Botsford Firefighters Continue Honoring 9/11 With New Permanent MemorialMembers and friends of Botsford Fire Rescue recently added a second permanent memorial to those who died on 9/11. Ten years ago, the members of Botsford Fire Rescue (BFR) unveiled a mural that had been painted on the northern side of the fire station that has served as a permanent memorial to those who died on 9/11.Earlier this month the fire company’s members again remembered 9/11, this time with two observations.On Saturday, September 11, members of the company were once again in front of their station when an estimated 3,000 motorcycles were driven past them as part of this year’s CT United Ride. Botsford firefighters have staged the front of their firehouse with banners and American flags each year as the riders honoring all who were lost and raising funds to help those affected by the attacks passed through town.Two nights later a private event inside the firehouse celebrated the unveiling of another effort to further memorialize those who died on 9/11.BFR Chief Engineer William Swenson and Newtown artist Donna Ball have created a series of five mosaics, which were installed in the newly refurbished foyer of the South Main Street firehouse. Three were done over last winter and installed earlier this year, but two additional ones were created ahead of the 20th anniversary of the attacks in 2021.One of the new mosaics included the number 343, the number of firefighters killed that day; the skyline of New York City with the Twin Towers; and the date 9-11-2001. A second mosaic frames a famous quote attributed to the late write Kurt Vonnegut, Jr, himself a former volunteer firefighter and supporter of the volunteer fire service. The quote, “I can think of no more stirring symbol of man’s humanity to man, than a firetruck,” was first said by a character in the author’s 1959 novel God Bless You, Mr Rosewater. Vonnegut himself offered a paraphrased version in 2001 when asked to comment on the events of 9/11.The mosaic in Botsford celebrates the original quote.Five Mosaics In AllThe two new pieces complement three similar ones that were created earlier this year, also by Swenson and Ball. The first set of mosaics depict two engines and the tanker truck that are part of the company’s apparatus.The pair worked during the winter of 2021-21 to create those first works. Each mosaic incorporates 1,378 tiles, Ball said. Each work measures approximately two feet tall by four feet wide.After unveiling the truck mosaics, the pair started thinking ahead, to the 20th anniversary of 9/11.BFR Chief Andrew White recently told The Newtown Bee that Ball and Swenson “brought the idea to the company, and we told them to run with it,” he said of the decision to add more mosaics to the new collection.“We gave them free reign,” he added.Ball and Swenson have been working on mosaic art projects since the beginning of COVID-19, including the front window installation of “Diner Art” at Jacqueline’s restaurant in Bethel, a series of two-dimensional pattern images for the interior booths, and a series of trays and upcycled tables for sale.Ball creates the patterns on Photoshop. Swenson then follows the intricate patterns, laying out the colored tiles in the order they will be laid. Ball then affixes the tiles to the cement board. The two then work together to paint and cut the frames, and grout the finished pieces.BFR members gathered on Monday, September 13, for a brief unveiling ceremony of the 9/11 mosaics. They were joined by a small group of family members and friends.The art in Botsford, according to Ball, not only honors those lost in the attacks 20 years ago, it “is also intended to honor the past, present, and future of the Botsford Fire company, whose members continue to selflessly devote their time, energy, strength, and compassion to the citizens of Newtown.”=====Associate Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.Botsford Fire Rescue celebrates unveiling of new 9/11 mosaics Shannon Hicks
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Teen Beekeepers Donate Colony To Beardsley Zoo
This month, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo welcomed more than 13,000 buzzing bees to its menagerie of wildlife onsite thanks to Newtown residents Zosia Teraszkiewicz, 15, and Thaddeus Teraszkiewicz, 17.This month, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo welcomed more than 13,000 buzzing bees to its menagerie of wildlife onsite thanks to Newtown residents Zosia Teraszkiewicz, 15, and Thaddeus Teraszkiewicz, 17.The siblings have a longstanding passion for pollinators, which has led them to organize a variety of initiatives, including a bee sticker business where a portion of the sales support beekeepers. They have also volunteered their expertise with helping colonies of bees for local places, such as the Newtown Victory Garden [as reported in “Local Scout Abuzz For Victory Garden Bees,” published in April].Their most recent project has been raising a colony of bees at their home and creating an educational display hive. They donated the hive to the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport over Labor Day weekend as part of the zoo’s new pollinator conservation program.Zosia and Thaddeus are both volunteers with the Beardsley Zoo and do presentations for visitors. They got to know Jim Knox, the curator of education at the Beardsley Zoo, through the Explorers Program and through the programming he does with their dad’s work, Reconnect 24.“Mr Knox mentioned the pollinator project that the zoo was working on. Part of the work that you do with the Explorers Program is to learn about an animal you would like to bring to the zoo. You then learn about all of the elements that it takes to add an animal: things like their diet, the housing, their food source, marketing to let people know the animal is at the zoo, and then fundraising in order to support the cost of the animal,” the siblings explained in a joint statement.Zosia chose the honeybee and, after doing research, felt the timing was perfect to add a hive of bees to the zoo’s farmyard.During the summer, the siblings caught a swarm of bees and housed it in their garden until the zoo was ready.When asked what the experience was like getting to coexist with the bees so closely at home, Zosia said, “When I was younger it was a little intimidating, but then I got more interested in beekeeping. The bees’ proximity to me doesn’t faze me anymore. I often find myself sitting right next to the hive, watching for the different colored pollen they bring into the hive.”There is plenty to watch in amazement, because the colony that was donated is estimated to have between 13,000 and 18,000 bees in it.Being responsible for so many tiny creatures that are so valuable to the environment took a lot of attention and responsibility.“To take care of the hive, we open up the hive every 10 to 14 days to make sure they are healthy, make sure the queen is still there, make sure there is enough food, and make sure the brood pattern is good,” Thaddeus said. “As winter gets closer, we may need to feed them some sugar water and give them some fondant to help them get through the winter.”So far, Zosia and Thaddeus have donated a hive with two brood boxes, an inner cover and outer cover, a bottom board, and a feeder.They hope that they can grow the colony in the spring and that the public can learn more about the important role bees play in the world by seeing them at the zoo.The siblings shared, “We love our bees and love to share our knowledge of their importance. Pollinators are critical for the production of food and flowers. We want people to learn to appreciate them rather than fear them. Once you understand how gentle bees are, you can’t help but be fascinated by them. So, we donated to help inform the public and share our love of the bees.”On September 13, the Beardsley Zoo posted on Facebook to let the public know about the great work the teens have done and to encourage people to come visit.The zoo wrote, “We hope you’ll make a beeline to our New England Farmyard as it continues to grow and develop! The Farmyard Meadow represents native meadow plants that provide food and a home for pollinators. And there’s an added BUZZ with our new bee hive, generously provided by Thaddeus and Zosia [Teraszkiewicz]… The [Teraszkiewicz] Family will provide the care for the bees and the habitat. Gifts like this are sweeter than honey! Bee sure to stop by soon!”For more information about the Beardsley Zoo, visit beardsleyzoo.org.Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.Beardsley Zoo Bee Donation Alissa Silber
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Botsford Firefighters Continue Honoring 9/11 With New Permanent MemorialMembers and friends of Botsford Fire Rescue recently added a second permanent memorial to those who died on 9/11. Ten years ago, the members of Botsford Fire Rescue (BFR) unveiled a mural that had been painted on the northern side of the fire station that has served as a permanent memorial to those who died on 9/11.Earlier this month the fire company’s members again remembered 9/11, this time with two observations.On Saturday, September 11, members of the company were once again in front of their station when an estimated 3,000 motorcycles were driven past them as part of this year’s CT United Ride. Botsford firefighters have staged the front of their firehouse with banners and American flags each year as the riders honoring all who were lost and raising funds to help those affected by the attacks passed through town.Two nights later a private event inside the firehouse celebrated the unveiling of another effort to further memorialize those who died on 9/11.BFR Chief Engineer William Swenson and Newtown artist Donna Ball have created a series of five mosaics, which were installed in the newly refurbished foyer of the South Main Street firehouse. Three were done over last winter and installed earlier this year, but two additional ones were created ahead of the 20th anniversary of the attacks in 2021.One of the new mosaics included the number 343, the number of firefighters killed that day; the skyline of New York City with the Twin Towers; and the date 9-11-2001. A second mosaic frames a famous quote attributed to the late write Kurt Vonnegut, Jr, himself a former volunteer firefighter and supporter of the volunteer fire service. The quote, “I can think of no more stirring symbol of man’s humanity to man, than a firetruck,” was first said by a character in the author’s 1959 novel God Bless You, Mr Rosewater. Vonnegut himself offered a paraphrased version in 2001 when asked to comment on the events of 9/11.The mosaic in Botsford celebrates the original quote.Five Mosaics In AllThe two new pieces complement three similar ones that were created earlier this year, also by Swenson and Ball. The first set of mosaics depict two engines and the tanker truck that are part of the company’s apparatus.The pair worked during the winter of 2021-21 to create those first works. Each mosaic incorporates 1,378 tiles, Ball said. Each work measures approximately two feet tall by four feet wide.After unveiling the truck mosaics, the pair started thinking ahead, to the 20th anniversary of 9/11.BFR Chief Andrew White recently told The Newtown Bee that Ball and Swenson “brought the idea to the company, and we told them to run with it,” he said of the decision to add more mosaics to the new collection.“We gave them free reign,” he added.Ball and Swenson have been working on mosaic art projects since the beginning of COVID-19, including the front window installation of “Diner Art” at Jacqueline’s restaurant in Bethel, a series of two-dimensional pattern images for the interior booths, and a series of trays and upcycled tables for sale.Ball creates the patterns on Photoshop. Swenson then follows the intricate patterns, laying out the colored tiles in the order they will be laid. Ball then affixes the tiles to the cement board. The two then work together to paint and cut the frames, and grout the finished pieces.BFR members gathered on Monday, September 13, for a brief unveiling ceremony of the 9/11 mosaics. They were joined by a small group of family members and friends.The art in Botsford, according to Ball, not only honors those lost in the attacks 20 years ago, it “is also intended to honor the past, present, and future of the Botsford Fire company, whose members continue to selflessly devote their time, energy, strength, and compassion to the citizens of Newtown.”=====Associate Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.Botsford Fire Rescue celebrates unveiling of new 9/11 mosaics Shannon Hicks
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School Board Reviews Summer Building Projects, Installations
While students were on summer break, the school buildings were being prepped for the 2021-22 school year.From June to mid-August, while students were on summer break, the district’s maintenance staff and others were busy prepping buildings for the 2021-22 school year.Director of Facilities Bob Gerbert, Jr, shared an overview of the summer maintenance work completed in the district with the school board at its meeting on September 21.Gerbert’s presentation began with highlighting outdoor maintenance work at Hawley Elementary School. Work at that location included sill repairs and power washing.Then at Middle Gate Elementary School, 12 exhaust fans on the roof were replaced along with some exterior doors. The front of the school was power washed and when educators returned to the school following the summer, they may have also noted the red columns on the building’s exterior were freshly repainted.At Head O’ Meadow Elementary School some asphalt exterior walks were replaced with concrete after showing wear from freezing and thawing for years.At Reed Intermediate School a fence was added around the exterior preschool playground, to “keep the kids a little safer,” Gerbert explained. The school’s planned boiler project also began.Newtown Middle School projects included replacing sidewalks for the outdoor bus drop and pickup area and adding insulation to the building’s A-wing attic.“Hopefully it will save on our heating bill a little bit,” said Gerbert to the school board members present for the meeting.At Newtown High School carpet was replaced in the B-wing faculty office and in an A-wing office. A new office was also constructed in the F-wing. Gerbert said the new office was an “in-house job” completed by district maintenance staff.“From start to finish all with our own guys,” said Gerbert.The facilities director also highlighted the work completed on NHS’s Blue & Gold stadium over the summer. The work includes a new turf field, a new track, a new video scoreboard, and painted bleachers.“This field is open for business,” said Gerbert, adding that the football team and other teams have already been using the field.As Gerbert and Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue later updated the school board, the stadium project did encounter a costly discovery. During the process of laying the track, it was discovered that when laying the track previously, no sealant was used, according to Dr Rodrigue. Gerbert explained that can lead to deterioration.Dr Rodrigue said the unanticipated discovery and following work added $55,000 to the cost of the project.After discussion the school board moved to request money from its nonlapsing account be used to cover the additional cost for the project.Also at the meeting, at the superintendent’s request to combat a shortage of substitute teachers, the Board of Education voted to increase the pay rate for building substitutes and for “daily” (who are called when needed) substitutes. Both were paid $91 a day, and building substitutes will now earn $100 a day and daily substitutes will now earn $95 a day.“We need to make this a little bit more competitive,” said Dr Rodrigue.Education Reporter Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.BOE Hears Summer 2021 School Building Repairs Report Eliza Hallabeck
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Commission Continuing Talks On Attracting New Businesses
The Economic Development Commission discussed the merits of bringing different kinds of business to town at a recent meeting.The types of businesses Newtown should be targeting to attract was again a topic of discussion at the September 21 Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting.EDC Chairman Wes Thompson said at the commission’s previous meeting that he asked members to poll friends and family about what businesses they would like to see in town. Commission member Valerie Fallon said she posted the question in the “Nicer Newtown” Facebook group and received 310 responses.“The biggest answers were Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, followed by a book store,” said Fallon. “A lot of people were interested in family-oriented sports, like a bowling alley or mini-golf.”She said that people also “miss the Dollar Store” and would like to see the return of that chain or something like Job Lot. Other popular requests were a national or large clothing retailer, a shoe store, or more fast food restaurants.Fallon said five or six people wanted medium- to large-scale manufacturing to increase the tax base, and there were some requests for affordable housing for seniors and young professionals. The list was rounded out by requests for museums and art galleries and some requests for various ethnic food restaurants like Spanish, Greek, and Ethiopian.“Are they going to maintain, that’s the question,” said Commission member Steve Matiatos.The Newtown Bee also ran a Facebook poll on the question and received similar results, with some additional suggestions being a medical complex or high tech manufacturing, an outdoor sports center with activities such as rock climbing, and a “queer positive coffee place where open mic nights can be hosted.”Fallon said she worried about the idea of new grocery stores coming to town.“Do we need another grocer?” she asked.Thompson said another problem with an additional grocery store would involve where such a store could go in. Many existing smaller retail locations or plazas could not accommodate the space needs of a Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.And shopping centers that already have a grocery store likely have clauses in their lease agreements that other grocery stores will not be allowed as tenants.Matiatos asked if there were any statistics on what store fronts were open and their square footage. Thompson replied that coming up with such a list was the commission’s job, but that the commission needed to be careful as they are not allowed to be a “listing agent” or represent businesses in real estate agreements.Thompson recommended that if the commission were to do a new list of open spaces, it should be a “group effort and not slammed on one person.”Commission member Barbara Snyder noted there was “quite a bit” of open space in town.“We’re always concerned about business spaces that are empty and available,” said Thompson. “I encourage commission members to keep their eyeballs on the town, to see if things are vacant or moving out.”He said it is important for the commission to understand why the town may have lost a business, as well as what they can do to help fill the space again. Thompson said the commission looking out was important, as they are not always informed by realtors about what may be moving into or out of spaces in town.Thompson said that the commission should consider carefully what businesses to bring to town, noting that recently that the Economic and Community Development Department was contacted by a prospective buyer looking for warehouse space and outside open space to store things like used hoses and tires.“It’s part of our job to try and keep Newtown looking like it does, but also if it doesn’t change, we’re in trouble, too,” said Thompson.With manufacturing, Thomson noted that “people often confuse the size of the building with revenue” to the town. He said that two manufacturing companies with similar appraisals, one $6 million, the other over $5 million, could have wildly different taxes depending on what is taxable.Equipment used in manufacture and fabrication are not taxable, so the first company is paying $24,000 in personal property taxes; while the second company is paying $136,000 in personal property taxes because it has things like forklifts and other equipment not used for fabrication.He also noted that manufacturing is not necessarily bringing in the biggest real estate taxes, noting that one manufacturer in town is paying $145,000 in real estate taxes but an assisted living home is paying $300,000 per year in real estate taxes.“We have to weight the relative contributions to the town,” Thompson said.Thompson said that value to the town might also be expressed in ways other than just taxes. For example, the Country Camper coming to town is expected to be a “destination,” a place that will attract people from other parts of New England and even across the country, according to its owners.“Country Camper is turning an eyesore into a productive property,” said Thompson, who noted that real estate taxes on the property is increasing from $50,000 to $160,000. The company has qualified for a limited property tax deferment under the Newtown Business Incentive Program, but the temporary tax discount will only be applied to the increased assessment on improvements being done.(See “Selectmen Okay Incentive Benefit For RV Dealership” in the March 19, 2021, edition of The Newtown Bee or online at newtownbee.com)Thompson also noted that small retailers can be important, as they are what make “Newtown what it is.” Thompson said it is important to seek out new and unique businesses that do not scavenge business from existing places in town.Commission members sometimes attend Newtown Board of Realtors meetings to speak with local realtors representing diverse groups of clients, and have the opportunity to “stand up and show what’s available and what the residents want,” said Thompson.Reporter Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.Economic Development Commission Talks Businesses To Attract To Town Jim Taylor
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Fire Reports | September 15–20, 2021
Fire calls and their responders in Newtown, Conn., for the period of September 15 to September 20, 2021.The dispatchers at the Newtown Emergency Communications Center, at 191 South Main Street, report the following fire calls and the responders:Wednesday, September 15: 11:02 am, fire alarm — commercial, Main Street, Hook & Ladder and Sandy Hook responded; 12:57 pm, fire alarm — commercial, Church Hill Road, Hook & Ladder and Sandy Hook responded.Thursday, September 16: 1:48 am, motor vehicle accident (MVA) with injury, Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook responded; 1:57 pm, MVA with injury, Mount Pleasant/Tory Lane, Hawleyville responded; 4:49 pm, medical assist, Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook responded; 5:56 pm, fire alarm — commercial, Swamp Road, Botsford, and Sandy Hook responded;Friday, September 17: 11:26 am, fire alarm — commercial, Trades Lane, Hook & Ladder and Sandy Hook responded; 11:59 am, MVA with injury, Queen Street, Hook & Ladder responded; 12:04 pm, smoke/odor investigation, Trades Lane, Hook & Ladder and Sandy Hook responded; 12:32 pm, CO alarm, Underhill Road, Sandy Hook and Hook & Ladder responded; 1:14 pm, tree/wires down, Head of Meadow Road, Hook & Ladder responded.Saturday, September 18: 8:41 am, fire alarm — residential, Mountain Manor Road, Sandy Hook responded; 2:12 pm, MVA with injury, Alberts Hill Road/Valley Field Road North, Sandy Hook responded; 3:40 pm, medical assist, Mountain Manor Road, Sandy Hook responded.Sunday, September 19: 11:46 am, gas leak, Black Bridge Road, Sandy Hook responded; 12:33 pm, fire alarm — commercial, Nunnawauk Road, Hook & Ladder responded; 4:32 pm, MVA with injury, Church Hill Road, Hook & Ladder responded.Monday, September 20: 9:29 am, MVA with injury, I-84 East between Exits 8 and 9, Hawleyville responded.Fire Reports | September 15–20, 2021 Story Fire Reports | September 15–20, 2021Fire Reports | August 18-24, 2021NewsNone
Board Of Selectmen Approve Capital Improvement Plan
The Board of Selectmen approved its Capital Improvement Plan, sending it to the Board of Finance and Legislative Council.The Board of Selectmen approved the 2022-26 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) at its September 20 meeting, designating borrowing proposals for new fire apparatus, the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial, improvements to Edmond Town Hall and the C.H. Booth Library, as well as remediation of an environmentally contaminated commercial lot near Sandy Hook Village Center.With only a few changes other than cost figures from the plan presented a year ago, the selectmen approved the five-year plan with no changes but a number of questions.Selectmen Maureen Crick Owen questioned changes to a number of items, from the Edmond Town Hall Library parking lot to the library requests.Owen questioned the increase of the Edmond Town Hall parking lot costs from $450,000 to $550,000, which First Selectman Dan Rosenthal said was due to the nearby Old Firehouse, which needs to come down.“The last thing we want is to pave the lot and then decide we have to do something about the old firehouse,” Rosenthal said.He further noted that the cost comes from both remediation of dangerous materials and demolition.“There’s no viable use for the building,” said Rosenthal. “The police had been using for dog training, but I’m not sure how actively they’ve been using it lately. I can’t see keeping the building just for dog training.”Owen also questioned the inclusion of a $12 million addition for the Hawleyville Firehouse.“I know it’s far out, in 2031, but I don’t understand how all of a sudden it’s there,” said Owen.Rosenthal answered that the selectmen were only approving the five-year plan and the ten-year plan was meant more for long-term planning.“I did see it, but I’ve had no chance to connect with them and talk with them about the merits,” Rosenthal said. “It’s inclusion in the plan is not an endorsement. My understanding was the Board of Fire Commissioners approved this late in their meeting. I would want to understand this better, and look at the implications for other departments and their space needs.”Rosenthal also thought it best to have it in the plan far out, as it “gets it out into the open” and “everyone can talk about it” so there will be “fewer surprises.”Moving back into the first five years of the plan, Owen asked about the fact that in many years the requested costs of fire apparatus has been increased by $50,000, but in one year it is reduced by $50,000.Rosenthal explained that in 2018, the town replaced the fire department’s tanker trucks; the original plan was to do all four, but the need for custom chassis on the trucks limited them to three. The Hawleyville tanker waited but is now back in the plan; the increased cost is due to a four-man cab because “they are up on I-84 a lot” and need additional space to bring more firefighters.Library Capital RequestsThe library requests were also unpacked by the selectmen, with Owen asking if it was known what was included in the library’s renovations, replacements, and upgrades item. She was also curious why last year the library’s requests were spread over the ten years of the plan and now were moved into two years, with nothing afterward.Rosenthal responded that a number of things had been taken out of the request, including a “media space re-envisioning” and LED lights for exterior storage areas, as well as a $1 million expansion.“They wanted to buy the house next door for the expansion, which I’m not a fan of,” said Rosenthal. “We tried to steer them toward things that fit better.”Finance Director Bob Tait also noted that the library did a $50,000 study on HVAC and then had a $100,000 line item in the plan a few years later.“We said just get the HVAC done,” said Tait.Rosenthal said that he thought the increase to the parking lot paving cost was from the Board of Finance deciding the original request was not enough. He said a lot of how the plan currently stood comes from refinement of a request put in by the library board in 2018, which included items like furniture and investments.“We tried to unpack everything as best we can,” said Rosenthal. “We aren’t going to borrow for furniture.”Owen asked if the $1.4 million in the plan for a bike trail was intended to be paid for only by grants, and Tait told her that was correct.“There’s a lot of low-hanging fruit when it comes to grants out there,” said Rosenthal, who noted there is a grant that can be used from the National Parks Service.Rosenthal also said the hope is that the trail can connect into Monroe, if grants can be found to cover the costs.Owen expressed concern about a truck washing station in the plan for 2026-27 for Public Works was moved up to 2025-26 and year five of the plan this year, as well as adding $50,000 to the cost. The washing station would be used to remove corrosive materials from the bottom of Public Works Trucks, especially an issue since the salt laid down by those trucks is corrosive.Rosenthal said he is not sure if the washing station will actually happen, but it made sense to leave in the plan so it can be discussed in the future. Unlike things in year one, which is “basically money spent,” items in the further out years still have plenty of time for discussion.“I need to see a more extensive model, and if we could have some neighboring towns contributing,” said Rosenthal, adding that the plan might not make sense if just Newtown’s trucks are using it. “It merits staying in there if just to do more work on it. I’m not sold on it, but not enough to remove it from the plan.”Tait said that two neighboring towns have expressed interest in the truck washing station.Selectman Jeff Capeci noted that year three of the plan contains no new bonded items, and asked if it made sense to take a year off or to spread the costs out more.Tait said that by taking a year off the effect is seen in the debt service schedule more because it has a year to reset and fall.“Spread out we don’t feel it as much,” said Tait. “We can’t tell it’s effects.”Capeci said the CIP seems to be “working as a plan,” without a lot of changes from last year.“Obviously year five came into focus, and everything else just marched forward,” said Capeci.“It helps when I told the departments not to bring me anything new,” replied Rosenthal.Fairfield Hills DemolitionsRosenthal addressed the “elephant in the room,” that of the Fairfield Hills demolitions. He said that plans were “still in the works” and that they will “see if we get there.”“Either way we have to proceed in some vein on taking some buildings down,” Rosenthal said, noting it could be as soon as April.There are demolitions in the plan for multiple years at $2 million per year so the cost does not come all at once, but Rosenthal stated that the full proposed plan would go to the voters all at once instead of coming to them piecemeal.He said things would be decided from least to most useful, so Newtown Hall would not be a candidate to start, but Plymouth or Cochrane might be. Also under consideration are Kent, Shelton, Norwalk, and Stamford. The town will continue to market properties to developers but do not want to “overpromise and underdeliver.”The plan shows, for Year One, capital road program spending of $3 million, with $250,000 bonded; a bridge replacement program of $400,000, all bonded; the replacement of fire apparatus at $500,000, all bonded; the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial, $1.7 million, with $600,000 bonded and $1.1 million coming from the state; the cleanup of 28A Glen Road, $650,000, all bonded; town match of grants at $200,000; Fairfield Hills building remediation and demolition, $2 million, all bonded; Edmond Town Hall parking lot improvements at $550,000, all bonded; and library renovations, replacements, and upgrades of $550,000, all bonded.The total for 2022-23 is $9.55 million in spending, with $5.25 million of that bonded.For the year 2023-24, which would become Year Two of the new plan, the town is planning capital road program spending of $3.05 million; a bridge replacement program of $400,000, all bonded; multipurpose building electrical/mechanical/HVAC work of $413,000, all bonded; a Municipal Center roof remediation and replacement of $1 million, all bonded; the replacement of fire apparatus at $1.085 million, with $800,000 bonded; town match of grants of $200,000; library renovations, replacements, and upgrades of $831,000, all bonded; Fairfield Hills building remediation and demolition, $1.5 million, all bonded; and Lake Lillinonah park improvements of $500,000.The total for 2023-24 is $8.979 million, with $4.944 million of that bonded.For the year 2024-25, which would become Year Three, the town is only planning to include capital road program spending of $3.1 million; $50,000 for a truck washing station; and town match of grants of $200,000.The total for 2024-25 is $3.35 million, with no bonding. Rosenthal said the town’s government bodies elected to take that year off from any new bonding costs.For the year 2025-26, which is Year Four of the new plan, the town plans to include capital road program spending of $3.15 million; bridge replacement spending of $400,000, all bonded; the replacement of fire apparatus for $800,000, all bonded; Fairfield Hills building remediation and demolition, $2 million, all bonded; Truck Washing Station of $550,000, all bonded; Public Works site and salt storage improvements, $50,000; Edmond Town Hall building renovations of $550,000, all bonded; town match of grants, $200,000. Treadwell artificial turf and lighting at $800,000, with $250,000 bonded and $550,000 coming from other sources; and the rail trail project at Batchelder Park for $1.4 million, with the entire cost coming from grants.The total for 2025-26 is $9.9 million, with $4.55 million in new bonding.Lastly, the current year six, 2026-27, in the ten-year plan moves up to Year Five of the five-year plan, and will include capital road program spending of $3.2 million; town match of grants, $200,000; Public Works site and salt storage improvements of $600,000, all bonded; Fairfield Hills building remediation and demolition, $2 million, all bonded; transfer station improvements of $400,000, all bonded; the replacement of fire apparatus, $820,000, all bonded; the bridge replacement program, $400,000, all bonded; and Fairfield Hills water infrastructure, $750,000, all bonded.The total for 2026-27 is $8.37 million, with $4.22 million in new bonding.Tait noted that the bonding requests compared to last year decreased, due to possible grant money.The board unanimously approved the plan. It went to the Board of Finance on Thursday and is expected to be considered by the Legislative Council at its October 6 meeting.Reporter Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.Board of Selectmen Approve Capital Improvement Plan Jim Taylor
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Teen Beekeepers Donate Colony To Beardsley Zoo
This month, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo welcomed more than 13,000 buzzing bees to its menagerie of wildlife onsite thanks to Newtown residents Zosia Teraszkiewicz, 15, and Thaddeus Teraszkiewicz, 17.This month, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo welcomed more than 13,000 buzzing bees to its menagerie of wildlife onsite thanks to Newtown residents Zosia Teraszkiewicz, 15, and Thaddeus Teraszkiewicz, 17.The siblings have a longstanding passion for pollinators, which has led them to organize a variety of initiatives, including a bee sticker business where a portion of the sales support beekeepers. They have also volunteered their expertise with helping colonies of bees for local places, such as the Newtown Victory Garden [as reported in “Local Scout Abuzz For Victory Garden Bees,” published in April].Their most recent project has been raising a colony of bees at their home and creating an educational display hive. They donated the hive to the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport over Labor Day weekend as part of the zoo’s new pollinator conservation program.Zosia and Thaddeus are both volunteers with the Beardsley Zoo and do presentations for visitors. They got to know Jim Knox, the curator of education at the Beardsley Zoo, through the Explorers Program and through the programming he does with their dad’s work, Reconnect 24.“Mr Knox mentioned the pollinator project that the zoo was working on. Part of the work that you do with the Explorers Program is to learn about an animal you would like to bring to the zoo. You then learn about all of the elements that it takes to add an animal: things like their diet, the housing, their food source, marketing to let people know the animal is at the zoo, and then fundraising in order to support the cost of the animal,” the siblings explained in a joint statement.Zosia chose the honeybee and, after doing research, felt the timing was perfect to add a hive of bees to the zoo’s farmyard.During the summer, the siblings caught a swarm of bees and housed it in their garden until the zoo was ready.When asked what the experience was like getting to coexist with the bees so closely at home, Zosia said, “When I was younger it was a little intimidating, but then I got more interested in beekeeping. The bees’ proximity to me doesn’t faze me anymore. I often find myself sitting right next to the hive, watching for the different colored pollen they bring into the hive.”There is plenty to watch in amazement, because the colony that was donated is estimated to have between 13,000 and 18,000 bees in it.Being responsible for so many tiny creatures that are so valuable to the environment took a lot of attention and responsibility.“To take care of the hive, we open up the hive every 10 to 14 days to make sure they are healthy, make sure the queen is still there, make sure there is enough food, and make sure the brood pattern is good,” Thaddeus said. “As winter gets closer, we may need to feed them some sugar water and give them some fondant to help them get through the winter.”So far, Zosia and Thaddeus have donated a hive with two brood boxes, an inner cover and outer cover, a bottom board, and a feeder.They hope that they can grow the colony in the spring and that the public can learn more about the important role bees play in the world by seeing them at the zoo.The siblings shared, “We love our bees and love to share our knowledge of their importance. Pollinators are critical for the production of food and flowers. We want people to learn to appreciate them rather than fear them. Once you understand how gentle bees are, you can’t help but be fascinated by them. So, we donated to help inform the public and share our love of the bees.”On September 13, the Beardsley Zoo posted on Facebook to let the public know about the great work the teens have done and to encourage people to come visit.The zoo wrote, “We hope you’ll make a beeline to our New England Farmyard as it continues to grow and develop! The Farmyard Meadow represents native meadow plants that provide food and a home for pollinators. And there’s an added BUZZ with our new bee hive, generously provided by Thaddeus and Zosia [Teraszkiewicz]… The [Teraszkiewicz] Family will provide the care for the bees and the habitat. Gifts like this are sweeter than honey! Bee sure to stop by soon!”For more information about the Beardsley Zoo, visit beardsleyzoo.org.Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.Beardsley Zoo Bee Donation Alissa Silber
Story Teen Beekeepers Donate Colony To Beardsley ZooBeardsley Zoo Bee DonationFeatured Slider, FeaturesNone
This month, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo welcomed more than 13,000 buzzing bees to its menagerie of wildlife onsite thanks to Newtown residents Zosia Teraszkiewicz, 15, and Thaddeus Teraszkiewicz, 17.
Newtown Arts Festival Gathers Many
The 2021 Newtown Arts Festival began with musical performances on Friday, September 17, and continued through the weekend.The 2021 Newtown Arts Festival began with musical performances on Friday, September 17, and continued through the weekend with crowds visiting vendor booths on the Fairfield Hills campus.Before the headlining group the Alternate Routes performed on Friday, Gold Roots opened by performing for attendees. The musical evening also included a food truck and beverages.Drizzling rain only paused the music for a short time between the two bands’ sets. When the Alternate Routes took the stage, people gathered on chairs under tents or found places to sit on the ground.The evening kicked off the Arts Festival’s entire weekend program, and the following morning vendor stalls were filled and ready for people to peruse goods, art, and food.Entertainment continued throughout the weekend with different scheduled performances, food trucks were available, and activities for children were offered.The event took place on the soccer/baseball/softball field surrounded by Keating Ferris Avenue and DG Beers Boulevard.More than 40 artisans participated in the event, offering an assortment of paintings, woodworking, jewelry, and other artistic creation, according to the Newtown Arts Festival.For additional information about Newtown Arts Festival see its website newtownartsfestival.com.Education Reporter Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.Newtown Arts Festival Gathers Many Eliza Hallabeck
Story Newtown Arts Festival Gathers ManyNewtown Arts Festival Gathers ManyFeatured Slider, FeaturesNone
Nonprofit Council Shares News, Provides Peek At New Volunteer Hub
The C.H. Booth Library hosted the Newtown Nonprofit Council’s latest meeting through Zoom on September 20. On the agenda was the “News and Views” discussion as well as a look into the new volunteer website called Get Connected.The C.H. Booth Library hosted the Newtown Nonprofit Council’s latest meeting through Zoom on September 20. On the agenda was the “News and Views” discussion as well as a look into the new volunteer website called Get Connected.With so many new people logging in to for the first time, C.H. Booth Library Director Doug Lord started out by introducing himself and explaining that the Newtown Nonprofit Council is essentially “a group of friends who get together and share news and views of what’s going on.”Lord shared that the library has received a grant from the Network of the National Library of Medicine called Get Healthy Newtown.He prefaced that while he usually does not come to these meetings asking things from the public, and instead is there to offer support and collaboration, he would appreciate talking to people/groups individually about this public health outreach effort.“If you have committee meetings, board meetings, internal meeting, external meetings —I would really appreciate being a part of those just in a very small sense, so five–ten minutes on your agendas,” Lord said.He then opened the floor to others to share their news and views going on in the community.Patrice Gans of Random Hacks of Kindness Jr was the first to speak and discussed her organization’s upcoming virtual Hack-A-Thon program called Hacking for Endangered Species, on September 25. The event is open to fourth and eighth graders across the United States.Gans said that she is looking for insight for how to get the word out and get more children to register for the program. Other members in the meeting gave their advice and some even requested she send them the informational flyer so they could help.Jay Thomas of Families United in Newtown (FUN) shared that they have an event this Saturday called Pancakes & Pajamas at the Newtown Congregational Church for dancing, food, and fun. They will also be hosting an event at Castle Hill Farm on October 28 for people to come in their Halloween costumes.“I’m a big FUN fan,” Lord said, adding that he is always happy to spread the word.Donna Monteleone Randle, the American Legion Post 202, let everyone know that they, too, have an event this Saturday, September 25. It is their first children’s Fishing Derby at Great Hollow Lake, in Monroe, from 9 am to noon. Admission is free and there are prizes.She noted, “We have been very fortunate and blessed to have gotten a donation of rods and reels for kids that do not have fishing equipment … due to the generous donation by Friends of Newtown Country Club.”Katherine Simpson, the Newtown Lions Club, discussed the recent approval of the playground project’s adaptive equipment for Dickinson Memorial Park. She said they expect to break ground this fall but are still $3,000 short of their goal.With that in mind, the club is hosting its Treasure Hunt fundraiser at Chintz-N-Prints, 39 South Main Street, also on Saturday, September 25. People can donate their loose change in a zip lock bag. Also, at the same time and place, the Newtown Lions Club is having a tag sale in the parking lot where proceeds go to the playground project.“Meanwhile, that is not all we are doing,” Simpson said.She recapped the recent Great Pootatuck Duck Race and expressed her gratitude for all those who came out. She added that they are continuing to sell Mustang tickets for the car raffle for $10. Lastly, on October 2 the community is invited to join the group with cleaning up Orchard Hill Park.Candice Bohr, Newtown Youth and Family Services (NYFS), informed the Newtown Nonprofit Council that they are currently collaborating with the Knights of Columbus to raise funds for FAITH Food Pantry with a 5K run at Fairfield Hills. The NYFS website indicates it is on September 25.Bohr mentioned that NYFS also gearing up to have its 36th annual Holiday Festival this December and that Newtown High School students are working on rebuilding its Safety Town Camp buildings.Nicki Giordano, EverWonder Children’s Museum, spoke about the upcoming Health Spectacular on Saturday, October 30, that will have a variety of activities at the museum with different time slots.Also, the group’s annual fall fundraiser called Science of Mixology will be at Marygold’s on Main on Saturday, November 6, from 6 to 11 pm.Melissa Houston, the Newtown Historical Society, announced that she is excited to have the group grow in relevance to the community and will have open houses September through June. The next ones that people can look forward to attending a on October 24 and November 21.Maureen Decker, Volunteers Open Worlds (VOW), said that she has a passion for nonprofits. She started her business to create a pool of people where they can connect with business who need volunteers.“I’m eager to get to know more of the nonprofits in Newtown, so that when businesses are looking for opportunities, I can connect them with any needs that [they] may have for volunteers,” Decker said.Get ConnectedBooth Library’s Sarah Patafio started off by explaining that she is the program coordinator for the Newtown Nonprofit Council’s Get Connected project.Lord explained, “Sarah can show the organization side and also the volunteer side to sort of give you a glimpse of what good things are coming down the pike in terms of your ability to establish a consistent presence on the internet to recruit volunteers as well as change up those volunteer opportunities as you have varying needs.”Patafio shared her screen and gave a walk-through of the Galaxy Digital Get Connected site thus far.There were already a few organizations that have been loaded to the website, as well as a few volunteer opportunities.“On the site, you can include a mission statement, contact information, your logo, some photos, your website and social media, and then your actual volunteer opportunity will be posted directly on the page,” she explained.Simpson added that it is like a virtual volunteer fair.The Newtown Nonprofit Council meets on the third Monday of the month at 10 am. The next public meeting is Monday, October 18.For more information about the group and how to get involved, e-mail C.H. Booth Library Director Doug Lord at dlord@chboothlibrary.org.Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.Newtown Nonprofit Council meeting Alissa Silber
Story Nonprofit Council Shares News, Provides Peek At New Volunteer HubNewtown Nonprofit Council meetingFeatured Slider, FeaturesNone
Top Of The Mountain
Newtown, from a cat's point of view.If you have managed to miss the news until now, it is not too late to join in on some hometown pride. Father and son singing duo Jim and Sasha Allen auditioned for the newest season of The Voice, the NBC singing competition that began its latest season on Monday. The Newtown duo was featured on the second episode of the new season this past Tuesday night, and they were just wonderful. They performed John Denver’s “Leaving on A Jet Plane,” and had coaches Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande both fighting to work with them. The Allens went with new coach Ariana Grande. Their performance can be seen here: youtube.com/watch?v=ti3Kq1FpOmU. The first few weeks of the new season will continue with at least four more blind audition episodes Mondays and Tuesday evenings at 8 pm. Live performances and voting begins in mid-October. Go Allens!Congratulations to The 12.14 Foundation, which will receive a $2,705 FY22 Supporting Arts Grant from the Connecticut Office of the Arts. The COA announced the award on September 21. The fiscal year grants will award a total $1,004,459 to 192 Connecticut arts organizations. The 12.14 Foundation, which supports both the NewArts theatrical activities and a companion character development program, was the only Newtown organization to receive a grant in this round of awards.Speaking of funds, for the month of September 2021, C.H. Booth Library will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Newtown Stop & Shop, 228 South Main Street, as recently shared by the library. The community bag program has been ongoing since May 2019, and has raised funds for multiple Newtown organizations since that time. Among those to benefit have been EverWonder Children’s Museum, Newtown Community Center, and even Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue, who received funds after a month of fundraising at the Southbury Stop & Shop location. The program, according to Stop & Shop’s website, has raised a cumulative total of $1.3 million and supported 4,689 nonprofit groups as of September 20. The supermarket chain also estimates the program has meant 39,921,060 single-use plastic bags were not used.C.H. Booth Library is also hosting a Fiber Art North East (FANE) Art & Quilt Exhibit through October 31 in its meeting room. This exhibition incorporates three separate FANE Fiber Art & Quilt exhibits with more than 50 works of art, including the Circle Exhibit, Alphabetica: and the Four by Twelve Fiber Art Exhibit. To learn more about FANE see the website fiberartnortheast.com/about-fane.Newtown School Resource Officer William Chapman, pictured, was spotted by Nico Cuscuna, seen talking with Officer Chapman, adding some paint strokes to the Live Interactive Mural project at Newtown Arts Festival on Sunday, September 19.Speaking of the Newtown Arts Festival, I understand it was a fantastic weekend and I hope the crowds who attended enjoyed all there was to offer, from the vendors and food to the performances. I am particularly spellbound by this photo of the SOVA Dance and Puppet Theater, this year’s featured performance artist, performing at the festival.State Representative Tony Scott joined Monroe First Selectman Ken Kellogg to hold a “Legislative Apps” event in Monroe on September 14 for both Monroe and Newtown residents. The conversation focused around the major events of the 2021 state legislative session, including the legalization of marijuana in Connecticut, the enactment of new statewide zoning laws, and the imposition of a mileage fee on heavy trucks. Scott also explained how his work to build strong relationships with other colleagues paid off at the State Capitol. According to a release, Scott said, “I’m always looking out for the best interests of Monroe and Newtown, and where our local interests align with those of other communities, we try to collaborate to find a common ground that benefits everybody. But, in Hartford, circumstances are always changing. The emergency certification process for bills can allow even the longest, most complex legislation to be called for a vote with less than a day’s notice, before the public has even had a chance to read it! That means it’s all the more important to have a strong minority voice in the House chamber to ensure that all towns are not only being represented in policy discussions, but our concerns and hopes are actually being heard.”Ahead of the next regular legislative session, from February to May next year, Scott encourages constituents in the 112th District to contact him at any time at Tony.Scott@housegop.ct.gov or by calling 860-240-8700. They can also stay up-to-date on bills and future events by signing up for Scott’s email newsletter at RepScott.com.Does your child have an upcoming birthday? Submit their photo, name, and date of birth for our Birthday Wishes announcement, published weekly in the Education section. The weekly deadline to submit a birthday announcement for a Newtown or Sandy Hook child is Tuesday at noon, and every child submitted for Birthday Wishes has a chance to win a certificate for an ice cream cake from Ferris Acres Creamery. To include your child in “Birthday Wishes,” send name, address, phone number, age, and birthday, along with an original head and shoulders photo to Birthday Wishes, The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or e-mail information and a JPG photo to eliza@thebee.com. Please send the photo as an attachment to the e-mail. Birth dates must be within one month of submission.Editor John Voket loves hearing from readers. As the latest member of the Bee Publishing Company staff to sit in the Editor’s chair, one of John’s new responsibilities is coordinating each week’s letters to the editor. On behalf of John, I’d like to remind our readers that the phone number of each letter writer is requested with each submission. They are never published, of course, but it does make the confirmation of each letter go a little faster. Guideline submissions are printed each week, including word limits and other notes; see page A-11 for this week’s letters and those helpful reminders.Poverty Hollow Road resident Antonio Evertez shared this photo of a bear with The Newtown Bee this week. He wrote on September 19, “This guy just came by to say hello.”You may not spot me, but I promise I will be roaming Newtown to gather news as long as your promise next week to... Read me again.Top of the Mountain Story Top Of The MountainTop of the Mountain_283FeaturesNone
Theater Review: ‘Doll’s House, Part Two’ A Wonderful Evening Of Theater On Sherman’s StageDecades after Henrik John Ibsen's Nora left audiences wondering what happened to the woman who left her husband and children to find herself, "A Doll's House, Part Two," now on stage at The Sherman Playhouse, offers some answers.SHERMAN — Henrik Johan Ibsen’s 1879 A Doll’s House left decades of audiences wondering whatever happened to Nora, the renegade woman who left her husband and children to find herself.Nora has returned to tell her story on stage at The Sherman Playhouse, where Lucas Hnath’s A Doll’s House, Part 2 is in performances.The erstwhile wife and mother Nora (played by Alicia Dempster) has returned to the home she so abruptly abandoned to settle some newly discovered complications that could disrupt all she has earned in terms of money, success, and fulfillment. She has found what she loves and it is definitely not marriage, with its incumbent domesticity of the time. She is a firebrand.Upon her return, Nora’s first encounter is with Anne Marie, an aged domestic/nanny (Meg Jones). Anne Marie has known Nora since she was a child. She and Nora kept in touch, but it was Anne Marie who raised Nora’s children.In her brittle bones, Anne Marie cares about Nora, yet finds the complexities of her choices confusing and frustrating.Nora’s former husband Torvald (Joe Harding) returns home early from work and is stunned to find Nora in his house. He is still wounded by the breakup, and his fragility is palpable.Torvald is befuddled and knows not what to make of any of these events, particularly the request that Nora has made to him.The daughter Nora cast off 15 years earlier makes an appearance. Emmy (Desirae Kelley) is now a lovely young woman who is engaged to marry. She is sassy and resourceful. Emmy knows when she is being played and brilliantly turns the tables.Does Nora leave again, or do the two reconcile in this new place that Nora has introduced? The audience cannott help but try to predict the outcome.A Doll’s House, Part 2 gives off a contemporary vibe in its presentation of the challenges and conflicts Nora tangled with during her marriage to Torvald. Her choice to leave was bold and brave, yet what about her children? Was she just an awful mother?Nora does not appear conflicted at all; she is quite satisfied with the way her life has turned out and renders apologies to no one. She has no regrets; in fact, she is quite proud.The challenging role of Nora is excellently played by Alicia Dempster. She is so deeply entrenched in this character, it seems the part could have been written for her. Nora is magically made likable and approachable through the well-written script and Dempster’s skilled portrayal.The doddering Anne Marie is adorably played by Meg Jones. Her physicality along with her exquisite delivery of her lines is wonderful to watch.As Torvald, Joe Harding is solid. His character’s pain and confusion over what has happened to his life is vivid.The clever Emmy is charmingly rendered by Desirae Kelley. Far from innocent, Kelley’s Emmy is wily, as though she has been anticipating this confrontation with her mother since the day Nora left.The simple set is the perfect backdrop for the proficient directing by Michael Schaner.The subject matter of A Doll’s House, Part 2 is as relevant to the state of marriage today as it was in the Nineteenth Century, which makes this production quite pertinent. The cast makes it fascinating.This update on Nora and her family is a wonderful evening of theater.Performances continue weekends through October 9, on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.For the safety of their audience and performers, The Sherman Players continue to follow local and national theater protocols regarding COVID-19. Audience members are required to provide proof of vaccination and wear masks during performances. Questions can be directed to information@shermanplayers.org.Visit shermanplayers.org for ticket details, reservations, and additional information. The Playhouse is at 5 Route 39 North in Sherman. A Doll's House Part Two at Sherman review Elizabeth Young
Story ‘Doll’s House, Part Two’ A Wonderful Evening Of Theater On Sherman’s StageA Doll's House Part Two at Sherman reviewFeaturesNone
Players Compete In Tennis Open And Junior Tourney Coming Up One tourney down, another coming up.The Newtown Tennis Open took place September 18 and 19, and champions were crowned in several divisions.The Newtown Junior Classic tennis tournament will be held on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3. It will take place at Treadwell Park and Newtown High School. Cost is $20 per player.Divisions include u10 boys and girls, u12 boys and girls, u14 boys and girls, and u18 boys, girls, and doubles.Visit newtowntennisassociation.com to sign up.The tourney is directed by Brett Teolis and is supported by the Newtown Tennis Association.Tennis Open Photo Spread Story Players Compete In Tennis Open And Junior Tourney Coming UpTennis Open Photo SpreadFeatured Slider, SportsNone
Boys’ Soccer Team Shows Resilience With Consecutive Wins Boys earn two wins in less than 24 hours.The Newtown High School boys’ soccer team showed resilience this weekend with back-to-back victories in less than 24 hours. The Nighthawks defeated Bunnell of Stratford 3-1 at Blue & Gold Stadium Friday night, September 17, before traveling to Naugatuck for an 11 am kickoff and 2-1 win the next morning.“Two games right in a row was definitely tough on a hot Saturday morning, but I think it was a good test for us mentally as a more disciplined team,” Newtown Coach Ryan Lyddy said.Bunnell led against Newtown 1-0 going into the second half, but the Nighthawks came back with three goals to take control of the game. The coaching staff moved players around into new positions at half time, and the boys raised the pressure.“I think fitness in that specific game was the reason why we won,” Lyddy said.Captain Gunnar Bozentko assisted a goal scored by captain Jake Gonski. Greg Gargano assisted a goal by Connor Muir, and Justin Zemo scored the final goal.“Zemo and Muir did a fine job moving the ball, taking shots when needed, and scoring when we needed,” Lyddy said.The following day in the matchup against Naugatuck, the Nighthawks scored twice in the first half. Zemo scored a goal assisted by Gonski, and Gonski had one himself, assisted by Johnny Moxham.Naugatuck found the back of the net midway through the second half. In the final minutes of the game, the Nighthawks showed their physical and mental toughness in the back with clutch plays by defenders Connor Dullinger and Bennen Blessey as well as key saves by keeper Yarema Stasyshyn finished off the win.Newtown traveled to Weston on September 21 and fell 1-0.NHS Boys Soccer Ally McCarthy
Story Boys’ Soccer Team Shows Resilience With Consecutive WinsNHS Boys Soccer_78Featured Slider, SportsNone
Another Meet, Another Record Performance For Deierlein, Hawks The swim team earned its third win to begin the season.Make it three for three. Newtown High School standout swimmer Brianna Deierlein has set records in each of the first three meets of the season. Newtown’s girls’ swimming and diving squad defeated visiting Joel Barlow of Redding 87-64 on September 21. Deierlein set new pool and team records in the 50-yard freestyle race, winning the event in a time of 24.66 seconds, about three seconds faster than her nearest competitor.Newtown earned first place in all but one event and exhibitioned the last three events after sealing the team win in the 200 free relay.“We had a great meet,” Coach Becky Osborne said. “Very proud of [Brianna] and the team for working hard and supporting each other.”The 200 medley relay team of Deierlein, Grace Fischer, Cate Fischer, and Anna Shew was first in a time of 1:59.49.Shayna Millard won the 200 free in 2:06.08, edging out teammate Diellza Limani (2:07.23). Newtown’s best finisher in the 200 individual medley race was Alexa Kwarcinski who finished second in 2:26.73; and Cate Fischer was third in 2:30.13.Ella Hall won the diving competition with a score of 192.62, Kaitlin Yeaton was second with a score of 156.35, and Julia Calabrese was third with a 136.05.Rachel Arena was tops in the 100 butterfly event, clocking in at 1:11.01; and Lilian Accettella was third in 1:21.75. Newtown finished one-two-three in the 100 free. Kwarcinski won the race in 58.51, and was followed by Shew in 1:01.77, and Maura Daly in 1:03.23. Deierlein was first in the 500, making her final touch in 5:16.76; and Ella Seaver was third in the 500 in 6:17.60.In the 200 free relay, Shew, Kwarcinski, Maddy Watson, and Limani came in first in 1:52.35. The relay of Alexa Unger, Elise Barricelli, Avery Landgrebe, and Lauren Smiley was second in 1:57.92.Millard won the 100 backstroke event in 1:06.10; Grace Fischer was second in the backstroke in 1:08.28. Cate Fischer won the 100 breaststroke in 1:13.12; Rachel Arena was third in the event in 1:24.24.In the 400 free relay race, Grace Fischer, Seaver, Daly, and Millard came in first in 4:07.47.NHS Swimming Andy Hutchison
Story Another Meet, Another Record-Setting Performance For Deierlein And NighthawksNHS Swimming_42Featured Slider, SportsNone
Girls’ Booters Blank Bunnell Bulldogs 7-0 The NHS girls piled up goals in a road win.Six players scored goals to lift Newtown High School’s girls’ soccer team to a 7-0 triumph at Bunnell of Stratford on September 17.Ella Morits scored twice, and Izzy Caron, Riley Powers, Katie Rowan, Kendyl Morgenstern, and Skylar Howard all found the back of the net. Goalkeeper Ryann Heim-Sherwood made one save to preserve the shutout.The Nighthawks fell to 2-2 this season when they lost 1-0 to visiting Weston, at Blue & Gold Stadium on September 21. Newtown, following Thursday's game with Immaculate of Danbury will visit Joel Barlow of Redding on Tuesday, September 28, at 4 pm (see the October 1 print edition of The Bee for coverage).NHS Girls Soccer Story Girls’ Booters Blank Bunnell Bulldogs 7-0NHS Girls Soccer_97SportsNone
Newtown Hikers Fall ScheduleNewtown Hikers has opened its 2021 fall season of weekly hikes. Newtown Hikers has opened its 2021 fall season of weekly hikes.This season’s start time is 9:30 am. Anyone participating in hikes is expected to be at the trail head by that time, to start as a group.Most hikes are three to five miles with some elevation. The more challenging hikes will be noted.To keep all hikers safe, the following COVID-19 precautions are in place: the group is currently limited to 15; registration with each week’s listed leader is required; and social distancing and the use of masks are still encouraged.Also, ride sharing is encouraged as some parking lots are small and fill up quickly on the weekends.Registered hikers are asked to contact the hike leader as soon as possible if they need to cancel.Newtown Hikers is a group welcoming to anyone interested in hiking. There is no membership fee.Hikers participate at their own risk and are asked by the Newtown Parks & Recreation Department to sign a release at their first hike. Hikers are advised to bring water and a snack. It is also advised to dress in layers and be mindful of the weather. Rain cancels hikes.Sturdy sneakers or hiking boots are advised for safety. Hiking poles can be helpful on steep terrain, especially coming downhill.Children are welcome with an adult but should be able to keep up with the group pace.Dogs are welcome but must be on leash at all times. Hikers should also check with group leaders about dogs when they register; some trails do not allow dogs.For general information about Newtown Hikers contact schedule coordinator Sally Cox at 203-830-9032 or newtownhikers@gmail.com.Season ScheduleThe season continues as follows:September 25: Monroe Bike/Rail Trail, 523 Pepper Street, Monroe, park in lot on the corner of Pepper Street and Cutler’s Farm Road (hike leader is Linda Dunn, 203-207-1765);October 2: Giuffrida Park, 778-782 Westfield Road, Meriden (Christa Troiani, 203-751-0297);October 9: location TBD (contact Sally Cox for additional details);October 16: Ives Trail at Tarrywile Park, 70 Southern Boulevard in Danbury (note: Newtown Hikers are to park in the lot to the left and follow the driveway to the lot above the mansion; hike leader Karen Gillotti, 203-885-9976;October 23: Sessions Woods, 341 Milford Street/Route 69 in Burlington (Irene Jutnas, 203-556-2933);October 30: Storm King Mountain, Route 9W, Cornwall on Hudson, N.Y., featuring views of the Hudson River (Nancy Ziegler, 475-206-6510);November 6: Macricostas Preserve, 124 Christian Street in Washington, featuring views of Lake Waramaug, (Sally Cox, 203-830-9032);November 13: Fahnestock State Park-Charcoal Burners Trail, 1016 NY-301, Cold Spring, N.Y. (Jim Steck, 914-806-4107);November 20: TBD (contact Sally Cox);November 27: Paugaussett Trail, Route 34 (Roosevelt Drive, opposite Lake Zoar Drive-In), Monroe (Sally Cox, 203-830-9032);December 4: TBD (contact Sally Cox); andDecember 11: TBD (contact Sally Cox).Newtown Hikers announce 2021 autumn season Story Newtown Hikers Fall ScheduleCultural Events, SportsNone
Registration/check-in opens 7:30 am, siren start at 9
The Golf Club at Oxford Greens, 99 Country Club Drive, Oxford
$150/player
Annual event hosted by Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, in memory of George and Timothy Powell, includes full round of golf, breakfast sandwiches, lunch, prizes (closest to the pin, longest drive, first and second place, Duffer Award, and $10,000 Hole in One) and raffle, proceeds benefit Sandy Hook VFR; 203-270-4392, SandyHookGolf@gmail.com, sandyhookfire.com.
C.H. Booth Library (gathering room), 25 Main Street
Works by members of FiberWorks, western Connecticut based artists who work in fibers and other materials, this year with artists creating two individual pieces arranged to produce single finished piece, on view to October 29; 203-426-4533.
Edmond Town Hall (Alexandria Room), 45 Main Street
$11 ($9 club members)
Local American Contract Bridge League-affiliated club plays Open Pairs Monday-Thursday afternoons, also Wednesday evenings, newcomers welcome; 203-733-8525, newtownbridge.org.
Free for senior center members ($20 once-payable annual fee for nonmembers)
Presentation by Blair Soucy (president, Litchfield County Coin Club; vice president, Bristol Coin Club; American Numismatic Association life member, and professional coin dealer), who will cover the state of the hobby today, the US Mint and its projects, the gold and silver market, and more including Q&A, guests welcome to bring coins and currency for Soucy to offer verbal appraisals, registration required; 203-270-4310.
NOTE: Due to continued COVID-19 concerns, some meetings are still being conducted remotely. Click through the agenda once posted below for participation information.
NOTE: Due to continued COVID-19 concerns, some meetings are still being conducted remotely. Click through the agenda once posted below for participation information.
