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Part Five: Designers, Commissioners Look Back On Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Process

Part Five: Designers, Commissioners Look Back On Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Process After the tragic and incomprehensible events of December 14, 2012 (known in town as 12/14) that left 20 first grade students and six faculty members at Sandy Hook Elementary School dead, the world was in a state of grieving. See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 of this story in the January 6, 13, 20, and 27 print edition, respectively, or at newtownbee.com.After the tragic and incomprehensible events of December 14, 2012 (known in town as 12/14) that left 20 first grade students and six faculty members at Sandy Hook Elementary School dead, the world was in a state of grieving.Temporary memorials were put up throughout Newtown to honor the lives taken through gun violence. It was in those sacred spaces that people openly wept, embraced loved ones, left meaningful mementos, and sought comfort in community.While those commemorative spots were not meant to be kept intact forever, then-First Selectman Pat Llodra put a call out in early 2013 for a committee to work on creating a permanent memorial.By January 2020, the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission (SHPMC) was on track with its time line for creating the long-awaited project.Just as the commissioners were about to focus on building more community engagement around the memorial, the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting Connecticut in March 2020.Certain aspects of the project had to be adjusted due to the inability to travel and gather in person, but the Town of Newtown continued communication with Dan Affleck and Ben Waldo of the design firm SWA Group, based in California.First Selectman Dan Rosenthal announced at Newtown Public Building & Site Commission’s (PB&SC) virtual meeting on July 28, 2020, that after interviewing multiple candidates, Downes Construction Company had been selected to manage pre-construction. The decision got the official stamp of approval by the Newtown Board of Selectman (BOS) on August 3.Downes Construction Company’s services would later be extended for the entirety of building the memorial.Newtown also hired ARTEMIS Landscape Architects, located on Washington Avenue in Sandy Hook, run by principal/founder Tara Vincenta.Waldo told The Newtown Bee that then-PB&SC Chairman and SHPMC Advisory Board Member Robert “Bob” Mitchell was instrumental during the stage of selecting local contractors.“He was the one that recommended working with a local landscape architect, and he gave us different options of who he thought might work. One of them was Tara at ARTEMIS, which we immediately thought she had the best artistic sensibility for the job as well as being right down the street from the memorial,” Waldo said.Vincenta and her team were entrusted with the selection and design of all the plantings for the memorial as well as the irrigation design.Vincenta told The Newtown Bee, “We worked closely on plant procurement with GT Landscape to ensure the health and uniformity of the plantings. Throughout the construction process, we attended all of the owner/architect meetings, as well as PB&SC meetings. We were an active part of the design team that advised the town through the construction process. We were aware of and weighed in on all of the nuances of design and construction as the project evolved to create the highest result possible within the budget.”SHPMC member Sarah Middeleer shared that Vincenta did “a great job” working on the project. “Her task was huge and complicated, and she got a whole lot done in a very compressed time-frame,” she said.SHPMC SupportThroughout the final months of 2020 and into 2021, the SHPMC had sporadic meetings to receive updates on the project.Llodra, who became a SHPMC member, reflected on this time, saying, “The First Selectman’s office ensured that the committee was well informed about most aspects of project construction … Management decisions were properly in the hands of the First Selectman, but committee input was regularly invited and considered.”Commissioners had the opportunity to give feedback on important elements such as the type of stone for the water feature, the gravel for the walkways, and the “Memorial Etiquette” signage.They also unanimously approved the inscription for a President Barack Obama quote from when he visited Newtown following the tragedy.It reads, “Here in Newtown, I come to offer the love and prayers of a nation. I am very mindful that mere words cannot match the depths of your sorrow, nor can they heal your wounded hearts. I can only hope it helps for you to know that you’re not alone in your grief; that our world too has been torn apart; that all across this land of ours, we have wept with you.”SHPMC member Donna Van Waalwijk recalled how working with the town, designers, and other project members “was all done very smoothly.”Much-Anticipated ReferendumIn February 2021, Rosenthal let the SHPMC know that the town had “a very good cost estimate.” It put the memorial project on track with the $3.7 million budget that was decided on at the end of 2019.With the budget in order, Rosenthal shared that the Legislative Council unanimously approved sending the project to referendum for April 27, 2021.On April 5, 2021, The Newtown Bee partnered with the Town of Newtown to provide a free, two-part series webcast entitled “Watch & Learn Before You Vote.” Part One helped educate the community about the permanent memorial budget on the upcoming ballot.The panel discussion included Rosenthal, Mitchell, SHPMC chairman Dan Krauss, Affleck and Waldo, Vincenta, as well as construction manager Jeff Anderson from Downes Construction Company. The video can still be viewed on The Newtown Bee’s YouTube channel.The project’s $3.2 million capital bonding authorization passed the referendum.In June, The Newtown Bee also reported that in the 2021 Legislative Session, the House and Senate overwhelmingly passed a state bonding package to fund a number of projects, including a substantial grant to help underwrite the cost of the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial.Newtown’s Legislative Delegation — Senator Tony Hwang and State Representatives Raghib Allie-Brennan, Mitch Bolinsky, and Tony Scott — worked with Governor Ned Lamont’s office and Rosenthal to secure a $2.6 million grant allocation for the memorial.Sen Hwang, the ranking senator on the bonding subcommittee, said, “Securing grant-in-aid to supplement town-approved funding for the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial was a successful team effort which will bring to fruition an important tribute which will provide a step forward toward closure and healing from an incredibly emotional time for our community. I want to give a special acknowledgement to members of the SHPMC, volunteers who have diligently and respectfully planned this memorial for the past number of years.”Construction BeginsAffleck recalled, “We went through a pretty rapid construction design phase after they did the [referendum] vote and we heard that it passed.”Before construction officially began on August 23, 2021, SHPMC members gathered for a small ceremony at the memorial site on Riverside Road.Krauss told The Newtown Bee, “All the families were invited, the commission was there, Dan [Rosenthal] was there. It was in the grass field and what they had done is have someone come out and mark where the things would be. It was to mark the end of the planning phase and start the construction.”Commissioners would later visit the property from time to time with Rosenthal to see how construction was going.While much of the work by SWA Group was done remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Affleck did have the opportunity to fly out to select the sycamore tree in person with Vincenta at a nursery on the border of Connecticut and New York.Waldo explained, “Dan was more involved in the project management, client relationship, and ongoing relationship with the commission. I was more involved in the construction observation. I came out maybe seven times starting in December 2021 for various milestones of the construction process. They were in active construction from late August of 2021 to all the way through the winter — they didn’t stop. It was a fairly mild winter last year, so they were able to keep going.”Affleck added, “They had big heat lamps out there. I was amazed because we are not used to this kind of weather, but they worked through the cold.”Private CeremonyThe Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial at 32 Riverside Road was opened for a brief, invitation-only ceremony on November 12, 2022.There were approximately 200 people in attendance, including the SHPMC, first responders, the Newtown statehouse delegation, Gov Lamont, Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and families of 12/14 victims.Vincenta, who was in attendance said, “It was deeply moving and overwhelming for me to see the families gathered at the completed memorial. I hope the memorial and the natural environment brings the families and the community healing and comfort.”Guests walked around the site, put commemorative wreaths in the circulating water, and read the names of all the victims that were carved in stone around the Sacred Sycamore.Krauss recalled how transformative it was to see everyone at the ceremony and said, “It really brought the memorial alive with this buzzing of activity.”Waldo shared a similar outlook, saying, “When you stand up at the top and look down at the space and see people ambulating around, it really feels alive in a way that you hope and imagine. You never really internalize it until you see it in action.”Affleck added, “The reception of the memorial and watching people interact with it has been the most rewarding aspect to me.”The program began with a moment of silence in memory of those who died and all their names were later read aloud.Rosenthal also recognized the recent passing of the late Robert Mitchell, who died October 6, 2021. While Mitchell was not able to see the memorial completed, Rosenthal honored him for his vital service to the community.There were several speakers, including a moving speech by JoAnn Bacon, who is both a SHPMC member and mother of Charlotte Bacon who died on 12/14, and SHPMC Vice Chair Alan Martin.Martin told The Newtown Bee that he was thrilled with the turnout at the ceremony, especially getting to see Affleck and Waldo.“When I saw them at the dedication, we gave each other a hug. They are fine young men … They were delightful to work with in every way — interpersonally, creatively. Anything we needed from them, we got,” Martin said.Van Waalwijk agreed that it was special to see all the people who worked on the memorial over the years be in the same place together.“It was kind of a culmination of the whole project. It was touching to have us all together,” she said.Open To The PublicOn November 13, 2022, the SHPMC posted a message to its Facebook page that read, “Today, The Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial officially opened to the public. We hope that when you visit you feel a sense of reverence and love for those who tragically lost their lives, but also a hope for the future. All are welcome. It is the hope of the commission that those visiting do so with respect for the victims, as well as respect others visiting.”From that day on, the memorial has been open to the public from sunrise to sunset and people from all over the world have visited the site.No pets, except for qualified support animals, are allowed on the property. Additional guest guidelines are listed on the Memorial Etiquette sign on the path leading to the site.Rosenthal told The Newtown Bee in November 2022, “After December 14th it will be open on a weather permitting basis as it will not be maintained during and after snow and/or ice fall. Parking is limited, however, so we respectfully ask for patience when visiting.”On December 15, the memorial’s water feature was drained, but will be refilled in the spring of 2023.Final SentimentsWhether someone was part of the project since the SHPMC’s inception nearly a decade ago or joined later, the consensus has been similar that there is a feeling of pride to have been part of it in some way.Martin said, “I’m truly honored to play such a significant part. We delivered to the town, and we delivered to the families a beautiful, appropriate memorial.”Llodra called the SHPMC “an extraordinary work of commitment, love, collegiality, skills, insight, and wisdom” that she was honored to be a part of that effort.Van Waalwijk was thankful for Llodra being part of the commission and for being a “great leader” during her time as First Selectman. Van Waalwjik also gave special thanks to First Selectman Executive Assistant Sue Marcinek, clerk Lynn Kovack, former Land Use Agency Director George Benson and Deputy Director Rob Sibley, and Rosenthal.Vincenta, too, was “honored” to be part of the team, and said, “Everyone involved was deeply committed and went above and beyond to create the beautiful outcome you experience at the memorial.”Middeleer said, “It was a great honor to be on this commission and to contribute to the creation of this memorial. Nothing will ever erase the excruciating pain experienced by the families whose loved ones were murdered, but I sincerely hope that the memorial will offer them some solace.”Krauss said that not only is the memorial beautiful and fits Newtown, but it is also symbolic in that “You see the tree alive and growing, and to me that is a hope for the future.”Affleck summarized, “It’s a living memorial. It needs to be taken care of; it needs maintenance. It belongs to the town, and it is a fragile thing in some sense. It is going to require love, maintenance, and care. There is a fragility, and it asks people to engage with it. I hope people pick it up and there is an institutional support for its longevity. It will outlive us all.”Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.

Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial look back with commission/designers PART 5 Alissa Silber Story Part Five: Designers, Commissioners Look Back On Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Process Dozens of Survivors, Responders, Volunteers, Officials Gather To Open Sandy Featured Slider, Features None

News

First Selectman, Fairfield Hills Authority Consider Newtown Hall Back On Market First Selectman Dan Rosenthal and the Fairfield Hills Authority are considering EverWonder Children's Museum's lack of action in supplying requested information to mean that Newtown Hall is back on the market for any who may wish to rent or purchase it.The First Selectman’s Office and the Fairfield Hills Authority are both considering EverWonder Children’s Museum bid to make Newtown Hall its new home inactive following a letter sent in December.The children’s museum, which offers exhibits and extensive programs to children from its current location at 31 Pecks Lane here in Newtown, had long expressed interest in the building, which has been vacant for more than two decades.The authority reviewed the letter at its January 30 meeting and arrived at the same conclusion that First Selectman Dan Rosenthal did when he first received the letter — that EverWonder was no longer pursuing the building.Tenancy at Newtown Hall became an issue last fall following competing letters of intent received in mid-2022.EverWonder had submitted a letter of intent asking for 18 months to fundraise and make an offer for the building in August 2022. Then, 1st Financial Bank USA, with headquarters in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, submitted a letter of intent for the building in September 2022.The intent of the bank was to utilize the historic structure as corporate headquarters for Premier Financial Services, one of its subsidiaries that administers financing for vintage and luxury vehicles. The midwestern financial institution recently acquired Premier, which had been located in neighboring Woodbury.However, after learning there was a competing bid, 1st Financial Bank decided to step aside to give EverWonder an “opportunity to see if they can make it work,” according to Rosenthal. Rosenthal offered eight weeks for EverWonder to submit plans for the museum’s potential use.A letter from former Director of Planning George Benson in October 2022 asked the children’s museum to respond providing current financial statements; a business plan projected to one, three, and ten years; an estimated renovation budget; committed sources of capital from bank loans, grants, and donors; and a statement on the financial viability of the business post development.In EverWonder’s December response, its board and Executive Director Merredith Cristos wrote that “EverWonder does not have sufficient information or access to sufficient information to develop credible estimates of costs to renovate Newtown Hall.” The letter states that a 2015 study showed that it would cost $800,000 for hazardous material remediation, and that cost would certainly be higher in today’s dollars.The letter points to a January 2022 study showing that EverWonder’s annual visitation rate would increase an average of 143 percent, to 59,000 visits per year. But the letter stated it would require further spending by EverWonder to get the information asked for by the town, and the board had decided it was “not currently appropriate to allocate additional capital to engage architectural and structural engineering firms.”While the letter ends with a statement hoping to continue conversations with the town, both Rosenthal and the FFHA consider the building available for other bidders.“We understand the perspective of the museum, but our feeling is that the building is still on the marketplace,” said Rosenthal. Rosenthal said he has informed 1st Financial Bank, but has not received a response.At this week’s FFHA meeting, Chairman Ross Carley said the letter was put on the table and discussions ensued, “searching for what the letter meant.”“We had a discussion on why [EverWonder] did not answer [the town’s requests for information],” said Carley. “They did not meet any of the criteria set by George Benson.”Carley said because of the lack of information from EverWonder, the authority made a decision to consider the building open for lease or purchase.FFHA member Melissa Moriarty suggested that when WynnDevelopment potentially completes its mixed used commercial/residential buildings on campus, EverWonder could possibly pursue space in one of those buildings.Carley said that the authority “was really taken to task online” following the initial response to the offers between the museum and the bank, and that the authority “was accused of trying to back out of a deal that was never there.”“I’m glad it’s all out in the air,” said Carley. “People are entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts. It’s done, I hope.”Carley said he did not know if there was any current interest in the building.“It’s a great little building, it’s in really great shape,” said Carley.After being contacted by The Newtown Bee for a reaction, EverWonder board spokesperson Dr Aaron Coopersmith said there would be no comment offered regarding the Newtown Hall project.Associate Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.

First Selectman, Fairfield Hills Authority Consider Newtown Hall Back On Ma Jim Taylor Story First Selectman, Fairfield Hills Authority Consider Newtown Hall Back On Market First Selectman, Fairfield Hills Authority Consider Newtown Hall Back On Ma News None

First Selectman, Fairfield Hills Authority Consider Newtown Hall Back On Market

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal and the Fairfield Hills Authority are considering EverWonder Children's Museum's lack of action in supplying requested information to mean that Newtown Hall is back on the market for any who may wish to rent or purchase it.

Education

UPDATE: Water Damage Will Close NHS Through At Least TuesdayNewtown High School will be closed for classes through at least Tuesday as staff and administrators take stock of damage after a water pipe burst sometime between Sunday and Monday morning.The sight and sound of dripping water cascading through all three floors of Newtown High School's F Wing, within the "newest" section of the Berkshire Road building, where students would normally be engaged in class or sitting down for lunch was eerily out of place. As was the sight of clean-up contractors with three-foot wide squeegees pushing nearly an inch of standing water along a third floor corridor more than five hours after a broken water pipe was discovered Monday morning.Leading The Newtown Bee through areas of damage just after 11 am, Superintendent of Schools Chris Melillo explained that by the time he and Director Of Facilities Bob Gerbert were notified of the potential damage by custodians arriving on site, buses were already rolling out for first pickups. Instead of throwing the entire town's bus scheduling into turmoil, Melillo decided to instead continue having the high school's students dropped off at school, get as much truncated work done as possible, and then dismiss everyone at 10 am.Parents and staff were immediately notified by the superintendent.In the meantime, students normally occupying approximately 40% of the facility's education space affected by the water pipe break were temporarily relocated to the gym and auditorium, which were not impacted. "All the damage is confined to that far end of the building," the superintendent said pointing toward the cafetorium at the far western corner of the sprawling facility of more than 184,000 square feet. He said the cause of the break had not yet been determined.“[Professionals] have to ascertain whether [the pipe burst] from the cold, or whether it’s something else,” he told The Bee.Although he said classes at the high school would not be able to resume at least for Tuesday, February 7, Melillo was planning to allow scheduled basketball game to be played as scheduled in the gym Monday evening.As preliminary clean-up continued, the superintendent walked past rooms and hallways that still had noticeable amounts of standing water on the floors and dripping from the ceilings, as well as soggy books and materials on desks and shelf tops.He said by early estimate, some technology including ceiling-mounted projectors and some servers were impacted, along with the school's wifi system. Melillo believes it will be “a couple of days at least” until the extent of the damage is known. The technology equipment cannot be assessed “until it completely dries out,” he added.Some classrooms also had compromised ceiling tiles and fixtures."The affected area represents about 40 percent of our classroom space," he said.With no custodial staff in the building Sunday, it was impossible to tell when the leak started, Melillo said. But the source was eventually determined to be a water pipe between the ceiling and roof line of the third floor between a classroom and common area near the western end of the latest building addition."When custodians arrived around 5:30 and did their walk-through of the building, that area is the farthest point," Melillo said. Nonetheless, he and Gerbert were made aware of the issue by 6 am, when the decision was made to keep all the local transportation routes flowing status quo. The superintendent said students and parents would be notified of the Tuesday closing in short order, and any further closings would be determined as educators and staff returned to specific areas of the compromised wing to assess damage to materials and technology.Check back for updates as this story develops and view a couple videos of the damage on The Newtown Bee's Facebook page.

Education

Water Damage Temporarily Closing Newtown High School

News

Strike Two: IWC Considers, Postpones Revoking Subdivision Permit Again

Strike Two: IWC Considers, Postpones Revoking Subdivision Permit Again Newtown Inland Wetland Commission (IWC) conducted a special meeting at Newtown Municipal Center on February 1 to discuss revoking — for a second time — the wetlands permit for the Holly Estates Subdivision on Route 34. Newtown Inland Wetland Commission (IWC) conducted a special meeting at Newtown Municipal Center on February 1 to discuss revoking — for a second time — the wetlands permit for the Holly Estates Subdivision on Route 34. The only item on the agenda was the revocation hearing for Permit #20-27 by Negreiro & Sons Construction LLC, for property located at 203 and 211 Berkshire Road.The property features the new road Holly Lane, a cul-de-sac where more than a dozen single family homes are being built. An 1860 home originally on the property that was to be restored was later demolished.Prior to the subdivision, the 73.2-acre parcel was a mixture of forest, old fields, and farmed fields that supported a variety of wildlife. Twenty-seven acres were donated to Newtown Forest Association (NFA), due to the town’s open space rules. Most of those acres are wetlands.The project gained much attention from the community in the last few years due to concerns relating to road safety and the subdivision’s negative impact on wetlands, wildlife, and the water table.The IWC approved the application for the project in 2020. It was then approved in early 2021 by the Planning and Zoning Commission.By April 2021, the Town of Newtown issued a permit revocation hearing due to poor site conditions, failure to maintain erosion controls, and lack of communication from the applicant to remedy the issues.At the time, applicant Jose Negreiro said he felt “confident things are going to get done.”After much discussion, IWC decided to not revoke the permit. The commission was assured the problems would be fixed and communication would be restored with updated reports of the progress.Plans were submitted including diversion swales to be installed above the development, plans to abandon the trenches on site, and repairs to the erosion controls.While some promised actions were done, not all were executed. The town went out numerous times to point out aspects that needed to be fixed, to no avail.Current Action ConsideredFast forward to nearly a year later, and IWC was again holding a special meeting to consider revoking the permit issued to Negreiro & Sons Construction LLC.In attendance at the February 1 meeting were commissioners Kendall Horch, Michael McCabe, chair Sharon Salling, Suzanne Guidera, Scott Jackson, and Stephanie Kurose. They were joined by Senior Land Use Enforcement Officer Steve Maguire and Land Use Enforcement Officer Kiana Maisonet.Representing the original application was Negreiro, Jason Edwards of J. Edwards & Associates, Gary Nash of Nash Construction, and attorney Chris Russo of Russo and Rizio LLC.Maguire highlighted, “One of the main concerns I had from the beginning were the trenches … they were supposed to be removed.”He noted that he sent a couple of e-mails to the contractor and the owner saying action needed to be taken before development begins around these sensitive areas along the stream.Maguire took evidence of what he witnessed during multiple site visits, and passed around a handout with dozens of images illustrating poor site conditions.His findings show even the land donated to NFA is being negatively impacted.“I feel that they are not capable of maintaining the site … I’m requesting the permit be revoked, things to be readdressed, and resubmitted," Maguire said.Applicant’s ResponseEdwards spoke first and noted that he is the site engineer, not the developer.He said they had a “dry summer” and that “everything was going well, so we essentially stopped the monitoring program at that point, and it had not resumed.”Edwards passed out a packet to the commissioners that had an inspection report from his office.The paperwork detailed that he performed an inspection on January 28, 2023, at 11:30 am, focused on Lot 3 and Lot 12.“However, I also did a general broad inspection and examined the brook and crossing as well as the detention pond,” Edwards noted.The report went on to say that the site was “in decent condition” even with tracking and silt accumulation on the roadway.“I recommend that the contractor repair and reinforce silt fence where necessary, including adding a second row of silt fence or hay bales to downhill areas on Lot 12,” it concluded in part.Maguire said that even though the application was approved as a subdivision they would refer to specific areas of concern by identifying the lot number.“Lot numbers 11, 12, and 3 are my main concerns for direct impact to wetlands that I want to be addressed … also the other ones of concern we know are [lots] 1, 2, 4, 5, and 13, which have wetlands in the vicinity,” he said.After some discussion, Edwards said the project’s environmental consultant, Steven Danzer, is scheduled to be on site the weekend of February 4 to provide an assessment, as well as a mitigation schedule.Salling voiced: “It’s clear that there’s an awareness that there are issues, but it isn’t clear that the plan to mitigate or remediate has been put into place in a timely fashion and followed.”What concerns the town staff and commission, she added, is when there is a repetition of issues happening.“What I would like to hear … is not only the steps but the schedule and a real commitment to implementing those steps on a schedule that prevents us from having to have another hearing,” Salling said.Maguire said he does not feel the environmental issues and concerns are being focused on, and instead only building more houses is being prioritized. As a result, the applicant’s ways are having a “ripple effect” and acting like a “band aid” to the problems.Nash said, “That erosion control is put in that stream, because we had to do pipe crossing in that stream.”He went on to explain that the previous landowner used the property for farming and diverted water, which caused unforeseen issues for the developer.“The farmer had trenches that concentrated water, which started a problem when we had the original temporary pond. Now that water was coming from the high side of the road, all the temporary ponds were on the low side, and the diversion trenches were on the low side, which gave us a huge amount of water crossing the road when it was under construction,” Nash said.Maguire said he understands and sympathized with that.“This site is not an average site. I’ve been doing this for almost 40 years now and I’ve never seen a site with a water table as high and the type of material that has been disturbed from the farming of it,” Nash said.Commission InputHorch said she had been to the site that morning and the lower lot was “completely exposed.”“To expose an entire lot right next to wetlands with not enough silt fence protection — that was my concern. That seemed like a red flag,” she said.Horch also pointed out the swales that had been proposed and accepted by IWC back in April were not constructed, the trenches were not abandoned, and berms were put in the upper lot.Nash said they are using the berms to divert water traveling on disturbed grounds.“I saw the berm on Lot 3, and I followed where the diverted water would go, and it looks like it goes into a pile [with] an upside-down cone and a log and just a bunch of stuff before it would flow right onto the road. I didn’t even see a silt fence there either,” Horch said.Salling asked why the swales were not constructed.Nash answered, “At the time they were proposed, it was way too wet up there. Then everything became vegetative and nothing was going to be done with those lots.”Guidera said that she is in favor of stopping construction and other commissioners agreed.Russo said there are issues Edwards can address immediately. Edwards then began to list possible resolutions.Salling said, “I think that we owe you the time to come back with a plan. You shouldn’t be hashing it out in here.”Russo emphasized that revocation would stop work from being done, even though it sounds like work needs to be done to protect the area.“I would personally suggest that we have the opportunity to quickly prepare a plan that we would address first … rather than a revocation, which would just stop everything on the site,” Russo said.Kurose stated, “I think you can understand our skepticism, though, when Steve has been going out there for months and months. This isn’t the first time you all have come in.”After some back and forth with commissioners and applicant representatives, Russo said he did not want to have the issues turn into “an adversarial position between the two parties.“The owner is trying to address those issues. Revoking the permit, to me, is an extreme measure that would force the sides to become adversarial,” he added.He recommended they continue to cease and desist to allow for Edwards to prepare a plan to present the IWC.Maguire emphasized he “can’t babysit the site” and stood by the recommendation to revoke the permit.Since some commissioners had to leave the meeting due to time, they proposed delaying further discussion.“We want to give you a chance to live up to what you say,” Salling told the applicant and representatives.The commissioners voted to continue the revocation hearing to their next regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, February 8, at 7:30 pm. It passed with only Kurose in opposition.Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.

Inland Wetlands Commission Special Meeting February 1 Alissa Silber Story Strike Two: IWC Considers, Postpones Revoking Subdivision Permit Again Inland Wetlands Commission Special Meeting February 1 Featured Slider, News None

Education

BOE Sending Letter Asking For Help With Bus Situation

BOE Sending Letter Asking For Help With Bus Situation The Board of Education sent a letter to state officials requesting help with transporting students to and from school. The Board of Education sent a letter to state officials requesting help with transporting students to and from school after the idea was first brought up at the Board of Education’s January 17 meeting.While a bus driver shortage is not new or specific to Newtown, there are challenges specific to Newtown, according to discussion at the board’s January 26 meeting, when sending a letter was approved by the board.Frustration was evident at the meeting, both from board members and from Superintendent of Schools Chris Melillo.Both Newtown’s contracted bus companies, primarily All-Star Transportation for in-district routes, and EdAdvance for out-of-district routes, were mentioned at the meeting for having a bus driver shortage. But it was transporting students to and from school that received the most attention at the meeting.Board of Education Chair Deborra Zukowski mentioned that at one recent point there were 24 “call outs” that resulted in parked buses over a two-week span.“We have to come up with some way where we can actually get our students to school on time,” Zukowski said.Melillo then shared that he had a scheduled meeting with All-Star Transportation for the following day and First Selectman Dan Rosenthal was also invited to the meeting.“I expect solutions,” Melillo said. The superintendent said he told the bus company not to “show up” unless it could present resolutions.“I was hired here to improve teaching and learning: I am spending my time on transportation,” said Melillo.The superintendent said the district has tried offering more money, has tried re-routing, has taken buses offline, and has reached out to representatives for help.“I will be meeting with All-Star tomorrow. First Selectman Rosenthal will be joining me at that meeting, and I am expecting results. And hopefully I can report results,” Melillo said.The following day, Melillo sent a letter to Newtown school district families describing a “short-term solution.”“We are working with the bus company to combine existing routes as a short-term solution to our bus driver shortage,” the letter read. “By next week we will have identified the buses and routes that will be altered and changes will take effect beginning Monday, February 6.“We will ensure that all parents and students are made aware of these changes by next week so you will have ample time to adjust your schedule,” the letter continued. “We currently have drivers that are enrolled in classes and we are hoping to have them licensed as soon as all of the requirements are met.“The licensing process does take several weeks and we appreciate your patience as we continue to work on this problem,” it continues. “If you are interested in being a bus driver, classes start on January 30. Please see the link for the job application: all-startransportation.com/application.”The letter also explained that a district survey to ascertain which families were choosing to transport children to and from school and which high school students would be driving themselves, was extended to January 30. The survey’s aim was to consolidate routes if possible.The School Board’s LetterFollowing the school board’s approval of having Zukowski and member Dan Cruson edit a draft of the letter presented by Cruson to the board, the letter was completed and shared for publication.Following the meeting, Zukowski said the letter was a team effort between the board and the superintendent.The letter was sent to Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut State Department of Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker, State Senator Tony Hwang, State Representative Mitch Bolinsky, State Representative Marty Foncello, and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.The letter follows:Dear Governor Lamont, Commissioner Russell-Tucker, Senator Hwang, Representative Bolinsky, Representative Foncello, and Attorney General Tong.As members of the Newtown Board of Education, we have been actively supporting our Superintendent and his administration as they navigate Newtown Public Schools’ first normal school year since the start of the pandemic. Our District has made notable progress addressing interrupted learning and helping our students with mental health struggles. However we, along with our colleagues around the state, are still struggling with transportation; we do not have enough bus drivers to provide consistent busing that gets our students to school on time. We ask your assistance to help all of us find solutions that ensure buses can once again properly serve our families.We understand that throughout our state and country many older drivers now feel uncomfortable with the potential health risks of driving large numbers of kids and that there is a robust job market that pulls younger drivers away from a field that is often low-paying and high stress, resulting in a smaller pool of qualified drivers to fill the needs of many districts. Also, candidates who receive their Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) through provider-sponsored training programs are often lured away by better pay and benefits offered by corporate America. (Competing with such offers would place too high an economic burden on our taxpayers.)In Newtown specifically, we entered into a new five-year contract with All-Star Transportation in May, 2022, when the driver shortage was even more pronounced. The company was the only one to respond to our [Request For Proposal] RFP. We were told that non-competitive bidding was yet another consequence of the driver shortage since transportation providers were unwilling to take on the risk of finding an adequate number of drivers in new districts while facing their own shortages. By the start of the 2022-23 school year, All-Star was able to provide one driver per bus (but no spares, as required in the contract), in large part because of the Board’s and District’s actions to consolidate buses and provide additional money for driver retention. However, as we moved into the late fall and winter, illnesses increased. Without spare drivers buses were “parked,” ie, not available to transport students to and/or from school. In December, 18 buses were parked and 24 buses were parked for the first half of January. When buses are parked, the affected students must either be transported to school by their families or wait for a bus to finish its scheduled runs and return for them, meaning they are significantly late to school and/or late getting home from school.The driver shortage has also impacted our extracurricular and special education out-of-district transportation. Because of the shortage, All-Star — our contracted provider of extracurricular transportation — has not been able to provide services for many sport-related trips resulting in a high cost to the District to hire alternate transportation. While the District has been creative, for example sharing buses with other districts, there is still a significant financial burden to absorb. Like All-Star, EdAdvance — our out-of-district Special Education transportation provider — has been unable to provide us with enough drivers to fulfill their contract since the beginning of the year. We have also supplemented their services with multiple other providers, at close to twice the cost.The bus driver shortage affects all Connecticut school districts in some manner. We ask if there is something you can do to help address the driver shortage in the short term while districts continue recruiting and training. For instance, we understand that Massachusetts activated the National Guard to transport students to and from school. Extra personnel, working in conjunction with the existing transportation providers, would significantly help relieve some of this pressure. Having such short-term assistance would help ensure that our students are able to fully participate in our educational programs while avoiding any economic burdens that families and our District might face because of unbudgeted cost overages in transportation.Thank you for taking the time to read our concerns and hopefully, together, we can navigate this difficult situation and come up with some creative solutions.Sincerely,Deborra Zukowski, John Vouros, Don Ramsey, Dan Cruson, Janet Kuzma, Jenn Larkin, and Alison PlanteEducation Editor Eliza Van can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.

BOE Sending Letter Asking For Help With Bus Situation Eliza Van Story BOE Sending Letter Asking For Help With Bus Situation December 14 To Be A Remote Learning Day Education, Featured Slider, News None

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Part Five: Designers, Commissioners Look Back On Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Process After the tragic and incomprehensible events of December 14, 2012 (known in town as 12/14) that left 20 first grade students and six faculty members at Sandy Hook Elementary School dead, the world was in a state of grieving. See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 of this story in the January 6, 13, 20, and 27 print edition, respectively, or at newtownbee.com.After the tragic and incomprehensible events of December 14, 2012 (known in town as 12/14) that left 20 first grade students and six faculty members at Sandy Hook Elementary School dead, the world was in a state of grieving.Temporary memorials were put up throughout Newtown to honor the lives taken through gun violence. It was in those sacred spaces that people openly wept, embraced loved ones, left meaningful mementos, and sought comfort in community.While those commemorative spots were not meant to be kept intact forever, then-First Selectman Pat Llodra put a call out in early 2013 for a committee to work on creating a permanent memorial.By January 2020, the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission (SHPMC) was on track with its time line for creating the long-awaited project.Just as the commissioners were about to focus on building more community engagement around the memorial, the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting Connecticut in March 2020.Certain aspects of the project had to be adjusted due to the inability to travel and gather in person, but the Town of Newtown continued communication with Dan Affleck and Ben Waldo of the design firm SWA Group, based in California.First Selectman Dan Rosenthal announced at Newtown Public Building & Site Commission’s (PB&SC) virtual meeting on July 28, 2020, that after interviewing multiple candidates, Downes Construction Company had been selected to manage pre-construction. The decision got the official stamp of approval by the Newtown Board of Selectman (BOS) on August 3.Downes Construction Company’s services would later be extended for the entirety of building the memorial.Newtown also hired ARTEMIS Landscape Architects, located on Washington Avenue in Sandy Hook, run by principal/founder Tara Vincenta.Waldo told The Newtown Bee that then-PB&SC Chairman and SHPMC Advisory Board Member Robert “Bob” Mitchell was instrumental during the stage of selecting local contractors.“He was the one that recommended working with a local landscape architect, and he gave us different options of who he thought might work. One of them was Tara at ARTEMIS, which we immediately thought she had the best artistic sensibility for the job as well as being right down the street from the memorial,” Waldo said.Vincenta and her team were entrusted with the selection and design of all the plantings for the memorial as well as the irrigation design.Vincenta told The Newtown Bee, “We worked closely on plant procurement with GT Landscape to ensure the health and uniformity of the plantings. Throughout the construction process, we attended all of the owner/architect meetings, as well as PB&SC meetings. We were an active part of the design team that advised the town through the construction process. We were aware of and weighed in on all of the nuances of design and construction as the project evolved to create the highest result possible within the budget.”SHPMC member Sarah Middeleer shared that Vincenta did “a great job” working on the project. “Her task was huge and complicated, and she got a whole lot done in a very compressed time-frame,” she said.SHPMC SupportThroughout the final months of 2020 and into 2021, the SHPMC had sporadic meetings to receive updates on the project.Llodra, who became a SHPMC member, reflected on this time, saying, “The First Selectman’s office ensured that the committee was well informed about most aspects of project construction … Management decisions were properly in the hands of the First Selectman, but committee input was regularly invited and considered.”Commissioners had the opportunity to give feedback on important elements such as the type of stone for the water feature, the gravel for the walkways, and the “Memorial Etiquette” signage.They also unanimously approved the inscription for a President Barack Obama quote from when he visited Newtown following the tragedy.It reads, “Here in Newtown, I come to offer the love and prayers of a nation. I am very mindful that mere words cannot match the depths of your sorrow, nor can they heal your wounded hearts. I can only hope it helps for you to know that you’re not alone in your grief; that our world too has been torn apart; that all across this land of ours, we have wept with you.”SHPMC member Donna Van Waalwijk recalled how working with the town, designers, and other project members “was all done very smoothly.”Much-Anticipated ReferendumIn February 2021, Rosenthal let the SHPMC know that the town had “a very good cost estimate.” It put the memorial project on track with the $3.7 million budget that was decided on at the end of 2019.With the budget in order, Rosenthal shared that the Legislative Council unanimously approved sending the project to referendum for April 27, 2021.On April 5, 2021, The Newtown Bee partnered with the Town of Newtown to provide a free, two-part series webcast entitled “Watch & Learn Before You Vote.” Part One helped educate the community about the permanent memorial budget on the upcoming ballot.The panel discussion included Rosenthal, Mitchell, SHPMC chairman Dan Krauss, Affleck and Waldo, Vincenta, as well as construction manager Jeff Anderson from Downes Construction Company. The video can still be viewed on The Newtown Bee’s YouTube channel.The project’s $3.2 million capital bonding authorization passed the referendum.In June, The Newtown Bee also reported that in the 2021 Legislative Session, the House and Senate overwhelmingly passed a state bonding package to fund a number of projects, including a substantial grant to help underwrite the cost of the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial.Newtown’s Legislative Delegation — Senator Tony Hwang and State Representatives Raghib Allie-Brennan, Mitch Bolinsky, and Tony Scott — worked with Governor Ned Lamont’s office and Rosenthal to secure a $2.6 million grant allocation for the memorial.Sen Hwang, the ranking senator on the bonding subcommittee, said, “Securing grant-in-aid to supplement town-approved funding for the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial was a successful team effort which will bring to fruition an important tribute which will provide a step forward toward closure and healing from an incredibly emotional time for our community. I want to give a special acknowledgement to members of the SHPMC, volunteers who have diligently and respectfully planned this memorial for the past number of years.”Construction BeginsAffleck recalled, “We went through a pretty rapid construction design phase after they did the [referendum] vote and we heard that it passed.”Before construction officially began on August 23, 2021, SHPMC members gathered for a small ceremony at the memorial site on Riverside Road.Krauss told The Newtown Bee, “All the families were invited, the commission was there, Dan [Rosenthal] was there. It was in the grass field and what they had done is have someone come out and mark where the things would be. It was to mark the end of the planning phase and start the construction.”Commissioners would later visit the property from time to time with Rosenthal to see how construction was going.While much of the work by SWA Group was done remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Affleck did have the opportunity to fly out to select the sycamore tree in person with Vincenta at a nursery on the border of Connecticut and New York.Waldo explained, “Dan was more involved in the project management, client relationship, and ongoing relationship with the commission. I was more involved in the construction observation. I came out maybe seven times starting in December 2021 for various milestones of the construction process. They were in active construction from late August of 2021 to all the way through the winter — they didn’t stop. It was a fairly mild winter last year, so they were able to keep going.”Affleck added, “They had big heat lamps out there. I was amazed because we are not used to this kind of weather, but they worked through the cold.”Private CeremonyThe Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial at 32 Riverside Road was opened for a brief, invitation-only ceremony on November 12, 2022.There were approximately 200 people in attendance, including the SHPMC, first responders, the Newtown statehouse delegation, Gov Lamont, Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and families of 12/14 victims.Vincenta, who was in attendance said, “It was deeply moving and overwhelming for me to see the families gathered at the completed memorial. I hope the memorial and the natural environment brings the families and the community healing and comfort.”Guests walked around the site, put commemorative wreaths in the circulating water, and read the names of all the victims that were carved in stone around the Sacred Sycamore.Krauss recalled how transformative it was to see everyone at the ceremony and said, “It really brought the memorial alive with this buzzing of activity.”Waldo shared a similar outlook, saying, “When you stand up at the top and look down at the space and see people ambulating around, it really feels alive in a way that you hope and imagine. You never really internalize it until you see it in action.”Affleck added, “The reception of the memorial and watching people interact with it has been the most rewarding aspect to me.”The program began with a moment of silence in memory of those who died and all their names were later read aloud.Rosenthal also recognized the recent passing of the late Robert Mitchell, who died October 6, 2021. While Mitchell was not able to see the memorial completed, Rosenthal honored him for his vital service to the community.There were several speakers, including a moving speech by JoAnn Bacon, who is both a SHPMC member and mother of Charlotte Bacon who died on 12/14, and SHPMC Vice Chair Alan Martin.Martin told The Newtown Bee that he was thrilled with the turnout at the ceremony, especially getting to see Affleck and Waldo.“When I saw them at the dedication, we gave each other a hug. They are fine young men … They were delightful to work with in every way — interpersonally, creatively. Anything we needed from them, we got,” Martin said.Van Waalwijk agreed that it was special to see all the people who worked on the memorial over the years be in the same place together.“It was kind of a culmination of the whole project. It was touching to have us all together,” she said.Open To The PublicOn November 13, 2022, the SHPMC posted a message to its Facebook page that read, “Today, The Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial officially opened to the public. We hope that when you visit you feel a sense of reverence and love for those who tragically lost their lives, but also a hope for the future. All are welcome. It is the hope of the commission that those visiting do so with respect for the victims, as well as respect others visiting.”From that day on, the memorial has been open to the public from sunrise to sunset and people from all over the world have visited the site.No pets, except for qualified support animals, are allowed on the property. Additional guest guidelines are listed on the Memorial Etiquette sign on the path leading to the site.Rosenthal told The Newtown Bee in November 2022, “After December 14th it will be open on a weather permitting basis as it will not be maintained during and after snow and/or ice fall. Parking is limited, however, so we respectfully ask for patience when visiting.”On December 15, the memorial’s water feature was drained, but will be refilled in the spring of 2023.Final SentimentsWhether someone was part of the project since the SHPMC’s inception nearly a decade ago or joined later, the consensus has been similar that there is a feeling of pride to have been part of it in some way.Martin said, “I’m truly honored to play such a significant part. We delivered to the town, and we delivered to the families a beautiful, appropriate memorial.”Llodra called the SHPMC “an extraordinary work of commitment, love, collegiality, skills, insight, and wisdom” that she was honored to be a part of that effort.Van Waalwijk was thankful for Llodra being part of the commission and for being a “great leader” during her time as First Selectman. Van Waalwjik also gave special thanks to First Selectman Executive Assistant Sue Marcinek, clerk Lynn Kovack, former Land Use Agency Director George Benson and Deputy Director Rob Sibley, and Rosenthal.Vincenta, too, was “honored” to be part of the team, and said, “Everyone involved was deeply committed and went above and beyond to create the beautiful outcome you experience at the memorial.”Middeleer said, “It was a great honor to be on this commission and to contribute to the creation of this memorial. Nothing will ever erase the excruciating pain experienced by the families whose loved ones were murdered, but I sincerely hope that the memorial will offer them some solace.”Krauss said that not only is the memorial beautiful and fits Newtown, but it is also symbolic in that “You see the tree alive and growing, and to me that is a hope for the future.”Affleck summarized, “It’s a living memorial. It needs to be taken care of; it needs maintenance. It belongs to the town, and it is a fragile thing in some sense. It is going to require love, maintenance, and care. There is a fragility, and it asks people to engage with it. I hope people pick it up and there is an institutional support for its longevity. It will outlive us all.”Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.

Part Five: Designers, Commissioners Look Back On Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Process

After the tragic and incomprehensible events of December 14, 2012 (known in town as 12/14) that left 20 first grade students and six faculty members at Sandy Hook Elementary School dead, the world was in a state of grieving.

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Snapshot: Lily Mac Hugh

Snapshot: Lily Mac Hugh Lily Mac Hugh is The Newtown Bee's most recent Snapshot profile. Occupation: I am a reference librarian, project coordinator, and administrative assistant at the C.H. Booth library. I’m also a full-time student at Emerson College finishing up my MFA in Creative Writing. I’ve got one semester left to go.Family: I have a close-knit family consisting of my wonderful parents, an older sister, and two extremely brilliant nieces.Pets: I have a smaller-than-average cat named Marzipan and a much-too-big dog named Gideon. They are very nearly civil with each other. Gideon is a huge black lab who I take everywhere that I can. He’s my oversized shadow.How long have you lived in Newtown? I’ve lived in Newtown off and on for most of my life. I lived in Brooklyn for most of my twenties, and briefly in Costa Rica to get my TEFL certificate. I’ve been back home and working at the library since 2021.What do you like to do in your free time? I’m a writer and illustrator, so I spend a lot of time working on my two novels. I especially love to do “Shut Up and Write” sessions with my cohort friends and at the weekly event I host at the library. I also play Dungeons and Dragons with two of my closest friends.What is your favorite book? Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir is the book I am most obsessed with, though, also the book that causes me the most anguish to read. It’s truly wild esoteric space punk fantasy, and I love it. Runner up would be Murakami’s 1Q84.Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My sister, Emma, has been the greatest influence in my life. She’s so talented and hardworking, and always pushes me to try harder and reach further. She’s a floral designer and event planner, and I get to spend my summers setting up beautiful floral arrangements for her company First Blush.If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? My friend PJ passed away a few years ago. If I could spend the day with anyone, I would want to catch up with him. I think he’d be happy to hear that I pursued my dream of being a writer.Who is your favorite musical artist? I listen to Andy Shauf an almost unhealthy amount; it’s my salve for any bad day. All of his albums have beautiful storytelling.What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? My friend D provides the best, most sage advice. They told me that some people are in your life for exactly as long as they need to be, and it’s okay to mourn that friendship and move on from it.What is something you cannot live without? I think a sketchbook has been one of the few constants in my life. I’ve been drawing since I was eight or so, and I’ve kept a sketchbook for over twenty years. I have a huge stack of them in my room; they’re a good reminder for who I was when I was working in them, and the progress I’ve made since then.What is your proudest accomplishment? The first time my work was published was, I think, the proudest of my life thus far. It was my first time submitting anywhere and I hadn’t expected anything to come of it, but my short story ended up winning the contest.What is a meal/recipe your family has passed down to you? My grandmother’s crepes recipe is written on a piece of note pad paper, stuck to the back of the cupboard, and I still use it. I have it mostly memorized by this point but it’s nice to see it written down.

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FirstLight’s Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory Opens, Christine’s Critters Dazzles Crowd

FirstLight’s Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory Opens, Christine’s Critters Dazzles Crowd More than half a dozen wild eagles could be seen soaring through the sky at FirstLight’s Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory in Southbury one recent Sunday morning.More than half a dozen wild eagles could be seen soaring through the sky at FirstLight’s Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory in Southbury on the morning of Sunday, January 22.But visitors did not need binoculars to get up close to a couple smaller and more elusive birds of prey as Christine’s Critters visited the observatory for two shows at 10 am and 11:30 am with their ambassador birds.Many Newtown residents may be familiar with Christine’s Critters because it was the group that helped rehabilitate and release a red-tailed hawk from town in 2021. The hawk had been impaled by an arrow, which was believed to be an intentional act by someone in the Boggs Hill Road area.Christine’s Critters is run by wildlife rehabilitator and falconer Christine Peyreigne with the help of her mom, Betsy Peyreigne. The nonprofit is based out of Weston and specializes in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured birds of prey.At the start of the first show, Christine shared her organization’s mission and how rehabilitating birds of prey for them to be released “is very much needed in our state.”The birds being shown at the event are considered non-releasable due to disabilities that would negatively impact their chance of survival in the wild.Magma the red-faced eastern screech owl was the first bird to be shown. Betsy explained how Magma had a broken wing that fused upside down and backwards, making him unable to fly.She pointed to the tufts of feathers on his head and explained that eastern screech owls have them for communication and camouflage, not as ears.Christine then brought out a gray-faced eastern screech owl named Ash. Ash was hit by a car and suffered injuries that resulted in him becoming blind and deaf on one side.With that in mind, Christine used Ash’s experience to educate the audience about the importance of being mindful of wildlife when driving. Not only do people need to look for animals approaching the road on the ground, but also from the sky.Christine added that keeping roadways free of litter, which attracts rodents, will help prevent owls from hunting them on roadways.Equinox, a peregrine falcon, came out next. She came to Christine’s Critters after being found walking up and down a sidewalk in Fairfield, Conn. It is believed that Equinox was hit by a car and experienced neurological damage.She is unable to lock her left foot’s talons, making her unable to hold prey successfully. If she was in the wild with this condition, she would likely starve to death.Betsy shared that Equinox is also unusually friendly, “She’ll stand on my glove all day.”Newcomer Mystery was brought out after. She is a juvenile red-tailed hawk who was partially raised by female red-tailed hawks Chester and Amelia at Christine’s Critters. Since she is only six months old, Mystery still has her blue eyes and brown tail feathers.As a falconer, Christine is training Mystery how to hunt for food on her own. This skill will give her the best chance of being able to be released this coming spring or next spring. As a result, Mystery was the only bird during the presentation that had a nonremovable band around her leg to help with tracking.Christine emphasized that she is “not an imprinted bird” and does have a healthy fear of humans. According to Christine, Mystery only views her as a source of receiving food.The last bird of prey to make an appearance was Aurora, who is a 9-year-old female bald eagle.Christine explained that this was Aurora’s first in-person program in about a year, because she had been recovering from a wing injury.Originally Aurora came to Christine’s Critters after being hit by a truck in Missouri. Her injuries left her completely unable to fly and resulted in a fused wing.Betsy mentioned that Aurora has a yellow patch of xanthoma on her wing, which is a noncancerous tumor, from her initial injury. She assured the audience that they monitor it with their veterinarian and that if the day comes where they need to remove it, it will also involve amputating part of her wing.Not only are vehicle strikes harmful to birds of prey, but Betsy said, “The biggest threat to bald eagles right now is lead poisoning.”When people use lead ammunition for hunting or lead fishing weights, birds of prey inadvertently ingest them. It causes long-term neurological effects as well as death in many cases.At the end of the show, Christine welcomed people to visit their table and chat with them to learn more about the birds.For more information about Christine’s Critters, visit christinescritters.org, e-mail christinescrittersinc@gmail.com, or call 203-856-5596 and 203-810-7864.Upcoming EventsFirstLight Power is the owner and operator of Shepaug Hydroelectric Power Station in Southbury. The business opened the Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory, at 2225 River Road in Southbury, for the winter on December 28, 2022. It kicked off the season with more than 150 visitors who got to see 15 eagles on opening day.The observatory is open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 9 am and 1 pm through March 12.According to a recent press release, “Over the years, the Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory has hosted more than 150,000 visitors from across the US, providing families, bird enthusiasts, and nature lovers a unique opportunity to see these raptors in their natural habitat. “Len Greene, FirstLight’s spokesman, shared, “A visit to the Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory offers visitors an opportunity to view dozens of raptors and waterfowl, including bald eagles, red-tail hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, goshawks, and great blue herons. We’re especially grateful to our volunteers from the Connecticut Audubon Society, who help make this experience possible. We can accommodate up to 200 visitors per day, and we’re looking forward to an exciting winter, so we hope many people will join us this year for unmatched viewing of these remarkable birds in their natural habitat.”Upcoming Bird of Prey shows at the observatory include:*Horizon Wings on Sundays, February 12 and March 12, with shows both days at 10 am and 11:30 am;*Christine’s Critters on Sundays, February 19 and March 5, with shows both days at 10 am and 11:30 am; and*Connecticut Audubon Society every Saturday at varying times.Those planning to visit the observatory are encouraged to dress warmly and bring binoculars. There is a limited number of telescopes on-site for the public.“Specialists and volunteers from the Connecticut Audubon Society are on-site with high-powered telescopes to help visitors see the eagles in action and to answer questions about our national symbol,” the press release detailed. All are welcome, and admission is free, but advance reservations are required.To learn more about Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory, visit facebook.com/baldeagles or e-mail shepaugeagles@gmail.com.=====Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.

FirstLight’s Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory Alissa Silber Story FirstLight’s Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory Opens, Christine’s Critters Dazzles Crowd FirstLight’s Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory Featured Slider, Features None

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SCAN Color In Winter Show & Sale On View At Municipal Center

SCAN Color In Winter Show & Sale On View At Municipal Center The Society of Creative Arts of Newtown is currently presenting its annual winter show at Newtown Municipal Center. The Society of Creative Arts of Newtown (SCAN) is currently presenting its annual winter show at Newtown Municipal Center.“Color In Winter Art Show & Sale” fills much of the main corridor at 3 Primrose Street, with 26 members of the artists’ group sharing up to four of their original framed pieces. The exhibition is on view until February 27.The show was hung in early January, and celebrated its formal opening on January 11. That afternoon, SCAN welcomed artist Fang Sullivan for an artist’s demo. Guests were then invited to remain at the municipal center for the opening reception of Color in Winter.Show Chair Adele Moros said both events were well attended, and a great opening for the organization’s first exhibition of the year.“The demonstration was terrific, and the reception went wonderfully,” Moros said January 20. “Everything really fell into place. The reception and the artist demo started 2023 with a bang for us.”Visitors to the municipal center can view 83 works of art ranging from small- to large-scale.The show extends from the building’s southern entrance, near the Office of the First Selectman, for approximately 70 yards, with art hanging on both walls. As in past years SCAN members responded to the call of the show’s title, filling the space with bold, colorful paintings and drawings.Continuing Support For World Central KitchenIn addition to the large works, SCAN members have filled Newtown Cultural Arts Commission’s showcase at the municipal center with a collection of small works. The sale of those works, each 8 by 10 inches or smaller, will continue SCAN’s support of World Central Kitchen, an effort the artists’ collective launched last spring.SCAN offered sales of small works a few times in 2022, with all proceeds donated to the nonprofit organization that has been providing meals to the displaced from the Ukraine War for over a year.Moros said SCAN members “did very well” with its May and July special events, in addition to offerings during the 2022 Newtown Arts Festival in September.“Last year we donated over $4,000 to World Central Kitchen,” she said.The SCAN Small Works Fundraiser at the municipal center is supplemented with handmade mugs by members of CT Clay Artists.“We have a member who also does ceramics,” Moros explained. “There’s something for everybody, we hope.”Visitors interested in purchasing from Color in Winter or the Small Works Fundraiser should contact Moros, whose contact information is available at the municipal center. Moros will work with potential buyers to arrange for pickup at their convenience, she said. Both collections can be viewed weekdays between 8 am and 4:30 pm.=====Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be contacted at shannon@thebee.com.

SCAN Color in January on view at municipal center Shannon Hicks Story SCAN Color In Winter Show & SaleOn View At Municipal Center SCAN Color in January on view at municipal center_3 Featured Slider, Features None

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The Way We Were

The Way We Were Newtown news of 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 years ago, from the archives of The Newtown Bee.February 6, 1998HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER of Jane Cottingham* * * * *On the night of January 29, an unattended Mercedes-Benz sedan parked at a Wills Road residence rolled down an incline while unoccupied and plunged into a small ice-covered pond, according to United Fire Company of Botsford Chief Steve Belair. Water came up to the bottom of the car’s windows. Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue responded to the scene, as did Botsford firefighters and police. Chief Belair, who is also a NUSAR diver, put on a drysuit and went into the frigid waters to attach a wrecker hook to the car’s axle. A wrecker then winched the car out of the pond. Recovering the car from the pond took about an hour. There were no injuries. The car’s owner was not identified.* * * * *The Legislative Council’s ordinance committee voted Wednesday to put a short-term moratorium on all ordinances until it can come up with a better process for writing these local laws. As ordinance committee chair Will Rodgers points out, “We only did two ordinances in the past year, and they’re both screwed up.”* * * * *Cub Scout Den 6 from Hawley School met with local artist David Merrill at Edmond Town Hall recently, when they learned about historical buildings in Newtown. Mr Merrill discussed with the boys his many paintings of Newtown buildings which decorate the walls of 45 Main Street.* * * * *The Newtown High School Winter Guard held an Invitational at the high school on January 31, in which 15 winter guards participated. While the Newtown guard did not compete during the event, the group did present a preview of its “Peter Pan” routine, which it will be working on all season for competition. Among the guards competing at last weekend’s event were the groups from Ramsay High School and Elmwood Park High School, both in New Jersey.* * * * *Kathy Beals of Sandy Hook received the 1998 Young Careerist Award from the Newtown Business & Professional Women at the organization’s meeting Monday evening at the Fireside Inn. Ms Beals is an instructional designer of digital tools in the product development department of Excel Partnership Inc, in Sandy Hook. She also operates her own digital media consulting business. Competition judges this year included Newtown BPW Young Careerist Chairperson Justina Hansen, Booth Library Reference Librarian Beryl Harrison, Tax Collector Carol Mahoney, and Cathy Masi of Flagpole Realty.February 2, 1973The Newtown Chapter of the United States Jaycees culminated a series of activities last Saturday evening by honoring the outstanding young man and woman in the community at a dinner-dance at the KofC Hall. Named for this top award of the year were Christopher Spiro and Patricia Denlinger, who were presented plaques by First Selectman Frank DeLucia.* * * * *The Newtown Forest Association at its annual meeting January 25 accepted the resignation of James Brunot as president, and elected William Watts to succeed him. Mr Brunot, who has served as president since October 1971, explained that he had been unable to devote as much time to the Association as he had hoped in the past years, and for personal reasons would be unable to continue as president. He continues as a member of the board of directors, however.* * * * *The Board of Finance at a special meeting January 29 voted to recommend approval of special appropriations of $38,000 to balance the school system budget and $12,000 to repair the Middle School septic system. Three other appropriations requests, totaling $207,000 for repairs to the High School, were postponed until more reliable cost figures could be obtained. The board found that the first two appropriations were immediately necessary and unavoidable, since the budget deficit results from the contract settlement that was signed after the budget was approved, and the Middle School is in danger of being closed by the state unless defects in the septic system are promptly corrected. In both cases the cost estimates presented by the Board of Education were substantially lower than earlier forecasts.* * * * *Timothy J. Loughlin has submitted his formal resignation from the Newtown Board of Police Commissioners. The resignation was sent to First Selectman Frank R. DeLucia in a letter dated January 29, with copies going to George McLachlan, chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners; and Clifford Bolmer, chairman of the Republican Town Committee. Mr Loughlin, who was recently appointed Chairman of the State Unemployment Compensation Commission by Governor Meskill, gave his reason for resigning as his heavy work load involved with his appointment. His unexpired term will be filled by a person named by the Board of Selectmen with recommendations coming from the Republican Town Committee.* * * * *The annual meeting of the Newtown Chamber of Commerce was conducted on Wednesday evening, January 31, at the Hawley Manor Inn, at the direction of Edward Sullivan, outgoing president. Most important on the agenda for the meeting was the election of new officers. John M. Knight Jr, district manager for the General Water Works, was named to replace Mr Sullivan.January 30, 1948Chief Fred G. Mayer of the Newtown Fire Company calls attention of the residents of the town to the serious consequences which may be suffered at this time, when roads are all in such a hazardous condition, if there should be a fire. Most of the side roads are covered with ice and snow and in many instances it would be impossible to get the fire trucks through some of these roads. Chief Mayer advises all residents to be extra careful, especially those burning wood in stoves, furnaces and fireplaces.* * * * *Mrs Robert de Veer created an attractive sea nymph in snow at the front of her home on Glover avenue, which drew considerable attention until the most recent snowfall rather destroyed it. Those who travel Glover avenue are hoping she will make another attempt when the snow is just right for handling.* * * * *Because of lack of fuel oil and heat at the Congregational church on Sunday morning, it was decided to omit the service, and those who arrived at 11 o’clock went across the street to Trinity church and joined in the service there.* * * * *As The Bee goes to press, it is learned with regret that the condition of Mrs Marcus Connors of South Main street shows no improvement. Mrs Connors has been seriously ill for the past week.* * * * *The Newtown Chapter of the United World Federalists held a meeting in the court room of the Edmond Town Hall on Tuesday evening. Charles G. Morris presided as chairman. The agenda of the meeting included an interesting report by Miss Dolan of the Hawley School faculty on her trip to the Student Federalists conference at Princeton, N.J. The other business transacted consisted of the confirmation of committee heads, the establishment of an executive council, with provision for enlarging this council, the setting of the last Tuesday in the month for regular meetings, and the decision to circulate a petition in the early Spring.* * * * *Three cars of a freight train were derailed in Botsford Saturday morning as the train was proceeding from Danbury to New Haven. It was necessary to halt all freight movements between the two cities until the tracks were cleared by a tool train and crew from the New Haven yards, which required several hours to accomplish.January 26, 1923HATTERTOWN: The entire roof on the large barn owned by Isaac Goldstein collapsed under the heavy weight of snow. Mr Goldstein has been obliged to sell part of his cows, having no room to house them. | Stephen Hall, who has been in poor health for some time, was taken to the hospital in Bridgeport, Sunday, where an operation was performed on him. | Mr and Mrs Eugene Northrop are both suffering with severe grip colds.* * * * *Some of the people who use Hanover avenue are wondering who the parties were who cleaned the road out so nicely on Saturday night. Well! Just ask a certain motorist who drives a Special Six Studebaker. He knows!* * * * *The result of the boys’ game in Ridgefield was a score of 9-24 in favor of the Hawley School boys’ second team and 19-21 in favor of the Hawley School first team. It seems that our boys are picking up now and hereafter they’ll win every game. The line-up was as follows: Hawley School second team, Leahy, Kuhne, Brenner, Kennedy and Reynolds. Ridgefield second team, Sullivan, Anderson, Carboni, Dingle and O’Keefe. Hawley School, Ray, Botsford, Houlihan, Carmody and Schaffer. Ridgefield High School, Brundage, Venus, Cummings, Heller and Pasquarella.* * * * *John O. Pitzschler, the genial Sandy Hook barber, was confined to his home for several days with an attack of the grip.* * * * *Miss Irene Brew of Sandy Hook has been quite sick with the grip.February 4, 1898The fine weather and good sleighing of last Friday night contributed to the success of the annual concert and ball of the Newtown Hook & Ladder Co. About 50 couples were in attendance, and the young folks appeared to enjoy the occasion hugely. The music was excellent, and of course added largely to the enjoyment of the occasion. Intermission was declared at midnight when about 30 couples repaired to the Grand Central to partake of a fine spread prepared by Mine Host Houlihan.* * * * *HATTERTOWN NOTES — A BIRTHDAY SURPRISE PARTY: One of those pleasant occasions which break the monotony of our quiet rural life, and gives neighbors an opportunity to renew the ties of common fellowship and good feeling occurred Thursday evening of last week, when nearly all the people of this immediate vicinity gathered together and gave Ralph Benedict a surprise party. Mr Benedict is the oldest native born citizen of this place, that day being his 80th birthday anniversary. The chief success of the event was the genuine surprise. Neither Mr Benedict or any member of his family had any hint or suspicion of the event, and when the crowd poured in upon him until the rooms of his pleasant home were well filled, he was for the moment a very much surprised man, but soon recovering his equilibrium he and his good wife showed to every one present their pleasure and appreciation in their neighbors and friends coming to see them at that time.* * * * *At the Congregational church on Sunday night an interesting missionary service was held. An able address was given by Rev Otis W. Barker, and brief papers by Allison P. Smith and Miss Collier.* * * * *Merchant E.F. Hawley has presented his patrons with a handsome calendar and memorandum pad, containing a list of all the articles needed in a household. It is very attractive and will be appreciated by the ladies.* * * * *Thomas Keane of the Mitchell place is rejoicing over the arrival of a bouncing baby boy, born Thursday, January 26. Mother and child are doing well.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 The Way We Were way we were_148 Features, Way We Were None

Sports

Nighthawk Boys’ Swim Past Barlow-Bethel Behind Ten First-Place Swims Hawks dominate in the pool with strong swims across the board.Newtown High School’s boys’ swim team defeated the visiting Joel Barlow of Redding-Bethel co-op 97-64 on January 31. The Nighthawks placed one-two in six events and had firsts in ten of the 11 events; the Nighthawks locked up the team win with a dominating effort through the first nine events and exhibitioned the last two races.The 200 yard medley relay team of Peter Horan, Connor Kwarcinski, Kris Luci-Bernard, and Hayden Bobowick was first in a time of 1:49.12. Newtown’s B relay of Oliver Clancy, Grant Carson, Jeremiah Stone, and Brayden Hazard came in second in 2:02.74.In the 200 freestyle race, Gabe Petertonjes was first in 2:00.50 and was followed by teammate James Guerierri in 2:05.38.Horan took first in the 200 individual medley event with a time of 2:08.15, and Carson placed third in 2:22.98. In the 50 free, Kwarcinski was first in 23.04 seconds, Luci-Bernard came in runner-up in 25.47, and Bobowick was third in 26.88.In the 100 butterfly, the one event win for Barlow-Bethel, Petertonjes gave Newtown its fastest finish, placing third and completing the race in 1:02.08.Newtown went one-two-three in the 100 free as Bobowick came in first in 1:00.57 and John Barzetti placed second in 1:02.26, edging out Clancy who finished with a time of 1:02.34.Kwarcinski won the 500 free, making his final touch in 59.52 and Guerierri was second in the 500 with a time of 5:44.38.In the 200 free relay, Horan, Bobowick, Guerierri, and Petertonjes came in first in 1:39.40. The contingent of Stone, Jason Wasilnak, Hazard, and Barzetti came in third in 1:55.57.Horan won the 100 backstroke race, clocking in at 1:39.40 and Clancy finished third in 1:08.42. Carson was the first finisher in the 100 breaststroke race, recording a time of 1:11.18 and Stone was next in 1:19.18.In the 400 free relay, the best time went to Petertonjes, Luci-Bernard, Guerierri, and Kwarcinski with a 3:40.22. The third-fastest time in the event was turned in by Barzetti, Hazard, Clancy, and Carson with a 4:16.56.The Nighthawks will visit Masuk of Monroe on Tuesday, February 7 at 6 pm and return home February 14 to take on Bunnell-Stratford, also at 6 o’clock.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

NHS Boys Swim Andy Hutchison Story Nighthawk Boys’ Swim Past Barlow-BethelBehind Ten First-Place Swims NHS Boys Swim_6 Sports None

Nighthawk Boys’ Swim Past Barlow-Bethel Behind Ten First-Place Swims

Hawks dominate in the pool with strong swims across the board.

Sports

Back On Top! Youth Grapplers Win Western Connecticut League Title

Back On Top! Youth Grapplers Win Western Connecticut League Title Newtown Youth Wrestling celebrates triumph with numerous individual standout efforts.Newtown Youth Wrestling is back on top. The program, consisting of grapplers in kindergarten through eighth grade, captured Western Connecticut League championship at Danbury PAL on January 28, picking up where the young Nighthawks left off in 2020.The program was denied titles the past couple of years not by opponents but rather extenuating circumstances — the impact of the coronavirus in 2021 and a storm the following winter. It is a three-peat for the program, hiatus or not, which captured two straight Elementary and Middle School team titles, 2019 and '20 (the Elementary team also claimed six of the last seven titles). This year, with post-COVID numbers down for some programs, both age groups were lumped together for one overall, combined championship bid. The Hawks showed their skill on the mats at all levels. Newtown defeated wrestlers from Danbury, New Milford, New Fairfield, Ridgefield, Stamford, Darien, Bethel, Easton, and Redding. New Milford placed second and Ridgefield was third.This championship is a huge source of pride, not just for every wrestler on the team who has put in countless hours of work, but for their families as well. Our wrestling program prides itself on commitment and hard work and the constant reminder that we are a town program, Newtown’s town program," Newtown Head Coach Curtis Urbina said. "So, although winning is important and our purpose, how we represent Newtown and ourselves — both on the mat and off the mat — is of equal importance and a source of pride. Our young wrestlers believe in our vision and goals and have every reason to celebrate this success."The wait makes for this title tasting that much sweeter."Not only is it nice to win another championship, it felt great to get back out on the road and attend tournaments around the area and east coast. Anytime we can get our wrestlers multiple matches with different opponents, it truly sharpens our skills and gives our young athletes the confidence and respect they work hard for. Hopefully this Covid-19 scare is behind us, but we are always taking the necessary precautions to keep our wrestlers, their families and our community safe," Urbina added.Newtown had the following first-place grapplers: Jake Cascone, Kellen Lowe, Matthew Gaudenzi, Tyler San Souci, Brian Marini, Chase Ibbitson, Eddie Kascak, Eli Houston, Emmett Featherstone, Evan Huber, Jake Kennedy, Matthew Iacuone, Allen Gaudenzi, Camron Veneziano, Marcus Buntin, Noah Blair, and Rion Lena.Second-place Hawks are Alex Carrozza, Jake Gibney, Joey Bartolic, Kylan Braga, Mason Galterio, Michael Donnelly, Luke Salce, Vinny Franzago, Wyatt Fournier, Cole Salce, Ethan Kearney, Kirsten Barr, Luke Piccirillo, and Owen Blair.Third-place finishers are Colin Brennan, Frankie Skura, Gunner Fournier, Luke Hoadley, Maddox Wilson, Mason Karlin, Payton Kiney, Drake Oatis, Silas Houston, Tyler Richards, Daniel Candullo, Dante Ames, Dom Smeraglino, Erich Metzker, Reilly Kling, and Ryder Symes.Fourth-place wrestlers include Ava Kearney, Hunter Fowler, Jaxon Leng, Luka Nechaev, Alexander Jaquez, Blake Deloge, and Riley Lovett.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

Youth Wrestling Champs Andy Hutchison Story Back On Top! Youth Grapplers Win Western Connecticut League Title Youth Wrestling Champs_3 Featured Slider, Sports None

Sports

Anthony Fitti Takes Over As Boys’ Lacrosse Coach At NHS

Anthony Fitti Takes Over As Boys’ Lacrosse Coach At NHS Newtown High's new lacrosse leader has quite a coaching and playing background.Newtown High School has a new head boys’ lacrosse coach. Newtown’s own Anthony Fitti joins the Nighthawks and will take over this spring.“I am extremely excited to be coaching at NHS. There is a rich tradition of lacrosse success that I am looking forward to building off. Creating a culture by maximizing potential in three areas — classroom, community, lacrosse field — will help foster the development of the NHS student athletes,” Fitti said.“The goal of the Newtown High School boys’ lacrosse program is to be championship-caliber student athletes in the classroom, in the community, and on the lacrosse field. As a program, we will rely on our core fundamentals: hard work, dedication, respect, and positivity,” the new coach added.Fitti said there will be a big focus on connecting the Newtown lacrosse community from the youth level through high school. The goal is to connect the lacrosse community as one program with support on the field and off the field, using the high school program to help develop and engage young lacrosse players to be excited about being a part of Newtown lacrosse.Newtown’s new head coach was a four-year starter, a goalie, at University of Massachusetts Boston (NCAA DIII), serving as team captain in 2018. A two-sport athlete, he played for the UMass Boston D-III ice hockey team.His coaching experience includes a head coaching role at D-II Post University in Waterbury from September of 2017 through June 2021. Fitti also served as an assistant coach with UMass Boston from 2014-2017, including work as offensive coordinator. He was an assistant coach/defensive coordinator at Wellesley High in Wellesley, Mass. 2012-2014. Fitti also has some familiarity and experience with NHS lacrosse, having coached the freshman team in the spring of 2022.The 35-year-old lives with his wife Allsion, daughter Adalyn, and dog Sophie. He works in business development for Select Physical Therapy in Newtown.“I am a very family oriented person and very much looking to be a positive impact in the community I live in. I love spending my free time with my family on a walk around town or on the golf course,” said Fitti, who is a “big fan of all things Philly sports.”Fitti has rooting interest in this year’s Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on February 12.“Go birds!” said Fitti who, beginning in April, will have special rooting interest in Newtown’s birds — the Nighthawks.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

New NHS Boys Lacrosse Coach Anthony Fitti Andy Hutchison Story Anthony Fitti Takes Over As Boys’ Lacrosse Coach At NHS New NHS Boys Lacrosse Coach Anthony Fitti Featured Slider, Sports None

Sports

Girls’ Basketball Team Erases Nine-Point Deficit In Valiant Road Effort

Girls’ Basketball Team Erases Nine-Point Deficit In Valiant Road Effort Newtown's defense limits two opponents to just 12 second-half points in victories.FAIRFIELD — Newtown High School’s girls’ basketball team came from behind and pulled away for a 48-36 win at South-West Conference rival Notre Dame on January 30. Following up a 50-32 victory over visiting Stratford on January 27, the Nighthawks won their 12th game in a row and improved to 13-2 overall heading into a tough couple of games to open the month of February.Down nine points early in the third quarter the Nighthawks tightened up defensively to hold Notre Dame scoreless for more than ten minutes of game action, got a jolt off the bench from Sam Diaspro, and some key shots from Bridget McCleary and Izzy Caron to take the lead and seize control.Newtown Coach Jeremy O’Connell noted that Notre Dame’s gymnasium is a tough place to play, in part because it is tight in there, and that the mindset going in was that it would take some time to get acclimated and once the Nighthawks got over the hump they would get on a roll.The Nighthawks fell behind 13-5 after one quarter of play but battled back to within 24-20 at the half when Ava Rochester beat the buzzer down near the basket. The Lancers scored five quick points to begin the second half, but then it was all Nighthawks.Diaspro got NHS back on the board nearly four and a half minutes into the third; she hit back-to-back 3-pointers — both from the left elbow — in a span of 45 seconds to make it a 29-26 game and the Notre Dame lead was just 29-27 going into the fourth.McCleary’s steal led to Caron’s go-ahead shot from downtown, making it 30-29, less than a minute into the fourth. Newtown did not relinquish the lead. The Lancers called time-out but Newtown came away with another defensive stand and Allie Bradley hit a free throw for a two-point lead. McCleary scored in the paint to push the lead to 33-29 with six-plus minutes left. Caron drilled another 3-pointer for a seven-point advantage with 4:10 left, and McCleary connected from long range a minute later for a 39-29 lead.The Nighthawks continued their shutdown defense and, when they got possession, played keep away and forced the Lancers to foul. Notre Dame did not score until just 1:06 showed on the scoreboard clock, by which time Newtown had established an 11-point lead. A couple of late Lancer baskets were offset by late-game NHS free throws. Newtown hit ten foul shots in the final stanza to help ice things.“We played great team defense in the second half,” said O’Connell, whose team held the Lancers to just a dozen points in the second half, seven of which were in the final minute-plus, with the outcome well in hand.“We had so many players step up tonight. Bridget McCleary was lights-out in the second half,” said O’Connell, adding that Diaspro’s two 3-pointers off the bench provided the spark Newtown’s offense needed.Caron finished with 13 points, McCleary had ten, Gerace and Bradley both had eight, Diaspro six, and Rochester three. Gerace made six of nine foul shots. Caron hit a trio of 3-pointers. Bradley grabbed 11 rebounds, Rochester had eight boards, and McCleary and Caron both had seven. Bradley had three blocks. Gerace came away with two steals and also handed out four assists.Newtown allowed only 12 second-half points in two straight games. The Hawks led Stratford 27-20 at the half before taking control after the break in that one as well. Newtown has made it a habit of turning things up a notch defensively in the third and fourth quarters.“As long as we keep winning I’m alright with it,” O’Connell said of his team’s propensity to pull away in the second half.Against Stratford, Bradley poured in 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for a double-double, and added two blocks; Caron had 11 points, and McCleary scored ten; Rochester had four points and collected eight rebounds; Gerace had four points, five rebounds, five steals, three assists, and two blocks; and Sofia Verdi contributed two points, two steals and a block.After hosting Pomperaug of Southbury on Thursday in a clash of 13-2 squads the Hawks will host Immaculate of Danbury (13-1 heading into Thursday’s action) on Saturday, February 4 at 4:30 pm, before visiting Joel Barlow of Redding (5-10 heading into this week) Monday, February 6 at 6 pm. Read about this action in the February 10 print edition of The Bee.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

NHS Girls Basketball Andy Hutchison Story Girls’ Basketball Team Erases Nine-Point Deficit In Valiant Road Effort NHS Girls Basketball_183 Featured Slider, Sports None

Sports

Back In Defensive Form, Nighthawk Boys Rebound Against Stratford On The Hardwood

Back In Defensive Form, Nighthawk Boys Rebound Against Stratford On The Hardwood Hawks slow down Stratford, fall to Lancers, and busy stretch of games is underway.Newtown High School’s boys’ basketball team rebounded from its first loss to a conference foe by finding the key ingredient to its recipe for success — solid defense — in a 59-46 win at Stratford on January 27.Down 13-12 after one quarter of play, the Nighthawk used a 21-10 second quarter to establish a 33-23 halftime lead and never looked back.“Nice road win and the defense found itself again,” said Newtown Coach Tim Tallcouch, whose team had held its first five South-West Conference opponents to between only 41 and 43 points each before a 66-62 loss to Masuk of Monroe on January 24.The Stratford game makes it nine times the Nighthawks have held a team, in or out of the SWC, to 40-something or fewer points on the way to a 9-4 overall start.Declan Regan had a career high 27 points to go along with 15 rebounds; Eli Williams six points, six rebounds, two blocks, and two steals; Saahil Ray logged ten points and five assists, and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the foul line in the fourth quarter to help Newtown seal the win. Makai Coleman had nine points, five rebounds, and three assists; and Andrew Grenier added five points, three rebounds, and three assists.Newtown faced Notre Dame-Fairfield, unbeaten in conference play, at home on January 30, and fell 66-40. Regan had 16 points, three assists, and 11 rebounds; Coleman dropped in 11; Williams had seven points, seven rebounds, two steals, and two blocks; Ray had six rebounds and a trio of assists; and Connor Hintze tacked on four points, three rebounds, and two steals.The Nighthawks enter into a busy stretch in early February; following Thursday’s visit to Pomperaug of Southbury, the Hawks host nonconference opponent Platt on Saturday, February 4 at 11:30 am, then entertain Joel Barlow of Redding Monday, February 6 at 7. Read about these games in the February 10 print edition of The Bee.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

NHS Boys Basketball Andy Hutchison Story Back In Defensive Form, Nighthawk Boys Rebound Against Stratford On The Hardwood NHS Boys Basketball_199 Sports None

Today's Events

February 9, 2023

SCAN Color in Winter Show & Sale

Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street,

Annual show and sale of works by members of The Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, weekdays to February 25; 203-744-7690, SCANart.org.

February 09, 2023 at 08:00 am

Silver Tones

Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street

Free for members (nonmembers call for fee details)

Group for local seniors who enjoy singing or playing a musical instrument, all levels welcome, second and fourth Thursday/month, reservations required; 203-270-4310.

February 09, 2023 at 10:00 am

Heart Health Talk with Nurse Judy

Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street

Free for members (nonmembers call for fee details)

Discussion concerning heart healthy habits, registration required; 203-270-4310.

February 09, 2023 at 11:00 am

Valentines Couples Yoga

Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street

Free, registration required

Class filled with fun, playful partner poses to uplift and invigorate both, followed by relaxation bliss to conclude class, all levels welcome, registration required; 203-270-4349.

February 09, 2023 at 06:00 pm

Artisanal Chocolates

Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street

$150 members, $155 nonmembers

Chef Samantha Miller (Johnson & Wales, degree in baking and pastry arts) will begin with brief history of chocolate, the demonstrate how to temper chocolate, advanced flavor/filling preparations, lead hands-on rolling, dipping and garnishing of chocolate truffles, and share different techniques of enrobing chocolates, registration required; 203-270-4349, facebook.com/newtowncommunitycenter.

February 09, 2023 at 06:30 pm

The 1619 Project episode viewing and discussion

Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street

Screening of Episode Four of docuseries that “aims to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of the United States’ national narrative” (NY Times), to be followed by discussion of Episodes 3-4, episodes 1-3 available on hulu, hosted by Newtown Allies For Change; newtownallies.org.

February 09, 2023 at 06:30 pm

Virtual Author Talk with Lana Harper ("Back in A Spell")

7 pm via Zoom, hosted by C.H. Booth Library in partnership with Library Speakers Consortium

Best-selling author Lana Harper will discuss Back in A Spell, the third installment of her popular The Witches of Thistle Grove series, registration required; 203-426-4533, libraryc.org/chboothlibrary/upcoming.

February 09, 2023 at 07:00 pm

Water & Sewer Authority meeting (agenda posted)

Newtown Public Works, 4 Turkey Hill Road

agenda posted

February 09, 2023 at 07:00 pm

Flagpole Photographers Camera Club hybrid meeting

Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street, and via Zoom

Presentation by Bill Dillance on “Photojournalism and Event Photography” to include techniques and strategies for storytelling and photojournalism, with focus on selecting and composing photos that effectively convey a story or event, touching on Associated Press and Photographic Society of America guidelines, all welcome; info@FlagpolePhotographers.com, FlagpolePhotographers.com.

February 09, 2023 at 07:30 pm

Special Editions

Ronald Mason

Poetry Out Loud Returns To Newtown High School

Feathered Friends Visit Head O’ Meadow Kindergarten

Criminals commit crimes regardless of whether they were born good/evil. And criminals should be prosecuted for their crimes. Law abiding folks (a great majority) need to feel that the justice system protects their lives, family and stuff from the criminal element.

Silent Majority Still Has A Responsibility

No bid contracts....

Why would a newly minted CDL want the hassle of driving a school bus when Amazon/UPS/FEDEX offer better job security and pay?

Policing is a beleaguered profession no doubt. But are you saying the source of crime is a lack of police deterrence? This philosophy- that men are born evil and need strong deterrents to keep them in check- is opposite the view that men are born good and societal forces corrupt them. There is weight to both views.

Agree 100%...You nailed it!!! Makes no sense at all...Also, why can plastic garbage bags be ok to put your garbage in and thrown in basic trash, yet individual plastic bags for recycling are not allowed... I separate plastic bags and dispose at recycling center in separate bin...Makes no sense!!!

What Difference Does One Bag Make?

Part Five: Designers, Commissioners Look Back On Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Process

Poetry Out Loud Returns To Newtown High School

Feathered Friends Visit Head O’ Meadow Kindergarten

FirstLight’s Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory Opens, Christine’s Critters Dazzles Crowd

First Selectman, Fairfield Hills Authority Consider Newtown Hall Back On Market

Water Damage Temporarily Closing Newtown High School

Strike Two: IWC Considers, Postpones Revoking Subdivision Permit Again

BOE Sending Letter Asking For Help With Bus Situation

Part Five: Designers, Commissioners Look Back On Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Process

Snapshot: Lily Mac Hugh

FirstLight’s Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory Opens, Christine’s Critters Dazzles Crowd

SCAN Color In Winter Show & Sale On View At Municipal Center

The Way We Were

Nighthawk Boys’ Swim Past Barlow-Bethel Behind Ten First-Place Swims

Back On Top! Youth Grapplers Win Western Connecticut League Title

Anthony Fitti Takes Over As Boys’ Lacrosse Coach At NHS

Girls’ Basketball Team Erases Nine-Point Deficit In Valiant Road Effort

Back In Defensive Form, Nighthawk Boys Rebound Against Stratford On The Hardwood

Holiday Gift Guide 2022

For Better Health - Fall 2022

Home & Garden Fall 2022

Newtown Bee's Back-To-School 2022

For Better Health - Spring 2022

Spring Home & Garden 2022

Guide To Newtown 2022

Back To School 2021

The Newtown Bee's Special Edition, 12/14/12

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Part Five: Designers, Commissioners Look Back On Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Process

Poetry Out Loud Returns To Newtown High School

Feathered Friends Visit Head O’ Meadow Kindergarten

FirstLight’s Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory Opens, Christine’s Critters Dazzles Crowd

First Selectman, Fairfield Hills Authority Consider Newtown Hall Back On Market

Water Damage Temporarily Closing Newtown High School

Strike Two: IWC Considers, Postpones Revoking Subdivision Permit Again

BOE Sending Letter Asking For Help With Bus Situation

Part Five: Designers, Commissioners Look Back On Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Process

Snapshot: Lily Mac Hugh

FirstLight’s Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory Opens, Christine’s Critters Dazzles Crowd

SCAN Color In Winter Show & Sale On View At Municipal Center

The Way We Were

Nighthawk Boys’ Swim Past Barlow-Bethel Behind Ten First-Place Swims

Back On Top! Youth Grapplers Win Western Connecticut League Title

Anthony Fitti Takes Over As Boys’ Lacrosse Coach At NHS

Girls’ Basketball Team Erases Nine-Point Deficit In Valiant Road Effort

Back In Defensive Form, Nighthawk Boys Rebound Against Stratford On The Hardwood

Holiday Gift Guide 2022

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