US. POSTAGE PAID GLASTONBURY CITIZEN, INC. P.O. BOX 373, GLASTONBURY, CT, 06033 POSTAL CUSTOMER PRESORTED STANDARD LOCAL ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ RIVEREAST News Bulletin Serving Amston, Andover, Cobalt, Colchester, East Hampton, Hebron, Marlborough, Middle Haddam and Portland

Volume 43, Number 10 Published by The Glastonbury Citizen December 14, 2018 New Hub Worsens Pocotopaug Woes by Elizabeth Regan The new town hall complex taking shape on the runoff from construction of the Lake Vista Route 66 in East Hampton is responsible for condominiums. levels of sediment-laden runoff some Lake “This is not anywhere near the Baker Hill Pocotopaug advocates say have not been seen days,” Commissioner Ray Zatorski emphasized. since condominiums went up on Baker Hill in “It’s probably going to take more decades be- the late 1980s. fore [Baker Hill contamination] gets filtered out Many local officials, experts and residents of the lake, if it ever does.” have described the Lake Vista condos as the Zatorski, a former chairman of the commis- catalyst for algae blooms that have plagued the sion, has served on multiple municipal boards notoriously impaired lake for decades. They say over the past several decades. water quality issues were exacerbated by a According to the Hartford Courant archives, sewer system installed in the early 1980s that concerned residents first mobilized in Septem- deprived the area of natural spring water and ber 1987 when they noticed water in parts of left the lake vulnerable to pollution from sur- the lake was turning brown and wetlands wild- face runoff. life was dying. Conservation-Lake Commission member Joe “We did everything the town planner and Carbonell said this week that brown sediment town engineer asked for,” the Courant quoted spotted last month in a large portion of the so- Baker Hill developer Eitan Arzi as saying in called “back bay” near Hawthorne Road is the February 1988. “The problems with the lake worst he’s seen “since Baker Hill.” have been going on for a long time. I’ve only Carbonell and fellow Conservation-Lake been here six months.” Commission member Wesley Jenks attended Planning and Zoning Official Jeremy DeCarli last Wednesday’s Planning and Zoning meet- this week said the Baker Hill site plan was ap- ing to ask for stricter zoning regulations in the proved in October 1986 and modified in May lake watershed to help keep construction - and 1987. its environmental implications - in check. A watershed report by lake expert George The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Knoecklein released last year stated Lake ‘Tis the Season… Jacob Lee of Marlborough and Rebecca Ristow of Amston states sediment in the watershed can clog storm Pocotopaug experienced “unprecedented” al- attended last Saturday’s Gathering on the Green in Marlborough, which included drains, prevent vegetation from growing in gae blooms during the summers of 1988 and water and trigger blue green algae blooms. 1989. hot cocoa, a fire truck parade and Christmas tree-lighting. See story, additional At least one member of the Planning and During the Dec. 5 Planning and Zoning photo on page 15. Zoning Commission disputed comparisons to See Pocotopaug Woes page 2 Resident Backlash Delays Gas Station Decision by Allison Lazur Conservation Commission on Oct.15, approxi- Backlash over the proposed Route 66 gas sta- mately 15 residents spent nearly an hour plead- tion continued last Thursday as approximately ing with the Zoning Commission to deny the 35 residents packed Marlborough Town Hall proposal. for the Zoning Commission’s public hearing. Concerns surrounded the possible contami- The Marlborough One LLC project is listed nation of the well system and Lyman Brook, in the Secretary of the State’s business data- which runs through the east side of the prop- base as a venture of prominent local project erty, as well as an increase in traffic and crime developer William Wayne Rand. that neighbors say will compromise the overall The commission closed the Dec. 6 public safety of the community. hearing without a vote on the controversial Glenwood Drive resident Heidi Warner ex- project. Statue statute specifies they have 65 pressed concern about the nearby RHAM days to make a decision. middle and high school bus stop located at the The gas station proposed for the 1.5 acre par- corner of Route 66 and Shepard Drive. cel on 37 Hebron Rd. has been criticized for Warner said the bus often picks up students months by area residents on the Forest Homes between 6:35 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. when it’s still well system who fear contamination of their dark out and at an hour she called a “peak time wells and nearby Lyman Brook. for gas station fill ups for people on their way The well system owned by Connecticut Wa- to work.” ter Company serves approximately 40 homes. “In May 2015, a woman was killed at that Residents came armed to continue the fight exact intersection and that was in broad day- with bright purple signs featuring messages light. I spoke with RHAM [and] they are not such as “A Drip Can Destroy Many Drops” and willing to change the bus stop,” she said. “I Residents filled the room at the Marlborough Town Hall last Thursday to express “Water is Life, Treat it Right.” understand that Marlborough needs businesses opposition to the proposed gas station on Route 66. Messages on bright purple signs Despite the gas station’s approval by the See Backlash page 2 included “Keep the Water Safe & Clean” and “Water is Life, Treat it Right.” 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 Pocotopaug Woes cont. from Front Page “I’m a developer in town that takes a lot of Commission meeting Jenks brought attention pride and takes a lot of care,” Motto said. “I to a recent spate of development in the same really do care about this stuff.” area of Route 66, including the newly-opened Motto and his wife Lisa are developing the Dollar General, a land-clearing project by 59-acre Edgewater Hill project, which encom- prominent local developer Wayne Rand, and the passes the municipal hub site and will grow to town hall complex. include restaurants, shops, offices, single-fam- “I’ve been pretty vocal, at least on our com- ily homes, townhouses, condominiums and mission, that these projects were going to im- apartments over the next decade. pact the overall quality of the lake and, sure Motto said freezing temperatures over the enough, I was right,” Jenks told commission winter will give crews time to stabilize the site members. and install additional protections by the time Jenks described the town’s failure to prevent water is flowing again in the spring. runoff from its own project as “a pretty poor DeCarli later emphasized the current sedi- example for the rest of the community.” ment situation in the back bay is different from Jenks and Carbonell shared photos with the contamination experienced during the Lake commission showing excessive sediment as Vista condominium construction because ero- seen from the bay side of Meeks Point Road sion and sediment controls remain intact. and from Hawthorne Road. “I think what happened over there [at Baker “Please do what you can to make sure people Hill] was it kind of blew out. We have not had don’t just come in and do whatever they want a blowout. Silt fences haven’t been knocked in the watershed,” Jenks, a Meeks Point Road down. We haven’t experienced that,” he told the resident, said. Rivereast. DeCarli and town hub project manager Steve Town engineers are working to figure out how Motto acknowledged the sediment coming from to build sediment ponds big enough to retain the municipal hub site, which broke ground in runoff for the time it takes the extremely fine early October. particles to settle before the water makes it into They blamed a combination of fine soil types the lake, according to DeCarli. and an excessively wet season. Tighter Regulations East Hampton Planning and Zoning Official Jeremy DeCarli said runoff from the Describing the runoff as “heartbreaking,” Zatorski during the meeting bristled at $18.98 million municipal hub site on Route 66 is responsible for a large area of Motto said he’s never seen so much rain. Jenks’s allegation that existing zoning regula- sediment deposited in the back bay of Lake Pocotopaug last month. This contributed “This fall has been unbelievable. The ground tions don’t go far enough to prevent developers photo shows the cloudy sediment in the foreground. is saturated. The rain has nowhere else to go,” from doing “whatever they want” in the water- he said. shed. Jenks emphasized that tightening zoning watershed from 100 feet to 200 feet. That means DeCarli – who serves as the town planner, “We don’t let people just do what they want,” regulations can be done “with very little money all building projects around the lake require a zoning enforcement official and wetlands en- Zatorski said. Then he threw a thick, spiral- out of our pocket.” wetlands permit. forcement officer – estimated rainfall in No- bound book onto the table in front of him. “Those regulations are already in existence Efforts in other areas of the lake include a vember was 200-250 percent over the average “Just take a look at this. Seriously, just take on other lakes that have recovered,” Jenks said. project to install low-impact, sustainable tech- for the month. He emphasized soil from the hill a look,” he said. “That’s just for one project.” “So we don’t have to reinvent the wheel.” nology to remove sediment from runoff on the is so fine that the unsettled particles are able to The volume detailed storm water manage- DeCarli said after the meeting that he has north end of the lake funded through a $236,700 flow through protections designed to prevent ment measures for one 18-lot subdivision within already begun to explore how other towns regu- grant from the state Department of Energy and sediment from making it into the lake. the Edgewater Hill master plan. late their watersheds. Environmental Protection. The grant combines According to DeCarli, the soil is passing Zatorski said commissioners pore over each Describing the existing lake-protection pro- with $248,860 in the town’s capital budget for through “four retention ponds, three levels of application they receive for watershed impli- vision in the zoning regulations as “pretty lim- lake water quality infrastructure projects, ac- silt fence, two rows of hay bales, a row of wood cations and that they enacted regulations over ited in scope,” he said the Lake Pocotopaug cording to finance director Jeff Jylkka. chips and another area that’s probably 6-8 feet the years that have done a lot to protect the lake. Protection zone requires a public hearing for Jenks told Planning and Zoning Commission wide of wood chips stacked up.” He said about 15 percent of storm water run- all development plans in the lake watershed. It members during the meeting that the Conser- DeCarli said the runoff from the brunt of the off from the Stop and Shop property on the also includes recommendations – not require- vation-Lake Commission, which was estab- town hall hub property runs under Route 66 to corner of Route 66 and North Main Street now ments – that applications include elements like lished in 2009, appreciates the funding. the area of Hawthorne Road and Mark Twain runs into the lake through catch basins, com- environmental impact statements, vegetative “When we started, we had zero,” he said. Drive, where it enters the lake through a roughly pared to 85-90 percent that used to run directly swales to slow and filter runoff, porous pave- But he pointed to the $52 million high school 36-inch culvert. into the lake before the former East Hampton ment, and avoidance of steep slopes. renovation project and $19 million municipal Motto told members of the commission he’s Mall property turned into a supermarket in “There are ways to build that have less im- hub project to illustrate what he sees as a dis- never had any discharge off the sites he’s been 2006. pact on the watershed,” DeCarli said. “And we proportionate distribution of resources. developing in adjacent areas on Route 66 since “We spend a lot of time making sure [devel- could start to require some of those things. But “[When] we have $500,000 to combat a prob- 2002. “So it bothers me as much, if not more, opers] do what is best for the town. Our charge we’re not there yet.” lem that is happening because of these projects, than these folks here,” he said, nodding to is health, safety and welfare. And we all take it Recent regulatory changes include expand- it’s not enough,” he said. Carbonell and Jenks. very, very seriously,” Zatorski said. ing the wetland review area within the lake

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 Backlash cont. from Front Page for revenue and tax benefits but there has got walled tanks and pipelines with alarm systems McFarland told commission members she Local zoning regulations require the commis- to be another way that won’t risk the safety of to indicate any sort of leak – the opponents were came to the meeting intending to focus on the sion to consider “public health, safety, welfare, our water and our children.” not satisfied. design of the system in order to assure herself convenience and the protection of property val- According to NBC Connecticut, a 22-year- Michaud suggested tearing down the gas sta- and the residents it would protect their wells. ues as well as the particular protection of the old woman driving eastbound on Route 66 was tion in the center of town instead of construct- But she said traffic emerged as “the bigger is- immediate neighborhood in which the applica- killed after the vehicle she was driving was ing a new one. sue that really hasn’t been solved.” tion is proposed.” struck by a van 200 feet west of Shepard Drive “You want to put a gas station in this town? “What everybody said here today definitely Decisions must be based on whether or not at approximately 4:56 p.m. on May 26, 2015. There has been a million comments that say affected how I think about [this project],” she an application adheres to standards guiding traf- Hickory Road resident Kathy Griswold ‘clean up the center of town – tear the crap hole said. fic safety, stormwater drainage controls, “har- called the proposal “a square peg in a round that’s in the center of town out and put a decent Board member Eric Colantonio expressed mony with the characteristics of the neighbor- hole.” [gas station] there,”’ he said. concerns about the single entrance and exit into hood and surrounding area,” and other factors. Griswold cited letters from Connecticut After hearing residents’ concerns, the Zon- the gas station Hughes said the application should not be Water Company in opposition to the project ing Commission spoke out in opposition of the “I think the traffic that already exists on judged as a “popularity contest.” because of the “unreasonable risk” the site’s proposal with reasons involving traffic, prox- [Route 66] is going to be problematic with the “Remember, you have to vote the will of the location poses to the well system. imity to the well system and groundwater pol- one in, one out [entrance and exit],” Colantonio [zoning] regulations, not the will of the people,” Hickory Road resident Lou Michaud said as lution and runoff. said. he said. a fisherman he’s also worried about the con- Chairman Kevin Asklar said he felt the plan Board member Mark Merritt said he was “Then I guess we better pull out the regs and tamination of Lyman Brook, which is a tribu- “pose[s] an undue risk to a large portion of the “excited” when he first learned of the proposal, start looking point by point,” McFarland re- tary to Blackledge River, and ultimately the community and their community well, which but his feelings have since changed. sponded. Salmon River. sits in very close proximity to the fueling sta- He credited comments from the public, com- Asklar suggested Hughes “draft a motion of “I’m worried about everybody’s kids and our tion.” bined with the objections from the Connecticut denial based on traffic and concerns for ground- water, but I’m also worried about the fish,” he He also expressed concern about an increase Water Company, with his change of heart. water pollution and run off.” said. “I always believed in putting back into in traffic with cars making special trips off of If he lived near the proposed gas station, he McFarland chimed in to recommend adding our environment and if we destroy the Lyman Route 2 to fuel up in Marlborough. said, he would be at the same meeting “on the the proximity of the site to the well system in Brook, which is a tributary to all these main Vice Chairman Susan McFarland said that other side of the table.” that motion. arteries, what are we saying?” while the site’s design addresses a storm water “I just can’t support it, and I really wanted The public hearing was closed, no vote was Hickory Road Resident Linda Desjardins pollution prevention plan and water quality is- to,” he said. taken on the proposal and the discussion was said, “I am absolutely opposed. We already have sues, she felt it was her job to consider the pub- McFarland reiterated her reservations about tabled to continue at the next Zoning Commis- two gas stations; are we trying to turn into the lic sentiment and address the bigger issue of the project based on the public’s input. sion meeting on January 3 at 7 p.m. in Town Berlin Turnpike? I don’t think so. We are try- increased traffic. “If I’m going to vote the will of the people, Hall. ing to fit a big guy in a little coat,” she said. “[The] storm water pollution prevention plan I’m not in favor of it at this point,” she said. Hughes said Monday a vote will take place Despite numerous safeguards outlined by is above and beyond, really, of what’s required, That’s when Town Planner Peter Hughes at the January meeting once “a motion of de- project enginer Robert Baltramaitis during the but if part of my job is to listen to the public I advised McFarland that a project’s adherence nial can be drafted and sent out to the Com- public hearing – including catch basins, a sec- heard a really, really, loud, screaming no,” she to zoning regulations must be the guiding force mission so they can review it against the regu- ondary containment around each pump’s fill said. in any commission decision. lations which govern the decision process.” port to protect against overfilling, and double- Hundreds Flock to Marlborough’s Town Green to Celebrate Season by Allison Lazur of Columbus doled out buttery popcorn. Snow may have not covered the ground but Colchester, Hebron, Columbia, Lebanon, winter was definitely in the air last Saturday East Hampton and Marlborough all had a pres- night when about 500 people bundled up and ence in the fire truck parade that delivered Santa gathered on the Marlborough green for the Claus. town’s annual holiday celebration. Even a handcrafted sleigh by the Hebron Fire And it was a merry time all around, as people Department was donated to be used during the welcomed Santa, ate cookies and made memo- event. ries, against the backdrop of fireworks and a Familiar tunes such as “Jingle Bell Rock” community Christmas tree. and “Blue Christmas” blared from a speaker The event is sponsored by a conglomerate while children of all ages played in hay scat- of forces including the Marlborough Fire De- tered across the green as though it was freshly partment, Parks and Recreation, Roy B. fallen snow. Pettengill Ambulance and Knights of Colum- The Christmas tree – the center of it all – bus, said Marlborough Fire Rescue Captain was decorated by It’s So Ranunculus Flower Mark Merritt. Shoppe and donned oversized red and white The Marlborough Fire Department created ribbons, spherical ornaments and gold snow- a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $5,000 flakes. for the ever popular fireworks that concluded The lights for the tree were donated by the event. The campaign raised $4,720 for the Streamline Electric, LLC. display. Resident Torrey Trzcienski, who said she Merritt said this week he thought the event recently moved back to the house she grew up went “great,” but said he was “disappointed in, was no stranger to Marlborough Christmas with the crowd.” celebrations. “There was a snowstorm last year [but still] “It’s fun to see the town come together for I think we had twice as many people, but the the holidays,” she said. “I remember as a kid people that did come really enjoyed them- doing the big carol sing in the Marlborough selves,” he said. Barn so it’s nice to see that they are bringing Resident Steve Pozzato said he and his fam- back the community and getting people together ily attended because it’s one of the few events for the holidays.” Fire trucks from Marlborough, Colchester, Hebron, Columbia, Lebanon and East the town hosts. Marlborough Elementary School Principal Hampton all decorated in Christmas lights participated in last Saturday’s Gathering “It’s something that our town is actually in- Dan White and Assistant Principal Kim Kelley on the Green in a parade on North Main Street. volved with. We are able to get out, enjoy braved the cold to sprinkle holiday cheer by everybody’s company and see some friends, assisting the Marlborough PTO in handing out Marlborough resident Jacob Lee and friend Marlborough hosts as possible and I just have have some popcorn and hot chocolate,” he said, cookies and Ladies Auxiliary donated candy Rebecca Ristow of Amston were all smiles as a lot of pride in the town.” adding, “We don’t have a lot that goes on in canes. they chatted near the Christmas tree. Both Lee and Ristow said there favorite part town so it’s nice to get out here and use the Selectman Cliff Denniss was full of cheer, Lee said he grew up in Marlborough and has is reconnecting with friends on the green. green that doesn’t get used much during the despite being fully bundled up like most on the lived out of state in the past, but always winds “I’m really glad we came out because I’ve year.” green. up returning to town. seen a lot of people that I know,” Ristow said. Hot cocoa donated by Dunkin’ Donuts was “It’s cold,” he said with a smile, but added, “I really love it here,” he said. “Coming out “Everyone is one big family and everyone is distributed by the Ladies Auxiliary, while the “I think it’s great people come out to celebrate [to the Gathering on the Green] is really spe- here and happy – it’s like a break from every- Senior Center provided cookies and the Knights and enjoy the festivities.” cial because I like to go to as many events that day life.”

Career Switch Leads to Portland Daycare Center by Elizabeth Regan Diana Gentile made the switch from corpo- spired by her now 6-year-old son, whom she Gentile described a daycare program focused having a really great time,” she said. rate casual to daycare denim when she opened has affectionately referred to as “Little Bear” on structure and continuity between the differ- A partnership with Ellington Public Schools Little Bear’s Adventure Center just over two ever since he was born. ent age levels. Monthly program themes unify has enabled her to observe its preschool pro- months ago. Her sister, Illena, serves as her assistant di- the curriculum with activities and projects tai- gram and to bring those techniques back to the The career – and wardrobe – change was rector. Her staff of 18 teachers serve 40 chil- lored to each group. December’s theme is win- center. three years in the making. It began when her dren currently. ter, with children working on art with “rein- “I don’t have all the answers and I’m not an son, who was 3 years old at the time, was strug- “Even though it’s a center, I want people to deer toes and mistletoe and mittens” and sing- expert in everything, so I network and partner gling with sensory-processing issues at a large feel like it’s a family-run place. We wanted to ing songs along those same lines. with the people who are,” she said. daycare center while she commuted to Hart- keep it homey-feeling,” Gentile said. A heavy focus on sensory activities, inspired Gentile is in the process of hiring a certified ford for her job in the insurance industry. The transition from the boardroom to board by her son’s difficulties, takes the form of table- head teacher for the preschool program who will “I’d pick him up and he didn’t have a good books has been a good one for Gentile. top and water-based activities that allow chil- come on board in January. She is also looking day. And they weren’t equipped to really help “The conversations are very different. The dren to sort, match, make pretend apple pies for a camp director to help build a summer camp him,” she said. problems you’re solving are very different,” she with oatmeal or dig through leaves to find fake program divided into week-long sessions so Gentile of Amston knew then that she wanted said. “We get to know the kids and we get to bugs with a magnifying glass. parents can pick and choose which ones they’d to run her own daycare center. know their behaviors, what they like and what “Kids can really explore, get their fingers wet like their children to attend. “In January, I decided this is going to be my they don’t like. So that’s fun. It’s different ev- and work on their fine motor skills,” she said. “I want the center to continue to be a place year,” she said. ery day.” Daily movement activities could include where parents are proud to bring their kids, Describing it as “a crazy story about fate,” She feels like she’s making a difference in parachute games, ribbons, yoga and dance to where they feel their kids are happy, they’re she recounted how an employee at Liberty Bank the community, too. keep the kids active even if it’s too cold to play having a lot of fun, they’re learning with their in Marlborough told her in April that the owner “When you’re on a project saving a company outside. friends and we are getting them ready for kin- of Children’s Lighthouse Childcare and Learn- a lot of money or you’re on a project with 50 Children from six weeks to 3 years old are dergarten,” she said. ing Center in Portland might be a good person other people, that sense of accomplishment can housed in the front building and one room of Little Bear’s Adventure Center on 1255 Port- to talk to. kind of get lost,” she said. the back building; the preschool and before- and land Cobalt Rd. can be reached at 860-933- “The bank knew I was looking to buy; they The center has already collected three hefty after-school programs are housed in the back. 2738 or [email protected]. The cen- knew she was thinking about selling at some boxes of food for the Portland Food Bank and Gentile is focused on delivering a preschool ter will host an open house in January featur- point. And they just got us in touch with each will be participating in a toy drive this month program parents can trust as an alternative to ing a discussion by a financial planner about other,” Gentile said. through the Portland Police Department. the public school system. how to save for college. The date will be an- On Oct. 1, the two-building campus on 1255 “We do give back to the community,” she “We are mirroring that and are working re- nounced on the Little Bear’s Adventure Center Portland Cobalt Rd. opened its doors as Little said. “It’s something that’s important to me, to ally hard to make the families comfortable that Facebook page. Bear’s Adventure Center. The name was in- get the families involved.” the kids are learning – not only learning, but East Hampton School Board, Teachers’ Union Agree on New Contract by Elizabeth Regan The East Hampton Board of Education and emailed request for comment by press time. With the step system factored in, the con- “Knowing we were on the low end of the the teachers’ union have agreed to a three-year The agreement was lauded by councilors as tract represents a 1.75 pay increase for teach- steps but the high end of the pay scale, we some- contract that delivers raises but also adds an- “very good” and “very fair.” ers in year one, 2.74 percent in year two and how had to balance that all out,” Goff said. other rung to the salary ladder so it takes edu- “It’s a very good contract, which I’ve not al- 2.90 in year three. The Board of Education’s team was made cators longer to reach the highest-paying step. ways said in the past. But I do think so this A teacher with a bachelor’s degree on the up of Goff, Schurin, Superintendent of Schools The contract includes a year-one freeze of year,” Chairman Melissa Engel said. lowest step of the salary schedule makes Paul K. Smith, business manager Karen Asetta the salary schedule to prevent any teachers from The council in 2016 forced the administra- $50,719 this year, based on the contract. A and several school board members. Finance rising to a higher-paying bracket in 2019. tors’ contract into arbitration after complain- teacher with a master’s degree on the top step board member Bridget McLennan represented The agreement was reached in arbitration ing the school board didn’t do enough to nego- of the schedule makes $93,059. the town as an observer based on a provision in after the school board and East Hampton Edu- tiate reasonable raises. Arbitrators disagreed, Teachers, who pay 18 percent of health in- state statute. cation Association representatives were unable finding the salary increases in line with com- surance premiums in the first year, will pay 19 According to the state General Assembly’s to come to a negotiated settlement within the parable school districts as well as with other percent by year three. Their share of dental pre- Office of Legislative Research, a finance board timeframe specified by the state, according to town employees in East Hampton. miums will rise from 12 percent to 15 percent member is allowed to confer with the Board of Board of Education Chairman Christopher Goff told councilors the newly-approved con- over the span of the contract. Education prior to the start of negotiations, be Goff. tract is the second-lowest settlement among the According to a summary by town attorney present at negotiating sessions, and provide any He said arbitration kicked in because time 40 districts that have already approved contracts Zachary D. Schurin, of Pullman & Comley, the information the Board of Education requests. ran out for the two parties to finalize the details for teachers. Contracts in about 15 school dis- net cost to the town in the first year represents “Bridget was great,” Goff said. “I wanted to – not because they weren’t willing to compro- tricts remain unsettled, he said. an increase of 1.7 percent when both salary in- hear her thoughts. I tried to make her part of mise. The new teachers’ contract includes a 1.75 creases and insurance savings are factored in. the whole process.” The school board and teachers’ union percent general wage increase the first two years It’s a 2.6 percent increase in the second year Town Council member Josh Piteo lauded the reached a stipulated agreement on Nov. 15. It and 1.9 percent in year three. and 2.7 percent in the third. school board for its cooperative approach and was accepted by the arbitration panel and The extended teachers’ salary schedule, Goff said concerns about teachers’ salaries for recognizing the ever-increasing burden of awarded on Dec. 6. The Town Council unani- which builds in automatic pay raises for teach- expressed earlier this year by the Board of Fi- contractual obligations on taxpayers amid de- mously approved the contract at Tuesday’s regu- ers based on experience and graduate degrees, nance during the budget planning process were clining levels of education aid from the state. lar meeting. maxes out at step 11 based on the new con- in the back of everyone’s mind during negotia- “This is a very fair contract,” he said. “You East Hampton Education Association Presi- tract. The step system is separate from general tions. did a good job putting it all together.” dent Steve Archibald did not respond to an wage increases.

East Hampton Council Convinced to Stay with Health District by Elizabeth Regan Chatham Health District Board of Health He also gave credit to the health district’s wrote. vide support for a new director and lend his Chairman Andrew Tierney was successful this director, Don Mitchell, for help with the instal- Tierney told councilors on Tuesday that the years of field experience to helping the field week in assuring East Hampton Town Council lation of four “relatively gigantic” septic sys- district has hired a sixth sanitarian who will start staff,” Tierney said. members the town is well-served by the regional tems. work this month, ensuring one dedicated staff Both Tierney and Mitchell emphasized the public health authority. “It was so big the [Department of Energy and member for each town. The district in the past health district belongs to the towns it serves. Tierney was on hand at Tuesday’s council Environmental Protection] had to regulate it,” has been plagued by difficulties hiring and re- “We really are part of this community. And meeting to respond to concerns voiced by Re- Gustine said. “It would’ve been easy for the taining sanitarians, according to health district that’s a two way street. So whenever somebody publican Mark Philhower, who last month sug- Chatham Health department to say ‘that’s the officials. Reasons cited range from a lack of has a question or a problem, please pick up the gested the town ditch Chatham Health in favor DEEP’s problem’ and do the minimum amount. professionals entering the workforce with a phone and call us,” Mitchell said. of a return to the independent health depart- Instead, Mr. Mitchell dove in and was extremely background in environmental services to the Town Council member Dean Markham was ment framework in effect prior to 2002. helpful to us not only getting the project suc- district’s inability to compete with larger, higher satisfied that the town benefits from its asso- Chatham Health District serves the Rivereast cessfully completed, but doing it in a timely paying health departments. ciation with the health district. towns of East Hampton, Colchester, Hebron, manner.” Tierney said the district is committed to pro- “It doesn’t behoove the town to even con- Marlborough and Portland, as well as East In a Dec. 6 memo to members of the coun- viding “dependable” hours during which a sani- sider going to a single-town [health depart- Haddam. The district is one of 20 regional cil, Tierney emphasized the district provides a tarian will be available in each town to receive ment],” Markham said, pointing to the increased health departments across the state. wide range of services and expertise the town and review permit applications in a timely man- expense for reduced services. Tierney, who is Hebron’s town manager, is would not be able to afford on its own. He ner. He said the district will also be providing According to state statute, a city or town with one of nine members on the volunteer Board of counted a local health director, registered sani- more educational and training programs based its own health department must have at least Health. It consists of representatives from each tarians, a public health nurse, and a health edu- on topics of interest in each town. 50,000 residents to be considered for a state town in the district, most of whom are high cator among the professionals currently work- Philhower’s call to explore an independent program that reimburses public health agencies ranking town employees or elected officials. ing in the health district. health department came despite promises of for a portion of their expenses. Philhower, an HVAC contractor and longtime East Hampton pays $142,852 to the health improved service from the health district Even Philhower came around, saying he feels public official, said at the time he’s been hear- district in the current budget. According to through a reorganization already underway. “a little more comfortable things are moving in ing complaints from residents over the past six Town Manager Michael Maniscalco, it would Health district officials have said the planned the right direction.” years related to rude service by health district cost at least $388,000 for the town to operate change will bring in a new director within the He thanked Tierney for the presentation and staff, failure to return calls and delayed service its own health department. next few months and will leave the current di- the promises. in septic system permitting and restaurant in- “Most people don’t understand that in addi- rector, Don Mitchell, to do testing and inspec- “If you assure me of something, you’ve al- spections. tion to food service inspections and septic in- tions in the field until his planned retirement in ways been a man of your word, and I’ll take Tierney was bolstered by two residents who spections, the staff does food service and sep- fall 2019. you for your word,” Philhower said. spoke during the public comment portion of the tic plan reviews, soil testing for new and re- Mitchell, 63, is fully eligible for retirement Council Chairman Melissa Engel described meeting in support of the health district. paired septic systems, bathing water sampling, Oct. 1, 2019. the discussion as a “useful exercise” despite the Glenn Gustine, owner of Nelson’s Family day care inspections, complaint investigations, Tierney in his memo assured councilors the decision to stick with the status quo. Campground in East Hampton and Wolf’s Den well siting, lead inspections and case follow- decision for Mitchell to step down was “not “You can’t just rubber-stamp things one year Family Campground in East Haddam, described up, housing code inspections, hoarding com- made for reasons other than his pending retire- to the next,” she said. “I think there’s always the district’s sanitarians as “professional and plaints and a variety of interactions with local ment.” value in taking a look in-house to see how things courteous and helpful.” social services and senior services,” Tierney “Stepping down now will allow him to pro- are working.” Hebron Woman Loses All Her Christmas Presents in Home Break-In by Sloan Brewster packages can be seen. A Hebron woman said a man broke into her Many of those boxes contained Christmas home in broad daylight last week and brazenly gifts for a New London family, McKeon said. stole every single Christmas present she had “My sons and daughter and I have sort of bought – including some intended for a needy adopted a family,” she said. family in New London. McKeon was doing free legal services for the On Thursday, Dec. 6, Maria McKeon re- family, which includes a mother and three chil- ceived video security footage from her Nest – dren aged 10, 5 and 3 years and a newborn baby. an in-home security system – of a thief going “I didn’t realize how poor they were and how into her Senate Brook Drive house and taking bad it was,” she said. “They can’t even get food all the Christmas presents she had and all her and diapers.” jewelry. The burglar also took McKeon’s jewelry box McKeon, who is a lawyer, was in court and with all her jewelry inside. In the surveillance – as required – had her phone off when text video from her bedroom, he can be seen trying message alerts from the Nest started to roll in. to open the locked box and then giving up and As soon as she turned the phone on as she was grabbing the box in its entirety. McKeon said driving from the courthouse, she discovered she believes if he had managed to get it open them and saw a man walking out of her house he wouldn’t have taken everything inside. with packages. She immediately called 911 and Rather he would have stolen the valuable pieces reported the crime. and left behind the less-pricey pieces, many of “He was so brazen about it – he didn’t care which had sentimental value, so she now wishes at all, he didn’t even rush; he just went through she had left the box unsecured. the house taking everything he wanted,” “He took the whole jewelry box,” McKeon McKeon said in a phone call Wednesday. “He said. “Now I’m mad that I locked it.” took six trips in and out of my house.” Jessica Dapsis, owner of Something Simple With each trip, he carried away more pack- Café, reached out to McKeon and asked if she ages. could hold a fundraiser for her, McKeon said. McKeon said she doesn’t know how the man She said a fundraiser was fine but to direct any got into her house but that in the surveillance gift cards or other donations to the family whose footage he can be heard ringing the doorbell, presents were taken. banging on the door and shaking the lock. “It’s absolutely horrible they took everything Hebron resident Maria McKeon said a man broke into her home last week and “I don’t know if he jimmied the lock,” she from me, but at the end of the day this family is stole all of her Christmas presents. She’s hoping surveillance footage, including the said. more in need,” McKeon said. photo seen here, will lead to the man’s arrest. In the footage, which McKeon forwarded to Dapsis was fine with that. McKeon recalled the Rivereast, the man opens the kitchen door Dapsis telling her, “We’re not going to let this “We’ve gotten a beautiful response so far,” anyone in the area have such a thing happen. and casually enters. Grinch take Christmas.” she said. Since the burglary, McKeon has tightened McKeon described the culprit as having a Dapsis decided to do the fundraiser after she Since sending an email to her neighbors tell- security around her house as best as she could, ponytail, red goatee and wearing surgical gloves heard from one of McKeon’s neighbors asking ing them of the burglary and showing the photo including borrowing her daughter’s dog. and, in some shots, a hood. She also noted that if there was anything she could do, she said in of the alleged thief, McKeon has received tips “I brought the dog home from Ohio, a good he appeared to be wearing an earpiece, which a phone call Wednesday. suggesting that the man is local and may be watchdog” she said. “I lock everything. I lock she wondered if he used to communicate with “I’m totally grateful,” McKeon said, reiter- violent. myself in the house. Every door is locked, triple someone on the outside. The man spent 10 min- ating that she wanted all donations to go to the “I wanted to get the word out,” she said. locked.” utes going in and out of her house stealing, ac- New London family. McKeon said she has reported all this to state Having her house broken into was “unset- cording to the timeline on the video, McKeon On Wednesday, Dapsis posted on Facebook police and was on her way to meet with them tling,” McKeon said. said. that anyone who brings a donation of any kind Wednesday. Police did not return the Rivereast’s “You just don’t think of anyone hauling off “He got there at 12:50 in the afternoon and for the family to the Main Street café will re- calls for comment. all your stuff,” she said. “You don’t know what was out by 1,” she said. ceive a free hot cocoa or a ticket to get one at She said she has lived in her home for 28 to make of all this.” In the hallway opposite the door a stack of any time. years and has never been robbed or heard of

Town Center Water Ban Lifted in Hebron by Sloan Brewster The new water source is relatively close to As of today, the water ban in the town cen- the company’s existing system so the hook up ter has been lifted. should be quick, he said. Once the company Town Manager Andrew Tierney said finalizes the purchase, it will “get in the pur- Wednesday that the Connecticut Water Com- suit of even more water, if we can,” said Patla, pany had found a solution to the water short- who also briefed the Board of Selectmen on age that came on suddenly and unexpectedly the matter last week. in May when the well that supplies the most In the meantime, the new well will increase water to town started coming up short. In June, supply by between 11 and 15 gallons per Commissioner of Public Health Paul Pino de- minute. clared a public drinking water supply emer- “It may not sound like much,” he said. “But gency in the center. it’s really liquid gold out there.” Also in June, Connecticut Water placed a In addition, the company has completed a ban on outdoor water usage in the center of permanent hook-up from the company’s wa- town. ter source at Country Manor on Wall Street to Since then, the water company has searched the center of town, Tierney said. for the reason the well came up short and for a “That’s going to bring them back up where new water source. While officials could not they need to be and that’s why the ban is go- explain the sudden shortage, they were suc- ing to be lifted,” he said. cessful in the hunt for more water. Patla confirmed the connection to Country Dan Meaney, director of corporate commu- Manor was now permanent and that the water nications for the water company, said last ban is over. month that the company had drilled three test “As of [today] we are letting the emergency wells on land near existing wells that were de- order expire,” he said. termined not to be a significant source of wa- Water supplies have been a limit to devel- ter. It also secured access to a parcel of land opment in the Route 66 corridor, which has off Wall Street where three more tests were been a concern of town officials, Patla said. done. The company is in talks with the town on pur- One of the test wells on Wall Street has chasing a piece of town-owned property that proven to deliver enough water that the water may be water-rich and could allay some of company is going to purchase the land, Tierney those concerns. said. “Hopefully we’ll find a real gusher out “One well is providing something that will there,” he said. help the system,” he said. Tierney said town officials were relieved Connecticut Water Company Vice President more water was found and that the ban has of Service Delivery Craig Patla, in a Thurs- been lifted. day phone call to the Rivereast, reiterated what “There’s always water woes, that’s for sure,” Tierney said. he added. Info Session Slated on Andover School Wing Repurposing by Sloan Brewster The boards of selectmen and education want tell the public where we are [with the project] “We’re not calling it a senior center; we’re lectmen will hire it.” to hear from the public on how best to utilize as well as to get input as far as what they would calling it a community center,” Higgins said in Doyen told the school board the agreement the third- and fourth-grade wing of Andover see happening in the space. As of now we don’t a phone call Wednesday. “It will be used for specifies this will be a town project that the Elementary School as a community center. have any input from the community.” seniors but there will be some [other] activities education board would simply be allowing it On Wednesday the Board of Education voted There also is not yet a known cost for the there too.” to be done at the school. Doyen also told the unanimously – save for board member Jay project – although Doyen indicated Wednes- Louden told the education board much the board that attorneys for the two boards were Linddy, who was again absent from the meet- day it would be paid for by the town, not by the same thing, saying the “nomenclature” should finalizing the agreement. ing – to hold a public information session on school board. be appropriate and it was a “community cen- The board also discussed the need for a pri- Thursday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. Louden also suggested that tours of the wing ter.” vate meeting in executive session between se- The vote followed the Board of Selectmen be scheduled for some time in the future. In October, selectmen banned the use of the lectmen and school board members to discuss last week agreeing to schedule the session. The The education board also tentatively set a Old Firehouse after air quality tests confirmed certain aspects of the project, which Doyen said board voted 3-0 in favor of the measure; First joint meeting with selectmen on Jan. 9. The what folks around town have said they have would be possible as it was a contract negotia- Selectman Robert Burbank was absent from the meeting will not be finalized until it is approved known for decades – it is infested with mold. tion. meeting and Linddy, who is also a member of by selectmen, who also discussed the possibil- The education board offered the wing, which Board of Education member Michael Russo the Board of Selectmen, again didn’t attend. ity of a joint meeting last week, but did not is largely vacant due to declining enrollment, said he also wants the contract to “clearly iden- Last week, at their meeting, selectmen made schedule it. and selectmen gave Doyen the go-ahead to tify” what happens if the school needs the wing the same agreement. Doyen and Louden attended last week’s se- move forward with getting architectural draw- again. The only detail left to hash out is where the lectmen meeting to discuss the plans to trans- ings for repurposing it. “If we do take it back, who bears the cost of meeting will be held. Selectmen had scheduled form the wing of the school and transform into Last month, five architects came out and did that?” he said. it in the community room at Town Hall while a community center. walkthroughs of the wing, Doyen said at the Louden pointed out that there would not be Shannon Louden, school board chair, recom- While the plans started out as making the education board meeting. Of those, two re- many changes to the wing, so a re-conversion mended that Schools Superintendent Sally wing of the school a place for seniors to go in sponded to a Request for Proposals. would be relatively simple. Doyen request the meeting be held in the school light of the closure of the Old Firehouse on “What the board is going to have to do is Doyen said Thursday she would likely meet gym, which fits more people. Center Street, the town is planning to make it decide which one of those two firms we want with Higgins next week to firmly establish a The idea for the meeting is to “really look at into more of a community center, Town Ad- to go with,” she said. “The Board of Education meeting location. and get the public’s input,” Louden said. “[To] ministrator Joseph Higgins said this week. will select the architect [and] the Board of Se-

Christmas Tree, Ornaments Taken from Hebron Cemetery by Allison Lazur Gun Wielding at McDonalds in Colchester A Christmas tree and, more importantly, its ornaments have gone missing from New Hebron State Police said a man was arrested last Tree Lane, at his residence shortly after the Cemetery and the owners are asking for its re- week after he allegedly pointed a gun at fel- incident. turn. low patrons at McDonald’s patrons was later Hubbard was arrested and charged with car- Monica Burr said Thursday she placed a arrested. rying a firearm under the influence of drugs/ four-foot pre-cut Christmas tree complete with At approximately 11:21 p.m. on Dec. 10, alcohol, second-degree criminal mischief, sec- a handmade log base on the gravesite of her state and local police responded to reports of ond-degree breach of peace, negligent stor- son Kyle Harris on Dec. 8. a man pointing a gun at people inside the age of firearm, first-degree threatening and But by Dec. 11 the tree had disappeared. McDonald’s restaurant located at 375 South first-degree reckless endangerment. Burr said this is the 16th year she has placed Main St. According to court records, Hubbard is next a Christmas tree at the site – and the first time An investigation of the incident resulted in due in court on Dec. 17. it’s been stolen. the arrest of Jason Hubbard, 44, of 39 Cherry When she realized the tree was missing, Burr said she “nearly collapsed,” adding, “there is absolutely no evidence of it being there what- soever.” While Burr and her family would like the return of the tree, she said the ornaments, some East Hampton Tools Stolen of which are two decades old, are the items of Police News true value. 12/4: Scott Evan Jackson, 26, of 242 East in Colchester The ornaments are angels of varying sizes High St., was arrested and charged with third- State Police said tools were stolen from a and materials, a number of which were given degree burglary and second-degree criminal motor vehicle parked at a residential address to Burr shortly after her son’s death. mischief, East Hampton Police said. Police said on Standish Road. Harris, 20, died Nov 5. 2002, from injuries the charges stemmed from a Dec. 30, 2015 bur- At approximately 2:55 p.m. on Dec. 8, po- sustained in a motor vehicle crash. For Christ- glary. lice received reports of stolen tools and dam- mas that year, Burr said she requested angel Also, from Nov. 26-Dec. 2, officers re- age to a motor vehicle’s rear and passenger ornaments. sponded to 13 medical calls, two motor vehicle side door locks, police said. “That Christmas the only thing I asked for accidents and six alarms, and made 11 traffic Anyone with information regarding this were angels,” she said. “So some of those deco- stops, police said. incident should contact Trooper Chester rations are at least 16 years old and others are Fowler at Troop K at 860-465-5400, ext. at least 20 years old, given to me by family and 4001. friends.” Burr also said a portion of those ornaments Colchester Police News were given to her son when he was a baby. 12/5: Colchester Police said David S. Jones, Each angel was carefully adhered to the 51, of 243 Green Manor Ter., Windsor Locks, Christmas tree with a twist tie to ensure the A Christmas tree and its ornaments was arrested and charged with operating a mo- Marlborough ornament would be secured, she said. placed on the grave site of Kyle Harris tor vehicle under suspension, DUI, failure to Police News Another tree in the same row as Harris’ drive right and drinking while driving. at New Hebron Cemetery are missing 12/6: Colchester Police said William 12/4: State Police said Patrick Reynolds, 26, gravesite was still standing, which led Burr to and Monica Burr and her family are of 211 S. Main St., was arrested and charged believe the tree was not removed during a rou- McGuire, 57, of 39 Colchester Commons, was asking for its return. arrested and charged with DUI. with third-degree criminal mischief, disorderly tine cemetery cleanup. conduct and second-degree threatening. Sexton Jim Celio said Thursday that although weeks ago, before the Christmas tree was there are rules and regulations that might pro- placed at the site. hibit certain plantings and adornments, “we did He disclosed he has “never had anybody call not remove the tree.” me and tell me something was stolen, but in Celio said he is familiar with the gravesite this day and age somebody could have stolen Speeding Results in Minor Injuries in Colchester it.” and Burr and her family and said he “bend[s] State Police said improper turns and vio- sequently jumping the curb and striking sev- Burr told the Rivereast Thursday she has the rules out of compassion” in certain situa- lating the posted traffic signs are to blame for eral trees until coming to a final rest about 75 plans to file a police report, but just wants the tions to allow for such adornments within rea- minor injuries to one man. feet into the tree line, police said. ornaments returned with a promise of “no ques- son. At approximately 4:25 a.m. on Dec. 9, a Milan was transported to Middlesex Hos- tions asked.” While permanent plantings are prohibited at Honda Accord driven by Eliott Milan, 30, of pital Marlborough Medical Center with mi- “[The ornaments] are so valuable to our fam- the cemetery, other decorations are permitted 6 Old Orchard Rd., Bloomfield, was speed- nor injuries and issued an infraction for im- ily, she said. “Keep the tree, keep the lights; I per the discretion of the sexton, the New Hebron ing westbound on Route 2 near Exit 2, accord- proper turn and violating the posted state traf- don’t care. I just want the person who took it to Cemetery Rules and Regulations state. ing to police. fic commission sign. show the love and return the ornaments.” Celio also said the last cleanup was a few The Honda exited off the right shoulder sub- Obituaries East Hampton Colchester East Hampton Gilead Rev. John Roderick Rinell Sr. Nena Schlitter William J. Ley Sr. William Jewett Warner II The Rev. Rod Rinell Nena (Teliak) Schlit- William (Bill) J. Ley William Jewett Sr. died peacefully ter, 96, of Colchester, Sr., 76, of East Hamp- Warner II, a native of the Wednesday, Dec. 5, formerly of Hebron, ton, died at home Thurs- Gilead section of with his wife Pat and widow of the late Dr. day, Dec. 6. Bill was Hebron, died Oct. 25, their children at his side Russell Schlitter, MD, born in Wilkes-Barre, the result of a motor ve- singing hymns, at Port- passed away peacefully Pa., on Jan. 19, 1942. He hicle accident in land Care and Rehab Wednesday, Dec. 5, at was the husband of Florida. Center, after suffering a Harrington Court in Mary (Ocelik) Ley for He leaves behind his major stroke on Nov. 1. Colchester. Born Nov. 37 years. wife, Amy; a son and He was born May 12, 14, 1922, in Chicago, Bill was the son of daughter-in-law, Will- 1928, in Jamestown, Ill., she was the daugh- Gertrude Ley and the iam J. Warner III and N.Y., the son of the late ter of the late Michael late Ruskin Ley, who Shauna (Leary) of Carl A. Rinell and and Helen (Boris) worked at Pratt & Bradenton, Fla.; a Veronica A. Rinell. Teliak and sister of the Whitney, before moving daughter and son-in- He was predeceased by his younger brother, late Olga (Teliak) Fisher of Akron, OH. his family to Middletown when Bill was sixteen; law, Sheri and Brian Palmer of Andover; and Kermit Rinell, and his younger sister, Beverly R. Nena loved literature, poetry, song and orches- he then graduated at Woodrow Wilson High grandchildren, Audra Warner of Bradenton, Fla., Aument. He was graduated from Frewsburg tral music, especially Andre Rieu and Strauss School. After school, he married the late Barbara and Joel, Dylan, Carli and Cameron Palmer of (N.Y.) High School and from Houghton College waltzes. She loved to sing and dance, and music Waterhouse who he had three children with. Andover. (N.Y.) and Wesley Theological Seminary in was always in her heart and soul. She filled Bill had his own business in Cromwell for about He was predeceased by his sisters, Noreen Westminster, Md. He later attended Augustana everyone’s life with the sound of music, through four years; he also worked for Pratt & Whitney Warner Moberg and Lois Warner Roberts. Seminary in Rock Island, Ill., and the Lutheran her warmth, generosity, joy and love of the songs for several years then moved on to car sales for Bill was born Dec. 18, 1947, the son of the Seminary in Philadelphia, Pa. of birds, violins, dance and musicals. Having lost over 15 years. Additionally, he sold insurance late William H. Warner and Doris (Chapman) He was ordained in 1954 in the Augustana most of her vision in the last year of her life, but before becoming a mortgage broker for 10 years Warner. He attended Hebron Elementary School Lutheran Church which later became part of the retaining perfect hearing and pitch, she hummed before retiring. Bill loved telling jokes and mak- and RHAM High School, both in Hebron. He was Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. He the “Wings of Song” on her flight to heaven. ing people laugh; he enjoyed playing setback, cars active in sports at RHAM, graduating in 1966. married his wife, Pat, in 1954 and accepted a call Love of family and friends was the essence of and watching NASCAR. Drafted in 1967 into the U.S. Army, he served as to Maria Lutheran Church in Dagus Mines, Pa., Nena’s life. She was both best friend and ‘kin- Bill was predeceased by his father, Ruskin Ley; a sergeant in the infantry in Vietnam with B Com- that same year. He served as pastor of Hope dred spirits’ to her daughter and granddaughters. sister, Judy (Ley) Pessina; and brother, John Ley. pany, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Lutheran Church in Palatka, Fla., and later was Nena and Russell were leaders in the community Besides his wife and mother, Bill leaves be- Infantry Division, from 1968-69, where he con- called to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in East in Morton Grove, Ill., where they raised their chil- hind his sister, Jane (Ley) Lear and her husband, tracted malaria. He was wounded in action (WIA) Hampton, where he served as pastor for 28 years. dren. She made deep friendships when they lived Richard of Pennsylvania; son William J. Ley Jr. on May 31, 1969, during an ambush, receiving He is survived by his wife, Janice (Pat), and in their later years in Tallahassee, Fla., and then and partner Mary Beaudoin of Lebanon and their multiple wounds resulting in his sustaining shrap- their children, Rod Jr. and Sherry Rinell of Hebron. In Hebron, she was very active and well- children, Michelle (Ley) Reardon and husband, nel that remained with him for the rest of his life. Wallingford, Janice and John Melland of Fargo, known in the Mill Landing community, Russell William, Nicole Ley, Benjamin Beaudoin and For his actions that day, Bill was awarded the N.D., Timothy and Holly Rinell of East Hamp- Mercier Senior Center, Ted’s IGA and the Hair- Victoria Beaudoin; son, Robert S. Ley of Bronze Star with V for Valor and the Purple Heart, ton, and Stephen and Diane Rinell of Bryan, Ohio; line. Her final two years were spent comfortably Westchester, CT and his children, Jeremy Hyde, among other awards. and by their grandchildren, Lindsay and Jeremy and lovingly at Harrington Court in Colchester. Jennifer (Hyde) Druskovich and husband, Bill was a lifetime member of both the AmVets Scott, Melissa and Josh Knickerbocker, Rebecca She was happy and treated with great warmth, Michael; Kelsey Ley and partner, Angel Lopez; a and the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a and Brian Mischak, Chloe Rinell, John-Krist and care and affection there. We are forever thankful daughter, Lori (Ley) Olsen and husband Jeff of member of the NRA, and a member of the Com- Jen Melland, Elizabeth and Chad Cantone, Eric to the nurses, aids and staff who took such won- East Haddam and her daughter, Sara Dombroski bat Veterans Motorcycle Association. Returning and Tonya Melland, Kate and Anthony Novotny, derful care of her. and partner, Michael Foley; three stepchildren, to civilian life at his job with the U.S. Postal Ser- Bethany and Aaron Niderno, Dan and Katelyn Nena was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother Tammy (Carlson) Angeli and husband Michael vice in Glastonbury, he remained there for 28 Rinell, Randy Rinell, Blake Rinell, Scott and and great-grandmother. Love and care for her fam- of Portland and their two children, Michael Angeli years until diagnosed with post-traumatic stress Brittany Rinell; and by 22 great-grandchildren. ily and friends defined her life. In her later years, and wife, Robyn, Chelsey (Angeli) Dash and hus- disorder (PTSD). He was active in East Hampton politics and she was very proud of and devoted to her grand- band, Greg; Wendy (Carlson) Givens of In 1986, adept in carpentry, he built a house in served as chairman of the Board of Finance and children and great-grandchildren. Glastonbury and two sons, Joseph Scovill and Gilead for himself and his family. A devoted hus- also served on the Board of Selectmen. He was She leaves her three children (and their wife, Sarah, Brandon Scovill; Jamie (Carlson) band, father, and grandfather, Bill loved hunting, active in the East Hampton Art Association and spouses), Nancy S. and Edward F. Bader of Grimshaw and husband, John and her daughter, shooting, motorcycles, and four-wheeling. He had served as its president for a term. He had many Colchester, James and Betty Schlitter of Joslyn (Smith) Meeker and husband, Shayne. a strong sense of humor, delighting his family hobbies and interests, the main one being build- Bradenton, Fla., and Thomas and Carolyn Along with 10 great-grandchildren, Luke and and friends with his crazy antics. ing his own retirement home on Mott Hill! He Schlitter of Maui, Hawaii; and four grandchildren, George Hyde, Keva Druskovich, Ernesto and Because of his neuropathy, due to his contact built several canoes, was a potter, a gardener Suzanne Salemi of Colchester, Christine Peach Emmet Lopez, Jackson, Caleb and Wyatt Foley, with Agent Orange, Bill and his family had to (growing much of the food they consumed!), a (and her husband, Collin) of Marlborough, Gre- Mackenzie Scovill, Michael Angeli; and many leave New England’s harsh weather. They relo- violinist, an artist, a sculptor, a hunter, a fisher- gory Bader of Norwich, and Kevin Bader of New nieces, nephews and cousins. cated to Lakewood Ranch, Fla. in 2004. The birth man and he enjoyed cooking and baking. He also London. She also leaves the lights of her life, her Immense gratitude to family and friends who this year of his granddaughter, Audra, revitalized enjoyed hiking and canoeing in the Adirondack four great-grandchildren, Samuel and Benjamin have stood by us through everything. A celebra- him, giving him a renewed sense of purpose. Bill Mountains of New York. Salemi of Colchester and Nicolas and Finnley tion of life will be held at the convenience of the was unable to travel long distances in recent years, Calling hours were at Spencer Funeral Home Peach of Marlborough. family. as a result of COPD and cancer. in East Hampton Sunday, Dec. 9. A memorial The family will hold a private memorial ser- Those who wish may make a memorial contri- A memorial service was held for Bill at the service was held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church vice. bution to the Hartford Hospital Hospice or the Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Fla., Monday, Dec. 10. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name and American Cancer Society. Special thanks to hos- where he is buried. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made memory may be made to CPTV, 1049 Asylum pice nurses and Laurie Berger, the nurse aide that to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Organ Repair Ave., Hartford, CT 06105 (cptv.org). took wonderful care of Bill during this time. Fund. Care of arrangements has been entrusted to the To leave online condolences, visit spencer Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester. funeralhomeinc.com. For online condolences, visit auroramccarthy funeralhome.com. Hebron Cory Michael Francks On Sunday, Dec. 9, at 1:41 a.m., Cory Francks (The Man, The Myth, The Superhero), lost his final battle for life at Hartford Hospital. Born Feb. 8, 1995, he was 23 years old. A son and a brother to all who knew him, Cory is survived by his parents, Sue and Bob; siblings, Tim, Ethan and Sarah; grand- mother, Shirley Miller, 90-plus aunts, uncles, cousins; and his four-legged friends Dolly, Miss Kitty, Sleepy Pete, and Leif Carrotson. After graduating RHAM High School in 2013, Cory helped co-found the family landscaping business LawnTecs SR. During his time with the company, Cory spread his familiarity to people all over Marlborough, Hebron and the surround- ing areas. Working beside family and friends for over six long years, the company ran strong, and will continue to do so in honor of Cory’s hopes and dreams. Usually won over by his quick wit and endless humor, everybody that met Cory became swift and lifelong friends. His commentary on life was like a constant stream of punchlines that never needed a set up. A celebration of his life will be held at Easter Seals Camp Hemlocks at 1 p.m. Saturday Dec. 15. All are welcome. We love you forever and more, Cap. Fly high. Obituaries continued From the Editor’s Desk Portland Colchester David C. Richardson Louis “Skip” Leone Observations & Ruminations David Charles Rich- Louis “Skip” Leone, by Mike Thompson ardson of Portland and 86, of Colchester, A riddle made the rounds on the Internet fore Sunday, hadn’t even attempted a pass Eastham, Mass., adored passed away peacefully earlier this week, and I have to admit, it since 2011. father and proud grand- Thursday, Dec. 6, with stumped me. Let’s see how you fare, dear The Redskins have announced they’ll start father, devoted and his loving wife Lorraine reader: Johnson this weekend against Jacksonville. loving husband and by his side. Born Feb. It’s 7 a.m. You are asleep and there is a Now, Washington still has a slim chance brother, passed away 11, 1932, in Hartford, sudden knock on the door. Behind the door of making the playoffs, so this weekend’s suddenly and unexpect- he was the son of the are your parents, who came to have break- game certainly means something. Johnson had edly Wednesday, Nov. late Carmine and fast. In your fridge: bread, milk (pasteurized!), an okay two quarters on Sunday but, again, 26. David and his wife Theresa (Armentano) juice, and a jar of jam. What will you open before that game he hadn’t played since 2011. Robin Lea (Yalenezian) Leone. first? As Washington goes from has-been quarter- Richardson had just cel- Skip served proudly The answer comes at the end of this col- back to has-been quarterback, you can’t help ebrated their 50th wed- with the U.S. Air Force ding anniversary this past summer. umn. but think about a certain pretty decent quar- from 1951 to 1955 dur- * * * terback who’s been looking for a job all sea- David worked as a chemist specializing in rub- ing the Korean War. He was stationed in Okinawa ber products. He retired as technical director of I don’t know how this managed to stay son. for two years as a B-29 mechanic and went on to under my radar for the past 10 years, but for Airex Rubber Products in Portland, where he be crew chief in 1954 in Bangor, Maine. Yup: Colin Kaepernick. worked for over 30 years. He loved his job and Mr. Leone was the second generation co-owner/ whatever reason I just learned about it over Kaepernick hasn’t played since the 2016 the people he worked with and returned to work operator of City Auto Parts Inc. of Hartford along the weekend, and was pretty revolted by it. season with San Francisco, as a result of his part-time after retirement. with his brother, Anthony for many years and was The New York Yankees kicked a fan out of kneeling during the National Anthem before He was very active in professional organiza- also a realtor. He was a Charter Member of the their stadium in 2008 for trying to go to the football games. The kneeling, done in protest tions, including the American Chemical Society. B.P.O. Elks Post 2308 in Rocky Hill/Wethersfield bathroom during the singing of “God Bless of incidents of police brutality, soon spread Dave served as president of the Connecticut Rub- and was a member of the Donald A. Bigelow Post America.” to other players around the league, and proved ber Division for multiple terms. He was an active 54 American Legion in Colchester. Skip was a The New York Civil Liberties Union to be incredibly divisive. Folks, it seemed, member of the First Congregational Church of longtime communicant of St. Andrew Church in (NYCLU) sued the Yankees as well as the either loved the protests or hated them – with Portland for over 35 years, serving on many com- Colchester and had served on the parish council, New York Police Department on behalf of many who fell in the latter category swearing mittees. He was an avid reader and expressed his handling administrative affairs for many years. Bradford Campeau-Laurion, a Queens resi- off football for good and lighting their NFL commitment to community and literacy by serv- His greatest joy was found in his family, and in dent who had been ejected from Yankee Sta- merchandise on fire. Even the president felt ing on the Portland Library Board of Directors addition to his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, dium by police officers during the Aug. 26, the need to get involved. for many years. Dave loved to watch and discuss he leaves eight children (and their spouses), Elaine 2008, game against the Red Sox. Kaepernick, as the poster boy for the pro- sports, especially UConn basketball and the New (Thomas) Canfield, Tracy Roy, James Gabree, According to a statement issued by the tests, soon became persona non grata in the England Patriots. Mark Leone, Linda (Dennis) Roberts, Todd NYCLU, Campeau-Laurion had been watch- He enjoyed spending summers at his home in NFL and, despite having a decent 2016 for a Leone, Raymond Gabree and Thomas (Jennifer) ing the game with a friend and decided to use Eastham. Dave especially loved Cape Cod sun- lousy San Francisco team, hasn’t been em- Leone; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; the bathroom during the seventh-inning ployed since then. He’s alleged collusion by sets at low tide. He relished spending time there and numerous extended family and friends. with family and friends. stretch. However, the stadium had begun play- the owners in the league, and has even filed a He was predeceased by his two siblings, Nancy ing “God Bless America,” so an NYPD of- Dave approached life with patience and humor. Malloy and Anthony Leone. grievance, feeling he’s being punished for his He was the rock of his family. His subtle wit and The family received guests Monday, Dec. 10, ficer blocked Campeau-Laurion, indicating he social activism. And while that certainly may quick smile will be missed by family and friends. at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old couldn’t leave his seat during the song. be the case, what I feel is more likely is that Along with his wife, Dave is survived by his Hartford Rd., Colchester, before the celebration Campeau-Laurion explained that he needed teams just don’t want to deal with the head- son, Mark A. Richardson of Valesta, Ga.; a daugh- of the funeral liturgy at St. Andrew Church, 128 to use the restroom, the NYCLU said, and ache that would likely accompany signing ter, Laura A. Westphal and her husband Fred of Norwich Ave., Colchester, that morning. Burial attempted to walk past the officer – who then Kaepernick. The media would have a field Madison; two grandchildren, Christian and An- will military honors followed in the New St. An- grabbed him by the arm. A second officer day, fans would be enraged all over again, and drew Westphal, who were the light of his life; two drew Cemetery, Colchester. assisted in restraining the fan, and the two the president would probably start tweeting brothers, Stewart Richardson of Londonderry, In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may forcibly removed him from the stadium, ac- about it again too. N.H., and Leo Richardson of Greensboro, N.C., be made to the church. cording to the NYCLU. The officers refused But you know what? If the playoffs are on and many nieces and nephews. For online condolences, visit auroramccarthy to ease their grip on Campeau-Laurion, even the line, I’ve got three little words of advice Dave was predeceased by his sister, Margaret funeralhome.com. though, the NYCLU attested, he did not re- for the Washington Redskins front office: Deal “Peggy” Walsh. sist the officers. with it. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. The NYCLU – quite rightly, in my opin- The fact is Kaepernick is a good player. 17, at 11 a.m., at the First Congregational Church ion – sued the Yankees and the NYPD, alleg- He led the 49ers to two straight appearances of Portland. Family and friends may call Mon- ing that Campeau-Laurion was a victim of in the NFC championship game in 2012 and day morning from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. religious and political discrimination. In July In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory 2013, and even made it to the Super Bowl one may be made to First Congregational Church of 2009, a federal judge approved a settlement of those years. Portland Memorial Fund, 554 Main St., Portland, in which the Yankees agreed to not restrict Does that success feel like it happened a CT 06480 or Portland Public Library, 20 Free- movement during “God Bless America.” The long time ago? Let me repeat: before Sunday, stone Ave., Portland, CT 06480. City of New York was also ordered to pay Josh Johnson hadn’t attempted a pass since To share memories or send condolences to the Campeau-Laurion $10,000. 2011. family, visit doolittlefuneralservice.com. In the statement, NYCLU Executive Di- And speaking of Johnson, the stats prove rector Donna Lieberman called the ruling “a that Kaepernick’s simply a better player than victory for the freedom of expression” – and he is. He has a higher passer rating, and more I couldn’t agree more. yards per attempt, than Johnson, or Sanchez Look, I like “God Bless America,” and I for that matter. don’t really have a problem with it being He’s also proven with San Francisco he can played during the seventh-inning stretch at handle the crunch of the playoff hunt. baseball games. (It’s just a brief snippet of Washington brass apparently did discuss the song anyway.) But no one should be bringing on Kaepernick before signing forced to stand for it if they don’t want to – Johnson, but ultimately decided against it. The and certainly, no one should be forbidden team maintains it did so for “strictly football” from going to the bathroom during it. reasons, but like I said, given who the It’s particularly ironic that during a song Redskins did go with, it’s tough to wonder if celebrating America – land of the free – of- there’s more behind it. ficers restricted this man from moving. And if it is punishment for social activism, Forced patriotism is not patriotism. or indeed just reluctance to deal with the me- * * * dia sideshow that would unfortunately accom- Speaking of sports, it’s been interesting in pany signing Kaepernick, Washington needs football to watch the Washington Redskins to get over it. The playoffs are – barely – these past few weeks. After losing both their within grasp, and the man who is perhaps the starting quarterback and backup quarterback team’s best hope is ready, willing and able to to injury, Washington went with my old friend help them; he just needs to be given a chance. Mark “Butt Fumble” Sanchez to start last * * * weekend’s game against the Giants. Making Lastly, here’s the answer to the riddle I his first start since the 2015 regular season, opened this column with. What will you open Sanchez struggled mightily – and was ulti- first? Your eyes. mately replaced by backup Josh Johnson, who * * * had signed with the team last week and, be- See you next week.