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Volume 42, Number 15 Published by The Glastonbury Citizen January 19, 2018 Teachers Cut in Portland School Budget by Elizabeth Regan The Portland Board of Education on Tues- budget lines by 10 percent each, while special day unanimously approved a level-funded education is cut by $12,000. A plan to purchase $20.68 million education spending plan that an $18,000 floor scrubber that has been re- cuts nine staff positions and threatens the high quested for years was scrapped again. school tennis program. O’Reilly said it’s not yet clear how the de- Superintendent of Schools Philip O’Reilly partmental reductions would be implemented. told school board members he will need their But he did specify that preliminary discussions help making sure no further cuts are made as with athletic director Chris Serra have already the education budget makes its way through the taken place about how to address the 10 per- budget process. He said the Board of Select- cent cut to the athletic budget. men and the public needs to understand the “It may mean we’re going to cut something “zero increase” budget represents significant that doesn’t have a very large enrollment, and sacrifices. tennis would be on the chopping block,” “Less than zero is not an alternative, in my O’Reilly said. opinion,” O’Reilly said. “It can’t go further. It When asked by reporters if there are any other must not.” sports being threatened, he said tennis is the The Board of Selectmen is charged with ap- only one being considered. proving the education and general government O’Reilly earlier this month proposed a 2.34 budget in April after a series of workshops, percent increase over the current year, which deliberations and a public hearing. The local included only four staffing reductions instead budget proposal goes to voters in May. of nine. School board members at the time asked The Board of Education’s spending plan him to come back with a level-funded spend- eliminates nine staff positions. The cuts are ing plan so they could see what it looked like. composed of three elementary school teachers, In discussing the flat budget proposal, school one secondary school teacher, one special edu- board member Christopher Darby described it Ready to Make Music… The Mass-Conn-Fusion Duo will play at 7:30 p.m. cation teacher, and one teaching position that as a short-term way of addressing a larger prob- Friday, Jan. 26, at Marlborough Arts Center, 231 N. Main St., Marlborough. hasn’t been identified yet. The proposal also lem. He said the school board needs to look The duo consists of Jim Healy, left, on the upright bass and Liz Roberts, right, cuts two paraeducator positions as well as one into long term solutions to address continuing on saxophone. Admission is $10/person at the door. BYOWine, with other assistant library position left vacant through a reductions in state aid that aren’t showing any refreshments available. Doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, visit retirement. signs of abating. He cited ideas such as looking into different marlborougharts.org or leave a message at 860-295-9565. The budget proposal reduces the technology department, athletic department and building See Teachers Cut page 2 Documentary Film Tells Story of Jewish Immigrants by Julianna Roche came by way of the kosher hot lunch program While not ideal for farming, the hundreds of sponsored by the Jewish Federation in both New acres of rocky soil running rampant across much London and Norwich. of the region serve as a holding ground for a According to Fischer, the program’s director lesser known, but timeless story about courage at the time suggested he meet some of the and strength – and one which has endured over people who attended the Norwich hot lunch, a century. whom she described as “not the type of Jewish Last Friday morning, Jan. 12, executive di- people you know… [they’re] coming to lunch rector of the Jewish Federation of Eastern Con- in barn boots and barn coats, and overalls.” necticut Jerry Fischer shared that story with a Since Fischer already had an interest in farm- packed room at the Colchester Senior Center ing to begin with (he often worked at his uncle’s via a special viewing of his documentary film, training farm in Hightstown, N.J.), he felt he Harvesting Stones: The Jewish Farmers of East- had discovered a story that needed to be told ern Connecticut. after meeting countless farmers who attended The film, which he worked on for more than the program – many coming from families who 14 years, tells the stories of Jewish refugees had been helped by de Hirsch when they first who escaped religious persecution in the late immigrated. 1800s by immigrating to America and ulti- The documentary delves into the story of mately becoming farmers in eastern Connecti- de Hirsch, a German philanthropist who lived cut with support from affluent Jewish philan- from 1831 until 1896. While working to create thropist, Baron Maurice de Hirsch. a 1,500-mile railway network in the Ottoman “These are inspirational stories about the Balkans, de Hirsch decided to dedicate part of dreams they [Jewish immigrants] had for his fortune to providing welfare to eastern Eu- America, which came true,” Fischer said of the ropean Jews who were facing religious perse- film, adding that among those refugees was his cution and stark living conditions in Russia at grandmother Ida, who came to America in 1918. the time. Fischer – who grew up in Washington Convinced that a modern-day education The documentary Harvesting Stones, screened last week at Colchester Senior Heights in a small, two-bedroom apartment could improve the lives of the oppressed Jews, Center, delves into the history of Jewish immigrant farmers, many of whom settled with his grandmother, brother and parents – de Hirsch established his own organization in in eastern Connecticut. As the film details, Jewish farmers often turned to poultry explained that the idea for the documentary See Immigrants page 2 or dairy farming, as the rocky soil proved difficult for much else. 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 Immigrants cont. from Front Page oldest brother was taken by soldiers in the New York – the Baron de Hirsch Foundation – middle of the night to serve in the army. to help settle immigrants in the United States Through de Hirsch, Friedman was able to pur- and educate them in agricultural training so they chase a farm in Colchester, which grew to be- could become independent farmers. come the largest Jewish farm in Connecticut. Unfortunately, many Jews who had immi- A descendant of Jewish immigrants, Sam grated at the time were living in squalor in the Kofkoff also inherited his farm in Bozrah – city with no means of support and in crowded, Kofkoff Egg Farms, which grew to host 40,000 dirty tenements. In the documentary, for ex- chickens and become a national-award winning ample, Basia Wittenberg of Columbia recalled egg farm. cockroaches crawling all over them in the In addition to various recollections from Jew- middle of the night. ish farmers, Fischer’s documentary also fea- However, with the promise of “open land and tures interviews with state Sen. Richard space” by moving to a farm, de Hirsch offered Blumenthal and well-known Manhattan district Jews an escape from the cramped and depress- attorney Robert Morgenthal, both of whom ing conditions of living in the city. have a rich Jewish heritage. Even after his death, de Hirsch’s foundation Those in the audience also recognized an- continued to support Jewish farmers through its other familiar face during the Harvesting Stones subsidiary project, the Jewish Agricultural So- viewing – the late Henny Simon of Colchester, ciety, established in 1900, which helped fami- who drew heartfelt sighs from around the room lies obtain mortgages and loans to purchase when she appeared on screen. farmland. Simon and her husband at the time, Abram, “I shall try to make for them a new home in emigrated to America in 1949 after she survived different lands where, as free farmers on their years of atrocities brought on by the Nazis in own soil, they can make themselves useful to concentration camps. Once in America, she the country,” the documentary quotes Hirsch as reunited with her father, who had arrived in the saying. “My own personal experience has led U.S. in 1948 from Shanghai, China, and with me to recognize that the Jews have a very good her husband, purchased a poultry and dairy farm ability in agriculture and my effort shall show shortly thereafter. that the Jews have not lost the agricultural quali- Simon passed away in a car accident in April ties that their forefathers possessed.” 2017. Through interviews, home videos and his- Many Jewish farmers quickly discovered the torical footage, Harvesting Stones tells the story rocky soil of Connecticut farmlands to be “try- of those Jewish families helped by de Hirsch, ing” and “difficult,” so most turned to dairy or many of whom reside on farms in areas like chicken farming; while others turned their farms East Haddam, Colchester, Chesterfield, Leba- into summer resorts to help supplement their non and Norwich. agricultural income. Jerry Fischer’s documentary Harvesting Stones, screened last week at Colchester Among them interviewed is Frank The documentary concludes with an earnest Senior Center, delves into the history of Jewish immigrant farmers, many of whom Himmelstein of Himmelstein Homestead Farm, account by descendant Jacqueline Jacobsohn, settled on land in Eastern Connecticut. who explained that with help from de Hirsch, whose family had settled on a Hampton farm. his grandparents Louis and Dora were able to In her statement, Jacobsohn speaks of the Jew- migration efforts. is a story about allowing people to come to our escape from Russia to buy farmland on Ameri- ish immigrants as “patriots” who had been “Especially after what Mr. Trump said,” country and have a chance to make a life for can soil and become the “Jewish pioneers” in kicked out of their own country, but sought ref- Fischer said, referring to the president having themselves.” Lebanon. The farm was then passed down to uge in America and with help from de Hirsch, allegedly described Haiti and some African * * * their son Meyer and eventually to Frank, who “gave their hearts and hands to the land,” leav- nations as “shithole countries” on Jan. 11. For more information, or to purchase a DVD currently runs it as an organic vegetable farm. ing behind a legacy of their own. “My grandma [was] coming from a shithole copy of the documentary, contact the Jewish Another Jewish farmer, Rena Linder, recalls During the film viewing, Fischer spoke on too, but she made a life here like most Ameri- Federation of Eastern Connecticut at 860-444- how her father, Sam Friedman, also immigrated the documentary’s enduring relevance even to cans,” Fischer added. “I believe [Harvesting 6333. to America with his younger brothers after his today’s political climate with ongoing anti-im- Stones] tells a story important to all of us and it

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 Teachers Cut cont. from Front Page options for healthcare insurance providers and chives. get increase. were based on municipal aid figures included consolidation of services with outside organi- School board member Tim Lavoy said the “[Selectmen] may dig deeper because they in Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s proposed budget zations and school districts. decision to support a level-funded budget was don’t fully understand; they don’t feel we’ve back in February, which ended up being much “I don’t like voting for a zero percent bud- “a tough call,” but added it probably would’ve necessarily given all we can. They may make more optimistic than the package that he ulti- get, but...it’s kind of our only alternative,” Darby been cut to zero by the selectmen if the school judgments about what more we could give mately signed into law in October. said. “The state sort of backed us into a corner. board didn’t do it first. them,” Rode said. The funding reduction from the state this year At some point, I would hope the state gets its Concern by some members that selectmen First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield has said compared to last is $616,323, most of which financial house in order.” could reduce the budget even more was met she expects a level-funded budget on both the affects education funding. O’Reilly confirmed the district will investi- with cautious reassurance by Board of Educa- education and general government sides of the O’Reilly has said he anticipates a similar re- gate other options for its health insurance. Early tion Chairwoman MaryAnne Rode. She said budget. duction for fiscal year 2018-19. estimates indicate the current $2.71 million cost when the school board has presented a level- Officials have noted, however, that a level- Additional state budget information and solid for health insurance may rise by about funded budget in the past, members have made funded spending plan would still represent a figures will likely not be available until after $183,950, or 7.27 percent, if the school remains it clear to selectmen that the district has noth- one mill increase to taxpayers due to reduced the General Assembly reconvenes in February. with its current provider. ing more to give. revenue from the state. Rode said she supports the level-funded bud- Darby also questioned the decision to turn “[Selectmen] have heard that, and they have Portland is currently slated to receive get out of necessity. athletic director Chris Serra’s position into an respected that,” Rode said. $855,953 less from the state than local leaders “I feel like it is really the only response in administrative role, which occurred during the She suggested the school board might be tak- accounted for in the 2017-18 budget approved this particular budget year that we can have,” 2016-17 budget cycle. ing a greater risk if members presented a bud- by voters last May. The state revenue estimates she said. “It’s the fiscally-responsible re- “An administrative position is basically the sponse.” equivalent of just about two full-time teachers,” Darby said. Serra’s salary went from $62,565 as the non- administrative athletic director to about $88,000 when he took on the responsibility of develop- ing curriculum and supervising physical edu- cation and wellness teachers from preschool through grade 12, according to Rivereast ar- Helping Kids at RHAM Deal with Trauma by Sloan Brewster Local educators are working on ways to help In the film, Dr. Jack Shonkoff, pediatrician “It’s not what’s wrong with you; it’s what broader discussions. children maintain resilience in the face of in Cambridge, Mass., defines toxic stress as “the happened to you,” he said. “Inform the community with clear and plain trauma. chronic activation of stress with no support.” After the film, the audience moved to the language,” Dugas said. “Bring everyone in on According to Resilience: The Biology of People who have experienced toxic stress, cafeteria, where people broke into several dis- the conversation.” Stress & The Science of Hope, a 55-minute especially as children, can’t just pull themselves cussion groups. Dugas facilitated the conver- EASTCONN is already taking steps, she documentary shown at RHAM High School as up by their boot straps and get better, he said. sation. said. part of a Jan. 9 workshop, repeated exposure to According to several physicians quoted in “What does being a trauma informed com- “This has become such a movement since trauma causes toxic stress. Toxic stress, in turn the film, including Dr. Robert Anda, Dr. Vincent munity mean?” she asked groups to consider. September that we do have an action group,” leaves biological markers associated with life- Felitti and Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, toxic stress Each group had a large sheet of paper in the Dugas said. long health issues. The film highlights research wreaks havoc on the body. While children may middle of its table, where members jotted ideas. The group is creating a map of resources that on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). forget incidents that lead to the stress, their The group at the table where this reporter will be disseminated shortly, she added. ACEs asserts there is a relationship between bodies will not, the doctors said. sat discussed building compassion and helping ACEs was born when Felitti was running an toxic stress and health, future violence, victim- “We tend to divide the field of mental health children who internalize emotional burdens obesity clinic in 1985. He questioned why suc- ization and perpetration, and opportunity and separate from physical health, but the body open up. Folks at the table included local edu- cessful patients gained back the weight they had links it to specific diseases, including cancer doesn’t do that,” Harris said. cators, a member of the Hebron Board of Edu- lost and found that many had histories of child- and heart disease, as well as obesity, depres- Using anecdote after anecdote, the physi- cation and three area paraprofessionals. hood sexual abuse. sion and suicide. cians demonstrated the link between ACEs and Members of the group recommended train- He began to ask more questions, finding con- AHM Youth and Family Services director future medical issues. ing the community in ACEs by forming a com- nections between other health issues and child- Michelle Hamilton – who co-organized the The film also looked at ways to help chil- munity action group and tapping faith commu- hood sexual or physical abuse and other adver- workshop with Diane Dugas, director of dren build and maintain resilience, such as by nities, retired folk and others to help spread the sities. EASTCONN Center of Educational Leadership having a stable caring adult to lean on. It de- word. Over time, that realization led to The CDC- – said she wanted to get the information to the picts communities and schools where an Barriers to success the group listed included Kaiser Permanente ACE Study and the ACE community. She wants AHM staff and area intergenerational approach is taken to build funding problems and shifting perceptions. quiz, a series of 10 ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions. As teachers to understand how trauma and experi- parental capabilities to deal with children’s “It’s almost like a paradigm shift,” Holly ACE scores, or the number of ‘yes’ answers, ences impact children and that teachers can do problems, including Strong School in New Maiorano, special education director for increase, health problems go up and life expect- small things in the classroom to make a differ- Haven, which utilizes techniques, developed by Andover, said. ancy goes down, researchers said. ence, she said. David Johnson, Ph.D., co-director of the Post When groups shared at the end, other groups, “The first thing that we found is that adverse “We’re a mental health intervention treat- Traumatic Stress Center in New Haven, to re- including one with Andover Elementary School childhood experiences were common,” Felitti ment and prevention youth services bureau and duce stress and help children maintain resil- Principal John Briody, said changing the said in the film. “I was the first person to see many of our staff see the need for more trauma ience. mindset about the problem was imperative. this data.” informed care,” Hamilton said. “Informing our It’s about being trauma-informed, Anda said Other thoughts included eliminating the For more information, visit resilience educators regarding ACEs, I think there may at the end of the film. stigma attached to mental health and having movie.com. be, a light might click off in peoples’ heads.”

No More Overdue Fines at Hebron Library by Sloan Brewster have to tell patrons their accounts are blocked Did it take you a little longer to finish that due to an unpaid balance and they can’t take Stephen King book than you thought it would? out any materials, she said. Don’t worry – Douglas Library’s got your back. “Especially with kids, this should be a place Effective with the start of the new year, Dou- where they go, where they’re comfortable, glas Library is no longer charging overdue fines. where they go to read,” Brouwer said. The Board of Trustees considers fines an Still, the library wants its materials back, she impediment to patrons, library director Amanda said, adding that she doesn’t anticipate people Brouwer said. keeping items. “I think that it does seem to be somewhat of “I think respect for the library is ingrained a trend,” she said of libraries eliminating the in people,” she said. fines. “We don’t want anyone that’s struggling Though the fines have been eliminated, there with financial issues to think of fines as a bar- is a voluntary donation jar, which staff will of- rier.” fer as an option for folks. The Lyme Public Library no longer charges Overdue fines were 10 cents per day for fines for overdue materials, she said, adding that books, magazines, audio books and music CDs she thought libraries in New York City had also and $1 for movies, Brouwer said. The recom- stopped charging for overdue materials. mended donation is equivalent to the overdue In October, according to its website, The fine that would have been imposed. New York Public Library announced a fine for- “I think that that’s a different feeling that now giveness program for students, a measure pre- you’re supporting the collection,” Brouwer said. viously taken by the Brooklyn Public Library “It’s a better feeling.” and Queens Library. Fines did not bring in a large amount of funds Cragin Memorial Library in Colchester also anyway, she said. Fines made up less than 1 eliminated fines, Brouwer said. percent of the library’s overall revenue, Brouwer David Gilbert, of Amston, helps his children, Gabriel Gilbert, 3, and Eve Gilbert, In making the decision to cut the fines, she said. 1, make gingerbread men during an arts and crafts program at the Douglas Library. said she talked to several library directors, in- The library will still charge a fee if patrons cluding the director at Cragin. lose or damage the item. brary and the general public, has been working demographics. “I actually put it out for all the libraries,” Parents upstairs in the Children’s Room en- on a new strategic plan for the library, Brouwer “So we’re as diverse as we can be,” she said. she said. joying Storytime with their children had mixed said. The last time the library had a strategic “We had talked about doing things like fix-it Some libraries had “their horror stories” views on cutting the fines. plan was 20 years ago. clinics, bringing people in that maybe hadn’t about nixing the fines, she said. Others said they Jean Barth, of Farmington, who was there “It was something that we obviously needed been to the library in a while.” would be interested in seeing how it goes in with her grandson Bodyn Daniels, of Amston, to complete,” Brouwer said. “We’ve been work- The biggest thing the library needs to do is Hebron. said she thought not having to pay a fine would ing, brainstorming, going through the process. create a dedicated teen space, Brouwer said. It’s not unusual for parents to take out 30 or be an incentive to folks to return overdue books, We had a facilitator come and help us put out a Teens, including from the Teen Advisory Board, more children’s books at a time, she said. Par- but Allison Batista, of Marlborough, who was survey.” were involved in the information collecting ents and kids read a lot throughout the day and there with her son Liam Batista, had a different Questions in the survey included what folks phase of the strategic plan process. some children’s books are easy to run through opinion. like about the library, what it could do better, “We have a whole space for children but we quickly. “It could be an incentive to be lazy,” she said. thoughts on the hours of operation, and what don’t have a dedicated space for teens where “You have nap time and you’re reading five Batista said a friend of hers checks museum people thought about programs. they can be teens,” she said. to six times a day,” she said. “Say you’re a day passes out of a local library that doesn’t charge “We’re doing good things and the people The current teen space sits in the middle of late because your kids got sick.” overdue fines if the passes are late. enjoy coming here and spending time here but the quiet area, Brouwer said. There are ways to With 30-plus books, the bill could be pretty “She never gets to check them out because there are obviously things that we could be reconfigure the 16,800-square-foot library to high. [other patrons] have them for weeks at a time, stronger in,” Brouwer said. allow teens their own area. Some ideas include “You don’t want the parent to say to the child, so I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Batista said. Those include making sure the library is safe, partitions, glass walls and half walls. ‘It’s too expensive to go to the library,’” she In other library news, for the past 16 months keeping up with technology, improving the col- To complete a project like that, though, the said. a group of people, including board members, lection and offering programs that benefit all library would need more funding, Brouwer said. What’s more, it’s uncomfortable for staff to staff members, members of Friends of the Li- RHAM School Board Agrees to Window Settlement by Sloan Brewster The RHAM Board of Education has entered “If you look at the windows they’re still all preferred a pragmatic, cost-effective resolution dow failure was massive, with more than 160 into a settlement agreement over failed windows cloudy,” Law said in December. if that was possible, and this settlement accom- windows needing to be replaced for more than at the high school. Also in December, Law said she had signed plishes that.” $125,000. But later that month, then-board According to a press release issued last week, the document and sent it to EFCO for its signa- Thomas Finn, Hartford-based head of the chairman Danny Holtsclaw said a combination the Missouri-based EFCO Corporation will tures. Aside from that, she was closed-mouthed business litigation practice at McCarter & En- of board members, staff members and mem- supply and install an undisclosed number of about the details. glish and lead counsel to the school district, bers of the community went through the school windows during the 2018 summer vacation. The “There’s a confidentiality clause with the echoed that sentiment, according to the press and identified all of the affected windows, plac- company supplied the windows when the new settlement” she said. “It’s resolving the issue release. ing tags on each one and highlighting them on high school opened in 2003. of the cloudy windows.” “We are pleased we were able to negotiate a the architectural plans. At its Dec. 18 meeting, the regional school She did say a press release would be forth- resolution for the benefit of the district without There were actually more damaged than pre- board unanimously agreed to authorize Super- coming, once the agreement was signed by the cost and delay of litigation,” Finn said. “We viously thought, he said then. The total was intendent of Schools Patricia Law to execute a EFCO. are also pleased EFCO stood by its products actually “in excess of 200.” settlement with EFCO Corporation, the Mis- That press release arrived last week with few and worked with us to accomplish this solu- “So that installation cost estimate will go up,” souri-based company that supplied the windows details. tion.” Holtsclaw said then. when the high school was built. According to the release, EFCO has agreed In 2014, then-schools superintendent Bob The windows came with a 10-year warranty, Law would not release terms of the settle- to supply and install new windows; the win- Siminski filed a claim that was accepted by which was approaching its end when the issues ment. dows are to be put in during the 2018 summer EFCO when the problem with the windows was were discovered, the 2014 release explained, Issues with the failed windows included vacation. detected. but due to the number of windows affected, stains and discoloration from long-term residual “We are very pleased with the agreement,” According to a press release issued in Feb- Siminski filed the claim – and it was accepted condensation and internal signs of moisture and Judy Benson Clarke, chairman of the school ruary 2014 by the Board of Education, the win- by the company. frost during the colder months. board, said in the press release. “We always

Meet the New Pastor of Church of Hope in Hebron by Sloan Brewster church for five years, ultimately becoming The Rev. Jordan Brown started his first week youth pastor and, then, associate pastor. as pastor of Hebron’s Church of Hope with burst He started to do website design for the church pipes. and graphics and community outreach, includ- “First week started with a bang,” he joked. ing leading a small Bible studies group. “Literally, my first day was Tuesday [Jan. 2]; “And that’s when I began a relationship with” that’s when the pipes burst.” Church of Hope, a Congregational church lo- Brown grew up in Colchester, where his par- cated at the corner of routes 85 and 66, Brown ents, who attend the church, still live. In his said. youth, he was not the religious person he is to- When Church of Hope’s pastor, the Rev. day. Kevin Zufall, left in July 2016 for a church in “We weren’t Christian growing up, or any- the south, the Rev. Aaron Campbell was named thing,” he said. “I actually became Christian as interim pastor. For about a year, Brown filled a 16-year-old in high school. I had an uncle who in whenever the pulpit was empty. was Christian, who shared his faith with me.” “And at that time they had a part-time offer Brown began attending a church in Colum- on the table but I was really looking for some- bia, where he was a member from the time he thing full-time,” Brown said. was 16 until last year. In August, they offered him the full-time gig. The Rev. Brian Keldsen, senior pastor at “I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll talk with Rachel, pray Baptist Fellowship, invested a lot of time in about that,’” Brown said. Brown and his wife, Rachel, whom he met at a After hashing out the decision with his wife church youth group, Brown said. and God, Brown accepted. In December, the “He taught me a lot and gave me some op- church voted to officially name him pastor. portunities to grow in my faith,” he said. “He “They voted 100 percent yes,” he said. “So thought I was going to be a pastor before I ever that was pretty cool.” did.” Brown’s first service as pastor was Sunday, In those initial Christian years, Brown, a Jan. 7, with nearly 50 people in attendance. 2010 graduate of Bacon Academy, did not think “And I served the Lord’s Supper,” he said. leading a congregation was in his future. He The Lord’s Supper is also known as commun- had plans for a life in economics and finance, ion. especially since he rocked a high school class Brown’s sermon revolved around the Book project in which he had to create a company. of Mark, chapter 1, verses 1 through 15. His water bottle company was a huge success “The big message was just kind of develop- and he expected he was going places in the ing the story of the Bible,” he said. The Rev. Jordan Brown is the new pastor of Church of Hope. The Colchester business world. He started with God’s creation of the world native actually didn’t come to Christianity until he was 16 years old. “I did not think that I was ever going to be a and of Adam and Eve and of their rebellion and pastor,” he said. the continued rebellion of humans as a whole. of Hebron – 30 years ago, then became a mem- was built in 1883, after the earlier church burned Then he spent a year studying the Bible, In the verses from the Book of Mark, John the ber of Baptist Fellowship. She returned to down in a fire in 1882 on Main Street. found he was gifted in leadership and decided Baptist preaches about turning from the ways Church of Hope two years ago. “This is actually the fourth building of the God was calling him to the religious life. of the world and foretells the coming of Jesus, “When [my husband and I] walked in here church,” Brown said. He spent time with mentors and told them Brown said. we were like, ‘we’re home,’” she said. “This is The longest-serving pastor was local dentist he was changing direction. “[Jesus’] message was to turn from the where God wants us. This is where he wants us Dr. Benjamin Pomeroy, who served as pastor “They all said, ‘Well, it’s about time,’” he wrong, to cast out the wrong in our hearts,” to serve.” from 1734 to his death in 1785. said. Brown said. Brehant led the youth group at Baptist Fel- In the last few years, the inside of the church Brown attended Cedarville University in Terry Brehant of Hebron was at the service, lowship that Brown attended years ago. has been renovated; the pulpit and the organ, Ohio, where he received a Bachelor of Arts and said Brown’s message was well-received. “Terry and her husband actually knew me which was built in 1877 in Boston Mass., re- degree in pastoral ministry. “He’s a great teacher. Jordan’s up there and before I was a Christian,” Brown said. “They main intact. “Once I preached for the first time in front he’s teaching us, he’s delving deeper in the got to watch me as a rebellious teenager turn- “One of the cool things about this church, in of an entire church, it was this rush and this scriptures,” she said. “How I apply it is, it ing into their pastor.” 1798 the Missionary Society of Connecticut passion I had in me to preach the Bible to doesn’t matter who I’m meeting, everybody “It’s just nice to see where God leads us,” was originated here by Pastor Amos Basset; people,” he said. “I couldn’t turn back.” needs to hear the Good News, and Jordan’s Brehant said. that’s the longest and oldest [missionary] soci- Brown and his future wife went to college teaching us that through scripture.” Church of Hope, a member of the Conserva- ety here in the U.S.,” Brown said. “Their goal together. When they came home, they got mar- Brehant, who was married at Church of Hope tive Christian Congregational Conference, is was basically just to reach ‘heathens’ with the ried at Baptist Fellowship. Brown served at the – then known as First Congregational Church more than 300 years old. The current building good news of the Gospel.” East Hampton Resident Releases Book After 12 years of re- the preferred workers not just for the railroad opened a Mexican school in 1929 in the middle dragged their feet and were held in contempt search and writing, companies but other businesses such as work- of the barrio: Hoover School. Its stated aim was of court in 1946. The Westminster Board of East Hampton resident ing in the mines in the southwest. Many ended to “Americanize” Mexican-American school Education integrated the 17th Street School Al Vela has released a up working for Ford Motor Company in Michi- children, Vela said. In the book, Vela, born in while the case was being heard in 1945. book, Tracks to the gan, the meat packing companies of Illinois and 1938, tells of attending Hoover in kindergarten According to Vela, lawyers for the NAACP Westminster Barrio: Indiana, and the iron mills of Pennsylvania, and first grade (1943-1945). were present at all court proceedings, as 1902-1960s. The book following the crop as far east as Florida, New During World War II, the children of a local “friends of the court.” is published by Jersey and New York. resident and his wife, Gonzalo and Felícitas “Mendez v. Westminster directly influenced VERSA Publishing Tracks is a story of how Mexican families Méndez, were refused admission at the white the NAACP’s legal strategies applied in Brown Inc. of Illinois and is moved into the Presbyterian colony in the 17th Street School even though they lived v. Board of Education in 1954,” Vela said. available for sale. 1900s. This area became known as a barrio or within the school’s boundaries. Gonzalo’s three Tracks includes chapters on life in the barrio Westminster, Calif., colonia/colony. Restrictive residential cov- nieces and nephew – who all, Vela said, were (recreation, sports, work, education and reli- is a city near the enants made it unlawful for Mexican Ameri- white complexioned, blonde and of French- gion) as well as on the Mexican Revolution beaches of Orange Al Vela cans to buy properties in white neighborhoods. Mexican heritage with a surname of Vidaurri – (1910-19) and the Cristero Rebellion (a reli- County, where Vela was born and went to These real estate covenants were outlawed in could attend the school. Not so the three darker gious revolt from 1926-29) in the central states school. The town began as a Presbyterian the middle 1940s. and noticeably Mexican Méndez children, he of Mexico. Vela said it took him a year to re- colony in 1869. A nearby German colony was As late as the 1950s, there were as many as added. search and write these two chapters using pri- Anaheim founded in 1857. These colonies came 53 colonias in Orange County. Not only were The result was a civil lawsuit, Mendez et al. mary sources found in Mexico City. into being shortly after the peace treaty, they segregated into the “other side of the vs Westminster et al., involving three other de- “Tracks has been as 12-year labor of love,” Guadalupe Hidalgo, was signed between tracks,” but also boards of education in the coun- fendant Orange County school districts of Santa Vela said. Mexico and the United States in 1848. Mexico ties of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino Ana, Garden Grove and El Modena. In 2000, Vela earned his PhD from the Uni- lost a huge chunk of its northern territories: and Orange initiated policies of sending Mexi- Superior Court Judge Paul McCormick heard versity of Connecticut with majors in bilingual California, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. can-American children to “Mexican schools,” the case in 1945 and ruled in favor of the plain- and math education. He retired from New Brit- In the 1890s, railroad companies like the Vela said. tiffs in 1946. ain Public Schools in 1998. He graduated Southern Pacific and the Atchison, Topeka and “White society regarded Mexicans as of in- The school districts took the case to the Ninth summa cum laude with a 4.000+ average in his Santa Fe recruited Mexicans in major cities like ferior intelligence, dirty, profligate, and lack- District Court of Appeals in San Francisco doctoral studies. El Paso and Mexico City. The companies ing in morals based on so-called scientific stud- where the seven judges ruled unanimously in For information on the purchase of Tracks, brought them into southern California by the ies,” he said. favor of Mendez severely castigated the offend- contact Vela at [email protected]. trainloads, Vela said. Mexican immigrants were Westminster Elementary School District ing districts. The offending districts reluctantly

East Hampton Schools Chief Presents $31M Budget by Elizabeth Regan East Hampton Superintendent of Schools “In order to be completely transparent, the school officials budgeted for during last year’s the principals from each of the district’s four Paul K. Smith on Tuesday presented a $31.05 budget does not contain items or funds as place- planning process. schools were not included in the budget, rang- million education budget proposal which rep- holders in the budget to buffer any potential Board of Education Chairman Christopher ing from a gifted and talented teacher in the resents a 3.35 percent increase over the current cuts,” Smith said in his introduction. “This re- Goff on Wednesday described rising special elementary schools, to a digital library in the budget, largely due to contractual and special quest has been arrived at after difficult deci- education costs as concerning. middle school, to culinary arts training at the education cost increases. sions, including cuts in teaching positions at a “It’s not just East Hampton. It’s a huge con- high school. The superintendent’s recommendation elimi- time when next year’s district enrollment is pre- cern all over,” he said. The district presented a seven-page document nates a science teacher and a math teacher at dicted to be higher than the current year.” Federal law gives all students with disabili- outlining all the administration requests, includ- East Hampton High School. That leaves six The district is anticipating 20 more students ties the right to an appropriate public educa- ing 11 that made it into the superintendent’s science and five math teachers in the building. next year, according to Smith. tion at no cost to the family. recommended budget and 63 that did not. Even as the proposal cuts teachers at the high Other changes in the budget include the re- The district currently receives partial reim- Smith emphasized the spending plan should school level, it adds one for world language for assignment of two special education teachers bursement when special education costs exceed not just be a maintenance budget, but should grades 3-5 and applies roughly $107,000 dis- to new programs in the elementary and middle 4.5 times the average cost of educating a pupil “leap ahead in providing programming and of- trict-wide toward new programming, textbooks schools. The programs are designed to meet in town. Asetta said the district received 72 ferings to make our students the most competi- and curriculum revision in the subjects of read- special education students’ needs in the district percent of the total requested reimbursement tive graduates in college and the workplace.” ing, writing and math. so they can remain in – or return to – school last year. That’s why he made the difficult decision to Smith said the world language teacher was with their East Hampton peers, while reducing According to Goff, “there needs to be some eliminate teaching positions in his initial rec- the most requested addition to the budget when expensive outplacement costs. kind of relief or assistance” for the unantici- ommendation, he said. he asked for input from the school community. An existing guidance position would be re- pated tuition and transportation costs the dis- “I’m trying to design a budget that allows The second most popular addition was a assigned to the high school to focus on job trict must absorb. the district, even in difficult fiscal times, to cheerleading assistant coach at the middle coaching and college placement, according to Smith attributed the rest of the budget in- make progress and move forward in important school, which costs $2,000. the proposal. crease – 1.85 percent – to fixed costs and con- ways,” he said. Not included in Smith’s recommended bud- If the budget must be cut beyond the 3.35 tractual obligations. He said the actual amount Data compiled by the district shows East get are any revenue estimates when it comes to percent increase submitted by Smith, he said of those fixed costs and obligations came to a Hampton is on the lower end of comparable education funding from the state. Despite a the proposed world language position and an 3.75 percent increase, but the figure was towns when it comes to spending. For the 2016- trend of deepening reductions, the school existing high school English teacher would be whittled down to 1.85 percent through staffing 17 school year, the district, at $14,971 per stu- spending plan does not assume a decrease in eliminated. Other reductions would have to be cuts and reductions to supplies, equipment and dent, ranked 15th in per-pupil expenditures out education aid. determined. repairs throughout the budget. of 22 towns with similar demographics. Some This year alone, data presented by Smith About 1.5 percent of the proposed education In a dramatic shift from the superintendent’s of the nearest towns included: East Haddam, shows the town is slated to receive approxi- budget increase comes from rising special edu- proposal at this time last year, the spending plan $19,125 per student; Glastonbury, $16,085; mately $991,175 less in education aid than it cation costs, Smith said. It’s the result of an now estimates a 3 percent decrease in health Rocky Hill, $15,044; Colchester, $14,925; and did last year. unexpected increase in the number of students insurance costs compared to the current bud- Cromwell, $14,475. It’s currently unclear how much education who require services outside the district this get. The change is the result of a switch to the School board members will discuss the bud- aid the town can expect in the coming year. year. Connecticut Partnership Plan, which allows get over the next several meetings in anticipa- Officials are waiting for the General Assembly School business manager Karen Asetta said municipal employees to become part of the tion of a Feb. 26 vote. The next meeting will be to reconvene in February for more information. last month the number of outplaced special edu- same plan offered to state employees. held Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the East Hampton Smith said any shortfall in education fund- cation students is expected to rise to 14 stu- Goff noted numerous priorities submitted by High School T-Bell. ing would be added to the 3.35 percent increase. dents by February, which is five more than Skincare Studio Finds Success in Portland by Elizabeth Regan Victorian Inspirations, as an invaluable source The life path Dory Bonet has forged for more of advice and assistance. than 20 years took a turn over the past two years “She’s been my mentor,” Bonet said. “Be- as the mother of two got a divorce and opened tween her and my family, they’ve been my push Cara Mia Skincare Studio on Route 66 in Port- to do this. Not to give up, not to turn around land. and throw my hands up.” Bonet, of Middletown, was working at a day Bonet was born in Middletown to Puerto spa in Wallingford when she decided to set off Rican parents. Many family members and on her own. friends still live in Puerto Rico. “I felt like I was stuck,” she said. “I was stuck “My heart is there,” she said, crediting her in my marriage, I was stuck in my job.” family with a support network that extends from There was no room for growth in either realm, here to the islands. according to Bonet. At Cara Mia Skincare Studio, Bonet offers a “I had to do something. In order for me to range of services, including facials, manicures succeed and in order for me to grow and do and pedicures, waxing, makeup application and more and offer more to my clients, I had to eyebrow and eyelash tinting. Gerrianne Onisto, leave,” she said. the owner of Body Wellness, provides massage Cara Mia Skincare Studio reopened this fall therapy services at the skincare studio. at 1062 Portland Cobalt Rd. Bonet hung up her Bonet said she hopes to bring in an additional first shingle behind the State Farm building near nail technician and lash extension technician the center of town in late 2016, but was there as her business expands. only nine months before she found her new Skin care has been Bonet’s main interest business home. since she graduated from hairdressing and cos- For Bonet, it became important to show her metology school in 1993. She said that while 13- and 14-year-old sons that she could suc- skin care took the backburner in the industry ceed in life and in business on her own merits. compared to hairdressing, it’s the face that has “I took no loans out to start this business. always been most important to her. Nothing. I saved a little bit here and there. I did She said the most important element of it all on my own,” she said. beauty isn’t specific to a salon; it’s about some- She wants her sons to see that their mom will one taking the time to focus on themselves, their be fine. health and their appearance. Dory Bonet recently reopened Cara Mia Skincare Studio at 1062 Portland Cobalt “I’m going to succeed. I’m going to make it “It doesn’t come from all the options and Rd. Originally situated further up Route 66, Bonet started her own business in late grow. I’m going to do whatever I can, God-will- cream you put on,” Bonet said. “It comes from 2016 as a way to grow both personally and professionally. ing,” she said. within. I always felt if you feel good about your- When the idea was still in its formative self, if you’re taking care of yourself, it will Microneedling stimulates the production of She also carries three lines of spa-quality stages, Bonet found support from the Main radiate. You will glow.” collagen and elastin to fight off fine lines and products for sale. Street business community she’d gotten to know Bonet described some “medi-specific” facial wrinkles by puncturing the top layer of skin “You can come here and get your treatment, through her time as nail technician at Lacquer treatments as some of the innovative services with titanium needles, according to Bonet. but how you take care of your skin after you Nails. she’s been able to provide now that she’s on Dermaplaning utilizes a scalpel to remove leave is where you’re going to see the differ- She singled out Ellen Foster, the owner of her own. peach fuzz and dead skin from the face. ence,” she said.

New Restaurant Approved for Andover Plaza by Sloan Brewster Valente gave the go ahead for the new restau- Space in Andover Plaza is being groomed rant. for a new eatery. “We could’ve done a full review,” Anderson On Tuesday morning, while workers fixed said. “Because there was essentially a very simi- electrical issues in the empty storefront between lar business (previously in that location) we Andover Mini Mart and Oriental Wok in the chose to just do it as an administrative review.” Route 6 plaza, Carlamarie Goulet placed an Anderson said a bakery/caterer, which also order for a soda cooler for Nonna’s Kitchen, a offered breakfast and lunch, was previously in breakfast and lunch restaurant she plans to open that spot. next month. Many of the sodas, teas and juices Goulet is shooting for a Feb. 4 opening – she selected for the cooler were inspired by her which, coincidently, is also her birthday. Ini- eight grandchildren, she said, telling Bryan tially she had planned to open January 1, but Fogelstrom from Coca-Cola that there would then she learned there were serious electrical be trouble if she missed any of their favorites. issues and she had to call someone in to make Her grandson, Teyton Boland, 6, of Bolton, repairs, so she decided to capitalize on her spe- named the place when she was trying to come cial day. up with an idea, she said. “I can do it Feb. 4, my birthday,” she said. “He’s like, ‘Well Nonna, you’re always in “Woohoo!” the kitchen,’” she said. “He goes, ‘Nonna’s Overall, she’s pretty pumped about opening. Kitchen.” “I’ve been trying to do this forever,” she said. Teyton also has big plans for working there, “I’ve been working over at the Oak Street Bar A new restaurant has been approved for Andover Plaza. Nonna’s Kitchen, nestled making chocolate milk for customers. (in Manchester) and all my tips are going into “He thinks he’s going to be going to the getting this stuff done.” between Oriental Wok and Andover Mini-Mart, is expected to open next month. tables stirring the milk,” Goulet said. “He said There have been many times when she has to me, ‘Gramma, you’re gonna pay me $10 an seen the space open up but she just didn’t have with bacon, sausage and egg, Alexia’s Country the extra few hundred dollars. At this point, she hour, right? I have to make the chocolate milk.’” the financing to do it, she said. Neighboring Benedict, Anthony’s Steak, with ham and eggs has decided to have one item posted on a menu Goulet started working on getting the res- business owners are eager for her to open and Caiden’s Cheese Quesadilla, with scrambled board. taurant up and running about three months ago, residents have stopped in town and said they eggs, and Aubrey’s Eggs Benedict. “What’s on that board will be the only lunch she said. were looking forward to trying the place out. “I just love my grandkids to death,” Goulet of the day,” Goulet said. So far, she put a fresh coat of paint, added “I mean it’s a great stretch,” Fogelstrom said. Goulet learned to cook from her Sicilian new lights, counters, appliances and put in a chimed. “So busy.” Bill Kauffman, Goulet’s fiancé, who stopped grandmother, her “Nonna,” who lived next door new bathroom. On Tuesday, the electricians got Nonna’s Kitchen will be open from 6 a.m. by to see the progress of the building, said her when she was growing up and began teaching the electricity going; and the floor still needs till 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and will be specialty is eggs benedict. her when she was 7 or 8 years old. fixing. closed Mondays. “She’s been in the food business all her life,” “Easter was our favorite meal that we cooked When they successfully turned on the lights “Before work they can sit down, eat break- he said. “(Her) cooking, that’s why I kept her together,” Goulet said. in the dining room, Goulet became excited. fast, and watch my TV,” Goulet said. “I’m go- around for 20 years.” Goulet especially enjoyed baking Italian “I got lights!” she exclaimed. ing to have a flat-screen TV.” Goulet is still working on lunch. She wanted cookies with her. While at this time, she’s not She has also received approval from the Breakfast will include a list of options named to offer comfort foods, such as meatloaf with planning to offer desserts at her restaurant, she town. for Goulet’s grandchildren. There’s Teyton’s mashed potatoes and shepherd’s pie, but those said she may bake some cookies at Easter. Eric Anderson, chairman of the Planning and French Toast, Kayden’s Pancakes, Brianna’s are considered dinner items. She isn’t licensed “I’m just hoping to see everybody come on Zoning Commission, said Zoning Agent John Brianna Veggie Omelet, David’s Sandwich, for dinner and said she wasn’t ready to spend in and try my delicious cooking,” she said. Colchester Selectmen to Schedule Presentation on OpenGov Software by Julianna Roche The OpenGov financial transparency soft- $825,000. cessing information requests, while still com- * * * ware, which First Selectman Art Shilosky last Reductions have “gotta come from every- plying with transparency mandates. At the meeting, Tarlov also emphasized the month removed from the 2017-18 budget, may body,” Shilosky said at the time. During citizens’ comments on Wednesday, importance of taxpayers taking the 2018-19 be back after all. However, at their Dec. 6 meeting, finance Board of Selectmen member Rosemary Coyle Colchester budget survey to offer their opin- Art Shilosky announced last month funding board members voiced their disapproval of stressed that an official presentation on the ions and feedback on town financial matters. for the software – originally backed by the Shilosky’s decision. transparency software was important so that As of Thursday, the chairman said the town Board of Finance – was out of this year’s bud- Board of Finance member Andrea Migliaccio selectmen could fully understand what the soft- has received just under 400 responses, but is get, to help make up for the $1.78 million defi- questioned why Shilosky “didn’t seek counsel” ware does, ask questions, and “get to a place hoping for more before the survey closes at 4 cit in municipal aid from the state. from the finance board when making the deci- where maybe all of you [finance board mem- a.m. on Monday, Jan. 22. The 2017-18 budget But he pledged at Wednesday’s meeting of sion to remove the software from the budget, bers] are.” survey had 414 responses – the lowest partici- the finance board to organize an official while board member Andreas Bisbikos said he “You as a board really did your due diligence pation in the last four years. OpenGov presentation for a future Board of felt disappointment that the first selectman had as a Board of Finance. You spent a lot of time Tarlov has explained that the purpose of the Selectmen meeting to better understand the “left [the finance board] in the dark.” learning about it, viewing it,” Coyle said. “The survey is to provide a separate channel for resi- software, with the thinking that funding may Board of Finance Chairman Rob Tarlov said Board of Selectmen has not gone through that dents to share their opinions on town and school restored for the 2018-19 year. he felt blaming the removal of the software on process at all [and] that needs to happen for us priorities, taxes, voting, and communications. Finance board members had bristled in De- “the budget situation” was “disingenuous.” to move forward.” Survey results are then shared and discussed cember when Shilosky announced that he According to its website, OpenGov– which During the meeting, Tarlov explained that among town officials and board members, with planned to reduce town spending by cutting the had been an item of discussion and in-depth scheduling difficulties between various board additional citizen input from meetings and other $15,100 set aside for the transparency software. research among finance board members since members and an OpenGov representative was communication forms, to assess voter opinions. But the first selectman maintained the elimi- mid-2016 – claims not only to provide citizens the reason that a presentation has not yet been To take the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/ nation of the funding was necessary to help with easy access the town’s financial data and planned; while the software may not be in the r/LYV6KTH. account for the shortfall in state funding. He records (which are then presented in interac- 2017-18 budget, he also emphasized that the * * * noted the Board of Education had already tive visualizations and graphs), but also to help finance board can request it be included in the The next Board of Finance meeting will be moved to reduce its $40.63 million budget by town officials “save hundreds of hours” pro- next budget cycle. held Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.

East Hampton School Andover Hires Full-Time Treasurer by Sloan Brewster Board Member Departs The Town of Andover has decided to hire a Board of Selectmen could move the money in full-time treasurer. this year’s budget,” Burbank said. by Elizabeth Regan At a special joint meeting between the boards According to the minutes, Burbank opened The Board of Education is looking for a can- appointed at the Jan. 29 meeting and sworn in of selectmen and finance on Thursday, Jan. 11, the meeting explaining it was to discuss the pos- didate to jump into the budget planning pro- that week. the Board of Selectmen unanimously passed a sibility of hiring a full-time treasurer and asked cess as soon as possible following the resigna- “Then they can be at our first meeting in Feb- motion authorizing Town Administrator Joe Beth Bauer, temporary part-time treasurer, to tion of Republican Erika Bonaccorso. ruary and be part of the budget process,” he said. Higgins to hire a treasurer for a salary up to explain the need. Bonaccorso resigned this week due to health Members will listen to public input and de- $60,000. Bauer couldn’t be reached for comment for concerns. She said an intensive multiple scle- liberate the budget on Feb. 5 and 26, with a According to the minutes, Higgins told se- this story but, according to the minutes, at the rosis treatment regimen left her extremely tired vote tentatively scheduled for the 26th. lectmen he has already received applications meeting she mentioned the workload in her of- by the time evening rolled around, which forced The vacancy is the first one to emerge since and that the applicants would be evaluated on fice, and said there were some things not get- her premature departure from school board the end of a roughly $68,000 lawsuit between their experience. ting done. meetings during her treatment. the school board and the Town Council that Currently, the town has a part-time treasurer, Three specific areas that need to be addressed “I always had to leave early and I felt bad sought to determine which entity had the power said Board of Selectman Chairman Robert she listed were reporting, internal control and about it,” she said. to make appointments to the school board. In Burbank in a phone call Wednesday. accounting. Bonaccorso praised the school board as one November, Superior Court Judge Edward “They needed some additional money and The town would also need to hire a part-time that worked well together under the direction Domnarski ruled the school board has “exclu- wanted to move money from the budget to make assistant to work with the full-timer, Bauer said. of Superintendent of Schools Paul K. Smith. sive authority” to make its own appointments up the difference to hire a full treasurer,” Bauer told selectmen she would train the new “I won’t stop fighting for the board,” she said. within 30 days of a vacancy. Burbank said. “We moved to appropriate that person on the town’s accounting system. School board chairman Christopher Goff said The school board is now following a year- money for this year’s budget. Next year that She also discussed the process for putting this week that applications for the position will old provision in its bylaws, which was approved budget line will have to go in front of voters.” together a procedure manual, which Burbank be accepted through Jan. 26. Interviews are ten- while the lawsuit was still ongoing, to expand Burbank explained that the town attorney had said is needed. tatively slated for Jan. 29, prior to the school its process for filling vacancies. It specifies the reviewed the matter and told selectmen they did The short meeting began at 6:30 p.m. and board’s regularly scheduled meeting. board “shall consider, but is not obligated to not need to hold a public hearing on the matter. was adjourned at 6:41. Goff expressed a sense of urgency due to the act upon, filling the vacancy with a person of The attorney “gave the legal opinion that the timing of the budget planning season, which the same political affiliation as the member who kicked into high gear this week with Smith’s vacated the office.” presentation of his $31.05 million recom- The bylaws direct the board to interview ap- mended budget on Tuesday. It’s a 3.35 percent plicants no less than five days after public no- Colchester Police News increase over the current budget. tice is given. The announcement ran in this is- Portland Police News 1/3: Colchester Police said at approximately Goff said he hopes a new member will be sue of the Rivereast. 1/10: Lewis Nicholas, 24, of 175 Prospect St., Middletown, was charged with second-de- 10:45 p.m., they responded to a report of a bro- gree threatening, first-degree harassment and ken window in a building of Balaban Apart- criminal violation of protective order, Portland ments on Balaban Road. The victim reported East Hampton Police News Police said. that just moments after the exterior window was broken, a female with long hair was seen run- 12/27: Jacob Field, 18, of 179 Wopowog Rd., pended license and operating a motor vehicle 1/11: Michael Munson, 28, of 658 Edgewood ning away from the back main door entrance was issued a summons for speeding, East without minimum insurance, police said. Rd., Berlin, was charged with disorderly con- of the building adjacent to the window in ques- Hampton Police said. 1/11: John Loosemore Jr., 33, of 55 Braeburn duct, second-degree harassment and criminal tion. Anyone with information is asked to con- 12/28: Colin Gibbons, 27, of 1554 Dixwell Ln., Middletown, was issued a summons for violation of a restraining order, police said. tact the Colchester Police at 860-537-7200. Ave., Hamden, was issued a summons for fail- speeding, police said. 1/11: Francis Urbano, 58, of 48 Southwind 1/10: Colchester Police said Devon Grace, ure to drive right and operating under suspen- 1/11: Assane Betche, 40, of 101 Norton St., Dr., Wallingford, was charged with sixth-de- 22, of 203 East Old Rd., Route 6, Hampton, sion, police said. Waterbury, was issued a summons for speed- gree larceny, police said. was arrested and charged with second-degree 1/7: Richard Day, 46, of 58 Midwood Farm ing, police said. 1/12: Dawn Brodeur, 45, of 200 Main St., failure to appear. Rd., was issued a summons for misuse of a Also, from Jan. 1-7, officers responded to Apt. 1, was charged with operating a motor 1/11: State Police said Alexander Ferguson, marker plate, operating an unregistered motor 15 medical calls, 14 motor vehicle crashes and vehicle under suspension and operating a mo- 22, of 233 Rathbun Hill Rd., Salem, was ar- vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with a sus- 17 alarms, and made 12 traffic stops. tor vehicle without insurance, police said. rested and charged with failure to respond to a payable violation for being in possession of less than half an ounce of cannabis. Andover Police News Marlborough 1/12: State Police said Elysia Petzold, 21, of Police News 182 Lamplighter Dr., Manchester, was arrested 1/11: State Police said Madison R. Clark, Drunk Driver Causes Three-Vehicle and charged with second-degree failure to ap- 19, of 2 Summit Rd., Columbia, was arrested pear. and charged with fourth-degree larceny. Collision in Colchester by Julianna Roche A three-vehicle car crash at the intersec- Rodgers, 46, of 200 Boretz Rd. tion of South Main Street and Dr. Foote Road Police said Peterson stated he felt neck left one Colchester resident injured last Fri- pain, but declined medical attention while the Route 6 Crash Injures Two in Andover day, police said. passenger in his vehicle, Priscilla D. Marvin, by Julianna Roche According to police, at approximately 2:36 57, also of 448 New London Rd., was trans- A two-vehicle crash on Route 6 left two lane from a private driveway. p.m. on Jan. 12, Dylan J. Godwin, 21, of 118 ported by the Colchester Hayward Volunteer people injured last week, according to police. Police said both Pendergast and a passen- Chestnut Hill Rd., East Hampton, was driv- Fire Department to Marlborough Clinic for Police said at approximately 12 p.m. on ger – Robert L. Berthiaume, 72, of 45 Oak ing a Ford F520 when he struck the rear end possible injuries. Tuesday, Jan. 9, Renee L. Pendergast, 51, of Wood Ln., Columbia – were transported for of a Mercury Villager driven by Paul Peterson, Godwin was subsequently arrested and 50 Fitzgerald Rd., Brooklyn, was driving a suspected minor injuries to Hartford Hospital 58, of 448 New London Rd. – which subse- charged with driving a motor vehicle under Pontiac Grand Prix heading eastbound on by the Andover Fire Department and the Am- quently collided directly into a Toyota Tun- the influence of drugs/alcohol, according to Route 6 near the intersection with Route 316 bulance Service of Manchester, respectively. dra in front of it, driven by Shannon D. police. when it collided with a Toyota Camry driven Barnard was issued an infraction for fail- by William E. Barnard, 63, of 142 Crestridge ure to grant right of way at a private drive- Dr., Vernon, who had entered the eastbound way, according to police. Obituaries East Hampton East Hampton Middle Haddam Colchester Alex T. Meeker Eileen L. Cone Barbara Weir Albert Thomas Laird Alex T. Meeker, 21, Eileen L. Cone, 83, Barbara (Leonard) Weir, 92, of Middle Albert Thomas of East Hampton, of East Hampton, Haddam, widow of the late Joseph Weir, died “Tom” Laird, 53, of passed at his home widow of the late Philip Thursday, Jan. 11, at Middlesex Hospital Hos- Colchester, the beloved Monday, Jan. 15, with Cone, died peacefully at pice. Born May 10, 1925, in Hartford, she was a husband of Jeannine his mom and dad by his her home. Born June 5, lifelong resident of Middle Haddam. She had (Boudreau) Laird, died side, after a valiant 1934, in Norwich, she worked in the drafting department at Pratt & Saturday, Jan. 13, at his battle with osteosar- was the daughter of the Whitney before leaving to raise her family. home. Born in Hartford, coma. He was born late Albert and Helen She is survived by her five sons, Leonard Weir he was the son of Carol April 28, 1996, in Mid- Lasch. of Manchester, William Weir and wife Bonnie of (Brault) Sutherland and dletown, the son of Ed- Eileen was a lifelong East Hampton, Ronald Weir and wife Pam of his step-father Terry ward Meeker and Tracy resident of East Hamp- Cobalt, Thomas Weir and wife Ellen of Bolton, Sutherland and had M. Dominski. ton and a communicant Lawrence Weir and wife Tonya of East Hamp- lived in Colchester for Alex loved his En- of St. Patrick Church in ton; two brothers, Frederick Leonard of Massa- many years. glish Bulldogs Roman East Hampton. She had chusetts, James Leonard of Portland; three sis- In addition to his wife, he is survived by his and Kobe, the Yankees, Lakers and the Giants. worked as a secretary for Stamm Neil Realty Cen- ters, Gertrude Scully of Portland, Catherine daughters, Michelle Hills and her husband He cherished his time with his family and his enor- tury 21 office in Cromwell, she had been the re- Albretch of Vernon, Mary Hennessey of Niantic; Michael-John Hills of Manchester, Melissa Laird mous group of friends, especially those who gional office manager of the MLS and had worked five grandchildren, R.J., Rachael, Justin, Matthew and Eric Risley, Brooke Laird, and Brittany Laird fought alongside him for three long and grueling as an executive secretary for the Middletown and Joseph. and Thomas Pereira, all of Colchester; 17 grand- years. Thank you to Vinny, Matt, Marvin, Dylan, Board of Realtors. Eileen enjoyed traveling and She was predeceased by her brother, William children; his siblings, Keith Sutherland, TJ Tom, Sara, Jess, Morgan, Robby, Katie and Phil spending time with her family and friends. Leonard, and two grandchildren, Brendan and Sutherland, Regina Carreiro and Jamie from the bottom of our hearts. Eileen is survived by her two sons, Kyle Cone Brittany. Sutherland; and several nieces and nephews. Alex was an amazing athlete who had the gift of East Hampton and Dale Cone and his wife Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 15, The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. of speed and quick hands and his love for sports Danielle Beylouni of Ridgefield; a sister, Eliza- in Spencer Funeral Home, 112 Main St., East Monday, Jan. 22, at the John F. Tierney Funeral ran deep. He loved to play golf (especially with beth Strickland of Portland; and three grandchil- Hampton, followed by burial in St. Patrick Cem- Home, followed by burial in Mount St. Benedict his boys during treatment), basketball, and foot- dren, Mackenzie, Madison and Morgan. etery. Friends called at the funeral home Monday Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the fu- ball, but he had a passion for the game of base- She was predeceased by her brother at a very morning, before the service. neral home Monday from 9-11 a.m. ball. Alex had the honor of being on the 2011 young age. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may For online condolences, visit tierneyfuneral East Hampton High School state championship Friends called at Spencer Funeral Home, 112 be made to Middlesex Hospital Hospice Unit, c/ home.com. team led by Coach Wosleger, whom he adored Main St., East Hampton, Monday, Jan. 15. A fu- o Middlesex Hospital Department of Philan- and respected tremendously. In addition, Alex had neral liturgy was celebrated Tuesday, Jan. 16, in thropy, 55 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457. great respect for Coach Timmes, Coach Seidel, St. Patrick Church. Burial followed in St. Patrick To leave online condolences, visit Marlborough Coach Mercaldi, Coach Altomar and Coach Cemetery. spencerfuneralhomeinc.com. Johnson. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be Margaret M. McHugh Alex has been described by the people who made to the East Hampton Ambulance Associa- Margaret M. (Peggy) knew him best as a kind and sweet soul. Every- tion Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 144, East Hamp- Amston McHugh, 92, formerly one loved being around him with his infectious ton, CT 06424. To leave online condolences, visit Dr. Tina Romano Jeter of Manchester, passed smile. He was a fighter who fought for three long spencerfuneralhomeinc.com. away Sunday, Jan. 14, Dr. Tina Romano years with the determination and strength of a surrounded by her lov- Jeter, 61, beloved warrior that was indescribable. Despite the never- ing family. Born in mother of Paul Jeter of ending challenges he faced with his diagnosis, he Hebron Brooklyn, NY, within Amston and Al Jeter of never complained, and always promised to fight minutes of her beloved Emil Leo Caron Colchester, grand- for his parents and those he loved. He wanted us identical twin sister, the mother to Brianna, all to be proud of him during his battle, especially Emil Leo Caron of late Mary A. Thomp- passed away Monday, his mom and dad, whom he worried more about Hebron, beloved hus- son, Peggy was the Jan. 8, at Hartford Hos- than himself. His parents were extremely proud band of Frances “Annie” daughter of the late John P. and Margaret Doyle pital, after a short battle and blessed to have had him in their lives for 21 (Pagach) Caron, passed Giblan, who had emigrated from Limerick, Ire- with cancer. loving years. away peacefully early land to Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1925. Born in Norwich Feb. Alex leaves behind many heartbroken family Wednesday, Jan. 10, at Peggy married Eugene (Pat) McHugh, a World 6, 1956, to the late Ed- members, including his father Edward Meeker of the age of 90. Born War II veteran who served his country heroically ward and Theresa Middletown and mother Tracy Dominski of East Sept. 17, 1927, in Ft. and predeceased her. Peggy’s large and generous (Przygoda) Romano, Hampton. His love for his auntie Michelle Kent, Maine, he was the heart, deep humility and boundless love of all Tina spent her childhood years in Norwich and in Dominski Sawyer of East Hampton was enormous son of the late Denis God’s creatures, footed and winged, belied her Lord’s Point, Stonington, graduating from and often said he was lucky to have her in his life and Mary Jane small stature and quiet manner. She loved her fam- Stonington High School in 1974. and his uncle Mark Sawyer of Colchester who (Campbell) Caron. He ily deeply, made friends for life and cared for In addition to her lifelong love of learning and held a very special place in his heart. He cher- served proudly with the every stray creature that crossed her path. Her her passion for teaching, Tina loved to travel with ished spending time with his cousins Jacob and U.S. Navy during generous spirit, concern for others in need, won- friends, enjoyed the beach, reading, horseback Jadin Sawyer of East Hampton. World War II. derful sense of humor and large candy bars will riding, and the Arts. Her favorite accomplishment He loved his SportsCenter guru, Uncle Brian Emil was a self-employed finish carpenter with be missed by all of those privileged to have known was attaining her motorcycle license. Dominski of East Hampton who shared his love attention to every detail for many years before and loved her as mother, sister, aunt or friend. Dr. Tina Jeter attained her bachelor’s degree for the Yankees, Giants, and the Lakers, and his retirement. In his spare time, he loved the Left to mourn Peggy are her beloved son, from Saint Joseph University and master’s and watching late-night games. He loved his uncle outdoors, especially fishing, but his greatest joy Patrick J. McHugh and partner MaryLou Tew of 6th year degrees from the University of Hartford. Scott Meeker of Middletown and adored his sense was found in his family. Deltona, Fla.; cherished daughter and loving care- She went on to earn a doctorate from the Univer- of humor. His cousins, Shayne Meeker of Hawaii In addition to his loving wife of 37 years, he taker Margaret (Peggy) McHugh Raftery of sity of Hartford. She was an extraordinary teacher, and Troy Meeker of Arizona, were more than leaves five children, Daniel Caron (wife Sharon), Hebron; three grandchildren, Alysyn Raftery vice principal and principal for 39 years in the cousins; they were close friends. As quoted by Linda Merrill (husband Rick), Kathy Caron, Mullen and husband Craig of Jewett City; Mar- Hartford Public Schools. Most recently she was author Marion C. Garretty… A cousin is a little Deborah Higgins and Glendon “Luke” Higgins tin E. Raftery of Hebron and Jennifer Restucci of the director of adult education at Renzulli Acad- bit of childhood that can never be lost. (wife Rosie); five grandchildren, Allyssa Caron, Amherst, Mass.; six great-grandchildren; and emy. Dr. Tina Jeter was a talented and highly- He also leaves his number one grandmother Michael and James Pudlo and Lucas and Haley many adoring nieces and nephews here, in Canada respected educator. She strived to create an atmo- Francis Dominski Palin of East Hampton whom Higgins; two great-grandchildren, Isabelle and and Ireland. She is survived by her siblings Helen sphere of support and dedication for both staff he loved to the moon and back. He was her spe- Jenna; a brother, Adrien Caron; and numerous Tuohy Heelen, David Tuohy and Eugene Tuohy and students. cial angel. In addition, his grandparents Mitchell extended family. and brother-in-law Francis “Pat” Ford. Friends and family are invited to a celebration (Papa) and Patricia Dominski of Florida, whom Funeral services will be observed at 11 a.m. In addition to her twin, Mary, Peggy was pre- of life gathering for Tina Saturday, Jan. 20, from he loved and missed dearly; and George Meeker Wednesday, Jan. 24, at St. Peter’s Episcopal deceased by her sisters Kathleen, Virginia, Polly noon-4 p.m., at the American Legion Post 197, and Lorraine Meeker of Middletown. Church, 30 Church St. (Route 85), Hebron. He and brother John. 128 East Hampton Rd., Marlborough. Friends may call at the Spencer Funeral Home, will be laid to rest privately in the church’s Me- Peggy’s family would like to thank the staff at A scholarship fund will be established to honor 112 Main St., East Hampton, today, Jan. 19, from morial Garden in the spring. There are no calling Marlborough Health Care and Rehabilitation Tina’s career in the Hartford school system. De- 4-8 p.m. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated Sat- hours. Center for the excellent care they provided to her tails will be available at the gathering. urday, Jan. 20, at 11 a.m., in St. Patrick Church In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may for 17 years. in East Hampton. Please go directly to church. be made to St. Peter’s Church (for the Renova- The John F. Tierney Funeral Home at 219 W. Burial will be private at the convenience of the tion of Phelp’s Hall). Center St. in Manchester is handling the arrange- family. Care of arrangements has been entrusted to the Portland ments. Visiting hours were at the funeral home In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Alex’s Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester. Scott Alan Chappell Thursday, Jan. 18. A funeral Mass will be said name may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foun- For online condolences, visit auroramccarthy today, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m., at Church of the As- funeralhome.com. On Jan. 8, 2018, Scott Alan Chappell went dation at wish.org. home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ. After sev- sumption, 29 South Adams St. in Manchester. To leave online condolences, visit spencer eral months of suffering with cancer, with his wife In lieu of flowers, please honor Peggy’s funeralhomeinc.com. Deborah by his side, his battle ended. memory with a donation to the Connecticut Hu- Scott leaves behind Deborah Vogt, his loving mane Society, 706 Russell St., Newington, CT wife of 20 years; children Olivia and Jessica; step- 06111 or cthumane.org, or to a charity of your children Christine Laskevitch (Jon Crane), Aimee choice, or do something kind today for a person Heinrich (David); grandchildren Christopher or animal in need. Farrell, Mia Rivera, Caden Crane, Jesse and Abigail Heinrich; brother- and sister-in-law Wayne and Barbara Chappell; and brother-in-law Chauncey Copeland. He was preceded in death by his sister Lois Copeland. Scott was born in Middletown Oct. 7, 1954, to the late Irvin and Lois Snelling Chappell. Scott grew up in Portland, attended local schools and he and his dad operated Chappell Auto Body, where they specialized in repair of Volkswagens. Scott held positions in local companies, and op- erated his own handyman company as well. Scott was a talented musician and expressed his love for Jesus in songs that he composed and sang. A celebration of Scott’s life will be held at Vic- tory Church, 191 Meriden Rd., Middlefield, Sat- urday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. Burial will be private. Obituaries continued Portland Andover Portland Rosemarie Filanda Muriel Mae Smith Hazel Saul Johnson Rosemarie (Farinella) Muriel Mae (Peck) Hazel Saul Johnson, Filanda, 67, of Portland, Smith, 89, of Andover, 98, passed peacefully beloved wife for 32 beloved wife of 45 years from this life Friday, years of Peter J. Filanda to the late William E. Jan. 12, at her home in Jr., passed away Smith Sr., died peace- Portland. She will be Wednesday, Jan. 17, fully Friday, Jan. 5. She deeply missed and surrounded by her lov- was the daughter of the fondly remembered by ing family. Born in late Henry Putnam and her loving family. Hartford July 17, 1950, Sylvia (Currier) Peck of Born in Bridgeport, she was the daughter of Cromwell. Hazel was the eldest the late Giuseppe and Muriel was proud to child of the late John Rosina (Pinnone) be a descendant of two Richard Saul and Hazel Farinella. She is now founders of Milford, Jo- Ruther Saul. Her family rejoined with her beloved son James Michael seph Peck and Nicholas moved to the Lordship Pasqurell, who predeceased her in 2017. Camp. Muriel worked as a waitress and secretary section of Stratford when she was six weeks old Rosemarie worked as senior claims adjuster for most of her life, retiring from Travelers Ins. Co. to 61 Birch St., the only house on the street at Amica for 38 years. She enjoyed cooking, bak- She was an active member of St. Mary’s Episco- that time. She had many fond memories of time ing and gardening, but more than anything she pal Church, Manchester, where she was a very spent at the beach that was a few block away, pic- loved spending time with her family, especially active member of Peace by Piece Quilters until nics with family and friends and her teen years, her grandchildren. her mid-80s. She cherished her family vacations during the depression when so few young people A loving wife, mother and grandmother, at the Lairds’ cabin in Pawlet, Vt., along with her had jobs, hanging out with the “beach gang.” Rosemarie will be forever missed by her devoted extended Vermont family and friends. Muriel was Hazel graduated from Stratford High School in husband Peter; two sons, Joseph Anthony a kind, generous and loving lady who welcomed 1937 and from the University of Connecticut in Pasqurell and Peter T. Filanda and his wife Chris- everyone into her life. 1941 with a BS in Chemistry. She worked in the tine. She is also survived by her granddaughter She leaves behind her children, William E. Materials Control Lab, Spectrographic Depart- Nicole Pasqurell; her grandson Lucas Filanda; Smith Jr. and wife Karen of Canterbury, Nancy ment at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft until 1950. granddaughters Alexa Pasqurell and Giana Rose E. Eaton and husband Lawrence of Manchester, She always said it was only because the war had Pasqurell and their mother Teriann. In addition, Robert P. Smith and wife Paula of Moodus and started and men were leaving that they consid- she is survived by her aunt Marie Messina; her Janet J. Urgo and husband Tom of Columbia; 10 ered hiring women in the lab. cousins who were more like a brother and sister grandchildren, Kathy, Jenny, Leslie-Anne, Julie Hazel married Robert Gerald Johnson in 1949 to her, Carl Messina and Diana DiBacco; several and her husband Richard Nunez Jr., Daniel, and settled in Portland when their first child was nieces, nephews, extended family members and Nicholas, Carly and her wife Rebecca, Erin, born. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary friends, as well as her adored canine companion, Jonathon and Jacob and his wife Caitlyn; and four Church, active in the Mothers of Twins club, Bella. step-grandchildren, Amber, Josh, Scott and Ja- worked as a substitute and part time teacher in Special thanks to all of Rosemarie’s doctors, son and their families; three great-grandchildren, the Portland school system and obtained her MS nurses and caregivers. Malakai, Serenity and Coral. Muriel is also sur- degree in education from Central Connecticut A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated vived by her sister, Delores Filanda; three sisters- State College while raising her family. Many Saturday, Jan. 20, at 11:30 a.m., at the Church of in-law, Lorraine, Rosemary Peck and Norma happy hours were spent each summer with nu- St. Mary, 45 Freestone Ave., Portland. Everyone Smith; one brother-in-law, Joseph Corcuillo; plus merous friends at the Family Swim Club at is asked to please go directly to the church. Burial several nieces and nephews. YMCA Camp Ingersoll. Mom had a great thirst will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Muriel was predeceased by her four siblings, for knowledge and was an avid learner, she en- Bloomfield. Family and friends may call today, Richard, Gerald, Donald Peck and Eleanor rolled in many classes and programs with MALC/ Jan. 19, from 4-7 p.m., at the D’Esopo Funeral Corcuillo. MILE and Elderhostel, and volunteered at Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. She also leaves behind many dear friends, Godfrey Library. She asked for and received a Donations in Rosemarie’s memory may be Eileen and Val Wnuk, Al and Mel Patch, Lorraine laptop computer for her 85th birthday. She had a made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook Costanzo and her best friend Geraldine Adams, passion for genealogy and extensively researched St., I-91 Tech Ctr., Rocky Hill, CT 06067, or New whom she shared many breakfasts, good times her Irish ancestors, connected with relatives and Horizons, 635 Main St., Middletown, CT 06457. and lots of laughs throughout their 60-year friend- established lasting friendships. She loved to travel, To share a memory of Rosemarie with her fam- ship. and had an extraordinary appreciation of the art, ily, visit desopo.com. Special thanks to the staff of Vernon Manor, culture and natural beauty of the countries she Companion and Homemakers and devoted care- visited. taker, Patricia, whom she loved dearly. Hazel is survived by her children, Karen Wil- Calling hours were held at Holmes-Watkins son and her husband Richard of Gladstone, Ore., Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester, Thurs- Joanne Hubbard and her husband Peter of Portland day, Jan. 18. A service will be held at St. Mary’s Shrewsbury, Mass., Julianne Johnson of Mystic, Episcopal Church, 41 Park St., Manchester, at 11 Margaret Johnson, Peter Johnson and his wife Karen Ann Welch a.m. today, Jan. 19. Private family burial in Lauren, and Valerie Cavanagh and her husband Karen Ann Welch, 74, of Portland and wife of Townsend Cemetery, Andover will be held at a Timothy, all of Portland; grandchildren, Robert, Douglas A. Welch, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, at later date. Daniel, Alex, and Emily Wilson, Alaina Fillback, Middlesex Hospital. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations in Rebecca and Heidi Johnson, Emma, Eric and Julia Born Jan. 8, 1944, in Hartford, daughter of the Muriel’s name be sent to St. Mary’s “Book of Hubbard, and Daniel and Helen Cavanagh; great- late Edward A. and Dorothy ( Kline) Grant Sr., Remembrance” at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, grandchildren, Lauren, Claire and Josephine Wil- Karen had been a resident of Portland for 46 years 41 Park St., Manchester, CT 06040. son, Alyssa and Ava Wilson, Emmit Koch, and and was a member of St. Mary Church. She had To leave an online condolence, visit holmes her latest joy, 2-month-old Penelope Wilson. worked at Pratt & Whitney for many years and watkins.com. She was predeceased by her husband Robert was employed by the Town of Portland in the and her son David; her sisters, Jeanne Gehl Kau community development department for three and Frances Harrington; and her brother, John years. She also was employed by the Zion Ruther Saul. Lutheran Church in Portland as the secretary/sex- Her family wishes to extend their gratitude to ton for eight years, and she volunteered for Meals- the Masonicare Home Hospice team with special on-Wheels in Portland. thanks to her nurse Gina and home health aide Besides her husband of 47 years, Karen is sur- Danielle for the loving care during the past year. vived by a brother Richard and sister-in-law Selma Per Hazel’s wishes there will be no calling Grant of Moosup, and a niece Phyllis Grant of hours and internment will be private in the fam- Ledyard. ily plot at Rock Landing Cemetery, Haddam The funeral will be held Monday, Jan. 22, at 1 Neck. A memorial service is planned for Satur- p.m., in the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, day, May 19, in Portland. 231 Main St., Portland. Burial will be in the Swed- In keeping with Hazel’s lifelong love of learn- ish Cemetery Portland at a later date. Friends may ing, please donate a book in her memory to your call at the funeral home Monday from noon until local library. Her family also hopes you will honor the time of the service. her memory with a random act of kindness or In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be good deed. made to St. Mary Church, 51 Freestone Ave., Portland, CT 06480. From the Editor’s Desk Observations & Ruminations by Mike Thompson Things are moderating now, but in the first Unpack: Misused word for analyze, con- couple of weeks after Christmas, it was sider, assess. Concepts or positions are not COLD. Extremely cold. My brother was vis- packed, so they don’t need to be unpacked. iting from out of state, so a few days after Tons: Refers to an exaggerated quantity, Christmas he and I got up one morning and as in tons of sunshine or tons of work. ‘Lots’ decided to hike up Case Mountain in would surely suffice. Manchester. It wasn’t even that early in the Dish: As in to dish out the latest rumor on morning; about 10 a.m. or so. someone. Let’s go back to ‘talks about’ and But when we started the hike, it was 3 de- leave dishes in the cupboard. grees outside. With a wind chill of 15 below. Pre-owned: What is so disgraceful about It was some epic cold. owning a used car now and then? Having experienced that cold – and the Onboarding/Offboarding: – Creature cold in the days that followed, when the lows from the HR Lagoon. We used to have hiring, fell below zero even without factoring in wind training and orientation. Now we need to have chills – I think I can say: I’m good. I know an “onboarding” process. Firings, quitting, weather colder than that exists, but really, I’m and retirements are streamlined into fine. I don’t need to see it. “offboarding.” In other words, I won’t be hopping a plane Nothingburger: Says nothing that ‘noth- for Russia anytime soon. ing’ doesn’t already. I’ll take a quarter-pound On Tuesday, in the region of Yakutia, which of something in mine. is about 3,300 miles east of Moscow, the tem- Let that sink in: One could say shocking, perature plunged to minus 67 degrees Cel- profound, or important. Let that sink in. sius. That’s minus 88.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Let me ask you this: Wholly unnecessary And a million people live in the region. statement. Just ask the question already. People there are no strangers to cold, Impactful: A frivolous word groping for though. Kids routinely go to school when it’s something ‘effective’ or ‘influential.’ minus 40 out. But school was canceled Tues- Covfefe: An impulsive typo, born into a day – and police ordered parents to keep their 140-character universe, somehow missed by children indoors. the autocorrect feature. Throughout the region, women posted pic- Drill Down: Instead of expanding on a tures of their frozen eyelashes. Yes, it was so statement, we “drill down on it.” cold even their eyelashes froze. Fake News: Once upon a time stories could That is extreme cold – and makes the cold be empirically disproved. Now ‘fake news’ is we experienced recently seem downright any story you disagree with. toasty. Like I said, it routinely gets pretty cold Hot Water Heater: Hot water does not in Yakutia, if not quite that cold. The people need to be heated. ‘Water heater’ or ‘hot who live there are some hardy stock. I salute water maker’ will keep us out of hot water. them – all the while knowing I’ll never de- Gig Economy: Gigs are for musicians and sire to visit there. Ever. stand-up comedians. Now expanded to imply a sense of freedom and a lifestyle that rejects The arrival of January brings, as it has ev- tradition in a changing economic culture. Runs ery year since 1976, a new list of banished a risk of sharecropping. words, courtesy the folks at Lake Superior Overall, not a bad list. And I agree whole- State University. heartedly with the selection of fake news. It’s The list – officially titled “List of Words been warped – by no less than Trump himself Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis- – to mean any story you don’t like or agree Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness” – with, and that frankly does a disservice to jour- is a tongue-in-cheek collection of words that nalism as a whole. people at the university feel should simply Anyway, before I turn this into a Trump be removed from the lexicon. The list almost rant (and I can feel it happening), I’ll let you always features a word or two associated with know that each year’s list of words, dating all political or pop culture news that broke dur- the way back to the first one in 1976, is avail- ing the previous year – words that seemed at able at tinyurl.com/ya3ulszp. Give it a look – first fun but quickly wore out their welcome. after you finish reading this week’s Rivereast, Here is this year’s list – along with the of course. university’s reasons, in its own words, as to * * * why the words should go: See you next week.