Friday, May 19, 2023
www.towntimes.com
Volume 29, Number 20
GOOD, CLEAN FUN
COMMENTARY
Dirt bikes, quads angering residents By Robert C. Yamartino
I’m writing this in response to many complaints and inquiries that I have received from many areas of town regarding reckless driving of unregistered dirt bikes and quads on our roadways. These vehicles are often being operated by teens that are not licensed to drive, are uninsured, and have had no driver safety training.
Recently, Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services held its second early childhood Gardening Workshop with Jen Huddleston of the MiddlefieldDurham Giving Garden. A social media post by the DMYFS states, “Jen gave children a tour where they got to learn what plants need to survive, meet bees that pollinate all of the flowers, and got a sneak peek of the peaches that will be ready in June.” Also, youngsters had the opportunity to decorate pots, and chose between yellow and orange marigolds to take home. The Middlefield-Durham Giving Garden is located behind the Middlefield Community Center. DMYFS, Facebook
Severe injuries didn’t keep parade’s 2023 grand marshal down for long Press Release
Former Army Private Fred D. Dahlmeyer has been named grand marshal of Durham’s 2023 Memorial Day parade, which will be held Monday, May 29. Dahlmeyer was born in
Middletown on Feb. 16, 1935 and grew up in West Haven. He entered the Army in 1956 and received his Basic Military Training at Fort Dix – New Jersey. Dahlmeyer then received orders to receive his advanced training as a high-
speed radio operator at Camp Gordon (now Fort Gordon) in Georgia. During this time, Dahlmeyer was involved in a serious accident while on convoy in a training operation. His vehicle struck a pine tree, resulting in severe injuries to
his left arm, right leg and lower back. Dahlmeyer would spend 14 months at Walter Reed Hospital, where he underwent three operations. Medically retired from the See Grand marshal, A3
While some claim it’s just kids being kids; I’ve received many calls, texts, and emails. Comments include: Pedestrians have nearly been hit by speeding dirt bikes; Dirt bikes and quads are running stop signs, narrowly avoiding collision with vehicles; Privately-owned fields, publicly-owned property and the town beach are being torn up; Dirt bikes and quads are being operated at dusk and after dark without proper lights. I’d like to remind folks that this behavior is not only illegal, but it jeopardizes all of our safety and well-being. These vehicles are able to attain high speed and often aren’t designed to operate safely on public roads. Please consider the impact on the lives ruined if a child were hit by a car while illegally operating one of these See Dirt bikes, A3