www.towntimes.com
Friday, January 31, 2020
Winter farmers market returns in February By Everett Bishop Town Times
The local farmers market continues this winter as organizers have set a date for a February event and look to offer another as well.
Convenience stores a staple in Durham By Everett Bishop Town Times
continue to grow our market and keep local businesses thriving,” he said. “Remember to shop local, eat local and be local.”
In the few miles covered by Main Street in Durham exist several convenience stores offering visitors a place to gas up and grab random necessities.
The upcoming winter market is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Durham Activity Center.
Last November, Durham hosted its first winter market at the Durham Activity Center and then another in Scagnelli is looking to orDecember. ganize another market in Jon Scagnelli, market mas- March. Then, before long, ter for Durham, said these warm weather will be upmarkets are a boon to the on us. local economy. “With continued support, we can See Market, A9
With an estimated population of just under 3,000, there is reason to pause when considering that the community has recently welcomed its fourth gas station and convenience store, this one at the edge of town, near Horseshoe Taverne on CT-17.
Farmers markets aren’t just a warm weather thing. A winter market will be held Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Durham Activity Center. Photo courtesy of Jon Scagnelli
Why so many convenience stores?
Cohen draws GOP challenger
Durham Economic Development Chair Janet Morganti said the answer boils down to a simple reality.
By Everett Bishop Town TImes
“These places were gas stations, they were zoned to be gas stations,” she pointed out. “So of course we’re going to make it a convenience store to keep up with other gas stations.”
Joe LaPorta is preparing a run for senator of Connecticut’s 12th district, the position currently held by Democrat Christine Cohen of Guilford. “I am running to return Connecticut to a state that people and businesses want to flock to, not flee from, because Connecticut
necticut succeed,” LaPorta The Madison resident ansaid. “But nounced Jan. 21 that he will by every seek the Republican nomi- measure of nation for the 12th district our state’s seat that includes Branford, economy, Durham, Guilford, Killing- ConnectiLaPorta worth, Madison and North cut is failBranford. He says his main ing. Busifocus is taxes, tolls and ed- nesses and residents are ucation. leaving the state every day. “All of us want to see ConSee Challenger, A9
is worth fighting for,” LaPorta said in a statement.
CONFIDENCE IS CONTAGIOUS PASS IT ON!
Morganti is well aware, however, that locals would prefer seeing different businesses popping up along Main Street. Resident Christine Foster, for
instance, wants to see a social hub for the town – something akin to a neighborhood coffee shop. “I understand what people are saying,” Morganti said. “There are vacancies now in the village, but the village is not good for retail because no one knows you’re down there. It’s not all the town’s fault, it’s not all the residents not supporting. A lot of it has to do with infrastructure and utilities.” One business that relocated to Middlefield from Durham after 17 years was Kim’s Cottage Confections. According to Morganti, the move was caused by the store’s lack of visibility in Durham. “I think some people think everything is the same and they just go back and forth on Main Street,” she said. “It’s very sad.” While Durham may be losing some of its rural New England charm, Morganti implied that convenience stores needn’t be blamed or vilified. “Though our small, independent retailers don’t add a See Stores, A9
VIP PASS
4 WEEKS FOR $49 FIRST 25 REGISTRANTS GET A FREE UNIFORM! OFFER EXPIRES 2/29/2020
VETERAN OWNED
FAMILY OPERATED
158 MILL ST, BERLIN, CT 06037 • (860) 829-5425 • VALENTINKARATE.NINJA 75 S COLONY ST, MERIDEN, CT 06450 • (203) 238-0427
R226068
Volume 23, Number 44