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Volume 44, Number 29 Published by The Glastonbury Citizen June 19, 2020 RHAM Class of 2020 ‘Anything But Ordinary’ by Sloan Brewster With lines of cars instead of rows of seated at the car and then offer congratulations for a attendees, members of the RHAM Class of job well done. 2020 celebrated a different graduation than Michelle Corliss of Hebron stood beside the those before them. family car with a bouquet of flowers while her The ceremony, which took place Tuesday at husband Peter Corliss filmed their daughter the Lions Fairgrounds due to road construction Katelyn Corliss making the sacred walk across on the RHAM campus, was the end to a year the stage. that was also marked with change as COVID- After, Corliss and her parents spoke to the 19 led to the closure of schools in the state and Rivereast about the experience. an unexpected transition to home and virtual While circumstances leading up to gradua- schooling. tion were not ideal, administrators “did a re- Throughout the day, cars parked along a road ally good job of adapting, so I appreciate that,” inside the fairgrounds with the front of the line she said. stopped beside a tent where a stage was set up. “I think the administration clearly demon- In a touchless ceremony, Principal Scott strated that they were personally invested in Leslie would place a graduate’s diploma on a creating as good an experience for the students Jessica Delton of Hebron was ushered to her graduation on a trailer filled with podium and then Assistant Principal Penny under the circumstances,” her father said. Bryzgel would announce the name of the gradu- Corliss opened her gift bag to find a class her brothers and cousins and her aunt Carrie Czapiga. While her parents and ate, who would then walk to the podium, gather picture and gift certificates to local businesses, grandparents towed them in a Jeep. During the ceremony, they waved banners and up the diploma, take a gift bag and pose for including Brain Freezers Frozen Dessert Café, hooted and hollered to “Jess!” Czapiga held up her phone so Delton’s other photos. FennAgain’s Pub & Restaurant and Hebron Car grandparents, Ed and Lynn Dailey, could watch via Facetime from Bradenton, Fla. Parents and family would await the graduate See RHAM Class page 2 Optimism, Bleakness at Portland High Graduation by Jack Lakowsky “We must be truthful about our realities,” It was a graduation ceremony like none Port- Collins said. “We must believe we can over- land High School had ever seen, as members come this, and act with compassion.” of the PHS Class of 2020 celebrated their Collins urged his classmates to vote. sendoff in a way adapted to the ongoing “You can’t let fear entrench your position,” COVID-19 pandemic. Collins said. “Don’t let social media be your Last Friday, June 12, saw high school seniors guide, and recognize the anguish this country and their families waiting in their vehicles in was built on.” the PHS parking lot. Socially-distanced seniors Collins said he is confident he and his class- left their vehicles and were handed their diplo- mates will overcome any upcoming obstacles. mas one by one. Car horns replaced applause. He said he and his classmates have been doing Cheers shouted from within cars were muffled, so their whole lives. Collins said he knows stu- but no less exuberant. dents who overcame bullying, addiction, and Students still delivered their customary family issues. speeches from a podium set up in the parking Collins was introduced by Portland High lot – and the speeches were streamed live via School Principal Kathryn Lawson, who initi- Youtube. A mix of bleakness and optimism ated the ceremony. tinged most of the speeches, as the students “Other than the five I have at home, these looked forward to the future but shared that the kids are the most important young people to COVID-19 crisis has driven home that, in the me,” Lawson said of the Class of 2020. “To words of one student, the future is never guar- parents, thank you for sharing your children anteed. with us. They have demonstrated a unity be- Members of the Portland High School Class of 2020 stand by their cars, ready to Grant Collins, president of the PHS Class of yond their years.” get their diplomas 2020, told his classmates that graduating high Portland High School’s 2020 graduation was school at the dawn of this decade means they also the last ceremony for Superintendent of “We were robbed of experiences,” Runte ing social issues. must soon make consequential decisions. Schools Philip O’Reilly. O’Reilly will retire said. “And it’s fine to feel sad or angry or dis- “We are a generation defined by resilience,” “You’ll have to decide who to vote for,” when this school year concludes. appointed.” Runte said. “We have dealt with worse.” Collins said. “We have to fight for our safety “You have all proven yourselves through ex- Runte said she and her classmates are no Runte quoted former president Barack with compassion and honesty.” traordinary times,” O’Reilly said to graduates. strangers to turmoil. Her age group has seen 9/ Obama, saying she and her class will step head- Collins expressed how resolute his class has “You will soon venture into the many enter- 11, innumerable school shootings and massa- long into the rushing waters of history. been throughout the turbulent years of their prises that await you outside this town.” cres, the existential threat of climate change, Class valedictorian Autumn Tewksbury ex- public school careers. He attested to the cour- Salutatorian Olivia Runte told her classmates inequality, racial divides, and the worst pan- pressed pride in seeing her class’s graduation age his class has shown when confronted with that it is now time to embark on a new journey. demic in a century. despite such a tumultuous year. This year, violence like that seen at the mass shootings at “After the absolute craziness that was the “That’s not even a full list,” Runte said. “We Tewksbury said she learned that the future is Sandy Hook and at Marjorie Stoneman Dou- second half of our senior year, it brings me joy are 17 and 18 years old, and we have already never guaranteed. glas High School in Parkland, Fla. to be here,” Runte said. experienced an absurd number of threats. And “Stop asking if it can get worse,” Tewksbury “And now we face a pandemic that has killed Runte said 2020 was far from how her class we’ve had no choice but to watch – that is about said. “It always will.” more than 4,000 people [in this state], and the expected it to be. Her class, she said, was un- to change.” Tewksbury said she is confident her class will exposure of a gash that has been open for years,” able to experience many senior milestones, in- Runte said hers is a class of future doctors, find success when they begin new chapters Collins said, citing the anti-police brutality pro- cluding athletic tournaments, the spring musi- lawyers and politicians who grew up witness- away from Portland. tests that in recent weeks have spread interna- cal, prom, the school’s annual Disneyworld trip, ing unfairness, a class of future teachers and “This class is by far the funniest,” Tewksbury tionally. and a traditional graduation ceremony. professors who want to educate people on press- See Portland High page 2 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 RHAM Class cont. from Front Page “This could only be High School Musical,” Wash. Fleeher said. “Personally, from the moment I “Yeah, wash your car,” her dad piped when viewed the first High School Musical movie as she found the car wash gift card. a six year old on my living room couch, I real- Corliss plans to attend American University, ized that the essence of the movie was exactly with a double major in journalism and political what I wanted my high school experience to science, she said. Over the summer she hopes be. People constantly singing and dancing in to find a job, spend time with friends and plan the hallways, everyone friends with each other, her move to college. and of course Zac Efron.” As graduates awaited their turn to walk the Eventually, the real world took hold, how- stage, Assistant Principal Chris Madder con- ever. gratulated them. “My peers and I spent what were supposed “I miss you guys,” Madder said to graduate to be some of the most carefree moments of Michael Colonna as he got out of his car. our lives on more pressing issues like a global The graduation offered a great opportunity pandemic, mass loss, climate change, and wide- to see the kids again, Madder told the Rivereast. spread political and social unrest just to name “I wish we were all together with the kids,” a few,” she said. “As disappointing as it is for he said. “I’ve known them since they were little us to celebrate our graduation separately instead kids. But this is the best.” of together as a class, and for me to record these Meanwhile across from the stage teachers thoughts instead of speaking to you in person, watched from another tent. I actually believe that from this time of great Christine Van Cott, special education teacher adversity we have benefited greatly.” and class co-advisor, explained that teachers The pandemic, she said, revealed her teach- either signed up for a shift or for the entire day. ers’ dedication and brought her closer to her “Everyone worked together – administrators, family. teachers, parents,” she said. “Today is great, it’s “Who would have thought it would take a interesting, you feel for the kids, especially that global pandemic to get us to eat lunch together they can’t all be together, but in a way it’ll be every day, or binge a Netflix series together?” more memorable.” she said. An all-day affair rather than the usual couple In closing, she said, she hopes her fellow of hours on a summer evening, the ceremony graduates look back on 2020 as the year that actually began last Wednesday on the RHAM brought them. campus on the baseball field where graduation “We as a generation have the power to make usually takes place. It was there that speeches change,” she said. “We can and will make a were filmed to be played along with a lasting, positive impact on the world. livestreamed video of festivities at the fair- Salutatorian Jason Bove spoke about find- grounds. ing balance between schoolwork and making Leslie made a few remarks before introduc- high school memories. ing the rest of the speakers. He spoke of how “Now I know this isn’t the ending to our se- the graduates had experienced a pandemic nior year that any of us really wanted, but if rather than learning about one in the classroom anything, I think it shows how resilient of a class and watched its challenges unfold each day, we are,” he said. “The world threw everything proving themselves “remarkably resilient.” at us and tried to keep us down, but yet we still Leslie then introduced class president Sydney managed to have a good time, and live out our Farrar, who spoke about the myriad of things senior year as best we could. I think that speaks Brendan Davis walks back to his car after getting his diploma at RHAM High that made the Class of 2020 “anything but or- volumes about us as a class, and this will abso- School’s 2020 “drive-thru” Graduation at the Lions Fairgrounds on Tuesday. dinary.” lutely be a trait that is going to stick with us Examples she brought to light included sports and help us do great things in the years to Katherine McNally, Emily McShane, Shiann Meli, Schmeizl, Abby Schumann, Jacob Silva, * Matthew teams led by seniors with “unbelievable sea- come.” Jenna Mercer, EmilyMessier, *Brandon Miller, Sitnik, William Sitnik, Emily Sklodosky, Michael sons.” Back at the fairgrounds, teachers applauded Keren Miralda, Danielle Moard, Jake Moulton, * Sliter, Kyle Slot, * Benjamin Smith, Justin Smith, “I mean, our boys’ basketball team qualified as one group of graduates filed out and the next Andrew Munroe, Brandon Nastri, Ryan Nelson, Ashley Snyder, Alexandra Soteriou, Cameron for states; when was the last time they did that?” group rolled in. Jadyn Nembhard, * @ Sydney Neumuth, @ Kaitlin Soulagnet, Caterina Stolfi, Dakota Stone, Riley The members of the RHAM High School Nicol, @ Sarah Nilsson, * Allison Nolt, Alexis Sullivan, Joshua Susman, Justin Synodi, Robert she said. “And they were not the only team to Northup, Liam Novak, * @ Abigail O’Brien, * @ Synodi, * Carina Tedeschi, Peter Torres, + Ethan make it to states.” Class of 2020 are: @ Mina Abrantes, Nicholas Albino, Michael Maeve O’Neil, Haley Oakes, Mikayla Oman, Trueman, Xaden Vardanian, @ Giovanni Farrar spoke of the drama department’s Victoria Orama, Alex Otero, * Aaron Ouellette, Vecchiarino, * Michael Verret, Jr., Dylan Wagner, “amazing production” of You Can Fly that was Almeida, * Christina Aniolek, * Genaro Anselmo, IV, Justin Arel, @ Alana Armfield, Thomas Atwood, Zackery Parsadanov, * @ Joy Patel, * @ Julia Kathryn Walsh-Scott, Molly Wampold, Thomas “written, casted and directed by a senior,” Jr., Isabella Auteri, Riley Ayer, * @ Colin Babick, Pearson, @ Amanda Pedro Andrew Perkins, Arden Wasil, Brittany Wharton, Nathan Wheeler, @ Adam Rebecca Ristow. * Garret Babick, Alison Bakke, Alexander Banas, Perron, Maya Perrone, * Andrew Plausse, @ Alexis Whitmore, Emma Wilson, Madison Wright She offered gratitude to RHAM staff, teach- * @ Rylee Bane, Gage. Baptiste, Harold Barnes, Popolizio, Skylar Popp, Matthew Provencher, @ # Valedictorian ers and administrators for adapting during the Caroline Barrett, * Chloe Beard, Jason Belanger, Jessica Pugliese, * Mahid Qureshi, Kelly Reardon, ## Salutatorian pandemic and continuing to educate students Nathan Bellhorn, Emma Bellmore, @ Isabelle @ Monica Redman, @ Molly Reibeling, + Owen * Member of National Honor Society in good and spoke of memories made and not made. Benson-Clarke, Amelia Betz, * @ Meredith Blinn, Rheaume, * @ Annabel Richard, MichaelRiehl, * standing Rebecca Ristow, Shannon Romeo * Wesley Roser, @ Green cord/100 or more hours of community “We may not have had all our fun senior Alexander Bodey, * Joshua Boehler, Amanda Bogdan, John Bordick, ## * Jason Bove, Madison @ Amanda Rudder, Marybeth Rulli, Cinthia service moments like senior outing or senior prom but Samayoa-Martinez, * @ Katharine Santella, * + Enlisted in the Military given the situation we all still did our best to Brainard, Alexander Brett, Dale Browne, * @ Stephen Buden, @ Eliza Byrne, @ Chloe Calkins, Zachary Sauer, Andrew Schadtle, Nicholas see are friends and continue to make memo- Leo Cappello, Cole Caso, * Zachary Catania, James ries,” she said. “Birthday parades became a fun Cavalieri, * Kristin Cavalieri, * Khalia Chapman, idea that would have never have happened if it Stevie Ciccarello, Mark Ciraldo, Jonathan Clough, Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cover Story ï Cov weren’t for COVID.” * @ Emily Cochefski, * @ Sarah Cohen, Michael She also gave a shout-out to the former class Colonna, * Hailey Constantine, Logan Contos, @ Portland High from Front Page mascot, which was changed in May to the Rap- Emily Cook, @ Angela Cooley, * Katelyn Corliss, said. Tewksbury said she believes personality Guilmette+^, Victoria Haglund, Athena tors to remove the Native American allusion John Cormier, * Samantha Crampton, Sean Cruess, and kindness to be far more important than in- Harmon Jenaia Harmon, Carlie Hasselman +^, that was deemed racist. Glenn Cully, Alex Czercowy, Brandon D’Amicol, telligence. Joshua Hurley, Neira Kadric, Isaack Kandeke, “So cheers to the last class of RHAM Sa- * BrendanDavis, @ Meghan Davis, Vincenzo Davis, “To be honest, I don’t remember any of the Thomas Keaveny, Keean Keech, Benjamin chems; we really are unique and extremely spe- @ Elizabeth DeDominicis, @ Brooke Delis Dingley, Carson Dorsey, Jade Drost, Gracey DuBois, * Ryan work at all,” Tewksbury said, explaining that Kelley, Megan Kostraba +^, Michael cial,” Farrar said in closing. Dunnirvine, @ Austin Dupré, Brenden Duprey, * her memories consist of enjoyable moments Krasniewski, Jordan LaBella, Kyle LaPila, Speaking next was “beloved high school re- @ Andrew Ely, Marcus Emanuel, * @ Tristin shared with other students and Portland’s teach- Morgan Lasky, Nathan Lavoy*^, Faith Lee ^, ceptionist” Daryll Kale, who, according to Emmons, * Alicia Erami, Marina Espinoza, * Joshua ers. Steven Li, Adrianna Lovett, Hunter Lyman, Leslie, is “the first person people greet upon Fargnoli, * @ Sydney Farrar, Madilyn Feige, # * @ “That’s what matters in the long run,” Anna Maselek ^, Jahsim Mathurin, Jake Mazza, entering the building and the person students Reagan Fleeher, Cynthia Folsom, Lily Freer, Jor- Tewksbury said. Adam Meckensturm, Christopher Melluzzo, go to for questions and concerns.” dan Frey, * Carson Gaines, Cameron Garcia, Vin The members of the Portland High School Lauren Mertel +^, Shannon Murphy +^, Kale has accepted a job in Vermont and will Garrity, * Leah Geiger, Joshua Gianetti, Madison Class of 2020 are: Abigail Backus+^, Hannah Prince*+^, David Przestrzelski, Adam be leaving at the end of June, Leslie said. Gilbert, Alexandra Gillis, Cody Godfrey, Danielle Khristopher Bell Madeline Brunk *+^ Caden Rossignol, Olivia Runte, *^+, Amber Ryan, “Daryll is loved throughout the community,” Golden, @ Kara Goldstein, Elena Goncalves, Marissa Goncalves, Rachel Goodale, Severin Ray- Charpentier, Lauren Choinere, Marykate Brooke Ryan^, Kelly Schneider^, Jayden he said. “He is a legend amongst our students, Van Graham, Amanda Joan Grano, Kyra Griffin, Clark^, Avery Coe *^, Grant Collins+^, Tho- Schoeps, Olivia Smith^, Khadijah Stanford+, parents and staff members.” Samantha Guppy, Nicholas Hale, Marissa Hall, mas Currier+, Nickolis Czapiga, Dillon Daoud Michael Staron, Rachel Staub^, Kelly Talerico Kale joked about times in the office and remi- Julianna Hallin, Riley Halotek, Julia Hancin, Devin ^, Denasia Davis, Nicholas Dawson +^, Adrian *^+, Autumn Tewksbury, *^+, Victoria Tirado, nisced about seeing students walk through the Hanelius, * David Hart, Brian Hartan, Benjamin De Leon Reyes, Harrison Deane, Giani Mackenzie Toomey, Andrew Vernali, Chloe doors. Hassett, @ CharlotteHeersping, Joshua Herman, DiGennaro^ Michael DiMauro, Stephanie Wade-Fralick, Michael Walker, Ethan “Do you remember when the speakers in the James Hitchcock, Jack Hixson, @ Meghan Holland- DiMauro ^, Bryan Dinnis+ Joshua Doering, Wallengren, Jack Wright, Emersyn Wydo, office made me sound like Darth Vader?” he Tyler, Samuel Holley, Carly Hood, * @ Cameron Olivia Doering^, Katherine Donahue^, Timo- Nicholas Yankowski. asked. “Luke Skywalker, please come to the Irizarry, Amanda Jacobson, Virginia James, Jamion thy Donoghue, Megan Doyle *^, Andrew *Top ten students office.” Jamison, Quentin Jensen, Katelyn Jeroszko, Gabriella Johnson, @ Gracie Johnson, Tyler Jor- Dumais, Indomari Ellison, Raychel Fasciani, + National Honor Society He warned that life is hard and in moments dan, Lilah Kamins, Kayle Kanaitis, Logan Kanaitis, Janelle Field, Katelynn Fillback, Julia ^ Tri-M Music Honor Society can be ugly but said it is not bleak and is in fact Andrew Keene, Nicholas Kelley, Raeanne Kelly, Fitzsimons *+^, Carter Gange, Clara amazing and magical. Conor Kennedy, Jacqueline Killelea, Hannah “I have hope for the future because I have Kingsley, Katie Kingsley, Jelina Kolb, Chloe seen it. I’ve been saying hello to the future for Kostick, Faith Lackey, Joseph Lagasse, @ the past four years,” he said. “Every day you Jacqueline Lage, Jake Landry, Christian Larsen, walked into that building I saw the future tak- Nicholas Lavenburg, Lily Lawrence, Marisa Lee, * ing shape.” @ Derek Leshak, Cameron Lettieri, Robert Luoma, Kale closed with a phrase he said every day. * @ Olivia Lynch, * Lillian Lysiuk, Molly Mackay, * Olivia Maranos, Vanessa Marchant, Mary “This is Daryll. How can I help?” Marinelli, Olivia McAvoy, * Olivia McCavanagh, Valedictorian Reagan Fleeher, spoke of a Emma McCormack, William McCormack, series of Disney movies, that she said “captures all of the uniqueness of the Class of 2020.” Top Two Bacon Students Look Back by Karla Santos a speech during the graduation ceremony – Matthew Voiland and Ariana Spearin juggled which is scheduled for July 11. He said he has between school, sports, clubs and work and still not written the speech yet but has started to plan managed to be at the top of their 175- it and has some ideas of what he wants to in- member graduating class, becoming Bacon clude in it. Voiland said he wants to address the Academy’s Class of 2020 valedictorian and fact that the class of 2020’s senior year was salutatorian, respectively unexpected. Voiland, class valedictorian, Spearin, the class salutatorian, finished up is graduating with a 4.38 grade point average. her Bacon career with a 4.35 GPA. He played soccer and lacrosse through all the Spearin said she never intended to one of the four years in high school and has had a job since top two students in her class. his sophomore year. “I think that for a lot of kids it’s kind of their He said that becoming his class valedicto- goal to get to the top of the class, but that was rian was a goal he set for himself during his never my top priority,” Spearin said, but added freshmen year. that instead, she focused more on learning sub- “I just had that goal on the back of my mind jects that she liked and doing well for herself. throughout high school and then it was awe- “Finding out that I was the second in the class some to finally get it,” Voiland said. was actually a pretty big surprise for me – but He said that being the class valedictorian is it was a pleasant surprise,” she said. something he had looked forward to for a long Spearin said she heard that she became sec- time. He said reaching his goal has been ond in her class about a month ago and when “super fulfilling” and he is “happy” that he was she found out she was surprised and grateful able to achieve it. but mostly shocked. But these academic goals don’t stop now She said she is “grateful” and proud for her for Voiland – as he said he wants to follow the academic achievements and for the things she same steps through college to be at the top of has achieved that don’t have to do with a letter his class again. grade. “I definitely want to maintain all of the aca- But for Spearin this achievement is not only demic standards that I’ve had and keep up my about herself. grades,” Voiland said, adding that he also had “I also think that it’s important to recognize high grades in middle school. that even though I am named number two I think Voiland said he is going to major in nursing that there are so many other students that de- at the University of Connecticut. He then wants serve just as much recognition as me,” Spearin to work as a travel nurse before he goes back to said. Matthew Voiland and Ariana Spearin are the valedictorian and salutatorian, school to get a master’s and eventually a doc- Spearin said there are so many students in respectively, of the Bacon Academy Class of 2020. torate degree to become a nurse practitioner, her class that have worked hard and she was he said. careful about not diminishing them. a math major about a month ago when talking a scholarship in memory of Taylor Howes, a Voiland said he always knew he wanted to “I think that they’ve done a great job so I to her parents about it. 2017 Bacon graduate who was killed in a car somehow be involved in the medical field. He think that although I’m being recognized for Spearin said she did “a lot” of extracurricu- crash in June 2018. liked the idea of working in hospitals or clin- this I feel as though there are so many other lar activities. she was a part of the volleyball School Principal Matthew Peel said ics. But he said that originally nursing wasn’t kids that also deserve to be recognized for their and tennis teams. that Voiland and Spearin are academically the what he thought he wanted to do as he was great achievements too,” she added. She was also in the diversity club, interact top students in the class, showing four years of thinking of becoming a biomedical engineer and Spearin said she also had good grades club, the Bacon Academy chapter of the Na- good grades. He said that to become a valedic- make medicine. But then Voiland realized that through middle school and plans on maintain- tional Honor Society and Habitat for Human- torian and salutatorian it’s not enough just to being in a lab all the time wasn’t what he was ing good academic standards through college. ity. In addition, Spearin was the president of get good grades. looking for. Like Voiland, Spearin is also going to the Peer Advocacy League (PAL). He said these students also have to take the He wants to be involved in the medical field UConn. Her plan is to major in statistics. “I liked being involved with a lot of different most challenging courses. because of “the idea that it was difficult, I just “I’m not completely sure if I want to go into groups,” Spearin said. Peel said he is “very proud” of the academic wanted to challenge myself and also follow my actuarial sciences or work for insurance com- She has also been working since her sopho- achievements of Voiland and Spearin and of the passion.” panies or what but I just know that I’m doing more year. fact that they are both going to college. In addition, he likes that through nursing he math and I like statistics so that’s what I plan Spearin also has to write a speech for gradu- “But also on top of that they are both just can help people and interact with them, he on focusing on,” Spearin said. ation, but she said she hasn’t started writing it really nice kids,” Peel said. “They are really said. She said choosing a major was difficult and yet. good kids, good peer role models.” “That’s what I feel that I would enjoy more,” she even considered going into psychology but “I am pretty nervous for what I am supposed Peel said that they have “positively contrib- he added. then she realized that “math has been the one to say,” she said about the speech, adding that uted to our school climate and our community.” He said he received a scholarship from St. thing that I’ve enjoyed my whole life but I kind she wants include the fact that her class went “It’s great when you have a student so strong Joseph’s Polish Society and the presidential of never realized that I could go into math as a through a pandemic on their senior year. and talented academically but also has the per- scholarship from UConn. career,” she said. Spearin received the salutatorian prize, a sonality and the ability to be just good people As the class valedictorian Voiland has to give She said she realized that she wanted to have scholarship from the Colchester Lions Club and so we are very proud of them,” Peel said.

Mill Rate Remains Flat in Colchester by Karla Santos On Monday the Board of Finance, at a spe- “As an individual, if I wasn’t the chairman, I cluding a math interventionist, a substance During the public comments section of cial meeting, approved a 0.2% increase on the would’ve been voting for a zero increase,” abuse counselor, entrance security personnel – Monday’s budget vote, a number of individu- Board of Education budget and a zero increase Tarlov said about the Board of Education bud- or greeters – a kindergarten teacher, funds for als raised concerns regarding the budget. Some for the town budget, keeping the mill rate at its get. “Putting my chairman’s hat I have a re- technology hardware, a stipend for a webmaster, spoke in support of the budget without more current 32.84 mills. sponsibility to try to bring the two sides together an in-school suspension coordinator, an office cuts and at least one person spoke in favor of a Board of Finance member Andreas Bisbikos and move the budget forward.” professional, a new pre-k section, a special edu- 0% increase. entertained a motion to approve the $15.16 He said that as the chairman he felt that the cation teacher, paraprofessionals and a child The town budget also went through an ex- million town budget. The motion passed unani- Board of Education requests had come down development associate. tensive process to reach a zero increase. The mously. significantly, from a 2.99% increase in the pro- Some of the areas in the original budget that original proposed budget presented a 5.25% Michael Egan, board vice chair, entertained posed budget to the 0.2% increase that it was have gone through reductions include transfers increase or $625,709. Then the budget was ad- a motion to approve the $41.32 million Board voted for. to capital reserve. If the Board has a surplus, justed and presented again on April 16 with a of Education budget, which represents a 0.2% Tarlov said that if he voted as an individual, that money will go to Board of Education’s 2.08% increase or $315,994. At the May 26 or $79,000 increase. Bisbikos and Andrea he would have been forcing a tie, “stalemating capital reserve fund. But for this year’s Board public hearing for the town budget, there was a Migliaccio showed opposition to this budget, everything.” of Education budget, transfers to capital reserve 0.36% increase or $55,062. The Board of Fi- but the motion carried with a 4-2 vote. He also said that he abstained from voting were part of reductions made to the budget to nance brought it to a zero increase after the “I could not perpetuate a budget increase for the two mill rates because he could not vote keep its increase as low as it is. Other areas public hearing. when our citizens were denied access to the for a mill rate that was using fund balance. Al- that have gone through reductions include some One of the things that helped the town with ballot box,” Bisbikos told the Rivereast, add- though they are both the same, there are two information technology-related items, general making reductions was the delay of some ing that even if the finance board kept the school mill rates in town – one for motor vehicles and supplies, some newly-requested personnel such projects. Delayed capital investments, include budget with no increase, the programs and staff one for real estate and personal property – and as a math coach, a technology integrationist, a building and ground maintenance, pavement levels would have remained intact. the board approved each in a separate vote. contingency paraprofessional and a special edu- overlay and striping, Cragin Library’s roof re- Bisbikos said that as a teacher he takes fund- Tarlov told the Rivereast that he was one of cation teacher, among other items. pairs or replacement, a boiler replacement at ing in the schools “very seriously” and if he the creators and amenders of the fund balance At the May 28 budget hearing, the Board of Cragin Library, heating, ventilation and air con- was to notice a deficiency, he would call it out. policy in 2010 and 2012. That policy speaks Education budget was at a 0.4% increase and ditioning replacement at Cragin Library and When voting for the mill rate, all the board against using the fund balance for mill rate re- according to Bisbikos, the Board of Finance replacement of three air handling units at town members voted to keep it the same. Part of the lief and that’s why he said that out of principle, later took out $86,000 from savings in the bus hall. motion clarified that the board was using the he abstained from voting. contracts to get the budget to an increase of Tarlov said the tax bills will go out around fund balance to set the mill rate. Chairman While the Board of Education budget in- 0.2%. July 1 with no increase in the mill rate. Robert Tarlov abstained from voting for the mill crease has been reduced, the spending package rate. still contains several proposed new items, in- In-Person Bacon Graduation Planned for Next Month in Colchester by Karla Santos gether as a class. Peel said he got strong feedback from the niors in her school who prepared for the prom Bacon Academy seniors will have the oppor- “We’re happy that we are able to make all event, including students who said, “This was ahead of time. tunity to sit together as a class one more time, three of those things happen with this plan,” more fun than I thought it was going to be.” “I don’t actually know any girl on my grade but not in a classroom or at the football field; Peel said. “They had so much taken away from “The festive environment was really, really that did not buy a prom dress,” Spearin said, instead they will be sitting in front of the high them that they wanted an opportunity to be a positive,” Peel said. “I think they really enjoyed adding that the prom was scheduled to be on school building, six feet apart from each other class again.” it and we really enjoyed it too.” May 9. and with their families watching from a park- Peel said that the graduation plan follows the Peel said he “feels bad for the seniors” that Peel said the prom hasn’t been completely ing spot to celebrate a commencement cer- safety requirements of the Chatham Health will not have memories of their senior year canceled. emony the Bacon way. District and the governor’s guidelines. spring sports, prom, a senior trip or an in-per- “We are holding off making the final deci- The celebration will take place Saturday, July “I’m happy with our plan and I think is the son awards night. sion about prom as late as possible,” Peel said. 11, at 9:30 a.m. best plan we could do for our kids and families Ariana Spearin, Bacon Academy class salu- “We also know we are not going to extend that Due to COVID-19 restrictions this gradua- on the given circumstances,” Peel said. tatorian, said that not having a normal senior indefinitely. We are going to make some kind tion will be different than on previous years. Because seniors have missed out on tradi- year has been “really painful to think about.” of a final decision by July 1.” School Principal Matthew Peel said that gradu- tional senior year events, Peel and the Bacon Spearin said she has heard it said that the Peel said he has had staff members who have ation was put on hold for a while, waiting for Academy faculty and staff have looked for ways Class of 2020 went to school for 12 years “just told him they don’t care if the prom happens state guidelines to be more flexible. But wait- to compensate them for their loss. to miss out the best three months of it.” during the summer, they will come out and help ing this long “paid off,” Peel said. Monday, for example, was officially the last “It’s a big disappointment,” Spearin said. to give seniors a chance to have the event. “We are going to be able to include some day of school and they held a senior celebra- “We don’t get a normal graduation, we don’t Spearin said she is also disappointed about pieces in our ceremony that the other schools tion from 1 to 4 p.m. get a prom, we don’t get that senior trip. I feel not being able to say goodbye to everyone at couldn’t because they were doing theirs before “Our seniors needed to get their caps and like we’ve missed out on so many traditional the school. July 6,” Peel said, adding that July 6 is the date gowns, they needed to get their yearbooks, they rites of passage but at the same time I do think “I’m not going to have that last class, last in which Gov. Ned Lamont will start allowing needed to get their Project Graduation materi- like it’s totally out of our control [so] we just day experience that every other senior before in-person graduations. als and then we also needed to collect back kind of have to go with it.” the Class of 2020 got to do,” Spearin said. “I Because of state guidelines, families will be some of their school supplies,” Peel said. She said that Bacon Academy has done a don’t get to say goodbye to any of my teachers required to stay in their cars during the cer- He said that instead of just having a regular “really good job” of accommodating things and or any of my classmates that I may not be so emony. Only one car per family will be allowed. pick-up day where seniors would pick up their working with the students to make it as best as close to. That’s kind of a sad thing to think When students go up to the stage to pick up things and leave, the school teamed with Project they can. about, not getting to say goodbye.” their diplomas, their families will be able to pull Graduation to make the day a celebration. “I think that the principal has been working Spearin said she wasn’t looking forward to a up in front of the stage and take a close look at Project Graduation is an outside organiza- really hard to kind of compensate for every- virtual graduation and is “grateful” for the plan their graduate receiving the diploma. tion of parents who have volunteered through- thing that we’ve lost,” she said. that Peel and the committee came up with. Approximately 175 students will be gradu- out the school year to help put “a great end of Spearin said that recently there was a virtual Matthew Voiland, class valedictorian, said ating from Bacon Academy this year. the year for the seniors,” Peel said. meeting with teachers and students where schol- that at the beginning of the pandemic he thought Peel said he is “very proud” of Bacon’s About 30 staff members attended the event arships were awarded, tassels were given away, school would only be closed for a few weeks. graduation plans. He said the process was “very and “they just came to cheer the kids, to cel- “and they recognized our accomplishments in But when he noticed school was going to be inclusive” and it started with a committee meet- ebrate them,” Peel added. different classes.” closed for the rest of the year realized he wasn’t ing of almost 40 parents, students and admin- Peel said that during the event people were “Usually that’s an in-person ceremony but it going to have a last chance to play sports, to go istrators. Russell Melmed from the Chatham social distancing and being appropriate. was still really nice to be able to see everyone to the senior prom or to the senior trip to Block Health District was also part of it. “But teachers were happy to see the kids and through video call,” she said. Island, which was supposed to be at the end of Peel said the school sent out two surveys the kids were happy to see the teachers,” he Spearin bought a dress and made nail and May. through email – one for students and one for said. hair appointments for senior prom. Like Spearin, Voiland said he had gone shop- parents – to get input in terms of their top pri- Among the activities at the celebration, se- “I spent so much time looking for a prom ping for the prom and had a tuxedo rental lined orities for graduation. He said the committee niors’ yearbooks were being signed. dress, thinking about my makeup,” she said. “I up. made sure to use the student-parent voice in In addition, the student council provided enjoyed prom so much last year and I wanted He said that the fact they are having an in- the design of the event. funds to have a disc jockey at the event and to have the same feeling this year.” person graduation surprised him. According to Peel, in the surveys the three project graduation provided funds for an ice That’s why Spearin said she put in a lot of “I’m looking forward to at least getting one things that came up as top priority for parents cream truck to be there. time into finding a prom dress and getting ready of the major aspects of senior year,” Voiland and students were receiving diplomas in a live “Every senior got to pick out an ice cream for it, but was disappointed when she found out said. setting not virtually, that the families could be from the ice cream truck on the way out,” Peel she had done “all of that for nothing.” Rain dates for the graduation are: July 13 and there to see their child get their diploma and said. But she said that was the story of many se- 14. that the seniors could somehow be sitting to-

Marlborough East Hampton Police News 6/14: State Police said Lucas Spencer Police News Rheaume, 22, of 77 Keirstead Circle, 6/7: Kattie White, 45, of 14 Fairlawn Ave., Marlborough, was arrested and charged with was arrested and charged with second-degree driving under the influence and failure to drive criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, East in proper lane. Hampton Police said. 6/14: State Police said Leona Skinner, 31, 6/8: Evan Wojcik, 28, of 17 Overlook Rd., of Bozrah, was arrested and charged with driv- was arrested and charged with violating a pro- ing under the influence, failure to drive in proper tective order, police said. lane, drug paraphernalia, possession of con- Also, from, June 1-7, officers responded to trolled substance and second-degree criminal four medical calls, three motor vehicle crashes, mischief. four alarms and one call for vandalism, and made five traffic stops, police said.

Colchester Police News 6/9: State Police said Anna J. Taylor, 39, of Waterford, was arrested and charged with driv- ing under the influence and failure to drive in proper lane. 6/9: State Police said Mary Anderson, 26, of 24 South Main St., East Hampton, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, driving without minimum insurance and im- proper turns. 6/15: State Police said Hector L. Morales, 40, of Windham, was arrested and charged with violation of probation. Belltown Local Richard Bolles Celebrates 100 Years by Jack Lakowsky the country and was even stationed in Pearl Richard Bolles, a Harbor during World War II. From there, he and member of the East a naval contingent were travelling towards Ja- Hampton community pan when atomic bombs were dropped on the for decades, cel- Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. ebrated his 100th Orders were sent for his unit to return home. birthday last week. Bolles said he is alive today because the U.S. Bolles was born did not invade Japan. June 15, 1920 – just a Bolles went on to become an expert carpen- year after the 1918 Flu ter, according to his daughter, Cathy. She said Pandemic ended in her father retired as carpenter supervisor at 1919. It saw the imple- Wesleyan University. Bolles used his expertise mentation of the 19th to help restore the Goodspeed Opera House in Amendment to the East Haddam, she said. U.S. Constitution, “He loves working with wood,” Cathy Bolles which granted women said of her father. “He has a real reverence for the right to vote. A less Richard Bolles it.” lasting amendment, Cathy Bolles said her father is one of the old- the 18th, began the Prohibition Era wherein al- est living members of the Masons in Connecti- cohol was illegalized. That same year, the cut, having joined the organization in his 20s. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was He is a member of East Hampton Congrega- founded, and St. Joan of Arc was canonized as tional Church. a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. The “He’s such a wonderful guy,” she said. She Treaty of Versailles also took effect, officially attributed her father’s longevity to his daily ending World War I. walks and his daily habits of eating raw onion On June 14, Bolles was honored with parade and in the morning drinking a small amount of of vehicles from East Hampton High School to apple cider vinegar. North Maple Street. Bolles and his six children “He takes no medication,” Cathy Bolles said Longtime resident Richard Bolles turned 100 last week, and was honored by a stood on the front lawn of the local VFW and of her father. “The doctors say he has the blood parade of vehicles as he and his six children watched from the front lawn of the waved at the parade as it passed. pressure of a 20-year-old.” VFW. “I was a carpenter all my life,” Bolles said in She said her father – despite his family’s an interview with the Rivereast. “Except while objections – still cultivates and plants his gar- I was in the service.” den. She said that, when they were a young fam- From 1944 through 1946, Bolles served in ily, she and her parents and her siblings fed the U.S. Navy as motor machinist. He traveled themselves with their garden.

East Hampton Budgets Adopted, No Mill Rate Increase by Jack Lakowsky The Town Council on Monday voted 6-1 to last-minute extra spending,” Philhower said, wrote, the Board of Education originally esti- town because of the pandemic’s economic im- adopt the town’s 2020-21 education and mu- before adding, “There’s always pink slips next mated a $202,000 operating surplus. Two weeks pact, a new librarian could offer to help nicipal budgets at a total of over $47.7 million. season.” later, that surplus was found to be $260,000. jobseekers within the community. The young Republican Mark Philhower was the lone ‘no’ Council Republican Tim Feegel said he Markham said he heard questions as to why adult/reference librarian position, Markham vote on both spending budgets. The spending wanted more time to research the costs and this does not allow the Board of Education to said, was one the town funded up until 2002, package doesn’t feature a mill rate increase. benefits of adding the librarian position. hire an additional teacher to help reduce class when it was cut. The overall budget is an increase of about “I’m not against it,” Feegel said. “The tim- sizes. Markham also noted to Philhower that a wage $1.4 million, or 2%, over the current year’s ing was just bad. It wasn’t on the table last week, “The Board of Education has no authority to freeze is not a “dead issue” and will be dis- $46.4 million budget. and we didn’t vote on it.” carry over surplus,” Markham wrote. cussed in the future. The council adopted both the Board of Edu- Philhower noted that, although there is no However, $76,000 of the surplus was allot- “As I’ve pointed out, 2022 will be a tough cation and general government budgets. The increase in the town’s mill rate, there is an in- ted to the Board of Education to fund another year from built-in increases from contracts and school budget was approved at $32.173 mil- crease in spending. classroom teaching position. the new town hall,” said Markham. “We’re cog- lion, an increase of just under $1 million over According to the town’s budget information, “This is a town in transformation,” Markham nizant of that.” current year school spending. The general gov- the East Hampton library’s 2020-21 budget will said in the June 15 meeting. “A lot of new In his June 9 written statement, Markham ernment budget was approved at $15.6 million, increase by a little over $20,000, or 4.4%, to- people are expecting better services for their said the budget does not accomplish everything an increase over the current year’s $15.2 mil- taling a little over $480,000. This is lower than tax dollars. It’s worthwhile.” he wanted it to, but that he is still confident it lion. the budget the library itself proposed, which Markham said with so many unemployed in provides a good value to East Hampton. Due to the executive orders issued in March was about $540,000. by Gov. Ned Lamont, no public vote on the Council member Derek Johnson, a Demo- budget was held this year due to the coronavirus crat, noted that the librarian discussion began pandemic. during public comments in last week’s council Signs Available for New Law The council decided against increasing East meeting. It’s high school graduation season, and erty on which the crime is being committed. Hampton’s mill rate, which will remain at “The town made persuasive arguments,” said while there won’t be a Project Graduation Social hosting is punishable by law as a Class 33.14. Johnson. “There is a clear need for it when com- party for East Hampton High School seniors A misdemeanor, with a maximum one-year Philhower voiced concerns about the budget pared to services that other towns provide.” this year, the East Hampton Prevention Part- imprisonment or up to a $2,000 fine. process, and about the last-minute addition of Council member Barbara Moore, also a nership still wants to remind people to cel- The Partnership has 50 lawn signs avail- a young/adult reference librarian at the East Democrat, said last-minute line items being ebrate responsibly. able, to build awareness of this law, available Hampton Public Library. added to budgets has happened many times in The members of the Partnership said they on a first-come, first-served basis to any com- “At the start of the season, I thought we were the past. thought this would be a good time to remind munity member that would like to display one. headed in the right direction,” Philhower told “Coming to an agreement on a budget is al- family and friends that social hosting, which A volunteer will be at the East Hampton pub- the council. “We wanted a lean budget.” ways very difficult,” said Moore. “Most of the refers to adults who knowingly or unknow- lic library parking lot on Friday, June 19 from Philhower said he expected a wage freeze for time, you don’t know until the last minute what ingly host underage drinking parties on their 5:30- 6:30 p.m. if you’d like to pick one up, town employees. Town Manager David Cox did it’s going to be.” property, is illegal. It doesn’t matter who sup- or email [email protected] with your not take a salary increase year, a fact Philhower Moore said she regretted not being able to plies the alcohol – what matters is the prop- address, and one will be delivered to you. commended. meet with department heads to discuss their “I can’t say as much for the Board of Educa- budgets due to the pandemic and thanked them tion,” Philhower said. for their diligent work. Philhower said the budget should have been Council vice chair Dean Markham, a Demo- kept lower because for the 2021-22 fiscal year crat, said the council decided to hold its budget the mill rate is guaranteed to increase when the vote until the June 15 deadline to allow for the town begins making payments for the new town creation of a holistic budget. The extra time hall. given to the council by the governor has not Philhower also criticized the last-minute ad- been wasted, Markham said in a written state- dition of a young adult librarian position at the ment that was presented at the June 9 council library. Philhower said there was no delibera- meeting. tion or public comment about the addition of The closer it is to the end of the year, the the librarian. better data is available to work the budget, ac- “I find it unbelievable that we can add this cording to Markham. For example, Markham Top Two RHAM Students Recall Car Circles, Birthday Parades by Sloan Brewster apart,” she said. “We brought supplies and sat Social distancing at the beach, hiking, car near each other and decorated them.” circles and birthday parades were all the rage Fleeher said she adapted to the change in how for RHAM’s Class of 2020 valedictorian and learning was done and made it work by disci- salutatorian. plining herself and setting aside two hours a Reagan Fleeher of Marlborough, class vale- day for calculus and statistics. dictorian, plans to attend the University of North “I definitely had to be more independent and Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill in the fall. Initially, on top of things myself especially for AP (Ad- she will major in business, but she said she vanced Placement) exams,” she said. “I defi- hopes to narrow it down in the future to some- nitely am better with things like reading, writ- thing pertaining to sustainability to match her ing and social studies I work a lot harder in interest in the environment. math.” Jason Bove, also of Marlborough, is class Fleeher’s favorite subject is English and she salutatorian, plans to study mechanical engi- reminisced about her teacher, Debbie Anger, neering at Clemson University in southern who, she “really is passionate and makes ev- South Carolina. erything we do in there different.” COVID-19 altered the two students’ senior Bove said his favorite subject is also the one year but did not break their spirit. he finds most challenging – physics. “I’m trying to stay pretty positive about it I “There’s something about understanding would say I don’t think there’s any point in look- about the way the world works, it’s really fas- ing down at it,” Fleeher said. “I think you have cinating,” he said. “Each unit looking at one to look at the positives, like car circles.” more facet and how it works, and to me that’s Car circles are one of the things born from really intriguing.” the statewide shutdown and social distancing While Bove and Fleeher made it work dur- norms brought on in the attempt to slow the ing school closures, there were things they spread of COVID-19. missed and missed out on, including their se- The idea, according to Fleeher, is for friends nior outing and prom, which they hope may still to go to a parking lot and park far apart or in a take place over the summer. circle and sit on top of their cars and talk to Before COVID, Bove – a competitive rock each other. climber – spent a lot of time at Central Rock “We did that a lot when we kind of missed Gym in Glastonbury. Since COVID, he has been each other,” she said. finding ways to workout at home and doing Another way she and friends stayed con- exercises his coach gave him to keep up his Jason Bove, left, and Reagan Fleeher, right, are the valedictorian and salutatorian, nected was through virtual parties. That was endurance. respectively, of the RHAM High School Class of 2020. also big for Bove and his friends, who, he said, He’s also been focusing on hobbies, includ- would hook up online on Friday nights “and ing painting. He has also been learning new wasn’t much I had to do,” he said. early – in August – and then will not open be- just have a good time.” skills, including how to do a handstand, and Fleeher recalled cheerleading in the fall, es- tween Thanksgiving and Christmas. “Spending time with people was definitely has done a lot of running, getting down to a six pecially at football games and a field trip to In a suite with eight girls, she has already the thing I took for granted,” Bove said. “It’s minute mile. New York City for a visit to the United Na- hooked up with her roommate on Facebook and not only missing your friends – it’s the people He reminisced about fall sports and attend- tions. “Walking around New York with friends through Facetime and they are designing their that you’re just friends with in that one class ing a finals volleyball game on homecoming was fun,” she said. dorm in different shades of blue, including the and don’t talk to them the rest of the day, you night. During the shutdown and the social distanc- school color, Carolina blue. miss that.” “Twenty or 30 of us dressed up in shirts and ing, Fleeher said she missed Chick-fil-A runs Bove is looking forward to experiencing They were also able to hook up with friend ties and then went to cheer them on,” he said. with friends – and both students said they southern culture and is excited about the warm and remain socially distant on hikes and at the One thing he didn’t miss was the hard work missed bonfires. weather. beach, Fleeher and Bove said. he did before Coronavirus and “the grind of “Before it was fun to kind of get together at They will both miss their families and friends; When one of his friends had a birthday, he classes and studying,” especially in the fall. someone’s house and hang out or have a big and Fleeher said she will miss her dogs too. and other friends joined in a birthday vehicle “That was really the heart of learning for all fire pit with 20 people huddled together,” Bove “I think definitely just my friends parade honking and hollering as they drove past my AP classes,” he said. said. Marlborough is really a small town,” Bove said. his house. Schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic As far as next year goes, they are both ready “These have been the same people that I’ve Fleeher and her friends gathered to decorate was less challenging, simply because he had for the changes ahead. known my whole life so it’s going to be hard to graduation caps together. completed the deep push by then. Fleeher said school at UNC will be starting leave them and find other people.” “We went outside so we were kind of farther “Honestly, I really was all set there really The Members of the RHAM High School Class of 2020 are: @ Mina Abrantes, Nicholas Albino, Michael Kostick, Faith Lackey, Joseph Lagasse, @ Almeida, * Christina Aniolek, * Genaro Anselmo, Jacqueline Lage, Jake Landry, Christian Larsen, IV, Justin Arel, @ Alana Armfield, Thomas Atwood, Nicholas Lavenburg, Lily Lawrence, Marisa Lee, * Jr., Isabella Auteri, Riley Ayer, * @ Colin Babick, @ Derek Leshak, Cameron Lettieri, Robert Luoma, * Garret Babick, Alison Bakke, Alexander Banas, * @ Olivia Lynch, * Lillian Lysiuk, Molly Mackay, * @ Rylee Bane, Gage. Baptiste, Harold Barnes, * Olivia Maranos, Vanessa Marchant, Mary Caroline Barrett, * Chloe Beard, Jason Belanger, Marinelli, Olivia McAvoy, * Olivia McCavanagh, Nathan Bellhorn, Emma Bellmore, @ Isabelle Emma McCormack, William McCormack, Benson-Clarke, Amelia Betz, * @ Meredith Blinn, Katherine McNally, Emily McShane, Shiann Meli, Alexander Bodey, * Joshua Boehler, Amanda Jenna Mercer, EmilyMessier, *Brandon Miller, Bogdan, John Bordick, ## * Jason Bove, Madison Keren Miralda, Danielle Moard, Jake Moulton, * Brainard, Alexander Brett, Dale Browne, * @ Andrew Munroe, Brandon Nastri, Ryan Nelson, Stephen Buden, @ Eliza Byrne, @ Chloe Calkins, Jadyn Nembhard, * @ Sydney Neumuth, @ Kaitlin Leo Cappello, Cole Caso, * Zachary Catania, James Nicol, @ Sarah Nilsson, * Allison Nolt, Alexis Cavalieri, * Kristin Cavalieri, * Khalia Chapman, Northup, Liam Novak, * @ Abigail O’Brien, * @ Stevie Ciccarello, Mark Ciraldo, Jonathan Clough, Maeve O’Neil, Haley Oakes, Mikayla Oman, * @ Emily Cochefski, * @ Sarah Cohen, Michael Victoria Orama, Alex Otero, * Aaron Ouellette, Colonna, * Hailey Constantine, Logan Contos, @ Zackery Parsadanov, * @ Joy Patel, * @ Julia Emily Cook, @ Angela Cooley, * Katelyn Corliss, Pearson, @ Amanda Pedro Andrew Perkins, Arden John Cormier, * Samantha Crampton, Sean Cruess, Perron, Maya Perrone, * Andrew Plausse, @ Alexis Glenn Cully, Alex Czercowy, Brandon D’Amicol, Popolizio, Skylar Popp, Matthew Provencher, @ * BrendanDavis, @ Meghan Davis, Vincenzo Davis, Jessica Pugliese, * Mahid Qureshi, Kelly Reardon, @ Elizabeth DeDominicis, @ Brooke Delis Dingley, @ Monica Redman, @ Molly Reibeling, + Owen Carson Dorsey, Jade Drost, Gracey DuBois, * Ryan Rheaume, * @ Annabel Richard, MichaelRiehl, * Dunnirvine, @ Austin Dupré, Brenden Duprey, * Rebecca Ristow, Shannon Romeo * Wesley Roser, @ Andrew Ely, Marcus Emanuel, * @ Tristin @ Amanda Rudder, Marybeth Rulli, Cinthia Emmons, * Alicia Erami, Marina Espinoza, * Joshua Samayoa-Martinez, * @ Katharine Santella, * Fargnoli, * @ Sydney Farrar, Madilyn Feige, # * @ Zachary Sauer, Andrew Schadtle, Nicholas Reagan Fleeher, Cynthia Folsom, Lily Freer, Jor- Schmeizl, Abby Schumann, Jacob Silva, * Matthew dan Frey, * Carson Gaines, Cameron Garcia, Vin Sitnik, William Sitnik, Emily Sklodosky, Michael Garrity, * Leah Geiger, Joshua Gianetti, Madison Sliter, Kyle Slot, * Benjamin Smith, Justin Smith, Gilbert, Alexandra Gillis, Cody Godfrey, Danielle Ashley Snyder, Alexandra Soteriou, Cameron Golden, @ Kara Goldstein, Elena Goncalves, Soulagnet, Caterina Stolfi, Dakota Stone, Riley Marissa Goncalves, Rachel Goodale, Severin Ray- Sullivan, Joshua Susman, Justin Synodi, Robert Van Graham, Amanda Joan Grano, Kyra Griffin, Synodi, * Carina Tedeschi, Peter Torres, + Ethan Samantha Guppy, Nicholas Hale, Marissa Hall, Trueman, Xaden Vardanian, @ Giovanni Julianna Hallin, Riley Halotek, Julia Hancin, Devin Vecchiarino, * Michael Verret, Jr., Dylan Wagner, Hanelius, * David Hart, Brian Hartan, Benjamin Kathryn Walsh-Scott, Molly Wampold, Thomas Hassett, @ CharlotteHeersping, Joshua Herman, Wasil, Brittany Wharton, Nathan Wheeler, @ Adam James Hitchcock, Jack Hixson, @ Meghan Holland- Whitmore, Emma Wilson, Madison Wright Tyler, Samuel Holley, Carly Hood, * @ Cameron # Valedictorian Irizarry, Amanda Jacobson, Virginia James, Jamion ## Salutatorian Jamison, Quentin Jensen, Katelyn Jeroszko, * Member of National Honor Society in good Gabriella Johnson, @ Gracie Johnson, Tyler Jor- standing dan, Lilah Kamins, Kayle Kanaitis, Logan Kanaitis, @ Green cord/100 or more hours of community Andrew Keene, Nicholas Kelley, Raeanne Kelly, service Conor Kennedy, Jacqueline Killelea, Hannah + Enlisted in the Military Kingsley, Katie Kingsley, Jelina Kolb, Chloe ‘Heartening’ Turnout at Black Lives Matter Protest in Hebron By Sloan Brewster Folks clustered together in small groups of Approximately 100 people took to the town friends or family within the larger crowd. center last Saturday during a peaceful protest Xander Williams, a 2019 graduate of RHAM in support of Black Lives Matter. High School and currently a student at South- Protestors lined all four corners of the inter- ern New Hampshire University stood in front section of Routes 66 and 85, signs aloft, voices of the Church of Hope. Beside him were Katie raised as Tiffany Thiele, protest organizer and Malgioglio, a 2018 RHAM graduate and Uni- chairman of the Democratic town committee, versity of Connecticut student, and her mother, shouted into a megaphone. Erin Malgioglio of Hebron. The protest was held in solidarity with the Taking a moment from protesting, the three Black Lives Matter movement and in unity with spoke to the Rivereast. peaceful protests popping up throughout the “Being out here right now is important. It’s country since the brutal slaying of George important to use your voice for those who are Floyd. oppressed and even if this will spark one con- Floyd, an African American, died after Min- versation in one home it’ll be worth it,” Will- neapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin alleg- iams said. “It’s not a political issue. It’s a basic edly held a knee on his neck for more than eight human rights issue. People need to have their minutes after arresting him for allegedly pass- voices heard.” ing a counterfeit $20 bill. Chauvin has since Katie Malgioglio said she had attended pro- been charged with second-degree murder. tests every day since they started taking place Protestors honored Floyd during the two-hour and has been to Manchester and Glastonbury protest, his name appearing on signs and re- for the cause. She said that, as a “predominantly peated by demonstrators. white” community, Hebron was an important “Say his name!” Thiele intoned. town to add to the mix. She said people need to “George Floyd!” the crowd shouted back. “unlearn” what they’ve been taught and stop Protestors also gave homage to Breonna Tay- putting others down and spoke to the impor- Kathy and Phil Loiselle of Hebron stand with their daughter Kaelyn, 9, at lor, 26, of Louisville, Ky., who was killed on tance of standing up for marginalized popula- Saturday’s Black Lives Matter protest in Hebron. Kaelyn, according to her mother, March 13 during a narcotics raid on her home. tions. “Say her name!” Thiele bellowed. “It’s time to embrace the differences and also is already an activist. “Breonna Taylor!” they roared. the similarities,” she said. Collins, 61, said “the sin” of racism was not when they can’t speak up for themselves.” “What do we want?” Thiele asked. Malgioglio said she had a conversation with “American,” butsaid it has been a problem in Her mom, Stephanie Wright, said she felt it “Justice!” someone on a different side of the argument. this country his entire life – and that seeing the was important to bring Olivia and her sister “When do we want it?” “I actually talked to a person who said all protestors stand together was encouraging. Audrey Wright, 9, because they don’t live in a “Now!” lives matter and I said black lives matter and “I think finally we all have our moment of diverse community and to show them how to At one point, Thiele asked everyone in the she told me to grow up,” she said. “All lives truth that things have got to change,” he said. be “upstanders.” crowd to take a knee “to reflect and honor lives can’t matter until black lives matter. Black lives “They’re shouldn’t be two sets of laws, one if Siobhan DeGray of Hebron brought daugh- lost to racism and police brutality.” As cars con- are being killed every day. Blue lives matter – you are white and one if you are black. We can’t ters Sammie, 10, and Angie, 8 so they could tinued to whoosh by, the protestors went down that’s racist. If you can say blue lives matter just be against racism, we have to be anti-rac- experience and be a part of demonstrations. on one knee, remaining in position for a mo- and you can’t say black lives matter then you ism.” “I think it’s really important for them to ex- ment. have a problem.” Many of the protestors were families with perience what’s going on in the world right At about 10:45 a.m. there were approxi- When asked why she was there, Erin children in tow. Parents said they wanted to now,” she said. mately 80 protestors lining the corners of the Malgioglio, held up her sign, which stated “All make their children aware of what was happen- State Sen. Cathy Osten, (D-19), whose 10- intersection and, according to Thiele and at- mothers were summoned when George Floyd ing in the country and show them how to par- town district includes Hebron, also attended the tendee John Collins, who is also a member of called out for his Momma,” and said she felt ticipate and help. rally. It was one of 8 she had on her schedule the Board of Selectmen, about 100 people had “very passionate about the cause.” Kathy and Phil Loiselle of Hebron had their for the weekend, six of which she had already made appearances since the 10 a.m. start. In the video showing the last moments of his daughters Harper, 7, and Kaelyn, 9, with them. been to. On the turnout, Thiele said it was better than life, Floyd called for his mother as he passed Kaelyn, according to her mother, is already an Osten spoke to the Rivereast about the dis- she had expected and Collins pointed to the away under the weight of the knee on his neck. activist. parity that people of color face and included number of young people, saying it was “just While admitting she was nervous to come, “[We’re] raising anti-racist children, not just Native Americans, Hispanics and Asians in the heartening.” Erin Malgioglio said she wanted to be there not focusing on color blindness,” Kathy Loiselle groups that deal with inequality. “But really, I think it speaks to the heart of only in support of the cause but because her said. “Just knowing that black people have dif- Connecticut lawmakers, she said, are plan- Hebron,” Thiele said. “My heart is full. I’m very daughter “is super passionate” and she wanted ferent struggles and bring awareness of that and ning to expand a 2019 bill that established a happy to see all these people here in a peaceful to support her as well. knowing how to use your white privilege for task force to study police transparency and ac- protest.” Heather Petit of Hebron, who is also the good.” countability. Most cars passing through the intersection chairman of the Hebron Board of Education, Kaelyn said she didn’t want her friends to “As you can see people are very much on honked and whooped in unison with the cause; was with her mother, Rita Savage of Hebron. face racism. board with making change,” she said, indicat- however, one driver was less sympathetic. They likened participation in the Black Lives Hebron resident Olivia Wright, 10, stood with ing the people gathered in protest. “I think it’s “Hey, how about all lives matter?” he yelled Matter cause to a house on fire. a couple other youngsters. the young people that are going to lead the way.” as he drove past protestors. “If we have a street of houses and one is on “I’m here because there are some people who Thiele said she is planning to host an in-depth In response protestors booed him. fire, that is the one that is the one we have to aren’t very nice to black people. I’m here to virtual forum that will go about “a socio-eco- “I think that misses the point of what we’re help,” Petit said. “[Racism has] been going on support people who are too scared to come out,” nomic system that disenfranchises black trying to say,” Thiele told the Rivereast. “All long enough and 2020 is the time for true she said. “We need to speak up for back people people.” lives won’t matter until black lives matter.” change.”

Portland Officials Cancel Summer Camp, Riverfront Concert Series by Jack Lakowsky Officials from the Portland Parks and Rec- and was shut down, he said, staff who expected plained the possibility of offering activities with ing to Foley. reation Department and the Brownstone Quo- summertime employment would be cut and minimal staff who would work with groups of “Sadly, Phase 3 guidelines limit public gath- rum decided that to help prevent the further forced to find new work midseason. 10 children or fewer on a three-hour basis. Fur- erings to 100 people,” said Foley. Foley said spread of COVID-19, summer activities needed “Those were big deterrents,” Foley said. ther details and pricing would need to be fig- Portland’s concerts have seen as many as 500 to be canceled. Foley said the safety guidelines passed down ured out, said Foley. Foley added that activities guests. “We’ve been struggling with this a lot since by the state and the CDC were demanding and on a part time basis would help offset some of “We decided concerts were not a safe option,” the pandemic started,” said Parks and Rec. Di- even sometimes impractical. All staff and at- the revenue lost by not hosting full-time camp. said Foley. Foley explained that all activities at rector Nate Foley. “We’ve been racking our tendants would need to be screened with a tem- Even part-time camps and activities would the series would have to be adapted to main- brains to figure out the best way to offer a pro- perature check and checked for COVID-19 need to be shut down if any COVID-19 cases tain social distancing requirements. Groups gram.” symptoms. Anyone with a temperature over 100 are detected, according to Foley. However, he couldn’t be larger than 10 people. Siblings – Foley said both the town’s Summer Camp or with any other symptoms would need to explained, the refund process for a canceled part both staff and guests – would need be grouped Quest Program and its Riverfront Park Concert leave. time session would be far less strenuous than together, as would all members of a shared Series have been canceled. “Every child, all staff, every day,” Foley said. one for a full-time session household. Foley said after much deliberation with his “Our staff do a great job, but constant enforce- “I really hope the community understands Foley said it wasn’t easy to notify perform- department, the Brownstone Quorum and other ment would take its toll.” Foley explained a how we came to this decision,” Foley said. “We ers, acts and sponsors of the cancellation, but officials and organizers decided running a full- sanitation and hand washing schedule would hope they’re ready to return when we’re back that the safety of the town’s residents is para- time summer camp was too risky. need to be drummed up and adhered to, with to some kind of norm.” mount. “I can’t confidently say we’d be able to ap- limited staff having to ensure dozens of chil- Foley said he and his department will “hit The Parks and Rec department is trying to ply all the state guidelines,” Foley said, explain- dren follow strict procedures. the ground running” next year. introduce innovative ways to help offer sum- ing that the demands required by COVID-19 “Things will get missed,” Foley said. “Then “I really want to give the community back mer fun to residents. prevention guidelines outweighed the the recovery would be that much more exten- what they should have had this year,” said Foley. “Anything we offer, we have to be comfort- department’s resources. He added that it sim- sive.” Even if there is a resurgence of the pandemic able and confident that it’s as safe as possible,” ply wouldn’t be safe for campers, families, or Staff would also need to wear face masks virus, he explained, then the town would be able said Foley. Foley said he will discuss reinte- staff. Even if camp opened, Foley said, there is throughout the day. Foley said this would make to make proactive prevention steps, rather than grating limited in-person classes with the town no guarantee it would stay open. Should any physical activities – a staple for any summer reactive ones. Board of Selectmen. Now, however, nothing in- cases of coronavirus be discovered among kids camp – difficult and restrained. “We would have more than adequate time person can be offered, and ever-changing regu- or staff, the entire program would need to be Foley said he hopes to collaborate with his for planning,” said Foley. lations make planning difficult. Foley explained shut down. staff, the Parks and Recreation Commission, Town officials have also canceled Portland’s that he hopes to come up with ideas of how to “With that, we’d have to refund all payments and the Brownstone Quorum to offer in-person popular Riverfront Park Concert Series. This introduce programs using town parks. back to parents,” Foley said. If the camp opened classes on a limited, part-time basis. Foley ex- year would have been the event’s ninth, accord- From the Editor’s Desk Observations & Ruminations By Mike Thompson Abolish the police? No. They serve a valu- couragement. able purpose. But reform the heck out of Applauding the police officers charged them? Overhaul them, even? Oh yes. with leaving a 75-year-old man with a brain Advocates of criminal justice reform have injury? Gross. Yes, I know the “blue line” is a a bit of a PR problem with the phrase “defund very strong one, and the brotherhood is very the police.” It doesn’t literally mean to elimi- real, but good grief. The sight of the cheering nate them altogether – yet too many on the officers made me sick. other side (and I suspect they know better) Also gross? In Philadelphia earlier this are acting as if it means precisely that. What month, more than 100 officers gathered and it really means though is to take some of the applauded in support Philadelphia Police Staff large amounts of money states and munici- Inspector Joseph Bologna Jr. as he turned him- palities put into their police departments and self in on various charges, including aggra- reapply them to other areas, such as public vated assault, stemming from viral videos that housing, mental health, and social work – depicted him beating a Temple University stu- areas that frankly police shouldn’t be tasked dent and antagonizing other protesters dur- with having to deal with in the first place. ing demonstrations, according to The Phila- Police are law enforcement. They’re not delphia Inquirer. there to solve all of society’s ills. Former In both the Buffalo and Philadelphia cases, Dallas police chief David Brown said in a the assaults were bad enough – but then for 2016 interview, “Every societal failure, we other officers to stand and cheer? It’s just Local Navy veteran Bill Willinksy was recently honored for his service with a put it off for the cops to solve. That’s too much pretty revolting. Quilt of Valor. From left are state Rep. Christie Carpino (R-32), quilt guild members to ask. Policing was never meant to solve all Also revolting, and incredibly disappoint- those problems.” ing, was an email NYPD Lt. Robert Cattani Dee Leann, Pam Nordstrom, Elaine Cote, Willinksy, and First Selectwoman Susan In a recent op-ed for The New York Times, sent to his colleagues after he took a knee to Bransfield. Philip V. McHarris, a doctoral candidate fo- show solidarity with protestors during a May cusing on race, housing and policing, and 31 rally following the death of George Floyd. Portland Vet Honored Thenjiwe McHarris, a strategist with the In the email, which was obtained by NBC Movement for Black Lives, wrote that mu- New York, Cattani told his fellow officers that, nicipalities can change policies or statutes “so after kneeling, “The cop in me wants to kick with Quilt of Valor police officers never respond to certain kinds my own ass.” by Jack Lakowsky of emergencies, including ones that involve He wrote that the kneeling “goes against Local Navy veteran Bill Willinksy was hon- Middletown Quilt Guild, said the community substance abuse, domestic violence, every principle and value that I stand for.” ored June 16 for his service with a Quilt of Valor nominated Willinsky for the award. homelessness or mental health. Instead, health Even more concerning, he wrote that by kneel- presented by the Greater Middletown Quilt “He’s still giving time to our country,” Cote care workers or emergency response teams ing he took his reputation as a good cop and Guild, a local chapter of the national Quilt of said in an interview with the Rivereast. “That’s would handle these incidents. So if someone “threw it all in the garbage.” Valor Foundation. how we selected him.” calls 911 to report a drug overdose, health I mean, really? Is that how you view it, From 1960-64, Willinsky served onboard the According to Cote, the quilts are crafted with care teams rush to the scene; the police Lieutenant? That’s just sad, and worrisome. Skipjack, a nuclear submarine. He was a tor- three layers. Each layer communicates one-part wouldn’t get involved. If a person calls 911 The kneeling is an incredibly peaceful way pedo operator. Willinksy was stationed at the of the quilt’s three-pronged symbolism. The to complain about people who are homeless, to protest occasions of police brutality against naval base in Groton, and at Key West, Fla. He multi-colored top layer represents the commu- rapid response social workers would provide people of color. By kneeling, Cattani was sig- also served in the Atlantic fleet, and with them nities and individuals served by the military. them with housing support and other re- naling he recognizes the brutality and that it traveled to Scotland and Iceland. During the The second represents warmth, hope, comfort, sources. Conflict interrupters and restorative isn’t right. Cold War, he passed through the Panama Ca- peace and healing. The third is the strength of justice teams could mediate situations where But it turns out it was all for show? He nal on a patrol to Kamron Bay in Vietnam. the recipient and the support of their family, no one’s safety is being threatened.” can’t admit there is police brutality? He can’t Willinksy said he was inspired to join the their community, and their country. It all sounds like a great idea to me. Shift admit that it’s wrong? In that email, Cattani Navy after seeing the film 20,000 Leagues “The quilt of valor is our way of saying, ‘Your the public money to where it needs to go. As wrote, “We all know that the a—hole in Min- Under the Sea. sacrifice will never be forgotten, and thank you Police Chief Brown said, cops aren’t meant neapolis was wrong, yet we don’t concede for Currently, Willinksy serves as chairman of from the bottom of our hearts,’” Cote said. to do all that. other officers’ mistakes.” But……why don’t the local Veterans Commission. He is a According to the Quilts of Valor Foundation Another way to help overhaul the police? you? The infamous “a few bad apples” cliché longstanding member of the American Legion. website, more than 250,000 quilts have been Let’s stop outfitting town police departments is well-known at this point. But if that’s the He helps coordinate the replacement of Ameri- given to veterans nationwide. as if they’re going to war in the Middle East. case, why don’t the good apples say anything? can flags on local vet’s graves. He makes care According to Cote, the local Quilts of Valor You look at the military-grade weaponry and If you see something you know is wrong, you packages for soldiers deployed around the chapter has about 60 members. They have also vehicles many police departments have and speak up; you don’t allow it to let it happen. world. He welcomes returning soldiers. made protective facemask coverings and seat you can’t help but wonder – is that really nec- The whole thing just adds to the “us vs. Elaine Cote, chairman of the Greater belt covers for breast cancer patients. essary? The Hartford Courant recently re- them” appearance police too often seem to ported five police departments in the state give. have acquired mine-resistant vehicles, the So yes, there’s an entire culture that needs same things initially produced to protect to be changed. against IED attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nor does it help when they shoot to kill We really need those in places like Bristol far, far too often. Just over the weekend there and Madison? I had no idea a mine field sur- was the case in Atlanta where the drunken rounded Lake Compounce. man who wrestled away an officer’s Taser was And this isn’t just on the local and state shot and killed while he was running away. level. The federal government encourages it Had he stolen the officer’s weapon? Yes. But – funneling surplus military equipment such A) it was a Taser and B) he was running away as armored vehicles, grenade launchers, from them, not toward them. A public safety weaponized aircraft, high-caliber firearms and threat drunk and wielding a Taser? Definitely. more to various municipalities. So yes, in this But you shoot him in the leg to stop him – not case towns and states aren’t paying for it; the twice in the freaking back to kill him. That’s federal government is supplying it. But you one of my main problems – officers seem have to wonder: why? No matter the inten- taught to shoot to kill, not shoot to injure. And tions, all it really does is solidify even more there are too many tragic times where the per- the impression that police view us, the pub- son killed was unarmed. In fact, just two lic, as the enemy – and it frankly gives the months ago in my town of Manchester 27- bad cops way too much power. year-old Juan Soto was shot and killed by And make no mistake, there are bad cops. police during a standoff at his mother’s home. That’s perhaps the most vital part of any po- His family has said Soto was unarmed when lice overhaul. Am I saying they’re all bad? he was killed. Absolutely not. I personally know enough One unarmed person being killed by po- police that I know that’s not the case. But lice is too many. And there have been a heck there’s a real culture problem here. And it’s of a lot more than just one. an incredibly gross, troubling culture pro- To sum it up: We’re very overdue for an gram. entire examination of police in this country. Look at the recent incident in Buffalo, N.Y., The culture is toxic. The behavior is, often where 75-year-old Martin Gugino was shoved literally, toxic. There needs to be a massive, to the ground by police so hard that he frac- massive overhaul. Like I said, I’m not in fa- tured his skull and was literally bleeding be- vor of abolishing the police altogether. They fore the police officers’ eyes. Not only didn’t can and do serve a very useful purpose; laws they stop to help, but when two officers in- do need to be enforced, and crime unfortu- volved were rightly arrested and charged with nately will always happen. But there needs assault, 60 members of the police to be a big reform of the way police go about department’s emergency response team re- their jobs. signed from the unit in protest. Not of what Changes need to be made. We can’t go on happened to Gugino, but rather in protest of like this. the two officers being arrested. Police then * * * gathered outside the courthouse where the two See you next week. were arraigned to offer loud applause of en- Obituaries Portland Colchester Marlborough Portland Marie Elizabeth Rowe Arthur J. Charbonnier Mary C. Vaughan Dr. Nathan S. Hale Marie Elizabeth Arthur J. Charbonnier, After a short illness, Dr. Nathan S. Hale of (Walsh) Rowe, 82, of 86, passed away Tuesday, Mary C. Vaughan, 93, of Lakeland, Fla., emeritus Portland, beloved wife April 28, at the home he Crestview, Fla., passed professor of animal sci- of DeWitt (Mickey) built in Colchester, with away Sunday, April 19. ence at the University of Rowe, passed away his beloved family by his She was born the el- Connecticut, died Thursday, May 21, at side. He was born Aug. 8, dest of three children to peacefully at his home Middlesex Hospital. 1933 in a farmhouse on Pasquale Caccia and Thursday, June 11. He Marie was born in Old Mill Road in Giuliva Izzi Caccia on was 96 years of age. Middletown, daughter Middletown. He was the May 19, 1926 in Provi- Dr. Hale was a pro- of the late Edward and son of the late Henry and dence, R.I. She spent her fessor of animal science Perina (Agogliati) Margaret (Ruimerman) early life living in Provi- at the UConn College of Walsh. She moved to Charbonnier. dence with her mother, Agriculture and Natural Portland as a young girl, Arthur attended gram- father and two brothers, Resources from 1954 to and as a teenager she met her husband and high mar school in Cromwell Anthony and Joseph. 1985. He previously school sweetheart Mickey. She spent the remain- and graduated from Middletown High School, She attended school in Providence and graduated worked as a professor, from 1946 to 1954, at the der of her life in Portland being an active mem- class of 1951, where he played baseball during from Hope High School in 1944. University of Massachusetts. He received his ber of the community. Prior to her retirement, his high school years. He was especially proud She continued her education at Bryant Univer- bachelor’s degree from the University of Con- Marie was employed with the State of Connecti- that nine days after turning 18 years old, he en- sity and received her bachelor’s degree in Secre- necticut and his master’s and doctorate degrees cut Department of Health, Vital Statistics Depart- tered the United States Air Force and served dur- tarial Science. After graduating she went to work from the University of Minnesota. ment. After her retirement at the State of Con- ing the Korean War. He served honorably for four in the personnel department at The Institute of Born in Portland, the son of C. Harry and Dor- necticut she started her second career at Elmcrest years. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal Living in Hartford. There she met her husband, othy Hale, his lineage directly traces back 11 gen- Hospital in Portland, as a unit secretary. and various other ribbons and was honorably dis- Zane O. Vaughan, when he worked as an orderly erations to his ancestors who settled in Connecti- Marie was an active communicant of St. Mary charged in 1955. at the institute on summer break from the Univer- cut and Massachusetts in the 1630s. Nathan spent Church in Portland for over 70 years. She was a He married his beloved wife Dorothy Rau and sity of Florida. his formative years on the family crop and live- member of the Bereavement Committee, the La- the couple moved to Colchester in 1964 where After marrying in 1949 they set up a house- stock farm. It was at an early age that he devel- dies Altar Guild, the Lady of Lourdes Mother’s they made their home and raised their family of hold on Congress Street and then in the Aircraft oped an appreciation for animals and their proper Circle and The Century Club. She enjoyed trav- six children. They shared 51 years of marriage Trailer Park in East Hartford. She had her only management and care, which he later instilled in eling with her husband and family to various des- before Dorothy predeceased him. child, David Hunter Vaughan, and soon moved hundreds of students that enrolled in the courses tinations over the years. One of her favorites was Arthur was a self-employed contractor and took with her family to Marlborough. that he taught. In addition to his teaching and re- Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. Marie always over a concrete business in 1979. In the mid- While in Marlborough, she raised her son, search he served as advisor to many of the ani- loved going to New York to visit her family as 1980s, his son Arthur (Buddy), took over the busi- taught Sunday School, and worked as a substi- mal science students. Dr. Hale always enjoyed well. ness so he could pursue other job opportunities. tute teacher. Soon, she became office manager at the satisfaction of watching the progress of his Anyone who met Marie knew what a kind heart He was a clerk of the works for the following: the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, and students and all their subsequent successes, which and beautiful soul she had and would offer to help Chaplin Elementary School, Colchester Town later combined her organizational skills with the were later achieved in their chosen fields. anyone who was in need. She was known as Nana Hall, Franklin Elementary School, Town of Port- knowledge she gained from CF&P to advance the At UConn he headed the animal husbandry by her adoring granddaughter and was often re- land for the conversion of Central School to Town causes of the Marlborough Conservation Com- section of the animal science department where ferred to as such by all of Kate-Lyn’s friends. Hall and conversion of Town Hall to the Police mission, The League of Women Voters, and other he taught livestock management courses, as well Besides her husband of 64 years, Marie is sur- Station. He was the construction superintendent community groups. as genetics and breeding for farm animal improve- vived by a loving daughter, Mary Kaye Dadario of the Walmart in West Boyleston, Mass., Pomfret After her retirement she moved with her hus- ment. He further served his students by coaching and her husband Michael of East Hampton, and a Elderly Housing and Marlborough Elderly Hous- band to Crestview, Fla., in 1989 and became a several of the department’s intercollegiate judg- beloved granddaughter, Kate-Lyn Dadario and her ing. member of The First United Methodist Church ing teams, conducting livestock extension and fiancé Thomas Sheehan of East Hampton. Arthur was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan since of Crestview. She was an active participant in its short course programs, and serving as a judge of Marie held a large presence in both her 1946 and during his time in the Air Force, he was Adult Sunday School, Adult Bible Study groups, livestock at major northeastern agricultural fairs. daughter’s and granddaughter’s lives. They will stationed in California and played baseball for the and in the Women’s Club, often organizing out- Several of his judging teams attained a high na- miss their all girl adventures, shopping sprees, Boron Mules, a.k.a. 20 Mule Borax Team. He also ings and contributing her time and efforts towards tional ranking. and daily phone calls the most. To both her hus- coached Colchester Little League and American its affairs. Dr. Hale’s service and dedication to his field band and girls she was their light and support Legion 54 during the late 1970s and early 1980s. She moved to Mansfield Center in July 2019, was recognized and honored with many awards. system; a driving force to live every day with Over the years, Arthur remained active in Veteran to be close to her son and his family. For example, in 1985, his excellence in teaching, purpose and cherish the moments with the ones Affairs. He was commander of the Colchester Those who knew her remember her as an ex- research, and public service was commended with around them. American Legion Post 54 for 18 years. During pert bridge player, an avid reader, a stickler for the prestigious designation of “Fellow” in the Along with her immediate family Marie is sur- the 1970s, he served for three years as chairman grammatically-correct speech, and having a American Society of Animal Science, the high- vived by her loving extended family, dearest god- of the Colchester Memorial Day Parade and cer- shrewd understanding of banking and finance. est honor the society can bestow on its members. daughter Colleen Brede, and many cherished emonies. He was one of the original members of She is survived by her son, David; daughter- He was also recognized with Alumni Awards from friends. the Colchester Antique Veterans and served as in-law, Barbara; two grandchildren, David Wayne the UConn Block and Bridle Club and the UConn Funeral services will be held at a later date. their deputy commander for eight years. Arthur Vaughan and Elizabeth Maria Vaughan; as well Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni As- Those who wish may make memorial contribu- served on the committee which organized the as several nieces and nephews. sociation which presented him with the Distin- tions in her name to St. Mary Church, 51 Free- 275th Celebration of the Anniversary of There will be no calling hours. Funeral arrange- guished Alumnus Award in 1999. Additionally, stone Ave., Portland, CT 06480. Colchester. On written order from the State Ad- ments are to be determined. he held offices as president of the Northeast Sec- junct General, Arthur was appointed to the State tion of the American Society of Animal Science Andover Guard Reserve for Military Funeral Honors Duty and as director, and then president, of the Conti- for eight years. He was the local representative Marlborough nental Dorset Sheep Association. Florence F. Coulombe for the State of Connecticut Soldiers, Sailors and Albert H. Hartenstein Jr. Dr. Hale was active when his children were Florence F. Marine Fund for over 25 years, helping many Albert H. Hartenstein young as a leader with 4-H and Boy Scouts. Af- Coulombe, 92, of veterans and their families in times of need. He Jr., 92, of Glastonbury, ter retirement from UConn, Dr. Hale continued Andover, passed away will be remembered as a hardworking man who husband of the late Bar- his service in the community. He was a board peacefully Thursday, was devoted to his family, his friends and his coun- bara (Ames) Hartenstein, member for Juniper Hill Village and then was June 11. She was born try. died Thursday, June 11, president of the Glen Ridge Cooperative Retire- in Jersey City, N.J., Dec. He will be sadly missed but remembered with at Davis Place, in ment units. He was a deacon at the Storrs Con- 15, 1927 to loving par- love by his children and their spouses, Deborah Danielson. Born Dec. 18, gregational Church and served on many church ents Nunzio and Kreder, Lori (Alfred) Wlodarczyk, Susan (Jason) 1927 in Rockville, son of committees. In addition to being a 40-year mem- Carmela (Costanzo) Ledbetter, Christine (Jeffrey) Durkee, Buddy the late Albert H. Sr. and ber of that church, he later became an associate Rottino. A graduate of (Debbie) Charbonnier, Lawrence (Dawn) Mary (Bosely) member of the First United Methodist Church of Weaver High School Charbonnier; grandchildren, Michelle Kreder, Hartenstein, he was a Lakeland, Fla. Class of 1945, she went David Charbonnier, Adam Charbonnier, Keith longtime resident of Nate was ever a source of great pride and joy on to work as payroll Charbonnier, Christopher Charbonnier, Kevin Glastonbury. for his children and grandchildren. He is survived and insurance administrator for Partitions Inc. for Charbonnier, Pamela Maziarz, Richard Al was a U.S. Army by a daughter, Mary L. Hale of Pineville, N.C.; 32 years. Wlodarczyk, Richard Cooper, Zachary Cooper, veteran and enjoyed sharing many stories of his and two sons, Jonathan Hale and his wife Kathy She was married for 63 years to the love of her Justin Durkee, Chelsea Charbonnier, Morgan time served in the Philippines. Music was a big of South Windsor, and Dr. Daniel Hale and his life, Robert Coulombe, and together they shared Charbonnier; numerous great grandchildren, ex- part of his life. As a teenager he sang in the church wife Linda of College Station, Texas; a daugh- many hobbies such as snowmobiling, camping, tended family members and friends. choir, was a member of the Rockville High School ter-in-law, Ann Hale of Spring Lake, N.J.; 11 and traveling. She was a charter and still active In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he Glee Club, and participated in the CT All-State grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two member of N.A.W.I.C. Hartford Chapter 165 for was predeceased by his grandson, Jeffrey Paul Chorus. Al formed a band playing both the piano sisters, Dorothy Simpson of S. Yarmouth, Mass., 51 years where she served as president from 1976- Durkee Jr.; his son-in-law, Billy Kreder; and his and saxophone. He sang in the Nayaug male cho- and Ann Hale of Portland. 77. She was a member of Andover Congregational loyal companion, Fonzi 2. rus for many years, and the Buckingham Church Nate was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Church since 1953 and was also involved with Walk-through calling hours will be held Satur- choir where he was a member for over 60 years, Ann; his son, Nathan Jr.; and his brothers, Chet Andover Young at Heart Seniors. day, June 20, from 10 a.m.-noon, with masks and as well as playing the piano and singing for the and Douglas. Besides her husband and parents, she was pre- social distancing, at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral family. Throughout the years he found great joy There will be a private burial later this month deceased by her brother, Anthony Rottino and his Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester, fol- in attending his children, grandchildren and great- at the Storrs Cemetery, next to his beloved Ann. wife Edith. lowed by burial in the Linwood Cemetery with grandchildren’s school concerts and plays. For 35 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made She is survived by her two sisters, Frances military honors. years Al and Barbara loved vacationing in Maine to the Nathan Hale Award in Animal Science at Cafro and Gloria Bouchard and her husband Donations in his memory may be made to the at Swan Lake with family. the University of Connecticut. This award was Andy; her brother, Daniel Rottino and his wife American Legion Post 54, 95 Norwich Ave., Al is survived by his two daughters, Karen established by Dr. Hale to provide scholarship Kathleen; several godchildren, nieces, nephews, Colchester, CT 06415. Hartenstein and Janet Cox; five grandchildren, support for full-time UConn students enrolled in and many dear friends and relatives. The Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Christine Faile, Jennifer Ledwith, Matthew the university’s College of Agriculture and Natu- Due to the complication of COVID-19, the fam- Colchester has been entrusted with care of ar- LaBombard, Lisa Loki, Eric Collins; five great- ral Resources. Please make checks payable to: ily will have a celebration of life along with burial rangements. For online condolences, visit grandchildren, Hannah, Gabriella, Nathaniel, Eli, The UConn Foundation, Inc./Nathan Hale Award at a later date. www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com. Jack; and several nieces and nephews. in Animal Science #31082, and forward to the In lieu of flowers, the family encourages dona- Besides his wife, he was predeceased by a following address: University of Connecticut, tions in Florence’s memory to Andover Congre- brother and a sister. 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269. gational Church, PO Box 55, Andover, CT 06232 Graveside service will be private. or Andover Fire Department, 11 School Rd., In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be Andover, CT 06232. made to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giv- ing, 10 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, CT 06106 or to Buckingham Congregational Church, 16 Cricket Lane, Glastonbury, CT 06033. For online condolences, visit www.mulryanfh.com. Obituaries continued Colchester In addition to her husband and closest friend Hebron of over 29 years, Nancy will be forever loved and Nancy Jean Dooley missed by her beloved children, Justin Collins, Andrew J. Kron Jr. Nancy Jean Dooley, Patience Collins and her love Kenny, Siobhan Andrew J. Kron Jr., 67, of Colchester, passed Dooley and her love Ashley and Patrick Dooley 77, of Quaker Hill, for- away peacefully at home and his love Alyssa; her cherished grandchildren, merly of Bristol, passed with her beloved family Ethan Collins, Hannah Collins, Isabella Wisnieski away unexpectedly by her side Friday, June and Landon Wisnieski; her sister, Cindy and hus- Tuesday, June 9. He 12, following a coura- band Scott Michaelson as well as their children, fought a brave fight for geous and valiant four Adam and wife Rueby, Christopher and Bruce many years and after an and a half-year battle Michaelson; her nephew, Glen Piette and his wife amazing night with the with leukemia. Samantha; and numerous extended family mem- immediate family, he Born in Ysleta, Texas, bers and friends. went home and fell on July 5, 1952, she was In addition to both of her parents, Nancy was asleep with his heart full a daughter of the late predeceased by her brothers, Bruce and Glen and peacefully passed. Wilfred and Christine Piette. He was the beloved (Cummings) Piette. Calling hours will be held Saturday, June 20, husband of his high Nancy and her three siblings grew up in from 4-7 p.m., at the Aurora McCarthy Funeral school sweetheart Mary Ann (Ziegler) Kron. He Colchester and attended Bacon Academy. Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester. A was born on July 20, 1942 and raised in New Nancy attended Three Rivers Community Col- graveside service of committal will be held at Britain. He was the son of Andrew J. Kron and lege in Norwich, where she earned her associate’s Linwood Cemetery in Colchester on Monday, Mary Lostocco Kron. degree. She worked as a purchaser for Nova Elec- June 22, at 11 a.m. He graduated from New Britain High School tronics in Colchester and also worked for GBR In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be where he played football and baseball and at- Corporation in Chester for many years. She made to Colchester Federated Church. tended Morehead State College in Kentucky. For worked for Whelen Engineering until retiring in For online condolences, please visit many years he worked in the automobile busi- 2016. www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com. ness in various management positions as well as On June 3, 1972, at Colchester Federated owner and later in the food service business. Church, Nancy married her first love, Daniel Family was everything to him. He was the #1 Collins; together they started a family and brought Colchester fan of his children and grandchildren while they Justin and Patience into the world. Sadly, she lost James F. Byrnes Jr. were partaking in their various sporting events, Danny to a short battle with cancer in 1987. James F. Byrnes Jr. of cheer competitions, dance recitals, and everything Nancy found love again with John Dooley, Colchester passed away under the sun. He will be remembered most for whom she also married at Colchester Federated peacefully at home with singing Happy Birthday on the answering ma- Church on Sept. 22, 1990. With John they started his family by his side chine for everyone’s special day where he always a second phase of their family and brought Thursday, June 11 fol- ended it with “toot, toot.” Siobhan and Patrick into the fold. lowing a valiant and Besides his wife of 55 years he leaves behind Nancy had many hobbies. She was a lifelong courageous battle with his children, Ken (Caroline) of Hebron, Kristine crafter and in her earlier years took an interest in glioblastoma multiforme. (Rodney) Matteri of California, Jennifer Spreng the art of quilling, creating beautifully intricate He was 73 years old. of Mystic and Paul of Martha’s Vineyard; his five framed arrangements for wedding invitations and Born in Brooklyn, grandchildren, who were the joys of his life, Jor- wedding photos. She was a member of the Quill- N.Y., Aug. 9, 1946, dan Matteri, Hanna, Gretchen, and Drew Kron, ing Guild and showcased her expertise and talent James was the only son and Ashley Spreng. He also leaves his sister, Paula at numerous statewide craft fairs. of the late James & (Tim) Ingala, her children Allen (Jill) Gagnon and In recent years she fell in love again with cro- Frances (Verdonik) Amy (Donna Lebel) Gagnon; sister-in-law, cheting, which she began doing in high school. Byrnes. He attended Xaverian High School. As a Raylene Connelly, her children Christian, Regan She lovingly crocheted full blankets first for each young man, he met and fell in love with Eileen (Scott) Lowe, Erin (Ryan) Williamson and Mat- of her four treasured grandchildren. Then, as time Fuller; the couple married in Brooklyn Sept. 27, thew; and brother-in-law, Raymond Ziegler, his and treatments with her illness allowed, she cro- 1969. children Kate (Anderson) Page, Sara and many cheted a blanket for each of her children, her hus- James attended the prestigious Cooper Union nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. band John, and finally in her last week completed in New York City, earning a bachelor’s degree in Due to the pandemic, the services will be pri- the final stitches for Patrick’s girlfriend Alyssa civil engineering. This was followed by a long vate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to with whom she had come to love as part of the and prestigious career with the Connecticut De- the American Diabetes Association. family. partment of Transportation. Initially hired as an Nancy enjoyed nature and took great pride in engineering intern in 1968, he moved up through her meticulously cared for gardens. She along with the ranks over the years, holding numerous mana- other close friends at the Federated Church formed gerial positions including director and bureau a church Garden Club and toured many gardens, chief, and eventually serving as commissioner flower shows, organized a yearly Plant Sale from between 2002 and 2004. After retiring from the the group’s surplus perennials and donations from state, he worked for various engineering consult- their own gardens and they enjoyed many out- ing firms, making a career of over 40 years as a ings with her close group which always included transportation engineer. In the words of former lunch somewhere. Department of Transportation Commissioner With her husband John, Nancy took up hiking Emil H. Frankel, he was “truly a transportation and together they summited all 48 peaks of the ‘Renaissance Man.’” White Mountains of New Hampshire over 4,000 Other accolades he holds include a master’s feet and she became a member of the 4,000 Foot degree from the University of Connecticut, as well Club. She was extremely proud of that and even as participation in Harvard University’s Program started planning to reach her goal of hiking the for Senior Executives in State and Local Govern- Appalachian Trail before being diagnosed with ment. He also spent several years serving on the her illness in 2016. Together with John, they trav- Wetlands Commission in his hometown of eled the east coast, visiting national parks and Colchester. historic sites and where possible hiking short sec- Jim, as he was known by those close to him, tions of the AT, thus at least fulfilling a part of her loved boating, cruising, and travelling around the goal. world with his family and friends. He and Eileen When John started running, Nancy, finding an would often spend the winter months at the fam- opportunity to spend more time together with him, ily condo in West Palm Beach, Fla. also took up running. They ran many miles over James will be forever loved and always missed the early 2000s training and entering many 5ks by his wife of over 50 years, Eileen of Colchester; and half marathons, quite often placing in her age his son, Timothy Byrnes of Manhattan, N.Y.; his group. daughter, Kathleen and her husband Brian Nancy was a native of Colchester, growing up Publicover of Billerica, Mass.; as well as numer- in the Colchester Federated Church. She fondly ous extended family members and friends. He is remembered singing in the choir as a youngster. also survived by an eagerly-anticipated grandson As an adult Nancy spent several years teaching who will be arriving later this year. Sunday school, mentoring young women in Dis- The family would like to personally thank Dr. cipleship Group (Confirmation) and even co-lead- Ahmad Dahar, Dr. Andrew Salner, Donna ing a retreat with two other mentors while the Avanecean, and the nurses at Hartford Healthcare pastor was ill. Nancy was also very honored and for their dedication to James during his illness. proud to be asked to lead the Women’s Fellow- Due to COVID-19, a memorial service will be ship for several years and was named Woman of held at a later date. the Year in 2007. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be Nancy’s greatest joy in life though was her fam- made to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center ily. Many cookouts in the backyard happened over https://giving.hartfordhospital.org/donate. the years and all involved her favorite backyard The Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home of game, croquet. A fierce competitor, no one was Colchester has been entrusted with arrangements. allowed to use the black ball except for Nancy…as For online condolences, please visit eldest she claimed the rights! The family enjoyed www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com. numerous camping vacations including many summer vacations at Hammonasset State Park, the Eastham/Wellfleet area in Cape Cod, and any beach camping on the east coast, her favorite des- tination being Key West, Fla. Nancy was an avid dog lover and she had grown up with several Boxers in her Piette family house- hold. Later on after Siobhan inherited a family pug, Betty, from Nancy’s sister Cindy, Nancy be- came intent on adopting a bulldog and rescued little Buster whom she absolutely loved. She and John rescued Sadie from New Jersey and have had her in their life for the last 6 years.