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Volume 37, Number 39 Published by The Glastonbury Citizen January 11, 2013 Former Colombian Hostage Speaks to RHAM Students by Melissa Roberto When he was being held hostage by the RHAM High School in 1990. He told the stu- Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia dents that he often had many positive thoughts (FARC), returning to the United States was to get him through those long five years. He something former Hebron resident Marc thought of his family and friends, and even had Gonsalves could only dream of. He also never fascinations of being back at RHAM. expected to step foot on the grounds of his high While reflecting on his memories of RHAM, school, RHAM, ever again. he told the 44 NHS inductees that he went But after five and a half years as a hostage, through high school “just trying to get by.” Gonsalves was freed in 2008, and on Wednes- “I probably wasn’t even a good student, and day he took the stage to speak of his experi- I’m sure Principal [Scott] Leslie can attest to ence to high school students at the 2012-13 that,” he joked, adding that he was once a stu- National Honor Society induction ceremony at dent of Leslie’s when the latter was a teacher. RHAM High School. But Gonsalves told the students he views life During his speech to the students, Gonsalves “a lot” differently now than he did before his recalled the terror he was faced with in Febru- capture nearly 10 years ago. ary 2003 and the five years that followed. He He described life in the Colombian jungle and four colleagues were flying over Colom- to be “completely backwards” than what he bia on a drug surveillance mission for Northrop expected the rest of the world to be like while Grumman, a global defensive technology com- being raised in the United States. In Colombia pany, when the plane’s engine failed. The trav- he had no access to information, nor did he elers had to make an emergency landing atop a speak the Spanish language. Colombian mountain in the middle of a region Gonsalves recalled some of the terrorists to controlled by a terrorist group known as the be the same ages as the high school students FARC. Although he told the crowd it was a sitting in front of him Wednesday night. The “miracle” that he and two of his colleagues, difference, he said, was that the kids in Colom- Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell survived – bia did not have any opportunity at an educa- two other colleagues perished in the plane crash tion and did not even know how to read. “That – he called it “bad luck” when the terrorists was probably why they were in a terrorist immediately captured the three and took them group,” said Gonsalves. “They didn’t know into captivity. what they were doing.” The three Americans joined a growing list Gonsalves said he and his other two col- of captives for the FARC, including French leagues were often confined in small areas for politician Ingrid Betancourt, who was kid- weeks at a time. In an interview after napped in 2002. Wednesday’s induction ceremony, Gonsalves But on July 2, 2008, the lives of 15 hostages recalled fantasies the three Americans often including the three Americans were changed daydreamed of. They would dream of writing Creating a Love Chain...In an effort to help comfort the families of Newtown, forever, Gonsalves said, thanks to a devious plan a book together if they ever made it back home William J. Johnston Middle School students created a Love Chain, filled with executed by Colombian troops and a team of alive, and would also fantasize of buying used paper links of positive messages to deliver to the Sandy Hook Family. Coordinated U.S. Special Forces stationed in Bogota through Harley-Davidsons and riding across America by media specialist Michele Lane and three students, Reilly Dyer, Ryan Smith a series of fake radio messages. together, calling it the “freedom ride.” and Garrett Dumore, the 75-plus foot chain includes messages that the students “Once we were out of there it’s just been After the ceremony Gonsalves also said he hope will help the families and community of Newtown in healing and let them blessings and it hasn’t stopped,” Gonsalves said. went through four stages during his captivity: know that everyone of all ages, children and adults, holds them in their thoughts Gonsalves grew up in Bristol but moved to shock, adapting to the situation, analyzing the and hearts. Hebron in the late 1980s, and graduated from See Former Hostage Page 2 Reimondo, Kelly Agree to Retirement Offers by Joshua Anusewicz One week after receiving the offer from the “for a smooth and seamless transition,” “I think the timing was right for the town to most, he said, is the community support over town, two East Hampton veteran police offic- Maniscalco said, as the town appoints an in- move in a new direction. Twenty-eight years is the years; no matter what the cause – a fire, a ers, Chief Matthew Reimondo and Sgt. Garritt terim police chief and begins the process of find- a long time,” he said, adding jokingly, “I never tragic event, an injustice – he said the commu- Kelly, accepted retirement packages last Fri- ing a permanent chief. wanted to become one of the old guys.” nity rallies to help. day, Jan. 4, after “significant deliberation,” The retirement offer was also presented to In nearly three decades, Reimondo has also “It’s a small town, it’s a family,” Reimondo Town Manager Michael Maniscalco announced Sgt. Michael Green, who declined. chalked up a number of achievements and said. “It has its quirks; it has its family feuds. in a release last week. The retirements bring an end to the two of- awards including The Medal of Valor for a high- But what amazes me the most is how they rally According to Maniscalco’s release, the of- ficers’ time in East Hampton, which spanned speed pursuit to apprehend an armed robber and the forces behind a cause.” fer provides an additional three years to their close to three decades. Reimondo, a Portland The Department Meritorious Award for his in- Reimondo admitted that he was on the re- pensions and the settlement of all accrued va- resident but East Hampton native, has been a volvement with meth lab seizures, as well as ceiving end of that support after he was laid off cation and sick time. Citing one of his reasons member of the force since 1985. He was pro- establishing the town’s first “drug assets for- in 2010 by then-Town Manager Jeff O’Keefe, for offering the packages as “cost savings,” moted to sergeant four years later and was feiture seizure and retention” that provided cash a move that proved controversial and was ulti- Maniscalco explained that rehiring new staff named chief of police in 1998 at age 35. to fund the department’s operating expenses. mately overturned by a town-wide referendum and the difference in starting salaries could Reimondo is a graduate of Buffalo State Col- Reimondo said that since he joined the force that was spurred by residents. He was reluc- potentially save the town over $100,000 in the lege, the F.B.I. National Academy and the F.B.I. when he was only 22, the East Hampton Police tant, however, to discuss that time period, in- first year. Executive Development Seminar. Department is “only place I’ve ever known” and stead focusing on the “good times” and the fu- Reimondo and Kelly will remain in their On Wednesday, Reimondo said that the time he will have “fond memories” of his time serv- ture of the department. positions as per-diem employees until Jan. 31 had come for the two sides to part ways. ing his hometown. What he’ll remember the See Retirement Offers Page 2 Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cov From the Editor’s Desk Former Hostage cont. from Front Page situation and then accepting the situation. Observations & Ruminations Through those stages Gonsalves explained he by Mike Thompson and his colleagues had to support each other – As school officials tossed around ideas this local officials and families of the Sandy Hook emotionally and physically – to do whatever it week to make our schools safer – such items victims. I thought it was nice that Giffords took to survive. as installing bulletproof glass (not a bad idea), came here to meet with them; Hovey dis- While he reminded the crowd that the cap- arming teachers and principals (a really, re- agreed. tives were “treated like nothing” in Colombia, ally bad idea) and installing security guards “Gabby Gifford stay out of my towns!!” he told the students that the four NHS values of at every school in the state (not as good an Hovey posted, from Florida, to her Facebook leadership, service, character and scholarship idea as one might think; as I’ve said before, page later in the day on Friday (she handily were the “very same ones” that helped the three there was an armed guard at Columbine) – misspelled her last name too). Americans during the five years they were held there was a sobering reminder that you can In comments posted underneath the status hostage. take as many preventative measures against update, Hovey appeared to be miffed she He told the students that the four NHS val- guns in school as you want, but the potential didn’t get invited to the gathering with ues are applicable throughout life. still exists for horrific school violence. Giffords and the families. Again, she was “I implore you now in the National Honor Derek Shrout, 17, of Russell County in making these comments from Florida (accord- Society to continue with your scholarship not eastern Alabama was arrested last Friday af- ing to the Courant, she was there to attend a because you need to get the grade but because ter his teacher found his journal with hand- meeting). you want to learn,” he told the students. “You written plans to target teachers and students Hovey seemed to think the gathering was were born and raised with your values. ... Never – particularly black teachers and students – political in nature, writing “There was pure let those go no matter what you’re confronted with homemade explosives. Disgustingly, political motives.” (The bad grammar is all with.” Shrout described himself to authorities as a her.) This despite the fact the meeting was His last message to the inductees was that white supremacist, according to media re- closed to the press, there was no statement “nothing is impossible.” ports. issued afterward, and, while Democratic Sen. His first journal entry was dated Dec. 17 – Richard Blumenthal was present along with After the induction, Gonsalves was greeted Marc Gonsalves by parents who just wanted to shake his hand. just three days after the Sandy Hook Democratic Lt. Gov. Nancy Malloy, Republi- Many parents applauded him for communicat- ter their return, the three received letters from shootings, although it’s unclear whether that can First Selectwoman E. Patricia Llodra was ing important life lessons to their children. Harley-Davidson executives telling them to tragedy is what inspired him. there too. Thirteen RHAM High School seniors and 31 each go to their nearest Harley-Davidson store According to reports, a search of Shrout’s I just highly doubt there was any politics at juniors were inducted into the W.C. Heisler and pick out the motorcycle of their choice free parents’ home turned up several dozen small play at all. Rather, Giffords, who like I said Chapter of the National Honor Society Wednes- of charge. The executives learned of the three’s tobacco cans and two large cans, all with holes barely survived a madman’s bullet, was there day night. A 4.0 grade point average out of a dream of attaining motorcycles after watching drilled in them and containing pellets, Russell to comfort the families during their time of 5.0 scale at RHAM is required by students to an interview with CNN. County Sheriff Health Taylor said. Taylor said grief. I saw nothing wrong with it. even be considered for induction into NHS. Stu- Although Gonsalves admitted it was diffi- the devices were just a few steps from being Hovey’s immature Facebook ranting, by the dents are then required to fill out an applica- cult reestablishing his position as a father fig- ready to explode. way, soon drew the attention of the country tion, provide a letter of recommendation and ure in the lives of his three children, daughter Since Sandy Hook, gun-lovers have often and the world. She later took it down from proof of completing 20 hours of community Destiney and two stepsons, Joey and Cody used the “guns don’t kill people; people kill her Facebook page, and issued a public apol- service. A faculty council made up of RHAM VanBuren, he explained his relationship with people” line of defense, stressing that, if ogy. But the damage, I suspect, has been done. teachers reviews the applications and makes the them now is “great.” His children live in someone is hell-bent on carnage, they’ll find * * * decision to induct students based on leadership Florida, and he visits them a couple times a a way to do it. After all, the deadliest school As I’ve said several times, I love strange and their roles in the community, in addition to year. massacre in this country’s history didn’t in- news stories, and last weekend brought a bi- their academic excellence. Gonsalves currently lives in Stratford. volve guns at all. (A deranged, suicidal Board zarre one, direct from my hometown of As for Gonsalves, he said life has only As for the FARC, Gonsalves said the group’s of Education member set off an explosion at Manchester. changed for the better since stepping on Ameri- kidnapping still continues. However, since his an elementary school in Bath Township, It seems these two twin brothers, Aric Hale can soil again in July 2008. He continues to work rescue Gonsalves said the FARC made a po- Mich., in 1926 that killed 38 children.) And and Sean Hale, both 28, were at a hotel room for Northrop Grumman as an international se- litical change and started to let a small amount stories like Shrout’s only seem to help their in Manchester with their 27-year-old girlfriend curity analyst out of Norwalk. of hostages go in a “slow but long” process. cause. on New Year’s Eve. Yep, you read that right: In February 2009, Gonsalves, Howes and Gonsalves will continue to live a life of free- But mass killings – like Newtown, or Au- no ‘s’ on girlfriend. The brothers shared the Stansell accomplished their goal of writing a dom here in the United States. He said being rora, Colo., or Virginia Tech – still tend to girlfriend, and she was intimate with each of book about their Colombian imprisonment able to return to his high school was a reward- involve guns far, far more often. As I said last them, “depending on who she chooses to be called Out of Captivity: Surviving 1,967 Days ing experience. week, as I said in my column right after the with that particular day,” Manchester Police in the Colombian Jungle. “It’s beautiful,” he said of the school. “I wish shootings, more gun control is needed. State Sgt. Chris Davis told the Courant. And they also got their Harleys. Shortly af- my children had the opportunity to go here.” lawmakers reconvened this week, and, as re- Apparently the brothers couldn’t agree porter Geeta Schrayter writes about this week, whose turn it was to be intimate. According the issue of gun control is expected to weigh to Davis, Sean Hale asked his brother to leave heavily on the politicians’ minds. It will be the hotel room, so he and the woman could interesting to see what new legislation gets begin having sex. Aric Hale refused, and be- Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cov proposed. fore long the two started swinging punches at * * * each other and trashing the hotel room, Davis Retirement Offers cont. from Front Page An old editor of mine, when confronted by said. “The good times far outweigh the bad,” ership and stellar achievements of Chief startling displays of human stupidity, was Police later caught up with the brothers at Reimondo said of the tumultuous four months Reimondo and Sgt. Kelly,” said Weintraub. “I known to exclaim, incredulously, “What’s an Ellington residence. Aric Hale was charged in 2010. “There’s really no use dwelling on what am proud of their accomplishments and also wrong with these people????” And those with two counts of third-degree assault, two happened. It’s in the past.” understand the tremendous pressures and chal- words filled my head last weekend when I counts of disorderly conduct and one count With 26 years on the force, Kelly might be lenges they face daily.” read about some recent comments from of third-degree criminal mischief. Sean Hale, the only one who can compete with Reimondo’s Fellow council member Barbara Moore said Newtown state Rep. DebraLee Hovey. meanwhile, was charged with two counts of experience in the department. Hired in 1987 as Wednesday she was “pleased” an amicable Hovey, for reasons I cannot possibly disorderly conduct and one count of third-de- a patrol officer, Kelly was soon named as one agreement could be reached between the two fathom, was quite upset former congress- gree criminal mischief. Both men posted bond of the department’s detectives; he was promoted sides. woman Gabby Giffords, who miraculously and are due in court Feb. 7. to sergeant and primary criminal investigator in “I think everyone will benefit from it,” survived being shot in the head during a mass * * * 1993. In 1998, he was named senior sergeant. Moore said. “Their experience has been great shooting in Arizona two years ago, visited See you next week. Kelly is also a graduated of the F.B.I. Na- for the town, but I also think that change is Newtown last Friday and met privately with tional Academy and is a member of Rotary In- good.” ternational. He has served on multiple state and For Reimondo and Kelly, change will mean regional task forces dealing with cold cases and finding a new position, as neither said they have narcotics investigations, as well as investigative plans to stop working completely. Reimondo commander to the Capitol Region Investigative said he has “several options on the table” that Support Team. he is looking into, but did not elaborate on what Kelly said Thursday retirement is something they would entail. Kelly said he plans to re- Grant Approved for he had been considering prior to this year, but main in law enforcement, adding that he still he had questioned whether it would be “practi- feels he has “a good ability to contribute on cal” for him to do so. He said the retirement this level.” Epoch Arts Roof offer from the town, however, was something For the town, change will mean a new look by Joshua Anusewicz he “could not turn down.” to the police department for the first time in Gov. Dannel Malloy announced Monday that places to live in Connecticut,” said Town Man- When looking back on his career in East years. The town will first look to appoint an eight Connecticut towns would receive grant ager Michael Maniscalco in a release this week. Hampton, Kelly said he will remember the ac- interim police chief, who would be expected funding from the state’s Small Town Economic “We are all very appreciative of the support and complishments of the department, particularly to start by Jan. 31 when Reimondo officially Assistance Program (STEAP), including East look forward to the beginning of many partner- on high-profile investigations. As a small de- leaves his post. Maniscalco stated that the town Hampton, which was awarded $250,000 to re- ships to come.” partment, Kelly said they’ve faced “many chal- will then open a national search in coordina- place the roof of the Epoch Arts building on On Tuesday, Maniscalco called the grant lenges” that the officers have met head-on and tion with the Connecticut Police Chiefs Asso- Skinner Street. “very good news for our community.” “never given up” on bringing the criminals to ciation to “identify and recruit a talented indi- Epoch Arts, a nonprofit organization that The seven other towns to received STEAP justice. vidual” to permanently replace Reimondo. The offers programs in film, music, theater, and art funding from the state are Andover, Berlin, East “What we’ve accomplished, the successes permanent chief would then make the decision for youths from kindergarten to high school, Haddam, Fairfield, Lyme, Somers and Suffield. we’ve had,” Kelly said, “that’s what I’ll remem- to fill the sergeant position vacated by Kelly. requested the funding last summer to improve The funding will go towards various projects ber most.” At Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, the the condition of the building, a former that target local infrastructure, revitalization, That’s what it seems the town will remem- council discussed the process of appointing a brownfield site, to offer an expansion of pro- and job creation. ber most, as well. Reimondo said that since his permanent chief taking anywhere from a few gramming. After a lengthy discussion at an “STEAP grants are an excellent example of decision was made public last week, he has been months to a year. In the meantime, Weintraub August meeting, the Town Council unani- how state and local government partnerships flooded with emails and phone calls of support appointed a subcommittee – consisting of mously agreed to send a letter of support to the can make meaningful improvements that di- and congratulations, and even been stopped in Moore and council members Kyle Dostaler and state Office of Policy & Management (OPM), rectly benefit residents,” said Malloy in a re- the street by those wishing him well. Derek Johnson – that will be tasked with find- the agency tasked with issuing the grant fund- lease. “As we work to rebuild roads, repair Town Council Chairwoman Sue Weintraub ing a suitable interim police chief. ing. bridges, and strengthen business centers in said Thursday their accomplishments have “We need to find a seasoned individual,” said “It is through public/private partnerships like towns across the state, we are making Connecti- earned them this retirement. Weintraub Tuesday. “We need to take our time these that we will begin to see economic devel- cut more competitive and a better place to work “We live in one of the safest communities in with this because I think we need a good in- opment, the support of our local youth, and the and live.” the state and the driving force has been the lead- terim.” creation of East Hampton as one of the best Task Force Recommends Changes for Hebron Library by Geeta Schrayter Making Douglas Library a town-run opera- all the evidence pointed in this direction. It’s be eligible for grants as a 501c-3 organization, Richmond said budget development should tion, as opposed to being run solely by an asso- not originally where I thought it would go, but but would become eligible as a municipally- continue to happen by the board of directors ciation, highlighted a list of recommended I kept an open mind,” Richmond said. owned building as well. working with the Board of Selectmen, “but changes presented to the Board of Selectmen The first recommendation was that the library The third recommendation is that the library there should be a little internal line item con- at its meeting last week. become municipal. board of directors be a governing board. The trol.” At the meeting, held Thursday, Jan. 3, Gail “Association libraries are an anomaly,” said board would have authority and responsibility “We’re not looking for that much change,” Richmond, president of the Douglas Library Richmond. “In all the towns we visited they for the library and be able to set policies. It Richmond added. “We’re trying to clarify an Association, presented draft recommendations don’t have the money to run it.” would be comprised of six members designated existing situation to allow the library to move from the Library Study Task Force, which was However, it was also recommended that the by the association from their membership and forward and allow the library to function in a formed last August. association remain in existence “in order to pro- three who are designated by the town manager way the town residents want,” The charge of the group, which, along with vide support, guidance and members” for the and/or the Board of Selectmen. All of the mem- The selectmen were impressed with the rec- Richmond, was made up of other association library’s board of directors, according to a draft bers would then be appointed by the selectmen. ommendations. members, along with members of the boards report from the task force. “The association “The expertise rests with the board [of di- “You guys have done a great job,” said Board of finance and selectmen, was “to study and must also remain in existence in order to con- rectors], but it would be a hybrid board so the of Selectmen Chairman Jeff Watt. “I’m feeling review alternatives for the provision of library tinue to receive the income from the Douglas Board of Selectmen could more or less appoint comfortable with the recommendations you services, the framework for the future of the Trust.” and oversee the board,” Richmond said, add- have here, and think you should go with the Douglas Library and the agreement between the Larson said later in the meeting that making ing it was a “very successful model” in other next steps.” Town of Hebron and the Douglas Library of the library municipal but keeping the associa- towns. “I’m very happy with all of your work,” Hebron Association.” tion seemed like “the best of both worlds, with The fourth recommendation states that, while added selectman Brian O’Connell. “I think it Richmond explained at the meeting that the association and people with expertise in the the library director would report to the library will be a great service to the town.” since the formation of the task force, libraries library involved still.” board, any hiring, firing or disciplining would “This work is long overdue,” said Town throughout the state had been visited in order The second recommendation is that the land be handled jointly with the town manager. Manager Andy Tierney. to gather information on the structure of differ- and building housing the library should be The fifth recommendation is for library staff Richmond agreed with Tierney, adding a ent libraries and their service model. deeded to the town. to continue to be town employees governed by couple of “old-time members” of the associa- “From that as well as a meeting with Betsy “The land and building are owned by the the town’s employee personnel policies and tion had said the night before that the changes McIlvaine, the president of the Association of association at this point, but the association procedures. needed to happen. “So they were glad, and the Connecticut Library Boards, we made recom- hasn’t had money for years to maintain the The last recommendation is for the board of library can deliver the services that people are mendations on what made sense,” said Rich- building and grounds,” said Richmond. “You’re directors to have responsibility managing the asking for,” she said. mond. funding it; maybe you ought to own it.” library budget for items that relate to internal The Library Study Task Force will continue A special meeting of the Douglas Library Larson added later that by changing the own- library operations, such as garnering materials. to hone the recommendations, and report back Association met the night prior to the select- ership of the land and building to the town, it This would mean the library would be able to to the selectmen in February. men meeting, where, Richmond said, “over- would open up other funding sources and grants move money from one line item to another for The next Board of Selectmen meeting will whelming support” was received for the six rec- that are currently unavailable to the library since internal operations by calling up the finance be held Thursday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 p.m., in the ommendations she presented. it is not a municipal building. If the recommen- administrator and receiving the ‘okay’ instead Hebron Town Office Building, 15 Gilead St. “We feel quite strongly about them because dations moved forward, the library would still of having to go before the selectmen each time.

EH Council Continues Discussion on Fire Department Matters by Joshua Anusewicz It’s a new year, but the same disconnect is agreement on the agenda. Councilor Ted Hintz rounded the fire commission has been conten- * * * persisting between the Town Council and the Jr. requested an amendment to the agenda that tious,” he said. “This doesn’t need to be a con- Maniscalco also gave an update on the pro- East Hampton Fire Department. At Tuesday’s the council discuss and appoint a new member tentious issue and cause unnecessary anger or cess of purchasing a new fire engine for the East meeting of the council, fire department matters to the Fire Commission at the meeting, an idea drama. We need to come to a consensus. I’m Hampton Fire Department. He related that he caused rifts between the two bodies, as well as that was backed by fellow members George not ready to vote tonight, not because I don’t recently met with members of the department among the council members, which caused a Pfaffenbach and Barbara Moore. The two other support him [Palmer], I just think that forcing and the fire commission to “maintain a delay of the meeting before the agenda was even council members present, Kyle Dostaler and the issue is a mistake.” timeline” to purchase a new engine, as well as accepted. Chairwoman Sue Weintraub – Glenn Suprono Instead, Dostaler recommended soliciting an outside source that looked over the needs of Issues in the fire department began in the late and Derek Johnson were not in attendance – interested volunteers to submit resumes to the the town and the department to decide which summer, when three of the five members of the disagreed with Hintz, opining that the council town for the council to review, a process that type of engine would work best. town’s Fire Commission, including the chair- should review the resumes of willing volunteers was completed by the council’s appointments Through this process, Maniscalco said that man, resigned from their posts abruptly, report- first and wait for the full council to be present subcommittee when the last three members of an engine tanker “seems appropriate” for the edly due to internal conflict amongst the mem- to make a decision. the commission were chosen. town, and added that a smaller unit would be bers. The two remaining members, Richard Due to the disagreement, the agenda was not But Hintz pointed out that the subcommit- sought to negotiate some of the narrow roads Dufour and Leroy Goff, opted to remain on the adopted, by a 2-3 vote. With Hintz’s amend- tee chose four candidates at that time from the and steep hills of the town. The town is cur- commission and the town worked diligently to ment, at least this time there were more ‘yay’s dozen or so resumes, with Palmer being the odd rently in the process of looking through used replace the three departing members with three than ‘nea’s, but the agenda still failed with a 3- man out. Hintz reasoned then that Palmer and “demo” vehicles to find a suitable model, new volunteers: Brett Salafia, Eric Valli and Eric 2 vote, as it did not reach the four ‘yay’ votes should be the next in line to fill the spot. Maniscalco said. Germaine. necessary to pass. What resulted was an awk- “I asked at the time if we would re-interview The council assured the firefighters in atten- However, due to the term limits on the mem- ward stand-off between the members that lasted and I was told that we wouldn’t,” Hintz said of dance that the process was moving forward. “I’d bers, Dufour’s tenure on the commission was close to 10 minutes, before the council was able the last appointment process. “To leave some- like to see a new fire truck and I know we’re scheduled to end in November 2012. The com- to agree to add a “discussion” about the ap- one sitting in limbo is not the right thing. Steve making an effort to get one,” stated Pfaffenbach. mission, though, has requested that due to the pointment of members to the Fire Commission, [Palmer] is a former fire department member But firefighter Mike Rich, who also serves recent turmoil, the lineup should remain status which passed unanimously. and a great candidate.” as chairman of the committee tasked with find- quo until August to provide stability for the fire “Happy New Year,” Weintraub said jokingly Weintraub sided with Dostaler. “Since [the ing a new fire truck, said he has been disap- department. as the motioned passed. three appointments], things have changed,” she pointed by the “lack of progress.” “Our suggestion is let the board sit as is,” The “discussion” about the appointments said of the commission, “good, bad or indiffer- “It’s one step forward, two steps back,” said said Captain Marty Swan. “We can wait until was prefaced again by Swan, who stated that a ent. We have two council members out tonight Rich, who added that it would be realistic to August and let them prove themselves.” Swan committee member was “in limbo” and the and I’d like to wait until our next meeting.” assume that a new engine wouldn’t be in East also suggested that the council should refrain council needed to make a decision on his fu- With that, the vote was cast 3-2 to appoint Hampton until next year. from expanding the size of the commission from ture. To that extent, Hintz nominated resident Palmer, with Dostaler and Weintraub dissent- * * * five to seven, an idea that had been hypothesized Stephen Palmer for appointment to the com- ing. However, as was the case with the agenda, The next regular meeting of the Town Coun- by the council. mission, which was supported by Pfaffenbach. since there weren’t at least four ‘yay’ votes, the cil is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 6:30 The comments from Swan, however, came Dostaler, however, disagreed with making an motion failed, and the appointment was pushed p.m., at East Hampton High School, 15 N. during the public comment section of the meet- appointment at the meeting. “What has sur- to the next meeting. Maple St. ing, which was delayed because of a lack of Bacon Teacher Releases Fourth Book by Melissa Roberto for poems. He will continue to teach classes at MCC, as John L. Stanizzi recently released his fourth His experiences are the backbone of his po- well as conduct writing workshops at the Hill- book of poems – adding yet another accom- ems, which Stanizzi explained are quite realis- Stead Museum in Farmington – and continue plishment to a resume that includes nearly 20 tic. “To my sensibility the more specific the to write poetry in his spare time. years of teaching English at Bacon Academy poem is, the better,” he said. Before his departure, Stanizzi’s appreciation as well as being its theater director for many The special area where Stanizzi enjoys put- for his time at Bacon Academy will be evident years. ting his thoughts to paper is in the comfort of not only to people in the community but all over, And his fifth book is on the way. his home in Coventry, in an office on the sec- as his fifth book, After the Bell, is about the Stanizzi released Dance Against the Wall at ond floor that overlooks a vista with an “outra- school itself. the end of October. It is his third major publi- geous” view of 100 miles “without anything in The book includes what Stanizzi described cation with Antrim House Books, following my way,” he said. as a realistic teacher’s point of view of the high Ecstasy Among Ghosts and Sleepwalking. His But what Stanizzi said is his “absolute fa- school. first book, titled Windows, was a slim volume vorite thing to do” is teach. Stanizzi teaches “It’s not a cute book about high school kids,” published by Manchester Community College, literature classes at Bacon and has created a he said. “It’s a real hard look at what goes on where he has also taught English since 1989. specific class called “Jazz and Poetry,” a class with adolescents in a high school.” Dance Against the Wall includes poems about about the history of jazz music and contempo- Big Table Publishing in Boston will release family, friends, experiences and nature. rary poetry. the book within the next couple of months, While the book – as was the case with his A former student of Stanizzi’s, Yvonne Stanizzi said. previous three books – doesn’t have a specific Monique Sousa, recalled the positive impact his Outside of the classroom, Stanizzi enjoys theme, Stanizzi said the title came from a class had on her. doing an average of eight poetry readings a year, memory dear to his heart. “If Stanizzi had not created the Jazz and Po- which his retirement from Bacon will allow Dance Against the Wall is based on a meta- etry course I wouldn’t have been able to ex- more time for. He said he never knows what phor Stanizzi came up with while watching his plore and discover how creative I am with poems he is going to read and decides “based John L. Stanizzi, a longtime English best friend struggle from Alzheimer’s. He re- words,” said Sousa, who is now a freshman at on the feel of the audience.” teacher at Bacon Academy, recently called his friend singing and dancing to the Massachusetts College of Art. Stanizzi’s most recent reading of Dance released his fourth book of poems. popular tune “Itsy Bitsy Spider” in her living Many Bacon students – past and present – Against the Wall took place Nov. 20 at Bacon room, and continuing to “dance against the argue that Stanizzi is a teacher unlike the rest. Academy, where approximately 100 attendees Writer’s Almanac. wall” even though she was unaware of it, said They often refer to him as “Niz” or “Staniz,” filled the theater. But the highlight of Stanizzi’s career as a poet Stanizzi. and describe their relationship with him as more He has also read his poetry at The Button- was receiving the award for the 1998 New En- “In our own ways we are dancing against of a friend than solely a teacher. wood Tree in Middletown, McMahon gland Poet of the Year, an honor that he de- struggles, nature, age and relationships,” he “You can go to him for anything,” said Wintonbury Library in Bloomfield and the scribed as “completely overwhelming.” said. Stephanie Napier, a senior at Bacon. “To disre- Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford. His four book covers include photography The title relates to the first sequence of po- spect him is like disrespecting ourselves.” The fulfillment of Stanizzi’s teaching career taken by Stanizzi himself, that he feels are “soft ems in the book about losing his father to Stanizzi explained the reason that he has also comes from the successes of his former and welcoming.” The Dance Against the Wall Alzheimer’s as well. The rest of the poems in gotten out of bed each morning and headed to students who have gone on to become English cover is a picture of yellow wildflowers against the book shift from family experiences to po- Bacon Academy since 1992 is “the kids.” teachers, won poetry awards and who profes- a fence in Mansfield. ems about nature. “They’re funny, smart, needy, troubled, clever sionally work in theater. But the cover of After the Bell will be some- Stanizzi described his poetry writing as and it’s just amazing,” he said. “The fact that they came out of my class is thing of a departure. It is being designed by something “visceral,” rather than something he Stanizzi also spent 15 of his years at Bacon incredibly gratifying,” he said. Bacon art teacher Jodi Medlinger – fitting, con- chose to do. He began writing poems at the age as the theater director, and has directed about Faculty and students aren’t the only ones who sidering the poems inside will be all about Ba- of 9 as an “only child with an imagination,” 40 plays at the school. have admired Stanizzi. Readers of his poems con Academy. and he continued to write after receiving posi- While Stanizzi claimed he loves the kids reach out to him from across the Northeast and Stanizzi currently lives in Coventry with his tive feedback from his teachers. “Those two “more than ever,” he has decided to retire from beyond, including Canada, England and even wife, Carol, and is a father of four and grandfa- things just played into each other,” he said. teaching at Bacon at the end of the school year Australia. He explained that he hopes readers ther of nine. While poetry is admittedly the best way for for the same reasons he stepped down from the gain a sense of who he is while reading his po- Readers can buy Stanizzi’s books on Stanizzi to express himself, he also said it is theater director position a few years ago: in an ems. amazon.com or through Antrim House Books like a “second full-time job.” On top of his du- effort to not spread himself so thin. His works have appeared in many publica- of Simsbury. Stanizzi is also selling copies di- ties as an English teacher at Bacon and MCC, “I want to leave while I still have the energy tions including The New York Quarterly, Con- rectly; he can be reached at [email protected]. his mind constantly remains “open to ideas” and feel on top of my game,” he said. necticut River Review and Garrison Keillor’s

Discussion Continues on Colchester’s WJJMS Project by Melissa Roberto At its meeting last Thursday, Jan. 3, the meeting, which was held last night after press line for submitting the WJJMS project plans to have expressed interest in having designated Board of Selectmen aided Building Commit- time. Tyler anticipated the report to be a “fairly the State of Connecticut Bureau of School Fa- space in the new building. tee Chairman Tom Tyler through the process detailed estimate” with a breakdown of costs cilities. If the project were passed by June 30, Coyle suggested the selectmen create a of moving forward with the William J. Johnston for the school, community center and senior it would keep the town in the 2012-13 cycle for policy that determines how the space is used Middle School/Community Center/Senior Cen- center. funding from the state, Tyler said. for “rooms that aren’t allocated.” She said the ter project. The selectmen agreed that a tri-board meet- However, Schuster didn’t sound too optimis- town does not currently have a policy to deter- The project would renovate and expand ing, involving the boards of selectmen, finance tic about being able to hold a referendum by mine that but that it is something the selectmen WJJMS, and include the Community Center and education, would be the most effective way then. should start to think about. and Senior Center all in one building. The ex- for the committee to update the boards with the “We don’t have a lot of time and we’re about Before making any further decisions the se- isting WJJMS would house the sixth grade in cost estimate so all board members can receive to go into the budget process,” he said. “It would lectmen will need to receive cost estimates for the western wing, while a three-story addition information and ask questions simultaneously. be a very tall order to get this in by the end of the project, which the building committee re- would include both seventh- and eighth-grades Schuster said he hopes to schedule the tri- the fiscal year.” viewed last night after press time. on the second and third floor. The existing build- board meeting for sometime in February. The selectmen also said they couldn’t dis- * * * ing would also include a community center and The selectmen also discussed the possibility cuss the referendum date further due to the lack Also at last week’s meeting, the selectmen senior center. Construction of the project in- of including a pool to the schematic design of of cost estimates. Schuster said the Board of also called a special Town Meeting to take place cludes the removal of the 1954 eighth-grade the project. Schuster said without the cost esti- Finance would also need to approve the financ- Jan. 23, 7 p.m. at Town Hall to consider a reso- wing, while new parking lots for WJJMS and mates it is “tough” to provide an answer but ing of the project before the referendum. lution on the lease-purchase agreement for the the senior center would be added. that “having a pool is probably not a good move Lastly, Tyler informed the selectmen at the Energy Conservation project. A full article on The selectmen responded to four areas Tyler at this point” due to the scope of the project. Dec. 20 meeting that community groups in town the energy savings project appears elsewhere requested guidance on at the board’s Dec. 20 He suggested including a pool in the schematic have made verbal and written comments ask- in this issue. meeting: the order in which the committee plan so that, if it were added at a later date, the ing for space in the proposed community cen- The selectmen also approved the should communicate the project’s cost estimate building committee, and the selectmen, would ter, one in particular is the veterans. Tyler said Administrator’s Union job descriptions. to the town boards, inclusion of a pool to the already know where it would be located. providing allocated space for community Schuster said on Tuesday that the selectmen did project design, a possible referendum date and However, Tyler said changing the schematic groups is a determining factor in gaining the not change the core function of anyone’s job determining what community groups will have plans to include a pool would cost money. The community’s support. “People might not sup- and that the vast majority of changes were “non- designated space in the proposed buildings. selectmen directed Tyler to find out what this port the project if they feel they can’t use it,” substantive.” Tyler informed the selectmen at the Dec. 20 cost would be and then report back to them. he added at last week’s meeting. The next Board of Selectmen meeting is meeting that the building committee was to re- Tyler also asked the selectmen if holding a Selectman Stan Soby asked Tyler to let the scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m. at Town view a preliminary final schematic report, in- referendum before the end of June would be board know at its next meeting which groups Hall. cluding a cost estimate of the project, at its next possible. He explained that June 30 is the dead- Colchester Holds Info Session on Energy Performance Contract by Melissa Roberto Public Works Director Jim Paggioli led the ducing the cost of that energy. nance (O&M)/telephone lines and propane. Mass. Schools that are under contracts also in- town’s first public information session Mon- First Selectman Gregg Schuster has ex- The total energy cost for the 2010-11 fiscal clude Danbury, East Hartford, Farmington and day on the Energy Performance Contract plained in previous selectmen and board of edu- year was $1,559,043. That total was made up Middletown. project. cation meetings that this project would not bring of the five energy forms: $1,209,402 for elec- The energy saving measures that would be The project includes energy-efficient im- any additional costs to the town. Honeywell has tricity; $239,153 for heating oil; $76,231 for utilized in the town and Board of Education provements in several schools and town build- guaranteed the town a certain level of energy water; $19,847 for O&M/telephone lines and buildings include water conservation measures, ings, including Bacon Academy, Jack Jackter savings and if those savings do not reach ex- $14,410 for propane. installation of centralized energy management Intermediate School, Colchester Elementary pectations, Honeywell has guaranteed to reim- Another graph was presented at the info ses- systems, mechanical upgrades, electrical power School, Cragin Memorial Library, both fire burse the town the difference. sion to show what the energy costs would be factor correction, lighting upgrades and con- companies and Town Hall, while also saving The boards of selectmen, finance and edu- for the town during the project phase – costs trol sensors, building envelope/weatherization, money the town spends on energy. cation have all voted to support the project. At that were projected based on the 2010-11 en- transformer upgrades, automated dialers and Paggioli explained that the project is financed their Dec. 20 meeting the selectmen recom- ergy costs. boiler/kitchen hood controllers. through the energy savings achieved by the mended the town adopt a lease-purchase financ- Paggioli said the town would see a “much Colchester’s financial officer Maggie upgrades. ing plan for the project. more consistent electricity bill” with a projected Cosgrove explained that this project would re- “The improvements pay for themselves by The lease-purchase to finance the program cost of $993,558. Heating was projected at duce the amount of money the town spends on the energy that they save,” said Paggioli. includes a principal amount not to exceed $198,710, along with $67,404 for water and energy and replace it with a lease payment. This project dates back to the summer of $3,500,000 over a period of up to 12 years with $14,410 for propane. The remaining expense “It’s not an additional payment to be added 2009, when Colchester received a stimulus the first payment to be made during the 2013- of $284,961 would be the project repayment. to the annual budget, rather it is simply mov- grant of $69,867 and the selectmen agreed to 14 fiscal year. Once the lease is paid off – which is antici- ing utility costs to a lease payment and once spend the grant funds to have an energy audit A town meeting is scheduled for Wednes- pated to take up to twelve years – the $284,961 the payment is paid off all of the energy sav- performed on the buildings. A request of ap- day, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, to vote on would be retained by the town. ings would be retained by the town.” proval was written and CELTIC Energy of a lease-purchase financing for the project. “Throughout the entire town we are looking An additional information session on this Glastonbury was chosen to assist in selecting Paggioli provided a graph that broke down at an energy use reduced rate of 18.2 percent,” project was held last night, after press time, and an Energy Services Company (ESCO). the total energy costs the town paid in the 2010- said Paggioli. another is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m. Honeywell was hired in December 2011 as 11 fiscal year – a year the town had “complete Paggioli also referenced towns and school at Town Hall. the ESCO and completed the investment grade data” for when the project was started, he said. systems that are currently under similar energy Readers can also log on to the town’s audit in September 2012 and made recommen- The costs were broken down into the five vari- performance contracts. The towns of Stratford website, colchesterct.gov to receive more in- dations that would reduce the amount of en- ous forms of energy the town utilizes: electric- and Thomaston in Connecticut have utilized formation on the project and view the ergy town buildings would use, as well as re- ity, heating oil, water, operation and mainte- contracts, as well as the city of Somerville, PowerPoint presentation.

Changes Made to Improve Safety at Colchester Schools by Melissa Roberto Mathieu said a procedural change in some Bacon Academy also has two portables stu- * * * Colchester Public Schools were deemed safe of the schools is to check IDs when visitors, dents need to travel to for class and was en- Also at Tuesday’s school board meeting, following a security audit in each of the schools and even faculty, enter the building. A closed by a four-foot fence. Now, the fence has Mathieu explained to the board that the state just four days after the Newtown Elementary Colchester Elementary School secretary moved been extended to eight-feet tall. Department of Education deadline for sending shooting last month, but in Tuesday’s Board of a desk into the main lobby of the school’s of- In addition, students and faculty are no longer in the district’s preferred model of teacher and Education meeting Superintendent of Schools fice for the purpose of checking IDs. allowed to park in the back of the high school administrator evaluations is Jan. 15. Jeff Mathieu announced improvements have Locking doors is another procedure the which Mathieu said it would make it “easy to State districts are given the preference of been completed to make the schools even safer. schools have made a priority. At CES, cafete- identify” if someone unknown is on the prop- choosing the state System for Educator Evalu- Mathieu said efforts to “make the schools as ria entrances are used for loading areas. The erty. ation and Development (SEED), also known as safe as possible” included procedural changes school has made efforts to make sure those According to the state Department of Edu- the state model, a district-designed alternative, and physical improvements to all four schools doors are locked at “all times,” said Mathieu. cation, schools are required to conduct three or a hybrid model for both teacher and admin- in the last few weeks. Jack Jackter Intermediate School has also lockdown drills a year. Mathieu said all of the istrator evaluations. All four schools already had a buzz-in sys- deemed this an important responsibility by schools held lockdown drills this week. The board approved the district’s preferred tem in place including exterior cameras that making sure all doors are locked during In addition to the improvements in schools, methods of a hybrid model for teacher evalua- provide office professionals a visual of visitors. afterschool programs. a task force has been created to review the tions – which Mathieu said is a slight variation An additional 12-16 cameras are located inside Major changes were also made regarding town’s crisis plan if an emergency situation from the state model – and the state model for each of the schools as well. William J. Johnston students traveling outside between classes. similar to Newtown were to exist at any of the administrator evaluations, which will be sent Middle School staff will now ask the purpose Fifth-graders at JJIS had been walking outside schools. The force is made up of an adminis- to the state Department of Education by Jan. of visitors prior to letting them into the build- the school one Friday a month to the gym for trator from each school, Mathieu, Director of 15. ing, Mathieu said. their Higher Order Thinking school meetings Facilities Greg Plunkett and representatives The board also made changes to the budget “The difference between the middle school (which allow students to present original writ- from the State Police and Colchester Fire De- calendar. The Jan. 22 Board of Education meet- and the other three schools is that where the ing samples). However, they will now access partment. ing was canceled and rescheduled to Monday, office is located there’s not a direct sight line the gym from inside the school, which will be The task force is working on developing Jan. 28, to include discussion of the 2013-14 from the camera so the middle school wanted a longer route but will keep the students indoors. plans for the outside perimeter of the school budget. The budget will also be talked about at that extra step,” Mathieu said. The middle school and high school also faced during an emergency. For example, where par- the regular Board of Ed. meeting scheduled for At Bacon Academy, the student safety of- a similar problem because students have to ents would park and walk to meet with their Monday, Feb. 11. ficer Selvon Luke, Bacon’s assistant football travel outside to get to their classes. The middle children, a route for emergency vehicles and A town-wide budget forum is also scheduled coach, is now located at the front door of the school courtyard is an area where students are staging for fire trucks. for Feb. 6. school, as opposed to being in the school hall- often walking through to get to the cafeteria. The task force had its first meeting Jan. 4, The Jan. 28 Board of Education meeting will ways. Colchester Police Officer Tim Edwards The path is now enclosed with an eight foot and will continue to meet every other Friday at take place at 7 p.m. at CES, located at 315 Halls will continue to be the student resource officer fence that was installed during the school’s the town’s emergency operations center under- Hill Rd. at Bacon as he is for all four schools in town. December break. neath the gymnasium at JJIS.

Salem Dogs Coming to Colchester? Home Invasion Reported by Melissa Roberto On average, there is a total of 10-12 dogs Colchester’s dog pound may be welcoming each month at the pound, but Paul said that on Ivy Court in Colchester more dogs from the adjacent town of Salem in number may vary depending on the time of year. State Police are currently investigating a handgun, police said. the near future, as town officials have started The facility has 15 indoor/outdoor runs for reported home invasion and subsequent as- The suspects then fled on foot towards to talk about the possibility. the dogs and Paul visits it twice a daily to make sault that took place on Ivy Court just before Route 2. Both victims were transported to The Salem dogs wouldn’t be the only out- sure the dogs are fed and exercised. 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3. Marlborough Medical Clinic for minor inju- of-town pooches in the Colchester pound. Since In order to provide quality service, Paul said The two alleged victims were confronted ries. 1992, the pound has also been home to he would not take on an ACO role in any other at their door by two “probable male suspects” Vance said Tuesday state police had devel- Marlborough canines. towns in addition to the three. wearing masks, State Police Lt. Paul Vance oped leads, but no arrests had been made. In order to include Salem, Colchester’s First Paul said at the pound dogs are constantly said Tuesday. Anybody with information is asked to call Selectman Gregg Schuster said all three towns coming and going, adding that he hasn’t ran One of the suspects was also armed with a state police at 860-537-7500. would need to sign a formal agreement. into any difficulties finding people to adopt “It’s the start of more regional sharing,” said them. Schuster. “People have good hearts that want to adopt Colchester, Marlborough and Salem already dogs,” said Paul. share the same animal control officer. Bill Paul Adoptions are made easier through the use started as the Colchester and Marlborough as- of the town’s website colchesterct.gov and sistant ACO in 2007, and became the animal petfinder.com. The pound also works closely control officer in both towns last July. Last with Gagnon’s Pet Resort in Colchester as well month, Paul was also hired to be the Salem as the veterinary hospitals in Colchester and ACO. Marlborough. Paul said there is “always availability” at the Although Schuster admitted the towns are pound, which is located on Old Hartford Road only in the initial verbal stages of an agreement, by the Public Works department, and includ- he looks at Salem as “a good neighbor.” ing Salem into the mix wouldn’t pose any prob- Marlborough First Selectwoman Cathi lems. Gaudinski said selectmen from all three towns “It will actually benefit Salem residents be- will meet to discuss the matter next Monday, cause it’s right next door,” he said. Jan. 14. State Officials to Grapple With Newtown Implications by Geeta Schrayter The tragic events of Dec. 14 left not only Lanza when he entered Sandy Hook Elemen- “Local law enforcement, according to state Ziobron said mental health was a “huge” part Newtown and the state but the entire nation – tary, only one of the criteria was met, thereby statute, does not have to issue a permit if the of the discussion. and world, even – in shock. In the aftermath of making it legal. applicant is deemed unsuitable,” she said. “It’s “We keep focusing on guns, but we need to the massacre that took 26 lives at Sandy Hook “The problem with the Bushmaster is it only not a guaranteed application.” look at all the factors, and we can’t do that un- Elementary School, people have begun to had one [criterion], according to the way the Ziobron added she was hesitant to make com- less we have all the facts,” she said. “I don’t search for answers. “How” and “why” some- law was written,” said Sawyer. “So Connecti- ments until all the facts of the case are in. How- think it’s appropriate to have this discussion thing like this could happen has been asked over cut will revisit that particular statute to ever, she said she was “open to hearing debate,” without looking at all the pieces of the puzzles. and over, and ways to prevent a similar occur- strengthen it, again, trying to find a way to cap- even though she didn’t think stricter laws would Certain guns and accessibility are part of this, rence in the future is a topic of much discus- ture as many machines as possible. We have to have stopped Lanza. but certainly mental help, the possession of pre- sion. tighten up what we have even though we have “I’m not sure if we had stricter laws if it scription drugs and a host of other things are And that discussion will inevitably make its some of the strictest in the country.” would have changed the scenario,” Ziobron too.” way to the State Capitol, where the 2013 legis- Sawyer added she was a “firm advocate” of said. “Sandy Hook had just got done updating Likewise, Sawyer cited mental health as an lative session began Wednesday. As incumbents the Second Amendment, but assault weapons their safety protocol; it did not matter.” area that concerned her, calling the system get back into the swing of things and first-time were unnecessary. Linda Orange, state representative for the “weak.” She also mentioned the prevalence of state senators and representatives get their bear- “I’m a firm advocate of the people’s Second 48th District, covering the rest of Colchester violent video games – of which Lanza was said ings, it’s clear one of the issues Connecticut’s Amendment rights to defend their home and and portions of Windham, Lebanon and to have played – that use assault-style weap- politicians will be focusing on is Sandy Hook property and for self protection, but the mili- Mansfield, said the problem wasn’t necessar- ons. When the games are played for a prolonged and gun control, a hot topic since last month’s tary style weapon is…there’s just not a true need ily gun laws and ownership but the fact that period of time, said Sawyer, “the violence be- incident. for it,” she said, adding to her, the only reason guns get into the wrong hands. comes pervasive with an unstable person.” “The two major topics this session will be to have one would be for military or competi- “In speaking with gun owners, they certainly Christie Carpino, the Republican state rep- what to do about Sandy Hook – a fellow re- tive use. don’t want their guns used in crimes,” Orange, resentative for the 32nd District, which encom- view of the atrocity – and the budget deficit,” Sawyer furthered gun restrictions needed to a Democrat, said. “They’re citizens of our com- passes Portland and Cromwell, added the said state Rep. Pam Sawyer, who is beginning be made on assault weapons at the national munities and you never hear of someone with a “whole situation” needed to be looked at be- her 11th term. Sawyer, a Republican from level, because if they’re not, a Connecticut resi- gun permit actually out there committing these fore there were any “knee-jerk reactions.” Bolton, covers the 55th District, which includes dent need only step over state lines to get one. types of crimes.” “We need to do a top down review of all the Andover, Bolton, Hebron and Marlborough. “That’s the problem of going state by state,” The problem, then, arises from the number laws,” Carpino said. “Police are still investi- On Monday, she explained Connecticut has she said. of guns that get in the hands of criminals and gating so we need to find out all the details.” some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, but But for newly-elected state Rep. Melissa individuals, like Lanza, who shouldn’t have Carpino mentioned school safety as an area that didn’t mean they shouldn’t be strengthened. Ziobron, decisions on gun control should re- them in their possession, she said. that needs to be examined, and said an open In 1993, she said, the state passed an assault main with each state. Orange, who has been a representative for conversation with public safety personnel, weapons ban that named a number of specific “I personally believe that’s a state-by-state the past 16 years, said she’d be pushing for the school personnel and parents needs to be held guns to be considered an assault weapon. Saw- issue,” she said, “but at the end of the day, reinstatement of a gun task force that brings to help put forth meaningful legislation. yer said she voted against that particular bill, there’s the Second Amendment which gives us state police into the cities to help track and re- “That’s my goal: to put forth something because she felt it could be easily circumvented. that right [to bear arms].” claim illegal firearms. In addition, she said, gun meaningful that has an effect,” she said. “You can’t name a gun because all a manu- Ziobron, a Republican, who represents the owners should be aware of the mental health of As far as gun control and the Second Amend- facturer has to do is change a stock, change a 34th District, which covers East Hampton, East the people in their home, and make decisions ment are concerned, Carpino said there needs sighting, change a design and they can call it Haddam and a portion of Colchester, called the regarding their guns accordingly. to be a balance. something else,” she said. Sawyer said she sup- Second Amendment a “critical piece of our his- “If [Mrs. Lanza] had – or anyone – thinks “I’m a firm believer that there’s got to be a ported banning assault-style weapons, but the tory” and the groundwork for the formation of that there is an issue within their family, and balance,” Carpino said. “We have to protect the 1993 ban was done “the wrong way.” America’s democracy. She said gun-ownership they do possess firearms, the best thing always safety of the public, and yet our Constitution is In 2000, Sawyer said, the law was changed was an American right, and Connecticut’s cur- would be to remove them, even if temporarily,” very clear that we have the right to bear arms.” to include a list of features that would help de- rent gun laws were “pretty good.” she said. And so, as the legislative session moves for- termine whether a particular semiautomatic fire- “Our current gun laws are really strict,” she Which led Orange to what she considered ward, the question of rights and what is right arm is considered an assault weapon, but she said. “I don’t know if people really understand an important aspect of the case along with gun will inevitably be asked. Representatives will felt that still wasn’t enough. out of the 50 states we’re the fifth overall as far control: ensuring there’s proper funding for be forced to examine a number of issues it’s According to Connecticut General Statute as our strictness is concerned.” mental health support in the state. Orange and likely they weren’t planning on when they were 53-202a, if a semiautomatic firearm isn’t in- Ziobron said there’s a significant background other Rivereast area state officials said they felt elected in November – and steps will hopefully cluded in the list of specified weapons but has check and “all kinds of processes in place” to that while discussing gun control was impor- be taken, wherever possible, to prevent the at least two items on a list of five criteria, it’s determine whether or not someone should be tant, it wasn’t the only facet that should be ex- heartache the Newtown tragedy caused all over considered an assault weapon. However, in the issued a gun permit. amined in response to Sandy Hook. the world from happening again. case of the Bushmaster .223 wielded by Adam

Andover School Board Passes $4.33 Million Budget by Geeta Schrayter At the Board of Education’s Wednesday the same. in the art room. The final decrease, amounting to $9,258, was meeting Superintendent of Schools Andy “You really do the best you can in project- Budget decreases were realized in three ar- seen in the Object 600 items, which include Maneggia presented – and the board adopted – ing what you think the cost is going to be and eas. In Object 300 items, which include pro- supplies, heating and fuel. Maneggia explained a $4.33 million school budget for the 2013-14 then you pray,” he said. “This is the best esti- fessional development, student services and the majority of items stayed close to the same, year. mate we can give at this particular time and contracted services, the number dropped from but there was an $8,000 reduction in oil. The spending plan represents a 3.68 percent that’s all you can do.” $119,874 to $114,012 for the 2012-13 year. Maneggia budgeted 35 gallons at $3.35 per gal- increase over the current year’s budget. How- Of the $4,334,118 Maneggia proposed, Maneggia noted this is the second year the to- lon, which he said seemed reasonable at the ever, as Maneggia explained, the majority of $2,732,885 is for Object 100 items, which in- tal cost has been reduced. Although there was present time. However, he noted if something the increase can be contributed to an insurance cludes salaries and wages, contractual obliga- a one percent increase in Andover’s contribu- were to happen that would cause an increase, increase – something he had prepared the tions, degree changes and negotiated contracts. tion to AHM Youth and Family Services (bring- “everything goes out the window.” board for. The number is a $35,781 increase over the cur- ing the number to $16,471 from $16,148) as The remaining decrease was realized in the “The board is well aware of the fact we an- rent year’s budget; however, Maneggia noted well as a $1,000 increase in legal fees, and a fuel line for the buses. Maneggia budgeted ticipated an increase in the insurance line be- it’s only $9,032 more than the amount budgeted $215 increase in library services, there was an $23,100 compared to $24,500 in the current cause during the year I shared the high amount for fiscal year 2011-12. overall decrease due to a $6,000 drop in the year. He explained he calculated how many of claims there were,” said Maneggia. “I told “When you really think about what is con- amount budgeted for a special education con- gallons are burned in a year and multiplied it at you to brace yourself; I had to brace myself. tained in there, that’s a very reasonable effort sultant. a cost of $3.30 per gallon, then divided that Anyway, we knew it was coming.” on the part of the school system,” he said. “The children have progressed nicely,” number in half, since 50 percent is paid by The 3.68 percent increase for the 2013-14 An increase was also seen in the Object 500 Maneggia said, explaining the services of an RHAM. year amounts to $153,811 and of that, $125,800 items, which include tuition for special educa- outside consultant hadn’t been used as much “So when all is said and done, we have a goes to the Object 200 line which includes tion outplacement, magnet school tuition and which was “a credit to staff and small class budget of $4,334,118. An increase of $153,811, medical and dental insurance, retirement and transportation. For the 2013-14 year, the amount sizes.” or a 3.68 percent increase. And that’s the bud- unemployment. Maneggia explained in his bud- comes in at $309,985, compared to $302,895 In addition, there was also a $500 decrease get that I’m recommending to you,” Maneggia get summary the $798,321 set aside for that in the current year’s budget. Maneggia ex- in the line for a computer consultant. said as he finished presenting. account was due to insurance premium rates, plained the increase is primarily due to added A $440 decrease was also realized in the “I think it’s a great budget,” said Board of federal taxes and increased disability rates. costs for transportation. Object 400 items which include electricity, roof Education Chairman Jay Lindy. “It’s a lot bet- “The 200 series is the major increase in the Andover shares the cost of transportation repairs and contracted maintenance services. ter than what I thought it was going to be know- budget, it really is,” said Maneggia, and speak- with RHAM for 180 out of the 183 school days. Maneggia explained each of these items are ing that insurance was going to be a big fac- ing on the numbers as a whole, he said it was a The total cost for Andover for 180 days would difficult to predict, but some savings would be tor.” “tight budget.” be $295,228 but that number drops to $147,614. realized due to an improved electricity rate that The budget was passed unanimously. A spe- “We’re relying a lot on grants, and when The three additional days brings that amount was received through the Connecticut Council cial meeting on the proposed budget will be held you’re relying a lot on grants you’re walking back up to $152,535. In the current year, the for Municipalities. The savings would offset for the public on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 6:30 on thin ice sometimes,” he said. “You never budgeted amount is $147,379. slight increases for rubbish maintenance, peri- p.m. know whether it’s going to sustain you or you’re There was also a $700 increase in the Ob- odic water testing and carpet cleaning. An ex- * * * going to sink.” ject 700 items. The items in this category in- tra $500 was also added for contingency due to The next regular meeting of the Board of Maneggia said the budget was prepared clude funding for the technology plan and the fact “there are a lot of variables in this ac- Education will be held Wednesday, Feb. 13, at based on a number of assumptions and con- equipment for students and staff. Furniture is count,” said Maneggia. “Hopefully we’ll be able 7 p.m., in the Andover Elementary School li- straints, and on Thursday he said his biggest also included, and Maneggia explained most to stay in budget and so forth.” brary. concern was whether or not these areas remain of the increase is due to the need for new stools Obituaries Colchester East Hampton Colchester Amston Peter Paul Petro Susanne Kae Owen Andrew Flanagan Jr. Robert E. Owen Peter Paul Petro, 60, Susanne Kae Owen, 71, of East Hampton and MSgt. Andrew Robert E. Owen, 75, of Southampton, Mass., of Colchester, beloved formerly of Colchester, died Monday, Jan. 7, at Francis Flanagan Jr., beloved husband of Vyrline (Phillps) Owen for husband of Bonnie Marlborough Health Care. Born March 23, 1941 U.S. Army (Ret.), 82, of almost 20 years, passed away peacefully with his (Foote) Petro, passed in Taycheedah, Wis., she was the daughter of the Colchester and formerly family at his side Thursday, Jan. 3, at St. Francis away Thursday, Jan. 3, late William and Vivian (Renford) Klintworth. of Enfield and Bloom- Hospital. Born in Amston to the late William and at Yale-New Haven Hos- Susanne had lived in Fond du Lac and Mil- field, beloved husband Ruth (Raymond) Owen, he was a graduate of pital, surrounded by his waukee, Wis., and attended the University of of Marie (Pelletier) Cheshire High School and was a resident of loving family. Born Jan. Wisconsin, Milwaukee, for a couple of years be- Flanagan, passed away Granby for 15 years prior to moving to 24, 1952 in Hartford, he fore moving to California with her family in 1961. peacefully Monday, Jan. Southampton in 2010. was a son of the late She was previously married to John Owen in 7, surrounded by his He served his country proudly with the U.S. Francis and Helen 1962. Susanne was very active in the lives of her loving family. Born Air Force and worked for Talcott Machine in (Pizzola) Petro. two children serving as a member of PTA, class- Nov. 6, 1930, in Hart- Meriden, retiring in 2002. He had also worked in He earned his Bach- room volunteer, coach and athletic volunteer for ford, he was a son of the the deli department of Big Y in Southwick and elor of Science degree several sports as they were growing up. late Andrew and Alice Westfield, Mass., as well as part time with J & E from UConn. A car enthusiast, he enjoyed work- She had moved to Colchester in 1998 working (Cavanaugh) Flanagan. Precision of Southampton. ing in sales for Auto Body Supplies & Paint for for May Co. and then Macy’s in Waterford until A gentle man dedicated to both his family and Robert enjoyed bowling and was a member of many years. In his spare time, Peter was also an her retirement in 2007, when she then moved to country, he served proudly for 21 years with the the Cheshire and Southington bowling leagues. avid sports fan, following the UConn Huskies and East Hampton. Army. His career spanned World War II, Korea He loved to travel, working in his vegetable gar- New York Yankees and Giants. She is survived by her two children, Wesley and Vietnam, receiving numerous commendations den, and often cooked wonderful meals with his In addition to his loving wife of 24 years, he Owen and his wife Sharon of East Hampton, Kim- including the Bronze Star. fresh vegetables, including the best eggplant leaves two sons, Paul Michael of Glastonbury and berly Owen Gibbons and her husband Jeff of Upon completion of his service, retiring at the parmesan. Patrick Joseph of Colchester; a brother and sis- Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her sister Linda of Colorado; rank of Master Sergeant, he continued in the same Besides his wife Vyrline “Lynn” Owen of ter-in-law, David and Joan of Wallingford; his her loving grandchildren, JR Gibbons, Colleen spirit by actively leading and participating with Southampton, he is survived by his sons Brian mother-in-law, Pauline Foote; and numerous ex- Owen, Brynn Owen, Cheyenne Gibbons, Kieran the VFW in the following capacities: Connecti- Owen and his wife Geri, and Bruce Owen, and tended family members and friends. Owen, Dawson Gibbons, Cody Gibbons and cut state commander from 1995-6, 3rd District his daughter Brenda Bass and her husband Doug, He was also predeceased by a brother, Butch. Brendan Owen. commander from 1991-2 and quartermaster of all of Cheshire; his stepson Brian Clee and his Friends called Monday, Jan. 7, at the Aurora- She was predeceased by her brother Phillip in posts 10219 and 1009 from 1970 to 2012. wife Sue of Gilbert, Ariz.; his stepdaughters Karen McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd., 1972. Mr. Flanagan was also a member and adjutant Labrie and her husband Edward of Southampton, Colchester. The funeral liturgy was celebrated Susanne’s number one priority in life was al- of the Donald A. Bigelow American Legion Post and Tricia Davis and her husband Erik, of Granby; Tuesday, Jan. 8, directly at St. Andrew Church, ways the welfare and happiness of her family. The 54 in Colchester, as well as the Antique Veterans his grandchildren, Megan, Nicholas, Alyssa, 128 Norwich Ave., Colchester. Burial followed highlight of her days were talking on Skype to of Colchester Honor Guard, commemorating the Christopher, Brittany, Natasha, Amber, Shyanne, in the Petro family plot in the Mt. St. Benedict her grandkids in Iowa, playing cards with her selfless service of many comrades. Rheal, Lila, and Kayla; and his sisters Emily Cemetery, Bloomfield. grandsons and attending the sporting events, the- In 1970, he began his civilian career, first at Lathrop of California and Virgina Chandler of In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory ater productions, and other activities of her grand- the Arrow Hart Co. and then Crouse-Hinds Air- Florida. may be made to the Smilow Cancer Center at Yale- children, including the graduation of her eldest port Lighting until his retirement in 1995. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his New Haven Hospital, 20 York St., New Haven, granddaughter from East Hampton High School. In their spare time, both he and Marie were sister Louise Ancher. CT 06510. Susanne loved to watch sports on TV, espe- avid fans of UConn basketball. His greatest joy, A memorial service was held Wednesday, Jan. cially college basketball and football. She was a however, was found in his family, especially his 9, at the Hayes, Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, Colchester big fan of UConn women’s basketball, Notre children and granddaughters (his pride and joy). 364 Salmon Brook St., Granby. The family re- Dame, Wisconsin and UCLA football, and, of In addition to his loving wife of 56 years, he ceived friends prior to the service Wednesday. Kenneth Herman course, the Green Bay Packers. Susanne was well leaves three children and their spouses, Daniel and Burial will be private. Kenneth Herman of liked by all who met her and loved very much by Susan of Windsor Locks, Michael and Darlene of In lieu of flowers please make memorial dona- Colchester passed away her family and friends. Middletown and Andrea and William Phinney of tions to the Masonicare Home Health and Hos- at home Sunday, Jan. 6, A visitation will be held today, Jan. 11, from Colchester; four granddaughters, Megan LaRose pice, 111 Founders Plaza, Suite 200, East Hart- after a hard fought and 6-8 p.m., in the Spencer Funeral Home, 112 Main and husband, Jackson, Bridget Armstrong and ford, CT 06108. courageous battle with St., East Hampton. husband, Paul, and Kellina and Breana Flanagan; For online condolences, visit carmonfuneral leukemia that lasted two To leave online condolences, visit spencer dear friends and neighbors, The Herwerth family home.com. years. He was born Aug. funeralhomeinc.com. of Colchester; his fellow veterans; and numerous 20, 1937, in Bronx, extended family members and friends. Colchester N.Y., to the late Milton East Hampton In addition to his parents, he was predeceased B. and Anne (Levine) by two brothers, William and Patrick. Peter S. Gutterman Herman. Alden B. Strong Friends may call 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Peter S. Gutterman, 70, of Windsor, passed Ken is survived by his Alden B Strong, born June 1927 and a life- the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 6. He was at home loving wife of 55 years, Daryl Kleper Herman. long resident of East Hampton, passed away Sun- Hartford Rd., Colchester. A reception will follow in his favorite room with his family by his side. They were married Dec. 22, 1957. He was a de- day, Dec. 30, after suffering with Alzheimer’s and the wake at St. Joseph’s Polish Society, Colchester. Born July 10, 1942 in Hartford, Peter was the voted dad to his children – his daughter and son- living at the Masonic Care in Wallingford. He was The funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 10:30 loving son of the late Hyman and Pauline in-law, Janet Herman St. Marie and Anthony St. 85. a.m. Monday, Jan. 14, directly at St. Andrew (Einhorn) Gutterman. His death was the result of Marie of Manchester and his son and daughter- He was retired from Bevin Bros. of East Hamp- Church, 128 Norwich Ave., Colchester. Render- pancreatic cancer. in-law, Howard M. Herman and Laura Herman ton, where he was an intricate designer of the dies ing of full military honors will follow Mass. En- Peter was an inspiration to those who knew of Newington. Ken was an adoring “papa” to his which made the sleigh bells. Alden was a Korean tombment will be private at the Mt. St. Benedict him and will be remembered most for his kind- granddaughter, Stephanie Kate St. Marie, who War veteran. He served in Okinawa, Japan. He Cemetery, Bloomfield. ness, humility, wisdom, devotion to his family was the light of his life. was also in Duluth, Minn., in which he met his In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory and friends, and sense of humor. In addition, he is survived by his brother and wife-to-be Joanne. may be the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years sister-in-law, Calvin and Diane Herman of Quaker Alden was also an avid bowler. He won many 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Rosalyn (Pollack) Gutterman and by his family; Hill and his sister, Carole Herman of W. Newton, awards from bowling, including state champion son Andrew Gutterman, his wife Karen Ciesluk Mass. and other local bowling awards. He also collected Portland Gutterman, and their children Natalie and Isaac, Ken was employed at the Bureau of Business stamps from all over the world. He would get his of Belmont, Mass.; daughter Nancy Gutterman Practice for 29 years, retiring as Vice President brainstorms at night while he was supposed to be Ann L. France of Santa Monica, Calif.; and two brothers, Will- of the National Sales Force in 1994. While Ken sleeping for his next project to make downstairs Ann L. France, 97 of Portland, wife of the late iam Gutterman and wife Roberta, of Rutland, was a resident of Uncasville for 37 years, he was in his basement. He built a snow sled which you Bertrand P. France, passed away Monday, Jan. 7, Mass., Harold Gutterman and wife Shirley of a member of several boards and commissions, could use in the snow or ice. Many winters it was at Water’s Edge. She was the daughter of the late Palm Desert, Calif. including the Charter, Planning and Zoning and on Lake Pocotopaug hauling people on skis on Peter and Lucia (Tuccio) Augeri. Until recently, Peter was president of Sentry Parks and Recreation. Also, he managed a suc- the back. He made a bowling glove to wear so he Born Oct. 3, 1915, in Middletown, she was a Real Estate Services, which he founded in 1971, cessful political campaign for the office of first could still bowl with arthritis in his fingers. He lifelong Portland resident and a member of the and Sentry Commercial, founded in 1991. Peter selectman. also made a tractor out of a car motor and two Church of St. Mary in Portland. began his long and fulfilling career in real estate Ken served as the president of the Montville transmissions so he could plow the driveway. She leaves a son, David P. France of Portland; in 1968 after attending the University of Connecti- Jaycees and Big Brother of Southeastern Con- He taught his family to play setback, which sisters, Eleanor Rombali and her husband, Joseph cut, where he received a bachelor’s degree. necticut, coached a Babe Ruth baseball team for was his favorite card game. After his wife passed of Durham and Nell Bartosiak of Middletown; Throughout his career, Peter was a leader in the several years, and as a participant of the golf away he would go down to the senior center in and several nieces and nephews and their chil- local real estate community serving as president league scored a hole-in-one. East Hampton and teach the ones that were there dren. of the Greater Hartford Association of Realtors, When he became a Colchester resident 15 years to play. She was predeceased by her sisters, Angie director of the Connecticut Association of Real- ago, Ken transferred his membership from the He was predeceased by his spouse, Joanne Hemman and Mary Martin, and by a brother, Jo- tors and in 1986 he was named Realtor of the Year. Montville Rotary to the Colchester Rotary. He Lundgren Strong, in October 1999., his brothers seph Augeri. He delighted in sharing his knowledge and was an active member of the organization, and Ralph and John Strong, and his parents, Ethel and Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 12, at 11 passion for his chosen profession with others, was honored to be named a Paul Harris Fellow. Ralph Strong. a.m., at Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 teaching classes in real estate principles and prac- May his memory be for a blessing. He is survived by two children, daughter Nancy Main St., Portland. Burial will be private. There tices for over 20 years at Manchester Commu- The family received guests Wednesday, Jan. Strong Cleary and husband Robert of Enola, Pa., are no calling hours. nity College and at the University of Hartford. 9, at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 and son Mark A. Strong and wife Ann of East In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to He also served as Director of the Continuous Old Hartford Rd., Colchester, before a chapel Hampton; three grandchildren; one brother, the Church of St. Mary 51 Freestone Ave Port- Progress Educational Center and Chairman of the service later that morning. Burial followed in the Myron Strong and wife Linda of Virginia; and land, CT 06480. Education Committee of the Greater Hartford Ahavath Achim/Jewish Aid Cemetery, Colchester. nieces and nephews. To send an online expression of sympathy, visit Board of Realtors. Donations in his memory may be made to Au- There will be no service, and there will be a portlandmemorialfh.net. Raised in Colchester, Peter moved to Windsor tism Speaks or Hospice SECT. private family burial. in 1967. While an active member of Congrega- tion Beth Ahm, Peter served as Chairperson of the Building Committee during the synagogue’s renovation. He was also a charter member of the Rotary Club of Windsor. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 9, at Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford. Burial followed at B’nai Tikvoh- Sholom Cemetery, 10 Clubhouse Rd., Windsor. Friends visited at the family’s home at 20 Ethan Dr. in Windsor Wednesday afternoon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, 74 Cheshire Rd., P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492 or the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Cen- ter, Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour St., Hartford, CT 06102. Andover Police News Colchester Portland Colchester 1/2: State Police said James Zoldak, 23, of John Lata Jr. Harold E. Talnose Richard Joseph Cavanaugh 2168 Virgie Cole Rd., South Boston, Mass., was John Lata Jr., 77 of Colchester, passed away Harold E. Talnose, 85, of Portland, formerly Richard Joseph making a left turn from Bunker Hill Road onto Friday, Jan. 4, with his loving family by his side. of West Haven, passed away Sunday, Jan. 6, in Cavanaugh, born June Route 6 when Zhiming Fu, 29, of 5025 Son of the late John Lata, Sr. and Drucilla (Beebe) Middlesex Hospital. He was the son of the late 13, 1942, died Monday, Kensington Way, Riverside, Calif., struck him Lata, John was born in Hartford on June 15, 1935. Antonio and Ethel Darling Talnose. Dec. 31, at Marlbor- from behind, causing Zoldak’s vehicle to veer He spent his early childhood in Niantic, later re- He was the father of William (Sophia) Talnose ough Health Care in off the left shoulder of the roadway. Fu and his siding in Manchester and Crystal Lake, and gradu- of Orange, Stephen (Carol) Talnose of Peachtree Marlborough. passenger, Yehan Xu, 25, of 3800 SW 34th St., ated from Rockville High School. City, Ga., and David (Kathy) Talnose of Wolcott; Richard (Richie) Gainesville, Fla., were transported to Windham John had a lifelong career as an electrician in brother of Richard Talnose and Cecelia Flynn both Cavanaugh was a Hospital for reported stomach pain, police said. the greater Hartford area working at Pratt & of Milford, Dorothy Leahy of Vermont and the former resident of Whitney Machine Tool and Stanadyne. John loved late Eugene and Wilford Talnose; and is also sur- Colchester. Richie re- a good joke, fishing, golfing, the New York Yan- vived by seven grandchildren. sided at New Begin- Marlborough kees and the New York Giants. He was predeceased by his former wife, Anna nings For Life, LLC in Police News He leaves his dedicated, loving wife, Anne of Nusdeu Talnose. Colchester. 1/3: Michael Defranzo, 46, of 16 Lakewood Colchester; four children and three step-children, Prior to his retirement, Harold was a meat-cut- Richie was born in Rd., East Hampton, was charged with reckless Paul Lata and his wife Mary of Enfield, Brian ter for the former Forte’s Market and Apuzzo’ East Hampton, where he lived for many years. driving, DUI and tampering with ignition in- Lata and his wife Julie of Pensacola, Fla., Audrey Market. He also was the owner of the former Richie was the son of the late James and Mildred terlock device, State Police said. Lanigan of Edgewater, Fla., Carrie LeBlanc and Harold’s Market in Branford. He was a World War (Jacobson) Cavanaugh of East Hampton. her husband Robert of Windsor, Michael Hoopes II Army veteran and an avid Red Sox and Green Richie was predeceased by a brother and sis- 1/4: Robert Joseph Cote, 28, of 347 Central and his wife Cecelia of Charleston, S.C., Michelle Bay Packer fan. ter. Ave., Norwich, was charged with reckless driv- Maglieri and her husband Michael of Tolland, and His funeral procession left the Porto Funeral Richie is survived by two brothers and three ing, misuse of plates, operating an unregistered Juliann LaRose of Colchester; seven grandchil- Home, 830 Jones Hill Rd., West Haven, Wednes- sisters, along with many nephws and nieces. motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with dren; a sister, Ranny Syphers of Tolland; and a day morning, Jan. 9. A Mass of Christian Burial Richie will be deeply missed by all the resi- no insurance, possession of narcotics, carrying sister-in-law, Marlene Lata of Wethersfield. was then celebrated in St. Paul’s Church. Inter- dents and staff that cared for him at New Begin- of dangerous weapon and possession of drug John was predeceased by his brother, Richard ment followed in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Friends nings For Life. paraphernalia, State Police said. “Dickie” Lata. called Tuesday, Jan. 8. 1/5: Maegan M. Brzostowski, 23, of 44 A memorial service was held Tuesday, Jan. 8, Memorial contributions may be made to Save Haddam Neck Middletown Ave., East Hampton, was charged at Carmon Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Av- the Children at savethechildren.org. Sign Harold’s with DUI and failure to maintain lane, State enue in Windsor, with calling hours prior to the guestbook online at portofuneralhomes.net. Nancy Brown Hart Police said. service. Burial will be private and held at the con- Nancy Brown Hart, 79, of Haddam Neck, venience of his family. Portland passed away at Chestelm Health and Rehab Mon- John’s family wishes to extend sincere appre- day, Dec. 10, after a long illness. Colchester Police News ciation to the staff of Harrington Court in Joseph George Triblets She was predeceased by her husband Robert 1/3: Christopher Peck, of 314 Elm Trail, Colchester for their special care and professional Joseph George Triblets, 101, of Cromwell, W. Hart. Coventry, was charged with third-degree lar- kindness. husband of the late Elizabeth Marie (Formica) She is survived by daughter Elizabeth Malloy ceny and third-degree burglary, State Police In lieu of flowers, make memorial donations Triblets, passed away Thursday, Jan. 3, at and her husband David of Haddam Neck, daugh- said. to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Middlesex Hospital. Born in Portland, he was the ter Catherine Morrison and her husband Kenneth 1/4: William Francis Gordon, 35, of 38 High Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. son of the late Joseph and Katie (Wallace) Triblets. of Haddam Neck and son Robert R. Hart and his St., Higganum, was charged with DUI, failure To send notes of condolence and sign the online Joe lived in Portland and Middletown most of wife Carolyn of East Haddam. She also leaves to wear safety belt, possession of less than a guestbook, visit carmonfuneralhome.com. his life and was a member of St. John Church in behind cherished grandchildren Hannah, Grace half an ounce of marijuana and possession of Cromwell. He served in the U.S. Army prior to and David Malloy, Mary Morton, Corey, Stephen, drug paraphernalia, State Police said. Portland World War II and worked for many years at New Luke and Ethan Hart. 1/5: Michael J. McCarthy, 32, of 1 Alexander Britain Machine. He was a loyal Red Sox fan who A memorial will be held Saturday, Jan. 12, at Rd., was charged with evading, failure to drive Elinore A. Perley waited patiently for 86 years between world cham- Haddam Neck Congregational Church at 2 p.m., in right-hand lane on a multiple lane highway Elinore A. Perley, 99, of Portland, previously pionships. He also enjoyed woodworking, fish- 408 Quarry Hill Rd., Haddam Neck, CT 06424. and operating a motor vehicle when license or of Stratford, widow of Frank J. Bruneau and ing, crabbing, cooking and was a terrific cribbage In lieu of flowers donations may be made to registration is suspended, State Police said. Charles E. Perley Jr., passed away peacefully and setback player. the Haddam Neck Congregational Church Me- Wednesday, Jan. 2, at Portland Care and Rehab “PJ” will be remembered as a sweet, gentle and morial Fund c/o Sue Olsen, Treasurer, 11 Injun 1/7: Joshua Wetmore, 20, of 64 Briarwood Center, Portland. Born in Bridgeport, she was the generous man who was devoted to his family. Hollow Rd., Haddam Neck, CT 06424 or the Dr., was charged with violation of a protective daughter of the late Samuel and Anna Jaros He is survived by two sons, Joseph “Butch” R. Haddam Historical Society High School Schol- order, State Police said. Kovachik and was a retired bookkeeper. Triblets and Edward LaBarge, both of Cromwell; arship Fund, P.O. Box 97, Haddam, CT 06438. Elinore was a longtime member of Holy Trin- two sisters, Marge Coleman of Cromwell and Portland Police News ity Lutheran Church in Trumbull and was active Charlotte Donovan of Rochester, N.Y.; three Haddam Neck 1/3: Brandon Wyzykowski, 19, of 3 Quarry in church activities including the Dorcas Guild. grandchildren, Corey Triblets, Rhody Triblets and Ln., was charged with sixth-degree larceny and She was a longtime volunteer for the Red Cross Mark LaBarge; nine great-grandchildren; five Frank A. Rogers possession of alcohol by a minor, Portland Po- and a member of the Eastern Star. In addition, great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and Frank A. Rogers, 48, of Safety Harbor, Fla., Elinore was a Brownie Leader and a great baker, nephews. and formerly of Haddam Neck, passed away lice said. famous for her pies. Elinore was a kind and gen- Along with his wife and parents, Joe was pre- Thursday, Dec. 6. Frank was a proud United States ¼: Sheryl Jordan, 49, of 279 Hopewell Rd., erous person who will be missed by her family deceased by his grandson, David LaBarge; four Marine Corps Veteran who served in Beirut, Glastonbury, was charged with second-degree and all who knew her. brothers, Frank, Steve, John and Edward Triblets; Grenada and Lebanon. failure to appear, police said. Survivors include her beloved children, a son, and four sisters, Claire McGetrick, Frances He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1/5: Joseph Yarrow, 52, of 140 Great Hill F. Jeffrey Bruneau and his wife Lynn of Seymour, Zarlowinski, Gerry Triblets and Janet Sundell. 5095 in East Hampton and a skilled carpenter with Pond Rd., was charged with disorderly conduct two daughters, Gail Smithwick and her husband Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 8, at a huge heart and a great love for children and and second-degree threatening, police said. Michael of East Hampton and Melissa Whitaker the Cromwell Funeral Home, 506 Main St., animals. and her husband Michael of Stratford, a stepson, Cromwell, followed by interment in Calvary Cem- Frank is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Charles E. Perley III of Nevada, and stepdaughter, etery. Friends called Tuesday afternoon at the fu- Karen M. Rogers; children Jeremy F. Rogers, Candace Sanford of New York; seven grandchil- neral home, and may send messages of condo- Korey F. (Kate) Rogers, Tarryne E. Rogers, Jus- dren, Amy Montgomery, Patrick Smithwick, Jef- lence to the family at doolittlefuneralservice.com. tin Fontana, and Willie Noe; parents Marie frey Bruneau, Meghan Bruneau, Michael Whitaker, (Charlie) Nichols and Frank Rogers; siblings Laura Cascio and Erik Perley; seven great-grand- Colchester Courtland Rogers and Corinne (Walter) Farren; children; and several nieces and nephews. nieces and nephews Michael Visintainer, Sean She was predeceased in addition to her hus- Howard M. Gray Sr. Visintainer, Jaimie Farren, Patrick Farren and bands by a stepson, Daniel Perley, two sisters, Howard M. Gray Sr. died Sunday, Jan. 6, at Kiley Farren; numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, a Ethel Kovachik and Olga Hendrix and two broth- Harrington Court Health Care Center in loving family of friends and his beloved English ers, Samuel and Albert Kovachik. Colchester. He was born in 1920 in East Blue Hill, bulldog, Tank. The family would like to thank Dr. Matt Raider, Maine, son of the late Herman O. and Annie The family received friends Thursday, Dec. 13, and the staff of Portland Care and Rehab, for their Estella (Cook) Gray. at the Spencer Funeral Home, 112 Main St., East loving and compassionate care during our Howard was a veteran of World War II, was Hampton. Funeral services were held in the fu- mother’s stay. employed as an aircraft mechanic and pilot, in neral home with the Rev. Walter Nagle officiat- Friends and relatives are invited to attend fu- pilot production at Raytheon Co., then at North- ing. Burial followed with military honors in St. neral services Saturday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m., in ern Chemical Industries in Searsport, Maine. Bridget of Kildare Cemetery in Moodus. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church , 406 White Plains He married Sylvia Alley of Winterport in 1947; You will live on in our hearts forever. SEM- Rd., Trumbull , CT 06611, with the Rev. Linda J. she survives. PER FI. Kraft, pastor, officiating. Burial in Lawncroft The family would like to thank the manage- To leave online condolences, visit spencer Cemetery will be private and at the convenience ment and staff at Harrington Court for the won- funeralhomeinc.com. of the family. Visiting hours will be held Satur- derful care Howard received. day morning at the church from 10:30-11 a.m., At Howard’s request there will be no funeral. prior to services. A private committal service at Oak Hill Cemetery In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory in Winterport, Maine, will be held in the spring. can be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Care of arrangements has been entrusted to the Arrangements in care of the Dennis & D’Arcy Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester. East Hampton Police News - Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home of Stratford. 12/25: Michael J. Staples, 19, of 18 Joe Wil- 1/1: Cindy D. Dalterio, 52, of 21 Johnston To offer online condolences please visit liams Rd., Moodus, was issued a summons for Ave., Willimantic, was arrested for failure to www.dennisanddarcy.com. failure to drive right and operating an uninsured drive right and DUI, police said. motor vehicle, East Hampton Police said. 1/2: Nicholas Villar, 23, of 197 Wall St., 12/31: Michael Allen Latronica, 61, of 74 Hebron, was arrested for fifth-degree larceny, Prospect St., Middletown, was arrested for fifth- police said. degree larceny, police said. 1/2: Scott Robert Briggs, 56, of 659 Durham 12/31: Robert Peter Gish, 73, of 320 Plains Rd., Madison, was arrested for illegal transfer Rd., Haddam, was arrested for criminal pos- of a gun and interfering with/resisting an of- session of a gun and interfering with/resisting ficer, police said. an officer, police said.