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'Around Town' Realtor Andy Sachs Now Affiliating With Keller Williams

'Around Town' Realtor Andy Sachs Now Affiliating With Keller Williams Andy Sachs, one of the country’s top-producing real estate professionals, has left Coldwell Banker to bring the Around Town Real Estate Team to Keller Williams (KW).Andy Sachs, one of the country’s top-producing real estate professionals, has left Coldwell Banker to bring the Around Town Real Estate Team to Keller Williams (KW).In 2019, according to a release, the Around Town Real Estate Team sold $87 million in properties — representing more than 200 homes — and was the top team for Coldwell Banker in the Westchester / Fairfield County region. That same year, Newsweek named Keller Williams the top real estate agency for customer service.Keller Williams is recognized for its strength as a technology-driven firm, and was named a 2019 Most Innovative Company in the urban development/real estate sector by Fast Company for building an AI-powered virtual assistant that gives its agents hyperlocal information about neighborhoods and listing data that can be shared with buyers and sellers. KW began prioritizing technology in 2015, with the goal of creating a platform that agents, buyers, and sellers prefer. The technology was one of the key reasons why Sachs made the switch after first being approached by Keller Williams.“Coldwell Banker has been fantastic for me — I got my start with them over 15 years ago,” Sachs told The Newtown Bee. “But it was time for a change, and after what ended up being a two-year recruiting process and learning more and more about what they had to offer, it was really their technology suite that blew me away.“Also culturally, it’s a very inclusive place to work. There’s a lot of sharing of ideas to help make everyone more successful,” Sachs said. “So about three months ago I decided this would probably be the direction we’re going in. So I sat down with my team, explained why I thought the move was good for everybody, laid out the financial benefits, projected our planned growth opportunities, and they saw the opportunity as well. And it was humbling that 100 percent of the team came along.”“We’re excited to welcome the Around Town Real Estate Team to the Keller Williams family,” said Dan Raposo, CEO/Team Leader of Keller Williams Realty in Ridgefield. “At Keller Williams we believe in succeeding through people, and having these nine incredible agents join our team is a huge win for us, and the opportunity to bring the Keller Williams culture and focus on the consumer experience to Newtown is also very exciting.”“The business is changing faster than ever, and joining forces with Keller Williams will help us stay on top of it,” Sachs said. “Our goal with every client is to gain the same level of trust they extend to their attorneys, accountants, and financial advisers. To achieve that, we need to stay ahead of the curve, and Keller Williams is looking out on the horizon of what’s coming toward us next and preparing for it.”Modernizing The MarketFrom a broader perspective, Sachs said he also saw the move to the KW brand as an opportunity to modernize the Connecticut real estate market.“They really took a tech-focused approach to go toe-to-toe with the Zillows of the world,” Sachs said, referring to the American online real estate database company. “And they matched that advanced technology with great customer service. I was really impressed by that. And they welcomed us with open arms. Not a day goes by that I’m not getting texts, phone calls, and e-mails congratulating us for making the move.”With a background in sales, marketing, licensing, and branding, he has long realized the real estate industry offers a true chance to help people, and has limitless opportunities for growth.“It’s unlike anything I had ever experienced before,” Sachs said.Though they come from various backgrounds, he said three words sum up the Around Town Real Estate Team across the board: bold, transparent, and innovative. Since this vernacular pulses through Keller Williams’ culture, Sachs’ team is excited to join forces.“All of our team members are intelligent, passionate, and opinionated,” Sachs says. “We try to build consensus, and so much comes from simply listening to their ideas and their thoughts. The overarching feeling we get with Keller Williams is an openness to be able to try new things in an environment that is kind and supportive.”But, he said, it’s the complex network of moving parts that ultimate sets the Around Town Team apart, Sachs said.“We’ve always been good at the follow-up, the many little details that our clients appreciate,” he said. Combining that now with Keller Williams customer relation management tools, the branding, and the personalized apps available for every single client will help Sachs and his team move on to a new and greater level of service.'Trusted Adviser Status'“I’ve always told my team to treat every client as though you have the same trusted adviser status as their attorney or their accountant,” he said. “We take that approach and live that. Then you take a high functioning team like mine and give them better tools, better marketing opportunities, and they will be better agents for every client they meet.”Sachs said from a real estate perspective, Newtown has always been very traditional. And with 93 percent of buyers looking online for properties, Sachs believes the tech-focused brokerage that he is now operating will bring a different feel to the local market than people are used to seeing in Newtown.He said his office will also relocate.“The new space will be a little more modern,” he said. “We’re in the middle of wrapping up a lease agreement and renovating now.”Sachs said given the size and global reach Keller Williams has, “our connections have nearly doubled — and there are some wonderful growth opportunities that Keller Williams affords us that I couldn’t do before.”“This is a forward-thinking, nimble company,” he added, “and I’ve always tried to run my team that way so we can pivot quickly, we can try new things, we can fail fast — if we fail — and that’s kind of the Keller Williams mantra as well. They’re trying new things and figuring out better ways to service their agents and their clients. I want my team to have awesome careers and I want to be able to afford them those opportunities. That means acquiring more clients and serving them better.”For more information, visit thearoundtownteam.com — or facebook.com/yourconnecticutrealtor.

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Interfaith Council Checks In On Project, Hoping For Shared Stories

Interfaith Council Checks In On Project, Hoping For Shared Stories Newtown Interfaith Council met earlier this month, with members going online to keep in touch.Newtown Interfaith Council (NIC) met earlier this month, with eight members logging in from various locations.The council’s members are still getting used to virtual meetings, with mixed results. At one point on June 3, Reverend Matthew Crebbin referenced a recent Saturday Night Live skit where a Baptist minister was once again addressing “a large congregation logged into the Zoom machine.”SNL cast member Kenan Thompson played the pastor of Mt Methuselah Baptist Church, which was celebrating its Mother’s Day service online.“Mute yourselves during the service,” Thompson’s pastor said calmly in the opening minutes of “Zoom Church,” which aired May 9.“The way that this Zoom machine works,” the pastor continued, “is that every mic is as loud as mine, so when y’all respond, I can’t really hear myself preach. Amen?”Fifteen small screens surrounding the preacher’s immediately came to life, with members of the church all offering their responsive Amens.“I can hear ya’ll agreeing,” the pastor says, “which means that you’re not taking the note, because it’s still very, very loud, all right? So how ’bout nobody say amen after I say amen, Amen?”The church group had surged to 24 attendees by then, and everyone puts in their Amen. Within a few minutes, the aggrieved pastor has had enough, and signs off.On June 3 it took a few minutes for everyone to understand what Crebbin what trying to explain. Fortunately, background noises and other sounds slowly tapered off, and conversation ensued among those on the screens.The members of NIC checked in on a project they are working on. Members are creating prayers or finding readings that will be shared with the community, to offer comfort from many faith backgrounds during the current pandemic.The lead item discussed that Wednesday afternoon was a collective response to the murder in Minneapolis, Minn., of George Floyd. The 46-year-old black man was on the ground, face down, during an arrest, when a white police officer knelt on his neck for a reported 8 minutes, 46 seconds, suffocating Floyd and killing him.The Black Lives Matter movement has gained increased attention and support internationally since Floyd’s death. In Newtown, signs supporting the movement and calling for social justice have been appearing. A pair of peaceful gatherings were held on June 7.The June 3 NIC meeting was a week earlier than the council usually meets. It was called, in large part, in response to the Floyd death.The group is careful, however, Reverend Matt Crebbin said, “to steer, as best we are able, to try and find unity, but not to proclaim that we have unity, in many circumstances.”For that reason the group generally does not publish statements as the council, he reminded the attendees. While people had been looking to the council for its collective thoughts, Crebbin reminded those participating in the online gathering that the group does not put out statements “where folks are not inclined to sign on to.”Having said that, he also noted that after 12/14, many people looked to the council for a group statement.“We had a number of us that did sign on, but we signed on as individuals,” he said. There are council members who, because of religious tradition, cannot attach their name to such statements “without having permission of their line of leadership, or having other religious or theological issues with whatever is done.“People have often said ‘The council can put out a statement,’” he continued, “but I tell them, ‘We’re really not that kind of council.’“We are this less formal group of gathered folks that I would rather rely on to build relationships in these kind of settings as opposed to ultimately, even in very important issues, set up a dynamic where then certain folks say ‘I can’t be part of the council now because the council’s going in this direction and it’s not a place where I can be.’”Instead, the council has become a place where members can find themselves with different opinions and views, without judgment or repercussion.The Reverend Dr Jennifer Montgomery said she sees strength in the council, even with its informal settings.“The fact is there are representatives from the Jewish faith, the Islamic faith, the Christian faith, the Catholic faith, and we do come together,” she said.“It’s amazing to me that all of us, with our faith traditions, can agree on some things,” she added. “We agree on unity. We agree on justice. We agree on peace, love, racial reconciliation, hearing all voices, dignity of every human being.“We stand against systemic racism and violence,” she continued. “I don’t think that’s a political statement. That’s a faith statement, and the power of this group being able to sign on to just a basic statement like that, knowing that more action needs to take place, is the beginning of an important conversation.”Those words formed the basis of a statement written that evening. It was addressed “To the Newtown community” and eventually signed by eight members of the council.‘Meaningful Conversations’Crebbin and Montgomery were two of the six members of the council who joined the virtual meeting a few weeks ago.Also among the afternoon’s attendees were John Woodall and Eman Beshtawii. They had just returned from Danbury, where a protest had taken place in response to the death of George Floyd. The event began outside the Danbury Library at noon.One group from that event worked its way to the Danbury Police Department building, where the city’s mayor and police chief addressed the crowd. A second group made its way onto I-84, reportedly closing the multilane highway.Woodall called the initial protest “inspiring,” but cautioned he also felt a “sinister” feeling to the crowd.“The emotions are so high, the pain is so deep, the brokenness was so evident,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know how to manage brokenness.“If you don’t have a grounding in humbled faith, that brokenness turns into rage, or great fear, and then you look for a scapegoat,” he added. “That was absolutely happening in the march.”Recalling the uplifting remarks he heard, which were countered by angry voices that afternoon, Woodall said he sees the need for “a moderating voice.”As critical as marches are, Woodall said, it felt to him that the event he and Beshtawii had been to earlier did not have a focus.“There was no philosophical center, and no transformative action,” he noted. “It’s an ongoing spiritual path. Not all of us were there, but we’re committed to the path and we’re humbly walking together on the path.”The council members concurred, but also quickly admitted that they need help from others.Lori Miller agreed that she wants to lend a voice to the issue of social injustice. She has heard, she said, from members of Newtown United Methodist Church who also want to help, but feel stymied.“One frustration is what can we do, as white folk, that’s going to be constructive, and not destructive?” she said.Crebbin agreed, saying that he too, as a white man, does not always know what to say when it comes to talking about peace.Crebbin and Woodall both introduced the idea of hosting conversations. Instead of Newtown Interfaith Council members speaking, the community events would host the voices of those “who could articulate their own lived experience,” Crebbin said.The group could use its platform, he said, “for access, to give other people voices to speak of their experience, who often don’t get a chance.”Shaul Praver suggested the local group join with other clergy groups, especially those with members of color.“Joining together might give us representation in an area we can’t achieve on our own,” he said. It would be important, he later said, to have “meaningful conversations.”Steve Bamberg said he has a feeling “most people in Newtown don’t have a lot of black friends or socialize with many black people.“I don’t know what it would take to change that,” he continued.What most seemed to agree on is that discussions need to start, soon.“There are different kinds of perceptions and treatments, even for our friends and neighbors in Newtown,” Crebbin said. “How do we have these conversations in town? How do we find them and hear them?”Praver pointed out that it would be important to have many speakers share their stories.“We don’t want to fall into the trap of thinking there aren’t different views among black people,” he said. “There is a great amount of potential.”Having been silent for much of the meeting, the founder of Al Hadeya Islamic Center spoke up.“It is very hard to have black skin, or brown, and live in Newtown, believe me,” Eman Beshtawii said. “I feel a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood only within this group, and within the mosque.”For families of color with children, she said, “it’s very, very hard, even in the schools. Most of us, we have already left the town.“If not for the mosque, my family would have moved away by now,” she said.“When people share their stories,” she cautioned, “some people don’t want to believe your story. I’m telling you. I still love Newtown, but I feel really sad. The reality is, you’re not made to feel like you’re part of Newtown. You see a difference. You really do.”She shared memories of seeing fellow council members at public events, and feeling comfortable because she knew they would speak to her.“They know me, and I knew they would say ‘Hello’ to me,” she said. “But other people are so cold.”

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Selectmen Approve Nine Nonprofits For 'Neighborhood Assistance' Support

Selectmen Approve Nine Nonprofits For 'Neighborhood Assistance' Support The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved 11 programs being hosted by nine local nonprofit agencies under the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) during a June 1 meeting.The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved 11 programs being hosted by nine local nonprofit agencies under the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) during a June 1 meeting following a brief public hearing with no participants. This marked the first year that Newtown has solicited and approved nonprofits for the program.About three months earlier, each of Newtown’s 200-plus IRS-registered nonprofits was mailed a letter from the local Economic and Community Development (ECD) office inviting them to participate in the program that provides tax credits to business donors choosing to support these qualified programs through donations. The NAA is administered through the state Department of Revenue Services or DRS.This year is Newtown’s first participating in the initiative.Christal Preszler and Kim Chiappetta, along with Planning Office staff member and ECD team member Christine O’Neill, coordinated the project. O’Neill, who is Newtown’s NAA municipal liaison, provided a brief overview to selectmen on June 1.The NAA’s mission is to offer tax credits to businesses who make contributions to nonprofit programs that benefit the community. Nonprofits are invited to apply to Newtown with any program they feel fits the definition of “neighborhood assistance” — whether it is equestrian therapy, a youth sports league, or adult workforce training.There is no limit to the number of programs that can be approved, so long as they are in the spirit of neighborhood assistance.With Newtown’s stamp of approval, these programs will be sent to the State as eligible for NAA tax credits. This means any business donating between $250 and $150,000 to these program will receive a 60 percent tax credit — in addition to the donation itself being tax-deductible.“And if the program is related to energy conservation or college loan forgiveness, the tax credit for business donors is 100 percent,” Preszler said in a previous interview with The Newtown Bee.The nonprofits and their corresponding programs receiving approval for the current NAA cycle are:*Abbott’s Hill Farm — human educational outreach;*Children’s Adventure Center — DSS Funding Families;*Find Us Outside — Forest School and Nature Detectives;*FISH of Newtown — medical transportation;*Friends of Newtown Seniors — chore services and transportation project;*Newtown Lacrosse Association — NYLA;*Newtown Youth and Family Services — youth programming;*Stray Kats Theatre Company — Still Crazy After All These Years Festival; and*The Exceptional Sidekick — service dog training.“NAA is a win-win-win for Newtown nonprofits and businesses,” O’Neill previously said. She reminds potential donors that “businesses receive tax credit for donating, so they benefit; nonprofits may net more donations, so they benefit; and of course the community will benefit from better-funded social programs.”O’Neill said becoming involved with the program is also a great opportunity for ECD staffers to better familiarize themselves with the community’s many nonprofits.According to the DRS, any tax credit that is not taken in the income year in which the contribution was made may be carried back to the two immediately preceding income years (beginning with the earlier of such years).The program has several statutory limits, however; they include:*A business is limited to receiving $150,000 in tax credit annually.*A nonprofit organization is limited to receiving $150,000 in contributions in the aggregate.*The minimum contribution on which credit can be granted is $250.*The program has a $5 million cap, which, if exceeded, results in proration of approved donations.Any business requesting a tax credit under the Neighborhood Assistance Act Program must complete a separate Form NAA-02 for each program it wishes to sponsor. The contribution must be cash, and needs to be made in the corporation’s income year that corresponds to the same year as the approved program.Form NAA-02 must be submitted to DRS from September 15 through October 1, 2020. To accommodate the impacts of COVID-19, applications will only be accepted via e-mail to naaprogram@ct.gov.No paper applications or fax transmittals will be accepted.

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Rally 4 Change Assembles ‘Allies’ At Edmond Town Hall

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Selectmen Approve Nine Nonprofits For 'Neighborhood Assistance' Support

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved 11 programs being hosted by nine local nonprofit agencies under the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) during a June 1 meeting.

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Rally 4 Change Assembles ‘Allies’ At Edmond Town Hall

Rally 4 Change Assembles ‘Allies’ At Edmond Town Hall A Rally 4 Change event gathered “allies” at Edmond Town Hall on June 20. A more in-depth story on the event will be in the June 26 print edition of the paper.Empathy, comfort, home, love, racism, equality, dialogue, demand, better, and action. Of the many words shared at the June 20 Rally 4 Change, held in front of Edmond Town Hall, perhaps “community” echoed the most.If not the word itself, then the expression.A poster for the event — which stemmed from a “Newtown Allies For Change” Facebook group — called for people to “stand with the black community, listen to powerful speakers, and pledge your support for change.”Attendees were asked to wear black, bring a mask and a sign, and maintain social distancing.And just at noon, David Weiss and Kendall Euler, two of the organizers for the event, gathered everyone in front of the steps of Edmond Town Hall to listen.Speakers shared personal stories of living in Newtown — some called for the school system to better educate students about racism — and an overall message that as a whole the community can do better, was shared.Messages of hope for the future were offered along with calls for action.As speakers spoke some passing cars honked. Drivers yelled words of encouragement or held their hands out windows to show support. Some drivers yelled negative comments.Near the end of the rally, event organizers also shared an online petition, available by clicking here, for people to pledge support in uplifting “people of color in Newtown through our words and actions,” the online petition reads. Among other things, the petition asks town boards and leaders for action on advocating and promoting diversity and equal opportunity, both in town and in the school system.A more in-depth story, with more photos from the event, will be in the June 26 print edition of The Newtown Bee.

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Governor’s Office Offers ‘No Comment’ About State Democrats’ Protest Database

Governor’s Office Offers ‘No Comment’ About State Democrats’ Protest Database Following two queries by The Newtown Bee, Governor Ned Lamont through his press liaison declined to comment on a publicly accessible database of “Connecticut Protests for Racial Justice” that is available on the state Democratic Party website.That database, listing more than 20 future and dozens of past gatherings, drew the ire of First Selectman Dan Rosenthal who discovered the list of planned protests.While the site also includes the statement “We encourage all Connecticut residents joining in Constitutionally-guaranteed, peaceful demonstrations across the state, to wear masks and maintain minimum 6 ft. social distancing, in accordance with guidelines from the state of Connecticut,” the first selectman remained concerned that it could still promote mass gatherings in excess of a standing executive order limiting large groups.“What upsets me is the Connecticut Democratic Party is [sharing] this list telling people where to go, while we have the governor, who is the head of that party, standing by his orders on limiting public gatherings,” said Rosenthal, himself a Democrat. “It leaves me scratching my head. I can’t reconcile the two.”The first selectman previously noted there is a difference between a gathering that may come together with local residents, and one that is publicized statewide and being promoted by a major political party with thousands of registered members.“This [web list] crosses the line, so I reached out to the governor about it,” he said. “I don’t think the state Democrats should be promoting this; they’re providing information that would likely build crowd sizes at these local protests and prompting people to come to them from other towns. It seems to be in direct violation of what the governor is trying to do.”Rosenthal said he received a response from Governor Lamont who said he was unaware of the Democratic party’s web listing. Rosenthal said the governor would be looking into it.But after the second request for comment about whether the governor had looked into it, The Newtown Bee received a short response from Lamont Press Secretary and Director of Digital Media David Bednarz, saying, “We do not have comment.”DTC Chairman RespondsThat led the newspaper to reach out to Newtown Democratic Town Committee with the question: “Do you feel it is appropriate for the state Dems to promote these mass gatherings — even with the requisite ‘wear masks/socially distance by 6 feet’ encouragement?”Chairman Eric Paradis offered the following response:“Personally, I am worried that your question focuses on whether or not a political party should provide information about rallies for Black Lives Matter and social justice campaigns rather than the reason why these rallies are clearly needed. The continued inequity that people of color face on a day to day basis has been protested for generations and yet protests are still needed to enact change,” Paradis said.“Why hasn’t our country changed, why hasn’t our country listened to the marches, to the people taking a knee? The recent protests across the country since May 26th are now showing some hopeful results,” he continued. “There have been changes made across the country in the past few weeks regarding government policies. The Newtown Police Chief recently shared an FAQ in response to the rally at Edmond Town Hall and the Police Commission just recently reviewed its Use of Force policy. [See related story in today’s print edition.]“I am very concerned for the health of all of our neighbors during this crisis,” Paradis said. “We have spent three months isolating and quarantining ourselves and it has been working. As the states and cities relaxed their quarantine protocols after the haircut protests (that were heavily publicized), it is only now that we are not sure that people should be protesting? The nation has erupted over these injustices and decided that it can wait no longer.“How frustrated and angry do people have to be in order to protest during the pandemic? Perhaps if the country had listened years ago and made the changes that are starting to be made today, this round of protests may not have been needed,” he continued."'Change Is Needed'“We need to recognize that change is needed at all levels," the local DTC chairman concluded. "We also need to ensure we are following the practices that the governor has put into place, wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid unnecessary crowds and risks. If we listen to the rallies and work with all of our neighbors we can stay healthy and work for change at the same time.”Following the publication of the original article in which the first selectman also explained his reasoning for not publicly supporting or endorsing local mass gatherings as a means of demonstrating for racial justice, he made a lengthy statement on his Facebook page.That statement, in part, said: “Twice I have taken an oath to support the Constitution as First Selectman. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about that awesome duty and the rights the document affords to everyone, not just the people that I perceive as supporters or friends, everyone. Period.“My statutory responsibility is also the health, welfare and safety of all of our residents. As if worrying about the Constitution wasn’t enough. The last three months have not been easy for any of us but we’ve hung in there as a community. I’ve had to make hard decisions in support of public health, many of which limited or took away people’s freedoms,” Rosenthal added. “My integrity is important to me so I am not about to pick and choose what Executive Orders to follow. They all matter or they all don’t. I am tired of politicians that say one thing and do another.”

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Newtown Seeing Business, Traffic Increasing Under Phase 2 Reopening

Newtown Seeing Business, Traffic Increasing Under Phase 2 Reopening Another cross section of businesses and sites started reopening locally and statewide June 17 — albeit under a new normal as guidelines set forth detailed restrictions and protocols to help ensure the health and safety of staff and visitors alike.This web report was updated from the version in our print edition with the latest state COVID-19 numbers, and added details about testing at state agencies.* * * *Another cross section of businesses and sites started reopening locally and statewide June 17 — albeit under a new normal as guidelines set forth detailed restrictions and protocols to help ensure the health and safety of staff and visitors alike.That Phase 2 rollout also returned more traffic to local roadways as more folks headed back to work, and saw more cars dotting parking lots at Newtown shopping areas and businesses.In announcing Phase 2, which was originally set for June 20, Governor Ned Lamont stressed that the decision to reopen continues to rest with each individual business owner. They are not required to open if they do not choose, however if they do they must follow the rules as prescribed.Phase 2 includes the following sectors: amusement parks, hotels, indoor dining, indoor museums, zoos and aquariums, indoor recreation (bowling, movie theaters, etc), libraries, outdoor events, and personal services (nail salons, tattoo parlors, etc), as well as sports and fitness facilities (gyms, fitness centers, pools, etc).The state’s website detailing sector rules also states that Phase 3 will see reopening authorized by mid-July for indoor private gatherings of no more than 50 people; outdoor private gatherings (including graduations) of 250 people max; outdoor organized gatherings like fireworks and municipal concerts with 15 feet of space blanket to blanket; and outdoor venues like amphitheaters and race tracks at 50 percent of capacity with distancing practices being enforced.View the website and Sector Rules by CLICKING HEREAt the same time, state and local health officials are continuing to see COVID-19 testing along with corresponding positive cases and related deaths continuing to increase — although at much slower rates in recent weeks — while hospitalizations for the coronavirus keep declining off the highs seen in April and early May.Connecticut’s June 18 report stated that the total of COVID-19 cases reported among state residents had reached 45,440, including 43,493 laboratory-confirmed and 1,947 probable cases. There were 176 patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, and 4,226 state residents had lost their lives to the virus.That same day, the number of COVID-19 PCR tests administered statewide had reached 370,638. Fairfield County continued to rack up the largest number of positive and probable cases statewide, with 16,398 reported and 1,352 deaths.On the morning of June 18, Newtown Health District Director Donna Culbert said she had logged a total of 236 positive cases and 40 deaths. Every death the district has reported involves an individual age 60 or older, with the highest combined number involving men and women between the ages of 80 and 89.‘This Isn’t Over’Lamont noted that the latest test results represent the lowest percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in Connecticut since the pandemic began. Out of the 6,430 tests reported since yesterday, only 80 were positive, representing a 1.2 percent positivity rate.In addition, with a total of 188 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19, hospitalization rates in the state dipped below 200 for the first time since mid-March.“I can’t stop saying how impressed I am at the people of Connecticut for listening to the advice of public health professionals and taking the appropriate actions to bend the curve,” Lamont said.“The people of Connecticut are having an impact, and that is exactly why our state has been identified as one of only a handful in the nation to be ‘trending better.’ However, this isn’t over, and the last thing we want is to set ourselves back and erase all of the progress we’ve made,” the governor added. “Each of us needs to continue doing our part to prevent a renewed spread of this virus. Seeing so many people wearing masks and having this resulting data tells me our residents are looking out for each other.”Lamont’s 54th executive order on June 17 in part waived a standing requirement that now allows agricultural and horticultural societies to continue to receive certain tax benefits without conducting a required annual agricultural fair.It also modified the mandatory testing program for staff at nursing homes and other congregate settings to set conditions for testing to cease after 14 consecutive days without a positive case and to require resumed testing if any staff member or resident tests positive.DOT, State Testing DetailsAlso on June 17, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) announced a number of steps it has taken prioritize safety for all users of the transportation system as the state enters Phase 2 of its return to pre-COVID operations. Train and bus service is gradually being augmented to provide service to additional riders who are beginning to travel again for work and other purposes, according to a release.First and most important, public transportation users can help protect themselves, fellow riders, and transit workers by wearing face coverings and not riding public transportation when they are sick. This is the most effective way to promote public safety, the department stated.CT DOT has also directed service providers to continue intensive daily cleaning of buses and rail cars until further notice. On the bus system, riders will continue to board through the rear door on buses so equipped. Some buses already feature clear plastic dividers between the bus driver and the general public, and CTtransit is moving forward with the procurement and installation of additional driver barriers on other buses.These barriers are expected to be installed before Labor Day.Rail service on the Danbury and Waterbury lines remains suspended to accelerate ongoing capital projects while ridership levels remain at historic lows. Bus service continues to operate on regular weekday and weekend schedules, providing service to countless essential workers who have continued to ride throughout the public health emergency.As the weather has improved and traffic volumes were depressed, the state saw a larger number of individuals walking and biking in many cities and towns. CT DOT is encouraging pedestrians to “Stop the Spread, Bump the Button” at pedestrian crosswalks, where pedestrians are advised in English and Spanish to use an elbow or arm, rather than a finger, to push the button for a walk signal.On June 18, Lamont announced that employees of five Connecticut state agencies who have frequent contact with constituents in congregate settings, hospitals, and nursing homes have been identified by the agencies and the Office of Labor Relations, under the guidance of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, as meeting the requirements to receive mandatory COVID-19 testing. The testing is being required to ensure the safety of state employees who work in these settings, as well as the constituents who receive the services.The identified agencies include the Department of Correction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Developmental Services. Decisions on which employees in these agencies will receive mandatory testing will be based on the latest guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Staff who have been identified for mandatory testing are in the process of being notified.

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Police Commission Unanimously Approves Updated ‘Use Of Force Policy’

Police Commission Unanimously Approves Updated ‘Use Of Force Policy’ In a brief special meeting on June 15, the Newtown Police Commission unanimously approved adopting the police department’s updated Use of Force Policy, with several minor revisions to a draft previously submitted by Chief James Viadero.In a brief special meeting on June 15, the Newtown Police Commission unanimously approved adopting the police department’s updated Use of Force Policy, with several minor revisions to a draft previously submitted by Chief James Viadero.Viadero explained he had been looking at the Newtown department’s policy, as well as similar policies at other departments, in recent weeks, since the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis, Minn., May 25.Hear more from Chief Viadero and members of the Police Commission on this subject by viewing The Newtown Bee's "Diversity Discussions - Part 1" video below:

In his capacity as an appointed member of the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council, or POSTC, Viadero plans to be involved with the development of a statewide use of force policy. “There are some minimum standards that should be included in police use of force policies or in their policy manuals,” Viadero said. “We took a look at our policy, and it was pretty consistent with these [standards] but felt that a few of these things needed to be emphatically stated.”Viadero said he felt so strongly about those updates that he put them in place for the local department ahead of their approval by the commission, “because I felt it was something that had to get done.”“Our training and our policy basically deals with a continuum,” he told the commission. “A reasonable amount of force should be used depending on the situation they are confronted with, and it can escalate either up or down depending on what the officer reasonably sees they are confronted with.”Viadero said that officers are trained to utilize verbal warnings and de-escalation strategies before any other use of force is considered.“This is something our policy included [already]. De-escalation is something our officers are trained [to employ],” he said. “I’m happy to say that our officers are all trained in crisis intervention.”Education And ProhibitionsThat lengthy class provides official certification that each officer is educated about various mental health issues and situations that they may face with individuals where related de-escalation intervention may be required, the chief said. Newtown police policies also prohibit the use of any type of choke hold or any tactic that can affect or compromise a person’s breathing or affect carotid blood flow, he added.That includes any type of hold using the knee — which was the type of restraint that cost Floyd his life.The use of any type of neck hold is only permissible in situations “where use of deadly force is authorized,” Viadero told the commission.“In Newtown, we have never trained, and never authorized the use of strangle holds, and in this current policy we emphatically state it,” he said. The latest policy takes that point a bit further, stating that holds a reasonable person would believe could restrict breathing like chest compression by use of a knee are prohibited except in situations where deadly force is authorized.“It has to be a deadly situation, a lethal force situation,” Viadero said.He added that while Newtown officers had long since stopped being issued or trained in using a baton, about a year ago their use was removed from the Newtown policy because “we felt it was an instrument we did not need any longer.”All Newtown’s officer training — like most municipal departments in Connecticut — is conducted at POSTC standards. And as a POSTC member, Viadero has already contributed to writing the latest adopted statewide police pursuit policies.Given the work Viadero has already done in developing and improving the Newtown Use of Force Policy, he is planning to participate in the POSTC subcommittee writing a similar policy that will be mandated statewide in the near future, he told The Newtown Bee following the commission meeting.The updated policy also emphatically reinforces each officer's mandated duty to intervene in cases where such use of force is being employed, to report such incidents, and codifies a prohibition on retribution against any officer making an intervention and subsequent report of prohibited use of force.Pursuing Higher AccreditationCurrently, Viadero explained to the commission, Newtown police are operating under Tier 1 accreditation that incorporates 127 best practice standards and procedures, and that in the near future he will pursue upgrading to even higher Tier 2 and Tier 3 standards.Commissioner Joan Plouffe mentioned an executive order that was issued hours before the commission meeting by Governor Ned Lamont that pertained to state police use of force standards. Viadero, who reviewed that order prior to the commission meeting, said Newtown already conformed to the points outlined in the governor’s mandate.In regard to a question about any recent incidents where there was discharge of a Newtown department firearm, Chairman Joel Faxon stated that over the nine years he has served the commission, he cannot recall any incidents of a weapon being fired except in cases where an injured or sick animal had to be euthanized.Vice Chair Scott Cicciari said in his review of five years of complaints to the department, there were none involving the use of force or racial profiling.Commissioner Neil Chaudhary suggested some minor revisions around the subject of use of force against an individual using a vehicle as a weapon. Viadero said the language was drawn in part from the state pursuit policy, and that while it was prohibitive to shoot at a moving vehicle, in situations where a moving vehicle was being driven “down a sidewalk mowing people down,” that level of force might be permissible.“There are times when a vehicle was being used against another person, at that point [the policy] would not preclude the officer from using deadly force,” Viadero said.Prior to the vote to accept and adopt the latest revisions, accounting was made for the future inclusion of an appendix that could add resources and information from statewide reforms that could be mandated in the coming weeks and months, including from the POSTC policy that Newtown’s chief will be helping to develop.Review the latest NPD Use of Force Policy by CLICKING HERE

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Cultural Events

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For... Ice cream - It's the quintessential summer treat!Long lines and jostling with each other as necks are stretched to read the current flavors are so last year.By Nancy K. CrevierHow lucky are we to have two premium ice cream shops anchoring ends of our town? Holy Cow Ice Cream on Church Hill Road has been a Newtown institution for generations (though not always under the same owners and previously known simply as The Ice Cream Shop) and Ferris Acres Creamery on Sugar Street has offered delightful desserts for over a decade.Long lines and jostling with each other as necks are stretched to read the current flavors are so last year, though. Now, we place orders online, arrive at an assigned time, or line up at a distance from each other to tell a masked and gloved employee (Hello? Is that someone I know in there?) what frosty delight will satisfy us.And it is, in its own coronavirus-demanded way, truly satisfying to have a confection in hand, delicious, even as we miss the camaraderie of long lines and spur-of-the-moment decisions to get a scoop or two of this week’s special flavor.Where and when I grew up, ice cream flavors were pretty basic: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry … and if we were really going wild, French vanilla or — the requisite birthday party flavor — Neapolitan, a block of strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate that when peeled from its rectangular container could be neatly sliced to satisfy everyone around the table with all three flavors.Jars of chocolate fudge, caramel, butterscotch, and strawberry were lined up in our cupboard, the embellishments that made our plain flavors quite exotic. Summertime meant fresh berries stirred in. But who would have dreamt of the flavors that would one day tickle our palates?Quarantine has given us time to experiment with making our own ice cream, just as the disappearance of yeast and flour from the store shelves indicates to me that there is a whole lot of baking going on.It is a lot harder than it seems to make a quality dessert from cream, sugar, eggs, and imagination. Making a custard that is not too “eggy” and, believe it or not, one that is not too creamy, takes experimenting. Fortunately, nearly all failures are still pretty edible.Finding the perfect home ice cream maker, getting the temperature of everything just right, is challenging. There is a temptation to rush, and that is the devil in the process.We have not found the perfect recipe yet, but we are willing to keep trying.In the meantime, we are happy to plan ahead, put on our masks, and make the most of our good fortune to live in a town blessed with some of the best ice cream in the tri-state area.And what is better beneath any ice cream than a brownie? This recipe, based on one from the King Arthur flour bag, is quite the suitable base to start off a sundae. Top it with seasonal berries, banana slices, nuts, and homemade fudge sauce, and you are on your way to dessert nirvana. Enjoy!Brownies, Thanks To King ArthurThis recipe, based on one from King Arthur Flour, makes an awesome brownie, perfect with any ice cream. It has been altered ever so slightly and uses whole wheat flour, as opposed to white flour … it just makes me feel like it’s a healthy treat, what can I say?1 cup unsalted butter2 cups sugar4 large eggs1¼ cups Dutch process cocoa1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon espresso coffeepowder1 tablespoon vanilla1½ cups whole wheat flour1½ cups dark chocolate chipsPreheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan.Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir in the sugar, cook until it is hot and just bubbling.Meanwhile, whisk eggs, cocoa, salt, baking powder, espresso powder, and vanilla. Slowly add the hot butter/sugar mix and stir until smooth.Stir in the flour. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then stir in the chocolate chips and spread batter in the pan.Bake for around 30 minutes, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. (I like to undercook them ever so slightly.)Remove from oven and cool on rack. Cut into delicious pieces … a little bit of warm brownie under ice cream is not a bad thing!

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I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For...

Ice cream - It's the quintessential summer treat!

Business

Chamber's 'Pandemics & Pocketbooks' Welcomes Investment Expert

Chamber's 'Pandemics & Pocketbooks' Welcomes Investment Expert The Newtown Chamber of Commerce has pivoted to turn a scheduled in-person symposium into a virtual gathering on Zoom. The special event now has a new focus and a new title: “Pandemics & Pocketbooks.” The Newtown Chamber of Commerce has pivoted to turn a scheduled in-person symposium into a virtual gathering on Zoom.When it was planned, well before the COVID-19 health emergency, the event was called “2020: The Olympics, The Election and The Markets — Let the Games Begin!” The special event now has a new focus and a new title: “Pandemics & Pocketbooks.” It will still feature speaker John Traynor making timely adjustments to the subject matter.Attendees must register in advance at bit.ly/PandemicsPocketbooks for the Wednesday, June 24 meeting, which will run from 8 to 9 am. Participation is free, but spaces are limited.Traynor is the chief investment officer and an executive vice president at People’s United Advisors. As CIO, he directs the firm’s overall investment process and committees.He also serves as the chief spokesperson for the firm’s investment outlook via regular strategy meetings and events throughout New England and New York. Traynor was just recently named to the New Haven Biz Power 50 Class of 2020 and was noted by the outlet for his much sought-after outlook on global, national, and local economies.Traynor has been with People’s United Advisors since 2011. Previously, he served as the director of investment strategy and alternative investments at Hawthorn, a $22 billion family office in the PNC Financial Services Group.He holds a bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in finance from Villanova University.Business owners and anyone else with bottom-line functions or responsibilities for their company can learn how current economic conditions may impact businesses and influence their overall strategic growth plans.Questions for Traynor may be submitted prior to the event by e-mail to helenbrickfield@newtown-ct.com, or during the event via Zoom’s chat feature.“Pandemics & Pocketbooks” is sponsored by People’s United Bank, the Newtown Chamber of Commerce, and the Town of Newtown Economic and Community Development.For a free ticket, CLICK HERE

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Lions Club Hopes To Enhance Playground Experiences For More Children

Lions Club Hopes To Enhance Playground Experiences For More Children A letter to the editor of The Newtown Bee, from a Middle Gate Elementary School student, has launched a brand new project by Newtown Lions Club. A letter to the editor of The Newtown Bee from a Middle Gate Elementary School student has launched a brand new project by Newtown Lions Club.Thanks to Leah Mangino, the local Lions are hoping to fund additions to one of Newtown’s parks. They are also hoping, according to the chairman of the club’s new Enhanced Playground Project Committee, to either help with a full restoration or at least donate special needs equipment at another.The Newtown Bee received a letter in March from Leah, who was at the time a third grade student. She is also the older sister to a boy with special needs, she said.“Imagine a playground where not everyone has something to do,” she wrote (“Wanted: A Playground For All,” March 24, 2020). “Kids with special needs don’t have enough to do.”Leah’s letter asked readers to consider what life is like for children who cannot use most of the equipment at Dickinson and Treadwell memorial parks. She also challenged readers to consider what it is like for parents of special needs children, especially if they are trying to watch over more than one child.“If a parent has a child with special needs and an 8-year-old, like my mom does, she has to stay by the baby swings and not with her other kid,” Leah wrote in part. The swings for special needs children at Dickinson Park are near the baby swings.“This means we can’t stay together,” she added.Beyond the issue of swings not being placed together, Leah’s letter also points out that the town’s parks need equipment “that is wheelchair accessible and lets all kids play together.”She mentions in her letter “three great pieces of equipment” she would like to see installed in the town parks. Leah said she spoke with a physical therapist and an occupational therapist, who were able to offer suggestions concerning the equipment that would help children with special needs.Within a few days Leah’s letter received a response (“Make A Good Thing Happen,” March 31, 2020) from Sheila Gervais, who identified herself as a special needs monitor with All-Star Transportation. Gervais commended Leah for her “wonderful goal of which can all be part.”Leah’s grandfather, Walt Schweikert, is a longstanding and active member of the local Lions Club. He, too, responded to Leah’s letter, both with his own letter to the newspaper (“Swinging Into Action,” May 21, 2020) and the formal launch of the local club’s newest project.Newtown Lions Club is planning to raise funds that will add the much-needed playground equipment to Dickinson Memorial Park. Ultimately the club would like to help replace the playground at Treadwell Memorial Park, or at least add special needs equipment there, as well.The first step will cumulatively cost between $50,000 and $60,000.“When Leah brought this up initially, I brought it to the Lions,” Schweikert said over the phone Monday morning, June 15. He and his granddaughter called in to The Newtown Bee to talk about the project.“We tried to put some guidelines around the thing, and figure out a realistic scope,” he added.Schweikert said that he and others have reached out to Carl Samuelson, the assistant director of parks for Newtown Parks & Recreation. It was Samuelson’s guidance that helped the club determine its first steps, Schweikert said.In a conversation with The Newtown Bee on June 17, Samuelson confirmed that costs to either add equipment or fully replace a playground will indeed be high.“Because Dickinson is already compliant, we are looking to add features there, to start with,” he said Wednesday morning. “We went above and beyond at Dickinson at what was needed” for ADA compliance when the Elm Drive park’s playground was replaced in 2014, he said.The Parks assistant director said that the addition of three pieces of special needs equipment could be less than what the Lions are hoping to raise, but that would also mean a lesser experience for park visitors.“Just like anything else, you can go and buy a cheap car or you can buy a really expensive car,” Samuelson said. “They have some playground pieces that are $3,000 to $5,000, but the play value can be minimal.“You get the ones that are $15,000 to $20,000 each, and the play value is much more inclusive,” he added.Dickinson Memorial Park already has an existing pathway that offers ease of getting into and out of the playground, Samuelson mentioned.“We know that park is already totally compliant. We felt adding features there was the better bet,” he said.The new equipment, Schweikert said, will make the playground enjoyable for more children.“What Dickinson has is some pieces of equipment that are moderately useful to children in a wheelchair, but they’re all passive,” he said. “We are looking for active, motion-oriented kinds of devices, like a special wheelchair merry-go-round, so that the children get motion, where they can play to their ability.”Such equipment will allow special needs children to “play with their siblings and friends who are able-bodied,” Schweikert said. “We want something that a wheelchair kid and an able-body kid can both use. That would be ideal.”Samuelson agreed, saying certain pieces of playground equipment allow all children to “use it simultaneously.”Treadwell ConsiderationsThe town’s second park, on Philo Curtis Road, will need extensive work to become compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Schweikert and Samuelson both said.“We found out that Treadwell, the park the Lions built 20 years ago, would need to be replaced completely, because it’s no longer compliant with ADA rules,” Schweikert said this week. “That priced it out of what we thought we could do.”Adding pieces to either or both of the playgrounds at Treadwell is something to be considered down the road, Samuelson noted.“Long term, we discussed when we do update Treadwell Park, they would be interested in having a component or two as well,” he said.Schweikert agreed, noting that if the Lions raise enough money, “we’ll move on to Treadwell in the future.”Fundraising UnderwayAfter speaking with The Newtown Bee Monday morning, Leah Mangino and her sister Carly donated to the park fund. The girls emptied their piggy banks, and combined they added $48.40 to the Lions Club Enhanced Playground Project Fund.Neil Randle, a member of the project committee, accepted the donation on behalf of the club.In addition to Schweikert and Randle, the new committee includes Lions Club members David Coyle and Skip Sims. Resident Jen Rogers, who has a special needs child, was also invited to join the effort.“We brought Jen in because of her perspective,” said Schweikert. Rogers was able to identify groups that the Lions could reach out to, and she has been invaluable with equipment suggestions.“Most of it was based on her recommendations,” he noted.With pandemic precautions in place, Newtown Lions Club is currently unable to do special events or even hold public collections for its playground fund. For now, the club is counting on outside donations to fill the special account.“In most years, it would have been easy to count on a donation from the Lions toward this fundraising effort,” Schweikert said. “This is, of course, not like most years.”Two of the club’s largest annual fundraising efforts — The Great Pootatuck Duck Race and the Mustang Raffle — have been greatly reduced due to COVID-19. Mustang raffle tickets, usually sold at special events and around the region, are being sold online only.The Duck Race, already postponed from its original May date, is tentatively rescheduled for September. Schweikert fears that big event may end up being canceled, however.“So the charity budget of this coming year is going to be a fraction of what it was in previous years,” he said.Once pandemic safety measures are lifted, Randle hopes to host a game night, according to Schweikert.Until then, donations can be made securely through Newtown Lions Club’s website, at newtownlions.com. A section of the website’s landing page has been devoted to the project.

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The Top Of The Mountain

The Top Of The Mountain Newtown, from a cat's point of view.Recent Newtown High School graduate Natalie Barden, whose brother Daniel was one of 26 people murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012, is a coleader of the Jr Newtown Action Alliance, along with Danielle Johnson. “In addition to advocating for common sense gun laws, music has played a huge role in helping me to cope with my heartbreaking loss. Today, our lives are full of uncertainty and anxiety due to the global pandemic, ongoing epidemic of gun violence and the horror of witnessing George Floyd and other black Americans being murdered by police officers. We don’t have all the answers but we thought it would be helpful to bring together students virtually to sing, share stories and find a path forward to create change together. We have planned a biweekly virtual music series for this summer. We will use music as a vehicle for young people to share stories related to gun violence, build a diverse community, heal, and unite around an action plan to end all forms of gun violence in America — including police violence.” The first event was scheduled for Thursday evening, June 18, from 7 to 8 pm, EST. Natalie and Danielle are seeking other young musicians for upcoming dates July 2, 16, and 30, and August 13. To RSVP or to fill out a form to participate in these events visit www.newtownactionalliancefoundation.org/national-summer-music-series.Church Hill Village is the bee’s knees, we think. The assisted living facility from just down our road stopped by last Thursday with a “Welcome Back” cake for our staff — in the shape of a bee hive! It was a sweet gesture in every way! (See related story/photo in this issue.)On top of that, an anonymous donor, who said that two other readers had joined in, dropped off a very generous gift card to a local restaurant for our staff, again as a way to welcome The Newtown Bee back to print. We are overwhelmed with gratitude! We are certainly happy to be back to reporting the news in the format so familiar to our readers. Many, many thanks to all!Paul Sarnik “snapped” this picture of a snapping turtle burrowing into garden mulch on Kent Road, last week.When dogs bring their humans to the Newtown Park & Bark on Old Farm Road, which reopened on Wednesday of this week, their furless friends will have to practice coronavirus safety measures, including social distancing. Rover and Fido, however, are free to interact, and after three months of no socializing, I’m betting the doggies are going to be going a little crazy to see their pup pals.All branch locations of Newtown Savings Bank will be accepting nonperishable food donations to benefit local food pantries next Friday, June 26, from 9 am to 4 pm, and Saturday, June 27, from 9 am to noon. Donors can drive up to a designated area at each branch, and employee volunteers will remove donations from the trunk. All donations will be delivered to a food bank located in each branch town the following week. There is still so much need in the area for the food insecure. Please help, if you can — and remember that pet foods are also welcome donations.The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement is hosting a special virtual event on Sunday, June 28, at noon, to honor Jesse’s birthday. The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement was founded by Scarlett Lewis after her son, Jesse, died on 12/14. The June 28 virtual event will be moderated by Scarlett. Participants, sponsors, and donations are being sought for the event. You can find out more about the event and register at https://app.mobilecause.com/e/Kjyylw?vid=94q4s.And, The Red Sox Foundation has announced finalists for the 6th Annual “IMPACT” Awards, including the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation, “for their demonstration and impact on raising awareness and improving mental health outcomes of the people in their community.” Voting takes place til June 22 at redsox.com/IMPACT. The two organizations with the most votes in each state will win a grant; $10,000 for first place and $2,500 for second place.Every week we feature a Newtown/Sandy Hook person in our Snapshot column on Page 2, and at newtownbee.com. You don’t have to be famous, you just have to be as special as you are. To be featured as our Snapshot profile, contact eliza@thebee.com for details, or call Eliza at 203-426-3141.Lots of people have made room in their hearts and homes for new pets lately, taking advantage of more time at home to make friends with a new friend. And who gives better hugs and kisses than an adopted dog or cat, a much-needed thing in this time of social distancing? Check out our Newtown Animal Control Shelter’s Facebook page for a peek at some of the animals seeking a forever home, if you are thinking about adding to your family.Our fire departments in town have been so accommodating during the time of quarantine, helping celebrate birthdays and special occasions with drive-bys at no cost, but the time for these free outpourings of generosity is at an end. As in pre-COVID days, the departments once again appreciate a donation in order to schedule this kind of activity. Call the fire company in your neighborhood and find out if they are able to help you celebrate, and how you can support our first responders.One of our fire companies, in particular, will be losing out on a major fundraiser this year. The Annual Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Lobsterfest, the feast held every June, is officially canceled for 2020. SHVFR does hope, however, that a calmer COVID environment this fall will allow them to go forward with plans for a September 19 Food Truck/Craft Beer festival at the Riverside Road main station. Fingers (and paws) crossed!Don’t forget we have our very own drive-in movie theater behind Edmond Town Hall these days, thanks to Ingersoll Auto. Check out the ETH website, edmondtownhall.org/, or the calendar at newtownbee.com for ticketing information and details on the movies.June 16 marked the true last day of school for Newtown students... so you know what else that means: It’s coming! The longest day of the year! The Summer Solstice, the first day of summer in our northern hemisphere is this Saturday, June 20. The sun will be at its northernmost point in the sky, and also at its highest point, giving us the most hours of sunlight in a day this year.Guess what follows on Sunday? Father’s Day! What a relief that retail stores have been opening up, and this is a great chance to support our local businesses. A gift card from a restaurant; some handmade chocolates; a garden or auto tool; some snazzy socks; a perennial shrub or flowering bush; an hour at a spa — these are all gift options right here in our town, along with so many other choices. Or maybe your dad just wants to spend time with you. There are plenty of trails in the area that can allow you to walk or bike together safely — and that’s showing real love for the guy in your life. However you honor your father this weekend, have a Happy Father’s Day!Speaking of happy, I’m enjoying the contributions from local writers regarding how they have found happiness these strange past few weeks. See Harmony Verna’s story in the June 12 print edition, and one from Garrett Marino in this June 19 issue of The Newtown Bee. We have others lined up, too. This town is so fortunate to have a wealth of authors and bloggers.Of course, this columnist is keeping it short and sweet: I have found happiness each and every week that you... Read me again.

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Snapshot: Candie Veccharelli

Snapshot: Candie Veccharelli Candie Veccharelli is this week's Snapshot profile. Occupation: I graduated from Sacred Heart University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in teaching. I completed my master’s degree at Fairfield University shortly after. It has been five years now since my retirement. I taught in inner city Bridgeport my whole career of 34 years. The grades I taught were eighth, sixth, fourth, third, and second. The schools were Clemente, Longfellow, and Wilbur Cross. I absolutely enjoyed every moment. During the school year, I tutored students before and after school in reading comprehension and math. One of my fondest moments was reading our holiday poems and singing songs at St Vincent’s Medical Center every year. Another great memory was when my student won the governor’s Greatest Women in Connecticut History award. We visited the capitol, met Governor M. Jodi Rell, and had lunch with the runners up.Family: Peter has been my husband for 36 years. He retired from Sikorsky/Lockhead Martin after 39 years. We have two children. Dan is 39 and also a Bridgeport teacher in grade two. He is married to Katherine, and we have two grandsons, Connor and Matthew. Our daughter Kate is 32 years old and is married to Patrick Johnson from Texas. She earned her doctorate degree in chemistry at the University of California, San Diego. She is a research scientist at Regis Technologies near Chicago. Her husband is in the Navy and is currently stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station. He is serving as a recruit division commander.How long have you lived in Newtown? I grew up in Bridgeport and moved to Monroe when I married Pete. We moved to Newtown for several years and then back to Monroe. I always knew I wanted to come back to Newtown and we finally did. We moved back in 2005 and have been here ever since.What do you like to do in your free time? Besides spending time with family and friends, I like to support our troops and local food banks. I purchase health and beauty items for the male and female soldiers overseas. The boxes are shipped to Afghanistan, Turkey, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf. I was informed that our troops like funny socks and shower gel. So, I make sure every box has those items. The troops also enjoy snack items — nuts, hard candy, Twizzlers, cookies, and chips. One soldier e-mailed me that crushed potato chips are better than no chips at all, so I keep sending those. If you know a soldier that would like some treats, let me know.What types of books do you like to read? I enjoy reading biographies, memoirs, and history books. Jackie Kennedy, Patrick Swayze, and Abraham Lincoln are several I have finished.What is your favorite travel destination? We went to Turks and Caicos during Christmas and it was beautiful and relaxing. Any island in the Caribbean that we didn’t visit yet would be great to visit.What is the best part about Newtown? The people are the best part. I made many friends here. Also, the events for seniors and our new Senior Center is awesome. Lastly, I love the Little Theatre right here in town. I can’t wait until the new season starts in 2021.Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My husband. He always makes me laugh and is always there to help others.If you could spend a day with one person, who would you choose and why? I would love to meet Robin Meade, anchor of HLN Headline News Morning Express. Robin is funny and I love when she says, “Good morning sunshine” before she starts her show. It’s like she is saying it to me. She also has a short segment each morning called “Salute to the Troops,” which I love viewing.Who is your favorite musical artist? I’m all over the place with this one. My favorites would be Chicago, Queen, and Elton John, because they are so theatrical. I also like John Lennon, Sam Smith, Maroon 5, and fun artists like Elvis and Bruno Mars.Do you have a favorite TV show? House Hunters or any home show that fixes up a property to sell.What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? It is more blessed to give than to receive.What is something you cannot live without? My family, my husband’s homemade pizza, and my daughter’s wonderful laugh.What is your proudest accomplishment? Teaching in Bridgeport. I wouldn’t have taught anywhere else in the world.

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Sports

NHS Football Team Among Final Four For ESPYS Award

There's still time to vote for the NHS Football team.

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CIAC Issues Guidance For Resocialization Of Interscholastic Athletics

CIAC Issues Guidance For Resocialization Of Interscholastic Athletics Guidelines for school athletics as prescribed by CAS-CIAC.CHESHIRE — New guidelines as posted at casciac.org applying to school athletics, include the following statement and information:This document is intended to provide guidance on considerations for safely returning to interscholastic athletics and activities experiences. It is understood that these guidelines do not fully mitigate any COVID-19 risk and, therefore, school districts, parents, athletes, coaches, and officials should make individual determinations on when it safe to return. School districts should consult their local department of public health prior to implementing a return to in-person athletics or activities.The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many complex challenges to the operation of educational institutions in Connecticut... Throughout this challenging time, CAS-CIAC has maintained that when the time is right, Connecticut will play again. As the governor begins to implement reopening phases for Connecticut, it is appropriate to consider guidance for the safe resocialization of interscholastic activities. The guidance offered by CAS-CIAC is based on our association’s core values and beliefs and student-centered decision-making.Prior to implementing the following guidance, athletic directors must seek approval from their building principal and district superintendent as the authority to open their facility lies with them. Also, in accordance with existing CIAC regulations, any participation in off-season work must be voluntary. In no way should out-of-season contact with kids be mandatory, nor should a coach assume it is part of their duty/responsibility as a coach to provide... Coaches must have approval from their athletic director prior to implementing any aspect of this guidance or out-of-season training.CAS-CIAC Position On Resocialization...Returning to play does not mean a return to “normal.” While resocializing to activity, we are still responsible for doing our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Any consideration of returning to physical activity and athletic competition must adhere to all requirements set forth under the executive orders of Governor Lamont, account for the health and safety of all participants, and equitably provide opportunities for all Connecticut student/youth-athletes. CAS-CIAC’s guidelines have been vetted by the Connecticut State Medical Society Sports Medicine Committee; the Connecticut Athletic Trainers’ Association (CATA); the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE); the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS); the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors (CAAD); and the Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA).Interscholastic/Youth Sports And COVID-19Consideration of a safe return to interscholastic/youth sports must be with an understanding that COVID-19 is born out of a global health pandemic. This is a health issue, not a sport issue, nor an education issue... Our decisions should also come from a mindset that there is still much to be learned about COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome of COVID. A safe return to interscholastic/youth activity requires a gradual phase-in approach that accounts for participant and community safety.Deconditioning/Regression, PhysicalsThe sudden closure of school and recreational activities has left student/youth-athletes without structured physical activity since mid-March. A safe return to interscholastic/youth athletic experiences must account for the deconditioning which may have occurred during this prolonged departure from normal physical conditioning and skill development... In addition, acclimation to the environment should be considered. The last time student/youth-athletes engaged in structured physical activity was during the cool-weather month of March. Returning to game play scenarios in late June or early July without a structured reconditioning program could be dangerous for our young athletes. Now, perhaps more than ever, the likelihood for overuse injuries due to significant deconditioning is high.In collaborating with the Connecticut State Medical Society Sports Medicine Committee, we feel yearly sport physicals to assess injury risk and receive health guidance from doctors are critically important. Again, the coronavirus is a health pandemic and our student/youth-athletes have not engaged in structured physical activity since mid-March. It is in the best interest of student/youth-athlete health and safety to maintain our practice of requiring annual sports physicals.Face CoveringsIn accordance with CDC guidance, “face coverings are not intended to protect the wearer, but rather to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 from the person wearing the mask (who may not have any symptoms of disease).”Recognizing the benefits and potential concerns of using face coverings during conditioning and physical activity, the CIAC, in collaboration with the Connecticut State Medical Society Sports Medicine Committee, recommends:*Cloth or disposable face coverings should be worn throughout each phase when not engaging in vigorous activity, such as when sitting on the bench, during chalk talk, interacting with an athletic trainer, etc.*Medical grade face coverings are not necessary. Cloth or disposable face coverings are acceptable.*Face coverings should not be worn when engaging in high intensity aerobic or anaerobic workouts, distance running, or swimming.*Plastic shields covering the entire face (or attached to a helmet) shall not be allowed during contests. Their use during practices increases the risk of unintended injury to the person wearing the shield or teammates.*Coaches, officials, and other contest personnel should always wear cloth face coverings. (Artificial noisemakers such as an air horn or a timer system with an alarm can be used to signal in place of a traditional whistle.)COVID-19 Advisory CommitteeCAS-CIAC recommends the establishment of a COVID-19 advisory committee within each school/organization which would meet regularly before and during each athletic season. The purpose of such committees would be to maintain constant communication among leadership, address concerns as they arise, and stay informed on COVID-19 best practices around athletics. Recommended members include school physician, athletic trainer, school nurse, athletic director, one coach (appointed by the athletic director), building principal (or designee), and superintendent (or designee).Health Screening, TestingAll staff and students are required to self-screen for any observable illness, including cough or respiratory distress, and to confirm that their temperature is below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The coach or activity supervisor must verify that each participant has self-screened upon arrival... As student/youth-athletes return to physical activity, a system of contact tracing and notification should be established in the event that a participant tests positive for COVID-19. In the event that a student/youth athlete discloses that he/she has tested positive for COVID-19, administration and the local department of health should be immediately notified.Categories Of Sports By Potential RiskLower Risk: Sports that can be done with social distancing or individually with no sharing of equipment or the ability to clean the equipment between use by competitors.Examples: Individual running events, throwing events (javelin, shot put, discus), individual swimming, golf, weight lifting, alpine skiing, sideline cheer, single sculling, cross country running (with staggered starts). Moderate Risk: Sports that involve close, sustained contact, but with protective equipment in place that may reduce the likelihood of respiratory particle transmission between participants OR intermittent close contact OR group sports OR sports that use equipment that can’t be cleaned between participants.Examples: Volleyball*, baseball*, softball*, soccer, water polo, gymnastics* (if equipment can’t be sufficiently cleaned between competitors), ice hockey, field hockey, tennis*, swimming relays, pole vault*, high jump*, long jump*, girls lacrosse, crew with two or more rowers in shell, 7-on-7 football.*Could potentially be considered “Lower Risk” with appropriate cleaning of equipment and use of masks by participants. Higher Risk: Sports that involve close, sustained contact between participants, lack of significant protective barriers, and high probability that respiratory particles will be transmitted between participants.Examples: Wrestling, football, basketball, boys lacrosse, competitive cheer, dance.TransportationSchools must consider social distancing requirements when scheduling contests and events for the fall. Social distancing (as required by state or local health department) will need to be maintained during transportation. (2020 NFHS Guidance for Opening up High School Athletics and Activities, 2020.) Due to concerns of transportation availability, the CIAC will work with member leagues to consider options that would reduce the strain on busing and cost of transportation. Options may include, but are not limited to, regional play, reduced game schedules, weekend jamborees, sub-varsity jamborees, parent transportation, etc.CAS-CIAC Resocialization StagesAny inclusion of skill development during the “high risk in-person and virtual stage” must be limited to skills that can be integrated into a physical conditioning exercise. Team practices are not permitted until the CIAC has declared a start to the fall sports season.Movement from stage to stage will be announced by the CIAC in collaboration with the Connecticut State Medical Society Sports Medicine Committee. Tentative start dates can be found in the grid at casciac.org/pdfs/CIACResocializationofAthleticsGuidance.pdf.

CIAC Resocialization Of Interscholastic Athletics Story CIAC Issues Guidance For Resocialization Of Interscholastic Athletics CIAC April 23 Update Featured Slider, Sports None

Sports

Special Olympics Presents 2020 Summer Games Virtually

Special Olympics Presents 2020 Summer Games Virtually Special Olympics Connecticut announces that the much-anticipated 2020 Summer Games will be held virtually, Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13. CONNECTICUT— Special Olympics Connecticut announces that the much-anticipated 2020 Summer Games will be held virtually, Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13. All can view the virtual activities — including the Opening Ceremony and athletes’ sports activities — on Special Olympics Connecticut’s social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, as well as on its website, soct.org. For more information about the Virtual Summer Games, e-mail specialolympicsct@soct.org.Special Olympics athletes from around the state are currently practicing different sports activities at home in a safe and responsible way, and are submitting their results, photos, and videos to be included in Summer Games highlight videos that will be released during Summer Games weekend, on June 12 and 13. While the current crisis has put many aspects of life on hold, the organization’s top priorities are the safety and health of its athletes and giving the athletes opportunities to demonstrate their skills and compete.The 2020 Summer Games Opening Ceremony will be shared on Facebook and YouTube, as well as on the Special Olympics Connecticut website on June 12, beginning at 6:30 pm. It will feature all of the hallmarks of a traditional Opening Ceremony, including the Special Olympic Athlete Oath, the national anthem sung by a Special Olympics Connecticut athlete, and supportive messages from sponsors. A Virtual Athlete Dance, hosted by iHeart Radio Connecticut radio stations and presented by Webster Bank, will follow.Highlights of athletes participating in Summer Games activities will be shared throughout the day on June 13. Modified cycling, soccer, tennis, and track and field will be featured, and athletes have the opportunity to participate in as many events as they wish.Options for cycling include the 100 meter ride, the 200 meter ride, and the slalom, in which athletes layout a 27-meter course with objects to weave around.For soccer, athletes can take part in the run, kick, and score competition, to see how many goals they can score in two minutes, or the dribbling competition, measuring how fast an athlete can dribble 15 meters.Tennis athletes can participate in the tennis ball bounce challenge, measuring out how many times they can bounce a ball on their racquet without dropping it.In addition, track and field participants can compete in 10, 50, 100, and 200 meter dashes, as well as the standing long jump and tennis ball throw. For more information, visit soct.org.All are invited to watch the virtual Summer Games throughout the weekend of June 12 and 13 to be part of this wonderful athletic event featuring athletes of all abilities. There will be an opportunity to interact with the athletes by sharing messages of support and congratulations for those participating in the Games through social media.In addition to Presenting Sponsor Raytheon Technologies, Summer Games Platinum Sponsors include Sikorsky and Praxair. Gold Sponsors include Alexion, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, ESPN, Fairfield University, Foxwoods, Henkel, Knights of Columbus, and Tokio Marine. Bronze Sponsors include the American Legion, Chick-Fil-A, Geico, Manchester Honda - Carter Chevrolet - Mazda of Manchester, Synchrony Financial, TD Bank, and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. Media Sponsors include iHeart Radio Connecticut, Hearst Media Connecticut, and NBC Connecticut and Telemundo Connecticut.About Special Olympics ConnecticutSpecial Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for more than 13,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and Unified Sports® partners — their teammates without disabilities.Through the joy of sport, the Special Olympics movement transforms lives and communities throughout the state and in 172 countries around the world by promoting good health and fitness and inspiring inclusion and respect for people of all abilities, on and off the playing field.Partner Sponsors: Bozzuto’s Inc., Enterprise, ESPN, Eversource Energy, The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, The Hometown Foundation, Law Enforcement Torch Run, NBC Connecticut and Telemundo Connecticut, TD Bank, Raytheon Technologies, and WWE.Year-Round Suppliers: Adams Hometown Markets/IGA Hometown Supermarkets, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Connecticut Portable Storage/PODS, Marcus Communications, N&D Sports, Poland Spring, State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Community Service, and WORX.

Special Olympics Summer Games Virtual Presentation Story Special Olympics Presents 2020 Summer Games Virtually Special Olympics Summer Games Virtual Presentation Featured Slider, Sports None

Sports

Celebrating Spring’s Senior Athletes, One Home At A Time

Celebrating Spring’s Senior Athletes, One Home At A Time Read about the effort to celebrate Newtown High School's spring athletes who are seniors, one by one, here.Newtown High School spring athletes who are seniors are being celebrated, one by one, by Athletic Director Matt Memoli and coaches.The effort began on May 27, and Memoli said in a recent phone interview that it was expected to continue this week.With spring sports canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, typical end-of-the-year celebrations are not possible.“I thought instead of doing Senior Day at their last game, let’s have a Senior Day in their front yard,” Memoli said.That means driving to the houses of the more than 60 seniors involved in spring sports to celebrate each senior.When Memoli shared the idea with coaches, he said they “enthusiastically supported the idea.”The effort began by visiting Unified Sports seniors. Then the visits went to the seniors on the golf, tennis, softball, volleyball, and baseball teams. More teams were expected to be visited throughout the week of June 1.All-Star Transportation, which oversees the majority of the district’s student transportation, helped by “routing” the best roads to take between the seniors’ homes.For each visit, Memoli said the effort begins at NHS to arrange gifts to hand out, like Newtown hats and sweatshirts. NHS Athletic Department secretary Debi Modzelewski oversaw ordering the gifts and packing the gift bags. Memoli and the coaches then individually drive to the homes, following All-Star Transportation’s route.Memoli said the gifts are “a little thing to say we haven’t forgotten about you, we care about you guys ... We want to make them feel as special as they are.”For the first day of the effort, Memoli’s wife, Megan, and their children — McKenna, 6, and Bryce, 4 — joined him for the drive, but did not get out of the car.As of May 29, Memoli said feedback from parents was positive. One mom cried when they showed up, and one father sent “a very nice letter” after the visit. Memoli said it was nice to see how much people have appreciated the effort.

Athletic Director And Coaches Celebrate Graduating Seniors, One By One Eliza Hallabeck Story Celebrating Spring’s Senior Athletes, One Home At A Time Athletic Director And Coaches Celebrate Graduating Seniors, One By One Featured Slider, Sports None

Sports

Athlete Profile: Carlie Smith

Today's Events

June 22, 2020

Business Advisory Committee meeting

Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street

June 22, 2020 at 03:00 pm

Weaving Newtown **CANCELED**

NOTE: Newtown Congregational Church continues to remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. All events, including worship services and programs, have been canceled.

~~Newtown Congregational Church (lower level/classrooms), 14 West Street~~

~~Weavers of all abilities invited, group meets weekly~~; weavingnewtown@gmail.com.

June 22, 2020 at 06:00 pm

Board of Fire Commissioners meeting

Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company main station, 18-20 Riverside Road

June 22, 2020 at 07:00 pm

Fairfield Hills Authority meeting

Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street

June 22, 2020 at 07:00 pm

Ingersoll Auto Pop-Up Drive-In: "Guardians of the Galaxy"

Edmond Town Hall rear parking lot, 45 Main Street

$10/vehicle, optional $8 popcorn special (large popcorn, two cold bottles of water and small bag chocolate M&Ms, delivered to vehicle)

Temporary drive-in offerings, this week offering 2014 sci-fi/adventure feature rated PG-13, continues nightly to June 25, tickets must be purchased in advance, printed and shown upon arrival; 203-270-4285, edmondtownhall.org, Eventbrite.com.

June 22, 2020 at 08:30 pm

Special Editions

Something to think about, with the push to limit Qualified Immunity for police and other government officials, since they anticipate an appeal, if their decision is overturned would the Board members and Director of Planning be personally liable for any losses or damages to the plaintiffs ? Would anyone want to serve on a Board if they were liable for the Boards votes and decisions ? I saw another reader wrote a letter commenting how a very similar proposal was applied for 25 years ago and turned down.

P&Z Denies Second Hawleyville Gas Station, Convenience Mart

I support Mr. Rosenthal. Either it is safe to gather or it is not. If our Seniors cannot march to receive their diplomas because it is a public health risk, then it is also a public health risk to hold hands and demonstrate. For the record, I believe the health restrictions should be lifted now. In the beginning we did not know a lot and erred on the side of caution which was advisable. Now we know more and do not need to be as strict. I will never criticize the Governor or Mr. Rosenthal for their initial responses. they were acting in what they thought were the best way.

Rosenthal Will Not Support Protests, Takes Issue With State Dems Over Demonstration Database

I am very heartened to see Newtown have a peaceful demonstration. Two disquieting thoughts however, one it could not be determined who organized the demonstrations and two they pulled the singing of our National Anthem. We need to come together as Americans and address this issue.

Rallies Converge On Main Street, Conclude In Front Of Police Station

My young friend: I hope you might indulge an old man. All four of my grandparents were immigrants to America. My father was the youngest in his family of five siblings that was caught in the Great Depression which gripped the world from 1939 to 1933. Four grueling years. All his siblings had to drop out of school and take any job or jobs they could find to help support the family. But because he was the baby, they invested their aspirations in him and insisted he stay in school. He did. But in his senior year of high school, the family was still struggling mightily and he had to find work. He was able to juggle his job as a truck driver with his senior class load and became the first in his family to finish high school. He had to work on his graduation day. Alone, he drove his truck to the high school auditorium, parked, went inside just as his name was called, picked up his diploma while still in dirty coveralls, walked out and returned to his truck. Don’t get hung up on ceremony. You did your work and graduated. Congratulations. Now get on with it.

Sink Or Swim With Lack Of Closure

I’m wondering if procedures to disperse or fines will be implemented if the crowd gets too large? Especially people coming in from other towns/ states? We’ve worked really hard here in newtown social distancing and staying home for the last 3 months. What is the town planning to do to ensure all we did was for nothing?

'Around Town' Realtor Andy Sachs Now Affiliating With Keller Williams

Interfaith Council Checks In On Project, Hoping For Shared Stories

Selectmen Approve Nine Nonprofits For 'Neighborhood Assistance' Support

Rally 4 Change Assembles ‘Allies’ At Edmond Town Hall

Selectmen Approve Nine Nonprofits For 'Neighborhood Assistance' Support

Rally 4 Change Assembles ‘Allies’ At Edmond Town Hall

Governor’s Office Offers ‘No Comment’ About State Democrats’ Protest Database

Newtown Seeing Business, Traffic Increasing Under Phase 2 Reopening

Police Commission Unanimously Approves Updated ‘Use Of Force Policy’

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For...

Chamber's 'Pandemics & Pocketbooks' Welcomes Investment Expert

Lions Club Hopes To Enhance Playground Experiences For More Children

The Top Of The Mountain

Snapshot: Candie Veccharelli

NHS Football Team Among Final Four For ESPYS Award

CIAC Issues Guidance For Resocialization Of Interscholastic Athletics

Special Olympics Presents 2020 Summer Games Virtually

Celebrating Spring’s Senior Athletes, One Home At A Time

Athlete Profile: Carlie Smith

Guide To Newtown 2020

Holiday Gift Guide 2019

For Better Health October 2019

Home & Garden Fall 2019

The Newtown Bee's Back To School Guide 2019

For Better Health May 2019

Home & Garden Spring 2019

Home & Garden Spring 2018

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

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'Around Town' Realtor Andy Sachs Now Affiliating With Keller Williams

Interfaith Council Checks In On Project, Hoping For Shared Stories

Selectmen Approve Nine Nonprofits For 'Neighborhood Assistance' Support

Rally 4 Change Assembles ‘Allies’ At Edmond Town Hall

Selectmen Approve Nine Nonprofits For 'Neighborhood Assistance' Support

Rally 4 Change Assembles ‘Allies’ At Edmond Town Hall

Governor’s Office Offers ‘No Comment’ About State Democrats’ Protest Database

Newtown Seeing Business, Traffic Increasing Under Phase 2 Reopening

Police Commission Unanimously Approves Updated ‘Use Of Force Policy’

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For...

Chamber's 'Pandemics & Pocketbooks' Welcomes Investment Expert

Lions Club Hopes To Enhance Playground Experiences For More Children

The Top Of The Mountain

Snapshot: Candie Veccharelli

NHS Football Team Among Final Four For ESPYS Award

CIAC Issues Guidance For Resocialization Of Interscholastic Athletics

Special Olympics Presents 2020 Summer Games Virtually

Celebrating Spring’s Senior Athletes, One Home At A Time

Athlete Profile: Carlie Smith

Guide To Newtown 2020

Holiday Gift Guide 2019

For Better Health October 2019

Home & Garden Fall 2019

The Newtown Bee's Back To School Guide 2019

For Better Health May 2019

Home & Garden Spring 2019

Home & Garden Spring 2018

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