Parks & Rec Spring Egg Hunt Moved To SundayNewtown Parks & Recreation has announced its Spring Egg Hunt has been moved to Sunday, April 2. Due to the forecast for inclement weather for Saturday, April 1, Newtown Parks & Recreation has announced its Spring Egg Hunt has been moved to Sunday, April 2.Those who are already registered for April 1 are asked to contact Parks & Rec as soon as possible, at 203-270-4370, to move to the Sunday time slot of their choice.For those who missed signing up for the original date, there are currently openings from 2 and 3 pm, according to an email blast from the Town department.The event is for ages 3-12. Cost is $5 for Newtown residents and $10 for nonresidents. The Egg Hunt will be at Dickinson Town Park, on Elm Drive.To register for the new date, contact Parks & Rec at the phone number above or visit newtown-ct.gov/parks-recreation.WEB Parks & Rec Spring Egg Hunt moved to Sunday Story Parks & Rec Spring Egg Hunt Moved To SundayCultural Events, Featured Slider, NewsNone
Flags Lowered For Nashville ShootingsNewtown Hook & Ladder firefighters were at the Main Street flagpole this morning, lowering the town’s landmark flag following the country’s latest mass shooting. By Shannon HicksNewtown Hook & Ladder firefighters were at the Main Street flagpole this morning, lowering the town’s landmark flag following the country’s latest mass shooting.On Monday morning, a former student shot through the doors of The Covenant School, a Christian elementary school in Nashville. Six people died before the shooter was killed by police. According to the Associated Press the victims included three children, the school’s top administrator, a substitute teacher, and a custodian. The victims have been identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old, and adults Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; and Mike Hill, 61.Within hours, President Joseph Biden issued a proclamation calling for flags to be lowered as a mark of respect "for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee."Flags are to be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, March 31, 2023,” the proclamation continued.Biden also directed flags at all US embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations, to be lowered for the same duration.Governor Ned Lamont followed suit, directing US and state flags in Connecticut to fly at half-staff effective immediately until sunset on Friday, March 31, 2023.Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the US flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered for the same duration.Police gave unclear information on the gender of the shooter. For hours, police identified the shooter as a 28-year-old woman and eventually identified the person as Audrey Elizabeth Hale.Then at a late afternoon press conference, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale currently identified.Authorities said Hale was armed with two “assault-style” weapons as well as a handgun. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of Hale’s home turned up a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence.The school has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members.President Joe Biden, speaking at the White House on Monday, called the shooting a “family’s worst nightmare” and implored Congress again to pass a ban on certain semi-automatic weapons.=====Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.WEB flags being lowered for Nashville shootings Story Flags Lowered For Nashville ShootingsFeatured Slider, NewsNone
Nonprofit Council Chats Up Volunteer Fair, Livable Communities Event
Newtown Nonprofit Council had its first evening meeting on March 21, when a hybrid presentation was offered by the council and its attendees.Newtown Nonprofit Council (NNC) had its first evening meeting on March 21. The hybrid meeting was offered in person at C.H. Booth Library and via Zoom.In attendance was Katherine Simpson of Newtown Congregational Church, Steve Bennett of Newtown Lions Club and Newtown Congregational Church, Jim Loring of Cullens Youth Association, Julie Brunelle of Friends of Edmond Town Hall, John Boccuzzi Sr of Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS), Tripp Killin of the Jeniam Foundation, Niki Giordano of EverWonder Children’s Museum, and Sattie Persaud of World Heritage Cultural Center.Moderating the event was C.H. Booth Library Reference Librarian Lily Mac Hugh.After everyone introduced themselves and the night’s agenda was handed out, Simpson asked what each person finds is their greatest concern as a nonprofit.Many people echoed each other about the challenge of trying to get people aware of events and build community interest.Simpson agreed and said while churches have a “unique position” in town as a nonprofit, “It’s always a challenge to reach people.”She explained that these concerns are similar to what people felt even four years ago before the Galaxy Digital volunteer hub “Get Connected, Newtown!” was created.The platform allows nonprofits to publish information about their organizations, events, and register volunteers. It is paid for by The Jeniam Foundation.According to Simpson, the hope was that by creating “Get Connected, Newtown!” it would be a “perpetual volunteer fair.” It would also serve as a town calendar to prevent organizations from scheduling conflicting activities and help groups to collaborate on events together.“That was the dream,” she said.Mac Hugh noted that as of earlier that day there was a new nonprofit added to the site, leading them to have roughly 34 active groups.Simpson said she would like to have two volunteers from the NNC help her create a physical volunteer fair in town as a way to market “Get Connected, Newtown!” to a wider audience.The council members brainstormed possible ideas for a location and that it could take place in the fall.Livable CommunitiesBoccuzzi led a discussion on the Livable Communities project he is spearheading.According to AARP, “A livable community is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. Livable communities: enhance personal independence; allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.”Boccuzzi said the Town of Newtown has an overall Livable Index Score of 54 out of 100. The score is based on seven categories: housing, neighborhood, transportation, environment, health, engagement, and opportunity.“There is a lot of room for growth,” Boccuzzi said.The Livable Communities project identifies goals for the town to accomplish, how to make it happen, as well as a time line for it all. He is looking to have the NNC’s support for a public forum later this year that will focus on educating the public about the initiative.“I want to try to organize this event in August to bring all the nonprofits together,” Boccuzzi said.He added that it will be an opportunity for groups to make connections, grow partnerships, and overall be a “positive step forward” for the council.Before the meeting concluded, Brunelle mentioned that Edmond Town Hall will have three upcoming events she wanted to promote.Its Tuesday Evening Sound Bath Series will take place April 4 and May 2, from 7 to 8:30 pm, in the Alexandria Room with practitioner Julia Gerace of Soundbath & Beyond.“It’s a wonderful way to relax,” Brunelle said.Edmond Town Hall also has The Argyle Sax Quartet returning on Sunday, May 7, from 2 to 4 pm, in the Alexandria Room.Details for those events are included among all of the listings within The Newtown Bee Community Calendar, in print (page A2 every week) and online. =====Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.Newtown Nonprofit Council March 21 Alissa Silber
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Town Administrator Workgroup Planning Public Hearing A public hearing on a possible change to Newtown's government, possibly including a town administrator, will face a public hearing on May 15.As the Town Administrator Workgroup enters its third month of study and interviews about a possible change to the way the municipality is managed on a day-to-day basis, mostly centered on the possibility of hiring a town administrator, the one thing that members feel has been lacking has been public input.Realizing part of that may be attributable to their Monday afternoon meeting time, the workgroup is planning their public hearing at 6 pm Monday, May 15, in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Center.Prior to the public hearing, the workgroup will be conducting its normal meeting at 5 pm — possibly conducting interviews of town and out-of-town officials, to be decided at a future date.Board of Finance member Laura Miller, attending the workgroup’s March 20 meeting as a member of the public, expressed that she was happy to hear about the evening meeting.“I’m so glad you’ll be having an evening meeting,” said Miller, who also asked the workgroup a number of questions concerning the group’s findings so far.Miller asked about what happens with a difference in opinion between a first selectman and the town administrator. Workgroup Chairman and town Selectman Maureen Crick Owen replied that the first selectman would have final say.“The town administrator reports to the first selectman,” said Crick Owen. “The first selectman decides.”The town manager is essentially the chief executive officer of a town, rather than the first selectman; while a town administrator works as an assistant to the Board of Selectmen.Miller asked what the parameters for success for a town administrator would be, and Crick Owen said that the first selectman “is dragged in all directions” and “gets off track of looking at the long-term vision.”“That’s what helps the first selectman,” said Crick Owen.Miller also asked about the possibility of making the first selectman a four-year term instead of a two-year term.Crick Owen answered that would require a charter change, and the fear would be that a new first selectman that theoretically might not be as accomplished in the job as the previous occupants of the office would have “longer to do damage” with a longer term.Herb Rosenthal VisitsEarlier in the meeting, the workgroup interviewed former First Selectman Herb Rosenthal.Crick Owen noted that from the limited public input the workgroup has received, one question that comes up is why they are looking at a town administrator, since it would be extra cost to the town.Rosenthal said the job of first selectman has become “more complex” over the years since his father was first selectman in the ‘70s and into the ‘80s, and from when he was first selectman from 1997 to 2007, and especially in the 16 years since he left office.“Because it’s become more complex, the things needed to know in town has grown,” said Rosenthal. “The state legislature in its infinite wisdom is always adding new statutes.”Rosenthal noted that his father was in the first selectman’s office 12 years, he was in office for ten years, former first selectman Pat Llodra was in office for eight years, and Rosenthal’s son Dan Rosenthal will be leaving office after six years on November 30.“The concern is continuity,” said Rosenthal. “That would create less likelihood of turnover [in town departments] and they can accomplish more.”Rosenthal said that when he was in office, he had an additional secretarial position in his office to help out with administrative tasks.“I don’t know why that was eliminated after I left,” said Rosenthal.Believing that a move straight to a town manager model of government was a “big step,” he said that a town administrator would be a good intermediate step to “test out” such a hired position and “see how it goes.”Crick Owen agreed, saying that a first selectman to town manager change would be an “A to Z change,” but adding a town administrator would be an “A to B change.”“If things don’t work out, we can go back,” said Crick Owen.Rosenthal said that the workgroup has done a “lot of study” and has the research to “back up any decision [it] may make.”The final decision on whether to follow the workgroup’s recommendation would likely be up to the next first selectman, but Crick Owen felt that it could be “beneficial to those that want to run.”“It could take some of the pressure off of them,” said Crick Owen.Associate Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.Town Administrator Workgroup Plans Public Hearing Jim Taylor
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P&Z Holds ‘Working Session’ To Define Warehouses, Food TrucksNewtown Planning and Zoning Commission made significant strides in defining warehouses, distribution centers, and food trucks during its March 16 meeting.Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) made significant strides in defining warehouses, distribution centers, and food trucks during its March 16 meeting at Newtown Municipal Center.P&Z members present were Dennis Bloom, Roy Meadows, Corrine Cox, Gregory Rich, Kersti Ferguson, Brian Leonardi, Connie Widmann, and David Rosen.Land Use Agency Director Rob Sibley was also in attendance.The focus that evening was to review the potential text language modifications to the Newtown zoning regulations. Sibley had put together discussion points and an updated draft text amendment for Warehouses and Distribution Centers.“What I gave you is a copy of your subcommittee proposed amendments that you produced and that you gave to the office, and we’ve discussed twice now,” he said to the commissioners.Sibley noted that this meeting would be “a working session” since there were some concerns with the latest version, specifically with the “explosives or flammable liquids sections.”This would be the last meeting for crafting the write-ups before formally applying to amend the regulations.“So, what you’re looking at are the two definitions: one for warehouse, one for distribution center. You’re looking at the question of whether or not you should do anything in the B-2 [Zone] section. Then you have all of the industrial sections and their numbers associated with it,” Sibley said.There was also a modification to industrial uses pertaining to buffers.Sibley’s version stated:*Warehouse should be defined as “A building or buildings used for the storage of goods and products prior to being distributed, sold, or used. Storage of explosives or bulk storage of flammable liquids or gasses is prohibited.”*Distribution Center should be defined as “A building or buildings used for the delivery, mixing, manipulation, sorting, packing, short-term storage, and distribution of goods and products prior to being sold or used. Storage of explosives or bulk storage of flammable liquids or glasses is prohibited except those items necessary.”The three pages of proposed industrial section updates can be found in the P&Z March 16 Meeting Minutes.The commissioners shared what they found acceptable and what they would suggest be updated.As for the planted buffer section, 5.08.700, the proposal states, “The requirements of Article VIII Section 4 Landscape, Screening, and Buffering Requirements shall be utilized as a minimum standard for landscaping, however, all parking areas that are adjacent to a residential zone shall be landscaped to have a visually impenetrable screen year-round. Unless additional setbacks and/or natural planted buffers are expressly required in these regulations, all lots which are adjacent to a residential zone, or a single-family dwelling shall maintain a 75-foot-wide natural buffer along such boundary. In the absence of such a natural buffer, a planted buffer shall be required.”“Thanks, Rob, that was a lot of work,” Rich said, and other commissioners agreed.Food TrucksSibley said that he spoke with the Health District to see what they thought of a new Food Trucks definition.“The Health District has basically said that we operate from such a completely different type of definition, because we are talking about licensing food establishments. Their definition says, ‘Any person, … firm, or corporation operating a food vending business serving food or drink from an approved conveyance without a fixed location,’” he explained.Bloom, who identified himself as a licensed food truck owner, brought up that he believes food trucks should be allowed at certain approved locations in town, such as at Fairfield Hills Campus or commercial properties, and not just set up the side of the road.Sibley’s definition for food trucks or an “itinerant mobile food establishment” reads, “A Public Health licensed motor vehicle, trailer, or mobile food kitchen that is designed to be readily moveable, is self-contained, and from which food is prepared, sold, or served. The term includes, but is not limited to, a commercially manufactured vehicle.”Commissioners talked about if they should make the distinction of the type of drinks that food trucks can sell, specifically alcoholic versus non-alcoholic. Sibley proposed including the phrase “alcoholic beverages only permitted in conjunction with food,” and the P&Z appreciated that distinction.After hearing additional comments, Sibley said, “Let me go back to the drawing board and spend a little more time. I think we are very close on the definition.”He will return to the commission in roughly a month to present an updated draft amendment for food trucks.=====Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.Planning and Zoning March 16 Alissa Silber
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CT NOFA Winter Conference Highlights ‘Food As Medicine’
Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA) conducted its 41st Annual Winter Conference from Monday, March 6 to Saturday, March 11.Is it possible that the food you’re eating is making you sick — or at least working counter to your efforts to develop a healthier lifestyle? Or, is it possible your food choices can actually help heal what ails you?These questions were addressed when the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA) conducted its 41st Annual Winter Conference from Monday, March 6 to Saturday, March 11.On Friday, March 10, CT NOFA hosted “Food As Medicine,” a webinar highlighting Cara Joseph, a registered nurse, exercise physiologist, and advanced nutrition response testing practitioner, who is also certified in whole food nutrition through the International Foundation for Nutrition and Health.Joseph started off by sharing that there is a “national healthcare state of crisis” taking place where the rates of major diseases are on the rise for children and adults.She specifically highlighted how obesity and diagnosed diabetes are increasing in the United States. She provided three maps showing the drastic change from 2004, where it was relatively low, to ten years later where it had risen. Then she showed a map of obesity and diagnosed diabetes rates from 2019 and it had skyrocketed.“We need a paradigm shift within our healthcare system. In order to make that shift, we need to shift away from managing care with medicine and focus on the primary needs of the body: organic foods. That’s foods that have not been sprayed with pesticides, that’s been grown in nutrient-dense soil, and that has been taken from local sources and harvested at the peak of ripeness,” Joseph said.She said that is when the food has “the highest nutritional density” and most benefits for the body. That, as well as access to clean water and air, are basic needs of the body that need to be met.Joseph talked about how at her practice they “treat food as medicine” and that as a functional nutritionist her job is to “support the body to function optimally, decreasing the presence of disease, symptoms, and need for medication.”She discussed how nutrients are the building blocks of life and it is better to access them naturally rather than synthetically, such as through typical store-bought vitamins.Joseph gave the example of how calcium is helpful in the body for a variety of reasons including for bones and muscular contraction/relaxation. She said that, in her opinion, raw milk is a great way to get calcium. Since it is not easily accessible, unless someone knows a dairy farmer, she mentioned people should go to realmilk.com to find where to find it locally.“We should be eating whole foods — eat the whole pepper, eat the whole orange — to be able to get the nutrients that our body needs in the form that our body can use them,” Joseph said.She added that just because a label at the store says a product is “non-GMO” does not mean that it has not been sprayed with pesticides. Her slideshow listed that pesticide use increases rates of disease, specifically cancer, autism, gut issues, and arthritis.Joseph encouraged people to look for the “Organic” label sticker and to also support local farms growing organically whenever possible.She concluded her presentation by showing photos and positive testaments from her clients about how her practice has helped them with their ailments, including diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and anxiety.“This is all from food! Changing your diet is so important,” Joseph said.Attendees were then given time to ask Joseph questions. Multiple people inquired about the topic of raw milk and asked what is an alternative if people have sensitivity to dairy or are vegan.Joseph said there is a brand called Standard Process that makes calcium tablets that are dairy-free and vegan.She also let the audience know that people can receive a free consultation from her, or fellow functional nutritionist Shelly Laibrandt, by going to caramiawellness.com to get started on their healthy journey using food as medicine.To learn more about CT NOFA, visit ctnofa.org.Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.CT NOFA Winter Conference: Food as Medicine Alissa Silber
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‘I Thank God Every Day’: Woman’s Club Hosts LaVerne Blackwell Sharing Stories From Memoir Newtown Woman’s Club hosted its annual Author/Book Signing Luncheon at Newtown Country Club on March 18, when they welcomed longtime Newtown resident and author LaVerne Blackwell as their special guest.Newtown Woman’s Club hosted its annual Author/Book Signing Luncheon at Newtown Country Club Saturday, March 18, welcoming longtime Newtown resident and author LaVerne Blackwell as their special guest. Blackwell arrived primed to share anecdotes from her debut memoirMy Truths, My Triumphs, My God.She started by saying it was an honor to be there before a packed room that included members of the club, as well as friends and family members. Then, in her words, she described how in her younger years her life “went from riches to rags.”Blackwell was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, but soon went to live in France. It was there that she felt she was in a time of riches: her family was together, they had a car, she did well in school, and she learned about prayer and God from going to church.This stage of her life holds many happy memories, but they were soon dashed when her family went back to the United States. They stayed in New York temporarily then settled in with her grandmother in Richmond. Then her father left for Texas without them.It was then she remembers the pain of going to school hungry and the responsibility of helping care for her sister.“My life started to get ugly,” Blackwell said.From that point on she endured countless moves, including one that left her with her aunt and uncle while her mom went to Atlantic City alone. She remembers the family not having money and the struggle she faced trying to make new friends with every move.Blackwell's life, she said, took an unfortunate turn for the worst when she was in seventh grade, tested at a high school level, and attended school with much older students. She recalled falling into a crowd of peers who pressured her into making poor decisions that resulted in physical altercations, as well as jail.Yet, her “friends” were what she clung to during her adolescence, she said.“I didn’t want to go to school. I wanted to hang out with my friends. And my sister was just as bad … there was no controlling us at all,” Blackwell said.At the age of 16, she was expelled and had to take on a job at a nursing home doing janitorial work.She felt the anger growing inside, but she took that energy and harnessed it for her ultimate good. She pleaded with board of education members to get back into school and was let back in with the caveat that she could not slip up even once.“From there I never missed a day and was a straight A student,” Blackwell said.A Happier LifeShe set her sights on a better, happier life. She eventually went on to marry Calvin Blackwell, Sr, raised their family in Sandy Hook, and became an active member of her church and Friends of Newtown Seniors.She also had a fulfilling career as a social worker, where she was determined to make sure other children did not go through what she went through.Blackwell believes, she said, that if she had a social worker in her life at a young age, she could have received the help she needed.As for the many captivating stories in between, Blackwell said people will have to read My Truths, My Triumphs, My God to learn them.“Thank you to everybody for listening to my story,” she said.At the end of Blackwell’s presentation, there was a roar of applause and she answered audience questions from the gathered guests.Among the people in the crowd was her friend and coworker Claudia Williams-Riley, who voiced how proud she is of Blackwell.“I’m grateful for your experience,” she said, adding her friend's memoir made her the nonjudgmental person she is today.With a smile on her face, Blackwell said, “I thank God every day to be alive and tell my story.”Newtown Woman’s Club member Marie Sturdevant praised Blackwell for her compelling presentation and memoir.“I bought it and it’s wonderful!” Sturdevant said.Blackwell stayed to talk with individuals and sign copies of her book. In that one afternoon, she reportedly sold more than 20 copies of her book.My Truths, My Triumphs, My God is also available as an audiobook through Amazon.Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.Newtown Woman’s Club Author and Book Signing Luncheon Alissa Silber
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Lions Club Duck Race Tickets Go On Sale March 31 Be among the first to get your 'duck on' with the Newtown Lions Club as 2023 Duck Race tickets go on sale!It’s time to get ‘quacking’!Friday, March 31 marks the start of ticket sales for the ever-popular Newtown Lions Great Pootatuck Duck Race. This year the race will be held on June 3 from 11 am until 2:30 pm in Sandy Hook Village center.Tickets, which the Lions like to call ‘duck adoptions,’ are $5 each and will be available through June 2 at local businesses and online via newtownlions.org.Bob Schmidt, who has chaired this activity since 2008, still gets excited about it.“The event is so much more than just the dropping of the ducks,” Schmidt said. “It is a town fair with exhibitors and free activities for children such as a bounce house, a giant slide, mini golf, and a bean bag toss.”Besides the main event, the local duck race also features live entertainment, dance exhibitions, local musicians, and low-cost duck-themed souvenirs.Weekend outdoor sales will be held at varying locations as posted weekly on the Newtown Lions Club (CT) Facebook page. Look for ongoing coverage of this locally popular event here at The Newtown Bee as well.“Newtown and Sandy Hook businesses play a vital role in supporting this Lions fundraiser,” Lion Kevin Corey commented.The following local businesses have donated prizes: Berkshire Motors, Big Y, Blue Colony Diner, Butcher’s Best, Cover Two Grill, Cork-N-Barrel Liquor Store, Edmond Town Hall Theatre, Farmhouse Restaurant, Gino’s Pizza Parlor of Sandy Hook, Marketplace Restaurant, My Place Restaurant, Nassar’s Hair Salon, Newtown Dry Cleaners, Peach Blossom Boutique, Pizza Palace, and The Newtown Bee.Also, Porco Karate Academy, Sabrina Style, Sal e Pepe’s Restaurant, Sugo Restaurant (formerly Figs), Superior Cleaners, The Little Theater, The Villa Restaurant, Toy Tree. The following businesses are helping by selling tickets at their locations: Bagel Delight, Berkshire Motors, Blue Colony Diner, Booth Library, Butcher’s Best, Carminuccio’s Pizza & Subs, Cork-n-Barrel Liquor Store, Earth Day Event, Franco’s Pizza, General Store, Gino’s Pizza Parlor of Sandy Hook, Hawleyville Liquor Store, Joanne Fitness Studio, and Lions Bleecker Street.Additionally, donations have come from My Place Restaurant, Newtown Community Center, Newtown Deli & Catering, Newtown Hardware Store, Nicks Chilled & Distilled-Sandy Hook, Patty’s Pantry, Pizza Palace, PJs Laundromat-Sandy Hook, Queen Street Cleaners, Sabrina Style, Sandy Hook Café, Sandy Hook Diner, Toy Tree, WHIP Salon-Sandy Hook and Yankees Wine & Spirits.“Still others allow Lions to sell tickets outside their buildings,” said Corey. “We appreciate all this great community support.”Each uniquely numbered duck race raffle ticket corresponds to one of thousands of uniquely numbered rubber ducks that will “dive” into the Pootatuck River from the Church Hill Rd Bridge in Sandy Hook Center about 2:30 pm on June 2.Holders of tickets corresponding to the first twenty rubber ducks to cross the finish line will win prizes including a $2,000 first prize and nineteen more prize packages generously donated by Newtown businesses.Interested community groups, vendors, and exhibitors may contact Bob Schmidt, at serenitysh@yahoo.com or 203-426-1222.Editor John Voket can be reached at john@thebee.com.MUST - Lions Club Duck Race Tickets Go On Slae March 31 John Voket
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Real Food CT Stretching Grow Season, Expanding Yield With HUGE New GreenhouseLearn more about Real Food CT, and consider pitching in to eliminate food insecurity in Newtown and beyond.As a mourning cloak butterfly fluttered about harkening the arrival of spring inside Real Food CT’s newly constructed and huge new greenhouse, long-time wingman Dave Hazen moved around the otherwise quiet space watering the spinach, lettuce, and other early plantings barely poking bright green leaves above the raised rows’ surfaces.Running the full length of the new structure, each row of vegetables will yield a bounty that will help a local family facing food insecurity better balance nutritional meal options.Real Food CT (formerly Real Food Share), Newtown’s home grown nonprofit working to end food insecurity and fortify the shelves of FAITH Food Pantry and other regional distribution networks, has started its fifth growing season. And there is exciting news to share besides the completion of its new grant-funded 70- by 30-foot greenhouse.The completion of this new facility — that dwarfs its adjacent predecessor — will help extend the organization’s season, allowing volunteers to grow and donate even more food to the food pantries they serve.Another major step in Real Food CT’s growth is the recruiting of four new Board members who are “all passionate about building a sustainable and equitable food source and ensuring that everyone in our state has access to healthy food,” according to organization founder Sean Fitzpatrick.Fitzpatrich said he and his existing team are happy to welcome: Keric Kenny, owner/operator of Butternut Farm; Kim Roberts, LMFT private practice; Chip Parrish, founder/realtor, Shelter Real Estate Team; and Rory O’Kane, managing director of equities, Bank of America.“The new Board members will help guide the next phase of organizational development, and deepen their community engagement in programs that have donated over 30,000 pounds of produce in each of the last two years,” Fitzpatrick related in a release.Real Food CT recently formed five new committees and is seeking community members to participate supporting: Programs and Events; Community Engagement; Fundraising; Grants; and a committee charged with expanding the organization’s “Small Farm Model.”The nonprofit hopes to expand the committees to help drive some new program ideas, educational opportunities, family events, and ultimately donate more fresh food to hunger relief in Newtown and the region.“With families continuing to struggle in Newtown, and many more in neighboring cities like Danbury and Bridgeport, we are seeking caring and action-oriented community members to join us in our mission to get healthy food to people in need,” Fitzpatrick related.He said Real Food CT has three primary programs contributing to a steady supply of locally grown produce getting delivered to 12 area food pantries.First, they run two Giving Gardens in Newtown at Sticks and Stones Farm and at the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.Second, they run a Surplus Pickup program in which a network of 12 local farms and markets donate surplus vegetables that would otherwise go to waste.Third, they run a Young Farmer Internship program to train high school and college students in the fundamentals of gardening and food system awareness.The Newtown Bee’s visit to the new greenhouse came on the eve of Connecticut Ag Day at the State Capitol in Hartford.During that evet, Governor Ned Lamont and Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt announced that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, nearly $5 million in funds has been distributed in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to support emergency feeding programs, address food insecurity through the procurement of Connecticut Grown foods, and support programming that enables residents of all ages to have equitable access to locally grown foods.Reach out to Fitzpatrick at sean@realfoodct.org if you would like to join one of the Real Food CT committees and contribute to this engaged team serving their community. Learn more by clicking HERE.=====Editor John Voket can be reached at john@thebee.com.Real Food CT Stretching Grow Season, Yeild With New Greenhouse John Voket
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The Way We WereNewtown news of 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 years ago, from the archives of The Newtown Bee.March 27, 1998HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER of Sarah Mannix* * * * *A story on the front page of The Newtown Bee last week described a portrait of Henry Beers Glover scheduled to be sold March 22 at Skinner’s auction gallery in Bolton, Mass. The childhood portrait of the 19th Century Newtown attorney and founder of Newtown Savings Bank, along with a hide-covered trunk that once belonged to him, was sold for $7,590, including a 15 percent buyer’s premium, according to a spokesman for the auction house. Skinner’s did not identify the purchaser, who was not present at the auction.* * * * *The Police Commission has promoted three police officers, naming one man captain and two others as sergeants. Police Commission members on March 19 named Owen Carney as the department’s captain. The former lieutenant has been serving in the role of acting captain since the departure last June of Captain Michael Fekete. The commission also named James Mooney and George Sinko to the rank of sergeant. Mr Mooney has been serving as an acting sergeant in recent months, following Sgt Henry Stormer’s transfer from the patrol division to the detective bureau as a detective sergeant. Mr Sinko has been attached to the detective bureau, serving as the department’s youth officer.* * * * *The exterior of Edmond Town Hall has taken on a new look ever since workers erected scaffolding along the front and sides of the building late last week. Roofers will spend the next eight weeks replacing the town hall’s slate roof. The scaffolding is to protect passersby from falling objects. The project is being completed by Commercial Roofing and Contracting of Putnam.* * * * *Tancy’s Fancy Birdhouses, a Newtown-based business that creates unique birdhouses for home fashion and outdoor use, was commissioned recently for a very special project. Tancy Gemza, who designs and paints the unique birdhouses, has designed what may be the first-ever wedding cake birdhouse. The three-tier “wedding cake” was a special design for Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes, a business devoted entirely to creating cakes in Cos Cob. The birdhouse has been placed prominently near the front entrance of the business, owned by Culinary Institute of America grads Lisa and Stephen Maronian.* * * * *Driving into the parking lot at Newtown High School, it’s hard not to notice the construction at the top of the hill at Bruce Jenner Stadium. The new utility building — which will house the press box, concession stand, and storage area — is nearing completion. Newtown High Blue & Gold Booster Club President Mike Kelley said the outside of the building will be completed within the next few weeks. “We still need another $129,000 to complete the entire project, and that’s our goal for 1998,” he added.March 23, 1973Rep Sarah Frances Curtis and Sen Joseph Gormley, two of Newtown’s three representatives in Hartford, were at the Edmond Town Hall Saturday morning to meet their constituents. Not many braved the storm to come, but those who did enjoyed nearly three hours of personal and political conversation, ranging from individual grievances to the philosophy of local government.* * * * *The third year of the Newtown Arts Festival series ended on Saturday evening, March 17, with a performance by the Vienna Choir Boys, and a very pleasant ending to the year it was. It was all lightness and love with a little bit of mischief thrown in by 23 perfectly disciplined boys with magical voices. The Choir Boys have been likened at times to singing like angels, but since this reviewer has never heard, nor expects to hear, an angel sing, I can’t make that comparison. Suffice it to say that their singing was sweet indeed to these tone-deaf ears. The three-part program made up of sacred songs, a comic opera and folk songs was a well-arranged one without too much emphasis placed on any one of the portions.* * * * *A vacant summer home on Kittross Lane, owned by Mr and Mrs John Kittross, was completely destroyed by fire on Wednesday evening, March 21, and two 12-year-old juvenile boys have been apprehended by the Newtown Police for alleged arson. The call for the fire came in at 6:45 pm, and by the time volunteer firemen arrived on the scene the structure was completely involved. Also, during the fire a propane gas tank beside the home exploded, adding to the work of the firemen. Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire Company was in charge under the direction of Chief Herb Lewis. Other companies that responded were Newtown Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and the United Fire Company of Botsford. The fire marshals at the scene believed the fire to be of suspicious origin and called in the Police Department to investigate. Officer John Qubick went to the scene and began the initial investigation, and Officer Robert Taylor of the detective division was also assigned.* * * * *Edward L. Beardsley and his wife, Margaret Dowling Beardsley, both of Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook, died suddenly at their home on Sunday, March 18. Mr Beardsley died of an apparent heart attack and Mrs Beardsley died of an apparent stroke caused by the shock of her husband’s death. Mr Beardsley was a lifelong resident of Newtown, having been born in Sandy Hook on February 16, 1905. Mrs Beardsley was born in South Africa July 12, 1904. Both were members of Trinity Episcopal Church. They are survived by one daughter; Mr Beardsley is also survived by two brothers and five sisters.March 19, 1948One of the saddest fatalities to befall a Newtown resident in recent years happened Wednesday night of last week when Mrs Donald William Moxley was so seriously injured in an auto accident that her death occurred Tuesday morning at the Hartford Hospital, despite all that could be done to save her life. The accident happened at Bolton Notch, near Manchester, as Mr and Mrs Moxley were returning to the University of Connecticut, where they were both students, following a day spent with his parents at Cos Cob. Another car, coming toward them, skidded on an icy section and crashed head-on into the Moxley car. Mrs Moxley … was removed in an unconscious condition to the Hartford Hospital, where she was found to have serious head injuries. The couple was wed on December 31, 1947, at Newtown Congregational Church, returning to the University of Connecticut campus to start their married life in a trailer and continue their studies as juniors at the University. … She would have reached her 21st birthday on April 28. … Private funeral services are being held for the immediate families at the Ferncliff Chapel at Greenburgh, N.Y., this Thursday afternoon, with the Rev Paul A. Cullens, pastor of the Newtown Congregational church, conducting the service.* * * * *A membership tea and election of officers for the Newtown League of Women Voters took place at the Hawley Manor on Monday afternoon. About 30 women attended and voted the following slate of officers presented by the nominating committee: president, Mrs William Oakley, Jr; first vice-president, Mrs Norman Fedde; second vice-president, Mrs Frederic M. Herring; treasurer, Mrs Ralph Knibloe; recording secretary, Mrs Robert Stones; corresponding secretary, Mrs Bradley Randall.* * * * *It is with deep regret that The Bee announces the illness of a member of its staff. J. William James, who has been confined to his home this past week with a siege of grippe, suffered a coronary attack Wednesday night and was removed to Danbury Hospital Thursday morning. The severity of the attack cannot as yet be determined, according to Dr J. Benton Egee, but Mr James’ associates at The Bee extend to him their earnest wishes that his recovery is a complete and speedy one.* * * * *Miss Mary Starr Smith arrived home on Wednesday for the spring vacation from her studies at Walnut Hill School. Her mother, Mrs Paul S. Smith, and grandmother, Mrs Edward M. Conger, drove to Natick, Mass., for her.March 16, 1923A CARD: To the friends who so kindly remembered us in many ways at the time of the death and funeral of our beloved mother, we wish to return sincere and heartfelt thanks.—[The Shepard Brothers, Newtown, March 12, 1923.* * * * *Eleazar Clark Bevans, a highly respected resident of the Dodgingtown district, died on Thursday last, aged 79 years. Mr Bevans was born in Danbury, August 9, 1843, the son of Eleazer C. Bevans and Minerva Sharpe Bevans. He was a hatter by trade, retiring from that work about 25 years ago. He was a charter member of Wooster lodge, Knights of Pythias, but later withdrew and joined Putnam lodge, Knights of Pythias of Bethel. He was a charter and active member of the Dodgingtown Fire Co. Surviving him are his wife and one son, A.E. Bevans, member of the Town Board of Relief.* * * * *Milton Hull, of the Hull Hardware & Plumbing Co., who has been confined to his home in Newtown for a week with an attack of the grip, went to Danbury, Monday, but returned soon to his home and has been housed in for a few days.* * * * *Judge Oscar Pitzschler and Charles B. Johnson were called to Danbury on Tuesday on jury duty.* * * * *The home of Mrs Homer G. Clark of Gray’s Plain district was the scene of a pleasant gathering last Tuesday afternoon, when the friends of Miss Edith G. Adams surprised her with a miscellaneous shower, in anticipation of her marriage to Elmer Sharpe, of Monroe, which is to take place in the near future. Miss Adams received many beautiful gifts, including cut glass, china, linen and aluminum ware, also quite a sum of money. Refreshments were served and a pleasant social time was enjoyed by all.March 25, 1898The contract for carrying the mail between Newtown Street and the railroad station has been awarded to W.A. Leonard of Newtown Inn, for an indefinite period. For the last 10 years this service has been performed by the Grand Central hotel, in a satisfactory manner. Mr Leonard can also be counted upon to serve the public efficiently.* * * * *The case of Henry Job Crofutt versus the town of Newtown came up for trial on Saturday before Justice Henry A. Gilbert in Bethel. The plaintiff’s attorneys, Messrs Cable and Purdy, of Walsh & Purdy, being unwilling to proceed owing to the absence of a material witness, the counsel for the town of Newtown, Charles H. Northrop, allowed the plaintiff to take judgement and appealed the case to the next term of the Court of Common Pleas. It will be remembered that this is the case in which Crofutt sues the town of Newtown for $57, which he claimed was due him for caring for the late Stephen Osborne.* * * * *The following lines, dedicated to the late Barzilla Browne, are sent for publication. Mr Browne died January 22, 1898, aged 77. The lines follow: “Weep not that their toils are over. Weep not that their race is run. / God grant that we may rest as calmly when our work, like their’s [sic] is done! / ‘Till then we would yield with gladness to him to keep, / And rejoice in the sweet assurance, He giveth his loved ones sleep.”* * * * *The children of Mr and Mrs Charles H. Northrop are ill with the whooping cough.* * * * *THE EDITOR’S FAMILIAR CHAT: Thanks to Congressman Hill, once more we are the recipients of government bounty, in the form of a supply of government seeds. Every member of THE BEE force has been remembered in the distribution, so the newspaper gardens may be expected to bloom in big turnips, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce. We have always thought this government free distribution was a humbug and think so still. We doubt if even the genial congressman of the fourth district approves of it. Indirectly it injures the seed business of the country, and confers no great benefit upon the farmers. This is the opinion of the leading agricultural papers. There is about as much sense in having free seeds as there would be in having free hats, free shoes or free newspapers. Isn’t this about right? Do you have photographs of people or places in town from a bygone era? The Way We Were is the perfect landing spot so that your photographs can be enjoyed by Newtown Bee readers. Images can be e-mailed as attachments to shannon@thebee.com, subject line: Way We Were photo. When submitting photographs, please identify as many people as possible, the location, and the approximate date. If you live locally and would like to loan a photo/photos, please give us a call (203-426-3141) to let us know when you will be visiting.way we were Story way we wereway we were_155Features, Way We WereNone
No More Stall Ball: Shot Clocks Will Change How High School Basketball Is Played Addition of shot clocks will be part of a renovation to the Newtown High gym this summer.Come next winter, gone will be the days of Connecticut high school basketball teams chewing several minutes of game clock to hold onto the lead. The need to intentionally foul will not kick in until later in games, if at all. Scores as ridiculously low as the baffling 4-2, baseball-like, final between a pair of Oklahoma schools this past February will be basically impossible to match as long as the rims aren’t moved something like 30 feet off the ground.This is because the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference’s Basketball Committee — earlier this school year — approved a 35 second shot clock for basketball beginning in the 2023-24 season.“I think it’s going to make the overall high school game for girls and boys much better,” Newtown High School Athletic Director Matt Memoli said. “You’ve got to play all four quarters. I’m looking forward to it.”So, too, is Jeremy O’Connell, head coach of the NHS girls. Sure, O’Connell — not unlike many if not all coaches — has taken advantage of the lack of a shot clock to institute a passing, stall-ball style of play to protect leads, but on the whole he is excited about the pickup in pace of play being in effect.“I can’t wait — we can’t wait. Granted, we had some possessions where we took time off the clock,” O’Connell said. “You can’t run a couple minutes off the clock anymore. We love that it’s going to up the pace. People can’t hold the ball all game. There’s a lot of things we’re going to need to change because of that.”Throughout this past winter, O'Connell's team regularly played low-scoring games, including holding opponents in the 20s during half of the 20 regular-season tilts — a product of both Newtown's defensive-minded style and there not being much a rush to shoot the ball. The latter will change next winter so we might expect less final scores in the low-30s and 40s.O’Connell noted that the institution of a shot clock will have its biggest impact at the ends of games when teams focus on holding onto leads.One coach who is not crazy about the shot clock is Tim Tallcouch, who retired following this past season — having nothing to do with the anticipated implementation of the shot clock — and, thus, will not have to make changes to his coaching style.“As a veteran coach I would not like the shot clock. I don’t think I beat Crosby at Crosby and I don’t think I beat Immaculate at Immaculate,” Tallcouch said of his Newtown team’s upset road victories in the state playoffs at Crosby in Waterbury and at Immaculate of Danbury in the conference tourney in recent years.“I just think you’re rewarding teams that are good anyway,” Tallcouch added.Tallcoach is a fan of Cinderella stories on the basketball court and no shot clock allowed his underdog squad to eat up about six minutes of game time during a trio of long possessions and fit into that glass slipper with a win at Immaculate in the 2022 South-West Conference Tournament.“That’s the way you’re going to beat teams you’re not supposed to beat,” Tallcouch added.Shot Clock Equipment And MoreAdding shot clocks to gymnasiums means an additional seat at the scorer’s table. In addition to the official scorer, visiting team scorer, and game clock operator, there will be a shot clock operator. Memoli said he is hoping to find somebody knowledgeable about the game of basketball, such as a retired official or coach, to man the clock. This person will have his or her share of responsibility and needs to be closely in tune with everything happening on the court.“You have to pay very close attention to when a team has possession, loses possession, when to stop and start it,” Memoli said.The clocks will be affixed to the sides of each basket, on the back and front gymnasium walls. Total cost is $5,469 and includes two OES shot clocks and receivers, screens to protect the clocks from the ball, installation, and a wireless receiver.The shot clocks will be installed during the summer as part of an NHS gym floor renovation. Installed in 2009 when the new gym building went up, the court is overdue to be sanded and re-lined, with a fresh Nighthawk logo put on the court, said Memoli, adding that the typical lifespan for a high school gym floor is eight to ten years. The court overhaul is in the school budget, and donations will cover the expense of a video board that will go above the scoreboard on the gym entry wall.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.Shot Clock Coming For Basketball Andy Hutchison
Story No More Stall Ball: Shot Clocks Will Change How High School Basketball Is PlayedNHS Track Preview_6SportsNone
Jacobs Siblings Stand Out On The High School And Collegiate Ski Slopes From Connecticut to Syracuse, N.Y., Lauren and Nick Jacobs have Newtown on the ski map.Siblings Lauren and Nick Jacobs, both standout ski racers from town, competed at the highest level for their respective teams earlier in March.Lauren, a Newtown High School senior who races for the Newtown-Pomperaug of Southbury co-op team, skied her final high school alpine competition event. As part of Team Connecticut’s women’s squad, comprising 12 of the best high school ski racers in the state, she traveled to Mittersill Resort in New Hampshire to compete in High School Alpine Eastern Championships. Teams from 15 states across the East and Midwest also sent their top athletes for the annual event. This was Jacobs’ third year participating at high school Easterns (there was no event in winter 2021 due to the impact of the coronavirus) and as in past years, just being there was the highlight of the experience.“It’s been really fun to represent Connecticut and ski against a lot of the best high school racers,” Lauren said. “It’s always great to become friends with the girls in Connecticut that were my competition the whole season, and then even make friends from other states.”The NHS senior had a successful race in the Giant Slalom, finishing 16th among 130 girls. She attributes that success to her love of speed and confidence in tackling a course.“I obviously love to go fast, but it’s also very strategic. There’s a lot of thinking behind every turn and it all comes at you so quickly so it really forces you to be a bit out of your comfort zone,” Lauren said.This standout on the slopes concludes her final high school racing season with an outstanding record. Over four years of racing, she earned First Team All State every year, she was State Open champion in 2020, State Open runner up in 2021, she was South-West Conference champion all four years, and was consistently Newtown’s top female skier.This comes as no surprise to her coach Austin Baird, who has worked with Lauren during her junior and senior seasons. “It has been incredible watching Lauren dominate the ski hill at every race these past two years. She is a highly motivated individual that is a true leader on and off the hill, who served as an inspiration and role model to the other members of the team. I cannot wait to see where life takes her within the ski industry, whether she continues racing or pursues coaching, I know she will excel at whatever she chooses.”Though Lauren’s college plans are not confirmed, she is hoping to take her love of the sport to a university club ski team.Lauren wraps up the last few weekends of ski season in her job as a race coach at Stratton Mountain in Vermont, the program in which she grew up racing. She is the head coach of the U8 group and loves sharing her passion for skiing with the next generation of racers.“Coaching has been such a great opportunity for me to share my passion for the sport and help the younger kids develop into better skiers. It feels good to know I’m making some kind of impact in their skiing careers.”On the collegiate level, Nick, who is in his third year at Syracuse University, just concluded his junior year season on the club team. The squad competes in the Mideast Conference Empire Division as part of the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association. The team races in upstate New York against schools such as Colgate, Cornell, RPI, Hobart and William Smith, and University of Rochester, among others.Nick finished the regular season placing sixth in the league, and while the Syracuse men’s team just narrowly missed a qualifying bid, Nick earned a spot as an individual to compete in the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association Nationals in Mammoth, Calif. in the middle of March. Though he was scheduled to compete in Giant Slalom, Slalom and Skier Cross, the unprecedented snow and weather in Mammoth forced many cancellations and schedule changes, leaving many competitors to readjust their schedules as well as their outlook.“It’s totally a bummer that we couldn’t get all the races in this week, but we had a blast competing where we could and the free skiing was probably the best of my life,” Nick said.The one race that did take place, a single run slalom race, proved to be enough for Jacobs. He finished 30th out of 150 among a national field and was thrilled with the result.“I just felt really good on the run and carried as much speed as I could while still maintaining control. Slalom is tricky as it is and this course was very rutted and bumpy because of the historic snowfall, so to make it down and finish in the top 30 was really exciting.”Jacobs Ski Success Story Jacobs Siblings Stand Out On The High School And Collegiate Ski SlopesJacobs Ski SuccessSportsNone
Swimmers Cap Season With Record-Setting Efforts In Class L and State Open Meets Nighthawk swimmers made quite a splash at the season-concluding state championship meets.Newtown High School’s boys’ swimming team had excellent showings at both the Class L State Championships at the Cornerstone Aquatics Center in West Hartford on March 16 and the State Open Yale University in New Haven on March 18. There were a trio of school records, a Class L standard, and State Open mark set during these eventful days in the water.The Nighthawks finished ninth overall with 284 points in Class L.The 200 yard medley relay of Peter Horan, Grant Carson, Gabe Petertonjes, and Connor Kwarcinski was second in school-record time, finishing in 1:37.40.In the 200 individual medley, Petertonjes came in eighth in 2:10.11 and Carson was 23rd in 2:14.79. Newtown had a pair of top finishers in the 50 freestyle with Horan taking first in 20.94 and Kwarcinski finishing third in 21.50. In the 100 butterfly race, Petertonjes placed 11th in 55.22. In the 100 free, Kwarcinski was fifth in 48.03.The 200 free relay of James Guerrieri, Oliver Clancy, John Barzetti, and Hayden Bobowick was 15th in 1:40.85.Horan broke the Class L record in the 100 backstroke, making his final touch in 49.22.Carson was 16th in the 100 breaststroke race in 1:08.08. The 400 free relay of Kwarcinski, Bobowick, Petertonjes, and Horan placed sixth, clocking in at 3:20.33.In the State Open, Newtown again came in ninth, scoring 201 points.The 200 medley relay was sixth with a time of 1:37.91.Horan set the school mark in the 50 free with a time of 20.71. Kwarcinski placed third in the 50 with a 21.29. In the 100 free, Kwarcinski earned sixth with a time of 47.97.Horan won the 100 backstroke in 48.91, setting State Open record and school records in the process.The 400 free relay set a school record with its sixth-place finish in 3:15.06.Several Nighthawk swimmers earned conference, state and All American recognition. All South-West Conference First Team honors went to Horan, Carson, Petertonjes, and Kwarcinski; Honorable Mention was earned by Guerrieri; All State honorees are Horan, Carson, Petertonjes, and Kwarcinski; and Horan picked up All American status for his backstroke performance.NHS Boys Swim Class L And State Open Standouts Story Swimmers Cap Season With Record-Setting Efforts In Class L and State Open MeetsNHS Boys Swim Class L And State Open StandoutsSportsNone
Back-To-Back! Youth Grapplers Win New England Title Again Newtown's wrestlers made it two regional championships in a row behind several stellar efforts on the mats.The bar continues to raise for wrestling in town as the Newtown Youth Wrestling Association dominated in the New England Championships held in Fitchburg, Mass. March 18 and 19. The Nighthawks captured the title for the second straight year. Newtown’s squad was led by Jake Maddox, who was named the Most Dominant Wrestler across the 15U age bracket, and several other place winners.Newtown had nine co-ed placers scoring 81 points to finish well ahead of runner-up Billerica, Mass. with eight placers and 51 points. There were 86 teams in the competition. Newtown had six New England champions and 12 placers among 25 competitors as the team brought more than twice the number of New England qualifiers from last year’s championship-winning squad.“To win back-to-back, all of us as coaches and board members are speechless. It is a testament to what we do,” Newtown Youth Wrestling Association President Nick Veneziano said.Newtown champs were Camron Veneziano (two-time winner, 10U, 77 pounds); Noah Blair (12U, 69); Esther Ribeiro (capturing the first-ever girls’ 18U title, 138); Antonio Arguello (two-time winner, 15U, 136); Brighton Karvoski (four-time winner, 15U, 94); and Maddox (two-time champ, 15U, 154).Finishing in second place was Reilly Kling (11U, 135); in third Rachel Ribeiro (14U, 135) and Jake Fattibene (12U, 123); in fifth Daniel Candullo (12U, 73); and sixth Chase Ibbitson (10U, 64) and Owen Blair (15U, 94).Blair and Veneziano are practice partners who went on to win titles in separate brackets. “These two are among the hardest workers in our room. Their leadership off the mat is unparalleled as well,” Veneziano said.Newtown Youth Wrestling might comprise mainly Newtown grapplers, but there are competitors from neighboring towns that do not offer youth programs and some of the Nighthawks also compete at private clubs outside of town for more training.Blair, Maddox, and Karvoski all compete out of Refinery RTC Wrestling Club in Danbury, and Arguello and Veneziano compete at Team Tugman Wrestling Club in Ansonia.“We are so proud of our wrestlers and program. It’s a great accomplishment,” Newtown Head Coach Curtis Urbina said. “Defending our title was one of the program’s main objectives for this season and I am so proud that each member of our team embraced that vision. Our wrestlers worked hard to prepare and learned how to believe in themselves, their teammates, and their coaches. It all came together at the right time and that’s how you build a championship team.”Urbina noted that much of this success came about as a result of the commitment of those who guide these young grapplers on and off the mats.“Kudos to our parents, our coaches, and especially our high school wrestling team. Having them come back to the youth program to help us prepare was inspiring and our young wrestlers really look up to them,” Urbina said. “We are also proud of one of our young coaches, Esther Ribeiro, who wrestled with our youth program for many years. Esther, currently a junior at Bethel High School, trains our newly-formed girls’ team and this year wrestled in the first ever New England High School Girls’ Tournament and won to become a New England Champion. I am a very proud coach.”“We are so proud of her. She was all smiles,” Veneziano added.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.Youth Wrestling New England Champs Andy Hutchison
Story Back-To-Back! Youth Grapplers Win New England Title AgainYouth Wrestling New England ChampsSportsNone
Jake Maddox Is Most Dominant Wrestler Youth grappler earns standout recognition at New England Championships.There was quite a dominant individual showing within the dominant team performance when the Newtown Youth Wrestling Association’s squad claimed the title at the New England Youth Wrestling Championships in Fitchburg, Mass., March 18 and 19.Newtown standout Jake Maddox earned Most Dominant Wrestler in the 15U age bracket.“Jake has spent countless hours focusing on his takedown transitions and top wrestling throughout the season. His ability to find his best positions on the mat allows him to control the pace, the match and his opponent. Because of his commitment to these technical areas, he frequently finishes matches by pinfall. He is a special wrestler who can execute his craft at the highest level,” said Nick Weyer, who coaches Maddox at the Refinery RTC Wrestling Club in Danbury, where Maddox goes for extra training. “Jake being recognized as New England’s Most Dominant Wrestler is well-deserved. I look forward to his success at high school level representing the Newtown Nighthawks.”The performance by Maddox is an indication of things to come,” Newtown Youth Wrestling Association President Nick Veneziano anticipates. “He’s unbelievable. He’s going to be an instant force at the high school next year,” Veneziano said.This marked Newtown’s second straight team win and the second in a row for Maddox at the New England event.“Winning back-to-back means everything to me because I made a decision to train year-round, going to multiple practices each week and I even dropped football for a while — and winning these championships and being awarded Most Dominant Wrestler … it’s unbelievable to see my hard work paying off,” Maddox said.The standout grappler thanks his coaches and family members for helping make his success possible.“I have a tremendous support system and I wouldn’t be anything without the support I get. But I really want to thank my mom and dad for always being in my corner and pushing me even when I didn’t want to hear it or do it — they pushed me through and made me better for it. My grandparents for their support and tons of positive reinforcement and messages to keep motivated and always trying to get better,” he said. “Of course, I want to thank Newtown Youth where it started as a 5 year old and Coach Urbina, Coach Bray, and the Long brothers.Maddox added that Refinery coaches Weyer, Keith Lynch, and Matt Pangle played an integral role in his accomplishments, even rolling on the mat and drilling with him to help him become a more complete wrestler.“Without that crew I’m nowhere near where I’ve become and they will still be there in years to come as I am looking to win as much as I can in high school coming up, and ultimately in college,” Maddox added.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.Youth Wrestler Jake Maddox Andy Hutchison
Story Jake MaddoxIs Most Dominant WrestlerYouth Wrestler Jake MaddoxSportsNone
Weekdays 8:30 am-4:30 pm (and when the building is open for evening Town board and commission meetings)
Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street
Exhibition by contemporary artist whose collages are described as “artistic compositions of materials and objects pasted over a surface, creating unique images on a variety of subjects,” hosted by Newtown Cultural Arts Commission, weekdays to March 31.
C.H. Booth Library (meeting room and entry hall), 25 Main Street
Collection of original paintings, watercolors and oils, and giclée prints, by lifelong Connecticut artist whose paintings reflect the colors and atmosphere of her home state, to March 31; 203-426-4533.
C.H. Booth Library (first floor display case), 25 Main Street
Colorful display of classic salmon flies — two hand tied during 1960s by Bob Carreiro, some from 1940s by Bob’s father Joseph, and others tied during 1950s by Bob — also waist bait boxes, gut holder container reels, outdoor magazine covers, reference books, and more, to March 31; 203-426-4533.
C.H. Booth Library (lower meeting room), 25 Main Street
Free
Presentation by Barbara Thomas and Holly Kocet on invasive plants, how they are spoiling wild places and invading yards, how they spread, options for control, and more, hosted by The Garden Club of Newtown; 203-426-9696.
Lucille Geraci-Miranda (founder, Geranda Projects Management Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations LLC) will share information about incorporation, mission, bylaws, maintenance, board structure, responsibilities and engagement, creating awareness, fundraising, and development, first in series of five programs being hosted by the library, registration required; 203-426-4533, chboothlibrary.org.
Panel featuring Dr Charles Herrick (psychiatry, Nuvance Health), Newtown PD Sgt Will Chapman, and filmmaker Greg Williams (president, Third Horizon Strategies), moderated by Western CT Coalition Executive Director Allison Fulton, sponsored by Connecticut Parent Connection, rescheduled from March 14; 203-270-1600.
St Rose Holy Innocents Faith Formation Center, 38-B Church Hill Road
Free
Presentation by Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH (certified diabetes care and education specialist, Griffin Faculty Physicians and Griffin Hospital Community Outreach) will discuss diabetes, different types of the disease, symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, management, prevention, and programs through Griffin open to the community, hosted by St Ros Parish Nursing Department, reservations requested by March 27; 845-641-7277, nancytheNP@gmail.com.
Our reporting has only offered examples that have been related to us by town sources. Those same articles have clearly noted that until the 2 upcoming budget requests have passed in referendum, and a new mill rate has been set, there is NO accurate way to estimate what any individual property owner's 2023-24 property tax responsibility will be. We encourage any reader or Newtown taxpayer with questions to direct them to the Tax Assessor's office, and not to rely on premature estimates or offhand comments as a guide.
Using the above mill rate on my new assessment, my taxes will go up $800 which is roughly 14%. Maybe someone will fill the potholes on my street now as my neighbors will have similar tax increases.
Sounds like a great opportunity. The Newtown Lions is also organizing a Clean up the Lighter effort in concert and coordination with the Earth day event on the Lawn of the Middle School on April 22nd. Come to the Lion"s Booth to get bags and gloves, fan out across Newtown and clean up a street, even the street you live on. Lets make it Nicer In Newtown. While your enjoying Earth Day at the Middle school check out the Lion's Mustanger raffle and the Duck Race tickets.
As for the road project I'm glad to see this work progressing so well. It will be a good improvement. It's exciting to see the progress they make each week
Thanks for the story. However is almost impossibly to read on mobile because of a bug that's been on this site for a while. About once every 10 seconds the page jumps back to the top. It can be hard to find your spot before it jumps again
