Road Work Crews Rolling Out Across Town Several milling and paving teams from Newtown’s Department of Public Works and contractor Tilcon Connecticut Inc have been fanning out across the community with plans to complete more or all of the scheduled and budgeted road projects before the end of “paving season.”To Public Works Director Fred Hurley, the sound of pavement milling and the smell of newly laid asphalt spells progress.Several milling and paving teams from Newtown’s Department of Public Works and contractor Tilcon Connecticut Inc have been fanning out across the community with plans to complete more or all of the scheduled and budgeted road projects before the state’s asphalt plants close for the year, signaling the end to “paving season.”Speaking to The Newtown Bee earlier this week on the subject, First Selectman Dan Rosenthal said most of the planned drainage work, milling, road renovations, and paving projects are going as planned.He did say that several areas where chip sealed resurfacing failed around town were being, or had been, addressed by the appropriate contractor working in cooperation with local DPW staff. He said areas of Cobbler’s Mill and Mountain Manor Roads in Sandy Hook will be completed in the spring, before the end of the fiscal year.“We’re also looking at several other roads for chip sealing in the spring,” Mr Rosenthal said, “and we’ll be reserving some of our budget to complete that if weather prevents us from getting to it by the end of this paving season.”Another road initially selected for resurfacing — Birch Hill, between Scudder and Great Hill Roads — is going to be subject to more intensive renovations, the first selectman said. That work will involve new drainage systems, which might be installed before winter.“So that overlay will probably be done in the spring,” he said.In addition, residents on private roads who are collectively contributing to materials costs will also see all planned road resurfacing and work completed as planned either before winter or soon after asphalt plants reopen in the spring.Newtown Legislative Council Chairman Paul Lundquist told The Newtown Bee that he is inviting Mr Hurley to an upcoming meeting to review any road work already completed and to discuss plans for the remaining fiscal cycle. Residents can check for that session by accessing council agendas at newtown-ct.gov/legislative-council.Road Work Crews Rolling Out Across Town John Voket
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Several milling and paving teams from Newtown’s Department of Public Works and contractor Tilcon Connecticut Inc have been fanning out across the community with plans to complete more or all of the scheduled and budgeted road projects before the end of “paving season.”
Pay Attention: Bus Stop Distracted Drivers Study Shared With School Board
The Preusser Research Group Inc (PRG) of Trumbull and local police had distracted drivers at bus stops in their sights in April for a study, and the Board of Education heard the results at its September 17 meeting.The Preusser Research Group Inc (PRG) of Trumbull and local police had distracted drivers at bus stops in their sights in April for a study, and the Board of Education heard the results at its September 17 meeting.Newtown resident and traffic safety scientist and owner/CEO of PRG, Neil Chaudhary, PhD; Newtown Police Department Patrol Supervisor Sergeant Jeffrey Silver; and PRG field data coordinator Jim Nissen attended the meeting to share the study’s results.The Distracted Driving at School Bus Stops: Connecticut Pilot Program in Bethel, Monroe, and Newtown study was designed following, Dr Chaudhary explained, crashes being noted nationally. Dr Chaudhary pointed out that he does not want to be taken as an alarmist, and “school buses are among the safest if not the safest mode of ground transportation there is.”About a year ago, Dr Chaudhary said there were three incidents nationally that involved five deaths at school bus stops. Two of the crashes were determined to be a result of distracted driving. PRG reacted by meeting with the Department of Transportation and later superintendents and police departments.“Basically, we enforced distracted driving behavior at times when bus stops were letting off or picking up and in areas where there were bus stops,” Dr Chaudhary said. “So this was not an enforcement of passing stopped school buses.”The study was conducted along Routes 25 and 302 in April. The pilot program was a collaboration with the towns’ superintendents, police departments, the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Office, and PRG, according to the presentation at the meeting. There is a possible recent increase of cars passing stopped school buses, there is a theoretical link between distracted driving with that behavior, and enforcement efforts to curb distracted driving during school bus pick and drop off times may reduce the passing of stopped buses, the presentation shared.The pilot program was conducted in April, National Distracted Driving Month. It used a “corridor enforcement” approach to conduct the initial administration along one main stretch. PRG made initial observations along the predetermined path.“[Then] law enforcement came in, did an excellent job of enforcement, and we came out again and measured distracted driving again,” said Dr Chaudhary. “What we were looking at was just people with phone to the ear or texting behavior.”While the study was being conducted, the Newtown Police Department continued its regular distracted driving enforcement elsewhere in town as well, Sergeant Silver and Dr Chaudhary explained.The presentation highlighted that the slogan for National Distracted Driving month is “Stay alert so kids don’t get hurt,” and the pilot program’s slogan was “Don’t get BUSted. U Drive. U Text. U Pay” for a reason: “These programs are effective when people know they are happening,” Dr Chaudhary said.Results And Future PlansA “results” slide shared at the meeting offered the percent of incidents per total number of drivers before and after the enforcement efforts were made. Newtown’s “pre” was 5.3 percent and “post” was 3.9 percent; Bethel’s “pre” was four percent and “post” was 3.3 percent; and Monroe’s “pre” was 5.3 percent and “post” was 3.9 percent. The decline in incidents was noted as 26 percent in Newtown, 18.5 percent in Bethel, and 23.2 percent in Monroe. The overall 23.1 percent reduction in distracted driving near bus stops was a “significant” amount, Dr Chaudhary reflected.“This was a pilot study: There are a lot of things that are left unanswered that we hope to answer in the future,” Dr Chaudhary concluded. He added that the hope is to answer whether passing stopped school bus violations are a function of distracted driving, if school bus stop enforcement is more effective than standard enforcement, and whether the program deterred violators from passing stopped school buses.Dr Chaudhary said PRG is hoping to use what was learned from the pilot program to “make it a little bit better.”“What we plan to do is increase participation,” Dr Chaudhary said. “We’re hoping to have at least 12 agencies and towns involved. Our hope is that Newtown will join us again.”Other adjustments will be made too, like potentially tapping bus drivers to tally incidents of distracted driving near bus stops.Dr Chaudhary also hopes the study will go statewide with a potential national “roll-out” in the future.“One of the important things is to get the public aware that it is happening,” said Dr Chaudhary, “and I think when they start considering who the potential victims are that might get it to sink in.”Other BusinessIn other discussion at the meeting, Board of Education Chair Michelle Embree Ku told her board she thinks it is time to discuss the option of purchasing a property adjacent to Hawley Elementary School. She expects the topic will be added to a future meeting’s agenda.The board also heard its monthly financial report from Business Director Ron Bienkowski. As it was “only the second month of the fiscal year,” Mr Bienkowski said, he was “happy to report we are in the black.”The school board also approved the superintendent’s 2019-20 goals at the meeting. Among other things, the goals include articulating a district vision and core values that promote a positive, safe, and inclusive culture; developing and communicating an operational plan for 2020-21 that balances educational needs and the community; facilitating and monitoring a systemic approach to social-emotional learning that includes the use of shared language with students, parents, and the community; and working collaboratively with district stakeholders to design programs to meet students academic, social, and college-to-career readiness needs.A non-meeting, which was not open to the public, to discuss negotiations followed the meeting.School Board Hears Distracted Bus Stop Study Eliza Hallabeck
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Free Smoke Alarms, CO Alarms For Those In NeedThe town fire marshal’s office has a supply of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms available for free to residents who are unable to purchase such safety devices, according to Fire Marshal Rich Frampton.Mr Frampton recently attended the Eighth Annual Operation Save A Life fire safety event, which was held at the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks, where he received those alarms for free distribution in Newtown.The event was sponsored by WTNH-TV, Kidde Fire Safety, The Home Depot, JP Maguire Associates, and the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association. The event is intended to educate the public about fire safety.Local residents in need who want a smoke detector or a CO detector for their homes should go to the fire marshal’s office at Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, at Fairfield Hills. The office is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays. The telephone number is 203-270-4370.A key component of Operation Save a Life is the distribution of smoke alarms and CO detectors to municipal fire officials for use by families in need, particularly low-income elderly people and other at-risk residents.At the event, Kidde donated 5,000 of its ten-year sealed battery smoke alarms and 1,000 CO alarms. More than 100 local fire departments in the state plan to distribute those devices.“Because the battery is sealed inside the ten-year sealed-battery smoke alarms, the hassle of low battery chirps and battery replacement is eliminated for the life of the unit,” according to Operation Save A Life. The unit’s design also reduces the risk of having an inoperable smoke alarm due to a missing battery.According to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without alarms or without working alarms, mainly due to dead or missing batteries.Smoke and co alarms Story Free Smoke Alarms, CO Alarms For Those In NeedNew Web PlatformNewsNone
Free Health Fair Relocating To Community CenterSeptember 28 marks the 26th annual Health Fair, and organizers could not be more excited because this year’s Health Fair is moving from its former location at Reed Intermediate School to the new Newtown Community Center at Fairfield Hills.Where can Newtown residents go to get more free health services, screenings, and information in one stop than anywhere else in town?The Newtown Community Center is the answer.September 28 marks the 26th annual Health Fair, and organizers, including Dr Della Schmid, Health District Director Donna Culbert, Newtown VNA officer Anna Weidemann, Prevention Council Grant Coordinator Chelsea Preneta, Bethel VNA nurse Joan Santucci, and Community Center Director Matt Ariniello, could not be more excited.This year’s Health Fair is moving from its former location at Reed Intermediate School to the new Newtown Community Center at Fairfield Hills.“It’s a beautiful facility focused on the health and wellness of our community, and I am thrilled we’re having the Health Fair here,” said Ms Culbert as she gathered with organizers to examine a new banner that will be hung on the Church Hill Road trestle, reminding all who pass about the event.“Of course, it’s as important as ever for Newtown residents and families to visit and take advantage of all the free health screenings, free information, and advice,” Ms Culbert said, adding that one of the other benefits is how so many visitors depart with not only a better outlook on their own health, but typically lug bagfuls of items that are distributed absolutely free by many of the exhibitors.Residents can come to the Newtown Community Center to benefit from all the healthy offerings on Saturday, September 28, between 9 am and noon.“It’s an all-free three hour event — so residents and families can drop by for a quick visit or stay for as long as they like,” Ms Culbert said. “Across the entire fair, residents can experience interactive demonstrations and wellness treatments. There are numerous free drawings, gift certificates to many of Newtown’s restaurants and eateries to honor Family Day, and promotions from many of our local businesses.”The local official said free Health Fair activities will include skin cancer screening; vision screenings; posture and spinal assessments; blood glucose and cholesterol checks; blood pressure and BMI screenings; body composition analyses; diabetes risk screenings; foot screenings, and venous screenings.Bethel VNA, with support from Newtown VNA, will also be providing flu shots at the Health Fair. Visitors who bring their insurance cards and information typically do not pay for the flu shot, she added.Among exhibitors already confirmed to attend are Aqua Environmental Lab, BLAST Lyme Prevention, Bethel VNA — Know Your Numbers and Flu shots, Newtown’s Center for Support and Wellness, The Children’s Adventure Center, the local Commission on Aging, CT Institute for Communities — School Based Health Center, Connecticut Tick Control, the C.H. Booth Library, Danbury Hospital/New Milford Hospital/Nuvance Health, and chiropractor Dr Della Schmid.Other exhibitors are Families Network of Western CT Inc, OSHA, Friends of Newtown Seniors, Joanne’s Fitness Studio; Newtown Chamber of Commerce, Kevin’s Community Center, Newtown Comprehensive Foot Care, Newtown Lions Club with vision screening, Newtown Parks and Recreation, Newtown Police Department, Newtown Prevention Council, Newtown Public Works/Recycling, Newtown Senior Center, and the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps.Also, Newtown Youth and Family Services; William A. Notaro, MD, offering skin cancer screening; Performance Foot and Ankle Specialists LLC; Porco’s Karate Academy; Protect Our Pollinators; the Regional YMCA of Western CT; The Commons of Newtown; The Newtown Fund; Vein Institute; Visiting Angels; VNA of Newtown; Voice for Joanie; and the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury.Visitors will also be welcome to see and tour the new community center, and staffers will have information for those who may want to join or sign up for one of the many special programs continuing through the fall.Any question can be directed to Ms Culbert at the Newtown Health District by calling 203-270-4291 or by e-mail to health.district@newtown-ct.gov.Free Community Health Fair Appropriately Relocating To Community Center John Voket
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Revised Policy Allows Police To Carry Secondary Firearm
Police Commission members have unanimously approved a policy revision that allows town police officers to carry a concealed firearm as a secondary weapon in the event they are unable to use their primary holstered firearm.Police Commission members have unanimously approved a policy revision that allows town police officers to carry a concealed firearm as a secondary weapon in the event they are unable to use their primary holstered firearm.Commission members approved the policy change after a discussion on the topic with Police Chief James Viadero at a September 3 session.Chief Viadero told commission members that there was a July incident at a bar in Sandy Hook in which a man involved in an altercation attempted to remove a police officer’s service pistol from its holster. In view of that incident, police requested that the commission modify the police firearms policy to allow police to carry a backup firearm.The revised policy addresses the backup gun’s specifications and the requirement that it be concealed and contained in a holster. Also, the officer must demonstrate proficiency in the backup gun’s use at least once a year.Chief Viadero told commission members that there is a varying level of interest among police officers in carrying a concealed secondary firearm. He termed the carrying of a second concealed firearm “a tactical awareness and officer safety issue.”Early on the morning of July 27, police arrested a Sandy Hook man on seven charges, including three felonies, following a violent incident at the Cover Two Sports Cafe at 100 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook Center.Police said they received a call from the bar at 2:13 am, July 27, informing them of an unwanted patron who was refusing to leave the bar after it had closed for business.A struggle then occurred between the man and two policemen, in which the man assaulted both officers. The man attempted to disarm one of the policemen by grabbing his service pistol from his belt during the fight, police said. As a primary firearm, town police carry a Glock 21, which is a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol.Police said they used a taser electronic weapon and also used pepper spray to subdue the man and take him into custody. Two officers received minor injuries during the incident.The man, who is free on bail, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges stemming from the incident and is awaiting trial.police policy on firearms revised Andrew Gorosko
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Meet The Cramers: A Husband And Wife Team Dedicated To Each Other, And Their Hometown
Al Cramer said people sometimes ask him what the secret to a long marriage is. He and his wife, Coke — likely one of Newtown’s longest-tenured couples — tied the knot 66 years ago. “The secret is... broad range of interests,” Mr Cramer said while sitting with his wife in their Partridge Lane home, a house full of reminders of so many interests, notably in photos from their trips together.Al Cramer said people sometimes ask him what the secret to a long marriage is. He and his wife, Coke — likely one of Newtown’s longest-tenured couples — tied the knot 66 years ago.“The secret is... broad range of interests,” Mr Cramer said while sitting with his wife in their Partridge Lane home, a house full of reminders of so many interests, notably in photos from their trips together.Ms Cramer’s photography skills have also helped the family document their many adventures. They have hiked in Austria, Ireland, Norway, Russia, France, South Africa, New Zealand, and Hawaii... the list goes on. She has won state photography and art competitions.Mr and Ms Cramer both like to do a lot of things, and their shared hobbies — namely hiking, backpack camping, traveling, volunteering, generally being active — brought them together and have played a role in keeping them as a team all of these years.Both are 90 years of age, but for the record, Ms Cramer is a month her husband’s elder.“And he doesn’t let me forget it,” she said with a laugh.Truth be told, both are — in many ways — a young 90.“We gave up skiing when we were 85,” Ms Cramer noted.No, that is not a typo.Hanging up the skis at 85 is impressive, but the Cramers have continued to do a lot of other things. Life members of the Appalachian Mountain Club, their active lifestyle has not only contributed to the longevity of their relationship as well as their lives, but also their involvement in town.Throughout all of the changes in how things get done, with the implementation of computers and then the internet, for example, the Cramers — 54-year residents of Newtown — keep at their volunteer work in retirement.Ms Cramer is the only living founding member of the Newtown Women’s Club, and both she and her husband volunteer for Meals on Wheels, regretfully stepping away from the delivery process a couple of years ago. Both continue to put in effort on the Newtown Forest Association board. The Cramers were bell ringers for the Salvation Army for many years.“I enjoy it immensely,” Ms Cramer said of helping out with various organizations, including with Meals on Wheels, where she continues to serve on the board, arranging the yearly audit.Ms Cramer gave her time out of town, too, volunteering at the veteran’s hospital in Rocky Hill. “I like the people very much,” she said of why she has volunteered all of these years.Mr Cramer served as president of the Newtown Rotary Club. An interesting tidbit from back in 1972: in addition to Mr Cramer serving as president of the Rotary, Ms Cramer was president of the Women’s Club, and an unrelated man, Herbert Cramer, was president of the Lions Club, Mr Cramer said. “It was Cramer, Cramer, and Cramer,” he added with a laugh.Although not part of a law firm in town, there are many things in which Mr and Ms Cramer had involvement around town. Mr Cramer served on the board of directors for the Newtown Ambulance Association, was a committee member of the first master plan for Fairfield Hills, and served as chairman of the charter revision committee in 2008.They are well-known in town, and it is not all that uncommon that a former student of theirs will say hello.“The kids are all in their 50s and 60s,” Ms Cramer points out.“It makes you feel good,” said Mr Cramer, who along with his wife, have son, Jeff, and two grandsons, Andrew and Matthew.Education has been a link for this couple from their time dating through a big part of their careers. They met in college, at the State University of New York Cortland, which leads us to meaning behind the nickname Coke.“I sign my checks Cora but everyone else knows me as Coke,” said Ms Cramer, explaining that she did not drink and that is how she earned the nickname. “When I got to college, it stuck.”Al is not short for Albert or Alvin, but Alvah, by the way.Both Cramers were significantly involved in the town’s education process. Ms Cramer was a substitute teacher in Newtown as well as Bethel for 30 years. Mr Cramer, who did his graduate studies at Columbia University in New York City, was principal at Newtown High School from 1965 until 1985. He developed educational specifications for the new high school and pushed for the school’s creation due to the crowded status at the old school (today’s middle school), which at the time housed students in middle and high school grades.The General Assembly gave Mr Cramer a citation for planning and development of the new high school in 1970, and he was later inducted into the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) Hall of Honor.A Dedication To SportsMr Cramer was the president of the CAS and served as associate executive director of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC). In 1978, the CAS Association of Secondary Schools awarded Mr Cramer with a citation, its highest honor. Mr Cramer, who played football, basketball, and baseball in high school in New York, is known for his dedication to increasing participation in and safety of high school sports in the state.In 2007, the CIAC dedicated its state championship ice hockey program to him. Although he never played or coached the sport, Mr Cramer certainly had a good understanding of how to help improve the game. He worked with 15 sports medicine doctors on the Connecticut Sports Medicine Committee to come up with requirements for better equipment and a rule in which teams with three or more major penalties are not eligible to compete in the state tournament. He was instrumental in having the National Federation adopt a football rule to not allow blocking below the waist in the open field.Mr Cramer takes pride in the fact he increased participation of schools with hockey players by 17 by developing the cooperative team concept that allows for individuals at schools without their own programs to join other school teams.Before Mr Cramer’s time with the CIAC, the state did not crown a state champion in football. Under his direction as chairman of the CIAC Football Committee, the CIAC established the playoff points system that determines state postseason qualifiers back in 1974. Through numerous changes the playoff points system has stood the test of time and is still in place today.Mr Cramer was also responsible for increasing the number of state championships in sports across the board. Cross country, for example, had just two divisions, and Mr Cramer led the efforts to the CIAC adding four more, allowing smaller schools a chance to compete against other similarly-small schools for a more even playing field.He served in the Army during the Korean War and worked in the athletic administration office as well as on the physical trainer committee. Mr Cramer has a photo of himself that includes Willie Mays, along with an autograph from Mays, the famous former New York/San Francisco Giants and New York Mets center fielder. Something Mr Cramer is especially proud of is his involvement with getting basketball courts set up at a dozen supply bases in southern France. His plans were used to set up backboards on wooden stanchions. Prior to this, there were no courts for servicemen, Mr Cramer said.In addition to all of their travel, career pursuits, raising their son, and volunteer work, the Cramers found time to look into their family history and piece together a book detailing their respective family trees dating back a few hundred years. Ms Cramer is from Maine, one of the many states they have traveled to, and they found information on her ancestors dating back to when Maine was part of Massachusetts in the 1600s.History and family lineage are important to the Cramers. So, too, is giving back. Mr Cramer said being involved with Scouts as a child helped shape him. The rules and regulations to be a Scout, earn badges, and work up to Eagle Scout status exposed him to a wide range of activities.“I think that’s where I picked it up,” Mr Cramer, whose son and grandson Matthew are also Eagle Scouts, said of having those varying interests. “If you have a large range of interests — things you like to do — you’re going to be active and proactive.”It is fair to say that both Coke and Al Cramer certainly have made things happen throughout the decades.Cramers Feature Andy Hutchison
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Al Cramer said people sometimes ask him what the secret to a long marriage is. He and his wife, Coke — likely one of Newtown’s longest-tenured couples — tied the knot 66 years ago. “The secret is... broad range of interests,” Mr Cramer said while sitting with his wife in their Partridge Lane home, a house full of reminders of so many interests, notably in photos from their trips together.
Business Buzz - Oak Barrel Wine & Spirits Read about Newtown's newest liquor and wine purveyor.Business name: Oak Barrel Wine & SpiritsAddress: 75 Church Hill RoadOwner: Ted Bouzakis, Elias Bouzakis, and Costas BouzakisBackground: Ted Bouzakis and his brothers and partners, along with a childhood friend John Gagis, always dreamed of opening a business together. Figuring that great wines and spirits would always be a staple in any economy, they decided to open a growing chain of liquor stores, with their first being adjacent to highly traveled Interstate 84 just off Exit 10 in a bright and brand new shopping plaza (their second location on Colt Highway in Farmington is also opened under the same name).Business focus: Mr Bouzakis said he and his partners had a goal to operate one of if not the most conveniently located wine and spirit shops in the area, with a significant focus on wines and specialty liquors that local patrons find hard to locate. The owners also committed to creating a business that is community-centric and that looks to find ways to support local organizations and charities. Mr Bouzakis said in the coming weeks, he and his team will begin identifying local charities and selecting some that will benefit from a portion of their weekly sales. The store is also motivated to employ local residents who know the store’s patrons, and about 25 percent of the store’s floor and stock space will always be reserved for special consumer requests, along with what distributors say are the most popular wines and beverages already being sold in the area. Even the store’s business card touts a catch phrase, “If we don’t have it, we’ll get it,” Mr Bouzakis said. He said the thousands of vehicles that pass through or near the location each week will benefit the business, as it is situated in a highly visible corner of the brightly lit plaza just across from the Blue Colony Diner.Special promotions: The store is donating beer and wine for an upcoming movie screening of the film Manipulated from Connecticut Director/Writer Matt Berman on October 7, with proceeds benefiting the Edmond Town Hall Renovations Fund to help purchase and install theater equipment.Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 6 pmWebsite: oakbarrelwineandspirits.comSocial Media: facebook.com/oakbarrelctinstagram.com/oakbarrelctPhone/Reservations: 203-491-2673Business Buzz - Oak Barrell Wine & Spirits Story Business Buzz - Oak Barrel Wine & SpiritsBusiness Buzz - Oak Barrell Wine & SpiritsBusiness, FeaturesNone
Concert Preview — Steve Hackett Recreating Vintage Genesis At RPH When it comes to the architecture of music that immediately signals to millions of listeners all over the world that it is something from the Progressive Rock genre, chances are that Steve Hackett either created it, or had some influence on it. By John VoketThere are millions of architects all over the world — and many are trend setters — but few are recognized by name when someone points at one of their creations.When it comes to the architecture of music that immediately signals to millions of listeners all over the world that it is something from the Progressive Rock genre, chances are that Steve Hackett either created it, or had some influence on it.For the second time in recent years, Hackett rang up The Newtown Bee for an interview ahead of what is now a sold out Ridgefield Playhouse show September 26 after playing the night before at New York's comparatively palatial Beacon Theater.The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and former lead guitarist for Genesis, is returning to The Playhouse with the "Genesis Revisited Tour," performing the band’s seminal album Selling England By the Pound in its entirety with his band. The show will also feature a special Spectral Mornings 40th Anniversary Celebration, along with other material. Possibly Genesis’ finest album, Selling England By the Pound, will showcase Hackett's unmistakably progressive and unique guitar work — described in an advance as the fulcrum on which this tour's challenging and exhilarating show is balanced.He put his highly recognizable stamp on what many fans consider as Genesis' foundational albums along with former bandmates Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford — and has since gone on to compose and perform music that has also influenced many other genres including Jazz, World Music, Blues, and Classical.He has released more than 30 solo albums, including seven with Genesis, and worked alongside Steve Howe of YES in the super group GTR, which produced a MTV-era hit "When the Heart Rules the Mind," and the classic rock radio favorite, "The Hunter."The prolific guitarist has long professed a love of Selling England By The Pound, and his tour marks the 45th anniversary of the band’s first hit single “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)” from that album."I’m thrilled to be performing the whole of my favorite Genesis album, which caught the attention of John Lennon in 1973," he said, adding that at the time of its release, "I felt that I was now playing guitar in the world’s best band, and everything was opening up for us."Hackett is also highlighting the 40th anniversary of Spectral Mornings — his third solo album — released in May 1979 and at that time his highest charting album reaching number 22 in the album charts in the UK, as well as charting in Sweden and the US.If you have to miss the show, consider checking out his upcoming live release Genesis Revisited Band & Orchestra: Live out on October 25. The recording from The Royal Festival Hall in London during the 2018 Genesis Revisited Tour, fulfilled a long held ambition of Hackett's to perform and record the music of Genesis with a live orchestra. The accommodating and well-spoken artist dove into talking about that latest project straight away.Newtown Bee: Did I get it right that Genesis Revisited Band & Orchestra: Live is your first time recording early Genesis material with an orchestra?Steve Hackett: Yes, and it was also the first time I toured with an orchestra — it was quite extraordinary. That recording was the finale of last year's tour. We were going to do only six shows on that tour, but the London show and one other filled up so quickly we were able to add two more. We brought in a Canadian conductor we had worked with before in Buffalo, New York, Brett Thatcher. I have to tell you there were a couple of sleepless nights wondering if we could make it work with the added expense of touring with an orchestra, but it worked and made possible thanks to the fans. It was really a creative and economic miracle — the gods were smiling on us. It came out just peachy.The Bee: Can you talk about some of the lead-up to the recording session in terms of the preparation you had to do to get the orchestra to best compliment the numbers?Hackett: I was invited to work with two orchestras in Iceland and they did some work with Jon Anderson of YES, and I heard some of that. And the orchestral arrangements were so beautiful. Then the orchestra asked me if I wanted to come and do some Genesis stuff with them. So I said yes, and they put together these stunning arrangements. Then Thatcher approached me when we were playing a tiny little theater and he said he had an orchestra and would I like to play with them? I thought he was joking at first, but about a year later, there we were doing a show. We actually ended up doing some other material we hadn't done in Iceland. So then we were called by someone in the UK about putting an orchestra together for a UK tour, so we configured a 40-piece ensemble. So with the band we numbered about 50 on stage. Some might describe it as an ego run riot, but I was being egged on by my agent and promoters, and it ended up all selling out.The Bee: Your last release — At The Edge Of Light — included an amazing song called "Underground Railroad," which has the feel of a Queen number with its driving rhythms and that layered chorus effect on the vocals. What's the story behind that song?Hackett: I guess the link with Queen happens as soon as someone introduces choral elements into rock, because Queen was so well known for those multi-layered harmonies. I had worked with [Queen guitarist] Brian May a few times over the years, but the idea came from a visit to Wilmington [Delaware] and the name Harriett Tubman came up because she helped other slaves escape, I believe in the days before the Civil War. So I thought hearing stories about her that there has to be a song in there somewhere. A couple of years later, I was visiting the Slave Museum in Liverpool, and thought about it again. I said if I'm going to do a song about that era, I wanted to lend some authenticity to it, so I got in touch with the Broom Sisters who had worked with Pink Floyd and the Stones. And they thought the idea of doing a song was very timely, and their own family had been through it a few generations back. So we turned the Broom Sisters along with my sister-in-law who is a great singer into a choir. I joined in too. It was a complex song that incorporated Blues, Country, and Gospel. And it has a feel like a train ride with that rhythm.The Bee: Let's flash back 40 years to Spectral Mornings, which you will be celebrating on this tour. Does technology available today make it any easier for you to to replicate live versions of songs from that album, or are you using the same equipment today as you did back in the late '80s?Hackett: I don't use the same equipment, we try and honor the spirit of the original recordings. For example I used a lot of 12-string guitars on that album to do the chiming stuff. We'll have one, or even two 12-strings along with keyboards, sometimes a harpsichord. It's about creating this huge sparkling sound by having all those strings and instruments jangling together. We also used a lot of that effect that I think was a big part of that early Genesis sound — almost making you think we were using harps. Whether it's a Rickenbacker 12-string with its immediately recognizable sound, with Genesis, we used acoustic 12-strings.The Bee: This tour will also feature the complete Selling England By the Pound album played front to back. Are there any songs from that album that fans probably never heard live before?Hackett: Indeed. There is an extra tune that didn't make it onto the album. Peter Gabriel had an idea for a song which was really wonderful but it didn't get finished — an unfinished gem really. So a few years ago I reached out to him and asked if I couldn't try finishing it up. And he said we could split credit right down the middle if I did. It's called "Deja Vu," and it's a very emotional and full of dynamic changes. It's very English, but that's another one with a choral effect to it, along with some deeply personal lyrics for me.The Bee: Have you decided to add any other classic Genesis tunes for this tour that have been off the setlist for some time?Hackett: We do two tunes from Trick of the Tail, "Dance On A Volcano," and "Los Endos." That one really takes off with the band — kind of goes ballistic. I know the audience, especially fands of that album will be ecstatic when they hear it.Learn more about the artist by visiting hackettsongs.com — Tweeting @hackettofficial — or at his Facebook page.Check out Steve Hackett performing "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight" Live at the Royal Festival Hall, London:Steve Hackett RPH 9-26-19 print preview teaser Story Concert Preview — Steve Hackett Recreating Vintage Genesis At RPHSteve Hackett RPH 9-26-19 print preview teaserFeaturesNone
Snapshot: John Boccuzzi JrOccupation: My full-time job is the North American head of sales for Information Services Group (ISG), based in Stamford. I run a team here in the United States and a support team in India. I accepted the position in January of this year. I call that my day job, because my night job is BD Provisions. I’m a co-founder along with my wife, Cynthia, and friends Tara and Tony DiPippa. We opened BD Provisions in November 2018. We freshly roast coffees from all over the world; we have over 220 bins with rice, nuts, grains, snacks, dried fruit, and candy; and sell olive oils, vinegar, and local honey.Family: My daughter, Sabrina, just turned 18 and is a senior at Newtown High School. My son, John, is 16 and is a junior at Newtown High School. My wife, Cynthia, and I have been together 23 years this November.Pets: We have a cat, Twink, going on 15 years.How long have you lived in Newtown? We bought our first house here 23 years ago. I grew up in Stamford, and my wife grew up in Oxford. We wanted to find a town that had a strong community and school system because we hoped to have children.What do you like to do in your free time? When I have free time, I’m roasting coffee and talking to customers at BD Provisions. I like to daydream of new ideas, which my wife always gets nervous about because then we have to make it a reality. I’m also a beekeeper and a micro fruit farmer. I have a small orchard of fruit trees.Do you have a favorite book?Joy, Inc: How We Built a Workplace People Love by Richard SheridanWhat is your favorite travel destination? Italy. We really loved the Amalfi Coast. A close second would be Germany. We have relatives there, so it was a great experience to go there, as well.What is the best part about Newtown? I like the community feel, the restaurant scene, the school system, the friends we have made in town, and the proximity to a lot of other areas. Also, the C.H. Booth Library has been invaluable to my children and The Newtown Bee is always part of my Saturday mornings with a cup of coffee — BP Provision’s “Midnight Joe,” of course.What organizations are you part of in Newtown? I am active in Scouting and have been for over ten years. I am currently an Assistant Scout Master with Troop 270.Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My mom and dad. I feel very blessed that they have given me such great guidance and coaching throughout my life, and I think that has gotten me to where I am today.If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? My Granddad, who’s my mom’s dad, and my Pop Pop, who’s my dad’s dad. They had a nice influence on my life, and I’d want to be able to catch up with them on the advice they have given me.Do you have a favorite TV show?The Goldbergs. It takes place in the ‘80s, which brings back great memories from my childhood. I also love it because we watch it as a family and have some great laughs.What is your favorite food? My mom’s meatloaf. I get it every year for my birthday.What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? My Pop Pop would say, “Learn a trade and put it on the shelf.” That has stuck with me my entire life.What is something you cannot live without? My wife and children. Also, a cup of coffee.What is your proudest accomplishment? Raising my two amazing children with my wife, Cynthia. I’m so proud of my daughter for earning her Gold Award, the highest rank in Girl Scouts, and of my son, who is currently working on his Eagle project, the highest rank in Scouting. Also, I am proud to have earned the rank of Eagle while I was a teenager. It helped set the path for who I am today. I still like to remind myself of the Scout Oath and Law, and I do my best to follow them each day.Snapshot: John Boccuzzi Jr Story Snapshot: John Boccuzzi JrSnapshot: John Boccuzzi JrFeaturesNone
The Top Of The Mountain
Newtown, from a cat's point of view.You don’t want to miss the Annual Newtown Arts Festival and Evening of the Arts that kicks off this Friday evening with the concert by Merchants of Rhythm, at 7 pm (tickets $15 or $20, tables of six, $100 — newtownartsfestival.com). Saturday and Sunday bring workshops, artist booths, art activities and performances, a wine and beer garden, food, and more from 11 am to 5 pm, adults, $5 at the gate; children, $3 ages 5-12; free for ages under 5. (Look for the Bee booth, and pick up a free copy of the paper.) On Saturday evening, from 6 to 10 pm, enjoy free performances featuring the Newtown musicians of New England New Music Ensemble (NENME), as well as poetry and play readings. Festival events all take place at Fairfield Hills.Curt Covert from Smirk and Dagger Games, a Newtown-based board game publisher, tells us he will be demonstrating (and autographing!) his board games at the Newtown Arts Festival, September 21-22. Be sure to look for him.A beautiful expression of love for our planet caught my eye as I strolled down a hallway at Head O’ Meadow School. The bulletin board exclaiming “Love Our Planet” was outstanding... but what is really outstanding, in my quite biased opinion, is the background chosen for the display: pages from The Newtown Bee!Ruth Newquist is well-known to artists and art lovers in town. If you have not yet had the opportunity to see her exhibit, “New York Cityscapes,” now showing at the C.H. Booth Library, you will want to make some time to do so before the end of September. Ruth’s beautiful watercolors and oil paintings are a joy to behold. Give yourself a little gift and peek into the meeting room of the library during regular hours.The day has finally come! Rescued pigs Little Beanie Tofu and Dolphin said farewell to their pen in Newtown on Wednesday, September 11, and traveled to their forever home at JP Animal Farm Sanctuary in Litchfield. Newtown resident Kathleen Cole, who had been caring for them at her home for almost two years, said the “girls” are adjusting well and are happy to have plenty of room to run and play together.Register at cvhfoundation.org for this Sunday’s Sanctuary presentation. It’s all about butterflies, bees, beetles, and blossoms. The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary has lots of fun in store for all ages, from noon to 3 pm, at the Old Farm Road property.Marilyn, where are you? A woman named Marilyn, a two-year resident of Newtown and owner of an 1800s home, nearly stole the show from Rockapella at Edmond Town Hall Theatre last Saturday night. Her back and forth with the musicians was memorable — and makes us want to meet her! Marilyn, contact editor@thebee.com — please! Audience members also loved the one-on-one interaction between Rockapella member Mitchell Rains and the audience member who confessed she “lip-syncs” the hymns at church!The Newtown Farmers’ Market at Fairfield Hills will be hosting its Fall Festival on Tuesday, September 24, from 2 to 6:30 pm. In addition to vendors and three food trucks onsite, there will be a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages, including face painting, live music from 5 to 6:30 pm, a pumpkin raffle, and two yoga classes. Bring your yoga mat for the all-ages yoga class at 2:30 pm, taught by Elaina Wieser, and the children’s yoga class at 4:30 pm, taught by Wendy Katz-Verga. Ms Katz-Verga will also be collecting donations for the Jessica Rekos Foundation.John Kirhoffer , Co-Executive Producer of the CBS television series Survivor and a NHS Class of 1981 graduate, shares that on Wednesday evening, September 25, at 8 pm, the premier episode of the 39th season airs. “I have been a producer on Survivor since its inception in 2000,” John tells us. And, for the first time in the 20 years on the air, another Newtown resident, Samantha Luzetti, worked on location with John in Fiji for the 39th and 40th seasons.The National Rally to #EndGunViolence takes place on the West Lawn of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, next Wednesday, September 25, from 1 to 3:30 pm. September 25 is also the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, so the Newtown Action Alliance is encouraging all to wear all black that day. Find out how you can be a part of the rally at newtownactionalliance.org/events-activities/2019/9/2/rsvp-national-rally-to-endgunviolence.The C.H. Booth Library has had good news lately: the auction of surplus furniture housed at the 25 Main Street building raised a total of $2,500; and word from the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library is that there was a net of $95,000 from this summer’s annual book sale. It’s good news for patrons, too, who will ultimately benefit from how these funds support our library.Rumor has it that things are going swimmingly at the Aquatics programs at the Newtown Community Center. There are lots of other great programs awaiting community members, too. Check it out at newtowncommunitycenter.org or stop in to the new facility at 8 Simpson Street on the Fairfield Hills campus.The autumn season begins this coming Monday, September 23. Cool mornings are already hastening the demise of summer. If you haven’t finished reading last week’s Fall Home & Garden supplement to The Newtown Bee, you might want to make a point of catching up on all the seasonal tips therein.Are you a PR person with a Newtown organization, maybe new to that position? We want to help you get your information to The Newtown Bee in the best possible manner. Check out our press release tips at newtownbee.com/contact-us. Information presented in the correct form means that your important news will reach us and our readers in a timely fashion. Please remember that a flyer is not a press release!We know there are still lots of residents out there who can say their families have been in town for four or more generations. Do you want to share your story with Bee readers? Contact alissa@thebee.com, and she will help you tell your tale.I always have plenty of tales to tell. Be sure next week to... Read me again.Top of the Mountain Story The Top Of The MountainTop of the Mountain_94FeaturesNone
Volunteers Keep The Youth Football & Cheer Program Going Strong
Completely volunteer-run, the Newtown Youth Football & Cheer organization relies on time given by parents on and off the practice and game fields. From the moms and dads who coach the cheerleaders and football players to the so-called team moms who do seemingly a bit of everything to make the season go smoothly, it is quite a team effort from the sidelines.By Andy HutchisonThis is the fourth and final piece in a series of articles covering Newtown Youth Football & Cheer as the organization celebrates the 50th anniversary of the youth program. The Bee previously published an overview of the program and features focusing on cheerleading and changes in the program.Completely volunteer-run, the Newtown Youth Football & Cheer organization relies on time given by parents on and off the practice and game fields. From the moms and dads who coach the cheerleaders and football players to the so-called team moms who do seemingly a bit of everything to make the season go smoothly, it is quite a team effort from the sidelines.Jennifer Stockwell is the team mom for the fifth grade football team this fall. “My main role is to assist the head coach, Jay Gagnon, with all our team requirements,” Stockwell said.Some of her duties are collecting all necessary team paperwork and bringing it to the league to be certified, communicating weekly and sharing a parent volunteer list to make sure the field is covered, making CDs for the boys to listen to on their way to the games, taking photos for the team, leading in fundraising efforts, assisting with all recruiting events, and organizing all team parties.“I’m ready to help whenever possible,” added Stockwell, who has been a part of the program for three years.Her husband, Pete, is an assistant coach with the fifth grade team, and both of their sons — Cole and Nicholas — have been in the program for four years.Our family absolutely loves the Newtown youth football program. We do it so we can participate and share in the bond and community that the players, coaches, and the parents form throughout the season. Our football families are friends for life,” Jen Stockwell said.Each year, the program awards one volunteer with the Chris Stenz Volunteer Award, an honor given to the individual demonstrating hard work, selfless dedication, roll-up-your-sleeves support, and an unyielding can-do attitude reflecting the memory of its namesake, former NYF&C coach and volunteer Chris Stenz, according to the program’s website, newtownyouthfootball.org.Ali Cordova, the 2018 award recipient, is in her seventh year with the program. Her son, Jayden Cordova, has played football each year since second grade and is beginning his eighth grade campaign this fall.“This will be my sixth year as team mom, and I have been involved in the planning of the Beer, Wine, & Spirits Tasting Fundraiser event for four years. Working on the (fundraiser in June) with such a great group of people and volunteers has been extremely rewarding,” Cordova said.“Team mom takes on a lot of the communication, filling weekly volunteer spots, and off-the-field planning aspects of the team. Taking this off of the coaches’ plates really allows the coaches to focus on football — game strategy, practice plans, plays, motivating, and all of the on-the-field aspects of the game. We have a great group of parents on our team — everyone pitches in and helps each other —making team pump-up playlists, team lanyards, filling game-day volunteer spots each week, team videos, and so much more,” Cordova said.“Our team is very lucky to have a group that loves being together — parents and kids. Once August hits, football is every night during the week, and then preseason jamborees and scrimmages begin on the weekends to get ready for the season. It is a huge commitment for everyone — players, parents, and coaches. The commitment for the coaches begins long before the season ever does as they prep for the upcoming season,” Cordova added.In early August, every team has to put together their validation book, which consists of a large amount of paperwork for each player, which must be verified/approved by the Shoreline Youth Football League. Every game, there is a long list of volunteer duties to be filled by each team — videoing, announcing, working the snack shack or apparel tent, verifying plays, and more, Cordova said.“This program has given us our football family — not just for my son, but for my husband and I as well. So much work goes into running a successful youth sports program; most of the coaches and volunteers already have full time jobs but work tirelessly to help these kids be successful individually and as a team. Youth football is demanding but rewarding and has taught my son and his teammates so much, both on and off the field. I want to give back to the program which has given so much to our kids. I do it for softball as well for my daughter. When your children have such a love for a sport, it feels good to help that program in any way you can. One of Jayden’s coaches always says ‘Doing it for the kids.’ I think that statement says it all,” Cordova saidRich Guman, who played in the program in the 1970s, has been director of football operations for the program since 2016, succeeding Jim Luzietti, who was the Chris Stenz Award winner in 2016. Guman also coached from 2013 to 2018. His son, Richie, also a product of the youth program, plays at the high school, and his daughter, Hannah, continues to cheer and is now with the eighth grade squad.“It’s a great league. The families are great, the coaches are great. Everybody chips in,” Guman said. “The league would not run without the parents.”All of the coaches are volunteers. Guman said coaching requires several hours five or six days a week of practice time and watching film. “It’s an extra job,” he said.“Congratulations to Newtown Youth Football and Cheer — 50 years of existence is a tremendous accomplishment and quite a tribute to past and present players, parents, and board members that have ensured continued success of the league. The adherence to the mission of the organization has enabled safe competitive play for all participants. This program has always been regarded as an organization of high standards that is in place for the betterment of all kids,” said Doug Magazu, who put in a lot of time with the program throughout recent years.Magazu, whose son, Dylan, played in the program, was a head coach for seven years, during which his teams qualified for the playoffs six times and won a pair of conference championships in the last decade. In addition to his coaching tenure, Magazu served as president three years, vice president of football for two years, and did fundraising for the program for a year.“I can only say my experience with coaching youth sports in town was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. A fantastic group of kids, great supporting parents, and a remarkable bunch of men — dads — to coach with. There are way too many folks to mention who all volunteered and contributed to the success of the program,” said Eric Lambert, who coached football in the program from 2006 to 2009 and whose son, Jake, competed on youth gridiron.Lambert, the 2010 Chris Stenz Award recipient, was involved for about a decade and said that seeing the success and accomplishments of the participants as they have grown and gone on to college or careers has been a tribute to their families, the community, and the program.“I think it’s amazing, really. I can’t believe it’s been around that long,” said Susan Bridges, cheer coordinator of Newtown Youth Football & Cheer from 2004-13. Bridges, who was the co-winner of the Chris Stenz Award, along with Joe DeVellis, in 2008, added that the longevity of the program is a testament to those who run the program and the dedicated parents alike.“I think it just shows the dedication of our parents throughout that time,” added Diane McCabe, current vice president of cheer for the youth program.Youth Football And Cheer 50 Years, Parents Story Volunteers Keep The Youth Football & Cheer Program Going StrongYouth Football And Cheer 50 Years, ParentsFeatured Slider, SportsNone
Completely volunteer-run, the Newtown Youth Football & Cheer organization relies on time given by parents on and off the practice and game fields. From the moms and dads who coach the cheerleaders and football players to the so-called team moms who do seemingly a bit of everything to make the season go smoothly, it is quite a team effort from the sidelines.
Big Win! Nighthawk Gridders Defeat Prep Jesuits 21-14Newtown High School’s football team defeated host Fairfield Prep in a tough nonconference battle on September 20, building a two-touchdown lead in the second quarter and holding off the Jesuits for a 21-14 win.Miles Ricks scored on a one-yard touchdown run to break a scoreless deadlock 8:04 before the half. Quarterback Jack Street connected with Riley Ward for a 33-yard touchdown strike with 3:53 remaining in the second quarter.Prep capitalized on a penalty-assisted drive to answer just 53 seconds later when quarterback and Newtown resident J.P. Iaropoli completed a touchdown pass to Timothy Pearson. It was 14-7 Nighthawks at the half.In the third quarter, Ricks had back-to-back 20-yard runs and, later on that drive, picked up a crucial first down on fourth and one yard to go at the Jesuit 31, gaining two yards. Ricks then turned the left corner and fended off several would-be tacklers, bouncing off a series of hard hits to fight his way into the end zone from 25 yards out. It was 21-7 Nighthawks with 3:28 to go in the third.With Robert Long taking over quarterbacking duties in the second half, the Jesuits again sliced the deficit in half when Long danced into the paint from 14 yards out on the last play of the third quarter. Long completed a pass to Iaropoli, who played as a receiver in the third and fourth quarters, during that scoring drive.Penalties, many of which the Nighthawks and their fans disputed, piled up on the visitors. Twice in the fourth quarter, the Nighthawks had the ball inside Prep’s red zone and threatened to score on Street to C.J. Cuomo and Tucker Garrity completions, only to have flags fly and the offense backed up.Newtown overcame the calls and its defense held off the Jesuits as Ben Pinto and Jared Dunn each had a quarterback sack late in regulation.The Nighthawks used platoon at quarterback with Brandon Lombardo alternating with Street in the pocket for the second week to begin the season.NHS defeated New Milford 42-0 in week one and improved to 2-0 and the Jesuits dropped to 1-1.
Where To Park For Tonight’s Newtown Football Game At PrepParking at Rafferty Stadium for tonight’s Newtown-Fairfield Prep football game, at 6 pm in Fairfield, is limited but there are other places to leave the car. Relaying a message from the Prep athletics department, Newtown High School Athletic Director Matt Memoli said fans are asked to park in the garage just past the guard house upon entering through the main entrance at 1073 North Benson Road. Once the garage is filled, fans will be directed to park behind Fairfield Prep.Attendees are asked to arrive early for parking convenience and to avoid driving into the campus as far as the stadium to avoid traffic jams.
Nighthawk Volleyball Team Has Competitive Matches To Begin Slate
Newtown High School's girls' volleyball team showed plenty of fight in the first two matches of the season, a pair of five-game battles with FCIAC teams. The Nighthawks bounced back from a tough loss at St. Joseph of Trumbull to defeat Darien.Newtown High School's girls' volleyball team showed plenty of fight in the first two matches of the season, a pair of five-game battles with FCIAC teams. The Nighthawks bounced back from a tough loss at St. Joseph of Trumbull to defeat Darien.Trailing two games to one and behind 22-16 in what could have been visiting Darien’s put-away set, Newtown High School’s girls’ volleyball team put together quite a comeback on September 13.The Nighthawks went on a 9-1 run to close out the fourth game and win 25-23 and force a decisive fifth game. They then bested the Blue Wave 15-10 to come away with the match win 3-2 (16-25, 25-20, 17-25, 25-23, 15-10) on September 13.Coming off a hard-fought 3-2 loss to St Joseph the day before, the Nighthawks dug deep to come out on top against the team that eliminated them from the state playoffs one year ago. Newtown defeated Darien twice during the regular slate last fall.A kill by Veronica Kroha and pair of blocks for points by Genevieve Murray helped pull Newtown to within a point at 23-22 in set four. A diving save by Kroha led to the tying point, and a long hit out of bounds by the Blue Wave gave Newtown a 24-23 edge. Sarah Nowacki’s kill was too hot for the Wave to handle and closed out the game.In the fifth set, the Nighthawks seized leads of 3-0 and 6-3. After Darien pulled to within a point at 6-5, Newtown scored four straight, highlighted by two Nowacki aces.The teams traded points, and Darien was within 12-9 before Newtown scored two straight, capped by a Natalie Horn ace. A service error gave Darien its final point and extended the match, but Nowacki’s kill deflected out off a Darien player to seal the win.Nowacki had nine kills, five aces, and four digs; Amanda Arujo had six kills; Kroha had six kills; Natalie Horn logged nine digs; Lauren Belden compiled seven digs; and Genevieve Murray tallied four kills.A key to the comeback against Darien, Newtown Coach Tom Czaplinski said, was improvement in communication on the court.Against St Joe’s, the match scores were 25-22, 22-25, 25-18, 24-26, 15-11. Horn had five aces, ten kills, and 14 digs; Genevieve Murray compiled 11 kills; Kroha had five aces and nine kills; Lauren Belden registered two aces and six digs; Nowacki had three aces, eight kills, and four digs; and Kira Smith had five digs. The Nighthawks accumulated 19 aces.“They definitely have that fight inside all of them. It’s just a matter of getting off to a better start,” Czaplinski said.A second straight hard-fought loss to begin the year might have stung a bit more than any other brief two-match losing skid. And getting a win was perhaps all the more important given the lengthy wait until the next match.“I think it would have been a little demoralizing for the girls... It was definitely great to pull it out,” said Czaplinski, whose team will participate in the John Jay tournament in New York on Saturday, September 21, and will go to Bunnell of Stratford on Monday, September 23, at 5:30 pm.NHS Volleyball Andy Hutchison
Story Nighthawk Volleyball Team Has Competitive Matches To Begin SlateNHS Volleyball_59SportsNone
Boys’ Cross Country Team Loses Battle To Try And Win The War, And Girls Sweep
With an end goal of being championship-ready when the mid-October South-West Conference meet is held, Newtown High School’s boys’ cross country team treated its regular season meet at Bethel High as a training day on September 17. After all, several team members were sidelined with illness and injury bugs the week before, and their workout regiment was off.BETHEL — With an end goal of being championship-ready when the mid-October South-West Conference meet is held, Newtown High School’s boys’ cross country team treated its regular season meet at Bethel High as a training day on September 17. After all, several team members were sidelined with illness and injury bugs the week before, and their workout regiment was off.Newtown team members ran hard before the meet, then competed knowing they were likely to lose to Bethel but could still defeat Bunnell of Stratford and Kolbe Cathedral of Bridgeport. That is exactly what happened; the Nighthawks, who still managed three finishers among the top ten, lost the battle with hopes of being in better position to win the war when that championship race comes around.“We’re still playing catchup from the injury bug and illness bug last week. Today was just a training day. We’re just trying to get right because we’re so far behind from last week,” Newtown Coach Carl Strait said.The team has less than a week to prepare for its next competition, the Winding Trails Invitational, set for Saturday, September 21, in Farmington.Newtown was beaten by Bethel 20-35, but defeated Bunnell 25-35, and Kolbe 15-50.Andrew Poseno was Newtown’s fastest finisher and placed sixth overall in a time of 19:11.94. Will Tainter-Gilbert was eighth in 19:38.96, Aidan Budge ninth in 19:42.33, and Nick Jacobs tenth in 19:46.87. Dan Sibley came in 12th in 19:57.51 and Max Hanson was 13th in a time of 20:02.20. Bethel’s Robert Doyle was first in 18:15.61.In the girls’ meet, Newtown defeated all three opponents, including a competitive race with Bethel in which the Nighthawks won 24-33. NHS also bested Bunnell and Kolbe each by 15-50 scores.Bethel’s Ava Graham was first in 19:26.89, and the Wildcats had three more runners in the top ten. Newtown, however, had seven finishers in the top ten. Rylee Harrell was second in 21:23.73, Emily Tressler third in 21:31.68, and Maddie Fetchick fourth in 21:39.95. Hallie Filan came in seventh in a time of 22:38.02, Courtney Henchcliffe was eighth in 22:49.91, and Gloria Rowley placed tenth in 23:40.29. NHS also had the next three finishers: Chloe Karnas in 23:42.41, Emily Litke in 23:48.50, and Laura Wong in 24:04.08.“I love racing at Bethel. It gets us ready for postseason,” said Newtown Coach Christina Caron, whose team will be back at the Bethel course for the big meet on October 16.NHS Cross Country Andy Hutchison
Story Boys’ Cross Country Team Loses Battle To Try And Win The War, And Girls SweepNHS Cross Country_28SportsNone
The Resiliency Center of Newtown, 153 South Main Street
Free
Public invited to visit center that has, since 2013, been providing youth enrichment opportunities, music and art therapy, play therapy, MNRI, Brainspotting, support groups and more, meet staff, tour space, also enjoy light refreshments, chair massages, reiki and acupuncture; 203-364-9750.
C.H. Booth Library (lower meeting room), 25 Main Street
Paintings in watercolor and oil by Ruth Newquist, NWS, on view through the end of the month (when meeting room is not in use for meetings or programs); 203-426-4533, ruthnewquist@gmail.com, ruthnewquist.com.
Trinity Episcopal Church (Glover Room), 36 Main Street
Auditions available for those interested in joining group that is a diverse mix of singers of all ages and many backgrounds, under Maestro Eric Dale Knapp, auditions weekly through October 7, those considering an audition also welcome to visit CCS rehearsal (7:30-9:30 Mondays, same location) to meet conductor and current members; 888-927-2933, info@ctchoralsociety.org, facebook.com/connecticutchoralsociety or ctchoralsociety.com.
Opening session of new series being launched by First Selectman Daniel Rosenthal to bring “complete transparently to challenges and opportunities he sees community facing in coming years” to Town-owned campus, first session to focus on history of Fairfield Hills since its purchase in 2004 including buildings in place then, buildings renovated or demolished, campus improvements, and continued challenges, additional sessions and topics TBA, questions welcomed in advance; fh@newtownct.gov.
Thank you for the Bee's wonderful article regarding my brother Dick Zang's WSA retirement; Recognition, Accomplishments, Background and Likes.
!!! YOU NAILED IT !!!
However, allow me to add: His Athleticism; soccer player and coach, golfer, skier, etc.
