5-20-2011 town times

Adopt me, please!

Photo by Cheri Kelley

The third annual Durham Pet Fair, where lots oflovable pups like this one were hoping to find anew home.

Volume 18, Issue 6 Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall Friday, May 20, 2011

Rain doesn’t stop enthusiasm atCoginchaug track opening

By Mark DionneSpecial to Town Times

Students cheered as theystepped past the fence, stillmarked with “Keep Off”signs, and onto the newlyfinished track complex atCoginchaug Regional HighSchool (CRHS). A fewminutes later, theycheered again for therain that started to pourdown, but no one left.

According to Bill Cur-rlin, Board of Educationand Building Commit-tee chair, “The kidswanted to be the first onthe field.” After schoolon Monday, May 16, Currlinand CRHS principal AndreHauser presided over theopening of the track and theceremonial first lap. A trackmeet was scheduled for the

following day.Dozens of students gath-

ered with various coaches,teachers, Board of Educa-tion (BOE) and communitymembers and reporters onthe artificial turf and eight-lane track for the brief cere-mony.

Hauser tossed a footballwith some students beforemaking his remarks. Hethanked, among others, theBOE, the Boards of Select-men from both towns, Super-intendent Sue Viccaro and

“the thousands of voters ofDurham and Middlefield.”Hauser also cited Currlin forspecial thanks, calling himthe project’s “guardian an-gel.”

Currlin, who only a weekearlier lost his re-electionbid to the BOE after 17 years

as a member, spokenext. He thanked thework done by the BOEand recognized “all theathletes for years andyears who didn’t get achance to run on theirhome track.” It has been10 years since CRHS hashosted a track meet, ac-cording to Viccaro.

Currlin also encouragedstudent athletes to thankmembers of the community.The track complex faced op-

See CRHS Track, page 14

Above, CRHS stu-dents begin thefirst lap around thenew track, releasedby Bill Currlin'sstarting pistol. Left,students form thewords "ThankYou!" to the com-munity for the newathletic complex.Photos by Mark Dionne, BethManley and Sue Michael

Powder Ridge sale up toMiddlefield voters

By Sue VanDerzeeTown Times

Dennis Abplanalp can tellyou exactly when he beganthinking about PowderRidge Ski Area.

“I have the magazine righthere,” he said during aphone interview this week.“It was the March 2007 issueof Ski Area Managementmagazine where Ken Leavitthad placed an ad. I calledhim up.

“I’ve been working on thisfor four years,” he contin-ued. “I’m tenacious.”

While Powder Ridge hasbeen simmering in his con-sciousness the last fouryears, Abplanalp’s involve-ment with skiing goes backmuch further. “I startedworking in ski areas as a 17-

year-old in 1974 in the skirental division of Ski Libertyin southeastern Pennsylva-nia,” he explained. “After afew years, I realized that Iwanted to be in mountain op-erations, and I left there nineyears later as assistantmountain manager. Sincethen I’ve worked in at least10 different resorts all acrossthe country, including Mt.High in California, the

In this issue ...Calendar............................4Durham Briefs................13Middlefield Briefs...........12Obituaries .......................28

See Sale, page 16

Town Times Community Briefs Friday, May 20, 20112

Index of AdvertisersTo advertise in the Town Times,

call Joy Boone at 860-349-8026

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Addy & Sons..............................30Advertising Donations ...............16Adworks.....................................15Affordable Excavation................30Allan’s Tree Service ..................28APEC Electric............................25Be Free Solar ............................25Berardino Company Realtors....31Berlin Bicycle Shop ...................23Binge, Bruce..............................26Bonterra Italian Bistro................14Brick Construction .....................25Brockett Paving & Construction...29Cahill & Sons.............................28Canine Fence Company ...........14Carlton Interiors.........................18Carmela Marie Catering............15Carmine’s Restaurant .................5Celltell Communications............21Centurion Exterminating............24Classic Wood Flooring ..............29Coldwell Banker Premier ..........31Conroy, John, DMD...................13Core Club ....................................3Country Flower Farms.................3Custom Carpets ........................15CV Enterprises ..........................28Desjarlais, Marsha ....................31Durham Auto Center .................11Durham Dental ............................3Durham Family Eyecare .............7Durham Veterinary Hospital........2Edward Zavaski Agency ...........23ERBA Landscaping...................28Executive Offices.......................32Family Tree Care ......................29Fuel & Service .............................7Gaylord Hospital........................17Glazer Dental Associates..........11Grace Lutheran Preschool ..........5Grant Groundscapes.................24Griswold Plumbing Services .....24Hansen Contracting ..................26Healing Hands Massage Therapy...25Ianniello Plumbing.....................28Jay Landscaping .......................26JC Farm & Greenhouse............11

John’s Café & Catering .............16Lyman Orchards..........................7Masonicare..........................12, 18Meetinghouse Hill Property.......24Michalowski Agency..................19Micheli Unisex Styling Salon.....11Mickey Finn’s.............................20Middlefield Remodeling.............27Middlesex Community College....13Middlesex Dance Center...........13Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords.....7Miss Joanne’s Learning Center ....22MLT Painting .............................30Moroni & Son...............................6Mountain Spring Water .............24Movado Farm ............................30Natureworks ................................5Neil Jones Home Improvements ...25New England Dental Health......20New England Homes & Properties..31Paint Spot....................................5Petruzelo Agency Insurance.....25Pizza King....................................3Planeta Electric .........................28Raintree Landscaping ...............27Raney, Jason, DMD....................7Realty Associates......................31RLI Electric ................................30Roblee Plumbing.......................27Rockfall Co ................................26Rockfall PC Medic.....................24Rockwell Excavation & Paving....27RSDL Home Improvements......26Rudolph’s Landscaping.............21Sharon McCormick Design .........5Solutions By Hypnosis ................7Split Enz ....................................29T-N-T Home & Lawncare..........29Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork .27Torrison Stone & Garden, .........26VMB Custom Builders...............30Wallingford Auto Company .......10Whitehouse Construction..........29Wildwood Lawn Care ................27Window Man..............................22Windows Plus............................18

CorrectionsWe strive to bring you the

most accurate informationavailable each week, but ifyou see something in TownTimes that isn’t quite right,give us a call at 860-349-8000,and we’ll do our best tomake things right.

Musicalinstrument drive

Tristan Sayah, a BoyScout in Troop 27, has organ-ized a musical instrumentdrive and is seeking dona-tions of new or gently usedinstruments. The event willbe held, rain or shine, onJune 11 at Coginchaug HighSchool on Pickett Lane inDurham, from 12 to 4 p.m. Alldonations will be turnedover to Horns for Kids, a non-profit organization that sup-ports school music programs

throughout Connecticut.Their main purpose is to en-courage children to experi-ence the thrill of performingmusic in school and as a life-long activity. The organiza-tion cleans and repairs thedonations it receives and re-distributes them to publicschools. Please help studentswho might not otherwise af-ford to study music by donat-ing an instrument.

This project is the EagleScout service project of Tris-tan Sayah. To learn moreabout the Horns for Kids pro-gram or to make a tax de-

ductible donation, contactTristan at [email protected] or come to the instru-ment drive.

A jazz evening Come to the CRHS café at 7

p.m. on Tuesday, June 7, for“An Evening of Jazz” featur-ing the Coginchaug Jazz En-semble and Dixieland En-semble with special guests,the Galvenized Jazz Band.Tickets are available in theCRHS music office. For moreinfo, call 860-349-7215.

Pancreaticcancerreasearch fundhas local roots

The Sunrise 18-Hole Strollis an early morning walk atTPC River Highlands inCromwell during the Travel-ers Championship. All netproceeds will benefit TheLustgarten Foundation, thenation’s largest private foun-dation dedicated solely tofunding pancreatic cancerresearch. Held on June 26 at7:30 a.m., the Sunrise 18-HoleStroll aims to raise moneyand awareness for much-needed research for pancre-atic cancer, America’s

fourth-leading cause of can-cer deaths.

Fifteen-year-old BrittanyVose created this event inhonor of her father, JohnVose, who passed away frompancreatic cancer when shewas just five years old. Brit-tany’s mom is Pat O’Connor,formerly of Middlefield. Thisis Brittany’s third annualevent, second 18-Hole Stroll,with the first two years rais-ing more than $32,000 forpancreatic cancer research.

Brittany said, “Sadly, Ilearned the devastating im-pact of pancreatic cancer,having lost my beloved fa-ther. That’s why I am joiningtogether with The LustgartenFoundation in his honor tofight this deadly disease. Iknow he would be proud.”

The event will kick offwith registration starting at6:30 a.m. and the walk from7:30 to 9:30 a.m. After, enjoysome of golf’s greatest play-ers and help raise awarenessand money to fund pancreat-ic cancer research efforts.The color purple representspancreatic cancer, so Brit-tany is asking that you wearthe color purple, and she ishopeful that the “Gallery”will be filled with that color.

With an overall survivalrate of just six percent, pan-creatic cancer is a disease

with no prevention, no earlytests and, unless detected inits early stages, no cure. TheLustgarten Foundationworks to advance scientificand clinical research relatedto the diagnosis, treatmentand cure of pancreatic can-cer. One hundred percent ofall donations to the founda-tion will go directly to pan-creatic cancer research.

Ann Walsh, director ofevents for The LustgartenFoundation, said, “We aregrateful for the support ofBrittany and her team. It isbecause of the dedicationand determination of indi-viduals like this that we’reable to not only raise much-needed funding, but alsomuch-needed awareness ofpancreatic cancer.”

For more info and to regis-ter, visitwww.lustgarten.org/18hole-stroll or call 1-866-789-1000.

Friday, May 20, 2011 Town Times 3

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Board of Education finds cuts, passes budget at 3.45 percentBy Mark Dionne

Special to the TownTimes

At the May 11 Board of Ed-ucation (BOE) meeting atJohn Lyman ElementarySchool, board members dis-cussed three positions forpossible elimination beforemaking numerous othercuts to the 2011-12 RegionalSchool District 13 (RSD13)budget.

The board approved abudget with a net increase of3.45 percent without newpersonnel cuts. The previ-ous budget failed to pass by80 votes.

Among its other recom-mendations, the administra-tive team proposed not hir-

ing a replacement for latemath teacher Phil Marteland reducing the highschool’s Algebra I from oneand a half to one credits.This move would save mon-ey on salary andbenefits but re-duce math in-struction timefor the students,which causedsome concernamong board members.

Superintendent ofSchools Sue Viccaro, whilenoting that other schools inthe area have Algebra I as aone credit course, said thatthis would be removing halfa year of instruction timeand could conceivably affecttest scores. Director of Cur-

riculum Carol Luckenbachagreed that reducing the in-struction time would havean impact and added that itwould take significant workover the summer to change

the course.Members of

the board, in-cluding NormanHicks and Ker-rie Flanagan,asked if a teach-

ing position could be elimi-nated from the grade 6 Con-temporary program. Grade6 Contemporary is sched-uled to have class sizes of 19students. Other classes at thatlevel have as many as 25.

Memorial principalKevin Brough noted that theContemporary program

uses a junior high model,where teachers teach indi-vidual subjects. No one saidif cross-certification wouldleave enough certified teach-ers to cover the necessarysubjects.

The idea of eliminating aschool nurse position, pro-posed in an earlier budgetand then dropped afterprotests from parents andthe nurses, also briefly cameback for discussion.

Several board members

expressed fear of altering amath course or the elemen-tary classes without morestudy. By law, the board hadto approve a budget for it togo to a vote on May 26.

BOE DistrictMeeting: May 25

Referendum onBOE budget: May 26

See BOE, page 15

Town Times & Places Friday, May 20, 2011 4FRIDAY

May 20Plymouth Rocks!

Korn School’s fourth gradestudents have their class tripto Plymouth today.

Volunteer RecognitionLyman School’s Volunteer

Recognition Assembly is to-day at 10 a.m.

SATURDAY

May 21Cheese Making

The Durham Fair Founda-tion is sponsoring a sessionon Making Cheese at Home at9 a.m. at the United ChurchesFellowship Hall at the cornerof Routes 17 and 68 inDurham.

Family Movie NightThe Durham Co-op Nurs-

ery School will hold its secondannual Family Movie Nightat the Durham Fairgroundsfor the showing of the filmKung Fu Panda on a two-sto-ry inflatable screen under thestars. Doors open at 7 p.m.Movie begins at sunset. Freeentertainment will be provid-ed, and a concession will beopen. For ticket informationor to learn how you can helpsponsor the event, call theDurham Co-op at 860-349-9885.Rain date is June 11.

Vocal ChordsThe Middlesex Hospital Vo-

cal Chords, under the musicaldirection of Gina Fredericks,will present their 22nd annualSpring Concert at PortlandHigh School at 7:30 p.m. onHigh Street in Portland. Fortickets, call 860-347-2787 or 860-342-3120 or visit www.vocal-chords20.org

Senior Spring FlingCome join the Durham Se-

nior Citizen’s Board in cele-brating with a Spring Fling forOlder American Month at theDurham Activity Center from12 to 2 p.m. We will have musicand refreshments will be of-fered. A cake will be donatedby Kim’s Cottage Confectionsin Durham. Call 860-343-6724or register at the Activity Cen-ter at Senior Lunches on Mon-day and Wednesdays.

PALS Book SalePALS, the Durham Public

Library friends group, is con-ducting a book sale from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to thesale is free. An early bird pre-view will begin at 9 a.m. until

10 a.m. The sale takes place inthe lower level of the Libraryat 7 Maple Ave in Durham.The library is accepting dona-tions of gently used books forthe sale. Please donate yourused fiction, non-fiction andhow-to books. Sorry, the or-ganizers cannot accept dona-tions of textbooks or booksthat are damaged by use ormildew. Proceeds go to pro-vide the extras for the libraryand help to keep the taxpayer-funded expenses minimal.Call PALS at 860-349-1916 forpreview sale entrance fee.

DAR Genealogy

“Past Generations ComeAlive Through DAR Genealo-gy” will be held at the KeeneyMemorial Cultural Center,200 Main St. in Wethersfield,at 9 am. This workshop isopen to anyone interested inlearning about the work of theDAR and the applicationprocess to become a member.The workshop will consist ofa morning and two afternoonsessions with a box lunchavailable (reserved in ad-vance). The deadline is May14. To reserve a seat, contactBeth Witham at 860-285-8778or [email protected].

Totally RED

Come see the IndependentDay School put on MAPA’sproduction of Totally RED, to-day and tomorrow at 2 p.m. atIDS. For more info and ticketprices, call IDS at 860-347-7235.

Car Wash

Middlefield Federated Youthis holding their annual carwash and blessing from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. This fundraiser bene-fits their Mission trip to Brook-lyn, NY, this coming July.

MONDAY

May 23Durham 60+

Durham 60+ will meet at 1p.m. at the United Churchesfellowship hall located at thecorner of Rt. 68 and Main. Atthis meeting there will be a va-riety table/raffle with itemscontributed by the members.Come join the fun with a so-cial hour to follow. Come toalso sign up for one of the tripsbeing offered to the member-ship, and they are welcomingnew members. The club doesnot meet in July and August.

TUESDAY

May 24Free Breakfast

Middlesex Health CareCenter in Middletown will besponsoring a breakfast at theMiddlefield Senior Center.Reservations for this break-fast must’ve been made byMay 16. Space is limited forthis popular event. MiddlesexHealth Care generously do-nates the breakfast and also isa great support with volun-teering to call bingo andbringing delicious refresh-ments. Please call the centerif you would like to come tothe breakfast, and as alwayswe ask that you “lug a mug,”helping us go green, so we cancut down on paper waste. CallAntoinette at 860-349-7121.

DAREThe Memorial students’

DARE graduation ceremonybegins at 6:30 p.m. at Memori-al School.White’s Farm Community

Forum Part 2The Durham Board of Se-

lectmen and ConservationCommission invite you to at-tend the White’s Farm Com-munity Forum -Part 2 at 7 p.m.in the CRHS auditorium. Thisis a continuation of a discus-sion that was started in July of2009 regarding White’s Farm,with a special focus on issuesrelated to its frequent floodingas well as any other matters ofinterest to the public. Sincethe meeting, a study was con-ducted by the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Ser-vice entitled “Allyn Brook Re-habilitation Project Conceptu-al Design and Channel Align-ment Options,” which will bepresented at the forum.White’s Farm is a large tract ofmeadows and fields, lyingnorth of the Durham Fair-grounds and south of Route 68.It is part of the floodplain forthe Coginchaug River and isthe most popular and fre-quently visited open spaceproperty in Durham. It is usedfor passive recreation by indi-viduals and organized groupsand provides some opportuni-ties for active recreation (e.g.skating pond). The public is in-vited to attend and provide in-put and comments to theBoard of Selectmen and Con-servation Commission regard-ing White’s Farm, its use andits management.

WEDNESDAY

May 25Healing Eucharist

Come to the Church of theEpiphany, Main Street in inDurham, at 9 a.m. for theweekly Holy Eucharist withhealing.

Knit ClubCome knit or crochet at the

Durham Activity Center everyWednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

TOPSJoin the TOPS meetings

every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.at the Durham Town Hallthird floor meeting room.For more info, call Naomi at860-349-9558 or Bonnie at 860-349-9433.

ConcertThe John Lyman School

third and fourth grade choralconcert will be held at 2:15 and6:30 p.m.

Veterans’ EmploymentWorkshop

Linda Schwartz, TerryBrennan and Jeff Thierfeldare the featured speakers forthis program from 6 to 8 p.m.in the Hubbard Room at Rus-sell Library, 123 Broad St. inMiddletown. According to aMarch article in the Washing-ton Post, unemployment foryoung veterans of the Iraq andAfghanistan wars is at 21.1percent. This is signifigantlyhigher than the 16.6 percnetunemployment rate that non-veterans of the same 18-24year old age group are experi-encing. There will be presen-tation and a panel discussionon this issue, and the speakerswill give advice on resum`esand job interviewing. Afterthe presentation, an open dis-cussion will follow. Veteransof all eras are welcome.

THURSDAY

May 26Farmers’ Market

The Durham Farmers’Market is every Thursdayfrom 3 to 6 p.m. on the towngreen through Sept. 8. Today’stheme is Strong School’s se-lect chorus. Visitwww.durhamfarmersmar-ket.org for more info.

ConcertThe Korn School chorus

concert will be held at Cogin-chaug at 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

May 27Tot Time

The MOMS Club of Durhamand Middlefield sponsors aweekly Tot Time at the Mid-dlefield Community Center. Itis held every Friday from 10:30a.m. to noon at Peckham Park.If rainy, the location is theMiddlefield Community Cen-ter. For more info on theMOMS Club, please contactAnn at [email protected].

MONDAY

May 30The Transfer Station

is closed today.RSD13 Closing

RSD13 schools will beclosed today because ofMemorial Day.

ParadeThe Durham Memorial

Day Parade will step off at 9:15a.m. at the corner of HaddamQuarter Road and MainStreet and then continuedown Main Street to the TownGreen. Parade participantsshould assemble at the cornerbetween 8:15 and 8:30. The pa-rade will take place rain orshine. Immediately followingthe parade there will be a cer-emony at the Town Greenhonoring our nation’s ser-vicemen and servicewomen.Any organizations wishing toparticipate in the parade or ifyou have any questions con-cerning the parade pleasecontact parade chairman BobFrancis at 860-349-0881.

10K Road Race& 4K fun run

The 34th running of theWashington Trail 10K RoadRace will take place inDurham today. A featureagain this year will be a 4KFun Run, starting at the sametime. Race time will be at 11a.m. sharp following theMemorial Day parade. Thestart and finish of the racesare at Coginchaug HighSchool on Picket Lane, just offRoute 17. Registration willtake place at the high schoolbeginning at 9 a.m. and willclose at 10:45 a.m. Find regis-tration forms, registration feeand more info atwww.DMExchangeclub.com. The races are hosted by thetown of Durham and the Ex-change Club.


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iDevices enter a test period at CRHSBy Mark Dionne

Special to the Town Times

At their May 11 meeting,the Board of Education(BOE) voted to lift the ban onstudent use of personal hand-held technology for the rest ofthe school year. This wasdone at the urging of Cogin-chaug Regional High School(CRHS) principal AndreHauser who, along with theBOE’s Policy Committee,wanted to keep the school upwith the times.

Previously, students atCRHS were not allowed touse devices like cell phonesand iPads during the schoolday. Many of the students, ofcourse, had the electronicsfor use as soon as they left thebuilding, but the rule duringschool hours, according toHauser, was “that they be outof sight and turned off.”

For the rest of this schoolyear, students at CRHS willbe able to use their Blackber-ries, Droids, iPads and othersimilar devices. The intent of

the reprieve is to aid and notdistract from the educationalenvironment, Hauser said.“The focus is educational useand appropriate use.”

In an interview, Hausernoted several free applica-tions that could be useful in aclassroom. A free calculatorcan replace one the studentscurrently have to buy. Pod-

casts are available in level-appropriate foreign lan-guages. There are waysteachers can use hand-helddevices and wi-fi to poll orquiz a classroom and get im-mediate feedback.

“If they (hand-held de-vices) didn’t play music andmake calls, we would haveaccepted them a long timeago,” Hauser said.

CRHS is not about to be-come a digital free-for-all.There will still be no iPods orcell phone use in the hall-ways. Teachers will be in-structing the students to turnthe devices off if they inter-fere with the learning envi-ronment or become a safetyissue. Use in the classroomwill be at the teachers’ discre-tion. There will be an empha-sis on the etiquette of usingthese devises as well.

Personal technology use,Hauser said, is “one of the bigconversations in education.”He noted the numerous de-vices adults used and asked,“Is this a tool that helps mebe effective? And if it is, weshould be teaching kids howto use it.”

At the end of the schoolyear, CRHS faculty will givefeedback about the policyswitch. In the summer or fall,Hauser will meet again withthe Policy Committee to dis-cuss the use of technology atCRHS and to consider the fu-ture of the ban.

What do you think ofstudents using personalhand-held technology,

like iPads and cellphones, in the class-

room? Answer our poll atwww.towntimes.com.

Middlefield budget passesBy Chuck Corley


Middlefield held its annu-al town budget meeting onMay 16, at which time resi-dents reviewed the town’soperational budget. Whilethe presented budget esti-mated a 28.34 mill rate, in-creasing the rate by .91 millsfrom 2010-11, this number in-cluded the education budgetthat was previously voteddown. Of the $15,622,562 ofexpenditures projected for2011-12, only $4,211,979 arefor town expenses, excludingthe education budget. This is

still an approximately 10percent increase from the$3,843,175 in expendituresapproved for 2010-11.

Part of this increase stemsfrom the town’s interest pay-ment on Powder Ridge,which increased by $60,000from 2010-11 to 2011-12. How-ever, First Selectman JonBrayshaw noted that part ofthe town’s debt service pay-ment will go down so long asthe town enters into a long-term bond for Powder Ridge.Brayshaw also pointed outthat the town will need topay $25,000 in taxes to the

See Middlefield, page 27

Lyman Orchards presents checkto American Cancer Society

On Saturday, April 16, John Lyman lll (left), execu-tive vice president of Lyman Orchards in Middle-field, presented a check for more than $44,000 toLynn Kipphut and Mary Kate Doherty of the Ameri-can Cancer Society. The presentation was made pri-or to Lyman’s Easter Apple Hunt magic show. Thecheck represented $1 for every admission ticketsold at Lyman’s 11th annual Corn Maze last fall. Themaze had a record attendance. This was the 11thconsecutive year that Lyman Orchards has con-tributed to this good cause. Lyman’s 11-year totalcontribution is $313,034. Submitted photo

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The third annual Pet Fairtook place in the rain Sun-day, May 15.

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Old Home Days 2011 Grand Marshals revealedBy Summer Lerch


‘The long awaited revela-tion is here... George andDorothy (“Dot”) Pogmoreare the Grand Marshals ofthis year’s Old Home Daysparade. George and Dot havebeen Middlefield residentssince 1954, first coming toLake Beseck, and then mov-ing to the Pogmore Farm onRoute 147 where they haveresided for nearly 50 years.They are the perfect coupleto open Old Home Days 2011:“Celebrating Our Past —Looking to Our Future —Embracing Our AgriculturalHeritage.”

George and Dot arrivedhere from Wallingfordwhere George had grown upon his family’s farm. Fromas far back as he can remem-ber, George has been loving-ly sowing seeds and watch-ing them grow. The richnessof the earth calls to himevery late winter; when hisseeds arrive, he sows themindividually in huge metaltubs he has in his basement.

(George worked a normaleight-hour day at Meriden’sCummings Plant as a sheetmetalist and then anothereight-10 hours a day beforeand after “work” on theirfarm when their four chil-dren were young.) Keepingthe seeds warm and moist in-doors at first allows the bud-ding plant to grow strongand healthy roots. ThenGeorge transplants them tohis greenhouse inApril/May where theystrengthen their leaves andstalks. Unhealthy plants areweeded out. Once the lastfrost happens in May,George takes the plants out-side and plants them in well-tended beds, in rows androws on his many acres — allby hand! Traditionally hestarted over 5,000 pepperplants this way (as well astomatoes, squash, etc). Nowapproaching what many ofus would call an elder age(80-something), he has takenthat number down to about1,000. He just loves watchingthings grow!

Dot is a delightful and de-

voted mother and wife. Shetended the small vegetableplot next to the house andmade sure her four children,George Jr., Sherry, Karenand Linda were well-fed,healthy and happy. (All fourkids are doing well, living inother states with families andchildren of their own.) “WhatI miss the most,” Dot saidduring the interview, “is hav-ing my children and grand-children close by.”

Dorothy is a wonderfulsinger with a perfect husky,country western voice thatshe uses to accompany herguitar. Of her many guitars —she likes the older Gibson thebest. On Wednesday nightsshe can be found jammingwith Hank Crandall and othercountry singers in his barn.(Hank’s band was featured atthe Lions Club dinner duringOld Home Days 2007.) George

makes sure she getsthere as Dot does notdrive. Fact is, she neverhas; of course, she usedto ride her horse, butnot anymore!

Since George andDot’s humble begin-nings with memories oftending livestock,pulling weeds, milkingcows and selling vegeta-bles on the Wallingfordfamily farm (whereGeorge’s mother taught

See Pogmore, page 18George and Dot Pogmore.

Letters policyThe Town Times intends to present a forum for the live-

ly exchange of ideas and issues. To facilitate the publica-tion of your contributions, several guidelines should befollowed. Letters to the editor must be signed, with aphone number included. The writer will be called to con-firm authorship. No anonymous letters will be printed.Contributions by any individual or group will not be pub-lished more frequently than once a month. Every effortwill be made to print all letters received. However, the se-lection and date of publication will be at the discretion ofthe editor. Finally, the opinions expressed by our letterwriters are not necessarily those of this newspaper. Dead-line: Tuesday noon for Friday publication.

Town Times Opinion Friday, May 20, 2011 8

Town Times488 Main St., P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455

http://www.towntimes.com

News (860) 349-8000 [email protected] (860) 349-8026 [email protected] (860) 349-8027Marketplace (877) 238-1953 (toll-free)

Town Times is published every Friday by the Record-JournalPublishing Co. and delivered to all homes and businesses inDurham, Middlefield and Rockfall.

Stephanie Wilcox, EditorCheri Kelley, Reporter

Kimberley E. Boath, Advertising DirectorJoy Boone, Advertising Sales

Dee Wilcox, Office Manager

Contributors: Chuck Corley, Diana Carr, Trish Dynia, Elisabeth Kennedy, Judy Moeckel, Frank Logiudice,

Michelle P. Carter and Sue VanDerzee.

Letters to the Editor

Why I’m voting“yes” for thesale of PowderRidge

If the residents of Middle-field vote “no” on the sale ofPowder Ridge, then you canbe reasonably sure that wewill never have a ski resortagain, and the town will bestuck with the entire cost ofthe property. What futurebuyer would spend the timeand considerable expense ofplacing a bid on the propertywith the knowledge thattown residents might thenalso vote his offer down? Sovoting “yes” is a much betterdeal for us. At least we get $1million plus the buyer

spends $2 million on im-provements to the property,and we get the ski resortback. The ski area will bepaying taxes to the town.Over the years, this couldamount to a considerablesum of money. If the buyergoes bankrupt, we own theimprovements. The ski areawill probably employ at least10 full- time and 200 part-time workers. Many of theworkers might live in Mid-dlefield.

I keep hearing people askwhy we are willing to sell theproperty for $1 million whenwe paid well over $3 millionfor it. They are overlookingthe fact that one of the majorreasons for buying the prop-erty was to prevent a mas-sive housing project from be-

ing built on this land. One ofthe proposals several yearsago before the town boughtthe property was to con-struct 300 housing unitsthere. Assuming an averageof two school-age childrenper unit, Middlefield wouldhave needed a new school,and our taxes would have in-creased considerably. Thenew purchase agreementlimits the number of newhomes to four.

Ever since we bought theproperty in December 2008,the town has been trying toget a buyer who would re-store the ski area. Now weare finally within days ofmaking this happen. If weblow this deal, then Middle-field will lose its ski resort,the area will become a play-ground for vandals and thetown loses millions of dol-lars. So I’m voting “yes” forPowder Ridge.

Dick Boynton, MiddlefieldPresident Lake BeseckAssociation

Vote “yes” tobring PowderRidge back toMiddlefield

How awesome it is forMiddlefield to finally havethe opportunity to close a

deal on Powder Ridge andbring our winter playgroundback to us!

Powder Ridge has playeda major role in Middlefield’shistory since 1959. I am look-ing forward to Alpine’s pres-entation at Memorial Schoolon Tuesday, May 24, at 7 p.m.What they want to do is awe-some, and we will be proudof the ski resort they have instore for us! You can checkout the excitement via a sim-ple Google search of theirvideo “Alpine releases Pow-der Ridge presentation.”

This is a win-win. The skiarea will create many, manyfull-and part-time jobs, espe-cially for youth, as well asconstruction jobs during therebuilding process. It willhelp Middlefield businessesthrive and create tax rev-enue to the town. It will alsoeliminate our tax bill toWallingford and Meridenand our responsibility to payfor expensive liability insur-ance. We won’t have tospend tremendous amountsof money for demolition andremoval of unsafe buildings,and the threat of housingwith its additional schooltaxes will disappear.

Don’t be fooled by scaretactics or get caught up withinaccurate information. At-tend the hearing, ask yourown questions and hear the

facts!Alpine is a natural fit for

Middlefield and will bringPowder Ridge back in aneven more exciting way!

There is no reason to de-lay the purchase.

Relive and revive thememories! Vote YES for theRidge on Tuesday, May 24, 7p.m. at Memorial School!

Amy Poturnicki,Middlefield

Powder Ridgegiveaway

I read with interest JimMalcolm’s recent letter tothe editor relevant to thegiveaway of Powder RidgeSki Area. Jim presented a lotof very important facts in hisarticle, some I knew, andsome I didn’t. However, theinformation Jim presentedis factual.

I still don’t understandwhy our first selectmanwent with a series of ShortTerm Borrowing vs. LongTerm Borrowing, a maneu-ver that has cost the townthousands of dollars. Any-one with any financialknowledge at all shouldquestion this action.

Another maneuver incor-porated by our “leader” was

See Powder Ridge, page 29

What’s black and white and “red” all over?A newspaper!There’s nothing like that feeling of hold-

ing rough newspaper pages in your hands,flipping through as you eye the headlines,photos and captions at yourleisure. We know; we love it, too!

If you recall, Town Times cel-ebrated its 17th birthday lastmonth. For all these years,every Friday, the newspaperhas been delivered to each resi-dent and business in Durham,Middlefield and Rockfall — andwe even have subscribers as faraway as Maine and Florida,folks who say they want to stayin touch with Middlefield, theirhometown as a child, or Durham, wheretheir kids and grandkids live. The rest ofyou reading this probably count on the com-munity news being delivered right to yourhome for free. Lucky you!

While we’re still devoted to our printproduct, we want to take the opportunity to

remind people that we have a website(www.towntimes.com) that is updated dai-ly. We use our website to announce break-ing news, post photos that didn’t make it in

the paper and keep the commu-nity in the loop with up-to-the-minute announcements. If youhaven’t yet been a responder toour weekly online poll, this iswhere you’ll do that, too. Everyweekday morning we offer “To-day in Town,” a snippet of theday’s local events, meetings andcancelations, as well as the lo-cal weather and fun facts of theday, right on our homepage.

So while we pick the bestphotos, most important news and most localand timely announcements for our printpublication, our website will have it allthere too, plus more.

Oh, and you can “like us” on Facebook aswell.

Stephanie Wilcox, editor

Friday, May 20, 2011 Town Times Columns 9

A tough but fair budgetAlthough it still

needs to be approvedby state workers, lastweek’s announce-ment of an agreementbetween GovernorMalloy and employeeunions could repre-sent a very good dealfor taxpayers.

Balancing a $3.3billion budget deficitis inevitably going tobe difficult and in-volve some verytough choices.

Indeed GovernorMalloy received plen-ty of criticism formaking a gutsy move— bargaining that hecould balance thestate budget by nego-tiating $1.6 billion in concessionsfrom state workers.

He appears to have won that bar-gain, and Durham and Middlefield resi-dents are the beneficiaries. Like manyof you, I have long felt that our townsdo not always receive enough statefunding relative to the taxes we pay.

I am pleased to report thatDurham and Middlefield not onlywill have their funding preserved,but will actually see a small increasein state funding in 2012 and 2013. Themore our towns and regional schooldistrict receive in state funding, theless dependent we are on propertytaxes.

In addition, we were able to defeatearlier proposals to raise income tax-es on the middle class, eliminate theproperty tax credit and raise the gastax — all ideas I strongly opposed.

My priorities going into the budg-et process: control spending, reor-ganize government to make it runmore efficiently and limit the impacton Connecticut students, seniors,small businesses and the middleclass.

We needed to protect investmentsin education and job creation so wecan grow our economy. Most impor-tantly, we needed a fiscally responsi-ble budget with no borrowing, nogimmicks and no one-time revenueshots in the arm.

I serve as vice chairman of theGovernment Administration andElections (GAE) Committee, whichoversees state government organiza-tion, and I am pleased to report thatthis year the budget reduces thenumber of state agencies fully by onethird. The budget achieves savingswhere they are needed most: in re-dundant overhead and administra-tion costs that add no value to tax-payers.

This coming year,the budget cutsspending by $1.5 bil-lion.

I voted against lastyear’s budget in partbecause I believed itwas irresponsible. In-stead of balancing thebudget — as our stateconstitution requires— it kicked the candown the road.

Instead of makingtough choices, thebudget relied on bor-rowing and gimmicksas Connecticut budg-ets have for 20 years.Maybe peoplethought an economicboom would rescueus, or maybe they just

wanted to avoid tough choices — ei-ther way, the borrowing of the pastleft us with a maxed-out state creditcard and one of the highest debt bur-dens in the country.

This budget is fundamentally dif-ferent. It is balanced, and instead ofincreasing our debt, we start to paysome of it back.

While the employee give-backswill be difficult, they are absolutelyessential to our state getting its fiscalhouse in order. I appreciate the goodand often unheralded work of ourstate’s civil servants, but there issimply no alternative to these con-cessions that avoids mass layoffs andprotects the character of our state. Istrongly urge state employees to ap-prove the negotiated concessions.

Lastly, one final note: some politi-cal opportunists are claiming thatthere were easy alternatives. Withmuch fanfare, they announced a “notax increase budget,” claiming theycould balance the budget without taxincreases, without borrowing andwithout cutting spending for seniors,education or public safety. You canget every program and service youwant, and it will not cost you a pen-ny. Sounds awfully good, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, they are trying topull a fast one on Connecticut tax-payers. While the so-called “no taxincrease” budget did protect spend-ing in many areas, it did so by usingthe kind of accounting tricks thatwould make an Enron executiveblush, gimmicks that would have leftthe next generation of Connecticutresidents deeply in debt. When theHartford Courant took a close look attheir budget, they called it a joke, andthis alternate-reality budget was re-jected as irresponsible by the CEOsof virtually every major corporationin Connecticut.

State Rep. Matt Lesser

From TheState Capitol

Before you form your opinionon Powder Ridge sale...

In anticipation ofthe town meeting andPowder Ridge salevote next week, theBoard of Selectmenwants you to knowthat we have been intotal harmony in thematter of selling Pow-der Ridge Ski Area toAlpine LLC. We andothers have workedfor nearly six yearson various issues andpermutations per-taining to the ski areaand its survival.There is no subjectthat has capturedmore of the board’stime and attentionthan Powder Ridge and our variousnegotiations. If you don’t know thedetails, it’s not due to our lack of try-ing to disseminate information as itdeveloped.

At this point, there seems to be oneitem that crops up more than othershaving to do with the “value” of whatwe are selling. How is it that we areselling the property for only$1,000,000? It’s simple; that’s whatthe property is worth. Today, our as-sessor places the land value at$1,495,700 to be exact. That value isbased on no land use restrictions onany of the property. In other wordstoday without restrictions (accord-ing to our zoning regulations), anowner could legally build about 70residential homes in what is an AG 2zone. The “agreement” with Alpinecontains restrictions on the landrecords removing the ability ofAlpine (or anyone) to build homes(other than four owner/manager-re-lated homes). This restriction de-prives the new owner of the underly-ing value of the many acres as resi-dential building lots. Ask yourself,how much would you pay for a build-ing lot if you were prevented from us-ing it to build a new home on? Thebottom line is that by removing theland’s potential, the buyer and seller

agreed that $1,000,000was a fair price.

As to the seven-year interest-freemortgage, it is not un-common for towns tooffer tax abatementsand other financialincentives to compa-nies looking to ex-pand, move to townor start new opera-tions. New compa-nies moving to townusually bring outsidemoney and spin-offbenefits (like jobs)into town. This “en-couragement” hasprompted Alpine toagree to spend mil-

lions on the restoration of PR overthe next few years, and it hasprompted the state to “give” us a$500,000 grant to help.

As you form your opinion on thesale, please remember that thetownspeople voted in a duly calledreferendum to buy Powder Ridge.We now encourage you to take thenext step and attend the hearing andmeeting next Tuesday and vote to ap-prove the sale to Alpine.

On other fronts, I’m void of com-ment this week due to my over-worked brain, other than to say thatthe town budget passed this week.We will now be waiting for the RSD13school budget to pass before we havethe data to set a mill rate. I can tellyou that the preparation of thisyear’s budget for town operationswas taken apart by our outstandingBoard of Finance using a microscopeand tweezers. It has been a real chal-lenge that may not be really over.The state contributions are in andthen out...yes and then no…moreand then less. I still have a hard timeunderstanding how we put a man onthe moon.

Thanks for listening, and by theway, you can tour Powder Ridge oneither Saturday or Sunday afternoon1-5. See you there.

Jon Brayshaw, Middlefield

From The DeskOf The FirstSelectman

10 accidentsTwo DWI arrests253 infractions issued20 warnings issuedSix criminal investigations539 total calls for serviceThere was one residential burgla-

ry on April 21 on Laurel Brook Road,and a second on May 12 on Burt Dri-ve. The troopers ask that residentslock doors and windows. One of the

incidents involved anopen window, and thesuspect cut through thescreen and gained ac-cess. Call 911 if you see

anything/anyone suspicious, eitheron foot or in a car. There have beentwo complaints about someone walk-ing in the backyard of houses, butthe complaints came hours late. Re-port these concerns immediately.

Middlefield police stats for AprilTrooper Eric Kelley

Trooper Talk

Durham Library plant sale

The long line at the Durham Library plant sale lastSaturday, top. David Turley had to put the top downon his car to bring his rosemary plant for the sale,below.

Submitted by Cyndi Shirshac

Town Times Friday, May 20, 2011 10

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Federal Emergency Homeowners LoanProgram for residents facing foreclosure

By Cheri KelleyTown Times

As more and more newscomes in about tax hikes, un-employment rates and homeforeclosures, things mayseem pretty bleak for manyfolks in our state. Durhamand Middlefield are not ex-empt from these issues. Ac-cording to Middlefield FirstSelectman, Jon Brayshaw,“Middlefield has two to threepeople in the foreclosuremode for non-payment oftaxes and two to three othersin line.”

However, there is help outthere for those who qualify.

“The federal EmergencyHomeowners Loan Program(EHLP) provides assistanceto eligible Connecticuthomeowners who are 90 daysor more delinquent withtheir first mortgage paymentas a result of having suffereda loss of income due to unem-ployment, underemploy-ment or adverse economicconditions resulting from a

medical emergency or seri-ous injury.” To really under-stand what that means,we’ve done some research tofind out who is eligible. Toqualify, in most cases, onemust be looking at foreclo-sure and be at least 90 daysbehind on payments.

The current household in-come needs to be equal to orless than 120 percent of theArea Median Income (AMI).For Durham and Middle-field, these are the figurestaken from the ConnecticutHousing Finance Authority(CHFA) website: the maxi-mum income limit (FY 2008-2010) for a one-person house-hold is $71,500; for a two-per-son household is $81,700; fora three-person household, itis $91,900; and for a four-per-son household, it is $102,100.The household income is allwages for all adult membersof the household.

To be eligible, the currentyearly gross income must beat a minimum 15 percent lessthan what the homeowner’s

income was at the time theybecame unemployed, suf-fered from a medical emer-gency or serious injury orbecame underemployed. Thehomeowners must live in theproperty as their main resi-dence. This property needsto be a single-family resi-dence. One-to four-unitdwellings and condos arealso included in this, but nocommercial or business useof the property is permitted.

Homeowners who arequalified need to, accordingto the CHFA, “have a reason-able likelihood of being ableto resume repayment of thefirst mortgage obligationand meet other housing ex-penses and debt obligationswithin two years as deter-mined by CHFA.” The EHLPloans will be completely for-given five years after themonthly assistance is fin-ished as long as the home-owners continue to live inthe property and pay their

See EHLP, page 26


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Public hearing on Allyn Brook reconstruction planned May 24By Sue VanDerzee

Town Times

The last several yearshave been tough on AllynBrook and the surroundingWhite’s Farm in Durham,especially since the breachin 2005 of the upstream Al-lyn Brook Millpond dam.Conditions have been sotough, in fact, that residentswho live around the brookand/or who love the am-biance of the wide flat val-ley banded together in aninformal group calledFriends of White’s Farm.The friends, along with theDurham ConservationCommission, have spon-sored over the last twoyears or so a variety ofclean-up activities on thefarm property and along thestreambed.

They also asked town and

state officials to investigatewhat could be done aboutthe deteriorating streamand resultant flooding of thesurrounding area. That re-quest by residents led totown officials contractingwith non-profit Natural Re-sources Conservation Ser-vice (NRCS) to survey thearea and develop a concep-tual plan for bringing thebrook back to health andthus restoring the sur-rounding land.

That report, with two op-tions, will be presented at apublic hearing on Tuesday,May 24, at 7 p.m. in the audi-torium at Coginchaug Re-gional High School. Thevenue for the meetingmakes it possible for a largeattendance, which officialshope will be the case.

The two options includetwo different routes for a

newly-cut channel for thebrook. One option wouldhave the brook join theCoginchaug River headingdirectly west from the cur-rent bridge over Maple Av-enue with the junction in thetree line below Green-backer’s farm. The secondoption would take the brookon a northerly curve, joiningthe river along Route 68 tothe west of the current skat-

ing pond. According to theNRCS report, the purpose ofthe project would be to “cre-ate a channel (stream)-flood-plain system congruent withstable, undisturbed naturalstreams. Stream stability isdefined as the ability of astream to maintain its pat-tern, dimension and profileover time while transportingthe water and sediment gen-erated by the watershed.”

The options are nearlyequal in length (2,100 or2,200 feet of streambed re-construction), and thus thecosts associated with do ei-ther one of them would bevery close, estimated by theNRCS to be between$150,000 and $285,000 with$215,000 set as a reasonableexpectation, based on previ-ous bids for NRCS projects.

Middlefield Town Briefs Friday, May 20, 2011 12

If you’re tired of shoveling snow, mowing the lawn andkeeping up with home repairs, consider independent livingon the Masonicare Health Center campus in Wallingford.

With access to a host of activities, volunteering, spiritualservices and amenities, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy a morerelaxed lifestyle. Our over-55 apartment options vary in sizeand features, but all have:

Independent Living at Masonicare Health Center

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services, meal plan andonline access

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This lifestyle is popular, so plan ahead by gettingyour application in now. For more information,call The Masonicare HelpLine at 888-679-9997.

The independent living apartments at Masonicare Health Centerinclude the Hawkins, Johnson and Wells Apartments.

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Middlefield Government Calendar(Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held

in the Community Center.)Monday, May 23

11 a.m. — Middlefield Housing AuthorityWednesday, May 25

6:30 p.m. —Planning and Zoning Commission8 p.m. — Board of Education district meeting

at Memorial SchoolThursday, May 26

6 a.m. to 8 p.m. — BOE budget referendumThursday, June 2

7 to 10 p.m. — Economic Development Commission

movements and meditativecharacter of the practice de-velops a relaxed and positivespirit as well as a generalsense of well-being. Thisclass is free to seniors and ispresented by Green StreetArts Center through the gen-erosity of the MiddlesexCounty Community Founda-tion and the George A. andGrace L. Long Foundation.Please register with An-toinette Astle at 860-349-7121by May 20.

Levi Coe LibraryHours: The library is

open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Monday through Thursdayand 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sat-urdays. Visit

www.leviecoe.com or callthe library at 860-349-3857 forinformation or to register forany program. You can alsorenew, reserve and checkyour library record on thewebsite.

Closing: The library willbe closed Saturday, May 28,and Monday, May 30, forMemorial Day weekend. Thelibrary will be closed on Sat-urdays starting May 28through Labor Day.

Book Donations: The li-brary is now accepting itemsin good condition for our an-nual November book sale.We do not accept textbooksor magazines. Thank you!

New Museum Passes:The library now has the fol-lowing museum passes,

T’ai Chi forseniors

Seniors are welcome tocomplimentary T’ai Chiclasses with Tom Cushing on

May 25 and June 1, from 1 to2 p.m. T’ai Chi is an ancientChinese martial art which,when practiced with regu-larity, improves balance,disposition and overallhealth. The slow, gentle

which offer either free or re-duced admission: BeardsleyZoo, CT State Parks &Forests Day Pass, MysticAquarium, WadsworthAtheneum Museum of Artand CT’s Old State House.Please call the library formore info.

May Programs: Call orstop by the library to regis-ter and for more informa-tion, call 860-349-3857.

Knitting: Brought to youby Country Yarns ofWallingford. Two consecu-tive sessions, on Wednes-day, May 25, and Wednes-day, June 1, from 5 to 6:45p.m. Bring your own knit-ting needles and yarn if youprefer, or they will be pro-vided for you for a nominalmaterials charge of $10.You’ll be creating a “neck ac-cent” to enjoy forever. Goodfor ages 14 and up. Space islimited.

Healing Arts Program:Brought to you by Middle-field’s own Kim Blanken-burg and Holly Marek. Jointhem in learning more aboutmassage, reiki, meditationand hypnotherapy on Thurs-day, May 26, from 5:30 to 6:15p.m. The instructors willalso include demonstrationsand a chance to take home agift certificate for a massage.Relax and enjoy this specialprogram at the library.Light refreshments will beprovided. All are welcome!

Wish List Books: Donatethe following “Wish ListBook” to our library: TheKingdom by Clive Cussler. Ifyou choose to donate a book,you will be the first one tocheck it out! We will also adda bookplate to acknowledgeyour kind donation. Call orstop by the library for fur-ther details.

Middlefieldman guilty inbank fraud

Kerry Marshall, 52, ofMain Street Middlefield,was found guilty of 20 countsof bank fraud and one countof fraud using an access de-vice on Friday, May 13. Ac-cording to evidence shownduring the trial, Marshallacquired blank credit cardchecks without the card-

See Fraud, page 26

Friday, May 20, 2011 Durham Town Briefs 13

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Durham Government Calendar(All meetings will be held at the Durham Library unless

otherwise noted. Check the town website atwww.townofdurhamct.org for updates.)

Monday, May 237 p.m. — Board of Selectmen on the

third floor of the Town HallTuesday, May 24

7 p.m. — Economic Development Commission7 p.m. —White’s Farm Community Forum, Part 2

at CRHS auditoriumWednesday, May 25

7:30 p.m. — Board of Education district meetingat Memorial SchoolThursday, May 26

6 a.m. to 8 p.m. — BOE budget referendum at Korn School1:30 p.m. — Senior Citizen Board

at Durham Activity Center

Board of FinanceThe Board of Finance met

briefly on May 17, at whichtime they discussed theschool budget. Finance direc-tor Maryjane Malavasi in-formed the board that, shouldthe school budget pass at theMay 26 referendum, thenDurham will have a mill rateof 30.46 mills. The board sched-uled a meeting for May 27 to setthe mill rate.

The board also transferred$25,000 from the reserve fundto pay for an air handling sys-tem for the Fire Department.The transfer received unani-mous approval.

Additionally, the board ap-proved the tax collector’s sus-pense list for 2011-2012. This listcovers taxes that the town nolonger actively seeks. Boardmember Loraine Coe was curi-ous if the list automatically in-cludes taxes owed by deceasedindividuals, but Malavasi wasunsure of the answer.

One final item brought be-fore the board came frommember Renee Primus Ed-wards, who acts as the Trea-surer of the AmbulanceCorps. She informed themthat the corps hired an audi-tor and that the board shouldreceive an audit report bytheir next meeting. MemberFran Korn noted that it hasbeen three years since theboard received a financialstatement from the Ambu-lance Corps, and the last onewas only a partial statement.(Chuck Corley/in attendance)

“Conversation”postponed

“The Beauty and Value ofMaps,” a “conversation” pre-viously scheduled with localtalent Connie Brown for May23, is being postponed untilOctober when the DurhamSenior Citizens Board will re-sume its community programwhich highlights local artists,

historians and travelers. Car-tographer Connie Brown willopen the fall series with apresentation of her nationallyrecognized work creating one-of-a-kind thematic, travel andbiographical wall maps in herMain Street Redstone Studios.

Durham LibraryHours: Regular library

hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.Mondays through Thursdaysand 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridaysand Saturdays. Visitwww.durhamlibrary.org tosearch the catalog, reviewyour account, register for aprogram or renew your mate-rials online. To register for aprogram, call 860-349-9544.

Book Sale: PALS BookSale early bird preview will

be held Saturday, May 21,from 9 to 10 a.m. Regular salehours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Art Display: The annualRSD13 schools exhibit willbe featured during May.


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Even on a dreary, overcastday, the complex impressedeveryone in attendance. Thegreen field and the giant blue“C” on the 50-yard line werebright and bold. Those whoclimbed up the bleacherswere treated to a nice view ofthe field, the school and thehills and woods of Durham.Adults long past playingdays expressed a desire tostart a game on the surpris-ingly soft turf.

For the official first lap,Currlin was given the honorof firing the starter’s pistol.Fittingly for such a long-ges-tating project, the pistol mis-fired once. Some studentsraced around the track,clearly hoping to be the first

CRHS Track(Continued from page 1)

around. Others took a moreleisurely pace.

Like kids trapped insidefor too long, the studentstook to the field in celebrato-ry groups, playing with fris-bees and footballs. Soccerplayers started running sui-cides.

Currlin noted the work tobe done in the future, such aslights, sound buffers, conces-sion stands and restrooms.According to Currlin, theBenchwarmers booster clubplans to donate a scoreboard.There will be, according to

Hauser, a more formaldedication ceremony inthe fall.In photo above, CRHSprincipal AndreHauser and BOE mem-ber Bill Currlin ad-dress the crowd on thenewly opened field.Left, students are exu-berant over their newtrack and field.Photos by Sue Michael and MarkDionne.


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Business manager RonMelnik appeared to sum upthe feeling of the board whenhe said, “We would clearlyrather take the money out ofoverhead than out of theclassroom.”

The board adopted all ofthe other proposals put forthby the administrative team.The new budget reduces en-ergy costs by $15,000, citingD13 green initiatives. Thereis also savings from a CRHSart teacher voluntarily re-ducing to .6 from a full timeequivalent. CRHS also hadits supply budget cut by$10,750.

The capital spending linewas reduced by $92,000,which puts off some buildingmaintenance, wireless up-grades and new gym mats atMemorial. Also in the pro-posed budget, CRHS parkingfees will double from $25 to$50 to increase revenue.

The board members alsoinitiated their own methodsof cutting the budget.

Citing the popularity ofthe recently conducted on-line survey, the BOE electedto reduce the transportation

budget by $40,000. Althoughwith the busing study stillweeks from completion, theamount of the savings is onlyanticipated, and the way toget there unspecified. Boardchair Thomas Hennick said,“If we put a number thereand it doesn’t work, we’vegot a hole.”

Until the transportationstudy is concluded, no onecan say if this reductionwould be felt by families inthe form of longer bus ridesor multi-school busing.

Flanagan raised the issueof teacher stipends. Thestipend line of the budget,covering activities, athleticsand the athletic director, in-creased for 2011-12 eventhough the teachers’ con-

tracts held salaries and ben-efits to zero increases.

The stipends increasewith the teacher’s years ofexperience. The recentlyrenegotiated teacher con-tracts, according to Melnikand Flanagan, are silent onthe issue of stipends. Flana-gan stated that the intent ofthe contracts was a completefreeze on increases. Theboard elected to save $25,000in stipends by not allowingincreases and capping theW.I.S.E. program, an inde-pendent study for highschool seniors, at 12 partici-pants.

Also at Flanagan’s urging,the board removed $12,000from IT support. Flanagancited the high hourly ratepaid and suggested the workcould be done for less.

The board also cut allmoney for new musical in-struments and warm-up uni-forms for the volleyballteam, saving a combined$7,000.

The various cuts reducedthe budget to a total of$33,009,935. This figure rep-resents an expense increaseof 0.27 percent, with declin-ing revenue putting the netincrease at 3.45 percent. The

board passed the budget,with Dr. Joseph Ochterskiabstaining.

The next BOE meetingwill be on Monday, May 23,with the district meeting onWednesday, May 25. Thebudget vote is scheduled forThursday, May 26.

BOE (From page 3)

Strong School princi-pal Scott Nicol is leavingDistrict 13 at the end ofthis school year to take ajob in Hartford PublicSchools. Look for moredetails in a future issue.


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largest snow-making opera-tion in the west.

“I have also worked insmall resorts similar to Pow-der Ridge and as a sales repand consultant to three snow-making companies, two ofthem in New England,” Ab-planalp continued.

All of this, he believes, makeshim very qualified to acquireand run Powder Ridge.

When asked, “Why Pow-

der Ridge?” Abplanalp didnot miss a beat. “It’s the oldstory,” he said, “location, lo-cation, location,” specificallyreferring to Middlefield’sproximity to cities and majorhighways.

The other reason for hisfour-year interest is what heperceives as the “communi-ty’s strong desire to keep thisproperty as a ski area.” Hehas encountered this attitudein negotiations with town of-ficials as well as local conver-sations and news articles.

Several other questions

have arisen in conjunctionwith Abplanalp’s proposal.One is whether residents willhave access to hiking trails,particularly those on theridge top. In response, Ab-planalp said, “I am a hiker.One of the first local people Icalled was Eric Hammerling,director of the associationthat runs the trails (Con-necticut Forest and Park As-sociation) to let him knowthat I will work with him tokeep the integrity of thetrail.” He added that he hasworked successfully with thefederal Department of the In-terior at other sites to makesure that trails could co-existwith ski operations.

Another question con-cerns possible wind turbineson the mountain. “The con-tract that will be voted onnext week includes provi-sions to cooperate with awind study that has beenplanned. Beyond that, itwould not be prudent from abusiness standpoint to say‘yes’ or ‘no’ to something thathas not even been studied,”he noted.

As far as the price of $1million being too low, Ab-planalp said, “What I am pur-chasing is around 250 acres

of open space that cannot bedeveloped for housing andsome ski trails with lifts thatwill probably have to be re-placed over time. Everythingelse will have to be removedbecause of its condition.Also, the contract specifiesthat I invest $2 million inimprovements to bring aski area back by Decemberof 2013.”

The contract also includesprovisions for up to four hous-es for staff, but Abplanalp doesnot envision any houses beingbuilt soon, or perhaps ever.

When asked about plansfor multi-season use, Ab-planalp said, “My first priori-ty is to have a ski season in2012-13 on a facility that thecommunity can be proud of.After that, down the road,we’ll see. I have no plansright now for anything but aski area.”

Should the vote to sellPowder Ridge pass at theMay 24 town meeting atMemorial School, Abplanalpplans to move here from hiscurrent home in Pennsylva-nia, ending a quest that startedfour years ago when he read anad in a ski magazine.

Sometime after that, hehopes to host his three grand-

Sale (From page 1)daughters, currently agedtwo-and-a-half, four andeight. “I can’t wait till theyoungest turns three,” hesaid. “That’s when I buythem ski equipment and a skipass. The older two alreadyski, and the oldest is on a ski-racing team.” Clearly, Ab-planalp plans to see that ski-ing in his family does not endwith him, and he’d like to saythe same about skiing at Pow-der Ridge in Middlefield.

Big week forPowder Ridge

Middlefield officials arehosting a second and thirdopen house at Powder Ridgeon Powder Hill Road thisweekend, May 21 and 22,from 1-5 p.m. each day. Resi-dents and other interestedpersons are invited to tourthe site before the publichearing and town meetingon Tuesday, May 24, at 8p.m. at Memorial MiddleSchool on Hubbard Street.

Amy Poturnicki, of Mid-dlefield, acted as host for thefirst open house held lastweekend. She said abouttwo dozen people showed upon Sunday, May 15, despitethe rain. “About a dozen ofthem were former workersat Powder Ridge or closeneighbors. Some hadn’tbeen up there in years. Theywere shocked and saddenedby the destruction,” said Po-turnicki.

“Most people seemed tosupport the plans to bringback a ski area, especiallyafter they saw the damageup there,” she continued.“Several people even volun-teered to come back andhelp clean up or whatevermight be necessary.”

If you haven’t yet been upto the Ridge, rememberyou’re welcome this Satur-day and Sunday from 1-5p.m. Citizens of Middlefieldand Rockfall are also urgedto attend the public hearingand town meeting on Tues-day, May 24, at 8 p.m. in thegym at Memorial School.Dennis Abplanalp and oth-er members of the AlpineRidge LLC team will bethere to explain their plansfor the property should thepublic vote to sell it to them.

To preview a video pres-entation that will be shownon Tuesday, visit our web-site www.towntimes.com.


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Dot to cook in those earlydays of their marriage), theyhave built three homes (twoat Lake Beseck and the onethey have lived in for almost

50 years on the farm — astately, southern colonialcomplete with fourcolumns). They have slowlyexpanded their farm opera-tions from the 14 originalacres to the 103 acres theynow own. They have farmedand sold peppers, tomatoes,beans, zucchini, asparagus,broccoli, cabbage, melons,winter squash, potatoes,pumpkins, strawberries,raspberries, blueberriesamong others, as well asacres and acres of hay andcorn. (The corn seedlings areplanted every few days sothat the ears will be har-vestable every few days...imagine all that corn ripen-ing all at once; you get asense of a farmer’s night-

mare!) Nowthey farmabout 70 acreswith the helpof three trac-tors, otherm o d e r ne q u i p m e n tand their ownhard worksupplementedwith helpfrom friends.

The farmhas been goodto them, too.They contin-ue to make aliving thatsupports theirs i m p l el i f e s t y l e .N o w a d a y s ,with the costof fuel andseed going up,they are beinghit hard. Fur-ther, the fu-ture is uncertain since thekids have moved away.There are two things forsure:

1. As long as he can,George Pogmore will be outthere, tilling the soil, watch-ing his crops and hoping forgood weather. He will keepgoing as he has for many,many years. It is his life —farming is in his blood. He isclear that the farm and the

good, wholesome work andthe love of watching lifesprout out of the earth haskept him young at heart andsharp of mind all this time.

2. When you drive downRoute 147, past the LymanHomestead and then MillerRoad and you see that veg-etable sign pointing down acountry driveway…don’t beafraid. Go on down there.You just might find Dot sit-ting in the sun, strummingher guitar, with a beautifulsmile on her face, her goldenhusky voice sharing a tale oflove beside the best vegeta-bles you have ever seen,grown with commitmentand love. You will know youare being embraced by all thatis good about agriculture!

Please welcome the GrandMarshals of 2011 Middle-field/Rockfall Old HomeDays: Mr. and Mrs. GeorgePogmore!

Pogmore(Continued from page 7)

Dot (center) with her sister and cousinaround the time they preformed at Cen-ter School...she just loves the guitar.

Submitted by Summer Lerch

George inspecting his many tomato seedlings, readyto plant right after the last frost.


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Glacier Drilling in Durham provides latest drilling technology By Diana Carr


When Mark Schock, ofMiddlefield, started hisDurham-based company,Glacier Drilling, in 1996, hewas hoping to become “aforce in the industry,” likethe glaciers that had passedthis way eons ago were aforce of nature.

When the drilling compa-ny he was working for at thetime went out of business, hebought their equipment andmade his father, Reuben,who had taken an early re-tirement from United Tech-nology, his business manag-er. “We have the same goal inmind,” says Schock, “whichis to be the best at what wedo. We continue to provideour clients with the latesttechnology available.”

The company, which hasnine employees, works forenvironmental consultingand engineering firms thatmake sure there is no con-tamination in the ground.Glacier Drilling gets soilsamples that geologists andhydro-geologists study in or-der to identify contamina-tion and installs remediationsystems to reclaim the con-tamination back out of theground. “This is called envi-ronmental drilling,” saysSchock, “because it identi-fies contaminated soil andwater so that something canbe done about it.”

They also do geo-technicaldrilling for structural engi-neering, which tests the in-tegrity of the ground in orderto ensure that the groundwill support the foundationof whatever building is goingup. Data is collected, throughsamples, to determine thedensity of the soil and rock,and to determine the kinds ofmaterials below the surface,like sand, clay or bedrock.“We’re not a lab,” saysSchock. “We do not do theanalysis. And we’re not theengineering people. We arecontracted to do the drillingand give them samples, andthen they will determinewhat they will do.”

In the near future they willbe doing the drilling for geo-thermal heating. “We’ll seteverything up for the compa-ny to come in and install the

equipment,” says Schock.Geo-thermal heating drawsup heat from the earth in thewinter and returns heat tothe earth in the summer, bymeans of a heat pump that isinstalled in the house orplace of business. Schock isplanning on having this typeof heat in his home soon.

Schock believes that, withthe rising cost of oil, this will“take off,” especially withnew homes. “According tothe government, it’s the mostconsistent renewable energythere is. All new federalbuildings are mandated tohave geo-thermal heating,and a lot of schools arechanging over to it. Wes-leyan University is now us-ing it. The geo-thermal num-bers are growing very fast.You may not see it with yourfriends and neighbors, butit’s coming. Oil prices maycontinue to rise, but the tem-perature of the Earth is al-ways the same,” he ex-plained.

Though Shock’s businessis successful and keeps himbusy, he never loses sight ofthe people who got him here.“My family played a hugerole in the early years of thecompany,” he says. “Mywife, Kelly, brought the kidsand meals to the office, andwhen the kids got older, theycame to the shop and helpedwith various jobs. Therewere long hours, but the fam-ily stayed close. And they stillspend a lot of time at the shop.

“I’ve been fortunate toknow and be associated withmany outstanding peopleduring my years in thedrilling industry. We’ve sur-rounded ourselves with peo-ple of integrity and a workethic that is exceptional, peo-ple who have integrity andpride in what is being done.That is no small matter.”

It seems that Schock’scompany has, indeed, be-come “a force in the indus-try.” “Our objective is to beas successful as we can be atwhat we do. We will continueto arm ourselves with thebest equipment and people,always seeking out ways toprovide a service second tonone.”

And all the while, he is lov-ing what he does. He says heloves being out in the field,

loves being outside anddrilling. And he loves whatthe drilling unearths.“When the glaciers camethrough and melted andreceded, they lay down de-posits, leaving behind thematerial they had carried.The sub-surface investiga-tion reveals interesting ge-ology that has taken placefrom hundreds of thou-sands of years ago to thepresent. There’s always astory being told.”

For more information,go to www.glacier-drilling.com.

Above, Mark Schock andhis father, Reuben, ofGlacier Drilling inDurham.

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Tosca’s Kiss comes to Middletown and New BritainPuccini’s Tosca, common-

ly referred to in the operaworld as “that shabby littleshocker” rocked NewBritain’s Trinity-on-MainMay 13 when the Connecti-cut Lyric Opera (CLO) pre-sented the Italian master-piece at the historic, re-vamped old church. As is al-ways the case with this com-pany, the production willtour the state during theweek and culminate at Mid-dletown High School’s Per-forming Arts Center on Sat-urday, May 21. This operahas everything — violencegalore, hit tunes, religion,history — and should be aswell-received by Middlesex

County music-lovers as itwas by New Britain’s. Thecast members, all plaguedduring rehearsals by thatnasty round of pollen aller-gies and head colds that in-vaded the state last week,should all be in full recovery.

Floria Tosca is the ulti-mate glamour-goddess role— a prima donna portrayinga prima donna. While it isn’tthe dramatic coloraturamarathon that is Lady Mac-beth, every soprano at somepoint aspires to sing it, for itcontains many knockouthigh Cs, ravishing musicand perhaps the greatest act-ing challenges, physical andemotional, of any female

part other than maybe Puc-cini’s equally popularMadame Butterfly. Rising tothe daunting task was JurateSvedaite, resident diva ofCLO. She is by nature and

temperment a muy simpati-ca lyric soprano, not theedgy spinto the role calls for.Predictably, she reveled inthe lyric aspects of the part— the tender love duets withMario and the beautiful“Vissi d’arte” aria. What

was not expected was thegutsy tigress she became on-stage in her powerful con-frontations with Scarpia inAct 2. Those high Cs were allbullseyes, the chest voicehad just the right cutting im-pact, she scorched and shesizzled in probably the bestperformance she has evergiven anywhere to date, onethat can only get even betterwith repetition.

As her evil nemesisScarpia, audiences usuallyget the classic caricature vil-lain — a middle-aged, potbel-lied baritone in a white pow-dered wig — an obviousturn-off to any woman. How-ever, when he looks likeLuke Scott — tall, slender,young, handsome — it addsan unusual sexual twist,however subtle, to the dra-ma, and makes the PoliceChief’s malignancy thatmuch more terrifying andcomplex. To boot, Scott hasan absolutely gorgeousvoice, as smooth as a fineChardonnay, one that ex-celled in the role’s many par-lando passages. Unfortu-nately, though, he was stillsuffering from his indisposi-tion and had no choice but tolet the orchestra swamp hisbiggest outbursts.

In this opera, the painterMario is the center of atten-

tion — the reason for themurderous acts committedby Tosca and Scarpia — so atenor of stature with an ef-fortless top is paramount.Here John Tsotsoros camethrough with flying colors,managing to sound both boy-ish and manly as needed.Laurentiu Rotaru wasdeluxe casting as Angelottiand Matthew Gamble was fi-nally(!) a Sacristan who did-n’t try to be funny.

As with every Connecti-cut Lyric production, maes-tro Adrian Sylveen’s Virtu-osi Chamber Orchestra isthe orchestra of choice. De-spite a couple of expectedopening night kinks andmissed cues along the way,Sylveen held his forces to-gether with his usualaplomb and gave this veris-mo orchestration its full due.

For tickets to Middle-town’s performance, pleasecall Barbara Arafeh at 860-347-4887. For more informa-tion on the big, blockbusterseason that Sylveen,Svedaite and the CLO havelined up for next season(now three operas, manychamber concerts), pleasevisit www.thevirtuosi.orgor call Trinity-on-Main at860-229-2072.

Larry Kellum

Opera Review


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By Toni-Lynn Miles

Six dancers from theMiddlesex Dance Center,along with their Director,Toni-Lynn Miles, will beperforming at Walt DisneyWorld in Florida this sum-mer. The group will be partof the Main Street paradeon June 24 at the MagicKingdom performing a Dis-ney choreographed rou-tine to “Ease on Down.”This is the first year thatDisney is offering the‘Dance the World’ pro-gram, and the dancers arevery excited to be partici-pating! They will bedressed as Dorothys, com-plete with red ruby slip-pers. The girls will also beperforming routines fromtheir 2011 dance concert atthe Premiere Theater inDisney Hollywood Studioson June 25. The MDC Dis-ney team consists of EmilyDell’Orfano, SavannahNgo, Meghan Crocetto,Rachel Arreguin, Alexan-dra Santiago, KayleighCrocetto and Toni-LynnMiles. Meghan (age 7) stud-ies ballet, tap and jazz andwill be performing a jazzsolo in Florida. Rachel (age8), Savannah (age 9),Alexandra (age 9), andEmily (age 10) study jazz,tap, ballet, and lyrical; thegirls will be performingtheir tap routine at DisneyHollywood Studios.Kayleigh has been an MDCDancer for 11 years andstudies jazz, tap, ballet,lyrical, and pointe; she willbe performing her jazz soloat the Premiere Theater.All of the girls are alsomembers of Team MDC,the competition group atMiddlesex Dance Center,and all participate in theAmerican Academy of Bal-let Performance Awardprogram. Disney has al-ready honored the girlsand invited them to per-form again in 2012 as well!

Middlesex Dance Center inMiddlefield heads to Disney World

Pictured from left are Emily Dell’Orfano, SavannahNgo, Kayleigh Crocetto, Meghan Crocetto, Toni-LynnMiles, Rachel Arreguin and Alexandra Santiago.

Photo taken by Tony’s Photography and Video

Happy 60th AnniversaryHenry and Ruth

Bugai, of Durham,recently celebratedtheir 60th wedding

anniversary at aparty surroundedby their children

and grandchildren.Submitted photo


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Miss Toni-Lynn has studied dance continuously since the age of five and minored in Dance at HofstraUniversity while earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Mathematics. She continues to studyall dance forms, participating in master classes and dance conventions throughout CT, NY, NJ, MA, NH,and NYC. Toni-Lynn was “Certified by Test to Teach” by Dance Masters of America in 1995 and became“A Qualified Member” of Dance Educators of America through examination in 1999. Toni-Lynnchoreographed the Coginchaug Regional High School productions of Once Upon A Mattress (2008),Beauty and the Beast (2006), The Wiz (2003), Grease (2002), 42nd Street (1999), Crazy for You (1998),Good News (1997), and Oklahoma! (1995). Ms. Miles also choreographed the Hartford Children’sTheater productions of BIG: The Musical (2005) and Oliver! (2002).

In 1992, Toni-Lynn established the Middlesex Dance Center and has always been the sole Owner,Director, and Instructor. Her three-phase dance program insures a solid foundation of dance technique thatcompliments the physical, mental, and emotional development of their students. The curriculums arecontinually analyzed and updated to incorporate new technique and styles. Her award-winning students areencouraged to develop self-confidence, creativity, friendships, responsibility, teamwork, leadership, a senseof accomplishment, and an appreciation for the dance arts. Each season with MDC, dancers will bechallenged to learn and grow. MDC is proud to be entering its 18th exciting season of excellence and fun!

The Middlesex Dance Center offers weekly dance classes throughout the Summer, and the Fall seasonincludes classes in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, and Pointe as well as a 10-week Hip Hop session. Registrationis currently being accepted for both the Summer and Fall programs! Look for the MDC Dancersperformance at the 2009 Old Home Days celebration.

Toni-Lynn MilesMiddlesex Dance Center

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Jane Brayshaw Rynaski has been designing floral arrangements since she got her first job at theage of 16 at Keser's Florists in Middletown. After graduation from Coginchaug High School, Janeattended The Rittner School of Floral Design in Boston where she received her certificate. She thenreturned to Connecticut where she began her career working in the floral industry, eventuallydeciding she would like to concentrate her efforts on weddings and special events. Her business, JustFor You Floral Design Studio, located at 140 West Street in the old Lyman Gun Sight building inMiddlefield, evolved at that point. Without the day to day operations of a full service florist shop,Jane is able to focus her creativity on each individual event, thereby making each wedding or eventuniquely personalized: "Just For You". Jane keeps current on new trends by attending industryworkshops and conferences on a regular basis. She has studied under many nationally andinternationally known designers. Just For You also carries invitations, rental items, bridal accessoriesand services are available for custom floral design. To be able to devote her time to each individualevent, Just For You is by appointment only. Jane would be pleased to hear from you if you have anevent coming up. You can reach her at 860-349-0575.

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of true sales and marketing professional. Debbie uses hermarketing degree and former career experience to her fulladvantage as a real estate agent. She is a consistent top producerand was the top producing single agent in her office for 2008. Hermarketing has received national recognition with an Excellence inInternet Marketing award from Realtor.com.

Debbie continues to develop ways to add value for hercustomers. She is an Accredited Staging Professional, allowingher to give expert advice on preparing a home for sale. In aneffort to help consumers who care about energy efficiency andsustainable building practices, she also earned the new GREENdesignation from the National Assoc. of Realtors.

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Saint Sebastian’s Church “I Nuri” Run took off in MiddlefieldBy Frank LoGiudice


The heavy rain on Sundaymorning, May 15, did notdampen the spirit and devo-

tion of the “Nuri” of Saint Se-bastian’s Church in Middle-town. The “I Nuri” Run wenton as planned as parishionersof the Italian church still pro-claimed their love of God and

Saint Sebastian by makingtheir annual pilgrimage fromSt. Sebastian’s Cemetery inMiddlefield, along with anoth-er contingent of Nuri sta-tioned at the former Sons of

Italy Hall on CourtStreet in Middletown, tothe Saint Sebastian’s

Church on WashingtonStreet. The Nuri made theirlove of their patron saint,Saint Sebastian, known by de-claring loudly through thestreets of Middlefield andMiddletown the Italianphrase, “E ChiamamuluPaisanu! Primu Diu E Sam-mastianu!” Translated to Eng-lish, it means: “He’s one of ourown! First God and then SaintSebastian.”

The Nuri are dressed inwhite clothing and wear redsashes with a picture of SaintSebastian pinned on theirclothes. They hold flowers intheir hands, and they run ei-ther barefoot or in stockingfeet through the streets. Boththe young and not-so-youngmales and females participatein the annual “I Nuri” Run.

About 90 people gathered atSt. Saint Sebastian’s Ceme-tery in Middlefield to honor

their patron saint accordingto Scott Colavito, one of theorganizers of the “I Nuri”Run. Colavito has been partic-ipating in the “I Nuri” Runsince 1982, and he has nevermissed a year. Before theNuri started on their trek tothe church, they said prayersto their departed relatives,God and Saint Sebastian. Thepeople who ran in the “I Nuri”Run from the cemetery left insmall groups between 10 a.m.and 11:15 a.m. so they couldarrive at the church by 12:15p.m. for the conclusion of theHigh Mass in honor of SaintSebastian. When the masswas over, both groups of “INuri” converged and run intothe church still chanting “EChiamamulu Paisanu! PrimuDiu E Sammastianu!” Then,

the statue of Saint Sebastianwas carried out of the churchby parishioners who thenhanded the statue over to the“I Nuri” who parade it

A group of Nurileave the St. Sebas-tian’s Cemetery inMiddlefield in therain on Sunday,May 15, 2011 for theSaint Sebastian’sChurch in Middle-town.

The faithful Nuri gatherbehind the St. Sebast-ian’s Statue.

See “I Nuri” Run, next page


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through downtown Middle-town for everyone to see. Nor-mally, when the statue ofSaint Sebastian is set to becarried out of the church andthere’s a threat of rain, thesun usually comes out just intime for the Nuri to paradeSaint Sebastian through thestreets. Joe Monarca of Mid-dletown has been attendingthis event for the past 30 years

and said the weather usuallyclears up in time for the Nurito parade their likeness of

their patron saint on citystreets. On May 15, this didnot happen and the plan wasto keep the statue inside thechurch, but the Nuri insistedin carrying Saint Sebastian’sstatue out of the church in thepouring rain for everyone tosee through downtown Mid-dletown. The Nuri prevailed.During the processional, theNuri still chanted “E Chiama-mulu Paisanu! Primu Diu ESammastianu!,” and they con-tinued with this phrase untilthe statue was returned inside

the church then they laidtheir flowers at the base of thestatue. A total of 250 peopleparticipated in the “I Nuri”Run. They came not only fromConnecticut but also fromRhode Island and Pennsylva-nia, according to Gene No-cera, general chairman of thefestival.

Why do the Nuri do this?There are several reasons,such as preserving tradition,to thank Saint Sebastian forhis help throughout the year,to honor relatives, for health

The Parishioners of St. Sebastian’s Church carry thestatue out of the church with the faithful Nuri behindthem.

“I Nuri” Run(Continued from page 22

The Transfer Stationwill be closed

Monday, May 30,for Memorial Day.

reasons, personal sacrifice tohonor Saint Sebastian, familyreasons and hoping for a mir-acle of some kind from SaintSebastian. The I Nuri neverdo it for monetary reasons.

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Town Times Service Directory

New preschool incorporates yoga and energy into curriculum

By Cheri KelleyTown Times

Upon arrival, one is blan-keted in excitement and cozi-ness; polka dot curtainsshade the sun-filled win-

dows, whimsical costumeshang on child-sized hangersready for dress-up time, andbooks and colorful cushionsand bean bags are piled neat-ly waiting for a comfy read-ing adventure in the circle

area. Jaime DeFelice andKatie Copeland are two expe-rienced teachers who are su-per excited about openingtheir new school, NorthfordPreschool Academy, locatedat 28 Gail Drive in Northford.

DeFelice and Copelandhave always wanted to workwith preschoolers. “It was al-ways a dream; it’s really ex-citing to be a part of the chil-dren’s first exposure to edu-cation. I earned my master’sin early childhood and spe-cial education, and when Ihad my own child I thought,it is now or never,” DeFelicesaid.

Copeland shared her en-thusiasm: “I taught yoga topreschoolers, and after onesummer decided this was amust. I have to work withthem.” Yoga will be incorpo-rated throughout the schoolday through transition time,and there will be a designat-

ed yoga session once a week.All the poses have kid-friend-ly names, and it is ap-proached as storytellingthrough yoga.

As former elementaryschool teachers, DeFeliceand Copeland feel that theyknow where the studentsneed to go socially as well asacademically. They knowwhat steps to take to be readyfor kindergarten. “Expecta-tions have changed forkindergarten,” DeFelice ex-plains. “I taught first andsecond grade, and comparedto when I first started teach-ing, the second grade cur-riculum is now what is ex-pected for the first grade.”

The curriculum at North-ford Preschool Academy istheme-based on a book of theweek. It is a play-based cur-riculum; they worked off ofthe Read, Play and Learncurriculum by Toni Lindor

Northford Preschool Acedemy owners pose with theirdaughters. Katie Copeland (left) with her daughters Haleyand Ava and Jaime DeFelice with her daughter Maddie.

but have adapted it andmade it their own. Theyhave centers with suggestedtheme-based activities, butthe kids are also encouragedto be creative and make uptheir own activities with thematerials provided.Copeland stated, “It’s a goodbalance of child and teacher-led activities. Guided play,but not putting it into a boxand saying you have to do itthis way.”

There will be music andmovement throughout theday, and a music programwill come in once a month.The school has a separateart/snack room that wasbuilt for keeping up with thekid-crafted messes. The pro-gram will encompasses visu-al literacy, which will incor-porate arts and writing.They will also use the HandWriting Without Tears cur-riculum, which is used byolder children in the NorthBranford public schools;this will get the kids readyfor where they need to be.

DeFelice and Copelandboth used Responsive Class-room techniques in theirclassrooms and plan to dothe same in this new jour-ney. Copeland said, “It is alot of using positive lan-guage, and repetition at thisage, like we use walking feetin the classroom, kindwords, rather than tellingthem what not to do.”

Copeland and DeFelicesaid they had tremendousfamily support for makingthis school a reality and arebeyond excited to start inSeptember. The program isfor potty-trained 3-6-year-olds and runs from Septem-ber to June in a three-day,Monday, Wednesday andFriday format, from 9 a.m. to11:30 a.m. There will be anopportunity for an extendedday Lunch Bunch programfrom 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.They are holding an openhouse on Saturday, May 21,from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. wherethey will be having a tuitionraffle for a free month ofLunch Bunch for the win-ner. Northford PreschoolAcademy is taking enroll-ment for the 2011-2012 schoolyear. Call 203-208-1306 for atour or to learn more.

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Town Times Service DirectoryClockwise from top left: ababy rabbit at CedarMountain Farm (JenSchulten), Middlefieldflower (Danielle Fisher),hatchlings in a nest(Danielle Fisher), MollyFehon of Durham withbaby chick (Jen Schul-ten), lilac branch in thesun (Danielle Fisher),three-week-old Jerseycalf “Calais” at Green-backer’s Farm (MelissaGreenbacker), dandelionseedhead (Danielle Fish-er), a baby goat at Hack-ney Farm (Jen Schulten),a baby cow with his momat Naples Farm (JenSchulten), “Mabel,” ababy ferrett only a fewweeks old at Green-backer’s Farm (MelissaGreenbacker), Maura Fe-hon of Durham with babychicks (Jen Schulten) and“Smoothie,” a four-day-old baby Brown Swiss atGreenbacker’s Farm(Melissa Greenbacker.)

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Totally REDHow manyd i f f e r e n tways canyou tell thestory of Lit-tle Red Rid-ing Hood?Well, at leastfour ways inMAPA’s pro-duction ofTotally RED.Come andsee for your-self on Sat-urday, May21, and Sun-day, May 22,at 2 p.m. at the Independent Day School (IDS) in Middle-field. Above, Granny (Isabelle Haeberly of Durham)thanks Red (Acadia Barrengos of Middletown) for thebasket of food in one of the vignettes. For more info, callIDS at 860-347-7235.

Photo submitted by JoAnn Rider

IDS Space Adventure

In conjunction with their upcoming Galaxy Gala Auc-tion, students, teachers and parents of the Indepen-dent Day School recently had the privilege to visitwith Leland Melvin, associate director of educationat NASA and astronaut who served as crew on twoShuttle Atlantis trips. During his visit via Skype, As-tronaut Melvin shared a slide show about his workon the shuttles and answered questions posed bythe students. The picture above shows AstronautLeland Melvin at the All-School Meeting, via Skype.

Photo submitted by JoAnn Rider

IDS in Town Times Friday, May 20, 201126

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mortgage payments on time.In year one, as long as thepreceding requirements aremet, 20 percent of the loan isforgiven, in year two, anoth-er 20 percent is forgiven, andso on up to five years whenall 100 percent is forgiven.

So this is basically how itworks: eligible homeownerswill receive monetary assis-tance to bring the mortgagepayment current, plusmonthly assistance for up totwo years. CHFA figures outhow much the homeownerscan afford to pay out month-ly for mortgage, taxes, insur-ance and homeowner associ-ation dues if relevant. Withthis program, the homeown-ers will send CHFA theirportion of the monthly pay-ment, and the program willmake up the difference andpay the homeowner’s mort-gage payment each month.For more information and tosee if you qualify, call 877-571-2432 or 860-571-3500 for theCHFA Customer Call Center.

EHLP(Continued from page 10)

holders’ awareness and ei-ther made them out to him-self or a business associatedwith him and forged the sig-nature of the account holder.All of the card memberslived near Marshall’s previ-ous homes in New Havenand West Haven. A sentenc-ing has been scheduled forAugust 24 by United StatesDistrict Judge Janet C. Hall.Marshall could receive amaximum term of 30 yearsin prison on each of the bankfraud counts and also a max-imum of 15 years of impris-onment on the access devicecount. The United StatesPostal Inspections Serviceinvestigated this case.(Cheri Kelley)

Fraud(Continued from page 12)

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TAG SALESaturday, May 21, from 8

a.m. to 1 p.m. on Race TrackHallow in Middlefield.Small furniture, excerciseequipment and electronics.

town of Meriden should resi-dents not accept the sale ofPowder Ridge before thenext fiscal year. So long asAlpine acquires the propertybefore July 1, then Alpinewill need to pay the taxes onthe land.

The town held no furtherdiscussion, and residents ap-proved the Board of Fi-nance’s proposal with 19votes in its favor and one ab-stention. The abstentioncame from former registrarBarbara Rowe, who later ex-pressed concerns about theregistrars’ ability to func-tion, thanks to a $6,200 re-duction to their election ex-penses budget.

With the educationalbudget still undecided,though, the total town budg-et has yet to be finalized. Theeducation budget referen-dum is scheduled for May 26.

Middlefield(Continued from page 5)

Core Club in Durham focuses on mind, body and nutritionBy Cheri Kelley

Town Times

Looking for a new place toget yourself in gear and havefun at the same time? Checkout Core Club Mind andBody Workout at 350 MainStreet in Durham, located inthe Carolyn Adams complexacross the street from Grip-po’s. Owner Cheryl Salvaopened Core Club on April 18and is excited about her busi-ness. “This is my dream tohave mind, body and nutri-tion together,” she said.“You can’t just work outyour body; you have to workout your mind as well.” Thefitness center offers Zumba,line dancing, yoga, Pilates,personal training, group cy-cle and so much more. Theyalso have a babysitting serv-ice available so parents canworkout and bring the littleones along.

The large facility is set upfor all sorts of activities; inthe front room there are 15stationary bikes for groupcycling, and the whole facili-ty is wired with a sound sys-tem to pump up the energy. Asign-up for bikes is availableonline, so one is guaranteedto be available upon arrival.All classes and babysittingsessions are available forsign-up online.

“The wooden floor is adancer’s dream; it is whereZumba, kickboxing and bootcamp is done,” said Salva. Inthe carpeted open space, cir-cuit and personal training isdone as well as yoga and Pi-lates. Core Club offers CoreGroup Exercise (C.G.X.)where Salva explains thebenefits: “Having an instruc-tor is so much better thanjust training on the ma-chines yourself because theycan fix your form, and the

group really inspires you tocomplete the workout. It isthe best bet for your hour.You capitalize on that hourand get the best workout.”

A new program that is be-ing offered is the Biggest Los-er Weight Loss Challenge. Itstarts May 23 and goesthrough July 1. The chal-lenge is open to members andnon-members, and it worksin groups of four. Eitherbring your own group orthey will form a group foryou. The groups meet with anutritionist, and guidelinesof nutritious foods and guide-line of an exercise programare set up for the individualto set their own goals. This,combined with the encour-agement of peers and thestaff who are available to an-swer any questions, is thekey to the program. CoreClub will be doing three chal-lenges a year with another

one to start in September.Core Club is for everyone,

men and women, and it is,according to Salva, “a hard-core group X center.” Formore info, visit www.core-clubllc.com or call 860-349-9100.

Enthusiastic ladies pose after a workout session.From left, Judi Judson, Elizabeth Shaudy, Cheryl Sal-va and Stephanie Bascetta.

To advertise yourbusiness, call the

Town Times860-349-8000

Town Times Obituaries Friday, May 20, 2011 28

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Daniel LehetD a n i e l

L e h e t ,81, ofD u r h a m ,husband ofthe lateP h y l l i s( N i c h o l s )L e h e t ,p a s s e daway onW e d n e s -

day, May 11, at his home. Bornin Wilkes-Barre, PA, he was theson of the late George andEmma (Meado) Lehet.

Daniel grew up in PA, grad-uating from Coughlin HighSchool in Wilkes-Barre andwas a veteran serving in theUS Air Force during the Kore-an Conflict. He had lived inDurham since 1964, worked forSears and retired after manyyears with them, was a mem-ber of the VFW Post #10362Middlefield/Rockfall and vol-unteered with the Lions Club.Daniel was always trying to in-vent things and loved spend-

ing time with family whom heloved immensely.

He is survived by his son,Alan S. Lehet of Middletown;three daughters, Ellen Gribkoof Middlefield, Cheryl John-son of East Haddam, andDanielle Lehet of Middletown;three brothers, Robert Lehet ofOrange, CT, John Lehet of Ti-tusville, NJ, and RichardLehet of Benton, PA; his dearcompanion, Ruth Sadvary; 13grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren.

Besides his wife and par-ents, he was predeceased byhis son, Robert D. Lehet.

A memorial service washeld on Saturday, May 14, atthe Middlefield FederatedChurch, 402 Main St. with theRev. Dr. Dale H. Azevedo offi-ciating. Interment will be atthe convenience of the familyin Mica Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, friendsmay make donations inDaniel’s memory to MiddlesexHospital, 28 Crescent St. inMiddletown, CT 06457. Mes-sages of condolence may be

sent to the family atwww.doolittlefuneralservice.com. The Doolittle FuneralHome, 14 Old Church St. inMiddletown, is handling thearrangements.

Ruth (Anderson)Gregg Brechlin

R u t hP h y l l i s( A n d e r -s o n )G r e g gBrechlin,82, of Mid-dle f ie ld ,wife of thelate Al-fred E.Brechlin

and Walter Gregg, passedaway on Monday, May 16, atHeritage Commons in Mid-dletown. Born in Cobalt, shewas the daughter of the lateArthur and Agda (Johnson)Anderson.

Ruth had lived in Middle-field since 1994, moving from

Durham after living there for43 years. She was a member ofthe Durham 60+ Club, theMiddlefield/Durham AARPand worked for Lyman Or-chards, retiring after 21years. She was a member ofChrist Lutheran Church inMiddletown and was active inmany church activities, had alove of quilting, flowers,birds, bridge, traveling andfollowing the UConnWomen’s Basketball. Ruth’sfaith was her rock, and herfamily and friends were alwaysat the center of her heart.

She is survived by twosons, Mark P. Gregg and hiswife, Jane of GA and Gary B.Gregg of VA; a daughter,Kimberly R. Benvin and herhusband, Stanley of PA;daughter-in-law, BarbaraGregg of Higganum; her sis-ter, Doris Matthias of Middle-town; a special aunt, ElsieHagberg of NH; five grand-children; two great grandchil-dren; several nieces andnephews; two stepsons, EarlBrechlin and Dale Brechlin,

both of ME; two step daugh-ters, Barbara Saunders andPauline Lane, both of ME;several step grandchildrenand step great-grandchildren.

Ruth was also predeceasedby her son, Kevin Gregg; herbrother, William A. Ander-son; her sister, June Munsonand stepson, Carl Brechlin.

A memorial service will beheld on Saturday, May 21, at12 p.m. at Christ LutheranChurch, 300 Washington St.in Middletown, with the Rev.Joel S. Neubauer officiating.Burial will be private in MicaHill Cemetery.

Friends may call on Fridayevening from 5 to 7 p.m. atDoolittle Funeral Home, 14Old Church St. in Middle-town, and in lieu of flowers,donations may be made inRuth’s memory to ChristLutheran Church MemorialFund. Messages of condo-lence may be sent to the fami-ly at www.doolittlefuner-alservice.com.

John JosephMorin

John Joseph Morin, 78, for-merly of Connecticut and inrecent years, the Newport, RI,area, passed away peacefullyon Monday, May 9, in NewLondon after a long illness.

He was born in Lewiston,Maine, March 21, 1933, the sonof the late Peter Morin andRosella (Arsenault) Morin.He was a U.S. Army veteranand served during the KoreanWar. During most of his life,he was self employed in theinsurance and real estatebusinesses.

He was predeceased by hiswife, Carolyn. He is survivedby his son, Richard Morinand his wife Joan of Durham,daughters Pamela Tadich ofWest Haven,CT, Michelle Ly-don and her husband Steve ofGuilford, CT; his grandchil-dren Aleksandr, Yuri andNicholas Morin of Durham,Vanessa Elias of West Havenand Nicole Genovese of Port-land, CT. He is also survivedby his brother, Richard, ofNew Hampshire and threegreat-grandchildren.

A private burial will takeplace at Duck River cemeteryin Old Lyme, CT. Donationsin his name may be made toChurch of the Epiphany, Or-gan and Stained Glass Win-dow Funds, 196 Main Street,Durham, CT 06422.

Friday, May 20, 2011 More Letters to the Editor 29

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the price paid for the devel-opment rights. What a rip-off!Premium price for a hill sidethat is nothing but rock andledge, unsuitable for the de-velopment of homes, yet theagreement with Alpine RidgeLLC okayed the constructionof four homes on this site. Iwonder if they will be locatedin the existing parking lotwhere a septic system couldpossibly be installed. Ithought we purchased the de-velopment rights to this areato prevent the building ofhouses? Since the usage ofthe existing system for thedisposal of sewage is ques-tionable, is the undisclosedintent in the near future toconnect the ski area’s septicsystem to the Lake Beseck’ssystem? If so, that’s a no-no.An obstacle like that usuallydoesn’t slow down our firstselectman he will work it out,and he usually does since hedoes what he wants to do.

As things stand right now,the town has more than$4,000,000 tied up in this prop-erty, and the clock is stillticking. It sure would be niceto go down to the bank andget a $700,000 loan withoutpaying any interest. AlpineLTD did; the bank is the townof Middlefield. Where did thetown of Middlefield get$700,000? At the bank ofcourse. Do we pay interest onthis money? You better be-lieve we do. Christmas onlycomes once a year in CT. InPA, it is different. There arethose of you who advocateselling at any price, get rid ofthe Ridge; we are losing taxrevenues, tax money paid toneighboring towns, jobs thatdon’t exist. It’s just a bigheadache. It takes a lot oftime and revenue to add up to$4,000,000. I don’t feel it isworth the giveaway price weare being forced to acceptcompared to the benefits.Let’s send it back to the draw-ing boards, and hopefully wecan get someone with experi-ence in this area to expeditethe sale with reasonableterms.

I can remember a fewyears ago when our first se-lectman made a statementthat went something likethis, “I will spend the town’s

Powder Ridge(Continued from page 8)

money like it were my ownpersonal money.” That isquite a statement. I thinkthis philosophy applies to alltransactions except PowderRidge, or is this statementjust political talk?

This entire transaction onPowder Ridge has been oneblunder after another. Ourtown leadership is definitelyquestionable. This is precise-ly what happens when thepeople of authority are “inover their heads” and don’tknow what they are doing!We need a better deal to giveup Powder Ridge.

Attend the meeting andvote “no!”

Albert D. Smith,Middlefield

CRHS sportsfacility opens!

We want to thank every-one who helped make theCoginchaug Blue Devilsports facilities a reality! Itmeans so much to the stu-

dents at CRHS and to theirparents, past, current and fu-ture.

No longer do parents haveto worry that their son willsprain his ankle during atennis match as he lunges,keeping his eye on the ballbut missing that crack withgrass growing through andmissing most of the tennisseason. Like our son.

No longer will parentshave to worry that theirdaughter will risk shinsplints and other injurieshurdling over potholes on a40-year-old track devoid ofmodern safety features ortrying to learn how to highjump and long jump withoutadequate equipment. Likeour daughter.

No longer will all meetshave to be away at otherschools because the trackand tennis courts are con-demned. No longer will wehave to rent expensive sitesfor football games, soccertournaments and track

meets. And now the tennisteam can actually have ameet where all of the com-petitors can start at the sametime! Students can learnabout hosting events in ournew facilities!

No longer will studentshave to practice their eventsonly at track meets whiletheir competition can prac-tice running, jumping, hur-dling, relays, shot, discus,jave and pole vault everyday.

And in keeping with Mrs.Obama’s war on obesity,have you ever seen a morephysically fit group than thestudents laughing as theystart on their first victorylap today on the new track inthe rain, with Mr. Bill Cur-rlin (from the Board of Edu-cation), the project’s“Guardian Angel” in chargeof the starting gun?

Our children are our fu-ture, and we need healthy,active, productive studentsto conquer some of the big

problems facing our world.Learning to work as a teamon the football and soccerfields is full of priceless expe-riences that will last a life-time. Friendships strength-ened on the tennis courtsand ball fields will be impor-tant assets to our communityas these students grow intothe leaders of Middlefield,Rockfall, Durham and thestate and country down theroad. Facing challenges,whether by setting a goal fora personal record or helpingscore a goal or cheering forthat field goal or teaching ateammate a new move, de-velops confidence and skillsthat will help our childrenand consequently, our com-munity grow and thrive.

And for those of you whofeel the track was too expen-sive, we understand that youdid not object to it for frivo-lous reasons. It’s here now;come and see it. There is a

See Track, next page

More Letters to the Editor Friday, May 20, 201130

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walking path around thetrack for everyone not quiteready to run the track.

The teams of track andfield, football, cheerleading,tennis and soccer say, “Thankyou!” as only they can!

Beth and John Manley,Middlefield

Dave Lowryknows the facts

After reading Mr. Mal-colm’s letter in last week’sTown Times, I feel I must re-spond to the criticism leveled,not only on the proposed dealfor Powder Ridge, but on cur-rent and past administrationsfor “not doing enough.”

When the town voted over-whelmingly at referendum al-lowing us to purchase PowderRidge, the goal of administra-tion was to secure existingproperty and foster a success-ful business. Our first origi-

Track (From page 29)nal partner was not obligatedto pay us back for the $2.85million we were afforded tospend. Our payback was go-ing to be the jobs, tourism dol-lars, recreation and tax dol-lars from a successful busi-ness. As times change, anddifferent partners weresought, our overall goals re-main the same.

If Mr. Malcolm weren’t sobusy throwing stones, hewould have seen the hun-dreds upon hundreds of hoursspent striving for success, be-ginning with myself and Mr.Pizzo, the Board of Selectmenand continuing with the Pow-der Ridge Ad Hoc Committeeand now the present adminis-tration. The selfless efforts ofthe Powder Ridge Ad HocCommittee and Board of Se-lectmen to find potential own-ers were admirable and im-pressive. The Powder RidgeAd Hoc Committee itself wasan awesome collection of ourtown’s best talent. We direct-ly solicited every ski operator

we could in the United States;the entire ski/winter recre-ational community wasaware of our offer.

Circumstances regardingproperty, most likely the lackof residential developmentrights, was a huge detrac-tion. The fact of the matterthat I discovered was that nobank would loan moneyagainst a property with noresidential developmentrights. Therefore, with no eq-uity to borrow against, thebusiness plan is a much moredifficult one.

I believe, with the econom-ic climate we are in, we as atown cannot afford to let thisdeal slip away, and I am confi-dent that with the total man-agement team that includesMr. Abplanalp, we as a towncan achieve our goal.

Powder Ridge still means alot to Middlefield, and it cancertainly mean even more inthe future as a successfulrecreational business, em-ploying our people and re-

turning a prideful piece of ourhistory.

Thank you for your pa-tience and time, and I urgeyou to please attend the meet-ing for the presentation, onTuesday, May 24.

David J. Lowry, Middlefield

Powder Ridgefear factor 101

Taxpayers are gettingscammed? Buyers will be linedup across town end to end?Professional recreation man-agers? Yikes! By reading thelatest letter to the editor, onewould think we were sellingan operational, profit-makingMount Snow for a dollar.

The facts remain thatPowder Ridge property wasput out to bid on more thanone occasion. Selectmenhave tried to negotiate withmore than one interestedparty without success. Sev-eral Ski area owners (Iwould qualify them as pro-fessional managers) have

expressed interest in Pow-der Ridge, only to look at thecondition and walk away. Inany negotiation, there isgive and take to meet bothparty’s needs. If the RFQwas adjusted to get the salethrough, maybe it needed tobe adjusted. If you believethat those changes wouldhave gained taxpayers boo-koo bucks had other inter-ested parties been privy tothem, then you have achance to vote accordinglyon the April 24. I don’t thinkfour houses for employeehousing is an unreasonablecompromise in a businessthat operates 24-7 and needson-site personnel.

We’re giving it away? Thevalue in most real estate liesin the development rights.Since it was in the taxpayers’best interest, the deal stripsdevelopment rights from thenew owner, which explainssome of the difference be-tween the purchase and saleprice. Thinking we are goingto get a $10 million for Pow-der Ridge in its current con-dition (or in great conditionfor that matter), absent of de-velopment rights, is difficultto visualize.

Highly profitable windpower was mentioned anddoes remain a possibility atPowder Ridge, as well as oth-er larger locations selectedby the Wind Committee. It istrue that with emergingtechnology, a wind farm maybe possible near the ridgeline. However, even if thereis enough wind to make windturbines feasible, there aremany potential road blocksthat have stopped wind gen-eration at far better sitesthan Middlefield. So even ifthere is sufficient wind re-sources, and I for one hopethere are, let’s not assumewe are giving away theFARM (no pun intended).

Water Park fears? OhChrist, haven’t we beenthrough this, once or twice? Ibelieve the permits have ex-pired.

If this deal doesn’t gothrough and we spend evenmore taxpayer money, with-out securing a better dealfrom a party who is willingto take ownership, and res-urrect a dilapidated ski area,then taxpayers will be stuck

See Fear, next page

Friday, May 20, 2011 More Letters to the Editor 31

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with no income, paying for theproperty anyway, and the costto have the site cleaned up.

The idea of calling on Gov-ernor Malloy to cancel a halfmillion dollar grant that sup-ports our community: doesthis need comment?

After years and years of ne-gotiating, let’s move this for-ward and let someone elsepump money into it for achange.

As a long-time outdoorrecreation enthusiast, withthe hopes of generations of thesame, I urge voters to get outand approve the sale of Pow-der Ridge to Alpine Ridge LLCon May 24.

Dwight Fowler, Rockfall

Support PowderRidge sale

On Tuesday, May 24, at 7p.m. at Memorial School therewill be a public hearing fol-lowed by a town meeting tovote on the sale of the PowderRidge Ski Area to AlpineRidge LLC. The sale of PowderRidge brings full circle thepivotal decision of the town’scitizens to purchase PowderRidge four years ago to insurethat Powder Ridge remained arecreational ski area. Theprocess over the past fouryears has been complicatedwith many twists and turns.Finally, a decision by the citi-zens of Middlefield is the laststep in this process. AlpineRidge LLC, a group of ski en-trepreneurs, has agreed to theterms of the sale to make asubstantial investment inPowder Ridge and returndownhill skiing to the slopesno later than December 2013.The town retains the develop-ment rights (that is the rightsto develop housing) at PowderRidge. The intentions of the

Fear (From page 30)citizens who supported thepurchase of Powder Ridge in2007 are being honored. As cit-izens of the town, we mustlook forward and support thevision of restoring PowderRidge as a premier ski area, asa center of recreation for ourfamilies, as source of econom-ic activity, as a provider ofjobs (particularly part-time

jobs for our young people)and, most importantly, bringback to Middlefield the senseof pride that Powder Ridgebrings to our community.Please turn out next Tuesdayand support this sale.

The facts of the sale areavailable at www.middlefield-ct.org or the Town Hall. Pow-der Ridge is open to the public

to view this Saturday and Sun-day, 1 to 5 p.m.

Edward Bailey, Middlefield Selectman


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5-20-2011 town times

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