1. education
2. school

The Plymouth Connection
Volume 9, Issue 2 • February, 2015
©
Presrt STD
ECRWSS
US Postage
PAID
southington, CT
Permit No. 12
Local Postal
Customer
Connecting Plymouth, Terryville and Pequabuck
Save the Date - 2nd
Annual Maple Festival
Plymouth Police - Scam Alert
To all of the citizens of Plymouth please be advised of
various telephone scams that are occurring locally and nationally. If you happen to receive a telephone call from
anyone claiming to offer you prize money be wary. You
may be told you won an amount of money, possibly up to
$5 million dollars, in addition to a car (BMW, Mercedes…).
THIS IS A SCAM!!! You will be asked to send a sum of
money, anywhere from $200 on up, and will be given instructions to go to a local store (CVS, Walgreens, ect…)
where you will be encouraged to send money via Western
Union, a pre-paid card, a Walmart2Walmart transaction, or
a Green Dot / MoneyPak transaction. Again, please DO
NOT send any money. The people calling you asking you
to send them money in return for this promised fortune
many times have a middle-eastern accent. The phone numbers come from all over the country. The scams range from
someone stating they are a representative from “Mega Millions” claiming you
won the jackpot prize to someone from
the IRS demanding you send them money
with the threat of a pending arrest. These
people are skilled in manipulation, coercion and overcoming your objections. They will promise
you enormous amounts of money and will prey on your
fears. Please be aware that the IRS will never call you via
telephone. Also, if you are fortunate to win any lottery or
sweepstakes, you will not be asked to send them money.
Please understand that if it sounds too good to be true, it is.
I hope this is helpful. Pass the word on to friends and
family.
Thank you,
Officer Bilotto, Plymouth Police Department
The Facts about Plymouth’s Fiscal Department
and What Happens Next
Councilman Tom Zagurski taps a sugar maple at the
2014 Maple Festival.
Circle the date on the calendar for this year’s 2nd annual Maple Festival to be held March 7 on the Plymouth
Green. Watch syrup boiling on an outdoor fire, tap a tree,
sample maple products, and try lots of fun kids activities.
More information will be in the March Plymouth Connection and at www.plymouthct.us.
New This Month!
Growing Up Straight by Susan Huff.... pg. 4
Hometown Heritage by Jerry Milne...... pg. 8
Sports Writer, Christopher Griffin...... pg. 23
The DSS Bus is Coming!
The Town of Plymouth Human Services Department
is hosting the state of CT Department of Social Services
“bus” on Friday, February 6th from 11 am-3 pm.
There will be CT DSS staff on site who can help with
any difficulties you are having with your DSS benefits!
(Including Access Health)
They will have access to their computer network and
will give you the face to face service without having to
drive to one of the offices.
The bus will be in the parking lot at the Plymouth Town
Hall, 80 Main St, Terryville. You do not have to be a resident of Plymouth to attend.
Appointments suggested, all others will be first come
first served, call Plymouth Human Services 860-585-4028.
In the event of inclement weather, check local TV stations for cancellations or call the number above.
Fuel and Utility
Assistance Available
Are you behind on your utility (CL&P, Yankee Gas)
bills? Does your household have an emergency need for
deliverable fuel (oil, pellets, coal)? If your household
meets income requirements, you may be eligible for assistance to prevent utilities from being shut off. Don’t wait
until it is too late! If you have a shut off notice, or are
more than a month behind, contact Human Services Office
at 860-585-4028 for more information.
I must begin this month’s update with a heartfelt
“Thank you” for all of the support the community has
given me over the past couple of months. I would especially like to thank the members of the Democratic Town
Committee who organized a statement of support and involved members of the Republican Town Committee. The
members of the two parties came together as citizens of
our great community, all working toward and supporting
a common goal to make Plymouth a better place as it continues to move forward.
I know that by now you have all read, seen on TV,
or heard about the arrest of our former comptroller. Although this is the beginning of the Due Process portion
of the investigation, it represents another obstacle that the
town can put behind itself. We continue to work with the
FBI and provide them with whatever they need to complete its investigation. Working with the FBI and the IRS
during the past few months has made it very difficult for
me to feel comfortable talking about what was going on or
releasing any information, not knowing if anything I said
would help or hurt the process. Now that they have made
the investigation public, this ordeal is a little easier to talk
about. However, we all need to remember that in this
country ‘due process’, the idea of innocent until proven
guilty, is the right that we are all entitled to, and we should
keep that in mind.
It is not our job at Town Hall to spend time worrying
about the FBI investigation, but rather it is our job to focus
on repairing the damage, getting everything in order, and
moving on. One of our top priorities right now is working
on our budget for the upcoming fiscal year, beginning July
1. Ann Marie Rheault, our interim comptroller, started that
process earlier this month and is working with all of our
departments to process their requests. Our Grand List will
also be completed soon, and we can start to calculate what
the budget and mill rate will look like. Additionally, the
Board of Education has started its budget process, and,
hopefully, we will be able to get together and present a
budget that will be fair to everyone. One thing that we
should all try to keep in mind is that every part of the budget impacts someone. Even if it doesn’t affect you or me
directly, we should always keep in mind that we need to
take care of everyone in our community. The most important part of every decision is to ask, “Is it in the best
interest of the Town of Plymouth?”
It is unclear right now how the missing $800,000.00
will affect us, or what portion, if any, we will be able to
recover. Bear in mind that this all started four years ago,
and it wasn’t until this past October that I was able to stop
it. The losses have been spread out over four budgets, and
the missing money represents only one part of the problem
on which we are working.
We are still working daily with Marcum, which is the
Continued on page 5...
Clothing Sale
Table of Contents...
Terryville High School
33 North Harwinton Avenue, Terryville, CT 06786
January 30th - February 1st
“Brand Name”
Men’s and Women’s Apparel & Accessories ...
plus so much more.
Everything $5 - $25
Does not include special buy items
(first quality, irregulars, returns)
Friday, 2:30pm-9pm • Saturday, 9am-9pm
Sunday, 9am-9pm
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to
Terryville High School Senior Class
www.retailsales101.com
Visa. Mastercard and Cash Accepted.
Animal Rescue Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Business, Chamber & Rotary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-18
Church News & Outreach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19
Classified. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Counselor’s Corner, by Bill Hamzy. . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Engaged Family Gaming by Stephen Deutzmann. . . 11
Financial Advice by Julia Weston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Growing Up Straight by Susan Huff. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Health & Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-22
Hometown Heritage by Jerry Milne. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
I Remember When, by Dick Foote. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Leisure & Activity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23
Letter to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Library News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25
Local News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Plymouth Historical Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Plymouth Human Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 20
Plymouth Park & Rec. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Terryville Fire Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 16
www.plymouthconnection.org
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Page 2 • The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015
Local News
...continued from page 1
firm conducting the forensic investigation, so that we can
rule out any other transactions that may be related. Working through all of our accounts to reconcile and balance
them is a daunting task. The accounting practices that have
been used for the past seven years have been poor, at best.
In terms of time, I believe that it will be another couple of
months before we have everything where it belongs.
The third portion of the problem on which we are working includes all of the things that should have been completed during the past seven years and hadn’t been done. It
seems as if I hear of a new issue almost every day. Some of
them may involve money that we have due us. This portion
of what we are doing is equally as large as the other two.
The questions that are always asked are, “How did
this happen?” and “What will prevent it from happening
again?” The accounting problems stemmed from several
things. First, we have a very small office with an equally
small staff. The biggest problem with a small office is not
having duel control, but allowing one person to have control over everything. Over the past few years, too much
control was assumed by the comptroller’s office, allowing
decisions to be made there instead of going through the
proper protocols. We also have software that allowed things
to be done that should not have been done. The present software is old and needs to be updated. We will do that, but we
can’t do that until we can get all of our numbers where they
belong. Changing software is a huge undertaking, requiring
months of running two systems before we can let one go.
When we are able, we will make the change.
Throughout this fiscal crisis, we must be mindful of
the fact that second guessing what happened or pointing
fingers does no good at all and accomplishes nothing. We
can’t change what has happened; we can only repair it,
make sure protocols are in place to prevent this from happening again, and move forward. I am looking at October
31, 2014, as being “ground zero” for the town and me as
far as this matter goes. Everything that transpired prior to
that date is history, and there is nothing that we can do to
change it. We can only start from that date and introduce
new and effective measures so that we can move on.
As we move forward, we have already begun the process of implementing changes. The budget process on
which we are working is new. I felt it better not to use any
of the old methods or spreadsheets from the past. We have
already begun the process of working with duel controls
and duel signatures for transactions. Solid accounting
practices and protocols are coming together, and I am very
confident that soon we will be where we should be.
What I really want to do is to look forward to spring,
initiate new projects, and move forward again. Hopefully
by next month, I can start talking to you about those projects. For some of those projects, we will be reimbursed;
some may not be reimbursed. The bottom line is we will
need to borrow money to complete them. However, be assured that I will only bring the projects to you when I feel
comfortable that we have everything else under control.
This newsletter serves as a brief overview of what we
are dealing with every day. I can promise you that we have
an excellent team in place, and we are working hard every
day. Each and every day we make more progress. We will resolve the numerous issues, and we will move forward again.
I will talk with you next month! Stay Warm.
Mayor Dave Merchant
Terryville Stylist
Winners of the Lions
Moves After 11+ Years
Holiday Lighting
Jamie Nadeau, formerly of Hair Central, located on
Contest
South Main Street in Terryville, will now be at The Biz
salon located at 940 Terryville Avenue in Bristol, in the
corner of the plaza at the intersection of Route 6 and
Clark Avenue. Jamie would like to thank all of her clients for 11 great years at Hair Central, and hopes to see
them all in this new chapter of her profession. For appointments she can be reached at 860-212-7112, working Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Thursdays
only by appointment with a 24 hour notice.
White Lights:
1st Doreen Feltt, 376 Preston Rd.
2ndMark Lyons, 39 Old Wtby. Rd.
3rd Kyra Pham, 366 Preston Rd.
Colored Lights:
1st Bert Kavanaugh, 106 Fall Mtn. Lake Rd. (new
participant)
2ndGary Violette, 37 High St.
3rdShanna Renkavinsky, 27 Club La. (new participant)
from Hair Central is now at
940 Terryville Ave. Bristol
Themed:
1st Kevin Rescildo, 101 Allen St.
2nd Jared Fortin, 5 Cedar St.
Congratulations and thank you to all who entered!
Beautification
Committee Vacancies
The Plymouth Beautification Committee has several vacancies.
The Committee’s many projects have included new benches and
landscaping at the Veteran’s Monuments at Baldwin Park, planters along Main St., the annual Pumpkinfest, the Tree Lighting
and Carol Sing, and new landscaping at Gosinski Park, among
others. For this year, we are planning more planters, new landscaping at Town Hall, and maybe even murals to brighten up
Main Street (calling all artists, hint, hint.). The Committee meets
on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm at the Town Hall.
Contact Committee Chair Cheryl Russell at 860-283-0131.
Lincoln Day Dinner
The Plymouth Republican Town Committee presents their Lincoln Day Dinner on February 7th, 2015,
at the Pequabuck Golf Club, School Street, Pequabuck.
Cocktail hour begins at 6:00pm (cash bar), dinner at
7:00pm. Join us for dinner with a speaker Peter Lumaj,
Republican candidate for Connecticut Secretary of
State in the 2014 elections.
Please RSVP Immediately. Price is $35 per person,
$65 per couple. Call Mary Wollenberg (860-583-9377)
with questions or to purchase tickets. All are welcome.
Back-to-Basics
Helping you live the simple life
31 Main Street
Terryville 06786
phone 860-589-8858
fax 860-589-7968
Mon.-Fri. 9-6
Saturday 9-5
Sunday 9-3
Maple
Syrup
Supplies
Sunday, February 1st at 9 am
Black Oil
Sunflower
Seeds
Rabbit
Food
10
$
99
25lb. Bag
50lb. Bag
Suet Cakes
Deer Corn
w/Molasses
• Orange Treat
• Berry Treat
• Nutty Treat
• Seed Treat
Sleds
24
$
22
2 for $
1Each
$
While Supplies Last
40lb. Bag, Must Buy 2.
Ice Melt, Rock Salt,
Calcium & Pet-Safe
Products In Stock!
Snow
Shovels
The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015 • Page 3
Local News
PRIDE AND
PROGRESS FOR
PLYMOUTH
STATEMENT SIGNATURES GATHERED SINCE
JANUARY PUBLICATION DEADLINE OF 12/27/2014:
Amy Radke
Regina Murawski
Wayne Radke
Fran Girouard
Dawn Belonick
Kim Wasko
John Belonick
Wayne A. Titus, Sr.
Janice L. Belonick
Elaine Titus
Melissa Belonick
Ann Bednaz
Alexandria Belonick
Todd Bednaz
Chris Belonick
Helen Makara
Matt Belonick
Norma Tanguay
Gregory Shell
Arlene Schissler
Dorine Tennant
Hanna C. Tucker
George Withers, Pres., F.M.L.P.O.A.
James O’Donnell
Dianna Tennant
Nancy O’Donnell
George Castle, Capital Improvements /
Larry LaFreniere
Planning & Zoning Comms.
Sylvia LaFreniere
Robert E. Leroux
Mark Gagnon, Sr., Owner, Gagnon’s Carpets
Bill Hamzy
Beth Gagnon
Dennis Kendall
Heidi Caron, Chair, Human Services Commission
Margaret Kendall
Kathleen Mackiewicz
Peter Cook
Helena Schwalm, President, Plymouth Seniors
Joe Longo
Jason Dorso
Keith G. Golnik, Fire Commission
Eric Pelz
Christine A. Ciarmella
Mike Drozdick, Board of Finance
Ann Petrin
Maria Drozdick
Elizabeth Theriault
George Tishon
Lucien Theriault
Linda Konopaske
Helen Mackiewicz
Joann Basile
Ann Mackiewicz
Daniel Slevinsky, retired, Lt. Plymouth Police
Gene Pyrzenski
Linda Slevinsky
Growing up Straight
(the hows, whats and whys of growing things)
Let me introduce myself. My name is Susan Huff. I
have been a practicing gardener for over 20 years.
When I was in my twenties I lived in an apartment
and discovered I enjoyed growing house plants. I tried
everything from spider plants to rooting avocado pits
(which by the way did well). Once people witnessed my
talent I started to inherit plants from people who no longer wanted them, including a Bird of Paradise, which is
now about 24 years old, and yes it has bloomed for me.
In 1992 my dad passed away and I moved into the
family homestead in Terryville to take care of my mom.
After my mom passed, the home and about three quarters of an acre, became mine. I knew absolutely nothing about yard work when I started. After a few years
of floundering I attended the University of Connecticut
and received my Master Gardener Certificate in 1998.
Shortly after, I worked at a local nursery, and in the last
12 years have worked part-time for Twin Gardens in
Collinsville, CT. All the while practicing in my own
gardens and yard. So that brings me to present day.
I asked Lisa if she would mind if I wrote a gardening
column for the local newspaper. She agreed. So here I am.
Hopefully each month I can give you some helpful hints
and answer any questions you may have. If I don’t know
the answer right away, I have many resources to turn to.
Perennials, shrubs, trees and houseplants are my
pleasure. I only dabble in vegetables. Lawns? Well, in
the last five years I have pretty much given up chemicals in my yard. My lawn is green and looks nice when
it’s mowed but it’s no golf course. I prefer it that way.
I will start in February with my dreams for the spring
time. If you have any questions you would like answered, please e-mail Lisa at the Plymouth Connection:
[email protected] and she will pass it on.
Thanks,
Susan
“Thank You”
In June I lost my Dad, Rupert F Bain. Many people
reached out with acts and notes of kindness.
Well, in January another thoughtful gift came to my
home. A lovely book of prayer and spiritual thoughts.
I would like to personally thank the local businesses
and The Heritage Company of North Carolina that made
that possible. The local people are: Lee Hardware, Chutes
Gate Steakhouse, Michael Mazzone Insurance Agency,
Chamberlin Granite Company, Plymouth Auto, and Scott
Funeral Home. Thank-You for honoring Dad.
Sally Bain-Picard
Assistant Police Chief, Robert Wright,
is Plymouth’s 1st to Graduate the
FBI National Academy Program
On December 19, 2014, 215 law enforcement officers graduated from the FBI National Academy Program
in Quantico, Virginia. The 258th Session of the National
Academy consisted of men and women from 49 states
and from law enforcement agencies from the District of
Columbia, 26 international countries, 3 military organizations, and 4 federal civilian organizations. Assistant Chief
Robert Wright of the Plymouth Police Department was
one of those 215 officers who graduated in this class. He is
a 20 year veteran of the police department and was the first
officer in the history of the Plymouth Police Department to
be selected to attend the National Academy Program since
its inception in 1935. He graduated with honors making
this a very proud and historic achievement for the Plymouth Police Department and for the Town of Plymouth.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the
National Academy Program held at the FBI Academy, offers 11 weeks of advanced investigative, management, and
fitness training for selected officers having proven records
as professionals within their agencies. On average, these
officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and
usually return to their agencies to serve in executive level
positions.
Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy Instructional Staff, Special Agents, and other staff
members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are
recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.
Since 1972, National Academy students have been
able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the
University of Virginia due to the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered.
FBI Director James Corney was the principal speaker
at the ceremony. The graduating officers were represented
by the class spokesperson, Michael Dahl, Captain, with
the Washington State Patrol in Olympia, Washington. A
total of 47,898 graduates now represent the FBI National
Academy since it began in July 1935. Of this number,
16,233 are still active in law enforcement work.
Save Money This Tax Season
Want to know how you can get your taxes done for
free… with no hidden fees or strings attached? United
Way of West Central Connecticut will again be hosting a free tax preparation site for individuals residing in
Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth and Terryville
throughout the tax season. The Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance (VITA) Program provides low-income workers and families with free tax preparation and filing. The
goal is to bring unclaimed tax credits to these individuals,
and thus to the community!
All volunteers at this VITA site are IRS-certified and
ready to help you prepare your tax return and get you
all the money due to you! If your household income is
less than $53,000 then you are eligible to have your taxes
done at this local VITA site for free. Appointments are
required, so call (860) 540-4767 today and make sure to
request to come to the Bristol site!
Over the course of the last five tax seasons, United
Way has been able to bring over $1,485,806 in state and
federal refunds back to individuals in our community
through this program! It has also saved clients over
$200,000 in tax preparation fees alone. Plus, 100% of
clients at last year’s site said they were satisfied with the
services they received (based on the results of an exit
survey).
Another goal of this program is to promote the Earned
Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is one of the largest antipoverty programs. EITC is a financial boost for
working people in a recovering economy. And for the
third time, there is also a State of Connecticut EITC.
To qualify for the federal and state EITC, earned income and adjusted gross income must be less than:
- $46,997 ($52,427 married filing jointly) with three or
more qualifying children;
- $43,756 ($49,186 married filing jointly) with two or
more qualifying children;
- $38,511 ($43,941 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child;
- $14,590 ($20,020 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children
The United Way of West Central Connecticut, serving
the communities of Bristol, Burlington,
Plainville and Plymouth, is working to create opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on education,
income and health. Under the building block of Income,
this initiative strives to help families become financially
stable and independent.
Again, appointments are required for this site, so
please call (860) 540-4767 as soon as you receive all of
your tax forms for 2014.
LEO Support A Soldier-Month of February 2015
Help us support our troops serving overseas! Two soldiers from
our community (and their Units) will be getting these supplies.
Food Items: Nuts, trail mix – small packages are great to tuck into their pockets, Austin crackers with peanut butter or
cheese, cereal – they eat it by the handful, hard candy, soups in flip top containers or individual bowls, beef jerky, beef bites,
individual packets of drink mixes to add to water, coffee, Swiss Miss, Chef Boyardee with pop tops, Betty Crocker bowl appetite, Hormel Completes, mac & cheese in individual bowls, tuna pouches, cookies, Ramen Noodles, gum
Misc: Eye drops, Q-tips, air fresheners, playing cards, wordbooks, word puzzles, socks – this is BIG – especially when not on a
base with washing machines, toothpaste, duct tape – they repair everything with this, nail clippers, shavers (razors, deodorant,
Donations accepted at all schools in town!!!
Call 860 314-2777 ext. 5412/5413
Page 4 • The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015
Head Start Applications
Local News
Preschool Resource Fair - February 11
If We Can’t Find You, We Can’t Help You!
In this hi-tech, Wi-Fi, GPS world it is still good ole
fashion identification and labeling that helps get the job
done. What am I talking about ……? Well, let me first
share the scenario and give you an accurate understanding of the gravity of my message as well. Imagine it is a
moonless night, lightly misting and the windshield wipers
should have been changed at least three storms ago. The
windy road you are driving down seems like it is something from a Steven King movie. Now put yourself behind the wheel of an ambulance or a fire truck and the
dispatcher is asking you to “step it up” because the 911
caller is becoming panicked. The emergency service vehicle has found your road but the driver cannot find your
house in the sparsely populated road. This is further complicated because your mailbox does not have a number on
it and your house light is off. So, while a GPS will get the
emergency responders close to the destination, it still takes
house numbers or other permanent building markings to
give it positive identification.
Along with having a number on your mailbox, it is best
practice to also identify your house or the building you
live in. The structure should have legible address numbers
placed in a position to be plainly identified and visible
from the street or road fronting your property. These numbers should contrast from their background. Brass and
Bronze seem classy, but this type of material is difficult to
see and read. Address numbers should be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers should be a minimum of
4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch.
When the building is set back farther than 50 feet from the
streets the letter sizes should be scaled up.
Be sure to check the front of your home to make sure
your number is clearly visible and legible from the street.
If it is not, please make corrections. Consider placing it on
your fence, gate or light post. You are placing your loved
ones at risk when minutes matter because you called us.
After all, you called 911 for help, so let us find you.
SAMPLES OF GOOD MARKINGS
SAMPLES OF
HIDDEN & POOR
MARKINGS
Plymouth Head Start, located at Harry S Fisher School,
is accepting pre-applications for the 2015-2016 school
year. This early childhood program is committed to providing comprehensive, quality services to children ages
3-5, and their families. The program staff works in partnership with families to enhance children’s social competence, to provide families with opportunities to grow and
develop, and to prepare children to enter kindergarten with
the skills and knowledge necessary for success.
Head Start is a free program. Eligibility is determined
based on a family’s income. Homeless families, families
receiving Social Security Income, as well as foster children are automatically eligible. Head Start offers nutritious breakfasts and lunches. This program currently runs
Monday through Thursday from 8:15 until 12:30. Come
and visit us at the Preschool Resource Fair on February
11, 2015 at Plymouth Center School from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
For further information please contact us at vellucci@
educationconnection.org or call 860-689-6832.
Legislators to Host
Feb. 6th Coffee Hour
at Rodd’s Restaurant
The public is invited to a Coffee Hour with Bristol legislators on Friday, February 6th at Rodd’s Restaurant (854
Farmington Ave., Bristol).
The “Coffee With Your Legislators” event will run
from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
It will be hosted by Sen. Henri Martin, Rep. Whit Betts,
and Rep. Cara Pavalock.
Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Explorer Post 111
Submitted by Connie Kapralos and Scott Amendola
Residents will have the opportunity to meet their legislators in a relaxed setting and may discuss any issues they
wish to talk about.
Coffee will be provided.
The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015 • Page 5
Of Hats and Hearts
By Lisa K. Watson-Barcia
Pastor, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Terryville
February for many is a really tough month. Even
though it has Valentine’s Day at its center, it can feel dark
and depressing. The holidays have ended, the enthusiasm
of a bright and new shiny year has begun to wear thin and
often the weather is just awful. My mother, who suffers
from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) often tells me the
best thing about February is that it is the shortest month.
Four weeks is just about all she can handle. So for many,
poor old February is a month to be hurried through and
survived. I, who am not bothered by the lack of sunshine,
have a confession to make, to her and to you: while I do
not want to sound unsympathetic (she is my mother after
all!), I genuinally like February!
For me, this little month is a celebration. I am old
enough to remember when February used have Lincoln’s
birthday celebration before he and old George got squished
together into President’s Day. I remember the joy of making black construction paper tstove pipe hats and learning
about this great man who guided us through the Civil War
and freed the slaves. The literally tall tales of Lincoln for
me always merged with my 6’4” dad and so, Mr. Lincoln
and Mr. Kuehn were these benign giants in my childhood
who somehow made the world a better, safer place. And
then we had Valentine’s Day when I got to play with RED
construction paper, white doilies and glitter. I would make
elaborate designs for my mom - thinking the more glue
and sparkle I added would lift her up from sorrow and
show her how much I loved her. I never actually articulated this though - and much to her credit, I don’t think she
ever questioned my glue sodden, glitter dripping gifts, although she must have wondered about my artistic vision!
As we have come to the present, February too is commemorated as Black History Month, a time to be reminded that
in a land of immigrants, there were many who came to
these shores not by choice, but by enslavement. Perhaps
because of my lingering images of that stove pipe hat, the
idea of remembering, commemorating and celebrating a
unique American story is a natural one for me. In this dark
month, punctuated with a festival of love, we recall that
yes, the wind is sharp and the sky grey. We recall the lash
and the auctionblock, but we also recall that darkness does
NOT have the final word. That there are giants who work
to make the world a better and safer place, and that we can
offer love to each other even if its expression is sloppy
and awkwardly done. Take the time this month to learn
the stories of those enslaved who broke free, and whom,
despite all the odds, have made this country great. If you
are not a person of colour, this will feel awkward and challenging. But non-African heritaged folks have a great gift
this month - we have the excuse to learn - the librares will
have books displayed, the TV and radio will have speciasls
on.Mother Nature has provided us with the perfect setting
to stay indoors and read and listen and learn.Bring your
crooked stove pipe hats and your glitter soaked hearts take the time to discover and encounter history that may be
new to you. In the dark of the winter, in the coziness of the
fire - open your hearts to each other. If you are a person of
Christian faith, I would suggest that you make this Lenten
season a time to expand the circle in your life and welcome
all the sisters and brothers of God’s kingdom in. Won’t that
ransom February and bring it into the light?
Local News
Main Street Community Foundation
Promotes Betts to Vice President
Jarre B. Betts was recently promoted to Vice President of Programs at
Main Street Community Foundation.
Jarre joined the Foundation in 2000
and most recently served as the Director of Programs & Community
Relations. In her new role, she will
direct program activities, including
grantmaking, special projects and
community leadership initiatives
identified by the Foundation.
The promotion took effect January 1, 2015.
“Jarre’s contributions to the Foundation over the last 15
years is immeasurable,” stated Susan D. Sadecki, President & CEO. “The goal of the Foundation is to enhance the
quality of life for both present and future generations in the
communities we serve. Jarre firmly believes in this mission.
She is the driving force behind the responsible grantmaking
of the Foundation’s nearly 200 funds established by local
individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits. She strives
(860) 583-2555
124 Main Street
Terryville, CT 06787
Verdi Rizvani, Owner
$2.00 OFF
Any Large or
Extra Large Pizza
TERRYVILLE STORE ONLY
$2.00 OFF
Any Large or
Extra Large Pizza
TERRYVILLE STORE ONLY
Not combined with any other coupon. Limit
1 per person per day. Valid 2/1/15 - 3/31/15.
Not combined with any other coupon. Limit
1 per person per day. Valid 2/1/15 - 3/31/15.
$1.00 OFF
10% OFF
Any Dinner
TERRYVILLE STORE ONLY
Not combined with any other coupon.
Valid 2/1/15 - 3/31/15
Terryville High School PTSA After-Grad
The Terryville High School, PTSA After-Grad Committe has been hard at work raising money to help pay
for their drug and alcohol free party for our graduating
seniors, at the Shelton Sports Center of CT. I would like to
take the opportunity to thank everyone that has come out
to support the many events we have had, such as: Moe’s
Fundraising Nights, Jake’s Wayback Burger Fundraising
Night, our trip to NYC, Bake Sale, Scrip Pro gift card
purchase, and our Can and Bottle Drive. There are many
things that we continue to do and continue to need support
from the community and the parents of our seniors.
Movie Night: on February 6th, at 7:00, the Class of
2015 and the After-Grad Committee is showing “Divergent” at Terryville High School, for just $5.00, bring your
family and friends. Some ongoing fundraisers are Car
Magnets that show your school spirit for Terryville High
Hometown Pizza
Catering
Valid 2/1/15 - 3/31/15
Catering For Any Occasion
www.hometownpizzaofct.com
Page 6 • The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015
to maximize the available grant dollars from each fund
while ensuring that community needs are being met.”
Jarre works closely with the Distribution and Scholarship Committees as well as donors to ensure their charitable giving goals are met and exceeded. She also serves
as a resource for local nonprofit organizations by assisting them with grant applications, helping them identify
other sources of funding and implementing programs that
strengthen their organizational capacity.
The Main Street Community Foundation is dedicated
to enhancing the quality of life for both present and future
generations in the communities served by encouraging and
promoting gift planning, prudent stewardship of assets, effective grantmaking and community leadership. A nonprofit
public charity, created by private citizens, the foundation
works with donors in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott who wish to build permanent
charitable endowments to support their communities. Since
its founding in 1995, the foundation has provided over $10.6
million in grants and scholarships.
School. If you are interested in purchasing one please contact Carol Andrews, contact information is listed below.
February 24th, we will be having a fundraiser at
our local McDonald’s, please stop in and see our very
own Terryville High School staff preparing your food and
taking your order. At this event we will be having gift
baskets that you will have the chance to win with a donation. If you would like to donate a gift card or gift basket
please contact Carol Andrews.
Parents of Seniors at Terryville High School: We
need your help for many upcoming events, they are as listed: Pasta Dinner: donating or getting donations for supplies and assisting at event, Car Show, Plant Sale, and getting food donations from local businesses. If you can help
with any of these events please contact Carol Andrews at
[email protected].
Evening Hours Have Changed:
The Food Pantrywill now be opened on the FIRST TUESDAY of each
month from 5-7 pm instead of the second Tuesday.
Needs List
• Cereal • Jelly • Spagetti Sauce
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Personal Care items (especially
for cold and flu-’tis the season)
Statistics for the month of December:
• Total # of Individuals served 384
• Total # of Adults 18-59 served 221
• Total # of Children under 18 served 113
• Total # of Senior over 60 served 50
• Total # of New Families 6
• As of December 31st, 537 people, representing 246 families, are registered to use
the pantry. Of those registered, 166 are children and 71 are senior citizens.
• 14,455 pounds of food were given away by the pantry in December.
• 313 families visited, receiving approx. 50 pounds per family per visit. Since
January, 2014 we have distributed 133,302 pounds of food; up 15,411 from 2013.
Donate on-line via our website: plymouthfoodpantry.org
To learn how to donate or volunteer call (860) 584-1750. Erin Kennedy, Director; 20 Dewey Ave., Terryville
THE LYCEUM in Terryville
Space Available for Large or Small Events
BUSINESS MEETINGS or CONFERENCES
Seating for 25 in each of 4 meeting rooms
WEDDING RECEPTIONS or BANQUETS
Seating for 250 at tables in our main hall
•
•
•
•
•
•
Let our event manager help you plan
Full kitchen facilities if desired
Bandstand and sound system available
Air conditioned comfort
Internet, laptop/projector available
Off street parking in our full size lot
Call Toll Free: 1 855 T LYCEUM
(1 855 859 2386)
www.lyceumterryville.com
Local News
CT Fire Prevention
Poster Contest
Presents Winners
PEP, Plymouth Early Childhood Council
and Family Resource Center
“Fire Prevention–Everyone/Everyday”
On January 8, the Poster Contest Awards Ceremony took
place at the Plymouth Town Hall. The Ceremony was led
by Charles Doback, Plymouth Fire Marshal, and included
Honored Guests Mayor David V. Merchant; Mark L. Winzler, Interim Superintendent of Schools; Mrs. Shari Kohl,
Art Teacher at Fisher Elementary School; Mrs. Phyllis
Worhunsky, Principal at Fisher Elementary School; Mrs.
Diane Boylan, Art Teacher at Plymouth Center School;
Mrs. Crystal Collins, Principal at Plymouth Center School;
Plymouth Board of Fire Commissioners and Plymouth
Board of Education.
2015 PEP Class Graduation
The Plymouth
FRC
is proud to
announce
this year’s
PEP (people
empowering people)
graduating class of
2015: Donna
Koser, Heather MacAulay, Jennifer Yezierski, Tanya Long,
and Jennifer DeForest, not pictured, Vianna Hartley. Congratulations ladies; look for their exciting community project coming soon.
Key Collection in Plymouth!.
The People Empowering
People (PEP) Class of 2015
is collecting used keys.
Please look for collection
cans in the Plymouth community. Stay tuned! More
details can be expected in
the spring!
PEP is a free 10 week program with a strong community
focus encouraging growth in communication and problem
solving skills, parent/family relationships and community
involvement. The PEP program is offered in partnership
with the Plymouth Family Resource Center, the United Way
of West Central CT and the University of CT.
Local Poster Contest Winners
Fisher Elementary School – 4th Grade
1st Place – Noah Fernet, 2nd Place – Cady Brumaghim,
3rd Place – Cheyanne Kovaleski
Fisher Elementary School – 5th Grade
1st Place – Emma Pelosi, 2nd Place – Lucy Bird,
3rd Place – Riley Liistro
Plymouth’s Appetite For Reading
Has a New Bookshelf.
Plymouth Center School – 4th Grade
1st Place – Alice Benson, 2nd Place – Julia Freimuth,
3rd Place – Emily Ieronimo
The Plymouth Early Childhood Council is thankful for
Mr. McDermott from Eli Terry Jr. Middle School and his students for building the shelf,
Mrs. Diane Boylan (featured in photo) for painting the shelf and Pat Borda,
KIM Coordinator and KIM
students for preparing the
books for distribution.
Look for Plymouth’s Appetite for Reading bookshelves around Plymouth.
The bookshelf featered in
this article can be found at
the Lucky Cup. Plymouth’s
Plymouth Center School – 5th Grade
1st Place – Arista Penette, 2nd Place – Devin Meurer,
3rd Place – Madison Ouellet
Special thanks go out to Adams IGA in Terryville,
Lake Compounce, Terryville McDonalds/Trefz Corporation, Walmart Foundation, and to the Judges: Mayor David V. Merchant, Mr. Anthony Orsini and Ms. Barbara
Rockwell; along with Charles Doback, Fire Marshal; Art
Teachers Mrs. Diane Boylan and Mrs. Shari Kohl; and Mr.
David Bertnagel, Plymouth Director of Finance
Appetite For Reading is an
initiative of the Plymouth
Early Childhood Council
(PECC) to encourage Plymouth children and families
to read. Free books are offered throughout the Plymouth community. To donate
gently used books, please
contact us at [email protected] or via phone at (860) 314-2763. To learn more
about the PECC, please like us on Facebook or visit our website at http://plymouth.k12.ct.us/PECC.
Preschool Resource and Literacy Fair
The preschool grade level team will be hosting their annual fair this year at Plymouth Center School. It will be
held in the gym on February 11, 2015, 6:00-7:30. Families
are encouraged to attend and learn about the preschool opportunities in the community, health resources, community resources, discuss kindergarten readiness with teachers
and participate in fun literacy activities with their children.
Each child who attends will receive a free skills bag.
FRC Happenings
Visit our new website @ www.plymouth.k12.ct.us/frc
Play groups
at Plymouth Center School, 107 North St. Plymouth CT
• Home childcare providers: Monday 9:30-10:45
• Families Tuesday - Friday 9:30-10:45
Preschool
This NAEYC accredited program has opening in the am at
Plymouth Center.
2015/2016 registration will open
• Current students and alumni on February 9th
• Open to the public on February 16th
There are limited opportunities for financial aid, please call
the FRC office for more details: 860-283-6167 or email @
[email protected]
Conscious Discipline
The FRC will be hosting another free series of Conscious
Discipline from renowned educator Becky Bailey (visit
their website, consciousdiscipline.com)
• Tuesday February 24th 12:30-2:30,
Plymouth Center School, 107 North Street, Plymouth CT.
Childcare and refreshments will be provided. Call to reserve
your space.
4th Annual
St. Patrick’s Mohegan
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Reservations are first come first served basis and payPresented by
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Devlin G. Toth
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The Plymouth
• February,
2015 •Expiration
Page 7
Create your own
personal pension? Not
as crazy as it sounds
As defined benefit pensions
disappear, it may be up to you to
create a guaranteed income stream
By Julia Weston
Thrivent Financial
First came pensions, or defined benefit plans, with their
guaranteed income for life; then
came 401(k)s with their focus on
growth from the stock and bond
markets. The two were meant to
work together but with defined benefit pensions quickly becoming a thing of the past, many people are left
with only a 401(k) plan. While 401(k)s are an important piece of retirement savings, they were never intended to be a standalone retirement solution.
The 401(k) was meant to provide supplemental retirement savings in conjunction with pensions, savings,
and other income vehicles to paint a fuller retirement
picture. Additional resources can be used to buttress
your 401(k) and pension payments in order to build out
a full retirement strategy.
What could a soon- to-be retiree do about replacing
that old defined benefit plan that offered guaranteed income? What if you’re one of the many people who are
receiving a lump-sum from a retirement plan or have a
windfall event where you receiving a sum of money?
One option could be a deferred income annuity. A
deferred income annuity (DIA) allows you to set up
a guaranteed income stream beginning later in life.
Remember that the guaranteed income is based on
the strength and claims paying ability of your financial institution. DIA’s are traditionally funded with a
lump sum payment and the contract promises to pay
you a lifetime income stream starting with a date of
your choice.
For example, let’s say a DIA is purchased with a
$50,000 lump sum. That money will then be held by
your financial institution for a defined period where
it will grow with interest. After a specified amount
of time has passed, you can start receiving payments.
This guaranteed stream of income can be used to supplement additional retirement savings.
Many options are available when it comes to retirement strategies. With traditional pensions disappearing from the landscape, plenty of options let you
design personal solutions for your own retirement.
The key is knowing your options and working with a
financial professional who can help guide you toward
a stable retirement.
This article was prepared by Thrivent Financial for use
by Julia Weston. She has an office at 934 Terryville Ave. in
Bristol and can also be reached at 860-261-7562.1084910-010615
Local News
Hometown Heritage
By Jerry Milne
Welcome to the Historical Society’s new column
called “Hometown Heritage”. Each month we will
feature an old photograph or postcard of Plymouth
with a description of its role in Plymouth’s history.
This year’s pictures will have a Civil War theme
because 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the
return of Plymouth’s Civil War hero, Dorence
Atwater, to his hometown. After being held captive at the Confederate prisoner of war camp in
Andersonville,GA, Atwater smuggled out his secret list of the 13,000 Union soldiers who died there. The
prison is a National Historic Site managed by the National
Park Service. The Park Service describes Atwater as “one
of the most important enlisted soldiers of the Civil War”.
This month’s postcard features the Atwater monument in Baldwin Park, taken in 1941. Baldwin Park was
created in 1892 by Richard Baldwin and Susan Baldwin
Swett, in honor of their father N.Taylor Baldwin. We
should all be grateful for their generosity. The cannon
was installed in 1907.
The Historical Society is seeking donations to refurbish the cannon and install interpretive signs to celebrate
“Dorence Atwater Day” on May 30. There will be Civil War
reenactors, living history demonstrations, and period music.
The Society is also looking for residents who’d be willing
to show their family’s Civil War heirlooms that day. The
Society meets on the last Saturday of each month at 1pm at
the Museum at 572 Main St. All are welcome. The postcard
is courtesy of Fran Block. To learn more, go to www.plymouthhistoricalsociety.org.
First Annual ‘Gathering of the Paws’ Event
Musical Event to Raise Awareness and Funds for Meriden Humane Society
On Saturday, February 21st, over 20 musicians and artists
will come together to raise funds and awareness for the Meriden
Humane Society. The first annual ‘Gathering for the Paws” uses
a musically-inspired outlet to spread the word about shelter animals and the funding challenges that many of these shelters face
in working to create a safe environment for animals, until they
can be adopted.
Gathering for the Paws is being held at the Central café in
Plainville. Doors open at Noon and music and entertainment are
expected to last for over ten hours. Featured bands include: Run
Jenny, RGB, The Remnants, Johnny Provo, Someone You Can
Xray, DJ MO Nicklz, The Brad New Kama Band and Comedian
Richard Cyr. New acts are being added daily. Tickets are $10 in
advance or $15 at the door, and all proceeds go to the Meriden
Humane Society. In addition to the music and comedy acts, the
event will feature raffles, a bake sale, and information on adopting shelter animals.
The Meriden Humane Society is a non-profit, no kill animal
shelter and rescue facility. Many of the animals are taken from
high-risk situations, such as high-kill pounds, cruelty investiga-
tions, and from private citizens who are no longer able to care for
their animal. The organization is privately run and is supported
by patrons and residents who graciously donate to the facility.
The shelter does not receive funding from the city or Sate and
is not affiliated with the Humane Society. Without the help of
the citizens of Meriden and surrounding communities, the shelter
would not be able to save the number of animals that they currently do. For more information on the Meriden Humane Society: http://members.petfinder.com/~CT20/Home.htm
“Today’s animal shelters rely on funding from their local
communities to stay in business,” commented Sarah Sullivan,
event organizer. “As the number of stray and abused animals increases, shelters become more crowded and rely on your donations to ensure the proper care of these animals.”
“Gathering of the Paws provides attendees with an enjoyable
day of music and comedy, while shining a light on the plight of
our local animal shelters and what more we can be doing to support the cause.”
Please contact Sarah Sullivan for additional information or visit
Faebook ‘Gathering for the Paws’ to learn more.
Animal Rescue Foundation Adoption
BELLA. Bella is a cute
little 1-year old, who is not
entirely sure, if she should
trust humans. But she is
making daily strides in the
purring and smooching
department. She might not
be ideal with small children; but would definitely
fit in with pre-teens and
teens. Time spent with her
brings great rewards
COUNTRY MANOR REALTY
The Best At What We Do!
Res. (860) 283-8938
Cell (860) 689-2611
508 Farmington Avenue • Bristol, CT 06010
Office (860) 589-2104 x131 • Fax (860) 589-7712
Email: [email protected] • www.CMRBristol.com
Page 8 • The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015
MOLLY. The picture does
not do this little cutie justice. You know, how hard it
is to photograph black cats.
Her eyes are the prettiest
green, large and round.
You just want to cuddle
her - and she would like
that. She has had a terrible
start to her life, but is a
forgiving soul. Just a year
old, she is playful, but not
hyperactive.
SNAGGLES.
His facial
markings are
absolutely
adorable. He
is 2 yrs. old
and tolerates
other cats. He
seems to be a
fairly laid-back cat. We will update him, when we get
to know him a little better.
PERIWINKLE. This beautiful little silver-blue 6 mos.
old was a surprise at the
shelter gate. She had a note
with her, saying that neighbor kids had terrorized her
until she got mean. We have
not noticed any mean streak
in her. As a matter of fact,
she is very friendly. She is a
bit defensive, when she gets
scared; who can blame her?
She will soon learn to trust.
Oh, did I mention she is gorgeous?
To adopt, please visit our shelter and at 366 Main St. in Terryville, or call (860) 583-3089.
Our adoption hours are Saturday and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm. • arfCT.org • facebook.com/arfct
Scott
Funeral Home, Inc.
Established 1906
Owned and operated by the
Scott Family for 109 years
Jeffrey K. Scott
Francis M. Scott
• Irrevocable Trust for Title 19
• Burial and Cremation Services
• Pre-Paid Funeral Planning
860-583-7358
169 Main Street, Terryville
www.scottfuneralhomeinc.com
Local News
Thomaston Savings Bank Employees, Rebekah
Stokes and John-David Scarritt, Have Been
Named “New Leaders in Banking” for 2015
Thomaston Savings Bank
proudly congratulates employees Rebekah Stokes, AVP/
Financial Analyst, and JohnDavid Scarritt, VP Commercial Lender, on being named
“New Leaders in Banking”
for BankWorld 2015. A Gala
Awards Ceremony and dinner
was held at Mohegan Sun ReRebekah Stokes (on the right) poses sort and Casino on Thursday,
with Mark Blum, Senior Vice Presi- January 22, 2015 to honor the
dent/Chief Financial Officer at the
recipients.
New Leaders in Banking awards
Connecticut
ceremony held at Mohegan Sun on The
January 22, 2015.
Bankers Association and Connecticut Banking magazine asked bankers throughout
Connecticut to nominate individuals they believe were
rising stars in the banking industry. Nominees needed to
be working at a bank in Connecticut, be 50 years old or
younger at any point in 2014, and be making a significant
contribution to their institution or community. Many nominations were received, which were vetted by an independent panel of judges, none of whom are active bankers.
Rebekah began her career at Thomaston Savings Bank
in 2000. Along with her duties at the Bank, Rebekah is
currently involved with St. Mary Magdalen School in
Oakville and the Terryville Youth Soccer Club. Ms. Stokes
has been an integral part of a great group of individuals
working towards a common goal of making our local communities a better place to work and live.
Pick
Open a Thomaston Savings Bank checking account today
and get a checking account that suits your lifestyle!
Get the personal attention that only Thomaston Savings Bank
can deliver.
Visit your local branch TODAY and let us put together
the right checking package for YOU!
Local 860.283.1874 | Toll-Free 855.344.1874
thomastonsavingsbank.com |
Page 10 • The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015
TSB Check-UP Checking AD for the Plymouth Connection, January 2015
Size = Half-Page, 10" x 7.3"; Black & White
“The community banking
mission to help people achieve
their financial goals and fulfill
their dreams was inspiring to
me in my early college years
and continues to inspire me
today. Working at Thomaston
Savings Bank has afforded
me the opportunity to put my
inspiration to work,” said Rebekah
John Scarritt (on the left)
John-David began his ca- poses with Kim Lebron, Senior Vice
reer at Thomaston Savings President/ Chief Loan Officer at the
Bank in 2009. Along with his New Leaders in Banking awards
ceremony held at Mohegan Sun on
duties at the Bank, John-DaJanuary 22, 2015.
vid is currently a Board Member of the United Way of West Central Connecticut, the
Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut, and the
Young Professionals for United Way. Mr. Scarritt is also
the Founding Member of the Farmington Dog Park Coalition. When asked what he considers to be his biggest success, John-David answered:
“My biggest success is not defined by a singular moment but rather the multitude of relationships I have built
with my customers. Assisting individuals and businesses
achieve their own goals and objectives are how I measure
my success as a lender.”
Both John-David and Rebekah have made significant
contributions within the Bank and the community and deserve this meaningful honor.
ou!
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Local News
How to be your child’s gaming hero!
By: Stephen Duetzmann
Editor, EngagedFamilyGaming
Unlike my parents, I grew up with access to
a computer. I’m comfortable with technology.
Most parents in my generation are more than
comfortable with computers, mobile devices,
e-readers, smart home devices, etc. However,
there is still one area in the field of technology
that has many parents stumped. That area of
technology is video gaming, and all the technology that surrounds it. Games are getting more
complex. Gamers, in general, are starting at a
younger age. And, to make matters worse, many
of these young gamers have parents (or caregivers) who did not play games at all when they
were younger. Talk about a perfect storm!
Gaming has grown so rapidly in the last decade or so that there is a huge population of kids
that just don’t have the support that they need
from their parents. These parents simply lack
the experience needed to be of any real help.
These comments are not intended to be a
condemnation of non-gamer parents. A lot of
parents in my generation (including me) have
been playing games for most of our lives. This
gives us a strong base of experience and helps
make finding solutions to some game puzzles
a relatively easy task. But, my experiences are
not necessarily the same as the experiences of
all other parents. My wife, for example, was not
a gamer as a child. She often gets stumped by
the same puzzles my children get stuck on. As
I tell her, all is not lost. You CAN find the help
you need if your child is stuck. The internet is a
vast ocean of information and the answer to virtually any question you can imagine is floating
somewhere in it. You just need to know where
to look.
I’ve heard too many stories where kids get
stuck and their parents can’t help them. As a
result their game gets “bricked” (rendered completely useless- the game may as well be built
into the wall for all the fun it can bring).
My goal is to give parents who are not gamers a set of tools to help find the answers to their
children’s questions quickly and effectively. I
know that there are a lot of parents with no REAL
interest in games. These parents buy games and
let their kids play by themselves, without any
engagement. Video games are a perfect babysitter, right? Nope. You really do have to be able
to help your children while they play in order to
prevent frustration from taking over and leeching
any possible enjoyment and enrichment from the
experience. This guide will help you ENGAGE
with your child and show you several places to
find the answers you will need.
1. Your Google-Fu Must be strong
This sounds obvious. Google is supposed
to be able to help you find anything right? Yes.
But, you can’t just type whatever you want into
Google and get reliable information.
First, most games are broken down into levels or stages. You can often find the information
you need by searching for the title of the game
and the name/number of the stage you need
help on. RPGs might be a bit more challeng-
“Counselor’s Corner”
Emergency funds?
by William A. Hamzy, Esq.
The Hamzy Law Firm, LLC
First of all, I hope everyone who is
reading this column survived our latest “Storm of the Century”. While I am
happy that we didn’t get hit by this storm
as hard as the meteorologists predicted, it
does make me wonder why they seem to
get these weather forecasts wrong more often than not. Especially with all the Super
Doppler and Micro-Dopplers and all the
other names they give their weather tools.
Anyway, that’s not the point of this
month’s article. The topic of this month’s
column is to discuss emergency funds
which, in a way, is related to the latest Storm
of the Century. As I have discussed previously, the most important financial habit to
develop is to create a budget for your household and to stick to it. However, there is no
way to predict every expense that you may
have through the year. Inevitably something
comes up that you didn’t plan for or that
you couldn’t plan for. The only thing certain with these unexpected expenses is that
through the year, they will come up.
The key is to plan for it in the budget
which you create. When you put your
budget together, you should include a line
item for Emergencies. How much should
you plan to spend on these emergencies?
Well, the best way to estimate this expense
is to go back two or three years and calculate how much you previously spent on
them. Then you can use that figure as a
good estimate. And just as you spend a
certain amount of money on electricity or
heat or car payments, you should put away
the amount you estimated on emergencies.
As we all know, sometimes the estimates
we make are not always accurate. However,
if you have written a budget and lived by it,
when an emergency comes up, you’ll be in
a much better position to deal with it than
you would have had you not planned. If you
find yourself in a position where your debts
just seem to be unmanageable, feel free to
contact us and we’d be happy to try to help.
ing, because things aren’t numbered, but each
town, cave, dungeon, or boss fight will have a
name associated with it. It can also help if you
type the keyword “guide” or “walkthrough” into
your search to help make sure you get assistance
as opposed to reviews. For example, searching
for “pokemon x gym leader guide” will bring
up a list of websites that contain info regarding
the different gym leaders and their pokemon in
Pokemon X and Y.
Second, check your spelling. You might not
know a lot about the game your child is playing,
but you need to make sure that you know the
correct spelling of things in order to have any
luck finding them. Google might correct some
of your misspellings, but it is possible to get lost
and fail to find the information that you need.
Ask your kids, or look at the game yourself to
find out what you need to search for.
Lastly, there are a number of websites out
there that are designed to lure people using information about popular video games and infect
their computers with malware. When you are
searching for a piece of information make sure
to look at the search results and make sure you
are going to a legitimate site before you click.
(Pro-Tip: If the site appears dedicated to cheats
and/or offers you ways to get ahead in games by
downloading an unrelated program… it’s probably not legitimate. This is especially true with
mobile apps.)
2. GameFaqs.com
It is possible that GameFaqs is directly responsible for the longevity of my time as a gamer. Every time I recall finding myself frustrated
with a puzzle or battle in a game I turned to one
of the walkthroughs on the site and was able to
overcome the challenge. I cannot recommend
this resource enough.
GameFaqs has been around forever and
has several walkthroughs for just about every
game you can ever imagine. Each walkthrough
is written by a community of dedicated gamers
and are rated by peers as they are released.
The only real weakness for GameFaqswalkthroughs is that they are written in pure text
format. They do not include images, videos, or
sound. They are essentially step-by-step instructions that are painstakingly written out. Fortunately, these documents are searchable (just like
most text on the web) by hitting Control-F on a
PC and Command-F on a Mac. This will bring
up a small search box in your browser. Simply
type in whatever you are searching for and it
will bring you right there. (Be VERY careful
with your spelling here though. Google won’t
be able to save you here.)
3. IGN Wikis and Walkthroughs
IGN is a website that covers the video game
and popular entertainment industry. They have
a significant portion of their website dedicated
to providing a home for user submitted walkthroughs, guides, and Wiki pages. These pages
function very similarly to GameFaqs, with
the exception that they will often include images and video. They even include mobile apps!
Simply do a Google Search and include the
game title, the word “walkthrough,” and the letters “IGN.”
4. YouTube
YouTube has its share of challenges regarding content for children, but there is a massive
community of gamers who post videos of the
games that they play. You can find walkthroughs
of virtually any game you can imagine here.
This is an especially useful resource for parents
who need help on action games and platforming
games. (Also, some people are simply visual
learners and having a video to watch will be of
more use.)
I hope you found these suggestions helpful!
Make sure to check us out on EngagedFamilyGaming.com for more news, reviews, and advice
from the experts!
Do you like what you read here? You can read
this article and many more by Stephen at www.
engagedfamilygaming.com! You can also find
his articles posted on the EFG Facebook page
(www.Facebook.com/EngagedFamilyGaming)!
Stephen Duetzmann is a Terryville resident, operating EngagedFamilyGaming locally.
Have too many debts?
Give us a call.
The Hamzy Law Firm, LLC
Attorneys at Law
140 Farmington Ave. (Route 6)
Bristol, CT 06010
(860) 589-6525
www.HamzyLaw.com
Real Estate Closings – Bankruptcy – Family
Personal Injury – Estate Planning
William A. Hamzy, Esq.
Misty Simmons, Esq.
Nancy S. Henderson
P & T Garage
Collision Repair Specialists
All Repairs 100% Guaranteed
52 Main Street (Route 6) Terryville, CT 06786
Telephone (860) 589-7235
Fax: (860) 589-4511
Your Local
Convenience Store
569 Main Street • 860-484-7311
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 5:30am-9pm, Sun. 7am-7pm
Quality, Store-Made Deli Products!
We Make Great Party Platters!
Grinders • Sandwiches • Soups • Salads
Accountant
(860) 584-2165
Small Business and Individual
Accounting, Bookkeeping and Taxes
185 Main Street Terryville, CT 06786 Fax: (860) 584-4654
Email: [email protected]
The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015 • Page 11
Boy Scout Troop 75
January Events
Local News
Pack 75 Holds First Annual
Sponsored Pinewood Derby Race
“A big Thank You to our sponsors!”
from Pack 75!!
The Troop schedule this month included a variety of patrol camp outs at Camp Mattatuck in Plymouth, Connecticut.
The themes of their outings included board games, cooking,
and fire building among others. The individual patrol campouts offer the boys an opportunity to bond and work together
as a smaller unit of the overall troop. For more information on Camp Mattatuck, our local Cub and Boy Scout camp,
please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/CampMattatuck. The boys are also working this month on constructing snow shoes for each active member of the troop at the
Wednesday night meetings. The scouts are using PVC pipe,
hard plastic, parachute cord and a variety of other materials
on a design borrowed from a neighboring troop. Hopefully
we will get some snow in the next month or so where they can
actually be used!
The troop leaders, scouts and parents would like to invite
the general public to our annual ziti dinner that will be held
on Saturday March 14, 2015, from 4:30pm to 7:30pm at the
Terryville Congregational Church. This is our main fundraiser for the year and provides the troop with income to assist
in funding the outdoor program along with necessary troop
equipment purchases. Troop 75 also receives significant support from local businesses that enable the troop to continue to
provide an active and rewarding program to the scouts of our
troop. Please remember to put it on your calendar!
Troop 75 welcomes new boys aged 11 to 17 and meets at
7:00 pm every Wednesday night at the Terryville Congregational Church on Main Street in Terryville. No prior Scouting experience is necessary. If you would like additional
information about joining Troop 75 and having your son participate in our activities, please email the following address:
[email protected]
The top three finishers were:
1.) Richards Corp
2.) Delpha LLC
3.) Cliffs Auto
Plymouth Auto
Pondering Creations
AJ’s Car Audio
Richards Corp
Cliffs Auto
D + D Auto
Carling Technologies
T.A. Pronovost
Hometown Pizza
Lee Hardware
Genevese Mfg
Tom’s Used Auto
Terryville Chevrolet
Polytech MFD
Allread Products
Thomaston Savings Bank
The Learning Center
Delpha LLC.
Terryville Auto Parts
North East Fasteners
BADD
BDP Truck Builders
Webster Used Auto
Terryville Pizza
R + B Auto Builders
MGB Tire
Rick Fox
The Plymouth Connection
The scouts raised $1,300 dollars and
will be using to proceeds to put towards the purchase of an enclosed
trailer for their pack.
Girl Scouts of CT
Troop 75 Annual
ziti
dinner
Saturday March 14th
4:30pm to 7:30pm
Terryville
Congregational Church
Tickets are available at the door:
Adults $9.00 Seniors $8.00
Children 6 and under $7.00
Who: Girls in Grades K-5 in Thomaston, Plym- When you can hardly sleep because you just can’t
outh/Terryville
wait for it all to start? That’s the feeling you get
in Girl Scouts! Join Girl Scouts and spend your
What: Create a Butterfly Ring and learn more
time having fun with your friends while you try
about Girl Scouts
new things, visit exciting places, and explore the
When: Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 6:30 pm
world around you. Come see the amazing things
Girl Scouts in your area are doing and learn how
Where: Plymouth Center School, 107 North
you can be a part of it all!
Street, Plymouth. This event will be canceled if
As a Girl Scout, you can try many new things.
schools are closed or dismiss early due to weather
You can learn about technology, play sports and
Attention girls in grades K-5 in Thomaston, games, experiment with math and science, earn
Plymouth/Terryville. Join us at Plymouth Center badges, attend fun workshops, travel to new placSchool, 107 North Street, Plymouth on Thursday, es, and much more! Girl Scouts gives every girl acFebruary 5, 2015 at 6:30 pm to create your own cess to fun-filled experiences that inspire her and
Butterfly Ring and learn more about Girl Scouts. show her she can do anything she sets her mind
You must be accompanied by your parent/guard- to. Girl Scouts of Connecticut offers girls the lifeian. This event will be canceled if schools are time skills needed to discover their personal best,
closed or dismiss early because of weather.
connect with others, and take action in their com Contact Teresa Allen at [email protected] or munities to make the world a better place.
203-757-1340 ext 3615 with questions!
For more information about Girl Scouts of
You know that feeling you when one day is Connecticut, please call 1-800-922-2770 or visit
over and you can’t wait for the next one to start? us on the web at www.gsofct.org.
Page 12 • The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015
Terryville Fire Department
Smoke Alarms
In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained
smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your
loved ones by providing the chance to escape.
Why should you have Smoke Alarms?
In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and
those of your loved ones. They are a very important means of
preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an
early warning signal – so you and your family can escape. Smoke
alarms are one of the best safety devices you can buy and install
to protect yourself, your family, and your home.
What types of Smoke Alarms are available?
There are many different brands of smoke alarms available
on the market but they all fall under two basic types: ionization
and photoelectric.
Ionization alarms sound more quickly when flaming, fast
moving fire occurs. Photoelectric alarms are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoky fires. There are also combination smoke
alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric into one unit,
called dual sensor smoke alarms.
Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are
better at detecting distinctly yet potentially fatal fires, and because
homeowners cannot predict what type of fire might start in a
home, the U. S. Fire Administration recommends the installation
of both ionization and photoelectric or dual sensor smoke alarms.
In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are alarms
made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities.
These alarms may use strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to
assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke
alarms when they sound.
Where do you put Smoke Alarms?
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including
the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early
morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and
outside sleeping areas. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise,
installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you
with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Where can you get Smoke Alarms?
Many hardware, home supply, or general merchandise stores
carry smoke alarms.
Are Smoke Alarms difficult to install?
If your smoke alarms are hard wired, that is wired into the electrical
system, you need to have a qualified electrician do the initial installation
or install replacements. For battery powered smoke alarms, all you will
need for installation is a screw driver. Some brands are self adhesive
and will easily stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed. For all
installations, be sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions because
there are differences between various brands. If you are uncomfortable
standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend for help.
How do you keep your Smoke Alarm working?
If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:
1. Smoke alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once per year and the whole unit
should be replaced every 8-10 years.
3. In hard-wired, battery back up smoke alarms, the batteries
need to be checked monthly, and replaced at least once per year.
The entire unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
Helpful Tips
Pick a holiday or birthday and replace batteries each year on that day.
If your smoke alarm starts making a “chirping” noise, replace the
batteries and reset it.
What if the Smoke Alarm goes off while
you are cooking?
Then it’s doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm due
to cooking or non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the
batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead clear the air by
waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The
smoke alarm may need to be moved to a new location. Some of the
newer models have a “hush” button that silences nuisance alarms.
How long will your Smoke Alarm last?
Most smoke alarms installed today have a life span of about
8-10 years. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced.
It is a good idea to write the date of purchase with a marker on
the inside of your alarm so you will know when to replace it.
Some of the newer smoke alarms already have the purchase date
written inside. In any event, always follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for replacement. Check out the new smoke alarm
technology. Worry – Free 10 year sealed lithium battery operated
smoke alarms are now available. With the new 10 year sealed
lithium battery operated smoke alarms you never replace the battery during the alarm’s operating life.
Is there anything else you should know?
Some smoke alarms are considered to be “hard-wired”. This
means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or
may not have battery backup. It’s important to test every smoke alarm
monthly and replace batteries with new ones at least once per year.
Until Next Month, Stay Safe!
Submitted by Tony Orsini,
Terryville Fire Department Health and Safety Officer
Source: U. S. Fire Administration.
92 Main Street • Terryville, CT 06786
Sunrise Market
Deli & Catering
Baked Chicken Pieces
Roasted Chicken Pieces
Chicken Parmigiana (add $1.00 per
person)
Lemon Pepper Chicken (add $1.00 per
person)
Stuffed Cabbage (add $2.00 per person)
Seafood Newburg w/Rice (add $2.00 per
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham Pieces
Pork & Beans with Cocktail Franks
Cavatelli & Broccoli- Served Warm (add
$.50 per person)
Sausage & Peppers
Eggplant Parmigiana
Lasagna (add $1.00 per person)
Hot Roast Beef, Sliced (add $2.00 per
person)
person)
Store Baked Turkey, Sliced w/Gravy (add
$2.00 per person)
Store Baked Ham, Sliced, w/Brown Sugar
Sauce (add $2.00 per person)
589-4086
Grinders • Cold & Hot Oven Sandwiches • Delicatessen
Dairy • Groceries • Newspapers • Cigarettes
Catering Menu
Kielbasa & Cabbage
Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Ziti with Meat Sauce
Meat Balls in Sauce
Sausage in Sauce
Oven Brown Potatoes
Green Beans Almondine
Fresh Garden Salad
Potato with Egg Salad
Macaroni Salad with Tuna or Shrimp
Cole Slaw
Party Grinder ($12.00 per foot)
Cold Cut Platter - Made with Roast Beef,
Imported Polish Ham, Genoa Salami,
Turkey Breast, American Cheese,
Imported Swiss Cheese and Provolone
Cheese
Hard Rolls
Includes: Dinner Rolls w/Butter, Coffee,
Cups, Sugar, Milk, Plates, Napkins and
Plastic Ware
Free Delivery for orders over 30 people.
Group 1 - $12.00 per person
4 Hot Items
1 Salad
Cold Cut Platter
Group 2 - $12.00 per person
5 Hot Items
1 Salad
Group 4 - $10.00 per person
3 Hot Items
1 Salad
• No party too large or too small!
• We use only fresh vegetables in
all of our catering!
• All items are cooked fresh the
day of your affair!
• Desserts Available Upon Request
Holy
Pierogies
December 18, 2014 - January 18, 2015
12-18-14…..Gas investigation – Lake Plymouth Blvd.
12-24-14…..Lift assist – Main Street
12-24-14…...Investigation – Harwinton Ave
12-25-14….. Mutual aid to Harwinton FD
12-27-14…..Water heater malfunction – Holt Street
12-27-14…..Activated alarm – Garden Street
12-29-14…..MVA with fluids on roadway – Wolcott Rd.
12-29-14…..Fluids on roadway – Fall Mtn. Rd. @ Old
Waterbury Rd.
12-30-14…..Mutual aid to Thomaston FD
12-31-14…..MVA fluids on roadway – Tulip Street
01-01-15…..MVA rollover – Main Street
01-01-15…..Activated alarm – Main Street
01-01-15…..Invest6igation – Eastview Road
01-03-15…..Activated alarm – Gosinski Park
01-04-15…..Wires down – Sylvan Avenue
01-06-15…..Activated alarm – Main Street
01-06-15…..Activate alarm – Old Farm Road
01-07-15…..Investigation – Main Street
01-07-15…..Investigation – Main Street
01-07-15…..Investigation – Main Street
01-08-15…..Structure fire – Dorothy Lane
01-08-15…..Water problem – High Street
01-11-15…..Chimney fire – Crestview Street
01-13-15…..MVA – North Main Street
01-13-15…..Lift assist – North Main Street
01-14-15…..Activated carbon monoxide alarm-Missy Rd.
01-14-15…..Gas investigation – Eagle Street
01-15-15…..Gas investigation- East Orchard St. @ Eagle St.
01-17-15…..MVA – North Harwinton Avenue
01-18-15…..Structure fire – South Main Street
01-18-15…..MVA Poland Brook Road
01-21-15…..MVA – Jackson Street
01-22-15…..Gas investigation – Orchard Street
01-24-15…..Dive team request – Morris FD
01-26-15…..Gas investigation – Haase Avenus
Submitted by Chief Mark Sekorski
Terryville
Fish and Game Club
Terryville, Connecticut
Founded 1905
Annual Ice Fishing Derby
February 7, 2015
The Terryville Fish & Game Club will be holding its annual ice
fishing derby Saturday, February 7, 2015 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at the Middle Pond on Grove Street, Terryville. Derby registration will begin at 7 a.m. in the clubhouse. The public is invited.
Breakfast sandwiches and refreshments will be available starting
at 6:30 a.m. in the clubhouse. For additional information about
the derby contact Eileen Klimanoski at (860) 589-4740 or Tony
Orsini at (860) 589-6684.
Family Night Corned Beef
& Cabbage Supper
Group 3 - $10.00 per person
4 Hot Items
1 Salad
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The Terryville Fish & Game Club will be hosting A Family Night
Corned Beef & Cabbage Supper on Saturday, March 14, 2015
at the Middle Pond Clubhouse on Grove Street, Terryville. The
public is invited. The supper will be served buffet style. The
menu includes sliced corned beef, vegetables (cabbage, potatoes,
and carrots), onion soup, rye bread & butter, desserts, coffee and
tea. Other beverages will be available at a slight charge. The first
sitting will be a 5 p.m., while the second supper sitting will be
at 7 p.m. Each sitting will be limited to fifty tickets. The cost is
adults $12, children 6 to 12 years old $6, and children 5 years old
and under are free. For additional information call Tony Orsini
at 860-589-6684 or Bill Arlofski at 860-589-7399.
The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015 • Page 13
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The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015 • Page 15
Terryville Fire Department
Candle Safety
The U.S. Fire Administration and the Terryville Fire Department are urging the public to keep safety in mind when
using candles. According to the U.S. Fire Administration,
candles cause an estimated 15,600 fires in residential
structures, 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in
estimated direct property damage each year.
Some candle fire statistics
• Over half (55%) of home candle fires start because a
candle is too close to some combustible material.
• More candle fires (38%) begin in the bedroom than in
any other room.
• Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of home candle fires
and 26% of the associated deaths.
• Half of all civilian candle fire deaths occur between
midnight and 6 a.m.
• December is the peak month for candle fires; Christmas is the peak day.
• Young children and older adults have the highest death
risk from candle fires.
• The risk of a fatal candle fire appears higher when
candles are used for light.
Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) –
Candles Fires, September 2007
Tragic and Preventable Candle Fires
• Three sleeping boys died when a candle left burning in
the living room ignited nearby combustibles.
• A man and his three children died in a fire when wax from
an unattended candle dripped on curtains, igniting them.
• Eleven members of a family died in a fire when a lighted candle ignited a mattress.
• Two children died in a fire when a lighted candle rolled
under the Christmas tree.
• A mother and young baby died when a burning candle
used for religious observances ignited cabinetry.
Fact: The majority of candle fires result from human error
and negligence.
Candle Fire Safety Tips
• Avoid using lighted candles.
• If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal,
glass, or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be
easily knocked down.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Set a good example by using matches, lighters, and
fire carefully.
• Children should never be allowed to play with matches, lighters or candles.
• Never put candles on a Christmas tree.
• Never leave the house with candles burning.
• Extinguish candles after use.
• Establish a fire-safe home, especially a safe sleeping
environment.
• And NEVER leave burning candles unattended.
Winter Storm Safety
It doesn’t take sub-zero temperatures or blizzard
conditions to make winter dangerous. Flurries and cold
temperatures can create icy conditions hazardous to
your home and the road. Awareness, preparedness, and
a strong dose of common sense will help keep you safe.
Start with your home
When thinking about winter preparedness, start with
your home. Blizzards and ice storms can cause power outages and immobilize towns and cities, therefore,
delaying emergency response and repair. It is recommended to have the following winter preparedness items
on hand:
• Extra blankets
• A battery-powered flashlight and spare batteries
• A portable radio
• Canned or boxed non-perishable food
• A manual can opener
• At least three gallons of water for every person
in the family and enough food and water for any
family pets.
• A warm coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant boots
for every member of the household.
• Make sure you consider and can accommodate any
special needs of babies, the elderly and disabled family
members, as well as family pets.
• If you have a wood or coal stove or a pellet stove or
use space heater in the home, be aware of potential fire
and/or carbon monoxide hazards; always keep a space
heater at least three feet from anything that can burn like
bedding, clothing and furniture, and don’t drape clothing over a space heater to dry.
Keep warm and dry in cold temperatures
Think twice before you head outdoors in cold weather
conditions. Dressing appropriately and keeping dry can
prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Consider the following:
• Wear layers. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from the body more rapidly. Wearing multiple layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothes with a
layer of tightly woven and water repellent materials will
insulate better than one layer of heavy clothing. Wear a
hat, mittens and cover your mouth with a clean scarf to
protect your lungs from the cold air.
• Wear a pair of water-resistant or water proof boots
with good traction. Slip and fall accidents can easily happen, especially if you’re not wearing the correct
footwear. If you must wear dressier shoes, bring them
along and change out of your boots when you get inside.
• Keep your clothes dry. If your clothes get wet,
change out of them as soon as possible.
• Drink plenty of liquids to help prevent dehydration.
When it is cold outside, people don’t drink as much because they don’t feel thirsty, avoid drinking alcohol or
caffeine though. Alcohol, while it may give a feeling of
warmth, actually increases the speed of heat loss in the
body and caffeine can also hasten the effects of dehydration and lead to hypothermia.
Be prepared for outdoor activities
Winter activities like skiing and snowmobiling can
be an adventure for the whole family. Following a few
simple rules can help make sure you don’t get lost or
stuck in the cold.
• Don’t go out alone. It’s more fun and safer when a
friend joins your winter weather fun.
• Let others know your itinerary. Tell friends and
family members where you are going and when they
should expect you to return.
• Bring along the appropriate supplies. If you are
snowmobiling, make sure you are wearing the proper
clothing and gear and bring extra tools and parts, like
your owner’s manual, extra spark plugs, a tow rope, a
small tool kit, a flashlight, a first aid kit, extra parts, a
blanket, waterproof matches and a compass.
Take precautions with your car
Driving in bad weather is a challenge as roads can
become slick after an afternoon of snow flurries and
freezing temperatures. One accident has a domino affect and can lead to more crashes. Before the weather
gets cold, get your vehicle ready for winter:
• Get current with oil changes. Oil can thicken when
it gets colder, and oil that is too thick will not keep your
engine properly lubricated.
• Be able to clear/clean windows. Check the quality
of your windshield wiper blades, fill-up on windshield
washer fluid and keep an ice/snow scraper in your vehicle.
• Check your battery. The middle of a parking lot during a snowstorm is the last place you want to discover
that your vehicle’s battery can not hold a charge.
• Check your tire air pressure and tread depth. Properly inflated tires with good tread will help provide the
best possible traction, something that is easily jeopardized in wintry conditions.
Until Next Month, Stay Safe!
Submitted by Tony Orsini,
Terryville Fire Department Health and Safety Officer
Source: Foremost Insurance Group
Submitted by Tony Orsini,
Terryville Fire Department Health and Safety Officer
Farmington Ave. | Bristol CT. | 860-582-8858
Page 16 • The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015
Chamber & Rotary
Terryville Rotary Club Announces
Student of the Month
You are invited to join the
Plymouth Chamber of Commerce
in honoring their Award recipients at the
The Rotary Club Student of the Month for December, 2014 is Cara Andrews, an 8th grade student at Eli
Terry Jr. Middle School. She is pictured here with her
teacher, John Mordarski; mother, Carol; Principal,
Angie Suffridge; Rotary President, Michael Ganem.
The Rotary Club of Terryville
recognizes students in grades
6-12 on a monthly basis as
“The Student of the Month”.
Students are selected by teachers and administrators for their
academic, social and community service success. Students are
honored by the Rotary Club at
a luncheon meeting, accompanied by their parents and teachers. Students are also awarded a
savings bond in recognition of
their accomplishments.
2015 Annual Dinner
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Pequabuck Golf Club
6 :00 p.m.
Buffet Dinner
Cost $45 per person
Congratulations to:
Chet Scoville, Jr.
21-Day Gratitude Challenge
By
Janet Johnson
I write this
with complete
love. Did you
ever notice how
in our culture,
many
people
confuse
complaining
and
commiserating
with socializing? I didn’t notice it until
a couple years ago when first I enrolled
in a business school for spiritual entrepreneurs. After my three-day retreats,
I’d come back home on a personal and
emotional high from being with all these
wonderful people. Unfortunately, coming home to “regular life” can be a shock
to the system depending on your community if you aren’t mindful. There aren’t
as many hugs and heart-felt connections.
In regular life, referred to as the “Muggle World” (see Harry Potter) by many,
people try to be a positive light and they
do this in a comparative way. “Let’s be
grateful for all that we have because our
problems aren’t as bad as other people’s
problems.” That’s a little backwards too.
It’s like tossing toxic waste on a Vincent
van Gogh painting. There’s an underlying expression of individual talent and
beauty (symbolized by the painting) that
we’re afraid to show (symbolized by the
trash) for fear of hurting someone else’s
feelings. “If I tell my friends about my
promotion, my business success, my new
car, etc. they are going to make mean
comments and say something like, “Who
do you think you are?””
Many times, there’s sarcasm, doubt,
and jealousy. People say, “Sure that person can be happy. They didn’t have the
hard life I’ve had.” This doesn’t resonate either. Some of the most abundantly
loving people I have ever met are abuse
survivors, recovering addicts, and people
who have been severely depressed and
formerly suicidal.
I really don’t know why we talk this
way. Our natural expression as people is
love and acceptance. It’s our common
goal to be happy and to have a life of joy
and purpose. By cheering on a friend
who’s aiming for this and experiencing
it, we also are fueled to experience it too.
That’s where this gratitude challenge
comes into play. Thank you to my friend
Heather Hemphill who reminded me of
this. If you visit www.GratitudeChallenge.com, you will find a wonderful
21-day challenge that will make your life
and business more positive.
Gratitude isn’t about comparing and
it isn’t about, “When I achieve X, Y, Z I
will be happy and thankful.” It isn’t sarcastic either. It isn’t fear-based or scarcity-based (mistakenly believing that when
someone else succeeds, that takes away
our opportunity to succeed). Instead, this
is about stepping out on faith – knowing
that God is bigger and stronger than any
earthy challenges in front of us. Gratitude is about being thankful for what we
have. Even the things that we think are
really small and insignificant are infinitely valued. I will share two personal
examples.
1)
When my husband and I had
house showings last summer (we moved
in August), I didn’t have enough money
to buy fresh flowers for every showing.
Instead, I walked around our backyard
and made bouquets of wildflowers and
ferns. Because of all the work I put into
it, this helped me funnel more pride into
my house showings and think more positively about it. I also felt good about myself for recognizing the beauty in these
plants that others might overlook as
weeds.
2) In our new home, I have two
birdfeeders. Every morning, we love
watching our regular visitors – two cardinals, two blue jays, two woodpeckers,
two squirrels, and mini-flocks of doves,
chickadees, and snowbirds. It makes me
feel really happy to have a home where
even the most vulnerable wildlife feels
safe and welcome.
Would you like to do this gratitude
challenge with me? Visit www.GratitudeChallenge.com, watch the video, and
download the calendar. Living a life of
gratitude will surely improve your life,
business, and personal relationships.
Please email me at [email protected] and let me know how
it’s going. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Leadership Award
MaryLynn Gagnon
Service Award
Terryville Lions Club
CLERF Project
Special Community Project Award
Local Prevention Council
Community Support Award
Plymouth Connection
Distinguished Business Award
Celebrate With Us!
R.S.V.P. 2015 Annual Dinner
Name
Company
Address
Phone
E-mail
Attendee
If you would like to place an ad in the
Program Book, ad prices are:
1/4 page $25 • 1/2 page $50 • Full page $100
You can also e-mail your ad to: Robin at [email protected]
For ticket(s) and / or an ad, please enclose this form with your
check made payable to Plymouth Chamber of Commerce
and mail to: PO Box 335, Terryville, CT 06786
The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015 • Page 17
Mentalist Entertainer Coming to Thomaston
20th Annual
Edmund Ganem
Memorial
5K Run / Walk
The Rotary Club of Thomaston in conjunction with other area Rotary Clubs is
presenting “The Stetson Experience” featuring internationally acclaimed intuitionist, Jon Stetson on February 6,
2015 at 8:00 PM in the Historic Thomaston Opera
House. The show is a family friendly event intended as a fun filled evening to raise funds for
the Rotary International Clean Water Project.
Tickets are $30 for all ages. Special discounts
are available through local Rotary Clubs and
their members. Please contact a Rotarian
or the Thomaston Opera House for tickets.
You may also get information and tickets
from
www.landmarkcommunitytheatre.
org or http://www.facebook.com/pages/
Rotary-Club-of-Thomaston
About the show
Have you ever wondered if the person
across the room looking at you might know
what you are thinking? If the person across
the room is mentalist Jon Stetson, there is a
good chance he does. Mr. Stetson has been
entertaining audiences for over 25 years.
President Bush, President Carter, The King
of Sweden, Donald Trump, Bob Kraft & The
New England Patriots, Fortune 1000 organizations, associations and celebrity audiences
Sponsored by
The Rotary Club Of Terryville
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Lake Winfield, Terryville
Intersection of Harwinton Ave, Bemis and Holt St
Schedule of Activities:
9:30 –Registration
10:15 –Kids Fun Run
10:30-1 Mile Loop the Lake
11:00—5K Race/Walk
Fees:
Run/Walk $15 pre-registration/$20 race day
Fun Run free/Loop the Lake $5
Free tee shirts to first 75 5k participants
Electronic timing, Music, water stops
Awards: M/F top runners $50 cash prize
Awards to all 1st place finishers in age groups
have experienced Jon Stetson worldwide.
Mr. Stetson’s program is called “The Stetson Experience”. It is the power and the connection between Mind,
Mirth and Mystery. It is an experience such that the
audience becomes the true stars of the show. It is
often described as a “Unique sleight-of-mind entertainment and mind-to-mind contact.”
About the Water Project
For millions of people throughout Africa,
Asia, India and Latin America, getting
clean water is a daily struggle. In fact,
more than 80% of all sickness in the
world is attributed to unsafe water.
Nearly 1 billion people are without
access to improved water sources and every 8 seconds, a child
dies because of this crisis. Rotary International is addressing
this crisis. Rotary Clubs around
the world have joined together in
providing clean water and sanitation to literally save lives!
The Rotary Club of Thomaston is hosting this event in a continuing effort to provide clean water
filtration systems to an entire village in
Northwestern India through the South
Asia Pure Water Initiative, Inc. (SAPWII).
The next Town of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Board / Members Meeting will
be held February 6th, (the first Friday of each month) at Thomaston Savings Bank,
Main Street, Terryville, in the lower level, from 8am-9am. Storm cancels
TO REGISTER:
Contact [email protected] (860) 585-4031
Church News
February brings Love, Lent, & Community Togetherness
We mark Valentine’s Day on February 14. Even if you
are single, use this opportunity to tell your extended family, friends, church and community that you love them, and
make every effort to spend both quality and quantity of
time together. Why? Because I am reminded time and time
again that life is short. Do it this month. Don’t put it off.
February also marks the beginning of the Season of Lent,
which officially begins on Ash Wednesday (February 18).
You are all welcome to attend any of our town’s churches,
and many of our churches will be offering the Imposition of
Ashes (including ours - our service is at 7pm - all are welcome!). Lent is the Season of Repentance and Preparation
as we think of Christ’s ministry, suffering, and journey that
leads to the cross and later to the Resurrection and the joy of
Easter (which is on April 5 this year). Affectionately called
“Spring Training for Christians,” Lent is a wonderful time to
examine your life of faith and to draw closer to God all while
“giving up” or eliminating areas that separate you from God.
Included in the Season of Lent is our town’s Annual
Ecumenical Lenten Lunches. During Lent, each Tuesday at
12pm there will be a luncheon held at our town’s various
churches. All are welcome. Each lunch is held at 12pm, $5/
person, and you are also invited to bring non-perishables for
the Plymouth Food Pantry. Below is our schedule as of the
writing of this article:
Tues, Feb 24 - St. Paul Lutheran Church
Tues, Mar 3 - TBA
Tues, Mar 10 - TBA
Tues, Mar 17 - Plymouth Congregational Church
Tues, Mar 24 - Terryville Congregational Church
The Lunches are a wonderful way to share a spirit of community togetherness. Join us!
Blessings be with you,
Rev. Zack
Terryville Congregational Church
PS- also happening this month:
Sat., Feb. 21 - 4pm Gosinski Park Dinner (for all Gosinski
Park Residents)
Wed., Feb. 25 - 7pm our church is having our Annual Service of Remembrance. All are welcome. This is a quiet and
candlelit service to remember loved ones who have passed.
Sat., Feb. 28 - 7pm BINGO!
Lenten Luncheons
Begin February 24th
The annual Lenten Luncheons sponsored by
the Terryville / Plymouth Clergy Association will be held on the five Tuesdays during Lent. The first luncheon will begin at
12 Noon on February 24th and be hosted
by St. Paul Lutheran Church, located at 134
Main Street (parking is in the rear of the
building accessed off of Burnham Street). A
$5.00 donation (or what you can afford) is
requested and if you are able, please bring
non-perishable food items to donate to the
Plymouth Community Food Pantry. Everyone is welcome and invited to attend.
The Objective Reality of God’s Love
by Rev. Joel D. Kotila, Pastor, serving Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Many people wonder about God and His love. “Does God
love me?” “How do I know that He truly does care about
me?” “How do I know that He wants His very best for me?”
People search in different places to find the answer.
Some are content to believe that God must love them because they have a life of goodness and prosperity—without
too many troubles—no major problems. Some think God
loves them because of how they feel or because of what
they do or because of personal faith. Some believe that
God loves them, well, just because…because they were
taught from way-back-when that God loves all people.
How do you (or how can you) know with confidence
that God loves you? The Holy Bible reveals that “God
is love” (1 John 4:8). He is, for sure! And He loves all
people. But how does a person know that with certainty?
Where’s the ultimate evidence? I always point people to
the objective reality of Jesus Christ on the cross. He is
there for you. He is there for me. There is God’s love displayed in all of its beauty and glory. The fullness of God’s
love for all people is shown in Jesus’ suffering and death
on the cross—to save them from their sins.
There is a reason why John 3:16 is such a popular passage
of the Bible. God loved this world of sinners so much that
He sent His only Son into the world to save it. There are so
many passages from the Bible that assure us of God’s love in
Jesus Christ. And here’s one that I cherish: “This is love: not
that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as
an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10 NIV).
This blessed and saving truth the Bible calls the Gospel—God’s “Good News.” And it includes not only the
message of a Savior who died for you but who also rose
to life for you. Perhaps you have heard of God’s love as
summed up by the cherished song, Jesus Loves Me.
Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so.
Page 18 • The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015
Sunday, February 1st at 9 am
News From St. Paul Lutheran Church
February sees the start of the Lenten season at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Terryville. “And we are going in with a
bang!”, laughs Pastor Lisa Watson-Barcia. To give the
Wikipedia definition; ‘The word “fastnacht” means “the
night before the fast,” since the doughnuts are eaten the
night before Lent, when fasting is usually observed by
many Christians until Easter Sunday. Making and eating
fastnachts was a way to consume all the fats, such as butter
and lard, kept in the house pantry, as these rich ingredients
were seen as lavish and were not supposed to be eaten during the Lenten season.’ “But”, smiles Watson-Barcia, “we
probably aren’t as strict about that as we might be. It is
however, a great excuse to get together and be silly!” At St.
Paul, there will be a talent show the night of the Fastnacht
Pancake Supper. This show is part of a German tradition
which is meant to both showcase talent and allow a forum
for gentle ribbing of the faults and foibles of the congre-
gation, its members and leadership. “Gentle!” emphasizes
Watson-Barcia - “meaning we aren’t out to wound egos or
batter each other. The focus is all on having a good laugh
and trying to lighten spirits a bit as we turn to the solemnity
of Lent.” The dinner and talent show will be on Tuesday
17 February. Tickets are available for purchase - $7 adult,
$6 senior and $4 for kids 12 and under. “It is a fundraising
event as well as a good time, so please bring your appetites,
smiles and wallets!”, says Watson-Barcia. “We have a donut donation again this year from an anonymous donor and
we would like to publicly say thank you for this person’s
generosity. It allows a tradition of joy to continue!” Following the Fastnacht event, there will be Ash Wednesday
services at noon and 6 on 18 February. The noon service
will be held outside in the parking lot of the former Karate
studio. Watson-Barica explains, “It’s called ‘Ashes to Go’
and after a brief opening service at noon, I will be there
til 1pm to impose ashes on anyone who wishes to stop by.
There will be a short prayer and then the sign of the cross
will be made on your forehead. We are trying to reach those
for whom the moment is important but their schedules may
not allow them the time for a full service, or for those who
maybe more comfortable away from the traditional church
setting. For those whose schedules allow, a traditional service will be held in the sanctuary at 730pm, with Communion as well as the impostion of ashes.” Again this year St.
Paul will be participating in the Lenten lunches with the
community area churches, beginning on 24 February at St.
paul and then making the rounds of the area churches. They
will as well be holding a Wednesday evening potluck and
service throughout Lent beginning with dinner at 630pm
and service at 730pm. “All are welcome,” smiles WatsonBarcia. “Lent is a time for reflection and introspection. We
invite you to come and walk this faith journey with us.”
Health & Senior
Terryville/Plymouth Senior News - February, 2015
One month of the New Year has gone by
already, can you believe it? February is the
shortest of the year and yet it holds one of the
most special days. First comes Groundhog
Day, I hope we don’t get six more weeks
of winter, February 14th is Valentines Day,
next February 16th Presidents Day. Do you
remember when we celebrated the birthdays
of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln
each separately and they both were holidays? Our first meeting in January was held on
the 13th and we all enjoyed bingo after the
meeting. Hanna Tucker won the door prize.
It was voted that we hold our annual soup
and sandwich on February 10th, at 12:30pm
in the Community Room of the Town Hall.
We will have beef vegetable soup and you
can choose from a roast beef, combo or sea
food salad sandwich. The cost is $6.00 and
that includes beverage and dessert. You need
to sign up at the next meeting and pay for
your lunch. Hope to see you there.
I now have the line up for the movies
for the coming months. They are February
-Sister Act, March -Grumpy Old Men, April-
Singing in the Rain, and May -The Note
Book. If you didn’t attend our last movie
on January 14th you missed a great movie,
Frozen, along with popcorn, a presentation of
the chorus and a package of delicious cookies
made just for us that very morning.
We are working on our Corn Beef and
Cabbage luncheon and more information in
next months article.
Remember that there is Tia Chi on
Mondays and Wednesdays at 9am in the
Community Room. Wednesdays the ladies
gather for crocheting and knitting, Thursdays
senior exercise at l0am, Mag Jongg at 11am,
cards at 1pm. As always, all are welcome to
come and join the various groups be it beginners or experts.
Also, remember that we have books,
magazines, puzzles for you to take out and enjoy. I invite you to come to our meetings that
we have on the second and fourth Tuesdays
of each month. I hope to see you soon. Please
remember that if you have any questions, call
me at 860-589-7837. Until next time, enjoy
your day.
Helena Schwalm, President
Irene Cloutier and Fran Griswald putting books in the shelves
Linda Kazmierski & Cathy Mackiewicz
greeting seniors at the Christmas Party
Seniors Christmas Party, Dec. 9th
Rev. Chris Drew giving the Blessing
Peter Gianesini and Mayor Merchant
at our Christmas Party
Your health and wellness: The effect of love on pain and your overall health
Please have a Happy Valentine’s Day when it comes.
With
Valentine’s Day
approaching I thought
it might be a
good
opportunity to talk
about
something a little
different from
our usual subject matter but
no less relevant to our overall health
and wellness. We have mostly shared
about topics such as mechanical neck
and back pain and how our diets affect our pain and overall health and
wellness. May we talk a little about
how the quality of our relationships
affects our health and may even impact our pain?
Sometimes patients come in with
neck pain, headache or back pain
as their chief complaint but once
we start treating and talking in the
office, stress with relationships at
work, relationships at home, with
friends, family and even with self
comes up as a major contributing
factor. Sometimes, patients don’t
even realize until they start talking
about it that these issues were bothering them so very much. While
some patients benefit from talking to
a trained therapist, many just need a
non judgmental listening ear.
Studies show that stressed relationships can contribute to various
negative health effects including
increasing the risk of having a heart
attack. Studies also show stress to
be worse for us than diabetes, high
blood pressure, obesity or smoking.
Having worked in health care for
almost 2 decades I see the effects
of stress on patients’ health almost
daily. Here are a couple of suggestions for keeping your relationships
healthy, reducing your stress and
even maybe improving your pain:
1)Don’t take your important relationships for granted. Make time for
them every day.
2)Stay away from negative people.
Spend your time with people who
are uplifting.
3)Do fun stuff with your loved
ones. Family togetherness cannot be
over rated.
4)Talk to and listen to your loved
ones.
5)Be mindful of your stress and
don’t “take things out” on your loved
ones
6)Make new friends: Get a hobby,
join a class, volunteer all these things
help us stay connected.
7)Be gentle with yourself. Sometimes we can be our worst critics and
all by ourselves cause our stress to
skyrocket.
Please share your comments
about this article and any of our other
articles in our Facebook community:
www.facebook.com/SaporitoChiropractic. We look forward to hearing
from you and having you join us!
Have a great Valentine’s Day!
Regards in Health,
Dr. Shepherd
Open House at Saporito Chiropractic!
• Do you have headaches, joint pain, neck or back pain?
• Have you tried other options with less than satisfactory results?
You are not alone. 80% of Americans have suffered from back pain.
Our patients are getting great results!
Just see their success stories at SaporitoChiropractic.com
Interested in getting similar results?
Please join us for our Open House on Feb. 9th 2015, 5:30-7pm.
RSVP for your complimentary massage:
Call Today: (860) 589-1491
www.SaporitoChiropractic.com
665 Terryville Ave., Bristol, CT 06010
The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015 • Page 19
Health & Senior
Please note: The senior menu was not
yet available at the time of printing.
The Human Services Agenda
and minutes from the meetings are
now posted on the Town Website.
Dial-A-Ride for
Seniors & Disabled
Monday-Thursday 11am-3pm, and
Friday 9am-12pm (parked)
• Covers Terryville/Plymouth and Bristol
• Available earlier (9am) if needed and out of area
for medical appointments only
• First come first serve
• Not available for weekends or any major holidays
This program is for local appointments (ex: medical,
hair appts, shopping) with 2 day notice. Local is considered Plymouth/Terryville/Bristol. It is available for service
out of area for medical appointments only, with at least
one week notice.
Call 860-283-0060 to schedule as soon as possible, at least 2
days notice for in-area and at least one week notice outside of area.
HEAD LICE – The Quiet Epidemic.
Dr. Joe Cherneskie
Terryville Medical Center
Lice are tiny insects about the size
of a pin-head. Head lice are different
that body lice in that they only affect
the scalp. The lice lay eggs, called
“nits” that look like tiny white specs
stuck to the hair. Sometimes they can
look like dandruff, but nits do not brush away or wash off
like dandruff. The insects are easily spread by close contact with and infected person or by sharing personal items
such as hats, combs, brushes, towels and bedding. Most
of the time these infections are brought home by children
in school.
Killing the insects on a person’s body is relatively easy
using medications. The hard part becomes when you try
to remove them from objects. I have listed the procedure
below, but the important thing is to do the medication and
all the cleaning at the same time to avoid re-infection.
scribed by your doctor exactly as directed. First, wash
your hair with regular shampoo and towel dry. Then apply
the medication to the hair to sufficiently soak all of the hair
including behind the ears and the back of the neck.
2. After using the medication, you need to remove the
nits from the hair, using a “nit comb” available from the
pharmacy. If you have a hard time getting them, sometimes rinsing the hair with vinegar cut in half with water.
3. All personal headwear, scarves, bed linens, and such
should be washed in hot water. Anything that can not go
in the was should be placed in the drier on the hot cycle
for 20 minutes. Anything that can not be washed or placed
in the dried should be placed in a sealed plastic bag for 2
weeks, as the lice will die without human contact.
4. Combs and brushes may be treated in Lysol or rubbing
alcohol for two hours
Foot Care Clinic
Friday, Feb. 20th at
Town Hall
1. Use the medication, either over-the-counter, or pre-
There are times when even using the measures, the infestation will still persist. If the itching continues a few days
after treatment, you should see your doctor to see if any
other treatment is needed.
Terryville Medical Center
Blood Pressure Clinic
Do you have trouble reaching your feet to care for your toenails? Help is available from an APRN (nurse practitioner)
who has many years of experience providing foot care. Caring for your feet and toenails is essential to your overall
health and wellbeing. There is a five dollar charge for the
clinic and appointments are necessary. Please call Plymouth Human services to register 860-585-4028.
Certified DOT/CDL
Medical Examiner
Joseph Cherneskie M.D.
Primary Care/Internal Medicine
Once a month Bristol Hospital Home Care provides
free blood pressure screening right here in Terryville!
No appointment needed. Call Human Services for
more information 860-585-4028.
27 Main Street • Terryville, CT 06786
Phone (860) 314-6818 Fax (860) 314-6899
February 24th, 12:30-1:30pm
Eli Terry Retirement Community
20 Orchard Street Terryville.
We Cannot Tell a Lie...
We Deliver!
Beacon Prescriptions delivers daily for FREE. Call for details.
With experts in medications, health and nutrition, we’re proud to play
a part in making our community stronger (and healthier).
241 Main Street, Terryville, CT 860-585-5158
Page 20 • The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015
Terryville Senior Trips Getaway Tours No Minimum Day & Overnight Tour Options for 2015
For more information or to book a space on any of the tours listed below, please contact the Getaway Tours office at (800) 247-5457 or (860) 582-9741 between 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday.
February 17, 2015 - Mardi Gras at Hunt’s Landing LV: TBA $95.00 Per Person - Includes: Transportation,
Complete luncheon & full day of activities at Hunt’s Landing, and Driver’s Gratuity
February 19, 2015 - CT Flower Show - LV: TBA $76.00
Per Person - Includes: Transportation, Luncheon at the Chowder Pot, Admission to the CT Flower Show, Driver’s Gratuity
Terryville Congregational Church
Senior Meal
Feb. 21 at
Gosinski Park
March 8, 2015 - AAC Semi-Final Game – Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mohegan Sun Arena - LV: TBA
$66.00 Per Person - Includes: Transportation, Tickets to the
Games, Food Voucher & Casino Bonus at Mohegan Sun,
and Driver’s Gratuity
Away” - LV: TBA $97.00 Per Person - Includes: Transportation, Lunch Buffet and Show, Driver’s Gratuity
March 12, 2015 - St. Patrick’s Celebration at Gavin’s
Resort in the Catskills - LV: TBA $83.00 Per Person
- Includes: Transportation, Irish Luncheon and Irish entertainment, 1 glass of wine or beer, visit to East Durham’s
Irish shops & shrine and gratuities.
May 20, 2015 - Twin River Casino in R.I. & Lobster at Cap’n
Jack’s Restaurant - LV: TBA - $91.00 Per Person - Transportation, Lobster Lunch, Casino Bonus, Driver’s Gratuity
March 26, 2015 - Feast of St. Joseph at the Bownstone
in NY - LV: TBA $96.00 Per Person - Includes: Transportation, Luncheon, 2 Comp Drinks, Entertainment, and
Driver’s Gratuity
April 1, 2015 - Radio City’s Spring Spectacular with
the Rockettes - LV: TBA $169.00 Per Person - Includes:
Transportation, Lunch at Carmines, Admission, Gratuities
for Driver and Tour Director
April 18-21, 2015 - Myrtle Beach - LV: TBA $1202.00
PP Double $1722.00 Single
$1172.00 PP Double Round Trip Transportation, Hotel Accommodations, Admissions wherever applicable, 12 Meals, Cruise on Intercoastal Waterway, 4 Shows, Taxes and Baggage Handling,
Gratuities for Driver & Tour Director
April 23, 2015 - Newport Playhouse - “When the Cat’s
May 3, 2015 - Warner Theatre –“Hello Dolly!” - LV:
TBA $91.00 Per Person - Transportation, Lunch at San
Marino’s, Tickets to Show
May 21, 2015 - Italian Feast at Hunt’s Landing - LV:
TBA $95.00 Per Person - Transportation, Luncheon and
Full Day of Activities at Hunt’s Landing - Driver’s Gratuity
May 27-29, 2015South Coast of Maine - LV: TBA
$469.00 PP Double $579.00 PP Single
$454.00 PP
Single - Round Trip Transportation, Hotel Accommodations, Admissions to Attractions, 4 Meals, Taxes & Baggage Handling, Driver’s Gratuity
June 23, 2015 - 9/11 Memorial and Museum - LV: TBA
$111.00 Per Person - Transportation, Lunch at Carmine’s,
Admission to 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Driver and Tour
Director’s Gratuities
June 25, 2015 - Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island - LV:
TBA $102.00 Per Person - Transportation, Ferry to Statue
of Liberty & Ellis Island, Lunch at Bonefish Grill, Gratuities for Driver & Tour Director
Bristol Hospital & Health Care Group - February 2015 Programs
To read a full description of each program and
class, please visit www.bristolhospital.org/
events. Registration instructions are included
in each program listing on the website.
Free Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Informational Seminars:
February 4, 6:30 – 8 pm- Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Road, Litchfield
February 19, 6pm- Bristol Hospital, Hughes
Auditorium- 41 Brewster Road, Bristol
February 25, 6:30 – 8 pm- Farmington Marriott, 15 Farm Springs Road, Farmington
To register for an info session, please call
860.585.3339
Blood Pressure Screenings:
February 4, 9 – 10 am0 Village Gate of Farmington
February 12, 10am – noon- Bristol Hospital
Wellness Center
February 16, 10 am – Noon- Pat’s IGA, Wolcott
February 20, 10 am – Noon- Gnazzos
February 24, 12:30 – 1:30 pm, Eli Terry Senior
Housing
Comforting Conversations:
Cancer Support Group- February 2 & 16, 6
pm, Bristol Hospital Cancer Care Center Conference Room. For more information, please
call 860.585.3356.
Look Good… Feel Better- February 2, Noon2pm, Bristol Hospital Cancer Care Center
Conference Room, Free. To register please
call Debbie at the American Cancer Society at
800.227.2345.
Alzheimer’s Support Group- February 2, 6
– 7:30 pm, Ingraham Manor Skilled Nursing
Facility, Free.
Nutrition and Young Children- February 3, 6
– 7:30 pm, $5. To register, please call the Parent & Child Center at 860.585.3895.
Circle of Hope Survivor Support GroupFebruary 3, 6 pm, Bristol Hospital Hughes
Auditorium. For more information, please call
860.585.3356.
Evening Diabetes Support Group- February
4, 5:30 – 6:30 pm, Bristol Hospital Center for
Diabetes, 102 North Street, Bristol, Free.
Coping with Stress and Anger- February 4,
6-8 pm, $10. To register, please call the Parent
& Child Center at 860.585.3895.
Baby and Me Play and Support GroupThursdays, February 5 – 26, 1:30 – 2:30 pm,
Free. To register, please call the Parent & Child
Center at 860.585.3895.
Great Grains: Tire of pasta and white rice? February 5, 6-7:30 pm, $5. To register, please
call the Parent & Child Center at 860.585.3895.
Handling Children’s Anger- February 10, 6 –
8 pm, $6. To register, please call the Parent &
Child Center at 860.585.3895.
Heartsaver/AED- February 10, 9 am- 12:30
pm, $70. To register, please call 860.314.0632
Cancer Caregivers Support Group- February 10, 6pm, Bristol Hospital Cancer Care Center Conference Room. For more information,
please call 860.585.3356.
Support Group for Parents of Children with
Challenging Behaviors- February 11, 6 – 7:30
pm, Free. For more information, please call the
Parent & Child Center at 860.585.3895.
Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers- Full certification: February 21, 9 am –
3:30pm, Recertification, February 11 & 25, 5
– 8:30 pm. Full certification: $85, Recertification: $55
Fun with Fruits and Vegetables: Not getting
your five a day?!- February 12, 6 – 7:30 pm,
$5. To register, please call the Parent & Child
Center at 860.585.3895.
Jump Bunch for Preschoolers- Thursdays,
February 12 – March 5, 10:15 – 11am, $20
per child. To register, please call the Parent &
Child Center at 860.585.3895.
Families are First Maternity Unit Tour- February 15, 7pm, Free. To register, please visit
bristolhospital.org/events
Breastfeeding Workshop- February 17, 6 –
9pm, $35 per couple. To register, please visit
bristolhospital.org/events
Total Cholesterol, HDL and Triglyceride
Screening- February 17, 8 – 10 am, Bernie
Guida Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Center at Bristol Hospital, $20. To schedule an
appointment, please call 860.585.3580.
Every Child Ready to Read- Fun for Parents
and Children- February 18, 6 – 7:30 pm, Free.
To register, please call the Parent & Child Center at 860.585.3895.
Yoga for Healing Your Back- Wednesdays,
February 18 – March 25, 6 – 7pm, $65. To register, please visit bristolhospital.org/events
Protein Power- February 19, 6-7:30pm, $5. To
register, please call the Parent & Child Center
at 860.585.3895
One-Day Express Birth Preparation- February 21, 9am – 4 pm, $100 per couple ($50 for
WIC). To register, please visit bristolhospital.
org/events
Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nurturing Heart Approach- Tuesdays, February
23 – March 2, 6-8 pm, $11/Parent or $12/Childcare Provider. To register, please call the Parent
& Child Center at 860.585.3895.
Free Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group- February 24, 5:30pm (Pre Op),
6:30pm (Post Op), Bristol Hospital Hughes
Auditorium, Free.
The Family Reading Adventure ProgramTuesdays, February 24 – March 31, 10 – 11
am, Free for low-income families, $30 for others. To register, please call the Parent & Child
Center at 860.585.3895.
Positive Communication and Discipline for
Preschoolers- February 24, 6 – 8pm, $6. To
register, please call the Parent & Child Center
at 860.585.3895.
Developing Positive Communication with
Parents to Improve Your Student’s Behavior- February 25, 6 -7:30 pm, $12 for early care
and education providers. To register, please call
the Parent & Child Center at 860.585.3895.
Your Personal Plate- February 26, 6 – 7:30
pm, $5. To register, please call the Parent &
Child Center at 860.585.3895.
Quick and
Convenient
Service.
Bristol Hospital’s
Terryville Laboratory Draw Station
No Appointments Necessary!
• Fasting Services
• 1-Hour Glucose Tolerance Testing
Conveniently located within the office of Dr. Joseph Cherneskie:
27 Main Street, Terryville
Monday – Friday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Phone: 860.314.1955
Fax: 860.314.1956
bristolhospital.org
The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015 • Page 21
Health & Senior
COOK WILLOW HEALTH CENTER
81 Hillside Avenue
Plymouth, Connecticut
(860) 283-8208
Medicare/Medicaid Certified
Website: www.cookwillow.com
• Friendly Home Like Atmosphere
• Specializing in Skilled Nursing Care
• Progressive Therapy Department
• Fine Dining Service
• Short Term Rehabilitation
• Private Suites and Bath
Movies for Senior Citizens
The free” Movie Madness Series” continues at Terryville High School in the
auditorium for senior citizens who reside
in Plymouth. Our next movie feature
is “Sister Act” which will be on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 10 am – noon at the
school. Movies are free and popcorn
is also available. No RSVP necessary!
Future movie dates are: March 11, April
15, May 13. Please contact the high
school at 860 314-2777, ext. 5413 for
more information.
Drop Sugar Cookies
Submitted bu Kathleen Mackiewicz - A great cookie treat for Valentine’s Day!
Ingredients
3/4 cup sugar plus additional sugar for topping
2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 large eggs
1. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl and mix well.
2. Whisk eggs in a large bowl until blended. Add sugar, oil, vanilla extract and lemon zest and mix
well. Stir the dry ingredients into egg mixture until blended. Chill, covered, for 30 minutes or longer.
3. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
4. Drop the cookie dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Mist
the bottom of a 3-inch flat-bottom glass with water and dip glass in additional sugar. Press
the top of each cookie lightly with the glass to flatten, misting glass with water and dipping in sugar
before pressing each cookie.
5. Bake cookies until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes. Remove
to wire racks to cool completely. Store in airtight containers or freeze for future use.
Grandma’s Secrets: To make cookies with a rich butterscotch flavor, Grandma substituted 3/4 cup
firmly packed brown sugar for the granulated sugar and omitted the lemon zest. She then proceeded
as the recipe directed using granulated sugar for flattening.
Sports & Activity
Competition Champions
Announcement
Knights of Columbus Council 1090 Crown 2015 Free Throw Champions
Plymouth
Parks and Recreation
Time to Think Summer!
Youth Summer Camp: K – 6th Grades
NEW: Teen Adventure Travel Camp:
7th – 10th Grades
Registrations to Open in February!
Please LIKE our Facebook page to receive
the latest updates, and view our registration
site often, at www.PlymouthTownRec.com.
Early Registration Discounts Available!
Activities for Winter and Spring:
• Youth Summer Camp
• Teen Adventure Travel Camp
• Art & Tea (last Saturday of each month)
• Dog Obedience with Val
• Fly-Tying Class
• Gymnastics/Hip Hop
• Combo Class - Tap, Tumbling, Hip Hop
• RESERVE NOW: Community Garden Plots
• Open Gym, Adult, Men’s
General Information:
• Excel Martial Arts
• Tai-Chi
• Youth Basketball
• Girls Basketball
• Travel Basketball
• Cheerleading, Boys & Girls
• Horseback Riding
• Adult Volleyball
• Senior Exercise
• Yoga, Active for Adults
Five boys from Plymouth CT, ages 9
to 14, were named local champions of the
2015 Knights of Columbus Free Throw
Championship and have earned the right to
compete at the district level. Council 1090
in Terryville sponsored the local competition at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School. All boys
and girls ages 9 to 14 were eligible to participate. The nine-year-old champion was
Gary Kozikowski. Nicholas Fusco was the
Elmo’s Birthday Bash
Registrations for many activities are on a continuing basis.
Please call or email the P&R Dept. for details and fees.
Some programs may qualify for a $10 Early Registration Discount!
Like us on Facebook
for special announcements and updates,
and share our posts with your friends!
facebook.com/plymouthcttownrec
e-mail: [email protected] Parks & Rec: 860-585-4031
Visit www.PlymouthTownRec.com for
Details & Updates on all Programs & Classes!
Page 22 • The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015
winner in the 10-year-old boys’ division.
The twelve-year old frontrunner was Zackary Rinkavage. The 13-year-old division
was won by Steven Driscoll and the fourteen-year-old champion was Mike Tiscia.
Each contestant was allowed 15 free
throw attempts in the contests.These winners will compete in the district competition with an eye toward moving on to the
state and international levels.
On Friday, February 13th and Saturday February 14th from 10:00am-1:00pm, Imagine
Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center
will host a special Family Festival “Elmo’s
Birthday Bash”
Come meet the Loveable, huggable
Elmo! Dance and Sing in celebration of
his Birthday! Wear Elmo’s favorite color
(RED) and get a prize. The letter of the day
is “E” the number of the day is “3” the color
of the day is “RED”. Decorate & Dine on
a yummy ELMO cupcake for $2.00. There
will also be a Special Sesame Street guest
there to help celebrate Elmo’s Birthday.
Pizza and snacks are also available for an
additional cost in our old-fashioned soda
fountain. Program is included with museum
admission, $10.00 per person. Imagine Nation Museum members and children under
one are free. Library passes and ACM Memberships are not accepted for this event.
For further information, call the museum
at 860-314-1400, or visit www.imaginemuseum.org.
Classified Sports/Leisure/Activity
Now Taking ApplicationsEli Terry Retirement
Community
Terryville Legion Baseball Teams 2014 Season
The Terryville Legion Baseball teams 2014 season was
our most successful season in many years. The team finished with a winning record for the season and advanced
to the second round in the state tournament eventually losing in a very competitive 9 inning game. The team will be
back together for the 2015 season looking to secure a Zone
championship. Any players looking to tryout this season
should send you contact information to [email protected]
We thank all our local 2014 Sponsors for your support
(Beacon Prescription, Plymouth Oil, The Terryville Lions,
Rays Car Star, Thomaston Savings Bank, The Plymouth
Police Union, Richards Corporation, The Polish Club and
Scotts Funeral Home)
Owner: Terryville Retirement Community Corp.,
located at: 20 East Orchard St., Terryville, CT
06786. Income Limits: One Person,51,000;
Two Persons, 57,500. Funded by: The U.S. Department of Agriculture / Rural Development. Eligible
household must have a head, co-head, or spouse
62 or over or eligible disabled. 2 units adapted
for persons with disabilities who need those features. For Information Contact: Eli Terry Retirement Community, Phone: (860) 589-1160 Fax:
(860) 583-6505 TRS: 800-872-9710. Eli Terry is
an Equal Opportunity Housing Provider and Employer.
To Place a Classified Ad
Classified ads are $10.00 for 25 words or less.
Lost and found ads are free.
Special Birthday / Anniversary announcements are
$10.00 with a photo.
To ensure your ad will appear please send complete
information and mail with check made payable to:
The Plymouth Connection
75 Kearney Street,
Terryville, CT 06786
Ad must be received by the 20th of the month prior
to publication.
John Casanova
Casanova
John
Owner
Owner
655Hewey
Main Street
161
Street
Plymouth, CT
CT
06782
Waterbury,
06708
FreeEstimates
Estimates
Free
FullyLicensed
Licensedand
andInsured
Insured
Fully
HIC #0618953
#0635095
HIC
860-283-8158
Toll
877-283-8158
Toll Free:
Free:
Cell: 877-283-8158
203.843.3058
The Value of Being a Role Model
The Plymouth Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball
Program is fully underway as the league enters its third
week of games.
The games, which take place every Saturday at the Eli
Terry Jr. Middle School gymnasium, showcase the young
talent in the Terryville/Plymouth area as children between
fourth and eighth grade battle it out on the court. The
games start at 9:30 a.m. and the final game starts at 11 a.m.
every Saturday. The championship game is scheduled for
March 8th.
One person who has became a mentor for so many
young athletes in Terryville, is the 23 year old Marshal
Szyndlar. Szyndlar, who started volunteering for the Town
Rec way back in 2006, during his freshman year of high
school, still continues to both coach and referee every Saturday morning.
“Basketball was always my favorite sport,” Szyndlar
said. “Basketball taught me team work and dedication.
I just wanted to be part of it after my playing days were
over. We need more programs like this.”
Szyndlar has seen a huge improvement in the league
in the last couple of years, which he believes is, in a large
part, due to the new Plymouth Parks & Recreational Director, Michael Ganem.
“Rec is an institution,” Szyndlar said. “Everything is
founded off of a belief system. I know that the people in
charge (Michael Ganem and Jay Dorso) are making the
necessary steps to improve the league. Mr. Ganem (Michael Ganem) was a coach before and I truly believe he is
great for the job.”
I Remember When...
Return With Me Now To Early T.V.
The words of my mother, sometime prior to
1947: “Someday, there’ll be a radio with pictures”.
She was right. Even though television already was
in existence, it was purely a rich-man’s plaything.
Very few programs were broadcast, and they were
strictly one-time events, without the benefit of networks, etc. I believe that some major sports events,
and possibly a Presidential inauguration were sent
out on the airways.
Then it happened. My dad and I were floating
around New Britain (my Mom and my sister were
also “doing their thing”) and I saw my first T.V. set
in a store window. As I remember it, it was a big
wooden box which had a small, 6-inch (diagonal
measurement) screen. The picture was black and
white, and was quite unstable; flickering, and often rolling. Also, the picture would simply turn to
“snow” at times.
But it was, to us, a new invention; exciting to
behold. Think about being able to see what you
could only imagine; what only a few months before were merely voices “inside the box”. Daily
T.V. programming didn’t start until around 2:00 in
the afternoon, and then only a “test pattern” would
appear on the screen, but we’d watch it anyway.
Such was the miracle of T.V.; sending actual images through the air. At first, we had only one T.V.
Station in Connecticut. It was WNHC Channel
6 out of New Haven (Now WTNH Channel 8) ;
“Connecticut’s Window on the World”. With luck,
and with proper atmospheric conditions, we could
“pick up” the Dumont network out of New York
(Jackie Gleason started there).
Reception was good if you lived in an area that
had no large obstructions between you and the T.V.
station, such as mountains, etc. Sometimes, when
the reception was bad, you had to go outside and
turn the antenna. This could entail a trip to the roof
if the antenna was attached to the chimney, but if
it was mounted against the side of the house, the
base, a galvanized pipe, could be turned by a pipe
wrench from ground-level.
Anyway, once you got a picture up on the
screen, you could sit back and enjoy “Uncle Milty”
(Milton Berle) on Tuesday nights on the Texaco
Star Theatre, or Sid Caeser, Imogene Cocca, Carl
Reiner and Howie Morris on Saturday nights on
“Your Show of Shows”. On Sunday night, we’d
watch Ed Sullivan, the “Nationally Syndicated
Columnist of the New York Daily News” on the
“Toast of the Town”. Mr. Sullivan pioneered in
bringing people like Elvis Presley and The Beatles
to live T.V.
Even though the league has seen an large improvement
in recent years, Szyndlar believes that more volunteering
from the town’s high school and college students can go a
long way in the overall betterment of the Plymouth Parks
and Recreation Youth Basketball Program.
“There is a responsibility of the young adults in town
to give back, just like I saw as a kid,” Szyndlar said. “The
gym used to be full of high school and college kids, such
as Dave Alacron and Pat Norton, helping out and becoming mentors and role models for so many young children.
The kids need to have a role model around their age group.
It’s essential.”
The Plymouth youth basketball program is a “small and
strong community”, as Szyndlar put it; but there is no reason why the program can’t expand into a big and strong
community. It’s up to the residents of town, of all ages, to
help the youth of Plymouth and the Plymouth Parks and
Recreation program expand.
There is no better way to warm up on a cold, winter
morning than to attend a local basketball game in a heated
gym, helping Marshal Szyndlar and his fellow group of
volunteers make indelible memories on the youth of this
great town, that will last a lifetime.
From,
Christopher Griffin
Chris Griffin is a ten year resident of Terryville and a graduate of Holy Cross High School. Chris is currently an journalism major and a senior at Western Connecticut State University. He is an aspiring sports writer and screen- play writer.
The News was “something else”. For the first
time, you could actually see world events, after
having listened to the likes of Lowell Thomas or
Walter Winchell on the radio. In June of 1950,
when the Korean War broke out, we saw our troops
fighting in the bitter cold and snow, or slogging in
the mud as they fought the North Koreans and later,
the Chinese Communists. These images were, of
course films taken a day or two before, and rushed
back home to be broadcast.
John Cameron Swaze, the NBC commentator,
sat at a desk with several clocks on the wall behind
him; that was all. He covered more news in his
fifteen minute program than they do today in two
hours. This was real news. News that you needed
to hear about. We didn’t have to keep up with the
Kardashians.
During those early days, if you wanted to have
a T.V. set, (and who didn’t?), you’d go down to
your local Radio/T.V. or Appliance store to buy
one. Aside from purchasing antenna wires, chimney straps and the latest -style antenna, your only
out-of-pocket cost would be the T.V. set itself.
T.V.’s were not cheap, but year by year, more and
more people were able to afford one. Traveling
along the highway, you could check on the growth
of T.V. ownership by counting the increasing number of T.V. antennas on the houses that you passed.
Once you had one in your house, the only
financial obligation that you had was to the store
where you purchased it. All you had to do was
plug it in and turn on the switch. As the numbers
of broadcasting channels increased, you could just
turn the dial on the set to the number of the channel that you wanted to watch, and sit back and relax. At this point, you’d probably pull up a folding
metal “T.V. Table” and enjoy a snack or a meal
from a frozen “T.V. Dinner”.
If you had a problem, you could call your
local Radio/T.V. repair man, and he would come
out to your house, carrying a big box containing
large numbers of tubes. These were placed in slots
on either side (the box opened up like a doctor’s
medical bag), each in a box with a number. The
T.V. repairman looked almost like an MD making
a house call (They did that in those days).
Oh, to return to those days of yesteryear, which
were so uncomplicated. Today, we/re stuck in contracts with cable companies which offer “packages” of T.V., telephone, and computers all combined. Rates are high, and you don’t have a choice
of what to watch, and the service leaves much to
be desired. Sometimes, I think the reception is no
better than it was back in the 1950’s.You’re getting
less and paying more, and the “deal” that is offered
at the time you subscribe only lasts a year or so,
and then the price goes up. Also, you can’t get out
of a contract without a huge penalty. When I was
a kid, with only one or two channels, we were happy to watch “I
Love Lucy”, “Howdy Doody”
and “Kukla, Fran, and Ollie”,
and we didn’t have a
contract.
Dick Foote
The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015 • Page 23
Terryville Public Library
238 Main Street
Terryville, CT 06786
http://www.terryvillepl.info
Circulation/Children’s: (860) 582-3121
Reference: (860) 583-4467
Library Hours
Monday - Wednesday: 10am - 8pm, Thursdays: 10am - 6pm
Fridays and Saturdays: 10 am - 5pm.
Snow Better Time to Read
Children’s Winter Reading Program Continues
Complete some or all of the activities listed in your logs
(received when you sign up), keep track of the time you spend
reading, or do a combination of both. Each week has a new
activity log and incentive prize!
Stop by the Library to receive a ticket for every four activities you complete and/or for every hour of reading. You can
also get an up close and personal look at the prizes you could
win. Each ticket is a chance to win one of the prizes.
Programs offered during this time include:
February 7, 1:00 p.m. - Book Exchange (bring a book, take a book)
February 13, 2:00 p.m. - Hot Cocoa and Board Game Family Event!
February 14, 1:00 p.m - Pizza Party!
Understanding Your Best Friend!
With Phil Klein, Certified Dog Listener
Saturday, February 7th (Postponed from Jan. 24)
2:00p.m. - 4:00p.m
Are you at your wits end with your dog, or just have
some challenges? Or, are you about to get a dog and want
to avoid problems? If so, you can eliminate or minimize
all unwanted behaviors by simply making canine-friendly
changes in how to interact with your dog. This simple
methodology will enable you to achieve a blissful relationship with your dog and every dog you have in your life.
Corset Confidential:
Romance and the Victorian Underworld
Monday, February 9—6:30 pm
Living history playwright, performer and author Jennifer
Emerson presents Victorian Romance, and often the lack
thereof! The respectable, genteel elegance of the Languages
of the Fan and Flowers, letter writing and rituals of courtship
will give way to opening the bedroom doors as she reveals the
naughtier side: the world’s oldest profession.
Artist of the Month
James Trudel – Painting
Upstairs Display Case
James Trudel – Mini Paintings
Downstairs Display case
Winter Reading Prizes
Book Display
Laundry is the only thing that should be separated by color.
Celebrate Black History Month!
Library Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, February 18, 6:30 p.m. - The Board of Directors meet the third Wednesday of each month.
Friends of the Terryville Library
Monday, February 9—6:30 pm
The Friends of the Terryville Public Library is a voluntary,
non-profit group of interested citizens whose purpose is to
enhance the value of the library
Knitalong Night
Every Wednesday—6:30-8:00 PM
Bring along a project in progress, projects to share or questions to ask. Newbie knitters welcome. This is not meant to
be an instructional class but there will be people there willing
to help. For more information, please call Lisa Courtney at
(860) 583-4467.
Fiction Lovers Book Discussion
Monday, February 23—6:30 p.m.
‘South of Broad’ by Pat Conroy
Leopold Bloom King has been raised in a family shattered—
and shadowed—by tragedy. Lonely and adrift, he searches
for something to sustain him and finds it among a tightly
knit group of high school outsiders. Surviving marriages
happy and troubled, unrequited loves and unspoken longings, hard-won successes and devastating breakdowns, as
well as Charleston, South Carolina’s dark legacy of racism
and class divisions, these friends will endure until a final test
forces them to face something none of them are prepared for.
Spanning two turbulent decades, South of Broad is Pat Conroy at his finest: a masterpiece from a great American writer
whose passion for life and language knows no bounds.
New Materials at Your Library
Adult Fiction
Perfect Sins – Jo Bannister
Blood Rubies – Jane K. Cleland
Moriarty – Anthony Horowitz
Dead But Not Forgotten – Rachel Caine
The Boston Girl – Anita Diamant
Scorched Eggs – Laura Childs
Another Night, Another Day – Sarah Rayner
A String of Beads – Thomas Perry
Insatiable Appetites – Stuart Woods
Robert B. Parker’s The Bridge – Robert Knott
Rain on the Dead – Jack Higgins
Dress Shop of Dreams – Menna Van Praac
Rosie Effect – Graeme Simsion
The Assassination Option – W.E. B. Griffin
The Bishop’s Wife – Mette Ivie Harrison
Die Again – Tess Gerritsen
Viking Bay – M.A. Lawson
Hush – Karen Robards
Sunshine on Scotland Street – Alexander McCall Smith
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie – Rita Mae Brown
Dangerous Alliance – Kyra Davis
The Magician’s Lie – Greer Macallister
No Fortunate Son – Brad Taylor
White Plague – James Abel
Trust No One – Jayne Ann Krentz
Agenda 21: into the shadows – Glenn Beck
The Martini Shot – George Pelecanos
The Empty Throne – Bernard Cornwell
Golden Son – Pierce Brown
A Sister of Honor – Lucy Ferriss
The Body Snatchers Affair – Marcia Muller
Before I Go – Colleen Oakley
Biographies
Victoria: a life – A.N. Wilson
The Churchill Factor – Boris Johnson
Francis: life and revolution – Elisabetta Pique
Watch Me: a memoir – Anjelica Huston
The Man Who Would Be Washington –Jonathan Horn
Colonel House: biography of Woodrow Wilson’s silent
partner – Charles E. Neu
You Can’t Make This Up – Al Michaels
Adult Non-Fiction
The Make-Ahead Cook
Art Inc. – Lisa Congdon
For Love of Country – Howard Schultz
How the Body Knows Its Mind – Sian Beilock
Ten Best Anxiety Busters – Dr. Margaret Wehrenberg
The Happy Sleeper – Heather Turgeon
Broken Open: how difficult times can help us grow –
Elizabeth Lesser
Defending Beef – Nicolette Hahn Niman
The Dogs are Eating Them Now: our war in Afghanistan Graeme Smith
A Random Walk Down Wall Street – Burton G. Malkiel
Work Simply – Carson Tate
Putin’s Kleptocracy: who owns Russia? – Karen Dawisha
God’ll Cut You Down – John Safran
Money: master the game – Tony Robbins
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do – Amy Morin
Yell Less Love More – Sheila McCraith
Clear the Clutter, Find Happiness – Donna Smallin
101 Two-Letter Words – Stephin Merritt
Resilience: two sisters and a story of mental illness – Jessie Close
The Nuns of Sant’ Ambrogio – Hubert Wolf
Cause of All Nations – Don H. Doyle
The Fierce Urgency of Now – Julian E. Zelizer
The Secret History of Wonder Woman – Jill Lepore
Lives in Ruins – Marilyn Johnson
Trees of Eastern North America – Gil Nelson
Unnatural Selection – Emily Monosson
Passionate Nutrition – Jennifer Adler, MS, CN
Teen
Let it Snow – John Green
Winter Falls – Nicole Maggi
Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel – Sara Farizan
Redeemed – P.C. Cast
Dark Triumph – Robin LaFevers
Mortal Heart – Robin LaFevers
Even in Paradise – Chelsey Philpot
Pioneer Girl: the annotated autobiography – Laura Ingalls Wilder
Page 24 • The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015
Ascend – Amanda Hocking
Frostfire – Amanda Hocking
How it Went Down – Kekla Magoon
HOOPLA
We’re excited to announce a unique digital entertainment/
media service, hoopla, enabling you to borrow movies, videos, music and audiobooks straight from your browser, tablet,
or smartphone!
Terryville Public Library has never offered a service quite
like hoopla, but we think this could be the beginning of a
beautiful, new, digitally-driven friendship between us!!
Patrons can download the free hoopla digital mobile app
on the Android or IOS device or visit hoopladigital.com to
begin enjoying thousands of titles - from major Hollywood
studios, record companies and publishers - available to borrow for instant streaming or temporary downloading to their
smartphones, tablets and computers. Each patron is limited to
5 downloads per month.
Children’s Programming
Book Exchange
Saturday, February 7—1:00pm
Bring a book, take a book! Bring in your gently used book
and trade it for a new one. All ages. Registration required
Hot Cocoa and Board Games Family Event
Friday, February 13—2:00pm
Come in out of the cold for some hot cocoa, cookies and
board games! You bring your family and friends we supply
the cocoa, cookies and games! Ages 4 and up. Registration
required.
The Winter session will end the week of February 9th. The
Spring 1 session will begin March 2nd and end April 6th.
Registration will continue until all spaces are filled. Come
join us for stories, music and more!
New Program * Saturday Storytime
Saturday, February 7—10:30-11:15am
This will be a monthly storytime for ages birth-3. The program will include stories, finger plays, movement, music and
playtime. Registration required.
Storytimes
Mother Goose – prewalkers up to 15mo—Mondays, 10:3011:15—Stories, nursery rhymes, music and playtime
Night Owls - 3-5 yr. olds—Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm—Stories,
finger plays, music, movement and craft
Busy Bees - 2-3 yr. olds—Wednesdays, 10:30-11:15am—Stories, finger plays, music, movement and craft
Toddlertime -Walkers 9 to 24 mo. old—Thursdays, 10:3011:15am—Stories, nursery rhymes, music, movement and
playtime
Wild Wednesdays
Wednesday, February 4—4:15-5:00pm
Lego Block Party: Come build towering buildings, unique
ships, cars and airplanes! We provide the LEGO Blocks, you
put them together! Ages 4 and up.
Wednesday, February 11—4:15-5:00pm
Who’s your valentine? Make him or her a lollipop flower out
of an egg carton and cupcake wrappers (or keep it for yourself)! Ages 7-12. Registration Required.
Wednesday, February 18—4:15-5:00pm
Slime: create your own colored slime to take home with you!
Ages 6-12. Registration required
Wednesday, February 25—4:15-5:00pm
Let’s make our own bookmarks out of pages of old books,
markers, and duct tape! Ages 7-12. Registration required
Saturday Movie Matinees
Saturday, February 21—2:00pm
Saturday Movie Matinee: Winnie the Pooh (G;63min) Popcorn will be provided– bring a blanket to sit on and a friend
to share the fun!
Saturday, February 28—2:00pm
Saturday Movie Matinee: Snow Buddies (G; 89 min) Popcorn will be provided– bring a blanket to sit on and a friend
to share the fun!
pREsCHOOL fAIR
Wednesday, February 11—6:00-7:30pm
Drop by Plymouth Center School to get information on preschools, kindergarten readiness, pediatric health, and more!
Representatives from local preschools and businesses will
be present to share their information and resources. Fun and
educational literacy activities will also be provided throughout the fair for the children’s enjoyment. Admission is FREE,
continued on the next page
continued from the previous page
although we ask that you consider bringing a nonperishable
food item which will be donated to the Plymouth Community Food Pantry. Please call (860) 283-6167 or email
[email protected] with any questions.
Simply Science
Friday, February 20—10:30am
Fun hands-on activities that explore S.T.E.A.M. (science,
technology, engineering, art, and math) topics! This month’s
topic is the four seasons. Ages 3-6. Registration required.
Series Starters Jr.
Saturday February 21—10:30-11:15am
Our February book will be Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye
by Geronimo Stilton (part of the Geronimo Stilton series).
See a librarian to get a copy for yourself to read before the
meeting. Snack and activities will be included. Ages 6-8.
Registration required.
R.E.A.D Story Tails
Saturday, February 28—11:00-12:30pm
Sign up for a 15-minute timeslot to practice your literacy skills
by reading to a specially trained dog. Registration required.
Reminder: Wednesday February 11, 2015 is the last
day to bring in your Winter Reading Program logs for
raffle tickets! The Finale Pizza Party will be held on
Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 1:00pm.
Chase Away the Chills
Thanks to the talent,
artistry, and generosity of local patrons, the
Friends of the Library
is holding it’s second
annual “ Chase Away
the Chills” drawing.
Donors have made and
donated some beautiful crocheted or knitted items, including
blankets, knitted pillows and other items to
snap the cold spells we
have experienced this
winter. Items will be on display in the library from February 1 to February 20. They will then be moved to the Booktique for the drawing during the book sale on February 21.
Pictured is our first donation by Sue Losacano. It
is a gorgeous crocheted
blanket, featuring deep
red colored flowers, a
white lace-like border
and a deliciously warm
green fleece-like lining.
This blanket could be
yours with the simple
purchase of a ticket at
the library! Tickets will
be available starting on
February 1.
Chase Away the Chills
with Cookies
On a cold, snowy
day, there is nothing as soothing and
warm as a good
book, hot beverage,
comfort food, and
goodies. The Friends
of the Library can
help with the books, beverages, and goodies! There will be a
cookie sale on February 21, 10 A.M.-2 P.M. at the Booktique’s monthly book sale and drawing for the lovely warm
blankets and other knitted or crocheted items. Stop in, but a
ticket and some wonderful cookies. The you can have a cup
of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee to warm up and “Chase Away
the Chills.” You deserve a winter break!
Library News
Plymouth Library Association
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 11:00am-4:00pm,
Wednesday Nights: 6:00-8:00pm, Saturday: 10:00am-2:00pm
692 Main Street, Plymouth, CT 06782
860-283-5977 • [email protected]
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/plymouth.library.ct
The Plymouth Library Association, founded in 1871 as a
stock company, merged into an association in 1886, and operating out of its current building since 1932, balances historical
charm with contemporary functionality.
The library offers internet access, copying, and printing.
For daily updates on new arrivals and upcoming events, feel
free to “like” us at facebook.com/plymouth.library.ct
New Adult Fiction:
The Silent Man – Alex Berenson
Blood and Fire – Nick Brownlee
The Burning Room – Michael Connelly
The October Killings – Wessel Ebersohn
Immobility – Brian Evenson
Red Gold – Alan Furst
A Man Without Breath – Philip Kerr
Deadline – John Sandford
The Way We Were – Marcia Willett
New Adult Non-Fiction:
Yes Please – Amy Poehler
Paddle Your Own Canoe – Nick Offerman
Tree Spiker – Mike Roselle with John Mahan
New Graphic Fiction:
Saga Volume 4 – Brian Vaughan and Fiona Staples
New Science Fiction:
The World of Ice and Fire – George R. R. Martin
Magazines:
American Patchwork and Quilting
• American Hunter • Better Homes and Gardens
• Consumer Reports • Martha Stewart Living
Don’t forget to visit our
ongoing book sale!
Hardcovers - $1.00
Paperbacks - $0.50
Magazines - $0.50
Video Cassettes - $0.25
Thank You
The Booktique enjoyed a
very successful semi-annual
Bag Sale. While the weather
was very cold outside, sales
were very hot inside. Patrons
paid $5.00 to fill a grocery
bag with all kinds of books of
their choosing. The Booktique was very well stocked
and prepared for the sale by
volunteers who shelved hundreds and hundreds of donations before and during the Saturday sale. Patrons seemed very happy with the variety of choices and titles among the
fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. The Friends’ Booktique volunteers thank the many known and anonymous
donors who have allowed the Friends to have a ready supply of great titles and quality books. The Friends fully understand that the Booktique’s success is the result of the unselfish donations of books by our loyal and generous donors. The
Friends remain truly grateful and deeply indebted to our wonderful donors and patrons!
Some happy people at the semi- annual Bag Sale at the Booktique in January.
Booktique Sale
Helena Schwalm and her sister Cathy Mackiewicz
take a break from their book searches with hot coffee at the Booktique sale. They had also donated and
delivered a treasure-trove of cook books!
Another patron, Barbara Lyga spent a little time reviewing the “trades” before making her selections. She
certainly had many choices since the Booktique was
loaded with hundreds of new selections.
Booktique patron Bill Crockett enjoyed a
little sunshine and a good book while he
selected other books to fill the bag at his
feet. Author Clive Cussler seemed to be his
favorite!
Library Friends Cathy Paskus and Valerie
Rouleau take a picture break from their labors
of. sorting and Shelving hundreds of donated
books at the Booktique during the very successful semi-annual Bag Sale in January.
Sue Losacano and her daughter
stopped in to drop off Sue’s
latest work of art, a hand-made
blanket. Sue was donating it
to the Friends “Chase Away
the Chills” February drawing.
Both Sue and her daughter also
did some serious shopping at
the Bag Sale! Happy reading,
Ladies!
The Plymouth Connection • February, 2015 • Page 25
School News
Adams IGA Helping Terryville High School Students Stay Healthy
In 2012 Education Connection, on behalf of Plymouth Public Schools, was awarded the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant. The PEP grant is a federal grant
and is a one million dollar grant to be implemented over a
three year period. The purpose of the PEP grant was to overhaul Plymouth’s K-12 Physical and Health education programs. As one of the many purchases made by the PEP grant,
a fitness center
was installed in
Terryville High
School in August
of 2013. During
the
2013-2014
school year, a fitness center coordinator was hired
through this grant
funding.
Dean
Martin, Terryville
High School’s Fitness Center Coordinator recognized a
way to expand the grant’s message of healthy eating and
reached out to Ed Gavalis, Manager at IGA in Terryville.
A relationship was struck and Ed Gavalis contacted IGA’s
executive offices. Without hesitation, the corporate office
agreed to supply our students with Apples for the remainder
of the school year. The students look forward to the Apples
every day. The students created a huge poster with all their
signatures thanking Adams IGA for their commitment to the
health of the students at Terryville High School.
As a new school year approached, Mr. Martin and Mr.
Gavalis vowed to continue the program as long as they
could. Through the CT Association of Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance (CTAHPERD) mini grant
program, additional funds were secured to continue supplying fruit to the students at the beginning of the school
year. Lisa Daly, from Ed Connection was able to get a
check for $500.00 to give to Adams IGA for their continued support. Dean Martin is called the Apple Man at Terryville High and he said,” if we are a day without apples,
the kids are disappointed”. For some students, it replaces
a regular breakfast. Terryville High School and Plymouth
Public Schools is very grateful to Adams IGA. We greatly
appreciate Adams IGA’s recognition of the student’s nutritional needs and their willingness to support our efforts to
guide students to be their healthiest.
January 2015 Update from the Board of Education Chair
I hope everyone had a grand holiday season and a great
New Year. As you will see, we have hit the road running
with a very active schedule this January.
Let’s start with an update on the big question on everyone’s mind, “What is the status of our superintendent
search”? The following reflects the Executive Search
Committee’s activities with expected actions and progress.
• The Leadership Profile, prepared by the Cooperative
Education Services (C.E.S.) Search Consultants and based
on responses provided in focus groups and from the online
survey, was placed on the district website. (Note: This still
can be accessed, if you have not yet read it).
• The C.E.S. Search Consultants presented the Leadership Profile to the Board of Education at its December 16
meeting.
• Applications for the position closed last week.
• The Executive Search Committee, with the assistance
of the search consultants crafted questions for both first
and second round interviews. The Leadership Profile was
referenced in crafting questions.
• Applications of candidates were reviewed.
• Candidates were selected for first round interviews.
• First round interviews are in process.
• Second round interviews will be held next week.
• A site visit to the district of the final candidate is tentatively scheduled for Friday, January 30.
• The election of a new Superintendent of the Plymouth
Public Schools is tentatively scheduled on Monday, February 2 at a Special Board of Education meeting.
The next big topic is the budget process. As of our
Board meeting on January 14, we learned of some misinformation out in the community concerning the budget. I
want to make sure you have the correct information: The
2015-2016 budget is being compiled by district administration as I write this update. Research is being done and
number are being crunched. The 2015-2016 budget has
not yet been presented to the Finance Subcommittee of the
Board or the Board of Education itself.
Information about the budget will be shared with the
Finance Committee of the Board at Budget Workshops
which are scheduled at 6 PM in the Board of Education
Conference room on the following dates:
• January 21
• January 28
• February 4
In other news, the solar installation at our schools is in
full swing. The engineers have been actively checking the
roof structure, fine tuning designs and pulling permits. The
town should start seeing the savings by mid to late summer. Along with a facilities update, we also expect to complete the modification to the entrance of Harry S Fisher
grammar school.
Other items of note:
• Staff is working very hard on rewriting curriculum in
grades 6-8 and with more to come in K-5.
• We ask that you partake in the common core survey that
you can access on our website.
• The board policies are in need of being updated to conform to present practice and law. We are looking into utilizing the CT Association of Boards of Education policy
service to assist us in this major process.
The Board would like to thank Marna Murtha, our Interim Director of Pupil Personnel and Special Education
Services for her assistance during our vacancy. We would
also like to welcome Cyndi Deshais as our new Interim
Director of Pupil Personnel and Special Education Services. This position will be posted and a person hired once a
new superintendent has been elected.
Many more changes are on the way. I want to thank you
all; particularly our faculty, staff and administrators. We
look forward to a wonderful 2015.
I thank all of you for your patience with the Board as a
result of all that has happened over the past months. We
are moving forward positively!
Have a great January,
Raymond Engle
Chair Plymouth Board of Education.
School Lunch
The Terryville High School MusicThe
Students
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FLATBREAD
FLATBREAD
The Terryville High School Music Students invite you to:
AT THE SHOPPES AT FARMINGTON VALLEY, CANTON CT
AT THE SHOPPES AT FARMINGTON VALLEY, CANTON CT
LISTEN TO THE IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES
BY THE
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-9PM
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TUESDAY – FEB 10TH 5PM-9PM
Flatbread will make a donation for all flatbread purchases made between 5pm and
LISTEN
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IMPRESSIVE
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9pm. It is TO
the perfect
for customers to PERFORMANCES
support music in our schools.
TERRYVILLE
HIGH
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come out to enjoy this special evening of LIVE MUSIC and GREAT PIZZA!!!
STUDENTS AS YOU ENJOY A GREAT PIZZA!!!
_______________________________________
Page 26 • The
Plymouth Connection • February, 2015
Flatbread will make a donation for all flatbread purchases
Letters to the Editor
The following letters are not the opinions of the Plymouth
Connection and are unrelated to any personal views of the
Plymouth Connection staff.
So for the first time in my life I attended a Town Council
meeting in Plymouth. Let me start by saying my dad was
born and raised in Terryville. He built two homes here and
I was born and raised in Terryville. I now own one of those
homes. My dad and his brothers would go to town meetings
and then argue for hours about the contents of those meetings. I myself have never gotten involved. I do vote in every
election though.
I was embarrassed at the meeting held on January 6th. I
have always been proud to say I was from Terryville. After
seeing this display I don’t know if I will be admitting openly
in the future.
We had an interm tax collector who was doing his job.
The Mayor tried to say it wasn’t the man but the change
in policies put in place before his appointment that got the
job done. But doesn’t the man have to carry those policies
out? Otherwise any monkey could do the job no? And in
the height of tax season you replace him? And because the
Republican Committee wants a fellow republican in the position for next election? Didn’t Ted Smith change his affiliation for the position? And if the tax collector is doing his job
what difference does it make what his party affiliations are?
Isn’t the fact that he is doing his job enough?
Second how do you fire someone on Monday and then
vote on it on Tuesday? Does that mean they already knew
what way the vote would go before the meeting? And obviously some of the council members were uncomfortable
with the way things were done.
It was a sad day for Plymouth.
One person complained that the interim tax collector
was a bully. Seriously? I never knew paying your taxes was
an option. My husband and I save for our taxes FIRST out
of every paycheck. Then, oil, then utilities, then insurance,
then cable. The last four I can adjust if I don’t have enough
money. I can turn my heat down, shut off some lights, shop
for insurance or lose some channels. But I never thought in a
million years of not paying my taxes in full on time. I guess
I have been a fool all these years and so were my parents.
Sad, sad day for Plymouth. This was a personal choice
made by petty persons. Sad to see our local government
can’t rise above this kind of politics. I will continue to vote
in this town but won’t be voting for this Mayor or most of
the council next election.
Susan Huff, Terryville
Dear Editor,
For those concerned citizens who did not attend the January 6th Town Council meeting, let me say it was refreshing
to have seen a larger-than-usual turnout on a cold, winter’s
night. In an attempt to return the proceedings back to some
semblance of “regular order” the Mayor proposed and the
Council approved a 3 minute time limit on public comments, applicable to all agenda and non-agenda items. For
those of us who tend to be long-winded (myself included)
this means any resident or taxpayer who wishes to comment on the record should be precise with their thoughts and
opinions, and get to the point rather than rambling on incoherently. The old English word for this condition is called
being “pithy”. If an individual or group wishes to make a
presentation to the Council, they should contact the Mayor’s
office in the weeks before the meeting to have it listed as a
separate agenda item.
I did speak under “public comment” in support of the
50% tax abatement resolution for Inland Fuel Terminals, a
new company that purchased the foreclosed Structus property on South Main St. The Town Council was notified the
total taxable investment by Inland Fuels would be approximately $5 million. So, even if the net assessed value was $2
million at 34 mils, it would generate over $60,000 per year
in taxes after factoring in the abatement. As Mayor Merchant pointed out, since the town foreclosed on the property
for back taxes in 2013, it has produced no revenue, nada,
-zilch! Right now the site is a vacant and ugly eyesore, so
it’s advantageous to sell it to an industrial operator willing
to invest their capital. Also, since Inland Fuels has indicated
they are willing to hire local employees, reasonable people
would conclude this is a win-win proposition for all parties.
In the matter of the interim tax collector, Mr. Robert Ives,
chairman of the Republican Town Committee submitted the
nomination of Joseph Kilduff as their party’s choice for Tax
Collector to replace Ted Smith. This decision was seen by
many as controversial. However, since the resignation of
Anna Legassey, our previously-elected Tax Collector, it is
clearly within the legal purview of the RTC to select whom
they want to serve out the remainder of the term until the
next election. Despite some hard feelings expressed by Mr.
Smith’s supporters, Mr. Ives thanked Smith for stepping up
and helping out during the interim, but did not offer any specifics as to the reasons behind this decision. Regardless of
the circumstances, in the end, it will be the final responsibility of the voters to decide whom to elect or not to that office.
Ralph S. Zovich, Terryville
I would personally like to thank all the good citizens
who took the time to sign the statement, “Pride and Progress for Plymouth”. This is my way of stopping some of
the negativity that has been going on in town and printed in
some of the newspapers, and that so-called facebook page
for far too long. We can not stand by and let a hand full of
people keep attacking our town and the good, hard working
men and womenwho are working so hard to make our town
a better place to live. This also stands for people who are no
longer involved with the town, but still care (let’s not forget
them). We have to keep standing up for what is right.
By the way, speaking of facebook pages, what is the
name of it? I don’t follow it, I just hear comments from
others who do. Maybe I have the wrong name, is it CitizensAgainstVirtuallyEverythingForTheGoodOfPlymouth?
See, I was hoping they would have mentioned the statement
on this page so that we could have gotten more signatures.
Wonder why they wouldn’t help me?.
Also, I would like to give a big Thank-You to four people who helped me make this statement a reality: Briana,
Tony, Pat and Arlene. I could not have made this possible
without their help.
Once again, many thanks to all of you, lets keep our
town moving forward in 2015 and for years to come.
I would like to wish out next Tax Comptroller and Tax
Collector to stand tall, stay strong and good luck. Let’s not
let negativity stand in our way.
We are not taking any more signatures. Pride and Progress fro Plymouth!
Sincerely,
Linda Kazlierski, Terryville
Gone, but Not Forgotten
My name is Roxane and I am the wife of the former
Interim Tax Collector of Plymouth, Ted Smith. I am not
a political or outspoken person. However, I could not let
what has been happening in our town hall over the past several months go without being heard.
I voted for Mayor Dave Merchant and several other Republican Town Council members even though I am a registered Democrat. I believed that they had the best interest of
the town in their campaign commitments. I was wrong!
On Tuesday, January 6th, the interim Tax Collector position was on the Town Council’s agenda. I went to speak
on Ted’s behalf. Ted and the tax office personnel worked
cohesively, collecting more taxes than any other previous
office. Ted’s performance was praised by Mayor Merchant
during previous council meetings. Mayor Merchant proposed a pay raise after Ted had only been on the job for a
few months. Why was his position in jeopardy?
In my opinion, Ted was not a “Yes” man for Mayor
Merchant. He uncovered inconsistencies in financial reports bringing them to the attention of the external auditors,
suggesting that a forensic audit be done. Ted was outspoken
about project funding that never received the appropriate
approvals. Ted sent the Mayor a car tax bill, as was his job.
Ted refused Mayor Merchant’s “cease and desist” letter demanding he stop taxing these leased properties. Ted told the
Mayor as long as the Town Assessor assesses a tax, he was
obligated to send out a bill. Mayor Merchant confiscated
small appliances from the tax office – even though they had
been there for years. How childish!
Mayor Merchant stopped talking to Ted. Communications were done via letter or email. Ted tried going to the
Mayor’s office to talk. He was turned away. He tried emailing the Mayor asking him to work together. No reply.
There were several articles in local newspapers talking
about the tension between Ted and the Mayor. Ted was accused of being “rude” to individuals coming in to pay their
delinquent taxes. Since when did paying taxes become an option? Were these people mad because Ted was doing his job?
Ted was told he was being “relieved” of his duties
on Monday, January 5th. Mayor Merchant told him that
Tuesday, January 6th would be his last day on the job; on
Wednesday, January 7th a new Tax Collector would be sitting in his seat and by Thursday, January 8th, Ted would
“all but be forgotten”. Ted was given no reason for his dismissal. He is considering taking legal action.
Ted has an accounting degree, over 25 year’s experience working in corporate accounting, finance and expense
management. He passed the CPA exam. Mr. Kilduff has a
degree in criminal justice and worked a few years at ESPN.
Who is better qualified for the job?
The past several months have taken a tremendous toll on Ted
and our family. Ted has had to fight to keep his good name
out of the papers and keep the tax office rolling while all this
was going on. Ted was proud of what he and the tax office
were accomplishing.
Good people of Plymouth, you need to open your eyes
and your ears. Start going to the Town Council meetings;
listen to what is going on. It will be a rude awakening. I
found that out the hard way! It is our town and we need to
let our voices be heard - at least for the 3 minutes that we are
allowed to talk!
Thank you – Roxane Smith
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