Volume 18, Issue 31
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
Friday, November 11, 2011
And the winners are... By Stephanie Wilcox and Cheri Kelley Town Times
John Szewczyk Durham’s Board of Selecmen
Laura Francis
Jon Brayshaw
Ed Bailey
Steve Levy
Dave Burgess
Middlefield’s Board of Selectmen
Middlefield A total of 1,487 residents, or 40 percent of registered voters, came out to the Community Center to cast their votes Tuesday night, fewer than the 1,625 who came out for the 2009 election. Incumbent Jon Brayshaw narrowly defeated challenger Lucy Petrella, 759 votes to 714, for another term as first selectman. The Board of Selectmen is comprised of the three highest vote-getters among the four selectmen candidates. Ed Bailey will again be on the Board of Selectmen with Brayshaw, joined by Dave Burgess, with 735 and 726 votes respectively. “I’m glad it’s over,”
Brayshaw said of the election. “It’s certainly a stressful time. I was disappointed in the overall numerical turnout. It’s always difficult for people to run for office and then to get a low turnout. I'm thrilled that I had such a great running mate, Ed Bailey. We’ll be able to help out with the complexity of the things facing the town.” Aside from Republicans Brayshaw and Bailey, the
See Election, page 11
In this issue ... Calendar...........................4 Devils’ Advocate .......13-20 Obituary.........................22 Sports .........................30-31 Town Briefs ...............11-12
Jenna Bascom: a special understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease By Judy Moeckel Special to the Town Times Jenna Bascom has a special understanding of Alzheimer’s disease: her grandmother, Joan Otte (who, with her husband, ran the Morse & Otte grocery store in Durham for many years), died from the disease in October 2009. After that happened, Bascom decided to donate her talent for photography to honor her grandmother’s memory and to raise awareness of Alzeimer’s in the community. “Jenna contacted the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter (AACC) in December of 2009,” says Christianne Kovel, senior director of communications. “For 10 months, Jenna traveled to all parts of Connecticut from her home
Jenna Bascom in Brooklyn to photograph individuals with the disease. She also photographed the Walk to End Alzheimer’s events in New Haven in 2010 and 2011.” Portraits of Alzheimer’s, a collection of 29 photographs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and
their caregivers, is a collaborative project between the AACC and Bascom. The photos are straightforward and poignant but not sentimental. The collection, which has been displayed at the Bristol Library and other locations, will move to the cafeteria of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford for the month of January 2012. Jenna Bascom grew up in Durham and graduated from Coginchaug in 2002. In high school, she was editor and photo editor of the Devils’ Advocate. When she was 15 years old, Marie Curtis, a professional photographer in Durham, saw a photo of Bascom’s that won an honorable mention in the Hartford Courant. “Marie jokingly asked my mom if I wanted a job... and See Alzheimer’s, page 24
Jenna Bascom’s grandmother, Joan Otte
Town Times Community Briefs
2
Notre Dame bazaar postponed The annual Notre Dame Christmas bazaar, originally Nov. 5, has been rescheduled for Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. The tables in Notre Dame’s church hall will be overflowing with Christmas crafts, warm and cozy knitted and crocheted items, decorations for your home, plants, homemade Christmas candy, toys, trims and treasures, stocking stuffers, grab bag gifts and a special gift area featuring decorations for the holidays and the year to follow. Notre Dame’s Country Kitchen will be open all days serving breakfast, lunch, desserts and snacks. The Notre Dame Raffle was moved to Nov. 13. See page 4 for details.
Day of the Dead rescheduled Due to the power outage, the Day of the Dead could not be celebrated in Durham on its originally scheduled date. Longtime Coginchaug Spanish teacher Marilyn Horn will now tell all about
this Mexican tradition on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Durham Activity Center. The public is invited to learn about how the souls of those loved ones who have passed on are remembered with joy and reverence. This event is sponsored by the Durham Senior Citizens Board as part of the Conversations with Local Talents series offered to the community.
CRHS college forum Juniors and their parents/guardians are invited to attend the annual College Admissions Forum Night on Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. College admissions officers from the University of Connecticut, Quinnipiac University and Middlesex Community College will present an overview of the entire college admissions process. The guidance department will present the procedures and format for CRHS students in the application process. Following the presentations, there will also be a question and answer period. The program will take place in the CRHS auditori-
um. Call 860-349-7221 for info.
Durham Rec Parade winners Witches 1. Kailey Lipka 2. Lauren Konefal 3. Megan Szymaszek Funny People 1. Amalia DeMartino 2. Ivy Linden-Dionne 3. Bryce Lipka Goblins and Ghosts 1. Christian Sawka 2. Eric Lipka 3. Pierce Stephan Super Heroes 1. Cooper Woodward 2. Annika Liss 3. Lucy Criscuolo Animals 1. Ralph Derrico 2. Emily Pietruszka 3. Joseph Albert Princesses and Fairies 1. Aiyana Donecker 2. Brooke Konefal 3. Marceline Derrico Most Original 1. Albert Turman Jr. and Ryan Gerry 2. Leo Slight 3. Key Stahl Group 1. Julianna DeFlora, Claire DeFlora, Lila Cerritelli 2. Sam Castiglia and Kelly Viski
Index of Advertisers
3. Caden Bernard and Jack Huscher Overall 1. Ryan Gerry, Best in Show
Thanksgiving Program Families or individuals having difficulties are encouraged to call Durham Human Services at 860-349-3153 to apply for a Thanksgiving basket. Donors can provide food gift cards in gift amounts of their choice and send them to Human Services, Thanksgiving Program, Town Hall, P.O. Box 428 Durham, CT 06422. Please send in gift cards by Nov. 18 if you would like to donate. Donations of turkeys will be accepted on Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Durham Activity Center. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate distribution from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 22. Call 860-3493153.
Corrections We strive to bring you the most accurate information available each week, but if you see something in Town Times that isn’t quite right, give us a call at 860-349-8000, and we’ll do our best to make things right. In the article on Mary Bliss Parsons/witch history in the Oct. 28 issue, it was Ithamar Parsons who built/owned the Willett house on Rt. 147, not Simeon, according to Mary Johnson, although his descandants would also be descendants of Mary Bliss Parsons. The information printed in the article came from Durham’s Heritage by Milton H. Whited, which indicates that the house was built by Simeon Parsons.
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To advertise in the Town Times, call Joy Boone at 860-349-8026 Perrotti’s Country Barn................3 Edward Zavaski Agency Ins........3 Professional Security System ...27 Family Pest Control...................27 Raintree Landscaping ...............26 Fosdick, Gordon, MD ................11 Raney, Jason, DMD....................7 Fuel & Service .............................5 Realty Associates......................31 Fugge, David M.........................30 Rice, Davis, Daley & Krenz Ins. ..6 Glazer Dental Associates..........11 RLI Electric ................................25 Grant Groundscapes.................28 Roblee Plumbing.......................26 Griswold Plumbing Services .....30 Rockfall Co ................................25 Home Works..............................30 RSDL Home Improvements......28 Ianniello Plumbing.....................25 Singles Alternatives...................22 Independent Day School...........11 Sisters Cleaning Service...........28 Jay Landscaping .......................27 Snow Plowing by Joel ...............27 Kim’s Cottage Confections..........3 Soul Space ................................22 Klippers Ground Maintenance ..10 Spice Catering Group................10 Kurek, Stephen .........................27 Superior Stone & Fireplace.......12 Lino’s Market ...............................5 T-N-T Home & Lawncare..........27 Lyman Orchards........................11 Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork..29 Masonicare..........................10, 24 Tile Renovators .........................26 Michalowski Agency..................21 Time Out Tavern .......................32 Middlesex Health Care Center....7 Torrison Stone & Garden ......7, 28 Middlesex Ob/Gyn.....................12 V Nanfito Roofing & Siding .......22 Movado Farm ............................25 Neil Jones Home Imp..............25 VMB Custom Builders...............26 New England Dental Health......23 Wadsworth Glen Health Care .....5 Palmieri Construction ................12 Whitehouse Construction..........26 PD Home Care And Repairs.....28 Wildwood Lawn Care ................29 Peaceful Healing .........................6 Windows Plus............................22
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Town Times
Resident questions ADA compliance at Peckham Park
Potential buyer visits Powder Ridge By Sue VanDerzee Town Times
During the last two Middlefield Board of Selectmen (BOS) meetings, a concerned resident, Al Smith, raised the question about Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance at Peckham Park. This is a subject area that Smith is very passionate about; his interest stems from the fact that he lives close to Peckham Park and says that he is concerned with the prohibited parking that goes on at the small (old) entrance to the park located on Main Street. According to Smith, the fire hydrant there is what services his home and many others in the case of a fire emergency. People who illegally park their vehicles block the hydrant and the area that fire rescue workers would need to access. Parking in unsanctioned spots also blocks the way for ambulances to enter the park if
They’re not committing to anything, but a potential buyer from the former team of Alpine Ridge, LLC and a self-described “financial guy” spent an hour up at Powder Ridge on Friday, Nov. 4, with town officials, state legislators and the press going over some options. “This is not a done deal,” explained David Perry, the financial guy. “We have to come back several more times and speak to investors before we would make any decision.” Rick Sabatino was there with Perry to view the “diamond in the rough.” All agreed that it was very
The newly-lined handicap parking spaces at Peckham Park. They will be relined as needed to insure clear visible markings. Photo by Cheri Kelley Smith said in an interview with Town Times, “I have called the police in the past, and sometimes, when our local police department an-
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an emergency were to occur at the park itself. There is parking available for handicapped individuals in this area and it, too, is not accessible due to these illegally parked cars.
rough, but First Selectman Jon Brayshaw, Selectman Ed Bailey, town planner Geoff Colegrove and resident activist Marianne Corona were able to supply some history and details of existing permits and infrastructure, such as wells and septic systems. Sabatino was part of the Alpine Ridge, LLC team assembled by Dennis Abplanalp, who abruptly pulled out of his deal with the town of Middlefield on Oct. 20.
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Town Times & Places
4 FRIDAY
November 11 Bridge Night Come join in at the Durham Activity Center every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. for a fun night of bridge with great people. If you are not sure how to play, Jim will teach you. You may call Jim at 860-346-6611 with bridge questions. Call Durham Recreation at 860343-6724 with further questions.
SATURDAY
November 12 Setback Tournament Come to the K-Club annual Thanksgiving Setback tournament at 168 Main Street in Rockfall. From 9 to 10 a.m., enjoy a free breakfast and sign up. Donations requested. Middlefield Federated Church Holiday Fair Come to the fellowship hall of the Middlefield Federated Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and get a headstart on your holiday shopping with crafts, decorations, silent auction items, baked goods and theme baskets. Breakfast and lunch, including homemade pies, are available for sale. The church is located on Main Street across from the Community Center. Durham/Middlefield Night Come to the third annual Durham/Middlefield Night at 771’s Crystal Ball Room; hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m., buffet dinner at 7:30 p.m. Music provided by the Monthei Brothers Band. Tickets available at the lodge, or please call Jeff Siena at 860-349-8031 or Mike and Jo-Ann Siena at 860-346-9771. Holiday Bazaar Westfield Ladies Aid Society Holiday Bazaar is at Third Congregational Church (94 Miner St. in Middletown) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Luncheon served starting at 10 a.m. Crafts, bake table, Grandma’s Attic, Cookie Bar and a sit-down lunch. Plenty of free parking. New at Eco Yoga Introduction to Ayurveda: The Science of Life & Longevity, from 1 to 5 p.m. This workshop will help you and the family learn the basics about Ayurveda, discover your personal constitu-
tion, learn how to design a personal program for food combination and learn how the times of day and seasons affect your personal constitution and how to create a selfcare system to keep you in balance. Historical Societies’ Concert The Durham and Middlefield historical societies are co-sponsoring a concert at the Middlefield Community Center Auditorium at 7 p.m. The Atwater-Donnelly Band will perform traditional American folk music and dance, as well as Celtic music and dance. Tickets available at the door or by reservation. Call 860-716-5497 or e-mail durhamhistoricalsociety@ho tmail.com with questions or for ticket prices and reservations. Harvest Fair Come to the First United Methodist Church (24 Old Church St. in Middletown) for their annual Harvest Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring: Bake Shoppe, Sweet Shoppe, Country Cheese, Sew ‘n’ Sew, Second Hand Rose, a jewelry silent auction, Blue Moon Café and more. A pancake breakfast will be from 8 to 10:30 a.m. For more information, please call 860-3463689. Free Classes Today and Nov. 19, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Broadway Dance Styles is taught by veteran Steve Scionti, seen on Broadway, at Core Club (350 Main St. in Durham ).You will start with a total body warm up, including technique and stretch, and end with a different dance combination every week. Jazz shoes required; this class is for ages 12 on up.
SUNDAY
November 13 Ukulele Club “Jam” Middlefield Uke Club, sponsored by the Middlefield Parks & Rec, is beginning their second year of ukulele music, fun and skill-building. The meeting will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Middlefield Community Center (405 Main St.). Bring your uke and a music stand. Contact Cindy Di Lauro at lucyr1953@yahoo.com, and she can send you the songs. Notre Dame Raffle Notre Dame Church,
Durham, has rescheduled their raffle drawing for today at 12:30 p.m. Parishioners should return their raffle tickets, both sold and unsold, before then. Tickets can be dropped off at the Rectory this week, put in the offertory basket on Saturday or Sunday or turned in to the church hall on Sunday before noon. All proceeds will go toward ongoing church expenses. The bazaar will be held Dec. 3 and 4.
MONDAY
November 14 Durham Senior Lunches Every Monday and Wednesday, hot lunches are available for seniors over 60 and their spouses at the Durham Activity Center, located at 350 Main St. Following the lunches on Mondays is game time which includes billiards, Wii and cards. For pricing info and to make a reservation, call Amanda Astarita, senior café manager, at 860-349-3153. Middlefield Senior Lunches The Middlefield Senior Café is serving lunch three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Reservations are required 24 hours prior, and their monthly menu can be picked up at the center, Town Hall or at www.middlefieldct.org. Durham 60+ The Durham 60+ Club will meet at noon for a potluck Thanksgiving luncheon at the United Churches of Durham fellowship hall, located at the corner of Main Street and Route 68. All members are asked to bring their favorite dish to share with others. Youth Basketball Registration Youth basketball registration will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Durham Town Hall. Registration forms are available online at www.townofdurhamct.org, Recreation. Program is open to grades K-8, Durham and Middlefield residents. Children must be registered by Nov. 25. After this date, a late fee will be charged. Call 860343-6724 for more info.
Friday, November 11, 2011 TUESDAY
November 15 Durham Flu Clinic A flu clinic is scheduled from 12 to 8 p.m. at Durham Activity Center. The vaccine shots are free and will be administered first come, first served. Supplies limited. Anyone over age two and in good health is encouraged to receive the vaccine. For more info, call 860-344-3482. Destination Durham Every Tuesday at 1 and 7 p.m. on Comcast Channel 19, Destination Durham will be aired for those living in Durham. DVDs are also available at the Levi Coe and Durham libraries. Women’s Softball Meeting There will be a meeting for all who played in the women’s softball league at 7 p.m. at the Durham Activity Center. We will discuss changes, if any, for next year’s league. We will also be collecting any team equipment that has been bought with town monies. Please mark your equipment with a piece of tape. Call Sherry Hill at 860-343-6724 with any questions.
WEDNESDAY
November 16 Healing Eucharist Come to the Church of the Epiphany, Main Street in Durham, at 10 a.m. for the weekly Holy Eucharist with healing. Durham Senior Lunches Every Monday and Wednesday, hot lunches are available for seniors over 60 and their spouses at the Durham Activity Center, located at 350 Main St. Bingo starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. For pricing info and to make a reservation, call Amanda Astarita, senior café manager, at 860-349-3153.
THURSDAY
November 17 Blood Drive Notre Dame Church (272 Main St. in Durham) is holding a blood drive for the American Red Cross today from 1 to 6 p.m. Potential donors are encouraged to preregister to ensure quick and
efficient processing, but walk-ins are also taken. Go to www.redcrossblood.org/mak e-donation and use sponsor code 1038a (or zip 06422) to sign up or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Drink lots of water and bring your blood donor card or another form of ID. Day of the Dead The Day of the Dead has been rescheduled for today at 7 p.m. at the Durham Activity Center. (See page 2.)
FRIDAY
November 18 Tot Time The MOMS Club of Durham and Middlefield sponsors a weekly Tot Time every Friday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Peckham Park, or, if it’s rainy, at the Middlefield Community Center. This open-age playgroup is available for all residents and their children of Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall. No RSVP is required. For more info, please contact Ann at momsdurhammiddlefield@yahoo.com. Rockfall Foundation The Rockfall Foundation invites grant proposals from nonprofit organizations, towns and schools to support environmental education, conservation and planning projects in Middlesex County. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is today, and awards will be announced in mid-February 2012. Grades 5-6 Fun Night Durham-Middlefield Youth & Family Services (DMYFS) will host four Friday Fun Nights in the 2011-12 school year. Activities include ping pong, basketball, air hockey, board games and line dancing with Sound Spectrum. All sessions are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Middlefield Community Center. For prices or more info, contact DMYFS at 860-349-0258 or jmoen.dmyfs@comcast.net. Annual Holiday Fair Come to the Wadsworth Glen Health Care and Rehabilitation Center (30 Boston Rd. in Middletown) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for holiday shopping at a big tag sale, including ceramics, holiday crafts and baked goods. Luncheon available all day. Call 860-346-9299 for more information.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Powder Ridge (Continued from page 3) State Representative Matt Lesser and State Senator Len Suzio were also on site and assured the duo of the state’s interest in the reopening of the ski area because of its potential for job creation, a very desirable outcome as state unemployment stubbornly hovers around nine percent. Lesser added that, in conversations with the commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, the possibility of further state aid (beyond an approved grant of $500,000 for infra-
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Town Times
structure improvements) might be possible based on job creation potential. Perry noted that his aim would be for year-round activity of some kind on the site. “The worst thing is having a business for five or six months and then have to lay m o s t everybody off,” he s a i d . “ Y e a r r o u n d seems like it could work here. This is a gorgeous place; we drove through the orchards and saw the pumpkin patch. And there’s golf. It’s just so New England.” Following their tour of Powder Ridge, Sabatino and Perry were scheduled to attend an executive session meeting of the Board of Selectmen and then spend an-
An unorthodox Halloween Right, Austin Road residents celebrated Halloween and the snowstorm by gathering around a bonfire to greet a few brave
trick-or-treaters. Camaraderie, friendship and the true sense of community! Submitted by Sandy Wade
Left, Kayla Keathley and Michelle Hargreaves went out after the storm to make this snow pumpkin, with the eyes and mouth spray-painted with food coloring. Submitted by Joanne Hargreaves other day or so touring other local ski establishments such as Mount Southington and Ski Sundown. They will then return to Ottawa, where Sabatino is based, for further discussions.
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Town Times
Friday, November 11, 2011
Camaraderie abounds with Durham 60+ By Cheri Kelley Town Times If you are a resident of Durham or a surrounding town and are at least 60 years old, you can be part of a group that offers fun ways to socialize, travel opportunities and fundraisers for local needs. The Durham 60+ group started in 1968 and has come a long way with vari-
ous trips and activities planned throughout the year. Recently, new officers were elected. Eleanor Golschneider had been the president for 16 years until Sue Giuffrida, of Middletown, recently took over the position. Giuffrida said, “(Eleanor) just got to the point when she couldn’t do it anymore, so I stepped up to the plate. It’s a fun group;
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they are really nice people.” The new vice president is Mary Ellen Dontigney. There are on average 35 to 40 people at the meetings, which are held on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 1 p.m. at the United Churches of Durham hall on Main Street. But according to Giuffrida, there are up to 50 for some of the larger events like the pre-Thanksgiving potluck luncheon, which will take place Nov. 14 at noon at the Fellowship Hall. The group also has a holiday party scheduled for Dec. 7 at noon at Violi’s Restaurant in Meriden and a Valentine’s Day potluck. After the meetings, they have a social hour with coffee, tea and goodies. At the first meeting of the month, the participants are usually treated to entertainment. In the next few months, a magician, trumpet player and Irish singers will pay them a visit. During the second meeting, there is a variety table raffle where members bring in things that they no longer have a use for but are still in good
The Durham 60+ group’s 2011-12 slate of officers (l-r): Jeannette Fudge, secretary, Ellie Golschneider, outgoing president, Sue Giuffrida, incoming president, Mary Ellen Dontigney, vice-president. Missing: Ramona Walmsley, treasurer. Submitted by Mary Ellen Dontigney condition for other folks’ enjoyment. The raffle tickets are five for a dollar, and everyone “really has a good time,” said Giuffrida. The 60+ group goes on about four or five trips a year, one of which is an overnight trip for four or five days. Last year the group went to the Smokey Mountains, and in the future they may plan a cruise or two. In addition, they venture out on bus tours around New England, and if there are not enough people participating, they sometimes combine trips with the
Cromwell senior center. Durham 60+ is also known for giving back. They have made cookie baskets in the past for elderly homes but decided that donating to the local food pantries would probably be more beneficial. They have sponsored the blood mobile and stuffed mailers for the Red Cross. The Durham 60+ group is always looking for more members to join. Interested people are welcome to come to one of the meetings and see for themselves what it us all about.
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7
Town Times
EDGE group makes sure youth never feel alone By Diana Carr Special to the Town Times
Anderson, “A girl will send nude pictures of herself to her boyfriend, and he then sends them out to everyone else. We also tell the students to be careful about what they post. If they are talking about the party they went to the night before — and the smoking and drinking they did — well, the colleges look at that.” A program called “Teens in the Driver’s Seat,” started after the loss of a student in a car accident two years ago, espouses safe driving habits. Three or four times a year, EDGE checks the students driving to school to make sure they’re wearing their seat belts. Those who aren’t get a friendly reminder and printouts of statistics about drunk driving and not wearing seat belts. “We tie those two issues together,” says Anderson. EDGE Week takes place before the prom in May, with the key theme being to pledge not to drink during the prom and graduation.
EDGE members stand with the first selectmen and troopers in Durham and Middlefield.
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Raising our offspring in this day and age can often seem like a daunting task. So many challenges, so many temptations. But parents, you don’t have to go it alone. And you young folks — you don’t, either. A group called Excellent Decisions Guiding Everyday (EDGE) is on hand to help you navigate those twists and turns. With 30 members from Coginchaug Regional High School (CRHS), 20 members from Strong School and three advisors (Jane Moen, the program director of Durham/Middlefield Youth & Family Services; Christen Bertz, a health teacher at CRHS; and Becca Anderson, a math teacher at CRHS), its goal is to steer our youth away from substance abuse and toward making good decisions in every aspect of their lives and to help parents realize the important part they play in this. “Health teacher Liz Walsh
started (EDGE) nearly 10 years ago,” Anderson tells us, “in response to the drug problems in the high school. It’s part of a nationwide program called Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). EDGE is the name we gave our particular group.” When Walsh retired in 2009, Anderson and Bertz took over, and Moen came on board this past year. There are several topics the group tackles in order to ensure our children’s safety. Two years ago, Anderson created an Internet safety presentation whereby the members of EDGE go to middle schools and high schools around the state (mostly in Middlesex County) and educate their peers regarding such things as the importance of privacy settings for the social networks and not posting personal information. The rules and laws of cyber bullying and “sexting” are discussed, the latter involving the sending of illicit photos and nude pictures through cyberspace. Says
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Town Times Opinions
8
Friday, November 11, 2011
ADA
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Town Times is published every Friday by the Record-Journal Publishing Co. and delivered to all homes and businesses in Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall. Stephanie Wilcox, Editor Cheri Kelley, Reporter Kimberley E. Boath, Advertising Manager Joy Boone, Advertising Sales Michelle P. Carter, Office Manager Contributors: Diana Carr, Judy Moeckel and Sue VanDerzee.
Letters to the Editor An open letter to Bob Schulte It is the day before Election Day, and I join the other poll workers in doing what we do to prepare for a 16hour workday. We prepare food for the other workers and for our families, go to the polling place to set up and get sworn in, check our alarm clocks and try to get some much-needed rest. What is different today is that I find myself reflecting on the years working with Bob Schulte. Until recently, Bob Schulte was the Republican Registrar of Voters. He and Democratic Registrar Karen Cheyney were an uncommon team. They brought different skills to the job and complemented each other seamless-
ly. They are both consummate professionals, and they made our jobs easy. They also kept the electorate informed by their frequent articles in the paper. Durham is a town with many talented and dedicated volunteers, and I trust that Bob’s successor will be wellqualified. Of course, Karen will continue serving and brings much needed continuity to the Registrar’s Office. But we will miss Bob Schulte, and we wish him well. Ona McLaughlin, Durham Poll Worker, 860-349-8415
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Letters policy The Town Times intends to present a forum for the lively exchange of ideas and issues. To facilitate the publication of your contributions, several guidelines should be followed. Letters to the editor must be signed, with a phone number included. The writer will be called to confirm authorship. No anonymous letters will be printed. Contributions by any individual or group will not be published more frequently than once a month. Every effort will be made to print all letters received. However, the selection and date of publication will be at the discretion of the editor. Finally, the opinions expressed by our letter writers are not necessarily those of this newspaper. Deadline: Tuesday noon for Friday publication.
(From page 3)
swers the call, they come out and have people move their cars. But if it is transferred to Troop F down in Westbrook, they don’t do much.” This urged Smith to bring the issue to the attention of the BOS, where he said, “All I got was words.” Smith said he was tired of it and contacted Elanah Sherman in the office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities in Hartford. She told him that he needed to file formal written complaints, and so he did. This was in October of 2009. He listed all the violations and was frustrated that little was done long after the complaint was filed. A year into the process, Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Perkins was assigned to the case. At the recent BOS meetings, and in a letter that was sent to the editor of Town Times, Smith states, “Basically, the town has done nothing to properly correct these violations.” First Selectman Jon Brayshaw told Town Times, “I don’t micromanage the commissions. The Parks and Recreation Commission is fully functional. They are smart people with a vested interest in having the best park. We all want the park to be ADA compliant and have done a great job working toward that goal.” Also in his letter, Smith stated that Brayshaw violated the condition of confidentiality during mediation. Brayshaw shared that the mediation slowed at one point because the mediator was going through an illness and sadly passed away. During this mediation period, work was researched and plans were started at the park. “I never broke confidentiality,” he said. Amy Poturnicki, chairman of the Middlefield Parks and
Recreation Commission, sent Town Times a full-page letter sharing what has been done to the park. Poturnicki states, “The town has been willing to do what it takes to make our park the best it can possibly be and has had the pleasure of working with assistant state’s attorney Lisa Perkins, who has reviewed areas at Peckham Park that we could improve on. Together, we have been working on ideas and solutions for these areas, and the state’s attorney’s office has been pleased with our results.” The park has been inspected by the state, and a list was made of what needed to be done. The inspection was in the fall of 2010, and during that one year period, with a very small budget, the following was completed toward the goal of ADA compliance: accessible parking, bathrooms, walking path, drinking fountain and playground access. To read about how each of these is compliant, visit www.towntimes.com. While sitting down with Smith, he agreed there has finally been some progress, but it is not complete. According to Smith, the moment anyone unlocks the doors to the pavilion restrooms, they are no longer compliant. And the slope on the ramp that was placed on the entrance to the restrooms was not installed correctly. Smith said he has a lot of knowledge in ADA specifications with his background as a construction engineer at the Newington CT VA hospital where he worked before retirement. He says the specs are for every 12 inches, and the increase is to be one inch. He said the ramp needs to come out about a foot longer. His issue with what he
calls the “walking path to nowhere” is that folks in wheelchairs have to sit so far from all the action on the field. It may be technically compliant, but he thinks it is a waste of money unless it is completed. The playground, he says, doesn’t have to be fixed until next spring but as far as the units being compliant, he said, “Show me one ride that handicap kids can do.” An inspection was done recently on the ice skating pond and the beach at Lake Beseck, which, according to Brayshaw, were deemed ok due to the natural slope of the area from the beach to the parking area, and because of the very nature of an ice skating pond, not much can be done. Smith said that there is a way to do both the ice skating pond and the beach for accessibility for observation. “It can be done, and it is not a choice; it has to be done.” According to Brayshaw, “The only thing to be done, if anything, to make it be really great, may be, perhaps, to add more features to the playscape area of the park to meet the needs of children with various disabilities. It is compliant as it is, though.” The town is also looking into creating pathways with recycled rubber tire material to make wheelchair accessibility easier. The wood chip currently used is ADA compliant, but the town wants to go above what is required to do the best they can to make it a great place. “We all have the same goal: we want the park to be ADA compliant so that it can be enjoyed by everyone. This is not something that happens over night. I think we have done a lot in one year.”
Submission reminder The Town Times welcomes submissions regarding upcoming events happening in the community (e-mail news@towntimes.com by Mondays at noon). We do our best to run submissions at least one time. However, due to space constraints, we cannot guarantee a submission will be published on a specific date. To ensure your submission runs exactly as you would like it to, contact our sales representative Joy Boone at 860-349-8026, or email advertising@towntimes.com for a paid-for ad. Thank you.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Town Times Columns
00 9
The 3 Cs: community, connectedness and climate
Generators: What to know before you buy
responsibility for Strategy one of Region 13’s current Karen Brimecombe, principal their learning and behavior, students anStrategic Plan says: John Lyman School nually meet lifelong “We will continue to learning benchmarks develop and implefor responsibility, rement plans to connect spect, kindness and all students to their honesty. While schools in meaningful partnership with family and com- courage might be a less tangible valmunity in order to best achieve our ue, most students can cite situations mission.” Throughout the district, at in which they, or their peers, might every school, efforts are made to en- have demonstrated courage. Clearly sure that students feel a part of their good behavior school-wide is linked to the students’ participation in creschool community. So what might it look like when ating these documents and their students feel connected and safe “connection” to the expectations within their school? While it will they had a part in creating! Many opportunities exist for stuhave a little different appearance or “feeling” at each site, you will ob- dents to feel a real part of the school. serve it in each of the schools in Re- For example, virtually every student gion 13. It’s a feeling you can get in first through fourth grade particiwhen you walk into a school; it looks pates in the Go Far program, in and feels like a “community” where which students walk, jog or run laps all are committed to similar goals. In at recess time several days a week. this article, I will address some of Currently in its fourth year, Go Far what it looks like at John Lyman is a popular recess choice that offers a “fit” way for many students to get School. In the early weeks of the school exercise in fresh air while achieving year, classroom discussions take multiple marathon distances! The place about how to create a good success of the Go Far program learning environment, including speaks to the commitment and “conthe district’s Core Ethical Values: nection” of parents to the schools, as respect, responsibility, honesty, parent Jen Schulten started the prokindness and courage. These con- gram at Lyman and has been instruversations serve as a springboard to mental in recruiting parents at the creation of classroom constitu- Brewster, Korn and Memorial tions by students and teachers, re- schools so that children in first sulting in increased personal con- through fifth grade can participate! Third and fourth graders can parnectedness to and pride in the published classroom expectations. Once ticipate in chorus, and fourth a class completes a constitution, all graders who choose to take instrumembers of the class commit to it by mental lessons participate in band. signing it, and it is posted in the Other connecting opportunities at room. The constitutions, with the Lyman include Hello Chorus, writcore values embedded, become a ing the yearly welcome song, senate, “living document” to which all adSee RSD13, next page here. With a goal of students taking
What seemed unfathomable two Claudia months ago, to experience two whopper storms in two months’ time, has been bitten off and chewed by all of us. The fragility of the grid is fully realized for Connecticut residents who know firsthand what early snowfall and strong winds can do to hamper utilities. Losing power is eye-opening, but not as a test to my Yankee roots. I know what I’m made of; I know what we’re all made of. Apart from tracking unusual weather patterns and understanding why untimely storms are packing a punch, we need to learn how to move toward energy independence and make it a priority. For now, many people have already purchased generators or have moved them to number one on their holiday wish lists. While only provisional safeguards for power loss, generators are a relatively inexpensive insurance policy with a high likelihood of payout. I know they require fossil fuels to operate, but we have entered a time period during which utility companies have proven unreliable. There are a variety of generators, depending on your wattage needs during a time of power loss. In many cases, generator owners cherry-pick their energy needs during an outage, rather than duplicating normal wattage use. For example, you may decide that fueling your refrigerator and freezer, stove and hot water heater are your biggest priorities. By calculating the related wattage, you can narrow your search for an appropriate generator for your household. There are portable units of varying sizes that can supply between 3,000 and 10,000 watts. It is recommended that you have a transfer switch (manual or automatic) installed at your breaker box by an electrician to ensure a safer backup generator system and minimize the need for extension cords. The cost of portable units starts around $500 with the most powerful generators
A View From District 13
Paws Place: Moose Moose desperately needs a forever home! Moose is approximately eight years old. He does not want to get out of his cage and is not getting enough exercise because of this. He would be happiest in a forever home where he is the only cat or with one or two other friendly cats. He is the most loving, affectionate cat ever. He gives kisses and purrs constantly. He is a huge love bug! Moose absolutely loves attention and has so much love to give. Please consider adopting him. He would absolutely love you to pieces! If you are interested in adopting this cat, please call C.A.T.A.L.E.S. at 860-344-9043 or e-mail info@catales.org.
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in this category costing up to $3,000. For installation by an electrician or mechanical contractor, expect to pay $700-
$1,000. Stationary units supply 10,000 to 15,000 watts and can cost as much as $10,000 with installation running $1,800-$3,000 for a standby system. In this scenario, your system is designed to supply your household energy needs should power loss occur. Of course, there are many considerations before buying a generator. Fuel type is a big one, and there are multi-fuel units as well as units specific to propane, gasoline, natural gas and diesel fuels (emulsified diesel and biodiesel). Regarding fuel, you should think about things like fuel storage, flammability, odor, unit noise, fuel cost and access to fuel during times of emergency. When evaluating any kind of insurance, it is recommended that you do your homework. Getting a reliable, quality and professionally installed unit sized appropriately for your needs should be the goal. And while you can find generators in a variety of retail hardware venues, it is a great idea to look for a commercial grade unit from a reputable generator company that can provide service to the generator to ensure continued peace of mind. For more information to get you started, visit www.generatorjoe.net. While a bit overwhelming, this site provides a ton of valuable consumer information, including frequently asked questions, an amp rating chart and a detailed pros and cons chart evaluating generator fuel types: www.generatorjoe.net. Also check out the following link from Consumer Reports, which provides a useful wattage needs chart and other information: www.consumerreports.org/cro/ho me-garden/safety-security/generators/overview. I hope the day will soon come when we can all achieve complete energy independence from clean, renewable sources. Until then, I’m buying a generator.
Web update Our latest poll question asked, “Which service of the CRHS shelter did you find the most useful during the blackout?” By press time, there were 49 respondents. The results were as follows: Hot meals: 12% Charging station: 10% Showers: 29% Beds: 0% Animal Shelter: 2% Other: 6% I did not use the shelter: 41%
10
Town Times
RSD13 (Continued from page 9) literary board, art board, tech crew, trail committee, participation in musicals and designing and voting on the t-shirt of the year. Students across the grades participate with parents and staff in both fall and spring clean-ups of the school grounds and feel a sense of pride in their accomplishment. All of Lyman School gathers together on Fridays for our weekly assembly, which fosters a wonderful sense of community. Assemblies demonstrate student learn-
ing, democratic practice and connection to instruction, providing opportunities for parents and the community to see evidence of integrated learning in action. Each week, one class takes a turn hosting. Two to three other classes share what they are learning in their classrooms through a presentation they have developed as a group. The host class selects two or three songs from our vast repertoire of “favorites” which are sung with great gusto, led by three of the classroom teachers. Members of the Tech Board run the lights, microphones, overhead projectors or ELMOs and the screen throughout the 40-minute time-
frame. Each assembly ends with acknowledgement of achievements in Go Far, students who have had their writing accepted to the Writers’ Wall or children who have published their first book of the year, as well as recognition of and thanks to the hosts of the week. (It’s my favorite time of the week!) Personal goal-setting is a huge part of the Integrated Day philosophy and can be seen through so many aspects of Lyman life. Academic and personal “dreams and wishes,” New Year’s resolutions and reviews and updates of constitutions all take place at various times throughout the year. While
If you’re caring for a parent . . .
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Friday, November 11, 2011 conferences are held twice a year for all students, family conferences — led by students in the spring of second, third and fourth grades — reinforce the shared partnership and deep student engagement in their own learning, closely connecting each child to the entirety of school life. Parents often ask what they can do to help their child(ren) be an integral part of the school. Teachers suggest talking with a child about the responsibilities of being a member of a learning community. Reviewing expectations for general school, bus and playground safety, as well as discussing what it means to be a member of a community, helps students understand their roles. These conversations explain parents’ high expectations for children’s behaviors and underscore the partnership with the school, thus helping to lay the foundation for respectful interactions, productive learning
and observation of the district’s Core Ethical Values. Understanding school and home life helps each child to take increased responsibility for learning and become an active, productive citizen! Staff members are keen observers of student interactions. We are regularly watching to be sure students are connected with other students, with staff members and to the school in a variety of ways. Stressing kindness, staff operate under the understanding: “If it’s mean, intervene!” These kinds of activities, mindsets and efforts, evident in various ways in each Region 13 school, dovetail nicely with implementation of PA 11-232: An Act Concerning the Strengthening of School Bullying Laws, which focuses on the importance of school climate for safe schools. Connectedness, community and climate play an interwoven and integral role in creating safe schools for all children.
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Town Briefs
Friday, November 11, 2011 (From page 1)
ed town clerk with 973 votes. Her challenger Kimberly Schmaltz had 650 votes.
rest of the ballots were won by Democrats. Donna Golub was reelect-
Anne Olszewski will hold another term as tax collector without opposition.
Election
Durham Government Calendar
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“We are looming forward to another great team (on the Board of Selectmen),” said Francis. “I think (Levy) brings a lot of talent and expertise and certainly a great love of our town to the board.” See Election, next page
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Durham’s first selectman for another four years. She defeated challenger Roger Kleeman, 1,644 votes to 556. “I feel great — relieved — and I feel grateful,” Francis stated. “In another four years, we have a lot to do. There is a lot going on, there are a lot of things in the works — things that we have to finish and things that we have to look into.” Kleeman commented, “We gave it the best we could, and the people of Durham got what they wanted — status quo — nothing changes. We gave it a good shot.” Earning the second and third highest vote totals were John Szewczyk Jr., 1,442, and Steve Levy, 743. Szewczyk and Levy will join Francis on the Board of Selectmen.
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(Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Durham Library. Check the town website at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.) Monday, November 14 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen at Town Hall third floor meeting room 7:30 p.m. — Inland Wetlands Tuesday, November 15 7 p.m. — Board of Finance at Town Hall 7 p.m. — Agriculture Commission at Town Hall Wednesday, November 16 7 p.m. — Recreation Committee at Durham Activity Center 7:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Thursday, November 17 1:30 p.m. — Senior Citizen Board at Durham Activity Center 7 p.m. — Compensation Review/Personnel Policy Board at Town Hall 7 p.m. — DMIAAB
The Democrats won the Board of Finance race with the top three vote-getters being Alice Malcolm, 819, Mary Wolak, 799, and Jim Irish, 914. Frank St. John had 688 votes and Marie Benedetto had 653. Lucy Petrella will retain her seat on the Board of Finance as her term wasn’t up. Mark Myjak was reelected to the Board of Assessment Appeals with 743 votes to Jean Gay’s 671. Nov. 20 is the tentative swearing in date for all offices. Durham A total of 2,229 residents, or 44.7 percent of registered voters, casted ballots at Korn School on Tuesday. The turnout was less than the 2007 election of 57 percent. Laura Francis will be
11
COLD WEATHER FOOT CARE When cold weather hits, special care should be taken to keep feet in good, healthy condition. Dry, cracking skin on the feet is primarily associated with winter conditions, and cracks make the feet prone to infection. To help avoid this issue, purchase a good cream, and make applying it to your feet part of your daily regime. If you apply it at bedtime, consider putting on clean socks afterwards. Doing so promotes the absorption of the cream. Feet should not be subjected to extreme temperatures. When venturing outdoors, be sure to wear appropriate shoes or boots and socks, and avoid wearing the same footwear every day. Be sure that your socks and footwear are completely dry before wearing them. Without proper early management of the feet, rheumatoid arthritis will slowly deteriorate the range of motion and flexibility of your foot. Take the road to happy, healthy feet and call us at AFFILIATED FOOT CARE CENTER, LLC. We treat all members of your family, from kids to grandparents, for all kinds of foot problems. We are a multi-faceted podiatric practice, offering conservative and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle. Good foot health can enhance your daily existence and improve your quality of life. Office hours in Middlefield are Mon. 9-5, Wed. 3-7, and Fri. 9-5; Tues. & Thurs. 9-5 in Wallingford. For our patients’ convenience we offer on-site X-rays, and diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasounds.
Town Briefs
12
Election (From page 11)
votes to Craig Bradanini’s 803.
Unopposed Kim Garvis will fill another term as town clerk with 1,807 votes.
Martin French will fill another term as tax collector in a close race against challenger Amy Greenbacker, 1,137 votes to 1,051.
Wendy Pedersen will be town treasurer with 1315
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nance, Rosemarie Naples, with 1,570 votes, and Laurie Tuttle, with 1,248 votes, won the two seats. Laurie Stevens had 1,004 votes. The winner for Board of Appeal is Matthew Thompson, with 1,155 votes. He de-
Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Tuesday, November 15 7 p.m. — Conservation Commission Wednesday, November 16 7-10 p.m. — Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency 7 p.m. — Metacomet Regional Windfarm Committee Thursday, November 17 7 p.m. — Board of Finance 7 p.m. — DMIAAB at the Durham Library
with 1,609. Norman Jason had 1,593 votes.
Unopposed Katharine Forline will be on the Board of Assessment Appeals with 1,391 votes. She fills a vacancy that will go into effect immediately.
The seats of the Zoning Board of Appeals will be filled by David Heer, 1,345, William LaFlamme, 1,343, and John Hogarth, 1,161. BJ Joyce had 922 votes. The Zoning Board of Appeals alternates are Michael Geremia, 1,403, and Mark Jungels, 1,292. All positions will go into effect the first Monday in December except for the town clerk and treasurer who begin the first Monday in January. There will be a swearing in ceremony on Dec. 24 for all others besides the town clerk and treasurer.
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Republicans swept the Planning & Zoning Commission. Winners were Richard G. Eriksen, with 1,295 votes, Daniel Melnik, 1,234 votes, Frank DeFelice, 1,149 votes, and Steve A. DeMartino, 1114 votes. Eugene Riotte received 920 votes, James McLaughlin 1,013, and David Foley 1,065 votes. The seat for Planning & Zoning Commission alternate was filled by Bonnie Ryder
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Friday, November 11, 2011
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Volume 17. Issue 2
Coginchaug Regional High School
November 11, 2011
High School Investigating Broken Reading Room Windows By Jen Siena Custodians at Coginchaug High “I think this really brought a huge School received a call on Satur- shock to the school,” said senior day, Sept. 30, telling them to come Kayla Dacunto. “It’s sad to think into work early. The custodians ar- that somebody would do this.” rived to find that three of the read“It’s kind of crazy someone ing room windows were smashed would do that; what would give in. The trail of glass started at the them a reason to? But luckily no reading room and ended over by one was hurt,” said senior Emma the couches on the other side of Lerman. the library. “I think that it’s sad that somePrincipal Mr. Andre Hauser has body feels like they have to do that been busy working on what oc- to our school; there are so many curred and who is responsible for different ways to make a point.” the windows. said junior Molly Fehon. “We are continuing looking into “I don’t understand, why someit, and if we figure out who’s re- body would do this; its not right. sponsible, we’ll address that, but You should think of the other peoother than that we’re going to get ple and be considerate and take them fixed as quickly as possible,” responsibility for your actions,” he said. “I’m pretty disappointed said sophomore Zack Stublarec. that it happened, and, honestly, I’d Not only were students affected be surprised if it was a student by the event, staff as well were here.” surprised and saddened by the Students walked into the library news. and instead of seeing the win“I’m very sad that this happened, dows, they saw wooden boards and I hope it gets fixed as soon as and yellow caution tape covering possible,” said library media spethe empty windowpane. Students cialist Mrs. Tracy Earnshaw. are still in disbelief that this hapMr. Jeff Siena was one of the pened and can’t seem to under- custodians who was called to the stand what would make somebody want to do this. See Reading Room, page 15
Billy Malcolm as the Blue Devil.
Photo by Katie Hamilton
Coginchaug’s got the Spirit! By Kaitlin McKernan
Coginchaug showed its spirit the week before the Homecoming game. Spirit week was the week of Oct, 17-21. The spirits went like this: Monday was team color day (freshmen were red, sophomores were green, juniors were purple and seniors were black). The idea of this day was to wear that color. Tuesday was wear a college jersey or sports sweatshirt day. On Wednesday, the students wore hats by paying $1 during homeroom. Thursday was wear Coginchaug clothing, and Friday was wear blue and white. Every day, the students had to check in with their advisory teachers during X-block to show that they had spirit that day. The senior class won the week; the daily results went as follows: Monday — seniors, Tuesday — sophomores, Wednesday — seniors, Thursday — sophomores and Friday — sophomores. The juniors The three boarded up windows in the library’s reading room. won the food drive; the seniors Photo by Jen Siena won the most spirited team; the
penalty kick competition points went to the freshmen, junior and senior classes. In the pass reception competition, the freshmen, junior and senior class got the points; and, finally, the tug of war competition was won by the seniors.
At the end of the day on Friday, the school hosted the annual pep rally. This year, the MC was English teacher Mr. Nystrom. A few reporters from the school television production club and newspaper assisted with sideline reporting.
On Saturday afternoon, the Homecoming game took place on the new turf field where the Devils defeated Old Saybrook/Westbrook, making the Devils’ record 50. That evening, the Homecoming dance took place in the Coginchaug gymnasium from 7-11 p.m. The week was overall successful, and the school looks forward to next year’s spirit week.
14
Devils’ Advocate
Friday, November 11, 2011
Student Opinion Mel’s Meanderings: Palmistry Editors-in-Chief: Adam Twombly, Katlin McKernan. Editorial Board: Kevin Onofreo, Collin Boylin, Alex Kovacs, Mike McShane. Contributors: Michael O’Sullivan, Collin Boylin, Adam Twombly, Kaitlin McKernan, Jen Siena, Ross McCain, Sarah Brady, Eva Hanks, Dena Branciforte, Meggie Andrulis, Melanie Defilippo, Carli Wallace, Melanie Frank, Rachel Kowalski, Christopher Crandall, Audrey Biesak, Mike McShane, Alex Kovacs and Sean Cavanaugh. Production: Kaitlin McKernan, Collin Boylin and pizza from Carmine’s. Advisors: Mr. Nate Fisher, Ms. Stephanie Wilcox. The Devil’s Advocate is the Coginchaug High School newspaper. These pages are the creation and expression of the students.
Talking with Twombles: As Time Goes By By Adam Twombly Tick...tock...tick...tock. As we homework on time requires many run through our daily schedules late nights, and if I’m really lucky, it here on planet Earth, I’ve noticed will spill into the wee hours of the that we seem to constantly obsess morning. over the time. High school is just As I lie in bed, waiting for sleep one example out of many, but still, to finally come my way, I can hear this is especially true. my precious seconds of rest slipI’m up at zero-dark-thirty every ping into oblivion as the clock on morning. Jazz band starts at 6:45. the wall continues its never-ending First block begins at 7:25. We can’t beat: tick...tock...tick...tock... In a be one second late for fear of be- few short hours, my alarm will ing marked tardy. Each of our sound to start the cycle all over blocks lasts precisely 83 minutes. again. Lunch is exactly 25, and our highly We should not have to feel presvalued X-block is one minute sured by the clock day in and day shorter. Four minutes are allotted out. Where is the time for relaxbetween every block for travel time ation? When do we really get to through the crowded halls. And fi- spend quality time with our friends nally, at exactly 2:02 p.m. (not one and family? Sometimes, it is better second earlier or later), we are dis- to take a little break to chat with missed. them rather than working on homeThen the real fun begins. We run work for 12 straight hours. Bearound like mad, juggling work, sides, does staying up until 2 a.m. sports, extracurricular activities, really help us learn? and completing homework — all Sorry, but now I must go. I have on time, of course. Often, finishing to be somewhere in eight minutes.
We’ve Got the Power, Wait By Kaitlin McKernan The first snow of the winter sea- a.m. on Sunday after the storm. I son usually takes place in Novem- had two friends sleeping over that ber, but this year it snowed on Oct. night for my birthday, and we were 29! With Halloween just a few days reminiscing over old cartoons on away, it was a constant wonder Cartoon Network into the wee among both kids and adults what hours of the morning; however, instead of going to bed and calling it would happen. With the front porch lined with 16 an early night, we went outside pumpkins waiting to be carved and and played in the fresh-fallen party invitations in the mail for the snow. Walking around in the snow as it evening’s events, a decision had to falls to the ground in the middle of be made about teenager’s safety. the night is absolutely beautiful. Parties all around were canceled One would never think that a little because parents didn’t want their snow could do so much damage, kids to be driving in what later was measured out to be 12” of snow. See Power, page 16 My house lost power at 12:17
By Melanie DeFilippo Palmistry is the practice of conUnder the line of marriage is the necting the lines, shapes and tex- Line of Heart or the Mensal, which tures of the hands to predict and extends across the hand and has assess a person’s abilities and be- an upward curve. This describes haviors. It’s more commonly the condition of the heart and emoknown today as Hand Reading. It tional relationship basis. The main has been linked with fortune telling line under that is the Head Line and crystal ball gazing; however, which reveals mental health and the most reasonable use of palm- abilities including stress, awareistry is not to predict but to evalu- ness and even insanity. The next ate. Given that our hands are soft line arcs around the beginning of and malleable, nothing is perma- your thumb joint, called the Life nently engraved in our flesh, so Line. It is relevant to vitality and most of our hand’s condition is re- strength of being. Adding strength flective of our own habits, activities to the Life Line is the shallower and behaviors. For example, by an- lines that encircle your thumbs alyzing the fingernails for their called the Mars Lines. They may strength, colour and length, we can not be present in all people. conclude emotional toll and physical The last two lines are two slanttoil because abnormalities usually ed vertical lines across the palm, point to health problems that could the Fate and Success lines. The be linked to any part of our lives. larger line closer to your thumb is The main branch of palmistry the Fate Line which describes sucgrew from the Greek method of cesses in careers and endeavors. connecting the several lines and The Success Line, also known as features on the hands to gods or the Apollo Line or the Sun Line, is goddesses associated with the the shorter line closer to the connection the line has. Included pinkies. If present, it is characterisare the marriage lines which are tic of creativity. under the pinkie, most noticeably There are debates ongoing by bending your pinkie toward the about which hand to use, but it is wrist and observing the short lines generally accepted the hand you in the skin. These signify a strong write with is the dominant hand connection of a significant other and will determine more conscious with depth, length and number of traits, while the other is for unconthe lines. scious ability and drive.
That One Word By Carli Wallace How many times do you walk by a ferent capabilities to perform tasks. group of people or talk with some This issue especially hits home for friends and listen as someone says me. I have three autistic cousins “Don’t be such a retard” or “That’s whom I only see sparingly. I used to retarded?” For me, each time is one be really good friends with one of too many. them, and we played games at her Teenagers today seem to em- house. In addition, when I was in brace using such terms with nega- second grade, my best friend had tive connotations and fail to realize autism. I didn’t understand that she what they are saying. Not only is the had a genetic disorder, only that she word “retard” politically incorrect, it’s looked and talked differently from also an outdated and rude way to re- me. Back then, it didn’t matter who fer to those who are mentally dis- you were or why. Everyone was acabled. It gives a negative implication cepted. to medical conditions that are genetWith this mindset instilled in me ic and can’t be helped by the affectfrom a young age, I cringe every time ed person. Using the word “retarded” in that manner suggests that people I hear someone say “retarded.” To who have mental disabilities are be- me, it’s more than just a word. It’s a low everybody else (if something is state of mind. It reflects outdated and bad, it’s “retarded,” and if someone incorrect views about people with makes a simple mistake, then he or mental disabilities and shows a disshe is a “retard”) when that just isn’t crimination against people who are the case. People who are mentally differently-abled. So please, the next disabled are in every way equal to time you catch someone about to use ordinary people — they just have dif- the word “retarded,” say something.
Devils’ Advocate
Friday, November 11, 2011
15
You’ll Always Be Forever Young
Where Are They Now?: Dr. Wysowski
By Kaitlin McKernan Ben Hanks will always be re- presence and love for everyone. membered for his warm, welcomBen lived from Oct. 2, 1990 to ing smile, his loving personality, Oct. 8, 2011; he died at the age of and his bodacious laugh. Ben was 21. Ben graduated from high a brother, a friend and, most importantly, a son. Anybody who school in 2009. Ben’s family hostknew him was truly blessed and ed calling hours and services on will always remember the good Saturday, Oct, 15, at Notre Dame and fun times they experienced Church. The services were filled with him. with former teachers, friends, famWe will miss Ben for the rest of ily and loved ones of the Hanks our lives; we will remember his family.
By Adam Twombly Seniors and juniors may remem- 13, Dr. W.’s decision to take the ber the booming voice and wide position at Bristol was not sudden. smile of Dr. Steve Wysowski as he “I had a period of transition which walked through the hallways at allowed me to meet a lot of the stuCoginchaug. A member of the dents well in advance, and I had CRHS community for 12 years, he already met the staff the year befirst began in 1998 as assistant fore,” he said. “It wasn’t quite the principal, soon becoming the prin- shock you might imagine. Plus, cipal until the end of the 2009- there were some staff members 2010 school year. During the who had worked with me before. spring of 2010, he announced his For example, Mrs. Lowe, who decision to take over the position taught special ed at Coginchaug, of principal at Bristol Eastern High is now working in Bristol. The staff School. I recently had the privilege already knew of me; my children of meeting with “Dr. W.,” and I was had gone to that high school. I felt able to speak with him about his it was a smooth transition.” The idea of a much shorter comnew job. “The biggest difference [be- mute was never much of a factor in departing t w e e n CoginBristol chaug. “I Eastern never rea n d alized the Coginchallenge chaug] is of the the size of drive — I t h e always school; I thought of h a v e it as a 1,400 stuchance to dents in reflect. the buildNow that I ing,” Dr. live just a W. said. few min“I’m actuu t e s ally reaway, I sponsible Dr. Wysowski stands proudly in the middle of think to for three his model train layout at his home in Bristol. myself, schools within one BEHS building: we have ‘How did I ever do that?’ I was nevthe regular high school, an alterna- er really cursing the travel when I tive high school and the special was at Coginchaug, though I might education high school. We have curse at the pump when I had to many more sports, so I’m never refill the gas tank,” he said with anhome. That’s all right with me,” he other grin. Outside of his job at BEHS, Dr. added with a smile,” and I know it’s W. keeps very busy working for all right with my wife.” Along with a larger student body area universities. “I write graduate comes a larger staff, plus plenty of level courses and teach graduate outside support from the city. courses for Albertus Magnus Col“There are two assistant principals lege and the University of New and 13 department chairs,” Dr. W. Haven,” he noted. But no matter what time he gets continued. “There are assistants for the students and staff, so it’s a home from school or how much little more extensive. From that re- work he has to do, Dr. W. finds time every day to visit his basespect, it’s far different.” In terms of support, we have ment and play with his HO (1:87) great community support and re- scale model train layout. “I find it sources from the city of Bristol be- very relaxing,” he said. “Somecause it’s such a large community. times I’m up at all hours working I’m dealing with a lot of outside on a model or running trains. It’s agencies more than I ever was at very cozy down here.” Coginchaug,” he said. In just one Dr. W. would like to send his best example, about 60 of Dr. Wysows- to everyone he befriended and ki’s students are currently being worked with in the Durham, Middletrained by the United Way Boys field and CRHS communities. and Girls Club, “which is a very acI would like to personally thank tive community member here.” him for allowing me to interview While it came as a surprise to him for this Devils’ Advocate feasome in Regional School District ture.
Remembering Jane By Melanie Frank If you’ve ever been to the Durham Public Library, then you know it has a vast array of books, numerous programs and the kindest staff anyone could imagine. Sadly, on Monday, Oct. 17, the library lost one of its own: Jane Churchill, a true gem. Although she was both quiet and conservative, Jane’s presence never went unnoticed. She always had a smile on her face and would help a patron for as long as it took. Because she genuinely cared about the library and the people in it, she was beloved by many. Her calming persona would ease those who came to the library after a tough day at work or school. “People couldn’t help but be happy when they were around Jane. She exuded an enthusiasm for life, and she never had a nega-
tive word to say,” one person shared. I personally remember one time when I was returning books to the library at night with my mom. We arrived five minutes after closing, so it was too late to return our books. Jane was just about to leave when she saw us and offered to bring our books inside so we wouldn’t have to make another trip the next day. That’s just the kind of person Jane was. Even if it meant taking a few extra minutes of her time, she would always go the extra mile for people. With Jane’s sudden passing, the library is left with an immense gap that won’t soon be filled, for when you lose someone who has touched so many people’s hearts, they will never be forgotten.
Look for the next issue of Devils’ Advocate on Dec. 2.
Reading Room scene. The custodians have been busy trying to figure out what exactly occurred. “As of right now, we have no leads to any suspects or how the damage was done, but there were no signs of entry,” said Mr. Jeff Siena. “We don’t know if it was a random attack or if the school was tar-
(Continued from page 13)
geted,” he added. While the school waits for the windows to be fixed up, the reading room is still available for people to hang out in, but there are wooden boards and caution tape hiding the shattered glass. Custodian Jeff Siena, quoted above, is the father of Devils’ Advocate reporter Jen Siena.
Devils’ Advocate
Friday, November 11, 2011
A New Face In Guidance
16
The Votes Are In... Again!
By Audrey Biesak
By Sarah Brady
Coginchaug welcomes a new Stratton has had to jump right into face down at the Guidance Depart- this college chaos. “Yes, it’s been hard, but the ment in place of guidance counselor Mrs. Beth Melillo, who is out main thing is to just get used to the C o g i n c h a u g on maternity leave. process. But, for the “I’ve been raising most part, it has my kids for the last been very smooth; several years, but I everyone in the ofpreviously worked fice has been really as a guidance counhelpful,” said Mrs. selor at Farmington Stratton. High School for Multiple students about a year,” said have had to make Mrs. Leslie Stratton, the switch to a new the new intern in the guidance counselor, guidance departand, for seniors, this ment. could cause some A quality that problems with the guidance councollege process. For selors are known to senior Justin Miller, have is helpfulness, that is not the case. and Mrs. Stratton New guidance counselor “I have gone down made it clear she Mrs. Leslie Stratton standto guidance multiple loves being a part of ing outside the guidance times, and Mrs. helping kids make office. Stratton has been decisions about Photo by Audrey Biesak very positive and their future. helpful with my col“I love helping kids figure out what they want to lege process and other dilemmas do after high school, and meeting in my schedule,” said Justin. kids at this age and getting to “Overall, she is a great asset to the know them is a great experience Coginchaug guidance team.” Now a part of the guidance deas well. The one thing I am worried about most is making sure my partment, Mrs. Stratton is always students have a ‘safety school’ right down the hall ready to help a and a list of appropriate schools student out. She is planning to stay that fit them accordingly,” ex- until mid-January, but there is also potential for her to stay longer. plained Mrs. Stratton. Coginchaug is happy to have This is a stressful time for many students, parents, teachers and Mrs. Stratton for the period of time counselors with the college appli- she will be here. We are looking cation process in full swing. Mrs. forward to a great year with her!
Michael O’Sullivan, president, working hard on a plan for the year. Photo by Sarah Brady
Power but when we woke up the next morning, still having no power and 100 percent of Durham still out, we knew there was an issue at hand. Coginchaug was used as a shelter for one week; the shelter was open to those who lived in the towns of Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall. Anyone could go and shower, eat a meal, charge their cell phones or laptops and sleep where there was heat. For four days, the classes throughout the district were canceled. On Friday, however, students returned to school just to have the weekend waiting for them. During Friday, Coginchaug was still a shelter, but students were not allowed to enter the back half of the cafeteria and the gymnasi-
The ballots for the freshman hoping to finish some community class elections have been count- service projects. All in all, Christian ed. The freshman homerooms vot- thinks this year is going to be fun. ed on Oct. 5, and the next day the Antonio Lockwood, secretary — officers for the class of 2015 were announced. The representatives As secretary this year, Antonio is have something to say to you. advocating for an open gym at XMichael O’Sullivan, president — block. Antonio wants to open up “It’s going to be a great year.” new opportunities to the school Michael ran because he felt that he could make freshman year bet- and his fellow classmates. With the ter for everyone. As president this rest of the class council, Antonio is year, Michael intends to support hoping to get in a lot of fundraising school fundraisers and dances and community service. He also and help the other class councils wants to support the other class in their endeavors. He also wants councils to promote school unity. to get involved with Durham and John McLaughlin, treasurer — Middlefield through community “Just tell me what to do. I have the service. Christian Alberico, vice presi- power; you tell me what to do with dent — “I’m looking forward to a it.” With his compatriots, John has great year.” He’s planning some a few ideas in the works, but he exciting fundraisers to add money (Continued from page 14) to the prom budget. Also on the feels that the class council should agenda, Christian wants to have represent the freshmen. He’s preum. The gym classes were moved the gym open to students at X- pared to work hard and make to computer labs for “study halls” block. With the class council, he is freshman year good for everyone. for that specific day. Some people were still out of power until Saturday or Sunday night the weekend after the storm. I was lucky enough to get power back on Wednesday afternoon, Name: Cody Aitken but we weren’t expected to get it Nickname: Codster back until Sunday, according to Favorite movie: Anchorman CL&P. Favorite book: Twilight Favorite saying: “You don’t know In the days following the storm, what you got ‘til it’s gone.” the weather went back to its warm Favorite color: Blue and usual October self, in NovemGoal in life: Move to California! ber. If this is any indication of what the winter will be like, then we’re in Dream career: I want to be a teacher trouble. With it only being Novemand eventually become a principal. ber right now, we’re all wondering the same thing: what is the winter By Audrey Biesak going to be bringing to us?
Coginchaug’s Celebrity of the Month: Cody Aitken
Friday, November 11, 2011
Devils’ Advocate
17
CRHS Cares; Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness By Meggie Andrulis
Start with a dream. Finish with a future!
Quiz Bowl meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday in Coginchaug’s library. They’re off to a great start this year with a victory against Haddam Killingworth in the year’s first match. See page 18 for Quiz Bowl article. Photo by Katie Hamilton
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October is fasupport out on mously known the field. A refor being breast cent opponent, cancer awareMorgan High ness month, School, gave and Coginthe girls’ team chaug hasn’t bright pink missed a beat. sweatbands to Pink is filling the wear at their halls of Coginhome game on chaug as the Oct. 8. The students are girls decided to supporting the wear the pink cause. bands for the The girls of rest of October Middlesex to show their Dance Center in support. Middlefield have “I think it’s a good idea, and been busy supit’s a good way porting their to support the teacher Ms. cause and to Toni Lynn Miles, make people who is fighting aware,” said breast cancer. junior Kayla They have parVotto. ticipated in a Coginchaug walk-a-thon, students also made pink tshirts that they Mr. Craig Bradanini show support wear to school, sports his bright pink in the commubought pink-wa- crocs in honor of nity. Approxiter bottles and breast cancer aware- mately 80 people gathered at have donated ness month. $20 to a hair sa- Photo by Audrey Biesak Dr. Elven Riggles’ house on lon to either die a streak of their hair pink or Wednesday, Oct. 5, to pray get a pink feather to support for his wife, Jill Riggles, who is very sick with breast cancer. the cause. “We wanted to show Ms. Senior Tim Hayes attended Toni we would support and the event. “It really does affect love her no matter what she anyone who has any relation goes through or what she to you,” said Tim. According to Tim, this looks like,” said senior group of boys and girls gathMelanie Badin. Pink hair has been filling ered in front of the house the halls, but so have pink and started reading from a shoes. Math teacher Mr. printed-out prayer. John AnCraig Bradanini has been drulis then went through strutting his stuff this month scripture verses from the Bible with related meaning wearing bright pink crocs. “I’ve had several family to sickness. Then everyone members who have been formed a chain, holding affected by the disease,” hands around the house, said Mr. Bradanini. “[The and had five minutes of pink crocs] don’t go with a silent prayer. One by one whole lot of stuff, but that’s people started saying amen, okay; I’ll wear them any- and gave Elven their hugs way.” In honor of supporting and support. The students of Coginhis family members and people around the world suf- chaug have been showing fering from this unfortunate their true color — pink, that diagnosis, he will be wearing is — and supporting the cause of breast cancer. them all month long. John Andrulis, who particiThe halls of the school aren’t the only place the pink pated in Dr. Riggles’ prayer support has been showing meeting, is the father of Devup. The girls’ soccer team ils’ Advocate reporter Meggie has also been showing their Andrulis.
Devils’ Advocate
18
Friday, November 11, 2011
Bonjour! Hola!
Eh, Cabaret!
By Sean Cavanaugh In the beginning of October, the helping out a child in an orphanFrench and Spanish honor soci- age. The FHS supports a Haitian eties held their induction cere- orphan and her orphanage, and monies of new members. The they also exchange holiday cards French and Spanish honor soci- with the orphanage folks. The SHS eties are for students who excel in sponsors two students in Mexico either French or Spanish. The and their education. clubs do different fundraisers for “It’s a service organization; the charity events. students who get involved in this To be accepted into the soci- and get inducted agree to offer eties, you must have at least an A their volunteer services for several average in class for the year and different causes,” said Mrs. Nancy nothing lower then a B in any of Alberico, Spanish teacher and diyour other classes. In Spanish rector of SHS. honor society there are 50 memThe date of the induction cerebers; 22 of them were inducted this mony was Oct. 6 at Coginchaug. year. There are about 35 students During the induction, the new inin the French Honor Society. ductees of the Spanish Honor So“French Honor Society is an ac- ciety take an oath in Spanish and ademic club as well as a service then light a candle off of a big canclub,” said Madame Donna dle that represents the honor sociCashore, French teacher and di- ety. During the French honor socirector of FHS. ety induction, the current members Both honor societies do a lot of light a new member’s candle then charity work. They both do differ- welcome the new members and ent kinds of fundraisers, and some recite the French honor society of the money they raise goes to pledge.
By Michael O’Sullivan
Helping Out at the Fair By Ross McCain Although the Durham Fair is pri- booth, where they sold goods such marily thought of as a time for re- as chocolate-covered bananas. laxation, fun, and, of course, a “The money will go to help seniors break from school, some groups of apply for scholarships,” she said. students and teachers still put in POPS (Parents of Performing effort to help out the school and Students), headed by Lisa Larsen, community. These members of worked at the fair selling treats Coginchaug contributed to fundraisers, which were run by var- which included candy apples, ious school groups. All of the mon- caramel apples, cotton candy and ey raised goes toward different slurpees. Both students and parcauses, many of which benefit the ents contributed to the cause. “We school while some help other or- raised around $6,000, and all profits go to the music department for ganizations. The Scholarship Committee, led things like instruments and field by Spanish teacher Kate Ger- trips,” said Mrs. Larsen. mond, worked at the banana Nancy Alberico, advisor of the Spanish Honor Society, worked at the fair along with the students to support the Durham Co-op Nursery School and sold barbeque chicken. Unlike the other groups that contributed to the fair, the money they raised all went to the nursery school. All members of the Spanish Honor Society and all inductees were required to work at least one shift for community service. Prior to and during the fair, a number of seniors, including Calvin Alderete, Mark Edwards, Kevin Ruffino and Robert Brooks, Students hard at work in the took part in the senior parking acCRHS library. tivity, which raised money for the Photo by Ross McCain senior class.
There’s just something about Italian food and a show that just seems to spell out a good time. On Friday, Oct. 21, the Italian cabaret — hosted by show choir along with solo performances from freshman Katie Stevens, sophmore Kayla Holland, and skit appearances including junior Sam Gossner, senior Mark Edwards, junior Pat Daniels and sophomore Grant Willis — transpired in the cafeteria. The parents of the performers and hungry town folk looking for a good time enjoyed a catered meal provided by Durham’s own Kevin Smith. Senior A.J. Ganaros lead off the night with his rendition of “Razzle Dazzle” from the musical Chicago. Junior Jeff Giantonio followed A.J. with an acoustic version of the Five For Fighting hit single “Superman.” “I think everyone did a really great job!” said Jeff after the show. “It’s so great to see everyone do their own thing, as opposed to everyone singing together like in show choir and chorus.” Danielle Drop sang “Someone Like You” from the Broadway Musical Jekyll and Hyde. Following Danielle, Brian Blake, Richard Chi, Eric Peters, Sam Gossner, Grant Willis, Pat Daniels and Mark Edwards performed a hilarious Monty Python comedy sketch. “I just went up there and tried to have a great time!” said sophomore Richard Chi.
Erin Blecha sang a Rascal Flatts original titled “Unstoppable.” Eric Peters shredded out the song “Mother” recorded by Pink Floyd. Ben Plant and Sierra Manning belted out a duet to “Take Me or Leave Me” from the musical Rent. After the show, I caught up with Ben who had this to say in regards to the nights performances: “Everyone did a fantastic job! I was very pleased with how Sierra and I performed.” Everyone chimed in to the classic Italian favorite “Eh, Cumpari.” Katie Stevens crafted an Adele single into an acoustic rendition of “Someone Like You.” Following up Katie’s performance, Michael O’Sullivan performed a Bruno Mars original favorite “Just The Way You Are.” Kayla Holland performed a song entitled “The Way I Am” recorded by Ingrid Michaelson The Coginchaug High School Show Choir finished off the night with arranged performances of “21 Guns” by Green Day and the Broadway original “Dancin’ in the Street,” arranged by Mac Huff. On the way out to their cars, audience members, pleased with the performance they just witnessed, couldn’t help but smile when it was all said and done. There’s just something about Italian food that says bon appetite!
Quiz Bowl Starts the Season with a Win! By Dena Branciforte Coginchaug won their very first Quiz Bowl match by 25 points, for a final score of 115-90 against Haddam Killingworth. This was Coginchaug’s only home match. “I think we have what it takes to win a Shoreline championship,” said sophomore Kevin Bjarnason. English teacher Ms. Donna Mattei read the questions about English, science and history with a burst of energy. She kept everyone on their toes, making all the contestants feel less stressed out. “There aren’t a lot of freshmen, but there is a strong base of previous members who now know what to expect,” said junior Carli Wallace. “Quiz Bowl is challenging, but in a good way! I love when we can buzz in, it makes a more interac-
tive atmosphere,” said Carli. “Quiz Bowl is awesome,” said senior Rebecca Weir. “It’s challenging, but not as impossible as most people think. It’s really fun! I’m excited to report that we won our first match on Oct. 6, and our next one was Oct. 27 (away). This season, we’re determined finally to get the Shoreline plaque, which we’ve always been so close to winning. But this year’s the year.” The club meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday in Coginchaug’s library. Members feel that Quiz Bowl is difficult, but if you do well in one area, you can focus on answering those questions. There are quite a few members, but there is always room to join!
Devils’ Advocate Sports
Friday, November 11, 2011
I’m Coming Home By Mike McShane
19
Athletic Baking Tradition Banned
By Collin Boylin Anyone attending a varsity CRHS an overload to some of the cheerfootball game has watched the leader’s already hectic schedules. cheerleaders inspire the football “Like all CRHS students, on any players and crowds, but what you night members of the cheerleading haven’t seen on the field is the re- squad may have homework assigncent controversy students have ments to complete, papers to write, been discussing in the halls of the tests to study for and projects to prehigh school over the prohibition of a pare; requiring students to fit in baklong-standing athletic tradition. For ing for members of another team 10 years now, it has been one of the doesn’t seem appropriate,” said Mr. cheerleading team’s activities to Bodner in an e-mail. bake cookies or brownies for an in“One cheerleader still makes me dividual football player before food anyways; a lot of them do. All games. Over the objections of some the guys really appreciate it, we say seniors on the two teams, this tradi- thank you, and never once have we tion has been banned after a parent put someone down because they complained about the practice. couldn’t bake since they just didn’t Senior Katelyn Hill, co-captain of have time,” said Frank. the cheerleading team, was present “Personally, I believe I have the at a meeting with members of the right to bake food for the football cheer squad, athletic director Mr. players if I have the time and want Ted Lombardo and assistant princito, and all the guys love it,” said pal Mr. Brian Bodner. “After a parent Katelyn. “Not only were the teams complained about the practice, Mr. Bodner met with a few of us and upset by the change, but I believe said that the school believed the tra- that in today’s modern society, it’s dition was too inconvenient and ex- sexist to tell girls they can’t bake for pensive, so he prohibited the tradi- the guys.” Mr. Bodner provided an explanation from continuing,” said Katelyn. tion for the reason behind the prohi“In my opinion, our tradition is not bition of athletic teams baking a sexist one because the cheerleaders can choose not to bake if they goods for other teams through an edon’t want to, and if that’s the case, mail: “Whenever we review group praca few other cheerleaders will volunteer to bake more so that none of tices or traditions, we do so through the football players are left out,” said the lens of whether the practice is in senior Frank Posca, a varsity mem- alignment with the CRHS mission ber of football team. “Even if this tra- and the role of the organization or dition is sexist, I don’t understand team. Within this role, as a school why it’s taken so long to prohibit the we did not see how requiring mempractice; it’s been around for 10 bers of the cheerleading team to bake for another team supported years already.” Mr. Bodner said that during the the group’s function. We recognize meeting, he was clear that his deci- that the practice was well-intension to prohibit the practice had tioned and appreciated by those nothing to do with sexism. “If the tra- members of the football team who By Alex Kovacs dition was the other way around and received baked goods from the For a long time in Coginchaug’s warmers, an umbrella-type organi- the football team was baking food cheerleaders, but did not feel that history, the only sports practicing zation that supports the entire ath- for the girls, the administration supporting the team needed to go after school in the fall were the letic program, “did not include foot- would still have said that this prac- so far as asking another team to soccer and cross-country teams. ball in banquets or other means of tice cannot continue because it’s a feed them,” said Mr. Bodner. As of last year, however, the previ- funding,” said Mr. Gary Paxton, matter of convenience for students,” “Not being able to have food wasously combined Vinal/Coginchaug head of the Coginchaug Football he said. n’t a big deal to me, but the fact that team split and Coginchaug football Club (CFC) and father of two In an attempt to accommodate my girlfriend is a cheerleader and became its own entity. The team members on the team. The Bench- everyone on the team, before the she likes to bake for me and can’t do has had a great start, with a 7-3 warmers has, however, supported ban went into effect the cheerlead- that anymore is upsetting. This trarecord last year and a very strong the football team indirectly through ing team had already changed the dition runs deeper then just baking season so far this year. Integration the purchase of the scoreboard tradition to be in accordance with food,” said senior Tyler Doherty, a into the school has been difficult, used at varsity games for all appli- the administration’s wishes. “This varsity starter on the football team. however, and it has been a chal- cable sports. Realizing the team year the team decided to only bake “This tradition has been running lenging road for football. The pro- needed to be self-sufficient, it cre- before all of the big games because for 10 years,” said Frank. “All the gram has had difficulty securing ated the CFC last year as a boost- of the effort and cost involved, and varsity starters loved getting the funds for its incredibly expensive er organization. we didn’t want to inconvenience food, and sometimes it makes the equipment. The CFC hosts car washes, anyone by forcing them to bake,” games more fun. My solution is that the two teams take turns going back Football is unlike other sports fundraisers and has a booth at the said Katelyn. But despite the team’s internal and forth between baking for each because it costs so much. For ex- Durham Fair. Also, it publishes arreformation of their tradition, the ad- other. Maybe that will solve some of ample, one tackling sled can cost See New Kid, next page ministration still felt it would cause these problems.” thousands of dollars. The Bench-
As the football team came into their Homecoming game on the brand new turf field, the Devils held a 4-0 record and have been a team to be reckoned with. The official ribbon-cutting for the new complex took place on Saturday, Oct. 22, before the one o’clock game. Many people were involved in the whole process of having this top-of-theline facility at Coginchaug, and they were recognized before the game for their hard work and dedication to the project. One o’clock struck, and the Devils were firing on all cylinders and showing why they were an undefeated team coming into the game. Old Saybrook/Westbrook was having trouble holding up Coginchaug’s offense as they put up 35 points in the first half. Senior running back Alec Corazzini had a very solid game, racking up yards on the ground throughout the game. The relentless Coginchaug defense shut out Old Saybrook/Westbrook in the first half, and only allowed one touchdown in the second half. As Mr. Nystrom was announcing the game, he would say every once in a while, “Did you know...?” followed by an interesting fact about the new complex at Coginchaug. What Mr. Nystrom should have asked during the game was, “Did you know the Coginchaug defense has given up the least points of any high school team across the state of Connecticut?” No, that isn’t a misprint. Senior Ethan Donecker had a
solid game on defense, intercepting two passes throughout the course of the game. The defense didn’t get the fourth shutout of the year but held Old Saybrook/Westbrook to just a single touchdown. Starting off the season 5-0 and shutting out three of their opponents is still very impressive. “I think we’re all a little upset,” said Ethan. “In the second half they came out strong. They got more yards than we wanted them to, and they got a touchdown, which we are all pretty angry about.” The standards for the Coginchaug defense are very high for this year. They only allowed one touchdown, but the mindset for the team is that it could have been a shut out if they worked harder. The coaches told the team that if they shutout the other team and force three turnovers in one game, they would get the players pizza. This is just an extra push and more of a reason for the team to work hard during the 2011 football season. “We got to work hard and get ready for them,” said Alec in regards to preparing for their next game against Valley Regional High School. “We need to practice long, hard, and really focus this week to prepare.” The Blue Devils traveled to Valley Regional on Friday, Oct. 28. Both teams hit the field with undefeated records, but Coginchaug took a hard defeat with a 32-0 victory to Old Lyme.
The New Kid in Town
20
Devils’ Advocate Sports
The Shoreline Comes to Coginchuag By Rachel Kowalski An event over a decade in the was followed by her sister Kelly, making — cross country Shore- Anna Ferrari, Natalie Swanson, lines was finally held at Cogin- Baily Thayer, Natalie Charette and chaug for the first time in 11 years! Amanda Presutti. Many of the girls Thursday, Oct. 21, brought 12 on Mrs. Vigue’s team credited schools, 24 boys’ and girls’ teams much of the success to her hill and and a fierce competition to the pace training leading up to the CRHS campus. The 3.1-mile Shoreline Conference, and one of course was mapped out in two- the highest placements in several and-a-half simple loops to help ac- years. commodate runners, said the girls’ As far as future meets go, varsity and junior varsity coach, Mrs. Vigue. “In the past, some run- Coginchaug will still house various ners have been confused by the invitationals and dual meets in uploops, so this year we kept it sim- coming years but will have to wait ple, used markers and tried to in- to host another Shoreline event. corporate as much of the old There are 12 teams in our Shorecourse as possible,” she told us. line Conference, so unless another The course went over well; with- team drops out, it may be a 12out any major course or organiza- year rotation until we hold this tional issues, the meet went on as event again. planned. What wasn’t planned was Special thanks from Mrs. Vigue how well the Coginchaug teams were represented. Boys’ varsity and the team go out to Mr. Ted placed seventh out of the 12 Lombardo for completing the monteams, led by Jeremy Brown com- strous job of traffic control, parking, ing in seventh overall, followed by helping with the new timing system Christian Alberico, Tommy and creating an overall quality Schock, Wolfgang Wallace, Sean event. This event could not have Cavanaugh, Jimmy Malcolm and been possible without the work of Mike Behling. The girls’ varsity Mrs. Vigue, Mr. Roberts and Mr. team placed fifth, led by Emily Hal- Bellmare, as well as the many parligan coming in third overall. Emily ents and volunteers.
Fall Sports Bring New Life to Campus By Christopher Crandall Coginchaug athletics has en- ing quarterback Tyler Doherty tered the 2011 fall season for both went down with an injury after a girls’ and boys’ programs with ex- late hit during the second game of tremely high hopes. All sports the season. teams have been working strenu“My injury has impacted the ously since mid to late summer in team pretty significantly,” said preparation for the season. Tyler. “It directly impacted underThe hard work is paying off in classmen because they now have many ways for the Blue Devils this to step up and play bigger roles.” fall as the girls’ soccer program The girls’ volleyball team has has just clinched the number one gotten off to a sluggish start this seed in the state tournament. The season. Losing five seniors from girls’ soccer program is currently the 2010 season, rebuilding the 10-2-1 and is at the top of the team was definitely on the agenda Shoreline Conference. for head coach Kara Neidhart. “I think the team has really good “I think we are all trying to stay chemistry with 12 seniors. Knowpositive and really push ourselves ing we all played together throughout the years, I feel we all are de- in practice,” said junior captain termined to go out with a bang,” Katie Bednarz. “[Sophomores] said senior captain Andrea Braga. Sydney Trusty and Hayley Brant The boys’ soccer program has are really stepping up and playing struggled during the majority of the to their potential as they both are soccer season as it currently re- working hard day in and day out.” Along with the girls’ soccer and mains toward the bottom of the Shoreline Conference with a 3-9-0 the boys’ football teams’ successes, the cross country team is exrecord. “This season has been simply celling in Shorelines this fall. Judisappointing,” assistant coach Mr. nior Jeremy Brown and senior Matt Thompson said as he shook Emily Halligan were both named to his head. “The beginning of the the All Shorelines first team this season, we lost a few close games past week. Both runners have exthat we just shouldn’t have lost. celled on the course so far this The team really needs to gel to- year for the Blue Devils. gether better, both on and off the “These four years have been pitch.” great,” said Emily with a smile. Entering its second year on its “I’ve learned that it takes a good own, the boys’ football program team and a good group of girls to has really taken its game to the get motivated and inspired in order next level as it improves to 5-0. to help you run. I feel that we imThe Blue Devils have pummeled proved over the last two or three all their opponents so far this sea- years because the coaches are reson, beating all teams by more ally pushing us in practice and our than two touchdowns. Senior start- work ethic is truly paying off.”
New Kid The Coginchaug cross country teams, boys above and girls below.
Friday, November 11, 2011
ticles in the Town Times giving updates on the team. “Football is the new kid, and people aren’t used to it,” said Mr. Paxton. “It never had to compete with the other sports.” Soccer, which has always enjoyed uncontested use of the main fields, has had to give up some of its privileges. On the majority of afternoons, however, soccer still has control over Coginchaug’s fields. “We’ve had to practice at the Strong School fields for every single practice except for game days when we would go to the Falcon Field or the new facility if it was open,” said senior Frank Posca, member of the football team. The soccer teams are having a lit-
(Continued from page 19)
tle difficulty getting used to the new competition for the fields but will learn to cope. Mr. Matthew Thompson, assistant coach and an alumnus of the boys’ soccer team, said, “While I have no resentment toward football and the coaches are very friendly, I miss the days when there were 150 people at each soccer game and the majority of kids who wanted to play a contact sport played soccer.” Football’s addition to the school is an adjustment for everyone. People aren’t used to having a team, but in the end it may be beneficial. “Friday night football draws big crowds which helps provide money that all sports benefit from,” Mr. Paxton said.
Friday, November 11, 2011
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Town Times
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things, sparkly things and repurposed things, but I am, (ahem) we’ll say... frugal. So when a deal of a lifetime is made, I feel victorious. And so my sister, who also shares my joy in “sensible shopping,” signed us up for a coupon class at the Rocky Hill library. It was very enlightening. Gina Juliano, who teaches the classes, is the woman behind the www.ginaskokopelli.com website. The class theme was based around couponing for the holidays. It wasn’t just clipping coupons — there was much more to the ways that she saves money around gift-giving and even through the search engine she uses. The first thing that Juliano does is keep three large Rubbermaid totes in her basement for Christmas presents that she shops for throughout the year. On the inside lid of each of the totes, she tapes a list of the names of the gift recipients and adds whatever she purchases under that person’s name as the year goes on. Juliano keeps a duplicate copy of these lists in her pock-
Christmas shopping for Juliano starts Jan. 1 because of the deep sales that typically follow the holiday season, and she shops right from home with all the online deals. Throughout the year, she collects all the goodies for her kid’s stocking for free. Yup, that right, free. She uses CVS bucks and the like from various drug stores to purchase items like makeup, nail polish and candies. Juliano said that if she purchased the contents of the stocking without the CVS bucks, they would cost anywhere from $75 to $150. That in itself is a great savings. The initial expense of buying something with the CVS bucks attached is well
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Couponing has now become a verb in many folks’ vernacular. The term refers to collecting coupons that save you a ton of money when making purchases. Real couponers do it with gusto and enthusiasm, and for many it is almost a sport. Getting a good deal on something that you need or use is an awesome thing. Today, things cost so much; a gallon of milk at the larger grocery chains can cost more than a gallon of gasoline for our cars. For me, with two boys and a nephew who frequently hangs out at our house, rockin’ his sippy cup with a big two-tooth smile, we go through a ton of milk. Not to mention food. I have seen some of these coupon extravaganza shows, and I think, “Really, what are these people eating to spend so little at the grocery store?” And you can only have so many tubes of toothpaste and multitudes of random brand deodorants. The holidays are approaching and, as always, I love the triumph of a deep discount. It’s like beating the Man. That’s right, capitalism, one point for me. It’s the rush, which is pretty silly because really, I love nice things, quirky, unusual things, artsy
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Town Times Obituar y
22
Peter Tobey Heyl
Peter Tobey Heyl, 84, of Durham, loving husband of Etzie (Scott) Heyl for 59
years, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Oct. 30. Born in New Rochelle, NY, he was the son of the late Arthur Fisher Heyl, MD and Caro (Combs) Heyl. Peter attended the Forman School in Litchfield, CT. He was drafted in 1945 and served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt until 1949. He then attended and completed his undergraduate studies in chemical engineering at Johns Hopkins University in 1955. He started his career with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft that same year with their nuclear divi-
sion in Podunk, CT. In 1957 he and his wife spent seven months in Idaho Falls, ID, at the national nuclear reactor testing facility. Upon completion of this aspect of his career, he and his wife returned to Middletown, CT, and in 1959 the family settled in Durham. Peter remained employed by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft as an assistant project engineer until his retirement in 1992. In addition to his wife Etzie, he is survived by his two daughters, Barb A. Heyl of Scarborough, ME, and Kimberly Heyl Baker and her husband Eugene E. Baker of Somis, CA; his grandson Erick Russell Heyl and daugh-
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whole family. There will be a memorial service for Peter on Friday, Dec. 30, at noon at the United Churches of Durham (228 Main St.). Immediately following the church service there will be a celebration of his life at the Lyman Homestead (Route 157 in Middlefield). The burial will be a private gathering at Mica Hill Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Peter’s memory to Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, c/o Middlesex Hospital, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457. Messages of condolence can be sent to the family at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com. The Doolittle Funeral Home (14 Old Church St. in Middletown) is handling the arrangements.
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Couponing (Continued from page 21) for loved ones. Another great idea are two websites that Juliano says are great for electronics-loving teens and dads. One is called www.1saleaday.com and the other is www.dailysteals.com. The way they work is that certain items are put on sale for deep, deep dis-
23
Town Times
counts. They are only on the website for one day or until the inventory runs out. She has purchased sterling silver jewelry with real gemstones for her daughters for under $10, marked down from around $300. I will be checking this out myself this season. You know those small gifts that folks like to give to teachers, babysitters, postmen and the like? Well, a great idea Juliano says is from www.restaurant.com.
Once a month, the gift certificates on the website go on sale and you pay just $2 for a $25 gift certificate. That is a huge savings! She said that, when her family goes out to a
restaurant, they rarely go without one of those certificates in their back pocket. There are loads of ways to save and still have fun picking things out for friends
and family this holiday season. Checkout Juliano’s website for more ways to save and to utilize her couponing system. Happy shopping!
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Friday, November 11, 2011
Town Times
Alzheimer’s (Continued from page 1) that’s how my career began,” Bascom says. “I learned a lot from Marie — she’s amazing at making people look better than their best, and her work and love of photography has always inspired me. We’re
still very close, and she definitely taught me a lot. I still work for her occasionally.” Since 2002, Bascom has been living in New York City, where she works as a freelance photographer and photo editor (magazines, books, calendars). In May 2006, she received a BFA in photography from the School of Visual Arts. Her work has
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appeared in Smart Money Magazine, Barron’s News and Financial Weekly, Child Magazine, Generation T: Beyond Fashion, The Filthy Rich Handbook, the calendar “Nuns Having Fun” and in other books and calendars. Bascom also does portraiture and shoots charity benefits and other special events. You can see some of her work at www.jennabascom.com. “I started photographing my grandmother when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s,” says Bascom. “My grandmother and I were always very close, and seeing her start to lose her mind was so sad. I photographed her interacting with our family to capture the changes she was going through. This helped me deal with the emotions and experiences that came with the disease. Looking back, I wish I had spent even more time shooting her picture, but I wasn’t thinking of it as a project at the time; it was just a way of capturing my experiences of her. While the images of my grandmother are gentle, they are also honest — her diaper draped over the chair, her vacant looks, her being connected to machines.
“A couple of months after she died, I reached out to the New York and Connectic u t Alzheimer’s associations to volunteer my photography services. At the time, I was thinking I would be shooting their events, but then Christy Dennis, Kovel and I came up with the idea of visiting people with Alzheimer’s and taking portraits of them and their caregivers. We gave prints to the families.” She says she loved meeting the patients and hearing their life stories. The caretakers, although struggling with their responsibilities, were very much involved and were “there” for their loved ones. After this, the two women realized they had something to share and decided to do a touring exhibit to bring attention to the disease and the association. Bascom says that the most challenging part was work-
an Alzheimer patient ing with the early onset patients. “These people were at the top of their game professionally, and then the disease slowly made it so they could no longer work. We typically think of the disease as an old person’s disease — our grandparents, great grandparents — not something that could affect our parents (mine are in their 50s) or romantic partners. There is a lot of denial about the reality of the disease, especially when someone is first showing symptoms.” The photographs of her grandmother and other peoSee Alzheimer’s, next page
Behavioral Health M asonicare Helping you cope. Masonicare has been providing behavioral health services to the community for many years. Our professionals have a depth and an array of experience that may be the answer should you or a loved one need help. We evaluate the full range of adult and geriatric psychiatric presentations, and treat them with appropriate therapies.
The Masonicare Behavioral Health Team (l to r:) Andrea Joseph, LCSW; Richard Kull, MD; Bonnie Piascyk, APRN
Typical diagnoses include depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, panic disorder, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, and dementia including Alzheimer’s disease.
Our offices are conveniently located in the Masonicare Medical Office Building off Route 150 in Wallingford. Most insurances accepted.
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Friday, November 11, 2011
perience.”
Alzheimer’s
Christianne Kovel says the Portraits of Alzheimer’s exhibit has helped the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness about the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in Connecticut and the programs and services that the Connecticut Chapter offers.
(Continued from page 24)
Says Kovel, “Jenna has been such an asset to us, volunteering her time and talents to support the mission of the organization. We’re very lucky to have her!”
Jenna’s portrait of Charla photos allow us to process the disease,” says Bascom. “They show the reality of the experience and may in the end make the whole disease seem less overwhelming. It’s life — I feel really strongly about being aware and awake to the human ex-
For information on Alzeimer’s Disease and on the Portraits of Alzheimer’s exhibit, call the Alzheimer’s Association at 860-828-2828 or contact Christy Kovel at christianne.kovel@alz.org. November, which is National Alzeimer’s Disease Awareness Month, also is National Family Caregivers Month.
A spooky cast of characters The Durham Park and Recreation Committee held its annual Halloween Parade after Halloween this year thanks to the October storm. For many of the costumed children, the Nov. 6 event was their first chance to wear their costumes and celebrate Halloween. Volunteers ran a limbo game, a costume contest, decorating tables and distributed Halloween candy at the Durham Activity Center. In photo, a volunteer witch (Colleen McLaughlin) leads a parade of super heroes during the costume contest. Photo by Mark Dionne
Town Times Service Directory
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ple with Alzheimer’s disease, Bascom says, bring out a variety of emotions: depression, loss, confusion, love…and the strength of the human spirit. “Looking back on the moments is so special to me,” she said. “I am allowed the time, through the frozen image, to understand the intensity of the moment in a greater way.” She says a photo of her grandmother crying when the family brought her a cake for her birthday gave her family a deeper understanding and appreciation of what was happening. “Here she is, on what we now know was her last birthday, crying as we bring her the angel food cake that we’ve had for her birthday for years and years. Why is she crying?” Bascom continued, “The doctor who diagnosed my grandmother believed that she had the disease for a long time but was able to hide the signs early on. “She was always forgetful, but my family didn’t think much about it. But it really caught our attention when my mom brought my grandmother to Dress Barn to help her find a dress. The sales woman remembered my grandmother, who had driven herself to the store the day before, and picked out the exact same outfit. My grandmother had no recollection of the event.” Bascom says ultimately the family decided to place her in a care facility and that Joan died about a year after her diagnosis. She says that, while her grandmother would have days when she would be completely “out of it,” she would also have moments of total clarity. Some families might benefit from having a document of the progression of Alzeimer’s disease, Bascom feels. She would like to talk with anyone who is interested in having her make a photo journal of their loved one. “A lot of times, we get lost in the moment, but the
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Town Times
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Friday, November 11, 2011
Town Times
Rep. Lesser calls for a gas station in every town A member of the General Assembly’s Energy Committee, State Representative Matt Lesser announced that he is planning to introduce legislation next year that will ensure that, in the event of a power outage, every town will have at least one working gas station. “This isn’t about convenience,” Lesser said. “This is about public safety.” Lesser, who represents Durham, Middlefield and Middletown in the Connecticut General Assembly, cited long lines and confusion immediately after Winter Storm Alfred and Hurricane Irene. When gas stations lose power, they are no longer able to pump gas. “Everywhere I went after the storm, people asked me if I knew where an open gas station was,” Lesser said. “Without gas, they couldn’t
Town Times Welcomes New Citizens
get food, emergency supplies, power their own generators or do much of anything. People were waiting for hours in Cromwell or traveling to the shoreline just on the rumor of a gas station.” Lesser’s proposal would provide an auction mechanism where gas stations in each town could bid against each other for an emergency generator. “If you lose the bid and your competitor gas station gets the generator, you’ll go buy one yourself — or else you’ll lose a lot of business the next time there’s a power failure,” said Lesser. “This is just part of a bigger conversation about ensuring that we have critical infrastructure in place during the next disaster.”
Natalie Winter Sawyer Brynn Elizabeth Gerry Born: Oct. 8, 2010 Born: August 30, 2011 Parents: Lee Sawyer and Weight: 7 pounds, 9 Samantha Michnowicz, of ounces Middlefield Height: 20 inches long Siblings: big sister Sadie Parents: Tyler and Kelly Claire Gerry, of Durham Grandparents: Bob and Siblings: Ryan, Abby, Macy Trish Dynia of Durham, Grandparents: Curt and Aleta Cromack, Todd Ger- Ed Michnowicz of Middlery and Sue Nye, and Terry town and Tom and Diana Newman of Maine Gerry and Rick Vellette Submitted by Tyler Gerry
Submitted by Ryan Rose
Submitted by Trish Dynia
Town Times Service Directory V.M.B. Custom Builders
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Dog looking for home Trying to find a g o o d home ASAP for 5yearold female terrier mix, Blizzard. Moved to a place that doesn’t accept dogs and since our son’s been born, we just don’t have the time or energy to give her the love and exercise she needs. Very happy, high energy family dog who needs exercise daily. If interested, call Kevin at 860-878-4790.
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In Our Towns
Friday, November 11, 2011
Christmas at Notre Dame
State Senator Len Suzio visits Middlefield
Notre Dame Church craft group is busily preparing for their annual Christmas Bazaar and bake
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At a “Senator on Your Sidewalk” event on Oct. 19 at the Middlefield Senior Center, State Sen. Len Suzio spoke with taxpayers and heard their thoughts and comments about state taxes and spending, transportation, public safety and a whole host of issues. “It was a pleasure to visit with Middlefield residents and hear their concerns about the tax hiking and wasteful spending that is going on in Hartford,” Suzio said. “I share those concerns and will continue to speak out against high taxes and bloated government. For those who could not make it to the senior center, please contact Suzio with your thoughts and comments at len.suzio@cga.ct.gov or 800-842-1421. Pictured here, State Sen. Len Suzio (center) listens to taxpayers at the Middlefield Senior Center. Submitted by Adam.Liegeot
Town Times Service Directory
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sale to be held in the church hall at 272 Main Street in Durham on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon with the raffle to be held on Sunday, Nov. 13. There is a wide variety of crafts, baked goods, including apple and pumpkin pies and Jewish coffee cakes made by the parishioners, a variety of handmade needlework, jams and jellies, house plants, Chinese Auction, Christmas candies, the ever-popular Raggedy Ann and Andy handmade dolls, giant chocolate chip cookies, an exquisite Christmas table, jewelry and many other treasures. The Notre Dame kitchen “gourmet chefs” will serve breakfast and lunch all day in the country kitchen. Top photo, Peggy Burgess and Noreen Baris admire handmade needlework. Below that, Barbara Carangelo creates a professional candle centerpiece Submitted
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In Our Schools
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Friday, November 11, 2011
At Korn...
At Brewster... Right, students enjoyed a performance presented by Jim Vagias on Friday, Oct. 28. The magic based performance entitled “Bully-Proof Your School” was sponsored by the BK/PTA. Second graders Olivia Herrington and Francesco Marrotta were participants in the show.
Fourth graders have been studying the changes in the Earth’s surface as part of the
Submitted by Patti Checko
Left two photos, students enjoyed The first Friday Family Reading after being out of school all week. It was nice to continue their routine, and they were very excited to see so many parents. Far left, Debbie Mariani sits on the floor in the classroom while reading to a group of second graders in Mrs. Ghoreyeb’s room. Center photo, Lucy Birdsell reads to a small group in Mr. Bernabeo’s classroom, including her grand-daughter, Brooke Sheehy.
science curriculum. The students participated in a fun activity recently with Mrs. Klattenberg and Mrs. Martin, which allowed them to learn and explore the different stages of the Earth’s landscape, including Pangea. They applied their knowledge of rocks, tectonic plates and oceans using graham crackers and frosting. Yum! Submitted by Eileen Chupron
Submitted by Patti Checko
Third and fourth graders participated in this year’s fourth annual CVEF Spelling Bee. The top
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three third grade spellers (above) are Edward Fournier, Ashley Szymaszek and AJ Defilio. Fourth graders Sean Carroll, Ben Howell, Evan Hempel and Nicholas Morin (below) took top honors. All of the school spelling bee champions from grades 3-8 will be recognized at the CVEF Spelling Bee next spring at Coginchaug High School. All are welcome to attend!
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Friday, November 11, 2011
EDGE
(From page 7)
There is a seat belt check, as well as statistics and posters spread around the school. A speaker, someone who is a positive role model, comes in to talk about such things as drinking and driving, substance abuse and emotional well-being. Hard Truth, an assembly that comes to the school for one day and is sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), brings in people who lost family members to drunk drivers, or someone who went to prison for drunk driving. To further make the point, there’s a mock crash, with a smashed-up car, and seniors acting out the various pieces of the accident — kids “freaking out,” one is hurt, one is dead, there’s an ambulance, the drunk driver is okay but the other drivers are killed. “It’s very powerful,” says Anderson.
hope). For instance, teens who begin drinking alcohol before the age of 15 are four to five times more likely to develop problems with alcohol than those who start drinking after the legal age of 21. A young person’s brain does not stop developing until they are in their early to mid20s; during this development, alcohol negatively affects all parts of the brain, but especially coordination, thinking, decision-making, eye-hand coordination, speech and memory. Adolescent drinkers perform worse in school and have an increased risk of social problems, depression, suicidal thoughts and violence. “But we’re making a difference,” says Anderson. “A lot of parents are thanking us. If a kid thinks, ‘I should not have this drink or drive home because I’m under the influence,’ or ‘I’m not going to smoke pot,’ we’ve done our job. If we get in their heads and make them think twice,
w e ’ v e done our jobs. “I’m so glad I’m involved in this. It’s wonderful to be a part of their lives and w a t c h t h e m grow and learn. It’s EDGE members give out pledge bracelets interestduring Red Ribbon Week. ing to see a shy freshman grow don’t,” she said. Anderson has witnessed through this program and become more confident by the concrete evidence of the valtime he’s a senior. With this ue of this program. “EDGE program, communication did a presentation on Interskills are tested. They’re net safety at Strong School, talking to their peers about and the next day a student went to the guidance countough issues. “The kids love being in selor and reported a cyber this. It’s a good avenue for bullying issue that was going kids who don’t drink. And I on. Often kids think, ‘I don’t want to add that it’s a miscon- know what to do. I’m alone. I ception that everyone don’t have anyone.’ Yes, you drinks. The majority of kids do,” Anderson concluded.
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Anderson spoke at the pep rally on Friday, Oct. 21, and explained what the upcoming week was all about and passed out brochures at the game. These brochures gave some hard facts about adults giving alcohol to minors. Even in their own homes, they can be fined or jailed. The week saw posters around the school, citing substance abuse statistics. EDGE members made a huge banner that sported the pledge. Students who signed it received a bracelet that says “I choose to be drug-free,” and the banner was hung in the high school at the end of the
week. This was also done at themiddleschool.AndonFriday, Oct. 28, in keeping with the spirit of the week, the students were asked to wear red. The homeroom with the most students donning that color was treated to a doughnut party. Twice a year, the members of EDGE participate in a fundraiser for MADD by walking a 5K (called Walk Like Mad). “MADD is like our mom,” says Anderson. “They really help us out and support us.” Moen gets students to talk about safe dating and what a typical date should be and how there should be no abuse. “Sometimes someone is in a violent relationship and doesn’t know how to get out of it,” says Anderson. The high school members of EDGE give a presentation on the subject at the health classes at Strong School. The information that EDGE works so tirelessly to disseminate is sobering (we
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Red Ribbon Week, which takes place from Oct. 21-28, is one of the highlights of the year. It’s a national campaign to get the kids to pledge to be substance-free, and that means all substances, including prescription drugs that are not theirs. Red Ribbon Week received generous financial support from the Durham Middlefield Local Wellness Council. The day before the pep rally that precedes the football game that Saturday, red ribbons, signifying that they have taken that pledge, are given to the students. The athletes wear them during the game, and all those who attend the game receive one.
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Town Times
Open 7 days a week Mon.-Sat. 9:30-7:30 Sun. 9:30-6:00
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Town Times Sports
30
Friday, November 11, 2011
Falcons A-Team final run
Coginchaug girls are Shoreline champs!
By Walter & Lisa Tregoning Special to the Town Times The table was set for an intense playoff between two well-matched teams, the Durham Falcons A-Team against the Raiders of Simsbury. The captains for the Falcons were Justin Saks, Brendan Rushford, James Peters and Connor Salva. The long layoff from practice due to the week of no electricity did not stop the Falcons from being intense and confident. The Falcons started with an onside kick and recovered, but all was lost when the referee said the ball did not go far enough. The Raiders started with great field position. With the Falcon defense flying around, they plucked the ball away for Salva to recover. Unfortunately, during the next series of plays, the Falcons gave it back with their own
Photo by Karen Kean
The Coginchaug girls’ soccer team earned its first-ever Shoreline Conference Championship with a 2-0 victory over North Branford on Monday evening, Nov. 7. Congratulations girls!
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Town Times Service Directory
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turnover. The Raiders were the first to strike with a touchdown, making the score 6-0. On the next possession, the Falcons gave the ball to Adam Berlutti for a 30yard run, setting up a short touchdown run for Wes Benjunas, ending the first quarter with a score of 6-6. In the beginning of the second quarter, Salva got the ball for a hard run-dodging, turning, stopping and going for 30 yards. It looked like the Falcons were going to take the lead but could not punch it in. They came away with no points. The half ended 6-6, but the Falcons would get the ball in the third quarter. The first possession was very devastating for the Falcons. The Raiders got a quick six, which created a deficit of 12-6. That was devastating, but not as bad as what happened next. On a tackle, Saks, the Falcons’ quarterback, went down with a game-stopping injury that required medical attention. With that devastating blow, the offense could not get on track until late in the fourth, but it was too little, too late. The hits were often and hard in this game, and the Falcons played their heart out all day and all season. It was a pleasure seeing this team come together and become fierce competitors. This is the team to watch next year entering high school! Way to go, Falcons!
There will be a meeting for all who played in the women’s softball league on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. at the Durham Activity Center. We will discuss changes, if any, for next year’s league. We will also be collecting any team equipment that has been bought with town monies. Please mark your equipment with a piece of tape. This includes bats, helmets, first aid kits, scorebooks and balls, etc. Call Sherry Hill at 860-343-6724 with any questions.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Town Times Sports
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Falcon cheer squads impress at CTYFL cheer competition By Jennifer Dragan Special to the Town Times On Saturday, Oct. 22, all four Durham-Middlefield Falcons’ cheerleading squads participated at the annual CTYFL Cheer Competition, which took place this year at Berlin High School. All four teams danced and cheered their hearts out. Not only do the girls need to learn cheers for the football games on Sundays, they also need to learn a 2.5-minute routine made up of cheer and dance for the competition. The first Falcon cheer squad to take the mat was the C-Squad, made up of 27 nineand ten-year-olds. Paula Murphy is the head coach for this team and is assisted by Amy King-Painter, Danielle Dell’Oso and Francine Harris. With so many girls on the team, it was very rare that the whole team was at a practice. The girls performed at their best and pulled off an amazing routine. The A-Squad took the mat immediately following the CSquad. The A-Squad is made up of 12-, 13- and 14-year-olds; there are 12 girls on the
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who would like more information about this competition, please contact the Falcons’ cheer director Jennifer Dragan at SpicySass1@aol.com.
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Youth basketball registration will take place Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Durham Town Hall. Registration forms are available online at www.townofdurhamct.org, Recreation. Program is open to grades K-8, Durham and Middlefield residents. Children must be registered by Nov. 25. After this date, a late fee of $25 will be charged. Call 860-343-6724 for more information.
The girls pose proudly with their trophy. the morning session, which starts at 9 a.m., and doors open at 8:10 a.m. The ASquad will be competing in the afternoon session, which begins at 2:30 p.m., and doors open at 1:40 p.m. For anyone
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ed by Gina Layman. The BSquad was the eighth team to take the mat. With only nine girls on the team, they pulled off a spectacular routine. Right after the B-Squad performed, it was time for the Mighty Mites to take the mat. This team has nine girls ranging in age from six to eight years old. This year, Missy Fisher stepped up to be head coach, assisted by Gia Gulino. All of these girls cheered and danced with the biggest smiles on their faces. For most of them, this was the first time any of them had performed in front of so many people. After every other squad had performed, it was finally time for the awards ceremony. The Mighty Mites were awarded a participation award. The next division to receive awards would be the B-small division, which is the division in which the BSquad competed. The BSquad won the coordinator’s award! All of the girls on each of these squads deserve a big round of applause for all their hard work and dedication to their teams. These girls performed in front of crowds of 1,200+ people. Way to go, girls! The A, B and C-Squads will all be competing at the Youth State Cheer Competition on Nov. 19 at Berlin High School. The B and CSquads will be competing in
squad this year. Daneen Saks is the head coach, and she is assisted by Lynn Etheridge and Krystyn Manzione. These girls put all their energy into perfecting the routine. When they took the mat, they were nervous yet excited and performed beautifully. Now that both teams had gone, it was a long wait while the rest of the teams took the mat for their 2.5 minutes of glory. While the squads were waiting, they took some time to rest in the cafeteria and to meet up with the football players who came out to support them. Once all squads had gone, everyone was called back to the gym for the awards ceremony. The second division to receive awards was the C-large, which is the division that our C-Team competed in. The C-Team won the spirit award! Then came time for the A-small division awards; this is the division in which our A-Squad competed. The A-Squad took second place! There were many tears of joy from the girls, coaches and parents as it sunk in that they had placed second. The afternoon session began at 2:30 p.m., which is the session where we would see the B-Squad and the Mighty Mites take the mat. The BSquad is made up of 11- and 12-year-olds, and the head coach for the B-Squad this year is Cindy Arnold, assist-
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Friday, November 11, 2011
Town Times
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