You'll Read It First In Print!
There is plenty to read at newtownbee.com, but so much more information to be found in print.There is plenty to read at newtownbee.com, but so much more information to be found in print. If you read the print edition of The Newtown Bee, or subscribe, you belong to an exclusive club — the one that gets the best of Newtown’s news.Among the articles that subscribers and print readers will read first this week... some special events have been held at Christ the King Lutheran Church; Someday Cinema has more fun in store for classic movie lovers; Hawley School students spent a day being kind to themselves; the 12.14 Foundation has new officers; yoga is FUN; residents share thoughts at our Community Buzz; there is a new cobbler in town; Brian Budd is honored; and the NMS Honor Roll is here.The Newtown Bee hits the streets every Thursday afternoon. Stop by our office at 5 Church Hill Road and purchase a copy of The Newtown Bee during our regular hours, Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, call 203-426-3141, or go to https://classadz.vdata.com/Legacy/NewtownBee/Circulation/Subscriber/ to subscribe.“Bee” in the know! You won’t be disappointed.Thursday Teaser WEB Story You'll Read It First In Print!Thursday Teaser WEB_1NewsNone
Help Locate Vanessa Morales
Police continue to seek the whereabouts of 1-year-old Vanessa Morales.The Connecticut State Police Missing Persons Clearing House has issued an Amber Alert, seeking information on the whereabouts of 1-year-old Vanessa Morales of Ansonia. The Amber Alert was issued earlier this week and assistance is still needed in finding her.State Police note that Vanessa was born September 7, 2018. The little girl is white, with brown hair and brown eyes. She is 2 feet, 2 inches tall, and weighs approximately 17 pounds.Vanessa has been missing from her Ansonia, Conn. home since November 29, 2019.If you have any information on the whereabouts of Vanessa Morales, please contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885 or the FBI at 1-800-225-5324.Amber alert Vanessa Morales Story Help Locate Vanessa MoralesAmber alert Vanessa MoralesNewsNone
No Parking, Road Closures In Effect For Ram Pasture Tree Lighting
The police department will impose “No Parking” orders and some road closures in the area of the Ram Pasture tree lighting on Friday evening.The town will sponsor its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremonies at the Ram Pasture on the night of Friday, December 6. The festivities are scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm.The area typically attracts many pedestrians for the event. In view of pedestrian safety, the police department will impose “No Parking” orders and some road closures in the area. The traffic rules will be in effect from 5 to 8 pm.Except for emergency services vehicles, motor vehicles will be prohibited from traveling on the section of Elm Drive lying between its intersections with Sugar Street and Hawley Road from 5 to 8 pm. Starting at approximately 6 pm, the section of Elm Drive lying between its intersections with Hawley Road and Borough Lane also will close to traffic.Police have designated seven “No Parking” areas for the event. They are: Elm Drive between its intersections with Sugar Street and Borough Lane; Hawley Road; South Main Street between its intersections with Borough Lane and Glover Avenue; Sugar Street between its intersections with Main Street and Elm Drive; Birch Rise Drive; Juniper Road between its intersections with Sugar Street and Birch Rise Drive; and the police department’s driveways and parking lots. Areas affected by the traffic rules will be posted with barricades, traffic cones, and “No Parking” signs, as applicable.Police will be posted at key locations to assist pedestrians and motorists.Motorists who violate the parking bans will be subject to having their vehicles towed.christmas tree event traffic and parking rules Story No Parking, Road Closures In Effect For Ram Pasture Tree Lightingchristmas tree event traffic and parking rulesNewsNone
State Auditors: Teachers Union Affiliate ‘Likely’ Misused 12/14 DonationsA state auditors report has revealed that a nonprofit subsidiary of the state teachers union may have mishandled or misappropriated funds originally donated to support school workers and police responders affected after their involvement with the Sandy Hook tragedy.UPDATE (December 5, 2019): This story has been updated with added details as well as comments and responses from the Newtown Federation of Teachers, AFT Connecticut, and the president of the nonprofit named in the auditors report.* * * * *A number of reactions have been issued in the hours following a December 5 report released from the Connecticut Auditors Of Public Accounts suggesting a nonprofit affiliate of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, “likely” misused or spent donations in a special fund initially established to assist qualified “educational employees” and police responders affected by the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2019 (12/14).The newspaper has received reactions from State Attorney General William Tong, as well as the Newtown Federation of Teachers & AFT, and the president of the nonprofit named in the audit report.A December 4 memo from state auditors addressed to Newtown’s State Representative Mitch Bolinsky and State House Republican Leader Themis Klarides outlines the narrative of a forensic investigation into the matter.The request for that audit was initiated by Rep Bolinsky after he learned donated funds originally designated for qualified school personnel and local and State Police responders to Sandy Hook Elementary School on and after 12/14 might be missing.Rep Bolinsky said he was made aware that something was amiss in February 2019 when former Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation Director Jennifer Barahona attempted to make an inquiry on behalf of a local qualified law enforcement officer to the John J. Driscoll United Labor Agency (ULA).The ULA had previously become the fund’s administrator after striking an arrangement with the State Office of Victims Services (OVS).At the time of her inquiry, Ms Barahona was told the fund was no longer available to law enforcement claimants, which she knew was in violation of language in the original legislative action that established the so-called Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Program or SHWAP.According to the state auditors’ report, the fund was created through Special Act 13-1 to provide immediate help for “affected persons” who suffered a mental or emotional impairment because of the mass shooting.The act stipulated the fund — which Ms Barahona said originated after designated donations for teachers and police were made to the regional United Way — would be administered by the OVS until August 31, 2015.On that date, $115,827 remained in the fund that originally totaled $388,396. All but $340 in accrued interest was amassed from individuals designating donations to help qualified affected school personnel and police responders, the auditors’ report states.The act required any remaining funds to go to “other charitable trusts or entities,” but did not provide specific guidance or a process to distribute the balance of the donations and fractional interest revenue. In May 2015, the OVS announced it intended to transfer 75 percent of the balance to the ULA and 25 percent to the Newtown Police Union to serve any unmet needs of law enforcement personnel.Prior to the disbursement, however, the local police union notified OVS it did not want the designated portion of that fund, so without notifying the legislature, the OVS decided to transfer the entire remaining balance to the ULA.Memorandums Of UnderstandingThat decision to transfer all the funds to the ULA prompted two memorandums of understanding that were drafted in July and August 2016 between the OVS and the nonprofit union subsidiary.The first reflected that 75 percent of the fund would go to the ULA “exclusively to ensure that unionized and non-unionized school personnel who were affected... continue to have access to programs and services.” The second memorandum drafted about six weeks later reflected the remaining 25 percent distribution to the ULA, again stipulating the funds were exclusively for school personnel.On September 1, 2016, the OVS transferred $115,827 to ULA, and since then, that agency reported it provided a total of $6,323 to five eligible recipients. The auditors also report that the ULA absorbed $5,791 — about five percent of the fund balance — to cover “administrative costs,” leaving $103,713 for future distribution.The audit report states the ULA did not have these remaining funds available, however.The report states that ULA should have maintained a specific cash or short-term investment balance of at least $103,713 earmarked exclusively for SHWAP, but auditors state that “it appears that as a result of financial difficulties, ULA may have used SHWAP funds for other purposes,” and that the union subsidiary “commingled the $115,827 in SHWAP with cash from other sources — even though the ULA was not obligated to separate it as part of either memorandum.The auditors state they “could not determine exactly how ULA spent these funds.”“Because ULA does not have sufficient assets to satisfy its obligations, it does not appear to have fulfilled its fiduciary responsibility with respect to these funds,” the auditors report states.ULA, AFT ReactionsSal Luciano, president of ULA said the auditors report "came as a shock and a disappointment" to him and the ULA board of directors. He said after learning of the audit, the board met and took immediate corrective action.“First and foremost, the Connecticut AFL-CIO has put together the funds to make the Worker Assistance Program whole again," Mr Luciano said. "Every dollar that should be in the fund – all $103,712 – is currently available to any worker who has been impacted by the tragic school shooting at Sandy Hook."Mr Luciano said the ULA board also established a number of new financial protocols."Even though the ULA was not required to separate the funds, we will follow the recommendations of the State Auditors to keep the money segregated from the rest of the budget," he said, adding the board also created financial trustee positions to provide greater oversight, and took other steps to ensure ULA fulfills its fiduciary responsibilities.“Finally, the board will be hiring an independent outside attorney to conduct a full investigation into how money from the fund was used," Mr Luciano said.He also affirmed the audit report, which said no worker, whether they were union or non-union, was denied benefits through this program. "The ULA is committed to continuing to serve all workers in the state with job training, workers compensation, emergency food pantry services, and counseling." Mr Luciano added.The report goes on to detail the ULA’s net assets, which dropped from $188,420 as of June 30, 2014, to a deficit balance of $20,962 on June 30, 2018.The report states that “ULA’s financial condition continued to deteriorate in the fiscal year 2019,” adding the “ULA’s unaudited preliminary trial balance as of June 30, 2019, shows a deficit net assets balance of $76,029.” As of September 30, 2019, the report states ULA’s cash balance totaled $41,977.Following the interaction with Ms Barahona at the local community foundation and the inquiry to Rep Bolinsky, it was discovered that ULA was excluding first responders — in violation of the original intent of the public act creating the SHWAP.And while MS Barahona said the ULA conceded it would cover the responder’s claim, it would take a June 2019 amendment to the original memorandum to restore 25 percent of the fund to meet the ongoing needs of qualified local and state police responders.Tom Kuroski, President of the Newtown Federation of Teachers called the ULA "a partner in assisting the teachers and other education personnel who suffered greatly as a result of the Sandy Hook School tragedy.""They have processed claims for assistance and ensured that each and every applicant who was eligible for assistance received the help they needed. The Newtown teachers are thankful for the ULA’s assistance in administering this fund and ensuring that teachers who needed assistance got the help they needed and deserved,” Mr Kuroski said.According to the audit, ULA released $534 claim for a para educator; $1,080 to a reading specialist; $2,388 to a teacher; $1,381 to a custodian; and $940 to a speech/language pathologist.Jan Hochadel, President of AFT Connecticut said her organization supports ULA as well.“In 2013, the ULA was there to assist those who experienced one of CT’s greatest tragedies - Sandy Hook," Ms Hochadel said. "The Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Program and the Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Fund were designed to provide financial help for workers dealing with emotional or mental health issues resulting from [12/14]. The Untied Labor Agency accepted the responsibility and has administered the distribution of the funds to those in need."She said her organization has "every confidence that the ULA has a plan in place to ensure that all funds that should be available will continue to be available for all affected persons who are eligible for the assistance — and support a review of the audit and ensure that more diligent policies and procedures are in place for the future.”‘Most Shocked’Newtown Police Chief James Viadero said the original rejection of that 25 percent disbursement was made under former Chief Michael Kehoe; he became involved earlier this year when Ms Barahona attempted to inquire about funds for a local officer. Chief Viadero told The Newtown Bee he promptly contacted the OVS and was assured that agency would make good on any claim, even if the ULA’s fund was depleted or gone.“I was probably most shocked about the fact that some entity could take control of the fund and exclude our officers,” he said.Ms Barahona said over the course of her handling of the matter, she experienced the “OVS and ULA finger pointing back and forth for some time,” before the ULA agreed it would make a one-time exception to pay a claim for a local police officer.Similar cross-concerns between the OVS and the ULA are reflected in the auditors’ report. It is also important to note that the ULA has no evidence any Newtown officer ended up making a claim to SHWAP before or after the memorandum amendment was drafted last June.The report concludes that given the deficit net assets balance in the ULA account as of June 30, 2018, “it is likely that ULA used additional funds for administrative or other purposes.”The report also concludes that claims from SHWAP were expected to outpace the amount in the fund, but that did not occur, “therefore, neither the legislation or the [memorandums] addressed what should have happened to the funds if there was little or no demand for them.”It goes on to offer guidance if a similar fund is created in the future. The report also takes officials to task, stating “the legislation and contracts should ensure better state oversight of the successor nonprofit agency so that it properly maintains the funds and distributes them consistent with the legislature’s intent.”Bolinsky, Tong ResponsesRep Bolinsky said he would support an investigation into how OVS has created various memorandums with any other nonprofits to ensure funds are handled, distributed, and accounted for properly.“I wish it was somebody else’s play money we found being mishandled,” Rep Bolinsky said, acknowledging this issue was coming to light at “the worst possible time,” less than ten days prior to December 14.“I had concerns about how these funds might be handled,” he added. “They were intended for the people who were deeply affected by the horrific tragedy seven years ago next week. I still think we need a fuller accounting of where this money went, and who it was spent on.’’Rep Klarides said she understood “the AFL-CIO has indicated it will replace the funds that were spent on services not intended by the legislation we passed in a bipartisan fashion to help those first responders and educators who were so horribly affected. That is not enough; we need to better understand what happened here.’’ Attorney General William Tong said he met personally with Rep. Bolinsky on February 27, 2019 to discuss the matter. Following that meeting, Attorney General Tong directed Assistant Attorneys General in the Charities division to review the MOU and to clarify donor and legislative intent. After months of negotiations, the Office of the Attorney General restructured and redrafted the MOU to accurately reflect donor intent. A new MOU was signed on June 26, 2019 that restored police access to the fund. The Office of the Attorney General also addressed [a] reimbursement concern with respect to [a] state trooper.The AG's stated it is is currently, carefully reviewing the auditors report and evaluating further action. At a minimum, further action may be necessary to determine the following:1.How funds were comingled and disbursed;2.Procedures going forward to ensure adequate protection of the funds; and3.How and where funds should be maintained going forward."The Auditor's report has revealed very serious problems that require thorough review and investigation," AG Tong said. "At a minimum, we need to understand how any comingled funds were spent, what procedures are in place now to ensure protection of the funds going forward, and whether it makes sense to designate a new entity to safely maintain these funds and provide much needed transparency.The AG also made a strong point that the timing of the report's release should not become a political issue. "I will not allow this and the Sandy Hook community to be used mere days from the anniversary of the most horrific tragedy our state has endured in my lifetime," the AG added. "I look forward to working collaboratively towards a solution that protects both donor intent, and supports the ongoing needs of our courageous Sandy Hook educators and police officers."This update corrected a reference to ULA being a nonprofit affiliate of the Connecticut AFL-CIO.State Auditors: Teachers Union Affiliate 'Likely' Misused 12/14 Donations John Voket
Story State Auditors: Teachers Union Affiliate ‘Likely’ Misused 12/14 DonationsState Auditors: Teachers Union Affiliate 'Likely' Misused 12/14 DonationsFeatured Slider, NewsNone
Red Kettle Campaign Bell Ringers NeededThe local unit of the Salvation Army is less than a week away from its 2019 Red Kettle Campaign and is still seeking volunteer bell ringers.The local unit of the Salvation Army is less than a week away from its 2019 Red Kettle Campaign and is still seeking volunteer bell ringers.This year’s campaign is scheduled for Friday evenings, December 6 and 13; and Saturday mornings and afternoons, December 7 and 14.As of Tuesday, December 3, volunteers were still needed for both weekends. Individuals, couples, families, groups of friends, and members of organizations and businesses are all welcome. Volunteer Co-Coordinator Anna Wiedemann told The Newtown Bee on December 3 that she is really hoping to hear from people who can spend at least one hour ringing a bell this Friday night.“One hour shifts will benefit so many of our neighbors,” she said.Around the world, the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign collects public contributions/donations to help people in need. Funds raised by the Bethel-Newtown Salvation Army Committee go to Newtown Department of Social Services, which provides assistance to residents in need.Ninety percent of the donations received during the Red Kettle Campaign remain in Bethel and Newtown.Spots left on Friday, December 6, are as follows:Bottle Stop, beginning at 6 and 7 pm start times;Pizza Palace, 5:30 and 6:30 pm;Stop & Shop, both entrances, 7 pm (so two openings available);Walgreens, 7 pm; andYankee Wine & Spirits, 4, 5, and 7 pm.Saturday, December 7Bottle Stop, 2 pm;Walgreens, 11 am, noon, 1 pm and 3 pm; andYankee Wine, 2 and 3 pm.Anyone interested in signing up can do so directly through signupgenius, or by calling Ms Wiedemann at 203-426-1035. The online link also includes the December 13-14 schedule for those who would like to volunteer for one of those available times.
Four Golden Opportunities Tag-A-Gift Locations Set Up Four Tag-A-Gift locations have been set up by Golden Opportunities, which works in partnership with several Newtown and regional elder care facilities, for this holiday season. The public is invited to take a tag, purchase the requested item, and return it to that location by Tuesday, December 10.Golden Opportunities works in partnership with several Newtown groups as well as elder care facilities in Newtown and the region. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents in these facilities by providing outreach services of comfort, compassion, and support.This holiday season, Golden Opportunities is again providing some joy to the residents of these facilities through a Tag-A-Gift program.Four locations have been set up for this holiday season. The public is invited to take a tag, purchase the requested item, and return it to that location by Tuesday, December 10.This year’s locations are the lobby of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street; Newtown Savings Bank’s new location, 32 Church Hill Road; the Customer Service desk at Stop & Shop, within Sand Hill Plaza at 228 South Main Street; and Taunton Press, 63 South Main Street.Gifts need to be left unwrapped and have their request tag attached to them when they are dropped off. Gift receipts are requested if possible, as are gift bags. Newtown Girl Scout Ambassador Troop 50293 have again crafted handmade ornaments for the program. One ornament is attached to each gift request tag, and the ornaments are meant to be kept as gifts for those purchasing gifts for the Golden Opportunities outreach.Golden Opportunities received requests, according to volunteer Karen Harris said, from 185 people this year. The gifts will be delivered later this month to residents of Newtown Rehabilitation & Health Care Center (formerly Masonicare at Newtown), St John Paul II Center in Danbury, and Notre Dame in Norwalk.The gift requests are simple and relatively inexpensive. They range from knitting books for ideas and patterns to sweatpants to body wash and lotion, hats, a throw pillow, or chocolates.For additional information, call Ms Harris at 203-304-9858.Tag-A-Gift at Edmond Town Hall, three other locations this year Shannon Hicks
Story Four Golden Opportunities Tag-A-Gift Locations Set UpTag-A-Gift at Edmond Town Hall, three other locations this yearFeatured Slider, FeaturesNone
Four Tag-A-Gift locations have been set up by Golden Opportunities, which works in partnership with several Newtown and regional elder care facilities, for this holiday season. The public is invited to take a tag, purchase the requested item, and return it to that location by Tuesday, December 10.
Generosity Of Landowners Crucial For NBLA Horseback Riders In TownAs those few remaining straggler leaves fall off the trees and the forecast of snow theoretically fast approaches, horseback riders continue their love of equestrian life here in town. They ride throughout the year and also through changes to the landscape as the years go by and houses (and other developments) go up. Something that has been imperative for the riders to enjoy their town, especially as open space dwindles away, is cooperation of private land owners, many of whom go above and beyond to make the experience as pleasurable as possible.Tracy Van Buskirk, a board member with the Newtown Bridle Lands Association (NBLA) — a nonprofit volunteer organization formed in 1978 to foster an interest in horseback riding as well as preserving, protecting, and maintaining riding and hiking trails in the community — notes that things have changed a lot throughout the past few decades as a result of development and concerns over liability.“I’ve been trail riding in Newtown since the early ‘80s, and the reduction of open space is pretty dramatic. For example, I have spent many years riding in the Huntington Road area of Newtown, and there used to be large fields where Arlyn Ridge Road is now. It was just wonderful to canter through those fields with my hound dog trailing behind me and never see anyone except the occasional deer. When I occasionally would cut through someone’s back woods, if the owner was outside, they would usually smile and wave. Today, with so much attention on liability and the move away from our farming and rural profile and towards gentrification, it is so important that the NBLA fosters relationships with property owners to allow access. We are ambassadors of good will between the horse community and everyone else,” Ms Van Buskirk said.NBLA Trail Maintenance Coordinator Stephanie Lennon and her husband, Terry, own 32 acres of land, the perimeter of which is utilized by riders at the annual NBLA Frost on the Pumpkin Hunter Pace, as well as other times of the year.“I open my land for people to use year-round,” Ms Lennon said. “It’s nice to see horses coming through.”Ms Lennon said her Mount Nebo road property connects to the Newtown Forest Association (NFA) land, which is also available to riders. It is crucial for other property owners to share their land, Ms Lennon said.NBLA has horse easements throughout Newtown donated from past landowners and from the town that the NBLA uses for the pace. “We would like present and future landowners to be encouraged to do so to keep trails on going in perpetuity,” Ms Lennon said.“It is a big challenge to get over eight miles of continuous trails for the pace without the permission from landowners to cross their lands. These landowners are constantly changing hands, and many times, it falls into the hands of a builder who will either subdivide the property into smaller parcels or design the land to obstruct our trail system,” Ms Lennon saidA handful of years ago, Clare and Peter Harrison purchased a 33-acre piece of property where the NBLA pace starts, and where participants park their trailers for the pace.“It’s a beautiful property. It’s great to be able to share it with other people. They go all through the woods and out and back,” Ms Harrison said. “When we bought the property, there wasn’t any question we would allow them to continue to use it.”Ms Harrison noted that the NBLA members provide a great service for the community.“They are great people; they are absolutely amazing — they work so hard clearing trails. We try our hardest to do the best we can,” said Ms Harrison, adding that they mow fields and prepare the land as best as possible every year for the pace.“They are very concerned about safety,” said Ms Harrison, adding that NBLA volunteers not only clear brush but fill holes to prevent horses from tripping.Ms Lennon points out that there is a hold harmless liability legislation for riders crossing private lands and refers to statutes that may be found at animallaw.info/statute/ct-equine-activity-liability-statute-chapter-925-statutory-rights-action-and-defenses.“It all comes back to the landowners allowing riders to come through their properties. This list is ever-changing and growing in numbers. When the NBLA first started in the ‘80s, there were perhaps only a handful of landowners who participated, but because these huge parcels of land have subdivided, we currently have 28 landowners. This means the NBLA must have a positive and continuous relationship with them by maintaining the lands they use for NBLA horses, although some landowners prefer to do the work themselves,” Ms Lennon said.“On a positive note, Robert and Sian Nimkoff recently bought lands sold off from the Cherry Grove preserve in order to maintain a state of nature around their house. They not only plan to maintain the beauty of these fields and pond in perpetuity, but actually improve on their natural state in order promote wildlife and correct plant growth. They hired a consultant to rid the property of invasives and to encourage original plant/tree growth to return. Additionally, they allow the NBLA to make use of these fields by mowing paths around the perimeters of the fields. Without their generosity, the pace trail would be on road,” Ms Lennon said.“These trails cover a variety of lands — wooded forests, open fields, stream crossings, and views of Hattertown Pond. The finish field where the horses give a final gallop down an open field gives a scenic view overlooking the hills of Newtown. It’s breathtaking. During the hunter pace, riders come through landowner property, which also has its own flavor of fun. Some landowners will sit on lawn chairs with friends to view the costumed riders and horses, offering water, candy, and cookies. Another landowner has set up a haunted forest where riders must pass goblins hanging from trees, bloody axes, and a headless horseman.”Rick Bouza and his wife, Patricia Norberg, own a 12-acre piece of land, part of which serves as the finishing area for riders in the hunter pace.“Not only do we welcome them, it adds to the entire experience of being a property owner and allows for the folks in the neighborhood to enjoy it and not have it built up,” Mr Bouza said.Andrea Brosnan, vice president of the NBLA, said she is grateful for landowners allowing riders to use their properties. “Some of them come to us and ask if they can help,” Ms Brosnan said.The Hull family lives next door to the Harrison property, where the NBLA pace starts, on Mt Nebo Road, and they provide electricity and direct riders. “Anything we can do to help,” Jay Hull said.“It’s nice to see everybody get together and go for a nice ride. I just think it’s neat. It’s been going on for so long. A lot of people love it,” said Jay Hull’s wife, Heather Hull, who is a licensed veterinarian technician.“Currently, there are no public/town lands that are used for the hunter pace. The permanent trails used year-round are roughly divided between the NFA properties, newly acquired Cherry Grove preserve and the Hattertown Preserve, and landowner property. The good news is that the newly-acquired Cherry Grove property abuts town property, which now gives us a continuous trail system that can take us all the way to The Creamery. Looking forward to organizing a trail ride for ice cream cones next summer,” said Ms Lennon, referring to Ferris Acres Creamery at 144 Sugar Street.Additional property owners who allow riders on their land are Audrey Petschek, Jon Christenson, Victor Ellil, Dan and Elizabeth Hussein, Robert Hubert, Aaron and Bonnie Nezvesky, Bruce Hoag, Raymond Scalzo, Doug and Caitlin Hogan, John Kortze, Tim Blakeman, Karen Adamshack, David and Jan Grisko, Doug and Joanne McGregor, Ann Eldrup, Richard and Erin Nordt, Hunter and Alisa Stollman, Jerome Meyer, Thomas Kokoska, Jeffrey Bernstein, Robert and Sian Nimkoff, Robert and Ruby Beer, and Richard and Laurie Colonel.NBLA Open Space Andy Hutchison
Story Generosity Of Landowners Crucial For NBLA Horseback Riders In TownNBLA Open SpaceFeatured Slider, FeaturesNone
Clays The Way At The Newtown Community CenterYoung artists painted their clay masterpieces during their third session of the Newtown Community Center’s Clays the Way program on the evening of November 21.The weekly program began November 7, and already students had created a variety of clay projects, including snakes and snails, that were ready to be painted.Longtime Newtown art teacher Leslie Gunn instructed the class and helped them on their art journey.Students worked independently but offered each other encouragement and praise throughout the class.There will be a total of seven sessions for Clays the Way.Newtown Community Center Program Coordinator Jennifer Cebry says people can still sign up mid-way and that there will also be a new eight-week session beginning in January 2020.For more information about current and upcoming programs at the Newtown Community Center, visit newtowncommunitycenter.org or call 203-270-4349.Community Center Clays the Way Alissa Silber
Story Clays The Way At The Newtown Community CenterCommunity Center Clays the WayFeatured Slider, FeaturesNone
Parks & Recreation And Newtown Rotary Merging Pancake Breakfast Efforts One week from today a new holiday event will be offered: Pancake Breakfast with Santa, combining the efforts of two longstanging events that often overlapped and occasionally competed with each other.It has long been the hope of Newtown Parks & Recreation and The Rotary Club of Newtown to combine their holiday breakfast events. Until this year, it was only a wish.The opening earlier this year of Newtown Community Center is what allowed the two entities to combine efforts.On Saturday, December 7, the two groups will combine Parks & Rec’s longstanding Breakfast with Santa and Rotary’s Pancake Breakfast into one Pancake Breakfast with Santa. The event will run from 7 am until noon in the new building at 8 Simpson Street.Parks & Rec Director Amy Mangold, Parks & Rec Assistant Director-Recreation RoseAnn Reggiano, and Rotary Club member Alex Villamil were at the community center on November 20, conducting a planning meeting. They were joined by Lathrop School of Dance Director Tamra Saric and Lathrop instructor Julielle Topolski.For the past 58 years, the Rotary Club has presented its breakfast event at Edmond Town Hall. Parks & Rec’s Breakfast with Santa was done at Newtown Middle School. The two events were often on the same morning, with overlapping hours, and less than a mile from each other.Ms Mangold said its was space concerns that prevented a merger until now.“We were always saying that once the community center opened, we wanted to partner,” she said last week. “The community center now offers the perfect opportunity to move.”Ms Reggiano agreed.“Partnerships help our community grow,” she said. “We’re very excited.”Mr Villamil was also in agreement, saying the new larger location “makes more sense” than having two separate breakfast events.As with the event, the menu is a combined offering. Fresh baked pancakes, Maple Craft Foods syrups (made in Sandy Hook, with multiple flavors), Butcher’s Best sausage, apple and orange juices, chocolate milk, tea, hot chocolate, and coffee from BD Provisions will all be served and covered by each ticket.Breakfast also remains an all-you-can-eat event, Mr Villamil pointed out.Cost is $8 for adults, and $4 for ages 10 and under.Tickets are available in advance and will help organizers plan for food. Tickets can be purchased at the Parks & Rec office, now within Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, weekdays between 8 am and 4:30 pm.They will also be available at the door.Sandra Lyn Photography will be doing photos with Santa. A donation of $10 for the professional photo will benefit the Parks & Recreation Camp Scholarship Fund.For those who decide to do breakfast and the photos with Santa, discounts will be offered on the combined prices: $2 will be taken off each adult breakfast ticket, and $1 will be taken off each child breakfast ticket.An arts and crafts project will be offered as well.Donations will also be accepted that morning for FAITH Food Pantry.Live entertainment will again be part of the pancake breakfast. Dancers from Newtown Centre of Classical Ballet are scheduled to perform at 8:15, 9, and 9:45 am; Mad Science will present “Winter Wonderland” at 10:15, and Lathrop Dancers will close the stage with an 11:15 performance that will include an audience favorite.“We will be doing ‘Hot Chocolate,’” Miss Tamra promised, mentioning a seasonal dance that is a favorite for dancers and their fans.The Rotary Club is also hoping to continue one more tradition: Dr Robert Grossman, longtime Rotary Club member who has participated in every Newtown Rotary Pancake Breakfast to date, is again planning to be at this year’s event.One thing that’s new this year: no more paper or plastic ware. Guests will be using plates, utensils, and cups that will be immediately washed and then used by another wave of guests.Mr Villamil, who is also a member of Newtown Environmental Action Team (NEAT), said a team of NEAT volunteers will be handling dish washing duties.“The event will be sustainable,” he said. “No plastic tablecloths, either. We will be using washable tablecloths.”For additional information contact Newtown Parks & Rec at 203-270-4340.Parks & Rec and Newtown Rotary combining pancake breakfast efforts Shannon Hicks
Story Parks & Recreation And Newtown Rotary Merging Holiday Event EffortsParks & Rec and Newtown Rotary combining pancake breakfast effortsFeatured Slider, FeaturesNone
The Ripple Effects Of School Shootings: Essays Expand The Definition Of Survivors “If I Don’t Make It, I Love You: Survivors in the Aftermath of School Shootings” was the focus of an evening program last week at C.H. Booth Library, where one of the book's editors and four local contributors read their stories.It’s been almost seven years since Natalie Barden has been able to make a new memory with her little brother, Daniel, who was killed December 14, 2012, at Sandy Hook School.That thought is a recurring line in Ms Barden’s powerful essay “The Road To Hope,” one of 60 equally stirring entries in If I Don’t Make It, I Love You: Survivors in the Aftermath of School Shootings. The book and its local contributors were the focus of an evening program, November 21, at C.H. Booth Library.School shootings create ripple effects that reach far beyond those immediately affected by the loss of a loved one. That was one of the thoughts considered by Amye Archer and Loren Kleinman when they began a project that became If I Don’t Make It, I Love You.The hardcover collection, published in September, gives voice to 83 survivors of gun violence. Ms Archer and Ms Kleinman reached out to teachers who were in schools when shootings occurred, family members of those who were killed, parents of children who were in a building but survived a school shooting, and community leaders.Shortly after they began their project that became If I Don’t Make It I Love You, Ms Archer said November 21, The Washington Post estimated that 235,000 students have been directly affected by gun violence in their schools. The co-editors were struck by three things upon hearing that figure.“It’s horribly high,” Ms Archer said. “Two, it only counts the student perspective. And three, they only counted from Columbine to Parkland. Right there, that excludes nine chapters in our book.”Texas shootings bookmark the start and end points for If I Don’t Make It, I Love You. The book shares firsthand essays from those affected by school shootings dating back to the University of Texas-Austin tower shooting on August 12, 1966, to the May 18, 2018, shootings at Santa Fe High School.The Washington Post figure, Ms Archer added, “does not take into account the many, many perspectives of the people who lived with the daily ripple effects of trauma.”Getting those perspectives was imperative, Ms Archer said.“Those voices need to be heard, and those stories need to be heard,” she said. “We need to start helping people understand that gun violence goes beyond the statistics. It goes well beyond the 235,000 who were in those schools.“It affects communities, it affects families, and it certainly affects educators, who love students as their own kids often,” Ms Archer said, pointing out that she was speaking not only as an editor, but also as an educator.Silence During ReadingsMs Archer and four local residents did readings from the powerful book that night. The book’s co-editors divided the task of writing introductions for each of the book’s 21 chapters.Nearly 50 people sat nearly motionless and soundless as Cindy Carlson, who was the Sandy Hook School librarian on 12/14; Susie Ehrens, the parent of a child who survived the shooting; Mary Ann Jacob, also a Sandy Hook School librarian that day; and Natalie Barden read their essays from the book, each sharing a different point of view of 12/14.In “Aftermath,” Ms Carlson spoke of the push and pull she felt in trying to honor those killed that morning.“Attend every funeral for every child, but attend to your own child who was with her fourth grade class that day. Go back to school right away, but don’t go back too soon. Describe forgiveness, but don’t prescribe forgiveness. Put this sticker on your car, but not that one,” she read in part, with many in the audience nodding along, most likely having gone through similar internal conflicts.Susie Ehrens’s voice cracked a few times while reading “The Road Back.”“We had no idea what ‘there was a shooting’ actually meant at that time,” she read. Her writing recalled pulling into Newtown Police Station and slamming on the brakes of her vehicle, and her entire body shaking as she ran into 3 Main Street, looking for her daughter. The younger Ehrens child had been in Victoria Soto’s classroom at the time of the shootings. She and four boys had escaped from the classroom and were transported to the police station.Mrs Ehrens struggles with the conflicting thoughts of being grateful that both of her children survived versus the guilt of knowing that 20 other sets of parents were devastated that morning.“I felt an enormous amount of guilt, grief, and relief in equal measure,” she read, her voice breaking. “I remember thinking, how do you live a life big enough to fulfill the fate you were handed?”As she continued her reading, however, the mother of two’s voice strengthened.“In the years since, I’ve become a gun violence prevention advocate, a member of Moms Demand Action, and have done what I can in the way of fighting and at least speaking out against politicians who turn a blind eye to the senseless gun violence in our country.” She also read of “the overwhelming fear and joy and pride” she feels in seeing her son find his voice, holding up a sign for hours, marching in Washington, DC, fighting for commonsense gun laws.Mary Ann Jacob also shared her memories of the morning of the shooting. In reading from “Women in the Face of Gun Violence,” she shared that her tipping point was the day, 18 months after Sandy Hook, she “watched on TV as the horror unfolded after the shooting in Isla Vista, California.”It was while watching Richard Martinez, whose son Christopher was killed that day, plead that not one more person be taken by gun violence that Ms Jacob “knew then it was my time to stand up and speak out.”Ms Jacob has joined Everytown for Gun Safety and uses her position as a Fellow with that organization to “teach others about the effect gun violence has on children and communities in an effort to drive change,” among other efforts.As the women each read, the only sound in the room was an occasional sniffle. Beyond that, only the sound of the library’s lower entrance door was occasionally heard opening and closing.As with the book that was being celebrated that night, Ms Barden’s essay was the closing chapter of the evening. Standing in front of the room she shared some of her memories of Daniel Barden, the red-headed boy with the big toothy smile whose death broke hearts around the world.Ms Barden’s essay, titled “The Road To Hope,” not only shares some of her brother’s memories through her thoughtful words, but also through family photos. The first shows Daniel on the bottom step of a school bus, smiling right at the camera, while his sister stands to his side. Even with much of her face turned away from the camera it’s clear that she was smiling at her little brother, who she called “an old soul.”Four years younger than Natalie, Daniel “was constantly holding the door for others and talking to kids who didn’t have many friends,” Ms Barden wrote in the early paragraphs of her essay. “Daniel made sure no one was alone at school. He even helped worms cross the hot pavement so that they wouldn’t cook in the sun. Daniel was full of light. He radiated positivity.”During a brief Q&A session following the readings, Ms Barden said that sharing some of her family’s stories helped her.“Putting those memories down for the first time was therapeutic,” she said. “It was amazing to be able to write my story.”The idea of sharing stories of survivors is growing, said Mary Ann Jacob.“It’s about personal stories and opening conversations,” she said. “There is a very important movement of survivor care that includes figuring things out, therapy, and navigation.”Mrs Ehrens agreed, saying she sees positive changes.“There’s more trauma training and understanding that recovery is not a straight line,” she said. “You can do well for a few months and then go right over a cliff. But therapy helps, once you find the right one.”Listening to the readings, Heather Irving was so impressed, she said.“I think that they’re wonderful, that they put their inner emotions on paper to help heal themselves and others,” she said. The Newtown resident had not had the opportunity, she added, to read If I Don’t Make It, I Love You prior to the program. She was among the first to purchase a copy after the readings.“Really, for them to express themselves the way each of them did,” Ms Irving said. “I’m so glad I could be here for this.”In addition to those that were read November 21, the Sandy Hook chapter in If I Don’t Make It, I Love You includes contributions from Abbey Clements and Geneva Cunningham. Co-Editor Amye Archer also collated excerpts from an interview with Alissa Parker into an essay.If I Don't Make It book program at CHB recap Shannon Hicks
Story The Ripple Effects Of School Shootings: Essays Expand The Definition Of SurvivorsIf I Don't Make It book program at CHB recapFeatured Slider, FeaturesNone
Help Select Sportsman Of The Year It's time to select the winner of the Newtown Bee's Award For Sportsman of the Year — named in honor of former Newtown Bee Sports Editor Kim Harmon.It's time to select the winner of the Newtown Bee's Award For Sportsman of the Year — named in honor of former Newtown Bee Sports Editor Kim Harmon.The award will go to someone who has had a significant impact on Newtown sports within the last year.Please drop us a line with your suggestion(s). Send your selection via e-mail to andyh@thebee.com.Past winners include coaches and parents who have volunteered hours to sports organizations in town both this past 12 months and throughout the years, as well as standouts on the playing fields, track, courts, rinks, and pools.Help Select Sportsman Story Help Select Sportsman Of The YearHelp Select SportsmanSportsNone
Football Team Blanks NFA, Moves Into SemifinalsNewtown High School's football team, the top seed in the Class LL state bracket, rode its defense to a 35-0 win over No. 8 Norwich Free Academy at Blue & Gold Stadium in the quarterfinals on December 4.Newtown High School's football team, the top seed in the Class LL state bracket, rode its defense to a 35-0 win over No. 8 Norwich Free Academy at Blue & Gold Stadium in the quarterfinals on December 4.The Nighthawks earned a semifinal-round home game against No. 4 Simsbury on Monday, December 9, starting at 6:30 pm.NFA punted the ball six times and mustered only one first down in the first half, during which the Nighthawks seized a 21-0 lead. Strong special teams play, including the tackling of Matt Williams, helped Newtown dominate the field position battle.Quarterback Brandon Lombardo started the scoring on a 29-yard touchdown run with 6:45 left in the first quarter. It was 7-0 heading to the second.Miles Ricks, in his first game back after an early-October injury, scored on fourth down when he turned the corner and dashed inside the left sideline for a 14-yard score on the first play of the second.A James Knox Fumble recovery at the NFA 30 with 1:21 left in the half led to Lombard's scramble up the middle for a 17-yard TD with just 11 seconds to go in the half.Zach Loomis blocked a punt which led to a Jack Street TD pass to Luke Hannan midway through the third quarter. Connor Breslin added a score in the fourth quarter.Click here for video highlight of Lombardo TD run.NHS Football Wins State Opener WEB ONLY Andy Hutchison
Story Football Team Blanks NFA, Moves Into SemifinalsNHS Football Wins State Opener WEB ONLYFeatured Slider, SportsNone
School Maintenance Workers Clear Snow For The Big Game
Newtown High School maintenance workers were busy clearing several inches of snow from the turf and stands at Blue & Gold Stadium on December 3 as the football team’s state playoff opener fast approached.Newtown High School maintenance workers were busy clearing several inches of snow from the turf and stands at Blue & Gold Stadium on December 3 as the football team’s state playoff opener fast approached.Jack Vichiola and Rick Robinson plowed the snow with John Deere Gators, and Eric Ventura shoveled the stadium stands to get things ready for the game, which was postponed a day due to snowstorm, allowing for preparation of the playing surface. Newtown is the top seed in Class LL and will host No. 8 Norwich Free Academy on Wednesday, December 4, starting at 6:30 pm.“The kids worked so hard for this game; we’ve got to make it happen,” Vichiola said between runs back and forth to pile snow anywhere he could find space outside the playing field boundary and bench area.“The sun helps out tremendously, but it’s not out,” added Vichiola, during an overcast part of the day.It had been out earlier and returned as the cleanup continued, and temperatures climbed to or just above freezing to help with the process.Vichiola said by the time they were done, it would be a six- or eight-hour task and pointed out that Ventura had the toughest job of the small group.“It’s good exercise,” said Ventura, who can be spotted on the sidelines of Newtown games, supporting the Nighthawks, throughout the school year.Warmer temperatures and rain showers are in the forecast for Monday, December 9, when the semifinals will take place, also at 6:30 pm. With a win over Norwich Free Academy, Newtown would host its next game as well.Football Fields Cleared Of Snow Andy Hutchison
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State Playoff Football Games Postponed Until WednesdayNewtown High School's Class LL state playoff quarterfinal-round game, along with those of other postseason qualifiers, has been postponed a day because of snow. Additionally, the semifinal date has been moved one day.Newtown High School's Class LL state playoff quarterfinal-round game, along with those of other postseason qualifiers, has been postponed a day because of snow. Additionally, the semifinal date has been moved one day.Information is detailed in this December 2 announcement from the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Association (CIAC):"Due to the continuing forecast of inclement weather and a need to allow host schools adequate time to prepare their facilities, the CIAC football quarterfinal games scheduled for Tuesday, December 3 have all been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 4. Game times will remain at 6:30 pm. All quarterfinals are scheduled for the site of the higher seeded team."As a result of the rescheduling and a need to allow adequate rest between football postseason games, the semifinal games scheduled for Sunday, December 8 will now be held on Monday, December 9 at 6:30 pm at the site of the higher seed. Barring additional schedule changes, the football championships are still scheduled for Saturday, December 14 with two games apiece at Trumbull High School, and Willow Brook Park in New Britain."In the other Class LL first-round games, No 4 Simsbury takes on No. 5 Cheshire, No. 2 Southington takes on No. 7 Ridgefield, and No. 3 Darien goes up against No. 6 Greenwich.“Given the number of sites and games for the football postseason and the importance of maintaining equal and appropriate recovery for all teams, in consultation with the schools and tournament director, we felt it best to reschedule the entire quarterfinal round of games,” said CIAC Associate Executive Director Gregg Simon, a former coach and athletic director at Newtown High.The updated schedule along with complete pairings, rosters and other tournament information is all available at tournamentcentral.ciacsports.com.
Nighthawk Runners Benefited From Unusual 16-Captain Arrangement
Most sports teams have two or three captains. Then again, most do not have 60-plus participants. With Newtown High School’s boys’ cross country team an inclusive squad that this past fall featured 63 runners, a coaching staff of two certainly would have had its work cut out managing the group if not for the decision to go with 16 — yes, you heard right, 16 — captains.Most sports teams have two or three captains. Then again, most do not have 60-plus participants.With Newtown High School’s boys’ cross country team an inclusive squad that this past fall featured 63 runners, a coaching staff of two certainly would have had its work cut out managing the group if not for the decision to go with 16 — yes, you heard right, 16 — captains.Head Coach Carl Strait and Assistant Coach Jen Marden utilized the leadership of a large group of captains to help organize stretching sessions, warmups, and communicate with the team during the fall season — a successful one for the Nighthawks that extended into early November with a qualification for the State Open.“It was a great way for every single kid to connect with somebody,” Strait said of the numerous captain arrangement, adding that the team held friendly competitions within practices, giving each captain-led group a chance to earn bragging rights on any given day.“I think it kept them interested and motivated from day one,” Strait said.Max Bloomquist, Arav Dave, Tucker Depuy, Max Hanson, Trey Hazard, Nick Jacobs, Dan Keogler, Jack Kuligowski, Zack Masone, Owen Meeker, Keenan Murphy, Nihal Nawaz, Sean Roche, Will Tainter-Gilbert, Jack Wojtowicz, and Jake Pare were captains on this year’s squad.Each captain was assigned a handful of runners for warmups, stretching, and communication about such things as practice times.“It was good to get to know my kids more,” said Hanson, one of the Nighthawks who raced in the Open, along with Jacobs, Max Bloomquist, Tainter-Gilbert, Drew Poseno, Kuligowski, and DJ Bobowick.Think of how tough it is to get the attention of a group.“When it’s four people trying to talk to 60 people, it’s definitely hard to make sure everybody’s getting information,” Hazard points out.One person talking to four or five — now that stands a much better chance of full attention and everybody being on the same page. What’s more, the smaller groups have the new team members a better opportunity to approach team leaders, especially from the onset.“It definitely made it easier for the younger kids to communicate with the captains,” Jacobs said of the benefit of having so many captains.The captain-led groups broke up and new groups of runners formed for training based on abilities and running times.Having captains in charge of several runners made for more opportunity to learn or use leadership skills and allowed for better connections with teammates. This year, the Nighthawks had 24 new runners, but the 16-captain setup ensured they weren’t lost in the mix.“Because we had such small groups, we got to know our kids really well,” Pare said. “It was a lot of fun.”The Nighthawks were strong on the courses this year, finished runner-up to New Milford in the South-West Conference championship race, placed tenth in the Class LL state championships, and earned 17th among all of top runners in the state at the Open. All of these accomplishments, and the biggest achievement — in Strait’s eyes — was how the team came together. And that was in large part a product of the captain strategy.“I think the greatest success of our season was the work our captains and non-captains did together to ensure 60 kids felt like it was a smaller team,” Strait said.Cross Country Captains Andy Hutchison
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Murphy’s Pub, 71 South Main Street (Ricky’s Plaza, 203-270-1800);
The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road (203-426-3141);
Newtown Police Department, 3 Main Street (203-426-4255);
Newtown Hardware, 61 Church Hill Road (203-426-4076);
Newtown Savings Bank, both locations (Sand Hill Plaza, 228 South Main Street, 203-270-7402; and The Village at Lexington Gardens, 32 Church Hill Road, 203-426-2563);
NYA Sports & Fitness Center, 4 Primrose Street (203-426-0088);
Popowich Chiropractic, 71 South Main Street (203-300-4922);
Ricci’s Salon & Spa, 99 South Main Street (203-426-1611);
Tractor Supply Company, 116 South Main Street (203-270-1197); and
Verizon/Wireless Zone, 228 South Main Street (Sand Hill Plaza, 203-748-4704).
Visit by classroom this month will offer Excel class for those seeking help with job hunts and/or increasing workplace skills, co-hosted by American Job Center of Southwestern Connecticut and C.H. Booth Library, space very limited so registration requested; 203-426-8552, reference@chboothlibrary.org, chboothlibrary.org.
Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue main station, 18-20 Riverside Road
Fresh-cut Christmas trees, wreaths, pine roping and cemetery boxes, sold by members of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue, continues to Christmas Eve or while supplies last; 203-426-4392, SandyHookFire.com, Facebook.com/SandHookFire.
In the case of the example given, CP Western Studies, grades move from 89 to 86 from 2017/18 to 2019/2020. Would be interesting to know if this is a statistically significant change. In the case of an 89, the students' corresponding GPA is 3.33. For the 86, it is 3.0. With colleges having hard and fast cutoffs for scholarships where as little as a 0.1 GPA difference can be make or break, small percentage differences in a grade can have an outsized impact if they fall near a breakpoint in GPA. That is, the GPA conversion isn't a smooth function, but rather a step function. If average grades are "in line", is 2 points lower considered "in line?" Many classes are said to have higher grades. What has the distribution been? Is the median class grade higher or lower overall in the school? Not advocating for grade inflation, and I don't have any students in the system. It is important to consider whether the resulting changes in grade distributions might affect competitiveness for scholarships.
from this Senator Tony Hwangs website.
"8-30g law has become an emotional issue for many communities because of the broad latitude it gives developers to build under the auspices of increasing affordable housing inventory. Developers can place dense, multi-family projects into single-family neighborhoods, or take land set aside for office buildings and make it into residential properties with set aside percentages far below median income housing. These sometimes controversial development projects often change the town’s character and disrupts neighborhoods."
Looking forward to next meeting. I encourage at the next public hearing there should be a serious discussion of the 8.30g option and the realities of what Main Street and Newtown could face at this site. By not working with the potential developers what this site could face. How well the Historic District question can sustain a challenge. Is there an option to trade land at FFH and the town to take control ot 19 Main Street in a fair trade deal as well. There needs to be continued talks to come to a solution. I personally feel this is an ideal location for residence, not rentals, either condominiums and or townhouses that have some age restrictions if needed. Maybe for seniors or our aging population who may want to downsize. Hope to see more residents there who resiide outside of the Borough since this impacts the entire town and its appeal.
Just want to point out how "Nicer in Newtown" isn't taken seriously by others when the tell a government council that it would be okay to build these apartments, but not near where they live. They want to push it off on someone else. Make it someone else's problem. "Nicer in Newtown" ? ...not so much.
