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

Volume 32, Number 22 Published by The Glastonbury Citizen August 10, 2007

Clockwise from top left, Eric Heath, Jon Coates, Chris Bowes, and Grayson Minney make up the band Columbia Fields. The group will play at the Hebron Harvest Fair next month and is one of four finalists in the Mohegan Sun Battle of the Bands competition. Local Band Performs Next Month at Hebron Fair by Sarah McCoy Columbia Fields, a band that features they began auditioning drummer, they performance, especially that of the bass- three RHAM High School graduates, immediately knew Bowes would be the ist, Coates. He jokingly said to his girl- seems to be really going places. The en- perfect fit. Unbeknownst to the two friend, “Tell your friend I’m going to steal semble is one of four finalists in Mohegan Hebron residents, Bowes had gotten a his bassist.” Sun’s Battle of the Bands competition, and copy of the aforementioned demo tape and But as it turned out, he didn’t have to. next month the group will perform at the had been drumming to it. So, when he Coates’ band broke up shortly thereafter, Hebron Harvest Fair. came to audition, he knew all the songs freeing him up for a new endeavor. The Hebron performance seems fitting and could integrate his style into the duo’s Along with finalizing their band mem- for Columbia Fields, as that is where the already present groundwork. bers, The Acoustic State also finalized its band’s story really began. With Bowes in the fold, the group be- name. Having added a bassist, and with Back in 2002, Hebron residents Grayson came known as The Acoustic State. They the keyboard becoming a stronger presence Minney, a member of the RHAM Class of continued to play at Marlborough Tavern, in their music, band members decided their 2002, and Eric Heath, a member of the but also added shows at Webster Theatre name was pigeonholing them. After Class of 1998, started playing simple jam in Hartford and several Massachusetts col- months of debate, the group settled on sessions together. Minney would start on leges. The band also opened for national Columbia Fields, a popular location for his guitar and Heath would add in a key- recording artist Edwin McCain, whose hit parties for high school and college-age stu- board line. The pair clicked so well that “I’ll Be” reached number 5 on the Bill- dents. the very first song they created, “Elephant board Hot 100 chart. It seems hard to believe that Columbia Song,” is still one of their biggest hits. But the band wasn’t done growing. With Fields is only a year old. During that time It wasn’t long before the duo began a lead guitar, keyboardist, and drummer the band members have written all their playing regularly at Marlborough Tavern. in place, members of The Acoustic State own music, built their own website, re- Initially, Minney and Heath simply wanted one more thing, a bassist to fill out leased their first album, all while perform- played instrumentals. In 2004, though, their sound. They found him in Jon Coates. ing a couple times each week. They con- they began writing their own lyrics, and “Like a lot of things with our band, add- tinue to play at local bars, small venues, recorded a demo tape. But still, it seemed ing Jon happened by chance,” Bowes said. and fairs across the state, attracting “a that something was missing. “It was all luck.” couple hundred people” each show, ac- So, in 2005, the two took on a drum- Last summer, Bowes’ girlfriend talked cording to Heath. mer, Chris Bowes of Marlborough, who him into going to Sully’s Pub in Hartford Part of the band’s success is due, in large was also a RHAM graduate (the Class of to watch her friend’s band. Despite initial part, to its unique sound. The band has 1999). Minney and Heath said that, when reservations, Bowes ended up enjoying the Continued on Page 2 Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Senior Tax Plan Goes to Continued from Front Page drawn comparisons to the Dave Matthews Band designed the group’s CD cover and had a hand and Counting Crows, two bands that have gar- in their website. Finance Board in Colchester by Jim Salemi nered much success but don’t rely on the key- But when it comes to the music, they all take The Board of Selectmen Wednesday, Aug. the proposal, would result in more children in board like Columbia Fields does. The group their hand at writing and work together to form 1, voted to send a tax relief plan for town se- classrooms and a decline in the quality of edu- could be described as similar to Coldplay, but a song. “Gray[son] writes the lyrics to the songs niors and totally disabled residents to the cation. with a more rocking sound, or like a more eclec- but the music will start with someone playing Board of Finance. “It is our opinion that it would be finan- a few lines,” Bowes explained. “We all add in tic Tori Amos. The plan, called the Senior Tax Stabiliza- cially prudent to be proactive on this issue in- our parts, make suggestions, and keep practic- “It’s hard to describe us,” Heath said. “We tion Program, calls for the creation of a stead of waiting for the inevitable greater cost ing until it’s right.” don’t try to be like anyone else and we all come $30,000 in the annual town budget to help off- to our town and the degradation of our school,” The songs vary in terms of topics. “We sing from different backgrounds.” set the tax burden of those who meet certain the STSPC members said in their proposal. about life, loss…” Minney said, and then Heath Heath is a classically-trained pianist turned age and income criteria. The cost of educating more than one child interjected, “But 99 percent about women.” keyboardist. Bowes is into metal, while Minney If the finance board gives it the green light, from a single typical household outweighs is into rock. And Coates likes a little of every- The band’s song “Trust” deals with women, the town will have to pass an ordinance to the tax dollars the home generates, Conrad thing. while in “Fly Away” the group wrestles with make it official. said. She said that if seniors who currently “Our sound? [Expletive] awesome,” de- uncertainty, “wondering where will I be and The program was pitched by a local com- own two-, three- and four-bedroom homes scribed Coates. when I get there what will I see.” And in “She mittee, the Senior Tax Stabilization Program sell them, more families will move in, further And it seems others agree. When Columbia Says,” Minney sings of pure belligerency: “She Committee (STSPC), and the plan is intended burdening the town’s tax base. Fields released its first CD, entitled When the says she loves me. I say she don’t. She says she to help seniors who would otherwise be forced “It’s not good for the seniors or the town,” Night Falls…, in June the Marlborough Tavern needs me. I say she won’t.” to move out of state. she said. “The seniors don’t want to move from ran out of room. Over 300 people packed the With one album under their belts, the men “If a spouse dies, they are often left with- places they lived all their lives, and it will cost walls for first grabs at the band’s 11-track de- of Columbia Fields show no signs of slowing out the souses income, yet have the same ex- the town more in services. If that happens, but CD. Tracks from the album can be heard down. They’ve written eight new songs for their penses that only increase when it comes to we’ll need more teachers or have larger class on Columbia Fields’ MySpace page: next album and plan to write about seven more keeping a home,” Georgette Conrad, who sizes, plus the possibility of future school ex- myspace.com/columbiafields. before sitting down and carving out the finished spearheaded the program and drafted the pro- pansions.” The group is also one of four remaining product. In the meantime they continue to play gram with the STSPC, said. “The insurance, Conrad said the program her committee pre- bands in the Mohegan Sun’s Sizzling Summer shows virtually every weekend, attracting a big- mortgage, keeping the house heated and the sented is modeled after a program in place in Showdown. The competition began last month ger audience along the way. lights on, all stay the same.” the town of Orange. with over 70 bands. Columbia Fields will per- Next month the band will return to its roots, The STSPC was formed out of members of If approved, the plan would offer a tax credit form next Wednesday in the semi-final match- as Columbia Fields plays the Hebron Harvest the political action committee Seniors Help- of up to $8,000 for seniors 68 or older and to up. Depending on how they fare, the band could Fair Friday night, Sept. 7. This is an event close ing Seniors, which began work on the program seniors who are 65 or older if they are a sur- perform again on Aug. 29 for a $3,000 grand to the band members’ hearts, as Minney, Bowes earlier this year, and presented a draft of the viving spouse. There is no age requirement prize. and Heath all graduated from RHAM High program to selectmen back in April. The for residents who are totally disabled. Perhaps the greatest reason for Columbia School and looked forward to the Fair each year. STSPC was formed after the town underwent Prospective applicants would also have to Fields’ success is the balance the band mem- It is also the site of the band’s first performance its last revaluation early this year. meet an income requirement of earnings of bers keep. Each of them seems invested in the as a foursome last year. “Some seniors were hit hard,” Conrad said $45,000 or less, own real property in the town group 100 percent. They peddle their album, For more information on Columbia Fields in April. as a primary residence and occupy that resi- look for gigs, and market themselves as best or to hear clips of When the Night Falls…visit While the additional expenditure of $30,000 dence for at least 184 days a year. Prospective they can. A graphic designer by day, Coates www.columbiafields.com. that would be earmarked for the program ap- applicants would also be required to be tax- pears to be a liability, Conrad said, it will ac- payers to the town for at least two years and a tually save the town money by keeping the cost resident of the town for at least one year, ac- of services in check. cording to the proposal. In the proposal presented to selectmen, Also, the program would have to be re- Conrad said the purpose of the program is to newed by the town each fiscal year. allow seniors to stay in their homes. This State statues allow towns to set up such pro- would benefit the homeowner as well as the grams, but the state does not provide funds town, she said, since when seniors sell their for such programs. homes they are likely to be bought by young The next Board of Finance meeting is Wednes- families with children, resulting in an in- day, Aug. 22, although it was unknown at press creased tax burden by increasing student popu- time whether the board would discuss the pro- lations in schools. That in turn, according to gram at that meeting.

New Dental Practice Open for Business in East Hampton by Michael McCoy A new dental practice opened in town this her residence or her business. She chose the week, and promises high-tech offerings for latter. its patients. “I found, talking to people around town, Chatham Dental Care has opened at 33 there was a need for a dentist,” Simonow said. West High St., in what was Burt Realty. The Plus, she said, “Once you live on a lake, it’s realtor will continue to operate out of the hard to make yourself not live on a lake.” location, but its office is now in the rear of Simonow’s husband Andrew, who is the the building. practice’s operations manager, said he asked The head of the new practice, Dr. Nancy his wife what her ideal location would be, Simonow, is a Bloomfield native. In 1979 should they relocate the practice to town, and she graduated from Tunxis Community Col- she promptly identified a Victorian house lege with a degree in hygiene. But, she said, along Route 66 that is home to Burt Realty. she knew she really wanted to be a dentist. In May, she said, “Out of the blue, on a lark, Simonow said she knew that, not having I called, and within a week we had a down a bachelor’s degree, getting into a dental payment on this house.” school might be difficult, but she was deter- Andrew said the new practice is “at the mined. “If I didn’t go [into a dental program], cutting edge of dentistry.” He oversaw ex- I didn’t go, but it wasn’t going to be because tensive renovations to the front of the build- I didn’t try,” she said. ing to transform it into a dental office. But Simonow informed the University of Con- the couple aimed to keep the flavor of the necticut of her dream, and the school told Victorian home. “It’s not like a regular com- her that if she took certain science and biol- mercial medical office,” Andrew said. ogy classes and scored a 4.0 grade point av- Simonow is appreciative of her husband’s erage in them, she could enter into UConn’s contribution, saying, “There are people who dental program. are business heads, and people who aren’t. “I took the classes wherever I could find He’s very helpful like that.” them,” Simonow said, and after studying at As for East Hampton, Simonow said, “it’s schools like Central Connecticut State Uni- a great community,” and added that she she Nancy Simonow opened a new dental practice, Chatham Dental Care, at 33 West versity, she achieved her 4.0. She graduated admires the group Friends of Lake High St., this week. the UConn dental school in 1997. Pocotopaug. After practicing dentistry for four years, Chatham Dental Care is also hoping to Chatham Dental Care has state-of-the-art fea- spa-styled atmosphere,” Plancon added. Simonow opened her own practice in West host wine tastings in the future, and even a tures, including a digital X-ray machine, “That’s where dentistry is going. It’s not like Hartford, Cosmetic and Family Dental road race to raise funds for charity. Last which uses 85-90 percent less radiation than the old days.” Care. Eventually, she employed a staff of month, the Simonows took part in the Old a standard device. The practice also uses a The office also contains plasma screen seven, with a patient list of 1,600. Simonow Home Days Parade, handing out sugar-free digital panoramic X-ray. “It takes into ac- televisions in each room. Andrew Simonow said patients would travel from such states lollipops. count the whole oral cavity,” Plancon said. said his wife “believes in keeping the patients as Rhode Island and Indiana for dental ap- In her new practice, Simonow said, “there Also, there are inter-oral cameras, which entertained. … She plays all the latest mov- pointments, and added that that one loyal [is not] one paper in that office. ... Every- make it possible for patients to see exactly ies.” patient from Hungary even coordinated her thing [is] computerized.” While Chatham what the dentist is talking about. Laser den- Nancy Simonow remembered, “A lot of appointments with visits to her family in Dental Care has invested about $700,000 in tistry will be used in place of some of the patients in West Hartford would call [and] Hartford. equipment and renovations, Simonow said cruder metal tools, minimizing discomfort ask, ‘what’s playing?’ That’s when they’d In 2002, looking for a residence that would purchasing a preexisting practice is even and bleeding. schedule their appointment.” accommodate her dogs, Simonow moved to more expensive. Also, Plancon said, Chatham Dental Care For more information or to schedule ap- East Hampton. Eventually, the commute to Mark Plancon, an equipment specialist is equipped with “the newest technology in pointments, call Chatham Dental Care at West Hartford grew tiresome, and Simonow with Patterson Dental, a company that pro- washing and sterilizing instruments.” 267-4900. decided that she would either have to move vides equipment to dental practices, said “The emphasis in this office is more of a Morgan to Compete in Colchester Primary by Jim Salemi Greg Morgan, the Republican nominee for in the budget to replace a 2001 dump truck, and first selectman who was defeated at the party’s said it’s typical that a town will replace a truck town caucus last month, formally registered when it is between 11 and 15 years old. with the town clerk’s office this week to run in “In a year of tough budget cuts, instead of next month’s Republican primary. taking the truck out of the budget and use that Morgan collected the necessary 90 signatures money for something else, it was left in,” he to appear on the ballot for the Sept. 11 primary, said. “It had to be brought to the attention of and registered with the town clerk’s office the board by [a resident].” Wednesday, Aug. 8. In a press release sent Wednesday to the At the July 23 Republican Town Committee Rivereast, Morgan asked for a series of debates caucus, Morgan lost to Diana Norton Giles, by between him and Giles. a 113-33 vote. But, immediately following this “After more than two weeks of waiting, I defeat, he made known his intentions to com- have yet to hear a reply from my opponent,” pete in the upcoming primary. Morgan said. “The voters deserve to see the Morgan has said he believed the votes he did differences between the candidates and a se- receive at the caucus were substantial, as he ries of debates is a great forum to do so. … The had begun campaigning only weeks before. He mark of a true leader is one who is willing to said he is confident he can carry the primary in stand up and tell people what they stand for September. and present solutions for the greater good. I “We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t think don’t know why my opponent would be unwill- we could win,” he said Wednesday after regis- ing to take this opportunity to do just that.” Owen Flannery, center, explains the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Access System to tering with the town clerk’s office. “It comes Morgan added that he is willing to discuss a down to who can do it, to who has the skills, set of rules that is agreeable to both parties as Economic Development Commission members, from left, Patience Anderson, Mary the management background to allow for a more well as the selection of a neutral moderator. Ann Dostaler and Jack Hesen. forward-looking government and stop this quib- Giles told the Rivereast Wednesday she is bling every budget season because of the “certainly willing to debate any candidate at Belltown Motors government’s need to squeeze every last nickel any time.” She said she was waiting for the sig- out of the taxpayer.” natures to be filed with the town, but said that, Morgan said he decided to run after residents once Morgan becomes an official, certified pri- Revs Up Its Facility approached him following a town meeting con- mary candidate, she’d “absolutely” be willing by Michael McCoy cerning the 2007-08 budget and suggested it. to debate him. Local automotive shop Belltown Motors is shade, mixing two or more of the 100 paints to At the town meetings, Morgan urged the finance Morgan retired from the U.S. Army a lieu- undergoing a $1.2 million upgrade, and recently achieve virtually any color option. board to wait for state aid figures before send- tenant colonel in the late 1980s, after serving took Economic Development Commission Belltown has also become an official State ing the proposed spending plan to referendum, for over 23 years. He enlisted in 1964 as a pri- members on a tour of their renovations. Emissions Testing location, and has performed among other concerns. vate and did two tours in South Vietnam. Dur- Anthony Flannery, 42, runs Belltown Mo- 390 such tests so far. “That’s 390 customers Morgan’s platform calls for limiting tax in- ing his military career, Morgan earned more tors at 80 East High St. with his brother Owen, who we didn’t have before,” Owen said. creases and for a leaner, smaller, more efficient than 25 awards and decorations, including the 52. The two operated an auto repair business in In the emissions test, automobiles newer than local government and increasing the tax base. Silver Star for gallantry, four Bronze Star med- Portland 10 years ago, but the two brothers 1995 are plugged into a computer to test; older He said this can be achieved by taking a “for- als with valor device, the Legion of Merit, two moved it to East Hampton in 2003, and renamed cars are strapped into their dynamometer. Ei- ward-looking” approach to managing the gov- Purple Heart medals and the Combat Infantry- it Belltown Motors. ther way, the procedure costs $20. ernment. man Badge. Last year, Belltown Motors began a renova- The new, larger digs have proven beneficial “We should be looking down the road five, He was later assigned to the Defense Intelli- tion project, the centerpiece of which, a new to Belltown Motors, with Owen saying “we’ve 10 years,” he said. “Sure, we have money for a gence Agency. In the private sector, Morgan new state-of-the-art building, was completed been able to pick up a lot more work.” He adds police officer now, but can we maintain that? worked in management for the nuclear indus- last December. that, since the expansion, the company has Can we add another police officer when the time try as well as the U.S. Department of Defense. On June 30, Owen gave the Economic De- doubled its work force. comes?” Morgan ran on the Republican ticket in an velopment Commission (EDC) a tour of the Belltown Motors also devoted two full-time Morgan said the town is in its budget crisis unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate in Massa- site. EDC Chairman Mary Ann Dostaler and drivers for AAA service calls, covering the because of the ineffectiveness of Town Hall. chusetts in 1998. Morgan’s platform and resume members Patience Anderson and Jack Hesen motor club’s customers in East Hampton, He said there was an expenditure for $130,000 can be viewed online at morgan2007.org. attended. Upon seeing the changes, Hesen said, Marlborough and East Haddam. Owen esti- “It’s something of an improvement.” mated his business fields about 400 AAA calls Owen said Belltown’s previous quarters, a month. which was less than a quarter of the size of the Belltown Motors is Automotive Service Ex- Colchester Selectmen Look new building, located at the same site, were cellence (ASE) certified and has passed the “tight, real tight.” eight tests necessary to be qualified as a “mas- Belltown owns just less than four acres of ter tech.” Into Possibility of Ballfields land, including that which the NAPA auto parts Owen holds a degree from the Hartford In- by Jim Salemi store sits on. The brothers also plan to build a stitute of Accounting, and spent four years The Board of Selectmen last Thursday, Aug. their September meeting.” 60-by-100 foot building toward the front of the working in the public sector and 17 for insur- 2, agreed to continue looking into whether 11 Soby said he feels the site is ideal for the property, hoping for a commercial or light ance companies, handles the financial and ad- acres of school-owned property could be used ballfields because it is surrounded by more manufacturing tenant. ministrative facets of Belltown Motors, while to build one, and possibly two, baseball fields. school property and is therefore secluded from “We do a lot of commercial bodywork,” Anthony handles the mechanical side of it. The land is off Pleasant Street, situated in area homes. Owen said. He estimated 70 percent of “It’s a great complement,” Owen said. the elementary and middle school campus area. “The field will not be lighted,” he said. “It’s Belltown’s work is commercial, with 30 per- At the June tour of the new site, Dostaler First Selectman Stan Soby said a study by inside the campus so there will be minimal cent done for individuals. Some of the com- praised the brothers’ contributions to East an engineer hired by the Athletic Facilities Task impact. My thinking is that it is a good oppor- mercial operations Belltown has done work for Hampton, telling them, “It’s an absolutely great Force said the property would be better suited tunity. We need to do more work, though. More include Connecticut Light & Power and sev- service having you in town.” for a building such as a community center, given details need to be worked out. eral oil companies. Belltown Motors is located on Route 66, the surrounding wetlands. “We desperately need more fields,” he added. The commercial work includes painting, and across from Paul’s and Sandy’s Too. It is open But a landscape architect hired by the Cody “The Elementary School Building Committee, the new, larger facility features the Pittsburgh from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fri- Camp Foundation, a foundation set up for in when it was meeting, asked the architect to in- Plate Glass Access System, a tool that includes days and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. For more honor of Cody Camp, 6, who died a year ago clude land for athletic fields, since the elemen- more than 100 different colored paints. Also, information call 267-7222. following a battle with cancer, believes one, tary school now sits on a soccer field.” the computer can do a color match with any possibly two, fields can be built on the site. The Soby said the property is divided by a stream. ballfields would be named in honor of the boy. On the Jack Jackter School side of the stream, “I walked the site, with maps in hand, and there appears to be enough usable land for a while I’m no expert, it appears to be doable, full-sized field, and the other side of the stream, and the landscape architect thought it was do- the Johnston School side, there is enough for a Colchester Police News able,” he said. partial field, with the outfield overlapping onto Head-On Accident on 8/5—Two juveniles were arrested and Soby said a partnership of sorts must be es- a soccer field. Route 16 Injures Six charged with criminal mischief after allegedly tablished between the Board of Education and The Athletic Facilities Task Force originally vandalizing a stone wall and a picket fence, the Cody Camp Foundation before the town can looked at the Ruby Cohen recreational area on Police are investigating a head-on collision police said. delve into the details of the project. McDonald Road to build the fields, though that on Route 16 at Silver Meadow Drive Thurs- 8/7—Police said they are investigating a “Essentially [the field or fields] would be a plan was met by resistance by residents. The day, Aug. 2, that injured six people, two seri- burglary at the Colchester Baptist Church. The donation to the Board of Education by the foun- terms of the donation by the Cohen family stipu- ously. main entrance and several interior doors were dation. The school board has to approve all late it must be used for passive recreation. Katrina Peckenham, 22, of Providence, suf- kicked in, according to police, but nothing was donations to the school, and I hope they do it at fered head, leg and arm injuries after she was reported stolen. thrown from the SUV she was driving, ac- cording to published reports. She was flown East Hampton Police News to Backus Hospital. 7/27 — Ryan M. McGrath, 19, of 6 Sum- 7/29 — A 16-year-old male juvenile was is- The driver of the other car, Jason Carrier, Portland Police News 7/25 — John P. Houlihan, 20, of 54 Stillwold mer Hill Rd., Middletown, was arrested pursu- sued a ticket for operating a motor vehicle with- 20, of 27 Coco Dr., suffered head injuries and ant to a court ordered warrant on charges of out a license and operating an unregistered was also flown to Backus Hospital, accord- Dr., Wethersfield, was charged with possession of less than 4 oz. marijuana, possession of drug operating an unregistered motor vehicle, oper- motor vehicle, police say. ing to reports. ating with a suspended license and failure to 7/29 — A 16-year-old female juvenile was Four passengers in Peckenham’s SUV – paraphernalia, and possession of alcohol by a minor, Portland Police say. appear second-degree, East Hampton Police arrested pursuant to a warrant on charges of Megan Dyer, 17, Erin Dyer, 15, Ian Dyer, 5, say. sixth-degree larceny and fifth-degree larceny, and Reilly Dyer, 7, all of 5 Silver Meadow 7/28 — Edward A. Markham, of 88 Main police say. Dr. – were taken to Backus Hospital with St., was arrested for third-degree assault, po- 7/30 — Lindsey R. Carpino, 21, of 4 Bevin minor injuries, reports say. lice say. Ct., was arrested pursuant to a warrant for pos- According to reports, Carrier was travel- 7/28 — Marshall K. Allen, 19, of 38 Mal- session of drug paraphernalia, police say. ing east on Route 16 when Peckenham alleg- lard Cove, was arrested pursuant to a warrant 7/31 — Ricky W. Loveland, 23, of 164 Grand edly pulled onto Route 16 from Silver for reckless endangerment second-degree, St., Middletown, was arrested for operating Meadow Drive. Reports say Carrier attempted criminal mischief first-degree and tampering while under suspension, police say. to avoid the SUV by cutting into the opposite with a motor vehicle, police say. lane, but instead struck the vehicle. Hebron Town Manager Gets Mixed Reviews from Selectmen by Sarah McCoy The Board of Selectmen presented its an- teristics. He scored a 4.3 in this area. Also nual review of the town manager last week, listed as a strength was Clark’s preparedness and while their marks weren’t particularly and ability to conduct negotiations with the low, the selectmen certainly seem to feel there town’s clerical union. is room for improvement. “When he was hired, we needed Jared to Town Manager Jared Clark received a come in and hit the ground running,” Select- score of 3.5, out of a possible 5, from the man Mark Stuart said after the meeting. “His Board of Selectmen (BOS) during its meet- willingness to do that and knowledge of how ing last week. Clark became town manager a to run a town are certainly assets to Hebron.” year and a half ago. But, as the overall rating suggests, Clark In their review, selectmen focused on both also received some less-than-satisfactory re- job specific and universal town employee ob- marks during the review. He got a 3.1 for his jectives. The former included how well Clark overall job performance and a 2.6 for pre- developed the budget, conducted union ne- sentation of the new personnel policies and gotiations and moved the Village Green procedures. project forward. Universal evaluation crite- “Jared, sometimes you’ve been unpre- ria included overall job skills, job perfor- pared and it’s been reflected in not being able mance, public relations skills, personal char- to answer a question,” Selectman David acteristics, and supervisory skills. Schoolcraft said at last Thursday’s meeting. Each selectman rated Clark on a scale from Selectman Victoria Avelis added, “I’d like 1-5 for each of the 10 categories. These cat- to see Jared get to the point a little faster.” egories, weighted for level of importance, de- After the meeting, Clark took a positive termined Clark’s final score, a 3.5125. approach to the selectmen’s comments. While the town conducts annual reviews “Sure, I’d have liked to get a higher evalu- of the town manager’s performance, the ation but I see their requirements and de- Marlborough resident Kipp Kollar, left, won a June 19 mixed martial arts event evaluations haven’t, in recent history, taken mands as being constructive,” he said. “The in Plymouth, MA. At left is the man he defeated, Michael Laliberte, and referee part at an open meeting. This year’s change community has a Board of Selectmen with Randy Rowe is in the middle. came at Clark’s request. high expectations of the town manager and “The purpose of the review,” he said, “is all the town employees in other departments.” to increase understanding and communica- One major area Clark is focusing on is Marlborough Resident Wins tion between the Board of Selectmen and the keeping in close contact with each board town manager. This is best illustrated by con- member. “In the past the town manager has Martial Arts Fight ducting the review in front of the commu- primarily worked through the chairman,” he Marlborough resident Kipp Kollar recently “I don’t lift to get bigger, just to keep up my nity.” said. “That process will require a little fine- fought in a professional mixed martial arts core strength,” he said. Clark said the town is in the process of de- tuning but the outcome will hopefully be a (MMA) event. And he won, besting a profes- Kollar also trains at a variety of martial arts veloping an evaluation system for all employ- Board of Selectmen functioning unified.” sional power lifting champion. schools across New England. He trains his stand ees, and that he offered himself to be a For example, Clark said, he will start with Kollar’s victory came June 19 in Plymouth, up at LA Boxing in Glastonbury, and trains his “guinea pig.” The town will begin implement- reinstating a regular e-mail to each board MA, in an MMA event entitled “Untamed.” ground fighting in Springfield, MA, with Ulti- ing the townwide evaluation process next member updating them on projects around MMA is a combative sport like boxing that mate Fighting champion Gabriel Gonzaga. year, although those reviews will be con- town. combines striking and ground fighting. “The key to success is working with differ- ducted in executive session. “Our goal is to promote understanding and Kollar’s opponent was Michael Laliberte, a ent styles of fighting,” he said. According to the selectmen, Clark’s big- to stay on the same page,” he said. “Both collegiate wrestler and professional power lift- Kollard said the “self-discipline involved gest asset to Hebron is his personal charac- things that are well within our reach.” ing champion who had amassed a 5-1 record. with training for a fight is tremendous,” and In the first round of the June 19 event, Laliberte added that “the real benefit is the ability to take used his wrestling background to take Kollar this self-discipline and apply it to other aspects to the canvas, but Kollar trapped Laliberte’s of your life.” arms, then worked his legs up around his neck Kollar is president of the fight company the and executed a triangle choke. Laliberte tapped North American Grappling Association out at 1 minute and 40 seconds into the first (NAGA). He promotes 24 fights each year, round. spanning from Honolulu to Miami, FL. He also Kollar’s purse for the two-minute fight was has been a referee and judge for the Ultimate Man Arrested After Dramatic $2,000. But, Kollar said, “I don’t fight for the Fighting Championship, and provides commen- money, but rather to stay in shape.” tary for FOX Sports Net. To train for an MMA fight, Kollar runs four For more information about MMA or attend- Lake Rescue in Marlborough miles three to four times a week. He also lifts ing MMA events, call Kipp Kollar at 295-0403 by Sarah McCoy at the Body Fitness gym three times a week. or visit nagafighter.com. A Marlborough man was charged last week As emergency personnel workers approached with four counts of reckless endangerment and McCutcheon in the water, he began cutting him- one count of breach of peace after swimming self and threatening anyone who offered help, into the middle of Lake Terramuggus with a according to Ceruti. Police reports indicated razor blade, prompting a lengthy and dramatic McCutcheon slashed himself causing injury to rescue. his forearm. Firefighters, state police and fellow citizens Emergency personnel worked for nearly an helped rescue Ryan McCutcheon, 21, of 31 hour to calm McCutcheon down and encour- Keirstead Cir., from the lake late Friday night, age him to get onto the boat, police said. After Aug. 3, state police said. discussion with state troopers, police said, he Police said they received a call at 9:18 p.m. began to cooperate. from a woman reporting that a male had been However, as McCutcheon was pulled onto drinking and speaking of harming himself. the motorized boat, it began to sink. “When we Portland Blaze at North Trooper John Ceruti of the Troop K barracks in shifted him onto the boat and added the extra Colchester responded and reported seeing weight, the boat couldn’t handle it,” Ceruti said. McCutcheon standing on a rock on the south The boat “began to take on water and we End of Town Destroys Barn end of Lake Terramuggus. couldn’t recover.” by Michael McCoy As Ceruti got closer, police said, The boat, carrying three troopers, one Fire officials said Thursday they are still hit it hard with all the water that they had, McCutcheon ran into the water. He initially firefighter, and McCutcheon capsized in the investigating a Sunday afternoon blaze that until they ran out of water.” stopped at a floating dock, police said, and then middle of Lake Terramuggus, police said. leveled a storage barn located just south of Lynch estimated that when all was said ran into the middle of the lake, out of sight from All of the emergency personnel were the Glastonbury line. and done, about 42,000 gallons of water were the shore. equipped with life preservers, police said, but According to Portland Deputy Fire Chief needed to put out the blaze. Along with state police, members of the McCutcheon was not and his hands were hand- Jim Lynch, 40-45 officials responded to the Though no one suffered injury, many of Marlborough and Colchester fire departments cuffed. fire, which was called in around 4 p.m. Sun- the firefighters became fatigued while fight- were both on scene to assist in the rescue ef- “At this point our main concern was for his day, Aug. 5. The fire destroyed a 50 ft. by 75 ing the blaze. “The heat was a factor,” Lynch forts, according to police. safety,” said Ceruti. “We were able to secure ft. two-story wooden barn used to store lawn said. “People were getting tired.” State police said they deployed a motorized the subject and we all grabbed onto the bottom care equipment. It was situated on the prop- Fire officials remained on the scene until boat, while Colchester Fire Department re- of the [capsized] boat until one of the other boats erty of Douglas Roberts, just behind his about 6 p.m., cleaning up the area, Lynch sponded with their inflatable Zodiac boat, and was able to retrieve us.” home on 189 Isinglass Hill Rd. said. two local residents provided pontoon boats for The three troopers and McCutcheon climbed “It was fully involved on our arrival,” “Basically, there’s not much left to it,” emergency personnel to use in the search. onto the boat of a Marlborough resident and Lynch said. In addition to Portland, Lynch said. “The full barn was just engulfed.” The Trooper One state police helicopter pa- rode to shore. A Colchester firefighter turned firefighters from Glastonbury and East Assistant Fire Marshal Pete Willse is lead- trolled the lake area from above, police said. over the capsized boat and then also returned Hampton aided in the effort. East Hampton ing the investigation into the fire’s cause but, Police said that, after 45 minutes, the motor- to shore, police said. also lent the use of an engine, and both towns Deputy Fire Marshal Ray Sajak said Thurs- ized boat with three troopers, including one dive The rescue took about two and a half hours, brought tankers, Lynch said. day, “We’re still investigating, and we’re team member, and a Colchester firefighter lo- police said. Despite the fact that a small apartment, in- waiting to view some further evidence.” cated McCutcheon. McCutcheon was arrested was held over the habited by a family member, had been added Sajak added that “we’re trying to see how “The subject was intoxicated, based on the weekend on $50,000 bond, police said, and he to the rear of the barn, no one was injured, fast the fire moved and where it moved from.” evidence on the beach and the behavior of the was arraigned Monday at Superior Court in Lynch said. Sajack said an excavator had to knock individual,” Ceruti said. “He was extremely Manchester. “My guys did a tremendous job knocking down what little was left of two walls and belligerent and wanted no help.” the fire down as fast as they did,” Lynch said, some of the barn’s roof structure, due to adding that the flames were completely ex- safety issues. “That hampered our investi- tinguished within about 15 minutes. “They gation,” he said. Obituaries Marlborough Portland Hebron Bonnie Mae Helen Johnson Hanson Irving Russell Bogue Dzikiewicz-Polowitzer Helen Caroline Johnson Hanson, cherished Irving Russell Bogue, “Russ,” 75, of the Gilead Bonnie Mae Dzikiewicz-Polowitzer of wife of George E. Hanson for 64 years, beloved section of Hebron, beloved husband of Carol, Marlborough passed away on Thursday, Aug. 2, mother of Shirley Hanson LaBrecque of passed away Wednesday, Aug. 8, at home. Born at Middlesex Hospital. Born in Hartford, daugh- Wilbraham, MA, Barbara Hanson of Cromwell, Nov. 29, 1931 in Norwich, he was the son of the ter of the late Henry and Lorraine (Hart) Carole Hanson of Coventry, RI, and Robert late Harlow Leon and Frances (Latimer) Bogue Polowitzer, she was raised in East Hartford and Hanson of New Britain, devoted sister, aunt, sis- and grew up in Stafford Springs, where he helped had lived in Hartford for many years before mov- ter-in-law, grandmother, and dear friend, passed run the family business, The Stafford Springs ing to Marlborough recently. Bonnie worked as a away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 6, in Portland. House. After graduating from high school, he at- controller for Message Center in Hartford. She was also the devoted and loving grand- tended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She leaves a daughter, Nicole Dzikiewicz of mother to Nicole LaBrecque of Indianapolis, IN, He left school to serve in the Army as a Marlborough; a brother, Raymond DeMonte; two Christer LaBrecque of Springfield, OR, and cryptolinguist during the Korean War. Upon his grandchildren, Skye Lavigne and David Lavigne, Michael Westcott of Coventry, RI. She is also return, he attended the University of Hartford, Jr.; her best friend, Diane Cratty of Rockville; and survived by her sister Dorothy Ahlberg; her broth- obtaining his degree in Mechanical Engineering. her former husband and lifelong friend, Edward ers Robert Johnson, and Edward Johnson, all of His career included employment at J.M. Ney, Dzikiewicz of Colchester; three nephews, Victor Portland; and was proud aunt to dozens of nieces the Burndy Corp. and the Rogers Corp; and he Saimininkas of South Windsor, Ty Cody and nephews. Her large extended family was her was granted several patents. On April 30, 1966, Dzikiewicz of Colchester, and Devin Cratty of joy. She was predeceased by her brothers Philip he wed the former Carolyn M. Liebler and they Rockville; a niece, Heather Clayton of Broad Johnson, Richard Johnson, and Walter Johnson. moved to Hebron. In his spare time, he enjoyed Brook; a brother-in-law, Thomas Dzikiewicz and Born on March 4, 1921, Helen attended Port- photography (and its teaching), woodworking, his wife Diane of Broad Brook; two cousins, land schools and graduated valedictorian of her model airplanes and antique vehicles. Upon his Linda Rust of East Hartford and Pat Tierney of Class in 1939, the first class to attend the new retirement, he worked with his wife managing Virginia; and her Godfather, Martin Tierney of school on Main Street for all four years. She had their flower business. Mr. Bogue was a member Richmond, VA. She was predeceased by a sister, worked as bookkeeper/secretary for several area of the Ionic Lodge No. 110 A.F. & A.M. in No. Kathy Polowitzer-Saimininkas. businesses including Anderson Oil Company, and Windham. A memorial Mass was celebrated Tuesday, Aug. later the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Com- In addition to his loving wife of 41 years, he is 7, at St. Catherine Church, 4 Windsorville Rd., pany in Hartford. She later had worked as a li- survived by six children and their spouses, Will- Broad Brook. Burial followed in St. Catherine brarian in Portland Central School and Valley iam and Karen Bogue of Hebron, David and Cemetery, Broad Brook. Memorial donations may View School part time for several years as well as Imelda Franklin Bogue of Andover, Edward and be made to Middlesex Hospital, Attn: Hospice, in the office of the Superintendent of Schools. Diana Bogue of Colchester, Karlene and Paul Deal Office of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent St., Helen loved children and always wanted to be a of Chaplin, Thomas and Heather Osborne Bogue Middletown, CT 06457. Samsel & Carmon Fu- teacher. of Orange City, IA and Michael Bogue and Eliza- neral Home, South Windsor has care of the ar- Helen’s father, Arthur (Johansson) Johnson, beth Leichter of Hebron; four grandchildren, rangements. For online condolences please visit, emigrated to the US in 1913 from Sweden, and Kaitlyn and Marissa Deal of Chaplin and Samuel www.carmonfuneralhome.com. lived in Portland with his wife Agnes Bjorklund and Anthony Bogue of Colchester; a cousin, Johnson. The Johnson and Hanson families were Roxanne Shea of Texas; and numerous extended next door neighbors on Coe Avenue. George and family members and friends. He was predeceased Colchester Helen commuted to work together before they by a daughter, Mary Anne. Olga Zlotowski were married in 1943 while George was stationed Friends called Friday morning from 9-10:30 Olga (Fedorka) Zlotowski, 87, of Main St., in Florida during World War II. Helen had a strong a.m. at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Durham, formerly of Colchester, wife of the late religious faith and was a lifelong member of Zion Old Hartford Rd., Colchester. The celebration of Zigmund Szulczewski and the late Richard Lutheran Church in Portland, serving on the Al- the Funeral Liturgy followed at 11 a.m. at the Zlotowski, died Wednesday, Aug. 1, at Middlesex tar Guild and the Worship and Music Committee. Church of the Holy Family, 185 Church St. (Rte. Hospital. She was born in Olyphant, PA, the Helen was an active and valued member of the 85), Hebron, with Fr. Michael Smith, officiating. daughter of the late John and Mary (Markovsky) Portland Historical Society. She was an accom- Committal with full military honors will follow Fedorka. Prior to her retirement, she had been plished seamstress and member of a sewing circle in the Gilead Cemetery, Hebron. In lieu of flow- employed with Raphael’s Department Store, G. that met for over 40 years. ers, donations in his memory may be made to Fox & Company, and the State Welfare Depart- Helen loved music and gardening and she al- Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Dept. 9662, ment. ways enjoyed annual stays at Anna Maria Island, Coconut Creek, FL 33073. Olga overcame insurmountable odds to live a FL, with George. She was proud of her Scandi- long life that allowed her to enjoy her family. She navian heritage and kept in touch with many unselfishly inspired and helped her grandchildren Swedish relatives. She was a wonderful hostess, with her inner strength to overcome obstacles in noted for her Swedish baking. She will always their lives. Olga took pride in her looks and kept be remembered for her warmth and grace as well up with the latest trends in hair, makeup and fash- as for her strength and dignity during her illness ion. She loved to shop! Her favorite TV program and throughout her life. was Super Nanny. She enjoyed crocheting and Calling hours were Thursday night at the Port- was young at heart. She lived a prayerful life and land Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Port- was grateful for every day. land. Funeral services were Friday at 11 a.m. at She is survived by two daughters, Marlene the Zion Lutheran Church in Portland. Burial will Clark of Durham, and Karen Mislivets of Crom- be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to well; a son, Ronald Sulchek and his wife Leura the National Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. of Sabillasville, MD; a step-daughter, Mary Ann Michigan Ave., Fl 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or to Kopec of Stafford Springs; a brother, George Zion Lutheran Church 183 William St., Portland, Kasza and his wife Ceil of North Carolina; six CT 06480. grandchildren, Mark and Michael Ludwin, Heather and Cynthia Mislivets, and Todd and Colchester Ryan Sulchek; three step-grandsons, Matthew, Joseph Zawalski Sr. John, and David Kopec; three great grandchildren, Connor, Cameryn, and Layne Ludwin; two nieces Joseph Zawalski, Sr., 89, of Colchester, passed and a nephew. She was predeceased by two broth- away Thursday, Aug. 2, at the Liberty Specialty ers, Theodore and Andrew Arpa; and a sister, Care Center in Colchester. A proud Army veteran, Leona Mazurkiewicz. he served during World War II between 1942 and Funeral services were Monday at the Biega 1945. Mr. Zawalski was a machinist for Pratt & Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown, followed Whitney for many years before his retirement. He by a funeral liturgy at Notre Dame Church, Main is survived by his son, Joseph. St., Durham. Burial will be in Burr District Cem- Graveside services with full military honors etery, Higganum. Friends called at the Biega Fu- were observed Monday at the State Veterans Cem- neral Home Sunday. Memorial contributions may etery, Bow Lane, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, be made to the Texas Heart Institute, Develop- memorial contributions may be made to St. An- ment Office, MC 3-117, PO Box 20345, Hous- drew Church, 128 Norwich Ave., Colchester ton, TX 77225-0345. 06415 for Mass offerings for the repose of his soul. Care of arrangements has been entrusted to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester.