www.towntimes.com
Volume 26, Number 31
Friday, October 30, 2020
Positive Election Day is finally upon us cases on the rise Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Town of Durham, the State of Connecticut and many other states are experiencing a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. Despite our residents’ best efforts to prevent infection, the virus has made its presence known over the last two weeks, with more than 10 cases being identified in Durham. COVID-positive individuals and their close contacts have been contacted and are aware of their responsibility to self-quarantine. Durham residents should continue to take precautions such as properly wearing masks, social distancing and frequently washing hands. As residents spend more time indoors with the onset of cooler weather, limiting the size of social gatherings has become more important. Consider postponing indoor activities where mask-wearing or social distancing cannot be maintained, and limit time with non-family members. Also, residents are urged to obtain a seasonal flu vaccination and to stay home when sick. Ill members of a household should minimize contact with others within the household. If you have any questions, please call the Durham Health Department at 860349-8253. Thank you for your attention and do your best to stay healthy. — Laura Francis, First Selectman of the Town of Durham
In Durham, the polling location is Korn School, 144 Pickett Lane. Durham’s absentee ballot drop box is located on the south side of the Town Hall building.
In Middlefield, the polling location is Memorial School, 124 Hubbard St. Middlefield’s absentee ballot drop box is located at Town Hall. Use the drop box in the town where you vote. Absentee ballots must be returned no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.
The finishing touches are being done at Allyn Brook Park’s new pickleball courts. Pickleball equipment is pictured.
Pickleball courts near completion By Nadya Korytnikova Town Times
Residents soon will be able to add pickleball to the long list of activities they can enjoy in town. Durham Recreation will open four new pickleball courts in Allyn Brook Park, 50 Pickett Lane. These will replace two worn out tennis courts. Renovation is nearing completion. The opening was scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 25 but was postponed due to rain. The recreation committee will open the pickleball courts once the weather allows for the installation of nets and the application of a second coat of paint to the court lines.
“The tennis courts were in irreparable condition and had to be redone,” said Recreation Committee Chairman Jon Scagnelli. “But since pickleball is becoming such a popular sport, we decided to convert the space into the pickleball courts. I think it is going to be very popular here in Durham.” The town spent $68,000 on the project. Contractors removed debris, brought in new nets, installed new fences, resurfaced the courts and coated them with anti-slip paint to enhance player safety and performance. “We started everything from scratch,” Scagnelli said. “When you are spending so much money, you need to
make sure everything is done properly. That includes having a strong, solid foundation for the courts.” Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, much like a wiffle ball, over a net. Pickleball was invented in the mid 1960s as a children's backyard game Durham’s new pickleball courts will be open from dawn to dusk, weather permitting. Courts will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis, although Scagnelli said the committee See Pickleball, A16