Volume 23, Number 4
Middlefield preps to set mill rate
www.towntimes.com
Friendship binds class of 2017 By Mark Dionne Town Times
Coginchaug Regional High School’s valedictorian for the Class of 2017 Nora Khalil said that she and class salutatorian Emily Carroll did not coordinate their speeches for the graduation ceremony even though they both wound up talking about friendship.
By Mark Dionne Town Times
Middlefield, like Durham and many other Connecticut towns, decided to delay setting a mill rate as long as possible while waiting for a budget from the state. The combination of the state’s still-delayed budget and local tax requirements meant that Middlefield had to pass its budget without knowing the potential revenue given and costs demanded from the state. Middlefield’s budget, passed on May 8, totals $4,807,716 in expenses, including town expenses, debt service, and the capital fund. Passing the budget is a separate procedure from setting a mill rate and Middlefield officials this week called for a Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 21 to set the mill rate. Like other towns, Middlefield has to address two potential risks – setting the mill rate too high or too low. Bob Yamartino, Chair of Middlefield’s Board of Finance, told the Town Times, “We’re operating in a vacuum thanks to the state,” echoing a sentiment similar to Durham First Selectman Laura Francis, who earlier said, “We don’t have much clue what they [the state] are going to do,” Governor Dannel Malloy’s budget proposal is not expected to pass in its original form, which shifted signifSee Mill, A17
Friday, June 23, 2017
Not a sign of plagiarism, joked Khalil at the graduation, held on Tuesday, June 20, but a sign of how important friendship was to the graduates. Khalil described high school
as a stressful place and not, Graduates soak in the sun during the commencement ceremony June 20 at Coginchaug Regional High School. | Mark Dionne, Town Times See Grads, A19
Strawberry Fest touts ‘Connecticut-grown’ By Sheridan Cyr Special to Town Times
Lyman Orchards celebrated the first fruit harvest of the season with the annual Strawberry Fest Saturday afternoon, June 17, featuring exciting activities for children as well as live music and plenty of food. “We’re showcasing what Connecticut-grown is all about,” said marketing director Tim Burt.
Lyman, executive vice president and the eighth generation of Lymans to run the company. “We feel very strongly about being involved in the community,” said Lyman. Because of the immense amount of land the orchards cover, the company ends up being a large taxpayer and a major contributor to the community, he added.
The Lymans are always looking for ways to service the community, for Workers prepare year-round, and example a portion of funds from the when strawberry season begins, Lycorn maze and sunflower maze go man Orchards “comes alive,” said to the American Cancer Foundation Burt. He estimated eight to 10 tons of and to the Connecticut Children’s strawberries would be picked in the Hospital. They also call on local fields during the course of the day. businesses to partake in events like Around 50,000 pounds are estimated the Strawberry Fest. to be picked this season, which ends The Fest featured Bruno Brothers around the first week of July. Kettle Corn, pony rides, a pie-eatLyman Orchards has been a staple ing contest, The Golf Center’s large in the community for 276 years and inflatable “Golfzilla,” face painting is the 12th oldest family-run busiby Fantasy Faces by Ruth, The Conness in the nation, according to John necticut Forest & Park Association
Noelle Bordier, 9, left, and sister Belle, 12, of Greenwich, enjoy strawberry shortcake June 17 during Lyman Orchard’s Strawberry Fest at the Apple Barrel in Middlefield. | Justin Weekes, For the Record-Journal
promoting the 20th edition of the official trail book “CT Walk,” author Diane McCain autographing and discussing her new book “Thy Children’s Children,” a book about the Lymans, and local country singers Presley & Taylor. See Berry, A6