By Steve Bigham

By KIM HARMON

Published: Apr 04, 2000 12:00 am

By Steve Bigham

ennifer Huettner spent the past 17 years coaching high school golf in the state of Oklahoma. Here in Connecticut, however, she has turned in her clubs in place of a racquet to become the new coach of the Newtown High School boysâ tennis team.

A Latin teacher at NHS, Huettner â who grew up in northern New Jersey, but who has been teaching and coaching golf and field hockey in Tulsa the past 17 years â only inherited the team two weeks ago after the last-minute resignation of Coach Ward Januzzi. The Brookfield resident says sheâs learning this as she goes along. On day one, she learned that this particular Nighthawk team is pretty good. In fact, besides singles player Eric Putnam, the heart of last yearâs squad is back.

âI think we will do very well. They think theyâre going to win the SWC title,â Huettner said.

Heading the list of talented players is junior Zack Miller â a very steady and thoughtful player who advanced all the way to the South-West Conference finals last spring at second singles. Miller will move up to the top singles slot this season in place of Putnam.

The second singles position will go to talented freshman John Perachio, who, despite his small stature, really knows his way around the court.

The team can also count on the very talented first doubles team of Bret McEvoy and Adam Ponsky, two seniors who have been playing together for longer than most of their opponents. They should be the odds on favorites to win the league title after nearly going unbeaten a year ago.

Penciled in at third singles is junior Peter Stephenson, who is new to the high school this year after spending the past three years in England. Stephenson is a power server and is not afraid to charge the net.

The fourth singles spot is still up for grabs, according to Huettner, who will choose between experienced junior Matt Beres and freshman Sean OâMahoney.

The second doubles team will feature the experience of senior Ami Kilchevsky and junior Dan Golenbock while the third double team will include Mike Burns and either Beres or OâMahoney. Also vying for spots will be junior Ben Nash and sophomores Aaron Johnson and Pat Dinecole.

DATEÂ Â Â Â OPPONENTÂ Â Â Â Â H/A

April 11Â Â Â Â BunnellÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

April 12Â Â Â Â New FairfieldÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

April 13Â Â Â Â StaplesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

April 14Â Â Â Â Notre DameÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

April 17Â Â Â Â WestonÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

April 18Â Â Â Â StratfordÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

April 24Â Â Â Â BethelÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

April 26Â Â Â Â Jonathan LawÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

April 28Â Â Â Â MasukÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

May 1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ImmaculateÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

May 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â New MilfordÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

May 5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â PomperaugÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

May 10Â Â Â Â Â Â BrookfieldÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

May 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Joel BarlowÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

May 17Â Â Â Â Â Â ForanÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

The Voters Chose Newtown

The Plastic Problem

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Elizabeth Annett (July 31, 1943-April 26, 2025)

Making America: The Story Of An Immigrant

Snapshot: Andy Ashla

The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

Budget, Capital Projects Pass: Officials Respond

I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

Hundreds Attend ‘Rock This Democracy’ Rally

Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

Discusses Role As Registrar

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