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Volume 40, Number 19 Published by The Glastonbury Citizen September 4, 2015 Hebron Fair Returns With a Rodeo by Geeta Schrayter At the Hebron Lions Fairgrounds this week, sylvania and as far away as Las Vegas, to re- the most noticeable sound was… crickets. And search whether or not to bring one to Hebron. accompanying that not-so-rowdy noise was a “What was interesting in Vegas was, I went nonexistent crowd, empty vendor booths and prior to the opening to see the demographics, barns with nary an animal to be seen. and there were kids to elderly, dressed in ca- But there were hints of things to come: men sual wear to evening gowns. Everything went setting up giant tents and fixing up booths, across the board and I thought it would be a stacks of picnic tables and lines of garbage and great addition” he said, adding, “We’re look- recycling bins – all in preparation for the up- ing forward to that.” coming Hebron Harvest Fair, when the sights Also new this year will be a beer and wine and sounds on the grounds will be vastly dif- pavilion sponsored by ROGO Distributors and ferent. Coors – which calls itself “the official beer of The fair arrives next Thursday, Sept. 10, and rodeo.” Tarbell explained Coors Light will be runs through Sunday, Sept. 13, bringing with it the primary domestic beer, but there will be a wide array of activities, exhibits, food and other brands as well. In addition, red and white fun for the whole family. This year, the fair wine will be available from Glastonbury-based comes to town for its 45th year with the theme winery Crystal Ridge. “a country fair with rodeo flair” – a nod to a Drinking will only be allowed inside the pa- new addition to this year’s event: a professional vilion, and Tarbell explained photo IDs will be rodeo. scanned for age compliance. In addition, he The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Associa- added, “We’ve worked hard with state police tion (PRCA) ProRodeo will be at the fair Sat- and AHM [Youth and Family Services] to put The grounds in front of the Leos Stage may have been barren this week, but soon urday and Sunday with seven different events: on a successful event.” the area will be filled with people enjoying the various acts that will take to the steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, Tarbell said 37 people had received Training stage during this year’s Hebron Harvest Fair, such as the Farmers Cow Country bareback riding, roping, team roping and ladies for Intervention Procedures [TIPs], which is Music Showdown and Branded – Country That Rocks. Meanwhile, on the nearby barrel racing. “education and training for the responsible ser- Lions Stage, acts such as a tribute band to the Beach Boys, an ‘80s cover band and Mike Tarbell, this year’s fair superintendent, vice, sale and consumption of alcohol,” accord- this year’s main act – Nashville artist David Nail – will perform. explained Tuesday he’d gone to see a number ing to the website gettips.com. of rodeos over the summer in New York, Penn- See Hebron Fair Page 2 Smarter Balanced Results Set Assessment Baseline by Geeta Schrayter The results of the new Smarter Balanced ward the fulfillment of the promise of college this week regarding the results, “Overall we are that.” Assessments were released by the state Depart- and career readiness.” very pleased with this first round of testing. This Mathieu commented on the difference be- ment of Education last week and, through them, The new test scores range from one to four. is our baseline year and so we have a good foun- tween the Smarter Balanced Assessments and a baseline was formed that will help track stu- Level 1 means the student “does not meet the dation, but we also know the areas that we need previous exams such as the Connecticut Mas- dent growth and measure achievement moving achievement level,” and Level 2 means the stu- to work on and focus on.” tery Test and the Connecticut Academic Per- forward. dent is “approaching the achievement level.” Moving forward, she continued, “We know formance Test, and explained the district was According to the state Department of Edu- Meanwhile, Level 3 means the student “meets that we will be focusing on improving what the just beginning to look at trends and strands in cation (SDE), these new assessments, which the achievement level” and Level 4 means the teachers and students have already done, but the results to see how to adjust curriculum “so were administered for the first time last year, student “exceeds the achievement level.” overall we’re very pleased with how well the we can continue to improve on scores next align with the Common Core State Standards In the towns covered by the Rivereast, scores students did and it’s in large part thanks to the year.” which focus on critical thinking and problem varied, with superintendents who had the time work that was put in by the teachers and just Mathieu added a presentation on the results solving – “the real-world skills students need to look over the results amid the start of a new understanding the tests and having a really solid would take place at the next Board of Educa- to be successful in college and careers.” school year saying they were pleased, but rec- curriculum to back up the language arts and tion meeting Tuesday, Sept 8, at 7 p.m. at Jack The Smarter Balanced Assessments “are de- ognized more work would be needed, and em- math results.” Jackter Intermediate School. signed to measure these skills through reading phasized – like the SDE – that this year’s re- Over in Colchester, 32.8 percent of students Over in East Hampton, 26.9 of Belltown’s comprehension, writing, and math questions sults formed baseline data, and more informa- exceed the achievement level for English lan- students exceed the achievement level in En- that require students to demonstrate that they tion on student performance would be garnered guage arts while 36.7 percent meet that level, glish language arts while 37.1 percent meet that truly understand the content — not just fill in a as the years progressed. 20.5 percent are approaching that level, and 10 level. Meanwhile, 22.7 are approaching that bubble,” it’s explained on the SDE website, In Andover, the majority of students at percent do not meet that level. level and 13.3 do not meet that level. sde.ct.gov. “Smarter Balanced will help parents Andover Elementary School – 53.4 percent – As for math, 22.7 percent of Colchester stu- As for math, 14 percent exceed the achieve- and teachers better understand how the student were found to exceed the achievement level for dents exceed the achievement level while 28.5 ment level, 29.5 percent meet that level, 34.3 is progressing, revealing where the student is English language arts. This was followed by percent meet it. Meanwhile, 30.3 percent are percent are approaching that level, and 22.2 excelling and where the student needs extra 26.4 percent who meet the achievement level, approaching that level, and 18.5 percent cur- percent do not meet the achievement level. help.” 16.6 percent who are approaching the achieve- rently do not meet that level. In Hebron meanwhile, 26.1 percent of stu- Since the Smarter Balanced Assessments test ment level, and 3.7 percent who do not meet “We were pleased with our scores,” dents at the town’s two elementary schools ex- content and skills different from exams in the the achievement level. Colchester schools superintendent Jeffry ceed the achievement level in English language past, they also come with a change in scoring. Regarding math, 41.1 percent exceed the Mathieu said this week. “In looking at other arts, 38.5 percent meet that level, 20.6 percent The change, the SDE explained, “does not mean achievement level, while 29.4 percent meet the states that surround us that have been using the are approaching the level, and 14.9 percent do that students are learning less. Rather, it reflects achievement level, 23.9 percent are approach- test for a number of years, we were thinking not meet that level; as for math, 15 percent ex- that the bar was set higher.” And, moving for- ing that level and 5.5 percent do not currently that our scores would probably be more reflec- ceed the achievement level and 33.9 percent ward, the results garnered from the initial test meet that level. tive of those states, and [Colchester’s scores] meet that level, while another 33.9 percent are “will more fully reflect students’ progress to- Superintendent of Schools Sally Doyen said were much higher, so we were pleased about See Balanced Results Page 2 Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cov Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cov Balanced Results cont. from Front Page approaching that level, and 17.1 percent do not superintendent Philip O’Reilly said this week, meet that level. “so in the next few weeks to the next year we Hebron schools superintendent Tim Van Tasel will be digging into the results, disaggregating said he will present the results to the town’s data, and looking at where we have needs and Board of Education at the Sept. 9 meeting, and need to make some alignment shifts.” added this week, “The release of the 2015 He furthered, “We have some bright spots, Smarter Balanced summative scores would sug- areas where we have made some substantial gest that the students in the Hebron Public progress, and then obviously some area needs. Schools are exceeding the overall performance I will say I’m a bit surprised that the math scores averages of students throughout the State of are as low as they are because … I believe that Connecticut.” was one of the first areas Portland began to He furthered that, since the assessment had address several years ago. So again, that’s why only been administered the one time and the I use the word alignment. It’s not that we test is adaptable to each student, “the data can haven’t worked hard – we have – and some- only be viewed as a baseline point for individual times you need to tweak [that work] and that’s students.” why we have baseline data.” “Next year’s results will offer us a clearer Lastly, in Region 8, which consists of middle picture of how our students are progressing,” and high school students from Hebron, Andover he explained. “At that point, we’ll have two data and Marlborough, 25.5 percent of students ex- points that reflect the growth of an individual ceed the achievement level in English language student over the course of a full academic year. arts, while the majority (43.1) percent meet that As a district, we have other measures in place level, 20.3 percent are approaching that level that will be used for determining interventions and 11.1 percent do not meet that achievement Efforts in preparation for the annual fair – such as the erecting of tents – were or enrichment. The Smarter Balanced Assess- level. taking place at the Hebron Lions Fairgrounds Tuesday. But in general, the grounds ment is just one of the many measures we are As for math, 25.5 percent were found to ex- were mostly empty – a far cry from the scene that will be found during the fair next utilizing in Hebron.” ceed that level while another 27.2 percent meet Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 10-13. In the Marlborough school district, 41.5 per- the achievement level, 25.2 percent are ap- cent of students at the town’s two elementary proaching that level and 22 percent do not meet Hebron Fair cont. from Front Page thing from one-of-a-kind jewelry to handmade schools were found to exceed the achievement that level. “Anyone that has anything to do with the quilts, photography to floral arrangements, and level for English language arts, while 33.9 per- RHAM schools superintendent Bob Siminski distribution of beer or wine will be TIPs- homegrown produce to baked goods can be cent meet that level. Then, 14.5 percent were said that, while he hadn’t yet had a lot of time trained,” Tarbell said, which will help them with found; as well as the Better Living building that found to be approaching that level, while 10.1 to look over the results thoroughly, “I can say “keeping an eye out for excessive drinking, will be chock full of exhibitions for the home percent do not meet that level. quickly that [based on] the scores, it looks like making sure that we don’t over-pour, making and other goods and services. In regards to math, 33.1 of Marlborough stu- the middle school is probably in the 80th per- sure we’re following the guidelines – and there’s There will be plenty of activities for kids, dents exceed that level, 34.4 percent meet that centile, which I’m very pleased about.” a lot. I set up a lot.” too, including a petting zoo, Old MacDonald’s level, 23.8 percent are approaching the achieve- As for the high school, he said it was more All to help ensure the beer and wine pavil- Farm Tent, a pedal tractor pull, frog jumping ment level, and 8.7 percent do not currently meet difficult to compare the results because students ion proves an enjoyable yet responsible addi- contest, and watermelon eating competition. that level. who took the test knew it wasn’t going to count tion to the fair. And, of course, there will certainly be no As for English language arts in Portland, 39.8 towards anything, which, he said, raises the And of course, along with the items making shortage of fair food, from classic fried dough percent exceed the achievement level while 38.1 question, “did they put their all into it?” And, their debut this year the fair will also arrive with to the more adventurous deep fried Oreos or percent meet that level, 15.7 percent are ap- moving forward, juniors at RHAM will be tak- all the usual events and entertainment, includ- Twinkies; classic foot-long hot dogs to “pig- proaching, and 6.5 percent do not meet that ing the SATs, not the Smarter Balanced As- ing live music all four days. gyback” hot dogs topped with pulled pork; ba- achievement level. sessments. On Thursday guests can expect After Party, sic hamburgers to the “Gobbler” turkey sand- In regards to math, 27.2 percent of Portland In the end, Siminski concluded, “I’ve just a California-based 1980s cover band. The fol- wich with all the trimmings; pizza, pretzels, students exceed that level, 32.3 percent meet, gotten the scores and haven’t seen any break- lowing day, a tribute band to the Beach Boys, chicken lollipops, blooming onions, baked po- 26.9 percent approach, and 13.6 percent do not down of strands or anything that need to be Surf’s Up, will perform; and on Saturday, The tatoes, Cannoli, apple crisp and much, much meet that achievement level. analyzed,” which is, ultimately, the case in all Tim Charron Band, whose latest album con- more. “My initial impression is that this is a the districts, as they work to analyze what this tains a sound described as “country rock with a There’s food to suit just about every taste – baseline assessment; this is the first time that new baseline data means, and put their efforts twist of lime” will take to the stage. which will ideally be enjoyed well before, or we’ve gotten any feedback relative to the new into any work necessary to improve scores Then, on Sunday, fairgoers get to enjoy a after, enjoying rides like the Tilt-a-Whirl, Or- Common Core standards,” Portland schools moving forward. performance by last year’s Country Music biter or some of the other spin, flip, and twirl- Showdown winner, Branded – Country That filled rides to be found in the Reithoffer Shows Rocks, who will open for this year’s main per- midway, which brings close to 40 rides for chil- former, Nashville recording artist David Nail. dren and adults as well as a variety of carnival Nail is known for songs such as the number- games. one singles “Let it Rain” and “Whatever She’s Speaking on the status of the fair prepara- Got” as well as the top 10 hit “Red Light.” tions, Tarbell added this week “things are actu- Like Branded did last year, any unsigned art- ally excellent. The grounds are excellent, ev- ist or band can also apply for and compete in erything is coming together. We’re in great the third annual Farmers Cow Country Music shape and hopefully we’ll luck out with the Showdown at the fair, where they’ll be judged weather.” on musicianship, creativity and originality, As for what’s left, he added it was mostly stage presence and professionalism for a chance “setting up for all the vendors, complying with to win the $2,500 first place prize or $1,000 fire codes, and just putting all the pieces to- second place prize. gether at this point.” In addition to plenty of music, the fair also And with the fair less than a week away, he brings entertainment in the form of the ever concluded, “I’m hoping the efforts of the Li- popular DockDogs, comedy shows, and motor- ons as a whole makes a successful fair this year. ized events like a demolition derby, mechani- There are so many people who work hard for cal pulls, truck and tractor pulls. There are also the fair and I hope people enjoy it.” animal pulls such as horse pulls on Friday and * * * oxen pulls on Sunday; and livestock shows The 45th annual Hebron Harvest Fair takes where guests can take a gander at an array of place next Thursday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, sheep, goats, cows, pigs, poultry, rabbits and Sept. 13. For more information, or to purchase more. tickets at a discounted price through Sept. 9, There’s craft and artisan tents where every- go to hebronharvestfair.org. Democrat Town Clerk Candidates to Face Off in Portland by John Tyczkowski Hartford’s assistant record system, allowing electronic access to technology to the of- Two candidates are vying for the Portland corporation counsel, vital records. fice, citing Democrats’ nomination for a seat that hasn’t for more than 15 years. “I’m very well-versed in computers and soft- Middletown’s state- seen turnover in nearly four decades. After retiring from ware, and would love to make it easier for the incentivized electronic Kayleigh Kinsella and Lisa Mountain are due that position in 2006, public to access records, and to make access Vital Check program to face off in a primary set for Wednesday, Sept. Kinsella was elected more secure,” she said. as an example. 16, to secure the nomination for the town clerk Judge of Probate for Mountain brings nearly a quarter-century of That system was position. The winner would face Republican Portland and Marlbor- experience to the race, starting with serving as piloted in Middle- Ryan Curley, currently a member of the Board ough, and served until Middletown’s assistant town clerk for more than town while Mountain of Selectmen. Longtime town clerk Bernadette January 2011. nine years. worked there. Dillon retired from the position earlier this year, Kinsella’s been ac- “Civil service has been my passion ever since “If people who lived after 37 years in office; Mary Dickerson has tive in other facets of Kayleigh KinsellaI started working there,” she said. in town now live out of Lisa Mountain held the position since, and she is not seeking Portland also since Then in 1999, Mountain moved to the town’s state, and can’t come election to a full term. moving to town more than 25 years ago, vol- health department, overseeing vital records such into town to get license or birth certificate, to Kinsella is the Democrats’ endorsed can- unteering on the Board of Assessment Appeals, as birth and death certificates. be able to do it online,” she said. “I’m very open didate, and brings years of civil service expe- serving as chair of the Economic Development “Middletown is a large municipality; it holds to today’s technologies, make it easy to let rience to the table. And it runs in the family, Commission for four years, serving as vice chair land records separate from vital records, un- people get their records.” as her uncle was a judge of probate in Hart- of the Gildersleeve Trust and chair of the Demo- like Portland,” she said. “But not too easy – vital records are confi- ford, her father was a city treasurer there, her cratic Town Committee. In total, Mountain has 22 years of experi- dential,” she said. grandfather was an assessor and her great- In addition, she was a member of three char- ence within Middletown, as both assistant town In addition, Mountain is a notary public, and grandfather was a mayor of Hartford during ter revision committees in town, serving as chair clerk and program budget analyst with the a justice of the peace. World War I. for two of them. health department, which she said combined “I find those to both be advantages – every- “My whole family has been involved in pub- Regarding town clerk duties, Kinsella said has given her “the necessary knowledge and one needs items notarized, or might want to be lic service, so I became involved and have been she became very familiar with day-to-day op- experience behind the town clerk’s duties.” married by a [justice of the peace],” she said. a public servant my whole career,” she said. erations as judge of probate. In 2012, she came back to Portland and Mountain was also a member of the Con- “Bernie [Dillion] did a great job for a long time, “I would frequent the town clerk’s office at started working as an office manager at Port- necticut Town Clerks Organization when she and they’re big shoes to fill. But helping people least once a week because of the matters I land Collision. worked in that role, as was a member of the is what I’ve done my whole career and I’d love worked on,” she said. “And when I worked for After Dillon announced her retirement, “I Vital Legislative Committee dealing with vital to continue as town clerk.” the City of Hartford, I was involved in real es- applied for the interim position, and interviewed records. Before moving to Portland, Kinsella was tate and tax matters, I was counsel to the town for it as well,” Mountain said. “And I’m still She’s also a CCD teacher at St Mary’s in active in Hartford, beginning as a justice of the clerk’s office; they would call me when they very interested.” town, and has been “actively” trying to become peace at age 18, and helping with her father’s had an issue.” “[The town clerk] is pretty much the front a member of the Democratic Town Committee’s campaigns. In addition, Kinsella served as counsel for door of any town, and everyone tends to go there leadership. “I was young, but I got involved very the tax and assessor’s offices in town, which for answers,” Mountain said. “It appeals to me “I hope I can get a lot of support from the quickly,” she said. also necessitated cooperation with the town because I’m very people-oriented.” townspeople in the coming vote,” she said. Since then, Kinsella has worked in a variety clerk’s office, such as searching for titles for Mountain has lived in Portland for 20 years, * * * of both state and local positions, including the foreclosing on abandoned properties. and lived in Middletown before then. The primary will take place from 6 a.m-8 p.m. state’s social services office while in law school, As far as plans for the future, Kinsella said Mountain also said something she’d like to at the Waverly Center, Wednesday, Sept. 16. the state’s consumer counsel office and she would want to modernize the town clerk’s do as town clerk would be to bring in modern Only registered Democrats are allowed to vote.

Portland Junior American Legion Baseball Team Wins by John Tyczkowski another kid came in,” he said. “But everyone A combined American Legion baseball team stepped up and did a tremendous job all around. has created history with an unprecedented We did lose a few games, but we did win the milestone. zone title for the second time, as well as the Last month, the RCP (Rocky Hill-Cromwell- state title.” Portland) Post 105 Junior Team won its first The zone title win marks the second con- state title, coach Jim Nursick said. secutive win for the team in the last five years “This is my 10th year in coaching, the team’s in that category. third time in the title game and now our first Nursick also said what especially struck him state title win,” he said. “It’s wonderful.” this season was the camaraderie between the The Junior Team, for players 17 and under, players from the different towns. had previously made it to the state title in 2007 “We’ve got kids from Cromwell, Portland and 2013. and Rocky Hill; they were always rivals during Nursick said he got involved with coaching the school season, and a lot of them never ever for Portland through his sons. used to compete together after school was “We went up through the ranks; minor, to done,” he said. “But they’ve become best friends Little League, to Junior Little League,” he said. during summertime ball, and they stay best And when coaching Junior Little League, friends afterward. It’s great to see.” that’s when the RCP Post 105 general manager Cromwell players make up the majority of Jay Hickey approached him and asked him if the junior team, followed by Portland with four he wanted to coach for them, and if his kids players and Rocky Hill with one player. And would be interested in playing. that composition is pretty much the same for “I said yes, and have been there ever since,” the senior team as well, Nursick said. Nursick said. “I had the opportunity to move Nursick also said he’s proud of both the jun- up to the senior level, but I’ve stayed here, and ior and senior teams’ accomplishments given The RCP American Legion Post 105 Junior Team recently won its first state title. I’ve been having great fun working with the the small towns Post 105 draws from. The team is composed of Rocky Hill, Cromwell and Portland residents. The four kids.” “We’ve got a great program here, one of the Portland players on the 18-player team are Evan Sweet, Jordan Vogt and Connor Nursick said he makes sure the junior-level best in the state,” he said. “We do just as well, players are ready to move up when called upon. and better in some ways, as a big city like Stam- Flynn (front row, starting second from left, to right), and Matt Wyslick (back row, For example, Nursick talked about one of his ford, which has six high schools to draw from.” fourth from left). player’s sudden promotions to the senior league, For comparison, Portland High School has major leagues as a pitcher. said. “It was a packed house, and we brought for players 19 and under. just over 300 students, Cromwell High School “Hard work here pays off,” he said. the big trophies with us, it was a great time.” “The backup senior pitcher broke his wrist has around 400, Rocky Hill has around 500 in As a special highlight, which added to their And the awards don’t stop there, Nursick during a game, and so my starting junior catcher its high school and Xavier, from which one first junior-level state title win, Nursick said the said, as the Portland Agricultural Fair will be got bumped up to the senior league,” he said. player hails, has about 800 students. players in the program were able to attend a honoring the RCP Post 105 baseball team for “And he did very well.” And these players go places too, Nursick post-season awards ceremony with the its accomplishments on Saturday, Oct. 10. That also changed the team dynamic for this said. He specifically cited former junior team, Middlesex Chamber of Commerce right before “For three small towns to come together and past season, Nursick said, and it turned out to and then senior team, player Nick Greenwood, the start of the school year. win a state junior title…that’s quite an accom- not be a problem out all. who moved up to the minor leagues and who “They received certificates for doing such an plishment,” Nursick said. “Yes, the team’s chemistry changed when now plays for the St. Louis Cardinals in the outstanding job in representing their area,” he East Hampton Chatham Party Announces Fall Slate by John Tyczkowski The Chatham Party has announced its No- biggest challenges in town now.” for people to express concerns and opinions on we have that’s so special, and I highly encour- vember slate – a group of candidates commit- And along those lines, Marshall said he’d political and community issues in town. age people to attend board meetings and get ted to, according to party chair Kyle Dostaler, like to bring more responsible budgeting to the However, Sones said she would “want to involved,” she said. “challenge the status quo and to move things table, including investing in infrastructure a encourage East Hampton residents to actively “One of the best things I’ve ever done is to forward in an effective manner in East Hamp- little each year to avoid future tax hikes. attend board meetings as much as they can” to volunteer, and I would love to serve again on ton.” “It’s nice to keep taxes low and I wouldn’t understand who is representing them. the Town Council,” she said. Dostaler stressed that, “because we’re fo- be looking to raise taxes,” he said. “But if you Weintraub served as the Town Council chair Scott Minnick, currently serving on the cused on town issues,” people can still keep do that at the expense of the things you’re from 2011-13, and had been on the council for Board of Education as its acting chair, is the their party affiliation when they become mem- charged with, buildings and roads, the lake, the three terms, from 2007-13. party’s pick for that board, with no new bers of their Chatham Party.” parks, you’re not doing yourself any favors.” “East Hampton is my home, and there’s no- Chatham candidates running. “It doesn’t take a Republican or a Democrat Sones has been serving on the Board of Edu- where else I would really rather live,” she said. Minnick was elected to the school board in to fill a pothole; it takes effective leadership cation since June, after she was appointed to “I want to serve on the Town Council to help 2011, and had previously served on the Town and ideas,” he said. fill a vacancy caused by board member Emily make our community one of the best small Council for two terms before then. Dostaler, along with Bill Marshall, Tania Fahle’s resignation. towns to live, work and raise a family in.” Regarding the Board of Finance, incumbent Sones and Sue Weintraub are running for Town She said she’s been happy to serve on the Another goal if elected would be to bring Mary Ann Dostaler is seeking reelection, and Council. school board, but the Town Council has at- “decisive leadership” back to town government, new candidates include Paul Hoffman and Scott Dostaler had served on the Town Council tracted her due to its position to influence larger she said. Sanicki. from 2007-09, and then again from 2011-13. processes in town. Examples, Weintraub said, included moving Both Hoffman and Sanicki served on the Marshall had previously served on the Board “I want to be able to work with the superin- a town water system to referendum, though it Planning & Zoning Commission in recent of Education from 2011 until his resignation tendent, the town manager and the chief of po- was defeated; successfully passing the high years. Sanicki had previously run for the finance this past May. lice to understand the needs of the town,” she school renovation process at referendum on the board in 2011 and 2013, and Hoffman had also “I simply want to continue serving the town,” said, “and to develop a plan and follow that first try in 2012; and, after an energy-efficiency previously run for that board in 2013, and for Marshall said of his decision to run for the Town long-term.” presentation by Marshall, directing the town the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2011. Council. “I thought my experience on the Board And part of that includes reexamining how manager to bring natural gas to East Hampton The party’s final candidate is Cynthia of Education as well as previous experience in the town does things, Sones said. in 2012, which is currently underway. Abraham, who is seeking a five-year term on town could serve the town well.” “We have to start from square one, review- Also along those lines, Weintraub said she the Zoning Board of Appeals. Abraham is a Marshall had served on the Parks and Rec- ing the town’s processes, to see what is and isn’t wanted to “make East Hampton a destination” current member of the High School Building reation Commission, and had also been a prin- working,” she said. “That includes the budget through economic development. Committee. cipal at Memorial School, part of a 35-year process, and reexamining the town charter.” “I love this town and there’s so much poten- The Chatham Party, founded in 2005, had career in education. In addition, Sones said she would want to tial here that we haven’t developed yet,” she been a dominant force in town politics. In its Additionally, on the school board, Marshall increase communication between the council said. “We can be a destination for people look- first election in 2005, it won five seats on the had served as the chair of the finance, transpor- and the public. ing for a wonderful place to live and work and Town Council, and most recently won four seats tation, buildings and grounds subcommittee. “We have to be creative in our communica- start a business.” on the Town Council in 2011. “I really got into budgets and facilities needs tion strategies, to the public, for who can’t come Lastly, Weintraub said since volunteering has However, the party fell out of power nearly with that position, which is something that to the meetings,” she said. “In the meantime, been such a positive experience for her, she completely in 2013, losing all representation transfers very well to the Town Council,” he they’ve turned to social media.” wanted to encourage others to do so. on the Town Council, as well as three of the said. “A lot of what the council deals with are Sones specifically referred to “Let’s Talk East “The people of this town are the real resource four seats it held on other boards in town. budgets, and our infrastructure is one of our Hampton,” a Facebook page created specifically

Middle Haddam Library Petitioners Speak Out by John Tyczkowski surrounding the annex, McCutcheon said. Nearly 100 concerned individuals have “I want the petition to convince them to stop signed a petition against a proposed addition this, to do their due diligence and to involve to the Middle Haddam Public Library. the community in the process,” she said. The petition comes at a time when questions “They’re not interested in input and they surrounding that annex which the library’s don’t know what the community does or doesn’t Board of Directors has been moving along with want,” McCutcheon added. “That needs to have been mounting. change.” Four years ago, Leonard Blake, a library Regina Starolis, a member of the Middle patron, left $335,301 in his will for the creation Haddam Historic District Commission, said she of an annex in memory of himself and his part- signed the petition because it’s “an absolutely ner, Paul Carrier. personal reason” to her. The exact language of the will specifies “a “I feel very strongly about keeping Middle glass-enclosed porch area overlooking the wild- Haddam historical,” she said. “It has nothing life areas surrounding the library.” to do with my commission responsibilities, I’m However, there has been controversy over the just one of the people in this town who feels past few months concerning if the addition is really, really serious about keeping the charac- feasible financially, and whether it fits the his- ter the way it has been.” toric character of the library. Starolis has lived in Middle Haddam for five Signers of the petition are predominantly years, moving from Bethany. Middle Haddam residents, though there are “Its historical character grew on me imme- several Haddam Neck residents as well. diately; in fact it was the reason I moved here,” “I started it because we in the community she said. “Bethany was getting more built up.” didn’t feel this library board had done its due “My passion is history and historic preser- diligence in not doing a feasibility study to see vation, and though I’m not usually one to speak A petition against a proposed addition to Middle Haddam Public Library has if it was even practical,” Lois McCutcheon, a out, I tried to be active with this,” she said. generated nearly 100 signatures. past president of the board of directors who For reference, Starolis said she lives in a started the petition, said. “They have a big park- house built in 1770, and understands the main- the proposal put forth by librarians Janet done their due diligence in what was involved ing issue there already, and there was no poll- tenance challenges involved with old buildings. McDonald and Gail Scranton, which included with the expansion plans. ing of the community as to what we felt what “I also agree with handicap accessibility – input from patrons. “For example they can’t build right on the was appropriate.” that is not an issue at all for me, it’s a reason- The librarians’ May proposal details a free- edge of the brook there, and they haven’t talked McCutcheon also emphasized that those who able and very important part of doing things standing “Blake-Carrier Garden Annex” ac- about sampling to find out what’s in the ground signed the petition are not opposed to ADA right for people,” she said. “But it’s the historic cessed by the library’s downstairs door, facing when they dig and put in the foundation,” he access, which has been a major focus of the nature of the library that makes things difficult.” the stream on the property, connected by a flag- said. “I just don’t think their proposal is fea- board of directors’ thrust to move the annex “That addition would detract greatly from stone pathway. There would also be two gran- sible; my major disagreement is that it’s not proposal forward. the library’s historic character,” she said. “I ite benches, dedicated to each man, and land- going to work with just $300,000.” “If they needed to ADA compliance, they don’t think that’s the best way to do it.” scaping around the annex. Olsen, who is disabled, also said he supports could do something very simple there, with Barbara Gibbons, a longtime patron of the David Olsen, a lifelong resident of Haddam the ramp proposal on the outside of the library, grading, without the ramp and the terrace,” library, simply said she didn’t “think there’s any Neck, said he remembers going to the library also part of the plans. McCutcheon said. “Nobody is against ADA reason to have the library changed” with a large when he went to elementary school in Middle “I’m ambulatory and can get in and out of access – regrading would be a much more expansion. Haddam. there just fine, but I have no problem with the simple way to accomplish that.” “We don’t need it – it would just spoil a lot; “My brothers and sisters all went to school ramp, I think it looks fine,” he said. “Putting the handicap access in is fine,” she we’re a simply little town here, we don’t need there, my parents as well, and we went to that Olsen also said he “gets along fine” with said, “but they should do it in a more sensitive all these things,” she said. “If we have to give quaint little library,” he said. “It’s a very nice people on the board who he’s known for years, manner than the ramp around the terrace. That up the money, then we have to give up the library, and it doesn’t need to be expanded; it but still wants to express his concerns. would destroy the historic ambiance.” money. We’d rather keep our little library that doesn’t need to be a big, fancy thing.” “I don’t mean to show any animosity with Also, the petition is meant to drive change way it is.” In addition, Olsen said he had “serious con- my signature, but I just don’t think this is a great in the board’s mindset regarding the process However, Gibbons said she would support cerns” over whether the Board of Directors had thing to do,” he said. M Marlborough Runner Survives the Odds by Kaitlyn Schroyer aneurysm bleed. The morning of March 15, 2014 started like But the odds were stacked against Reiner. any other race day for Marlborough runner According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, Sharon Reiner. But by the time she crossed the aneurysms are fatal in about 40 percent of cases finish line at the O’Niantic 5K, she was fight- and of those who survive, about 66 percent suf- ing for her life. fer some permanent neurological deficit. The O’Niantic was a Hartford Foundation Before the surgery, Reiner again wanted the race she had run before along with her husband, sacrament, but the hospital could only get a Steven. It was a typical first race of the season “dreadlocked blonde rabbi,” she said. The rabbi for her, one which she’s achieved a top finish- sang a blessing and Reiner was off into a sev- ing time in her age group before. However that eral hour surgery. day, her husband was sidelined with a torn ACL The surgery was successful. Andpersistence and wasn’t running with her. paid off as Reiner shared it was then that she Still, “It was a typical night before, typical finally received the sacrament she had been ask- drive to the race,” Reiner, 59, said. “I met up ing for by a Catholic priest. with my running buddies, checked in and pro- But she wasn’t out of the woods just yet. ceeded to the start. I ran a great race.” Although Reiner didn’t have any mental or She ran mile one in eight minutes. At mile physical deficits after the surgery, there are two her time was 17 minutes and at mile three, multiple complications that could occur, includ- the end was in sight. As is typical for runners, ing cerebral vasospasms. Of the 18,000 people Reiner zoned in on a racer ahead of her for a each year who survive initial aneurysmal rup- final surge of motivation – she focused and ul- tures, 3,000 either die or are disabled from ce- timately passed her before crossing the finish rebral vasospasm, which is when the blood ves- line at 26 minutes and 16 seconds. sels at the base of the brain develop spasm or Then, that typical race quickly became any- narrowing. thing but. “They woke me up every hour on the hour, “I was reaching for water and thinking about asking my name, who was president, my birth- meeting my friends after the race when every- day,” Reiner said. thing went white,” Reiner said. “I woke up lu- Bound to her bed but able to feed herself, cid and calm in the ambulance with my clothes Reiner credits the care of the nursing staff at being cut off by the EMTs.” the Neuro ICU for Hartford with her recovery. Reiner said her first thought was that the day “Dying is easy. Living is hard,” Reiner stated. wasn’t going as she expected as the EMTs Every four hours she received a rigorous brought her to Lawrence Memorial Hospital. amount of medications, causing all kinds of In June, Sharon Reiner of Marlborough finished the Goodwin Forest 10 Trail The race director, Beth Shluger, met her at the problems including hurting her heart and fill- Run in Hampton, only a little over a year after she suffered an aneurysm. Since the emergency room, and soon Reiner’s husband ing her lungs with fluid. aneurysm, she has run five half marathons and 49 5Ks, 10Ks, 10 milers, five milers, joined her as well. “God held me in his hand,” she shared. three milers, along with other assorted distances. “I was sitting in the ER, lucid, and they can’t And after the first week post-surgery, the sick figure out what’s going on,” Reiner said. “They episodes became less and less. After 14 days in EMT. I didn’t breathe for four minutes and she thon, Reiner was chosen to be part of the 10- thought I was dehydrated.” the ICU, Reiner was discharged March 30, free started emergency breathing.” member Aiello Inspiration Team. She is However Reiner’s husband pushed for an of restrictions. After the surgery, Reiner was informed she fundraising for the Marlborough Food Bank. MRI. He knew she would never run dehydrated. She had lost all of her muscle mass lying in actually won her age group the day she col- To help the food bank, Reiner is selling “The ER physician was concerned and came bed for so long; she had headaches and was lapsed. carbBOOM to runners, the carb gel runners will running up three flights of stairs,” Reiner de- sensitive to light. But Reiner never gave up, and “Before starting a race now, I say a prayer of be given during the marathon in October. Run- scribed. “I had an active bleed on my brain, an she began the slow trek to recovery, one step at thanksgiving,” Reiner said. ners do not want to be taking a new carb supple- aneurysm.” a time. Her first challenge was to go from the It took a full year for Reiner to gain back her ment the day of the race that they are not used LifeStar was called to bring Reiner to Hart- bedroom to the kitchen and back. Then it was old energy level. to, she explained. ford Hospital where they had the experience to the mailbox and back, then to the neighbors For the 2014 Hartford Marathon last Octo- Since the surgery, she undergoes regular, full and resources to treat her. and back. ber, Reiner didn’t have clearance to run a full checks and the coiling in her brain is holding It was then that it hit her: she could die. As a By April, Reiner could walk three miles. In marathon, but that day she stood in the pouring up perfectly. strong Catholic, Reiner wanted the sacrament May, she worked on running a bit. Persistence rain with a tiara and American flag at the 13.6 Reiner will be attempting to qualify for the of the anointing of the sick; the hospital found paid off again and by the end of the month, she mile mark – a spot she remembered as lacking Boston Marathon while in Hartford this year a Christian minister to give a blessing, but not could run three miles again. In June, she re- support – to cheer on the runners. and needs to beat her best time by six minutes the sacrament. turned to race in a 5K and placed in one of the “It was a life changing day,” Reiner said of to qualify in the 60-year-old age group. Hospital staff determined she was stable top spots for her age group. volunteering. “If I wasn’t running, I would do “I’m very grateful every day I get to run, enough to hold for morning surgery when the “It was a choice,” Reiner said of living. “That it again.” work, and spend time with friends and family,” surgeons were fresh – Hartford Hospital is aneurysm was going to blow no matter where I For this year’s Eversource Hartford Mara- she said. “That’s God’s grace and mercy.” known for a special coiling process to stop an was that day. The woman I had passed was an

Marlborough Elementary School Striving to Go Green by Kaitlyn Schroyer It’s not easy being green, as Kermit the Frog most environmentally-friendly the school could for the vast majority of taxpayers when I say Sklarz explained usually when classes go likes to say, but Marlborough Elementary get because of the lack of a landfill. However, that I found these statements to be very dis- over recommended class size, administrators School is working hard toward getting greener the school is moving forward in other ways as turbing.” add a paraprofessional to help the teacher. He and more energy-efficient, especially after the well to be greener. Denniss said the town’s taxpayers expect all assured LaPoint, though, this wasn’t necessary efforts of former student Jenna Cieslowski. Principal Dan White announced he met with departments, including the Board of Education, in this case. Cieslowski, then in the second grade, decided the representative that helped the school replace to be frugal 100 percent of the time. Denniss “The 22 changed to 21,” White said, explain- to combat the use of Styrofoam trays in the their outdoor lights with LED lights. The rep- said he hopes that, with the start of the new ing the student transferred to a different school lunch room. Before the school’s opening this resentative has a way to recycle used bulbs school year, the frugality will commence and entirely. past week, Superintendent of Schools David which have been stored at the school for a while will continue throughout the year – not for just Class size recommendations are “a guide- Sklarz announced the contract with Chartwells now. a few months. line,” board member Betty O’Brien said. “I trust now includes a more environmentally-friendly “It’s another step we’re taking to recycle,” On the flip side, though, the board received the administrators.” tray. White said. “I asked about indoor LEDs and he a letter from resident David Porteous, who But LaPoint, as well as other board mem- During opening public comments at the Aug. is sending 12 bulbs to put in my office to see could not attend the meeting, stating that he bers like Wes Skorski who has a child in first 27 Board of Education meeting, Cieslowski what they’re like. They are more efficient and found the board’s use of the fund balance grade, still showed concern. thanked the school for making the cafeteria greener.” “thoughtful and thorough” and was in favor of “The numbers are a conversation we have greener. * * * the allocation. started to have,” White said. “We can be an example for other schools,” In the public comment portion of last week’s During the meeting, while reviewing the “If all [of the classrooms] are over, they can Cieslowski said. “It’s a good step going for- meeting, the board received some negative feed- 2014-15 year-end financial report and fund bal- share a para[professional],” Sklarz said. ward.” back about its use of the $105,000 of fund bal- ance, Sklarz stated $1,169 would go to the White and Sklarz explained it’s not a con- Cieslowski’s grandfather is Board of Finance ance from the 2014-15 budget. At its June meet- town’s general fund. He confirmed the last pay- cern yet, but something to continue watching member Cliff Denniss, and Denniss stood up ing, the board voted to allocate the fund bal- ment of Medicaid reimbursement hadn’t come and that none of the teachers have been con- speaking as an individual to echo Cieslowski. ance toward wanted-but-not-needed items and in yet, and that the number was difficult to pre- cerned so far. “She is very happy to see that the school is items trimmed during the 2015-16 budget-craft- dict. Some years, he said, the school only re- “I know Kim [Kelley, assistant principal], switching over from the use of Styrofoam trays ing process earlier this year. ceived between $3,000 and $4,000. Dan and David would come to us,” O’Brien to paper trays starting this year,” Denniss said. Denniss referred to comments board mem- * * * said. “It’s back to trust issues.” “She would like to thank the school for doing bers made at that June meeting praising staff Also during the meeting, board member LaPoint insisted she was only doing her duty their part in helping save the environment.” for being “very frugal the second half of the Mimi LaPoint shared a concern during the as a board member to question – and the con- Denniss continued to say that although year,” and wondering “what incentive the staff meeting for class sizes in first grade. One of versation on class size was dropped, with the Cieslowski is now a seventh-grader at RHAM has to be fiscally conservative if money is given the reported class sizes was listed at 22 stu- board approving the class size guidelines re- Middle School, she “hopes that she has shown back to the town.” dents, higher than the guideline the school port unanimously. other students, that no matter how young you “I would like to point out that giving the strives for. Usually in first grade, the school * * * are, perseverance does pay off, and that no money back to the town means giving money strives for 20 students in a classroom with 21 The next Board of Education meeting is matter what their dreams are, they should not back to the taxpayers,” Denniss said. “As a students seen as acceptable. Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m., in the MES me- give up on achieving them.” member of the Board of Finance, I can only “It’s reaching the tipping point,” Sklarz said. dia center. Sklarz had explained the paper trays are the speak as an individual, but I believe I can speak “It’s not there now.” Marlborough Art Park Becoming Reality with Purchase by Kaitlyn Schroyer grant while the committee also sent out hand- A section of woods adjacent to the addressed letters asking for donations. “We Marlborough Arts Center is now safe and will thought it was important to show our personal be preserved, after the center raised $80,000 touch,” Lester said of hand addressing the en- for its purchase. velopes which took many hours to do. The plot, located at 225 North Main St., is The letters went all over – to residents, to 1.15 acres, and the arts center’s board of direc- the Marlborough Business Association commu- tors had been attempting to work out a deal to nity, to local businesses not in the MBA, and to purchase the property since 2013. The plan for government officials. Committee members also the plot is to make an “art park,” a place of na- went door-to-door, soliciting funds. ture and quiet meditation for artists and the “One little old lady gave $3 because that’s community to enjoy. all she had,” Terase said. “We thanked every- Joan Lester and Fran Terase of the arts one for whatever they could give. We got any- center’s board of directors co-chaired the com- where from $3 donations to $5,000.” mittee to purchase the land. Lester said people expressed enthusiasm for Terase explained the original owner of the the project, even when they couldn’t donate. property, Robert Proch, had wanted more for That, she said, was encouraging. the land than the center could afford. When “People thought it was a wonderful idea,” Proch passed away in 2013, a couple purchased Lester said. “It’s not just for Marlborough, but the land, but didn’t have exact plans for it. Al- Hebron, Colchester and Glastonbury.” though they cleared some trees for a driveway, And it wasn’t just area people pitching in. they never built a home on the property and Donations came in from all over the country eventually put the land up for sale. from Arkansas to Florida, Terase said, from “I approached them and said, ‘This is per- people who formerly lived in the area or knew Marlborough Arts Center is developing an art park next to the center. The land, fect for the arts center,’” Lester said. But, she about the project. located at 225 North Main St., will be preserved and become a place for artists to added, “We still couldn’t afford it.” The center was also awarded the $40,000 paint outdoors and enjoy a sculpture garden. Marlborough Arts Center Board of However, by this February, the two parties grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Directors members Joan Lester, left, and Fran Terase co-chaired the committee to negotiated a purchase price, $77,500. The Giving on June 30 – a month after the original purchase the land. agreement to buy the land came with a clause, three months were up. While past the deadline, though; the purchase would be dependent on Lester said the money was still good for the the center being awarded a grant to help pay project, thanks to that stipulation in the pur- the grant money and the donations, though, the ture garden,” Lester said. for it. chase agreement stating the center needed a center still came up a little short of the $80,000 “We’re open to anything,” Terase said. This “We needed to raise $80,000 in three grant. needed – and the directors ended up taking may include sculpture artists or architectural months,” Lester said. Lester said the grant process was difficult. $8,000 of the center’s operating budget to cover landscapers. The center is forming a commit- So, the board of directors formed the Art Park After the application was accepted, a program the balance. The center is still taking donations tee for development of the land. Committee, and began working to “keep officer was then assigned to the project. The to regain that operating budget money; to in- The purchase doubled the land of the arts Marlborough country,” Terase said. officer visited the center and learned about the quire about donating, email info@ center with the center’s current plot at 0.92 acres “It’s one of the few remaining undeveloped property and what the center wanted to do. Al- marlborougharts.org or call 860-295-9389 and and the now additional 1.15 acres. plots on North Main Street,” Lester added. “We though it was a long process, Lester said it was leave a message. In the future, Terease hopes there will be want to be guardians of the land.” a happy moment when it was accepted. Still, the important thing is, the art park is sidewalks along Lake Terramuggus, which is Marlborough Arts Center’s plan for the land “[The Hartford Foundation] was genuinely set to become a reality. located across the street from the arts center. If was to use it “gently” by creating a space for pleased,” Lester said. “They walked us through “The first thing we did was take down the that happens, she said, perhaps joggers passing en plein air artists (artists who draw and paint [the grant process] and were a very personal- ‘for sale’ sign,” Lester said happily. The two by will see the inviting park across the street, outside), a sculpture garden and potentially a ized group.” organizers explained the next step is to get in- and will stop and sit a spell. labyrinth of paths. Lester said the center is “still basking in” put on how the center will execute the plan for In short, the art park “is keeping Lester worked on submitting an application the happiness from the grant – as it certainly the land. “First we’re going to savor the mo- Marlborough Marlborough,” she said. for a Hartford Foundation for Public Giving helped make the purchase possible. Even with ment, preserve the land and develop the sculp-

Hazing Alleged on Portland Football Team Maguire Made Temporary by John Tyczkowski cipal Kate Lawson and athletic director Chris Andover Treasurer The newly-created Cromwell-Portland high Serra have launched their own investigation school football team is the focus of an inves- with the Portland players on the team. by Geeta Schrayter tigation, as officials look into allegations of In addition, Lawson personally notified par- The Board of Selectmen Wednesday voted the day-to-day operations.” hazing among the members of the team. ents of students on the team of the situation, to appoint Vice First Selectman Jeff Maguire But Burbank reiterated, “I think it would be The team, which combines players from O’Reilly said. temporary town treasurer. a plus if we could have somebody working with Cromwell and Portland high schools, was cre- Paula M. Talty, Cromwell’s Superintendent However, First Selectman Bob Burbank – you now.” ated in May with a co-op agreement. of Schools, said in a statement Tuesday that who Maguire unsuccessfully ran against in the Selectwoman Cathy Desrosiers inquired Portland Superintendent of Schools Phillip she couldn’t release details, but “that as a May elections – expressed concern with the whether or not a the bookkeeper could be hired B. O’Reilly discussed the allegations in a let- school district, we do not and we will not tol- idea, saying, “The only problem that I have with now, who could work alongside Maguire as ter sent Tuesday to staff, parents and guard- erate harassment or any inappropriate conduct it is that we have already been told that it doesn’t part-time treasurer, and Burbank said he’d like ians. toward any of our students.” give enough checks and balances and we’re the authorization to go out and hire someone “The allegations do involve several under- “Should we be notified … that any student going to be written up by the auditor and prob- for that position. classmen from both Portland and Cromwell has in fact been harassed, or has been wrongly ably have to answer to [the Office of Policy Selectwoman Julia Haverl, however, said she who may have been hazing targets,” O’Reilly treated in any way, appropriate action will be and Management]” since Maguire is the vice felt that was putting “the cart before the horse.” wrote. “However, I want to assure you that taken,” she said. first selectman, and would become first select- “We’re only at the beginning of this process, student safety is always our priority.” Administrators from Cromwell High man in Burbank’s absence. to have Jeff come back to us with what he sees O’Reilly said his office is “unable to pro- School, as well as the Cromwell Police De- He added, “Jeff is doing a great job,” but said, that we need … as to how many hours we need vide specific information at this time,” due to partment and the state Department of Chil- “I would like to see someone put into that of- someone.” the ongoing nature of the investigation. dren and Families, are also involved in the fice that could work with Jeff.” Selectman Jay Linddy felt similarly. But, he wrote, Portland High School Prin- investigation. Maguire, who is also a certified public ac- “Let him turn around and then say for trea- countant, then went on to explain the appoint- surer, this is what we should advertise, this is ment wouldn’t be a long one. what we should look for, this is the responsi- “The reason why I’m asking [to be tempo- bility…” rary treasurer] is because I need to be able to “We don’t have that information yet,” Haverl go into the different departments and sit there added, before Linddy called the vote. and get the right information,” he stated. “I’ll And in the end, despite Burbank’s concern, straighten it all out. I would never be in this the board voted to appoint Maguire to the posi- position for more than six months and antici- tion with Burbank abstaining. pate it being three months.” * * * Maguire said the town needed to get through The next Andover Board of Selectmen meet- East Hampton Man Killed the audit, get accounting procedures set up, and ing is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7,at 7 p.m. in Route 9 Crash then get a bookkeeper hired “that can manage in the Town Hall community room. by John Tyczkowski David Canfield, 56, of East Hampton, died LifeStar crews responded to the scene, as last Friday morning when driving northbound did fire crews from Haddam and Chester. Per- on Route 9 in Haddam. sonnel from the Department of Transporta- According to state police, Canfield died at tion also arrived to remove brush to extract the scene Aug. 28 when the tractor-trailer he Canfield from the truck’s cab, according to a was driving went down an embankment be- release from the Haddam Volunteer Fire Com- tween exits 8 and 9, just after 6:15 a.m. The pany. vehicle had moved into the left shoulder, and The cause of crash is under investigation, then went through a guardrail, off the road state police said. Canfield’s obituary appears and into a tree. in this week’s Rivereast, on page 36. From the Editor’s Desk Police Release Photo of Observations & Ruminations by Mike Thompson Last Saturday afternoon, I was at Citi Field be tolerated. Unfortunately, it goes on all the Andover Murder Suspect down in New York, watching the Mets play time. by Geeta Schrayter the Red Sox. As it was a very warm late Au- Which is why I was delighted when I read State Police are seeking the public’s help gust afternoon, I thought some liquid refresh- earlier this week about it blowing up in the in identifying the individual in a recently re- ment of the adult variety was in order, so I face of one Midwestern city. leased photo relating to the July 3 shooting sauntered over to a craft beer stand to order a According to Huffington Post, business death of Andover resident Jason Marchand. Brooklyn Summer Ale – a refreshing sum- leaders in Columbia, Mo., got caught up in Marchand, 38, was shot and killed over the mer brew I discovered a month or so ago. It their own manipulation, when their attempt Fourth of July weekend following a verbal al- was the kind of beer that would go great with to prevent residents from voting on a sales tercation on Lakeside Drive, according to po- the hot summer day I was enduring. tax measure left the measure’s fate in the lice. Too bad the beer company had another hands of a single voter. Troopers responded to the scene at Andover thought in mind. My mistake, apparently, was Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase Lake a little after 10 p.m. July 3 after receiv- in thinking August was still summer. “every vote counts,” doesn’t it? ing a report that a person had been shot. Upon The Brooklyn Summer was no more. No, Here’s how this happened, as per the Co- arrival, they found Marchand with multiple the stand wasn’t sold out – it was off the menu lumbia Daily Tribune: in April, the Columbia gunshot wounds; he was transported to entirely. I was disappointed, though hardly City Council voted to establish a new “com- Windham Hospital where he was pronounced shocked. I’d been noticing for a few weeks munity improvement district,” or CID – and dead. now the creep of Octoberfests and various it was to be comprised entirely of businesses. Troopers learned Marchand had an alter- autumn-themed beers entering package The plan was to, in August, vote in a half- cation with a male suspect about an hour be- stores. Restaurants and bars had also been cent sales tax, which was projected to bring fore the shooting. Witnesses reported that switching their taps, going from summer in about $220,000 of additional revenue for same individual – described as a white male brews on draft to the fall ones. capital improvement projects. in his 20s with a blue and white sport-type I enjoy a nice autumn beer, don’t get me Why only businesses in this district? Un- motorcycle wearing a helmet with a face shield wrong – I just prefer to enjoy it in autumn. der Missouri state law, decisions to impose – was the one who later returned to the area. August is far too soon to start putting the sum- sales taxes in a CID are to be made by regis- Police said Marchand confronted the sus- mer brews in mothballs. The reason why sum- tered voters living in the district boundaries. pect in the street where he was shot multiple mer beers are brilliant creations is they go If no such registered voters are present, prop- times. The suspect then fled the scene. great with summer. They’re not heavy, but erty owners then cast the ballots. Marchand was father to two young children: Police have released a photo of the instead are light, crisp, pleasant, sometimes The business owners would simply rubber- 6-year-old Austin and 2-year-old Trevor. At suspect in the July murder at Andover a little citrusy – the perfect thing to enjoy stamp the sales tax, and everything would be the time of the shooting, Austin was spending Lake. when the hot summer sun is beating down on ginger-peachy. time with his father on their property at 38 you. They go down smooth, and are very re- There was only one problem: when the CID Lakeside Dr. The photo isn’t from the night of the inci- freshing. boundaries were drawn, a guest house on the In an Aug. 28 release from the Connecticut dent, and Grant said she didn’t know where it Autumn-type beers, on the other hand, are University of Missouri’s north campus was State Police, the individual in the accompa- came from. But, she added, “They think the darker and a little heavier in nature. They’ve accidentally included – and living in that guest nying photo is described as male, “wearing person on the bike is the suspect they’re look- got a little more meat to them, tend to leave house was 23-year-old Jen Henderson. dark clothing, red riding gloves, riding a ing for.” you a little more full – in short, perfect for a In May, CID officials learned of smaller style red-and-white dirt bike” with a Anyone with information about the case or brisk, cool fall day. You’re not cold, but you’re Henderson’s existence, and that she was in- distinctive helmet and shoe style. the identity of the suspect in the photo is asked certainly not hot, so something with a little deed a registered voter. The officials then went Public Information Officer Trooper First to contact detectives at the Connecticut State more substance is welcome. into overdrive, reaching out to Henderson to Class Kelly Grant said this week, “Through Police – Eastern District Major Crime Squad Here’s the problem, though, of unrolling try to get her to understand the issue and agree the course of their investigation detectives fol- at 860-896-3230 or 860-896-3215. After hours those brews in August. It’s still hot out. Very to vote ‘yes.’ CID Executive Director Carrie lowed leads and this is what they came up or on weekends, call the tip line at 860-685- hot, in some cases. Just this past week, we Gartner, however, went a step too far, and with.” 8190. All calls will be kept confidential. saw multiple days of mid-90s weather. And encouraged Henderson to cancel her voter this is hardly unusual. A quick gander at tem- registration. perature data shows that, across the country, Not surprisingly, this rubbed Henderson the average temperatures in August are nearly wrong way. She felt she was being manipu- identical to what they are in July. It’s the kind lated, she felt the district border was manipu- of weather you want to enjoy a refreshing, lative, but she vowed to fully research the crisp beer during. Fall will get here soon matter to cast an informed vote. enough – we’ll all have plenty of time to drink A collective “Yikes!” apparently went up some Octoberfests. from the CID board, which agreed Monday And it’s not just beer that’s gotten into the to postpone the vote. The board also discussed early-autumn act. At Dunkin’ Donuts, they’ve redrawing the district boundaries, to remove had their pumpkin muffins available for the Henderson from the equation altogether – past few weeks. I was in Stop & Shop last though no action was taken. The board also week and noticed a large display of pump- discussed, but didn’t take any action on, lob- kin-themed goodies as soon as I walked in. bying for a law to exclude groceries from the As is the case with autumn beers, pumpkin new sales tax to help alleviate Henderson’s doughnuts and apple fritters and the like are concerns – because, shockingly, she’s wor- fantastic – but they too have a time. That time ried about the added burden an additional C shouldn’t be August. sales tax, even a minor one, would have on Police News This is Labor Day weekend – commonly nearby residents, many of whom live below 8/24: Colchester Police said a 17-year-old 37, of 23 Old Hebron Rd., was arrested and referred to as the unofficial end of summer. I the poverty line. male was charged with second-degree crimi- charged with DUI, operating under suspension hate that, but I’ll accept it, and if the various Gartner flatly told the Tribune the new CID nal mischief and second-degree issuing a false and failure to drive right. autumn-themed goodies want to make their would not survive without this sales tax. Well, statement after being found making skid marks 8/29: State Police said Jose Aguero, 27, of bow after this weekend closes, then I’ll (al- if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. The way the city coun- at the Recreation Complex, causing damage to 10 The Hamlet Apt., Enfield, was arrested and beit begrudgingly) go along with it. The offi- cil and the CID board went about trying to the grass and baseball fields. charged with DUI. cial start of fall will be a mere fortnight away get this tax passed isn’t right, and is indeed 8/26: State Police said Alexander Ayers, 23, 8/29: State Police said Aaron Davis, 31, of at that point. manipulative. If Henderson ultimately decides of 395 Addison Rd., Glastonbury, was arrested 37 Charles St., Farmington, N.H., was arrested But early- to mid-August is far too early to vote ‘no’ – and she told the Tribune Tues- and charged with failure to appear. and charged with DUI and failure to drive in to be washing down your pumpkin doughnut day she will never vote ‘yes’ on it, her re- 8/27: Colchester Police said John McGuire, the proper lane. with a Sam Adams Octoberfest. searching into the matter apparently complete * * * – then that’s the way it’ll have to be. You can’t I’m no fan of gerrymandering. I realize I rewrite the rules until you get them to say what am not alone in this, but still, gerrymander- you want. ing – the manipulating of boundaries of an * * * electoral constituency so as to favor a par- See you next week. ticular party or ballot initiative – shouldn’t Portland Police News 8/30: Samuel Guerard, 38, of 145 Bow Ln., Middletown, was charged with third-degree larceny, possession of marijuana, third-degree criminal mischief and interfering with an of- ficer, Portland Police said. Woman Injured in East Hampton Marlborough Crash Police News Catherine Eighmy, 68, of 45 Buttonwood Rd., Hebron, was transported to the 8/11: Wilmer D. Bustamante, 42, of 55 Marlborough Clinic for minor pain after her Wrights Ln., Glastonbury, was arrested and car was rear-ended last week, state police charged with DUI and following too close, East said. Hampton police said. Police said the crash occurred Friday, 8/17: A 17-year-old juvenile of East Hamp- Aug. 28, near the exit 13 westbound on-ramp ton was issued a summons for third-degree as- for Route 2. Stephen Timmons, 28, of 329 sault and second-degree breach of peace, po- Roanoak Ave., Willimantic, was issued an lice said. infraction for following too closely, police 8/21: After a brief investigation into a do- said. mestic dispute at 133 Wopowog Rd., Amelia Anna Cavanaugh, 23, was arrested and charged with third-degree assault and disorderly con- duct, police said. Obituaries Colchester East Hampton East Hampton Marlborough Evelyn Kelly John O. Dill Daniel William Wilton Matthew D. Hoffman Evelyn “Heidi” (Block) Kelly, 91, of Colches- John O. Dill, 79, of East Hampton, beloved Daniel William Wil- Matthew D. Hoff- ter, devoted mother, grandmother, great grand- husband of Anna (Mohrlein) Dill, died Thursday, ton, formerly of East man, 39, of Manches- mother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt and Aug. 27, at Hartford Hospital, after a brief ill- Hampton, passed away ter, husband of Keri friend, was reunited with her loving husband of ness. Born Aug. 31, 1935, in East Hampton, he unexpectedly Thursday, (McNamara) Hoff- 72 years, the late John Martin Kelly Sr., when was the son of the late Emil and Olga (Fritz) Dill. May 28, at his residence man, died Tuesday, she passed away Wednesday, Aug. 26, surrounded John was a lifelong resident of East Hampton in Fort Myers, Fla. Sept. 1. Born July 21, by her loving family. and was the owner and operator of his farm on Born in 1958 and 1976, in Hartford, son The family received guests Saturday, Aug. 29, Waterhole Road in East Hampton. He was a mem- raised in Wallingford, a of Alan and Diane at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old ber of the Farm Bureau, and a member of the son of the late Joseph (Failing) Hoffman of Hartford Rd., before the celebration of the funeral ASCS Board County Committee. John was an and Dorothy Wilton. Marlborough, he was liturgy that day at St. Andrew Church, 128 Nor- avid outdoorsman, sportsman and conservation- Dan lived his life with a wich Ave., Colchester. Burial was private. ist, and was a progressive farmer. true and steadfast inner raised in Marlborough and had lived in For online condolences, visit auroramccarthy Besides his loving wife Anna, he is survived light, soft heart and a fi- Manchester for the past six years. funeralhome.com. by his three sons, Alan Dill of East Hampton, ery passion. Even from Matt was an electrician for Northern Lights Edward Dill and partner Debbie Bagley of an early age, Danny demonstrated an unusual Electrical and was an avid Red Sox and New East Hampton Colchester, Charles Dill and his wife Carol of ability to commune with, love, and understand England Patriots fan. Kentucky; a daughter, Rita Dill of New York; two our animal brethren. From a “hamster farm” he Besides his wife and parents, he is survived Marna LaPlante brothers, Fred Dill of East Haddam, Erwin Dill cultivated as a child, to the development of his by his sister, Melanie Rodrigues and her hus- Marna (Case) La- of Hamburg; seven grandchildren, Rachael, Mat- business, The Civilized Canine, Dan expressed band Josh and their children Zachary, Keenan Plante, 60, of East thew, Wyatt and Daniel Dill and Joshua, Todd and his deep commitment to the betterment of the lives and Jeremey of Marlborough; his brother, Mark Hampton, beloved wife Erin Devine; and nine great-grandchildren. of our four-legged friends. He also loved music Hoffman and his wife Bonnie and their son and best friend of Rich- He was predeceased by three brothers, Gustaf, and fast cars. Whether it was enjoying rock mu- Aiden of East Hartford; his father-in-law and ard, passed away Satur- Herman and William Dill, and a sister, Helen sic, playing guitar or drums, or blazing through a mother-in-law Paul and Carol McNamara of day, Aug. 29, at home. Savitsky. curve at Lime Rock in his WRX STI, Dan sa- Vernon; his sister-in-law Kathleen McGuire and Born Sept. 25, 1954, in Friends called at Spencer Funeral Home, 112 vored the thrills of life. her husband Matthew and their son Timothy of Hartford, she was the Main St., East Hampton, Tuesday, Sept. 1. Fu- No stranger to the trials of life, Dan lived one Glastonbury; and his brother-in-law Michael daughter of the late Carl neral services were held Wednesday, Sept. 2, in day at a time. Congenial, easy to laugh and quick McNamara and his wife Kim and their chil- and Marjorie (LeGeyt) the Spencer Funeral Home, with the Rev. Beth to smile, Danny found humor and pleasure in so dren Nolan, Holly and Chloe and several aunts, Case Jr. and grew up in Anderson of Bethlehem Lutheran Church offici- much of life. He will be greatly missed by those uncles, cousins and friends. Barkhamsted. ating. Burial followed in Waterhole Cemetery in who knew and loved him. Friends may call at the Mulryan Funeral Marna will be re- East Hampton. Danny is survived by siblings, Wendy, Timo- membered for her “sixth In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may thy, Robert and Jonathan, and their spouses and Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury on Sat- sense” when it came to caring for animals, espe- be made to Hartford Hospital Fund Development children, as well as his former wife, Deborah. He urday, Sept 5, from noon-3 p.m. cially her dogs, Lucas and Jake, and her horse, Dept., 80 Seymour St., P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, is also survived by the children and grandchil- In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may Razzmatazz; her “green thumb” when it came to CT 06102-5037. dren of his predeceased brother, Jody. be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hos- the incredible plants and flowers that adorned her To leave online condolences, visit spencer Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, pital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105- home both inside and out; as well as her wonder- funeralhomeinc.com. 250 Gypsy Ln. in Meriden, today, Sept. 4. Friends 1905. ful culinary abilities in the kitchen. and family are invited to a celebration of Dan’s For online condolences, visit mulryanfh.com. She will be deeply missed by Richard, her lov- Portland life from 5:30-7:30 p.m. tonight at 9 Rose Circle ing companion since 1974, whom she wed in in Meriden. 2006; her sister, Cheryl A. Case of Barkhamsted; Lucy DeRaffaele Instead of flowers, please consider a donation her brother, Carl H. Case III of Norwood, N.Y.; Lucy Florence DeRaffaele of Portland passed, in Danny’s memory to Little Souls Foundation in as well as many extended family and friends, in- per her wishes at her home, Thursday, Aug. 27, Wallingford at awos.petfinder.com/ shelters/ cluding Marc and Marybeth Sanville, Doris surrounded by her loving family. She was born littlesouls.html, or to the animal shelter of your LaPlante, Linda Cimino and Bob Magnuson. in Middletown April 10, 1921, to Rosario Salonia choice. A celebration of her life will be observed from and Carmelina (Rizzo) Salonia. She was a home- 4-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at the Sanville residence, maker, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and Courant 99 Grayville Rd., Amston. great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Colchester In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory Lucy is survived by two daughters, Diane may be made to Mitchell Farm Equine Retire- Merenda of Glastonbury and Joann DeRaffaele Sharron Speek ment (MFER, Inc.), 300 East Haddam Rd., Sa- aka (Ricci) of Portland; eight grandchildren, Will Sharron Speek of Colchester was born on Jan. lem, CT 06420. Gahan of East Hampton, Christopher Gahan of 21, 1955, in New Haven, and after many travels Care of arrangements has been entrusted to the Boston, Jay Merenda and Lisa of Delaware, Kara and adventures died there Sunday, Aug. 30. Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester. Merenda Colletti and Kevin of South Glastonbury, Mom was one of the world’s great souls though Rachel Ricci Drake and Christian of East Berlin, many, because of her humility, did not know it. Colchester Joseph DeRaffaele and Ryan DeRaffaele of She was intelligent and kind and absolutely self- Enfield, Crystalyn Woodward and Shaun of sacrificing. She loved God and served him all her Scott A. Eldridge Manchester; 13 great-grandchildren, Cameron life. She lived fully and joyfully. To hear her speak Scott A. Eldridge, 53, of Colchester, passed and Olivia Colletti, Ruby and Griffin Merenda, was to be amazed by the power of her ideas and away unexpectedly Wednesday, Aug. 19. Scott Jacoby and Lila Drake, Gregory Woodward, Ryan the beauty of their expression. She loved life deeply was born April 7, 1962, in Bainbridge, Md. He Jr., Angelina, Gabriella, Christopher, Sara and and acutely because she fought for every moment lived in Colchester for much of his life. Sophia; two sisters, Janet Rustic of Wethersfield of it. She loved the beauty of the heavens and the He is survived by his daughter, Gabrielle and Anne DeJenzano of Tampa, Fla.; as well as flowers of the earth. She taught us how to perse- Eldridge; mother, Nora Eldridge; brother, Robert many nieces and nephews. vere and how to dance through the rain. Eldridge; sister, Noralie and her husband Onie She was predeceased by her loving husband, At the time of her death she was working to- Pierce; nephew, Jeffrey Eldridge and his wife Joseph DeRaffaele; son, Christopher DeRaffaele, wards her bachelor’s degree in counseling from Danielle; greatniece, Savannah and greatnephew, and daughter, Dolores DeRaffaele Gahan; broth- Brigham Young University in Idaho, a distinction Jeffrey Jr.; stepdaughter, Shannon Boyden; and ers, Joseph Salonia, Philip Salonia, James Salonia towards which she had labored her entire life. stepson, Ethan Woodward. and Ross Salonia; sisters, Joann Salonia, She is survived by her four children, their He was predeceased by his grandfather, Peter Constance Salonia, Rachel Casserino and Maria spouses and fiances, as well as her 13 grandchil- Eldridge. He had a large extended family. Salonia. dren, who were her greatest pride. A memorial service and reception will be held Lucy was a loving, caring person who became We all loved her so much. She lived for us – all at Pistol Pete’s, 29 Stonington Rd., Norwich. on one’s favorite list by bringing her sweet, hu- of us. And for this we are eternally grateful. morous and loving spirit to those that crossed her Funeral services were held Thursday, Sept. 3, path. Lucy began attending Middletown schools at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints East Hampton in the mid 1920s. Surviving the Great Depres- at 597 Scotland Rd., Norwich. She will be buried David M. Canfield sion, she displayed her fortitude throughout her in Gill, Mass., surrounded by the beauty of the David M. Canfield, 56, of East Hampton, died life even to the very end of it. Greatly revered by world she loved so much. Friday, Aug. 28, of injuries sustained in a truck her children and grandchildren, she was the cher- accident. Born May 26, 1959, in Middletown he ished and admired matriarch of the family. Her was the son of the late Maurice and Marilyn loving and lifestyle example will live on in their (Johnson) Canfield. hearts forever and will be greatly missed by all. David grew up in East Hampton and was em- A heartfelt thank you to care-givers Mariah ployed for 25 years as a truck driver for Belltown Moore and Nanette Burbank, Middlesex Memo- Motors. rial Hospital Hospice Unit, Hospice at home staff He is survived by his sister, Romona Stone and and Family Practice and all others involved with her fiancé Gary Nichols of Rocky Hill; his former her care. wife, Marie Laverdiere of East Hampton; nephew, Matthew Stone of Rocky Hill; several aunts, uncles and many cousins and friends. David’s family will receive friends at the Spen- cer Funeral Home, 112 Main St., East Hampton, Saturday, Sept. 5, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Lake View Cemetery. To leave online condolences, visit spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.