Middlebury Bee November 15

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Volume XI, No. 12

November 2015

ELECTION 2015

St. John seeks reelection

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM Middlebury First Selectman Edward B. St. John reflected Monday on his busy weekend.

He had attended a wake, an Eagle Scout ceremony and a Boy Scout pasta dinner Friday and Saturday and finished the weekend at the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) open house Sunday afternoon. St. John, a former MVFD fire chief, said he tries to attend as many community events as he can.

He said he is running for reelection because he feels he has a lot of unfinished business here. St. John, who served from 1983 through 2007 and returned to office in 2011 after a four-year absence, said, “We are doing the best we can with economic development and trying to expand our commercial tax base.” He said the proposed crematory on Benson Road will help expand that base.

His biggest challenge, he said is to move forward with a capital plan Middlebury residents can afford. “We have fallen seriously behind in infrastructure planning,” he said. Noting the “new” firehouse was built 40 years ago and is still using its original mechanical systems, St. John said various buildings in town need new roofs and mechanical updates to their air conditioning and heating systems.

He said many of the town roads need extensive work, and he can see that costing $1 million a year for the next few years. He also noted a Department of Energy and Environmental Protection order will force the town to remove underground fuel tanks and re-

place them with above-ground tanks. This will need to be done by 2017, and part of that project, he said, will be relocating the tanks and pumps at the Southford Road police and fire station to the Department of Public Works yard. The aboveground diesel tank at the Tucker Hill firehouse will remain.

St. John said he believes the needed capital projects can be completed without a huge jump in taxes. “I feel I can bond some of the capital projects with a life of 20 years or more so they won’t be a burden to taxpayers.” He said additional funds for the projects could come from undesignated funds.

The tax impact of Region 15 continues to be a concern.

“Look at the record,” he said.

“From 2005 to 2015, the town budget increased 1.7 percent.

In contrast, the school budget increased 50 percent despite a declining school population.”

Looking forward, St. John said he could see increased regionalization of services that might include a regional police department. The town already has joined Southbury and Region 15 in a self-funded health insurance plan, and other ideas for regionalization are in the formative stage.

He said moving police dispatching to Northwest Public Safety Communications Center in Prospect turned out to be a good move. “I feel it is working, and I give credit to Chief Viadero and Sue Webster for working things out.” He said Waterbury is going to move its dispatching to Northwest, and Northwest will be relocating to Waterbury from Prospect.

When it comes to tax sales, St. John said, “I think the town of Middlebury, under current

McCormack wants top spot

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM

Edward B. St. John economic conditions, should do its best to work with taxpayers to keep them here.” He said over the years many taxpayers have gotten behind, but the town has tried to work with them. “Most people pay their taxes before their property goes to auction,” he said. “Times are tough out there, and we need to work with people.”

“We have been fiscally responsible in moving the town forward while still offering great services,” he said. “Now we need to get a capital plan going that residents can afford.”

Asked how much longer he planned to serve, St. John, 74, said, “The clock is ticking against me. My intent is to get people to sign off on the capital plan.” He said he was involved with the community long before he became first selectman and has developed a deep connection with the community over the years.

Although he retired in 2008, he came out of retirement in 2011 to successfully run for first selectman. He said at the time his goal in returning to the office was to bring a fractured community back together.

Middlebury’s Democratic candidate for first selectman, Board of Finance Chairman Michael McCormack, said Tuesday, “I think Middlebury is a wonderful, beautiful town and my job will be to make it competitive and to give the taxpayers the greatest value for their tax dollars without giving up the beauty and friendliness we have.”

His campaign signs say McCormack will bring a new vision and a new direction to the town.

He said, “My vision is to try to bring the town into the 21st century. We need to adapt ideas that work, like going to a lock box. It’s happening all over.” He said if interest rates return to 2.5 to 3 percent, the town would make $30,000 a year in interest if it used a lock box. (A lock box immediately puts tax payments into a bank account to start earning interest.) With the current manual system, checks sometimes take 10 days to clear.

He also noted that moving the town’s police dispatch to Prospect saves the town $350,000 a year. “Our 911 calls were the second lowest in the state at 1.5 calls per shift,” he said, “so it cost $300 every time a local dispatcher picked up the phone.”

His new direction, he said, is for the town to look at the way we do business and exercise more fiscal discipline. He said the per capita cost to run Middlebury is $1,350 compared to $900 in other towns.

He also said the town hasn’t marketed the new Oxford Airport Enterprise Zone. “I think we need to do more than we are doing now,” McCormack said. “If we just stay with things

The Middlebury Conservation Commission (CC) at its Oct. 27 meeting heard plans for a grocery store to be built on Southford Road across from the former Golden Age of Trucking Museum. It also approved an oversize patio that had been constructed without approval, and accepted an application for a holding tank at Tyler Cove.

When Attorney Michael McVerry was discussing Joseph Desantis and Richard Brown’s plans for the Southford Road building, he said it would have loading docks and dumpsters in the rear with parking around the perimeter of the building and had been specifically designed for what he called a “country grocery store.” When asked about the tenant, the developers said they didn’t want to comment, other than to point out the location was perfect for a small store with much commuter traffic and several nearby housing developments.

The grocery store plans lead to im-

mediate speculation on which grocer will go in there. LaBonne’s just closed its Southbury store, which is listed on Vision Appraisal as 14,110 square feet.

Could LaBonne’s be planning a Middlebury store? Or perhaps Joe Dinova is planning to open a new store at that location? We will report the grocer’s name as soon as we have it.

To create a parcel for the grocery store, Desantis and Brown of Middlebury, D/B/A Southford Road LLC will take a 2½ acre parcel at 1000 Southford Road and combine it with an acre from the adjoining lot at 984 Southford Road owned by Francis Cipriano of Watertown D/B/A Southford Park, LLC for the new 14,000-square-foot commercial building. The plans were reviewed by civil engineer Paul Szymanski. Szymanski said the combined 3½ acres had about 1½ acres of wetlands, providing room for a centrally located commercial building on the remaining property. Using a set of maps and drawings, he described a mitigation plan to deal with a Connecticut drainage discharge as well

Inside this Issue Classifieds.................11 Puzzles.....................11 Diversified Tax Tidbits...8 School Daze................5 Featured Pet..............12 Senior Center Events....5 Golden Technologies...5 Veterans Post..............5 Library Lines................2 Winning Ways.............8

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Nov. 3

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as groundwater flowing into the existing wetlands.

In other matters, commissioners unanimously approved a 20-by-40foot patio with stairs and a retaining wall for the new office building at 891 Straits Turnpike with the stipulation additional winterberry and blueberry bushes be planted. The originally approved plans called for a smaller 20-by-20-foot patio and Wetlands Enforcement Officer Deborah Seavey granted a certificate of occupancy in September if the owners agreed to apply for an after-the-fact modification.

In new business, an application by Antoinette Moore to install an additional 1,000 gallon septic holding tank at 17 Tyler Cove was accepted for commissioner review. McVerry said a permit from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection had been received.

The next regular CC meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Room 26 at Shepardson Community Center.

Michael McCormack half the hours. “I’ll work as much as I need to to get the job done,” he said.

As for Region 15, he said he is an observer at their contract negotiations and is chairman of the Middlebury-SouthburyRegion 15 self-funding medical insurance committee. He also attends the region’s budget workshops.

He said, “I think Region 15 is a great asset for the towns of Middlebury and Southbury …

With any organization that has a $60M budget, there are places you can make changes and make cuts.” He believes those cuts can be made without giving up premium services. And he plans to participate in Region 15 activities as a first selectman. He may not have a vote but, he said, “You have influence. You have the bully pulpit.”

McCormack, 71, said of his chances of winning Nov. 3, “I think I’ve done a very good job as chairman of the Board of Finance. I think I’ve been very visible. I think the people who want fiscal responsibility will vote for me. I think I have a good chance of winning.”

P&Z continues crematorium hearing, approves POCD

Country grocery store planned for Southford Road

By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE

the way we have done them, we’re not going to be competitive.”

However, new systems won’t mean eliminating employees.

“The thought is to make it more efficient, not eliminate employees,” he said.

Looking at the defeated proposal to have a Dunkin’ Donuts on the corner of Glenwood Avenue and Middlebury Road, he said. “The place was going to look beautiful. It was a sit-down restaurant with no drivethrough. I thought it should have gone through.” He said the first selectman can help set a vision for the Planning and Zoning Commission.

He said taxes are high in Middlebury because the town continues to overspend. Southbury’s new asphalt roof for its community center cost $218,000; Middlebury may spend $600,000 on a new slate roof for Shepardson Community Center. “Maybe we can’t afford slate anymore,” he said.

“Shepardson was built in 1920.

It’s not an antique.”

“We have to think more about the value. If we get value, we get the town fiscally disciplined and we become more competitive. Housing prices go up, we attract industry and everybody is happy.”

He said he isn’t limiting himself to one term but wouldn’t want to serve 10 to 20 years and become an institution either.

“I’m looking to come in and change things and move on.

Whether that takes one term or two terms I don’t know,” he said.

He is willing to work for half the salary to show he has a real commitment to get the town on the right financial footing.

That doesn’t mean he will work

By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE The Middlebury Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) on Oct. 1 continued a public hearing on a proposed crematorium on Benson Road and unanimously approved the long-awaited Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). It also scheduled a public hearing to renew permits for Benson Woods and advised about a cottage expansion on Lake Quassapaug and an in-law apartment renovation on Watertown Road.

The commision continued to Nov. 5 a public hearing for Raymond and Panagiota (Penny) Albini’s request to amend zoning regulations to permit a crematory, undertaker establishment, nondenominational chapel, columbarium (storage vault for funeral ash urns), and a cremation garden cemetery in the LI-200 zone. These would be on a 33-acre commercial lot the family purchased from the town for $200,000 after the sale was unanimously approved in a June 1 special town meeting. The lot, with about five to 10 usable acres fronting on Benson Road and the rest unbuildable wetlands, was acquired by the town in June

Municipal and Board of Education Elections

What: Vote on numerous town offices and Region 15 Board of Education positions When: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Shepardson Community Center at 1172 Whittemore Road in Middlebury

Veterans Blessing Ceremony

What: Wendell Deer With Horns will lead a Native American blessing ceremony When: Noon Where: Middlebury Green

2014 from Baker Residential in lieu of taxes owed.

The family owns the Albini Funeral Home in Waterbury. Raymond told commissioners he did not originally plan to build a funeral home there, but only after much input from the community decided to include it as part of his plan. Attorney Michael McVerry said the Albinis understood that if the zone change was approved they would still need to come back with a special exception application so the details of the project could be addressed. In comments from commissioners, Erika Carrington stressed the importance of adequate parking being proposed in accordance with the regulations.

Thanking all commissioners and staff for “a lot of work,” Chairman Terry Smith singled out Commissioner Matthew Robison for keeping the focus on a definition of the “Middlebury Village District” portion of the POCD acceptable for unanimous approval.

That district, an area delineated as those commercial properties fronted on Middlebury Road and bordered by the entrance

– See P&Z on page 2

The December Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer will be out Friday, Nov. 27!

Middlebury Lions Club Annual Turkey Dinner

wednesday

Nov. 18

What: Traditional roasted turkey with all the trimmings, pumpkin pie, juice, tea and coffee.

When: 5 to 7 p.m.

Where: Shepardson Community Center at 1172 Middlebury Road in Middlebury Info: Tickets: $10 adults, $8 seniors and children 6 to 12, immediate family maximum of $35 and

kids under 6 free. Takeout - add $1. Pay at the door or get a ticket from a Lion. Proceeds

benefit Middlebury Family Services Emergency Fund, scholarships, other community causes.

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The Bee-Intelligencer

2

November 2015

Food Drives

Left, Middlebury Democrats, left to right, Ralph Barra, Anastasia Persico, Bob Desmarais and Lois Yager, collect food for the Middlebury Food Bank Saturday at the firehouse.

Right, helping with the Middlebury Republicans' food drive for the Middlebury Food Bank Sunday at Dinova's Four Corners are, left to right, Harold Smith, Bob Smith and Harold's mom, Rita Smith.

(Marjorie Needham photos)

EIDC updates Tax Incentive Policy, discusses marketing

By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE The Middlebury Economic and Industrial Development Commission (EIDC) at its Oct. 27 meeting unanimously voted to send an update of Middlebury’s Tax Incentive Program to the Board of Selectmen for approval and publication. It also discussed the effectiveness of current marketing programs and planned a meeting with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

A new section of the Tax Incentive Program describing the Connecticut Airport Development Zone incentive program was added at the suggestion of Commissioner Armando Paolino so business owners would be more aware of both opportunities. Most of Middlebury is within the radius for qualification, but a business must have an economic relationship to the Oxford airport to be approved.

The town and state incentives

differ in several ways, and businesses can choose only one plan if they qualify for both.

In a discussion on marketing, commissioners were undecided on the value of continuing to pay for membership in the Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) Sitefinder Search database at a cost of $550 per year. The membership was started in 2013 with the intention of providing a search capability from the town website, but that function is not present.

Chairman Terry McAuliffe asked members to review the CERC capabilities and consider for the next meeting whether a dedicated economic development website would be more effective for Middlebury.

For an upcoming meeting, Commissioner Frank Mirovsky agreed to invite DECD program coordinator Edward Bona to discuss marketing for the Oxford Airport Enterprise Zone.

At a joint meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commis-

sion in August, members heard a presentation on architectural standards by Hiram Peck and Hugh Sullivan. The presentation was arranged because current zoning regulations lack standards, and the EIDC needs architectural standards because it is charged with approving commercial building designs.

Peck, a former town planner for Simsbury, gave an illustrated presentation on the visualization and adoption of architectural guidelines for Simsbury Town Center. He discussed the use of community design charrettes* for consensus building and the use of Photoshop for visualizing possibilities.

Sullivan, founding co-partner of Bennett Sullivan Associates, discussed the Southbury streetscape planning and implementation, for which he won the 2015 AIA Connecticut Public Service award. In answering questions, Peck and Sullivan stressed the importance of balancing the conflicting needs of

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pedestrians, vehicles, and aesthetics.

First Selectman Edward B. St. John, also in attendance, said he wanted to move forward quickly. Peck and Sullivan agreed to send him an outline of an RFP (request for purchase) to solicit proposals for firms to produce a streetscape plan for Middlebury Center. Peck estimated the plan would cost about $100,000 with funds coming from grants and town funds.

The next regular EIDC meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall Conference Room. *A charrette is an intensive planning session during which citizens, designers and others collaborate on a vision for development. It provides a forum for ideas and offers the unique advantage of giving immediate feedback to the designers. More importantly, it allows everyone who participates to be a mutual author of the plan.

Ed. note: At our request, McAuliffe continues to report on this commission while serving as its chair.

to Bristol Park and Ledgewood Park, drew numerous public hearing comments in 2014-2015, particularly when the Shell gas station also was being discussed.

Robison spoke against the original definition, saying it expanded too far into residential areas and warning it could lead to rezoning. The approved plan was the result of a $66,000 contract awarded on Dec. 10, 2011, by the Board of Selectmen to the Turner-Miller Group to update the 2001 POCD. The update initially was estimated as a one-year effort, It slipped to 2013 by state legislation and then into 2015 after continued public comments.

A public hearing to renew an excavation and grading permit for Middlebury Land Development LLC d/b/a Benson Woods at North Benson Road was unanimously approved for Nov. 5.

A request by Robert and Lori Bickley of 2128 Middlebury Road for guidance on expanding two cottages on their Lake Quassapaug property was answered by Chairman Smith with the suggestion they form a condominium

K

New books are mix of nonfiction and fiction

aitlin Roig-DeBellis’s “Choosing Hope: Moving Forward from Life’s Darkest Hours” (371.7 ROI) is a difficult book to read. Written by the teacher whose room would have been next in the rampage of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, it details the horrific experience in a personal and terrifying way. As you read, you, too, have crammed 20 first-graders into a one-stall bathroom and pulled a file cabinet in front of the door so the killer won’t find them. You hear the pleas for life and the resulting gunshots of those just outside your door. You are not sure if you are really alive or this is an alternate universe. You are terrified.

Next, Tom Farley, M.D. has written a fascinating true ac-

Holiday Gift Cards Now Available!

EXIT 17

Continued from page 1

association and follow the approach taken by the Tyler Cove and West Shore homeowner associations. Attorney William Ward, representing the Bickleys, said they did not want to build more cottages on their property, but likely would want to expand beyond the existing footprint when rebuilding. During a discussion of septic requirements they were advised to consult with the health department prior to submission of plans.

A request by Lou Persico for guidance on a proposed house remodeling at 642 Watertown Road was answered by Smith with the recommendation he submit a special exception application for an accessory apartment.

Building contractor Eric Strachan told commissioners Persico bought the house with an existing in-law setup downstairs and wanted to relocate it into an expanded area on the second floor and convert the downstairs area into a recreation room. He said all utilities would be shared and there would be no separate entrance.

The next regular P&Z meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Shepardson Community Center.

Library Lines

Do You SPA?

Visobello.com

P&Z -

(203)-598-7525

count of the public health initiative of New York City under Michael Bloomberg. “Saving Gotham: A Billionaire Mayor, Activist Doctors, and the Fight for Eight Million Lives” (610.9 FAR) is a behind-the-scenes look at how they imposed strict regulations to save peoples’ lives – whether the people wanted it or not. They prohibited smoking in bars, outlawed trans fats in restaurants, reduced the amount of salt allowed in foods, brought attention to sugary drinks and generally forced the public to be responsible for better health. Millions of people became healthier despite themselves.

“Fast Forward: How Women Can Achieve Power and Purpose” (610.1082 VER) by Melanne Verveer and Kim K. Azzarelli shows women how to lead a successful as well as a meaningful life. Interviews of many well-known women who explain how they were able to accomplish this goal include notables such as Geena Davis and Diane von Furstenberg. The foreword written by Hillary Rodham Clinton is particularly interesting as one of the authors spent many years with Clinton as an activist for promoting the potential of women.

In her latest book, Bonnie MacBird imagines that she discovers an unknown work of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in an old book about cocaine use. “Art in the Blood” (MAC) follows our favorite detective in a new adventure to Paris, where he connects the threads of three separate crimes as one. Written in Watson’s voice (as Doyle did), MacBird’s narrative hopefully will be as engaging as the original!

Short-story fiction can be a terrific alternative when life becomes too busy. Pick it up and finish one entire story in only 30 pages – or even just two pages! A quirky book of short stories, “Mothers, Tell Your Daughters” (CAM) by Bonne Jo Campbell celebrates strong but flawed women. In one story, an abused wife takes revenge on her bedridden husband. In another, a newlywed is sure her recently adopted mutt is actually her dead ex-boyfriend, so she struggles with the idea of having him neutered.

Middlebury Public Library Adult Services Librarian Donna Hine writes Library Lines. If you have a topic you’d like her to cover, contact her at the library at 203-758-2634.

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The Bee-Intelligencer

November 2015

3

Vote Row B – The Middlebury Republican Team COMMITTED ~ DEDICATED ~ QUALIFIED FIRST SELECTMAN

SELECTMAN

Elaine Strobel Board of Selectmen for 10 terms BA Physical Education, Niagara University; MS Applied Physiology, Columbia University Health teacher, Wilby High School, Married, five children

Edward B. St. John First Selectman serving 14 terms Former member Charter Commission and Sewer Commission Member/Past Chief MVFD for 40+ years US Army - Engineering/Surveyor.

Brenda Carter Katherine Gibbs College, 1977, Secretarial Degree Certified Connecticut Tax Collector, 2008; Middlebury Tax Collector Clerk, 2003 - present Secretary Health and Safety Committee Member Charter Commission, 2011 Married, one child, two grandchildren

POLICE COMMISSION

Frank Cipriano CT State Police Academy, Firearms CT State Police Academy, Law Enforcement Captain/Member Waterbury Police Auxiliary 1964 - 1980 Middlebury Police Officer PT, 1981-1987 Member/Chairman WPCA, 1993-2001 Member/Chairman Police Comm. 2000-2015

TAX COLLECTOR

Robin Stanziale BS Accounting, Post University former Finance Officer, Palace Theater, Waterbury Married, two children

Jean Dawes Assistant Tax Collector, 1990-2003 Middlebury Tax Collector 2003-2015 Married, two children, four grandchildren

BOARD OF FINANCE

BOARD OF EDUCATION

John Cookson Bachelor Degree in Business Management; AAS Accounting, Bryant College; Nursing Degree Lincoln Technical Institute Member, Board of Ed., four years Former Chairman Economic Development; Member/Past Chairman Land Preservation Divorced, three children

TOWN TREASURER

Rita Smith AAS, Business Management - NVCC Chairman - Library Board of Trustees Former Chairman Middlebury RTC Married, two children

Dawn Calabrese MBA, Sacred Heart University BS Accounting, Teikyo Post University Bus. & Transp. Spvr., Hamden Board of Ed. Financial Accountant/Accounting Manager, Town of Middlebury, 2005–2009 Married

LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Ron Clark MS, Counseling and Education, CCSU, 1984 BS Public Safety Admin, CCSU, 1981 AAS Law Enforcement – Middlesex CC CT State Police Sgt./Cmd. Officer, 1970-1993 Chairman, Police Commission, 1997-2009 Chairman/Member P&R Comm., 1982-present Library Board of Trustees, 2014-present

Bill Stowell AS, Accounting; LaSalle Extension University US Navy Lt. Commander Ret, 24 years Business Manager Region 16 Schools, 20 years Member/Past Chair P&Z, 22 years Member Ret. Plan Comm., 5 years Member Board of Finance, 2 years Member/Treasurer Library Board, 2 years

Peter Vaccarelli Croft High School, 1964 Electrical Contractor, Project Manager, Realtor Member Library Board, 2014 - present Married, two children

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY

Paul J. Phillips BS Industrial Engineering, CCSU 1986 MBA International Business, UNH 1996 MS Engr. & Tech. Mgmt., UB 2012 Principal Engineer, Mederi Therapeutics, Norwalk MVFD Member 2000-present Member WPCA, two terms Married, two children

Ted Mannello BS Business, SCSU, 1992 Owner, Cornerstone Staffing, Waterbury and Orange Member Waterbury Board of Finance, 1 term Member Waterbury Planning Board, 2 terms Member WPCA, 2 terms Member Econ. Dev. Commission, 3 terms Married, two children

POMPERAUG VALLEY WATER AUTHORITY

Michael Dayton BS Business/Marketing, Springfield College Lieutenant, MVFD Employee, Middlebury Public Works Single

Robert W. Smith JD Law, Western New England College, 1982 Attorney, Robert W. Smith Law Offices, LLC Water Pollution Control Authority, 1997-present; Chairman 2003 present Divorced, two children

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS

Robert J. Flanagan, Jr. B.A. History, University of Notre Dame, 1991 J.D., The Notre Dame Law School, 1994 Attorney; Cella-Flanagan, P.C., North Haven Member Board of Assessment Appeals, 2 terms Member Charter Commission, 2007, 2013 Married, four children

Please Vote Row B on Tuesday Nov. 3, 2015.

Approved by Ed St. John. Paid for by Friends of Ed St. John 2015, C. Rossi, Treasurer & the Middlebury Republican Town Committee, Ken Heidkamp, Treasurer

4

The Bee-Intelligencer

November 2015

The Bee-Intelligencer

November 2015

Middlebury Senior Center Events November holiday closings The Middlebury Senior Center will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day and Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26 and 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Driver safety program The next AARP Driver Safety course will be Monday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the senior center. The course is the nation’s first and largest driverrefresher course. Using new materials and new videos, the course covers new defensive driving techniques, new laws and regulations, how to deal with aggressive drivers, and how aging affects drivers.

Drivers who attend the class will receive a completion certificate and may be entitled to a discount on automobile insurance (contact your insurance company for details).

AARP membership is not required, and drivers of all ages are invited to attend. The cost to participate is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. All checks must be made out to “AARP.” Call 203-577-4166 to register.

Life transitions talk Kathie Nitz, CSA, will speak on life transitions Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Middlebury Convalescent Home at 778 Middlebury Road. You are invited to hear her speak. Refreshments will be served.

Nitz is a professionally trained life-and-relationship coach who received her training through The Coaches Training Institute in San Rafael, Calif. As a coach and certified senior adviser, Nitz

helps individuals navigate life Senior Center at 9:30 a.m. to go transitions, including the chal- to the Meriden Mall so passenlenges of elder care and aging. gers can check out the new store, Boscov’s, that recently opened Free lunch for veterans there. The bus will start back at In appreciation for your service, 1 p.m.

If you would like to join us, the Middlebury Senior Center will offer all veterans a free lunch on please call the senior center 203Thursday, Nov. 12, at 11:45 a.m. To 577-4166 to reserve your seat. participate, please call the Middle- The cost for transportation is $5 bury Senior Center at 203-577- per person.

4166 at least two days in advance Painted Pony to reserve your seat.

Commission on Aging meeting The Commission on Aging will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 9:30 a.m. in the Shepardson building, Room 26. All who are interested are welcome to attend.

Medicare open enrollment Medicare open enrollment runs through Dec. 7. Check your medical plans to make sure they still fit your needs. Nancy Cimmino, insurance specialist, is available for help with Medicare enrollment on Wednesdays. If you would like her to help with you with your insurance decisions, call 203-577-4166 to make an appointment with her.

Trips Christmas Tree Shops Thursday, Nov. 12, the minibus will leave the Senior Center at 10:30 a.m. to travel to the Christmas Tree Shops in Orange, Conn.

After some fun shopping time, we will enjoy lunch. Please call 203577-4166 to reserve your seat.

Boscov’s in Meriden Thursday, Nov. 19, the Senior Center minibus will leave the

restaurant

As part of the Senior Dine lunch program, the minibus will go to the Painted Pony restaurant in Bethlehem Friday, Nov. 20.

This trip is usually the fourth Friday each month.

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.

Holiday Light Fantasia Monday, Dec. 7, the Senior Center minibus will take passengers to see the Christmas lights at Holiday Light Fantasia in Goodwin Park in Hartford, Conn.

The bus will drive through an enchanting land of spectacular, sparkling light displays during this festive and magical holiday season, delighting children and adults with more than 60 enchanting images on display.

All proceeds go to Easter Seals.

The bus will stop at Denny’s in Southington for dinner. The cost of $12 per person includes admission and transportation. The rain/snow date will be Dec. 15.

To reserve your seat, call 203577-4166.

Golden Technologies

Cyber threats: Stay safe at home

By JUSTIN GOLDEN As we close out October, National Cyber Security Awareness month, we need to address the following question: Who is most at risk of cyber threats and computer infections, yet least aware of this?

If you say your children, you are correct. They could be drawn into an environment that could unintentionally affect you, their parents. This would be a critical issue if you work in a regulated industry or one of the 16 critical infrastructure industries, such as banking, government (state or federal), health, utilities, transportation or the other 11 industries. This is because your business and your personal life are more intertwined than ever before with social media. The recent data breaches and theft of personal information from millions of people from healthcare provider Anthem, Operation of Personnel Management federal agency, Home Depot, Target and others is a warning.

You must be diligent when you receive emails from people you don’t know and even those you do.

When your child is using a computer at home or is on a smartphone, it is easy to unintentionally go to a malicious web

page, click on a link or open an attachment that infects their device with a virus. You need to make certain your child knows what to look for in suspicious emails and can quickly tell you what has happened without fear of punishment.

From Safetyonline.com: What should you do to better protect your children and you?

1. Beef up security on home computers. Don’t let kids have access to your passwords. Have individual complex passwords for every application you use, e.g., upper and lowercase, numbers and special characters. Back up everything daily in case your children accidentally delete files or if your computer gets affected by ransomware.

2. Depending on your children’s age, keep your computer in an open area as it will allow you to easily monitor their computer activity and give you an opportunity to intervene if you notice a behavior that could have negative consequences.

3. Set rules of PC and smartphone use. Make sure your children know the boundaries of what they are allowed to do. The boundaries should be appropriate for their age, knowledge and maturity.

4. Talk to your children about the dangers of the Internet so they recognize suspicious behavior or activity. Discuss the risks of sharing certain types of information (e.g., that they’re home alone) and the benefits of communicating and sharing information only with people they know.

The goal isn’t to scare them; it’s to make them more aware.

5. Most importantly, keep lines of communication open. Let your children know they can approach you with any questions or concerns about behavior or problems they encounter online.

It is essential that your children understand and commit to not sharing personal information with anyone they meet online. This includes their name, address, telephone number, financial information, school name, passwords or other private information. Please take the time to research additional topics at www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect and www.onguardonline.gov/topics/protect-kidsonline.

Golden Technology Services helps its clients ensure their cyber security. They can be reached at 972-679-9738 or justin.golden@ gtscloud.com.

5

Medicare open enrollment Here we are again in the middle of the annual open enrollment for Medicare.

Information abounds, but AARP especially is encouraging seniors to compare the cost of drug plans with an eye toward saving money.

Here are some of the things you can do during the open enrollment: • Change from traditional Medicare to an Advantage plan, or vice versa.

• Switch from one stand-alone prescription drug plan to another.

• Drop Part D. • Sign up for a drug plan if you didn’t join one when you first enrolled in Medicare.

• Change from one Advantage plan to another.

You’ll be looking for convenience, cost, customer service and coverage.

There are two easy (or at least easier than doing it yourself ) ways to pick a plan.

1. Go online to Medicare’s Plan Finder (www.medicare.gov/ find-a-plan) and start by putting in your ZIP code for plans in your area under the general search. Below that is the personalized search, but use that only if you’re absolutely sure of your computer’s virus protection, because it requires you to put in your Medicare number.

2. Call Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227 or contact your State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) at www. shiptacenter.org.

If you need to learn more, check the AARP site (aarp.org) for A Newcomer’s Guide to Medicare or AARP Medicare Part D Guide.

Don’t forget that the open enrollment only runs through Dec. 7, 2015. Any changes you make will start on Jan. 1, 2016.

Open enrollment is for those who already have Medicare. If you’re just now signing up for Medicare, there is a different enrollment window for you: three months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and three months after your birthday. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

Blue-water vets and Agent Orange The Department of Veterans Affairs decided long ago that for a Vietnam veteran to have been exposed to Agent Orange, he or she would have had to actually step foot on land. For those veterans, the VA developed a list of presumptive illnesses – among them peripheral neuropathy, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, prostate cancer and more – for which it would pay disability benefits.

“Blue-water” veterans – on ships offshore in deep-water harbors – got nothing. Here and there an individual claim would be approved for those who had docked and set foot on land or were on patrol boats on inland waters.

The Institute of Medicine was asked to determine if blue-water veterans could somehow have

been exposed to Agent Orange even if they never left the ship, determine the possible method of transmission and compare them to troops on the ground.

The IOM committee held three open meetings, the last aboard the USS Midway, now a museum in San Diego. What members specifically wanted to see: the distillation plants.

Navy ships had their own drinking-water supply systems, converting seawater to drinking water. And where did that water go? Everywhere. It was used for

drinking, cooking, laundry, showers and making coffee.

The IOM called it a “plausible pathway of exposure.” It concurred with an Australian study that concluded the distillation plants “had the potential to enrich” the concentrations from the source water to the drinking water on the other end.

The IOM couldn’t, however, determine whether blue-water veterans had a higher or lower level of risk than those who served on land or traversed the inland waterways.

The VA estimates that of the 80,000 living blue-water veterans, about 40,000 have been found eligible for benefits, while about 20,000 have been denied benefits. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

It really is ‘new’ math Greetings! Well parents, we used to joke about math being “new math,” but I’m here to tell you it really is “new” math! The math your child is learning is so very different from how you and I learned math. Computation is still a component of any mathematical problem, but the way to get there requires much more effort on your child’s part.

Today’s math requires your child to show multiple ways of achieving the answer, as well as explain each detail of how your child went about solving the problem. In addition, your child is asked to include a model such as a chart or a diagram, etc. Ask your child to show you how to solve 56 times 23. You will be amazed to see the four different ways this is done. Division is the same  multiple ways to solve a division problem.

The reason for this change is so children can better understand the reasoning behind these operations and therefore better understand the mechanics of mathematical reasoning.

You can be instrumental in helping your child at home. Give your child a math problem that requires him/her to explain the reasoning behind solving the problem. Have your child draw a picture to show the computation. Play math word games

School Daze by Mrs. M. such as, “I have 85 cents. What three ways can I show that using the least amount of coins?” Or play “Measure Treasure Hunt.”

Give your child a list of two or three measurements, such as 6 inches, 12 inches, and 10 centimeters. Ask your child to use a ruler and go around your home to locate items that match each measurement. Make it a game with a yummy treat for whoever can find the first five items.

For older students, look for opportunities to practice multiplication and division, such as asking your child to figure out how to equally share 16 cookies among 4 friends. Have your

child draw it out on paper. Play multistep math word games such as, “My water bottle holds four cups of water. I drink two bottles a day. How many cups do I drink in 5 days?”

Feel free to speak to your child’s teacher and ask for resources you can use. Keep in mind technology is awesome in this area. Just about every strategy your child is asked to use can be found on YouTube, so don’t be afraid to check it out.

Until next month ... keep smiling!

The little boy wasn’t getting good marks in school. One day he made the teacher quite surprised. He tapped her on the shoulder and said, “Miss M, I don’t want to scare you, but my daddy says if I don’t get better grades, somebody is going to get a spanking.”

Mrs. M. (Fran Mullen) is an educator in the Waterbury School District. She welcomes your opinions and comments.

You may email her at fmull04@ gmail.com.

Find out what’s happening at the library at

www.bee-news.com

The Bee-Intelligencer

6

November 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 Writer: 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.

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Tech gifts bring teachable moments (Family Features) From games to smart phones and devices, you’d be hard-pressed to find a holiday wish list that doesn’t include at least one new tech device. These gifts provide kids with the tools to connect with friends and empower them to learn and explore while also presenting an opportunity for parents to start a conversation on how to live safely in an increasingly digital world.

Technology access starts as early as 6 years old in many families, according to a recent survey

by LifeLock, an industry leader in identity theft protection. At

this young age, a whopping 74 percent of children have access to laptops/desktops. The rate of technology use increases from there – by the time kids hit their mid-teens, 80 percent have a smartphone.

“The holidays are a great time to gift a child their first device, but parents are trying to find the balance between the opportunity to build friendships, learn and have fun using technology, and the need to stay safe and develop healthy lifestyles,” said Paige Hanson, Educational Programs Senior Manager with LifeLock.

Middlebury Parks & Recreation Stroller Boot Camp The fall session II led by Krystle Benedetto will meet Wednesdays, Nov. 11 to Dec. 16, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. at Middlebury Elementary School. There will be no classes Nov. 25, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30. The class is for all ages.

The fee is $55 for residents; $65 for nonresidents for the five weeks.

Over-Thirty Men’s Basketball This group will meet Mondays, Nov. 2 to April 25, from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at Pomperaug High School. It will not meet Dec. 28, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, or April 11.

These pick-up games are for Middlebury residents only, age 30 and over. The fee is $40.

Co-Ed Volleyball Both residents and nonresidents are invited to play volleyball Tuesdays, Nov. 3 to April 26, from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at Long Meadow Elementary School.

There will be no play Dec. 29 or April 12. The fee is $35 for residents; $45 for nonresidents. This is strictly recreational play for persons 18 and older.

Basketball Program 2015 to 2016 Registration for all basketball programs can be done online at www.middlebury-ct.org or in the Parks & Recreation office through Nov. 6. After Nov. 6, a $20 late fee will be charged and placement is not guaranteed. Once teams have been picked, no new registrations will be taken. Practices, game schedules and play locations are subject to change. Program play days will be determined by the number of players registered in a program.

PLEASE NOTE: This program cannot be successful without parent volunteers to help coach teams. If you are interested in coaching, please call the office at 203-758-2520, ext. 702.

Nonresident Policy Registration for the recreational basketball program will be open to Southbury residents in grades 3 to 8 who attend Middlebury schools full time. Children will not be allowed to play in both Middlebury and Southbury basketball programs. Parents must decide which program is more convenient for their child. A $25 nonresident fee will be added to the registration fee for the basketball program. The first- and second-grade instructional program is not open to nonresidents

Trust & Dignity

As technology increasingly plays a larger presence in our lives, parents recognize the need to help their kids live a balanced life online and offline. Four out of five parents surveyed reported having technology agreements with their children that define areas such as safety and privacy, screen time, apps and downloads and respectful behavior.

However, the overwhelming majority (79 percent) relies on verbal versus written agreements with varying degrees of effectiveness. As you think about gifting your kid a device this holiday season, it is also a good time to establish, or update, the ground rules you’d like to have as a family, and discover new resources that can help create a positive conversation.

One such resource is “The Smart Talk.” LifeLock and National PTA, the nation’s oldest and largest child advocacy association, recently teamed up to create this free digital tool which is designed as an interactive experience between parent and child, guiding families through a series of questions and conversations.

After agreeing on healthy limits, a personalized family agreement can be stored on the computer or

Photo courtesy Getty Images printed out and posted in a hightraffic home area – like your fridge!

By doing this, it will help serve as a daily reminder for the whole

at an earlier age, and give parents a roadmap to set ground rules that strike a better, healthier balance,” said Hanson.

It is also a good exercise to remind parents that they also should practice healthy online habits and safeguard their family’s identities.

“Always think before you post to your social networks,” said Hanson. “While posting a picture of your family seems harmless enough, you could be opening yourself to identity theft. Each photo and status update also creates your child’s first digital footprint, especially when they are too young to be online themselves.”

“When it comes to forms – extracurricular, doctors’ records and more – don’t be afraid to ask what personal information is actually needed by the organization. Many times they just need a name and maybe a birthdate, but not your kids’ Social Security number,” concluded Hanson.

Start the conversation by visiting thesmarttalk.org to begin setting ground rules, learn best family to follow the agreed upon practices and protect your chilguidelines. dren’s safety and security when “We need to help the next gen- using technology and living in eration establish safe behaviors today’s always connect world.

Letters to the Editor McCormack is no friend of Middlebury seniors To the Editor: Mr. St. John established the Elderly Tax Relief Committee in September 2007 to study and recommend means by which needy seniors in Middlebury could receive tax relief on their homes. Examples of Mr. St. John’s past efforts to help the elderly in Middlebury can be demonstrated by his accomplishments such as establishment of the Senior Center at Shepardson Community Center, Woodside Heights for senior housing, establishment of reserved funds to use for elderly tax relief, his support and approval of the proposed senior tax relief program, which followed the Connecticut Circuit Breaker program, along with other approved senior relief programs.

On the other hand, Mr. McCormack has been an obstacle to any senior citizen tax relief program the Elderly Tax Relief Committee proposed. In fact, the latest proposal, which followed the Connecticut Circuit Breaker program and would have allowed a very minimal taxpayer investment by using funds in an account designated for senior relief, was turned down by Mr. McCormack even after it was approved unanimously by the Board of Selectmen.

McCormack denied this minimal relief to the fewer than 73 needy families by removing the funding from the budget. He has refused to provide any budget support for any of the numerous elderly tax relief program proposals.

Other examples of his budget policies that affect our seniors

include charging them for Middlebury Recreation Area passes that previously were free, reducing the budget for the Senior Center, and causing a loss of senior activities by reducing the Parks and Recreation Department budget.

I truly believe it is time for Middlebury to step up to the plate and begin offering support incentives to our seniors as all the surrounding communities have done. Keeping our elderly residents in Middlebury improves property values. It also reduces property taxes since fewer students will attend our public schools, therefore reducing educational budgets that have a direct impact on our property taxes. Once again, helping the elderly helps all the citizens of Middlebury.

We need to get out the vote on Nov. 3 and re-elect Mr. St. John, a proven supporter of the elderly.

Paul Babarik Chairman, Elderly Tax Relief Committee Middlebury

Carter asks for votes To the Editor: I am running for a seat on the Region 15 Board of Education.

My goal in running for this position is to ensure that we continue to provide the quality of education we are known for, coupled with fiscal responsibility and transparency. Board of Education members are responsible for providing an educational environment in which each and every child may thrive and have the opportunity to succeed. We need to prepare our children for a challenging future.

I have been a resident of Middlebury for 32 years. My husband

and I raised our daughter here.

She attended Region 15 from kindergarten through grade 12.

She then went on to Marist College and graduated in the top 10 percent of her class. Currently she is employed as a special education teacher in Hartford. I am certain that the quality education provided by Region 15 was paramount in her ability to continue her academics and attain her career successes.

I currently serve as a Middlebury tax clerk. With that and my prior experience as a volunteer on various town commissions, I have a unique perspective on town government and its fiscal challenges and constraints. I have had the opportunity to hear many residents’ points of views.

These viewpoints, along with my experience, enhance my ability to understand the inner workings of our school system while representing our children and the residents of Middlebury.

I will bring objectivity to the Board of Education, and I will be fiscally responsible so our tax dollars are spent wisely to benefit our students.

I look forward to representing all of Middlebury and hope you will vote for me and Row B. Brenda Carter Middlebury

done so at the expense of the town side of our budget.

According to Chairman McCormack, the Region 15 budget is sacrosanct. He has therefore, refused to question, critique or even publicly comment on this budget. His silence is deafening and can be construed as giving a nod of approval.

Lois Yager of Middlebury, president of the Memorial Middle School PTO, is running for the board of education. Keep in mind that the PTO never met a school budget that they not only embraced, but also championed.

If Mike McCormack and Lois Yager should win in November, we will be burdened with a first selectman and a board of education member who are in favor of runaway school spending that represents close to 70 percent of our total budget. Over the last 5 years, out student enrollment has decreased by 12 percent while the Region 15 budget has increased 13 percent.

As you fill in the little ovals on the ballot on Nov. 3, stay clear of those for Mike and Lois. Keep in mind they are supporters of the annual increases in the school budget which, in a nutshell, sap the very life out of the town side of our budget.

Heidi Shea Middlebury

Two candidates crusade for Region 15 budget Letters to the Editor To the Editor: Taxpayers of Middlebury, please take note of the fact there are two candidates on the ballot who are crusaders for the Region 15 school budget.

Michael McCormack, as chairman of the Board of Finance has done a superb job of keeping our total budget down, but he has

Letters to the editor may be mailed to the Bee-Intelligencer, P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 or emailed to beeintelligencer @gmail.com.

Letters will be run as space permits. Please limit letters to 500 words, avoid personal attacks, and understand letters will be edited. For verification purposes, please include your name, street address and daytime telephone number.

The Bee-Intelligencer

November 2015

7

Obituaries Eluycia “Wanda” (Majewski) Alex

Longtime Middlebury resident Eluycia “Wanda” (Majewski) Alex, 104, widow of Anthony Daniel Alex, passed away peacefully Oct. 26, 2015, at Middlebury Convales-

cent Home.

Mrs. Alex was born in Waterbury, Conn., Aug. 9, 1911, the daughter of the late Fabian and Zofia (Chiemlieski) Majewski. A longtime resident of Middlebury, she was well known for her flower arrangements and volunteerism throughout the community. She was an active member of the Waterbury Garden Club, Polish Junior League, and St. John of the Cross Church. Wanda also donated her time knitting caps for newborns at St. Mary’s Hospital. She passed on her volunteerism to her oldest and youngest grandchildren. She loved animals, enjoyed tennis and swimming, and was a life guard during her youth.

At age three, Wanda, through an illness, lost her eyesight and hearing. A few years later, her eyesight was restored but she remained deaf until age 90, when the hearing aid was perfected to accommodate her disability. Graduating high school in 1929 as salutatorian of her class, she spoke three languages fluently and was awarded a scholarship to nursing school. Because of her health, she declined the opportunity but carried her love, compassion and tenderness to all who knew her throughout her life.

Wanda’s love for animals and the disabled was reflected in her relationship with her disabled granddaughter Alexandrea. She never spoke ill of anyone and always encouraged her daughter and grandchildren to follow suit. A great lady, Wanda will be greatly missed. Her mantra was “to forgive and never judge.”

Wanda is survived by her daughter, Andrea Alex-Jeans and her lifetime partner, Gunnar W. Gaylord, of Harwinton; her four grandchildren, Christopher Alex Jeans and his wife, Melissa, of West Cornwall; Brett Alex Jeans and his wife, Laura, of Lucerne, Switzerland; and twin granddaughters.

Alexandrea Barbara Jeans and Jenifer Alex Jeans, both of Harwinton; four great-grandchildren, Evan Alex Jeans and Olivia Grace Jeans, both of West Cornwall; and Oscar Antony Alex Jeans and Marlow Anouk Alex, both of Lucerne, Switzerland; a sister-in-law, Helen Majewski of Waterbury; and several godchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Middlebury Convalescent Home for the stellar care given to Wanda during the last eight years of her life.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 29, 2015, at St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury.

Burial will be private in Lake Elise Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Middlebury Convalescent Home Recreation Fund, 778 Middlebury Road, Middlebury, CT 06762. The Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. To send an online condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial. com.

Antoinette (Ciarlo) Calabrese

Loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Mrs. Antoinette (Ciarlo) Calabrese, “Nonnie,” 90, of Middlebury, entered peacefully into eternal life on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015, at Waterbury Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was the widow of William M. Calabrese.

Antoinette was born in Waterbury Jan. 29, 1925, a daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Perugini) Ciarlo. After marrying the love of her life in 1946, Antoinette moved to Woodbury and lived there for six years before making her home in Middlebury.

Antoinette’s greatest enjoyments were spending time with family, traveling with friends, and spending many winters in Florida with her brother, Tom Ciarlo, and his wife, Florence. She had a true passion for cooking and baking, and family and friends will always remember gathering together each week for her unforgettable Sunday dinners.

She leaves behind a son, Nicholas Calabrese, and daughter-inlaw, Sharon, and her daughters, Marguerite Gillette and Mary Ann DeSantis, all of Middlebury; six grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; a sister, Mary Galullo and her husband, Jim Galullo of Apex, N.C.; and two sisters-in-law, Florence Ciarlo and Marie Ciarlo. Antoinette was predeceased by a son, William M. Calabrese Jr.; four siblings, Thomas Ciarlo, Romeo Ciarlo, Phyllis Palladino and Anne Ricciardi; son-in-law, Allen Gillette; and a beloved sister-in-law, Shirley DeRito.

Her Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 17 at St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury. Burial was to follow at Middlebury Cemetery.

Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home in Waterbury was in charge of the arrangements.

To honor her compassion for children with terminal illnesses, at her request, the family would like all donations sent in her memory to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38418.

Margaret S. DiMartino Beloved mother, grandmother and sister

Mrs. Margaret (Santoli) DiMartino, 91, passed away Oct. 17, 2015, at the Village Green of Waterbury after a brief illness. She was the widow of Domenic DiMartino, who passed in 1995.

She was born in Waterbury on May 2, 1924, to the late Anthony (Pasquale) Santoli and Louise R. (D’Elia) Santoli. Margaret worked in the Bristol Co. for 29 years before retiring in 1978. Her husband retired shortly after and they traveled extensively. She was the top women’s duckpin bowler in the state in the 60s and 70s and was the first woman to bowl a 200 game at Perillo’s Bowl-O-Drome. In her later years, she was an active member of South Waterbury and St. Francis senior groups.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna M. Fontano and her husband, Robert, of Waterbury; brother, Frank Santoli and his wife, Maria, of Middlebury; sisters, Judy Perillo of Prospect and Joanne Howard of Middlebury; two granddaughters, Carla Fontano-Twigg and her husband, Jason, and Victoria Fontano, both of Waterbury; one grandson, John Fontano and his wife, Jeannette, of Waterbury; and two great-granddaughters, Julianna and Jocelyn Fontano of Waterbury. She also leaves a niece, Dana Perillo-Stango and her husband, Michael, of Prospect; three nephews, Michael, David (Janice) and Frank (Doreen) Santoli, all of Waterbury; and two grandnieces.

She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Daniel T. Perillo and a nephew, Domenic Perillo.

There were no calling hours.

Arrangements are private and at the convenience of the family.

Chase Parkway Memorial/The Abini Family Funeral Home was entrusted with Margaret’s arrangements.

Contributions in Margaret’s memory may be made to VNA Health at Home, 27 Siemon Company Drive, Watertown, CT 06795 or VITAS Hospice, 199 Park Rd. Ext., Middlebury, CT 06762.

For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

Elsie (Snelgrove) Farkas Elsie (Snelgrove) Farkas, 83, of Middlebury died peacefully in her sleep Oct. 11, 2015.

Elsie was born the youngest of nine children to John and Sarah Snelgrove on June 18, 1932, in Bridgeport, Conn. She graduated from Stratford High in 1950. She went on to earn a degree in secretarial science from the Butler Business School. She retired from Sikorsky Aircraft in 1993 after 16 years.

As a resident of Monroe for many years, Elsie loved to teach Sunday school and volunteer for many committees as a member of The United Methodist Church of Monroe. Elsie was instrumental in petitioning for greater safety standards on school busing. Elsie and her husband were active within the local politics of Monroe for many years. They retired to Middlebury in 1997. She enjoyed reading, old Hollywood movies and, most of all, spending time with her family.

Elsie was preceded by her husband of 62 years, Kaye Farkas; parents, John and Sarah; six brothers, Hubert, John, William, George, Leonard and Malcolm; and two sisters, Myrtle and Elizabeth. Elsie is survived by her four loving chil-

dren, son Kenneth (Susan) Farkas of New Milford, Conn.; daughter Karen (Larry) Johnson of Pickerington, Ohio; son Kevin (Meg) Farkas of Westwood, N.J.; and son K. Christopher Farkas of Hackettstown, N.J.; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

The Farkas family would like to extend their gratitude to Dariann Gatison for her love and support of their mother over the last several years. A memorial service was held Oct, 17, 2015, at the MunsonLovetere Funeral Home in Woodbury, Conn. To send an online condolence, please visit www. munsonloveterefuneralhome. com.

Bonnie A. (Ashmore) Ferrucci

Loving wife, mother and grandmother Mrs. Bonnie A. (Ashmore) Ferrucci, 64, of Middlebury passed away Oct. 17, 2015, at Yale New Haven Hospital after a courageous battle with a rare infection. She was the beloved wife of Stephen R. Ferrucci III. Bonnie was born in Waterbury March 30, 1951, daughter of the late John H. and Jeanne (Harvey) Ashmore. She was raised in Naugatuck and graduated from Naugatuck High School. She earned an associate degree from Sharon Williams College. She worked as a dental assistant for many Greater Waterbury Area dentists until her retirement in 2000. Bonnie enjoyed spending long days at the beach, reading novels and birdwatching.

Besides her husband, Steve, of 44 years, she leaves two sons, Bryan Ferrucci and his wife, Kathleen, of Middlebury and Samuel Ferrucci and his wife, Kristen, of Waterbury; two brothers, Kevin Ashmore of Norwalk and Don Ashmore of Bristol; a sister, Cindi Sue Achria of Kansas; and a granddaughter, Brooke Ferrucci of Middlebury. She was predeceased by a brother, Gary Ashmore.

Her funeral was Oct. 24 at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Middlebury. Burial was to follow in Lake Elise Cemetery in Middlebury. Chase Parkway Memorial/ The Albini Family Funeral Home in Waterbury was in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made in Bonnie’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www. chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

Gene R. Hubbard

Loving husband, father and grandfather Mr. Gene R. Hubbard, 80, of Middlebury passed away peacefully Oct. 24, 2015, at The Village Green of Waterbury, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Joyce F. (Stotts) Hubbard.

Gene was born in Waterbury, Conn., March 4, 1935, the son of the late Eugene and Mary (Sullivan) Hubbard. He was the owner and operator of his own contracting company in Middlebury for many years before his retirement.

He was a creative craftsman and an avid water skier.

Besides his wife of 40 years, he is survived by one daughter, Lori Arsego and her husband, Jack, of Middlebury; one son, Pat Cidela of Woodbury; and two grandsons, Jonathan Arsego and Anthony Cidela, whom he loved very much.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 29, 2015, at St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury.

Burial of cremains was to follow in Middlebury Cemetery. Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home was entrusted with Gene’s arrangements.

For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www. chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

Claire (Marinelli) Robert Loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother

Claire (Marinelli) Robert, 87, of Waterbury and formerly of Watertown, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at her home on Oct. 4, 2015.

Claire was born in Waterbury, Conn., May 3, 1928, daughter of

the late Carmine and Mary (Marzano) Marinelli. She was a graduate of Croft High School. She worked for many years as an executive assistant for Peter and Paul Manufacturing Company and Timex Corporation. Upon her retirement she was able to do what she loved most and that was to spend time with her loving family.

Claire was an avid sports fan. In her younger years she enjoyed skiing and tennis and was a lifelong New York Yankees and UCONN women’s basketball fan. However, her favorite sporting events to attend were those played by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her presence will be missed on every field and court in the greater Waterbury area. She will be remembered for her kind heart, unconditional love, impeccable style and warm smile. She will be missed by all that knew her.

Claire is survived by her daughter, Louise Graziano of Middlebury; three grandchildren, Robert and (Mary) Graziano of Watertown, Jenn and (Joe) Yamin of Middlebury and Jill and (Brandon) Warburton of Park City, Utah; seven great-grandchildren, Daniel and Derek Graziano; Juliana, Michael and Mathew Yamin; and Elle and Gracie Warburton; and three brothers, Paul, Roger and (Lucy) and Carmen and (Laura) Marinelli. She was predeceased by her brothers Peter, Anthony and Dom Marinelli. Claire also will be missed by her lifelong friends, Sandy, Kathy and Keith and her neighbors, Judy and Nelsa.

Her funeral was Oct. 7, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Burial was to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, 29 Central Ave., Waterbury, CT 06702.

For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www. chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Also surviving him are his “adopted” daughter, Sarah (Bassett) Norton, and his wonderful and caring livein aide, Karis Cole, who provided such excellent and loving care to him for over two years. His family will be forever grateful to her and we are proud to say she has become part of our family. In addition to his parents and wife, Richard was predeceased by his youngest daughter, Cheryl Thompson Huntley; his brother, Robert Thompson; and his sister, Mary Ann Taylor.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Trager and his office, Yvonne and All About You Home Care and Accuity and their affiliates, A & B Home Care, and CCCI for their excellent and compassionate care of Richard over the years. An extra special thanks to Seasons Hospice Care for providing comfort and visits to him for the last 10 months. The visits and care he received from all at Seasons gave him great pleasure and his family is forever grateful.

He was so fond of you all, and the family has such gratitude and appreciation especially to Theresa, Taryn, Ann Marie, Alice, Kathy, Caitlyn, Dena, Lindsey, Shelby and Valerie, and the nurses who filled in for on call hours, as well as nurses who have cared for him and are no longer there.

Graveside services were Sept.

28, 2015. Burial is private for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Middlebury Senior Center. Munson Lovetere Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be made at www. munsonloveterefuneralhome. com.

Richard L. Thompson

Joan (Beach Sheehy) Veillette, 82, of Waterbury passed away Oct. 4, 2015, at Vitas Hospice at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury.

She was the wife of Robert E. Veillette.

Mrs. Veillette was born in Waterbury Oct. 10, 1932, to the late Violet (Stroberg) and Lloyd Beach.

Joan was the mother of five children, whom she adored. Prior to her retirement as a sales account executive at the Waterbury Republican, she was a former Waterbury town clerk during the Palomba administration and a licensed real estate broker and owner of Tribury Realty.

Joan was active in many community organizations. She served

Richard L. Thompson of Middlebury passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Sept. 25, 2015. He was the beloved husband of the late Charlotte F. (Cochran) Thompson, who passed away May 31, 2014.

They had been married for 66 years and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015 was their anniversary, so they were able to spend it together in Heaven.

Richard was born on Aug. 10, 1926, in New Castle, Pa., to the late Clarence Edwin and Ester Hazel Snyder Thompson.

Richard had a vast work history, including working as a lumberjack in Maine in his younger years where he met his beautiful bride.

He also worked for O & G and Morganti, where he worked on such projects as the Stamford Hospital and I-84 bridges. Richard was an excellent carpenter and woodworker, and for a time after retirement he made furniture and decorations that were sold at craft fairs by his daughter Mary. He was a very meticulous and proud man who had a great faith in God. In his later years he really enjoyed watching the birds from his chair in the living room. His family had to take down the bird feeder for a couple of days recently when a big male bear decided to cruise on through and sample the goods! It went back up shortly, however, as Richard enjoyed it so.

He is survived by his son, Clarence Thompson of Cheshire; his daughters, Kathy Phillips of Brookfield; Mary Thompson-Kelly and her husband, John, of Cheshire; Patty Thompson and her husband, Herman, of North Carolina; Jacqueline (Thompson) Rodriques and her husband, Roberto, of Old Lyme; sisters-in-law Marie (Cochran) Hamilton of Prospect and Gwendolyn (Cochran) Oxton of Maine; 11 grandchildren and 15

Joan (Beach Sheehy) Veillette

as director of the Waterbury chapter of The American Cancer Society, was a volunteer at the Mattatuck Museum and a committee member in the establishment of Waterbury’s Holy Land. She was awarded the Outstanding Young Women of America designation for her charitable activities, community service and professional excellence. Joan was an avid gardener, had a love for ballroom dancing, and enjoyed summers in Block Island, R.I. She will be most remembered by her family for her warmth, compassion, and capacity to always see the good in others. Joan was admired by many for her grace and elegance.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Robert E. Veillette; her children, Beverly (Kevin) Canning of Middlefield, Conn.; Steven Sheehy of Delray Beach, Fla.; Carol (Don) Carver of Middlebury, Conn.; and Colleen (Michael) Lynch of Kensington Conn.; and her sister-in-law, Ann Sheehy Coppeto of Manchester, Conn. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Betty Veillette of Southbury, Conn.; Jan (Michael) Carey of Middlebury, Conn.; Robin (Daniel) Donato of Waterbury, Conn.; Douglas (Mary) Veillette of Middlebury, Conn.; and Robert S. (Maria) Veillette of Middlebury, Conn. Joan leaves six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, 13 step-grandchildren, and four step-greatgrandchildren. Joan also leaves many nieces, nephews and cherished friends. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Richard Sheehy; her sister, Bonna Oliver; and her step-grandson, Christopher V. Donato.

The funeral Mass was Oct. 9 at Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 731231718, or to The Veillette Family Fund at the Connecticut Community Foundation (to benefit the Silas Bronson Library), 43 Field St., Waterbury CT 06702.

Visit www.murphyfuneralhomect.com for more information or to send an online condolence.

Obituary Policy Please ask your funeral director to send obituaries and photos to us at beeintelligencer@gmail. For more information, call 203-577-6800.

The Bee-Intelligencer runs obituaries and their accompanying photos

free of charge. We do this as a community service to honor the deceased and the family and friends who love them.

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The Bee-Intelligencer

8

Charitable contributions – Part 2 Last month, we discussed some of the rules regarding tax deductions for charitable contributions and the related IRS documentation requirements, and we will not repeat the general rules here. But this month we will delve deeper into the subject of “noncash” donations.

In this context, noncash refers to any contribution other than cash, check, credit-card payment, payroll deduction, etc.

Examples are donations of used clothing, furniture, cars and stock.

If your total noncash donations exceed $500 in value, then you need to complete IRS Form 8283 and attach it to your tax return. On this form, you need to indicate the name and address of the charity, description of the property donated, date of the contribution, fair market value (FMV) of the property (which usually will be the amount of the tax deduction), method used to determine FMV, date property was acquired, how acquired (purchase, inheritance, etc.), and your cost basis.

But if any individual item is $500 or less, then you can skip the last

Diversified Tax Tidbits

By MARK A. BURNS

three pieces of information for those items.

For donated property of $5,000 or less (or for a donation of publicly donated stock of any value), you complete Section A of Form 8283. If the donation exceeds $5,000 in value, then you use Section B of Form 8283.

An appraisal is required for property reported in Section B (except for artwork, where an appraisal is required only if the FMV exceeds $20,000). In addition to the information included in the preceding paragraph, Section B also requires some additional information regarding the type of property donated, as well as a “Declaration of Appraiser,” and a signed acknowledgment from the charity confirming receipt of the donation.

If you donate a used automobile to charity and you intend to take a tax deduction for more than $500, then the amount of your tax deduction in most cas-

es is not the “Blue Book” value.

Usually, the charity is selling the car and receiving cash in return, and in that case the charity is required to send you a Form 1098-C that provides the amount of the sales proceeds, and that is the amount you are allowed to take as a tax deduction.

One last thought: If you do volunteer work for a charity, unfortunately you are not allowed to put a value on your time and take a tax deduction for that. But if you incur any outof-pocket expenses related to your charitable work, then you can take a tax deduction for those expenses, the same as if you had given the cash to the charity and then spent the cash accordingly.

The above is a very general discussion. Always consult a tax professional if you are uncertain about how tax matters might affect you. If you wish to learn more about this subject, you may refer to IRS Publication 526.

Mark A. Burns, MBA, is a CPA with Diversified Financial Solutions PC in Southbury. He can be reached at 203-264-3131 or Mark@DFSPC.biz.

LPOS discusses committee versus commission, Fenn Farm status

By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE

The Middlebury Land Preservation and Open Space Acquisition Committee (LPOS) at its Oct. 7 meeting decided to postpone approving minutes and voting on matters until the question of whether the group was a committee or commission was decided. It also reviewed the status of Fenn Farm maintenance items, confirmed plans for the annual tour and heard comments about a proposed agreement with the Middlebury Cemetery Association (MCA).

Member Richard Spierto asked Chairman Ray Pietrorazio to wait for a ruling from the town attorney on whether the group was a committee or commission before taking any actions or votes and Pietrorazio agreed, saying his only concern was three months of meeting minutes still unapproved. The bylaws forming the group, filed Sept. 21, 2007, call it the “Land Preservation and Open Space Commission,” but it is not listed as a commission in the town charter and various meeting minutes have called it both a committee and commission on official letterhead. The town website lists it as a commit67 years old, and I believe I have tee. it. I spent 45 years as a TV news Pietrorazio said repairs on the photographer, handling heavy portion of the Fenn Farm horse cameras, tripods, etc. – B.J. ANSWER: “Stone shoulder” is a new one for me. Maybe you mean frozen shoulder, a condition also called “adhesive capI think it’s safe to assume that sulitis.” It’s not a strictly accurate much of our success and happiterm, since the loss of moveness in life depends on the coment the name implies is gradoperation of other people. ual. It starts with shoulder pain, Whether in work or in our peroften worse at night, lasting for sonal lives, getting others to months. Stiffness develops, and genuinely want to assist us is then the loss of shoulder moveusually a critical factor in achievment can be severe.

A careful physical exam by a ing our objectives. Unfortunateregular doctor, a rheumatolo- ly, we often find ourselves in gist, a sports medicine doctor or situations in which the level of an orthopedic surgeon can cooperation we desire from othmake the diagnosis. Often, the ers is not as forthcoming as we doctor will inject a steroid and would like, and our results (or anesthetic into the shoulder: lack of them) clearly show it.

We may wonder why a coThe pain relief and improved worker is reluctant to help us movement within a minute overcome an issue with a cusmake the diagnosis. I refer patomer, why a prospect doesn’t tients to physical therapy for a want to buy our product or sergradually increasing exercise vice, or why our boss is resistant regimen. Sometimes, additionto giving us a raise, even though al injections are necessary. In we have clearly and painstakyour case, I would worry about ingly pointed out all the reasons a rotator cuff tear or inflammawhy we think they should comtion, which you also might have ply with our wishes. acquired while doing your job.

The underlying problem with Dr. Roach regrets he is unable all of this is that we are failing to to answer individual letters, but recognize one of the most prohe will incorporate them in his found laws of human nature, column whenever possible. Readwhich is that people generally ers may email questions to ToYdo things for their reasons, not ourGoodHealth@med.cornell. ours.

People usually make deciedu. To view and order health sions based on their criteria, not pamphlets, visit www.rbmamall. other people’s.

We can ask, imcom, or write to P.O. Box 536475, plore and even beg others to do Orlando, FL 32853-6475. something we want, but if we (c) 2015 North America Synd., Inc. don’t spell out the ways in which All Rights Reserved our request will benefit them in

Could back brace cause swollen feet?

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 83 years old. I was lifting a heavy end table back in November, and I heard a crack. I knew I was in trouble, as that had happened on the golf course many years ago. I went to the hospital and was there for six days. They took an X-ray that showed moderate facet arthropathy, mild degenerative disc disease and a mild compression fracture at T12.

I was prescribed a back brace and have been wearing it for three months. However, both feet have begun tingling in the toes, and my foot is numb all the time. I have had periodic ankle swelling, but now the swelling is up to the knees in both legs.

Does the back brace have something to do with it? – L.B. ANSWER: Facet arthropathy is a term used by radiologists to describe arthritis in the back.

Degenerative disc disease is very common, if not universal, in 83-year-olds. Both can cause back pain.

However, the “crack” you heard and the finding of a compression fracture are more troubling. A compression fracture of a vertebra is like what happens to a cardboard box if you put too much weight on top of it. The combination of a compression fracture, tingling and numbness

November 2015

barn foundation that were “in dire straits” were complete, but he said the building was old and would eventually need more work. He said the draft bid package for the cow barn reroofing had been sent by Public Works Director Dan Norton to an engineering company that will formalize it so it can go out for bids.

Pietrorazio said he expected bids to come in with a possible reroofing in early 2016. He said he would speak to Norton about possibly protecting the leaking part of the roof with a tarp over the winter months. Pietrorazio said a buried ditch repair cost more than expected because an additional 15 feet was involved.

Regarding the Oct. 10 annual Fenn Farm tour, Pietrorazio said he was disappointed only one member of the Middlebury Land Trust (MLT), the tour co-sponsor, had agreed to help and was worried about having enough people to help park cars and handle refreshments and events. He said the MLT contributed $200 toward the cost of the tour and the Town of Middlebury would contribute $300. Member John Cookson agreed to get the hot dogs, rolls, and fixings, while Vaszauskas Farms will bring the apples and pumpkins and Malcolm Todt will do the cooking.

A letter from lifetime farm

resident Robert Fenn containing numerous complaints and suggestions on farm maintenance was answered by member Pat Dwyer. Pietrorazio said he had spoken with Fenn and reported him satisfied with the response.

In old business, members discussed progress on a proposed revocable license agreement allowing grave-site-preparation and burial vehicles to travel over a 15-foot strip of Fenn Farm property. Pietrorazio said he had placed the discussion on the agenda for LPOS member awareness even though the committee was not directly involved. The legal document was designed to be signed by officials of the Town of Middlebury, MLT, MCA, and Robert Fenn. It stipulates liability insurance, indemnification from claims, damage repair, and oversight by Fenn. MCA president Bruce Richardson said the association had marked up the agreement and sent it back to the Board of Selectmen. He said he crossed out the need for sign off from Robert Fenn and the MLT, and the requirement for liability insurance. He also questioned being invoiced for a legal survey description of the property.

The next regular LPOS meeting will be Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. at Shepardson Community Center.

People act for their reasons, not ours

is concerning. It’s time to go back and get re-examined.

Compression fractures can lead to nerve compression.

Kidney, liver and heart problems can all cause swelling of the feet, but I think the most likely cause may be that you aren’t elevating your feet as much as before because of the back brace.

The booklet on back problems gives an outline of the causes of and treatments for the more-common back maladies.

Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach – No. 303W, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Can you explain the condition known as “stone shoulder”? I am a man,

Online 24/7 at

www.bee-news.com

Winning Ways

By Pat Iannuzzi Insights for Constructive Living

some way, people usually will be reluctant to respond positively.

Sometimes we can get so excited and passionate about an idea that we become perplexed when others don’t readily buy into it. When they don’t respond with the enthusiasm we expect, we often conclude that they simply don’t have the insight or vision we have, or worse, that they really don’t care about us. We tend to blame them for their negative response when the problem really is that we are describing the idea in terms of what motivates us rather than in terms of what motivates them.

Certainly people do things for others all the time without there necessarily being a reward or payback in it for themselves.

However, it is much easier to persuade someone to do something you want if there is also a benefit in it for them. People who donate money to charities and other special causes, for example, do indeed give because they want to help the people, but they are also often motivated

because of the emotional satisfaction they derive from being compassionate and altruistic.

When you ask someone to do something for you, it’s important that you also try to give that person a reason for doing it that’s in their own best interest. Think of some good reasons – good from the other person’s point of view – and convey those reasons directly and sincerely without any coyness, game-playing, or emotional manipulation. By taking another person’s perspective, we actually broaden our own, and in so doing we not only gain a greater awareness of our actions, but the consequences of those actions as well. Also consider any downsides another person might expect from cooperating with you, and look for ways to minimize or overcome them.

Sometimes it is simply a matter of expressing how grateful and indebted we would be for another person’s assistance or cooperation. After all, most everyone likes to be appreciated.

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.

Middlebury Voters: One party is promising a “new vision and new direction.”

Don’t be mislead. How would you have selected the best candidates?

Democratic Town Committee Per the Bee-Intelligencer (7/30/2015): Many of the Democratic candidates were chosen in answer to this question from the Democratic Town Committee Chairman or the Democratic Town Committee Secretary, “OK, who wants to run for this office?”

There were some 17 Democrats present.

Republican Town Committee Months before the caucus, openings for elected positions in the November election were posted on www.middleburygop.com.

Interested persons were requested to send a letter and resume.

The MRTC Nominating Committee interviewed all prospective candidates.

At the July caucus, the Nominating Committee presented its recommended slate of candidates for the November election.

The slate was unanimously endorsed.

Which committee do you think did a better job in selecting committed, dedicated and qualified candidates who are really interested in serving Middlebury’s citizens? Please vote Row B in the November 3, 2015 election and put the entire Republican team in your corner!

Paid for by the Middlebury Republican Town Committee, Ken Heidkamp, Treasurer

The Bee-Intelligencer

November 2015

9

Vote Row B – Edward B. St. John, First Selectman Middlebury’s Proven Leader!

Pictured are examples of the many recreational facility projects and Senior Housing project completed during the past and current St. John administrations.

Public Library Expansion

Schoolhouse Park

Woodside Heights Sr. Housing

Ledgewood Memorial Park

The Greenway

Meadowview Park

Responsible Economic Development Moore, O’Brien & Foti Law Office

Shaker Ford

Middlebury Station

Earlier projects include Timex Watch Hill, Middlebury Edge, Crossroads East, Crossroads West, Village Square and Four Corners Store.

Despite what you may have heard, the Town budget grew by less than 2% in total over the past 10 years. The current administration has worked hard to control Town spending while faced with growth in the town’s population and the loss of approximately $200K in tax revenue due to the State’s acquisition of houses in the Triangle Blvd. area.

Please Support Ed and Vote Row B on Tuesday Nov. 3, 2015.

Vote at Shepardson Community Center 6:00 am – 8:00 pm Approved by Ed St. John. Paid for by Friends of Ed St. John 2015, C. Rossi, Treasurer

The Bee-Intelligencer

10

CASSANDRA Cassandra is a real sweetheart who is very affectionate, a pretty, loving female tortie mix kitten who is approximately 4 months young. She is petite, loves attention, is playful and active and has a lot of love to give back.

She is fine with other cats. She will be spayed soon and is awaiting her forever home.

Cassandra is with Pet Protectors.

Find an adoption application on the website, www.petprotectorsrescue. org, or call 203-330-0255 or email contactus@petprotectorsrescue.org for more information or an application.

niors and their pets, and so on.)

How much of its funding goes directly to the cause being supported?

You can find the answer through watchdog groups like Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org/), Guidestar (www.guidestar.org/Home. • When you make a chicken in aspx) or the Wise Giving Alliance the Crock-Pot, use this trick to (www.give.org/). You also can have it come out moist and check an approved nonprofit’s delicious: Prepare the bird as 990 tax forms from the IRS to see normal, rinsing and patting how efficiently donations are dry, then seasoning. Ball up used. six to eight wads of aluminum If you’re still skeptical, save foil – enough to cover the botthose funds and donate them tom of the Crock-Pot. Put bird directly to your local shelter, in breast-side up on top of the where you can ask someone how foil balls. The chicken should that money is used, and it genernot be touching the sides of ally travels the shortest path the pot. Cook on low 6 to 8 toward helping animals in need. hours for a succulent dinner!

Send your questions or com- • “To use the last of the peanut ments to ask@pawscorner.com. butter in a glass jar, simply add (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc. your morning oatmeal for a

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DEAR PAW’S CORNER: A local pet charity held a Halloweenthemed pet walk, where participants brought their dogs in costume to parade along a local street. My question is, do these kinds of charity events really help pets in need? They just seem like chichi see-and-beseen social gatherings without any real purpose. – Dan in Long Beach, California DEAR DAN: Charity events can do a tremendous amount of good for pets in need. Besides donations of food, blankets and other items, most shelters and nonprofits need cold hard cash in order to function. These events can raise quite a bit of money.

Many pet owners join in walks like these just for fun, and I think that’s fine. They’re proud of their pet and want to show it off, and it’s a great chance to socialize (as long as the dogs can handle large crowds).

However, if you’re also concerned about how your donation will be used, it doesn’t hurt to do some research first. What exactly does the charity support?

(Some fund pet rescues or local shelters; others advocate for se-

Adopt a Rescue Pet

cube tray. You can pop out the cubes and use them in recipes later on.

• Lightly squish your toilet paper roll as you put a new one on. It will not spin as freely but will still function, meaning less waste.

Send your tips to Now Here’s yummy flavored breakfast. Or a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly • Need a patch for old woodwork? sliced andyou a Service, P.O. Box 536475, OrTryadd mixing paint bananas (whatever color tablespoons arecouple using) and flour. Makeofa milk paste,for fill lando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc. a delicious J.S. like in in the holes and dessert!” let dry. It’s–hard cement, and can be sanded into shape Kansas if• To necessary. help kids in both becoming • When you get near the end of a roll responsible for the food choicof paper towels, save it to put in your es they make being a car. Put together a kit and with the followof the inghelpful items: amember small bottle of houseWindex or hold, other cleaner, a squeeze bottle to of encourage them water, some awet wipes meal and theeach short choose family rollweek of paper towels. you’ll and then helpNow to prep or always be ready for a quick on-theeven cook the meal according road cleanup. their ability.

Experts sayaway this • to Use baking soda to scrub offersfood a good opportunity to stuck-on on your grill. Sprinkle it on theabout metal brush, and scrub away. talk nutritional choices If your is beyondofthedifferent power of and grate the impact fire and baking soda, remove it and food-preparation techniques. lay it on the ground on some newspa• “IfSpray youwith purchase sodas per. oven cleaner and or let other drinks that are linked sit (keep pets and kids away from it).

Rinse with a with garden hose and replace together plastic rings, do on the the grill. little critters a favor: Cut • open “I havethe a plastic thatscissors changes loopscup with color when the drink is hot. Oddly so that there are no rings for enough, it changes at the perfect temanimals or sea life to get perature for my baby’s bath. So, I fill in Florida thecaught tub and in.” toss –inA.A. the cup.

When the cup starts to change back to or its juicorigi• When you are zesting naling color (blue), I lemons know the or bathwater oranges, limes is not hot.” —go P. in Idaho and do fortoo a recipe, ahead several at a time. Freeze the citrus zest and juice in an ice-

1. Who was the first designated hitter to hit a home run in 1973, the debut year for the DH in the American League?

2. How many managers did the Chicago Cubs have during the 1990s?

3. Entering 2015, who held the Ohio State record for most TD passes in one game?

4. Of Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan, which one attempted more 3-point shots during his NBA career?

5. Which goaltender has recorded the most saves in a season for the Tampa Bay Lightning?

6. During the 1990s, three drivers won the Indianapolis 500 after starting in the pole position. Name two of them.

7. Who was the last Japanese men’s tennis player to reach the semifinals of the French Open?

Answers: 1. Minnesota’s Tony Oliva, against Oakland.

2. Six – Don Zimmer (1990-91), Joe Altobelli (‘91), Jim Essian (‘91), Jim Lefebvre (1992-93), Tom Trebelhorn (1994) and Jim Riggleman (1995-99).

3. Kenny Guiton threw six against Florida A&M in 2013, and J.T. Barrett did the same against Kent State in 2014.

4. Barkley attempted 2,020 (making 538); Jordan, 1,778 (making 581).

5. Nikolai Khabibulin had 1,761 saves in the 2001-02 season.

6. Rick Mears (1991), Al Unser Jr. (1994) and Arie Luyendyk (1997).

7. Jiro Sato, in 1933.

Do charity events really help pets?

November 2015

• Sprinkle baby powder in dish gloves to help them slide on in an instant.

• “To remove muffins or rolls from a pan, set it on an old, damp towel for a minute. The steam must loosen the bottoms, because they just slide right out. I thank my mom for this tip.” — Janey R. via e-mail Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. © 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

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The Bee-Intelligencer

November 2015

11

Adopt a Rescue Pet QUINCY Quincy is an adorable mostly gray short-haired neutered male cat who is approximately 2 to 3 years young. He is affectionate, very friendly, active at times, healthy, loves attention and is a real sweetheart. He is fine with other cats and wants their company. He will be your loyal friend for life.

Quincy is with Pet Protectors. Find an adoption application on the website, www.petprotectorsrescue.org, or call 203-330-0255 or email contactus@petprotectorsrescue.org for more information or an application.

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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 knowingly accept advertising which is deceptive, fraudulent, or which might otherwise violate the law or accepted standards of taste.

However, this publication does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of any advertisement, nor the quality of the goods or services advertised. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all claims made in any advertisements, and to use good judgment and reasonable care, particularly when dealing with persons unknown to you who ask for money in advance of delivery of the goods or services advertised.

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HEALTH & FITNESS IF YOU HAD HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED A BACTERIAL INFECTION POSTOPERATIVELY and a Bair Hugger (BLUE BLANKET) forced-air warming blanket was used during the surgery, between 2010 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727.

HELP WANTED

AND HAVE CONTINUOUSLY HAD ….

• An outstanding ratio of staff to residents • Consistent Medicare rating of far above average

son. middleburypianostudio. com

• Recognition as one of the Country’s Best Nursing Homes in U.S. News & World Report

COUPON CLIPPERS NEEDLAND ED Trade extra coupons for $$$. All national brands requested. Free details. Send ADIRONDACK LAND 15 acres bordering state land in stamped, self-addressed enbeautiful mountain and lake velope to CFCO, Box 91971, country. Land is level with Long Beach, CA 90809. nice white pines. $34,000.

Call 518-624-6055, adironINSTRUCTION dackmtland.com.

SPANISH, GERMAN, PIANO: PETS/ANIMALS Language tutoring/instruction and professional piano lessons, including Royal AKC GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPS: Started in obedience Conservatory Exams and and housebreaking. Also MAP-Musicianship Achieveyoung trained adults availment Program participation, able. All vet checked and group and private lessons, up-to-date on health care. workshops and recitals. Call (603)763-2877, Springfield, 203-598-0854 to inquire NH about language tutoring or to schedule a trial piano les-

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE www.midconvhome.com 203-758-2471 778 Middlebury Road Middlebury, CT 06762

International Wine & Liquor Largest selection & best prices in Middlebury Tito’s Vodka

29

$

Captain Morgan

26

$

43

$

1.75L

$

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36

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1.75L

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1.5L

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29

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Dewars

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12

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29

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Canadian Club

20

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Barefoot

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Tanqueray

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Cavit

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Absolut

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Johnnie Walker Red

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Bacardi

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Monthly SUDOKU

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(Across from Maples Restaurant in Primrose Square Plaza)

HOURS: Mon – Sat 9:30 am – 8 pm Sun 11 am – 4 pm

Not responsible for typographical errors

143 Oxford Rd. Oxford, CT 203.881.0777

GREAT FOOD GREAT FRIENDS GREAT BEER Gift Cards Available www.piesandpints.biz

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HAVE YOU HEARD TH

CRAFT BEERS - APPETIZERS - LUNCH - SALADS - PIZZA - DINNERS - TAKE OUT

The Natural and Organic Pet

has a new location and a new name!

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS? The Natural And Organic Pet Is Now

OLIVER & COMPANY’S NATURAL AND ORGANIC PET

G OP

OC 1

At our new location at 819 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, Ct

We have done the research for you. Each animal, just as each person, is a different individual and has different needs. For pets experiencing health issues, we stock a large selection of appropriate diets along with remedies to help support your pet’s health.

Visit our Full-Service Grooming Salon for Dogs of all sizes OLIVER & COMPANY’S All Natural Grooming Products And A Short Stay For Less Stress!

NATURAL & ORGANIC PET STORE We have a large selection of holiday gifts isfor people too! nowpets open and at its new location -

Custom holiday gift baskets are 819 available.

Straits Turnpike in Middlebury Just in time for the holidays!

203.598.7387

We are excited to announce Rowan Tree Gifts will open soon, right next to Oliver & Company. This apothecary & boutique for women of all ages will offer natural skin and beauty products, jewelry, candles, handmade soaps and much more.

www.oliversco.com

O CO

203.598.7387

We w adopt eral re Along Warne cator; raffles Midd nail g Wet P and so

ww Lik

The Bee-Intelligencer

12

November 2015

Watch your back: Leaf and snow removal tips (Family Features) Some people loathe the task of raking leaves and removing snow in the fall and winter months, with perfectly good reason. A bad back, or the fear of throwing out a perfectly good one, can be a hindrance when it comes to keeping up with your yard and driveway.

Fortunately, there are numerous alternatives to help keep your pastures green and concrete jungle clear.

Ergonomic options Recognizing the strain that the repetitive motion of raking or shoveling can put on the body, manufacturers have designed a wide range of ergonomic shovels and rakes that are less taxing on muscles and joints. Test-drive your options for a comfortable fit; look for a secure grip and a height that is comfortable (although bear in mind that the longer the handle, the more energy you’ll need to put into hefting a load of snow).

Put some power to it There is no gold medal for completing all your yard work by hand, especially if doing so results in days of pain. There are an array of leaf and snow blowers available to give you a hand with the chores. With electric and gas models, and a wide range of power to handle jobs big and small, you can save your energy for another item on your to-do list. Similarly, many riding lawnmowers offer the versatility to tackle projects like mulching, or even snow removal with the proper attachments, while atop a comfortable seat.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS:

(John Deere photo) Mulching made easy If raking and bagging leaves puts too much strain on your back, mulching with your mower is an ideal alternative. Models such as the John Deere Z235 EZtrak zero-turn radius mower allow you to easily switch from side discharge or bagging to mulching mode with a mulching kit attachment. Be sure to mulch leaves only when they are dry, as mulching wet or damp leaves can cause build up or clumping under the deck. Grass needs sunlight in the fall to help store food for winter, so don’t let leaves build up on the grass. With regular upkeep, a thin

layer of mulched leaves adds nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for fertilizer.

Say goodbye to snow Many riding mowers offer attachments that easily transition to year-round workhorses. John Deere’s X500 Select Series mowers are compatible with a front blade attachment to push snow out of the way, or a snow blower that is more powerful than the standard single-stage walk-behind throwers.

Hire out the work As temperatures begin to drop, it’s the perfect time to research the cost of hiring some-

one to rake or shovel. There are many options for lawn care services, and many of them carry their services into winter for snow removal. Be aware that you may pay a premium for an initial visit to get things in order, and rates are generally lower when you commit to an ongoing maintenance plan. Also, kids – whether yours or a neighbors – are usually eager to earn some extra pocket cash, so put that youthful energy to work.

For more advice to help keep your lawn and drive clear as the weather cools, visit JohnDeere. com/Residential.

PET OF THE MONTH ​Stryker lives in Middlebury with Jerel and Ericka.

Send in your pet photos Your pet could be featured as “Featured Pet” in this picture frame. Send us your pet’s photo by email to mbisubmit@gmail.com or by regular mail to P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 along with your pet’s name, your last name and your town.

Ferrari’s Appliance We Sell & Service All Brands

• Openings • Closings • Weekly Service • Repairs

160 Rubber Ave. Naugatuck, CT

(203) 723-7230

Call now for information on our fall specials or for an appointment for a free in-home consultation and free design plan.

cosmopolitanpoolandspa.com

203-598-0185 Open by appointment only.

PAUL PERROTTI ELECTRIC, LLC YES … I AM STILL IN BUSINESS!

INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

GET READY FOR WINTER:

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Gutter And Roof De-Icing Systems Basic Systems Starting At Only $600 Installed

Generators - Portable Or Permanent • Service Changes And Upgrades Reasonable Rates • Large Or Small Jobs

CALL PAUL PERROTTI - 203-758-2699 or 203-510-5121 www.paul@paulperrottielectric.com CT. Lic. E-1 0195012 INSURED

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americanflagstones.com 141 South Main Street, Beacon Falls , CT More than a Decade of Experience

The area’s largest indoor slab gallery

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Snow will be falling. before you know it! . .

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