Valerio publishes book on writer Shel Silverstein

MIDDLETOWN — Middletown author Anthony Valerio has published a book about the writer of children's books and songs, Shel Silverstein, “Before The Sidewalk Ended: A Walk With Shel Silverstein.”

“Generations of will discover what he was like as a adult and friend, collaborator and confidante of (mine),” Valerio said. “You can read it and also listen to it in a new Audible edition.”

A reader has said: “Valerio's description of two writer friends casually walking through a more gritty West Village and the interesting insights they reveal along the way is an absolute delight to read. The poetry of SS has always held a special place in my heart and this gem of a book has given me a deeper insight into the heart of the poet himself.”

“Shel was a friend, collaborator and confidante. Of course he was and remains a renowned author of children's books and songs,” Valerio said. “Including’The Giving Tree,’ ‘Light in the Attic’, ‘Where the Sidewalk Ends’. During this period of forced isolation I looked back over my shoulder to the time of our friendship and work together, in Key West and Greenwich Village of the 1980s and 90s — much changed since then. So I hope this work captures a time and place no longer here and a friend as a man, what he was like.”

Find the book on Amazon at https://rb.gy/4w4apn

Old Saybrook’s Rudi Beiser dies at 91

OLD SAYBROOK – GNCB Consulting Engineers recently announced the death of its founder, Rudi Besier.

“Engineering was always in Rudi’s blood, having served in the Navy as a Seabee and dedicating over 30 years of his profession to practicing as a consulting structural engineer in Connecticut,” GNCB said in a statement. “In 1965, Rudi came east from a Denver, CO firm under the guidance of his mentor, Milo Ketchum. He found the CT shoreline to be a desirable place to settle and practice while easily being able to service our clients between New York and Boston. Since then, Rudi served as a leader, mentor, and teacher to many young engineers. He established our company culture focusing on client satisfaction and the use of sound engineering practice to solve our clients’ challenges. We will miss you, Rudi, but have been, and will be forever, guided by your example.”

Sustainable Durham seeks new members

DURHAM — Sustainable Durham, a town committee, has openings for regular members, and also welcomes volunteers who are interested in one or more of their important community goals that align with the Sustainable CT certification program. The Complete Streets Durham CT working group is an example of a group of volunteers who are working on one community goal.

The Sustainable CT website (https://sustainablect.org/actionscertifications/actions) outlines 13 Community Action Categories: Inclusive and Equitable Community Impacts, Thriving Local Economies, Well Stewarded Land and Natural Resources, Vibrant and Creative Cultural Ecosystems, Dynamic and Resilient Planning, Clean and Diverse Transportation Systems and Choices, Renewable and Efficient Energy Infrastructure and Operations, Inclusive Engagement, Communication, and Education, Strategic Materials Management, Optimal Health and Wellness Opportunities, Healthy, Efficient and Diverse Housing, Effective, Compassionate Homelessness Prevention, Innovative Strategies and Practices, according to a statement.

To learn more about Sustainable Durham, contact Tonya Buddie at: Tbuddie@townofdurhamct.org. The group meets on Zoom at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month.

Payment plan reminder from CT Water

CLINTON — Connecticut Water is reminding customers that in accordance with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, COVID-19 Payment Plans are available until April 20 or the expiration of the Governor’s declaration of Public Health and Civil Preparedness Emergencies due to the COVID-19 Pandemic – whichever comes last, according to a statement.

Extended payment plans are available for any customer who needs it. COVID-19 Payment plans require no initial or down payment, can last up to 24 months, and waive fees and interest. In addition, the company’s H2O Help 2 Our Customers assistance program provides for payment plans and bill reductions for income-eligible customers.

Connecticut Water is also an Operation Fuel partner and Connecticut Water customers may receive assistance for their water and other utility bills by applying online at operationfuel.org/help.

Customers should call Connecticut Water at 1-800-286-5700 for more information. Additional information about income-eligible assistance through the company’s H2O – Help 2 Our Customers assistance program can be found at ctwater.com/H2O, through the customer’s local service agency, community support organizations and through Operation Fuel.

Sponsors needed for Goff House Concert Series

EAST HAMPTON — The Joseph N. Goff House seeks individuals, local businesses and organizations to help sponsor the annual Joseph N. Goff House Gazebo Music Series, which takes place six Thursdays during the summer at the Center School Gazebo in the East Hampton Village Center.

Sponsors will be listed by donations level, Baritone, $250, Soprano, $150; Alto, $75; Tenor, $50 and Bass, $25 in promotional materials and posters displayed around town and handed out at concerts.

The Joseph N. Goff House is a nonprofit organizations and donations are tax deductible. New members to the board are welcome! 860-205-7376 for information. Donations can be mailed to The Joseph N. Goff House, c/o Melissa Pionzio, 61 Smith St., East Hampton, CT 06424. Visit http:// goffhouseehct.blogspot.com/ for updates and band lineup.