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Top Five NewtownBee.com Stories July 18 To 24

Top Five NewtownBee.com Stories July 18 To 24 Catch up with the top most-read stories published at newtownbee.com of the week. Each week we compile a list of some of the most-read stories published at newtownbee.com. Here is a roundup of the week’s recent top stories, based on the number of page reads.Keep up with all the Newtown news by subscribing to the paper each week — click “Subscribe” at newtownbee.com or e-mail subscriptions@thebee.com — and check our website for updates.“Business Buzz: Uncle Matt’s Bakery And Café Opens In Sandy Hook,” published July 19. The Newtown Bee’s latest installment of Business Buzz featured a look at Uncle Matt’s Bakery, located at 105 Church Hill Road, in Sandy Hook. Read more at newtownbee.com/07192021/uncle-matts-bakery-and-cafe-opens-in-sandy-hook.“Rosenthal’s Re-Election Bid And New Party Affiliation, Crick Owen Democratic Running Mate,” by Jim Taylor, published July 16. First Selectman Dan Rosenthal and his two-term running mate, Selectman Maureen Crick Owen, will be seeking third terms this November. However, this run will see Rosenthal doing so not as a Democrat, but as a member of the Serve America Movement (SAM), which will require him to petition his name onto the local ballot. Crick Owen said she will retain her party affiliation and run as a Democrat. Read more at newtownbee.com/07162021/rosenthals-re-election-bid-and-new-party-affiliation-crick-owen-democrati.“Church Hill Village Celebrates Couple’s Commitment Ceremony,” by Alissa Silber, published July 18. Church Hill Village hosted a special commitment ceremony in its dining room for two of its residents, Charlene Labrecque and Raymond Taylor, on Saturday, July 10. The couple’s family and friends, as well as staff members and fellow residents of Church Hill Village, were present to witness the happy couple recite their vows to one another. Read more at newtownbee.com/07182021/church-hill-village-celebrates-couples-commitment-ceremony.“Lucky St Patrick’s Day Kitten Thriving After ‘Swimmer Syndrome’ Diagnosis,” by Alissa Silber, published July 20. When Robin A.F. Olson, president/founder of Kitten Associates in Sandy Hook, received word from a past adopter that there was a newborn kitten named Benny Brightwater with something wrong with his legs, she did not hesitate to get to the bottom of the quandary. Read more at newtownbee.com/07202021/lucky-st-patricks-day-kitten-thriving-after-swimmer-syndrome-diagnosis.“Firefighters Empty, Remove Leaking 100-Gallon Propane Tank From Garage,” by Shannon Hicks, published July 23. Two Newtown fire companies and additional outside resources responded to assist a local homeowner last Thursday afternoon, after a 100-gallon propane tank began leaking inside a garage in northern Newtown. Read more at newtownbee.com/07232021/firefighters-empty-remove-leaking-100-gallon-propane-tank-from-garage.

Top Five NewtownBee.com Stories July 18 To 24 Eliza Hallabeck Story Top Five NewtownBee.com Stories July 18 To 24 Top Five NewtownBee.com Stories July 18 To 24 Featured Slider, Features None

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Gun Maker Offers $33 Million To Settle Sandy Hook Families’ Lawsuit The maker of the rifle used on 12/14 has offered some of the victims’ families nearly $33 million to settle their lawsuit over how the company marketed the firearm to the public.HARTFORD (AP) — The maker of the rifle used in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting has offered some of the victims’ families nearly $33 million to settle their lawsuit over how the company marketed the firearm to the public.Lawyers for now-bankrupt Remington filed the offers late Tuesday, July 27, in Waterbury Superior Court. The nine families suing the company, who are being offered nearly $3.7 million apiece, are considering the proposals, their lawyers said.A Hartford lawyer representing Remington, James Rotondo, declined to comment.A Bushmaster AR-15-style rifle made by Remington was used to kill 20 first graders and six educators on December 14, 2012. The 20-year-old gunman killed his mother at their Newtown home before the massacre, then killed himself with a handgun as police arrived at the school.Relatives of nine victims killed in the shooting say in their lawsuit that Remington never should have sold such a dangerous weapon to the public and allege it targeted younger, at-risk males in marketing and product placement in violent video games. They say their focus is on preventing future mass shootings.One of the plaintiffs, Nicole Hockley, whose six-year-old son Dylan died in the shooting, said on July 28 that the families need to talk with their lawyers about the settlement offers and declined further comment.Joshua Koskoff, an attorney for the families, said the settlements were offered by two of Remington’s insurers.“Ironshore and James River... deserve credit for now realizing that promoting the use of AR-15s as weapons of war to civilians is indefensible. Insuring this kind of conduct is an unprofitable and untenable business model,” Koskoff said in a statement.Remington’s lawyers have denied the lawsuit’s allegations.Remington, based in Madison, N.C., filed for bankruptcy in 2020 for the second time in two years. Its assets were later sold off to several companies.

Gun Maker Offers $33 Million To Settle Sandy Hook Families' Lawsuit (AP) Dave Collins Story Gun Maker Offers $33 Million To Settle Sandy Hook Families’ Lawsuit News None

Gun Maker Offers $33 Million To Settle Sandy Hook Families’ Lawsuit

The maker of the rifle used on 12/14 has offered some of the victims’ families nearly $33 million to settle their lawsuit over how the company marketed the firearm to the public.

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Local Democrats, Republicans Announce Slates For November 2 Ballot

Local Democrats, Republicans Announce Slates For November 2 Ballot Town Republicans and Democrats in the know might look at the just-announced slates of candidates for this November’s local election ballot and liken them to moving a number of puzzle pieces around.UPDATE: This report was updated at 10:15 am on July 29 with new information from the Newtown Democratic Town Committee adding incumbent Board of Finance member Ned Simpson to the roster of candidates endorsed for the November 2 local ballot, and correcting the spelling of 2nd District Council candidate Robin Lynch.* * * * *Town Republicans and Democrats in the know might look at the just-announced slates of candidates for this November’s local election ballot and liken them to moving a number of puzzle pieces around.Some may also note the slates’ relativity few incumbents, and that a number of those incumbents will be running for offices other than the ones they currently hold, notably Board of Education Chair Michelle Embree Ku; Board of Finance Chair Keith Alexander and his finance board colleague Chris Gardener; and Selectman Jeff Capeci, all of whom are seeking seats on the Legislative Council.In addition, Republican Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia Halstead will be challenged by Democratic council member Jordana Bloom.The Democratic Town Committee conducted its nominating meeting on Tuesday, July 27, while the Republican Town Committee held a caucus at the same time. Both slates were reported to the town clerk’s office on July 28.In August, candidates will be placed on the ballots for Election Day, with the order determined via lottery by the registrars. Election Day is November 2, with terms for those elected beginning on December 1.The endorsed Republican slate includes:Selectman: Ed Schierloh.Legislative Council District 1: Angela Curi, Lisa Kessler, and William DeRosa.Legislative Council District 2: Ryan Knapp (incumbent), Matthew Mihalcik, and Charles Gardner.Legislative Council District 3: Philip Carroll (incumbent), Jeffrey Capeci, and Tom Long.Town Clerk: Debbie Aurelia Halstead (incumbent).Board of Finance: John Madzula Jr (incumbent), Geoffrey Dent, Steven Goodridge, and Chandravir Ahuja.Board of Education: Janet Kuzma, Jennifer Larkin, and Donald Ramsey.Police Commission: Scott Cicciari (incumbent) and Brian Budd.Planning and Zoning Commission (full term): Roy Meadows (incumbent), and Gregory Rich (moving from alternate to full member).Planning and Zoning Commission (to fill a vacancy for two years): Kersti Ferguson.Planning and Zoning Commission alternates: Sue Goodridge and Carey Schierloh.Zoning Board of Appeals: Rachel Rowan (moving from alternate to full member).Zoning Board of Appeals Alternates: Tiffany Hawley and David Landau.Board of Assessment Appeals (full term): Kadri Graffeo.Board of Assessment Appeals (to fill a vacancy for two years): Scott Reiss.Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers (full term): Marie Smith (incumbent).Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers (to fill a vacancy for two years): Armel Kouassi.The endorsed Democratic slate includes:Board of Selectmen: Maureen Crick Owen (incumbent).Legislative Council District 1: Chris Gardner, Peter Schwarz, and Laura Main.Legislative Council District 2: Dan Honan (incumbent), Keith Alexander, and Robin Lynch.Legislative Council District 3: Alison Plante (incumbent), Chris Smith (incumbent), and Michelle Embree Ku.Town Clerk: Jordana Bloom.Board of Finance: Ned Simpson (incumbent), John Fletcher, Kanwal Gulzar, Laura Miller, and Erica Sullivan.Board of Education: Dan Cruson, Jr (incumbent), and Jennifer Padilla.Police Commission: Philip Cruz.Planning and Zoning Commission: Don Mitchell (incumbent) and Barbara Manville (incumbent).Planning and Zoning Commission alternates: Andrew Marone (incumbent), and David Rosen (incumbent).Zoning Board of Appeals: Alan Clavette (incumbent).Zoning Board of Appeals alternates: Joe Bojonowski (incumbent) and Christina Paradis (incumbent).Board of Assessment Appeals: Ed Randall (incumbent).Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers: Betsy Paynter.Reporter Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.

Democrats, Republicans announce candidate slates Jim Taylor Story Local Democrats, Republicans Announce Slates For November 2 Ballot Democrats and Republicans to choose candidates Featured Slider, News None

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Rep Tony Scott Says First Term Was A Learning Experience

Rep Tony Scott Says First Term Was A Learning Experience State Representative Tony Scott is looking forward to his first full legislative experience and building relationships in Hartford next year. Having just won a special election in the spring and joining the state's General Assembly on April 19, State Representative Tony Scott, whose 112th District overlaps southern Newtown, characterized his partial term as not his “official rookie year." Instead, the freshman state lawmaker is looking forward to his first full legislative experience and building relationships in Hartford next year.With the late start, Scott, who represents the residents of Monroe and a portion of Newtown, said he missed the committee work that puts together bills for later voting. He stated that it is while working on committees that a lot of relationship-building with legislators on both sides of the aisle happens.That is not to say that Scott did not accomplish anything to be proud of in his partial first term. On the day he was sworn in, he participated in a vote on a non-medical vaccine exemption bill, an issue he heard a lot about while campaigning for office.The bill, An Act Concerning Immunizations, ends the ability to claim religious exemptions on school requirements to have students immunized. Scott said that representatives debated the bill until 2 am on his first day on the job. Scott voted against the contentious issue, but says,“The vote went the wrong way,” as it passed and was signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont.“I’m happy on my first day I got to live up to a campaign promise,” said Scott. “It’s unfortunate we lost the battle, but I opposed it for the right reasons.”Scott said the proposed elimination of the state’s longstanding religious exemption for childhood vaccinations has been met with frustration and uncertainty in his district over its long-term impact on education.“I’ve heard from countless parents in Monroe and Newtown over the past few weeks about their concerns with this bill. I share their concerns, which have very little to do with the efficacy of vaccines and more to do with state government legislating away their right to make decisions regarding their own children’s health. As a father of two daughters — both of whom are vaccinated — I can relate to other parents who are frustrated and feel that their voices aren’t being heard on this issue,” Scott said.A contentious public hearing on the bill earlier in the session saw many parents express their concerns with the bill’s mandate and impact. Although the hearing ran for nearly 24 hours, it was eventually concluded before many participants had a chance to speak.The bill’s provisions, which would go into effect during the 2022 school year, could effectively un-enroll thousands of students from public and private schools, bar others from participating in day care and after-school care, and even restrict college and university enrollment based on vaccine scheduling. With the state already boasting one of the highest vaccination rates in the country, Scott says the proposal is a solution in search of a problem.“Every time this legislature meets to debate and vote on bills, it costs the people money. Right now, our time and their money would be best spent addressing more pressing issues, like the financial toll this pandemic has had on nearly every resident, or the estimated one-third of the state’s small businesses that have closed their doors permanently. I urge my colleagues to reorient their focus towards the true task at hand: reopening our state and restoring its competitive edge,” Scott said.Scott did vote in favor of the budget, as it kept “Newtown whole with funding,” but he voted against the implementer bill, which he felt was “lots of things thrown in there,” some of which he opposed.Scott also voted against the bill legalizing recreational cannabis sales. While he stated he has no problem with legal cannabis, he said that it bothers him that the bill is a “money grab.” He supports the idea of legalizing cannabis, but doesn’t like how much of the bill will be implemented.He was particularly critical of the fact that people with marijuana convictions on their record are set to gain priority for getting cannabis selling licenses under the bill.“These licenses are going to make people a lot of money,” said Scott. “This is the grungy politics that get ground up in the gears.”He also stated that local police chiefs have been critical of the bill, because police have no way to accurately test people who may be driving under the influence of marijuana.“Even if an officer smells marijuana it’s not a good enough reason to pull someone over,” Scott said. “The police departments are really handcuffed.”He supported a bill that would bring tax relief to senior citizens, lowering from 70 to 65 the age at which people can take advantage of senior tax relief of $1,000 for single residents and $1,250 for married couples.“I ran on making things more affordable,” Scott said. “This will help make things more affordable for seniors. That’s one I’m proud of.”Scott cosponsored a bill that would create a tax-preferred savings account for first-time homeowners.House Bill 5027, a bill endorsed by both the Council of Small Towns and Connecticut Realtors, established a first-time home-buyer savings account, encouraging residents to save up for their first single-family home. Contributions to the account would be tax deductible up to $2,500 for single filers and $5,000 for those who file jointly.With the housing market currently “exploding,” Scott said, “anything the government can do to help these people is a sound business decision.”“We need to be doing everything we can to make it more affordable here without placing additional unfunded mandates on our towns,” said Scott. “This bill, I believe, strikes the right balance. This tax-deductible account gives prospective homeowners the tools they need to create generational wealth and enrich our communities.”Scott said that while it might be a bit cliché coming from a politician, he wants to “make a difference” in Hartford, despite being in the minority party — Republicans are currently outnumbered 97-54. He said he looks for smart legislation that does “good things for the people.” That means voting for a lot of Democrats’ proposed bills, even though he feels like there may be “a lot of junk in there.”“You want to look at the whole picture,” said Scott, “though there’s lots of frustration.”Being in Hartford, he says, has been “eye opening, but humbling.” Scott is very much looks forward to next year’s session, where he can get in on the ground floor and start doing the work he believes his constituents want.“It’s really exciting to be able to make a difference in people’s lives,” he said.Reporter Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.

Scott finds shortened term learning experience 7-16 Jim Taylor Story Rep Tony Scott Says First Term Was A Learning Experience Scott finds shortened term learning experience 7-16 Featured Slider, News None

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Top Five NewtownBee.com Stories July 18 To 24 Eliza Hallabeck Story Top Five NewtownBee.com Stories July 18 To 24 Top Five NewtownBee.com Stories July 18 To 24 Featured Slider, Features None

Top Five NewtownBee.com Stories July 18 To 24

Catch up with the top most-read stories published at newtownbee.com of the week.

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Helping Your Pet Overcome Separation Anxiety — Part 2: Cats

Helping Your Pet Overcome Separation Anxiety — Part 2: Cats In the second installment of our two-part report, check out advice from a local animal behaviorist and see how you can help your pets if they are struggling with separation anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone’s daily routines, and that includes pets. Many dogs and cats adjusted to their owners being home with them 24/7 for months, but now that people are returning to work or taking vacations this summer, pets are suddenly experiencing time apart from their owners.As a result, dogs and cats are having separation anxiety more frequently than before, and exhibiting stress-induced behaviors stemming from their mental health. In the second installment of our two-part report, check out advice from a local animal behaviorist and see how you can help your pets if they are struggling with separation anxiety.CatsRobin A.F. Olson, president/founder of Kitten Associates in Sandy Hook, is a cat behavior counselor with years of experience caring for cats of all ages, needs, and abilities.She finds that cats do best in a predictable environment, and can feel stressed when there are changes made.“When there’s a loss, like a family member dies, kids go off to college, there is a divorce, and change of home, cats don’t take it well. They love being on a schedule, and are most at ease when they are with consistent family members, furry or not,” Olson explained.The pandemic was a big change for many cats to have their owners home more often, and now they are going through further changes with people leaving the house and starting to vacation again.To understand if a cat is truly experiencing separation anxiety, it is important to first assess if the cat is ill from other causes.“Cat parents need to be very aware of what is the baseline normal behavior for the cat before they go on a trip or go back to work, now that folks are starting to return to their office and be away from home more,” Olson stressed. “That way, they will understand that whatever ails their cat after they go back to work may be related to separation anxiety.”Signs of separation anxiety include litter box problems, such as urinating/defecating outside of the litter pan or even soiling bedding or clothing; being overly clingy when the owner is home, and vocalizing (meowing) more.Since these can also be indicators of an underlying illness, pet owners should consult with a veterinarian to rule out other reasons of these behaviors.If it has been determined that separation anxiety is the reason for these actions, Olson recommends enriching the home environment to best manage a cat’s stress levels and keep them occupied.Some ways to do this is by adding vertical spaces for them to climb and explore, which can be accomplished by adding shelves and hutches that can be purchased or made yourself.“Cats love to get up high, where they can feel in control of their space,” Olson said.Placing a cat tree near the window for them to look out from is also helpful, and allows them to be mentally stimulated as they survey the scenery.Additionally, Olson says, “You can grow cat grass, leave out food puzzle toys, and there are even web cams that allow you to talk to your pet while monitoring them while you’re away from home.”Enrichment StrategiesIncorporating these different enrichment strategies can help a cat’s emotional state and keep them healthy.When it comes time to physically leave the house, Olson says to try to be consistent with how and when you leave and return.“I would not make a big deal out of leaving, but I definitely would greet my cat (if they are social and would like that), maybe spend some time brushing them or definitely do 15 minutes of playtime with a wand toy,” she said. “I would be mindful about big swings in the schedule, and I’d make certain I was paying attention to my pets and monitoring them for health/stress issues.”While medications for anxiety are available for cats through veterinarians, Olson stresses the importance of looking to the root of the problem.“That said, if the stress is from inter-cat or cat/dog issues, then you need a cat behaviorist to be involved and then possibly some medication — but they don’t always work, and they can take six weeks or more to even kick in,” she noted.For short term use, Olson said people can try incorporating homeopathy flower essences to help alleviate the cat’s stress.Ultimately, it is important to try to look at the world from the cat’s perspective to try to understand what they are going through.Olson explained, “Cats are not little humans in cat suits. They don’t try to get revenge by inappropriately eliminating; they’re being a cat. They’re showing their owner that something is wrong. It’s up to us to understand that and take action on their behalf.”She continued, “There are lots of terrific books on cat behavior by Pam Johnson Bennett and Jackson Galaxy. When you understand and respect your cat’s ‘catness’ not only will they have a better life, but you will enjoy your life more with them.”If your pet needs a veterinary appointment, plan in advance; Olson says that since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an unprecedented increase in vet visits.“It’s not just one practice — all the vets are scheduling weeks out, and specialists are typically over a month wait time. In 20 years of doing rescue, I’ve never seen this before,” Olson said. “This tells me that people are paying a lot more attention to their pets, since they’ve been home so much more. The good news for cats is, they’ll be getting better care now that they’re getting better attention.”For more information about Kitten Associates and to receive advice from Olson, visit kittenassociates.org and e-mail info@kittenassociates.org.Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.

Pet Separation Anxiety: Part 2, Cats Alissa Silber Story Helping Your Pet Overcome Separation Anxiety — Part 2: Cats Pet Separation Anxiety: Part 2, Cats Featured Slider, Features None

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Snapshot: Deirdre Murphy

Snapshot: Deirdre Murphy Occupation: I am currently the full-time school nurse at Reed Intermediate School here in Newtown. Before becoming a school nurse I was a labor and delivery nurse at Danbury Hospital for 20 years and, previously, a maternal special care nurse at Yale-New Haven Hospital.Family: My husband Matt and I have been married for 21 years. We have three awesome kids. Our oldest, Keenan, will be a sophomore at the University of South Carolina, where he majors in computer science with a minor in mathematics. Our daughter, Shea, just graduated from Newtown High School and will be leaving in August for Kennesaw State University in Georgia to study journalism and play D1 women’s lacrosse. Our youngest daughter, Moira, just completed her time at Newtown Middle School and is off to NHS in the fall.Pets: I have a dog named Duke Peaches. He is almost 10 and a total love. Rescuing him was one of the best things we ever did as a family.How long have you lived in Newtown? I moved to Newtown in 2000. We bought our first house on Queen Street, and all three kids were born into it. We started to dream about a more typical neighborhood for the kids to grow up in, and moved to Sandy Hook in 2008. I honestly feel like my neighborhood is one of the best places on earth. They are all the kindest, best neighbors in the world, and we all take good care of each other. It has been an idyllic place for the kids to grow up.What do you like to do in your free time? I love to take long walks while listening to a great book or talking with friends. Free time has been unheard of this year, so I’m looking forward to some soon!What is your favorite book? I’d say I have two: Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein and Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult.What is your favorite travel destination? We love going to Bethany Beach, Delaware. My in-laws have a beautiful home there and we are lucky to get to enjoy it with them when we have time.What is the best part of Newtown? We have some wonderful people in this town. We have great schools, amazing teachers and coaches, and wonderful health care and first line workers.What organizations are you part of in Newtown? I am currently our school nurse’s union secretary. Over the years we have been a part of NYBA, NYLA, and NSC for the kids. My husband and his brother are co-owner’s of Murphy Basketball Camp at NYA every summer. I help behind the scenes with anything needed.Who has been the greatest influence in your life? I would say collectively, my family. I grew up as the youngest of nine children, and lots of advice was passed down my way over the years. My parents have a solid relationship and now enjoy 23 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Family, relationships, and unity have always mattered the most to me.If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? I’d pick my husband, Matt, because we don’t really get to spend much alone time together anymore with busy schedules. I’d love to slow down and spend a day with no commitments, on a warm beach, with just him.Who is your favorite musical artist? I have an eclectic music ear. I love Bob Dylan, Pink, and Zac Brown.What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? “Be kind to yourself first and it will make you better able to care for those around you.” Great advice from a favorite nursing professor I had.What is something you cannot live without? Dark chocolate and a good Pinot Grigio.What is your proudest accomplishment? Hands down it is my kids. Hardest and best job ever is being their mom, and I feel blessed for every minute I get to do it.

Snapshot Deirdre Murphy Story Snapshot: Deirdre Murphy Snapshot Deirdre Murphy Features None

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25 Years Later, NUMC’s Deacon Still Finding Service To Her Faith Fills Her With Joy

25 Years Later, NUMC’s Deacon Still Finding Service To Her Faith Fills Her With Joy Newtown’s Methodist church has a very direct connection to the silver anniversary of the Order of Deacons.Newtown’s Methodist church has a very direct connection to the silver anniversary of the Order of Deacons.The Reverend E. Susan Klein, minister of music for Newtown United Methodist Church, was one of six people in the inaugural class of the New York Conference to earn their diaconal orders. Klein will celebrate the 25th anniversary of her diaconal ordination in the spring, but sat down recently with The Newtown Bee to talk about the role of a deacon in the Methodist Church.She laughed when asked about that work, because a reminder is literally hanging on a bulletin board near her church desk.“I’ve got it right on the wall here,” she said, pointing over her left shoulder. Reciting from memory she said: “The ministry of the deacon in the Methodist church is supposed to connect the gifts of the people in the congregation with the needs of the people in the world.”Deacons, she continued, “are ordained to all kinds of different professions, rather than being pastors of churches. Pastors of [United Methodist] churches are ordained as Elders, and they are ordained of word, sacrament, and order. That means that Elders are in charge of everything.”Deacons are ordained, she further explained, “to bring ministry into all kinds of different places.”The Methodist church welcomes men and women as deacons.According to the United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), deacons “are clergy leaders who are called by God, authorized by the church and ordained by a bishop to a lifetime ministry of word, service, compassion and justice. Deacons exemplify Christian discipleship, nurture others in their relationship to God and lead church people to respond to the needs of the needy, neglected and marginalized of the world.Deacons, like Klein, serve in their local churches. It can also be a little confusing, because deacons do not necessarily work in their local church, she added.“But every deacon has to be connected to a local church,” she also noted. “They’re always connected for Sunday worship, and assisting the Elder.”Deacons, according to GBHEM also serve in a wide range of ministries beyond the local church, where their special gifts can be put to good use. Such gifts can include education, chaplaincy, camping, social justice, health, advocacy, counseling, therapy, reconciliation, compassion, prison ministry, and others.Deacons serve as associates of the ordained Elder in pastoral ministry, while seeking to connect church worship life with the many needs of the global community and its people — locally and around the world.“In the congregation, deacons teach, preach, officiate at funerals and weddings, offer pastoral care, assist the elder in administering Baptism and Holy Communion, lead discipleship development ministries and help lay people identify and claim their own ministries. Deacons lead the congregation in its servant ministry and equip and support all baptized Christians in their ministry. Through the Order of Deacons, The United Methodist Church affirms this historic, central and distinct ministry,” the board’s online statement continues.“Outside the walls of the church, deacons share the good news in word and in their advocacy for the poor, neglected, oppressed and discouraged; provide ministries of mercy; and invite Christians into these ministries,” it concludes.As NUMC’s long-serving minister of music, Klein said her calling has continued to give her joy. Since her ordination, she has also taught confirmation, led study groups, and has been involved with United Methodist Women, a mission organization.She has also conducted weddings and funerals.Upon becoming a deacon in 1997, Klein engaged in a ministry with inmates at Garner Correctional Institute in Newtown, where she ministered for more than ten years with Gail Paul, who had already been leading the ministry.“We had a choir, and I played the organ there for the Protestant services on Sunday afternoons,” Klein recalled in late June. Choir rehearsals were every Monday night, she said.Klein has been with NUMC for 39 years. She and her husband moved to Newtown in 1981. She started at NUMC the following year, joining as a diaconal minister.Until the mid ’90s, diaconal ministry was a lay office within the church. It was “mainly for Christian educators and church musicians who served within the local churches,” Klein said.Diaconal ministers have been phased out since the diaconal orders, but many diaconal ministers became deacons, according to Klein.“Most of us were qualified for ordination through what we did to become diaconal ministers,” she said. “We weren’t grandfathered in, by any means. We have our credentials, and we did have to go through the governing board.”The first class in New York Conference, of which NUMC is part, came into being after the annual conference in June 1996.“Ours was the first class anywhere,” she pointed out.There were six women in that first class, including one pastoral counselor, Klein recalled. One member of the class has died. Another is still “a very close friend of mine,” she shared.“I may have been the oldest in the class,” she said, again laughing. Friends and others get used to easy laughter punctuating most conversations with Klein. “I remember having a conversation about that with our district superintendent, ‘Can I be ordained when I’m this old already?’“There was nothing in the discipline that we could find,” she said, so Klein continued on and joined that inaugural class. The group completed its studies in spring 1997.She maintains her 50-plus year membership in the Fellowship of United Methodist Music & Worship Arts, including attending nearly every annual gathering either nationally or jurisdictionally, she said.“That is just so inspiring,” she said. “I often think that’s kept me going — meeting people from all over the country, the fellowship. I’ve met people who are close friends today.”While she has not formally retired from NUMC, Klein admits she has dialed back, just a little, on some of her work. She continues worship planning, now with the Reverend Lori Miller, the fourth pastor at NUMC since Klein joined the staff.In April, the 25th anniversary of the Order of Deacon celebration was observed over three days. The collaboration of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, the Deacon Order Chairs Planning Group, and GBHEM included special events and a service of worship, all conducted via Zoom.Miller said this week that she expects the church to celebrate with Klein in the spring, on the anniversary of her ordination. Until then, and after, Klein plans to be around.“I’ll just keep doing anything,” she said in June. “Music, and this work, brings me such joy.” =====Associate Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.

Rev Sue Klein celebrates 25th anniversary of deaconry Shannon Hicks Story 25 Years Later, NUMC’s Deacon Still Finding Service To Her Faith Fills Her With Joy Rev Sue Klein celebrates 25th anniversary of deaconry Features, Religion None

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Discover The Divine Messages, Numerology Expert Visiting Sandy Hook

Discover The Divine Messages, Numerology Expert Visiting Sandy Hook Numerology expert coming to New Insights Boutique in Sandy Hook on July 31. Angela Alden, of Oakville, has spent her entire life learning about astrology and its subgenre, numerology.“For me, it started way back when I was born. My grandmother, who was from Italy, came here for my birth, and my mother actually wanted to name me something different, but my grandmother said, ‘No, she’s the one we have been waiting for. She is the messenger. Her name needs to be Angela.’ Since Angela means the messenger,” Alden said.Alden recently connected with the owners of New Insights Boutique in Sandy Hook and will be visiting the store on Saturday, July 31, from 11 am to 5 pm, for people to stop by and speak with her.“It’s the most positive, wonderful place,” she said of the boutique. “I love that shop, it’s so beautiful.”As a child, instead of being told fairy tales like most children, Alden said, she was raised on tales of the gods. Beginning when she was 8 years old and until she was 15, she visited the library frequently to check out books on astrology, numerology, symbolism, and different modalities of the Egyptians and Samaritans.At 15, she began ghost hunting in abandoned homes, and at around age 25, she met astrologer Dee Randis of the Watertown Metaphysical Center who took her under their wing.When the center closed, Alden did readings from her home for years, and later joined the Connecticut Soul Seekers of Naugatuck as a paranormal investigator.Today, that unique journey has led her to operate Angela Marie Astrology, Numerology, and Tarot, where she offers her expertise to people looking for answers. She travels to shops throughout Connecticut and does readings seven days a week.While Alden looks forward to speaking with individuals for personalized readings when she comes to New Insights Boutique, she offered a crash course in Numerology 101, per se, for Newtown Bee readers to learn the basics.Read on to see how Alden says something as simple as a number can hold profound meaning for a person’s life mission.What Is Numerology?“For me personally, numerology is a language that goes along with astrology,” Alden explained. “I take the number of the day that you were born and work with the karmic lesson that comes along with that number.”She continued, “I use that in my readings to help and guide people to see where their struggles are, what they need to work on, and what they need to move away from. To me, numbers are on a spectrum, and you are either functioning on the high end of that number or the low end of that number.”The concept of numerology has been around in some capacity for ages.“The fabric of the universe is made up of mathematics, so you really can’t have divination without some type of numbers and mathematics. It’s just the way that it works, especially in my world of astrology and numerology. Even in symbolism, you can’t get away from it,” Alden said.Numbers One Through NineTo find out what number applies to you, she said add up the numbers of the day you were born.“If you were born on the first of the month, the 10th, the 19th, or the 28th that would be a representation of the number one,” Alden said. “So the way it works is one is one; one plus zero is one; one plus nine is ten, and one plus zero is one; [and two plus eight is ten, and one plus zero is one]. The number breaks down.”The number one is represented by Adam in the Bible, according to Alden.She also correlates numbers with cards from the Rider-Waite tarot deck and says that one is symbolized by the magician card.Since it can be a “trickster number,” Alden says she thinks of the charismatic character Loki from the Marvel Universe as an example of that attribute.“Also, number ones are entertainers on some level. They are singular-minded, they are motivated, they are independent, but they can also be motivating to others, as well, not only themselves,” she said. “And it’s an action number, so it leads you into action.”Alden notes that the birth date number does not exactly describe a person’s personality, but a piece of their karma. She describes karma as the skills the person has to learn and what they have to overcome to obtain the skill.In the case of someone who is a number one, their main challenge is the inability to focus.“The biggest thing about the focus, though, is that when you are really into the number one, you are grounded in this reality… What happens, though, with that number is you stay really focused on that stuff because it’s pulling you away from your spirituality. It actually makes you depressed and anxious, and you can’t figure out why you feel that way, because you are not really going in the direction you need to be,” Alden said.Another challenge for number ones is dealing with miscommunication and understanding other people’s perspectives.“So how do you overcome that? It’s literally realizing where your passion is, where your intellect is, and that you are a leader. The progression of that number actually happens out of the anger, and you realize you don’t have to control everyone around you. It’s when your true passion comes out. It’s redirecting anger into passion,” Alden said.Number twos are people born on the second, 20th, or 29th of the month. Two is represented by the high priestess in the Rider-Waite tarot deck.Alden describes them as having “the gift of precognition, where they can see what is coming and then they tell people, but no one will listen to them. It falls about deaf ears.”The biggest lesson they must learn is how to value and balance themselves out in life. Alden notes that number twos do not know how to make boundaries and can have difficult times in toxic relationships by giving too much of themselves. As a result, she says, she meets a lot of the number twos who chronically feel sick and have thyroid, endocrine, or lower digestion issues, or a type of disordered eating.“The thing about number twos is that as they move through life and they actually gain that wisdom, they are actually the keepers of the planet earth. Number two is the representation of Gaia, of earth, so it’s wonderful to watch them go through life. They go through some of the hardest lessons that I’ve ever seen, because they have to learn how to balance themselves, not everyone else,” Alden concluded.Number threes are people born on the third, 12th, 21st, and 30th of the month. Three is a representation of the creation and the Holy Trinity.Alden says three is the most powerful number in the universe, and threes are natural healers.“Everything comes easy for a number three, and it is supposed to in this life, because they emanate that healing love energy that comes off of them,” she said.They also have a childlike energy inside them that makes them very fun and vivacious.Three is a communication number and represented by the empress in the tarot deck.Ultimately, Alden explains, the lesson they must learn can be summarized with the Winston Churchill quote, “The price of greatness is responsibility.”Number threes feel a lot of pressure and wind up selflessly giving until they have nothing left. They must learn to serve their heart.Number fours are people born on the fourth,13th, and 31st of the month. Four is represented by the emperor in the tarot deck and is a practical number.“I always describe the number four as the table. It’s got four legs, it’s very sturdy, it’s useful. It’s something everybody needs and because of its stability, it gets a lot of burden put on them,” Alden said. “It’s also a number people put a lot of expectation on, because they know that you can handle it. It’s a person that knows how to follow through.”The karmic obstacle comes from trying to help everyone else and not feeling authority over your own life. The feeling can lead fours to feel unmotivated if not functioning properly“It’s also one of those numbers that when it reaches that complacency, they want to be directed. They want to be told what to do, but when the number four is functioning properly, I call it dad energy — whether you are a man or a woman — it’s the dad you can go to for advice because you know they will listen and even it is something you don’t want to hear they are going to give you the right advice,” Alden said.Number fives are born on the 5th, 14th, and 23rd of the month. Fives are represented by the hierophant (a ruler over the land) in the tarot deck.“When I say four is like a table, I say number fives are like the extra leg you don’t need. They come in and try to make something more stable, but they are really just adding to it,” Alden said.Fives make their own rules and are known for being opinionated and the loudest in the room.“I love number fives because they are always off the beaten path and have chaos in the brain… It’s just how their brain functions,” Alden said.Since five is also a very psychic number, she finds if they quiet their minds and focus, they make the best mediums and astrologers.Number sixes are born on the 6th, 15th, and 24th of the month. Six is represented by the lovers in the tarot deck. It is a nurturing number and seen as the number of Mother Earth.“The biggest thing that a number six wants is connection with other people. The number six is always looking to gain from someone else, though, so the biggest challenge with them is, ‘How do I be alone?’” Alden said.She describes them as serial daters who feel they need someone to be whole, but they must overcome that by working on themselves to be okay with who they are.“When they do the work on the inside to make themselves stronger and whole, they get the pick of the litter in the world. They get who they want to marry, they get the friend groups that they want, and they get nourished because they actually made themselves whole,” Alden said.Number sevens are born on the 7th, 16th, and 25th of the month. Seven is represented by the chariot card, which, while chaotic, can also fight for what is right. Sevens are also a representation of “Christlike energy,” with healing properties.“If you think about what he was surrounded by politically and all the chaos that surrounded him, sevens are very much like that. I always say they walk on water, too. Sevens literally come out of any situation — no matter how chaotic — and land on their feet. It’s a very, very mystical number and very intuitive number,” Alden said.Ultimately, sevens experience pain, because they soak in everyone else’s suffering, and when they speak their truth it can be misunderstood.“Kind of like if you think about Jesus and how he was crucified and died for our sins, he was soaking in everyone’s pain for the greater good — that’s how I would describe that number,” Alden said.Number eights are born on the 8th, 17th, and 26th of the month. Eight’s tarot card is strength, because of its ability to overcome obstacles and restrictions in reality.“It’s not an easy road to be a number eight, especially when you are younger. I say about number eights that these are my kids that ate alone at the lunch table. That no one got them. They felt very isolated and alone,” Alden said. “As you meet people through your life you collect people, and you carry them up the mountain with you and they help you build it. You build your self-esteem, your trust, your confidence, all these things all at once.”She finds that while they can be seen as having materialistic goals, number eights lead the most successful lives. Since eight is a great manifestation number, she says they “live in the magic.”Alden explained, “I always say people are intimidated by people who are the number eight, even if the number eight doesn’t realize it. The number eight might feel intimidated themselves, but it’s really there’s something about them that people can’t put their finger on. It’s that magic.”Overall, while number eight is a beautiful number, it is also a hard number.“It is a number of pain, but it’s really important to understand that even though you can’t see the future and when you’re a number eight you feel like you’re losing hope, faith is the biggest thing here. Keeping in whatever is your faith and propels you forward will always cradle you with this number. It will always get you to where you’re going.” Alden said.Number nines are born on the 9th, 18th, and 27th of the month. Nine is represented as the hermit in the tarot deck, which shows a person in a cave holding a lantern.According to Alden, this is so because, “The biggest job of a number nine is to bring people from one place to another. They are ushers metaphorically showing you to your seat. Number nines always get flooded with people in their lives, but they are never meant to stay. No one feels more abandoned on the planet than number nines.”As a nine herself, Alden understands the importance of asking fellow nines how they are doing, because she knows how they constantly are taking care of others without reciprocation.Ultimately, she says that nines need to work on keeping a positive thought process and find their passion in life.“They’ve lived every lifetime; they’ve had every experience that all the numbers have ever had. And the truth is, number nines really have to focus on that one thing that you want to do… [because] number nines are all leaving to go home, wherever you believe home to be,” Alden said.Master NumbersThe numbers 11, 22, and 33 are considered master numbers and different from the reduced numbers, because they do not carry a karmic lesson.Alden describes the number 11 as being the most intuitive of all the numbers and it represents vision.“Many number elevens have psychic abilities,” she noted. “If you reduce it down to a number two, you’re not using that gift, and what will happen is, instead of having ambition towards helping people, it’ll actually make you very selfish.”The number 22 is known as a master builder. They have the ability to analyze 11’s vision and build it logically.“If you don’t function within that 22, then you are not going to have authority of what you want to build. You are actually going to want to create a vision and someone is going to do it for you. It also brings laziness in. It is very important to realize that you are that action in that vision,” Alden said.The number 33 is possible only when adding up numbers in your birth month, day, and year. Thirty-three is considered the master teacher and holds a lot of responsibility. While 11 visualizes and 22 turns it into action, 33 takes that and teaches it.“They build together, those three master numbers,” Alden said. “The biggest challenge of that 33 is that if you reduce it down to a six, it would be someone trying to tell you how to teach that vision instead of you teaching from your intuition.”Angel NumbersAngel numbers differ from the reduced numbers and the master numbers. These numbers can be seen in a person’s daily life — whether it is on a license plate or the time on the clock — and are a personal message from a higher power to an individual.When there is a 111, Alden says, the message is to be cautious of your thoughts and focus on positive things to manifest.“What you are thinking of in that moment, whether it is positive or negative, is what you are going to draw to you. So, when you see that 111, it’s literally your angels and your guides saying check yourself about what you are thinking about right now,” she said.When people see 222, it is a sign to stop being fearful.“Everything is going to be okay, and everything is about to line up for you for the highest good — that is the number 222,” Alden said.Seeing 333 means ascended masters and angels are working with the person in that moment.“They are working with you and surrounding you with love and light and guiding you along… it’s a very high vibrational number,” Alden said.The number 444 is a sign that a person is surrounded by guardian angels.“It’s protection, guidance, and it’s to help you with anything you need help within that moment. You see that number and you have to know that they are with you, and you are not alone,” Alden relayed.Upon seeing 555, know that a major life change is on its way.Alden explained, “It’s time to break out. It’s like a butterfly coming out of its chrysalis... It’s time for you to get out there.”While many are wary of the number 666 because of the negative stigma around it, Alden finds it to be more representative of a wakeup call.“I don’t see 666 as a bad thing, because if you actually look at the meaning of it when you are receiving a message from the universe or the angels or whatever you want to call it, all that means is that it is time to align yourself back up to what you consider God, source, whatever you call it,” Alden said. “The fears or issues that you have currently, it says give them up over to the universe… spend time with yourself and meditate more. Align back with your truth and your higher self.”Meanwhile, the number 777 has garnered a positive reputation for being seen as lucky.Alden says that for angel numbers it is seen as a congratulatory number. It is a sign that you are listening to your higher self and on the right path.As for the number 888, it is all about the idea of abundance, whether it is in the form of money or time.“It’s about focusing on that abundance in your life,” Alden said. “It’s a huge time for claiming abundance.”Lastly, the number 999 is about being a lightworker and needing to get to work. She describes it as, the world needs “your divine input,” and you need to “wake up humanity.”Overall, when it comes to angel numbers, Alden said, “When you see those numbers, you don’t necessarily need a reader to translate that for you. It’s personal messages to you. It’s the universe working with you alone.”To learn more about numerology or to book a session with Angela Alden, visit starsister.net, e-mail starsister83@gmail.com, or call 203-768-8965.Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.

Discovering Numerology Locally Alissa Silber Story Discover The Divine Messages, Numerology Expert Visiting Sandy Hook Discovering Numerology Locally Featured Slider, Features None

Sports

Blue Thunder 16s Win ‘War At The Shore’ Tournament NEW LONDON — The Newtown Blue Thunder 16U baseball team traveled to The War at The Shore Baseball Tournament July 10-11 and went undefeated. After wet weather played havoc with the weekend schedule, the Newtown nine won three consecutive games to earn first place honors in the final standings.In the first game against the Attleboro (MA) Bombers, Newtown came out on top 6-3. Starter Nick Tetreault went five innings giving up three runs and scattering five hits. Christian Via came in for the final inning to earn the save. Jack Albano provided plenty of offensive firepower with two hits and three RBI. Alex Schmidt also collected two hits as Newtown scored three in the third and added another three runs in the fifth.Newtown defeated North Shore Freedom Blue by an identical 6-3 score in the second contest. The Blue Thunder exploded for five runs in the second. Patrick Mahoney walked with the bases loaded, forcing in the first run of the inning. Brothers Christian and Timmy Via each had an RBI in the inning. Alex Schmidt and Freddie Hubbard each knocked in a run. The final Newtown run occurred on a Hayden Conklin sacrifice fly in the third inning. Kyle Turk collected multiple hits during the game. Aidan Sordi started the game on the mound and left after two with a 5-2 lead. Kyle Mockovak entered in the third and gave up one run over the next five innings aided by sparking defense in the field by Josh Dinallo, Kyle Turk, and Patrick Mahoney.In the final win for Newtown, a 3-0 shutout over Legends 16U College Prep, Alex Schmidt tossed five innings of scoreless ball and Jonathan Moseman added two innings of relief. Aidan Sordi drove in the first run of the game in the first inning. A second run was scored on a wild pitch in the third. Nick Tetreault scored the final run of the game on an Alex Schmidt single in the fifth.

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Blue Thunder 16s Win ‘War At The Shore’ Tournament

NEW LONDON — The Newtown Blue Thunder 16U baseball team traveled to The War at The Shore Baseball Tournament July 10-11 and went undefeated. After wet weather p...

Sports

Nearly Two Dozen Former Nighthawks Getting Set For First Taste Of Collegiate Sports

Nearly Two Dozen Former Nighthawks Getting Set For First Taste Of Collegiate Sports (Readers may note that a number of these athletes were highlighted when their collegiate plans were announced in earlier editions of The Bee.)From track and field to lacrosse and including many sports in between, 22 athletes representing ten Newtown High School teams, have been recruited and will take their games to the next level. Ranging from Division I to D-III, these standouts — some of whom have set records and been a part of championships — have plans to continue their athletic playing careers in college next year.Baseball: Zach Majeski (Clarkson University), Karl Miller (Nichols College), Jack Petersen (University of Connecticut), Zach Kugler (Western Connecticut State University), Chase Demers (Gordon College), and Jack Warner (Endicott College).“I’m really excited to play at the next level. As a pitcher I’m always interested to see how my stuff plays at higher levels and I think playing at the collegiate level is the next big test for me,” said Kugler, who helped the Nighthawks qualify for the South-West Conference and state tournaments this spring.“I could not be more excited to play baseball in college. My parents and coaches have pushed me to be the best player I could be and I’m happy to play on the next level,” Miller added.Baseball Coach Ian Thoesen will no doubt have some cleats to fill on his diamond next spring and is excited to see what the future holds for these former Nighthawks.“All of these guys have been a big part of our program on and off the field. They’re leaders and will be successful wherever they go,” Thoesen said.Track and Field: Hampton Cobb and Grant Baker (both attending Shenandoah University).Both atletes were standouts in the field events, with Cobb capping off his career with a fifth-place finish in the Class LL state championship long jump competition and Baker earning sixth in the shot-put event and seventh in the discus throw.“I’m extremely excited to move to the next level in my track and field career, and I think Shenandoah will provide a great opportunity for me to do that. I was recently talking with one of my new coaches at Shenandoah and one thing I noticed was that there’s a lot more event-specific training instead of just general practice,” Cobb said.Cobb added that some of his favorite memories from high school track are the high-level meets such as the SWC and state championships.“I’m looking to continue progressing in track and field and have my personal bests continually increase. I expect and hope for more work with the team and a harder practice regimen,” said Baker, adding that he will miss the day-long meets with the team and the bus rides.Girls’ Lacrosse: Julia Gerace (Catholic), Emily Hammond (Salve Regina), Shea Murphy (Kennesaw State), and Emma Magazu (University of New Hampshire).“I am so excited about being able to play at Catholic. The people in my class are already getting along really well and I think we are stepping into a great, winning program so I’m just excited to get down there and continue that tradition,” Gerace said. “I think it will be a lot more work because it is at the college level and it’s a much bigger commitment. It will be different, but you also have more time in college to do workouts and practice and stuff.”Newtown High had a strong season this past spring, and reached the conference title game. Gerace has fond memories from previous seasons as well as this past campaign, including a nail-biting win over a New Fairfield team that had edged the Nighthawks earlier in the slate.“My favorite memories from high school lacrosse include beating Glastonbury my sophomore year, avenging our loss to New Fairfield in overtime, all of our Cover Two (Sports Café) trips, and the bus rides. Those I will never forget,” Gerace said.“I am extremely excited for lacrosse at Salve. I can’t wait to play at the next level and be part of a team. I can’t picture my life without a sport, and that is one of the reasons I decided to continue playing,” Hammond said. “I expect it will definitely be different. It is a faster pace, but I know I can keep up. The work may be hard but it will just be worth it for something I have such a passion for. Coach (Maura) Fletcher has prepared me for what it is to come and I am ready.”“Some of my favorite memories are team bonding freshman year, senior night, pasta parties. My favorite memory overall is winning, but also losing with the team — we do everything as one big family,” Hammond added.Fletcher points out that her college-bound players will be missed and will miss their days with the Nighthawks, but will make new friends and enjoy their next chapter in lacrosse.Football: Connor Breslin (Stonehill College), Luke Hannan (Middlebury), Zach Smith (Western New England). This past fall was an odd one for football but the Nighthawks made the most of their 7-on-7, no tackle campaign. Newtown won the SWC East Division. These Nighthawks had stellar careers and were part of the program when the Hawks captured the 2019 state championship.“Obviously very excited to see these guys get an opportunity to continue to play,” NHS Football Coach Bobby Pattison said. “We’re excited to see them play on Saturday afternoons at their respective colleges.”Boys’ Lacrosse: Jeffrey Garrity (Bryant). Garrity was injured during his senior season and will look forward to a return the field at the next level. He will make a big jump, having only played two years of high school lacrosse. He did, however, have quite a career and set the program’s all-time points record as a sophomore.Girls’ Volleyball: Kate Petersen (Susquehanna University). Petersen, a standout at the net, contributed both with spikes for points and blocks to stymie the opposition. Petersen helped the Hawks win the South-West Conference North Division title in the fall.Hockey: Phil Makris (Johnson and Wales) and Eli Kirby (University of Tampa). The hockey team reached the conference championship game this past winter with Makrus and Kirby making big contributions along the way. Makris scored more than 100 career points.Girls’ Basketball: Maddie Patrick (Hobart and William Smith Colleges). Patrick transferred to Newtown High when Waterbury-based Chase Collegiate School closed for the school year. Patrick helped the volleyball team win the conference title and was a standout in the paint for the basketball team.Girls’ Swimming: Caroline Mahoney (Holy Cross). Mahoney set multiple individual event record and contributed to relay records as the swim team broke a total of eight of them during a successful fall season.Field Hockey: Katie Goyda (Bryant). Goyda set program points and goal-scoring records in her standout career. She helped the Nighthawks win all but one regular-season game and also capture the SWC Team Sportsmanship Award.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

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Sports

Nighthawk Football Lineman Show Strength In Berlin Challenge

Nighthawk Football Lineman Show Strength In Berlin Challenge Representatives from the Newtown High School football team competed in the Berlin Lineman Challenge recently. Representatives from the Newtown High School football team competed in the Berlin Lineman Challenge on July 10. The Nighthawks finished fifth among 24 teams and were top-ten in eight of the nine events. Newtown placed among the top five in five of those events.The linemen showed their strength in events such as the Tire Flip Relay, Heavy Bag competition, Move The Mountain, Obstacle Course, and others.All of Head Coach Bobby Pattison’s team members are working out and participating in conditioning activities at the high school throughout the summer as they prepare for the much-anticipated return to traditional 11 on 11 tackle football.Newtown’s season opener is Friday, September 10, when Pomperaug of Southbury comes to Blue & Gold Stadium for a 7 pm kickoff.

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Sports

Pickleball Enthusiasts Compete In First-Time NYA Tourney 'Tremendous Success' As Seven States Represented With 145 Players

Pickleball Enthusiasts Compete In First-Time NYA Tourney 'Tremendous Success' As Seven States Represented With 145 Players Pickleball enthusiasts from throughout New England competed on the courts in the first NYA Sports & Fitness Center Pickleball Open recently. Pickleball enthusiasts from throughout New England competed on the courts in the first NYA Sports & Fitness Center Pickleball Open during the weekend of July 9-11. The tourney was open to a range of skills and ages, with categories for men, women, and mixed doubles.“It was a tremendous success. We were expecting 100 to 120 people, and we have 145 people representing seven states,” enthused Ken Henderson, co-director of NYA Pickleball and co-director of Traveling Pickleball Pros.Tournament director Janice Pauly noted that one never knows what the turnout will be for a first-time event, and said the numbers were “pretty good.”Also to the tournament’s credit, there was a high level of competition in a setting that remained friendly throughout.“Pickleball is a very social sport. It’s a tournament, but you get a lot of smiles. People get to meet each other from different areas of New York and Massachusetts, and other states,” Pauly said.The winners are as follows:Men’s Doubles (skill 3.5 and below; age 50 and over): Paul Oliveira and Jim Burton.Men’s Doubles (skill 3.5; age 49 and under): Thomas Connolly and James Orlando.Men’s Doubles (skill 4.0 and above; age 43 and under): Ahmad Elliott and Allen Fitzsimmons.Men’s Doubles (skill 4.0 and above; age 44 and over): Michael Chen and Roy Mirchandani.Men’s Doubles Scramble (skill 4.0 and above; age 17 and over): Arden Levin and Michael Chen.Men’s Singles (skill 3.5; age 17 and over): Joe Ruback.Men’s Singles (skill 4.0; age 17 and over): Cameron Daly.Men’s Singles (skill 4.5 and above; age 17 and over): Allen Fitzsimmons.Men’s Scramble (skill 3.5 and below; age 17 and over): James Collins.Men’s Skinny Singles (skill 3.5; age 17 and over): Thomas Connolly.Men’s Skinny Singles (skill 4.5 and above; age 17 and over): Allen Fitzsimmons.Mixed Doubles (skill 3 and below; any age): Lori Farkash and Lenon Farkash.Mixed Doubles (skill 3.5; age 53 and younger): Sarah Greenwell and Joe Ruback.Mixed Doubles (skill 3.5; age 54 and over): Diane Alicea and James Collins.Mixed Doubles (skill 4.0 and above; age 50 and under): Shona Kerr and Allen Fitzsimmons.Mixed Doubles (skill 4.0 and above; age 51 and over): Laurie Nash and Luu Pham.Coed Skinny Singles (skill 4.0): Arden Levin.Women’s Doubles (skill 3.5 and below; age 54 and under): Tiniira Tubo and Marena Tubo.Women’s Doubles (skill 3.5 and below; age 55 and over): Maria Klutey and Leslie Freed.Women’s Doubles (skill 4.0 and above; age 17 and over): Andrea Novotny and Shona Kerr.Women’s Scramble (any skill; any age): Maria Klutey.Women’s Skinny Singles (skill 3.5 and under; age 17 and over): Maura Keenan.For more information, including complete results, visit pickleballbrackets.com; for details on Pickleball Pros, go to travelingpickleballpros.com; and for information on NYA pickleball, visit nyasportsfitness.com/pickleball.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

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Sports

1981 State Champs Will Celebrate In October

Today's Events

July 29, 2021

Christmas in July Toy Drive

Savings Bank of Danbury, 20 Church Hill Road (Newtown location)

Donations requested of new, unwrapped towns for boys and girls ages newborn to teen, to be forwarded to Greater Danbury Salvation Army for holiday season, collection continues through July 31 at all SBD locations; 203-270-4830.

July 29, 2021 at 08:30 am

“Down Some Vermont Country Roads: Old Friends-New Visions”

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street

Exhibition of photographs featuring Vermont scenes by Tom Kretsch and Shapleigh Smith, former Newtown residents and lifetime friends who have collaborated on photography travels and adventures, on view through Labor Day weekend; 203-426-4533, chboothlibrary.org.

and here: Old Friends Presenting ‘New Visions’ At Library

July 29, 2021 at 09:30 am

Newtown Bridge Club games

Edmond Town Hall (Alexandria Room), 45 Main Street

$11 ($9 club members)

Local American Contract Bridge League-affiliated club plays Open Pairs Monday-Thursday afternoons, also Wednesday evenings, newcomers welcome; 203-733-8525, newtownbridge.org.

July 29, 2021 at 12:30 pm

"Craft and Create"

C.H. Booth Library (front lawn, under tent), 25 Main Street

Free

Ages 3-5 invited to join Miss Nora for crafting and creating, all materials provided, parents must remain on library grounds, no registration needed, Wednesdays and Thursdays through August 12 (different projects each week); 203-426-4533.

July 29, 2021 at 02:30 pm

Summer Concert Series: Jake Kulak & The Lowdown

Dickinson Park bandshell, use Deep Brook Road entrance (west of skatepark)

Free

Family-friendly concert by local band, BYO seating, picnics welcome (carry out any trash; no receptacles available), co-hosted by Newtown Parks & Recreation and Claris Construction, concerts continue weekly to August 5; 203-270-4373.

July 29, 2021 at 06:30 pm

Board of Fire Commissioners special meeting (agenda posted)

Dodgingtown Fire Department, 55 Dodgingtown Road

agenda posted

July 29, 2021 at 07:00 pm

Summer Wave Yoga Drop-In

Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street

$15

New offering that allows participants to practice yoga sequences on a paddleboard in pool, previous yoga experience not needed, swimsuits or water wicking workout gear required, space limited so reservations also required; 203-270-4349, newtowncommunitycenter.org.

July 29, 2021 at 07:00 pm

Special Editions

Charles Arthur Willus

Let's see how low we can drive the turnout. I'll be doing my part.

I commend our volunteers for being such assets to the town, and as a happy customer of Mitchell I'm not the least bit surprised they were well equipped to help with this situation. God bless each of you.

Firefighters Empty, Remove Leaking 100-Gallon Propane Tank From Garage

Property tax increases are a way of life as long as uncontrolled expenses are permitted. And there will never be a property tax roll back due to 'tax base expansion'. And as the deluge of New Newtowners are bidding up the cost of houses in town we can expect a nice bump in the next valuation cycle. Not to mention the disaster coming to Fairfield Hills which we will pay for through infrastructure improvements to support tenants and their children and cars.

Seeding And Tending Economic Development

He is the best of men. Great job, as always, Mr. Rick.

Snapshot: Rick Thorne

When only 9% of eligible voters turn out to vote on the town budget, it should be clear that most folks don't have a compelling reason to participate in running the town. When we get housing at Fairfield Hills shoved down our throats although we voted NO multiple times we understand that our voices are ignored by those in charge. Vote them out, you say? Won't happen. What to be done? Support our first responders with donations and a heartfelt 'Thank You'.

If Not Now… When?

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Top Five NewtownBee.com Stories July 18 To 24

Local Democrats, Republicans Announce Slates For November 2 Ballot

Helping Your Pet Overcome Separation Anxiety — Part 2: Cats

Discover The Divine Messages, Numerology Expert Visiting Sandy Hook

Gun Maker Offers $33 Million To Settle Sandy Hook Families’ Lawsuit

Local Democrats, Republicans Announce Slates For November 2 Ballot

Rep Tony Scott Says First Term Was A Learning Experience

Top Five NewtownBee.com Stories July 18 To 24

Helping Your Pet Overcome Separation Anxiety — Part 2: Cats

Snapshot: Deirdre Murphy

25 Years Later, NUMC’s Deacon Still Finding Service To Her Faith Fills Her With Joy

Discover The Divine Messages, Numerology Expert Visiting Sandy Hook

Blue Thunder 16s Win ‘War At The Shore’ Tournament

Nearly Two Dozen Former Nighthawks Getting Set For First Taste Of Collegiate Sports

Nighthawk Football Lineman Show Strength In Berlin Challenge

Pickleball Enthusiasts Compete In First-Time NYA Tourney 'Tremendous Success' As Seven States Represented With 145 Players

1981 State Champs Will Celebrate In October

For Better Health June 2021

Home & Garden Spring 2021

Guide To Newtown 2021

Holiday Gift Guide 2020

For Better Health October 2020

Home & Garden Fall 2020

The Newtown Bee's Back to School 2020

Home & Garden Spring 2020

Home & Garden Spring 2018