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Anything Goes’ for AHM Youth Theater by Geeta Schrayter Twists and Turns,” As AHM Describes It

Anything Goes’ for AHM Youth Theater by Geeta Schrayter Twists and Turns,” As AHM Describes It

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Volume 37, Number 15 Published by The Glastonbury Citizen July 20, 2012 Pride on Parade At Old Home Days by Joshua Anusewicz Over the last calendar year, East Hampton Joslyn-Greenwald said that Bjorn went over has had many reasons to come together in a “really great with the kids” again this year. show of solidarity and community. Unfortu- Thursday night also featured local rock group nately, some of those reasons have been during Johnny 5. times of struggle: Tropical Storm Irene, a freak Friday also featured two musical acts – Voo- October snowstorm, and the tragic fire that lev- doo River Band and The Tim Charron Band – eled the Bevin Bell factory in May. which were both well-received. But the big at- But each time the town has been dealt a blow, traction Friday was the 14th annual Glorious it has come back stronger than before, with a Gallop 5K Road Race, which kicked off just stronger sense of community spirit and pride. after 7 p.m. Joslyn-Greenwald said over 430 That community spirit and pride was on full runners participated in this year’s race – con- display for all to see last weekend, as the town siderably higher than last year’s number of run- came together for its annual Old Home Days ners, which was affected by a severe storm. Glorious Celebration, a three-day summer tra- Making his hometown proud, this year’s dition in the town’s Village Center. And from winner was 19-year-old Bill Lonsdale of East running road races to free bicycles to live mu- Hampton with a time of 16:22. The winner in sic, Old Home Days had a little something for the female division was Sarah Ports, 23, of everyone. Lebanon, with a time of 19:13. “The weekend was spectacular,” said Pam Friday gave way to Saturday, and the Old Joslyn-Greenwald, president of the Old Home Home Days Parade, the centerpiece of the three- Days Association this week, adding that the day celebration. Billed as the largest in great weather over the weekend helped draw Middlesex County, the parade drew marchers an “exceptional” crowd for all of the events over and floats from throughout the area, all of which the three days. entertained the large crowd which gathered Welcome Home...Over 200 townspeople turned out July 6 to welcome home the Old Home Days kicked off Thursday night under the morning sun. Crowds along Route U.S. Navy’s Christopher Abbott, left, and Cody Flannery. The two had been deployed and, for the second straight year, the live enter- 66 were several people deep in some spots, to Afghanistan, and recently came back to East Hampton. A large group of family tainment was kicked off by a magician - Bjorn showing just how much Belltown enjoys a good members and friends watched as they cut their yellow ribbons off the tree in the the Magician, to be exact. Using a magician in parade. that slot last year was considered a success, and village center. Photo by Kathy Barber. See Parade Page 2 ‘Anything Goes’ for AHM Youth Theater by Geeta Schrayter twists and turns,” as AHM describes it. Walking into the RHAM High School Audi- The musical also boasts a score torium Wednesday night, the voice of director featuring several well-known classics, such as Mary Rose Meade is the first thing heard. Kind “,” “It’s De-Lovely” yet commanding, she tells one group of actors and “You’re the Top,” along with quite a few to alter their costumes, tweaks a few positions dance numbers. And it’s those numbers which and tells the performers to watch their footing. Meade said have been both a challenge and a Soon after, the group, dressed in period at- reward. tire from the 1930s, is back to practicing a scene “Dancing has been a challenge,” said Meade, from Anything Goes, this year’s production by who’s in her 20th year with the program. And the AHM Summer Youth Theater program. The for the first time in those 20 years, Meade is musical will be performed next weekend at having the entire cast perform a tap number. RHAM High School in Hebron. Time was also stacked against them. When The Tony Award-winning Anything Goes rehearsals were originally planned, Meade said originally opened on Broadway in 1934, and is the last day of school was expected to be June currently enjoying a revival on the Great White 13. However, due to weather-related school can- Way. Originally written by and P.G. cellations, graduation didn’t take place until Wodehouse, and then revised by Howard Lind- June 20, and rehearsals started shortly after. say and before the play’s 1934 “So we’ve had to have some longer nights,” debut, the story takes place on a luxury cruise she said. “Time is always a challenge, but this liner as it journeys from New York to England. year it was a particular challenge because of On board are a slew of passengers, includ- all the singing and dancing.” ing Reno Sweeney, a nightclub singer and In addition, Meade explained some of this former evangelist, and her old friend Billy year’s performers had never danced before but Crocker, who’s stowing away to be near Hope “they all learned.” Everyone worked really hard, Harcourt, the girl he loves. Crocker plans to she said, and “repeated and repeated” the scenes win Harcourt over, but things are complicated until they got them right. It’s that dedication – due to the fact that Harcourt is traveling with and the results they bring – that Meade said The cast of Anything Goes, this year’s performance by the AHM Summer Youth both her overbearing mother and her fiancé. In she’s found most rewarding. Theater Program, gathered at RHAM Wednesday to rehearse for next weekend’s addition, Crocker’s boss is on the ship as well, And the aforementioned challenging tap shows. Pictured from left are Genna Marcin as Hope Harcourt, Nicholas Everlith along with a gangster disguised as a preacher. number, when the entire cast of over 50 per- as the Captain, Peter O’Connell as Mrs. Harcourt, Andrew Hawes as the Purser, The result: a musical filled with “hilarious See ‘Anything Goes’ Page 2 Dan Busa as Billy Crocker and Chris Yeterian as Moonface Martin. Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï

This year’s Old Home Days ended, as usual, with a grand parade down Route 66. The “Golden Age of Television” was this year’s theme; local Boy Scouts contributed a float celebrating the 1960s Batman TV show, top left, while the East Hampton High School Class of 1962 showed off an American Bandstand-themed display, below right. Parade participants also included local bagpipers, top right, and, at far bottom, Epoch Arts celebrating 20 years’ worth of productions (such as Alice in Wonderland and James and the Giant Peach) and the East Hampton Yellow Ribbon Committee. Parade cont. from Front Page The parade, which stepped off at 11 a.m., Citizen of the Year Joann Youngs; the always- was led by the East Hampton Police Depart- popular Shriners in their miniature cars and ment, and followed by the police color guard, motorcycles; the Yellow Ribbon Welcome members of the VFW Post 5095 and the Home Committee, which received a great round Governor’s Foot Guard. Appearing in his 22nd of applause from the crowd; and Rocky, the Old Home Days parade, U.S. Sen. Richard New Britain Rock Cats mascot, who desecrated Blumenthal waved to the crowd and spoke with a parade-goer’s New York Yankees cap. some of the spectators, marching alongside Lt. Throughout the parade, the younger specta- Gov. Nancy Wyman and state Attorney Gen. tors were treated to all fashion of free items: George Jepsen. candy, freeze pops, T-shirts, and even some Members of the East Hampton Fire Depart- plants, courtesy of Paul’s and Sandy’s Too. ment and Volunteer Ambulance soon followed, Joslyn-Greenwald said seeing all of the smil- leading up to the Town Council, Police Chief ing faces of the children are what makes the Matthew Reimondo and new Town Manager parade so special. Michael Maniscalco, walking in his first Old “It’s really for the kids,” she said. “That’s Home Days Parade in his first week in office. what it’s all about.” Behind the town officials was one of the And that wasn’t all the kids had to enjoy. highlights of the parade: a horse and carriage Throughout the weekend, the youngsters were carrying Matthew Bevin, the owner of the Bevin treated to carnival rides, games, and food on Bros. Manufacturing . Bevin received the Center School grounds, which include a free a warm reception from those in the crowd, as a bubble tent and hula-hoop corral for those kids troop of marchers followed behind the carriage out of tickets. Each day of the celebration, 20 ringing bells around a Bevin Bell factory float. lucky children were also selected to receive a “I’m glad they participated, because we had free bicycle, courtesy of the annual Bike Give- hoped they would get involved,” Joslyn- away. Greenwald said. “It was a nice addition.” For those looking to relax and enjoy some The theme of this year’s parade, “The Golden music, Saturday offered the largest and most Age of Television,” brought out the creativity diverse slate of acts; fan-favorite South Phila- of many involved, with programs from the 50s, delphia String Band kicked the festivities off, 60s, and 70s being represented. The East Hamp- followed by Caribbean band MOTO, jazz group ton Class of 1962, celebrating its 50th reunion, The Convertibles, party group Mixed Signals, danced on an American Bandstand float, which and cover band Big Floppy Disk serenaded the Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover serenaded the crowd with oldies music. The crowd into the night, right until the close of ‘Anything Goes’ cont. from Front Page local Boy Scouts dedicated their float to the another successful Glorious Celebration. formers step on stage to perform the title song, old television version of Batman, complete with By the next day, the festivities had ended and Peter O’Connell – laughter seemed inevitable. “Anything Goes,” is Meade’s favorite. signs saying “Splat!” and “Kapow!” Podium all of the fun was being packed away. But with All throughout rehearsal, the actions and “I love when they’re all on stage,” she said. Players, a local theatre arts group, rode along the memories of another great summer week- mannerisms of O’Connell sent his fellow ac- “I always say the ensemble makes the show. on a floating tribute to The Addams Family, blar- end and a renewed sense of community, you tors and crew members in the audience into a They make it a production rather than just a ing the theme song and snapping along. can expect Old Home Days to be just as glori- fit of laughter. few people telling a story.” Other notable inclusions in the parade were ous next year. In one particular scene, as O’Connell informs Marlborough resident Genna Marcin, who the ship’s captain Crocker was discovered plays the desired Hope Harcourt, agreed. dressed up as a girl, everyone erupted into Marcin said it’s been a challenge to learn the laughter, and Meade rightfully exclaimed, as music by Cole Porter “and I think what was she looked at O’Connell in his matronly blue also a challenge was getting the entire cast to dress, “that’s really ironic.” dance.” And for O’Connell, it’s the laughter that he’s But, she added, it was rewarding to see how enjoyed the most. hard everyone was working. “I like making people laugh,” he said, but “It’s really exciting to see everything com- added playing the part of a female meant “ev- ing together and what a great job we’ve done erything” was a challenge – but it has taught with it so far,” she said. him some new things, too. And an example of just how hard everyone “Well, I learned how to put on a bra,” he works could be seen in Hebron resident Kelly laughed. Whitesell, who plays Reno Sweeney. Along As a graduated senior, his performance as with giving her all as she danced around stage Mrs. Wadsworth T. Harcourt will be his eighth and belted out her songs, during the cast’s five- and final show with AHM Summer Youth The- minute break Whitesell could be found look- ater. ing for input on her lines. “I like going out like this because it’s fun,” For her, it was the combination of singing, he said. dancing and acting that made the performance However, in no way will Anything Goes be challenging. the end of his acting career. As he heads off to “Keeping track of the dancing and all my college, O’Connell said he plans to continue songs and all my lines and memorizing it all at performing, and it’ll come in handy, too, con- the same time was the most challenging,” she sidering his chosen major. said, but added it’s the dancing that made the “I’m going for political science, so I need to performance special. be an actor,” he smiled. “It’s the dancing that makes it so special be- O’Connell and the rest of the cast can be seen cause there’s so much tapping and then there’s acting, singing and tapping across stage in Any- singing and acting,” said Whitesell. “It’s more thing Goes on three different nights. The show than the usual just singing and acting show. runs Thursday through Saturday, July 26, 27 There’s big dance numbers and more ‘wow!’ and 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at RHAM Broadway moments.” High School, 85 Wall St., Hebron. Tickets cost Yet even though it was apparent everyone $9 for adults and $6 for senior citizens and chil- took their part in, and preparation for, the per- dren under 12. formance seriously, the rehearsal was not with- For tickets or information, contact AHM out its humor. Considering there are two inter- Youth Services at 860-228-9488. Tickets are esting castings – a female was cast to play the also available at the Hebron town clerk’s of- part of a male passenger, and the role of Mrs. fice, 15 Gilead St., and will be available at the Harcourt is played by Marlborough resident door. YPCCA Goes Blonde for Latest Production in East Hampton by Joshua Anusewicz to help.” Having gone with more serious works in re- Belanger also said that although the show’s cent years, the Young People’s Center for Cre- musical numbers are challenging and “high ative Arts (YPCCA) will churn out what cho- energy,” the experience of the cast and the cast’s reographer Jennifer Friday calls “a real crowd- familiarity with the story line of the movie has pleaser” next week, with its production of Le- “worked in our favor.” What has taken some gally Blonde - The Musical. getting used to, however, is the blonde (a And if you think this musical is all about wig), which Belanger called “awesome” – but pink outfits, toy dogs and romantic comedy, not permanent. well…it is. But it’s a lot more than that, Friday “Yeah, I don’t see that happening,” she said. laughed. “It sounds poppy and simple,” Friday said On the other side of the follicle spectrum is of the musical numbers, “but it’s just as hard as Jackson, a blonde who will play a brunette. The the more serious musicals. And the kids have character she plays, Vivienne, looks at Elle loved the challenge.” Woods as a stereotypical blonde and judges her The musical is based on the Tony-nominated because of it, believing she’s unintelligent. Jack- 2007 Broadway musical, which in turn was an son said playing the brunette character has adaptation of the 2001 film Legally Blonde, a taught her that despite what others might think, box-office starring Reese Witherspoon it’s important to “love yourself before you can and Luke Wilson. The story focuses on the main love anyone else.” character, Elle Woods, who is the stereotypical “The message is very hopeful and meaning- blonde sorority girl from southern California. ful,” said Jackson, who will be off to her first After her boyfriend, Warner, leaves the college year of college in the fall. to attend Harvard Law School and tells her their Despite the feminine appeal of the film ver- relationship is over, Elle applies and is accepted sion of Legally Blonde, the male cast members to the same school in an attempt to win him are certain men will enjoy the production, as back. She soon learns lessons – with the help well. Passavant admitted he was a little skepti- of some new friends – of what’s important, and cal when he first heard what this summer’s “it’s not having blonde hair,” said Friday. musical would be, but said it has actually “been The cast consists of 71 members – with an a lot fun” and the entire group has truly bonded. The Young People’s Center for Creative Arts (YPCCA) will celebrating its 30th average age of 16 – who are all members of “That’s the great thing about YPCCA, ev- anniversary with a production of Legally Blonde - The Musical. The cast is made up YPCCA’s summer camp. Some of the more eryone enjoys being here,” he said. of members of YPCCA’s summer camp, including Cassidy Phelps, in the split; second prominent roles will be played by veterans of Judson, who will reprise the same role he row, from left, Anne Linden, Brynn Owen, Allison Luther, Carli Villa, Julia Orosz; the summer program: Elle Woods will be played played last year in his high school’s rendition third row, Frankie Esposito, left, and Angela Tallberg; and Shayla Belanger at the by Shayla Belanger of East Hampton, in her of the musical, added that those who might turn top, who will star as Elle Woods. fourth year; Warner will be played by Mason their noses up at the musical might be surprised. Passavant of Middletown, also in his fourth year; “You think it’s going to be like the movie, mirrors the Broadway choreography, has taken ypcca.org or at the door, $12 for adults and $10 Emmett, a young attorney who befriends Elle, but the show is different,” he said, adding that “considerable practice” from the cast involved for students and seniors. will be played by Garrett Judson of Durham, the production is actually quite complex and and has really challenged them physically, with For those who can’t wait until next week to who is in his third year; and the role of Vivienne, “a pain in the butt.” many sore shins and calves. get their performance arts fix, YPCCA will be another law student who is in a relationship with That “pain” has been both figurative and lit- All of the hard work and practice will come hosting “The Event” tomorrow, July 21, also at Warner, is played by East Hampton resident eral for the cast, said Friday; not only is there to a head next weekend, when YPCCA will take the high school. The hour-long event will in- Caroline Jackson, in her fifth year. very little speaking and considerable tempo to the stage four times: Thursday, July 26, clude various performances, all marking the For Belanger, it will be her first lead role, changes in the music, but there is complicated through Saturday, July 28, at 7 p.m.; and Sun- 30th anniversary of the organization; Friday said something that she has embraced with help from choreography, including a 10-person jump-rop- day, July 29, at 2 p.m. All of the shows will be alumni from the past three decades will also be her castmates. “It’s been awesome,” she said. ing dance number that includes singing while held at the East Hampton High School audito- included in the performances. “Everyone has been so supportive and willing jumping. Friday said the number, which closely rium, 15 N. Maple St. Tickets are available at

Dance Instructor Returning to East Hampton by Joshua Anusewicz “burned any bridges” with the owner of the Starting this fall, local dancers will have a property, McAuliffe felt like this would be the new location for honing their skills right in the perfect place to get started again, teaching some of East Hampton. And while the studio of the same children she had been teaching be- will be brand new, the owner is someone that fore. many local dancers will be familiar with. “I’m ready for another 20 years,” she said. “I can’t wait to start!” said an excited Am- “I’m ready to take on the world.” ber McAuliffe, who will be moving her dance Understandably excited to get back into her instruction back to the area for the first time in own studio, McAuliffe said she became even three years. more excited when she found out that many of McAuliffe had been a prominent dance in- her old instructors – girls she had taught before structor in Portland and East Hampton for 20 – were interested in returning. McAuliffe said years before retiring in 2010. Having started that once she secured the location, she texted her own studio, Encore, at just age 19, the group of girls, gauging their interest. Within McAuliffe bounced her studio to several dif- a minute, each had responded: “I’m in!” ferent locations in the area before settling in “They’ve all told me they can’t wait to start,” Portland Shopping Center on Route 66. (After she said. retiring, McAuliffe sold the dance studio, which The next step, McAuliffe said, is remodel- is now Bravo Dance Academy.) ing the space into a dance studio with her “own “I had burned out,” McAuliffe said of her flair.” Having bounced around to different lo- retirement, adding that she was working cations, McAuliffe said designing the studio through personal issues and taking care of her become old hat for her, this being her fifth stu- young daughter at the time. “And for me, if I dio design. The space is smaller than what she can’t do something 150 percent, I’m not going is used to working with, but will include a siz- In September, a new dance studio – simply called The Studio – will opening in to do it.” able studio, a waiting room, an office, and a East Hampton, under the direction of well-known instructor Amber McAuliffe. After taking some time off from dance, room for one-on-one instruction. She will be joined by a group of her former teachers, including Amber Moir, far left McAuliffe began working at The Lion’s Den, a McAuliffe said that because of her history with baby, Brittney Tomczak, second to left, Stacey Fuller, center left, and Megan fitness center in Middletown, where she worked in the town, and the fact that most of her stu- Berritta, far right. her way up to general manager. In that posi- dents at The Lion’s Den were from East Hamp- tion, she was able to schedule new fitness pro- ton and Portland, she believes the demand for them into school.” McAuliffe said the target date for opening grams and build up the gym’s membership. quality dance instruction will be high. The new dance studio – which will simply The Studio is currently Saturday, Sept. 15, giv- Having begun to miss teaching dance, “I think convenience is one of the deciding be called The Studio – will offer the same ar- ing the students a chance to get back to school McAuliffe came “out of retirement” to teach factors,” she said. “People’s lives are very ray of dance options that have been offered in before starting dance for the season, she said. classes at the gym. scheduled, and I think it will be easier if I’m the past, McAuliffe said. Dancers can choose The first registration period will be held at The McAuliffe called her time at The Lion’s Den closer to the kids.” from ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, contemporary, Studio on Thursday, July 26, from 5-8 p.m. “an amazing experience” and said it helped her The kids, she said, are what she has missed or hip-hop, to name a few; McAuliffe said her Additional registration sessions will be held reconnect with her love and passion for dance. most about teaching dance. She hopes that some studio will also feature yoga and Zumba classes, Saturday, Aug. 4, from 9-11 a.m.; Wednesday, The challenge, she said, was beginning regis- of the students she taught before will return, as well as boxing classes, in hopes of appeal- Aug. 8, from 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 18, from tration in the winter, as most dance seasons drawn to her experience and positive attitude ing to the community as a “family fitness cen- 9-11 a.m.; Thursday, Aug. 23, from 5-8 p.m.; coincide with the school year. on just what dance means to the young ones. ter.” and Saturday, Sept. 1, from 9-11 a.m. With her passion rekindled, the decision to “It doesn’t matter if you want to dance com- “We’ll see what comes of it,” McAuliffe said, To contact McAuliffe for more information open her own dance studio again happened in a petitive or just recreationally,” she said. “It’s not ruling out the studio offering more programs or questions, email her at thestudioct@ whirlwind, just last week, McAuliffe said. The important that the children have a place to feel in the future. “I’m certainly hoping to build, ymail.com. location, 1 Sinco Place, was actually where good about themselves. Then, they have that and to see some familiar faces.” Encore had once been housed; not having confidence and pride that they can carry with Loiselle-Goodwin to Retire as Colchester Superintendent by Katelyn Kelleher 1992. In the press release, Goldstein said the he said. The Board of Education announced last week board is excited to have “such a terrific talent Director of Pupil Services and Special Edu- that Superintendent of Schools Karen Loiselle- ‘in house’ so that the transition can be seam- cation and Colchester Association of School Goodwin has given notice she will retire this less.” Administrators President Katherine Shaugh- year. Loiselle-Goodwin also had kind words for nessy was grateful for Loiselle-Goodwin’s Loiselle-Goodwin presented the board with her successor. “Jeff Mathieu has completed a years of guidance and support and looked for- a formal notice of retirement, last Wednesday, 20-year performance task in Colchester,” she ward to continuing with Mathieu. July 11. The retirement is effective Dec. 31. said. “He has demonstrated exemplary leader- “Her vision has established the path we fol- The school board – knowing the superintendent ship skills, professionalism, integrity and a pas- low to improve and enhance the educational would eventually retire – has already tapped sion for serving the community’s students.” opportunities for all of Colchester’s children,” current Bacon Academy Principal Jeffry Mathieu said the Colchester school system she said in a press release. “We are confident Mathieu to take over the position. has “an extraordinary team of outstanding ad- that under Jeff’s leadership, Colchester Public “Words cannot adequately express my grati- ministrators, teachers and staff. I am honored Schools will continue our tradition of high stan- tude for the privilege of serving as the educa- to continue to serve them and the entire com- dards expected by the community.” tional leader of our exemplary school system munity.” In her letter to the board, Loiselle-Goodwin for the past seven years,” a letter from Loiselle- In 2006, Mathieu completed his superinten- said serving as superintendent has been “a la- Goodwin to the school board read. dent of schools certification (the 093) – though bor of love.” But, she added, “The long hours necessary he didn’t anticipate becoming superintendent The letter continued that she had not origi- to meet my professional responsibilities have of Colchester schools. nally aspired to become superintendent of the left me with minimal time to spend with fam- “I figured Karen would be there for another Colchester school system. “The opportunity to ily and friends and to pursue my passion for lifetime, but it’s a dream come true,” he said. work for and with a Board of Education dedi- outdoor activities and travel.” As an administrator with what he called a cated to making decisions in the best interest Loiselle became Colchester’s superintendent “good working knowledge of the Board of Ed.,” of children proved to be a professional oppor- Karen Loiselle-Goodwin, Colches- in 2005. Prior, she was the curriculum director the transition to superintendent should be tunity and challenge, however, that I needed to ter’s superintendent of schools, gave and principal of the Colchester Intermediate smooth for Mathieu. accept,” she said. notice last week that she will retire at School, now known as Jack Jackter Intermedi- “I’ve been in Colchester since ‘92 Loiselle-Goodwin also wrote she was confi- the end of the year. Current Bacon ate School. and…know most of the staff members in the dent her successor would continue the school Academy Principal Jeffry Mathieu will “Karen has been a stellar superintendent and district,” he said. “Already I’ve been involved district’s successes. begin as superintendent Jan. 1. educational leader in the district,” Board of last week in some hiring of long-term [substi- “My retirement this year will also allow a Education Chairman Ron Goldstein said in a tutes]… I’m already involved in a lot of the new superintendent to work with the commu- financial people” to determine when she would press release. “Of course she will be sorely activities and I’ve already talked with Ron nity to develop the school system’s next strate- retire, he said, but Loiselle-Goodwin had started missed, but her legacy of achievement and ex- Goldstein [Monday] about the strategic plan to gic plan,” she said. “I can’t wait to read about planning who her successor would be a year pectations for excellence will remain.” start in the fall.” the future successes our students and staff are and a half ago. First Selectman Gregg Schuster said Mathieu’s start date is Jan.1, before the sec- most certain to achieve.” The board will meet early next week to dis- Loiselle-Goodwin is leaving “big shoes to fill.” ond semester of the school year begins later that Though last Thursday was the first the board cuss the Bacon Academy principal position, “It’s a great loss for the town of Colchester,” month. heard of the official retirement date, board mem- Goldstein said, adding the position was posted he said. “Karen has done a phenomenal job for First, Mathieu said, the board will have to bers knew Loiselle-Goodwin’s retirement was internally this week, but the board has not yet Colchester and she’s going to be missed.” hire his replacement at Bacon Academy. eminent, Goldstein said. discussed whether the new principal will be Mathieu has been Bacon’s principal since “That’ll free me up to do more transition time,” “She needed to talk to her husband and her promoted in-house. 1999 and has worked in the school district since

Colchester Children’s Theatre Production Deals With Bullying by Katelyn Kelleher the students can end up in. Skylar Haines plays The young actors in Colchester Community a character torn between the bullies and her Theatre’s Summer Children’s Theatre Work- friend. shop have learned valuable lessons about bul- “I am somebody who’s under pressure to be lying and how to treat their peers. And, in in the popular group and my friend is [the char- Saturday’s performance of Nothing to Hide, acter being bullied] and I’m ditching her to be their characters do, too. in the popular group and making fun of her. I The camp’s director, Wallis Johnson, said care about her but I’m making fun of her with each year staff at CCT chooses a play for their the other girls to kind of survive and be in their summer workshop that can both accommodate clique,” she said. “At the end I end up standing a large number of children and send home a up for her.” message. Haines said she thinks this type of situation Nothing to Hide is a “play within a play,” happens often in schools. “This [play] is defi- Johnson said, that follows a bullying situation nitely something that’s making people realize in school. A character is bullied so badly, at what’s going on in school,” she said. “I do think school and through cyber-bullying, that she peer pressure happens a lot in school and it’s eventually doesn’t want to go to school. something we have to work on.” “The first half is where kids are not being as Mallorie Rathbone plays the “queen mean kind to each other as they could and then the bee” in the production and hopes to use her vil- kid directors come out and they say ‘we need lainous role to “get out to people that bullying to work on this, we need to teach kids a better isn’t good.” way to act.’ Then they redo the play from the Cameron Emmerson, who said he hopes to beginning with better language and better in- be an actor when he grows up, plays a bully- teractions,” Johnson said. “It’s really a great turned-nice guy. “The message I think it’s send- All 70 children take the stage during rehearsal for Colchester Community teaching tool to show kids how to be with their ing is bullying’s wrong and it should be stopped Theatre’s summer children’s production of Nothing to Hide, an educational musical friends at school.” and it affects everyone around you,” he said. exploring the social problem of bullying in schools. The play will be performed this The 70 performers, some as young as sec- Johnson said a social worker is one of the Saturday at Bacon Academy. ond-graders, will perform a series of vignettes workshop leaders in the two-week program, depicting positive and negative ways to inter- who taught the children about “filling their a show in two weeks is no easy feat. Parent want help or they want to do things on their act with their peers. buckets.” volunteers help out, but Johnson and Ozum both own, too,” Ozum said. “[The workshop teaches] what is bullying “When you are really kind to someone, agreed the children are extremely focused. Rathbone, who has been participating in the and looking at how we deal with people, how you’re filling their bucket and, at the same time, “The kids are outstanding. They come in here workshop for years, enjoys helping her younger we look at people and it’s really an opportunity because you feel so good making them feel and they’re just so ready. It’s, ‘what are we do- co-stars. “I feel special when they look up to for them to gain that awareness from the small- good you fill your own bucket. But when you ing next? What are we doing next?’” Ozum said. me,” she said. “It really comes together, the est little thing that they do to the big picture,” say something that’s not nice…to someone “Even the set’s all done by the kids. The kids show.” said music director Diane Ozmun you’re actually taking away from the bucket,” do everything,” Johnson said. Curtains will open for Nothing to Hide to- The topic is a personal one to some of the she said. “The kids have a big red bucket out in Some of the older children act as role mod- morrow, July 21, at 2 p.m. at the Bacon Acad- children in the workshop. “Some of the little the lobby and every time they have a snack they els for the youngsters, too. “The older kids love emy auditorium. Tickets will be $4, sold at the ones have even come up to me and told me they fill out pieces of paper of how they’re filling to be role models for the younger kids and yet door. have been [bullied],” Johnson said. peoples’ buckets in their lives.” they also respect that some of them might not The musical tackles real-life situations that Tackling a cast of 70 children to put together Portland Sprucing Up Policy to Attract Businesses by Joshua Anusewicz With economic development a top priority meet one of the following criteria: if the cost of company has been able to “sustain and grow,” by roughly 10 percent by the end of the year, for officials in Portland, the Board of Select- improvements is over $3 million for a period despite the economic downturn, servicing vari- which would mean three to five new jobs. men Wednesday went over an existing town of no more than seven years; if the cost of im- ous national retailers like Barnes and Noble, “That’s jobs for Portland.” policy on tax assessment incentives, in the provements is not less than $500,000 (and up Ann Taylor and Subway – which uses Specialty The selectmen agreed that welcoming in a hopes of revamping the policy to attract new to $2.99 million) for a period not greater than Lighting in every one of its restaurants in the new business, particularly a growing one, would businesses. two years; or if the cost of improvements is not world. be a good thing for the town. According to the old policy, which is titled less than $25,000 (and up to $499,999) at 50 The company, which Carroll said is worth “I’m excited to know you’re interested in “Tax Assessment Incentive Program,” the idea percent of the increased assessment for a pe- around $60 million, has now outgrown its fa- coming here,” Bransfield said. “I think it’s im- was an effort to attract, retain and expand busi- riod not greater than three years. cility in Centerbrook and additional location in portant to know that businesses can come here.” nesses by the town entering into agreements This incentive would be limited to proper- Old Saybrook. Carroll said the company would “We think we’re business-friendly,” said se- with the owners of a property to fix the tax as- ties used as offices, retail, permanent residences, prefer to purchase its next property, and he has lectman Mark Finkelstein to Carroll. “We re- sessment of that property. With the help of town transient residences, manufacturing, warehouse, his eyes set on the vacant building located at ally have a great community.” assessor Nicole Lintereur, First Selectwoman storage, distribution, multileveled parking for 74 Pickering St., located within the town’s in- Carroll responded, “We’d love to be a part Susan Bransfield was able to draft a new pro- mass transit, information technology, recreation dustrial park. of your community.” posed policy that would be more comprehen- or transportation. The building, however, is in rough shape. “It The selectmen then voted unanimously to sive, be in line with state statutes and have more Falling into this category would be a com- needs a tremendous amount of work,” Carroll “update and refurbish” the tax assessment in- effective guidelines for which businesses can pany like Specialty Lighting Group, a whole- said. “What’s important to us is to know [if we centive policy, in accordance with the state stat- participate. sale lighting distributor in Centerbrook. The purchase the property] that we have a period of ute. Bransfield said Thursday that she will make The new policy would allow the town to “en- company’s founder and CEO, Dan Carroll, was time to budget and plan for property improve- the proper updates to the policy and bring it in ter into a written agreement…with a party own- on hand at the Board of Selectmen meeting on ments.” front of the selectmen in August for approval. ing (or proposing to acquire) real property in Wednesday to “get on [his] knees and beg” for Carroll sold his company as not just an ad- * * * town to fix the assessment of such real estate, the town to approve the proposed tax incentives. ditional business that would broaden the town’s The next regular meeting of the Board of if the party is proposing substantial improve- According to Carroll, Specialty Lighting is tax base, but also a job creator. “We are grow- Selectmen is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. ments to the real estate.” a national company centered in Connecticut, ing; we are adding jobs,” he said, adding that 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Portland Library, 20 Free- The policy states that properties seeking to where they provide 43 jobs. Carroll said the the company expects to expand its workforce stone Ave. enter into the agreement with the town must

Gaudinski Authorized to Apply for Water Funding in Marlborough by Katelyn Kelleher The Board of Selectmen Tuesday gave First need to be included in the grant application. Residents Al and Terry Laliberte urged the “It’s a big loss for Marlborough,” Gaudinski Selectwoman Catherine Gaudinski the go- Gaudinski said, however, the language on the selectmen to consider contacting Monroe-based said. ahead to apply for a 2013 Small Town Eco- grant application can be changed if a letter of Aquarion to see if it would be interested in serv- The Board of Selectmen is looking for a nomic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant, commitment from another company is received. ing as the water company for the project. Al Democrat to fill Cherry’s seat on the RHAM which would go toward a public water project To strengthen the application, town officials Laliberte, president of the Birchwood Water Board of Education for the rest of his term, in the center of town. have been pushing to appropriate $50,000 from Association in town, said he has had trouble ending Dec. 31, 2013. Gaudinski was authorized to sign the applica- the town’s undesignated fund balance to put dealing with Connecticut Water in the past. The board accepted several vacation carry tion for the $500,000 grant, which is due Aug. 1. toward the project. Last week, the Board of “For 12 years [Connecticut Water has had] forward requests, but opted to limit the number The grant would fund the “first phase” of Finance voted to send the appropriation, con- water rights and they’ve made no attempt to of hours carried over to 50. Dates were set that bringing a water system to the center of town, tingent upon receiving the STEAP grant, on to bring water to the center,” Terri Laliberte said. any hours exceeding 50 would have to be used which will aid in economic development. If the a town meeting next Monday, July 23. The se- “Aquarion has a vested interest.” by. town does not receive the full $500,000 grant, lectmen Tuesday also voted in favor of sending The selectmen voted to accept the resigna- The selectmen also passed a resolution for it will extend the project as far as funding al- the appropriation to the town meeting. tion of part-time Seasonal Parks and Recreation the 2012-13 Historic Documents Preservation lows, or possibly hold the funding to combine The language was changed on a motion to Director Ashley Kitchens, effective July 13. grant, which Gaudinski said is “going back on it with another grant. authorize Gaudinski to sign an agreement for Parks and Recreation office administrator records and putting them in a more permanent The town will apply for a grant for the project drilling test wells. Connecticut Water commit- Amanda Roczniak was promoted to the posi- collection.” as a private-public partnership between the town ted to drilling up to three test wells to deter- tion for the remainder of the summer. “It’s painful to see historic documents that and a water company. Selectman Gut said mine a water supply. However, the selectmen “We’re going to try it out for the summer and include your birthday,” Shea joked. he was strongly in favor of the application, but voted to authorize Gaudinski to sign a drilling discuss employment in parks and recreation Gaudinski also updated the board that the fi- asked about the possibility of submitting the agreement pending the selection of a water com- after the season,” Gaudinski said, adding the nal phase of the sidewalk project began July 11 application without mention of any vendors. pany. town will possibly look for an intern studying on Route 66 between the Village Green and the “I’m not sure if we could submit a grant [ap- Shea expressed concern over the possibility a parks and recreation-related field next year. 7-Eleven. She said the project was estimated plication] without mention of private firms,” that whatever water company was chosen would The board also accepted “with extreme re- to take about four weeks. selectman Dick Shea said. “tear up the trails with big drills and send some- gret” the resignation of RHAM Board of Edu- * * * Town Planner Peter Hughes said the town one in with a bucket of gravel and call it fixed.” cation member Jim Cherry, who will be mov- The town meeting for the appropriation of has a commitment from Connecticut Water As a result, the agreement included that not only ing with his wife, Linda, to Indiana to be closer $50,000 from the town’s undesignated fund Company to do the design and engineering on would any unacceptable wells be abandoned to family. The selectmen commended Jim and balance will be held Monday, July 23, at 7 p.m. the project and contribute $50,000 toward con- in accordance with state statute, but the drill- Linda for their dedication to volunteering in at the Marlborough Elementary School Cafete- struction costs, and the written commitment of ing area would be restored to the satisfaction town. ria. Sign-in will begin at 6:30 p.m. private funds from Connecticut Water would of the town.

Marlborough ï Hebron ï Marlborough ï Hebron ï Marlborough ï Hebron ï Marlborough ï Hebron ï Marlborough ï Hebron ï Marlborough ï Hebron ï Marlborough State Senate Candidate Challenges Opponents to Debate by Katelyn Kelleher A candidate for the 19th Senate District has man of Sprague since 2007, but is looking to public debate. “I’ve always been open to any- tant to explain the new system to people so they challenged her two opponents to a public de- win the 19th Senate District seat to represent thing that gives the public more information know what is available to them. bate before the Aug. 14 Democratic primary. the district “at a level that would allow me to about the race,” he said. Reynolds said as a member of the State In May, Sprague First Selectwoman Cathy make a greater impact,” she said. Osten said Coutu has not yet contacted her House Planning and Development Committee, Osten lost the Democrats’ endorsement to She called for a debate because it would give to commit to a debate. he fights for unfunded mandate relief legisla- Ledyard’s Tom Reynolds by a 35-13 vote. Ear- residents of the 19th District an opportunity to Both Osten and Reynolds appeared in a side- tion. lier this week, she challenged Reynolds and hear the issues. No date has been set for the by-side forum last Friday on Town Talk, a cable Osten said unnecessary data reporting needs Republican candidate Chris Coutu, of Norwich, debate. television show on Charter Communication to be addressed. to a debate before the primary with Reynolds Osten said Reynolds hasn’t been able to com- Community Access. Both candidates also spoke about regional- next month. mit to a date, and said an email from a repre- During the forum, the two candidates were ism, agreeing that there are few legal restric- All three candidates are vying for the state sentative for Reynolds said “his schedule was asked how they would address state issues com- tions and obstacles for towns to share services Senate seat for the 19th District, which includes not conducive to a date” before the primary. ing from national health care legislation and and the state should provide incentive for mu- Marlborough, Hebron, Columbia, Franklin, Reynolds could not be reached this week for how they would handle unfunded mandates. nicipalities to do so. Osten said most small Bozrah, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Norwich, comment. The two candidates agreed on the how to towns in the 19th District have shared services Sprague and a portion of Montville. Coutu, who currently represents the 47th handle the health care reform, that it is impor- for years. Osten has held the position of first select- Assembly District, said he looked forward to a Hebron Superintendent Gets Extension, Pay Raise by Geeta Schrayter The Board of Education last week voted 5-2 to remove that set amount and instead made it district very well as a majority.” superintendent would need to be reached at 10 – with members Amy Lynch-Gracias and so Cruz could file for reimbursement at the rate Shea added Cruz works very hard, is “tena- p.m. Dominic Marino opposed – to extend Superin- set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For cious,” “firm” and “resolute,” and works to- “We can’t afford it in this town: the perks tendent of Schools Ellie Cruz’s contract by an- 2012, that rate is 55.5 cents per mile. gether with the board. Shea said the district was that are offered and the high-priced salaries,” other year, and to give her a 2.5 percent pay “That does exclude commuting to and from “very lucky” to have her. he said. “I think $140,000 is enough money to increase. work, which we’re not paying for anyways, and “She works over and above the call of duty,” cover all that.” The raise brings Cruz’ salary to $141,450, isn’t a reimbursable expense under the IRS,” Shea said. “I think the best thing of all is she Marino also mentioned he proposed Hebron retroactive to July 1. said Shea. has extremely high standards for the staff in schools moving to a part-time superintendent, The school board made the decision after Lastly, the decision was made to issue and the district, and we want that as a board, be- which is the case in Marlborough. “I think it’s coming out of executive session at its July 12 pay for a cell phone for Cruz for the 12-month cause we want the best for our students and the something we should look at,” he said. meeting. period of the contract. After getting some prices, best student achievement – and that’s what Along with voting against the contract ex- On Tuesday, Board of Education Chair- the cost of the cell phone was listed at $1,180. we’ve seen overall.” tension and changes, Marino noted he also woman Kathy Shea said Cruz’s contract wasn’t “This way it’ll be a board-issued-and-paid- But Marino felt differently about the exten- voted against going into executive session to up, nor did the extension mean she had a one- for cell phone, so all expenses on that will go sion. He said Thursday he felt Cruz’s programs discuss Cruz’s evaluation and contract. year contract. Shea explained when Cruz was to the central office and get paid as a monthly and decisions “would be better suited for a “I think that’s not the American way,” he said. initially hired, she came with a three-year con- bill,” said Shea. larger, urban area with a larger tax base.” “I think nothing should be secret and the pub- tract. As is the standard for superintendents in Shea said the majority of the board felt Cruz “I’m philosophically opposed to a lot of her lic should know exactly what we’re doing. They the state, Shea said, at the end of each fiscal needed a phone due to how available she made programs that don’t respect the values of the do know afterwards, but it makes me a little year, one of those years falls off “and the board herself. Shea explained Cruz uses the phone community and the constituents I represent,” uncomfortable.” usually decides to extend the contract,” so Cruz while she’s on the road, and if there are prob- he said. “I would like to see somebody [as su- Cruz said Tuesday it was an honor to serve has always had “a rolling three-year contract.” lems the district gets in touch with her on nights perintendent] that would be more likely to take with the school board, calling the members As of July 1, Cruz had two years remaining and weekends. Up until now, Cruz has been the residents’ and voters’ opinions into consid- “highly professional” and “deeply passionate.” on her contract. Due to the board’s action to using her personal cell phone. eration when they say they’re against [some- She said she was “extraordinarily lucky” she extend it by an additional year – bringing it back “It doesn’t make any sense for the adminis- thing that’s been proposed].” and the board had such a strong partnership. to three years – Cruz’s contract now runs from trator of an organization to use their own cell Marino added he “would like to see some- “And I think [the contract extension] shows July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2015. phone,” Shea said. “In fact, some of the [board one who thinks creatively to design programs that they support, for the most part, the work of In addition to the pay increase, the new con- members] have two phones – a personal and a that the residents who pay [the superintendent] the district and the upward trajectory” the dis- tract also features other changes, such as reim- business phone. It’s not anything unusual. are in favor of.” trict is seeing, Cruz stated. bursement pay for mileage. Shea said there had “We’re very pleased with Ellie,” Shea added, Marino said he didn’t have anything personal She added the decision made a clear state- been “a lot of debate and discussion in the com- “and the thing I want to emphasize is, this evalu- against Cruz, and he respected the office of the ment that the board feels, like she does, “that munity about the mileage.” ation we just completed is for her prior year superintendent, but he didn’t think the town was having stability in school leadership is clearly Cruz’s prior contract reimbursed her $400 2011-12, so it’s based on all she did in the pre- in a position to offer things like cell phones and an indicator of a high-performing district.” per month for travel, but the decision was made vious year, and we feel that she’s running the mileage. He also said he couldn’t see why a

New Hebron Finance Officer a First for Legion by Geeta Schrayter At American Legion Post 95 in Hebron, The officer has to be on scene for major func- Also, being in the American Legion runs in – which is an elected position voted upon by there’s a new finance officer in town. And ac- tions and write a report on each event along the Brault family. the post’s members – on June 13. Moving for- cording to Ron Winter, who held the position with a monthly finance report. They’re also “re- Brault’s mother-in-law is on the American ward, Brault said she’s looking to build rela- for the past eight years, it’s the first female to sponsible for making sure all the bills get paid, Auxiliary, while her father-in-law served in tionships with local veterans “and actually do- hold the title. the books get kept – virtually everything that Vietnam with the Navy. Brault’s husband ing more community events.” “I’m very proud of the fact that as far as I has to do with finances is your job,” he said. Daniel, she continued, was also in the Air Force. She added while she hasn’t yet come across know, she’s the first woman veteran to hold “You’re not just the top person relative to Brault is in her third year of involvement with any challenges, “life in general happens around office here,” Winter said of Post 95’s new fi- finances,” he added, “but pretty much the only the Legion, and she added she already enjoys you, so you’ve got to just juggle [everything] nance officer, Christina Brault. Winter, who person. The one who has the authority, but you the camaraderie the post provides. As far as in and be positive.” spent six years in the Marines and served in also have all the responsibility.” stepping up to the position of finance officer, As for Winter, the extra time he has may be Vietnam, added it was “a reflection of the time The position, he said, is “quite an investment Brault said it made sense because that was one just what he needs to write his first fiction book. and society and I think we’ve got a great per- of time,” but Brault has the capabilities needed. of her military duties. “I’m a writer by trade,” he said, noting he son. It’s easy to make the transition [to a new “She’s obviously very smart and has a good “That was one of my jobs in the military, so was a newspaper reporter and editor for nearly officer] when you know the person coming in facility for numbers,” he said, and when she it was no rocket science,” she said. “I felt com- 20 years and already had a couple of non-fic- can step up and move forward.” helped with the fundraiser, he’d thought to him- fortable with finances.” tion books published. Winter, who gave up the position due to per- self “when the time comes to look for a replace- Brault said she helped close Norton Air Force “Now I believe is the time” to write a fiction sonal reasons as well as the fact that, as he ment – I think I’m looking at her.” Base in California when the base ceased op- story, he said, especially since he’s had an out- laughed, “eight years is a long time,” explained On Tuesday, Brault, who served in the Air erations in 1994. This involved transferring line completed since 2008. last fall Brault helped at a fundraiser and he Force for seven years and moved to Hebron with funds from Norton to another operating base – But Winter added he still plans to be involved was “very impressed” with her diligence and her family in 2006, explained she joined the and Brault explained the amount of money she with the American Legion in other capacities. attention to detail. American Legion to become involved in the worked with was significantly higher than what “You don’t really just walk away from it,” Winter explained the finance officer is in community. In addition, she wanted to show she’s responsible for at the American Legion. he said, adding he was just “very happy to see control of all the finances at the post and is re- her daughters – Britney, 15, Emily, 13, and “So thousands of dollars didn’t really scare the younger veterans come in and step up and sponsible for collecting and depositing all rev- Abigail, 5 – what it meant to be a part of the me,” she said. want to take some responsibility” at the post. enue and making fund disbursements. military outside of being on base. Brault officially took over as finance officer And now Brault is among them.

New Full-Day Preschool Coming to Gilead Hill by Geeta Schrayter Superintendent of Schools Ellie Cruz in- portant step toward improving the overall qual- school readiness council that represents the of Education will have no authority over the formed the Board of Education last week of a ity of education throughout the State of Con- community. The council would be made up of program or school readiness council. The coun- “tremendous opportunity” to offer full-day pre- necticut.” such people as parents, individuals from Town cil will have “a whole different set of policies” school to 18 students in town, thanks to fund- Hebron was awarded $107,000 to fund the Hall and members of AHM Youth and Family that governs them. ing recently awarded as part of the state’s program, and Cruz explained the money will Services. The entire program is governed by The program is tuition-based with a sliding School Readiness program and education re- cover the hiring of a preschool teacher, para- this council, which would be required to meet scale, and as required by the state, 60 percent – form Gov. Dannel P. Malloy passed earlier this professionals and supplies. She added there was at the end of August to adopt certain policies or 11 of the 18 preschool slots – need to be year. already classroom space and furniture available and guidelines in preparation for the program’s filled by children from low-income families. As part of the reform, 1,000 new spaces were at Gilead Hill School. start. “They can be provided full-day preschool on added to the School Readiness Program, a state- The grant awards are given annually and Among these are the application criteria. a sliding scale” while “the remaining seven will funded initiative “designed to provide for, and guaranteed for a period of five years, but Cruz Cruz explained Thursday information will be be filled by regular, full-tuition families,” said increase access to, high-quality preschool for said it’s her understanding “the program will released as far as what that criteria will be – Cruz. “It’s a tremendous opportunity.” children ages three and four,” according to a continue ad infinitum.” especially for low-income families. Those who “I’m really pleased,” she continued, adding July 10 release from Malloy. “It’s not a sunset grant,” she said. “It’s a con- are interested will then apply for the program she hoped everything would be in place to start “Early education provides the foundation for tinuation grant. Once you’re approved, you and be interviewed by the council. class in the late fall. the future success of our children,” Malloy don’t come off.” “There’s no burden on the Board of Educa- “It’s very exciting that we will be able to give wrote, “and the assignment of the 1,000 new Cruz continued to explain the program isn’t tion,” said Cruz, emphasizing the fact the pro- the community this opportunity,” she empha- school readiness slots marks yet another im- governed by the Board of Education, but a gram is “totally separate from us” and the Board sized Tuesday. Obituaries Colchester East Hampton Amston East Hampton Henry Arthur Morin Rita Cozzi Becker Farrie M. Clark Sheila Sapp Henry “Hank” Arthur Morin, 67, of Colchester, Rita Cozzi Becker, 86, of Hog Hill Road, East Farrie M. “Rie” Clark passed away in Altoona, Sheila Sapp, 70, of and formerly of Bridgeport, passed away on Tues- Hampton, widow of the late Howard Edward Fla., on Sunday, July 15, after a long illness. She East Hampton, died day, July 10, at his home. Born March 10, 1945, Becker Sr., died Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at her was 82 years old, born in East Hartford. Monday, July 16, at in Hartford, he was a son of the late Arthur and home. Born Feb. 11, 1926, in East Hampton, she She leaves her loving husband of 61 years, Middlesex Hospital. Florence (Chase) Morin. was the daughter of the late Achille and Mary Everett Clark. They lived in East Hartford then in Born May 4, 1942, in Hank was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy Kavanaugh Cozzi. Amston. They retired to Summerfield, Fla., in 1994. Hartford she was the and worked as a head mechanic for Sikorsky Air- Rita was a lifelong resident of East Hampton They raised six devoted daughters, Linda (pre- daughter of the late craft. He retired after 32 years of service. He was and a communicant of St Patrick Church. She was deceased), Shelley Grendzinski of East Hampton, Henry and Helen (Th- an active member of the VFW posts in Willimantic a 1944 graduate of East Hampton High School, Denise O’Neill and her husband Thomas of ompson) Hall. and Stratford. He also was a member of the St. and a 1946 graduate of Bryant College in Provi- Danielson, Laurel Magill of Punxsutawney, Pa., She had graduated Joseph’s Polish Club in Colchester. Hank loved dence, R.I. Cathleen Monaco and her husband Peter of from Suffield High sports and was especially fond of the New Or- She is survived by her beloved children, Tavares, Fla., and Mary Ellen Lewandoski and School and had lived in leans Saints. He enjoyed eating breakfast at Kathleen Becker Smith and Peter Smith of East her husband Charles of East Hartford. They have Portland before moving Herman’s and especially Diane’s restaurants in Hampton, Sharon Rita Becker and Allan 10 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. to East Hampton in Colchester. Markham of East Hampton, and Howard Edward Rie was predeceased by her mother, Carrie and 1989. She had worked for the Department of Hank will be sadly missed by his family and Becker Jr. and Hollee Becker of Streetsboro, Ohio. father, Jesse Mariner, and brothers Jesse and Wil- Motor Vehicles and then the State Police Troop friends. He leaves a sister, Darlene and her hus- She will be missed by her adoring grandchil- liam Mariner. H in Hartford and most recently at Troop K in band Edward Hathaway of Lebanon; a brother, dren, David A. Markham, Michael C. Smith, Erik She was a UConn graduate where she earned her Colchester before her retirement. Robert Chase and his wife Valerie of Coventry; D. Smith, Stephen C. Markham, Sarah H. Burzio, MBA, and a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. She is survived by her son, David Sapp and nephews, Stephen Hathaway of Lebanon, John and Andrew H. Becker. She was excitingly await- She taught a class called Adult Living at Montville his wife Sara of Cromwell; her daughter, Natalie and his wife Melanie Hathaway of Colchester; ing the birth of her Markham great-grandson. High School for 22 years. She was also food coor- Sapp of East Hampton; three brothers, Henry Hall nieces, Jennifer Shaw and husband George of She leaves behind two loving sisters, Catherine dinator for Girl Scouts summer camps in Connecti- of Bloomfield, Vernon Hall of Bloomfield, An- Tolland, Jillian and Alexis Chase, both of Coven- Cozzi Konefal and Helen Cozzi Hayes, and was cut for several years. She enjoyed bridge, sewing, thony Hall of Andover; two sisters, Marsha Mays try; great nieces and nephews, Joshua, Matthew blessed with 10 nieces and nephews and 19 great reading, traveling and family vacations. of Georgia, Veronica Tate of East Hampton; three and Lily Shaw, Chase and Wilson Hathaway and nieces and nephews. The family plans a private celebration of her grandchildren, Taylor, Kaitlyn, Kristian; and two many friends. She will be fondly remembered by her loyal life in Altoona. A memorial service in Connecti- step-grandchildren, Dazia and Jon; also many He was predeceased by a sister, Judie and cherished friends Leonida Burnham and cut will be planned later. nieces, nephews and cousins. Lockwood. Adelaide Cole. In her final years she also spent Friends may express their condolences with Services will be private at the convenience of A graveside funeral service will be held Thurs- numerous joyful times with Dorothy B. Rich and donations to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane the family. day, July 26, at 2 p.m., at the State Veterans Cem- Elsie Becker. Park Rd., Tavares FL, 32778 or their local In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be etery in Middletown, with full military honors. Rita was devoted to her family. She adored the Alzheimer’s Association. made to the Weiss Hospice Unit, c/o Middlesex Donations in his memory may be made to the times spent with her extended family and trea- Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory of Hospital Department of Philanthropy, 55 Cres- Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 4301, Cin- sured friends. Rita loved her peaceful hours work- Umatilla, Fla have care of the arrangements. cent St., Middletown, CT 06457. cinnati, OH 45250-0301. ing in her gardens. To leave online condolences, visit spencer The Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Marlborough funeralhomeinc.com. Colchester has been entrusted with arrangements. East Hampton For online condolences, visit auroramccarthy Dorothy M. Eastwood funeralhome.com. Sebastian D. Lisitano Dorothy M. Eastwood, 95, of Marlborough, Portland Sebastian D. “Mickey” formerly of Wethersfield, beloved wife of the late Holly Stevens Colchester Lisitano, 92, of East Lewis Daniel Eastwood, passed away peacefully Hampton, passed away Saturday, July 14. Holly Anne (Paulson) Robert R. Seguin peacefully surrounded Dorothy, daughter to the late Frederick E. & Stevens, 56, of Portland, Robert R. Seguin, 85, of Colchester, passed by his family Friday, Bertha (Hummell) Miller was born on Oct. 31, beloved wife of Paul E. away Saturday, July 14, at his home. Born July 6, July 13, just five months 1917, in Philadelphia, Pa. She graduated from Stevens, passed away 1927, in Lawrence, Mass., he was a son of the after his beloved wife, Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury. She re- peacefully Thursday, late Isadore and Blanche (Tremblay) Seguin. He Louise W. Lisitano, sided with her family in Wethersfield from 1955 July 12, surrounded by attended school in Lawrence, Mass., and moved passed. until 2002, and then moved to Marlborough to her family, at the Hos- to Colchester in 1959. Mickey was born, live with her daughter and son-in-law. pital of Central Con- Robert was married to the late Elizabeth one of 12 children, to the Dorothy began her working career as a clerk necticut. Born in Mid- (McCarthy) in 1954. She predeceased him Nov. late Sebastiana Lom- for the Waterbury Savings Bank and later became dletown, she was the 18, 2009. bardo and Joseph a senior clerk in the Department of Transporta- daughter of June Mr. Seguin was a proud veteran of the U.S. Lisitano Sr. on Dec. 12, tion for the State of Connecticut. During this time, (Lundberg) Paulson of Army and served during the Korean War. Robert 1919, in Middletown, and was married to Louise Dorothy worked along side her husband at their Portland and the late worked as a security officer for Pratt and Whitney McGrath Wallace for 65 years. printing company, Lewis Printing, in Wethersfield. Everett L. Paulson. Aircraft for 36 years and retired in 1978. Mickey worked as an occupational therapist at She was a communicant of Church of the Incar- Holly lived all her life in Portland and was a He is survived by two sons, Robert and wife Connecticut Valley Hospital in his younger years, nation in Wethersfield for 39 years. member of Christ Lutheran Church. She was a Deborah of Tuscon, Ariz., and Thomas and wife and then worked for Color Mart Framing and Dorothy will be forever missed by her cher- graduate of Portland High School, a graduate of Vicina of East Hampton, six grandchildren and Middletown Plate Glass, both in Middletown, as ished family: son, Lewis F. Eastwood and his wife, Hartford School of Accounting and was employed two great-grandchildren. an accomplished framer and repairer of frames and Ellen M., of Wethersfield; daughter, Ellen K. at Wesleyan University in the chemistry depart- Including his wife, he was predeceased by a porcelain, then working part-time up to just three Eastwood and her husband, Richard Chrusciel of ment for 33 years. Holly enjoyed traveling, espe- daughter, Kathleen Seguin; two brothers, C. Jo- years ago. He was a talented antique enthusiast Marlborough; two grandchildren, Ryan and Sa- cially her trips to Maine with her husband, and seph Sequin and Richard Seguin; two sisters, Irene and could repair just about anything with skills rah Eastwood, both of Wethersfield; a great grand- loved being around family. Hurst and Claire Demers. that he taught to himself. He enjoyed remodeling son, Daniel Eastwood, along with his mother, Along with her mother and husband, she is The family would like to extend their heartfelt houses and his many trips to Vermont to attend Catherine Henzy. survived by her sister, Heidi P. Abbott and her gratitude to the care givers from Middlesex Hos- antique auctions to extend his knowledge. Dorothy will be remembered for her sweet and husband Al of Portland; her nephew, Joshua L. pital Home Care, especially Audrey, Tina and He loved traveling out west and was especially loving ways, strong religious faith and her devo- Abbott, who put a twinkle in her eye and held a Ruth. fond of studying Native American paintings, col- tion to family and friends. special place in her heart; aunt and uncle, Robert Friends called Thursday, July 19, at the Au- lectibles, and folklore so he could develop his own Dorothy’s family received relatives and friends and Elizabeth Paulson of Rockfall; aunt, Elinore rora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford amateur painting skills. He loved gardening, pro- Wednesday, July 18, at the Farley-Sullivan Fu- Paulson of New Jersey; five cousins, Deborah A. Road, Colchester. The funeral liturgy will be held ducing his own peppers for canning and caring for neral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. Fu- Kulpik of Middlefield, Christopher W. Paulson today, July 20, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Andrew his numerous flower beds. He was especially proud neral procession from Farley-Sullivan commenced of Rockfall, Eloise Ebbighausen of Massachu- Church, 128 Norwich Ave., Colchester. Burial in of his two sons and their families, who learned so Thursday, July 19, with a Mass of Christian Burial setts, Jon Paulson of New Jersey and Paul Paulson St. Andrew Cemetery will be private. much from him and will miss him dearly. that morning. in the Church of the Incarnation, of New Jersey; her mother-in-law, Cecilia Stevens Donations in his memory may be made to: He is survived by two sons and daughter-in- 544 Prospect St., Wethersfield. Interment will of Bloomfield; and two sisters-in-law, Lori Dutko Middlesex Hospital Home Care, 28 Crescent St., laws, Michael and Elaine Lisitano of Waterford, follow in the family plot in St. Joseph Cemetery, of Meriden and Carol Fisher of Hartford. Middletown, CT 06457 or the Colchester Hay- and Ronald and Linda Wallace, of Cobalt. He had 48 Hamilton Ave., Waterbury. Besides her father, she was predeceased by her ward Volunteer Fire Department, 54 Old Hartford three granddaughters: Kim Wallace Anderson Memorial donations may be made in Dorothy’s cousin, Kathleen E. Paulson and her beloved dog, Rd., Colchester, CT 06415. (Phil), Heather Lisitano Warner (John) and Car- name to the Middlesex Hospital Home Care, 770 Cassie. For online condolences, visit auroramccarthy rie Lisitano Rose (Ryan) and one grandson, Randy Saybrook Rd., Middletown, CT 06457. Funeral services were held Monday, July 16, funeralhome.com. Wallace (Kendra); and he had five great-grand- at Christ Lutheran Church, 300 Washington St., children whom he adored: Braden and Callen East Hampton Middletown. Burial followed in Pine Grove Cem- Colchester Wallace, Jordan Rose, and Margaret and Ryan etery. Eleanor Bedell Warner. He leaves three brothers, Andrew Lisitano Ellen Carlson Friends called Sunday, July 15, at Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church St., Middletown, Eleanor (Goodwin) Bedell, 65, of Colchester, of Newington, Fred “Smitty” Lisitano (Betty) of Ellen Carlson, 77, of East Hampton, wife of and in lieu of flowers, may make donations in passed away Saturday, July 14, surrounded by her Portland, and Joseph Lisitano Jr. of Middletown the late Donald S. Carlson Sr., died at Chestelm Holly’s memory to the Hospital for Special Care, loving family. Eleanor was married to Richard and one sister, Anna Bongoirno (Angelo) of Healthcare in Moodus on Tuesday, July 17, after 2160 Corbin Avenue, New Britain, CT 06053. Bedell for 20 years. She was born in Hardwick Middletown. He also leaves behind many nieces a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born in and nephews. New Brunswick, N.J. on Nov. 22, 1934, to the Messages of condolence may be sent to the Vermont to her predeceased parents, Royal and family at doolittlefuneralservice.com. Beverly Goodwin. He was predeceased by his brothers, Frank late Roy Sickles and Elizabeth Bruck. Eleanor is survived by her son, James Grady Lisitano (Anna), Salvatore Lisitano, John She worked as a secretary at Memorial School and wife Vicki of Gastonia, N.C. She also leaves Lisitano, and Gino Lisitano (Phyllis) all of in East Hampton for many years. In her retire- behind her six siblings, Jeanne Scroggins and Middletown, and three sisters: Constance Lynch ment she enjoyed golf and genealogy. husband Eddie of Killingworth, Linda Goodwin, of Florida, Lucy Peterson and Victoria She is survived by her son Donald Carlson Jr. Marilyn Moroch and husband Joseph, Steven Kalinowski, both of Middletown and his long- and his wife Rita of Tampa, Fla., her daughter Goodwin and wife Barbara, Mark Goodwin and time friend, Frank Dumond of East Hampton. Linda Reid and her husband Bill of Colchester; wife Darlene, Brian Goodwin and fiancée, Sheryl, There will be no calling hours. A private fam- three grandchildren, Trevor Reid and his wife all of Colchester; uncle, Paul Hediger and wife ily memorial service will be held at Rose Hill Becky of Colchester, Nick Reid of Colchester and Marge of Iowa City, Iowa; and many nieces, neph- Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests Megan Carlson of Florida. ews, extended family and friends. that donations be made to the Middlesex Hospi- The family would like to thank the staff of Eleanor worked at Travelers Insurance Com- tal Hospice Unit, Leukemia Research Foundation Chestelm Healthcare for their love and excellent pany for most of her career. She was a simple or the American Cancer Society in his memory. care. person and never asked for anything. She was just The family wishes to thank all the nurses and A graveside service will be held Sunday, July a pleasure to be around. staff at Middlesex Hospital Hospice Unit and 22, at 1:30 p.m., in the Swedish Cemetery, Will- Memorial visiting hours were held Wednes- “Stay @ Home, LLC” and Benjamin of Manches- iam Street, Portland. There will be no calling day, July 18, at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral ter for their wonderful care of Mickey. They made hours. Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. Do- him feel comfortable and safe and he felt at home. Memorial contributions in Ellen’s memory may nations in her memory may be made to the be made to Godfrey Library, 134 Newfield St., Middlesex Hospital Hospice, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457. Middletown, CT 06457. To leave online condolences, visit spencer For online condolences, visit auroramccarthy funeralhomeinc.com. funeralhome.com. From the Editor’s Desk Colchester Lodge Fire Determined to be Arson by Katelyn Kelleher Observations & Ruminations Investigation is continuing on a structure No injuries were reported. by Mike Thompson fire identified as arson at the Lincoln Lake The cause of the fire was determined to be When the Hebron school budget – and its cut. It may get hot, but it doesn’t stay hot for Lodge property Thursday, July 5. arson based on evidence found at the scene, inclusion of all-day kindergarten – eventually all that long. A friend of mine recently came The Colchester-Hayward Fire Department Gustafson said. Floor samples from the build- passed with voters last month, I was pleased. back from living in North Carolina for a few responded to a fire on the floor of a one-story ing were sent for testing to determine what The time really did seem right to expand the years. Last year, he said, there were more than building at the rear of the Lincoln Lake Lodge type of liquid accelerant was used to start the all-day initiative; as the Board of Education 90 days of temperatures 90 degrees or higher. property at 5 Levy Road at 3:48 p.m. July 5, fire, but the results are not back yet, he said. had noted, it was able to offer it without in- Now, that’s a lot of heat – but the heat here police said. The fire was extinguished within Colchester Police said the case remains un- creasing the budget accordingly. True, it might doesn’t last nearly as long. So why not enjoy 10 minutes and caused “very minor” damage, der investigation. not be mandated by the state yet, but I’m of it? The 90-degree weather is relatively short- according to Fire Marshal Reed Gustafson. the opinion it will be, probably sooner than lived, and soon enough 80s and even 70s will later, so why not do it now, when it wouldn’t be the norm. Simply put, I love the summer, be an added expense? and every year I find myself wishing it lasted While I was in favor of it, I’m guessing longer than it does. New Hampshire state Rep. Bob Kingsbury I will admit, though, I do appreciate air con- East Hampton Portland would have been opposed. In fact, he curi- ditioners, for those times when things just get Police News unbearable. And imagine my surprise when I ously seems against public kindergarten of 7/1: Patrick Burbank, 21, of 4 Wangonk Trail, Police News learned that just this week – this past Tues- any length. And wait until you hear his rea- was involved in a one-car motor vehicle acci- 7/4: Matthew Pierni, 31, of 36 Airline Ave., day, in fact – marked the 110th anniversary son. dent, East Hampton Police said. Burbank was was charged with breach of peace and four of the invention of the air conditioner. At a Bellknap County convention held June arrested for DUI, evading responsibility, mis- counts of second-degree criminal mischief, On July 17, 1902, New York was in the 25, Kingsbury, a Republican, told his fellow use of a marker plate and operating an unin- Portland Police said. midst of a real scorching heat wave, accord- lawmakers he’s worked on a theory since sured motor vehicle, police said. ing to The New York Times. The week before, 1996, when he studied area crime rates and 7/1: Ernest Cordeiro, 78, of 10 Quiet Woods seven heat-related deaths had been reported. compared them to a list of communities that Road, and Barbara Fay of 6 Cobalt Road were The city’s public baths were jammed with offered public kindergarten. The result? The involved in a two-car motor vehicle accident in people desperately trying to cool down. places that offered kindergarten had higher the parking lot of Food Bag on East High Street, And at a printing plant in Brooklyn, a jun- rates of crime. police said. Cordeiro was issued a summons ior engineer by the name of Willis Carrier was Yep, he was serious; public kindergarten for evading responsibility, police added. trying to solve a problem. leads to more criminals on the streets. Who 7/6: Blaire Ocelik, 30, of 81 Middletown The plant, located on Metropolitan Avenue knew? Ave., was arrested for third-degree assault and in the East Williamsburg section of Brook- Kingsbury, 86, said his hometown of disorderly conduct, police said. lyn, had just been completed, and was print- Laconia offered kindergarten and had the 7/9: Raymond Stebbins Jr., 21, was issued a ing Judge, a humor magazine that, according highest rates of crime. But surrounding towns, summons for operating a motor vehicle with a to the Times, carried “fanciful illustrations.” some of which didn’t offer kindergarten, has suspended license, police said. The printing company, Sackett & Williams, lower rates. 7/12: Jon R. Allen, 20, of 61 Roberts Road, had to run each page of the magazine through “We’re taking children away from their Marlborough, was arrested for violating pro- the press once for each color on the page. mothers too soon,” Kingsbury concluded, bation, police said. according to the Laconia Daily Sun. Sometimes one color was printed one day, and Kingsbury wrote to all of his then state rep- another color the next. resentatives, informing them of his research However, the air that week was so sticky – but the state wound up eventually joining paper would absorb moisture and actually ex- the other 49 states in the country and man- pand – granted, by a fraction of an inch, but it dated public kindergarten. was enough so that the colors would not line “And we have more crime today,” he said, up properly. Worse still, the air was so moist according to the Daily Sun. the ink just could not dry fast enough. Kingsbury expanded on his thoughts the But – a truth anyone in newspapers knows next week to The Huffington Post, telling them very well – deadlines are deadlines, and hu- he doesn’t believe day care or preschool pro- midity is no excuse. Simply put, the printing grams have the same effect on crime, because company couldn’t wait; there was a sched- they’re voluntary. ule, and Judge subscribers who expected the “Children go to kindergarten at the point next issue to land in their mailboxes, regard- of a gun,” Kingsbury told HuffPo. “Children less of the heat. go to day care and it’s not the same; there is So, Carrier devised a solution involving no point of a gun.” fans, ducts, heaters and perforated pipes. The However, Kingsbury said he doesn’t think equipment, installed later that summer, con- the rise in crime is the fault of teachers. In- trolled the humidity on the second floor of a stead he blamed attorneys and the courts for short building at Metropolitan and Morgan what he said was a lack of discipline and rules avenues. That building backed up to a taller in schools, and for prohibiting teachers from building that Sackett & Wilhelms also used. disciplining students as in previous decades. Carrier’s plan called for forcing air across Oh, and that’s not all. According to the pipes filled with cool water from a well be- Daily Sun, Kingsbury also linked the rise of tween the two buildings. The next year, he crime to the decline of gun ownership – and added a refrigerating machine, in order to cool to boxing no longer being taught in school or the pipes faster. offered as a sport. The rest, as they say, is history. Oh, and if Sometimes, there are no words. the name “Carrier” sounds familiar, it should. Kingbury is in his first term in the Repub- In 1905, Carrier went on to head the engi- lican-controlled New Hampshire House of neering division at the Buffalo Forge Com- Representatives, and is seeking re-election pany in Buffalo, N.Y., and just two years later, this fall. that company moved to create a wholly-owned * * * subsidiary, the Carrier Air Conditioning Com- A note attached to a news release sent to pany of America. The company soon began the paper this week said it hopes I’m enjoy- installing air conditioning units for businesses ing the sticky weather; the note’s author said across the country and, eventually, the world. she, for one, was looking forward to it break- And it all began on a sticky July day in ing. Brooklyn. Well, actually, I am enjoying the heat. As * * * I’ve said in past summers, this is Connecti- See you next week.