★ ★ ★ ★ ★ US. POSTAGE PAID POSTAL CUSTOMER GLASTONBURY CITIZEN, INC. LOCAL RIVEREAST PRESORTED STANDARD

NewsServing Amston, Andover, Cobalt, East Hampton, Hebron,Bulletin Marlborough, Middle Haddam, Portland, Colchester and Salem

Volume 33, Number 51 Published by The Glastonbury Citizen March 13, 2009 Hebron Maple Festival This Weekend by Sarah McCoy The steel buckets hanging from the sides of explained that the ideal syrup-making weather trees can only mean one thing. With spring just features nighttime temperatures in the low 20s, around the corner, the time has come for the with daytime highs in the 40s, with lots of sun 19th annual Hebron Maple Festival. and little to no wind. While this year’s season The festival will be held this year Saturday started off terribly, both sugarers agreed that and Sunday, March 14 and 15, from 10 a.m.-4 the past few weeks have made up for the slow p.m. both days. The affair will feature events start. “This year might prove to be average,” across the town and plenty of food. Palmer said. “That would be a huge achieve- “It’s unique,” Wayne Palmer, owner of ment considering how the season started.” Winding Brook Sugar House and one of the Palmer places taps in over 850 trees. Last coordinators for this year’s festival, said. year, he said, he produced 250 gallons of syrup. “We’re the only town in Connecticut that does “Last year was one of the best in history,” a maple festival and I’ve been told it rivals any- Palmer said. “It was an anomaly but we could thing in Vermont because we’ve kept money get to 200 this year.” out of the equation.” In addition to its use on pancakes and As in years past, there is free admission to waffles, syrup can be used for all different rea- the Maple Festival. sons. It’s a natural sweetener, making it a popu- With a clear forecast predicted Maple Festi- lar baking substitute or for use with coffee. val Committee chair Ron Wenzel is expecting Palmer said he’s also had multiple requests the best Maple Fest ever. “Why would I expect from brewers looking to purchase syrup for anything different?” he said. “We offer fami- beer. “The market’s huge for this stuff,” he said. lies a great day out.” “It’s not hard to get rid of.” Wenzel, who has been involved with the fes- The Maple Fest features more than just tival since its inception in 1980, estimated that syrup, though. One of the keys to the festival’s he had 2,000 visitors at his sugarhouse last year. success, Wenzel said, is the focus on Hebron. This year his doors will be open again to visi- The event is filled with Hebron residents, busi- tors interested in learning the process of turn- ness and organizations coming together to put ing sap into syrup. the town on display. “Every year we get some Joining Wenzel on his property will be one from out-of-town who try to sneak in but we of the cows from the Mapleleaf Farm of Hebron, put the kibosh on that,” he said. The hanging sap buckets are a welcome sight in Hebron this time of year, as it a producer of the Farmer’s Cow milk. Back this year is the Birds of Prey exhibi- means it’s time for the Maple Fest. The two-day annual event returns this weekend. Earlier this week, both Palmer and Wenzel tion held at AHM Youth and Family Services. Julie Anne Collier will be on hand to display and inform audiences about various birds of prey. She is one of the founders of RHAM Juniors Hold Fashion Show WINGMASTERS, a nonprofit group dedicated to protecting, rehabilitating, and increasing by Sarah McCoy but it’s only our first year of doing the show,” understanding about North American birds of For one night, Casey Schaus abandoned her Hills said. “I’d rather put on a good show for a prey. Tickets are still available for the two casual look for something quite different. The smaller crowd than a not-so-good show for a shows on Sunday to be held at 1 and 2:30 p.m. junior at RHAM High School was one of this lot of people.” All profits will go to supporting AHM. year’s models for the Prom Fashion Show, held Prep for the event began after school with This year pony rides are back after a brief last Friday, March 6, at the school. Elissa Cote and Alesha Prescher, co-owners of hiatus. The rides are sponsored by the Tea San “I practiced walking in my heels around the Skintology in Hebron, doing the girls’ makeup. Taekwondo Academy. house,” Schaus said. “My family was laughing The Hebron salon Capricorn I was also on hand Artisan Framing is pleased to welcome sil- at me but it was good practice.” to do participants’ hair. Susan Gagliardo, a rep- houette artist Deborah O’Connor to town. Us- Schaus and the eight models tackled the resentative for home-based business Silpada, ing just paper and scissors O’Connor will be heals and the runway as they showcased prom provided jewelry for the event. While dresses creating silhouettes for visitors in just a few dresses, makeup, hair and jewelry options for for the event were donated by Fairy Tales of minutes. the high school’s most glamorous night. Glastonbury and tuxedoes were provided by The historic quilt show is also back this year Holly Habicht, owner of Daisies and Daffo- Formal’s Inn in Manchester. along with the teacup auction. Both events are dils flower shop in Hebron, initiated the idea The event began with a walk down the run- sponsored by the Hebron Historical Society and last year. The event was put on as a fundraiser way for each of the nine girls. Jesse Kivney will be located in Old Town Hall. for the junior class. Eight different businesses and Kevin Trippel, both juniors at RHAM, es- The dog sledding exhibition will be held participated in the event including six from corted the girls. again at Christ Lutheran Church on Saturday. Hebron. The dance team performed at the halfway Country Carpenters will sponsor demonstra- Habicht said she had seen other schools put point, giving the models time to change out- tions of woodworking and blacksmith tech- on similar events and liked the idea. “I thought fits. niques. Throughout town nearly 100 events are it would be fun for the kids,” she said. “And it Gaby Levesque, a junior at RHAM, said she scheduled for the weekend. was. The kids seemed to be having a great chose to participate because she thought it Program books for the Maple Festival are time.” looked like fun. “I’ve always loved to dress up,” Gaby Levesque, a junior at RHAM available at the Hebron Town Office Building, Kim Hills, a gym teacher at the high school she said. And, she added, she came away with High School, gets makeup applied 15 Gilead St., as well as online at and one of the junior class advisors, said she “a ton of ideas for my real prom.” before the Prom Fashion Show held at www.hebronmaplefest.com. Proceeds from the was pleased with how the show – which at- Gaby said she now knows exactly what kind the high school last Friday. Gaby was sale of advertisements in the program book go tracted about two dozen people – went off. of dress she wants and, said, that she saw a lot one of nine girls to participate in the to support scholarships for Hebron students “I was a little disappointed in the attendance See Fashion Show on Page 2 show. See Maple Fest on Page 2 From the Editor’s Desk Maple Fest Continued from Front Page Fashion Show Continued from Front Page pursuing a career in the Environmental Sciences of wonderful ideas for accessories at the fash- field. ion show. While the festival’s official hours are 10 a.m.- Observations & Ruminations This was the first year the junior class spon- by Mike Thompson 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, some events, such sored the event, but Hills said she hopes it be- Every time I sort of start to come back available to the public for tours. If you’ve as the pancake breakfasts, will begin earlier. comes an annual event. “We’ve been through it around to the Hartford Courant again, they never seen how maple tree sap gets converted Consult the program book – as well as a spe- once and have learned some things to make it do something like they did last week, when into syrup, you’re in for a treat. Seeing the cial section in this week’s Rivereast – for a even better next year,” she said. the increasingly-full-of-wire-stories-and- process that converts sticky maple tree sap into townwide map and schedule of events for more nothing-by-actual-Courant-staffers delightful syrup can be fascinating: Each of information. “CTLiving” section ran an Associated Press the sugar houses is equipped with large ma- story all about the maple syrup business...... in chines to boil the sap (it takes 40 gallons of Vermont. sap to produce just one gallon of syrup). The That’s right, Vermont. machines are definitely a sight to behold, and Now, any Nutmegger worth his salt knows I personally enjoy the sweet smell of the boil- you can find plenty to say about pure maple ing sap. syrup right here in Connecticut, where, at this As an added bonus, the sugar houses will time of year, sugar shacks are busy humming also be selling bottles of pure maple syrup, their sweet, sweet songs. And in Hebron this and the Woody Acres Sugar House will also weekend, the area’s premier maple sugaring be offering other maple goodies, like the ex- event, the Hebron Maple Festival, will make cellent maple cream. its triumphant return. If – like me – you can’t make it to the Always held the second weekend of Maple Festival this year, or if you decide af- March, this two-day event can be counted on ter the festival you want a little more, don’t to provide an array of delightful sights, smells worry, you can get maple syrup from the and, of course, tastes. I’ll be out of town this Hebron sugar shacks all year long. And that’s weekend, so unfortunately I’ll miss the Maple great, because a waffle covered with pure Fest; I’ve been to the festival every year since maple syrup is a taste delight that knows no I think 2002. But I hope all of you reading season. this can make it. It really is a delightful time. * * * While the main draw of the Maple Festi- Monday brought good news, when Presi- val is the tours of various sugar houses in dent Obama issued an executive order lifting town, there are also plenty of other activities former President Bush’s ban on federal fund- taking place. And many of them, much to the ing for embryonic stem cell research. I real- delight of your taste buds, involve eating. ize it’s a controversial issue, but I’m a big fan Among the many options are: pancake break- of the research. Those opposed to it have ar- fasts by the Knights of Columbus and the gued about the destruction of human life in- Hebron Lions Club (and the breakfasts are volved in performing the embryonic stem cell on separate days too – the KOC one is on research, but in most cases the embryos come Saturday, while the Lions’ is on Sunday – so from aborted fetuses. Regardless of how you theoretically you could go to both, if you think feel about abortion, the fact is it happens ev- your stomach can handle it), maple cake be- ery day, and those aborted fetuses would nor- ing sold by Gilead Congregational Church mally just be thrown away. If you can harvest (I’ve had this cake before; trust me, it’s won- embryos from those fetuses – which, again, derful. And make sure to eat it warm!), kettle are going to just be discarded anyway – and corn from Hebron’s own Majestic Kettle Corn perform some potentially life-saving (get the maple corn; you won’t be disap- research.....well, what’s wrong with that? pointed), Jewish baked goods from United Embryonic stem cells are “master cells,” Brethren Synagogue, more baked goods – and and can morph into any cell of the body. Pro- hot cider too – from Christ Lutheran Church ponents of the research are hopeful the cells .... I could go on and on. can be used to treat a variety of afflictions, If at some point during the weekend you including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, want to get away from all the sweets and still paralysis and even diabetes and heart disease. feed your face, you’re in luck. Every year, I One of the better-known advocates of the re- like to stop by the VFW and American Le- search has been Nancy Reagan, and on Mon- gion tent and get either a tasty cheeseburger day, a day when conservative Republicans or a chili dog (you can get the hot dog plain if were blasting Obama’s repeal of the ban, Mrs. you want, but the chili’s just so good, it’d be Reagan – whose husband was a pretty high- a shame to get the dog plain). St. Peter’s profile conservative Republican –was cheer- Church has pulled pork sandwiches, and the ing it. She issued a statement saying she was Colchester Police News Hebron Democratic Town Committee sells “very grateful” for the move, and said that grilled maple ham-and-cheese sandwiches. “countless people, suffering from many dif- 3/4-Brian Octigan, for whom no age was charged with driving while intoxicated, State Several organizations in town take advan- ferent diseases, stand to benefit from the an- given, of Willimantic, was charged with driv- Police said. tage of the Maple Festival to hold events that swers stem cell research can provide.” ing under the influence, State Police said. 3/10-Spiros Vasilakis, 60, of 307 Amston aren’t necessarily maple-minded, but are still Nancy Reagan is of course painfully aware 3/5-Tabatha Black, 18, of 106 West Rd., was Rd., was charged with threatening, third-degree quite enjoyable. The Friends of the Douglas of the dreadful effects of Alzheimer’s, having charged with possession of drug parapherna- assault and disorderly conduct, State Police Library always holds a big book sale in the lost her husband to the disease. While doing lia, possession of a controlled substance and said. basement of the library. The selection is quite some reading earlier this week about Obama’s trespass, State Police said. 3/10-John Poulios, 38, of Salem, was charged good; there really is something for everyone. executive order, I came across a quote from 3/5-Jeffrey Frazer, 37, of 252 Norwich Ave., with threatening and breach of peace, State The Hebron Historical Society also puts on the former First Lady, which she gave in 2004, was charged with third-degree assault and dis- Police said. its annual Quilt Show in the Old Town Hall not long before Ronald Reagan’s death (and orderly conduct, State Police said. 3/10-Donald Gesswin, 40, of Lebanon, was during the Maple Fest. The quilts are always a decade after he first announced he was suf- 3/5-Daniel Lewis, for whom no age was charged with risk of injury, disorderly conduct very interesting – and sometimes educational fering from the disease): “Ronnie’s long jour- given, of Waterbury, was charged with second- and reckless endangerment, State Police said. as well – to look at. And on your way out of ney has finally taken him to a distant place degree failure to appear, State Police said. 3/10-Jason Lenares, 29, of 523 Broadway St., the Old Town Hall, you can buy a cup of some where I can no longer reach him,” she said. 3/6-Debra Mielczarek, 43, of 68 Nutmeg was charged with violation of probation and dis- absolutely delicious ice cold maple milk. “Because of this I’m determined to do what- Circle, was charged with failure to drive upon orderly conduct, State Police said. Most of the events I just described are at ever I can to save other families from this the right and operating under the influence of 3/11-Stephanie Petrazelli, 34, of Moodus, or near the center of town and, as such, the pain.” alcohol, State Police said. was charged with sixth-degree larceny, State Route 85/Route 66 intersection can get rather Here, here, Mrs. Reagan. I support you 3/8-Sandra Macioce, 69, of Plantsville, was Police said. congested Maple Fest weekend. So consider wholeheartedly. The day we find a cure for yourself warned. However, the sugar houses Alzheimer’s, and the other afflictions I men- themselves are somewhat off the beaten path. tioned above, will be a most glorious day in- There’s a “maple map” available in this deed. And I’m hopeful that, with the help of East Hampton Portland Police News week’s Rivereast outlining where the sugar embryonic stem cell research, that day will 3/1 — Mark Wheelock, 43, of 54 Riverview houses are. This year, there are three houses come. Police News St., was charged with driving under the influ- 2/25 — Ensanullah Hussaini, 44, of 23 ence, operating under suspension and traveling Midwood Farm Rd., was arrested for operating too fast, Portland Police said. an unregistered motor vehicle, misuse of plates 3/4 — John O’Keefe, 20, of 9 Hall Hill Rd., and operating without insurance, East Hamp- was charged with possession of less than four ton Police said. ounces of marijuana, police said. 2/28 — Michael E. Jones, 52, of 9 Lake Dr., 3/7 — Andrew Frizen, 20, of 68 Lake Rd., was arrested for operating under the influence was charged with driving under the influence, of alcohol, police said. simple trespass and operating a motor vehicle 3/3 — Emily M. Nichols, 42, of 71 Daniel without a Connecticut license, police said. St., was issued a ticket for using a cell phone 3/7 — Troy Colby, 25, of 23 Lyman St., New while operating a motor vehicle, police said. Britain, was charged with possession of less than four ounces of marijuana, police said. 3/8 — Scott Ferguson, 45, of 3 Gloria Heights, was charged with disorderly conduct, third-degree criminal mischief and second-de- gree threatening, police said. 3/8 — Shawn Vare, 25, of 230 Main St., was charged with weapon in a motor vehicle, po- lice said. Proposed East Hampton Budget Calls for 1.97 Percent Tax Increase by Michael McCoy Town Manager Jeff O’Keefe submitted his not sure she’d be at peace if I made further cuts.” first East Hampton budget proposal on March When asked if he just applied a flat cut to 6 – a $37.53 million spending package that calls each department or if he looked at each request for a 1.97 percent tax increase. line-by-line, the town manager said the latter The proposed 2009-10 budget represents a was the case. O’Keefe said that in some cases, $586,590 increase, or 1.59 percent, over cur- he had to make further cuts to those requests rent year spending. O’Keefe submitted his bud- but that overall, “I didn’t have to do a lot of get to the Town Council and Board of Finance that,” and he thanked the department heads for last week. this. The bulk of the $37.53 million proposal is a One of the more notable reductions in the $25.36 million Board of Education budget, budget is a $30,000 decrease, or 16.85 percent, which is a $615,952 increase, or 2.49 percent, in the motor fuel account. According to Finance over current year school spending. The town Director Jeff Jylkka, “That’s a result of us lock- government side of the budget comes to $10.20 ing in for the next 12 months,” although, he State Representative Pam Sawyer stopped by the Board of Selectmen’s meeting million, which is actually a $91,982 decrease, added, a lesser factor was the price of fuel be- last week to talk about the federal stimulus package and the state budget. She is or .89 percent, from the current year. (The re- ing down altogether. shown here with Town Manager Jared Clark. mainder of the budget is Debt Service. That Another major decrease is the capital im- comes to $1.97 million, a $62,620 increase, or provement line, which dropped $235,674, or 3.28 percent, from the current year.) 20.1 percent, from last year. Sawyer Likes Hebron’s The budget calls for a mill rate of 24.28, up One of the few major increases in the pro- 0.47 mills from the current figure. This trans- posed budget is a $124,757 bump, or 10.29 per- Chances for Stimulus Money lates to a 1.97 percent tax hike. cent, in the police regular patrol line item. How- by Sarah McCoy O’Keefe called his spending proposal “prob- ever, that’s not as steep of an increase as it State Representative Pam Sawyer told the ening the roads, replacing stoplights, and add- ably one of the lowest budgets in the region,” seems. Of that $124,757, around $80,000 is Board of Selectmen (BOS) last week that, while ing pedestrian walkways and signals. The state in terms of the increase. Still, he said, the Town already in the budget, in the “unallocated pay- the competition is great, she likes Hebron’s Department of Transportation has had these Council has signaled to him that they wish to roll” line item. As a result, the actual new spend- chances to get a piece of the federal stimulus improvements on their to-do list for years, Clark see an even slimmer proposal. “Is this the final ing in the police regular patrol line is around pie. said. If Hebron is awarded stimulus money for budget that will go to the voters?” he said. “I $45,000. Sawyer began last week’s BOS meeting with the project it would, then, take the burden of doubt it.” All around, revenue is a veritable wash. The a look into where the town stands in terms of paying for these improvements off the state While officials in other towns have presented 1.46 percent increase in the 2008 Grand List is that oft-discussed but still-elusive federal stimu- government, he said. budgets that call for layoffs, O’Keefe’s budget expected to yield $390,000 in new tax revenue. lus money and a state Small Town Economic The state has formed a board of 21 individu- proposal does not. He said this was made pos- However, all other revenue, which is primarily Assistance Program (STEAP) grant. als to make decisions on which projects will sible when he asked all the department heads composed of state aid, is down $383,000. This Sawyer reported that Connecticut is slated receive stimulus funding. Members include a to submit budgets devoid of fat and containing nets just a $7,000 increase. to receive $3 billion in funding – though that Hebron resident, Mary Anne Hanley, Director increases between zero and 3 percent. “They O’Keefe is not proposing applying any amount shouldn’t be seen as a blank check. This of the Office of Workforce Competitiveness, as met that charge,” he said. He said the tighten- money from the town’s undesignated fund bal- money will be used to fund educational costs, well as Department of Transportation Commis- ing consisted of discretionary spending and ance to be applied to the budget. He said such a Medicaid, competitive grants and “shovel- sioner Joseph Marie, Commissioner of the De- “things they could go without.” move is “contrary to an adopted rule in the bud- ready” projects, Sawyer said. partment of Transportation, who is very famil- O’Keefe noted that of the 638 different line get policy statement,” referring to the document Earlier this year, towns submitted over 2,000 iar with Hebron’s project. items in the budget proposal, 470 either stayed adopted early this year by the Town Council. plans for shovel-ready projects, which meant Once the roadway improvements are com- the same or were decreased from the 2008-09 The only time fund balance was applied to they were only waiting on funding to begin pleted, development can begin on the Village budget. the budget during the previous four fiscal years work. Green project. Hebron resident Sara Tarca has Still, O’Keefe made it clear he’d like to be was in 2006-07, when $210,559 was allocated. Hebron applied for nearly $4.7 million in presented her plans for a fitness and aquatic able to do more, if the economy were in better O’Keefe began as East Hampton Town Man- funding, with its number one priority being the center to both the Planning and Zoning Com- shape. “Certainly, I would like to invest more ager in September, and said he basically began development of the Village Green district. The mission as well as the BOS. She looks to be in in the road infrastructure improvement budget,” discussing the budget as soon as he started in $1.8 million project would cover the necessary position to be the first occupant of the prop- he said. As it stands, he said, “It’s nowhere near town. O’Keefe said he felt his budget proposal roadway improvements to begin development erty. “It’s time to get this project going,” Mal what we would actually need.” But, he con- is “reader-friendly” and “very thorough,” bud- on the 165 acres of land. “Hebron is ahead of Leichter, Board of Finance liaison to the BOS, ceded, “Now isn’t the time.” get virtues he chalked up to working side-by- most towns in terms of planning,” Sawyer said said at last week’s meeting. “The hope is that Likewise, O’Keefe said the town senior cen- side with Jylkka. (The 120-page budget pro- at last week’s meeting. She said if the town were it’s going to stimulate more development for ter “could have used an additional part-time posal is available for viewing at to get $1.8 million for the improvements, it that community, enhancing our tax base.” person.” On the other hand, O’Keefe did allow www.easthamptonct.org.) would “crack open the current log-jam [on the In addition to the federal stimulus money, for a new part-time animal control officer, which O’Keefe is scheduled to begin discussing the development]. To open 165 acres for develop- Hebron officials have also applied for a he said “this town desperately needs.” The new budget in workshops with the Board of Finance ment would create jobs. It’s a smart growth $439,000 STEAP grant. If received, the money position will cost the town $12,918, and brings (BOF) today, Friday, March 13. The BOF will project.” would be used to renovate the Peters House, the animal control department up to three part- hold a public hearing on the budget Monday, The other $2.9 million the town has applied located at 150 East St., into office space for time employees. April 6, at 7 p.m., at East Hampton High for is spread out over a variety of projects, in- municipal use. Despite the relatively small budget increase, School, 15 North Maple St. cluding repairs to the roof at both elementary Like the stimulus funds, no decision has been O’Keefe said “we’re going to be able to main- The finance board is expected to adopt the schools and improvements to the town water made as to which towns will be receiving tain the same level of service.” He credited this budget and send it to Town Council during a system. STEAP funding. But Sawyer reported that to town staff rising to the challenge and depart- special meeting Wednesday, April 8, at the li- Sawyer said that while there may be steep Hebron is still in the running for the money, ment heads making prudent prioritizations. brary at East Hampton Middle School library, competition when it comes to towns vying for given that the Peters House project is “unique O’Keefe said Superintendent of Schools Judy 19 Childs Rd. The Town Council must adopt a piece of the stimulus package, she likes in its historical value.” Golden is among these. He said the two of them the budget no later than April 23. A referen- Hebron’s chances, given the Village Green Sawyer noted that this is the final year that sat down to agree on the more than $120,000 dum on the 2009-10 budget is scheduled for project’s long-term benefit to the town, to work- STEAP funding is included in Gov. M. Jodi cuts from the budget the Board of Education Tuesday, May 5, at the high school gym. ers, and even to the state. Rell’s budget. Currently the plan is to award adopted last month. Although, he added, “I’m Town Manager Jared Clark said there are two $20 million this year with no funding for at least main parts to the $1.8 million price tag for the the next two years. However, Sawyer said, she roadway improvements in the center of town. wouldn’t be surprised to that number being Nearly $400,000 is needed to restripe and in- divvied up to $10 million this year, $5 million stall a stoplight to the intersection of Route 66 next, and the remaining $5 million in 2011-12. and John E. Horton Blvd., the entryway to the Sawyer said she’s fighting for ongoing fi- future Village Green district. nancial support for the STEAP grants. The other piece to the project, Clark ex- Decisions for STEAP funding, according to plained, is improvements to the intersection of Clark, are expected in the coming weeks. routes 66 and 85. Improvements include wid-

No Foul Play Suspected in Death of Woman in East Hampton by Michael McCoy East Hampton Police said this week foul Examiner in Farmington conducted an au- play is not suspected in the death of a local topsy on Monday, but the results were “in- woman, whose body was found late Sunday conclusive,” Reimondo said. At the moment, afternoon, police are calling it an untimely death, Police Chief Matthew Reimondo said Reimondo said. He said a toxicology report neighbors found Sue Ann Cummings, 46, ly- is due back in four to six weeks, and he was ing in the yard of her 43 Lake Dr. home. By hopeful it would provide some answers. the time the neighbors found Cummings, In the meantime, Reimondo said, “We’re Reimondo said, she was already dead. conducting interviews” to get a better under- Reimondo said her body showed no standing of the situation. Officer Jason wounds of any sort that would cause reason Wishart is leading the investigation, to suspect foul play. The state Chief Medical Reimondo said. Marlborough Finance Board Gets Look at Proposed Budget Siminski Presents by Adam Benson Stimulus-Free RHAM Budget The Board of Finance Wednesday got its first turns to the state next year, they’re going to be by Sarah McCoy look at a proposed 2009-10 budget that calls severely restricted,” Shea said. Superintendent of Schools Robert Siminski McQuillan, she expects the board to have the for a 6.6 percent tax hike – and also got an ear- Resident John Stimson was even more di- submitted another version of his proposed necessary information to do their job and make ful from several residents, who were not happy rect, calling the idea of a 6 percent tax rate in- 2009-10 budget to the RHAM Board of Edu- decisions about the budget. Budget workshops with the projected levy increase. crease “sacrilege” and “unconscionable.” cation (BOE) Monday – and this time, he are scheduled for March 18, 23, and 25, and “For people who have already lost their job “I know Marlborough is an affluent town, didn’t factor in any stimulus money. Griffiths said she is looking forward to dis- or facing a loss, the idea of additional taxes is but every big company in Connecticut is hav- Last fall, anticipating a trying budget sea- cussions at those meetings. “Once we have one that won’t be well-received,” resident Ri- ing layoffs, and you have to think sooner or later son, the BOE asked Siminski to develop three these missing pieces we can really get to work chard Shea said. “I hope the board will take the there are people in Marlborough who are go- budget proposals: one continuing the programs on the numbers presented to us,” she said. position of starting with the dollars that are ing to be affected,” he said. “It just seems like already offered by the school district, one at a Also Monday, board members heard final available and budget from there.” there’s always somewhere, somehow, we can slightly lower percentage of increase and a fi- formal presentations from department heads Last week, the Board of Selectmen sent to make things better, and I think it’s something nal with flat spending. Last week, Siminski before budget deliberations will get underway. the Board of Finance a $21.4 million budget we should look into.” presented these numbers to the board, though, On Monday they heard from Director of Spe- that represents a 3.5 percent increase in spend- Gaudinski asked Black whether pay freezes, in his zero-percent-increase proposal, he fac- cial Education Carl Gross, Technology De- ing over the current year’s budget. furloughs or other personnel reductions were tored in the $269,000 of federal stimulus partment chair Sarah Smith, and Michael While town leaders have so far been able to considered when town leaders were putting to- money the regional school district is expect- Ceresa, head of the Maintenance Department. avoid layoffs or cutting out core services, First gether their budget proposal. ing. The proposal came to $23.82 million. At Monday’s meeting, Holtsclasw ques- Selectman Bill Black said a severe drop in rev- Though the town employs about 25 people At a budget workshop last week, BOE tioned the 115 percent jump in district fund- enue combined with rising debt payments for full-time, any net savings would be lost since members asked Siminski to show them what ing to AHM Youth and Family Services for projects already completed or under construc- the municipality is self-funded, Black said. That a zero percent budget would look like with- two social workers. Siminski told the board tion has forced many of the costs to be passed means the town itself would be responsible for out the stimulus money. “The intent [last fall] that the school district currently pays 50 per- on to taxpayers. paying unemployment claims, unused sick was to see what a zero percent budget looked cent of the costs for these two employees, who “We built this budget knowing what our debt leave, personal days and vacation time. like and go from there,” school board mem- were stationed at the middle and high schools, load is and said ‘what if’ from there,” Black Still, Black said officials have found ways ber Danny Holtsclaw said at the time. “Two despite being employees of AHM. But, due told the Board of Finance. “We seriously con- to sidestep personnel costs over the past few hundred and sixty nine thousand dollars of to AHM’s budget problems the district has sidered layoffs.” years by keeping vacant several positions, in- stimulus money gives a whole different look been asked to fully fund both these positions Black said the town will have $310,000 less cluding a public works director, assistant build- to the budget.” in the 2009-10 budget. cash on hand in the upcoming fiscal year, along ing official and clerical positions in the offices Siminski was back on Monday with the re- Mal Leichter, a member of the Hebron with a 13.9 percent increase in its debt load, of assessor and treasurer. quested changes. Board of Finance, spoke as a member of the from $2.05 million last year to $2.34 million. On top of that, he said, the town has opted According to Siminski’s budget proposal, public on Monday night and urged the BOE While property owners have steadily peti- against summer hires in the Public Works de- getting to a zero percent budget increase – or to keep this funding for AHM. “For 25 years tioned town and school district leaders to craft partment. That translates to 30 weeks of help $23.55 million – would cost the school dis- they’ve been a one-stop shop. They’ve hit a zero-growth budgets, Black and the Board of for mowing and other grounds work. trict two Special Education teachers, two para- tough time with fundraising in the ditch,” Finance said that was an impossibility given “People have been saying, ‘I want my cul- professionals, one custodian, one math teacher Leichter said. “They are counseling our kids the financial health of the town. de-sac mowed every two weeks,’ and we haven’t and one science teacher. That’s in addition to at times of economic uncertainty. They have “If we all went to zero, we’d still have a 3.47 been doing it,” Black said. “That’s a big force a $56,000 reduction to the textbook line item, more needs now, not less.” percent tax increase, and that’s because of debt,” reduction right there, and it’s having an impact.” nearly $200,000 in instructional supplies, and Griffiths questioned how the deep reduc- Black said. Board of Finance vice chair Elizabeth Petroni $32,000 from the library budget. tion in instructional supplies would impact stu- The proposed $21.4 million budget includes defended the Board of Selectmen’s decision- “If I go to an absolute zero budget there dents. RHAM Middle School Principal $4.5 million for town government and $7.2 making process leading into the budget, but will be a direct impact on students,” Siminski Michael Seroussi said that the nearly $200,000 million for the local Board of Education. (The promised her body would look for greater sav- said after the meeting. “If I go to the reduced reduction would mean teachers wouldn’t be school board adopted its 2009-10 spending plan ings where they could before presenting a plan budget there will be an impact on students, able to conduct the lessons as they’re accus- last month.) Board of Finance chair Catherine to the public. just not as severe.” tomed to. RHAM High School Principal Scott Gaudinski said she anticipates Marlborough’s “I know there is a sentiment in the commu- Siminski told the BOE that he, along with Leslie highlighted the science department as share of the RHAM middle and high school nity by some people that we should be at zero the other superintendents across the state, have one area where students wouldn’t receive the budget to be roughly $7.1 million. (The RHAM or less than zero in this budget and looking back been invited to a meeting with state Commis- same amount of lab experience that prior budget is to be voted on at a tri-town referen- over the past three years, we certainly have been sioner of Education Mark McQuillan. Both classes had. dum in May; the RHAM schools serve Andover, very frugal or judicious,” she said. “I don’t think Siminski and BOE chair Susan Griffiths said The BOE will continue deliberations on Hebron and Marlborough.) there’s a lot of fat in this budget but I don’t they expect this meeting to provide some of Wednesday, March 18, at 6:30 p.m., in the cho- Several people took time at Wednesday’s want to go through here and cut pens and pa- the missing information regarding the stimu- rus room of RHAM High School, 85 Wall St., meeting to criticize state spending habits, but per, because there’s not a lot to cut from and I lus funding. “I hope to walk out with a clear Hebron. There will also be a regular meeting cautioned town leaders to take those missteps don’t want to spend money on the salaries and understanding of how the stimulus money can of the Board of Education on Monday, March into account when planning for Marlborough’s not have the materials for people to do their be used,” Siminski said. 16. That meeting is also at 6:30 p.m. in the future. jobs.” Griffiths said that, after the meeting with high school chorus room. “I think down the line when Marlborough

Colchester School Board Adopts $35.4 Million Budget by Adam Benson After weeks of deliberation in front of record line with the wishes of the community, as re- before voters with a mill increase of more than posed budget in late January, she’s been work- crowds and an unprecedented town hall forum, flected by the results of the Feb. 18 town and one, meaning further cuts could be on the way ing to forge partnerships with area agencies the Board of Education Wednesday night education budget survey. (See related story on as talks progress. and town departments in an effort to make sure adopted a proposed 2009-10 budget. page 13.) “We need to see where the numbers fall out,” athletic and counseling services exist for chil- Though the $35.4 million plan virtually mir- “What was not surprising but what we were Hettrick said. “We’re reluctant to make any dren that traditionally have been paid for by rors Superintendent of Schools Karen Loiselle’s pretty happy about is clearly academics was the other cuts with where we are right now.” her district. recommendations – including the district’s first number one priority for the community, and that In the sessions leading up to Wednesday, the “It’s the only way it’s going to work. No- round of layoffs in 17 years – board members really reinforces what Karen Loiselle is doing biggest outcry from the public was to keep body has enough resources anymore,” Loiselle restored funding to Bacon Academy’s golf and and where she went with her reductions,” he sports programs in place, as well as preserve a said. “I’m trying to spend most of my time do- indoor track program as well as William J. said. “I feel comfortable with this budget mov- full-time psychologist at Colchester Elemen- ing outreach so we don’t have to cut what’s near Johnston Middle School’s track team. ing forward to the community.” tary School. and dear to our hearts.” But gone are freshman sports and the middle Hettrick and town officials say there is still District administrators said scaling the psy- Before handing their plan over to town offi- school’s soccer and basketball programs. Board a lot more work to do before a final version of chologist position down to a part-time job cials, school board members made it clear they members squared that stance by noting the com- the budget gets presented to voters during May’s would save $43,753. Board members signed off weren’t willing sacrifice quality education for petitive recreational soccer and basketball Town Meeting, but Wednesday marked a ma- on the plan after Loiselle and Katherine economic savings. leagues that exist through the town’s Parks and jor first step. Shaughnessy, the district’s director of pupil “The first thing I want us as a board to reit- Recreation Department. The Board of Education is scheduled to meet services, endorsed it Wednesday. erate is that as much as we possibly could, the “They’re not going to go without playing with the Board of Finance next week for a work- Other cuts include reducing by half funding superintendent and board are looking at these sports, whereas if we cut track and golf, those shop, where both sides will get a better idea as for the Jack Jackter Intermediate School read- academic issues and making sure we aren’t los- are the end of the programs,” school board chair to whether more cuts will be needed. ing program, removing one bus from the ing them if we don’t add curriculum,” board Will Hettrick said. The district will pay just over As it stands, residents would be facing a mill district’s transportation contract, putting off member Michael Egan said. “We have to look $24,000 to keep the track and golf teams oper- levy increase of 1.2 mills, with .9 of that com- driveway repair work at Bacon Academy and at the core here.” ating, with the rest of the costs being covered ing from the school side, Board of Finance vice not buying any new library books. The school board mulled increasing its pay- through revenue brought in by Colchester’s pay- chair Ronald Goldstein said. Administrators have also made concessions to-play fees in an effort to keep more athletic to-play fees. “We don’t know what we’re going to do on with unions in a bid to save even more inter- programming, but opted against that after sur- Though the 3.4 percent overall budget in- the town side. We haven’t analyzed revenue as nally, and officials said Tuesday those negotia- vey respondents identified academic program- crease marks the district’s most modest annual carefully as we will,” Goldstein said. “There tions could be revived. Included in the proposed ming and classroom personnel ratios as higher percentage uptick since 1993, it includes the are a lot of questions to be answered, and the school budget is a pay cut of $1,000 for each priorities. elimination of 14 positions and holds down any biggest one is obviously related to the [federal] district administrator after an agreement be- “I think by making sports less than one per- expansion of academic programming and cur- stimulus money and it gets to be spent.” tween the union and budget planners. cent of our entire budget, we’ve met that man- riculum projects. Hettrick and other school board members Loiselle said that since first pitching her pro- date,” school board member Tim Lamp said. Still, Hettrick said the budget is “totally” in have said repeatedly they won’t bring a budget Proposed Library Cuts Discussed at Portland Budget Hearing by Michael McCoy Despite calling for layoffs of six town em- for pensions. All told, Bransfield said she ex- do not have it or perhaps cannot continue to Bransfield said that all town unions (not in- ployees and a 3 percent tax hike, only four pects total revenue to drop $549,000 for fiscal afford it in this economy. cluding those from the BOE budget), as well people spoke about the proposed 2009-10 town year 2009-10. Young said the library currently has six full- as non-union directors have approached her budget at a public hearing held Tuesday night Bransfield noted her application of $200,000 time and six part-time employees, and converted about doing what they can. However, other than – and all four expressed concern over the from the town’s $2.58 million unreserved fund this to 363 staff hours per week. She said the police union deferring their raise, nothing proposal’s impact on the town library. balance. “I typically do not do that at this point,” Bransfield’s proposed cuts would subtract 103 has yet been decided. First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield pre- she said, but added, “I believe this is a rainy staff hours from the library, or 28.4 percent. She Library employee Lauren Coleman said, “We sented the proposed $29.32 million spending day.” deduced that if the same percentage were then really work with everyone,” and called the li- plan, a $481,146 increase, or 1.67 percent, over Bransfield also spoke briefly about upcom- applied to the library’s operating hours, those brary an “integral part of the education of the the current year’s budget. (Bransfield first sub- ing “major grant initiatives,” such as the immi- would be cut from 52 per week to 37 per week. children in the community.” She said library mitted her budget proposal to the Board of Se- nent Main Street improvements, the proposed “Will we be open when it’s convenient for staff knows what books the kids like, what grade lectmen last week.) boat launch and Portland Town Place, the long- you?” she asked the audience. they are in and what reading level they are at, The $29.32 million budget proposal includes awaited Elmcrest property project that Young also told the audience that many meet- making it easier for them to recommend ap- $11.36 million for general government, a .75 Bransfield called “the biggest project to come ings are also held in the library and that the propriate material. percent increase from current spending, and a to the town in a long time.” proposed cuts would affect everyone “from the Resident Stephanie Miller noted her affinity $17.96 million Board of Education budget, a Bransfield also mentioned the town’s request smallest child to the oldest adult.” for the library, and wondered why two police .92 percent increase over the current year. (The for $1.86 million worth of federal stimulus Finally, Young noted that book purchases cars needed to be replaced. (Bransfield had school board actually adopted an $18.24 mil- money concerning “shovel-ready” projects, in- have been cut from $46,000 in 2008-09 to noted earlier that she was allowing for two of lion budget in January; Bransfield trimmed cluding the Brownstone Avenue extension and $16,000 in the proposed 2009-10 plan, and the the four cruisers with more than 100,000 miles $275,000 from that request when she prepared an upgrade to the front of the public library. compact discs and videos line item has been on the odometer to be replaced.) her budget. The school board has yet to address Speaking of the library, all four people who reduced from $4,455 to nothing. “A lot of people have cars that, if they’re those mandated reductions.) spoke at Tuesday’s hearing specifically ad- Friends of the Library President Stephanie well-maintained, go over 100,000 miles,” she The budget anticipates a 27.82 mill rate, an dressed it, which was hit with major cuts in Tatro also advocated against the library cuts, said. Miller suggested perhaps replacing only increase of .83 mills from the current rate. This Bransfield’s proposed spending plan. (Of the saying, “In a time of fiscal meltdown…the li- one car in the 2009-10 year. translates to a tax increase of 3.08 percent. six layoffs included in the budget, the library braries are used more, not less.” Bransfield said after the hearing that she was At her presentation Tuesday night, Bransfield accounts for four: one fulltime and three part- Tatro said the the opportunities the library not particularly surprised over the fairly low said she is primarily trying to “maintain core time employees.) Three of those speakers are provides for children give “safe harbor” to those public turnout. services” but still “minimize taxes.” directly involved with the library. whose parents are at work. She also said that “Maybe they’re still digesting it,” she pon- Bransfield touched on some budget high- Young pointed out the sea of red in the audi- “for kids who can’t afford to go see a movie,” tificated of the public at large. Speaking with lights, which included a 43 percent bump in ence, as library board members and staff, as the library has plenty of free movies to check a hopeful tone she said, “I think people will workers’ compensation, a 6.59 percent hike in well as members of the Friends of the Library, out. In general, she said the library “makes our maybe come to our workshops.” medical insurance, a 33.2 percent increase for had come to the hearing dressed in red. “These lives a little easier to bear when we know the Those workshops begin Tuesday and run pensions, and a 6.25 percent drop in debt ser- shirts are being worn to show solidarity,” Young economy stinks out there.” through Wednesday, April 1, at the library’s vice. (The last item is a function of the town said. “I wish that our selectmen could have all Tatro also alluded to Bransfield’s mention Mary Flood Room. (The workshop concern- getting closer to the year 2025, when the school seen this.” (Not all of the town’s seven-mem- of improvements to the front of the library, and ing the library is scheduled for March 31.) The will pay off the school renovation project from ber Board of Selectmen were present at said, “Why are we going to do that if that Board of Selectmen is to adopt a budget by earlier this decade; as that final payoff date Tuesday’s hearing.) building’s not open?” April 8, and a referendum will follow Mon- draws closer, the individual payments the town Young added, “The library budget has been Suggesting that perhaps the burden be dis- day, May 11. has to make get smaller and smaller.) decimated more than any other budget I’ve tributed more evenly, Tatro proposed that all The proposed budget is currently available “Investment income is just not there,” seen” during Bransfield’s presentation. town employees who are not contractually ob- at www.portlandct.org. It may also be viewed Bransfield said, addressing a drop in revenue, Among the opportunities the library affords, ligated to do otherwise forego raises or take pay in Bransfield’s or the town clerk’s offices at as well as the extra money that must be paid Young said it offers Internet access to those who cuts to offset the budget constraints. Town Hall, 33 East Main St.

Survey Results Offer Glimpse Ice-related Pileup Shuts Down of Colchester Residents’ Wishes Arrigoni Bridge in Portland by Adam Benson percent would back the idea even if it meant by Michael McCoy Nearly half of Colchester residents who par- raising taxes. The Arrigoni Bridge is never a picnic to ones, police said. However, his neck and back ticipated in a recent survey told the town they Board of Finance members said the data cross during rush hour, but on Tuesday morn- pain was enough to be taken to Hartford Hos- don’t want to see an increase to their tax rate gathered through the survey will be a major ing, that passage became dreadful as a three- pital via ambulance, police said. The Hyundai but want the town to maintain services, while force in budget talks, and the results already car accident closed the bridge down for about suffered rear-end damage, while the other ve- a third of the survey respondents said they got their first real test earlier this week. 80 minutes. hicles sustained front-end damage, police weren’t willing to see the town borrow money On Tuesday, the Board of Education According to a press release from Portland said. Given the age of the Audi, Portland Po- to rehabilitate the Bacon Academy track. adopted a $35.4 million budget proposal, and Police, Jesse Allen, 31, of Middletown was lice Sgt. Scott Cunningham guessed that it More than 630 people participated in the used the findings from the survey to help guide traveling eastbound on the bridge March 10, could very well have been totaled. survey, which was held from Feb. 18-March the process. For example, 63 percent of people when, at around 7 a.m., he hit an icy patch. Traffic was detoured away from the bridge 2, and the results were posted on the town identified academic programs as the highest Allen, who was on the bridge’s Portland side, until 8:20 a.m., Cunningham said. During that website (www.colchesterct.gov) last Friday, priority, followed by class size, instructional lost control of his 2002 Hyundai Elantra as time, drivers heading to Middletown had to March 6. supplies, teacher training and the purchase of he was rounding the curve in the bridge, po- use the Putnam Bridge. As for drivers already In addition to giving residents a chance to computers. lice said. on the bridge at the time of the collision, speak out about how officials should spend tax Preserving sports programs at the high The ice spun Allen about 180 degrees, and Cunningham said police “snaked them dollars in some of the most challenging eco- school and middle school were ranked ninth forced him into the westbound lane, where around” the accident, allowing them to clear nomic times to hit the municipality in decades, and tenth respectively. The board voted to re- he struck the 1996 Audi A4 being driven by off the bridge. the survey information is being used by town store $24,000 to their budget to keep track and Michael Humphreys, 23, of Rocky Hill, po- Given the road conditions, no charges were and school district leaders to help craft spend- golf programs alive at the schools, but lice said. filed against any party, Cunningham said. ing plans most in line with the desires of the wouldn’t go any further than that, killing fresh- Humphreys spun clockwise and struck a Immediately following the accident, the public. man sports and middle school soccer and bas- westbound traveling 2004 Jeep Grand Chero- state Department of Transportation salted and Overall, nearly five percent of Colchester’s ketball. kee, driven by Arthur Rodgers, 38, of East sanded the road, something they were en route population participated in the survey. Survey “It looks like we’ve adhered to the Hampton, police said. Ambulance and fire per- to do when the accident happened. In another conductors received almost 700 written com- community’s wishes,” school board member sonnel responded to the scene, as did Port- oddly-timed twist, Cunningham said a ments ranging from planning advice and praise Michael Egan said at Tuesday’s meeting. “The land Police Officers Eric Grant and James Middletown police unit had been dispatched for community events to harsh criticism about money is where it’s supposed to be.” Capello. to the bridge just minutes before the accident, upkeep of the Colchester Senior Citizens Cen- Meanwhile, the Board of Finance is hud- Only Allen suffered injuries, albeit minor to check on road conditions. ter and complaints about the lack of night life dling with department heads across the town in town. as they work to craft a municipal budget that In addition to presenting town leaders with officials say will likely include staff reductions insight into local issues on taxpayers’ minds, a sharp decrease in discretionary spending. the survey also provided a wider glimpse about That’s also in line with the survey’s results, residents’ concerns with the economy as a which found residents want services maintained whole. More than 40 percent of respondents across the board. More than a third of partici- said they were worried “a great deal” about pants said they expected to see a two to three- having enough money for retirement, though percent decrease to the tax rate, though 34.1 51 percent of people – 318 out of 624 – said percent of people said they could support an they weren’t worried about losing their home. increase of between a half to one percent. Closer to home, 56 percent of participants Full results of the survey including all writ- said they’d support borrowing money for the ten responses can be found online at purchase of a new fire truck, though only 24.8 www.colchesterct.gov. Police Commission, Selectmen Still Appear at Odds in Colchester by Adam Benson The rift between Colchester’s Police Com- police union to his colleagues – agreed. mission and Board of Selectmen appears to be “There’s still enough experience on the com- widening. mission to move forward, but what’s important Two members of the police commission is to talk and resolve all issues and move for- abruptly resigned last Thursday, March 5, on ward with that as a united body, and I think the heels of a decision by selectmen earlier this that’s something we’re going to have to work month to remove Jim Stavola from the com- on,” Otfinoski said. mission. Stavola has said he plans to appeal that Prior to their decision, selectmen heard from vote, and is awaiting a status hearing before several members of the public who said they the Board of Selectmen. First Selectman Linda were concerned with the communication gaps Hodge said she plans to set a date for that some- between the sides – particularly in light of the time in the next 10 days. circumstances surrounding Stavola’s dismissal. In their letters submitted last week to the Stavola was let go after he drafted a state- Board of Selectmen, neither John Jones nor ment, purportedly on behalf of the entire Po- Arthur Standish gave specific reasons behind lice Commission, expressing disappointment in their decisions to step down. Police Commis- the Ethics Commission’s handling of the alle- sion chair William Otfinoski said earlier this gations against Otfinoski. week that one of the men has reconsidered and Hodge said Stavola’s statement was released will resume his responsibilities at the before she had a chance to vet it – a violation commission’s next meeting. of the town’s charter. Otfinoski declined to identify who returned, That charter policy didn’t sit well with deferring further comment to Hodge. Hodge Colchester resident and veteran building com- said Thursday she was able to speak with Jones mittee member Dave Dander. Obituaries on following last week’s selectmen’s meeting, and “You know better than most that getting vol- got him to re-commit to the commission. She unteers to serve on boards and commissions is Following Page said she hasn’t yet been able to reach out to difficult,” Dander told the selectmen, “and I Standish and plans to do so next week. would hate to see a controversy that may or Getting at least one of the two men back on may not have personalities involved result in board was essential, because without them the people, who are happy to volunteer in the town panel would not have had enough members for and do their civic duty, to shy away from that a quorum, and selectmen would have taken on for what looks like micromanagement.” the body’s duties until new members were ap- Tim Edwards, president of the Colchester pointed. police union and a staunch supporter of Stavola, Hodge said Jones’ resignation came about also had sharp words for the selectmen. as a result of internal tensions within the board “If there is a problem with the statement that that made it difficult for the commission to func- he released, the Board of Selectmen should have tion. a problem with the entire commission,” “One of the things he said was that he was Edwards said. “As police officers, the founda- so concerned that the commission was em- tion of our careers is based upon honesty and broiled in interal issues they weren’t able to get integrity, and we do everything we can for this any work done,” Hodge said. “I believe it was town. It’s very disheartening to learn the Board building and it just became ‘enough is enough.’” of Selectmen wants to punish a commissioner At their meeting last week, selectmen de- who spoke the truth.” clined to accept the pair of resignations until Hodge said town officials are anxious to Hodge had a chance to speak personally with work through the dissent and get the police the men. commission functioning the way it was in- “I think we need to sit down with them and tended to. get this all on the table and see if it can’t be “It always concerns me if I have a group that resolved,” selectman Greg Cordova said. “It’s can’t get work done. I’m confident we’ll work just too crazy right now.” through the process,” Hodge said. “It’s not a Police Commission Chairman William choice. We have to make it work. It’s impera- Otfinoski – recently cleared by the town’s Eth- tive and in the best interest of the town that we ics Commission of allegations he misrepre- get it working again.” sented contract talks between himself and the Obituaries Marlborough Colchester East Hampton East Hampton Victoria Campbell Clarence Hermann Sr. Filomena Castronovo Faith E. Korpinen In Branford, Wednesday, March 4, Victoria Clarence Herbert Hermann Sr., 73, of Filomena Castronovo Faith E. (Law) Korpinen, 74, of East Hamp- Russo (Ross) Campbell, 97, formerly of North Colchester and formerly of Haddam, husband of (May 5, 1937-March 4, ton, beloved wife of Robert Korpinen, died Mon- Branford, entered into rest after a long illness. the late Shirley Herman, died Tuesday, March 10, 2009), of East Hampton, day, March 9, at her home. Born June 17, 1934, She was the daughter of the late Alfonso and at Chestelm Health and Rehabilitation in Moodus. left to be with her in East Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Hortensia Longobucco Russo and wife of the late Born March 24, 1935 in New Britain, he was the mother Fanny, and Roy and Laura (Greene) Law. Faith had worked Robert J. Campbell. son of the late Herbert and Helen (Anderson) brothers Johnny and at Bevin Bros. Manufacturing in East Hampton Her son, Robert E. Campbell of Clinton, a Hermann. Danny after a Don before her retirement. daughter Dianne M. Marlowe of North Branford, He had served his country in the United States Quixote-like battle with Besides her husband, she is survived by a son, her grandchildren Paul Colburn of Marlborough, Air Force retiring after 20 years of service. He pancreatic cancer. Glenn Korpinen of Middletown; two daughters, Victoria Lewis of Simsbury, Ward Colburn of was also retired from Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. Through it all “Phil” Irene Denski and her husband Daniel of Branford, David Phelan of Branford, Craig Phelan He was a member of the Moodus American Le- kept up her sense of hu- Terryville, and Louise Barber and her husband of Palm Bay, Florida, and 10 great-grandchildren gion Post and the Moodus V.F.W. Post. mor and refused to hear Robert of East Hampton; three brothers, Frank, and many nieces and nephews survive Mrs. He is survived by his three sons, Clarence any negative talk or let David and Ernest; five sisters, Mildred, Florence, Campbell. Two daughters, Joan O’Brien and Nancy Hermann Jr. of Colchester, Michael Hermann of anybody tell her she had an expiration date. No Beverly, Arline, and Anne; six grandchildren, Campbell, a great-grandson, Christopher Colburn Pawcatuck, Charles Hermann of Haddam; a doom or gloom allowed. Diane, Dan, Sara, Benjamin, Jessica and Natalie; and 21 brothers and sisters predeceased her. daughter, Barbara Lack and her husband William Filomena is survived by her husband, Giacomo and three great-grandchildren, Kyle, Catalina and A memorial Mass for family and friends will of Salem; two brothers, Walter Hermann and Castronovo Sr., whom she loved and was devoted Isabella. be celebrated at Trinity Episcopal Church on the Ronald Hermann; a sister, Ruth Stoker, and three to for over 50 years; also her son (and sometimes She was predeceased by her son Frederick and Green in Branford on Saturday, March 14, at granddaughters, Crystal, Breanna and Amanda. vicious Scrabble opponent), Jack Jr., her son her granddaughter Makayla. 10:30 a.m. Private interment in Montowese Cem- Friends called at the Spencer Funeral Home, Nicholas of Florida, and her most amazing son- Funeral services were held Thursday, March etery, North Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations 112 Main St., East Hampton, Thursday, March in-law on the planet (her words), Kevin Ander- 12, in the Spencer Funeral Home, 112 Main St., in memory of Mrs. Campbell may be sent to 12. A graveside service will be held at the conve- son. She is also survived by her biological daugh- East Hampton, with the Rev. Thomas Kennedy Memorial & Gift Fund, C/O Trinity Episcopal nience of the family in the family plot in Tylerville ter Annmarie, and her favorite daughter (and foot officiating. Burial will be in the family plot in Church, 1109 Main St., Branford, CT 06405 or Cemetery in Haddam. rubber) Karen Karavolis Gerolami. She will miss Lakeview Cemetery. Friends called at the funeral to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may her grandchildren more than anyone (except for home Thursday before the time of the service. Branford, CT 06405. be made to the American Cancer Society Franklin maybe her dog Mya), Danielle, Vincent, Anthony In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may Commons, 106 Route 32, Franklin, CT 06254- and Alicia, all of whom contributed to her care be made to the Makayla C. Korpinen Class of 1800. over the past year. 2004 Memorial Scholarship, c/o East Hampton East Hampton To leave online condolences, visit The family would like to thank neighbors, and High School, 15 North Maple St., East Hamp- Sue Ann Cummings www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com. supportive friends like Val Greco who were there ton, CT 06424. Sue Ann Cummings, 46, of East Hampton, died without being asked, and were there as soon as To leave online condolences, visit unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, March 8. Colchester they were asked. We would also like to mention www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com. Born Feb. 3, 1963, in Barre, VT, she was the the care given to our mother by the staff of Co- daughter of Dianne Amidon and the late Richard Hazel H. Ulrich balt Lodge, and the nurses of Middlesex Hospice, Portland Cummings. She had lived in East Hampton for Hazel H.Ulrich, 90, formerly of Lititz, PA, Eva, Melinda, Mary, etc… thank you. most of her life, where she was loved by every- passed away Thursday, March 5, at the Liberty The following was printed years ago in a Peter Dubiel one. Despite her blindness she saw the best in Special Care Center in Colchester. She was mar- Mother’s Day Special issue of a local paper and Peter Dubiel, 96, of Portland, died peacefully everyone. ried for 40 years to Leon R. Ulrich, 13 years to C. sums up what Mom was all about: on Thursday, March 5, after a long and happy Besides her mother, she is survived by her Ray Tomb, and three years to Ralph R. Ulrich. There are children in the world who do not have life. He was the beloved husband of Anna, who daughter, Kelly James of Haddam and her son, Born in Cumberland County, PA on May 21, the easiest childhoods. You were one of them. predeceased him in 2000. Frank was a resident Bradford Bartels of East Hampton; longtime com- 1918, she was the daughter of the late Elmer W. Fortunately for us, your outlook was “My chil- of East Hampton for many years until he moved panion and love, William Mott; a brother, Rich- and Esther (Kreider) Hutchinson. She was a dren will have better.” You were wrong, we had to Portland to be with his daughter’s family. He ard Cummings; three sisters, Dianne Cronin, graduate of Elizabethtown College Class of 1940. the best! Even though we are adults now with retired from Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Co. after a Laurie Ely and Ceadra Dawson; three grandchil- She was a retired teacher from Ephrata Area children of our own, you are always there for career that spanned over 35 years. dren, Michael Felgate, Malachi James and School District in Clay Township, having taught us. When times were tough for us, you took us Frank leaves his son, Gerald Dubiel of Montana; Annabelle James; many aunts, uncles and close 36½ years, experiencing the transition from teach- in. You watched over our children, went to his daughter, Carol Buckman of Portland; his be- friends. ing in a one-room school (Sunnyside) to teach- work, cooked, cleaned and still loved. When loved grandchildren, Amy Meckensturm, Heath She was predeceased by her brother, Bradford ing third grade in a consolidated school (Clay) we were back on our feet and able to move out, Ostergren, Garth Ostergren, Barbara Laria, and Cummings and a niece, Kristin Cronin. where she taught for 23 years. She was a lifetime and another one of your children hit on hard Stephanie Thongsythavong and her husband Jack; Sue Ann was a deeply devoted mother and member of both the Pennsylvania and Lancaster times, you took him and his two small boys in and his five great-grandchildren who were the love grandmother with that same love for all the chil- Co. Education Associations. without any thought for yourself. As children of his live and always lit up when they saw him. dren she knew. She loved to cook for everyone Hazel was a faithful member of Brickerville and adults, we were denied nothing. Your Frank was a devoted husband, father, grandfa- and was famous for her chicken soup. She was United Lutheran Church and served in many lead- grandchildren are denied nothing. Christmas, ther and great-grandfather who will be remem- always there to help friends and family whenever ership capacities including Council President, Easter and birthdays were and are filled with bered for his passion for history, music, and read- they needed her. She may have been small but president of the Women’s Group and as adult presents, food, laughter, food, love and more ing. The family wishes to extend its appreciation she had a very big heart. Sunday school teacher. Using her sewing and food. So on this Mother’s Day, I would just for the wonderful care given to him by the Port- Funeral services will be held today, Friday, quilting gifts, she made church banners for each like to say thanks for the emotional and finan- land Care and Rehabilitation Center, especially March 13, at 11 a.m. in the Spencer Funeral season of the liturgical year. She was a charter cial support you have shown all of us the past Estrelda and Abe. Home, 112 Main St., East Hampton. Burial will member, first president and long-time secretary 35 years. Relatives and friends attended a Memorial be in Lakeview Cemetery. Friends were to call at of the Baron Stiegel Lioness Club, as well as re- — Nicky, Annmarie and Junior Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home Friday morning from 9 a.m. until ceiving the Melvin Jones Award for her leader- A Memorial Celebration will be held in the the Church of Saint Mary, Portland. There are no the time of the service. ship and service. She was also a long-time mem- spring. In lieu of flowers please give to the char- calling hours. Arrangements are under the direc- To leave online condolences, visit ber, and past president of the Society of Farm ity of your choice. The Spencer Funeral Home, tion of the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com. Women No. 1. 112 Main St., East Hampton, has care of the ar- Main St., Portland. As a member of the Lancaster Toastmasters rangements. To leave online condolences, visit In lieu of flowers, gifts in Frank’s memory may be Speakers Bureau for 25 years, she gave many pro- www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com. sent to Amazing Grace Pantry, c/o St. Vincent DePaul Colchester grams to community organizations, telling about Place, P.O. Box 398, Middletown, CT 06457. Violet Caron her “Friendship with a Navaho Family” which For directions or to leave an online expression Violet (Bryant) Caron, 88, of Colchester, began in 1963 on their reservation in New Mexico, East Hampton of sympathy, visit www.portlandmemorialfh.net. widow of Francis W. Caron, passed away Sun- and continued with a visit every two or three years. Helen Elizabeth Callahan day, March 8, at Middlesex Hospital. She was A hobby developed of collecting Indian art, which Helen Elizabeth (Schneider) Callahan, 86, Marlborough born in Proctor, NC, the daughter of John and she displayed in her talks. She was a member of widow of the late John “Jack” Callahan, died Mary (Curtis) Bryant. the Good Samaritan Camping Club, PA Chapter Thursday, March 5, at Middlesex Hospital. Born Elizabeth A. Jensen She leaves behind a son, John Caron and wife No. 2. In her motor home, she traveled in all 50 Nov. 29, 1922, in Bismarck, ND, she was the Elizabeth (Betty) A. Jensen, 78, of Angela of Virginia; a daughter, Ronda Camilleri states, taking slides which she showed as pro- daughter of the late Benedict B. and Martha Marlborough, formerly of Groton, entered into and husband Tony of Colchester; a daughter-in- grams to various groups. (Kurtz) Schneider. Helen and her late husband eternal peace Wednesday, March 4, at Middlesex law, Linda Caron of Georgia; nine beloved grand- She is survived by her sister, Roberta Ostar Jack had been residents of East Hampton since Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving children; and seven great-grandchildren. She also (Allan) of Tinton Falls, NJ; children, Rev. Dr. 1946. Helen was a communicant of St. Patrick family. The daughter of the late Jerry and Lee leaves many nieces and nephews and a host of Linda U. Barnes of Colchester, Wilmot E. Ulrich Church in East Hampton. (McCormick) Kononchik, Betty was born Feb 9, friends. of Largo, FL; step-children, Barbara Cochenour She is survived by her three sons, Michael 1931, in New London. She lived her entire life in She was predeceased by a son, Paul Caron. (Marland), Barry Deim (Vicki), Jerry Ulrich Callahan and his wife Patricia McNamee of East Groton, before moving to Middletown, and then A funeral service will be held today, Friday, (Ruth) and Steve Ulrich, all of Ephrata; four Haddam, Robert and Carolee Callahan of Old Marlborough, about six years ago. She will al- March 13, at 1 p.m. at the Rose Hill Funeral grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; four step- Bridge, NJ, Richard and LeeAnn Callahan of ways be remembered for her enthusiastic person- Home, 580 Elm St., Rocky Hill. Burial will be in grandchildren, 10 step-great-grandchildren. Colchester; a daughter Patricia and William Law ality, and enjoying life and friends. Rose Hill Memorial Park. There are no calling Relatives and friends attended Hazel’s Life of Tallahassee, FL; a brother Robert and Diane Betty leaves behind her daughter, Rita Jensen hours. Celebration from the Brickerville United Lutheran Schneider of California; 10 grandchildren; and of East Hampton, her brother, Jere Kononchik and In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Church, 340 E. 28th Division Hwy., Lititz, PA two great-grandchildren. his wife Shirley of Groton, her sister, Beverly Marlborough Health Care Center, 85 Stage Har- on Tuesday, March 10, with the Rev. Clifford R. She was predeceased by two sisters, Shirley Haley and her husband Les of Mystic, as well as bor Rd., Marlborough, CT 06447. Hanus officiating. Interment in St. John’s Cairns and Margaret Buck. nieces and nephews. Lutheran Cemetery. Viewing was at Spacht Fu- A funeral liturgy will be celebrated Saturday, Calling hours were held Sunday, March 8, at neral Home, 127 S. Broad St., Lititz, PA, on March 14, at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick Church in East Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Monday, March 9 and on Tuesday at the church Hampton. Burial will be private at the convenience Groton, CT 06340. A Mass of Celebration was before the service. of the family. Friends may call at the Spencer held Monday, March 9, at St. Mary Mother of Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions Funeral Home, 112 Main St., East Hampton to- the Redeemer, 69 Groton Long Point Rd., Groton, may be made to Brickerville United Lutheran day, Friday, March 13, from 6-8 p.m. CT. Interment at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic Church at the address above or to the Landis Val- In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may followed. ley Museum, 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster, PA be made to Middlesex Hospice Palliative Care 55 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may 17601. www.lifecelbration.com Crescent St. Middletown, CT 06457. be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Con- To leave online condolences, visit necticut Chapter, 279 New Britain Road, Suite 5, www.spencerfuneralhome inc.com. Kensington, CT 06037-3165 or Middlesex Hos- pital Hospice and Palliative Care, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457. Her daughter would like to thank the nurses and staff of Marlborough Health Care Center for their constant care and love they provided during the last years of her mom’s life, as well as the nurses and staff of Middlesex Hospital Hospice and Palliative Care, for their compassion and care to mom and the family during her final days. Portland Colchester East Hampton William P. Pozzetti Benediktas Dapkus Barbara W. Briggs William P. Pozzetti of Portland died Monday, Benediktas Dapkus, 92, of Colchester, beloved Barbara (White) Briggs, 78, formerly of March 9, at Middlesex Hospital. He was the hus- husband of Zita (Petravicius) Dapkus, died Fri- Middletown and South Glastonbury, died peace- band of Violet Panelli Pozzetti. Born in Portland day, March 6, at Middlesex Memorial Hospital. fully Monday, March 9, at Arden Courts of on April 5, 1928, the son of the late Lodovico He was born in Mirantiskiai, Sereclzius, Farmington, where she had lived while bravely and Annunziata Barillari Pozzetti, he was a resi- Lithuania, son of the late Kazimieras and Barbora battling Alzheimer’s disease. Barbara was born dent of Portland his entire life. Dapkus. in Middletown on Nov. 19, 1930, to the late Doris He attended Portland schools and was a vet- Prior to his retirement, Benediktas worked as (Jones) and Charles E. White. eran of the U.S. Navy. After his service in the a tool design engineer at Pratt & Whitney Air- She earned her nursing degree at Hartford Navy, he was employed at Chevron Oil Company craft from 1959-73. He previously worked from Hospital in 1950. Barbara married her high school until his retirement. He also served as Treasurer 1957-59 at Combustion Engineering as a senior sweetheart, William F. Briggs Jr., in 1952. Her and Agent of Town Deposit from 1967-1981, draftsman and earlier for Van Norman Company, greatest pleasures came from her four children Board of Selectmen from 1989-1991, Economic Springfield, MA, from 1952-1955. He also and 10 grandchildren. Barbara especially enjoyed Development Commission from 1991-1995, Long worked for Grosite Industries, Farmington. family gatherings at her cottage on Lake Range Planning from 1991-2005, Sewer Author- He graduated from Kaunas University in Pocotopaug in East Hampton. Her favorite pas- ity, and Democratic Town Committee for the Lithuania 1931-37 and Stuttgart Technical Uni- times included traveling, photography, gardening Town of Portland. After his retirement he was versity of Higher Studies, 1947-49 in Germany. and arranging flowers. employed by Peterson Oil Company until his He also received a certificate from the Red Cross She was an active member of The Congrega- death. He was a parishioner of Saint Mary’s as an accomplished dental technician. He attended tional Church in South Glastonbury. Barbara Church of Portland. the Lithuanian Military Academy from 1937-40, managed the Glastonbury Thrift Shop and vol- Besides his wife, he is survived by his daugh- where he served as a 2nd Lt. and later a 1st Lt. in unteered at the Village for Families and Children ter, Lisa Burr and her husband Stanley of the 6th Infantry Company. He was a graduate of in Hartford for numerous years. She was also an Higganum; son, Paul and his wife Debbie of Port- Hyller College (University of Hartford) with a BS exceptional auctioneer at their annual fundraiser. land; son, Peter of Cupertino, CA; and Pop’s lov- degree in mechanical engineering. He also at- Barbara was involved in the Girl Scouts most of ing grandchildren, Jeffrey and Carrye Burr of tended the Chicago Technical College 1951-52. her life as a scout leader and as an active member Higganum, Samantha Burr of Higganum, Patrick He was a longtime communicant of Holy Trin- of the Hartford Council. and Natalie Pozzetti of Portland, and Anthony ity Church, a member and Past President of She leaves behind her husband of 57 years, Pozzetti of Cupertino, CA. He is also survived Knights of Lithuania Veterans Assoc. He was an William F. Briggs, Jr., her beloved sister, Marilyn by his brother, Anthony Pozzetti. active member who spent considerable time and W. Baillargeon, her brother–in-law, Robert H. He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Todd of energy helping the Lithuanian Community and Briggs of Madison; her children, Cynthia and son- Somers, and a brother, James Pozzetti of Port- was a very patriotic American who loved the in-law, Jeffrey Thierfeld of Portland, Cathleen and land. United States. son-in-law, John Glynn of Marlborough, Carolyn His family will receive relatives and friends in He is survived by his son, Rimvydas “Ray” and son-in-law, David Aubin of Hebron, and Wil- the Portland memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main Dapkus of Colchester, his daughter, Laima liam F. Briggs III of Middletown. She will also St., Portland, today, Friday, March 13, from 4-7 Kristina Dapkus of Carrolton, TX, his sister, Broni be missed by her 10 grandchildren: Kelly, Mor- p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Firaviciene and her daughter Dalia of Lithuania gan, Amy, William, Charles, Brittany, Nicholas, Saturday, March 14, at 11 a.m. at the Church of and other extended Dapkus family members in Kayla, Corey and Parker and many nieces and Saint Mary. Interment will be private. Lithuania, his sister-in-law, Regina Pilvelis of nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may West Hartford and her sons, Algirdas and Besides her parents, Barbara was predeceased be made to St. Mary’s Church, 51 Freestone Av- Raymond. by her son, Charles “Chipper” William Briggs. enue, Portland, CT 06480 or the Portland Volun- He was a wonderful, compassionate, humble The family would like to thank all of the lov- teer Fire Department, P.O. Box 71, Portland, CT man with a heart of gold and never showed any ing staff at Arden Courts of Farmington who pas- 06480. animosity toward anyone. Friends called Wednes- sionately cared for her. For directions, or to leave an online expression day, March 11, prior to the funeral, at the Dillon- A memorial service will be held at The Con- of sympathy, visit www.portlandmemorial.net. Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke. gregational Church, 16 High St., South Wethersfield, Wednesday. The funeral was also Glastonbury, on Saturday, March 21, at 10 a.m. Portland Wednesday, March 11, from The Dillon-Baxter Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Pine Grove Cemetery in Middletown. Emanuel Sbona Burial 10:30 a.m. in Holy Trinity Church, 53 There will be no calling hours and in lieu of Emanuel “Manny” Sbona, 70, beloved husband Capitol Ave. Hartford. Burial in Mt. St. Benedict flowers, donations may be made in her honor to of Nancy Darrow Sbona, of Perry Avenue, Port- Cemetery, Bloomfield. the Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter, 279 land, died Thursday, March 5, at Middlesex Hos- Contributions in his memory may be made to: New Britain Road, Suite 5, Kensington, CT 06037 pital. Born in Middletown Oct. 14, 1938, the son The American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Ave. or Village for Families and Children, 1680 Al- of the late Michael and Concetta DiMauro Sbona, Meriden, CT 06450. bany Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105. he was a lifelong area resident. Manny had been To share a memory with the family, visit Messages of condolence may be sent to the a foreman for the Durham Manufacturing Co., www.dillonbaxter.com. family at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com. The for many years until his retirement in 2003. Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, He was a veteran of the Vietnam War having Middletown is handling the arrangements. served in the U.S. Army, 809th Engineering Bat- talion (Const) and had helped build the Freedom Highway in Thailand in 1962-63. Manny loved fishing and was an avid Red Sox fan. He also enjoyed the New England Patriots and NASCAR. He was a parishioner of the Church of Saint Mary. Besides his wife Nancy, he is survived by his daughter, Cherie Bolton and her husband Gre- gory of Middle Haddam; his son, Jeffrey Sbona and his wife Lori of Durham; his grandchildren, Samuel and Allyson Bolton and Michael and Eric Sbona; his sister, Carmelina King and her hus- band Walter of Portland; and several nieces and nephews. His family received relatives and friends in the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland, Sunday, March 8. Funeral services were held Monday, March 9, from the Portland Me- morial Funeral Home and then at the Church of Saint Mary for a Mass of Christian Burial. Inter- ment, with military honors, will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Oncology Group, 536 Saybrook Rd, Middletown, CT 06457. For directions, or to leave an online expression of sympathy, visit www.portlandmemorialfh.net.