Home | The Newtown Bee

News

What’s In The Works?

The Newtown Bee is working for you and with you, to bring you the news you want.

Rosenthal Presents Proclamation Ahead Of Salvation Army Week

Rosenthal Presents Proclamation Ahead Of Salvation Army Week Dan Rosenthal welcomed members of the Salvation Army Newtown/Bethel Service Unit to the southern entrance of Newtown Municipal Center on Monday, May 3, offering a proclamation for Salvation Army Day.The first selectman was joined by Glenn Nanavaty, president of the local group; Marie Sturdevant, secretary; Peg Forbell, treasurer; and members Steve Bennett, Dick Sturdevant, and Anna Wiedemann, along with Newtown Director of Human Services Natalie Jackson. Jackson and her department work with the Salvation Army to support residents in need.The group gathered one week ahead of Salvation Army Day and the onset of Salvation Army Week, which will be acknowledged May 10-14.The proclamation noted that the Salvation Army has long “been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern. In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans. Giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all.”The organization, the proclamation further noted, is the world’s largest nongovernmental provider of poverty relief, serving millions annually. It “stands ready locally, nationally, and internationally to respond when disaster strikes… offers Comprehensive Emergency Assistance without discrimination to those who have no other resources or do not qualify for local funds when the need is justified and verifiable, so long as funds are available… [and] the Newtown/Bethel Service Unit is a model of excellence.”In a note to The Newtown Bee ahead of the proclamation, Nanavaty pointed out that the Salvation Army “has served others in Newtown for many years, through many trying times.”Salvation Army Week, he said, “serves as an opportunity to celebrate our volunteers, donors and program beneficiaries who have enabled us to serve in the United States since 1880. The Newtown/Bethel Service Unit is a model of excellence deserving of recognition.”Services provided locally include medical and dental assistance for children and senior citizens, fuel and other assistance to citizens in need, and support of FAITH Food Pantry, the nondenominational pantry located on Church Hill Road.During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, the local service unit was also donating food every to weeks to local organizations and households in need. Recipients included FAITH Food Pantry, Hospitality Hall at Newtown Congregational Church, the Children’s Adventure Center, Nunnawauk Meadows, and individual households in need that worked with the Department of Human Services.The local unit is seen publicly each year during the holiday season conducting its Red Kettle campaign. Volunteers spend one-hour blocks of time outside local businesses receiving donations from passerby. Ninety percent of those donations stay right in Newtown, supporting the programs administered by Newtown Department of Human Services to help local residents.In December 2020, the local chapter did a limited Red Kettle campaign due to COVID and safety precautions, but the event was still very successful in raising funds.In July 2019, the chapter introduced a Christmas in July Red Kettle campaign. The one-day effort, Nanavaty said after the event, raised $1,299.93. The funds, he said, were earmarked to provide school supplies for the 2019-20 school year, gift cards for the purchase of food and gas, and to help resident in need pay for expenses they were having trouble with that summer.While Christmas in July was canceled last year due to COVID, the group on Monday said they are hoping to resume the offering this year.The Salvation Army Newtown/Bethel Service Unit meets two to three times each year. New members are always welcome. Contact Glenn Nanavaty at 203-426-2116 for additional information.Associate Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com

Rosenthal presents proclamation ahead of Salvation Army Week Shannon Hicks Story Rosenthal Presents Proclamation Ahead Of Salvation Army Week Rosenthal presents proclamation ahead of Salvation Army Week Featured Slider, News None

News

2021 Connecticut Veterans Hall Of Fame Accepting Nominations

2021 Connecticut Veterans Hall Of Fame Accepting Nominations Nominations for veterans to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame are open. HARTFORD — Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz and state Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas J. Saadi encourage all citizens to consider nominating distinguished veterans who have made significant contributions to their communities after leaving military service to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.The deadline for applications for the Class of 2021 is September 10, 2021.Up to ten Connecticut veterans will be inducted again this year based on application reviews and recommendations from an executive committee and final selection by Lt Gov Bysiewicz. One hundred and sixty-eight current and former citizens of Connecticut have been inducted to date into the Veterans Hall of Fame, including six recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor.“After serving their country with courage and dedication, so many of our veterans continue to serve by giving back to their local communities. These men and women continue to go above and beyond to leave their country and their hometown better than they found it. The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame not only recognizes and honors our veterans and their significant contributions to society but celebrates their legacies. I encourage Connecticut residents to nominate a veteran who has made an impact on their lives for this distinguished recognition,” said Lt Gov Bysiewicz.“The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame has honored many extraordinary men and women who wore the uniform and upon returning home continued serving their community with accomplishments that have enriched our state in countless ways. This is a great opportunity to honor a veteran who left the military and continued to make significant contributions to the community,” said Commissioner Saadi.Among the requirements to be eligible for the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, the nominee must have been born in Connecticut or been a resident of the state for at least five years; the nominee must meet the definition of “Veteran” under the Connecticut General Statutes 27-103; and the nominee must have received an honorable discharge from the US Armed Forces.Nomination packets must not exceed five 8½ x 11-inch pages and must be received by September 10 at the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, ATTN: Veterans Hall of Fame, 287 West St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Nominations received after the deadline will be considered for the following year’s class.For more information, please visit portal.ct.gov/dva.

CT Veterans Hall of Fame Nominations Open Story 2021 Connecticut Veterans Hall Of Fame Accepting Nominations Obit Klucsik News None

News

Fire Reports | April 30-May 4, 2021

Fire Reports | April 30-May 4, 2021 Fire calls and their responders in Newtown, Conn., for the period of April 30 to May 4, 2021. The dispatchers at the Newtown Emergency Communications Center, at 191 South Main Street, report the following fire calls and the responders:Friday, April 30: 1:58 pm, medical assist, Bears Hill Road, Botsford responded; 2:13 pm, tree/wires down, Birch Hill Road, Dodgingtown responded; 5 pm, wires burning/arcing, Taunton Hill Road, Hawleyville responded; 5:06 pm, tree/wires down, Great Quarter Road, Sandy Hook responded; 6:11 pm, tree/wires down, Sherman Street, Sandy Hook responded; 6:15 pm, smoke/odor investigation, Huntington Road, Botsford responded.Saturday, May 1: 11:42 am, fire alarm–residential, Horseshoe Ridge Road, Sandy Hook responded.Sunday, May 2: 4:27 pm, medical assist, Mt Pleasant/Hawleyville Road, Hawleyville responded; 6:23 pm, outside fire, Aunt Park Lane, Dodgingtown responded.Monday, May 3: 10:55 am, tree/wires down, Farview Drive/Narragansett Trail, Sandy Hook responded; 11:15 am, medical assist, Hanover Road, Hook & Ladder responded; 11:26 am, medical assist, Toddy Hill Road, Botsford responded; 2:37 pm, motor vehicle accident (MVA) with injury, Walnut Tree Hill Road/Schoolhouse Hill, Sandy Hook responded; 3:16 pm, MVA with injury, South Main Street, Hook & Ladder responded.Tuesday, May 4: 8:35 am, gasoline spill, Main Street/Church Hill Road, Hook & Ladder responded; 9:37 am, fire alarm–commercial, South Main Street, Botsford and Hook & Ladder responded; 10:58 am, fire alarm–commercial, Nunnawauk Road, Hook & Ladder and Botsford responded; 11:30 am, MVA with injury, Hawleyville Road/Old Hawleyville Road, Hawleyville responded.

Fire Reports | April 30-May 4, 2021 Story Fire Reports | April 30-May 4, 2021 Fire Reports | April 30-May 4, 2021 News None

Health

Scientist, Health Director Warning About New Tick Species, Diseases, Exploding Populations

Scientist, Health Director Warning About New Tick Species, Diseases, Exploding Populations How at risk are you here in Newtown for getting sick from one of the multiplying species of ticks lurking in our yards and woods?A renowned tick research scientist and professor of epidemiology is joining Newtown Health District (NHD) Director Donna Culbert to reinforce advisories about expanding tick populations in the region, two new species that are taking hold, the diseases they can spread, and — most important — how to prevent bites.In recent days as the wet and warmer winter gave way to sunny spring temperatures that surely drew people outdoors, The Newtown Bee reached out to Culbert and Goudarz Molaei, PhD, a research scientist, director of the Passive Tick Surveillance Program at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, and associate clinical professor of epidemiology of microbial diseases at the Yale School of Public Health.Culbert said that as of April 19, her office had already seen the proportion of disease-laden ticks brought to her office increase from about 30% at a similar point last year, to more than 50% this year. (More ticks have been registered since April 19, but test results are not yet available.) By that date, the NHD had taken in 26 ticks for testing, which resulted in 14 coming back positive for at least one of three tickborne diseases carried by the growing number of species invading Newtown and Fairfield County.At the same point in 2020, the NHD had taken in 38 ticks, with ten of them returned positive for disease(s). Each of the three previous years also had about 30% to 40% of submitted ticks coming back infected. Culbert also noted some specifics about what is happening currently in town.“Right now, we are seeing just adult ticks, which are more likely to be infected because they have had more opportunity to become infected over a two-year life cycle,” the local health official explained. “But right now we’re entering nymph phase. And since adult ticks are easier to see and remove more quickly, you are less likely to be infected by one versus a nymph, which is so much smaller and hard to detect. That means the potential to contract one or more tickborne diseases from a nymph is actually greater.”That is why Culbert wants Newtown residents to be extra-careful when they are doing anything outside, and when any of their pets come in from being outside.“As we know, tickborne disease or TBD is always heavy on the minds of the Health District,” she said. “Similar to the region around us, ticks, tick bites, and TBD have impacted many, many Newtown and district residents. And with our newer and more current knowledge about recently identified ticks and the infections they can pass to us, it is just as important as ever to pay attention and take precautions.”Disturbing ProliferationsMolaei picked up the conversation from there, telling The Newtown Bee the number of species, the number of ticks, and the number of diseases they can spread are all escalating in Connecticut, and especially in Fairfield County, at a disturbingly rapid pace. On one recent scientific field visit in lower Fairfield County, Molaei described stepping into an area where one species of tick was concentrated, and discovered he was immediately covered with so many ticks, it took more than a half an hour for him and an assistant to remove them all — nearly 200 of them.Between that experience and the explosion of samples rolling into his offices for testing, Molaei concurred, “This year we are having above-average tick activity.”“Last April, we had 436 tick specimens submitted that were taken off people. By May 1 of this year, we have received over 1,000 ticks,” he said. “This is why we are particularly concerned this year, and we’re pretty confident what we are seeing in our lab is reflecting what is happening in the field.”In 2020, Molaei said about 50% of ticks were infected with either Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, or babesiosis. About 40% of those were infected with Lyme, 10% with babesiosis, and another 10% with anaplasmosis; more than 5% were infected with two of these diseases, and 2% with all three.“Potentially every tick in Connecticut is [biologically] capable of carrying all three,” he said — although he only has data related to the black-legged or deer tick. The state has also long harbored common dog ticks, and more recently Lone Star ticks. The largest new proliferation is in lone star ticks, which have increased from about 0.2% several years ago, to more than 3% today.“To make the matter worse, this 3% is coming from Fairfield County — so because they are coming from such a small region [proportionately] it is equal to between 10 and 20% or more that we are receiving for testing,” he said. “Today we are seeing this species in both Fairfield and New Haven county.”Most recently however, and much to Molaei’s concern, are the presence of the Gulf Coast and Asian longhorned tick species. These newer breeds, he believes, were likely brought into the state by human visitors carrying them, or on their pets, from migrating animals, or because they were attached to and dropped by birds.“I’m not talking about one or two — I’m talking about established populations. And with the Asian longhorned tick, the minute you step into an area that is populated, you are covered by them,” he said. “It doesn’t take more than five minutes for them to be all over you.”Molaei said that about 30% of this species is carrying rickettsia, a disease similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The Asian longhorned ticks are also considered a possible vector for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), which is an emerging infectious disease in China.Protect With BLASTWhen it comes to prevention and not getting bitten, Molaei says residents should avoid working or recreating in areas where ticks breed or live.“We used to say spring and summer was tick season, but now in Connecticut, every season is tick season. And now we’ve got six species in our state,” he said. “So if people are going out and hiking, they should stay close to the center of trails and do not venture into wooded areas. And once they come back, perform a tick check within two to three hours to greatly reduce the likelihood of contracting tickborne diseases.”Along with this tip, Molaei also supports a program that the NHD and its director have been promoting in Newtown for well over a decade — the BLAST system.“We continue to promote the BLAST message as the five simple things folks can do to prevent tick bites — bathe, look, avoid/apply, safeguard/spray, and treat,” Culbert said. “We want to emphasize this more as we want people to spend more time outdoors.”Culbert said residents and visitors to Newtown alike are blessed here to have such wonderful places and opportunities to be outdoors.“Whether it’s in our open backyards, or walking, hiking, playing, or picnicking, Newtown residents take advantage of all kinds of activities,” she said, adding, “But don’t forget about your pets, as they are at risk for tick bites, and they are also considered a risk factor for us as they can inadvertently bring ticks to us.”As far as these two experts on ticks and tickborne diseases are concerned, Newtown residents will be well served by “keeping our guard up while enjoying our surroundings.”To help Newtown residents and visitors be even more informed, The Newtown Bee is planning a noon-hour webcast on Facebook Live on Friday, May 21, featuring Dr Molaei and Culbert, along with possible special guests. The webcast will be available for later viewing on Facebook and YouTube.For information about Dr Molaei and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, visit ct.gov/caes. For information about bringing ticks to the local health district for testing, call 203-270-4291.Associate Editor John Voket can be reached at john@thebee.com.

Renowned Scientist Joins Health Director Warning About New Tick Species, Ex John Voket Story Scientist, Health Director Warning About New Tick Species, Diseases, Exploding Populations Renowned Scientist Joins Health Director Warning About New Tick Species, Ex Featured Slider, Health, News None

Features

For The Love Of Gardening: Gardening Catalogs Still Reign Don't miss the first in a series of gardening columns coming from author/garden expert Sydney Eddison. Gardeners love gardening so much that they can’t keep their enthusiasm to themselves! At least, that’s what happened to me. Asked recently to write a little something for The Bee about gardening gloves, I couldn’t help thinking about all the other garden-related subjects that would be fun to write about. For instance, the wonderful catalogs that find their way, often unbidden, into my mailbox.The first to arrive this year was from Breck’s (“Bulbs direct to you from Holland since 1818”). This company publishes two catalogs a year. The spring catalog features hardy perennials like hellebores and hostas. I have already succumbed to a new hosta with enormous leaves two feet long and eighteen inches wide. The name of this huge hosta is “Kingsize,” which is rather unimaginative! But the photo in the catalog shows a large man behind a really gigantic clump of hosta, so it must be pretty impressive. Hostas with very large leaves take about three years to come into their own but they are worth the wait. They can create real drama in places that sun-loving plants can’t tolerate.Breck’s is an old reliable company. They want you to be happy and successful with your purchases and to that end, include a free planting handbook with every order. Look for the fall catalog sometime in May.At the time I wrote A Passion for Daylilies: The Flowers and the People in 1992, Gilbert H. Wild And Son, Inc, was the largest daylily nursery in the world, and it is still America’s foremost grower of daylilies, iris, and peonies. I received their spring catalog recently. What I did not know back in 1963, when my first Wild catalog came in the mail, was that it was the beginning of a long, ardent love affair with daylilies and the Wild family of Sarcoxie, Missouri. I still have a few old cultivars from those early days: pale yellow “Whir of Lace” and “Kindly Light,” another pale yellow with narrow, spidery segments. I also love and still grow “Rocket City,” a big, beautiful orange with a darker eye zone and “Siloam Double Classic,” a fluffy pink one.The story of this venerable nursery began when James Herman Wild was on a wagon train heading west. Somewhere along the way, the wagon broke down. Wild was dismayed at first, but as he looked around, he liked what he saw — open fields and wild flowers. He decided then and there to put down roots himself. His son also liked the landscape and bought a crate of peony roots which he planted around the house. They grew and prospered. So did irises and daylilies. Before long, the Wilds were in the nursery business. And they are likely to remain so for as long as gardeners love growing vigorous, healthy peonies, daylilies, irises, and other perennials.Another mail order catalog I look forward to is Annie’s Annuals & Perennials. The owner, Annie Hayes, has a smile that says it all: “Gardening makes people happy!”Along with a look at new possibilities for the garden, I learned from this year’s catalog that Annie is retiring. However, she introduces us to the equally upbeat Sarah Hundley, the new owner, of whom Annie says, “With endless drive, curiosity, a great sense of humor and a strong background in business and agriculture, I’m so glad the stars aligned to bring Sarah and me together.” I’m glad, too, and feel reassured that the Annie’s catalog will continue to offer every annual and perennial you can think of and more.That last sentence hits the nail on the head: Mail order catalogs are of value to gardeners since many have specialties and/or carry plants not available at local nurseries. Best of all, they often arrive when the only thing you can do is dream about the garden.Love your gardening, ’til next time!Sydney Eddison will regularly be contributing a column in the upcoming weeks. She has written seven books on gardening. In addition, she collaborated with the Color Wheel Company, on The Gardener’s Color Wheel: A Guide to Using Color in the Garden.For her work as a writer, gardener, and lecturer, she received the Connecticut Horticultural Society’s Gustav A. L. Melquist Award in 2002; the New England Wild Flower Society Kathryn S. Taylor Award in 2005; in 2006, the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s Bronze Medal. In 2010, her book Gardening for a Lifetime: How to Garden Wiser as You Grow Older won the American Horticultural Society Book Award.A former drama teacher, lifelong gardener, and Newtown resident for sixty years, Eddison’s love of the English language has found its most satisfying expression in four volumes of poetry: Where We Walk : Poems rooted in the soil of New England , 2015; Fragments of Time: Poems of gratitude for everyday miracles, 2016; All the Luck: Poems celebrating love, life, and the enduring human spirit 2018; and Light of Day: Poems from a lifetime of looking and listening, 2019.

Gardening column from Sydney Eddison Sydney Eddison Story For The Love Of Gardening: Gardening Catalogs Still Reign Gardening column from Sydney Eddison Featured Slider, Features None

For The Love Of Gardening: Gardening Catalogs Still Reign

Don't miss the first in a series of gardening columns coming from author/garden expert Sydney Eddison.

Features

Agencies Team Up To Top Trailer With New Roof

Agencies Team Up To Top Trailer With New Roof After the swift intervention of Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS) along with Newtown Human Services one local resident was ready to shed a few tears of joy — find out why.Update: The web version of this feature was updated correcting a print edition error involving Newtown Garbage Removal - one of the companies donating services for this project.* * * * *After seemingly countless back surgeries and a pesky household leak that ended up causing substantial damage to the interior of her South Main Street mobile home, resident Rita Millo was nearly brought to tears when she learned the original roof was about to collapse.But after the swift intervention of Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS) along with Newtown Human Services Director Natalie Jackson, Millo was ready to shed a few tears of joy.As FONS volunteer Bev Bennett tells it, she and Jackson separately put out calls for help, which were quickly answered by a former Bridgeport police officer who now operates a home service contracting business in Monroe, and a Newtown business owner.Separately, Bill Pendergast of Newtown Garbage Removal brought in an industrial dumpster while Terry Rooney of Smart Care Exteriors offered to donate all the materials and labor to re-roof the residence — along with a new skylight to replace one that was contributing to the roof deterioration.Millo told The Bee she would have never been able to afford the work the two local business owners provided. After 28 years in town, she viewed the intervention of Bennett and Jackson as heaven sent.“God sent her into my life,” Millo said. “She heard I was in trouble and from then on all she wanted to do was help me.”Friends Indeed!Bennett, who was involved as a FONS volunteer helping with chore services, knew there were certain individuals who she could call on to “help people like Rita who couldn’t afford a new roof and all this extra work.”While she initially hoped the project could be completed by local volunteers, one look topside proved this was a job for a professional.Enter Rooney and his crew, who saw a post about Millo on Facebook, followed by Pendergast, who saw the same post.“When it comes to safety issues like a roof replacement, that’s where I come in with either volunteers or with a grant that FONS provides to underwrite any work that has to be done,” Bennett said.After helping Millo following an ice maker malfunction that seeped water onto her kitchen and living room flooring, Bennett learned of the significantly more serious roof problem.“When Rita called and said she had another puddle, we knew it probably wasn’t the ice maker,” Bennett said. In fact, the deterioration was so bad, water was actually pouring in during a rain storm, so Millo was forced to relocate into a hotel for 18 days until the roof replacement could be arranged and staged.Rooney said as a former police officer, he understands when emergencies face someone in need, they may require some good old-fashioned neighborly help — even if there may be some measurable expense involved.On the morning of the project, Rooney spent a few minutes getting to know Millo, and realized they had a few shared acquaintances.Meeting RitaAfter doing a quick inspection of the progress of his crew from inside, he accompanied the resident outside where the two hugged as workers carried sheets of new plywood up a ladder and hammered away.By sunset that evening, passersby zipping past her property, which had been teeming with contractor activity just a few hours earlier, would never know anything was amiss, unless they made note of the brand new shingles and skylight topping the modest trailer.As if Millo were not lucky enough, she will also have the assistance of several Newtown High School football players on May 22, when they come over to do some additional yard work as part of a community service initiative with Newtown Youth & Family Services.When Bennett reminded her about that activity, Millo immediately insisted on paying for the labor. But Bennett just put her hands up and replied, “All you have to pay is a smile and a thank you.”Associate Editor John Voket can be reached at john@thebee.com.

Agencies Team Up To Top Trailer With New Roof John Voket Story Agencies Team Up To Top Trailer With New Roof Agencies Team Up To Top Trailer With New Roof Featured Slider, Features, News None

Features

NOLA Hound Dog’s ‘Tale’ Ends With Happy Wagging

NOLA Hound Dog’s ‘Tale’ Ends With Happy Wagging Newtown resident and former Legislative Council member Joe Girgasky had been thinking about adopting a dog for some time.Little did he suspect that the perfect pooch would be chauffeured to his doorstep all the way from New Orleans.But a couple of weekends ago, Girgasky witnessed the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for an 8-year-old hound named Lacey, as a vehicle with Louisiana plates rolled up his driveway.As Lacey bounded into his yard, Girgasky knew he had made the right decision to invite this mature southern pooch to share his cozy New England home.“Lacey is just wonderful... just perfect,” Girgasky told The Newtown Bee just a few days after her arrival. “She loves people like you can’t imagine. This dog loves everybody. She weighs about 50 pounds, but my son picks her up and walks her around the house like she’s a puppy, and she is perfectly happy with it.”While Lacey was born and raised in New Orleans, the story that ends in her forever home here started with a local acquaintance of Girgasky’s who fosters abandoned dogs.“She would post videos about this dog and that dog — most of them being in local shelters around the area. So I said I wasn’t actively looking to adopt, but call me if one turns up that had the characwteristics I was looking for,” he said.The ultimate find in a canine companion would be “a female with short hair — not an ankle biter, but I didn’t want a horse, either.”Before long, Girgasky’s acquaintance from Sandy Hook texted him with news about a dog that appeared to fit the bill perfectly.“This friend of my friend who was originally from Brewster [New York] and who had relocated to New Orleans just lost her future father-in-law, and his wife could not take care of their dog,” he continued.So the woman in New Orleans took the dog in temporarily, as she already had a house full of other pets.“She was looking for a place to call home for the dog, and she said via text that she was willing to take the dog anywhere to be sure the dog had a good home,” Girgasky said. “That sparked my curiosity, so I gave her a call and said, ‘You’re in New Orleans and I’m in Connecticut. Would you really be willing to bring the dog up here?’ And she said yes.”He said Lacey’s temporary “mom” would never give the dog to a shelter in Louisiana because they tend to only keep them for a week or two before they are euthanized — there are very few ‘no-kill’ shelters down there.Furthermore, she was worried if someone adopted the dog and it did not meet the owner’s expectations, the dog could also be done away with.“Coincidentally, she had some friends in Brewster and if she was to come up she would have a place to visit, so I said ‘I’m in — I’ll take the dog,’” he said. “So last Saturday they pulled up the driveway, opened the door, the dog barked a couple of times and jumped out — friendly as can be.”After separating from her foster mom, there were a few minutes of nervous whimpering, “but after a couple of hours, she settled in pretty quick.“She got some good meals, and she came with all kinds of things to make her feel comfortable like her blanket, a crate, dog food Lacey was used to, all the things the dog was familiar with,” he said. “She took to the car very well, and she loves coming along with me shopping.”Girgasky noted that Lacey is very calm, but could probably use a little training reinforcement.“She’s great with kids, but I don’t think she knows how to behave off leash,” he said. “I’m working on that, and we’ll get her squared away. She doesn’t seem impressed with squirrels or birds, so I’m just waiting to see what she’ll do when she sees our deer.“But in the end, we made the right move making that call to New Orleans,” Girgasky said, “she’s wagging her tail right now... she likes it here.”Associate Editor John Voket can be reached at john@thebee.com.

NOLA Hound Dog's 'Tale' Ends With Happy Wagging John Voket Story NOLA Hound Dog’s ‘Tale’ Ends With Happy Wagging NOLA Hound Dog's 'Tale' Ends With Happy Wagging Featured Slider, Features None

Features

‘Be You,’ Says Scott And Dozens Of Others

‘Be You,’ Says Scott And Dozens Of Others Sophfronia Scott has had her work included in four Chicken Soup for the Soul of those collections, including the latest.Since 1993, Chicken Soup for the Soul has published over 250 titles.Sophfronia Scott has had her work included in four of those collections, including the latest — Chicken Soup for the Soul: Be You — 101 Stories of Affirmation, Determination and Female Empowerment — released in April. “No Sacrifice” shares Scott’s thoughts, concerns, and realizations before, during, and after her son was accepted into a magnet school 20 miles away from the home she and her family share in Sandy Hook.“No Sacrifice” is not, she writes toward the opening on the 1,200 word essay, “a story about parental sacrifice, like the ones you hear about moms and dads who sit in cold cars waiting for children to finish early morning sports practices or late-night rehearsals.”Instead the essay is, Scott told The Newtown Bee during a phone call on May 4, “a different take on a mother’s story.”Referencing back to the work’s opening sentences, Scott this week said the essay demonstrates that mothering is one place in life “where we may not seem to have agency.”Mothers, she said, “give so much to our children, and so in my mind, it doesn’t have to be a ‘give everything away to your child.’ It could be possible that in entering a new opportunity for your child, you can find new opportunity for you, if you look at it that way.”Chicken Soup for the Soul: Be You, Scott feels, is an empowering collection.“It’s about showing people that you have agency in your life, in so many different areas.“You can make choices — good choices — for yourself,” she added. “It’s not about life just happening to you.”Scott is additionally the author of an essay collection (Love’s Long Line), a memoir (This Child of Faith, co-written with the same son she celebrates in “No Sacrifice”), and the novels Unforgivable Love and All I Need To Get By. She teaches at two MFA programs and workshops, and is planning an autumn retreat in Italy. She spent the early part of her career as a writer and editor for Time and People magazines.Her latest book is The Seeker and the Monk: Everyday Conversations with Thomas Merton, released in March.‘Chicken Soup: Be You’The latest Chicken Soup for the Soul collection shares 101 stories and poems written by women of all ages, who share their own truths.The book opens with “Champagne For One,” a poem by Rebekah Iliff that celebrates the liberation of dining — or reading a book and sipping some champagne — alone.Some writers explain how they juggle raising children and running their households, maybe working, and just barely “having it all.” Others share how they broke gender barriers, becoming pilots, stunt doubles, and glassblowers.Some women share how they lived through a divorce or widowhood, learned how to repair things around their home, or found new love.Katie Kennedy goes on a vacation by herself every year, away from her family.Mary Guinane took a ten-month journey across the country, with her nine-year-old mixed breed dog as her traveling companion, while deciding where her next home would be.In a press release issued ahead of the release of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Be You, its lead author, editor-in-chief, and publisher said the book is meant to prove that women should accept who they already are.“When we have goals — getting fit, raising children well, getting promoted at work, finding love, being adventurous — those goals should not involve a wholesale change in who we are,” said Amy Newmark. “They should just involve being more of who we already are and knowing that we are enough.“You need to honor and embrace what makes you unique,” Newmark also stated. “We’ve created a source of affirmation and inspiration for women, to help them find their courage, their confidence, and the best paths for themselves.”The 259th in the continuing series of books sharing happiness, inspiration, and hope, Chicken Soup for the Soup: Be You (ISBN 978-1-611590654) lists for $14.95. It is available as a paperback and an e-book.Associate Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.

Sophfronia Scott's work included in new Chicken Soup collection Shannon Hicks Story ‘Be You,’ Says Scott And Dozens Of Others Sophfronia Scott's work included in new Chicken Soup collection Featured Slider, Features None

Features

Castle Hill Farm Hosting FUN Meeting May 15, Spring Concert Announced

Castle Hill Farm Hosting FUN Meeting May 15, Spring Concert Announced Families United in Newtown (FUN) is planning a couple of great outdoor activities for kids on the autism spectrum, and the entire community — read all about it.Families United in Newtown (FUN), a grassroots support and recreational program for families with children on the autism spectrum and with other special needs is heading to the farm — Castle Hill Farm — for its May gathering.The local agricultural operation regionally famous for its autumn corn mazes and farm products is welcoming the group once again for its next meeting, Saturday, May 15, from 1 to 3 pm according to founder Linda Jones.The organization also just announced its Annual Benefit Concert is set for Sunday, June 6 at 4 pm at the Dickinson Park band shell. The event will include live musical entertainment, one or more food trucks, dessert and coffee, DJ music, and dancing on the concert field.Online ticket sales are being organized now, and tickets will be available at the event. More details to come.Jones said this year’s group of FUN participants and the organization’s Newtown High School National Honors Society volunteers are coming off a virtually sold out fundraiser event at Edmond Town Hall that featured a screening of Disney’s live action version of The Lion King. Jones said all tickets were sold, and in excess of $1,500 was raised for autism research being conducted by Dr Margaret Bauman.Jones said 100% of proceeds from pop-up tables at local merchants set up during April — Autism Awareness Month — and the movie screening are going to Bauman, a distinguished pediatric neurologist and research investigator who has been a pioneer in the study and treatment of autism for more than 25 years, according to her bio.One of the world’s foremost physicians in this field, she is highly respected for the outstanding clinical care she provides, as well as for her research and teachings in the domain of developmental disorders. Bauman’s dedicated career is best exemplified in her establishment and development of The Autism Research Foundation (TARF), The Autism Research Consortium (TARC), the Lurie Center for Autism, and the Autism Treatment Network (ATN).She is also a founding director of the Lurie Center, formally called LADDERS (Learning and Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Rehabilitation Services). A donation check presentation is planned for a future FUN event.Founded by Jones and her husband, Duane, FUN offers supervised social and recreational activities for young people with developmental disabilities as well as those on the autism spectrum, while helping to raise awareness about autism and funds to support autism research. The Joneses — parents to Lindsey, Austin, and Tyler — turned the tragedy of Tyler’s untimely passing in 2009 into a positive living memorial for their son to help bring special needs families together in a safe and welcoming place.At each FUN meeting, families are paired with an NHS National Honor Society student who spends time with the kids, giving the parents a much-needed break. Any and all are welcome at FUN meetings. The organization is also grateful for tax-deductible donations to help underwrite the expense of activities, which are all offered free to participants.To volunteer or donate, or for more information, visit the FUN website or the Families United in Newtown Facebook page.Those attending the Castle Hill Farm meeting can look forward to honoring their moms post Mother’s Day by making cards, and sampling Ferris Acres Creamery ice cream and cookies while attendees enjoy DJ music and dancing.To make a reservation, call 203-512-6284 or e-mail Jones at lindajones9763@sbcglobal.net. Attendance at the FUN Castle Hill Farm event is free.

MUST - Castle Hill Farm Hosting FUN Meeting May 15 Story Castle Hill Farm Hosting FUN Meeting May 15, Spring Concert Announced MUST - Castle Hill Farm Hosting FUN Meeting May 15 Features, Health None

Sports

Girls Golfers Continue Unbeaten Ways, Boys Win

The Newtown golfers continued winning ways to begin May.

Sports

Nighthawk Girls' And Boys' Tennis Teams Victorious

Nighthawk Girls' And Boys' Tennis Teams Victorious Newtown High's tennis teams posted wins.Newtown High School’s girls’ tennis team won its fourth match in a row, closing out April with 6-1 victories over Stratford and Bethel and a 5-2 win over Masuk of Monroe, then beginning the next month with a 7-0 blanking of New Fairfield on May 3.In the win over Masuk on April 30, top singles player Julia Dolan won her match 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, and Madison Singlak prevailed 6-3, 7-5 at second singles.All three of Newtown’s doubles tandems came out on top against Masuk. Amelia Hufschmeid and Kristen Reisert won 4-6, 6-0, 6-4, Joey Libero and Ella Mortis won 6-2, 6-0, and Olivia Guizzo and Erin Marshall won 6-0, 5-7, 10-7.Against New Fairfield on May 3, Dolan won 6-3, 6-4, Jen Lorenz came out on top 6-1, 6-0, Singlak won 6-0, 6-2, and freshman Margaret Donovan overcame a first set loss and a third-set tiebreaker in tough rainy conditions to win 5-7, 6-3, 11-9.In doubles action, Hufschmeid and Reisert won 6-0, 6-0, and the tandem of Libero and Mortis also came out on top 6-0, 6-0. NHS won via forfeit at third doubles.The Newtown boys posted a 4-3 win over Masuk and a 7-0 triumph over New Fairfield this past week. In the win over New Fairfield, on May 3, Sam Cannizzo and Chris Lindsay both posted 6-0, 6-0 victories in singles play; NHS had a pair of forfeit wins as well. In doubles action, Orin Bracksieck and Ben Ochs won 6-0, 6-1, Andrew Sposato and Alex Kyprianou won 6-3, 6-3, and Mike Berry and Eli Stan prevailed 6-4, 6-2.For coverage of more action, including the May 6 and 7 matches that were after the May 7 print edition deadline, check out the May 14 print edition of The Bee.

NHS Tennis Story Nighthawk Girls' And Boys' Tennis Teams Victorious NHS Tennis_25 Sports None

Sports

Nighthawk Laxwomen Earn Thrilling Victories

Nighthawk Laxwomen Earn Thrilling Victories Newtown's girls' lacrosse team won a pair of thrillers over Panthers and Rebels.MONROE — Newtown High School’s girls’ lacrosse team came from behind to hand the host Masuk Panthers their first loss of the spring with a 10-8 victory on May 1, and followed that up with a 10-9 overtime win at New Fairfield two nights later.The Panthers were 8-0, scoring 19 or more goals six times, and held to a low of 11 in a win over Weston. Trailing 6-4 late in the opening half, the Nighthawks were knocking on the door but had a goal waved off on a violation; Masuk ended up extending its lead with just seven seconds left in the half and carried a 7-4 lead into the intermission.The Nighthawks had started out strong and built a 3-0 lead before the Panthers seemingly seized control.“I think they just let up a bit,” Newtown Coach Maura Fletcher said of her players. “We let them take the lead, which took the air out of the ball on our end of the field.The break between halves gave the visitors a chance to regroup, and that’s exactly what they did.“It’s always zero-zero at the half,” Fletcher said.“In the second half we started eliminating our fast breaks because we were throwing the ball away,” the coach added.Newtown’s deliberate approach on offense helped settle things down, and the defense was stellar for the Hawks.Erin Phaneuf scored a hat trick, Julia Gerace logged two goals, and Bella Gerace, Izzy Butler, Elena Sughrue, Gia Corso, and Summer Harrell all scored.Sughrue and Harrell both had a pair of assists. Bella Gerace had six ground balls to lead the Hawks in that category.Corso got the second half scoring started. After Phaneuf trimmed the deficit to 7-6 with 17:39 left, the Panthers answered less than a half-minute later, but Newtown’s solid D and four-plus minutes of late-game stall ball left the Panthers without a goal in the final 17:10.Harrell set up Butler to pull the Hawks to within 8-7 with 16:19 to play. Bella Gerace weaved through the defense to knot the score at 8 apiece with 13:56 remaining.After strong defense by Emma Magazu stopped the Panthers from setting up for a try to regain the lead, Phaneuf found the net again, giving the Hawks their first lead since early on, 9-8 with 10:45 to go.Sughrue set up Harrell from behind the net area, giving the Hawks some insurance with 9 minutes to play. The Nighthawk defense did the rest.“Great defensive effort,” Fletcher said.Defenders Magazu and Shannon Kelleher, as well as midfielders Julia and Bella Gerace were strong in front of goaltender Alexa Manfredi, who made some key saves. Shea Murphy was moved back as Fletcher utilized her speed to help stymie Masuk’s fast legs.“We’re a really good team. We knew we could beat Masuk,” said Fletcher, adding that she wants to see her team put together the same kind of second half it did against Masuk in both halves of games.Fletcher’s team knew it could beat a challenging New Fairfield team it lost to by just a goal, 9-8 on April 23. The Hawks had a chance to avenge that defeat in a May 3 visit to the Rebels and came through in extra time when Harrell scored, wrapping up a three-goal effort. Corso and Phaneuf both scored twice, and Julia Gerace, Butler, and Sughrue each added tallies. Harrell also had a trio of assists, Butler had two, and Corso one. Magazu led Newtown with four ground ball scoops.“Tonight’s game was a battle — back and forth the whole game,” said Fletcher, adding that neither team had a lead greater than two goals.The game was tied just before the half. Newtown thought it had seized the lead with 30 seconds to play before the intermission, but a goal was disallowed because of an illegal stick due to the rain loosening it, Fletcher said.“They then got a free possession and went down and scored, which definitely took the wind out of our sails,” Fletcher said. “We did come out hard again in the second half and were very patient with the ball. The NF defense was tough and they rode the ball very well. We just ran through ground balls and had some key defensive stops. It was an effort by everyone on the field as well as support by the sidelines. I am proud of the effort and heart of this team. They really support one another, and we have no heroes.”The Nighthawks, before those nail-biters, blasted New Milford 17-3 on April 29. Sughrue registered five goals to lead the way, Harrell had three, and Jules Battaglia logged two goals and three assists. Phaneuf and Butler each scored two goals.Newtown carries a 9-1 mark into a Friday, May 7, home tilt with Pomperaug of Southbury, at 5:30 pm.Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

NHS Girls Lacrosse Andy Hutchison Story Laxwomen Overcome Deficit To Hand Panthers First Loss, Avenge Defeat To Rebels In Thriller NHS Girls Lacrosse_37 Sports None

Sports

Laxmen Topple Wave, Shutdown Panthers

Laxmen Topple Wave, Shutdown Panthers Newtown High's boys' lacrosse team posted wins over Wave and Panthers.Heading into a May 1 showdown with visiting Masuk of Monroe, each of the Newtown High School boys’ lacrosse team’s wins had been heavily one-sided. That included a 14-4 triumph at New Milford two days earlier.That’s what made Newtown’s 6-2 win — a hard-fought battle literally as the final seconds ticked away — all the more rewarding for the Nighthawks. Masuk gave the Hawks a good test, but Newtown’s defensive effort proved to be too much for the Panthers in this afternoon tilt at Blue & Gold Stadium.Connor Breslin scored three goals, Tanner Trede scored twice and had an assist, Colin Breslin tallied a goal and three assists, and Ryan Ruddy had one assist. Colin Breslin led Newtown with four ground ball scoops. Goaltender Jake Dandrea made nine saves.“This was our first win against a really good team,” said Newtown Coach Scott Bulkley, whose Nighthawks improved to 6-3, in the process dropping the Panthers to 5-2.For comparison’s sake, Newtown’s win over New Milford was the closest the Hawks had among their first five wins.Each of the three defeats have been competitive ones, including a setbacks by just one and two goals, as well as a 9-4 defeat to New Fairfield which was tied late in the second half.The Nighthawks led 2-0 at the half and built a 6-0 cushion before the Panthers finally broke up the shutout with 3:27 left in regulation. Masuk, in fact, scored twice in a span of eight seconds but left the field with its lowest-scoring effort of the campaign. Masuk’s previous low for goals scored was in an 8-6 loss to Weston in the season opener, and each of the team’s five wins featured double-digit scoring.Things got testy, a bit overly physical, late. Trede ran the clock out and absorbed numerous hits while maintaining possession of the ball. Trede put up with quite a bit of contact before finally giving a couple of shoves back at a persistent Masuk defender, and that led to a minor scuffle. Cooler heads — and the Nighthawks — prevailed.“Masuk’s a really good team. They’re well coached,” Scott Bulkley said.Newtown’s coach was pleased with how Shaine Luzietti and Jake Bulkley clamped down on Masuk standout Quinn Braddick.Mike Haddick and Nick Sabillion also did a good job of closing out, and Isaiah Williams made strong contributions on close defense, not allowing Masuk to work through the middle.TJ O’Connell, Trede, Mark Sokk, Jake Bulkley, and Ruddy did nice work to help give Newtown possession from scrums following faceoffs, sparking some transition opportunities. Newtown capitalized with some goals on the move.In the dominating effort over the New Milford Green Wave, Connor Breslin led the Hawks with five goals, Colin Breslin has three net-finders to go along with a trio of assists, and Sam Steare and Trede both scored twice. Steare and Bulkley both had two assists. Bulkley and Sokk had six and four ground balls, respectively, and Luzietti picked up three grounders. Connor Breslin has filled in nicely since sliding up from midfield to attack one scoring threat Brandon Manka was sidelined with an injury in an April 27 clash with Joel Barlow of Redding.The Nighthawks will visit Pomperaug of Southbury on Friday, May 7, at 7 pm, and will be back at Blue & Gold to host New Fairfield Saturday, May 8, at 2 o’clock.Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

NHS Boys Lacrosse Andy Hutchison Story Nighthawk Laxmen Shut Down Masuk Panthers After Toppling New Milford Green Wave NHS Boys Lacrosse_52 Sports None

Sports

Homers, Runs Pile Up In Wins And Wild 15-14 Setback

Homers, Runs Pile Up In Wins And Wild 15-14 Setback Newtown High's softball team has been scoring runs, and hitting homer, in bunches.FAIRFIELD — Runs came in bunches for the Newtown High School softball team as the Nighthawks closed out April and began the month of May. Newtown beat visiting Brookfield 9-1 on April 28, lost a 15-14 slug (and error) fest at Notre Dame-Fairfield on April 30, pounded host New Fairfield 14-1 on May 3, and defeated host Kolbe Cathedral of Bridgeport 13-1 on May 4. The Nighthawks improved to 7-4.Playing on Notre Dame-Fairfield’s lacrosse/soccer field, it was perhaps appropriate that the Nighthawks and Notre Dame-Fairfield Lancers effectively represented yet another sport as they put up a football-like score on April 30.In the end, a pileup of errors overshadowed Newtown’s potent offense in a tough-to-swallow 15-14 setback in which pitcher Sydney Adolfson surrendered a baffling two earned runs.An unlucky-for-Newtown 13 unearned runs resulted from dropped balls, off-line throws, and bobbles, and wiped out a late rally by the Nighthawks. Newtown carried a 14-10 lead to the bottom of the seventh before the Lancers scored five times to secure another final-at-bat win over the Nighthawks; they had edged Newtown 8-7 in extra innings on April 16.With no outfield wall to stop the ball from rolling once past the outfielders, singles and doubles became homers. Bri Pellicone homered twice, and Adolfson and Katie Goyda each hit home runs.Ashley Hubner had a two-run single and an RBI single. Pellicone had three extra base hits, including a double. Maddie Twitchell had two hits and a pair of runs scored. Gina Lewis had two hits, drove in a run, and scored.Down 10-9 in the bottom of the sixth, the Nighthawks escaped seeing the Lancers add to their lead. Lewis flashed the leather in right field with a diving grab to save at least a run or two, a defensive highlight in a game that the Nighthawks would otherwise liked to have back in terms of play in the field.“It’s just one you have to put behind you. The team on the field is not my team. I know who my team is. We have to put this behind us and move forward,” said Newtown Coach Joanna Closs.The Nighthawks put up five runs in the top of the seventh. Pellicone’s three-run homer to center field made it 12-10 Nighthawks, and the Hawks tacked on two more.Hits and fielding miscues in the bottom of the seventh added up to five Lancer runs to snare the win.Closs was not a fan of the field with no wall, but certainly was not using that as an excuse for the setback.“I’m not going to blame the field because both of us had to play on it. The wind was blowing; it’s a brutal place to play,” Closs said.The Nighthawks notched a 9-1 victory over Brookfield on April 28. Lewis homered for the second game in a row, Hubner was 3-for-3, Sarah Kick went 2-for-4, and Twitchell drove in two runs. Nicole Fisher and Hubner both doubled. Adolfson struck out 13 batters.In the win over New Fairfield, Newtown bounced back with errorless ball and got five solid innings in the pitching circle from Gardner, who worked with catcher Morgan Melillo for this mercy-rule, five-inning affair. The Hawks had some strong performances in the batter’s box. Adolfson drove in five runs, Hubner went 4-for-4. Hubner and Rachel Casagrande both drove in two runs. Goyda, Twitchell, and Adolfson all had extra-base hits.Against Kolbe, Pellicone and Fisher each homered and knocked in two runs. Hubner tripled and collected three hits, raising her batting average to .608. Melillo went 3-for-3 with a triple and two RBIs. Alyssa Bova pitched five solid innings for another mercy-rule Nighthawk win.Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

NHS Softball Andy Hutchison Story Homers And Runs Pile Up For Softball Team In Three Triumphs And Wild 15-14 Setback NHS Softball_40 Sports None

Today's Events

May 11, 2021

Newtown Lions Club Food Drive

Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street

Nonperishable food, cleaning products, and personal hygiene items being collected through May 15, to be forwarded to FAITH Food Pantry and other local pantries.

May 11, 2021 at 06:00 am

“Clay Date Potters Spring 2021 Exhibition”

Newtown Municipal Center Showcase (within main corridor), 3 Primrose Street

Works in clay, in myriad forms, by Roberta Ahuja, Ros Liljengren, and Karen Pinto, on view weekdays until May 28, hosted by Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.

May 11, 2021 at 08:00 am

“Newtown Arts Festival Posters Then & Now”

Newtown Municipal Center main corridor, 3 Primrose Street

Collection of arts festival posters dating to 2012, including introduction of this year’s design, on view weekdays until May 14, presented by Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.

May 11, 2021 at 08:00 am

Board of Education Policy Committee virtual meeting (agenda posted)

NOTE: Due to continued COVID-19 concerns, this meeting will be conducted remotely, with livestream and call-in participation options. Click through the agenda below for details.

agenda posted

May 11, 2021 at 09:15 am

"Transience"

Works by award-winning Newtown-based artist Roberta Shea, on view through the end of May; 203-426-4533.

May 11, 2021 at 09:30 am

Parks & Recreation Commission meeting (agenda posted, see note about attendance)

NOTE: Due to continued COVID-19 concerns, seating is limited for this meeting. Face masks and social distancing will be required of those who attend.

For those who would be more comfortable watching and/or participating from home, there is a public call-in phone number and a livestream link available. Click through the agenda below for details.

agenda posted

May 11, 2021 at 06:00 pm

Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers virtual meeting (agenda posted)

NOTE: Due to continued COVID-19 concerns, this meeting will be conducted remotely, with a call-in participation option. Click through the agenda below for details.

agenda posted

May 11, 2021 at 06:30 pm

“National Inventor’s Month and National Photographer’s Month: Margaret Bourke-White and Leo Baekeland”

Free

Virtual program hosted by C.H. Booth Library with Toni McKeen discussion the late American photographer Burke-White and late Belgian chemist who created Velox photographic paper and Bakelite, register for program link; 203-426-4533, chboothlibrary.org.

May 11, 2021 at 07:00 pm

Booth Library Board of Trustees virtual meeting (agenda posted)

NOTE: Due to continued COVID-19 concerns, this meeting will be conducted remotely, with a livestream participation option. Click through the agenda below for details.

agenda posted

May 11, 2021 at 07:00 pm

Charter Revision Commission meeting

NOTE: Due to continued COVID-19 concerns, most meetings are being conducted remotely. Click through the agenda once posted below for participation information.

May 11, 2021 at 07:00 pm

Conservation Commission meeting **CANCELED**

NOTE: This meeting has been canceled.

May 11, 2021 at 07:00 pm

Borough Board of Burgesses meeting (agenda posted, see notes about attendance)

Edmond Town Hall (Theatre), 45 Main Street

NOTE: Due to continued COVID-19 concerns, those attending in person will be expected to wear facemasks and continue social distancing measures. For those who prefer to participate remotely, livestream and call-in options are available. Click through the agenda below for details.

Also note, this meeting will be immediately following the Borough budget meeting scheduled for 7:30.

agenda posted

May 11, 2021 at 07:30 pm

Borough of Newtown budget meeting (agenda posted, see notes about attendance)

Edmond Town Hall (Theatre), 45 Main Street

agenda posted

May 11, 2021 at 07:30 pm

Special Editions

Emotional Intelligence Series Set To Begin

Jean I. Koup

Grace Haggerty

Scarlett Lewis was one of the parents who lost a child in the Sandy Hook School Shooting. Tragic doesn't begin to define it. In Jan 2015 Scarlett was one of 2 parents who sued our town and the BOE claiming that there was inadequate security at the school. In June 2016 They offered to settle for 5.5 million dollars! In May2018 a judge dismissed the law suit. They appealed and in Oct 2019 they lost the appeal I have difficulty understanding her action to sue and at the same time promote 'choose love' It doesn't make sense. Where was the love for her town and neighbors that grieved with her, that supported her?

Choose Love Book Series To Continue With Parenting Expert’s Title

So glad to read this. I'm Jewish. My Dad taught me that when I heard an anti-semetic comment not to get mad but to educate - kindly and without anger. I think this applies in this and many situations. (Perhaps there are situations where it isn't safe to do so.) I miss my Dad and my Mom. My Mom taught us to understand the the black experience. She said, probably in the 70's, that if she were black she would be a militant black. I understood what she meant. Both my parent's intelligence, wisdom and kindness has been influenced the way I look at the world (or try to) and I am so grateful. So I want to take this opportunity to tell them that I miss them and love them and think of them so often. My Mom is been gone 7 years and my Dad 21 years. Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers. Influence your children well. As Stephen Sondheim says in his musical Into the Woods, "Children will listen". I'm glad I did.

Demonstrate Allyship With Words And Actions

This is beautifully written. To those who may read this and not understand or disagree, please take just a moment to self reflect. Have you ever heard racial comments and instead of speaking up, ignored what you heard? It is simple actions like speaking up against this behavior and letting the individual know that it is unacceptable that can make where you live safer for your BIPOC neighbors. Have you ever dubbed somebody suspicious because of the color of their skin? That is likely somebody’s baby boy.. beloved father.. as hardworking and respectable as they come. In your heart of hearts be honest with yourself, even if it is an uncomfortable feeling. We are only asking for kindness.. acceptance.. inclusion. There is no downside to this. Please open your hearts to know everyone, including you can make consistent, subtle changes that will have big results. Its not asking much, but it is everything to those who are only asking for peace, and a better, safer world for themselves and their families.

Thank Wendy for your words. I wholeheartedly agree with you. We should not wait for a tragedy to occur for change to come to Newtown. We have to actively seek that change both as individuals and as a community.

Thank you, Wendy, for bringing an important issue to light. As a member of the group to which you are referring, I also only recently became aware of the business owner's behavior, and I am mortified that I ever gave him business. I will never set foot in there again, and will definitely be seeking out businesses who demonstrate allyship. Castle Hill Chocolate is a wonderful example of a local business willing to do the hard work. Let's stop making excuses for the racist actions of certain individuals, and start working for real change in this town.

For The Love Of Gardening: Gardening Catalogs Still Reign

What’s In The Works?

Rosenthal Presents Proclamation Ahead Of Salvation Army Week

Agencies Team Up To Top Trailer With New Roof

What’s In The Works?

Rosenthal Presents Proclamation Ahead Of Salvation Army Week

2021 Connecticut Veterans Hall Of Fame Accepting Nominations

Fire Reports | April 30-May 4, 2021

Scientist, Health Director Warning About New Tick Species, Diseases, Exploding Populations

For The Love Of Gardening: Gardening Catalogs Still Reign

Agencies Team Up To Top Trailer With New Roof

NOLA Hound Dog’s ‘Tale’ Ends With Happy Wagging

‘Be You,’ Says Scott And Dozens Of Others

Castle Hill Farm Hosting FUN Meeting May 15, Spring Concert Announced

Girls Golfers Continue Unbeaten Ways, Boys Win

Nighthawk Girls' And Boys' Tennis Teams Victorious

Nighthawk Laxwomen Earn Thrilling Victories

Laxmen Topple Wave, Shutdown Panthers

Homers, Runs Pile Up In Wins And Wild 15-14 Setback

Home & Garden Spring 2021

Guide To Newtown 2021

Holiday Gift Guide 2020

For Better Health October 2020

Home & Garden Fall 2020

The Newtown Bee's Back to School 2020

Home & Garden Spring 2020

For Better Health May 2019

Home & Garden Spring 2018

Log In

For The Love Of Gardening: Gardening Catalogs Still Reign

What’s In The Works?

Rosenthal Presents Proclamation Ahead Of Salvation Army Week

Agencies Team Up To Top Trailer With New Roof

What’s In The Works?

Rosenthal Presents Proclamation Ahead Of Salvation Army Week

2021 Connecticut Veterans Hall Of Fame Accepting Nominations

Fire Reports | April 30-May 4, 2021

Scientist, Health Director Warning About New Tick Species, Diseases, Exploding Populations

For The Love Of Gardening: Gardening Catalogs Still Reign

Agencies Team Up To Top Trailer With New Roof

NOLA Hound Dog’s ‘Tale’ Ends With Happy Wagging

‘Be You,’ Says Scott And Dozens Of Others

Castle Hill Farm Hosting FUN Meeting May 15, Spring Concert Announced

Girls Golfers Continue Unbeaten Ways, Boys Win

Nighthawk Girls' And Boys' Tennis Teams Victorious

Nighthawk Laxwomen Earn Thrilling Victories

Laxmen Topple Wave, Shutdown Panthers

Homers, Runs Pile Up In Wins And Wild 15-14 Setback

Home & Garden Spring 2021

Guide To Newtown 2021

Holiday Gift Guide 2020

For Better Health October 2020

Home & Garden Fall 2020

The Newtown Bee's Back to School 2020

Home & Garden Spring 2020

For Better Health May 2019

Home & Garden Spring 2018