Residents Raise Concerns For Castle Hill Cluster-Home Project During Inland Wetlands Meeting
Residents went before the Inland Wetlands Commission on March 13 to express concerns with water runoff from a proposed 117 single-family home development at 20-60 Castle Hill Road.Approximately 40 residents went before the Inland Wetlands Commission on March 13 to express concerns with water runoff from a proposed 117 single-family home development at 20-60 Castle Hill Road.The site is located on 136 acres. The preserved portion includes all of the land surrounding Taunton Lake. Attorney Thomas Beecher of SLR Consulting spoke on behalf of developer George Trudell, who could not be in attendance. Trudell, alongside 20-60 Castle Hill Road property owner Joseph Draper, have been developing the project for nearly a year.Beecher last week said the plan includes a permanent deed restriction of 84.7 acres, which will preserve 62% of the site. This would leave 41 of the remaining 51 acres to be disturbed over six phases of construction.Newtown resident and Newtown Forest Association board member Bob Eckenrode opened public participation. He said NFA believes the current application “does not provide an adequate storm water management system to sufficiently protect inland wetlands on their downgradient property, the treasured Nettleton Preserve on 13 Castle Hill Road.”Eckenrode emphasized that Nettleton is a fragile nature preserve of 26 acres with a 50-year-old orchard that includes Sandy Hook memorial trees, meadows, wetlands, and public trails, and provides valuable habitat to animals such as the New England cottontail, wild turkey, and various wild songbirds.He continued by saying that there would be a near 50% increase in runoff for each two year event onto Nettleton. This increased runoff would carry harmful pollutants and deposit them into the preservation’s ecosystem, “inflicting irreversible and irretrievable loss” onto the conserved space and its biodiversity, he stated.While the NFA supports the right for a landowner to develop their property, Eckenrode stressed it must be done in a reasonable manner and not at the expense of neighboring properties. For those reasons, he said the NFA respectfully requests the IWC reject this proposal.Southbury resident and professional engineer Steve Trinkaus spoke next, representing Newtown Conservation Coalition. He said the application fundamentally does not comply with Borough Zoning Regulations and, in turn, does not comply with the application requirements for the IWC. This is because, he said, state regulations require all wetlands on the entire parcel be delineated along with steep slopes, utilities, and stone walls. Trinkaus said this has not been done.He also took issue with how the applicant, to his understanding, stated at the previous public hearing that low-impact development (LID) “is just a buzzword.”IWC Chair Salling eventually interrupted Trinkaus and brought up the public hearing guidelines, specifically the time limit of three minutes per speaker, and that only questions relating to wetlands and watercourses could be considered.Trinkaus redirected his focus back to watercourses and talked about his concerns with the current plan. These included the presented storm water basins not meeting the DEEP criteria of 80% total suspended solids, and that the applicant did not have metals in their analysis for the drainage areas. He said that with roadways or parking lots, there will always be metals that come from cars, brake dust, and tire wear.“Bottom line is this application should be denied,” Trinkaus said. “And in my professional opinion, we need to strive to make things better and reduce the impacts on our environment if we want to have a place to live.”Sandy Hook resident Dave Ackert continued public comment by thanking both the community for getting Trinkaus involved and the IWC for continuing the public hearing and giving him a chance to speak. Ackert showed everyone an I Brake for Salamanders sticker he was given, because people have reported seeing the spotted salamander near the entrance driveway to the property.He also showed off a picture of a young lady holding an eastern box turtle found at the bottom of the driveway that enters the property.Ackert said the eastern box turtle, alongside the spotted salamander, depend on clean and accessible wetlands and waterways in order to move around. He called for an environmental impact study of the project to properly assess how the animals are being impacted. If the National Diversity Data Base (NDDB) were to review the project, they would also recommend a management plan, he said.“I respectfully ask the Commission to deny this project until the study has been submitted,” Ackert said.ResponsesIn response to Trinkaus’ statements, Beecher said if there were any significant defects with the stormwater management plan or runoff as claimed at the meeting, Tighe & Bond, the engineering and environmental consulting firm hired by the IWC to review the application, would have let them know.Beecher also did not think Trinkaus’ negative comments on SLR Consulting Principal Soil Scientist Megan Raymond’s discussion of LID at the last meeting were “called for.” He added that the 2004 CT State Stormwater Quality manual is just a guideline, but it is subject to the professional opinion of the project engineer.Todd Ritchie, a professional engineer with SLR Consulting, said they have previously responded to Trinkaus’ comments in the response letters. As far as the NFA property, he said that they are reducing flow rate onto the property for all storms by 30%.Ritchie added to Beecher’s statement on the stormwater quality manual, saying they have met those criteria, that Tighe & Bond agreed to their application, and that their plans are “acceptable and compliant.”Raymond then took the mic to say that the property has not been mapped as a critical habitat area, nor have there been any known sightings of state listed species.Besides the aforementioned wetlands, she believes there will not be any permanent impact to the wetlands or watercourses on or off-site, including the vernal pool.Beecher concluded by reiterating that Trudell and Draper have deep roots in Newtown and are not some out-of-state developer swooping in just to make a quick buck and leave. He said that between everyone’s suggestions and the input from Tighe & Bond, the project is “better now and it is one that will not have any significant impact on the wetlands or water forces on or off the site.”“I’m sure everyone understands that this 136 acre parcel is going to be developed in some way,” Beecher continued. “In closing, again we want to thank you for your attention, your having to read through all the material that you received, and we would ask you to please approve this application with the proposed conditions.”He also noted that much of the proposed development is on existing farmland, meaning most of the forest canopy on the site is going to be preserved.“We filed this application on November 8,” Beecher said. “Here we are on March 13. This application was not rushed along by anyone.”Moving on to summarize their wetlands analysis, Beecher said 73% of the wetland review area “will not be disturbed in any way.” Most proposed disturbances he says would occur “at least 50 feet away” from the aforementioned area and that out of 3.72 acres of wetlands, only a little over 1% will be disturbed.IWC Chair Salling said the public hearing for the application had reached its time limit, and that no additional extensions can be granted. While the IWC motioned to close the public hearing, they still have time to deliberate and discuss the cluster-home project at their next regular meeting on Wednesday, March 27.Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.Residents Raise Concerns For Castle Hill Cluster-Home Project During Inland Jenna Visca
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Residents went before the Inland Wetlands Commission on March 13 to express concerns with water runoff from a proposed 117 single-family home development at 20-60 Castle Hill Road.
What Is The Difference Between Early Voting And Absentee Ballots?Early voting for the Presidential Preference Primary, being offered for the first time in Connecticut this year, begins today.Early voting for the Presidential Preference Primary, being offered for the first time in Connecticut this year, begins today. Registered Democrats will receive ballots listing Marianne Williamson, Dean Phillips, Cenk Uygur, and Joe Biden. Registered Republicans will receive ballots showing Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Donald J. Trump, and Ryan Binkley. Former President Trump is the last major Republican Presidential candidate after former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley's exit from the race, however.While voters can, as always, go to the polling place on Election Day to cast a ballot for their chosen candidate, with the passing of early voting, there are more options.Early voting for registered Newtown residents is available at the Office of the Registrar of Voters, within Newtown Municipal Center at 3 Primrose Street. Opportunities for the Presidential Preference Primary are available today through Thursday, March 26-28, and Saturday, March 30. The office will be open from 10 am until 6 pm each day. Residents must be a registered Democrat to vote in the Democratic Primary and a registered Republican to vote in the Republican Primary. Voters will need to show ID upon arrival at the office so their eligibility can be verified.For the primary, registrars will also check the voter’s party privileges. Once verified, the voter will be given a ballot and an envelope to put the completed ballot in. Voters will be instructed to fill in the ovals of their chosen candidates. Voters may skip any race they do not have a chosen candidate for. Once finished voting, voters will put their ballot in the envelope.Voters must sign the envelope, which states they have not voted, nor will they vote again for this election. Voters then hand the envelope to the attendant where registrars will mark them off as having voted and check to make sure the voter has signed the envelope. If the envelope is not signed, the ballot is not counted so this step is for the voter’s protection. Voters will then put the envelope into the receptacle. At the end of each night, the registrars balance the ballots to the list of ballots cast and they are secured until Election Day morning when they will be put through the tabulator and counted. It is very easy and safe.For more information, contact the Registrar of Voters at registrar.of.voters@newtown-ct.gov or 203-270-4250, or visit newtown-ct.gov/registrar-voters.Absentee VotingMany have used absentee ballots for years. Voters can apply for an absentee ballot by mail, email or in person at the Town Clerk’s office, which is also within Newtown Municipal Center. The Office of the Town Clerk is open weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday.Once voters receive a ballot, they should fill in the ovals of their chosen candidates.Voters will then put their ballot into the inner envelope and sign the sealed envelope. Once voters sign the inner envelope, they will put the ballot into the envelope with the return address on it. If voting at home, voters seal the envelope and can mail it back to the Town Clerk’s office. They may also drop their absentee ballot in a secure ballot box located outside each main entrance of the municipal center. The ballots can also be delivered directly to the Town Clerk’s office when the municipal center is open.Absentee ballots are occasionally rejected. If the inner envelope is not signed with the ballot inside of the envelope, it must be rejected. If more than one ballot is in the envelope, it will be rejected. If the ballot is not received by the Town Clerk’s office by 8 pm on Election Day, it will be rejected. There are directions in the envelope when voters receive the ballot so voters should read them over if they have any questions.According to the Office of the Registrar of Voters, 47 absentee ballots have been received as of 8:30 this morning. The Annual Budget Referendum will be held at the middle school gym from 6 am to 8 pm on Tuesday, April 23. While there is no early voting for the referendum, absentee voting will be available from the Town Clerk’s office once the budget is set.In-Person Primary In-person voting for the Presidential Preference Primary will take place in the gym of Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street, from 6 am to 8 pm Tuesday, April 2. Residents will go to their own district and political party within the gym.“We are hopeful that we will have a good turnout at early voting for this Primary even though it is decided already,” said Democratic Registrar of Voters LeReine Frampton. “We know the process works and is secure but would like to be able to judge the timing to help us plan for staffing accordingly. It is also a good chance to see if early voting is a good fit for you, the voter.“This November is the Presidential Election. Last time we had over 90% turnout and won the Democracy Cup for highest turnout in our size category," Frampton added. “We are hoping to win that cup back this November. We need your help to do this.”What is the difference between Early Voting and Absentee Ballots Story What Is The Difference BetweenEarly Voting And Absentee Ballots?NewsNone
HRRA Teaches Residents About Waste Crisis In ‘Trash Talk’ Presentation
Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority Executive Director Jennifer Heaton-Jones talked to Newtown residents about recycling and waste reduction in a presentation on Wednesday, March 13, at Newtown Senior Center.Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA) Executive Director Jennifer Heaton-Jones talked to Newtown residents about recycling, waste reduction, and the state’s ongoing waste crisis in her “Trash Talk” presentation on Wednesday, March 13, at Newtown Senior Center.The HRRA also coordinated this presentation with First Selectman Jeff Capeci’s “Java with Jeff” visit to the senior center, an event where he meets with senior residents to get to know each other over coffee and conversation. Capeci attended the presentation and also joined Heaton-Jones for a Q&A session afterwards, where residents could directly ask them questions about waste and recycling.Public Works Director Fred Hurley and Public Works Administrator Arlene Miles were also in attendance to help answer questions.Each table had HRRA-themed pens and notepads along with recycling guide pamphlets. Attendees could also help themselves to pastries, bagels, coffee, and orange juice. Capeci even brought in his homemade rye sourdough bread for everyone to enjoy.The HRRA is the regional governmental waste management and recycling authority that came together in the late 80s to leverage community members and create solutions for solid waste management. This “Trash Talk” presentation is a part of their public education outreach and is designed to address residents’ issues and concerns.While Heaton-Jones knows that the topic of solid waste and recycling can be confusing and complex, she hoped to “straighten out” that confusion and present it in a way that everyone could understand.“Every single human being, no matter who you are, what color your skin is, how old you are, rich or poor, makes waste,” Heaton-Jones said during the presentation. “So when we think about that, every individual human being has a responsibility to figure out how we’re going to solve this problem.”The HRRA considers Connecticut to be undergoing a waste crisis. According to Heaton-Jones, this is because Connecticut residents annually produce 3.5 million tons of municipal solid waste when the state only has capacity for 2.7 million tons of it.Connecticut used to have full capacity back in the late 80s when, considering ways to deal with solid waste, it closed landfills and established six waste-to-energy plants throughout the state. Two of the six waste-to-energy facilities have since closed, creating an 800,000 ton shortfall for capacity.Heaton-Jones said that it currently takes about 125,000 trucks to move most of the 3.5 million tons of waste to these facilities, and it takes around 29,000 more trucks to move the rest out-of-state due to lack of capacity. This is only partially why she and HRRA are determined to find ways to reduce waste production in Connecticut.Another reason can be found in the results of a recent statewide survey on what people throw away, specifically on household residential trash and not commercial trash. The survey showed that 90% of the waste that people throw out every day, such as paper, organics, plastic, and more can either be reused, repurposed, or composted.The recycling guide pamphlets showed what should be “in and out” of everyone’s recycling bin. Items that can be recycled include paper and cardboard (newspaper, magazines, mixed paper, flattened boxes, and food and beverage cartons), glass (bottles and jars), metal (food and beverage cans, aluminum foil and foil containers), and plastic (jugs, tubs and lids). All items should also be emptied, cleaned, and rinsed before recycling.Items that cannot be recycled include plastic bags or plastic wrap, food or liquids, clothing or linens, tanglers (hoses, wires, chains, or electronics), and combustibles (propane tanks, batteries, and non-food grade aerosol cans such as spray paint and pesticides).While people might think that zero waste means totally eliminating all waste, Heaton-Jones reiterated that people will always make waste. She stressed that what really matters is that people should know that they have options in reducing and repurposing waste.“There’s always gonna be the core of the apple, the banana peel, the package after you eat crackers,” Heaton-Jones said. “It’s not as though you can live a complete zero material life. What [zero waste] means is that 90% of it can be repurposed, reused, or recycled … We can donate our textiles to Goodwill or we can find that organics can be composted. It’s breaking that pie chart [of what gets thrown away] down into several categories rather than one. That’s how zero waste happens.”Heaton-Jones went on to discuss local solutions that the HRRA is working on in Newtown and throughout the region. In late September, HRRA and the Public Works Department kicked off a waste reduction initiative in town. The program came to fruition thanks to support from environmental services organization WasteZero and a grant from the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP).This volunteer program challenges residents to reduce their weekly household waste output to fit in two standard-sized orange bags. The trash would then be collected at the Newtown transfer station. HRRA designated orange bags for garbage and green buckets for organics.And in the 21 weeks since starting the program in September to the end of January, Heaton-Jones said that the town reduced its solid waste at the transfer station by 184 tons. Newtown also has the best participation for the program in the region with over 1,200 participants.“That’s pretty impressive. And that’s from residents taking the challenge,” Heaton-Jones said.Heaton-Jones went on to give kudos to Miles, Hurley, and the rest of their team for “being a local champion” with their public outreach. HRRA hopes to continue encouraging residents to join the program if they can and “take the challenge” to solve the waste crisis.Capeci was happy to be in attendance and answer residents’ questions alongside Heaton-Jones. He said that when he visited the senior center in January for the last “Java with Jeff” that the residents really wanted a presentation like this. This led to Capeci asking Heaton-Jones to come to the senior center and talk to the residents about it.Capeci also helped put together a recycling committee. The town previously had one two years ago, but he recreated it when coming into office.“Recycling, municipal waste, all these things are big issues. They impact Newtown,” Capeci said. “It’s just part of the things that we have to do. You can see the whole system has evolved over several years. We’re recycling a lot more stuff than we used to and it’s something that’s not going away.”For more information, visit hrra.org, email info@hrra.org, or call 203-755-4539.Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.HRRA Teaches Residents About Waste Crisis In ‘Trash Talk’ Presentation Jenna Visca
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Holiday Closings: Good Friday And EasterAll town offices and agencies will be closed Friday, March 29, for Good Friday. All town offices and agencies, including Newtown Senior Center, will be closed Friday, March 29, for Good Friday.Newtown Community Center will be open normal operating hours (6 am to 8 pm) on Friday, but there are no health and wellness classes that day. The center will be closed for Easter Sunday, March 31.The transfer station on Ethan Allen Road will be closed on Friday but will be open for regular hours (7 am to 3 pm) on Saturday, April 8.C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, will also be closed on Friday. It will be open its current regular Saturday hours (9:30 am to 5 pm) the following day, but will then close again for Easter Sunday.Public schools will be closed on Good Friday.Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices continue to operate by appointment only. Visit portal.ct.gov/dmv for additional information.The office of The Newtown Bee, at 5 Church Hill Road, will be open on Friday. The office is closed on weekends.Good Friday is not a postal holiday, according to the United States Postal Service.holiday closings: Good Friday & Easter Story Holiday Closings: Good Friday And EasterNewsNone
Council Begins Budget Review
The 2024-25 proposed budget is currently under review by the Legislative Council.The Town’s 2024-25 proposed budget is in its final stretch, as the Legislative Council began its review at a meeting on March 13.The council’s review marks the last round of reviews of the budget by town boards before going before the public for a vote on the third Tuesday in April.Following the Board of Finance’s review, the bottom line for the Board of Education went to $88,817,373, a $3,747,722 or 4.4% increase over last year. The Board of Education had approved a $89,826,756, a $4,747,105 or 5.56% increase. The municipal budget was approved by the BOF without cuts to its bottom line of $48,834,506, a $1,308,366 or 2.75 percent spending increase.The overall budget currently stands at $137,651,879, a $5,056,088 or 3.7% spending increase. The mill rate is currently proposed to increase from 26.24 to 27.24, a 1 mill or 3.82% tax increase.The council has already had a number of subcommittee meetings to discuss various parts of the budget, and the subcommittee chairs reported on issues they discussed at the various meetings. It was discussed that the chairs would make sure to put the questions asked with the full answers in writing into the minutes of each of those meetings, to ensure that the full council had all the information it needs as well as making sure to recognize differing opinions among councilmen attending those subcommittee meetings.At a presentation, BOF Chairman Jim Gaston and Vice-Chairman Steven Goodridge went over the high points of the discussions at their level, noting the multiple votes it took for them to arrive at a final number.Goodridge said their board had “good discussions” and noted concerns among some finance board members that during the last three years, the Board of Education budget had increased by approximately $10 million, while in the previous 10 years the budget had increased by $13 million, and that the taxpayers could not keep up with a budget that was increasing at that pace.“The budget could get to be too much that people are not able to keep up with the expense,” said Goodridge.That concern led to the finance board moving approximately $1 million from the school budget, paying for part of it with Capital Non-Recurring Fund money and cutting the rest — $455,000 in maintenance costs was removed from the school budget and moved to the Capital Non-Recurring Fund, the finance board made an additional $554,383 in cuts, with suggested cuts to a proposed dean of students position and removal of money in the paraprofessionals line item to account for time when some paraprofessional positions are unfilled.Superintendent Chris Melillo at previous meetings has noted some of the challenges the board was facing, in catching students up after learning loss from the pandemic, and that contractual salaries are increasing, as well as health benefits increasing by 16% over the past two years.“That cost us $1 million in this budget,” said Melillo. “All of us here want to see the schools be successful. My job is to do that, your [the finance board] job is to do the best you can for the schools while still being cognizant that we can’t price people out of town.”Major drivers in the school budget are a $1,978,394 increase in salaries, a $995,194 increase in benefits, a $721,700 increase in supplies, a $587,073 increase in purchased property services, a $240,208 increase in other purchased services, and a $148,063 increase for property and equipment.Salaries are increasing 3.58 percent, with the teachers union receiving a 1.5 percent increase and two percent for the top step only, the administrator union receiving a 2.75 percent wage increase, the custodial and maintenance union receiving a three percent increase, and the educational personnel union receiving a three percent increase.During a presentation to the finance board earlier in the month, Melillo outlined the numerous fiscal challenges facing the schools this year, including rising costs of benefits, contractual wage increases, aging facilities, inflationary pressures, unfunded state mandates, the lingering effects of interrupted learning from the pandemic, and a fiscal cliff.Melillo said the district is facing challenges in supporting students, including behavioral issues, social emotional development, chronic absenteeism, and the need for mental health support.Council members discussed various questions they had on items in the municipal budget, and the library increase, which was to receive a large increase this year, had “unanimous support” at the subcommittee level, said Councilman Chris Gardner.On January 24, members of the Board of Trustees of the C.H. Booth Library presented the library budget, which is being increased to $1,475,000, an increase of $173,531 or 13.33 percent.The library was facing a spending cliff as it had been cut by $100,000 by the Legislative Council in the 2023-24 budget after having been flat funded since 2021. The library was approved for $1,407,621 in the 2022-23 budget, and was cut to $1,307,621 in the 2023-24 budget. The council requested that the library spend down its $523,882 fund balance, which they did.Of the amount, $147,907 was designated to cover the 2023-24 budget deficit. Additionally, $200,000 is earmarked for capital improvements; $169,593, equal to roughly 10 percent of the operating budget, is designated as an operating reserve; and there is $6,382 left in undesignated surplus.Trustee Don Studley said the trustees were “pleased” to see the increase for the library after the work they had done to follow the council’s directive.Studley said the “lion’s share” of the library’s budget is spent on personnel, and no new positions are being added.Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.Council Begins Budget Review Jim Taylor
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Snapshot: Alexa GriffinThis week's Snapshot introduces readers to Alexa Griffin. Family: I live with my partner, Michael. My mom is Dana, who just moved to Newtown too, so she’s nice and close by.Pets: I have two cats, Maisie and Happy, and I love them to death. They’re my tiny fur babies.How long have you lived in Newtown? We bought our house and moved here in February 2021.Career: I work for the Town of Newtown Department of Human Services. I just started in October, as a social worker. I absolutely love doing that kind of work.Are you part of any local organizations? Through work, I’m part of Newtown Prevention Council. It’s been interesting, being part of that group that’s trying to bring healthier and safe lifestyles to town. It’s a really cool group.What do you like to do with your free time? I love reading, so I’m constantly at the library. I also like hiking when it’s nice weather, and I really enjoy cooking with my partner. We just started cooking together and it really makes it a lot easier.Favorite book? I have a new book that has become my favorite. I borrowed it from the library and I liked it so much I went out and bought it. It’s called The Power by Naomi Alderman. It’s very empowering for women, and I think it’s cool because it puts a different perspective on what gender has power, and what the world would look like if it switched. I think it’s very thought-provoking.Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life? My mom. Being a single parent, she really showed me how much one person can do on their own. I always knew that I could do anything because my mom did it all. She’s a cool lady.Who is your favorite actor? Kevin Bacon. I love me some Kevin Bacon. I found Footloose as a young girl and it only bloomed from there.What is your favorite movie genre? Horror movies, and Kevin Bacon plays a great bad guy.Favorite music genre? Classic rock. Mom raised me on all that music.Do you have a favorite music performer? Today it’s Ed Sheeran. I love music that tells a story, and he’s good at that.Favorite color? Seafoam.What is something you cannot live without? My glasses. I couldn’t go a day without these.What is your proudest accomplishment? Being able to buy a house was a big deal for me. My mom and I always rented, so this was a big deal for me. My mom also just bought her first, so Newtown has brought us our first homes.What is your favorite travel destination? Anywhere in the Caribbean. Give me the blue ocean and some hot sand and I’m happy.What is your favorite part about Newtown? All of the greenery. There are so many places to take a hike or a walk. Everything is so walkable or accessible, which is nice.What would you like to see covered or written about more inThe Newtown Bee? Open space opportunities. There was an article recently about some guys who manage the open space in Newtown and that was really cool because I learned about farms in the area that I could go to and visit. I loved reading that (“ABCs Of Newtown: O Is For Open Space,” January 26, 2024). I’m always looking for new places to explore.Do you have a personal credo? It takes a village. Having grown up with a single parent, I saw how important it is to have supports — whether they’re family, or friends, or organizations — so I think it’s really important to be able to rely on other peoplesnapshot -- Alexa Griffin Story Snapshot: Alexa Griffinsnapshot -- Alexa GriffinFeaturesNone
House Of Harrison To Help Struggling TeensThe House of Harrison at the Parent Connection is helping those transitioning from treatment for substance abuse by providing professional clothing for job interviews, as well as other assistance.While looking for ways to help others following the death of her son, Harrison, in August 2023, Newtown resident Lynne Farah volunteered for various causes around town before stumbling onto a new mission.While volunteering at FAITH Food Pantry, a fellow volunteer was trying to get rid of some of her husband’s old suits. After four hours on the phone looking for a place for the suits, Farah spoke with Dorrie Carolan, executive director of Parent Connection.For many years, Carolan had wanted to open a boutique for those transitioning from treatment to the “working” world. Together, she and Farah made that vision become real.Thus was born the House of Harrison, a “new beginnings boutique” that helps individuals seeking employment while transitioning from treatment, sober living, and group homes.“We will be offering clothing, shoes, jewelry, and resume guidance to prepare people for the best stage of their lives, recovery,” Farah stated in promotional material for the House of Harrison. “We wanted to keep his spirit of helping others alive.”Patients leaving sober living treatment often find themselves with nothing but the clothes on their backs because they leave everything behind before entering treatment. The House of Harrison offers items to help those people get back on their feet and return to their regular lives in a manner that helps them stay sober.“We were able to put it under the umbrella for Parent Connection,” said Carolan. “Patients can come out of sober living, come here, and get ready for the business world.”Parent Connection is to “educate and empower our community in the prevention of substance abuse and to embrace families in crisis” as well as “prevent the use of drugs and alcohol among our youth” according to promotional material for Parent Connection.Parent Connection has contracts with various treatment facilities in Connecticut and can set up appointments for patients to visit The House of Harrison for resources. The House of Harrison had already helped four patients as of the end of February.Located in the Parent Connection building on the Fairfield Hills Campus, 2 Washington Square, The House of Harrison has moved beyond the first load of clothing it opened with on January 2. A clothing drive to bring in additional items to offer was so successful that Farah said her garage is currently full, and donations for items of clothing are currently closed.“It’s crazy, but everyone has been amazing,” said Farah.What the House of Harrison is still seeking is monetary donations, as well as electronics such as laptops and tablets.Farah also maintains an Amazon wishlist at amazon.com/registries.For more information, visit ctparentconnection.org.House Of Harrison To Help Struggling Teens Jim Taylor
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150 Easter Baskets Assembled For Local ChildrenWomen Involved in Newtown (WIN) spent the evening of March 13 at The Children’s Adventure Center, where they assembled Easter baskets for distribution among local children.Children’s Adventure Center Executive Director Anna Ruggiero, who is also a member of the long-standing women’s club, donated use of the preschool space for the third year.In recent weeks the public was invited to donate to the annual effort. WIN accepted donations of Easter baskets, candy, plastic eggs, grass, and new/gently used stuffed animals. It supplemented those donations with funds from its treasury, and last week combined all items into traditional baskets filled with dolls and treats for young children.A small collection of cellophane decorative bags was also put together, for local tweens and teens.Part of the collection was earmarked for children who attend The Children’s Adventure Center, and the others were delivered to the town’s Human Services department for distribution to families in need this Easter season.WIN assembles 150 Easter baskets Shannon Hicks
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First Responders Penguin Plunge Returns To Eichler’s CoveThe Second Annual Newtown First Responders Penguin Plunge took place at Eichler’s Cove on March 16.They say first responders are the ones seen running toward emergencies while others are running away from them.Last Saturday morning local first responders weren’t facing an emergency, but they did run toward something most others would never consider running toward: the very chilly waters of late winter’s Lake Zoar. The Second Annual Newtown First Responders Penguin Plunge took place at Eichler’s Cove.Newtown Police Department Sergeant Will Chapman welcomed the group on March 16, and thanked them for participating.“It’s cool to see how many people are here,” he said.While last year’s event had each participating agency — the police department; Botsford and Sandy Hook fire companies; and Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps — go in as a team, and then return to the water as a group, this year Chapman switched things up.“A big part of this is all of us being here together,” he said. The invitation to participate this year resulted in representation across the board. Every agency had at least one member going into the water.“We work together in everything else we do in town, so I’d like to come together for a positive, good thing, instead of something tragic,” Chapman said. “We’re all going in together today — one big crowd, everyone all at once.”Newtown Underwater Search And Rescue (NUSAR) divers also participated in the Plunge again this year. As in years past — Newtown PD has done Penguin Plunge events for many years; it opened the invitation to all local first responders last year — divers were in the water in the event of an emergency. Chapman offered his thanks to that team for being on hand again.NUSAR Chief Mike McCarthy did a quick pre-Plunge briefing, offering tips ahead of hitting the cold water and pointing out a pair of warming tents on the shore.Six NUSAR divers went into the water first, positioning themselves about ten yards into the water before the 21 participants ran toward them.A few family members also joined the first responders going into the water.Most Penguin Plungers were more than content to run in and then just as quickly exit the water. A few stayed in for an extra minute or two. NVAC member Mary Hanlon beat everyone, staying in the water for a few minutes before exiting with a smile.The event again served as a fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut. Chapman noted Newtown was “just edged out of the top ten for fundraising this past year, but I’m hopeful,” he said, gesturing toward the group around him, “that this is a good sign of us getting into the top ten for next year.“It’s all about the athletes,” he continued, “but there’s also a little bit of competition between towns.”The public is still welcome to donate toward the Newtown effort. Donations can be done through the Newtown PD SOCT team page, give.soct.org/team/560726.=====Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.Penguin Plunge recap Shannon Hicks
Story First Responders Penguin Plunge Returns To Eichler’s CovePenguin Plunge recapFeatured Slider, FeaturesNone
The Way We WereNewtown news of 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 years ago, from the archives of The Newtown Bee. March 26, 1999HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER of Vikki Carlson.* * * * *A judge has upheld the Planning and Zoning Commission’s (P&Z’s) rejection of the controversial Newtown Village, a high-density condominium complex proposed for Route 34 in Sandy Hook, ruling that the protection of water quality in the Pootatuck Aquifer overrides the need for affordable housing on the site proposed for development.* * * * *Quick action by Botsford firefighters and Holcomb Fuel workers Wednesday morning limited the environmental damage when about 200 gallons of #2 home heating fuel spilled onto the ground in the fuel company yard at 151 South Main Street, according to a state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) inspector. Michael Capuano, a DEP oil spill inspector, said domestic water wells in the vicinity of the site won’t be affected by the spill because it was cleaned up quickly. The quick response to the spill limited the fuel’s travel across and into the ground, he said. All the heating fuel was contained on the company property, he said. The spill caused “minimal environmental impact,” Mr Capuano said.* * * * *First Selectman Herb Rosenthal put it all out on the table for residents Monday night: the town will have to pay the state $12 million for Fairfield Hills. And that’s only the half of it, he told them. The massive buildings on the site are a huge liability, and the cost to demolish them is estimated to be $8 million. That’s $20 million right off the top, the first selectman noted. But money did not appear to be an issue with many of the 40 or so residents who turned out for this week’s special meeting at the Cyrenius Booth Library. They just want the town to buy the 186-acre core campus of Fairfield Hills. This is a golden opportunity to acquire what some consider to be the heart of the town, they said. To let it slip on by would be the kind of mistake this growing town would regret down the road.* * * * *Dispatcher Jim Crouch had to use all his skills Saturday morning as five different 911 calls came in at the same time. “Three calls came in at once and then two more came in a second or two after,” he explained. “It was the first time I actually had to put a 911 caller on hold,” Mr Crouch said. Dispatcher training teaches dispatchers how to calmly get through each stressful situation. By the fall, Newtown is expected to consolidate both its police and fire/ambulance dispatch centers at Town Hall South. This will ensure that there are two people to receive calls at all times, Mr Crouch said.* * * * *An organizational meeting to save the historic Gray’s Plain one-room schoolhouse is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7, at 7 pm, at the Meeting House. The endangered structure is located at the corner of Gray’s Plain Road and Route 34 in Sandy Hook. “This meeting is being held to constitute a group of residents to work together to save the site,” explained Elin Hayes, president of the Newtown Historical Society. “The historical society is not in a position to save the building; however, we recognize the urgency and importance of this project and will advise and support the group’s efforts in any way we can.” Town Historian Dan Cruson said the building is one of the oldest one-room schoolhouses in town. It is also one of the three most endangered historic sites in town, he added.March 22, 1974A pickup truck loaded with junk furniture and plastic garbage bags pulled over on the Pond Brook Road bridge, March 16, and dumped its unsightly cargo into the brook. Less than an hour later a female Brookfield resident was arrested by Officer Robert Wrabel of the Newtown Police Department in connection with the dumping. Police said that the female and two unidentified males threw a sofa, a living room table, a wire basket and eight bags of garbage into Pond Brook. The police investigation is continuing under the direction of Sgt Kenneth Shaw. The female was released on a written promise to appear in the third circuit court in Danbury on April 26.* * * * *Members of the Newtown Bar Association met recently to elect new officers. Henry J. Isaac, outgoing president, offered his congratulations to Sutherland W.G. Denlinger, president; Raymond J. Doyle Jr, vice president; and George N. Wakelee, secretary-treasurer. The Association has been in existence since 1964 and has 20 members made up of attorneys either living in or practicing in Newtown. The membership also includes lawyers from Southbury and Bethel.* * * * *A proposal for a shopping center in Sandy Hook is in the offing as contractor Frank Lyon has applied for a change of zone from R½ residential to B2 business for 10.015 acres of land off Washington Avenue. A public hearing will be scheduled by the Planning and Zoning Commission on the change of zone and, were it granted, Mr Lyon would then apply for a special exception to allow construction of a two-floor mall-type shopping facility covering 102,000 square feet of land. Mr Lyon’s property, which is bordered on either side of Washington Avenue by land owned by Peter J. and Lucy K. Manos, and Edwin and Ruth Storrs, fronts Washington for approximately 700 feet. Mr Lyon indicated to the Planning and Zoning Commission, at its meeting on Friday night, March 15, that parking space would be provided for some 520 cars.* * * * *Stanley Main, president of Newtown Housing for the Elderly Inc, which will apply for a loan from the Farmers Home Administration for an elderly housing project in Newtown, said this week that the group is in the process of revising its bylaws to meet FHA guidelines, and is seeking an option on a site for the project. Last week, The Bee ran a coupon for NHE for persons who might be interested in moving into the rental housing units, and the coupon appears once more in this week’s issue.* * * * *At its meeting on Tuesday night, March 19, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the demolition of five structures—three in Pootatuck Park and two in Riverside — on the basis of their being “threats to the health and safety” of townspeople. The approval came as the result of Building Inspector Earle Megin’s seeking out abandoned buildings in several sections of town since January. Other buildings were found, but it was indicated the owners had taken care of getting rid of them. Sheriff’s papers will be served to the five owners in question, and then days after the servings, if the buildings have not been removed, the town can take steps to demolish the structures.March 18, 1949The Hawley High girl’s basketball team was entertained at a tea given in their honor by the faculty on Tuesday afternoon. Many mothers attended the affair, which was held in the home economics room of the high school.* * * * *Scudder Smith, son of Mr and Mrs Paul S. Smith, arrived home on Tuesday to spend the spring vacation from his studies at Berkshire School, Sheffield, Mass.* * * * *Mr and Mrs Stephen Barna of Botsford announce the birth of a daughter, Gloria Jean, on February 20th at the Danbury hospital.* * * * *The birthday party arranged in honor of Judge Paul V. Cavanaugh at the Pine Inn on Route 25 last Thursday evening, brought out 115 friends to join in the celebration. Toastmaster was Alvin B. Coger who, on behalf of the assembled guests, presented Judge Cavanaugh with a car radio. Among the principal speakers was the Rev John F. Culliton. Mr Coger read a message of congratulation from the Rt Rev Monsignor William J. Collins of St Joseph’s Cathedral, Hartford, expressing regret in his inability to be present. Mr Collins was for many years pastor of the St Rose church here.* * * * *Newtown friends will regret to learn of the death of Theodore M. Pursel, father of Mrs Henry Taylor of Mt Pleasant. Mr Pursel died on March 4 in Troy, N.Y. Services were held at Troy on March 6, with burial in Phillipsburg, N.J., on March 9.* * * * *Danny Desmond arrived at the home of his parents Dr and Mrs W.F. Desmond on Wednesday to spend his spring vacation from the Loomis School at Windsor.March 14, 1924The Board of Trustees of the Newtown Savings Bank has declared the regular dividend at a rate of 4 per cent per annum and an extra dividend of one quarter of one per cent payable April 1. This makes the rate 2 1-4 per cent for the past six months, or at the rate of 4 1-2 per cent per annum. This will be the one hundred and thirty seventh consecutive semi-annual dividend paid by this bank. The gain in deposits since October 1 is over $40,000. Deposits made on or before April 5 will draw interest from April 1. This splendid statement is highly gratifying to all the friends of this well managed bank.* * * * *The adjourned annual town meeting was held at the Town hall on Saturday, March 8. The meeting was called to order by Town Clerk, Oscar Pitzschler, and in the absence of Carlos D. Stillson, who was chairman of the October meeting, A.T. Nettleton was appointed chairman. After hearing the recommendation of the Board of Finance that a 19-mill tax be laid, a resolution was offered to that effect, which was quickly carried after a brief discussion. A second resolution was also offered and unanimously carried. The resolution was intended to convey the thanks of the town to Miss Hawley for the considerable outlay of money in the grading and beautifying of the grounds about the Hawley school.* * * * *HATTERTOWN PERSONAL NOTES: J.C. Lewis is confined to his bed and almost unable to move, suffering from a severe attack of inflammatory rheumatism. By advice of his physician, Dr McLaughlin of Bridgeport was called and extracted his teeth. Mr Lewis has suffered a great deal during the past few days, but we are glad to report he is a little better at this writing. | Mr and Mrs Herbert Botsford of Nichols spent Sunday with Edwin Morgan and family. | Miss Maud Lewis of Bridgeport was a week end guest of her parents, Mr and Mrs Jesse Lewis.* * * * *William H. Egan, Col W.P. Fahey, Charles Donnelly, and William A. Driscoll of New York, Rev Charles A. Marks of Norwalk and Allison P. Smith of Newtown were registered at the Parker house, Sunday.* * * * *Michael Carroll has been redecorating some of the rooms in the residence of George F. Taylor at Sandy Hook.* * * * *Miss Dolly Keane of Watertown passed Saturday and Sunday with her parents, Mr and Mrs Thomas C. Keane of Dayton street.* * * * *The New Haven railroad has announced that the summer schedule will go into effect on the last Sunday in April. There will be about the same trains as last year and will advance the time of all trains one hour, the same as in previous years.* * * * *Oranges, lemons, grapefruit, bananas, wine sap, apples, Baldwin apples, new cabbage, celery, lettuce, spinach, new beets and onions.—[Corbett & Crowe, Adv.* * * * *Mr and Mrs Paul Clarkson of Waterbury were week end guests of Mr and Mrs Geo. A Northrop.March 24, 1899Arthur T. Nettleton, treasurer of the Newtown savings bank, was in the Park City, Monday.* * * * *John Ray, the genial stage driver of the Newtown Inn, was indisposed with a severe cold, the first of the week, and Thomas Carlson “held the ribbons” in his stead.* * * * *Mrs John T. Sheehan and daughter were in the Park City, Monday.* * * * *Mrs H.E. Plumb and daughter of Bridgeport were in town on Tuesday.* * * * *Martin Roach has a horse very sick from an injury received in his stable. Dr V.V. Morrell of Southbury is attending the horse.* * * * *Dr Richardson of Sandy Hook has made several successful operations for rupture on parties in New Milford and vicinity, lately.* * * * *E.J. Cram of 174 State street, Bridgeport, who will be remembered pleasantly by the people of Newtown Street as having passed several summers at E.F. Hawley’s, takes a card in The Bee. Mr Cram deals in all kinds of house furnishing goods and invites any readers of The Bee to give him a call.Do you have photographs of people or places in town from a bygone era? The Way We Were is the perfect landing spot so that your photographs can be enjoyed by Newtown Bee readers. Images can be e-mailed as attachments to shannon@thebee.com, subject line: Way We Were photo. When submitting photographs, please identify as many people as possible, the location, and the approximate date. If you live locally and would like to loan a photo/photos, please give us a call (203-426-3141) to let us know when you will be visiting.way we were Story way we wereway we were_207Features, Way We WereNone
Nighthawk Fans Are The Best — CIAC Recognizes Newtown High Student Section The Hawks Nest is always rocking and the Newtown Student Section is honored for its enthusiasm.Whether a football Friday on a chilly night — home or away — a basketball game in the gym, a big playoff game somewhere far away, or any number of other Newtown High School sporting events the Nighthawk fans are sure to be there supporting their peers with strong representation.The Hawks Nest as it is known, is always rocking.For their high level of enthusiasm, sportsmanship, school spirit, originality, and student section leadership, NHS won the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Battle of the Fans contest for 2024.“It’s nice to be recognized,” said Newtown High Athletic Director Matt Memoli, quickly pointing to the students for making this happen. “It’s totally run by our students.”The fans come together for theme nights at games throughout the course of the season. There was the USA game in which they wore red, white, and blue while cheering on the football team at Blue & Gold Stadium. The Student Section organized a beach theme night, there were games in which fans dressed in camouflage, donned all pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and then there were blackout and whiteout games in which the Nighthawk supporters wore all black and all white clothing.Student Section leaders are Roman Verna, Gjin Abazi, Woody Morris, Sam Stoltz, and Kyle Ruddy.Among those also heavily involved is Isabel Khazadian, a track competitor at NHS, who runs the social media aspect of the NHS fan group. Khazadian, who wants to pursue sports media studies in college, took this on for her senior capstone project and, along with classmates Verna and Ryan Michlovitz (in charge of the technical elements of the group’s efforts) make the game day experience exciting for players and the rest of the fans alike.The Newtown students take advantage of video screens at Blue & Gold Stadium and in the gym. They hold media days for many of the teams and record videos used for introductions of players prior to contests.“It’s so much fun. It definitely has made the year a whole lot more exciting,” Khazadian said. “I know how much the players enjoy having fans there.”On any given football Friday night there are 100 to 200 fans piled into the student section portion of the bleachers. They are loud and clearly having fun at the games.“It’s insane. It’s almost like you’ve got a 12th man out there,” football player Cole Wanzer said.“It’s amazing,” said football and basketball player Ryan Zaniewski, adding that the student-fan support elevates the atmosphere at games."We were 9-2 at home during the regular season this year. A huge part of our success at home was our supportive student section. They bring an energy that you can feel in the gym every night," said Matt Murphy, coach of the NHS boys' basketball team.The fans travel well, too, thanks to encouragement of the Student Section leaders. Many attend away football games and head to Danbury Ice Arena to back the hockey team. Ruddy is among those on both sides — in the game one night and in the stands another. Ruddy plays soccer and lacrosse and also enjoys being on hand to watch his friends play. “I try to go to every game I can,” he said.Memoli noted that the effort put in by students behind the scenes as well as at games makes for a college-like experience on a high school campus. The AD also noted that the fan support goes beyond the high school students with youth athletes in town often on hand and mingling with the NHS students and cheering for the Nighthawks. Some of them even ask for autographs from the players.“It improves the overall culture of the entire school,” Memoli said.While the games require cooperation among players on the fields and courts there is a collaborative effort among Student Section members to make the experience all the more enjoyable.“There’s definitely a lot of teamwork with everyone,” Khazadian said.The NHS student-fans, although they certainly want to be heard at the games, do not do this for publicity. Being recognized is nice though.“It shows us how hard work pays off,” Ruddy said.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.NHS Fans Recognized Andy Hutchison
Story Nighthawk Fans Are The Best — CIAC Recognizes Newtown High Student SectionNHS Fans RecognizedFeatured Slider, SportsNone
Best Of The Best: Grapplers Camron Veneziano, Maddox Wilson Take Home Impressive Accolades Youth grapplers earn Most Outstanding and Most Dominant recognition.As if winning a New England Championship isn’t enough, Newtown Youth Wrestling Association (NYWA) competitors Camron Veneziano and Maddox Wilson were also recognized for their stellar — make that outstanding and dominant — efforts on the mats.Veneziano was named Most Outstanding Wrestler in 12U and Wilson was named Most Dominant Wrestler across 10U in the New England Championships, held in Fitchburg, Mass. March 16 and 17. The efforts of these standouts helped the Nighthawks win the team title as well.“Mental toughness” was the biggest key to Veneziano’s success.Veneziano said the best part about wrestling is “being with all my friends in practice and getting to a lot of tournaments.”“To continue to succeed at the toughest sport is a huge testament to his work ethic. Winning three Youth New England Wrestling titles in as many attempts and surpassing his Most Dominant Wrestler (recognition) two years ago with Most Outstanding this year could not be more fitting. He is only 11 but has the mental strength of an adult. We are beyond proud not of the accomplishments but how he has embraced the intangibles of being a wrestler and just continues to put his head down and work no matter how big the accolades get,” said Nick Veneziano, Camron’s dad.Both wrestlers said they could not have achieved this success without the guidance of NYWA Head Coach Curtis Urbina and NYWA Travel Coach Mike Long. Veneziano also thanked his club wrestling coaches Kyle Ibbitson and Blair Tugman. Between the Newtown program and club wrestling in nearby towns — at Team Tugman, Refinery, and South Side Wrestling — these young grapplers are competing and practicing daily.Wilson said his favorite parts of wrestling are “all the kids I get to wrestle with, my partners, my friends, and ones I go against.”Urbina is thrilled to see not only the team success but also individuals shine in the youth spotlight.“It’s truly heartwarming to witness the growth and success of young athletes like Camron. His dedication, work ethic, and commitment to excellence not only benefit him personally but also inspire his teammates and those around him. It’s evident that he’s not just striving for success on the wrestling mat, but also in life as a student and a citizen. With such admirable qualities, there’s no doubt that Camron has a bright future ahead, and it’s wonderful to see the pride and support from his community. I am so proud of Camron,” Urbina said.“It’s fantastic to see young athletes like Maddox thrive in their sport with such enthusiasm and determination. His quick learning ability, coupled with his hard work and adventurous spirit, are formidable assets on the wrestling mat. It’s clear that he approaches each challenge with aggression and determination, qualities that undoubtedly contribute to his success,” Urbina added. “With his talent and attitude, there’s no doubt that Maddox will continue to achieve great things and earn more championships in the future.”Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.Youth Wrestlers Recognized Andy Hutchison
Story Best Of The Best: Grapplers Camron Veneziano, Maddox Wilson Take Home Impressive AccoladesYouth Wrestlers RecognizedFeatured Slider, SportsNone
Three-Peat: Youth Wrestling Program Wins Another New England Title Newtown Youth Wrestling Association continues its domination on the mats.The Newtown Youth Wrestling Association won its third consecutive New England championship. Newtown totaled 99 team points with Franklin, Mass. in second with 82 points, and Danbury in third with 72 points; the competition took place in Fitchburg, Mass. March 16 and 17.In the coed division Newtown had 18 wrestlers place, highlighted by five individual champs. Additionally, both of Newtown’s girls placed with Reilly Kling coming in fifth in 12U in the 131 pound division and Jane Anderson sixth in 12U in the 78 pound division.Newtown had two grapplers recognized beyond their placement. Camron Veneziano was named Most Outstanding Wrestler across all of 12U while Maddox Wilson was named Most Dominant Wrestler across all of 10U.Other champs from Newtown were Noah Blair, Allen Gaudenzi, and Tyler San Souci.“As a program, what can I say other than what is said after [State Championships]. If we just keep our heads down and continue to trust hard work we will continue to exceed expectations. It sounds simple but with anything in life we all know what needs to be done to be successful, hit goals, etcetera. But it’s those that are willing to do those things to get there that will come out on top,” Newtown Youth Wrestling Association President Nick Veneziano said. “Above all the winning this lesson being learned by our youth by far is the most rewarding. Also, if we remember to not worry about winning and just shoot to continue to get better the wins will come.”“Winning a third consecutive New England Wrestling Championship is truly a remarkable feat and a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of the entire team. It’s evident that each member has poured their heart and soul into maintaining Newtown’s legacy in wrestling, and their collective efforts have paid off in the most rewarding way possible,” Head Coach Curtis Urbina added.“The joy, pride, and satisfaction that come with such an achievement are immeasurable, and it’s clear that this victory will not only be cherished but also serve as a source of confidence and inspiration for each team member,” Urbina said. “Our pride in their accomplishment is well-deserved, and it’s a testament to the strong sense of community and camaraderie within our team. I am very proud of this team on this extraordinary achievement of a three-peat.”Travel Coach Mike Long noted that the coaches emphasized hard work and dedication with the belief there would be plenty of success as a result.“All season long, the coaching staff preached trusting the process, working hard and having fun. We knew that if we were hard working, dedicated and enjoyed the process, the wins would come. We didn’t prioritize winning, we prioritized improving. We are so fortunate to have a team that is more like a family; from our wrestlers, to their parents, to the coaches, we would win, lose and train as a group,” Long said. “While we are proud of winning our third straight New England team title, we are more proud of building a culture that develops great young men and women. The future is bright for NYWA and it’s an honor to be involved with it.”Although the girls’ scoring is separate from that of the co-ed division, Newtown’s two female standouts make for a great sign for the future of girls in wrestling.“Creating a supportive and inclusive environment for female wrestlers was crucial for their growth and success in the sport, and it’s wonderful to witness the positive impact of our ‘girls only’ practices. The fact that two girls from Newtown were able to place in the New England Championships speaks volumes about their dedication and the effectiveness of our program,” Urbina said. “Jane and Riley’s achievements not only demonstrate their individual talent and commitment but also highlight the strength and potential of the girls’ wrestling program in Newtown.”Champions:*Noah Blair 15U 74 pounds (two-time New England champ)*Allen Gaudenzi 12U 91 pounds*Camron Veneziano 12U 86 pounds (three-time New England champ)*Maddox Wilson 10U 68 pounds*Tyler San Souci 8U 72 poundsRunners-up:*Matthew Gaudenzi 8U 48 poundsThird place:*Joey Cotter 12U 81 pounds*Chase Ibbitson 10U 72 pounds*Evan Emard 8U 66 poundsFourth place:*Ryder Symes 15U 124 pounds*Drake Oatis 12U 103 pounds*Wyatt Fournier 10U 77 pounds*Jake Kennedy 10U 82 poundsFifth place:*Charlie Langenus 10U 56 pounds*Matthew Iacuone 10U 64 pounds*Keegan Rosenschein 10U 68 pounds*Reilly King 12U 131 poundsSixth place:*Joey Skura 10U 64 pounds*Gunner Fournier 8U 52 pounds*Jane Anderson 12U 78 poundsSports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.Youth Wrestling New England Champs Andy Hutchison
Story Three-Peat: Youth Wrestling Program Wins Another New England TitleYouth Wrestling New England Champs_3Featured Slider, SportsNone
Unified Sports Athletes Shine On The Basketball Court Newtown Unified basketball team has fun and competes on the hardwood.There was lots of fun and excitement on the Unified Sports basketball court this winter with Newtown High School special needs athletes working with partners to compete and learn with each other and opposing squads.“We had so much fun. We hosted a huge tournament at the NYA and attended other tournaments at Pomperaug (of Southbury) and Bunnell (of Stratford). It was a busy season — lots of bus rides,” Coach Larry Saladin said.“The athletes love the friendships that develop through the team concept. The sport itself is a conduit to building close relationships that extend beyond the basketball court. As the season progresses, the more connected the partners and athletes become. The values of compassion, patience, understanding, and persistence develop in and through these relationships,” Saladin added.With basketball season in the books, attention now turns to the spring with a different sport.“We are looking forward to the track and field season. New faces will emerge and new friendships will form. Our first practices will begin in mid April,” Saladin said.Saladin and Assistant Coach Beckie Miles worked with athletes Jessica Andreotta, Kidist Blessey, Kory Briganti, Ben Ismail, Grace Mackessy, Jaden Newham, Angel Olson, Timothy O’Sullivan, Patrick Reisert, Maddie Rose, Nicky Santos, Lucas Knipple, and Andrew Beyloni. Leaders are Michaela Bonacci, Adelyn Skerik, and Emma Ehrens. Partners are Sophia Dutsar, Michael Lawlor, Alicia Ligouri, Addison Plummer, Ally Pettengill, Lauren Murphy, Maddie Marza, Amanda Faircloth, Sarah Heinen, Lilian Ismail, Reid Giessler, Tyler Rossvally, Sarah Hubner, Riley DeLoughy, Zoey Lehecka, Pablo Necco, Jamie Piccullo, Jack Carta, and Owen Carta.Paraeducators are Nichole Marrazzo, Jen Blair, Mandy Monaco, Elizabeth Calabrese, Barbara Bloom, Ruby Fitzpatrick, Alyssa Finkenstadt, Alexis Barnett-Moreno, and Chris O'Heron.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.Unified Sports PHOTO SPREAD Andy Hutchison
Story Unified Sports Athletes Shine On The Basketball CourtUnified Sports PHOTO SPREADSportsNone
Ski Team Enjoyed Successful Season, Looks For Roster Growth Pomperaug-Newtown race team had an enjoyable winter on the mountain.The Pomperaug of Southbury-Newtown co-op ski racing team concluded its season late this winter. The girls’ and boys’ squads competed in five races and picked up 15 wins. Races were held at Mount Southington and are part of the Connecticut Interscholastic Racing League. This year’s squad featured a mix of returning racers along with newcomers to the sport. Pomperaug rostered four boys and seven girls and Newtown had two boys and three girls. The team also had one member from New Fairfield High School on its roster.First-year Coach Mike Murphy said that he was proud of the competitiveness of his returning racers and the growth of his newcomers. “Captain Clark Overhiser (Pomperaug senior) was a consistent top-tier racer while Matthew Mozelak (Newtown senior) turned in one of our best performances of the season. Blu Arbesman (New Fairfield junior) qualified for the Class L Top 30 Shootout with his performances as well,” said Coach Murphy. “Ari Campbell (Pomperaug sophomore) and Eric Greenburg (Pomperaug senior) totally improved their times from last year and Tommy O’Connor (Newtown freshman) and Alex Santos (Pomperaug freshman) finished every race they started and saw their times come down considerably as they gained experience racing gates.”“Our girls’ team got better as the season went on, too,” Murphy said. “Taylor LeRow (Newtown junior) was hands-down our fastest racer in every race, while Riley Alesevich (Newtown junior), newcomer Abby Cahill (Pomperaug freshman), Caitlin Overhiser (Pomperaug sophomore), and captains Lola McMahon (Pomperaug senior) and Nicolette Chu (Pomperaug senior) battled for low-numbered bibs each week. Lyla Kopp (Newtown sophomore) continued to improve as a returner while newcomers Camden Mario (Pomperaug junior), Isabelle Mario (Pomperaug freshman) added speed and depth to our lineup. Bahar Uludag (Pomperaug sophomore) also helped us out, earning a varsity letter with two starts this season.“One of the things I liked best about this season is how our athletes from different schools came together and bonded as a team,” Murphy said. “We focused on supporting one another as we all worked to improve on our racing skills and lower our times. We had some good fun at practices and races while working hard and getting better all of the time. We are barely done with this season, and I am already looking forward to what next season will bring.”Coach Murphy and the team members are hoping that this year’s successes will encourage more skiers to join the team.“Sometimes good skiers think they may not make good racers because they don’t have racing experience prior to joining the team. That’s not true at all,” Murphy said. “We had newcomers to racing post some of our best times because they can ski fast, and we can give them the training, gate-racing experience, and feedback to help them compete at the varsity level playing a sport they love. I know we have way more than 17 skiers in our two schools, and I’m looking forward to becoming one of those teams like we face weekly that are showing up with teams of 40 to 60 racers.”NHS Ski Team Story Ski Team Enjoyed Successful Season, Looks For Roster GrowthNHS Ski TeamSportsNone
C.H. Booth Library (John Angel Art Alcove, third floor), 25 Main Street
Third exhibition of works by the Newtown resident and right-handed carpenter who suffered a stroke one year ago, and has since taught himself how to paint and do wood burning with his left hand, through April 29; 203-426-4533.
A national traveling exhibit that focuses on exoplanets and space exploration, learn about exoplanets and NASA’s search for habitable planets through hands-on, multimedia kiosks and activities spread throughout all three floors of the library, through late May; 203-426-4533.
Free for members (nonmembers call for fee details)
Monthly gathering for anyone who enjoys singing and/or playing instruments, second and fourth Thursday each month, registration required; 203-270-4310.
United Veterans Assistance, 2 pm, Free for members (nonmembers call for fee details)
Presentation on Eli Schwartz’s Aid and Attendance Benefits, for veterans and surviving spouses who need assistance paying for senior care, including little-known VA benefits and other opportunities, reservations required; 203-270-4310.
NASA Research Assistant in Planetary Studies Ravi Kopparapu invites everyone to a presentation on the search for alien life (both biological and technological) in exoplanet research he has conducted over the past year, followed by a Q&A session at the end, hosted by C.H. Booth Library, registration required; 203-426-4533, chboothlibrary.org.
Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street and via Zoom
Local camera club host competitions among members with special themes of “Macro/Close-Up” and “Fences,” and regular competitions in Open Color, Open Monochrome and Nature, nonmembers welcome to view entries and listen to critiques; info@flagpolephotographers.com, flagpolephotographers.com.