June 19, 2013

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Antique and Classic Car Show a New Fourth of July Tradition in Essex

June 14, 2013 by
This 1930 Rolls Royce Phantom I is just one of the many beauties that will be on display at the 6th Annual Essex Antique & Classic Car Show to be held on July 4th.

This 1930 Rolls Royce Phantom I is just one of the many beauties that will be on display at the 6th Annual Essex Antique & Classic Car Show to be held on July 4th.

Essex – The Essex Automobile Club (EAC) has announced plans for its 6th Annual Antique and Classic Car Show to be held Thursday, July 4 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Hubbard Field in Essex.  Citing the record-breaking number of exhibitors and attendees at last year’s event, the first year it was held on July 4th, EAC Co-Founder Terry Lomme predicted even greater success for the 2013 show, “We really think we’ve found the perfect time and location for this show.  What could be better than classic cars on an all-American holiday, in an all-American town?”

As in years past, there will be various classes of pre-war cars, muscle cars, foreign sports cars, exotics and many others on display for public viewing and voting.  People’s Choice Awards will be given to the first and second place entries in multiple domestic and foreign car categories.  Admission is $5.00 per person with children under age 12 admitted free.  According to Wes Bray, also an EAC co-founder, “The Club is also proud to continue our tradition of having the show benefit the Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut.”

Hubbard Field is located at North Main Street, Essex.  Owners of classic, antique (pre-1983) or exotic cars who would like to enter the show and would like more information, should contact the Essex Automobile Club at Tim@essexautoclub.com.  Registration forms may be downloaded at www.essexautoclub.com.

Filed Under: Essex, Events

Spaces Available for Flea Market at Deep River Congregational Church- Aug 17

June 14, 2013 by

The First Congregational Church of Deep River will hold its Annual Flea Market on the Green on Saturday, August 17, 2013 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Many of the 74 spaces have already been reserved, so contact the church as soon as possible to reserve your spot.  Spaces are 20 x 20 and the price is $30.00.  For more information please call the church at (860) 526-5045 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to request a map and registration form.   You may also email the church office at office.drcc@snet.net or download the form and map from our church website, www.deepriverchurch.org.

Filed Under: Deep River, Events

Deep River Advertises for New Full-Time Police Officer

June 14, 2013 by

DEEP RIVER— The town is seeking applications for a new full-time police officer position that could be filled by this fall. The closing date for applications is June 28.

First Selectman Richard Smith said this week that he is “think long term,” in posting the new position, even though no members of the town’s current force of one full-time and two part-time officers have immediate plans to retire. Smith serves as one of the two part-time officers, along with Peter Lewis, who also works as superintendent of the town’s waste water treatment plan. The full time officer is local resident Raymond Sypher.

Smith said anticipated savings for the resident trooper position was one factor in the decision to seek applications for a new full-time officer. The current resident state trooper, Dawn Taylor, holds a lower rank in the state police than the former trooper, allowing for some savings in the town’s salary payment to the state for the position. Taylor has served as the town’s resident state trooper since the end of March.

Smith said hiring a second full-time officer would allow for an undetermined reduction in hours for the two part-time positions, while also providing an increase in on-duty coverage hours for the town. Smith also noted he, Lewis, and Sypher have held the police jobs for many years, and could be approaching retirement decisions.

The town is seeking applicants who are P.O.S. T. (Police Officer Standards and Training Council) certified, meaning the applicant has already worked as a police officer and would not require the full initial months-long training at the Connecticut Police Academy in Meriden. The advertisement for the position refers to “recently retired officers or troopers.” The salary for the 32 hours per week position would be in the range of $44,000. Smith said the new officer could be hired this fall.

Filed Under: Essex, News

New York City Developer Puts Iconic Windmill Property on Foxboro Point Up For Sale

June 12, 2013 by
Want to buy a windmill for almost $2 million?

Want to buy a windmill for almost $2 million?

With a price tag of $1,925,000, New York City developer, Frank J. Sciame, Jr., is offering to sell a notable Essex landmark, the windmill at Foxboro Point. Listing materials assert that the sale is, “Once in the lifetime chance to own the windmill.”

They continue, “This unique waterfront [property] is one of the most recognized features on the Connecticut River. It is comprised of multiple floors of living area including, a living room, wet bar bedroom, full bath and more.” (Unexplained is what is meant by a “wet bar bedroom.”)

The listing materials also state that the property has on the third floor a master bedroom with a full bath, a second floor kitchen, and a first floor dining room. There is also a full, unfinished basement with hatchway. Real property taxes are listed in the materials as $15,441.

Windmill Not an Historic Building

Although many locals on the shoreline think that the windmill is a historic structure, it was actually built in 1967. As for further details about the property, it has shingles siding, a basement water heater and is connected to public water. It also has baseboard heating and electric sewer and septic.

The listing agent of the property is Colette Harron of William Pitt, which has an office in Essex.

Filed Under: Essex, Jerome Wilson, News

“Meals On Wheels” Is Signature Program of O.S. Estuary Council of Seniors

June 12, 2013 by
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Chef of Estuary Council, Stuart Tedesco, cooking “Meals on Wheels”

It is difficult to get your hands around the many helpful services that the Estuary Council of Seniors provides to senior residents of its nine member towns in eastern Connecticut. These fortunate nine towns, served by the Council, are Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Killingworth, Old Lyme, Lyme, Essex, Deep River, and Chester.

One undertaking that is certainly in the forefront of the Estuary Council’s services to seniors is the delivery of prepared “hot” and frozen meals to those in need. These meal deliveries are made to needy seniors in the Council’s nine member towns, as well as to seniors in Madison.  If you happen to live in one of these towns, the number to call to enroll in “Meals on Wheels” lunch and dinner programs is 860-388-1611.

However, meal deliveries are strictly limited to persons who are, 1) over 60 years of age, and 2) no longer able to prepare a meal for themselves, or can no longer shop for food.   However, a recipient is not required to have a doctor’s prescription to establish that she or he is eligible for an at home meal delivery.

Donation Requested of $3.00 a Meal

A donation of $3.00 a meal, payable at the end of each month, is requested under the program.  Noon meals on weekdays are delivered “hot,” and a typical “hot” lunch might consist of meat loaf, potatoes and beets, accompanied by coffee, milk and a fresh apple or pudding for desert.

Evening meals delivered for weekdays, and noon and evening meals delivered for weekends, are frozen and must be heated by recipients.

Summing up the service, the Estuary Council’s Nutrition Coordinator, Peggy Barrett, says, “We serve two meals a day, seven days a week, for every person who is a part of this program.”

Hundreds of “Meals on Wheels” Are Delivered

All of the meals delivered under this program are prepared at the Estuary Council’s well equipped kitchen in Old Saybrook. Supervising the entire food preparation operation is Stuart Tedesco, Food Service Manager/Chef of the Estuary Council of Seniors.

Tedesco says that the “Meals on Wheels” service is, “the best kept secret in the area.” “We still serve good tasting quality food for $3.00,” she says.

The totals of the number of “Meals on Wheels” delivered by the Estuary Council are impressive. On a single weekday, according to Nutrition Coordinator Barrett, one hundred and forty-one “hot” noon meals will be delivered by Council volunteers to needy seniors. These “hot” lunches are served to the previously noted member towns of Old Saybrook, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Killingworth, Westbrook, Clinton, Old Lyme, Lyme, as well to seniors in the non-member town of Madison.

Early morning packers of "Meals on Wheels, Ted Pigeon and Scotty Pepe

Early morning packers of “Meals on Wheels, Ted Pigeon and Scotty Pepe

In addition to the delivery of “hot” meals at noon on weekdays, the Estuary Council also delivers to entitled seniors weekday evening meals, and noon and evening meals on the two days of the weekend. However, these meals are frozen and must be defrosted by the recipient.

The meals to be distributed are first put together each weekday morning from a pool of 20 volunteer packers. Then, from a pool of 70 volunteer drivers, the meals are personally delivered to the homes of the seniors who are a part of the program.

"Meals on Wheels" volunteer, Katharina Youll making a delivery

“Meals on Wheels” volunteer, Katharina Youll making a delivery

Other Programs for Seniors at Estuary Council

In addition to the “Meals on Wheels” program, there are a host of other programs, offered by the Estuary Council of Seniors, which deserve mention. Among them are the Café lunches which are offered every weekday in the Estuary Counsel’s main dining room.  One special feature of the Café lunches is that before the meal those attending stand and recite the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag. (The words are listed below.)

Also, there is a thriving thrift shop on the lower floor of the Estuary Council’s main building, which has racks of women and men’s apparel as well exquisite place settings and literally racks of sportswear.

The Estuary Council also has a Medical Transportation service that takes seniors to their medical appointments, either at doctors’ or dentists’ offices, or to medical facilities, such as Hartford Hospital and Yale/ New Haven Hospital. Round trips for medical appointments taking less than five hours have a suggest donation of $35. For trips over five hours the suggested donation is $70.

There are also a staggering number of special programs, which take at the Council’s Old Saybrook headquarters. They range from free health check-ups to senior physical fitness classes, and from Yoga classes to the meetings of the Quilt Club.

Meals delivered (left to right) Katharina Youll and recipients Ann and Thomas Perrone

Meals delivered (left to right) Katharina Youll and recipients Ann and Thomas Perrone

And, now all together, the Pledge Allegiance:

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Filed Under: Jerome Wilson, News, Towns

Dig into Reading…and Dig up Some Treasure at Chester Public Library this Summer

June 10, 2013 by
Sally Murray will lead the Chester Library’s book discussions for John Winthrop and Valley Regional students this summer

Sally Murray will lead the Chester Library’s book discussions for John Winthrop and Valley Regional students this summer

Chester Library’s summer reading incentive program, “Dig into Reading,” will begin Monday, June 24.This program is open to all children, including pre-readers. Children will receive reading charts, stickers, and a bookmark and may join at any time during the summer. Come dig up some good books and “treasure” in your library. Registration, which is required, should be done at the library for all programs. Stop in or call 860-526-0018.

Stories and Crafts (ages 3-7)

Dig into some good messy fun. Stories, crafts and games are planned for ages 3-7 on Mondays, July 8 through Aug. 5 at 10:30 a.m. We will be planting in ice cream cones, making treasure bottles and more. We will also have a surprise guest storyteller.

Compost Stew (ages 5-10)

What is Compost Stew? Children ages 5-10 can find out Wednesday, July 10 at 3:30 p.m. Kellogg Environmental Center and Chester Library invite you to come dig in and discover how to help your home become green, and to make a Seed Bomb for your garden.

Every Body Does Yoga (ages 7-10)

Wednesday, July 17 at 3:30 p.m., Lynn Eddy will present “Every Body Does Yoga,” a yoga program for boys and girls age 7-10. Come participate in this wonderful, fun way to help your body grow strong.

A Poet But Don’t Know It?(ages 7-10)

If you like to write, or would like to learn how to put your special thoughts into poetry, this is a program for you. On Wednesday, July 24, at 3:30 p.m., Hannah Watkins, a published award-winning poet, will be at the library to teach poetry writing.

Crafts for kids (ages 7-10)

Wednesday, July 31, and Wed. Aug. 7 at 3:30 p.m., craft programs in shell sculpture and making sand casts with plaster of Paris are planned for 7-10 year olds. If you love the beach and gathering shells, come dig in with us.

Farmer Minor and Daisy the Pig: Today Show guest to oink it up at Chester Library

How many pigs like to be read to? Monday, Aug. 12 at 5:00 p.m., all ages are invited to meet Daisy, give her a kiss! and help read her a story. We will also hear the story of how Daisy became famous (she’s even been on the Today show). Refreshments will be served; what else but dirt dessert!

Book Discussions for John Winthrop and Valley Students

Dig into a good book and pizza AND fulfill your school nonfiction reading requirement for the summer. Chester Library is very pleased to have Sally Murray back as the discussion leader.

For John Winthrop students, Thursday, July 25 at 5:00 p.m.: The Power Of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg. Why did Rosa Parks achieve fame for her defiant stand when others had taken the same stand before her? What does Target know about you – and use for its own gain? Pizza will be served and we’ll be watching to see who eats the pointed end first! A short written reflection about the book discussed will complete this requirement.

For Valley students, Thursday, Aug. 15 at 5:00 p.m.: The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson.

What do extraordinary architecture, the Gettysburg Address, giant cheese wheels and serial killers have in common? The 1893 World’s Fair! Pizza (without giant cheese wheels, sorry) will be provided. Attendance will count as credit toward your summer reading requirement. VRHS students are reminded to make their summer reading selections as soon as possible so the library can obtain copies of the book for them.

All programs generously funded by the Friends of the Chester Public Library.

And please note: Students entering grades K-8 who participate in their library’s summer reading program are eligible to win one of eight $250 CHET 529 college savings accounts to be awarded this summer. One winner will be drawn from each of Connecticut’s eight counties. Entry is easy, just register for Chester Library’s summer reading program and then enter online at www.aboutchet.com/library. The entry form will ask for basic contact information, the name of the child’s local library, and name of their favorite book or author. Mail- in entries will also be accepted; forms will be available at the library. All information will be kept confidential. The libraries listed on the winning entries will be awarded $250 as well. The promotion runs from now until Aug. 16.

Filed Under: Chester, Events

Essex to Install Cameras at Town Hall Parking Lot and Solid Waste Transfer Site

June 10, 2013 by

ESSEX— The town will soon install video surveillance cameras at the parking lot for town hall and at the solid waste transfer station site. First Selectman Norman Needleman, who initiated the security enhancement, said Friday there would be two cameras at the transfer station site, and one or two cameras for the town hall parking lot. The solid waste transfer station site is located on Dump Road, off Route 154, behind the town highway department garage and the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority regional transfer station.

Needleman said the cameras would cost about $3,100. He said the video equipment would operate continuously, though no one would be asked to review the video coverage “unless something happened and there was a reason to look at it.” The video images would be preserved for two weeks.

Needleman said there have been cases of vandalism and theft of scrap metals at the transfer station site, while the town’s insurance carrier has been recommending video cameras for the town hall parking lot as a protection against possible unjustified slip and fall lawsuits. The cameras will be installed and put in operation this summer.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Essex, News

Essex Selectmen Move Toward Single Monthly Meeting-New Animal Control Officer

June 6, 2013 by

ESSEX— The board of selectmen Wednesday moved toward a change to a single monthly meeting, while also appointing Ivoryton resident Belden Libby as the town’s new animal control officer. Libby, a lifelong resident who is the husband of Democratic Selectwoman Stacia Libby, replaces Joseph Heller in the part-time position.

First Selectman Norman Needleman said Libby began working as animal control officer last week. Heller, who has served in the position since December 1994, announced his plans to retire earlier this spring. Libby was selected from five applicants for the position. Three applicants were interviewed by a panel that included Todd Curry, a state Department of Agriculture official who supervises municipal animal control officers around the state.

Needleman said the duties of the position include maintaining the town’s dog pound, and responding to calls for issues involving dogs or other animals. Libby will receive an annual stipend of $13,000, and use of a town vehicle while responding to calls for service.

While holding off a formal vote, the selectmen moved further toward changing the board’s meeting schedule to a single monthly meeting, rather the schedule of twice-monthly meetings that has been followed for decades. The board began discussing a possible change to the meeting schedule last month, with Needleman suggesting the schedule could be changed to a single monthly meeting with special meetings when necessary.The board currently meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. and on the third Wednesday at 7 p.m.

With no residents objecting to the proposed change at Wednesday’s meeting, the selectmen agreed to vote on the change at it’s July 3 afternoon meeting The plan is to retain the 7 p.m. meeting on the third Wednesday of each month and eliminate the afternoon meeting on the first Wednesday. The board also agreed to cancel the meeting scheduled for July 17. The once-a-month meeting schedule would begin in August with a meeting on Wednesday Aug. 21.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Essex, News

Powerboat Instruction a Popular Feature at Pettipaug Yacht Club This Summer

June 6, 2013 by
Pettipaug Waterfront Director Paul Risseeuw with his class

Pettipaug Waterfront Director Paul Risseeuw with his class

The Pettipaug Yacht Club’s Waterfront Director, Paul Risseeuw, is conducting Powerboat courses at his club this summer. The Pettipaug club is located in Essex, directly on the Connecticut River. The tuition for the one day, nine and a half hour powerboat course is $180, although there are circumstances when it can cost less. There will be a total of twelve of these courses during the boating season.

The Powerboat course includes an extensive “on shore” briefings of how to safely operate a powerboat, and it also includes considerable time on the water as well, where students operate powerboats themselves on boats owned by the yacht club.

The course on the first of June was attended by nine students. The “on the land” part of the course was held in the meeting room of the Pettipaug clubhouse, which was barely cooled by a single fan. However, the students attending, mostly teenagers, appeared eager to learn from the course.

Risseeuw began the course by saying, “We are going to have to correct some of your bad habits,” that they may have learned from previous motor boating on their own.

Risseeuw then patiently asked each student to share their own powerboating experience. Interestingly, many of the students had experiences in sailboats, but very few knew much about operating a powerboat.

There then ensued an hour plus, introductory lecture by Risseeuw on virtually every aspect on how to operate, safely, a powerboat. He spoke extensively on the basic right of way rules on the water, as well as the important principles involved in starting, stopping and maintaining an outboard engine.

Then, it was down to the docks of the Pettipaug club for some “on the water” instruction on operating a powerboat. The students were divided up in crews of two persons to each boat, and before they climbed on board their boats, Risseeuw spoke at length on how to start an outboard engine, by properly using the choke and the throttle.

He also spoke about the proper maintenance of the fuel and fuel tanks of outboard motors, and the importance of using gas that is less than three months old.

There was also instruction on how properly to get into and out of a powerboat. Risseeuw advocated a “three points of contact” rule. Under this rule, when getting in and out an open motor boat, an operators hands and feet should be touching something solid in three places.

Also, Risseeuw stressed again and again that the students should be wearing properly fitting lifejackets at all times, when they are in, or even around a boat. “I wear my life jacket all the time” he said.

The classroom moves to the docks on the Connecticut River

The classroom moves to the docks on the Connecticut River

The On-the-Water Part of the Course

Then it was time for the students to climb, two by two, into their assigned powerboats, and to motor out into the waters of the Connecticut River. Although one of the boat crews had a bit of trouble getting their engine started, requiring Risseeuw’s personal oversight, soon all of the boats were off and running over the water.

One powerboat crew had trouble starting the engine

One powerboat crew had trouble starting the engine

Risseeuw and his assistants had set up a number of in-line buoys on the water, through which the students were required to wend their way. Another exercise was to have the students circle their powerboats between two stakes, which were very close to each other.  Some of the students found this not an easy task.

But soon enough all the boats are off and running

But soon enough all the boats are off and running

After an extensive period of operating the powerboats on the water, it was time for a brief lunch, and then, soon after, more tutoring in the club house.

The topics included a lengthy discussion about the meaning of various navigation buoys, and how they are numbered, colored and designed.  Risseeuw also discussed the basic “Red-Right-Returning” rule, which means, simply, that when a boat is coming in from Long Island Sound and proceeding up the Connecticut River, it should keep the red buoys on their right.

Also, during the afternoon session of the course there was a long review of the right away rules on the water. These were introduced with a caveat by Risseeuw that, unfortunately, many powerboaters have no idea about proper “right of way” rules.  When this becomes evident, he said, the best recourse for a knowledgeable boater is to just to get out of the way.

Under proper “right of way” rules, the vessel that is required to get out of the way is called the “burdened” vessel, and it should give way to an  oncoming vessel.

Boating Can Be Dangerous!

Also, Risseeuw stressed again and again at the sessions that boating can be dangerous. He cited one accident on the Connecticut River last year where a driver in a boating accident had his head severed off by running his jet-ski into a fixed dock. Risseeuw noted in passing that jet-skis, officially known as Personal Watercraft, can travel over the water at over 50 miles an hour.

Risseeuw said in was his opinion, “Many of the persons who ride on Personal Watercraft are idiots and are reckless.”

He also told the students that most boating accidents happen late in the afternoon. This is when a boater is tired with too much sun, and perhaps too much alcohol. In Risseeuw’s view, “There is nothing positive about alcohol while boating. Drinking on a boat can lower reaction times and is never a good idea.”

Also discussed was what to do when a boat capsizes. Risseeuw’s cardinal rule is, “Always stay with the boat.”

“Hypothermia” was also discussed. It means a dangerous lowering of the body’s temperature, which can be life threatening. It can occur when a person spends too much time in cold water. The dangers of having gas fumes on boats were also discussed.

Answering a 60 Question Test to Pass the Course

Risseeuw said that to pass the course the students had to get 80 percent correct of a 60 question test. If they do pass the course, students receive two new boating licenses, 1) A U.S. Sailing certification, and 2) a Connecticut State Personal Watercraft/Safe Boating license.

As for how the students liked the course, Powerboat Student Bryan Byrnes-Jacobsen of Niantic, who appeared to be restless at times, excused himself by saying, “I don’t sit well.” He then went on to say, enthusiastically, that he had learned “a lot from the hands-on experience” of the course.

Bryan will be the Head Sailing Instructor at the Thames Yacht Club in New London this summer.

Powerboat Student Megan Ryan from Ivoryton, said that she thought the course was “really good,” and she was pleased that she could, “really go out on the water.”  She admitted that before the course, she “did not know how to drive a motor boat,” and that the course was her “first time” to do so.

Megan will be a Junior Instructor at the Pettipaug Yacht Club this summer.

For more information on the Powerboat course, which is open to all, go to www.pettipaug.com.

Filed Under: Essex, Events, Jerome Wilson

EHS Hosts School’s Almost Out Strawberry Social – June 23

June 6, 2013 by

Essex — It’s that time of year again when the days are long, children anticipate the last day of school and strawberries start to ripen and ready for the summertime favorite dessert — strawberry shortcake. And what better way to celebrate the end of another school year and the beginning of summer than fun, games and strawberry shortcake?

EHS is holding its Annual School’s Almost Out Strawberry Social Sunday, June 23, 2013  beginning at 1 p.m. — mere days before the local children are released for summer vacation. We always have a fantastic time as well as more than enough servings of homemade strawberry shortcake to go around and we would love to have some hungry kids come help us eat it all. But first, build up that appetite with exciting activities and games fit for the whole family, including a childrens’ colonial obstacle course. It won’t matter who wins or who loses because everyone will be having a good time in good company. And as a special treat, the Sailing Masters will add to our festive mood with their musical talents.

Founded three years ago, the Annual Preservation Award is presented to a building that has been preserved or restored in accordance with the period in which it was originally constructed. Past years’ winners have been Ivoryton Library (2011) and Centerbrook Meetinghouse (2012). The votes have been pouring in for the 2013 winner and we are all excited to see what structure will be the victor! The Third Annual Preservation Award will be presented at the Strawberry Social.

So come one, come all to Pratt House, 19 West Avenue, Essex on Sunday, June 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine! This event is FREE and everyone is invited. The Sailing Masters start their serenade at 2:00 p.m.

 

Filed Under: Essex, Events

The Black Seal Has “Appetite for Life”

June 5, 2013 by

Essex, CT — The Black Seal Restaurant has joined other local restaurants throughout Middlesex County for the fourth year of a special dining program during the month of June – Appetite for Life – to benefit the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center. The Cancer Center offers a complete range of services to meet the needs of cancer patients and their families that includes preventive, diagnostic, treatment, support, survivorship and end-of-life Hospice and palliative care services. Its team approach to care and treatment is carefully coordinated for patients throughout their cancer journey.

On Wednesday, June 12, The Black Seal will be donating 10 percent of its proceeds from lunch and dinner to the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center to support its many services, as part of the Appetite for Life program.

For the complete listing of restaurants participating in the Appetite for Life program during June, to go www.middlesexhospital.org\AFL.

Filed Under: Community, Essex, News

Essex Zoning Commission Sets Hearing on Proposed Dunkin Donut Expansion

June 4, 2013 by

ESSEX— The zoning commission has scheduled a June 17 public hearing on a plan to expand the Dunkin Donuts-convenience store operation in the Shell service station at 23 Main Street in the Centerbrook section. The public hearing convenes at 7 p.m. in town hall.

Standard Petroleum/23 Main St. LLC of Bridgeport is seeking to amend the April 2007 special permit approval for the Dunkin Donuts and convenience store to allow an expansion in to adjoining space on the east side of the same building that is currently leased to the Ashleigh’s Garden florist shop. The plans call for 2,700 square-feet for the gasoline station and convenience store operation, and 500 square-feet for the Dunkin Donuts that would remain carry out service only.

The plans show 24 parking spaces, with provision for five additional; “reserve spaces.” Zoning regulations call for 29 spaces for the convenience store-carry out for service use. The hours of operation would be daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.  There would be a new entrance through the current florist shop space to the area of the relocated Dunkin Donuts.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Essex, News

Valley Regional High School Receives Travel Grant in Memory of Chris Belfoure

June 4, 2013 by
Robin Chapin, Chris' Mother presenting grant from Chris Belfoure Memorial Fund at Community Foundation of Middlesex County

Robin Chapin, Chris’ Mother presenting grant from Chris Belfoure Memorial Fund at Community Foundation of Middlesex County

A $2,000 grant for the bus transportation has been given to the Valley Regional High School World Language Department to help offset the cost of each trip to France and Costa Rica this year. The grant was presented to the students at each of their fundraising events. Chris’s dreams of expanding his horizons were being fulfilled.

Christopher Belfoure was a 2005 Valley Regional High School Graduate. In his junior year he went on the foreign language department’s trip to Italy. This experience opened his eyes to a new and vastly different view of the world. It inspired him to further discover what lay beyond the horizon and explore the possibilities. This was the beginning of his journey to learn about other people and their cultures. He went on to study Chinese at West Virginia University, and this afforded him the opportunity to study abroad in China. This is where he developed a passion for the Chinese people and their language. It ultimately led to employment at EMC Shanghai, China (a computer technology company) where he trained the Chinese employees in learning English, other cultures and customer service.

The Chris Belfoure Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County was established a year ago, after a tragic and fatal accident in July of 2011.

The fund will serve as a catalyst toward integrating multicultural experiences and a broader understanding of people around the world.

The 2nd Annual Run for Chris will also be held on Sat. June 22, 2013, at 8 a.m. in honor of Chris.  All are welcome to participate  including runners and walkers. Click here for more details of the run.

Family and Friends of Christopher thank you for your support.

Filed Under: News, Region 4

Essex Zoning Commission Approves Art Studio for Centerbrook Building

May 31, 2013 by

ESSEX— The zoning commission has approved a special permit for an art studio in the commercial building at 61 Main St. in the Centerbrook section. The panel approved the permit for  NairCo LLC of Killingworth after a May 20 public hearing where the proposed use drew no objections.

NairCo LLC also operates the Killingworth Arts Center on North Parker Hill Road in Killingworth. Business owner Barbara Nair purchased the nearly vacant 61 Main St. building last November for $760,000. The art center would offer classes, programs, and workshops for children, teenagers, and adults. The hours of operation would be Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays 12 noon to 6 p.m.

The commission’s only condition for the permit approval was a requirement that signs for the use be consolidated. The 61 Main St. building has been mostly vacant for more than three years. Over the past year, a section of the building has been leased to a pool supply and repair business.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Essex, News

Deep River Planning and Zoning Denies Permit for 444 Main Street Property

May 29, 2013 by

DEEP RIVER–- The planning and zoning commission has denied a special permit application for sale and maintenance of used construction equipment at a 444 Main Street property after the applicant declined to address issues raised by the town’s zoning enforcement officer and consulting engineer. The panel acted at a May 16 meeting after the applicant, local resident George Bartlett Jr., indicated he would not respond to the zoning enforcement officer and town engineer recommendations.

The 13,340 square-foot former industrial building on the west side of route 154, also known as Main Street, has been the subject of zoning issues over the past year since Bartlett purchased the formerly vacant structure and proposed using most of it for a used car dealership. The zoning board of appeals approved variances related to the used car dealership use last June, drawing objections from the planning and zoning commission over whether one of the variances was a use-related variance that exceeded the authority of the ZBA. The commission maintained a used car dealership was a use not permitted in the Route 154 turnpike industrial zone by a variance.

The ZBA later determined that it had only approved a dimensional variance related to road frontage requirements, leading Bartlett to file a lawsuit against the board late last year. With the lawsuit still pending, Bartlett earlier this year submitted a new special permit application for sale and maintenance of used construction equipment. He had also rented about 8,000 square-feet of the structure to a light manufacturing business.

Unlike the June 2012 ZBA public hearing, nobody spoke against the new permit application at the planning and zoning commission’s May 16 public hearing. But during and after the public hearing, Bartlett told the panel he would not comply with several recommendations from Zoning Enforcement Officer Cathie Jefferson and consulting engineer Joseph Dillon with the Chester firm Nathan Jacobson Associates. The recommendations, and potential conditions for a permit approval, included lighting, a stormwater runoff mediation plan, the location of the proposed display area for the equipment, and a landscaping plan that would include buffer plantings on the north side of the parcel that abuts a residential property.

Based on Bartlett’s comments about the outstanding issues, the commission voted unanimously to deny the special permit application “without prejudice.” He would be allowed to submit a new and revised application for the proposed used construction equipment related use.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Deep River, News

Chester Town Meeting Approves Budget, Capital Projects

May 22, 2013 by

CHESTER-– Voters at a town meeting Tuesday approved a $12,328,940 for 2013-2014 that includes an unusual one-half mill decrease in the property tax rate. The town meeting, the first to be held in the recently completed second-floor community room at town hall, also authorized funding for several capital projects, and revised a town ordinance on the issuance of permits for properties with unpaid back taxes. About 40 residents turned out for the meeting, with all agenda items approved on unanimous voice votes.

The town/schools spending plan for 2013-2014 includes a $3,516,054 town government budget, a $373,620 capital expenditure plan, and a $4,182,373 appropriation for Chester Elementary School. The town’s $4,257,893 share of the Region 4 education budget had already won voter approval in a May 7 referendum.

Due to drops in student enrollment at the elementary school and fewer students from Chester attending the two Region 4 secondary schools, education spending for 2013-2014 dropped by more than $450,000. The drops in enrollment allowed the board of finance to authorize a one-half mill decrease in the tax rate to fund the total town/schools spending plan. The tax rate will drop from the current 22.45 mills to a rate of 21.95 mills. The new rate represents $21.95 in tax for each $1,000 of assessed property value.

On a series of voice votes, the town meeting authorized $273,580 in transfers from various items in the capital expenditure plan to create a total available capital expenditure fund for 2013-2014 of $647,200. Voters then authorized funding for seven capital projects, including $30,000 for town hall computers, $338,435 for road and sidewalk repairs, $56,200 for emergency electric generators for town buildings,  $50,000 for a fire company vehicle replacement, $100,000 for repairs to the firehouse roof, $54,000 for repairs to the elementary school roof, and $4,000 for administrative expenses for the Main Street Project committee.

Voters also amended a town ordinance on issuance of permits for properties with unpaid back taxes. The existing ordinance barred the issuance of any town permits for improvements to any property where taxes are towed to the town. First Selectman Edmund Meehan said the board of selectmen had decided to “provide some flexibility,” to the permitting ordinance for situations where a property needs emergency repairs, such as after a fire or storm damage, and the owner lacks funds to immediately pay off a tax bill before obtaining a permit.

“It can be a Catch 22 for a property owner,” Meehan said, adding the provision in the amended ordinance would “be used very sparingly.” The amendment allows the board of selectmen to grant relief from the requirements of the permitting ordinance “in cases of exceptional circumstances affecting the welfare of the residents of the property or in the interests of the public health and safety.” The new provision would only apply to residential property,.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Chester, News

“Kid Safety” Lawn Signs Have Been Posted Around Essex, But Some Find Them “Tacky”

May 21, 2013 by
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The Essex lawn signs pictured along Main Street, opposite Champline Square, along Grove Street and next to Book Hill Road.

There is a smoldering controversy about the “kid safety” lawn signs that have been posted along the streets of Essex recently.  All the signs carry the same message, DRIVE LIKE YOUR KIDS LIVE HERE.

The sign postings are the work of the Essex Police Department with the assistance of the Essex Boy Scouts. To date the Police Department has distributed dozens of signs to Essex residents, although a few appear to be coming down because of local protests.

For example, there used to be lawn signs out in front of Essex Town Hall and the Essex Library, but now they have disappeared.

A Sign Enthusiast Speaks Out   

One of the sign posters who is proud of her positing is Luisa Kreis Whiting, who lives on Main Street. “I love the signs,” she says. However, she adds, “Some people in town don’t like them.”

In encouraging the posting of the signs, the Essex Police Department has gone about it very carefully. Signs are only given to a home owner who requests one. It is not like the haphazard postings of campaign signs during election time, or the real estate “open house” signs, which also sometimes go up without permission.

Police lawn signs in Essex with their message, DRIVE LIKE YOUR KIDS LIVE HERE, most likely will be around for awhile.

Filed Under: Essex, Jerome Wilson, News

Deep River Voters Approve $14.77 Million Budget Plan at Meeting Vote

May 21, 2013 by

DEEP RIVER— Voters at a town meeting Monday approved a $14,779,461 town/schools spending plan for 2013-2014. The budget was approved on a 48-12 paper ballot vote in the first town meeting vote on a town budget since 2000.

The budget appeared to win approval on a voice vote only minutes after it was presented, with no questions or discussion from the crowd. But First Selectman Richard Smith asked for a paper ballot vote based on a public commitment made by the selectmen and finance board when the panels decided last month not to schedule a referendum vote on the budget. Some voters said they were not aware the voice vote was the final deciding vote on the spending plan.

Deep River has been voting on budgets by referendum since a contentious budget season in 2001. But declining voter turnouts in the annual referendums led the board of selectmen to decide last month to return to a town meeting vote on the budget.

The budget plan includes a $4,094,439 town government budget that includes $348,060 in debt service and $43,000 for capital expenditures. The total spending package also includes a $5,511,158 appropriation for Deep River Elementary School, and the town’s $5,160,924 share of the Region 4 education budget that was approved in a May 7 referendum. The total spending package will require a 0.40 increase in the  tax rate, for a 2013-2014 tax rate of 25.08 mills. The new rate represents $25.08 in tax for each $1,000 of assessed property value.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Deep River, News

Essex Finance Board Sets Tax Rate at 18.99 Mills, up 0.52 Mills

May 20, 2013 by

ESSEX— The board of finance Thursday set the property tax rate for 2013-2014 at 18.99 mills, an increase of 0.52 mills from the current tax rate. The new rate represents $18.99 in tax for each $1,000 of assessed property value.

The new tax rate funds the total $22,664,150 town/schools spending plan that was approved by voters at the annual budget meeting Monday. The new rate was approved on a unanimous vote, though some members expressed a preference for setting the rate at an even 19 mills. Board member Campbell Hudson, a Democrat, pushed for holding the tax rate below 19 mills.

In setting the new rate, the board made no transfers from the town’s undesignated fund balance, which now totals about $2.62 million, representing more than 13 percent of the town’s total annual operating expenses. Taxes jumped by 0.49 mills last year, when the board set the current tax rate of 18.47 mills.

The town is currently engaged in a full 10-year townwide property revaluation that includes inspections of all residential and commercial properties. In discussing the revaluation at Thursday’s meeting, First Selectman Norman Needleman predicted a 10 percent or greater drop in the grand list of taxable property when the revaluation becomes effective next year. The lower grand list, which would reflect the decline in property values since the start of the Great Recession in 2008, is expected to require a higher mill rate, though many homeowners will likely be paying the higher rate on a lower assessed property value.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Essex, News

Region 4 School District Returns $67,875 to Member Towns

May 20, 2013 by

DEEP RIVER, CT – During its most recent meeting, the Region 4 Board of Education voted unanimously to return $67,875 to member towns based on the 2011-2012 financial audit conducted by the accounting firm Grant Thornton, LLP. The Region 4 School District covers John Winthrop Middle School and Valley Regional High School.

“The Region 4 School District is entrusted with the resources needed to provide all our students with the opportunity for an excellent education,” said Dr. Ruth Levy, Superintendent of the Region 4 Schools. “Our Board and Administration work diligently throughout the year to meet this obligation while conducting our business in a financially responsible manner at all times.”

Funds are returned based on the number of students enrolled from each town during the 2011-12 school year. The 2011-12 surplus will be refunded as follows:

Town of Chester $18,734
Town of Deep River $19,765
Town of Essex $29,376

TOTAL $67,875

The district continually looks for budgetary efficiencies throughout the year, and has consistently been able to return funds to member towns. The approved budget for the 2011-2012 school year was $17,324,933 and expenditures for the year came within ½% of the appropriation.

Filed Under: News, Region 4

Essex Selectmen Consider Single Monthly Meeting

May 16, 2013 by

ESSEX— The board of selectmen is considering a change to it’s meeting schedule to establish a single monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. The board currently meets two times a month, at 5 p.m. on the first Wednesday, and at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday.

The idea of a single monthly meeting was raised by First Selectman Norman Needleman at the conclusion of Wednesday’s meeting. Needleman, a Democrat elected top job in 2011, said the board’s agendas have been light in recent months, and he “would be OK with having one meeting a month.”  Needleman said the board could call a special meeting if important issues arose that required another meeting.

Selectwoman Stacia Libby and Selectman Joel Marzi each said they were open to a change in the meeting schedule. The board agreed to discuss, and possibly vote, on a change to the meeting schedule at the board’s next meeting on June 5.

The Essex Board of Selectmen has been following a twice monthly meeting schedule for more than two decades. Selectmen in Chester and Deep River currently adhere to a twice monthly meeting schedule.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Essex, News

State Grant Helps Fund Emergency Communications System for Region 4 Schools

May 15, 2013 by

DEEP RIVER— An $18,025 grant provided through the state Office of Policy and Management will help pay for a new emergency radio communications system that will link the five Region 4 schools and the district’s administrative office.

Voters at a town meeting Tuesday approved a resolution accepting the grant provided under the Inter-town Capital Equipment Incentive Program (ICE). With Deep River as the host town, selectmen and town meetings in Essex and Chester are also authorizing a joint application to apply the funds to the school district shared by the three towns. Region 4 is expected to provide matching funds to cover the estimated $38,000 to $40,000 cost of the radio system.

The funds will be used to purchase radio repeater equipment that would be attached to an existing 100-foot telecommunications tower at John Winthrop Middle School. The new system will provide direct radio communications between the middle school, central office, Valley Regional High School, and the elementary schools in Chester, Deep River, and Essex. The radio system could be used during any emergency, whether weather-related or as a result of an incident at one of the schools. The new radio system is expected to be installed over the summer to be put in operation during the next school year.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, News, Region 4

Navy Commander Philip Beckman Awarded Military Professional Employee of the Year

May 15, 2013 by

Beckman, Philip_CDR_091407 Navy Commander Philip Beckman of Ivoryton received the Award for Military Professional Employee of the Year from the Rhode Island Federal Executive Council on May 8th.

CDR Beckman, on the faculty of the Naval War College in Newport, is part of the College of Operational and Strategic Leadership and interacts routinely with the U.S. Navy’s maritime operations centers around the globe to improve war-fighting effectiveness at the operational level. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics from the U.S. Naval Academy, a M.S. in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Masters in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

The Rhode Island Federal Executive Council (RIFEC) recognized outstanding federal employees for their work and accomplishments over the past year at a ceremony held at the Radisson Hotel in Warwick, RI.

Filed Under: Community, Essex, News

No Changes as Tax Decrease Budget Goes to May 21 Chester Town Meeting

May 13, 2013 by

CHESTER— Voters at the May 21 annual budget meeting will consider a proposed $12.32 million spending plan for 2013-2014 that includes an unusual one-half mill decrease in the town’s property tax rate. The meeting convenes at 7:30 p.m. in the new community meeting room on the second floor of town hall.

First Selectman Edmund Meehan said there have been no changes to the budget that was presented to a handful of residents at the May 1 public hearing. The total $12,328,940 spending plan, which is $419,141 less than current spending, includes the $3,515,054 town government budget, a $373,620 capital expenditure plan, a $4,182,373 appropriation for Chester Elementary School, and the town’s $4,257,893 share of the Region 4 education budget. The Region 4 education budget was approved by voters of Chester, Deep River, and Essex in a May 7 referendum.

Education spending in the proposed budget is down by $467,000 because a declining enrollment at the elementary school, and fewer students from Chester attending the  two Region 4 secondary schools, Valley Regional High School and John Winthrop Middle School. The decrease in enrollment has led to a $426,084 reduction in the Chester share of the Region 4 budget.

Meehan has described the proposed 2013-2014 budget as “an anomaly” that is unlikely to be repeated in future budget years. The enrollment-driver reduction in education spending has allowed the board of finance to recommend a one-half mill reduction in the tax rate, from the current 22.45 mills to a tax rate of 21.95 mills. The new rate represents $21.95 in tax for each $1,000 of assessed property value. Unlike many past years, the board of finance has found no need to transfer funds from the town’s undesignated fund balance as a way to hold down taxes. The fund balance is projected to total $1.57 million when the budget year ends on June 30, 2014.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Chester, News, Town Hall

Giuliano, Ziobron Exploring Options for Ferry Revenue

May 10, 2013 by

HARTFORD — With operating expenses exceeding income, a recent Department of Transportation plan to double fees for the two Connecticut River ferries is being met with opposition from residents along the river valley.

The state DOT wants to increase fares from $3 to $6 for vehicles and from $1 to $2 to walk-on passengers. The discount coupon book that currently goes for $40 for 20 tickets would be doubled to $80. With the ferries running at a deficit of about $650,000, the DOT says this plan will help keep both ferries viable and open.

But residents worry such a steep increase will drive ridership down and ultimately lead to the closure of Connecticut’s historic ferries. State Representatives Marilyn Giuliano (R- Old Saybrook) and Melissa Ziobron (R- East Haddam) are working with local and state officials to look for possible alternatives to doubling the fees.

“We have to be careful not to make short-sighted decisions that have the opposite of the intended result,” Giuliano said. “Doubling the fees might make sense on a balance sheet but, in practice, could be harmful to the bottom line- we need to look at all possibilities.”

“People in this region are passionate about the ferries and they play an important role in tourism including for Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam,” Ziobron added. “We have to do our due diligence to make sure we have explored all our options before we simply double the fees. This has to be an ‘all of the above’ approach.”

Giuliano and Ziobron have arranged to speak with local stakeholders and the Department of Transportation Commissioner to discuss various alternatives to the proposed fee increases.

DOT plans to hold hearings on the fare increases this month. On May 20th there is a hearing in the Rocky Hill Community Center and on May 22nd there will be a hearing at the Chester Meeting House. Both begin at 6:30pm. Giuliano and Ziobron said they would like to attend the meeting in Chester but will likely be held up in legislative session in Hartford.

Anyone wishing to speak with them regarding the proposed rate increases can feel free to call their office at 1-800-842-1423 or send an email to Marilyn.Giuliano@housegop.ct.gov or Melissa.Ziobron@housegop.ct.gov

Filed Under: Chester, News

Essex Zoning Commission Sets Public Hearing on Proposed Centerbrook Art Studio

May 10, 2013 by

ESSEX— The zoning commission has scheduled a May 20 public hearing on a special permit application for an art studio that would occupy most of the vacant space in the commercial building at 61 Main St. in the Centerbrook section. Nairco. LLC of Killingworth is seeking approval of an art studio that would offer arts-related glasses, programs, and workshops for children, teenagers, and adults.

NairCo LLC is a partnership run by Barbara Nair, who operates the Killingworth Arts Center on North Parker Hill Road in Killingworth. The arts center is a non-profit organization in operation since 2003. NairCo. LLC purchased the 61 Main St. property for $760,000 last November.

The commercial building, located near the traffic light in Centerbrook, has been mostly vacant for more than three years, with a pool supply and repair business currently leasing space in a section of the building. In March 2012, the zoning board of appeals denied a variance appeal that would have allowed a coffee and pastries shop in a section of the building. Earlier this spring, the zoning commission approved NairCo’s request to amend zoning regulations to allow art studios as a permitted use in a commercial zone.

The May 20 public hearing agenda also includes a request by the Essex Volunteer Fire Co. to amend zoning regulations to include fire training facilities as a permitted use in the limited industrial zone on Plains Road. The volunteer fire company is hoping to construct a fire training facility on a section of Greider Field, a recreation field on Plains Road that is owned by the fire company. The public hearings convene at 7 p.m. in town hall.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Essex, News

I’m Connecticut Comedy at Ivoryton Playhouse Now Through June 23

May 9, 2013 by

Ivoryton: A brand new play from one of the writers of The Simpsons, I’m Connecticut – opening at the Ivoryton Playhouse on June 5th – is a wacky, fast-paced, sweet, romantic comedy about Marc, a Connecticut native who struggles with relationships and feelings of inadequacy – why?  Because he comes from Connecticut – land of steady habits, sanity and politeness. A must-see comedy for anybody from the Nutmeg State!

First produced at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre, part of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Connecticut, in 2011,  I’m Connecticut became the biggest selling non-musical ever produced in CRT’s Main Stage Series. The Hartford Courant called the romantic comedy “hysterically funny” and named it one of the top ten productions of the year.  It was also named Best Play of 2012 by Broadway World Connecticut and it won a Special Recognition award from the Connecticut Critics Circle.

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Mike Reiss

Emmy Award winning writer Mike Reiss will be joining us for the performances on June 6th, 7th and 8th and will be participating in a talk back with the audience. Mike was born in Bristol, CT but his career now spans both coasts. Mike has been a writer and producer of The Simpsons from its beginning and is currently working on season 24.  He received a Peabody Award in 2006 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Animation Writers Caucus.  He also co-wrote The Simpsons Movie, The Lorax, Horton Hears A Who! and Ice Age, Dawn of the Dinosaurs.  He has published 17 children’s books, including seven Christmas tales.
The cast will include two actors from the original production – Harris Doran and Jerry Adler.  Harris is a talented young actor who, just last year, won the Best Supporting Actor award at the Long Island International Film Expo for his work in the feature film, Junction.

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Jerry Adler

Jerry Adler, a Connecticut resident, is a veteran of over 50 Broadway productions as Producer, Director and Production Stage Manager, including the original My Fair Lady (the revival of which he directed), Coco, The Homecoming, Annie and many more, as well as the Tony Award-winning Good Evening which he directed with Dudley Moore and Peter Cook – before he began his new career as an actor. He then appeared in Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery and The Public Eye with Joe Pesci.  He has since been seen on many television productions, including The West Wing, Law and Order, Northern Exposure, CSI: Miami and was a regular on Mad About You.  He is an original cast member of The Sopranos and was “Hesh”, Tony’s mentor/advisor throughout that award-winning HBO Production’s run.

His recent films include In Her Shoes opposite Shirley MacLaine and Cameron Diaz, Prime with Meryl Streep and Uma Thurman, Find Me Guilty, directed by Sidney Lumet,  Synecdoche playing Philip Seymour Hoffman’s father, and the soon-to-be-released Last Angry Man in Brooklyn with Robin Williams.  On TV, he was the Fire Chief on Rescue Me with Denis Leary and is presently Howard Lyman on The Good Wife.

Directed by Jacqueline Hubbard, the cast includes Gwen Hollander*, Bill Mootus*, Rebecca Hoodwin*, Gino Costabile*, and Elizabeth Talbot. The set design is by Daniel Nischan, lighting design by Marcus Abbott, and costumes by Kari Crowley

I’M CONNECTICUT opens in Ivoryton on June 5th  and runs through June 23rd. Performance times are Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Evening performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors, $20 for students and $15 for children and are available by calling the Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or by visiting our website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org  (Group rates are available by calling the box office for information.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.

Generously sponsored by:  Webster Bank and Comcast

*member of Actors Equity

Filed Under: Events, ll, Towns

Region 4 Education Budget Approved on 274-145 Vote

May 7, 2013 by

REGION 4— Voters of Chester, Deep River and Essex approved a $17,776,120 Region 4 education budget for 2013-2014 Tuesday on a 274-145 vote in an eight hour referendum. The budget, which funds the operation of Valley Regional High School and John Winthrop Middle School,represents a $269,907, or 1.54 percent, spending increase over the current appropriation. The spending plan won voter approval in all three district towns.

But the result was close in Deep River, where the budget carried on a 68-64 vote. The budget carried in Essex on a 161-69 vote. In Chester, where a decrease in students attending the two secondary schools has set the stage for a one-half mill decrease in the tax rate, the budget carried on a 45-12 vote.

A total of 419 voters from the three towns turned out for the referendum. Voter turnout was down from the 2012 referendum, where 619 voters turned out the approve the budget on a 412-207 vote. A total of 699 voters participated in the 2011 budget referendum.

The low turnout prompted Region 4 Board of Education Chairwoman Linda Hall to suggest the board should reconsider it’s policy of holding an annual referendum vote on the budget. The annual referendums began in 2001, the last year a Region 4 budget was rejected by voters of the three towns. In previous years, the budget had been considered by voters at a district meeting held on the first Monday in May.

Hall, a veteran board member who has served two six year terms on the panel, said she will not be seeking another term in the November municipal election. But Hall suggested said the board that is seated in December, after the election, should take another look at the annual referendum policy based on the decreasing voter turnouts of recent years. “It’s something that should be brought to the table,” she said. “It’s such a low turnout and it is an expense for the towns.”

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, News, Region 4, Schools

Research Lab by TATE+BURNS Architects LLC is LEED-CI Platinum Certified

May 7, 2013 by

TATE+BURNS Architects LLC of Essex, Connecticut’s recent design for a 9,600 square foot Laboratory for Comparative Medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) Platinum rating from the US Green Building Council. To date, this is the first renovation project at Yale to achieve a LEED-CI Platinum rating. The project located in the Brady Memorial Laboratory Building (originally built in 1916 with additions in 1929 and 1971) continues a tradition of sustainable design by TATE+BURNS. In 2009, a 15,000 square foot laboratory renovation project on the second floor of the same building designed by TATE+BURNS received a LEED-CI Gold rating.

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification is an internationally acknowledged standard for environmentally conscious design. Its criteria include sustainable siting and materials, water efficiency, energy savings, indoor air quality, day lighting, consumer waste management and design innovation. Factors that contribute to the sustainability of this project site include its location in a historic urban campus building, ease of pedestrian access, the addition of bicycle racks with affiliated changing/shower facilities and a convenient Zipcar location.

Energy conservation measures include building envelope upgrades such as window replacement and improvements to the existing masonry walls to reduce heat loss through air infiltration, innovative lighting design (lighting energy loads were reduced by more than 25%), active chilled beams for radiant heating, cooling and ventilation, Energy Star appliances and a comprehensive program for commissioning to ensure mechanical systems run as intended. Water fixture upgrades and the use of high efficiency fixtures with sensors and programmable controls yield a 30% reduction in building water use over current EPA standards.
Environmentally preferable and low emitting materials were specified. Materials with high recycled content were used. Brick, steel, wood, gypsum board and furniture were selected from regional sources of extraction and manufacture, reducing energy consumption for transportation of goods and supporting the local economy. Wood doors, millwork and laboratory casework are certified as sustainably harvested by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC rated). Interior adhesives, paints and coating meet the strictest standards for emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds. Engineered wood products are all made without use of added urea-formaldehydes (a known carcinogen). In addition 98% of generated waste from demolition and construction was diverted from landfills to recycling agencies.

Sustainable strategies were used in the design and construction to create a 21st century research facility within an early 20th century academic building which had antiquated, inefficient mechanical systems and undersized, dimly lit workspaces. The result is an efficient and aesthetically pleasing research environment successfully marrying modern technology and historic design.

The project included a team of design and construction professionals: Babbidge Facilities Construction provided construction management. Other collaborators included the Yale University School of Medicine Facilities Planning and Construction office, R.G. Vanderweil Engineers (MEPFP), Sage Design and Consulting (LEED), Michael Horton Associates (Structural), Robert Schwartz and Associates (Specifications), Philip R. Sherman, P.E. (Code Consulting), EcoOne Solutions (Waste Management) and other local subcontractors and suppliers.

Filed Under: Essex, News

Deep River Fire Department Seeking New Recruits

May 7, 2013 by

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The Deep River Fire Department is actively seeking new recruits to join the department. Positions in  fire fighting- both junior division, (14 years and over) and senior division, grant writers, computer specialists and volunteers to help the auxiliary are all welcome.

The ability to serve a community is an honor, sometimes hard work, very fulfilling and always a challenge. Please consider helping us meet that challenge. Interested individuals please stop by the Union Street Station any Wednesday at 6:30.

For additional information visit: deepriverfd.com.

Filed Under: Deep River, News

Pearl Twirl Hits High Note for Community Music School – Raises Over $55,000

May 3, 2013 by
Pearl Twirl auctioneer and radio personality Damon Scott generates bidding action (Photo by Kim Tyler Photography).

Pearl Twirl auctioneer and radio personality Damon Scott generates bidding action (Photo by Kim Tyler Photography).

Centerbrook, CT – The milestone was significant and the support even greater at the Community Music School’s 30th anniversary benefit gala that took place on April 20.  Presented by Landscape Specialties, The Pearl Twirl: A Swellegant Affair turned out more than 150 celebrants while raising over $55,000 to support music scholarships, music therapy services and community outreach programs.

Community Music School instructor Joni Gage with Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult celebrating the school’s 30th anniversary at the Pearl Twirl benefit gala (Photo by Joan Levy Hepburn).

Community Music School instructor Joni Gage with Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult celebrating the school’s 30th anniversary at the Pearl Twirl benefit gala (Photo by Joan Levy Hepburn).

 

Pearl Twirlers gathered on the lawn of the Lyme Art Association (LAA) to enjoy savory bites, fine wine, Swing era music performed by the school’s faculty, silent auction and a live auction emceed by radio personality and local resident Damon Scott.  Later, an Artful Patron Dinner was served inside the LAA galleries and featured a four-course dinner prepared by Owner/Chef Jonathan Rapp of the River Tavern restaurant with a wine selection from Angelini Wine carefully paired to compliment each course served.

(l-r) Community Music School Trustee Margaret Very, Student Services Coordinator Dawn Swope, and faculty members Adele Huffman and Shari Wilcox get ready to greet Pearl Twirl guests (Photo by Joan Levy Hepburn).

(l-r) Community Music School Trustee Margaret Very, Student Services Coordinator Dawn Swope, and faculty members Adele Huffman and Shari Wilcox get ready to greet Pearl Twirl guests (Photo by Joan Levy Hepburn).

In addition to ticket sales and auction bids, funds were also raised through a special appeal to support scholarships for the new summer arts program being launched by the Community Music School in partnership with The Kate in Old Saybrook.  “CMS Sells Seashells by the Seashore for Scholarships” provided donors with an oyster shell that correlated to one of many fun premium gifts.  Of note, was as a commemorative tab belt featuring a CMS logo ribbon custom designed and donated by Leather Man LTD.   A 1930’s style photo booth, where guests donned feather boas, hats and other props and received a photo strip as a keepsake, rounded out the evening’s activities .

(l-r) Dr. Katrina Wall, Sponsor Peter Wallace of Professional Planning Group, John Bauman, and Community Music School Trustee Jennifer Bauman under the tent at the Pearl Twirl benefit gala (Photo by Kim Tyler Photography).

(l-r) Dr. Katrina Wall, Sponsor Peter Wallace of Professional Planning Group, John Bauman, and Community Music School Trustee Jennifer Bauman under the tent at the Pearl Twirl benefit gala (Photo by Kim Tyler Photography).

“We are thankful for the many friends and sponsors who joined us for this celebratory evening. Their extraordinary support provides a firm foundation for us to continue to expand our programs and community outreach so more people can benefit from the arts in their life,” said Robin Andreoli, executive director.

Community Music School Trustee and Event Chair Monique Heller takes a twirl with Trustee Emeritus Peter Bierrie at the Community Music School’s benefit gala (Photo by Joan Levy Hepburn).

Community Music School Trustee and Event Chair Monique Heller takes a twirl with Trustee Emeritus Peter Bierrie at the Community Music School’s benefit gala (Photo by Joan Levy Hepburn).

Event sponsors included Covenant Kitchens & Baths, Inc.; Essex Savings Bank; Essex Financial Services; Bogaert Construction Co., Inc.; Fusco Corporation; Gowrie Group; Grossman Chevrolet Nissan; Kitchings & Potter LLC; Tower Laboratories, LTD; AJ Shea Construction, LLC; Brewer Pilots Point Marina; Cigna; Clark Group; Dime Bank; Essex Marine Group; Guilford Savings Bank; Leonardo & Associates PC; Lewitz, Balosie, Wollack, Rayner & Giroux, LLC; Madison Veterinary Hospital;  Periodontics  PC; Professional Planning Group; Reynolds’ Garage & Marine; Ring’s End; and Saybrook Ford.  In-kind sponsors included Angelini Wine LTD; Coca Cola Bottling Company of Southeastern Connecticut; Joan Levy Hepburn;  KimTyler Photography; and Leather Man LTD.

Since its inception in 1983, the school has grown from five instructors teaching 40 students to 30 instructors teaching over 500 students of all ages through private and group lessons, instrumental and voice ensembles, orchestras, music therapy, special events and summer programs.  Located on Main Street in Centerbrook, its geographic reach goes beyond the Connecticut shoreline with faculty and students from as far north as Hartford and west to New Haven.   For more information on CMS programs and special events, go to www.community-music-school.org or call (860) 767-0026.

Filed Under: Essex, ll, News

Large Crowd Celebrates Reopening of Deep River Town Hall Auditorium

May 2, 2013 by
A full house for the official opening of the new Auditorium (photo by Jerome Wilson).

A full house for the official opening of the new Auditorium (photo by Jerome Wilson).

DEEP RIVER— More than 200 residents turned out Wednesday evening to celebrate the reopening of the second floor auditorium at the historic 1893 town hall after a renovation project that was brought to completion over the past year by a committee of volunteers.

Former Selectman Art Thompson, who chaired the Deep River Town Hall Auditorium Restoration Committee, welcomed the crowd to an event “that only happens once every 120 years.”  Thompson, who had pushed for completion of a restoration effort, served as master of ceremonies for a program that celebrated the role of the town hall auditorium in the town’s history.

Thompson introduced former First Selectman Joe Miezejeski as “honorary chairperson,” for the event. Miezejeski, who served four terms as first selectman through the 1980s, was a member of the Deep River Town Hall Restoration Association that began the restoration effort when it incorporated and began collecting donations for the project in 1979.

The association collected about $270,000 in donations and coordinated various improvements over the past 30 years, including installation of an elevator that was funded by the late Emma Marvin, a former selectwoman. But many improvements remained unfinished, including renovations needed to bring the auditorium in to compliance with current building codes to allow full use of the balcony.

Looking down on it all, the Auditorium's new ceiling (photo by Jerome Wilson)

Looking down on it all, the Auditorium’s new ceiling (photo by Jerome Wilson)

At Thompson’s urging, the board of selectmen in 2011 appointed the new 11-member committee and gained control of the funds amassed by the former restoration association. The committee included four members of the association, Bruce Edgarton, Sally Carlson-Crowell, Frances Strukus and Kenneth Wood Jr. The new members included Claudia Epright, Janice Kmettz, Richard Nagot, Kim Olson, Linalynn Schmelzer, and Dennis Schultz. The committee used the $270,000 in available funds to complete the restoration project over the past 14 months.

Attending the program Wednesday were more than a dozen elderly graduates of the former Deep River High School, which closed when Valley Regional High School opened in 1952. The high school was located in a section of what is now Deep River Elementary School, but it lacked an auditorium. For more than 60 years, students used the town hall auditorium for group events that ranged from dances to the annual graduation ceremony. The construction and April 1893 dedication of the town hall was recounted by Dan Conners, a retired history teacher who was a member of the original faculty at Valley Regional High School and author of a book on the history of Deep River.

Wednesday’s program, which also featured music from the Deep River Junior Ancient Fife and  Drum Corps and the elementary school chorus and clarinet ensemble, opens a period of active use of the 279-seat auditorium. Over the next month there will be concerts, movies, and a May 31 dance. The new chairs on the main floor of the auditorium are movable, allowing for a return of dances to the historic facility.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Deep River, News, Town Hall

Deep River Budget Plan With Expected Four-tenths Mill Tax Rate Increase Goes to Public Hearing

May 1, 2013 by

DEEP RIVER— A proposed $3,701,379 town government budget and a proposed  $5,511,158 appropriation for Deep River Elementary School goes to a public hearing on May 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the newly renovated second floor auditorium at town hall.

The town government budget is combined with a $43,000 capital expenditure plan and $348,060 in debt service for a total town government expense of $4,094,439. The town government and elementary school spending plans are combined with the town’s $5,160,854 share of the Region 4 education budget for a total proposed 2013-2014 spending levy of $14,779,521.

The $3,701,379 town government budget is up by $192,113, or 5.47 percent, from the current appropriation The town budget includes a three percent wage-salary increase for all town employees, including elected officials and part-time employees.. Debt service is up by $155,357, mostly due to new lease payments for a new fire truck and highway department truck, while the capital expenditure plan has been reduced by $291,000.

The $5,511,158 appropriation for the elementary school is up by $110,371, or 2.04 percent.  A shift in student enrollment, with additional students from Deep River attending Valley Regional High School and John Winthrop Middle School, contributed to the $281,854, or 5.78 percent, increase in the town’s share of the Region 4 education budget.

The total $14,77 million spending levy, including Region 4, is up by $448,695, or 3.13 percent. The board of selectmen and board of finance has endorsed a plan to increase the tax rate by four tenths of a mill to fund the proposed spending plan for 2013-2014. The increase would bring the tax rate to 25.08 mills, or $25.08 for each $1,000 of assessed property value. The proposed tax increase matches a 0.40. tax increase that was required to fund the current budget.

or the first time since 2001, the board of selectmen has decided to hold the budget vote by paper ballot at a May 20 town meeting, rather than by a referendum vote. Extremely low voters turnouts for the budget referendums in recent years led the selectmen to call for a town meeting vote on the budget.. The Region 4 budget goes to the voters of Chester, Deep River, and Essex in a 12 noon to 8 p.m. referendum on May 7, the same day as the town budget hearing.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Deep River, News, Town Hall

Chester Budget With Unusual Tax Decrease Goes to May 1 Public Hearing

April 29, 2013 by

CHESTER— A proposed $3,852,474 town government budget and a $4,182,373 appropriation for Chester  Elementary School go to a public hearing Wednesday in the newly finished community room at town hall. The session begins at 7:30 p.m.

In what First Selectman Edmund Meehan describes as “a one-time anomaly,” reduced spending for both the elementary school and the town’s share of the Region 4 education budget will allow a one-half mill reduction in the tax rate with no transfers from the undesignated fund balance. The planned reduction, from the current tax rate of 22.45 mills to  21.95 mills, would represent a property tax cut of about $150 on a house assessed at $300,000. The planned tax rate for 2013-2014 would represent $21.95 in tax for each $1,000 of assessed property value.

Last year, the selectmen and finance board approved a transfer of $174,641 from the town’s undesignated fund balance to hold the tax rate at 22.45 mills.  Meehan said no transfers from the fund balance were needed to cover this year’s one-half mill cut in the tax rate, with the undesignated fund balance expected to total about $1.57 million in June 2014.

The net spending decrease of about $420,000 includes a $41,527 decrease in the elementary school budget, and a $426,084 decrease in the town’s share of the Region 4 budget. The reduced spending for education results from decreased enrollment at the elementary school, and fewer students from Chester attending Valley Regional High School and John Winthrop Middle School.
The town government budget is up by about $47,000 from the current appropriation. The $3.85 million town government budget includes a 2.25 percent wage/salary increase for union and non-union town employees, including elected officials, and additional spending for medical insurance and the town employee pension fund. There is also an additional $6,500 for winter snow removal expenses.

Wednesday’s public hearing will be the first major municipal meeting in the community meeting room at town hall that was part of the second floor renovations that Meehan describes as “95 percent complete.”

The town hall second floor renovation project that began in February was funded by the insurance settlement from the February 2011 collapse of the former community center building on Route 154. The new community room at town hall will now host most town meetings that were previously held at the historic Chester Meeting House on Liberty St.

The annual budget meeting vote on a town/elementary school spending plan for 2013-2014 is set for Tuesday May 21 at the town hall community room. The Region 4 education budget goes to the voters of Chester, Deep River, and Essex in an eight-hour referendum on May 7.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Chester, News, Town Hall

My First Week on my Long Ride Home to Connecticut

April 29, 2013 by
My first overnight at a Walmart’s, in Claremont, CA. That’s “Chateau,” my 13-year-old, 180,000-mile blue and silver beauty

My first overnight at a Walmart’s, in Claremont, CA. That’s “Chateau,” my 13-year-old, 180,000-mile blue and silver beauty

Blythe, Arizona – Here I was, approaching this tiny town. Blythe is as far east in California as can be. It was Day 5 of my solo transcontinental ride home to Connecticut.The sun was setting on one of my finest days so far as I approached Blythe on I-10—my destination for this day. I saw it coming up. It’s what I call a ”one-story town.” I didn’t spot one building any higher than that.

I kept right on at 60 miles an hour with all the other traffic, waiting for the main exit to Blythe to announce itself. Surprise! I found myself suddenly crossing the Colorado River—which is a modest stream here—and confronting a big sign, “Welcome To Arizona!” What?!

I had overshot Blythe. That’s how small it is.

It was another mistake, plain and simple. Mistakes, errors, call them whatever you like, are inevitable in the kind of travel I’m doing. I experience them every day. I don’t go nuts over them any more. The only solution is to “Grin and Bear It!” Plus, “Maybe something good will come of this!”

Oh, I know what you smarties are thinking. “John, if you had GPS, this would never have happened.”

Well, I do have it. Brand-new, too. A Gamin Novi 401. Finally I got it hooked up and going. But it’s not calibrated right. That anonymous tenor persists in giving me one wrong direction after another. I’ve unhooked the darn thing. I’m hoping to run into a geek soon who will get it going right for me.

Besides, for these many decades of doing nutty trips like this, I’ve done fine with my trusty road atlas. This mistake was all Blythe’s fault! They should have a big sign up at the exit, “Stop! This Is Blythe!”

My intention was to “camp” in Blythe for the night. My definition of “camping” in my old age is sleeping in my van and eating most of my meals in it.

One reason I chose Blythe is there’s a 24-hour Walmart here. I’ve camped at a Walmart every night on this trip so far. It’s perfect.

This way, I don’t have to drive miles out of my way to find a campground, then drive miles back in the morning. Walmart is safe! And so convenient. Its 24-hour superstores—that’s what they usually are–offer everything I can possibly spend money on except gas. Plus clean bathrooms! And Walmart is free! And welcoming!

I wish they had been around on all those big past trips I’ve taken. And the many trips I took my wife and kids on.

I’ll be delighted if I can find a Walmart every single night on my 3,500-mile route home. We now have 3,000 Walmart super-centers in the U.S., which never close. I stand a pretty good chance.

~ ~ ~

As usual this trip isn’t a picnic. It’s hard work. I didn’t expect it to be easy. It never is. It keeps me busy from early morn till 10 or 11 p.m. With naps as needed, I admit. You’d be surprised at everything that’s required to do it right.

So far my ride is as good as I hoped it would be. I love the challenge of it. And I enjoy its many rewards. One is running into interesting folks. So far. I’ve struck it lucky again. and this is one of my major goals. And not a bad apple yet.

Another is to see—really, really see, with my own eyes—how our country is doing and changing. And experiencing the sights, natural and man made, at times beautiful and inspiring, at times ugly and regrettable, and too often very dull and skip-able.

Important to remind you I’m driving an 11-year-old van with more than 180.000 miles on it. Yes, that’s right, 180,000 plus.. She’s running like a top. I feel it’s just broken in. Honest! Maybe I’m setting myself up for a gigantic disappointment. But it couldn’t be sweeter running. I’m delighted.

It’s a Ford 7-passenger Econoline van. The model name is Chateau, which is—maybe was–Ford’s top of the line in vans. It’s loaded with amenities, some I love. The tinted windows (people can’t see in). The comfortable seats. The electric this and that. Other features, too.

My first little camper years ago—a VW “bus”— was Dandelion. That’s what I dubbed her. She was that color of beautiful yellow. Notice, I said “she.” After all, if we can give our boats feminine monickers, why can’t I do it for my lovely camper?

I deliberated and finally settled on Chateau as the name for this one. It’s so appropriate. This really is a wonderful and lovely little chateau, on four wheels, of course. So from now on Chateau is “she,” too. My poetic license! You’ll get used to it fast.

She does have a few bugs. The worst is the obstacle course I face to get from my driver’s seat to the back. You have to be as agile as a monkey, but I’m no monkey. And there’s no way to fix that.

The next is that I can’t stand in her. I may get home permanently hunched over. It’s made me think of the advantages of being a midget.

She has six ceiling lights. I think if I go over a bump, they all go on. Sometimes even when I’m stopped for a while.On my second day I had a dead battery. Not a promising start. But I have a AAA Classic membership—they’ll tow me up to 100 miles. A tech guy showed up in 35 minutes, gave me a jump, and pointed out the troublesome lights. Still they go on. I’m thinking of duck-taping them OFF.

I’m allowed only four road calls a year, and my year is just starting. On my next night at Walmart I bought jumper cables. Cheap insurance.

I have two keys to Chateau. They look identical. One works much better than the other. The bad one will not open the doors every time. Makes me very nervous. I’m afraid of locking the good key inside, and what then? Methinks I need see a locksmith.

It takes a mighty flick of my wrist with the ignition key to start the engine. Sometimes I have to flick hard twice, even three times. If this keeps up, I’ll be buying a brace for my wrist soon. Walmart stocks those, too.

I told you in my previous report she has a fancy, super-sophisticated entertainment system. Even a TV screen in the ceiling in back to watch DVDs. The system included GPS, too. But I discovered it was dead and the dealer that sold me Chateau, FamVans, gave me that portable Gain Navi instrument.

Well, now I find that the CD player is broke, too. So now I can’t enjoy the dozen music CDs I brought along. Got to do something about this, too.

The radio is fine. But it’s a pain to search and search and not find a station I really enjoy. Silence is golden.

Turns our that Chateau’s tires are oversize. If I try a tight turn left or right, the front tires rub on the body. Not good! So tight turns are impossible. Sometimes I can turn around 180 degrees only with two or three tries. You wouldn’t like that, either.

She gulps gasoline like a monster. California is a $4-a-gallon gas state. Maybe a few cents over, a few cents under here or there. At one stop high in the San Gabriel Mountains on Day 2, $4.14! I find that very painful.

I’m stopping for refills whenever I need $40 worth or so. That happens more often than I thought it would. Why stop so often? I like frequent breaks. And I try to work in as much exercise as I can. It’s a big step up into Chateau, and a big step down.

Besides, If I bought a maximum fill, the tab would be well over $100, and that makes me shudder. Just consider, I remember a gas war when the price dropped to 17.9 cents a gallon! I’d like a price war like that at least once a week Sob!. Such price wars are history. How come?

But I’m delighted with the many changes and improvements I made to convert her into a mini camper. My bunk with the foam mattress. The clothes hooks I screwed in. The drawers and shelves I put in. How I planned the whole interior lay-out. The whole list of little things I’ve done. Chateau is tiny, but wonderfully efficient and comfy.

I’m still making changes every day. One little improvement after another. I call them my Robinson Crusoe moments. Remember how shipwrecked Robinson used his wits to solve all kinds of problems and make his shipwreck life easier? Well, that’s me in Chateau. Each Robinson Crusoe moment, as simple as it is, gives me a glow of pleasure.

~ ~ ~

Here are some of the highlights of my trip so far. I’ll sketch them out briefly. I found them so interesting that I hope to write them up for you one by one as I go along. Patience, please.

Day 1. A symposium on three “isms” that I attended at Claremont-Lincoln School of Theology in Claremont, CA. The three are Buddhism, Sikkism, and Janism. The Jainism segment was the one that drew me. It’s a strange and impressive religion in India. I am not a Jain, but I’ve had close Jain friends for 30 years and I’ve learned abut it through them.

Day 2. My day resting and exploring Claremont. What a charming and delightful small community. With seven colleges, mind you. To me it’s THE small town to live in.

Day 3. My ride high up into the awesome San Gabriel Mountains for a white-knuckle ride along its famous Rim of the World road. But so exciting, too. A ride I won’t forget soon.

Day 4. My visit to Palm Springs, the man-made oasis out in the desert a couple of hours east of L.A. Palm Springs is a small place but who hasn’t heard of it? So many movie stars have bought fancy second homes there. I’ve been to Palm Springs several times, thanks to Annabelle. I much prefer the newer small communities that have sprung up around Palm Springs.

Day 5. As you know by now, I think, I’m not fond of Interstate Highways. Of course I appreciate their practicality. They’re great to get somewhere fast. But they bypass so many interesting things and they are so dull. I much prefer the far more interesting lesser roads. I’ve been lucky at finding some dandy ones. But I got lost! Three times!

Day 6. How I find myself in tiny Mecca. Strange name for a town here in California. A town with a heavy population of Mexicans. How I’m impressed by them. And the library that serves them and the others in Mecca as well, of course.

Day 7. I knew that the next 100 miles to Blythe would be a tedious and taxing ride. But I managed to find an alternate route and then went and messed it up again. But I got some nice rewards.

 

As always, I’ve met some interesting people along the way. Including some truly Good Samaritans. How lucky I’ve been. I can’t wait to tell you about some of them.

I’ve wondered whether I’ve become too old to enjoy this kind of travel. I’ve done a lot of it over the years and it’s been so much fun. Well, I have good news. It’s hard. Yes, it is. No denying that. But so far I am rejoicing. It is shaping up as the grand adventure I hoped for.

Long ago I realized that Mark Twain was right. That smart guy is the one who said that often it is better to travel than to arrive. My whole point is not just to get home. It’s to squeeze in as much pleasure out of every mile as I can. And it’s working out that way.

Know what? So far I’ve been on the road seven days and have traveled barely 500 miles. That’s very little–only about one-seventh of the mileage I expect to run up before I roll into Deep River. And the best parts of the route are still ahead.

So I’ve found myself wondering, When the heck will I finally be getting home?! Labor Day? Thanksgiving? Christmas? I leave it all to Serendipity!

~ ~ ~

A Post Script. Just a few days ago I turned 84. Yes, 84. Which means that was  tip-toeing into my 85th year on Earth!!!

You have no idea how surprised I am to have made it this far.

I remember when I was 8 or 9 I wasn’t doing well and my mother had our family doctor come to the house and examine me.

I remember how he finally put his stethoscope back in his black bag and looked at my mom and said, “Madame, I am sad to tell you I don’t think this little boy will live to see his 30th birthday.”

Gosh, did he shake her up! And my father when he came home! As for me, 30 seemed a long, long time away.

Gosh, have I fooled him!

I’m going to be alone on the road for this birthday. Not a problem. I’m just looking forward to another nice day, my eyes filling, I’m sure, with one wonderful sight after another, as always. It won’t be perfect. Nothing ever is. But it will be great.

I don’t need a birthday cake. I’d be embarrassed to try to blow out all those candles. How huge a cake would it take to hold them all?

Besides, I know I’ve got a lot of people cheering for me. How lucky I am! How really lucky!

Adios!

Filed Under: Deep River, ll, News

Local Library Directors Celebrate World Book Night at the Adams Shopping Center

April 25, 2013 by

world book night

Susan Rooney (right), the new Deep River Library Director, and Linda Fox, the Chester Library Director, represented their respective libraries at the Adams Shopping Center on April 23 as part of World Book Night. They gave away free copies of The Girl With the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier.

World Book Night is an annual celebration dedicated to spreading the love of reading, person to person.Each year on April 23, tens of thousands of people go out into their communities and give half a million free World Book Night paperbacks to light readers and non-readers. Not only is World Book Night about giving books. It’s also about people, communities and connections, about reaching out to others and touching lives in the simplest of ways—through the sharing of stories.

Filed Under: Chester, Community, Deep River, News

DR Selectmen Choose Town Meeting Vote, No Automatic Referendum This Year

April 24, 2013 by

DEEP RIVER-– For the first time in 11 years, voters will decide on a town/elementary school budget plan by a town meeting vote without a referendum.  The town meeting vote on a spending plan that is still being finalized will be held on Monday May 20 in the newly renovated town hall auditorium. The annual budget hearing is set for May 7.

The board of selectmen voted unanimously Tuesday not to hold a referendum vote on the budget plan for 2013-2014. First Selectman Richard Smith said Wednesday he had consulted with members of the Deep River Taxpayers Association before making the decision, and pledged that the vote at the May 20 town meeting would be by paper ballot. “There will not be a referendum this year unless we’re petitioned for one,” he said.

Smith said most residents, and elected officials such as members of the board of finance, had advised that a referendum vote on the budget should be skipped this year after extremely low vote turnouts for the budget referendums held in recent years.

Last May, a total of 190 voters turned out to approve a $14.3 million town/elementary school budget plan on a 147-46 vote. A total of 361 voters turned out for the budget referendum in May 2011. “It’s just too costly based on the turnout,” Smith said, noting that with a budget referendum costing the town about $1,800, the 2012 turnout amounted to an expense for the town of almost $100 per vote.

The town began holding annual referendums on the town government/elementary school budgets in 2001, when a depleted fund balance and steep tax increase led to controversy, and three votes before a spending plan was approved by voters. The taxpayers association formed that year, and indicated to the selectmen that they would seek a referendum vote on future budgets.

Rather than allowing a petition process to delay the budget vote, the board of selectmen, led by Smith, agreed to send the annual budget directly to a referendum vote. But turnout for the referendum that is usually held in the last week of May has decreased in recent years.

Referendum voting will continue on the Region 4 education budget, which is subject to approval by voters of the three district towns of Chester, Deep River, and Essex. The Region 4 Board of Education had adopted a policy of referendum voting on the budget in 2001, after spending plans were rejected twice before wining voter approval in a third referendum. The Region 4 budget referendum will be conducted on May 7 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. at the regular election polling places for the three towns.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Deep River, News, Town Hall

Pettipaug Yacht Club Excels in Small Boat Sailing Programs for Young Sailors

April 24, 2013 by
A shoreline view of the high school racing teams on the water

A shoreline view of the high school racing teams on the water

The Pettipaug Yacht Club will offer a truly impressive roster of small boat, sailing programs for young people during the soon-to-be-upon-us summer sailing season. The club is located in Essex off River Road, directly on the Connecticut River, making it an ideal small sailing boat location. Among the club’s sailing programs for young sailors this summer are those at the club’s prestigious Pettipaug Sailing Academy.

The guiding spirit behind the Pettipaug Sailing Academy is retired Electric Boat engineer and club Board member, Paul Risseew. Risseew not only directs the Sailing Academy, he runs virtually all of the sailing and boating programs at the Pettipaug Yacht Club.

Learning to Sail at the Pettipaug Sailing Academy

The aim of the Pettipaug Sailing Academy, which was founded in 1950, is to teach young sailors in Risseew’s words, “the pleasure of sailing in small boats and also the racing in small sailboats.”

Six rigged sailboats are ready for the afternoon races

Six rigged sailboats are ready for the afternoon races

155 young sailors have enrolled this coming summer for the sailing classes at the Academy. Courses at the Academy are divided into two sessions. The first session begins on July 1 and ends July 23, and the second session begins on July 25 and ends on August 16. Some students take both sessions for seven full weeks. Others opt for a single session of three and a half weeks.

Rolling sailboats into the water; a stiff winds await them

Rolling sailboats into the water; a stiff winds awaits them

Academy days are also broken up into morning classes and afternoon classes.  Morning classes, which are for children, ages 8 to 11, are held from nine o’clock until noon. Afternoon classes, which are for students, ages 12 to 16, are held from one o’clock until four o’clock.

Sailboats ready for winds gusting to 20 knots

Sailboats ready for winds gusting to 20 knots

The curriculum of the Pettipaug Sailing Academy includes lessons in teamwork, rigging, capsize recovery, tacking, gibing, reaching, running, sailing to windward and tying knots. Upon their graduation from the Sailing Academy, students are givens ranks that reflect their respective sailing skills. The rank of progressions as they are called are; Seaman, Seaman First Class, Second Mate, First Mate, Boatswain, Skipper, and Racing Skipper.

With the wind blowing hard a sailboat sets sail from the dock

With the wind blowing hard a sailboat sets sail from the dock

This year the enrollment at the Pettipaug Sailing Academy was completely filled by March 30. However, sometimes there are drop outs, just before classes begin. When this happens, new students are taken off the waiting list. The tuition at the Academy for both sessions is $700 and $400 for a single session.

A Sailboat “Race Clinic” to Precede Academy Classes

 Prior to the instructional sailing classes of the Pettipaug Sailing Academy, the club will hold an intensive, five-day “Race Clinic” for small boat, racing sailors. Classes for the clinic will be held from Monday, June 24, to Friday, June 28. The “Race Clinic” is designed to teach students how to win sailboat races, and it is expected to attract some 25 students, ages 12 to 15.

All eight fulltime sailing instructors at the club will serve on the faculty of “Race Clinic.” The clinic’s curriculum will include; in getting a good start in a race, reading the wind to attain the fastest speed, as well as learning what are sometimes not so nice, but permitted, racing tactics. Tuition for the intense, five day “Race Clinic” is $200.

Other Summer Programs at the Pettipaug Yacht Club

Another program featured this summer at the Pettipaug Yacht Club will be Powerboat Courses designed by the U.S. Powerboating Association. There will be eleven, one day, Powerboat Courses held throughout the summer sailing season. The first course will be held on Sunday, April 28, and the other course dates will be posted on the club’s web site at www.pettipaug.com and on the club’s bulletin board.

The Powerboat Courses are for students of all ages, and the one-day course begins at 8:30 a.m. and end at 6:00 p.m. The tuition is $180. For further details contact Paul Risseew at 860-767-1995, or at PRisseew@aol.com .

Teaching Sailors to Teach the Art of Sailing

As if the above programs were not enough, there will also be two courses at the club on teaching sailors how to teach the art of sailing.  A Level 1 Instruction Course for would-be sailing teachers will be held over the two weekends of June 8-9 and June 15-16. A more advanced Level 2 Instruction Course for sailing teachers will be held over three consecutive days, June 17, 18 and 19.  The tuition for the Level 1 course is $350, and $300 for the Level 2 course.

In addition, there will be Windsurfing Courses, mostly for the young, throughout the summer, for which there could be a small charge.

Club’s Hosting of High School Racing Teams

Finally, during the months of March and April of this year, the club has been hosting sailboat races for three local, high school sailing teams. (Photos of a recent race of these teams are pictured with this article.) The teams are students from; Valley Regional High School, which has nine sailors; Xavier High School, which has 16 sailors; and Daniel Hand High School, which as 28 sailors.

Fifteen of the sailboats used in this pre-season sailing program are owned by the Pettipaug Yacht Club, and twelve are owned by Xavier High School. Although it is understood that all of the sailors participating in this program are members of the Pettipaug Yacht Club, there is no financial cost involved for the racing participants.

Paul Risseew’s Philosophy of Teaching Young Sailors to Sail 

 In teaching young sailors Risseew said, “Our priorities at Pettipaug are Safety, Fun and Learning, in that order.” He also noted, “If the students are not having fun, they won’t pay attention to the learning.”

Pettipaug Sailing Academy leader, Paul Risseew

Pettipaug Sailing Academy leader, Paul Risseew

“The majority of students return year after year, because they are spending the warm summer days with friends and playing on, and in, the water,” he continued. “Pettipaug is able to provide expert racing coaching to those who want to go in that direction. We send Optimist and 420 race teams to over a dozen regattas at other clubs in Connecticut.”

Putting it all in perspective, Risseew said, “As Rat said to Mole, in Wind in the Willows:  “‘There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” 

Filed Under: Essex, Jerome Wilson, ll, News, Outdoors

Prescription Drug Discount Program Offered by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities

April 24, 2013 by

The Town of Essex, through its association with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), the statewide association of towns and cities, is now providing a new prescription discount card that will provide uninsured and underinsured residents steep savings on prescription medicines. Essex is a member of CCM and this new program is only available to CCM member-communities.

In Connecticut, over 10 percent of Connecticut residents – nearly 360,000 people – currently lack health insurance and prescription plans and another 800,000 residents are under-insured. There are over 50 million uninsured individuals living in the United States.

The “Town of Essex Prescription Drug Discount Card” helps residents save money on their prescription medications any time their prescription is not covered by insurance.  This new prescription discount card will provide immediate fiscal relief at the pharmacy counter for uninsured and under-insured residents and offers the following features and benefits:

  • Anyone can participate regardless of age or income;
  • All prescription medications are covered including pet prescriptions that can be filled at a pharmacy;
  • There is no cost to the municipality or to participating residents;
  • Cost savings average 45% ;
  • There are over 63,000 participating pharmacies nationwide, including CVS, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Stop and Shop, and Big Y, and many independent pharmacies;
  • Discounts are also offered on other medical services including vision, hearing and Lasik services.

Norman Needleman, First Selectman of Essex, said, “CCM really came through for our town residents. It should have a positive benefit for residents and property taxpayers across Essex.”

“CCM is pleased to offer this valuable community service to Essex,” said CCM Executive Director and CEO Jim Finley. “Many families are struggling and even some families with health insurance may not have all their prescriptions covered. This program will help them save money on any medicines not covered by their insurance.”

Each residence in Essex will receive a “Town of Essex Prescription Discount Card” by direct mail which they may use at any participating retail pharmacy.  Cards may be used by all town residents regardless of age, income or existing health coverage.  There are no enrollment forms, membership fees, restrictions or limits on frequency of use for residents.  Cardholders and their family members are encouraged to use the cards any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance.  Cards can also be printed by visiting www.CTRxDiscountCard.com, and selecting Essex from the drop-down menu.

Filed Under: Essex, News, Town Hall

Essex Town Government, Elementary School Budgets Draw Mild Response

April 23, 2013 by

ESSEX— A proposed $6,967,461 town government budget and a proposed $7,634,917 appropriation for Essex Elementary School drew a generally quiet response Monday from residents at the annual budget hearing. About 45 residents turned out for the public hearing on the two spending plans.

The town government budget, which represents a $113,821, or 1.66 percent, increase over the current budget, and the elementary school budget, which is up by 100,326, or 1.33 percent, over the current appropriation, are combined with the town’s $8,081,772 share of the Region 4 education budget for a total $22.62 million spending plan for 2013-2014. The Region 4 education budget, which funds John Winthrop Middle School and Valley Regional High School, goes to the voters of Chester, Deep River, and Essex in a 12 noon to 8 p.m. referendum on May 7.

First Selectman Norman Needleman described both the town government and elementary school budgets as “reasonable” spending plans that maintain current services while limiting the proposed spending increase. The largest portion of the total proposed $594,000 in new spending is a $379,885 jump in the Essex share of the Region 4 budget that results from 31 additional students from Essex attending the district’s two secondary schools. The elementary school budget includes a reduction of two teaching positions in  response to a drop in enrollment at the school.

There were no calls for specific reductions or other changes to the budget plan during the nearly two-hour hearing. But one resident, Wally Schieferdecker, offered a specific suggestion for what should be done with a one-time $229,721 payment the town received earlier this year from the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority.

The payment from the regional trash disposal authority was to cover more than 20 years of unpaid rent and promised host town benefits for the regional solid waste transfer station located off Route 154. The Essex facility compacts trash and collects recyclables from nine area towns for transport to the CRRA incinerator and collection site in Hartford.

Schieferdecker said the $229,721 should be used to help limit any increase in the tax rate needed to fund the combined town government and school spending plans. “This is a windfall and it’s money the taxpayers have already paid over the years,” he said, adding “the taxpayers deserve a little benefit from our good fortune.”

Needleman, who negotiated the settlement with CRRA officials before accepting a new long-term contract for solid waste disposal through CRRA, agreed the one-time payment was “found money.” Needleman said he hopes the board of finance would consider the windfall when it sets the tax rate for 2013-2014 after the budgets are approved by voters. “It should ultimately have an impact with the mill rate,” he said.

Town Treasurer Robert Dixon told the crowd the town should end the current fiscal year on June 30 without any significant spending overruns. He said the town currently has about $2.6 million in its unappropriated fund balance.

The current tax rate of 18.47 mills, or $18.47 in tax for each $1,000 of assessed property value, represented a tax increase of .49 mills when it was set after the budget approval last May. With a mill generating about $1.1 million in tax revenue, a similar increase in the tax rate is likely for 2013-2014 to fund the total combined town/school spending plans. The annual budget meeting vote on the town government and elementary school budgets is set for Monday May 13 at 7:30 p.m. in town hall.

Editor’s Note:  The following letter was received today (4/24/2013) after publication of this report challenging the statement that there were “no calls for specific reductions.”  Link to letter.

 

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Essex, News, Town Hall

John White Jr. Honored for 50 Years Service to the Deep River Fire Department

April 23, 2013 by
Fire Chief Tim Lee presents Chief Engineer Jack White with a plaque honoring his 50 years of service to the Deep River Fire Department.

Fire Chief Tim Lee presents Chief Engineer Jack White with a plaque honoring his 50 years of service to the Deep River Fire Department.

The Deep River Fire Department presented John White Jr. (Jack) with a plaque honoring his 50 years of service, while First Selectman Dick Smith presented White with a citation from the State of Connecticut commending his service to the Fire Department and to the town of Deep River.

White joined the Department at the age of 21, inspired by his father, John White Sr. who served the Department for over 25 years as Secretary. White, the Chief Engineer of the Fire Department is responsible for the upkeep of all the fire engines and equipment used by the department.

Filed Under: Community, Deep River, News

A Message from the Chester Resident Trooper

April 23, 2013 by

Subsequent to the Boston Marathon bombing, more than 100 websites were created to make people believe the site could have a legitimate charitable purpose to help those affected by the bombing.

It is believed many of the sites will instead, be used to solicit money fraudulently.  Those wishing to help should channel their gifts through reputable organizations, and verify new charities that claim to be set up to help victims of the Boston bombings.

As always, I can be contacted at (860) 526-3605 if anyone needs further assistance.

Regards,

TFC Matt Ewing
Chester Resident Trooper

Filed Under: Chester, ll, News, osn

Vote for Essex Historical Society 2013 Preservation Award

April 22, 2013 by
Centerbrook Meeting House, the winner of 2nd Annual Preservation Award of Essex Historical Society

Centerbrook Meeting House, the winner of 2012 Annual Preservation Award of Essex Historical Society

Essex Historical Society is devoted to the preservation of buildings, especially in the interest of protecting our town’s unique historical nature. EHS is looking for this year’s Preservation Award winner and we need your help!

If you know of a building that has been renovated or preserved you can nominate it for the Preservation Award. Past years’ winners have been the Ivoryton Library (2011) and the Centerbrook Meetinghouse (2012). Do you know the building that should be honored this year? Please, cast your vote!

The building can be either commercial or residential. The building needs to have been erected prior to 1936. The historic character of the original structure has to have been preserved in keeping with the period it was initially constructed.

From May 1 to May 31 all residents can submit votes for the structure of their choosing at the post offices in Essex, Ivoryton and Centerbrook. The votes will be tallied and the award will be presented  the Essex Historical Society’s Annual Strawberry Social on June 23, 2013 at 1 pm, at Pratt House in Essex.

Filed Under: Essex, News

Frame Finished at New Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook; April 2014 Opening

April 22, 2013 by
IMG_6602

Hoisting the final steel girders for the frame of the Westbrook medical center

In an informal “Topping Off” ceremony last Thursday morning, the steel-girded frame of the new Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook was declared complete. Or, as one observer put it, “The steel skeleton is now finished.”

Huge crane that put in place the steel girders for the new Westbrook medical center

Huge crane that put in place the steel girders for the new Westbrook medical center

There now remains the task of covering the frame, completely, with new surface materials, as well as constructing the entire interior of the new medical center building.

Workers precariously perched on narrow steel girders at construction site

Workers precariously perched on narrow steel girders at construction site

Also, according to an official of Middlesex Hospital, which is building the new Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook, the project is still on track to open its doors for new patients in April 2014.

New Westbrook Center Will Be Off Exit 65 of I-95

The new Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook will be located on Flat Rock Road at Exit 65 off I-95. The new 40,000 square, emergency medical facility will be twice as large as the present Shoreline Medical Center in Essex, which it will replace.

A Middlesex Hospital spokesperson said that there are still no plans as what to do with the Essex Shoreline Medical Center, once the Westbrook center takes its place.  Further dwarfing the size of the present Essex Shoreline center, the new Westbrook Shoreline Medical Center can be expanded from 40,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet, if necessity demands it.

Although Middlesex Hospital’s publicity materials stress that the new Shoreline center in Westbrook is only three miles away from the present Shoreline center  in Essex, in the minds of many Essex residents, it feels like their emergency center is gone forever, regardless of the new improvements in care promised at the new Westbrook facility.

Artist rendering of finished Shoreline Emergency Medical Center in Westbrook

Artist rendering of finished Shoreline Emergency Medical Center in Westbrook

Read related article by Jerome Wilson:

New Emergency Medical Center to Replace Essex’s Medical Center in April 2014

Filed Under: Jerome Wilson, ll, News, osn, Towns

Deep River Planning and Zoning Hearing on 444 Main Street Property Postponed

April 19, 2013 by

DEEP RIVER— The planning and zoning commission public hearing on the special permit application of resident George Bartlett Jr. for sale and maintenance of used construction equipment at a former industrial building at 444 Main St. has been postponed until the panel’s May 17 meeting.  Zoning Enforcement Officer Cathy Jefferson said the public hearing, which had been scheduled for Thursday, was postponed at the request of the applicant.

Bartlett’s previous plan for the former Champion Tool and Dye property on the west side of Route 154, also known as Main Street, had generated controversy last year and eventually led to a lawsuit filed by Bartlett against the zoning board of appeals. The initial plan called for a used car dealership, a use that would have required two variances from the zoning board of appeals.

One variance was dimensional, because the parcel was 5.3-feet short of the 150 feet of road frontage required for uses in the Turnpike Industrial Zone. But a second variance related to the used car dealership use drew strong opposition from Jefferson, representing the planning and zoning commission, at a June 19 public hearing.

The ZBA approved the dimensional variance, but there was dispute over whether the board had also approved the use variance that drew objections from the planning and zoning commission. The ZBA last September declined a request to amend it’s minutes of the June 19 session to reflect approval of both variances. The refusal led Bartlett, represented by Essex lawyer John Bennet, to file a lawsuit against the ZBA late last year.

The lawsuit that is still pending in Middlesex Superior Court does not prevent the planning and zoning commission from considering the new proposal for sale and maintenance of used construction equipment. The public hearing on the new application is expected to convene May 16 at 7 p.m. in town hall.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Deep River, News

Essex Printing Winner In New England Regional Awards of Excellence Competition

April 18, 2013 by

The announcement was made on April 4 during the Printing Industry of New England (PINE) Industry Awards Gala with hundreds of industry professionals in attendance. PINE’S Awards of Excellence Competition attracts over 200 entries from 41 printing and imaging companies across New England competing in a variety of printing and graphic communications categories.

Essex Printing won Awards of Recognition for the printing of Essex Savings Bank’s 2013 calendar. A panel of judges with extensive experience in printing and print production examined a wide range of work submitted. Each entry was judged anonymously on its own merit in a category with similar printed pieces.

“We are very proud to have won this competition because it confirms our commitment to our clients that we provide an outstanding level of quality printing, William McMinn, President”.

For more information please contact Essex Printing at 860-767-9087

Filed Under: Business, Essex, News

Chester, Deep River Elementary School Budgets Reduce Teaching Positions

April 17, 2013 by

CHESTER/DEEP RIVER— The 2013-2014 spending plans for Chester Elementary School and Deep River Elementary School include reductions in teaching positions in response to drops in student enrollment at the kindergarten through sixth grade schools. The budget plans were approved by the local school boards late last month.

The proposed budget for Chester Elementary School totals $4,182,373, a decrease of .98 percent, or $41,527, from the current budget. An enrollment at Chester Elementary School of 251 students this year is expected to drop to about 236 students in the 2013-2014 school year. The spending plan eliminates two teacher positions, for a savings of $94,000, and one seven-tenths para-educator position for a savings of $16,000. But an anticipated increase in special education students led the school board to accept Superintendent of Schools Ruth Levy’s recommendation to fund a new special education para-educator position at a cost of $26,147.

The proposed budget for Deep River Elementary School totals $5,561,158, an increase of 2.97 percent, or $160,371, over the current budget. With enrollment at the elementary school expected to drop from the current 347 students to 326 students in the 2013-2014 school year, the budget eliminates one teaching position for a savings of $46,907.

The elementary school budgets are now subject to review by the finance boards in each town. The elementary school spending plans will be presented at the annual budget hearing for each town, and sent to the voters in May for approval with the general government budgets for each town.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, News, Region 4

New York City Developer Clears Away the Trees at His Foxboro Point Development Site

April 17, 2013 by
The pile of trees which once grew on the Foxboro Point site

The pile of trees which once grew on the Foxboro Point site

In an early step of his development of eleven acres of Foxboro Point’s shoreline property along North Cove in Essex, a New York City developer has now cleared away the trees at the development site. Last December the Essex Planning Commission, after a contentious review process, granted developer Frank J. Sciami, Jr., permission to develop seven new home sites, including the restoration of the historic Croft mansion on the property.

Part of the Foxboro Point development site, recently cleared of trees

Part of the Foxboro Point development site, recently cleared of trees

A major point of contention in the review process was whether or not the public should have access to the waters of North Cove by means of a pathway, running down through the development from Foxboro Road to North Cove. Initially, the Essex Planning Commission directed the developer to create such a pathway running from the road to the waters.

However, after the developer brought a lawsuit against the Commission protesting such public access, the Planning Commission consented to the developer’s objections, and worked out a settlement which junked the pedestrian walkway to water proposal. In its place the Commission created a view easement, which would give visitors along Foxboro Road a pubic perch to look down to the waters of North Cove, but not walk down to it.

The Foxboro Point development site is being built on one of the last remaining open spaces along the Connecticut River in the Town of Essex. The trees that have been cut down are now loosely piled in a stack to the right of the Croft Mansion. They will undoubtedly be removed as the development of the site continues.

Filed Under: Essex, Jerome Wilson, News

Home I Go, and Very Slowly – John LaPlante

April 15, 2013 by
Happy Ending: Mike, me, and Antonio as I prepare to drive off. In back is my blue and silver beauty–van turned camper!

Happy Ending: Mike, me, and Antonio as I prepare to drive off. In back is my blue and silver beauty–van turned camper!

Newport Beach, CA — This morning at 9:30—after the massive freeways here have been relieved of their crushing commuter traffic—I’ll climb behind the wheel of my new little camper van and start the long ride home to Deep River.

I’ve been here far longer than usual on my annual get-away from the ice and snow of Connecticut. This has been my 18th winter here with milady Annabelle, lucky me. It happens that she has lived in this warm and sunny place all her life. (If some really icy place were her home, I suspect I’d make it up there to be with her.)

Anyway, tomorrow is when I get going. A kiss and embrace and I’ll start the engine, and with a final wave and toot, begin another long solo trip. One of many I’ve racked up.

The most direct route home is about 3,200 miles. No way will that be how I’ll go. I plan to zig and zag. Take as few Interstates as possible. Stop here and stop there, Look at this and that. See famous sites and little-known ones. Avoid the very big cities—I’ve seen many of them. Don’t want to put up with all the traffic and headaches getting in and out of them.

I’ll be camping most of the way. I expect to stay at a motel now and then. More to my liking would be a hostel, For a rest, a chance to soak my body and do my laundry and  hang out with some interesting folks.

I have no specific “must-sees” in mind. But I’ll visit parks big and small, and museums, I hope, and factories that welcome visitors, and for sure, senior centers and libraries and universities. And get to meet people. That’s a priority.

I’ll be driving on a California permit that gives me two months to get home. If it gets tough and isn’t fun, I’ll be home in two weeks. But I hope to make the most of the trip and get home on the last day of my permit. Why not? There’s no rush. I’m looking at is as maybe my last hurrah. And I’m leaving it up to serendipity.

I flew here in late December, which has been my routine for some years. And I expected to fly home, as usual. What the heck happened?

~ ~ ~ ~

I have to go back about seven years to explain. Annabelle and I did a house swap in France.  I got the idea deep in Chile while on my solo trip around the world. I met a French couple down there. He was an M.D. with a specialty in psychiatry. She was a professor of nursing. They were there for some light mountain climbing.

When he told me they came from Poitiers, I got excited. It’s a small city about two hours southwest of Paris. Famous for an ancient university. But more important than anything else for me is that the Poitiers area is where  my ancestor LaPlante came from—my great, great, great, great, great grandfather, I think.  He was a soldier in New France–the present Quebec. He was one of about 1,100 who arrived in June 1665. Their mission was to protect the colonists from the nasty Iroquois from what is now up-state New York.

The soldiers beat the Iroquois back and restored peace. After thee years the king recalled the regiment home. But there were only 2,500 or so colonists in New France—most living in what is now Quebec City. The troops were given the choice of staying—more strong Frenchmen were essential to get this tiny settlement going. My ancestor was one of the third who stayed in that harsh but welcoming new land.

But his name was not LaPlante then. It was Savignac. A strange thing happened. For some reason still debated. Many of those guys decided to take on new names. To symbolize a new life? Maybe.

He chose LaPlante. All it means is ‘the plant.” So, nothing romantic. Others chose other common words like that as their name—words starting with “La” or “Le.” But I know his name was Savignac because church records were meticulous—the records of baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and deaths. That’s why I also know he came from the Poitiers corner of France, and that his outfit was the Regiment Carignan-Salieres. Those were the names of two colonels.

My two new French friends in Chile laughed off the idea of a house swap when I first mentioned it. “Risky!” they said. “How can you be sure what kind of people will be moving into your house?”

Back in Deep River, I kept up an email correspondence with them. Sent them photos of our pretty town. And my nice little condo, And news about typical events. And we made the swap happen.

We swapped residences, of course—their home and my condo. And everything in them, of course—the kitchen stuff, the books, the computers, the TVs and other electronics, the whole works. Also their big VW wagon and my Buick sedan.  Plus their network of relatives of friends and mine—how important that turned out to be.  I joke now—everything except the ladies! We agreed on a six-week swap. I wanted 12 weeks. “Impossible!” he said. “I’m still practicing.”

It worked out fine in every way. They drove my Buick to Niagara Falls. We drove their VW to Paris—had a picnic lunch in it under the Eiffel Tower—and down through the rich wine country to the Med.

Oh, I was a Rotarian. So in Poitiers I went to the weekly meetings of the big Rotary Club there. Four times the size of our Deep River club. Annabelle came along. And that was marvelous.  I had a ball speaking French and really getting to know what life over there was really like. Annabelle had studied French long ago and was a good sport about it all.

~ ~ ~ ~

 A bit of background. I was born in the U.S.  My parents were immigrants from Quebec. I’ve been there often. Still have a few relatives there. So I have a great interest in Quebec..

I speak French well and enjoy using it. You have to use a language or you’ll lose it.  One thing I do is listen to Quebec radio via the computer. Streaming radio, it’s called. I listen to two fm stations, one in Montreal and one in Quebec City. They offer light classical music, and their announcers speak good French—contemporary French, with current idioms and slang. Wonderful.

So! I got the idea not of a house swap up there, but of a home stay. With a Quebec family for a month or so. To talk the language, enjoy the culture, experience their life.  I’d gladly pay. I wrote to the two stations, then to a big Rotary Club, then to a university. Didn’t get a single bite.

What to do? I decided I’d go on my own. It was now late October, and the weather was getting cold and the days short. I’d go for two weeks. Drive up. Annabelle chose to stay behind in California and I understood that.

Not long ago, I would have started on a trip like this without hesitation. But bad things have happened to me of late.  Nothing calamitous. But challenging enough to make me feel my age.

On the morning that I got into my Hyundai Sonata to start out, I looked in the mirror and spoke to myself.  “Is this wise? To go with no companion?  What if something goes wrong? Something could.”

And I spoke back to myself. “I really want to do this. Time is running out. I’d getter do it while I can. Something bad could happen at home. I’m going!”

And I turned started my car and headed north. I traveled some 1,500 miles in all.  Crossed into Quebec at a small custom station in Vermont.  Just a mile or two into Quebec I made out big Mount Sutton. It rises beside the small town of Sutton.

That’s where my grandparents lived. My grandfather Michel LaPlante had a maple operation on the flank of Mount Sutton. Tapped trees and made maple syrup every early spring.  On the rise on the opposite side of the village was his farm–an old-fashioned self-sufficiency homestead.  Thirty milk cows. Sunday was the day of rest but they still had to milk the cows twice that day, too. A vegetable garden and small orchard.

My grandma had a big cast-iron stove…baked a huge pot of beans every Saturday for the week. Served her large brood  21 hearty meals a week. She had a handpump for water in the kitchen. Every fall they filled the cellar with firewood they had sawed and split. There was an outhouse in the backyard.

On Sunday mornings my grandfather hitched the family horse to their Sunday carriage. The horse that pulled his plow and hay wagon. And drove them to the little Catholic church they could see in the valley below. They sat through Mass and then lingered on the church steps to greet and chat with their friends. It was their big outing of the week.

Yes, that little church where they had attended so many weddings and baptisms and funerals. I did that when I went with my dad and mom. And later as a grown man visiting up there.

So on this trip, Sutton was my fist stop. I had a nice visit with Tante Rosanne, the last of my aunts. She was so surprised and pleased! I visited  the church, then the church  cemetery. Saw a whole row of my kin resting side by side. Visited the farm, of course. The house had been knocked down and a beautiful expensive country home stood in its place. Sutton has become a famous ski resort, and this was the country home of a wealthy Montreal family. The barn still stood. It had never looked so good. But now it housed riding horses instead of cows.

I visited in the village and got into little talks. Sutton has been transformed. It’s a tourist town with cafes and art galleries and pricy restaurants. If my grandparents and parents could have seen this!

I went on to Montreal and Quebec City and half a dozen small cities. All familiar to me.  Stopped and looked and talked time and again. Stopped at mom-and-pop motels on most nights. But it was just me and the TV set. That’s not my favorite thing, even in French. But found three cozy hostels to stay in. I was so old I wondered whether they’d let me in. They did. Nobody looked at me crossways and I had fun. I spoke French all day.

On Quebec highways, tourist information stations are indicated by a big question mark. Yes, just a huge ?. I stopped at every one I spotted. For tourist advice, but that was my excuse. What I wanted was a little chat. It was magic when I mentioned I was of Quebecois descent. They made me feel like a prince.

I finally made it home to Connecticut with not a single bad thing happening to me. And guess what? I felt  20 years younger.

~ ~ ~ ~

 Here at Annabelle’s two months ago I began thinking of my return flight to Connecticut. And remembered my splendid road trip to Quebec. I wondered, why not drive home? Yes, why not? In the same casual and  relaxed way. And that’s how I got the idea of making the long ride home to Connecticut in a little camper.

I chose a good moment to mention it to Annabelle. She’s certainly chalked up a lot of adventures of her own. But she’s getting along in years, too. She declined. Understandable. She didn’t have the same interests of language and family

Then I spread the word to family and friends. Nobody was ecstatic. They advised caution.  Great caution. I’m sure some considered me nuts. That didn’t surprise me. But as I’ve said, doing it is important to me. And here I am, ready to go.

Oh, I had to find a camper.  A must was a rig that I could park in a single parking spot. So many are so huge! Offer nice amenities but what a challenge driving them around.

I started searching while I was in Morro Bay with my daughter Monique and her hubby David at Christmas. No big argument from them. Just “Caution!”

David was a big help in feeding me leads about promising vehicles. When I moved down here to Annabelle’s, he continued to send me leads. He made a hundred-mile round trip to check one out for me. He was disappointed.

A friend up there named Martha also steered me to a couple of possibilities. They didn’t pan out.

I searched here at Annabelle’s. Looked at this one and that one. Studied Craig’s List time and again. With Annabelle, I made a 120-mile trip up to the city of Riverside to check one rig that sounded perfect. Disappointing.

One day online I read of a 2002 Ford van called the Chateau. It wasn’t a camper. It was a seven-passenger van. It was loaded with nice features. Even a ceiling drop-down screen to watch DVDs. There were photos of the van. It looked terrific. The price was $4,900. Definitely in my budget.

It was for sale at an outfit called FamVans.  Just a 25-minute ride away. I called and spoke to a salesman named Mike Malvey.

He told me the Chateau model was the top of the line. Was in excellent condition. Had 180,000 miles on it.  Wow! That’s something to think about! But I went and looked. The photos had not exaggerated. It had a tiny scrape on one side. And a small ding in the front bumper, and another at the back. It was better than I expected.  I was excited.

I told him about my cross-country plan. He looked dubious. I understood that. I’m no kid. But I gave him details about some of my long-distance travels and her perked up.

“Tell me,” I said to him. “What’s wrong with this van?”

“There’s nothing wrong with it.”

That’s not a surprising thing to hear from a used-car salesman.

“Let  me explain how we do business,” he continued. “We have a complete staff here, including good mechanics. We check every vehicle. We sell 20 per week, week in and week out. More than a thousand a year. Have been in business more than 20 years. But I want you to check us out.”

He smiled. “Look! I understand your concern. Take it for a day. A weekend. Take it to any mechanic of your choice. Have it checked thoroughly. We’ll pay for that. Then show us his written report. We’ll take it from there.”

“Sounds good. But I don’t know any mechanic here.”

“No problem. We’ll take it to a Ford agency near you. They’ll do the checking. Give you their report. We’ll pay for it. Then you decide.”

Very fair, I thought. He did that. I got the report. The form had some 30 items on the check-off list. Every single one got checked off as “Good.”  Remarkable, I thought..

At my next meeting with Mike—yes, we were using our first names now—I asked about the whopping 183,000 miles. Who wouldn’t?

“That’s really much for a van of that age.  We got one in the other day. A Ford. Owned by an airport shuttle service. Its odometer said 900,000 miles. And still in service.”

I whistled at that.

I was curious about one thing. How come the Chateau looked so good. I put the question to him.

He turned to his computer. Looked up the Chateau. “This is the second time we sell it. The first time was when it was about 18 months old. We chose it to a Japanese man for family use. He traded it in for another. That’s the story. Not that unusual.”

“A Japanese man, you say. Well, I’ve been to Japan. I know how people over there take care of things.”

He nodded. “You’re probably right.”

“Well, I’ll pay $4,500.”

He smiled. “Sorry. The price is the price.”

“How about at least a senior discount?’

He smiled again. And shook his head. “Sorry. No.”

I test-drove it, of course. I used to drive a van of this size routinely at Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, Conn., when I was the director of its Elderhostel program. Often filled with passengers. That kind of driving all came back to me now.

I had searched for a high-rise model, with more headroom. In this one I couldn’t stand fully.  But adapting wouldn’t be difficult.

Mike and I discussed some details. I had no place to keep the van till departure time. I had to make modifications. Could I keep it at FamVans? I had no tools. I might need a hand on some jobs.

“Not a problem.  Keep it here. Just ask and we’ll let you borrow whatever you need. And we’ll help you find a young guy to help you as needed.”

One more question. Did I have to register it in California? I’d register it in Connecticut when I got home. It would be crazy to have to register it in one state, then the other.”

“We know the law. There is a simple solution. I’ll give you a document. You’ll have a permit on the windshield. You will be able to drive it to Connecticut with the previous owner’s plates. They’re on the van now. You’ll be allowed to make that single trip home. Nothing for you to do here. No California sales tax to pay. You’ll register and pay the tax in Connecticut. That’s all there is to it.”

There was considerable discussion, but that was the essence of it. We shook hands on the deal. I paid a deposit. It worked out just as he said. I kept the Chateau at FamVans for more than a month. He let me use his dealer’s plate to do errands with the van.

He introduced me to one of his workers, Antonio—Tony. Mexican. Born there. About 35. Working at FamVans for 13 years. Took a liking to him. He was talented and enthusiastic.  He called me “Senor John.” I liked that.

Nearly all the employees were Mexicans. They impressed me. And I liked the culture of the place. They worked hard. Seemed to enjoy their day. Were friendly.

One small detail. I spotted a popcorn machine in the office. It was filled fresh every morning. I love popcorn.

Mike was one of three brothers. His older brother was president. He was the sales manager. A younger brother ran the huge parts department.

FamVans had 200 vans and cargo trucks on the lot. Very busy. This was really a full-service place. Twenty workers doing everything from A to Z, including complete engine changes and rebuilds. Every vehicle got scrubbed and washed when it arrived. And spiffed up for delivery.

Antonio said “Yes, senor” to everything I asked.

Here are some of my changes to the van.  I removed one of the two big seats in the second row. I had the second one turned around, so it faced backward. I was going to remove the 3-passenger back seat. But I moved it back 18 inches and adapted it into a bunk. Got a 4-inch foam mattress custom cut for it.

Installed two three-drawer cabinets. Built a shelf along one side. Put in a one-burner propane stove and an ice chest. Even a homemade potty, for emergencies only. The carpeting was very clean. I put in carpet runners to keep it clean. Built a wooden step to rest on the ground by the big sliding door. Made it much easier for me to get in and out. Did this and did that.

Oh, important. Behind the back bench I installed a big plywood shelf. It was the width of the van and  two-feet wide. I could store suitcases and boxes under it. I had lots to take home. And loads of  everyday stuff on it. I am delighted with it.

The Chateau had tinted windshields. I liked that. People couldn’t see in. But the tint on the window by the driver gave a distorted view when I looked out at an oblique angle. That was a problem..

Antonio used a razor to make a crescent-shape cut and peel off that corner of the film. Excellent. Then did the same thing on the other side.  I asked why he bothered. “Not good if they look different, senor!”

Oh, I forgot to mention that the van had a gps navigation system. At the last minute it was discovered it had a problem. Not fixable. Mike gave me a new Garmin instrument. I’ve set it up.

Antonio made even more small changes that I requested when I picked it up. He installed two brackets for me. I’ll hang my clothes neatly on them.

I had one final request.  I asked him to drive the Chateau to the front of the lot and park it there, with the big FamVans’ sign showing right behind. And had Luis, the foreman, to

take a photo of Mike and Antonio and me side by side. They were busy but good sports about it. I wanted it as a souvenir of this very nice experience.

We shook hands.  I was glad I had tipped Antonio. He deserved it. Mike had kept his word in every way. We shook hands and promised to keep in touch. They were waving to me as I drove off.

I would be departing in three days. They knew that. Mike said, “If something comes up, don’t hesitate to call me.” This was a no-warranty deal. But his words made me feel good.

Well, tomorrow morning is the big moment. I’ll get home to Deep River when I get home. Maybe in a few days. Maybe in several weeks. We’ll see.

I’ve never lived in a chateau. But now I have a nice little one on wheels to live in.

Gosh, I’ve written a lot of words to tell you all this.  God bless you if you’ve reached this last paragraph!

Filed Under: Deep River, John Guy LaPlante, ll, News

Deep River Man Identifed and Charges in April 8 Police Chase and Shooting

April 15, 2013 by

AREAWIDE— State police have announced the arrest of the second suspect in the April 8 chase and shootout on Route 153 in Westbrook, Sebastian P. Award, 24, of 257 West Elm St. in Deep River.  Another suspect, 24-year-old Jonathan Alvarado of Deep River was shot to death in an exchange of gunfire with police that left Detective Scott Wisner with a shoulder wound.

Award and Alvarado were fleeing the scene of an armed robbery at the Days Inn motel on Route One in Old Saybrook, with police in pursuit, when their vehicle crashed into a vehicle operated by Wisner on Route 153 near Doc’s Hill Road in Westbrook. Award was injured in the crash and shooting, and has been under treatment and police guard at Hartford Hospital for the past week. Wisner is a former resident state trooper for Essex.

Award has been arrested and charged with two counts of criminal attempt to commit murder, two counts of first degree kidnapping, two counts of first degree robbery, three counts of second degree larceny, and assault on a police officer. He was expected to be arraigned Monday at Middlesex Superior Court in Middletown.

Filed Under: Charles Stannard, Deep River, ll, News, osn
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