross Bottle Drive

What: Bottle and can drive to benefit Mission Trip 2015 When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon; Sunday after all masses Where: St. John of the Cross Parish House at 1321 Whittemore Road in Middlebury

MVFD chooses poster contest winners

Special Town Meeting

MOnday Jan. 5

THURSday Jan. 15

What: When: Where:

To appropriate $80,000 to Reserve Account 30-71-00-6092 Reserve for Professional Services from Reserve Account 30-71-20-6092 Reserve Account for Town Facility Improvement/Land/Open Space from the Open Space balance. 6:30 p.m. Shepardson Community Center, Room 26, 1172 Whittemore Road, Middlebury

Connecticut Siting Council Towantic Energy Center Field Review and Hearing What: When: Where:

As part of the approval process, the Connecticut Siting Council will visit the site of the proposed Towantic Energy Center and then hear public comments. 3 p.m. for site visit; 6:30 p.m. for public comments Woodruff Hill Road in Oxford for the field review; Oxford High School auditorium for public comments

Page 3

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The Bee-Intelligencer

Library Happenings

Middlebury Community Calendar

Middlebury

In Story Time and Crafts for all ages and Thursdays at 6 p.m., the library offers a PJ Stories and Crafts program.

Brown Bag Book Discussion Group

Betsy Rogers-Knox exhibit

The Brown Bag Book Discussion Group will meet Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 1 p.m. to discuss Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist.” New members are welcome. The Middlebury Public Library is at 30 Crest Road. The telephone number is 203-7582634, and the website is middleburypubliclibrary.org.

Naugatuck Where is your living will? Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., learn about a living will in the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging’s First Tuesday Roundtable Chat. When we can’t speak for ourselves, how can we let others know what we want? Learn the answers to all your questions about living wills. Call 203-729-4591 for more information.

Bursting Out - This watercolor painting by Betsy Rogers-Knox depicts the moment in a plant’s life cycle that it disperses its seeds. All the plants chosen for this illustration were found locally. (Submitted photo)

Jan. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Marazzi’s book, “A Bowl Full of Memories,” discusses the history and personalities of the Yale Bowl. Signed copies of the book will be Celebrate Yale Bowl available for a reduced price. Call centennial 203-729-4591 or drop by to regJoin us to commemorate a lo- ister to ensure seating, cal sporting milestone – the centennial birthday of the Yale Bowl Concert, beer tasting with “A Bowl Full of Memories “The Sea, The Sea” in concert, with Rich Marazzi” Wednesday, will be Friday, Jan. 9, at 8 p.m. at

Book Review

the Corner Tavern at 178 N. Main St. in Naugatuck. Part of the library’s music series, it features New Haven’s rising indie-pop duo playing a free set on their “Love, We Are Love” tour. A FREE beer tasting will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The sponsor is Friends of the Whittemore Library. The Howard Whittemore Memorial Library is at 243 Church St. in Naugatuck. For information, call 203-729-4591 or visit whittemorelibrary.org.

Student test-taking workshop

By Hedrick Smith (Random House, $18) Reviewed by Chris Richcreek If you believe things haven’t been quite right with the American economy for some time, but you’re not exactly sure why, then “Who Stole the American Dream?” will serve as an informative and eye-opening source. Hedrick Smith defines the American Dream as having a decent-paying, steady job and health benefits, owning a home and saving enough for retirement. He then explains why the dream, and a large chunk of the middle class, have been eviscerated over time. Some of the reasons are wellknown, like the subprimemortgage mess or the failure of politicians to protect the middle class. Others are more obscure. Take, for example, future Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell’s call to arms in 1971 that challenged corporate America to embrace more political power, a call that was heeded. Or the passing of two key legislative pieces in 1978 that brought changes in bankruptcy laws and creation of the 401(k), a good idea that had the unexpected consequence of leading many

companies to eliminate their regular retirement plans. Some of the statements and decisions of former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, especially related to the subprime-mortgage crisis, come under fire, dimming the image of the man once deemed a financial wizard. The chapter on Walmart, which details the mammoth retailer getting 80 percent of its items from China-based production while squeezing U.S. suppliers for painfully low prices, is informative, if not infuriating. In contrast to America, Smith points out the success of countries like Germany, which weathered financial challenges in part because of a trade surplus (unlike the U.S.) and a solid manufacturing base. In closing, Smith offers a number of solutions for Americans’ economic woes. At a time when the economy may be improving but the positive effects have yet to be felt by most people, his recommendations certainly are worth considering. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

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An exhibit of Betsy RogersKnox’s watercolors is at the library until Wednesday, Jan. 28. RogersKnox earned a certificate in botanical illustration from The New York Botanical Garden and is enchanted by the full life cycle of the plants she portrays in watercolor. She usually observes her plant subjects for a full year before beginning her compositions. For more information, call 203262-0626 or visit www.southburylibrary.org. The library is at 100 Poverty Road in Southbury.

Woodbury My year in the Peace Corps – Azerbaijan

The library is offering a FREE hands-on, interactive workshop for students in grades nine to 12 with Eileen Sullivan Studdert, educational consultant and language arts instructor, Saturday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Students will be introduced to the skills, strategies and practices necessary to help them reach their top test score potential. Sullivan Studdert is a rigorous academic who loves learning and helping students achieve their potential. She provides individualized instruction for students in grades K to 12 with a strong focus on SAT prep and teaches in Region 15. Registration is required. Call 203-262-0626, ext. 130, for information or to register.

Children’s winter story times The Children’s Department will begin registration for its six-week winter story time sessions Monday, Jan. 5, at 9:30 a.m. To register, stop by the Children’s Department in person. Story times with no registration are also held weekly. Mondays at 10:30 a.m., the library offers Drop-

Jan. 1 to 10, 2015 Monday, Jan. 5 Board of Selectmen 6 p.m...................................................Town Hall Conference Room

Wednesday, Jan. 7 Land Preservation and Open Space 6 p.m.............................................................. Shepardson, Room 26 Zoning Board of Appeals 7:30 p.m..............................................Town Hall Conference Room

Thursday, Jan. 8 Parks and Recreation 7 p.m................................................................ Shepardson, Room 1

Jan. 11 to 17 Monday, Jan. 12 Police Commission 6 p.m...................................................Town Hall Conference Room

Tuesday, Jan. 13 Library Board of Directors 3 p.m.......................................................Middlebury Public Library Democratic Town Committee 7:30 p.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 27 Republican Town Committee 7:30 p.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 26

Sunday, Jan. 4, Cherril Kolesik will talk about her year as a Peace Corps Volunteer teaching English in Azerbaijan and share her experiences learning about the food, language, music traditions and Wednesday, Jan. 14 people of this unique culture. She also will talk about the Peace Corps Board of Finance in general and what it requires and 7 p.m.............................................................. Shepardson, Room 26 expects of volunteers. Kolesik was 65 when she joined the Peace Thursday, Jan. 15 Corps and will speak about being Parks and Recreation involved as an older adult. 7 p.m................................................................ Shepardson, Room 1

How to use a tablet

Southbury

“Who Stole the American Dream?”

385 Main Street South • UNION SQUARE • southburykitchens.com

January 2015

So you’ve got a tablet! Now what? Those who got a tablet or e-reader for the holidays but aren’t sure where to go from there can learn the basics Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 7 to 8 p.m. Learn such things as surfing the web and checking email and also how to borrow e-books from your home library. Feel free to bring your device with you. Call 203-263-3502 to register as space is limited.

Children’s emergency preparedness workshop The Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross will present an emergency preparedness workshop for children ages 8 to 11 Saturday, Jan. 17, at 3 p.m. Children will learn how to prepare for emergencies, practice what they have learned, and share their knowledge with family and friends. This program is free and open to area residents. Registration is required by Jan. 13 to ensure adequate supplies. For more information or to register, call the library. For more information, call 203263-3502 or visit www.woodburylibraryct.org. The library is at 269 Main St. S. in Woodbury. To see library events for the remainder of the month, please look online at www.bee-news. com.

Jan. 18 to 24 Monday, Jan. 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday All town offices, library and transfer station are closed.

Tuesday, Jan. 20 Commission on Aging 9:30 a.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 26 Elderly Tax Relief Committee 5:30 p.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 26 Board of Selectmen 6 p.m...................................................Town Hall Conference Room Public Works Commission 7 p.m................................................................ Shepardson, Room 4 Water Pollution Control Authority 7:30 p.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 26

Wednesday, Jan. 21 Beautification Committee 6:30 p.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 26

Jan. 25 to 31 Tuesday, Jan. 27 Economic and Industrial Development Commission 6:30 p.m. ............................................Town Hall Conference Room Conservation Commission 7:30 p.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 26 Calendar dates/times are subject to change. If your organization would like your event included in the community calendar, please email the information to beeintelligencer@gmail.com.

Middlebury Senior Center News Donate used ink cartridges

date will be Wednesday, Jan. 28. dlebury Social Services Center the second Monday of each month Nutrition classes (Jan. 12) at 10 a.m. until further Don’t throw your used ink carThe Brass City Harvest pro- notice to help residents apply for tridges away. Please donate them gram will offer nutrition educa- the Supplemental Nutrition Assisto the Middlebury Senior Center, tion and healthy cooking classes tance Program (SNAP), also called which will recycle them. Thank every Monday from 10:30 a.m. food stamps. you. To be eligible, according to to 12:30 p.m. for one month starting Jan. 12. The classes will be household size, the household’s First community and free of charge to 20 participants. gross income cannot exceed health fair Nutrition education will ad- $1,800 for one, $2,425 for two, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, from dress behavior modification $3,052 for three or $3,678 for four. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Middlebury techniques as they relate to diet A “household” is all the people Senior Center, Visiting Angels and nutrition; meal planning; who live together and buy and Living Assistance Services and nutrition for special medical top- prepare food together. You can Hop Brook Pharmacy will offer ics such as those suffering from just walk in. No appointment is their first community and health heart disease, diabetes, osteoar- needed. fair at Shepardson Community thritis, high cholesterol and Nutritionist speaker Center in Middlebury. The fair physical disability (lack of physA speaker will discuss weight will feature community services ical activity); interventions for available to seniors and caregiv- those on certain heart, blood management Tuesday, Jan. 13, ers, including physicians, elder pressure and kidney medica- at 11:30 a.m. This informative law attorneys, assisted living, in- tions; and interventions that will class is just in time for those home care services and commu- be useful for older adults who wanting to get ready for summer. nity services. Also, those attend- eat alone. Towantic power plant ing will be able to sample All participants will receive a hearing delectable delights courtesy of take-home package of recipes notable chefs from local restau- and at least one food item based The Senior Center minibus rants and assisted-living com- on each week’s lesson. To reserve will offer two trips to Oxford munities. Complimentary health a seat, call 203-577-4166. Only Thursday, Jan. 15, for the Siting screenings also will be offered. 20 participants will be accepted. Council hearing on the power The event is free and open to plant proposal. The hearing will the public. For more information, SNAP application help begin at 1:30 p.m. with a tour of call the Middlebury Senior CenThe Staywell Health Center will the site. At 3 p.m., Siting Council ter at 203-577-4166. The snow send outreach workers to the Mid- members will begin hearing evidence from Competitive Power Ventures at Oxford High School. Public comments can begin at 6 p.m. Seniors willing to protest outdoors in the cold can take the bus SALES • SERVICE • CUSTOM INSTALLATION leaving Shepardson at 1 p.m. It Hunter Douglas Window Treatments will take them to Woodruff Hill Hunter Douglas Window Treatments Custom Drapery Road in Oxford where they will Custom Drapery Hundreds of Fabrics gather with others to protest as of Fabrics Hundreds Like us on Facebook; get $50 off your purchase!

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Connecticut Siting Council members tour the site of the proposed power plant. The bus will return to Shepardson at 2 p.m. Seniors who want to protest indoors at Oxford High School can take the bus leaving Shepardson at 5 p.m. It will take them to Oxford High School, where they will gather with others to protest as Connecticut Siting Council members listen to public comments. The bus will return to Shepardson at 7 pm. Signs to carry will be available for those who want them on either trip. To sign up for a seat on either bus, call the Middlebury Senior Center at 203-577-4166.

Holiday closings The senior center will be closed Monday, Jan. 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Commission on Aging The Commission on Aging will meet Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 9:30 a.m. All interested persons are welcome to attend.

Trip Painted Pony restaurant As part of the Senior Dine lunch program, the minibus will go to the Painted Pony restaurant in Bethlehem Friday, Jan. 23. You must have a Senior Dine card to participate. If you do not have a card, stop by the senior center office to get one. If you want to go to the Painted Pony, call 203-577-4166 to reserve a seat.

The Bee-Intelligencer

January 2015

MVFD chooses poster contest winners Marshals Association, the Connecticut Public Fire Education Association and the Connecticut FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements.) It is designed to educate children to improve fire safety and fire-prevention awareness. Last year more than 30,000 Connecticut students from more than 135 communities participated in the contest. Crowley and Balarezo will go on to compete at the county level, and winners of that competition will compete at the state level. The state winner will receive a $1,000 savings bond, and his or her poster will be displayed at the state capitol building next October during fire prevention month. The state winner will be announced in March at an awards luncheon to which all 32 finalists, their parents, teachers, principals and fire marshals will be invited. Fire continues to be a leading cause of death and injury in the U.S. Every 2½ hours, someone is

By MARY CONSEUR

killed in a home fire and thousands more are injured each year. Children often are victims of residential fires that most often occur at night. Through fire-prevention education and community participation, many of these fires can be prevented. Children are likely to retain fire safety messages. They are a valuable link in the chain of communication, taking the lesson home and promoting fire-prevention measures to the family. This educational program aims to increase fire safety and prevention awareness. Deputy Fire Marshal Brian Proulx and the poster contest committee thank Region 15, LMES Principal Richard Gusenburg, MES Principal Lauren Feltz, the fourth- and fifth-grade teachers, and all of the participating students for their enthusiastic artwork and creative thinking in this very important fire-prevention awareness program.

In an awards ceremony at the Middlebury firehouse Dec. 8, the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department gave cash awards to four Middlebury schoolchildren for their winning entries in the 30th Annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest. First-place winners were Catherine Crowley, a fourth-grader at Middlebury Elementary School (MES), and Natalia Balarezo, a fifth-grader at Long Meadow Elementary School (LMES). Second-place winners were Madison Rowinsky, a fourth-grader at MES, and Nicholas Wiltshire, a fifth-grader at LMES. First-place winners each received a cash award of $125. Second-place winners each received a cash award of $75. The winning posters were selected from among more than 250 entries from children in grades four and five at LMES and MES. Judges were Middlebury firefighters Mike Proulx, Mike Dayton and Dave Sanchez. matters, a form for acknowledgThe annual Fire Prevention Middlebury Fire Chief Anthony Bruno (center) congratulates the four winners of the annual Fire Poster Contest is a cooperative ment of the recently adopted Prevention Poster Contest, left to right, Nicholas Wiltshire, Natalia Balarezo, Madison Rowinsky and effort of the Office of State Fire Continued from page 1 town code of ethics was distribCatherine Crowley. (Mary Conseur photo) Marshal, the Connecticut Fire uted to each commissioner for sewer and water capacities for signature. additional expansions were adeIn enforcement matters, Zonquate and had been approved by ing Enforcement Officer Curt BoFalls Avenue Senior Center ing “Your Kidneys and You,” sponCounty,” will talk about the traces all necessary entities, but Carring- sco said he had spoken to District Be prepared for events for area adults 55 and sored by the National Kidney of Litchfield County’s past that are ton questioned the percentage of Manager Jack Starr about excavaemergencies older follow. Most require reser- Foundation, Monday, Jan. 12, at hidden in plain sight Friday, Jan. expansion in the application, say- tion work at the Shell station on The Ready’s Program Tuesday, 23, at 2 p.m. Reservations are ing it was absurd to include the 520 Middlebury Road owned by vations, which can be made by 9:30 a.m. Reservations are needed Jan. 20, at 2 p.m. will help you and needed by Jan. 22. square footage of a porch in the Wesson Energy. He said Starr calling 860-945-5250. Please by Jan. 9. your family plan and prepare for “before” calculations and not use didn’t think soil remediation work speak with a staff member when emergencies. This interactive prethem in the “after” calculations. required a permit and immediNeck pain therapy Cooking with Corky calling as the senior center does sentation, which utilizes a fictional In other business, town plan- ately filed an application with a not accept voice-mail reservaKathy Andres of Beacon Brook Cooking with Corky will meet family, illustrates simple steps you ner Brian Miller said maps from $250 fee when he was told it did. tions. The center is at 311 Falls Health Center will present “Trigger Monday, Jan. 26, at 9:30 a.m. Join can take to be aware, plan, prepare COG still needed to be incorpo- Bosco said lead contamination Ave. in Oakville, Conn. Point Therapy and Neck Pain” Jan. chef and wedding planner Corky and connect with your community rated into the long-awaited Plan found buried at the site was pri13 at 2 p.m. Reservations are Plourde as she presents an affordduring times of emergency. Resof Conservation and Develop- marily from old paint cans and Book club needed by Jan. 12. able and easy-to-prepare menu. ervations are needed by Jan. 16. ment. He suggested a public hear- discarded equipment. The center’s book club will reReservations are needed by Jan. ing in the first months of 2015 The next regular P&Z meeting Larry and Doreen view “Astor Place Vintage” by 23. Social services would give commissioners a will be Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, at Stephanie Lehmann Monday, Jan. to perform chance to make corrections and 7:30 p.m. at Shepardson Commuinformation Home modifications 5, at 10 a.m. Next month’s novel is The ever-popular Larry and final suggestions. In procedural nity Center. Residents 55 years of age and “The Round House” by Louis Ver- Doreen are back to share their for aging in place dict. That review will take place musical talents Wednesday, Jan. older in need of social services Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m., Feb. 2. Check the Watertown Li- 14, at 2 p.m. Admission is an ap- assistance may meet with Jim Jim Gustin, owner of Home Crew See the Region 15 School Calendar at brary for the book. New members petizer to share. Reservations are Dunn of the Western Connecticut CT in Danbury, will explain how are welcome. Reservations are not needed by Jan. 13. The audience Area Agency on Aging Wednesday, homes can be modified for peoJan. 21, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. He needed. is limited to 70 people. ple who want to age in place in is available to provide one-on-one their homes. Home Crew CT Oral health assistance with social services Reflexology builds ramps, creates barrier-free questions and needs. Reservations presentation entrances, enhances lighting, Certified reflexologist Kim Stew- are not needed. Students from Porter and Ches- art will offer 20-minute reflexology and installs lifts, elevators, showter’s dental assisting program will sessions for your hands or feet grab bars, railings and nonMeet your legislators ers, discuss oral health and provide Thursday, Jan. 15, from 8:30 to slip floors. Learn how modificaMeet with State Sen. Rob Kane tions can enrich your life in your oral health aides to participants 10:15 a.m. The cost is $15. Reseron Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 10 a.m. vations are needed by Wednesday, and State Rep. Eric Berthell Thurs- home. Reservations are needed day, Jan. 22, at 9 a.m. This is an by Jan. 27. Reservations are needed by Jan. 6. Jan. 14. opportunity for seniors to express opinions on issues that impact Learn about your Chat with school Accordion concert them. Reservations are needed by kidneys superintendent Accordion musicians Bob and Jan. 21. Do you know what your kidneys Anita Siarkowski will present a Meet and chat with Superintendo every day to keep you healthy? concert Friday, Jan. 16, at 2 p.m. dent of Schools Dr. Bridget CarDiscover Litchfield Do you know that one in three The audience is limited to 70 peonemolla Thursday, Jan. 29, at 3 County’s past Americans is at risk for developing ple. p.m. Reservations are needed by Peter C. Vermilyea, author of Jan. 28. kidney disease? The center is host“Hidden History of Litchfield

P&Z -

Falls Avenue Senior Center Events

bee-news.com

The end is near for savings bonds When you live long enough, you often see old things come around again as new. Hemlines go up and down, hairstyles change. But sometimes the good stuff goes away and doesn’t come back. Like the milkman. Like doctors who made house calls. Like paper savings bonds. Remember when you got your first savings bond? It was a tangible item you could hold in your hands and read. Maybe you got one when you were married. Maybe you did the same for your children when they had big life events. If nothing else, they were a safe place to save money. They’re gone now. The paper version of Series EE Savings Bonds is no more. Jan. 1, 2015, marked three years since we’ve been able to buy them. You have

to get on the computer and order them online (www.treasurydirect.gov). You open an account, working your way through many steps and putting in a lot of personal information, such as your bank accounts. Your details have to be verified before you can make a bond purchase. Not surprisingly, bond sales have plummeted since the change. The website lists good reasons to go electronic: You can see all your bonds online and you don’t have to keep track of pieces of paper. You can redeem them and have the money wired to your bank account. You can change

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The center will show a DVD of classic Carol Burnett Shows Friday, the bond’s registration name Jan. 30, at 1 p.m. Reservations are with the click of a few keys. And, needed by Jan. 29. if you have paper bonds, you can convert them to electronic. See Bible study www.savingsbonds.gov for more New Hope Anglican Church information. offers a nondenominational Bible Keep in mind, however, that study at the center each Friday at the current interest rate on Series 10 a.m. Join other seniors for the EE bonds is 0.10 percent. Interest study and discussion. No reservaon even a simple savings account tions are required. is higher. P.S. There is hope, however. After seeing cell phones get smaller and more complicated, with smaller buttons, the more basic flip phone apparently is coming back. Matilda Charles regrets she cannot personally answer reader questions, but she will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com.

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The Bee-Intelligencer

January 2015

Bee Intelligencer

in•tel•li•gencer: n. One who conveys news or information The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th ed.

Issued by: The Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer Society LLC Bee-Intelligencer Staff: Editor-In-Chief/Publisher: Marjorie Needham Contributing Writers: Mary Conseur, Terrence S. McAuliffe Art & Production: Mario J. Recupido - Submit press releases in person, by mail or email The Bee-Intelligencer welcomes news, press releases and advertising from all surrounding communities Editorial Office: 2030 Straits Turnpike, Suite 1, Middlebury, CT 06762 Direct mail to P.O. Box 10. Telephone: 203-577-6800 • Email: beeintelligencer@gmail.com Advertising Information: Telephone: 203-577-6800 • Email: mbiadvertising@gmail.com Deadlines: Display Advertising: 5 p.m. Friday preceding publication Classified Advertising: 5 p.m. Monday preceding publication Editorial/Press Releases: Noon Monday preceding publication Copyright © 2015 by The Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer Society, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

In Brief Quilts that Care Quilts that Care, an organization that makes quilts for people who undergo cancer treatment, will meet Mondays, Jan. 5 and 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center at 1075 Chase Parkway in Waterbury. It also will meet Tuesdays, Jan. 6 and 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Bristol Public Library at 5 High St. in Bristol. Quilts are donated to seven Connecticut hospitals. Volunteers are needed, especially quilt finishers, as are donations of fabric shop gift cards, 100 percent-cotton fabric, cotton flannel, quilting material, and gallon Ziploc bags. Monetary donations can be given through PayPal at www.quiltsthatcare.org or through AmazonSmiles. For information, call Deb at 860-945-0184, email QuiltsThatCare.Deb@gmail.com or visit www.quiltsthatcare.org.

Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Support Group A monthly support group for friends and family of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias takes place the second Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at the Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut at 444 Main St. N. The next meeting is Jan. 8. There is no charge for this open and ongoing group, whose purpose is to provide emotional, educational and social support for caregivers through regularly scheduled meetings. The meetings help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. The groups encourage caregivers to main-

Southbury. Mariana Dossantos, the outreach coordinator and HUSKY liasion with StayWell Health Center, will help clients, by appointment only, navigate the Access Health CT and Medicaid qualification and enrollment process. All client information remains confidential, and enrollment data is entered using a state-issued, authorized computer. Open enrollment for Access Friends of Fiber Arts Health CT runs through Feb. 15. meeting For more information or to The Jewish Federation Friends schedule an appointment, please of Fiber Arts, a group open to anycall Mariana Dossantos at 203one who is interested in any kind 756-8021 ext. 3053. of fiber art or craft, will meet Monday, Jan. 12, from 1 to 3 pm at The Literacy volunteer Jewish Federation of Western Conorientation necticut at 444 Main St. N. in Literacy Volunteers of Greater Southbury. Anyone who is interested in the fiber arts is welcome Waterbury will host volunteer to attend this free event. There will orientations for those interested be knitters, spinners, weavers, cro- in learning about helping adult cheters, felters, quilters and nee- learners develop literacy and dlepoint enthusiasts attending, English as a Second Language and anyone with a love or hanker- skills. Those interested should ing to create things from yarn or fabric is welcome to come. Participants should bring their own projects to work on, with some informal help and/or teaching provided. To register for this program, call 203-267-3177 or email rsvp@jfed. net. In case of inclement weather, please call ahead to make sure the To the Editor: meeting is still scheduled. Oxford First Selectman George Temple has been praising the Health insurance financial benefits of a potential enrollment assistance new Oxford power plant. What The Jewish Federation of he has not been talking about are Western Connecticut is hosting the economic downsides. Resian enrollment assistance day for dents will take a hit to their propthe public for Access Health CT erty values, and the future comand Medicaid health insurance mercial development of Oxford Thursday, Jan. 15, between 9 a.m. and surrounding towns largely and 3 p.m. at 444 Main St. N. in will dry up. As for property values, house values in Oxford will decline as the town becomes less desirable to future home buyers. Many are unwilling to live in a “smokestack town” because of air and water pollution, potential emissions which are particularly harmful to children, twin smokestacks emitting 300-foot smoke plumes visible from I-84 and many roads in town. The desirability of living and raising a family in Oxford will decline, as a California study bears out. So this plant will hit Oxford homeowners directly in their pocketbooks. Regarding commercial development, desirable company headquarters, along with the research facilities envisioned for Oxford, likely will not happen. One need only look at the neighboring town of Naugatuck. A large insurance company – everyone would recognize its name – had decided to build their national headquarters in Naugatuck, providing 400 permanent jobs. Then that firm heard about the proposed Oxford power plant. Their reaction was, “Either you get rid of that power plant or we are not moving to Naugatuck.” This is what happens to the desirability of the greater Oxford area if a power plant is built So I would advise all Oxford residents to consider these “hidden costs” very carefully and unite in opposing this power plant. It will harm our town irrevocably. Additionally, I would hope that George Temple and tain their own personal, physical and emotional health, as well as optimally care for the person with dementia. Patty Gibbs, a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, facilitates the group. It is not necessary to register in advance. For more information, call Debby Horowitz, Brownstein Jewish Family Service director, at 203-267-3177, ext. 310.

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register for one of the following orientation sessions: Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Howard Whittemore Memorial Library at 243 Church St. in Naugatuck; Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Depot Square, Suite 213, at 51 Depot St. in Watertown; Thursday, Jan. 8, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Woodbury Public Library at 269 Main St. S. in Woodbury; Thursday, Jan. 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wolcott Public Library at 469 Bound Line Road in Wolcott; and Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Silas Bronson Library at 267 Grand St. in Waterbury. Volunteers are trained to tutor adult learners in functional literacy and language skills to help them achieve their personal, educational, employment and civic goals, Tutors and their students meet a minimum of two hours per week for one year, All tutors must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma

or equivalent, No previous teaching experience is required, To register for an orientation or for more information, call 203-7541164 or email Lvgw-programs@ waterburyct.org.

his fellow selectmen will reconsider their opinion of this plant and instead recognize its great undesirability and join in working to keep the power plant out of Oxford. Frederick Raskopf Oxford, Conn.

to the Connecticut Siting Council, attend the public meeting in Oxford on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. at Oxford High School, and visit stoptowanticpower.com. Jerry Fogel Oxford, Conn.

Win a makeover A group of businesses in the Southbury area is holding a contest for someone who is looking for a change in 2015. The winning contestant will be given topof-the-line noninvasive skin care treatments to tighten the skin on their face and neck, cosmetic dermatological services, nutrition counseling to help him/her achieve their fitness goals, a beauty consultant to recondition their hair and create their best style, a professional wardrobe consultant to help them dress appropriately for their body type, a makeup artist to apply and instruct on makeup application, and an expert photographer to capture their progress every step of the way. At the completion of the program, the recipient also

will enjoy an overnight and brunch at an area hotel. To enter the competition, submit one current full-body and one current face-and-neck closeup photo along with a letter of 1,000 words or less stating why you feel you deserve to receive the beauty package with an estimated value of more than $8,000. Send your entry to 33 Bullet Hill Road, Suite 204, Southbury, CT 06488 or email digital pics and your essay to info@dermaestheticsct.com The deadline for receipt is Jan. 30, 2015. A round of interviews will be held before a finalist is selected. The selection will be announced on lucky Friday, Feb. 13, 2015, via the Facebook page, www. facebook.com/makeoverNWCT. The winner’s services and accommodations will be offered by Revèe Spa, DermAesthetics, Susan and Susan hair salon, Suzanne Boccuzzi wardrobe consultant, Dana Noto (makeup artist of Revèe), Heather Norris photography and the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Letters to the Editor

The hidden costs of the proposed power plant

Stop Towantic Health dangers of Power proposed Oxford To the Editor: power plant The CT Siting Council will be To the Editor: Without hesitation, the health of our children far outweighs any tax benefit from the proposed CPV Towantic Gas/Oil Power Plant adjacent to the Oxford airport. There are no safe levels of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and volatile organic compounds. You will not see, hear or smell these nasty toxins spewing from the 150-foot stacks, but they will be in our air. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Lung Association and other experts have published information and data that link these dangerous air pollutants to respiratory and pulmonary problems. Lung cancer and heart disease have been linked to breathing polluted air in people exposed to it long term. No one can say that a power plant is good for your health! The fact that this plant at 785 megawatts will be the third largest in Connecticut makes these health issues even more dramatic. These unsafe pollutants will impact not just Oxford but also everyone in Middlebury, Naugatuck, Southbury, Woodbury, Seymour, Beacon Falls and beyond. There are approximately 40 schools with almost 21,000 children within a 10-mile radius of the proposed power plant. It is not a done deal! The Connecticut Siting Council has yet to make a final decision on this power plant application. If you are concerned and upset about the impact this power plant could have on our children, please write

meeting Jan. 15 at Oxford High School to evaluate whether they will permit the Towantic Power Plant to be built near the airport in Oxford. Studies have shown that toxins coming from the smokestacks of a fossil-fuel power plant are linked to cancer, COPD, asthma and heart disease. Children and the elderly with compromised immune and respiratory systems are most vulnerable to these illnesses. There are 20 schools and 21,000 children within a 10-mile radius of the plant. There are several 55+ communities within that radius as well. Shouldn’t we care about the the dangers to our communities and environment? This power plant is not a done deal, so your voice is very important. Come to the meeting on Jan. 15 and support us by writing letters to the editor of all the newspapers serving our communities. Email your friends and neighbors and tell them to visit our website, www.stoptowanticpower.com, for information. Ruth Schiff Oxford, Conn.

Fire chief wasn’t asked to prove need for money

Did anyone on the BoF ask to see this “audit” or even what federal agency would perform such an “audit”? No, no BOF member did. The former fire chief stated he needed the money for a “co-pay” to a $297,000 grant. Did anyone on the BoF ask to see this “grant”? No, no BoF member did. The former chief stated that the former administration “urged” him to apply for this grant. Did anyone on the BoF ask the former administration or even bother to check the Board of Selectmen minutes? No, nobody did. Did the BoF have the authority to take $15,000 out of the Communications Revolving Fund? No, it didn’t. So who signed the check? Did anyone on the BoF ask to see the three bids necessitated by federal law before giving the $15,000 to Motorola? No, nobody on the BoF did. In retrospect, Mr. Dayton, a former BoF member, said he saw some yellow flags relative to the chief ’s request. Evidently he didn’t see enough “flags” to stop him from voting to give the money to the former fire chief. Mr. McCormack questioned the former chief’s authority to apply for the grant, but he still voted “yea” to the give-away. What we had here, in 2008, was the perfect storm where incompetence met alleged malfeasance. With friends like the Middlebury Board of Finance, the taxpayers of Middlebury don’t need enemies. Pat de Angelis Middlebury

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the editor may be mailed to the Bee-Intelligencer, P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 or To the Editor: Need $15,000 in a hurry? Why emailed to beeintelligencer not try your luck at the next Mid- @gmail.com. Letters will be run as space perdlebury Board of Finance (BoF) mits. Please limit letters to 500 meeting? That’s what the former words, avoid personal attacks, and Middlebury fire chief did in 2008. understand letters will be edited. For And he got the money. He told verification purposes, please include the BoF a “federal audit vali- your name, street address and daydates” the need for this money. time telephone number.

The Bee-Intelligencer

January 2015

LPOS addresses Fenn Farm maintenance By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE The Middlebury Land Preservation and Open Space Acquisition Committee (LPOS) at its Dec. 3 meeting discussed upcoming Fenn Farm maintenance and repairs. Also, members were asked to review bylaw updates, and an election of officers was set for the January meeting. Member Ray Pietrorazio said no progress had been made on cow-barn roof repairs because a specification for bids was needed to get quotes from roofing contractors. Members had agreed at their Nov. 5 meeting that the work was not sufficiently urgent to bypass the town’s bidding process even though two roofers had cautioned about a collapse. He suggested town engineer John Calabrese assist in developing the specification. Chairman John Cookson told him to include building inspector Ollie Leduc and Public Works Director Dan Norton. Pietrorazio said it would be best to move the process along quickly so the work could start before the more expensive spring busy season. Pietrorazio said masonry repairs on collapsing horse barn walls are still waiting for a third written proposal. Two quotes were received in November, and he is waiting on one from Miri’s Masonry of Naugatuck. He said an area on the west wall needed to be supported by jacks so loose stones and dirt could be removed and the stones cemented back in place. Cookson tabled the evaluation of quotes until the January meeting. On the topic of asbestos removal from furnace pipes in the farm-house basement, Cookson

The Fenn Farm horse barn west foundation wall is deteriorating and needs to be rebuilt to support the barn. (Terrence S. McAuliffe photo) said a purchase order had been issued to Abatement Plus LLC of Windsor by Norton after two bids for the remediation had been reviewed by him. The total cost is $4,275 for removing and disposing of the asbestos and then reinsulating the pipes with Fiberglas. The work was expected to be complete before Christmas. After questions on the lack of a thickness specification for the new insulation, Cookson said it was in the hands of Norton. The next issue was electrical service repairs. Cookson said a contract for replacing old wiring from the CL&P weatherhead point into the farmhouse and upgrading the electrical service to 200 amps from 60 was awarded to Mark Electric of Middlebury by Norton earlier in the day. The work also will include a manual transfer switch to an existing backup generator. In procedural matters, Cook-

son distributed LPOS bylaws originally adopted in 2007. He asked commissioners to bring suggestions and corrections for any possible updates to the January meeting. He said the bylaws called for an election of officers, including chairman and secretary, which also would be done in January. Members noted the need to replace resigned commissioner Ken Long and possibly also Kris Jacobi, who has not been attending meetings. Cookson said a written resignation was required, and he would contact Jacobi to see if she was still interested in being a member. In other procedural matters, a form for acknowledgment of the recently adopted town code of ethics was distributed to each commissioner. The next regular LPOS meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, at 6 p.m. in Room 26 at Shepardson Community Center.

2015 credit predictions What will the new year bring us financially? Here are some educated guesses and predictions: CardHub (www.cardhub. com) assembled the opinions of financial experts ... who don’t agree on all points. Credit-card interest rates likely won’t go up, credit will be more available because of low rates, and consumers are likely to spend more in the next years (to the tune of $60 billion in credit-card debt) because we haven’t learned anything from the past few years. Overdraft protection might be harder to get, and your credit worthiness will be checked before banks offer that service on your accounts. The reader machines for “chipped” credit cards will show up in more places, especially since new rules (starting next October) will force merchants to pay for any fraud if they haven’t installed new machines. If you have an opportunity to swap an existing card for one with a chip, take it.

Data breaches will continue. U.S. News (money.usnews. com) consulted experts who see more access to credit in 2015, especially for those who haven’t qualified in recent years, for two main reasons: Banks are a bit more relaxed with approvals now, and bad credit is scrolling off the credit reports of consumers who got in financial trouble before. We’ll see more offers of balance transfers at zero-percent interest for a year or year and a half. Again, credit-card companies are more relaxed about extending credit now. More credit-card companies will provide FICO scores on your monthly statements. Without consensus from experts on how 2015 will go finan-

cially, your best bet is, as always, to keep your head down. Don’t charge what you can’t pay for within three months. Look at statements when they first come in for any signs of fraud or compromise. Save, save, save. Try to get one more year out of your vehicle before buying another one. Keep good security on your home computers, and stay on top of news about viruses and how they might present themselves in email or on websites. If you can qualify for a zero-percent interest balance transfer credit card, use it to pay off any other credit card that charges interest. (Don’t close that other account – just don’t use it.) But mostly, don’t give in to the feeling that it’s safe to start spending extravagantly. It’s not. David Uffington regrets he cannot personally answer reader questions, but he will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to column reply2@gmail.com. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

Is it a hobby or is it a business? You may have heard of the IRS’s “hobby loss” rules. These rules relate to the situation in which you are reporting business activities on Schedule C on your tax return, but you are repeatedly showing losses rather than profits for that business. The IRS’ definition of a “business” is an activity that is intended to make a profit. Now the IRS cannot read your mind to determine what your real intentions are, so according to IRS regulations, if you do not show a profit in your business for at least three out of five years, the IRS can rule that you do not have a business but rather have a hobby. The corresponding time period for horse breeding, training, showing or racing is at least two out of seven years. What is the effect of your activity being ruled a hobby instead of a business? Well, if you have a bona fide business activity, then you generally are allowed to write off all your business expenses even if you end up with a net loss. Also, if you are not able to fully utilize that net loss on your current year’s tax return, then you may be able to carry it over to future years. On the other hand, if you have a hobby rather than a business, then you are only allowed to write off your expenses up to the amount of your income and only

Diversified Tax Tidbits By MARK A. BURNS

if you itemize your deductions on Schedule A and then only if these expenses exceed a certain threshold. When one of our clients has a business that is showing recurring losses, we discuss the IRS rules and the risk that the IRS might rule the business is really a hobby. Now if your intention is not really to make a profit, then you should treat it as a hobby on your tax return. But if your intention is indeed to make a profit, then we advise our clients not to be overly concerned about it. Go ahead and take a deduction for the expenses even if it results in a net loss. Even if the IRS later determines that it should be a

hobby, you will have to pay some additional taxes, but those are the same taxes you would have had to pay if you originally had treated it as a hobby. You also may owe a small amount of interest but probably no penalties unless the IRS feels you have been abusive. If you have a start-up business that is not yet showing a profit but that you expect to turn around in the near future, it may be to your benefit to file Form 5213 with the IRS which will delay the time period within which the IRS, will determine if your activity is a business or a hobby. The above discussion is very general in nature. Make sure you consult with your tax adviser regarding your specific situation. Mark A. Burns, M.B.A., is a C.P.A. with Diversified Financial Solutions PC in Southbury. He can be reached at 203-264-3131 or Mark@DFSPC.biz.

Obituaries Rev. John DeSantis Jr. Loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather

Rev. John DeSantis Jr., 79, of Middlebury passed away Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Rita (Rossi) DeSantis. John was born in Waterbury on Christmas Day 1934, a son of the late John and Rose (DiLeo) DeSantis. He was a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Korean Conflict. John worked at the Middlebury Public Works Department for many years and as a Middlebury police officer. He later went to work with his brother at DeSantis Street Sweeping Co. until his retirement. He then began his ministry and became ordained a reverend. He was most recently a member of The Rock Church of Waterbury and served as treasurer on the board. John loved helping out at their food pantry. He also enjoyed singing and was a soloist. John participated in the Eagles Wing Television Program on Channel 13 on a monthly basis for many years. He was a carpenter by trade and had built several houses for himself and other family members. John was a charter member of the Middlebury Police Social Club. Besides his wife, Rita, of 58 years, he leaves three sons, John DeSantis III of Woodbury; David DeSantis of San Francisco, Calif.; and Richard DeSantis and his wife, Judy, of Watertown; two daughters, Susan Powers and her husband, Tim, and Amy L. DeSantis, all of Middlebury; a brother, Joseph DeSantis, and his wife, Susan, of Middlebury; seven grandchildren: John William DeSantis and Maegan Evans; Michael Ryan DeSantis and his wife, Joann; Mikayla Shea Powers, Griffin Leon Powers and Zachary John Powers, all of Middlebury; Jacob Robert DeSantis and Marguerite Judith DeSantis, both of Watertown; two great-grandchildren, Bailey DeSantis and Josephine DeSantis, both of Middlebury; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Rosemary DeSantis. A funeral service was celebrated Dec. 20 at The Rock Church of Waterbury. Burial was private and at the convenience of the family. Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home at 430 Chase Parkway in Waterbury was entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in John’s memory to The Rock of Waterbury Food Pantry, 513 Meriden Road, Waterbury, CT 06705. For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

Carlton A. Hall

Loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Carlton A. Hall, 83, of Middlebury passed away peacefully at Waterbury Hospital surrounded by family Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dolores (Bambace) Hall. He also leaves behind his six children - his son Thomas Hall and wife Donna of Troy, N.Y.; his son Gregory Hall and wife Gail of Southington, Conn.; his son Richard Hall and wife Heidi of Manakin Sabot, Va.; his son Peter Hall and wife Barbara of Ledyard, Conn.; his daughter Susan (Hall) Cussen and husband Thomas of New Milford, Conn.; his daughter Patricia (Hall) Soracin and husband Mark of Bethlehem, Conn.; his five granddaughters: Emily Hall, Brittany (Hall) Roberson and husband Will, Stacey Amburgey and husband David, Kendall Soracin and Sydney Soracin; his four grandsons: Michael Hall, Christopher Hall and wife Kelley, Derek Cussen and Sean Cussen; and his two great-grandchildren: Lailah Roberson and Logan Amburgey. He was predeceased by his sister, Shirley Wood. Carl was born April 7, 1931, a son of the late Archie and Emily (Moore) Hall of Ellenville, N.Y. He graduated from Ellenville High School in New York and went on to attend SUNY Cortland. Midway through his college years, he enlisted in the Army and served two years during the Korean Conflict as a 2nd lieutenant in special service. Following his return from

service, he completed college and earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education. After several years of teaching and taking courses to further his career, Carl went on to obtain a master’s degree in educational administration and guidance and worked toward his doctorate in administration. He devoted 28 years of his professional life to the students at The Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, N.Y. as a teacher, guidance counselor, class adviser and highly decorated coach who earned multiple Coach of the Year awards. He and his wife resided in Bedford Village, N.Y., until his retirement. Throughout his adult life, Carl enjoyed boating, snow skiing in Vermont with his family, playing tennis, and golfing with family and friends. He always regarded his family as his greatest accomplishment and made raising and educating his children his top priority. His funeral Mass was Saturday, Dec. 27, at St. John of The Cross Church in Middlebury. A private graveside burial was to be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The American Diabetes Association at P.O. Box 11454 in Alexandria, VA 22312 or call 1-800-342-2383. To send an online condolence, please visit www.mun sonloveterefuneralhome.com.

John Frederick Kotchian Loving husband, father and grandfather

John Frederick Kotchian of Elim Park in Cheshire, Conn., died Dec. 10, 2014. John Kotchian was born Nov. 14, 1921, in North Dakota, where his grandparents homesteaded in the 1880s. He was the son of Arthur George Kotchian and Erma Belle Hunger. He was raised in Wisconsin, participated in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and earned his Eagle Scout award. He loved the sound of brass and played the alto horn and then the French horn in high school. He attended the University of Wisconsin and played French horn in the marching band. He met his future wife, Winifred Rennebohm, at a dance there; they enjoyed so many dances during that Big Band era. After graduation in 1942, he received Navy midshipman training at Columbia and post-graduate training in communications at Annapolis. He served as communications officer for a destroyer squadron in the Pacific theater in World War II. After the war, John earned his master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School. Winnie and John were married in 1947. He spent his career as a district sales manager with Lincoln Electric, living in Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit and Connecticut. After retirement from Lincoln Electric, he worked in industrial sales with Pearce Real Estate. Since boyhood, John loved and explored the natural world and the outdoors and particularly enjoyed wilderness challenges. He made several canoe trips north of the 60th parallel, served as an instructor for whitewater canoeing, and taught his four children to hike, camp, ice skate, ski, canoe and backpack. He showed them how to recognize the stars and constellations in the night sky, wax cross-country skis, make a fire with one match, change a tire and drive on ice. He and Winnie spent many happy years skiing at Burke Mountain, Vt. John was an inveterate New York Times reader and was curious about sciences and the natural world. He taught cribbage to his family and loved to skunk his opponents every chance he got. He and Winnie traveled widely around the world, many of their trips centering on birding. He also enjoyed bridge, art, theater and opera, and tried his hand at sculpture and painting. John was active in many civic activities. He was appointed to the North Haven Conservation Commission, served on the Quinnipiac River Study Committee, later the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association, and was instrumental in the cleanup of the Quinnipiac River in the 1960s. He and Winnie volunteered at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, John

serving as chair of the volunteer board. John also chaired the land acquisition committee of the Sleeping Giant State Park board and was active in the New Haven Bird Club. He was president of the Hamden-North Haven YMCA board; the new building in Hamden was completed while he was on the board. He chaired the whitewater canoeing committee for the Connecticut chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club and was a member of Spring Glen Church for many years, serving as an elder and on the minister search committee. He was a member of the American Welding Society, Toastmasters International, Kiwanis and the High Lane Club. He enjoyed weekly hikes with his men’s hiking group until he was in his late 80s. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Winifred; son John and wife Regina of Middlebury; daughter Sarah and husband Bob Nellums of Albuquerque, N.M.; daughter Nancy Prentiss of Farmington, Maine; daughter Ann Lombard and husband Rob of Bridgton, Maine, and 12 grandchildren: Will, Jonathan, Elizabeth and Edwin Kotchian; Laura and Ross Nellums; Ben, Alex and Sam Prentiss; and Rob, Heidi and Molly Lombard. His memorial service will be held at Elim Park Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at 11 a.m. in Nelson Hall. Donations may be made to The Sleeping Giant Park Association, P.O. Box 185340, Hamden, CT. For more information, go to www.beecherandbennett.com.

Vincent Sullivan

Loving husband, father and grandpa Vincent Ferrer Sullivan, 91, of Middlebury, died Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at home, surrounded by his loving family. A loving husband, father and grandpa, he was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Francine (Dozois) Sullivan; his son, Gary, and all of his 14 brothers and sisters. He was at the time of his death the eldest male member of his family both here and in Ireland. He was born May 15, 1923, in New York City to Denis and Anne (Barry) Sullivan. He was a proud veteran of World War II and served as an armorer in Italy, Sicily and North Africa in the Army Air Corps. Following his service, he graduated from St. John’s University in Brooklyn, N.Y., with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and worked most of his life for Pan American Airlines, first as a flight attendant, then purser, then in management overseeing cabin operations. He was very proud to have developed the procedures for use on the first 747; he was on its first flight. He lived and raised his family in East Northport, Long Island, N.Y., then lived in Pembroke Pines, Fla. and Lake Como, Pa. He moved to live with his daughter and son-in-law in Middlebury in 2002. Through his work for Pan Am and an interest in all cultures and places, he traveled to many parts of the world and enjoyed adventures on virtually all continents. He enjoyed birdwatching, fishing, deer hunting, and making and fixing things mechanical and in wood. He loved to celebrate all occasions and personified living and enjoying a good life. He was a founding member of the A.R.I.S.T.I.C.S. on Long Island, which got together to enjoy gourmet meals and fellowship. He was a long-time member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Lake Como – achieving the rank of Noble Grand - and a member of the American Legion, Six Star, Post 209 in Lakewood, Pa. He is survived and will be missed by many: his daughter, Janine, and her husband, Kent, of Middlebury; his son Donald and his wife, Patti, of Felton, Calif.; his son William and fiancé, Debbi, of Spring Hill, Fla.; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins in the large Sullivan clan. His funeral service was Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Middlebury Congregational Church in Middlebury. Burial was to be private. To place an online condolence, visit www.munsonlove terefuneralhome.com.

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The Bee-Intelligencer

January 2015

Self-forgiveness is a gift

DEAR DR. ROACH: I was put on Coumadin several years ago for atrial fibrillation. It was a perpetual pain in the butt, all those tests and never knowing from day to day how much the blood had been changed from meal to meal. Both extremes were dangerous. I had two friends on Coumadin who were in remote areas when they fell, both hitting their head. Both died from brain hemorrhage before they could be treated at a hospital. My doctor suggested Pradaxa, a more expensive product, but no testing required. From what I read, there

about releasing ourselves from the pain associated with our past mistakes so they will not get in the way of our future potential for success and happiness. Most of us probably have committed major blunders during our lives – perhaps even during this past year – that we sincerely regret. But since we usually cannot reverse the consequences of our actions, it makes no sense to beat ourselves up over them. While our lives may have been unfavorably changed by our actions, repeatedly revisiting a regrettable situation and fretting over its outcome will only make us feel bad about ourselves and perhaps even diminish our current drive and ambition. The same is true with relatively minor situational miscues. We all

Winning Ways By Pat Iannuzzi Insights for Constructive Living

have probably said things we wish we hadn’t, but since we can’t take the words back, it’s unproductive to focus on the damage that may have been done or what may have been if the words had not been uttered. It only drags out the unpleasantness and decreases our confidence in dealing with similar situations down the road. Unfortunately, some of us carry around such negative emotions for weeks or even years and, in doing so, punish ourselves unnecessarily. While our past failures and mistakes may not be reversible, the reasons and behaviors

that caused them usually are. Reviewing the reasons for our past actions can provide valuable insights as to why we may have acted as we did, but dwelling incessantly on them usually does no good and can be potentially harmful. If we can’t forgive ourselves, we will tend to hang on to our negative feelings about ourselves and others, and these feelings may continue to play an unproductive role in our future decisions, actions and relationships with potentially similar results as before. Instead, what we need to do is learn from our mistakes, put them behind us and move on with the realization that we are each no longer the same person we were when we committed them. Furthermore, forgiving ourselves causes us to grow mentally and

emotionally, resulting in a positive shift in attitude and an enhanced sense of clarity and self-esteem about ourselves that will allow us to proceed with the confidence that we will not repeat them. What is preventing you from forgiving yourself? As you start 2015, consciously release yourself from any past regrets that may limit your success and happiness and open yourself up to the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead of you. Pat Iannuzzi of Symbiont Performance Group, Inc. is a performance consultant, trainer and coach focusing on selling, presentation and interpersonal skills. He lives in Litchfield and can be reached at 860-283-9963 or piannuzzi@symbiontnet.com.

Coumadin versus Pradaxa is no more danger of internal bleeding from one than from the other, and apparently Coumadin can be reversed medically in an emergency room while Pradaxa cannot (true or false?). It would be helpful for you to explain the chemical/medical differences between the two drugs and how they work and why they work differently and give an opinion as to which is the safer to use and why. – C.L. ANSWER: Atrial fibrillation, the chaotic beating of the upper part of the heart, puts people at higher risk for blood clots and is

one of the most common reasons to prescribe warfarin (Coumadin). Warfarin really did start off as rat poison, but, like many

drugs, it’s useful as a medicine in small doses even if it is potentially deadly in high doses. It has been in use for 60 years. Unfortunately, it is ineffective if you don’t give enough and can cause serious bleeding if too much is given, as happened to your friends. The INR blood test (international normalized ratio) is used to determine the correct dose, and the usual desired range is 2-3, although people with mechanical heart valves need a slightly higher dose, 2.5-3.5. Blood testing needs to be done at least every few weeks and much more often when just starting and in people whose levels go up and down. Since warfarin works by blocking vitamin K, people on warfarin need to have a consistent vitamin K intake, which is mostly found in green, leafy vegetables. Vitamin K will reverse the effects of warfarin in half a day or so, but blood products can be used to immediately reverse the effect. Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is a new medication that works by directly blocking thrombin, a key protein in making clots. Dabigatran should not be given to people with poor kidney function or disease of heart valves. There is no way to reverse its effects. Studies comparing warfarin and dabigatran have shown similar rates of effectiveness and a slightly lower risk of brain hemorrhage with dabigatran. Some studies show a slightly higher risk of heart attack in people taking dabigatran.

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In my opinion, both are reasonable choices. Pradaxa may be more convenient since it doesn’t require testing and appears to be about as effective, and with a lower risk of brain hemorrhage. However, there is no antidote, and it needs to be taken twice daily. READERS: Atrial fibrillation affects some 2 million Americans. To learn more, order the booklet “Heartbeat Irregularities” by writing to Dr. Roach – No. 107W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. Dr. Roach regrets he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. To view and order health pamphlets, visit www.rbmamall. com, or write to P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2014 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

1. Six players have hit 200 or more home runs for the St. Louis Cardinals. Name four of them. 2. Entering 2015, who had the better record of franchises that started play in 1993: the Colorado Rockies or the Miami Marlins? 3. In 2013, Nick O’Leary set a Florida State record for career TD receptions by a tight end. Who had shared the mark? 4. Four Portland Trail Blazers have grabbed 300-plus offensive rebounds in a season. Name two of them. 5. Only three players have tallied 50 or more goals in a season for the New York Rangers. Name two of them. 6. Which men’s soccer player holds the record for most World Cup matches won? 7. Name four of the six heavyweight boxing champions between Jack Dempsey (191926) and Joe Louis (1937-49).

Answers: 1. Stan Musial (475 home runs), Albert Pujols (445), Ken Boyer (255), Jim Edmonds (241), Ray Lankford (228) and Mark McGwire (220). 2. The Marlins are 1,643-1,853 (.470 winning percentage), while the Rockies are 1,6411,861 (.469). 3. Melvin Pearsall (1994-97) and Lonnie Johnson (1990-93), with 10 each. 4. Kermit Washington, Buck Williams, Chris Dudley and Robin Lopez. 5. Adam Graves, Jaromir Jagr and Vic Hadfield. 6. Germany’s Miroslav Klose, with 17 (2002-14). 7. Gene Tunney, Max Schmeling, Jack Sharkey, Primo Carnera, Max Baer and James J. Braddock.

There is probably nothing more personally demoralizing as agonizing over past mistakes and failures. Let’s face it; we all have at some point experienced setbacks of our own doing. It’s true that looking back can give us a clearer view of what we might have, could have or should have done, thought or believed. The problem is that it’s history, and it usually serves no positive purpose for us to continually reflect back on it. Self-forgiveness is one of the hardest things we can do, but it also is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. The purpose of self-forgiveness is not to excuse, overlook or condone previous errors in judgment. It is not about avoiding accountability or personal responsibility, but rather

Pomperaug High School Varsity Games Jan. 1 to 31, 2015 Boys’ Basketball

Saturday, Jan. 3.................... Nonnewaug (A)................................ 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6..................... Bethel (A).............................................. 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9........................ Masuk (H)............................................. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13................... Immaculate (H)..................................... 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16...................... Bunnell (A)............................................ 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20................... New Milford (H)..................................... 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23...................... New Fairfield (A).................................... 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27................... Brookfield (A)........................................ 7 p.m. Friday, Jan 30....................... Joel Barlow (A)...................................... 7 p.m.

Girls’ Basketball

Friday, Jan. 2........................ Wilton (Scrimmage) (A)....................... 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6..................... Bethel (H)............................................. 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9........................ Stratford (A).......................................... 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13................... Immaculate (A)..................................... 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16...................... Bunnell (H)............................................ 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20................... New Milford (A)..................................... 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23...................... New Fairfield (H).................................... 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27................... Brookfield (H)........................................ 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30...................... Joel Barlow (H)...................................... 7 p.m.

Ice Hockey

Saturday, Jan. 3.................... Cheshire (H)..................................... 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7................ Farmington/Avon/Windsor (A)............... 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10................. Milford Coop (H)............................... 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17................. Masuk (H)........................................ 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21.............. North Haven (H).................................... 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24................. Shep./Litch./Nonn. (H).................... 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28.............. New Milford (A)..................................... 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31................. Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury (H)........ 7:30 p.m.

Boys Indoor Track

Saturday, Jan. 3.................... SWC Developmental Meet (A)................ 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19................... SWC Developmental Meet (A)................ 9 a.m.

Girls Indoor Track

Saturday, Jan. 3.................... SWC Developmental Meet (A)................ 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19................... SWC Developmental Meet (A)................ 9 a.m.

Boys’ Swimming and Diving

Tuesday, Jan. 6..................... Bethel (H)............................................. 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 13.................... Bunnell/Stratford (A)............................. 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16...................... Brookfield (H)........................................ 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20................... Masuk (H)............................................. 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23...................... Naugatuck, Conard (A).......................... 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27................... Weston (A)............................................ 4 p.m.

Wrestling

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Saturday, Jan. 3.................... Trumbull Duals (A)................................. 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7................ New Milford (H)..................................... 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10................. Xavier Duals (A)..................................... 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14.............. Bunnell (A)............................................ 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17................. Lyman Mem./Windham Tech (A).......... 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21.............. Stratford (H).......................................... 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan 24.................. Rodney Smith Invitational (A)................ 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31................. Portland Duals (A)................................. 8 a.m. (H) Home (A) Away

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The Bee-Intelligencer

January 2015

It Happened in Middlebury

This postcard showing an image of Middlebury’s town green circa 1900 is in the Middlebury Historical Society’s collections. (Middlebury Historical Society photo)

Middlebury’s historical scrapbooks

By DR. ROBERT L. RAFFORD

(Kathleen Brown-Carrano cartoon)

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Classified Advertising Deadline: 5 p.m. Monday Classified Advertising Cost: $10 per insertion, up to 40 words. 25¢ each additional word. Submit ad with your name, address, telephone number and payment to: Mail: Bee-Intelligencer, P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 Email: mbisubmit@gmail.com Office: 2030 Straits Turnpike, Suite 1 This publication does not knowurdays and Sundays yearingly accept advertising which is round 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. deceptive, fraudulent, or which Routes 6 and 64 in Woodmight otherwise violate the law bury, Conn. 203-263-6217. or accepted standards of taste. However, this publication does For Rent not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of any advertisement, WARM WEATHER IS YEARnor the quality of the goods or ROUND In Aruba. The waservices advertised. Readers ter is safe, and the dining are cautioned to thoroughly is fantastic. Walk out to the investigate all claims made in beach. 3-Bedroom. Weeks any advertisements, and to use available. Sleeps 8. $3500. good judgment and reasonable Email: carolaction@aol.com care, particularly when dealing for more information. with persons unknown to you who ask for money in advance FOR SALE of delivery of the goods or services advertised.

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Helen Hickcox Benson’s historical scrapbooks at the Middlebury Historical Society provide us with a bucolic and sentimental view of Middlebury as it was in the first half of the twentieth century. One volume of pictures and articles from the 1940s contains this poem by an unknown author, although I suspect Helen herself may have penned the lines: Middlebury, Connecticut Our town is the typical town, of a countryside, Our homes, buildings, good roads, are our pride, We have woods, hills, lakes, brooks, and farms; We have Lake Quassapaug, a place full of charms. No town can boast a prettier, or statelier green, With as beautiful elm trees, as are anywhere seen; Surrounded by colonial homes, Church and Town Hall, And Westover School, which gives distinction to all. The cemetery is situated on a large pleasant hill, That even our winter clime cannot wholly chill, For it is filled with warm memories of a by-gone day, And its mood of quiet and peace, nothing can sway. In wartime, our town’s share of soldiers went away And we were proud of them, and proud to this day; Homes had their service flags on window, on door, Those memories are lasting, will last forevermore.

ple and they seemed strange because all the buildings were up and the people were upright. In Italy everything you see is flat and the people seem crushed.” Pvt. Raymond Veillette and Sgt. Raymond Willefsky, both residents of Steinmann Avenue, met on a Pacific Island as a result of correspondence. Brief notices tell the sad news that Pvt. George F. Worgon, age 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Worgon, Breakneck Hill, Middlebury, died Nov. 14 in Algeria, and Harold Woodcock of Middlebury died in an airplane crash in the Pacific. Browsing through these pictures and newspaper articles about our town heroes, I believe Helen was sharing a message, that the enjoyment of our town with all its charm and beauty is a gift we have all received because of the personal service and sacrifice of these men and women and so many more. These and many more stories deserve to be seen by all in Middlebury and beyond, and your historical society is busy scanning these scrapbooks to make them available on the Internet. If you would like to volunteer to help in the scanning or other work, please contact me. Bob Rafford is the Middlebury Historical Society president and Middlebury’s municipal historian. To join or contact the society, visit MiddleburyHistoricalSociety.org or call Bob at 203-206-4717. Your membership would be a valuable addition.

ZBA approves Central Road variance

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The Middlebury Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) at its Dec. 3 meeting unanimously voted to approve a sideline variance for an addition to a Central Road home. The variance was needed because the addition fell within the 40 feet zoning regulations require between a structure and its side property line. Attorney Michael McVerry, representing Doris and Gary Meier of 41 Central Road, told commissioners the property consists of over an acre of land with the house in the middle of a narrow lot that has 100 feet of frontage on Central Road and only 80 feet across the rear. He said the house was built by Doris Meier’s grandfather and is now owned by her and her son.

She wishes to remain in the property, but climbing the stairs in the house has become an issue, and she would like to have a bedroom added to the first floor. McVerry submitted a sketch of the property that showed an expanded kitchen area with a bedroom and bathroom addition behind it. He told Chairman David Alley the addition was close to the sideline rather than farther back so it wouldn’t encroach on other living areas. Doris Meier noted a well also limited placement of the expansion. She told member Ken Long a stairway in the drawing allowed access to an attic storage closet in the single-story expansion. McVerry said the hardship is the location of the house coupled with a right of way on the west side

of the property, the narrow width of the lot and wetlands in the rear. He said the proposed location is the best location on the property to build. A letter from adjacent property owners David and Melanie Metzer supported the expansion. In procedural matters, Alley said the variance application process has been streamlined so homeowners need to appear before the board only at the time of their public hearing. They formerly were required to appear to have the application accepted and then wait a month for the public hearing. The next ZBA meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. at Shepardson Community Center.

Winterizing: Shutter repair

One of the windows in our bedroom is leaking air underneath the bottom sash. On cold days I can feel air flowing between the sash and the windowsill, and condensation often forms along the bottom of the windowpane. In the summer, this is the window that we put our air-conditioning unit in. I checked underneath the sash to see if there is any damage, but did not see any. How can I stop the leak? – Drafty in Durham, N.H.

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But wherever the place you happen to be living, Give it a boost, and be happy in the giving, Your town, your city, is made up of all of you, Its service is yours, not just for the chosen few. When this poem was probably written, stately elm trees still populated the Green, soon to fall victim to a fatal disease. Following the poem lauding the allure of our town are pictures and newspaper articles, most from the Waterbury Republican-American, of our men and women who served our country in World War II, among whom are: Master Sgt. George H. Brandes, cited for heroism and bravery with the 19th bomb group, participating in action at the Philippines, Java, Australia, the Coral Sea, Milne Bay and New Guinea. Helen E. Orencole, who was sworn in as a member of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. First Lieut. John T. Foster. After being declared missing in action, he was rescued in China. His plane, “Belle Starr,” got “at least seven Zeros before suddenly bursting into flames,” and he parachuted to safety. He was found and his wounds earned him the Purple Heart. Corp. Anthony Bigolin was wounded in the Africa invasion and later saw action in the Sicilian campaign. He returned home on furlough. “Waterbury feels strange after Italy,” he said. “… I was walking along the street and looking at the buildings and peo-

The window frame may not be damaged, but some slight warping may have occurred over time as the window braced the air-conditioning unit. If there is no visible damage, you should be able to quickly block the leak using weather stripping. As far as the condensation: If the condensation is on the outside or inside of the window – and not forming between double panes – it probably is a normal occurrence during winter. (If it forms between double panes, it may be time to replace that pane or bottom sash.) However, its location can help you pinpoint

By Samantha Mazzotta where a gap exists between the sash and the sill. In this case, the condensation is forming along the bottom of the window. On really cold days it may even drip down and puddle along the sill. It signals that warm and cold air are meeting much more frequently along that sash than other parts of the window. As I mentioned, weather stripping should resolve this problem quickly. Your main concern is what type of weather stripping to use. This Old House has a nice, quick guide to the different types of weather stripping here: www. thisoldhouse.com/toh/pho tos/0,,20441335,00.html. Because you need a fix in a hurry, consider either felt stripping or foam tape. You probably will need to replace the felt stripping each year, but it’s fairly inexpensive and easy to install with finishing nails or a staple gun. Foam tape comes in several

widths and can be installed rapidly by peeling off the backing and sticking into place along the bottom of the sash. A pricier, but longer-lasting option is a vinyl-tube type of weather stripping. It’s durable, can be purchased in different widths and typically has the option of either a peel-and-stick backing or screw-in fasteners. Before installing weather stripping, clean the contact surfaces of the window thoroughly with soap and water and make sure they are completely dry. Measure the width of the bottom sash and cut the stripping with an extra inch on each side. When you install the stripping, use a utility knife to trim away excess at each edge. Send your questions or home tips to ask@thisisahammer.com. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

If the windows in your home or a room fog up regularly in winter, try increasing air circulation to reduce humidity: open curtains and crack windows for a few minutes daily, or run a dehumidifier.

The Bee-Intelligencer

Pet’s first visit to the veterinarian

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’m planning to adopt a cat soon. This is my first pet, and I’m looking forward to caring for it. The local shelter gave me a few instructions to follow, preadoption, including making an appointment for a veterinary checkup. Is there anything I should know about my cat’s first vet visit? – Kara L., Buffalo, N.Y. time to ask questions about DEAR KARA: Congratulations caring for your cat. Bring a penon deciding to accept a cat into cil and pad to take notes. your life! It will be a rewarding • Listen to the vet as he or she experience. I’m also glad you’re gives you information about doing your homework ahead of your cat’s general health. Vets time to give your cat the best start or their assistants often talk to on a new life. you throughout the process, Here are a few tips that will help telling you what they’re checkwith your first veterinary visit: ing for and the result. • Research local clinics ahead of • Follow the vet’s instructions. If time. Is there one that speciala follow-up visit or more tests izes in cats? are needed, make sure you do • Purchase a cat carrier that best it. Write down special instrucfits your cat (in terms of size, tions like how much and what not decor). This will make type of food to feed your cat, transporting the cat from the or instructions on giving medshelter and to and from the vet ication. And don’t be afraid to much easier and safer. ask for clarification if you don’t • Keep all paperwork from the understand something. shelter in a folder and bring it Send your questions or comwith you. ments to ask@pawscorner.com. • You should be able to be pres(c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc. ent during the exam. It’s a great

January 2015

Flanders day off from school adventure Monday, Jan. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. area kids in grades kindergarten through five who are off from school for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday are invited to go to Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury to experience “Wonderful Wildlife.” They will spend the day discovering the many ways animals adapt to winter. They will take a hike to find tracks and see which animals are active in the snow, and they will learn about feeding birds in the winter. This will be a fun-filled day packed with exploring the great outdoors and age-appropriate stories, games and crafts. Parents are asked to have their children dress for the weather and bring a bag lunch. Preregistration is required. The cost per child per workshop is $35 for Flanders members and $45 for nonmembers. Before- and aftercare are also available at $7 an hour. Those interested in having their children attend the program are asked to preregister online or by calling 203-263-3711, ext 10. Information on all adult and children’s programming, special events and memberships can be found at www.flandersnaturecenter. org. or on their Facebook page at facebook/ FlandersNatureCenter. The Flanders Welcome Center is at the corner of Church Hill and Children enjoy a winter hike at Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury. (Submitted photo) Flanders Roads in Woodbury.

Adopt a Rescue Pet

P UZZLE SOLUTIONS:

Larry and Lenny need a home

These male, neutered, tabbymix kittens are 9 months old. They are gray and white domestic shorthaired cats with pretty eyes. They are lovable, affectionate, playful, healthy, sociable and well-behaved kittens who will stay together. When you meet them, you will fall in love. They are fine with other cats. They need a reliable foster home until they are adopted. Pet PET OF THE MONTH Protectors provides everything needed for their care. Learn more about the Foster Care Program at www.petprotectorsrescue.org. Your pet could be featured as “Pet of the Month” in this picture Applications on website, or call frame. Send us your pet’s photo by email to mbisubmit@gmail.com 203-330-0255 or email contactus@ or by regular mail to P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 along with petprotectorsrescue.org for more information or for an application. your pet’s name, your last name and your town.

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