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Volume 41, Number 21 Published by The Glastonbury Citizen February 17, 2017 Malloy Budget Proposal Leaves Officials Reeling by Elizabeth Regan East Hampton also would be forced to bud- Officials east of the river are on edge now get for a $1.53 million payment toward teach- that Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has announced a ers’ pensions. proposed state budget that would divert fund- Based on the total municipal aid package for ing a majority of towns in favor of the poorest East Hampton indicated in Malloy’s proposal cities. – which includes some modest increases for Malloy’s plan also asks municipalities to pick programs designed to offset property tax in- up the tab for one-third of the Connecticut State creases – the town would end up with a $2.38 Teachers’ Retirement System, to the tune of million budget shortfall compared to the cur- $408 million in 2018 and $421 million in 2019. rent year. Malloy released his proposed two-year, East Hampton Superintendent of Schools $41.51 billion state budget last week. Paul Smith said the Education Cost Sharing re- The governor’s budget benefits urban cen- duction and pension payment would have a ters with the highest concentrations of poverty “devastating” impact on the town’s children and by reformulating the way the state administers those throughout the state. aid through its largest education grant program, At an East Hampton Board of Education bud- known as Education Cost Sharing (ECS). The get workshop this week, Smith estimated the budget would also change the way special edu- change could result in as many as 15-25 lay- cation funds are disbursed. offs throughout the school district. “We are a small state, and our towns are in- “I’m not saying that as a threat,” he told the terconnected,” Malloy said in his budget speech. school board and a small audience. “I’m say- “Growth in Hartford means growth in ing I don’t know where else to go.” Bloomfield and Windsor. More jobs in Water- According to Portland First Selectwoman bury means more jobs in Cheshire and Beacon Susan Bransfield, it’s too early to tell what the Falls. A more vibrant New London means a final state budget is going to look like and what more vibrant Ledyard and Montville. We can the true impact will be on communities. rise together; or we can fall together.” A final budget must be approved by both The new formula for education funding de- houses of the state General Assembly and then termines wealth based on factors including the signed by the governor. The current legislative From Hebron to Houston… Hebron native Theresa Oei had a memorable season strength of a town’s grand list, median house- session ends on June 7. as one of the New England Patriots’ cheerleaders. The unique experience was hold income and the number of residents on Malloy’s proposal would leave Portland with capped off with a trip to the Super Bowl in Houston earlier this month – where the state’s Medicaid program for children. a slight increase in education aid once the new she got to witness first-hand the Pats’ dramatic come-from-behind victory. She’s By those calculations, East Hampton would special education grant is taken into account, seen here with some of her fellow cheerleaders at a rodeo-themed-party in Texas lose $1.63 million in education funding in 2018- according to the Connecticut School Finance 19. The figures were outlined in a summary by Project, but would hit the town with a $966,127 during Super Bowl week. From left are Mary Babbitt, Zoe Bucuvales, Oei, Kelsi the Connecticut School Finance Project, an or- bill for the teachers’ pension program. Gotauco, Tatiana Cifuentes and the team’s mascot, Pat Patriot. For more on Oei, ganization established in 2015 that bills itself Bransfield said the town’s lean budget makes see the story on page 18. Photo by Dwight Darian. as an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit. See Budget Proposal page 2 Bacon Alum Illustrates First Children’s Book by Julianna Roche Peters – who just happened to be writing her they are really personal stories,” Alter said, add- Before she even reached her 15th birthday, first children’s book and in search of an illus- ing that she felt a kinship with the writer right Amanda Alter had undergone nearly a dozen trator. off the bat because of their similar childhoods. surgeries to remove an arteriovenous malfor- Alter explained that Peters had seen illustra- “She had such a rough childhood, a lonely mation (AVM) from her lip – a birth defect tions she’d done in a newsletter for Congrega- childhood, so she really wanted to reach out to which she said had the appearance of a grow- tion Ahavath Achim, her father Rabbi Ken lonely children out there and let them know ing tumor. Alter’s synagogue in Colchester. When she in- they’re not really alone… that’s the base of her “I’ve always been a very quiet girl and have quired about them, Ken Alter put the two in storytelling,” Alter said. kept to myself,” she said, attributing her “toned- touch. Though Peters began writing as a young girl, down demeanor” and growing up “feeling “We had a short conversation and I asked she said “undertones” of sadness and loneli- closed-off” to the abnormality. her ‘Are you interested in illustrating?’ and she ness have carried through her writing even into To cope, Alter said she started to find solace said she always wanted to do illustrating, and adulthood. in illustrating. that’s how our relationship was created,” Pe- “Even through today,” Peters, 65, explained. “I’ve been drawing since I could pick up a ters said. “Because loneliness does not just begin and end pencil really... It’s always been my thing,” she Over the next three years, Alter worked in childhood. … It can follow you throughout added. closely with Peters to develop illustrations to your life.” After graduating from Bacon Academy in go along with a poem she’d written about a Alter said the entire illustration process took Colchester, however, Alter went on to obtain lonely doll who finds happiness through mak- three years to finish – time she spent research- her bachelor’s degree in graphic design from ing new friends – which ultimately became the ing illustrators’ processes and drawing both full Southern Connecticut State University in 2012. basis of her book. spreads and spot illustrations to fill the 32-page “I wanted to do something artistic with my The children’s book, I’m Just a Little Some- book. life [but] feel like I could also contribute some- one was written for ages 3 to 6 and was released “It was a really hard process for me because thing to society,” she said. earlier this month. It is available on Amazon it was my first time,” she explained, adding she In 2014, however, Alter crossed paths with and also sold in select Barnes & Noble stores. “had to learn everything from scratch.” one of her father’s closest friends – Sharen S. Peters “had read me some of her poetry and See Bacon Alum page 2 Amanda Alter Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cov Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cov Budget Proposal cont. from Front Page Bacon Alum cont. from Front Page it difficult to come up with additional cuts while “At this point, it’s difficult to project what To start, Alter said she purchased a “state- a series Peters has developed called Friends for maintaining services. reductions could happen because of our unique- of-the-art tablet,” which she used to first sketch Life, a collection she hopes to add four more “The only way you fund [the local budget] if ness with two school systems existing within the illustrations by hand. Next, Alter explained, books to – with each story focusing on a differ- the state doesn’t send money is through prop- the same community,” he added. she’d scan that image into her computer and ent issue such as having a disability or being erty taxes,” she said. Hebron, Andover and Marlborough each have use PowerPoint to develop the rest. teased. And Alter is expected to continue illus- In terms of the Portland tax rate, the teach- their own elementary schools; however, stu- Although it was her first time illustrating a trating them. ers’ pension payment is equivalent to just over dents from the three towns all filter into the book, Alter said Peters granted her creative free- “My goal now is to take my books and use one mill. That’s $1 in tax per $1,000 of assessed RHAM middle and high schools. dom. For example, the setting of the story is in them as a vehicle [for] parents, teachers, coun- property value. “The ECS revenues that the Town of Hebron a toy store – which Peters said was Alter’s idea. selors… to share my story so that other chil- Smith wasn’t sure East Hampton officials receives is to support the town in providing edu- “When you hire an illustrator, you really don’t dren who feel like they’re alone or have no would see it the same way. cational opportunities for both RHAM and the want to tell them your vision because you’re friends, they can feel hope that somebody else “Even though people in Hartford are saying Hebron Public School students,” Van Tasel ex- hiring them for their creativity, for their cre- is out there,” Peters said. Malloy has passed on the burden to local tax- plained. “When we are able to determine the ative mind,” Alter said. “Fortunately she didn’t Alter felt similar sentiments. payers, I’m afraid most communities are going specific impact the $2.9 million will have on really tell me exactly what she had in mind; “I’m really grateful for the experience and to say, ‘We can’t absorb those [costs] as local each entity, we’ll have a better idea of what siz- she just let me go for it.” it taught me so much,” Alter said. “It also taxpayers, so schools are going to have to cut able reductions would need to be made.” According to Peters, the book is a mirror of opened a door for me… Now I have some- their budgets,’” Smith said. Van Tasel remained hopeful, however, that her own personal journey – how despite having thing behind my name, something solid in my The impact of Malloy’s proposal on East the state legislature would provide other pro- a very lonely childhood, she eventually found portfolio. It was very exciting creating some- Hampton’s education budget amounts to an 11 posals outside of education that will address happiness in meeting her husband and adopt- thing like this.” percent increase over the current year, accord- the state budget deficit. ing a dog named Rebel (who takes on the role * * * ing to Smith. “I’m not certain that the governor’s budget of a male doll and a stuffed toy dog in the story). Alter and Peters will discuss I’m Just a Little “You’re not going to see double digit in- proposal was intended for municipalities to fo- Peters added that “all of the toys and stuffed Someone Sunday, March 26, from 10:30-11:30 creases to the taxpayer; you’re going to see cus solely on their school systems in address- animals, those characters that you see in the a.m., at Congregation Ahavath Achim, 84 Leba- double digit decreases to students,” he said. ing the shortfall of revenues,” he said. “In book were actual stuffed animals of mine.” non Ave., Colchester. All are invited. While the state has a “minimum budget re- Hebron, the [Board of Education] has been fis- I’m Just a Little Someone is the first book in quirement” that penalizes school districts for cally responsible in putting forth austere bud- reducing their budgets year to year, Malloy’s gets that have met the approval of our families proposal exempts the teachers’ pension payment and the greater community. Being asked to From the Editor’s Desk from that calculation. It also allows districts to shoulder a greater burden is difficult to con- reduce education spending by the same amount sider – especially since we’ve been making in- Observations & Ruminations their ECS grants were cut. formed decisions for years.” by Mike Thompson The budget situation in East Hampton is com- Andover Superintendent of Schools Sally After last Thursday’s mega-snowstorm, Ironically, Torre argued that this change, plicated by the rollout of the bifurcated budget Doyen also said it was unclear what Andover followed by a lesser but still annoying snow which would mess with the fundamentals of approved in November. Elementary School would lose and what reduc- event on Sunday (with the added bonus of a the game, would actually signal a return to Bifurcating the budget means voters will see tions will “belong” to RHAM. nice sheen of ice), I’m sure I wasn’t alone in baseball. two budget figures on the ballot when they go “Suffice it to say, that even with the reduc- welcoming the news this week that Major “It’s baseball,” he said. “I’m just trying to to vote on the local spending plan: one amount tions at a lower number, we will have to exam- League Baseball pitchers and catchers re- get back to that, where this is the game that for general government and a separate amount ine all our current programming,” she said. “The ported to spring training. people come to watch. It doesn’t mean you’re for education. Board of Education budget for 2017-18 already They report every year at this time; it’s al- going to score. You’re just trying to play base- George Rafael, director of government fi- reflects a zero percent increase due to the re- ways the middle of February – a time when ball.” nance and research for the Connecticut Con- duction of two staff positions, so I don’t doubt typically we’re in most need of a reminder Funny; it seems to me that what the game ference of Municipalities, said it’s unclear on that reductions from the state will have a mean- that winter doesn’t last forever. Warm weather is now is the game people come to watch. which side of the budget the teachers’ pension ingful impact.” will eventually return, bringing with it the Now, I know I can be set in my ways some- payment would appear. In Marlborough, the hit to education fund- boys of summer. times. I’m not always the most accepting of “The way it reads is the municipality shall ing would come in at $690,438, while the Yes, baseball is truly a grand game, and I change. But this would just be a horrible idea. make this payment, so I believe it’s coming out town’s contribution to the teachers’ retirement very much look forward to its return. I will It would dilute the game after the ninth in- of the town side,” Rafael said. system would be $868,290. also continue to very much hope MLB doesn’t ning. It would ruin in-game strategy. It’s not That still doesn’t clarify if the town can bill Marlborough Board of Education Chair- wind up killing it, as part of a misguided at- just playing by a different set of rules, but by the pension payment to the board of education, woman Ruth Kelly said it’s going to be “diffi- tempt to save it. a stupid set of rules. Yes, it would almost cer- he added. cult” for the small town if Malloy’s plan comes The current MLB commissioner, Rob tainly make sure extra-inning games end Either way, East Hampton Town Manager to fruition. Manfred, has made it one of his main goals faster, but at what cost? How far are you will- Michael Maniscalco said the governor’s pro- “I think the most difficult thing is that we to speed up the game; improve the pace of ing to ruin the game in order to satisfy the posal would be a “game-changer” for both edu- won’t know before the [Marlborough town] play. He’s convinced baseball is losing its grip audience members of Short Attention Span cation and municipal operations. budget has to be presented in March and actu- on the younger generation because games are Theater? “At the end of the day, yes, we have a bifur- ally voted on by the people,” Kelly said. “The just too darn long; younger folk lose atten- And that’s the thing: it wouldn’t satisfy cated budget. But we’re all in the same boat state won’t tell us what they’re going to actu- tion, go on to other things. He’s quite right them. If baseball is far too boring for you, then together,” he said. “If the board of education is ally do until June, so that’s very disturbing.” that baseball, as is the case with anything, you’ll have been long gone by the time the getting less money from the state and they need “I really don’t know if our town could handle needs to make sure it appeals to younger gen- 10th inning rolls around anyway. Those of us some additional funds, there’s just less to go it,” she added. “It’s just way too much money erations or else it will eventually die out. who watch baseball games in the 10th inning around.” and we were already in trouble because of He’s quite wrong, I think, with how to go like the game the way it is; otherwise, why While Maniscalco couldn’t guess what the RHAM’s budget.” about it. would we still be watching? state budget would ultimately look like once Though Kelly said she wasn’t sure exactly Over the past few seasons, MLB has Indeed, that’s the problem with a lot of lawmakers were done with it, he said he knows what RHAM’s budget would be, she has heard adopted a few initiatives designed to speed these “improve the pace of play” initiatives. there will be cuts. it will “come in high.” (RHAM Superintendent up the game, such as a pitch clock – to en- MLB isn’t winning over new fans. It’s not like “It’s just a question of how much and where,” of Schools Bob Siminski is due to present the sure pitchers don’t take forever in between people who were turned off by sitting through he added. proposed 2017-18 regional schools budget throwing pitches – or another clock that lim- a three-hour baseball game will suddenly tune Fear and uncertainty surrounding Malloy’s Monday, Feb. 27.) its how long pitching coaches can conference in if they think the game will last two hours proposal was evident among many other area “The Board of Finance is going to have a with pitchers on the mound, or barring bat- and 45 minutes instead. officials who appeared frustrated by whether terrible time,” Kelly added. ters from stepping outside of the batter’s box. No, I think the move that would make base- or not the changes would become a reality and According to the Connecticut School Finance Those changes, I admit, haven’t messed up ball more appealing to younger generations – especially in cases of the regional school dis- Project analysis, Colchester would see a total the game too much. Unfortunately, Manfred is the move MLB is least likely to make: stop trict – how the funding would be applied. shortfall of $2.28 million in education funding seemingly isn’t content to stop there, as oc- starting the games so late. Postseason games Superintendents in Andover and Hebron both based on ECS and special education grants. The casionally you’ll hear about other ideas MLB in particular almost always start after 8 p.m. said this week they couldn’t provide specifics town would be responsible for a $2.15 million is floating about that I think would hurt the Eastern time. If you’re a 12-year-old kid with school the next day, how many innings can on the impact of Malloy’s proposal on programs payment toward teachers’ pensions. game: things like eliminating the four-pitch intentional walk (instead, pitchers would just you possibly make it through before it’s bed- or staffing, since they’d yet to meet with their Colchester Board of Education Chairman signal to the umpire when they want to inten- time? I know MLB wants those prime-time respective boards of education. They agreed, Ron Goldstein described the potential impact tionally walk somebody), or limiting the num- TV ratings, but by doing so they risk alienat- however, the impact would be felt all around if of Malloy’s proposal as severe. ber of times a manager can go to his bullpen ing themselves from younger audiences. the governor’s proposal moves forward. “We’re talking cuts by the magnitude of $2.5 during a game. The same goes for Saturday games. Over Andover would be looking at a $665,899 or 3 million in a time when the past several Both of those ideas are bad, but last week the past few years, I’ve noticed most teams decrease in combined ECS and special educa- years, the budgets have already been increas- I read of something MLB is considering that have moved all their Saturday games to the tion funding from the current year and a ing very minimally, if at all,” Goldstein said. is so insipid it could basically ruin the sport I evening – thereby greatly decreasing the $445,479 budget increase from the teachers’ Amid uncertainty about how the state bud- love so much. chance they’ll be family events. Even during pension payment, based on Malloy’s proposal. get will ultimately shake out, Goldstein indi- This season, MLB plans to test a new rule the summer, 11 p.m. can be kind of late for a The impact to Hebron would be a $1.54 mil- cated the Colchester school board is putting in the lowest levels of the minor leagues that little kid to be at the ballpark. Return those lion decrease in education funding in 2018-19 together its own proposed budget without yet would alter the way extra-inning games are games to the afternoon. and a $1.41 million payment toward teachers’ factoring in Malloy’s proposed education fund- played. Simply put, starting in the 10th in- Simply put, I feel the best way to make retirement. ing figures. ning, each inning would start with a runner baseball more appealing to the younger gen- Hebron Superintendent of Schools Tim Van “But the changes or reductions proposed by on second base and nobody out. The chances eration is to make it more accessible to the Tasel said this week that any reduction in rev- the governor would really transform the dis- of scoring in that situation aren’t automatic, younger generation. It’s not by speeding up enue has the potential to significantly impact trict,” he said. but I’d say they’re very, very high. So there the game, or adding more action. Kids would educational programming in Hebron and across Reporters Geeta S. Sandberg and Julianna probably won’t be a whole lot of “extra” in be more likely to watch a baseball game if the state. Roche contributed to this story. extra innings. I imagine no more than two they felt they’d actually be able to watch it – innings, tops, before somebody scores and the and not have to go to bed in the third inning. game is over. I realize this would likely put off TV ex- It’s a stupid rule change. But MLB’s chief ecutives, at least in the short term, as they love baseball officer Joe Torre – who, since mov- those prime-time ratings. But this would be a ing from the dugout to baseball’s front office good way to grow baseball that wouldn’t in- has disappointingly become little more than volve messing with the fundamentals of the a ‘yes’ man for whatever inanities MLB game. All that would do is annoy – and possi- throws out way – is all for it. bly alienate – existing fans. It wouldn’t draw “It’s not fun to watch when you go through in any new ones. your whole pitching staff and wind up bring- Like I said before, it really is a grand game. ing a utility infielder in to pitch,” Torre told Please, MLB, don’t ruin it. Yahoo Sports last week. “As much as it’s nice * * * to talk about being at an 18-inning game, it See you next week. takes time.” Colchester Finance Board Discusses Norwich Student Tuition Plan by Julianna Roche At a meeting earlier this month, the finance Bacon, paying an annual tuition of $14,254 and starting in the 2017-18 school year, $35,000 money is used at the budget referendum on board spent more than an hour discussing per student. would pay for all Advanced Placement (AP) May 2. Superintendent of Schools Jeff Mathieu’s While Board of Finance Chairman Rob tests for all students in all AP classes. “From a taxpayer-relief perspective, the Norwich student tuition plan for FY 2017-18 – Tarlov applauded the plan as an “outside-the- Tarlov, however, questioned whether the $139,802 is helping me as a taxpayer [but] the which he presented as part of his budget pack- box idea for getting additional revenue coming funds should instead be used to offset the pro- $228,098 is not being voted on,” Tarlov con- age on Jan. 24. in,” he and other board members expressed posed cuts in Mathieu’s budget, and argued that tinued, adding the finance board also doesn’t According to the plan, which Board of Edu- some concern and hesitation with where the there needed to be “discussion” as to whether “technically vote on it.” cation Chairman Ron Goldstein outlined dur- money would be going and what exactly it the money should “be used to support those Finance board vice chairman Thomas Kane ing the meeting, Bacon Academy will welcome would be used for. programs instead.” shared similar concerns, saying he was “strug- a total of 25 students from Norwich next year, According to Goldstein, the funds will be Goldstein said that while the school board gling” with the $228,098. including the 10 current Norwich freshmen used to “support the school district with em- and Mathieu were “open to a further discus- However, Kane suggested one solution (who will be sophomores) and 15 incoming phasis on Bacon Academy,” but “not to bring sion” about it, he considers the purchases as would be to use tuition funds the same way freshmen. in any new programs.” items “the taxpayer will need to support be- the non-expended funds are used towards a list With each individual student’s anticipated “We realized this is revenue that should sup- cause those are items we need as a district, spe- of capital projects at the end of each school tuition cost set at $14,716 – which is paid by port what we have here now or maybe bring cifically at Bacon.” year. the City of Norwich – Goldstein said there will back something we lost in past cycles,” he con- A second concern was also issued by board For example, he said, the board would come be a total of $367,900 in tuition revenue, with tinued. member Andreas Bisbikos, who asked up with a non-negotiable list of projects or pur- plans for $228,098 of it to go back to Bacon Goldstein also explained that giving Goldstein “how set in stone” the plan is, espe- chases the school needs and “as the money and $139,802 to the district. $228,098 of the total tuition back to Bacon cially considering that elected officials and bud- comes in, you tick off the items.” The decision to enroll Norwich students had made sense, considering the high school “is why gets can change from year to year. Kane furthered, however, that the funds could originally stemmed from the school’s need to this money is coming in” and that it was the “As Andreas said, my primary concern [is] “never [be] used for offsetting operational address fiscal issues and curriculum enhance- “magnet” drawing more students into the dis- you won’t be here forever, Jeff [Mathieu] won’t costs.” ments, which have been difficult to sustain in trict. be here forever,” Tarlov told Goldstein. “At this Though Goldstein said the board had not yet the last several years with the dropping enroll- According to Mathieu’s budget proposal, that point there’s a spirit of collaboration [with the discussed potential needs for 2018-19, he called ment and economic climate. revenue would then be used for a number of plan]. Kane’s suggestion “a great idea.” In 2012, Bacon’s then-principal Mark purchases including new computers, a vinyl He added, however, there needed to be a writ- “This is the first year,” he said. “If there’s a Ambruso and Mathieu met with the Norwich printer, projector and furniture to improve the ten policy regarding how the funds should be better way to handle it... I’m happy to discuss superintendent of schools to discuss the idea, graphics lab, as well as new technology and/or split and how potential uses of the funds are it.” before the education board finally voted unani- furniture for the world language lab, Alterna- proposed and approved, “’cause we’re talking * * * mously in December 2015 to move forward tive Education, and the Library Media Center a lot of money here.” The next Board of Finance meeting is with accepting Norwich students to Bacon. (LMC). Furthermore, Tarlov said he was “uncomfort- Wednesday, March 1, at 7 p.m. in Town Hall. The agreement between Colchester and Also from the revenue, $35,000 would go to able” that the $228,098 worth of revenue is The next Board of Education meeting is Tues- Norwich took effect this year and allowed 10 completing the Wi-Fi connection throughout the currently an off-budget line item – meaning day, March 14, at 7 p.m., in Colchester Elemen- freshmen students from Norwich to enroll at school to ensure a reliable wireless environment taxpayers will not be able to vote on how the tary School’s cafeteria.

Andover Receives Marlborough Colchester Police News Police News 2/8: Colchester Police said Patrick Hayden, Preschool Funding 2/7: State Police said Heidi Mclean, 52, of 6 34, of 67 Falls Rd., East Haddam, was arrested Rivendell Rd., was arrested and charged with and charged with operating an unregistered Gov. Dannel Malloy this week announced young people, and help build the education violation of probation/conditional discharge. that nearly $1.6 million in state funding is be- pipeline that contributes to Connecticut’s im- vehicle, improper use of license/registration, 2/8: State Police said Nicholas S. Clement, insurance coverage failing to meet minimum ing awarded to nine communities across Con- proving test scores and rising graduation rates.” 23, of 111 Jerry Daniels Rd. was arrested and necticut – including Andover. The funding will In addition to Andover, towns receiving requirements, operating a motor vehicle with a charged with violation of probation/conditional suspended license and second-degree failure to expand the availability of preschool in public Smart Start funding are East Hampton, discharge. schools in the communities. Cheshire, Cromwell, Enfield, North Branford, appear. In Andover, the funds total $140,000, which Plymouth, Somers and Thomaston. will allow 13 new preschool slots at Andover Funding for the capital improvement grants Elementary School. is expected to be approved at an upcoming The funding comes as part of the latest round meeting of the State Bond Commission, Hebron Police News of the state’s Smart Start initiative – a program Malloy’s office said, with funding anticipated State Police said Theresa Nome, 56, of 24 that is designed to expand access to pre-K in to be available this spring. Operational expenses Crouch Rd., Amston, was arrested and charged public schools, particularly among low-income for classrooms beginning in September will be with operating a motor vehicle under the influ- children. The funding consists of money for available in July. ence of drugs/alcohol and failure to drive right. capital improvements, as well as money for Smart Start preschool classrooms must pro- operational expenses from the Tobacco Settle- vide high-quality early education including a ment Fund, which is the result of a lawsuit minimum of school-day and school-year pro- Connecticut and 45 other states filed years ago gramming; classroom sizes must not exceed 18 against the tobacco industry. children; and priority enrollment must be given “We must ensure that children are equipped to children from low-income families, children with the tools they need to succeed in life – with special needs and children who are dual regardless of income or zip code,” Malloy said language learners. In addition, the program in a press release from his office. “Expanding must be accredited by the National Association the availability of preschool options in our state for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Colchester Man Faces Burglary Charge will prepare them for college and careers in a be approved by the federal Head Start program, by Julianna Roche global, 21st century economy.” have documentation that they are in the pro- Colchester resident William J. Bromley, 47, Bromley as he was wandering through the “Early education can greatly improve student cess of obtaining accreditation from NAEYC, of 23 Louis Ln. is facing charges after police residence, before the suspect fled on foot. success,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said in or have a plan to ensure that the program will said he broke into a residence with intent to Police arrived on scene and located the release. “These investments strengthen our be accredited within three years of receiving burglarize it while the owner was inside the Bromley a short distance away from the resi- preschool system, create opportunity for our funding through Smart Start. home on Feb. 11. dence before taking him into custody and According to Colchester Police, at approxi- charging him with second-degree burglary and mately 3:30 a.m., they responded to a report fourth-degree criminal mischief. of an unknown male actively forcing his way According to police, Bromley was held on into the back door of a resident’s home on a $10,000 bond and was scheduled to appear Louis Lane. at the Norwich Superior Court on Feb. 13. Police said the homeowner confronted Portland Police News East Hampton 2/9: Noah Lapointe, 20, of 22 Cree Rd., East Police News Hartford, was charged with violation of a pro- 1/31: After an investigation into an evading Car Strikes Guardrail on tective order, Portland Police said. one-car vs. utility pole crash on Waterhole 2/11: Ryan Pittito, 18, of 36 Belle Vista Road, Anna Zaler-Sattler, 57, of 100 Fox Ridge Middletown Road, Colchester Heights, was charged with possession of alco- Dr., Colchester, was issued a summons for trav- by Julianna Roche hol by a minor, police said. eling too fast for conditions and evading respon- Colchester Police responded to a single- Smith-Collette was transported by Hebron 2/12: Adam Doran, 20, of 59 Freestone Ave., sibility, East Hampton Police said. vehicle crash after a town resident lost con- Ambulance to Marlborough Clinic for pos- was charged with operating under suspension, 2/6: Steven J. Ziemba, 49, of 24 Berlin St., trol of her car last Friday, Feb. 10. sible injuries, while the passenger in the ve- insufficient insurance and operating an unreg- Middletown, turned himself in pursuant to an According to police, at approximately 4:11 hicle, Nicole L. Letterman, 18, of 363 Chest- istered motor vehicle, police said. outstanding warrant, and was charged with pos- p.m., a Subaru Forester driven by Emily nut Hill Rd., had no reported injuries, police session of narcotics, possession of drug para- Smith-Collette, 18, of 23 Old Country Rd., said. phernalia, operating under the influence of in- lost control on snow and slush on the road Smith-Collette was also issued an infrac- toxicating alcohol and drugs, and failure to drive before striking a guard rail at the intersection tion for traveling too fast for conditions, ac- right, police said. of Middletown Road and Ashley Lane. cording to police. East Hampton School Board Grapples with Budget Proposal by Elizabeth Regan Against the backdrop of a state budget pro- if school board members choose to add all of In addition to cheerleading, the cross coun- skyrocketing health insurance costs, the super- posal from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy described the additional priorities under consideration. try team and the girls’ volleyball team have re- intendent said. by town officials as “devastating” – and uncer- The school board has gotten behind a plea quested an additional coach to supervise a jun- To offset those and other contractual expenses tainty about what state lawmakers are going to from administrators, teachers and parents to ior varsity team. that alone came in at 5.25 percent over the cur- do about it – the Board of Education continues restore a Center School teaching position lost Thomas Crean, father of two cheerleaders, rent year’s budget, Smith’s recommended bud- to plug away at its own school spending plan. to retirement last year. The position was not told school board members earlier this month get cuts one Memorial School teacher, a math The numbers out of Hartford show the East included in Smith’s recommended budget. that adding a cheer coach is an issue of equality. interventionist at the middle school and a Hampton Board of Education stands to lose Grade five class sizes range from 26 to 28 “I’m always telling my girls they are just as paraeducator from an as-yet-undetermined $3.15 million based on Malloy’s proposed bud- students currently; one additional teacher would equal as any boy that goes to this school,” he school. It also reduces the middle school assis- get. When state aid is calculated for both the result in class sizes of 22 to 23 in 2017-18, based said. “I don’t understand how we can say to tant principal from a full-year to 10-month po- education and general government sides of the on enrollment projections. these girls, ‘Do your best out there, but you’re sition. budget, the town would see a total shortfall of Center School Principal Mary Clark told not equal to the boys. You don’t get an assis- While the school board has not complained $2.38 million. (A related story about the im- school board members Monday that so many tant coach.’” about most of the additions or cuts in Smith’s pact of Malloy’s proposal on East Hampton and students in a classroom makes it difficult for While the school board will not approve an recommended budget proposal, there is one other Rivereast towns appears on the cover of teachers and aides to provide the personalized education budget until late this month, there item that does not appear to enjoy full support this week’s issue.) learning environment the district strives to pro- appeared to be consensus on adding a fifth grade from members: a school resource officer. But a final budget must be approved by both vide and comes with a host of “logistical, in- teacher at Center School. There was also broad Smith recommended including $75,000 in the houses of the state General Assembly and then structional and even safety challenges.” support for adding the junior varsity option for proposed budget to cover 70 percent of the sal- signed by the governor. While the current leg- The teachers’ contract negotiated between cheerleading, volleyball and possibly cross ary and benefits for a new East Hampton po- islative session ends on June 7, the process the East Hampton Education Association and country. lice officer. The school resource officer would could take even longer if lawmakers adjourn the district specifies “reasonable efforts shall The remaining priorities not included in be based in one of the schools and would be without a budget. In that case, a special session be made” to ensure classes don’t exceed 25 Smith’s original proposal now being considered available to the wider East Hampton commu- would be held to hash out the details before students. include $15,000 for an increase in the hours nity during school vacations and as needed. July 1. “We have done everything we can creatively for part-time East Hampton High School cho- School board member Joanne Barmasse said In the meantime, Superintendent of Schools to meet the needs of our students, but I’m con- ral director Ehren Brown, $83,000 for salary she would consider the idea if the cost was Paul Smith has advised the school board to con- cerned about that becoming an acceptable num- and benefits for both a high school guidance flipped so that the district only paid for 30 per- tinue with the local education budget recom- ber as we move forward, and even just the counselor and business teacher and $4,000 for cent of the position, while other members said mendation on the table since before Malloy an- norm,” Clark said. middle school extracurricular clubs. they didn’t think the upcoming budget year is nounced his budget proposal. The school board last week also entertained Smith’s original recommended budget in- the right time to add a school resource officer. Smith recommended a $30.15 million edu- an impassioned request by high school cludes about $150,000 in new positions, pro- Still others said they needed a presentation from cation budget in January. The school board cheerleading coach Holly White to add an as- grams and supplies. He said the expense is bal- East Hampton Police Department Chief Sean members have been considering an additional sistant coach to the budget. An assistant coach anced by expected savings from teacher retire- Cox before they could make a decision. $83,000 to $282,000, based on input from the would enable a junior varsity team that could ments. While those retirees will be replaced, The school board will meet Feb. 28 to vote community. serve more participants at the appropriate skill the positions will likely be taken by less expe- on its education budget proposal. The school Smith’s recommendation came in 3.75 per- level. She said it is a safety concern when there rienced teachers at a lower pay grade. board-approved spending plan, along with the cent higher than the current budget. It could go is only one coach to oversee multiple students The 3.75 percent increase over this year’s general government budget, will be presented as high as 4.65 percent over the current budget practicing dangerous stunts. budget in Smith’s proposal is largely due to to the Board of Finance on March 13.

East Hampton Councilman Hopes East Hampton Receives to Bring Clock to Village Center Preschool Funding by Elizabeth Regan Gov. Dannel Malloy this week announced in a press release from his office. “Expanding Town Council member Josh Piteo is hoping that nearly $1.6 million in state funding is be- the availability of preschool options in our state a $22,698 clock will help bring new life to the ing awarded to nine communities across Con- will prepare them for college and careers in a village center. necticut – including East Hampton. The fund- global, 21st century economy.” The 15.5-foot tall clock, produced by Elec- ing will expand the availability of preschool in “Early education can greatly improve student tric Time Co. of Medford, Mass., will be funded public schools in the communities. success,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said in through donations. This list of donors will be In East Hampton, the funds total $150,000, the release. “These investments strengthen our engraved onto plaques on the cast aluminum which will allow 15 new preschool slots at preschool system, create opportunity for our post. Memorial School. young people, and help build the education “I’ve always had it in the back of my mind The funding comes as part of the latest round pipeline that contributes to Connecticut’s im- that a clock would revitalize the center,” Piteo of the state’s Smart Start initiative – a program proving test scores and rising graduation rates.” said. that is designed to expand access to pre-K in In addition to East Hampton, towns receiv- Piteo’s proposal would put the clock on the public schools, particularly among low-income ing Smart Start funding are Andover, Cheshire, west side of Main Street, he said. Digital mock- children. For East Hampton, the funding in- Cromwell, Enfield, North Branford, Plymouth, ups of the clock show it on the corner of Barton cludes $75,000 for capital improvements, as Somers and Thomaston. Hill Road. well as $75,000 for operational expenses from Funding for the capital improvement grants Piteo described his vision for the towering the Tobacco Settlement Fund, which is the re- is expected to be approved at an upcoming timepiece as a reference point. People might sult of a lawsuit Connecticut and 45 other states meeting of the State Bond Commission, make arrangements to “meet by the clock,” for filed years ago against the tobacco industry. Malloy’s office said, with funding anticipated instance, or they could find the business they’re “We must ensure that children are equipped to be available this spring. Operational expenses looking for “two doors down from the clock.” with the tools they need to succeed in life – for classrooms beginning in September will be Piteo cited Madison, Conn. as an example regardless of income or zip code,” Malloy said available in July. of an attractive, bustling downtown area given additional gravitas by a clock. “We have a great town center and we want to do something that’s going to spruce it up and make it an exciting area,” he said. Piteo’s focus on Main Street goes back at least 20 years. From 1999 to 2001, he spear- headed a campaign to beautify the village cen- ter with engraved bricks. The following year, he started on a failed effort to raise money for a 12-foot clock by selling seven-inch replicas. Town Councilman Josh Piteo is Now, in the town’s 250th anniversary year, hoping to bring a new clock to the Piteo has decided it’s time to try again. Donors village center. contributing $149 will get their names engraved on the clock. There’s room for about 160 names cember to authorize the purchase of the clock on the four panels. once sufficient funds are raised. He called the clock a “snapshot in time” that Piteo has emphasized no taxpayer money will will celebrate the town’s history, show how far be used for the purchase or installation of the it’s come, and stand tall into the future. clock. Donations will be held in a town account. Donations may be made online at eh250.org The Town Council voted unanimously in De- and at the town hall on 20 East High St. Hebron Native Spends Season as Patriots Cheerleader by Geeta S. Sandberg ship where wide receiver Julian Edelman and leader and that of a biochemist. For Hebron native Theresa Oei, the New defensive back Patrick Chung were also present “You certainly see the importance that sci- England Patriots’ winning season was particu- – although she said in general the cheerleaders ence can have on our progress against these larly exciting. and football players don’t really interact. diseases,” Oei said. “One woman said, ‘I just Sure, there were droves of fans cheering for “Sometimes we’re at similar events, but pray you and my daughter [as the next genera- the team, all hoping they’d bring home their everyone’s doing a job, and they have a very tion] will see the end of this disease,’ and know- fifth Super Bowl ring, but Oei – she was liter- different schedule in terms of practice and ing that end will come from scientific advances ally cheering, as a member of the Patriots things like that and everyone’s really focused,” and that’s something I can be a part of was a cheerleading squad. she explained. neat moment.” A graduate of Yale University who studied Oei added, however, that you get to know Not to be forgotten, another memorable ex- molecular biochemistry, Oei currently lives in some of the players’ personalities “just by perience for Oei was of course, Super Bowl LI. Massachusetts, where she works as a biochem- watching from afar.” The team arrived in Houston Feb. 2, and that ist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. “I always liked No. 97 [defensive end Alan evening they attended a rodeo-themed party She shared with the Rivereast last spring that Branch],” Oei shared. “When they’re warming where the Kraft family – team owners – as well she applied for a spot on the cheerleading team up before a game they play pop music as the as players and their families were present. not really expecting to get selected. Rather, she crowd is trickling in, and he’s always dancing.” “So we were there greeting people and we thought trying out would be something fun to She also mentioned tight end Martellus learned to line dance with a bunch of locals and do, and a way to bring some dance back into Bennett, who grabbed a pair of pom-poms and that was really fun,” Oei shared. Then, the night her life; she started studying classical dance and danced with the cheerleaders following the AFC before the big game Feb. 5 there was another Irish step dancing when she was a little girl, Championship win (video of which can be party the cheerleaders attended that was hosted she explained – but opportunities to incorpo- found online). by Maxim, where they got to dress up and walk rate it into her life had waned in recent years. As for some of her favorite moments from the “red carpet.” But while she may not have expected it, she the season, Oei said, “I think one of the ones As for the game itself, “We were all very did indeed get selected. In fact, Oei was among that will always stand out with me is the Breast excited. I think by the end of it we were all just just 33 of the 420 applicants to get chosen for Cancer Awareness game [Oct. 16] when we screaming.” (Photo by Dwight Darian) the team – and it led to a memorable season were on the field with 150 survivors. We had After trailing the Atlanta Falcons 28-3 mid- Theresa Oei capped off with a trip to the Super Bowl earlier pink uniforms and sort of stood in the pink rib- way through the third quarter, the Patriots man- She said she was at the party until about 3:30 this month. bon shape on the field.” aged to tie the game 28-28, forcing the first- a.m., “then I went back to the hotel and packed “It was a lot of fun and in terms of the games, Fans in the audience were also given pink ever Super Bowl overtime. The Pats ultimately and got to the airport for the next morning” – it was pretty neat seeing everything live and signs, and at the end of the first quarter the signs claimed their fifth Super Bowl championship thus ending a memorable season as a member feeling the excitement,” Oei shared. were held up so that the entire stadium was with an overtime touchdown that brought the of the New England Patriots cheerleading team. Being on the team was a part-time gig, so awash in pink; the signs some of the fans held final score to 34-28. As for what’s next for Oei, she shared she’s Oei was able to continue her work at the Broad on one side of the stadium made the breast can- Even when the Patriots were down by 25 currently in the midst of applying to PhD pro- Institute, but the squad was present at all of the cer awareness ribbon with the Patriots logo in- points, Oei recalled, “I don’t think we ever re- grams at various schools including MIT, home games, the championship games, and at- side. ally doubted [they’d win]. Everyone was really Harvard – she actually got her acceptance call tended a number of area events. Oei added that game also happened to be sort of rooting for them. It was one of a kind while on the plane back from Houston – as well “They’ve been fun,” Oei said of those events, quarterback Tom Brady’s first home game fol- for sure, and the stadium itself – at the begin- as Stanford University and Yale. explaining that, for example, the cheerleaders lowing a four-game suspension. ning it was much more quiet but as it got to- Since she’s not sure where she’ll be next year, were asked to attend company parties, visit “They played a little video montage to the ward the end everything got super loud and at this point Oei doesn’t know if she’ll try out hospitals and attend some of the Patriots’ alumni song ‘Coming Home’ [by Diddy featuring there was a lot going on.” to be a cheerleader again next season, “but if I games; she worked a 5K event for Pancreatic Skylar Grey] and then he ran out on the field Following the team’s historic comeback win, stayed in the area I would certainly think long Cancer on Boston Common; worked with the for the first time and it was pretty emotional,” Oei shared she also attended the after party that and hard about coming back,” she concluded. Patriots Women’s Association serving meals Oei said. “Everyone there was so excited to have included performances by Pitbull and Lil Wayne * * * with the group Bridge Over Troubled Waters him back.” in the NRG Center next to the stadium. Auditions for the upcoming season are com- that provides programs for homeless youth in That game also provided Oei with the chance “Everyone sang and danced and had a great ing up, and information on how to apply can be Boston; and worked an event at a car dealer- to form a connection between her life as a cheer- time,” Oei stated. found at patriots.com/cheerleaders/auditions.

Courant Argues Against Proposed Portland Ordinance by Elizabeth Regan The concepts of free speech and paper pol- Basilicato, one of the deliveries got stuck in through the cracks, he said those are the kind attend the hearing but submitted a letter that lution collided head-on at a public hearing her snowblower this week. of “mistakes” that happen when the company was read out loud at the hearing. Wednesday on a proposed ordinance to curb The ordinance being discussed was based on is responsible for the delivery of 200,000 Reneson said he has been a Portland resi- the delivery of advertising circulars some resi- a draft that would make it illegal for anyone to circulars across 100 towns. dent since 2008, with ties to the town that go dents said are being thrown carelessly into their leave “advertising matter” or “newspapers” on “A mistake doesn’t make an ordinance that back to his childhood. yards. any private properties without the permission is unconstitutional magically constitutional,” “I want to assure anyone who has reserva- Resident Mary Pear told about a dozen of the owner. Fish said. “It’s a mistake, it shouldn’t happen, tions about my commitment to this working, if people at the hearing, including representatives The draft ordinance would not apply to ma- and steps need to be taken to correct it.” you request the delivery of the CTShops to stop, from the Hartford Courant’s circulation depart- terial sent through the United States Postal Ser- Brian McEnery, the Courant’s director of it will be stopped,” he wrote. “The last thing I ment and a lawyer for the newspaper, that she vice, like the Rivereast, or when distribution is distribution for home deliveries, told the angry want is to ignore issues residents have regard- witnessed the practice firsthand one Thursday required by federal, state or local regulations. crowd he would personally check to make sure ing any deliveries we make.” morning. Hartford Courant legal counsel William Fish a ‘stop’ has been recorded in the system for Several residents, like Basilicato, called out “A driver in a pickup truck quickly moves of Hartford-based Hinckley, Allen & Snyder anyone who has called to halt delivery of the McEnery for “passing the buck” to the down the street,” she said. “From the back of took to the podium to frame the proposed ordi- CTShopsHere advertising circulars. Courant’s contractors in a way that doesn’t re- the pickup truck are two persons: one heaves a nance as a free speech violation. “What we have been finding in some cases flect well on the newspaper. plastic bundle to the left of the street and the “Numerous courts all around the country is that the stops are there, but the delivery per- Bruce Tyler described the Courant’s defense other heaves a plastic bundle to the right. When have regularly held that speech, which is pro- son, for whatever reason, is not following the as “constitutional protection for incompetent it hits its mark, it lands in the middle of the tected, also includes the right to distribute the delivery list,” he said. management.” driveway. However, more often than not, it lands speech,” Fish said. “If you don’t get to actually McEnery said he has been in contact with “Fix it, and don’t hide behind the first amend- on your lawn or in the road.” distribute speech, it’s not really protected.” the contractor covering Portland to resolve the ment,” he said. Resident Angela Hammond stood up to say He cited numerous legal decisions that have issue. He called it “unacceptable” that residents McEnery said he expects to get the resident she has called the Hartford Courant numerous upheld door-to-door distribution of such printed have been asking multiple times for the deliv- complaints from Portland resolved within two times to stop delivery with no resolution. materials as pamphlets from Jehovah’s Wit- eries to stop with no results. weeks. Hammond described the deliveries as a nui- nesses, pro-life literature and even phone books. Contractors are also supposed to remove pa- Meanwhile, First Selectwoman Susan sance, an environmental issue and a safety risk. Fish said the ordinance is also improper be- pers that are piling up, he added. Bransfield told selectmen she will bring the She joined several other residents in com- cause it singles out advertising and newspapers “We’ve got what we think is a good process draft ordinance to town attorney Kari Olson of plaining that the bagged circulars accumulate while leaving political, religious and non-profit in place of how we handle this, we just need to Murtha Cullina for what will likely be “sub- in some yards, giving a signal to potential groups free to leave written material on private work and make sure we’re executing the way it stantive changes” to address legal issues. thieves that the home is empty. property. should be so it’s not necessary to have an ordi- She said she would continue to work with “[The drivers] don’t look to see if one is still Instead, he said residents should go through nance,” McEnery said. representatives from the Courant and with there from the week before, so you see them the customer service process to stop the un- Robert Reneson, the owner of the delivery Reneson and will report back to the selectmen piling up,” Hammond said. wanted deliveries. And while he acknowledged company contracted by the Courant, could not at their March 1 meeting. According to Hammond’s neighbor, Nicole complaints that some of those requests fall Marlborough Superintendent Trims Proposed Budget Increase by Julianna Roche At a Board of Education budget workshop coordinator for the 2017-18 fiscal year, Sklarz’s Finance Chairman Doug Knowlton over the last Vice Chairman Cliff Denniss, who spoke about Wednesday night, Superintendent of Schools proposal simply shifts the psychologist and couple months. Gov. Dannel Malloy’s proposed budget cuts and David Sklarz proposed changes that would speech/language therapist’s responsibilities. In mid-December, Knowlton had originally how they will affect Marlborough. (A story bring the budget increase for FY 2017-18 down “We’re at a point in the next year or so where described the fund to be used “as a future main- about the impact of Malloy’s proposal on to a 2.48 percent increase. we’re going to be looking at .8 FTE in some tenance fund” where reserves would likely be Marlborough and other area towns appears on Sklarz had initially pitched a 4.98 percent subject areas,” he said, adding “we’ve got to placed in at the start of each school year to be the cover of this week’s Rivereast.) budget increase in December. take this opportunity and see what we can do.” used towards building and maintenance “[The impact] is about $1.2 million,” he said. The new proposal included eliminating the Reducing positions to .8 FTE is not without projects. “If you haven’t already, I urge you all, mem- special education coordinator position alto- its concerns however, he furthered. “We’ve reached a point now where there’s a bers of the public, to write, call, contact your gether and reassigning those responsibilities to “When we reduce positions to .8 [FTE], we reality check,” Sklarz said about the budget, legislators and continue to do so up until the the school psychologist and speech/language risk losing people,” he said, adding that after adding that as it continues to be discussed, the end.” therapist, which would save the school $45,000. speaking with other superintendents however, board “just need[s] to think about going one Resident Rich Storrs echoed Denniss’ senti- According to the proposal, a 1.0 full time it’s clear “we’re all struggling with the same step at a time” and “strategically reduc[ing] our ments, and told the Board of Education that its equivalent (FTE) school psychologist position issues.” budget costs.” “job is to do what’s best for the students… re- would be reassigned to 0.8 FTE psychologist “We’re making a statement [that] as difficult “It’s now the board’s responsibility to look gardless of what state legislators are doing.” and 0.2 FTE special education coordinator, as it is, we need to make reductions,” Sklarz at everything and see if we want to reduce it “You all have a responsibility to do what’s while the 1.0 FTE speech/language therapist continued. further or if somebody might want to add some- best for the town and our students,” he furthered. position would be reassigned to 0.8 FTE speech/ According to the superintendent’s proposed thing in,” Kelly said, adding that will take place Board of Selectman member Dick Shea – language therapist and 0.2 FTE special educa- changes, an additional $8,604 will also be saved at the next regular Board of Education meet- who stressed he was speaking as an individual tion coordinator. by reducing technology updates to the school, ing, which will be held Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 – said “we’re going to have to work with what “What happened this year is the person we adjusting the budget for 2017-18 to total $7.4 p.m. in the elementary school’s media center. we have now” regarding the budget. had in that position [special education coordi- million, as opposed to $7.45 million. * * * He stressed that Malloy’s proposal is just that nator] left us and we hired somebody to [stay The budget total however, does not include a Several residents also spoke about their con- – a proposal – and said, “you can be quite cer- until the] end of the year,” Board of Education capital improvement fund balance – which cerns heading into budget season during the tain there will be a lot of changes and we won’t Chairwoman Ruth Kelly said Thursday. Sklarz has been talking about establishing with public comments portions of the meeting know the final number until sometime in June.” Rather than hire a new special education First Selectwoman Amy Traversa and Board of Wednesday night, including Board of Finance

Obituaries Marlborough Andover Marlborough Hebron Gordon A. Watkins Sr. Joyce Delores Orcutt George W. Gallian Dwight W. Ufferfilge Gordon A. Watkins Pastor Joyce Delores Orcutt, 81 passed into the George W. Gallian, Dwight W. Ufferfilge, 72, of Hebron, the be- Sr., 89, of Marlborough, spiritual world Thursday, Feb. 9, at Brattleboro 79, of Marlborough, be- loved husband of Judith A. (Krause) Ufferfilge, formerly of East Hart- Memorial Hospital, Brattleboro, Vt. Joyce was loved husband of Loren died Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Hartford Hospital. ford, beloved husband born in Glastonbury Aug. 2, 1935, the daughter La Terra Gallian, died Born in Teaneck, N.J., he was the son of the of 68 years to his all- of Armand and Ethel (Hare) Roberts. She attended peacefully Wednesday, late William and Pauline (Mittermier) Ufferfilge time sweetheart Lor- Our Lady of Sorrows and Manchester High Feb. 8, at Middlesex and had lived in Hebron for 41 years. Dwight was raine (Simon) Watkins, schools in Connecticut. Hospital Hospice Unit. a U.S. Navy veteran and a proud member of the passed peacefully at Born with a gift, at a very young age Joyce Born July 10, 1937, in Seabees. While a resident of New Jersey, Dwight home Tuesday, Feb. 7, became aware of her psychic abilities after a beau- Bronx, N.Y., he was the served as a member of the Westwood and Wash- with his wife by his tiful spirit spoke to her and after a visit to Salem, son of the late George ington volunteer fire departments. More recently side. Gordon was born Mass., where she was introduced to a highly-ac- and Rose (Amend) he was a self-employed home inspector and was May 20, 1927, to the claimed medium who helped her realize her psy- Gallian. passionate about learning and teaching others late Leroy and Alta chic abilities. From then on, Joyce devoted her George proudly about the foundation issues in the state of Con- (Wadhams) Watkins of Bloomfield. life to spiritualism and healing. Her young life served his country in necticut. Dwight took great pleasure in telling tall Gordon was a Teamster Local 559 Tractor was filled with many unique experiences, and at the Army during the Korean War. He had worked tales, speaking with all sorts of people, as well as Trailer driver for over 40 years driving for First the age of 9, accompanied by her father, Joyce as a Hartford city firefighter, fighting the Hart- building, fixing, and remodeling various things. National Stores and Wonder Bread Company. He survived the 1944 Hartford Circus fire, one of the ford Hospital fire in 1961, and had jumped from In addition to his wife of 48 years, he is sur- proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy dur- worst fire disasters in the history of the United a too-short ladder into the ninth floor window on vived by his adoring children, Tara Arner and her ing World War II. He was an avid Red Sox and States. the fire floor. He also deterred a nurse from jump- husband Michael of Tolland, Lauren McGill and UConn sports fan, although his heartfelt joy came Joyce married Edward (Eddie) Orcutt on March ing from a window and she survived. Later on, her husband Kevin of Bolton, and Carrie Asklar from sharing time with his family. 9, 1953, at St. James Church in Manchester, and he worked extensively in the automotive indus- and her husband Kevin of Marlborough; his Before and after retirement, he and Lorraine would have celebrated 64 years of marriage in try in sales, service and body shops, particularly grandchildren, “The Rabbits-7,” Katherine and took on many sights, traveling the U.S. extensively March of this year. In 1977, Joyce attended nurs- managing Turnpike Motors in Newington for Jason Arner, Kylee, Keaton, and Gavin McGill, in their camper. One of their favorite places to ing school and worked as an LPN for two years many years. George was a licensed insurance as well as Lani and Olivia Asklar; his brother, vacation year after year was at the family cottage before her health caused her to give up nursing. appraiser in several states, becoming an adjuster Roger and his wife, Barbara, of Florida; and sev- on the beautiful rock bound coast of New Har- She and Ed moved to Andover, where they lived also prior to his retirement. eral nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, bor, Maine. for 41 years. In 2001, Joyce and Ed moved to He was a past member of the VFW Post in East Dwight is predeceased by his brother William Besides his wife, he is survived by his three Winchester, N.H. Hampton and the American Legion Post in Ufferfilge. sons Gordon A. Watkins Jr. and his significant They raised four children of their own, Lora Marlborough. He was an avid fly fisherman, Funeral services will be private at the conve- other Kathleen Mihalyak of McCormick, S.C., Lee, Kathleen, Edward Jr. and Frank, while shar- camping, hunting and fishing frequently in up- nience of the family. Leroy B. Watkins II and his wife Patricia Watkins ing their home with numerous other children. state New York as well as in Connecticut with his Memorial donations may be made to the of Marlborough, Jeffrey S. Watkins and his wife Because of Joyce’s love of children she became a son-in-law and grandsons. George and Loren en- Marlborough Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Heather Watkins of Broad Brook; seven grand- Cub Scout, Girl Scout and 4-H leader. For the joyed vintage auto shows, flea markets and the Box 237, Marlborough, CT 06447. children, Brian Watkins of Steamboat Springs, last 40-plus years, Joyce was a medium and pas- fabulous Italian food of Arthur Ave. in the Bronx. John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Manchester, has Colo., Burton and Keri Watkins of Glastonbury, tor at First Spiritualist Church of Willimantic. In He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren care of the arrangements. For online condolences, Krystal Watkins of Somerville, Mass., Karley and 2002, she taught courses in spiritualism at and great-grandchildren. George had a special visit tierneyfuneralhome.com. husband Rob Root of Coventry, Dawn and hus- Manchester Community College and through the fondness for Golden Retrievers, having had two, band Jonathan Vieira of Dartmouth, Mass., Aus- years she and Ed traveled to many states doing Samson and Gatsby. tin and Violet Watkins of Broad Brook; four great- message work and healings. During her spiritual Besides his wife, he is survived by his two grandchildren, Lillianna and Christian Vieria of life, Joyce was vice president and president of daughters, Luanne Savva and her husband Charles Dartmouth, Mass., Ava and Bennett Watkins of Connecticut State Spiritualist Association, presi- of Southwick, Mass., Lisa Kraft and her husband Glastonbury; and several special nieces and neph- dent of Pine Grove Spiritualist Camp, president Kenneth of Southwick, Mass.; a sister, Linda; four ews and special lifelong dear friends. Gordon also and vice president of the Wigwam, long trustee grandchildren, Nikolas (Jamie) and Christopher spoke fondly of his memories and remaining rela- of Connecticut Camp Association and honored Savva (Danielle), Kaitlin and Taylor Kraft; and tives in Goshen. by NSAC. three great-grandchildren, Kaileigh, Brianna and Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his She was predeceased by her parents, her Bradley. sister Helen Woodhull. brother, Armand Bill Roberts, and her oldest child, He was predeceased by three sisters, Marie, Friends called at the Spencer Funeral Home, Lora Lee Orcutt Liappes. Georgianna, Viola, and his in-laws, Joseph and 112 Main St., East Hampton, Monday evening, Besides her husband, she is survived by her Jane La Terra. Feb. 13. A funeral service was held Tuesday, Feb. son Edward Jr. and his wife Leann, daughter We would like to thank the phenomenal staff 14, in Marlborough Congregational Church, Kathleen Cardillo and her husband Richard, son of Middlesex Hospital’s CCU and Hospice Unit, South Main Street, Marlborough. Burial was pri- Frank and his wife Vona. She leaves much love who were so very kind and caring of George and vate at the convenience of the family in Marlboro and blessings to her grandchildren, great-grand- his girls. Cemetery. children, nieces, nephews and her many friends. George’s family will receive relatives and friends In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be Quote from Joyce: “Greatest joy of my life has on Sunday, Feb. 19, from 2-4 p.m., at the Spencer made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box been being a spiritualist...If you asked about my Funeral Home, 112 Main St., East Hampton. 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517. joy, it was and is sharing God and Jesus’s In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be To leave online condolences, visit spencer teaching...to me if you took the teachings of Jesus made to Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, P.O. funeralhomeinc.com. and left out the man made stuff you would have Box 808, Hudson, MA 01749-0808 or to the spiritualism....” Weiss Hospice Unit, c/o Middlesex Hospital De- A memorial service will be next Friday (2-24- partment of Philanthropy, 55 Crescent St., 2017) at 11:00 A.M.at Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Middletown, CT 06457. Parker Ave. Northfield, Ma. The Rev. Susan To leave online condolences, visit spencer Frenezy will officiate. Burial will be at the funeralhomeinc.com. conveience of the family. To send condolences or for directions, visit kidderfuneralhome.com. Obituaries continued

Amston Colchester Colchester Cobalt Donald James Begansky Leon Levine Herbert Wallace St. Peter Cathy A. Wing Donald James Be- Leon Levine, 84, of Colchester, passed away Herbert Wallace St. Cathy A. Wing, 64, of gansky, 67, of Amston, Sunday, Feb. 12. Born Sept. 15, 1932, to the late Peter, of Colchester, Cobalt, passed at her passed away at home Samuel and Gertrude Levine, Leon was a native passed away peacefully home Tuesday, Feb. 14. with his family by his of Colchester. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the She was born Sept. 3, side Tuesday, Feb. 14. He graduated from Bacon Academy in 1950 age of 60. Born July 29, 1952, in Newark, N.J., Born in Hartford Feb. and worked on the family chicken and egg farm. 1956, in Norwich, he the daughter of the late 16, 1949, he was a son He married Anita (Schwartz) in 1952 in Brook- was the son of the late John Harra and Car- of the late Theophil and lyn, N.Y., and recently celebrated their 64th an- Gerald and Viola “Gin- mella (Dolly Romano) Nina (Denisky) Began- niversary. They started their own farm, which soon ger” (Rogers) St. Peter. Harra. Cathy loved be- sky. had 35,000 egg-laying chickens, the largest farm Herb grew up in ing from New Jersey. After serving in the in Colchester. In 1965, he entered the upholstery Colchester and attended She was a true Jersey U.S. Air Force, Don at- business, eventually launching Leon’s Upholstery Bacon Academy with girl and always said with tended American River in New London in 1980, which is still in business the Class of 1974. He pride “Jersey has the College. He retired in today. enlisted in the U.S. best bread!” 2014 after a career as a respiratory therapist. After playing basketball, baseball, and soccer Navy and served proudly at the end of the Viet- In 1995 she was married to Stephen G. Wing. Donald took great pride in caring for children at at Bacon, Leon spent the rest of life perfecting nam War until his honorable discharge in Janu- Upon marrying Stephen she welcomed an ex- the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. his golf game, including two holes-in-one. Leon ary 1978. Herb gave his all in whatever he did – tended family that includes her mother and fa- Donald was ever devoted to his sons, taking an and Anita travelled widely, including South from his die-hard work ethic with Local 230; to ther-in-law Margaret (Peg) and Theodore Wing, interest and being involved in any activity they America, Central America, Italy, Israel, Jordan, his love for his family, especially his grandchil- sister and brother-in-law Kathleen and Dante pursued. He enjoyed spending time with his fam- France, Eastern Europe, England, Spain, Portu- dren; and just his zest for life, living each mo- Aiudi and their son Dante Aiudi Jr., and her be- ily. In his spare time, Donald loved music. He gal, Hawaii and China. They were in Tiananmen ment to its fullest. loved stepson Michael Weed. enjoyed playing drums, gardening and camping. Square during the 1989 uprising. He will be greatly missed and fondly remem- Cathy was a manager at Aetna Life and Casu- He will be sadly missed but always remem- Leon was a member of the Board of Trustees bered by all whose lives he touched; as he leaves alty for 39 years, where she met many of her of bered by his loving wife Robin; three sons, Mat- of Congregation Ahavath Achim in Colchester and his three children, Heath St. Peter (and his wife, her closest friends, especially Britt Nystrom and thew and wife Briana of Minneapolis, Minn., was Past President, Man of the Year, and Paul Lauren) of East Haddam, Faith Farina of Moodus Cathy Goodrow Hartley, along with their fami- Jacob Begansky of Portland, Ore., Michael Harris Fellow of the Colchester Rotary Club. and Kelly Dessureault of East Hampton; seven lies and the extended group of Aetnoids. Begansky of Amston; a brother, Theophil In addition to his loving wife Anita, he is sur- grandchildren, Logan and Garrett Meseroll, Cathy believed in giving back. She volunteered Begansky Jr. of Bonita Springs, Fla.; two grand- vived by his brother Melvin of New York City; Kallysta, Lucas and Nathaniel Farina and Edward at various local non-profit organizations. She children, Oliver and Elliott; and numerous ex- three sons, Mark (Sara Imershein) of Washing- and Matthew Dessureault; four siblings – sisters, loved her time at The Homeroom in Middletown, tended family and friends. ton, D.C., Neal (Lorraine) of Punta Gorda, Fla., Cheryl Montgomery (and her husband, Mike) of where she helped local youth with their home- Calling hours will be held today, Feb. 17, from Barry (Tracy Bone) of Bethesda, Md.; six grand- Lebanon and Meredith Cable (and her husband, work. She also served as a board member of Jun- 5-7 p.m., at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, children (Danielle, Mimi, Sam, Joseph, Abigail Jon) of St. Cloud, Fla., and two brothers, Gerald ior Women in East Hampton where she raised 167 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester. The funeral will and Olivia) and two great-grandchildren (Mikayla St. Peter (and his wife, Cathy) of Colchester and funding for local events and charities. Cathy also be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m., directly and Nicholas). John St. Peter of Winsted; and so very many friends. volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and was at the First Congregational Church of Portland, He was predeceased by his brother Herbert. A Celebration of his Life will be observed from nominated to the board before retiring to help raise 554 Main St., Portland. Funeral services and burial were observed Tues- 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the American Le- her beloved grandchildren, who she often brought Burial will follow in the Swedish Cemetery in day, Feb. 14, under the direction of the Aurora- gion, Neptune Avenue, Moodus. to the food bank to make donations. Portland. McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester. Care of arrangements has been entrusted to the Cathy was a vibrant and rebellious woman who For online condolences, visit auroramccarthy Donations in his memory may be made to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester. loved her family and friends fiercely. She believed funeralhome.com. National Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE 1st St., in family, equality, hard work, and fighting for Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131, Congregation Beth her beliefs. She loved politics, dancing, the gym, El of Montgomery County, Maryland or Temple Betty Boop, wine, bright lights and entertainment, Sinai of Washington, DC. amazing food, fancy clothes, cooking, being the perfect hostess, traveling, bowling, music, pop culture, and her good friend Elizabeth Arden, who she swore attributed to her youthful glow. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in October 2016. Her plight was short and gruesome at times but she continued to fight until the day her light was extinguished on Feb. 14, 2017. She leaves her beloved husband, Stephen G. Wing of Cobalt; her daughter Lalena and her hus- band Michael Salafia of East Hampton; her step- son Michael Weed of Cromwell; and her grand- children Skyler and Michael Salafia Jr. of East Hampton. She also leaves her sisters Janet Gra- ham of Orange, Calif., and Deborah and her hus- band Joseph Lek of Little Rock, S.C., and her brother John S. Harra of Las Vegas, Nev. She is survived by her mother, Carmella Harra of Middletown, and her in-laws, Margaret and Theodore Wing of Middletown. She is predeceased by her father, John Harra. Friends may call at the Spencer Funeral Home, 112 Main St., East Hampton, Monday, Feb. 20, from 10-11 a.m. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Center, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. To leave online condolences, visit spencer funeralhomeinc.com.