Daily Five: Route 147 Construction, Lyman Students Collect Coats and Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

1. What's the Weather? Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 49. Northwest wind 10 to 13 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 23.

2. Gloves, Hats and Coats First and second graders in Mrs. Amy Sorenson's class at John Lyman School shared their community service project about collecting gloves, hats and coats at the weekly school assembly by using their work on math facts to make their point! (see photos)

Submitted by Elizabeth Hadlock

3. Route 147 Construction The Department of Transportation will hold a pre-construction meeting on Dec. 18 to discuss repairs along Route 147 in Middlefield. The repairs include construction of a new bridge. The work is expected to begin next year. More details to follow.

4. Lyman Orchards Makes Donation On Monday, Lyman Orchards executive vice president John Lyman III presented Dr. Nate Hagstrom of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center with a check for $7,213.

The money was raised during last summer's Sunflower Maze where $1 for each ticket sold is donated. The donation will help support the pediatric programs in the hospital’s Hematology and Oncology department, overseen by Dr. Hagstrom. 

5. Holiday Crime Prevention Tips Courtesy of Resident State Trooper Peter DiGioia and First Selectman Laura Francis:

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but nothing can ruin the Holiday spirit more than becoming a victim of a crime. Unfortunately, there are “Grinches” that view this time of year as an opportunity to burglarize your home or automobiles for cash, credit cards, gifts, electronics and more. In fact, we have already started to experience this in the Haddam Quarter Road and Parmelee Hill Road areas. The following tips will help you stay safe this holiday season.

• Be extra cautious about locking doors, windows even if you have an alarm system.
• Make sure you activate your alarm system.
• Don’t openly display your gifts around your Christmas tree.
• Do not make your home look “unoccupied” such as leaving outdoor lights burning 24 hours or accumulating newspapers or mail. At least two light timers should be set to turn the lights and TV on and off in a logical sequence when away for an extended time period to give the appearance that someone is home.
• Don’t hide keys around your house. Ask a trusted neighbor to have a spare key.
• Mail and newspaper deliveries should be stopped or arrangements for a neighbor/friend to pick them up should be made when you are away from home for a period of time.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to tend the yard, shovel the snow, and watch your home when you are away or have a trusted friend or relative house sit if you will be away. 
• Make sure you keep your automobiles locked at home and while shopping.
• Stay alert to your surroundings while shopping. Shop before dark if possible and coordinate shopping trips with a friend. Never park in an unlit area.
• Lock packages in the trunk, not exposed through a window if possible.
• Have your keys readily available. 
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Discourage purse-snatchers, don’t overburden yourself with packages.
• There is a list of approved peddlers on the town’s website. Report any peddler without a permit to the CSP at 860 399-2100.
• Be extra cautious while driving. Make sure you defrost your windows before driving in cold weather.
• Clean off snow from your parked vehicles.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Connecticut State Police at 860 399-2100 if you see anything suspicious. We will send out an Emergency Notification when crime alerts are necessary and or useful. We wish you all a joyous and safe holiday season.