NHS Students Assist Parks And Recreation Tourism Project

By Larissa Lytwyn

With its picturesque hills, historic homes along Main Street, and still-generous tracts of open space, Newtown is attracting ever-rising numbers of families, noted Parks and Recreation Chairman Lawrence Haskel.

“I saw a chance to promote the kind of wonderful place Newtown is through what we offer here at Parks and Recreation,” he explained. “A lot of people, even longtime residents, don’t know about all the programs we have. I wanted to do a video that could capture everything that Parks and Recreation has to offer.”

The Parks and Recreation Department recently approved $1,000 to promote the project.

In an effort to minimize costs and keep the project “in town,” Mr Haskel contacted Newtown High School Principal William Manfredonia with the suggestion of having the school’s video production class work on the project for extracurricular credit.

“While the project was a bit expansive for the class to have enough time to do, I recommended two [video production] students who I thought would be very interested in this kind of work,” Mr Manfredonia said.

“I’m really looking forward to doing it,” said sophomore Gregory Gordan, an aspiring filmmaker with a particular interest in producing documentaries.

Ashley LaRocque, a junior, earns extra money by offering her video-producing services at weddings and parties.

Both students have also done independent study projects taping school presentations and other events. They have also attended film-production seminars outside of Newtown High School.

“Right now we are working out all the details of the [Parks and Recreation] project, from payment issues to how the project will be organized,” said Greg.

“There are a lot of things to consider,” added Ashley. “We will probably be including interviews [with residents] on what kind of programs they participate in as well as the history of Parks and Recreation and a look into its future.”

Because programs are offered seasonally, the students estimate that the project will take about a year to film.

“This project is very exciting for Parks and Recreation,” said Mr Haskel. “I have a pretty clear vision of what I have in mind.”

While the clarity of Mr Haskel’s vision is helpful, Greg said, he also has appreciated the chairman’s “flexibility” in working with the school.

“He’s been good to work with, so far,” he said.