NFA Appeals IWC Decision At Castle Hill
The Newtown Forest Association is looking to appeal the Inland Wetlands Commission's decision on 20-60 Castle Hill Road.Newtown Forest Association (NFA) is appealing the decision made by Newtown Inland Wetlands Commission (IWC) to approve the proposed 117-unit housing development at 20 and 60 Castle Hill Road.The appeal is based on the anticipated impact the current proposal will have on our nearby Nettleton Preserve and is founded on the findings presented during the public hearing portion of the IWC process.Trent McCann, executive director of Newtown Forest Association, said the current building proposal does not fully address the stormwater runoff that will originate on the property and ultimately find its way downhill into the Nettleton Preserve. Calculations estimate as much as 90,000 gallons of water can be diverted into Nettleton during a single rain event.The Nettleton Preserve is protected open space featuring a mixture of forest, meadow, and wetland habitats that are home to a variety of native biodiversity, including the New England cottontails. Additionally, Nettleton is home to a memorial orchard overlooking historic Main Street. Runoff will not only alter the balance of these diverse ecosystems but will deposit substantial amounts of sediment and heavy metals into the fragile wetlands.“We do not find this to be acceptable,” said McCann. “It is not our goal to stop this housing development from being built, but to make sure that any and all development is done responsibly. The NFA’s mission is to protect our preserves, and as such we are appealing to improve the stormwater management, which we do not feel the applicant has sufficiently addressed. The Nettleton Preserve is an iconic centerpiece of life in Newtown and the NFA will do everything in our power to protect it.”Inland Wetlands Commission narrowly approved the 117 single-family home development at 20-60 Castle Hill Road in a 4-3 vote during its March 27 meeting.The site is located on 136 acres, with the preserved portion including all of the land surrounding Taunton Lake. The development will also consist of a community center and other associated site improvements.Developer George Trudell told the public last year that the proposed homes will be built on roughly 40 acres of the 132 acre property, with none of the homes located on roughly 75 acres nearest the lake. All 112 homes will be clustered together, with roughly 25 to 50 feet between them.The specific regulation they will be using is 4.05.1, which allows residential open space developments. The homes will be clustered in one area of the development to maximize the open space surrounding it and would be a “multi-generational” development with homes between 1,800 and over 3,000 square feet. There will be large setbacks around the homes from the surrounding roads.Trudell said the homes would fit the architectural style of the surrounding borough.The development will have pickleball courts, a pool, a clubhouse, and a one-acre green, among other amenities available to residents.Trudell noted that the plan to develop the western end of the property in a cluster and leave the area near the lake untouched has been responded to favorably by the neighbors and Borough officials.The Newtown Bee reached out to Trudell on April 17 for comment on the NFA’s appeal, and Trudell said the NFA was a “good organization” and he was hoping to work with the organization to “work out” their concerns.“I reached out to the NFA and we are working closely with them to work out any concerns,” said Trudell. “We’re both looking guys, we’ll work out whatever we need to do.”Chris Gardner, senior burgess on the Borough of Newtown’s Board of Burgesses, said the borough is in “wait and see mode.” The borough’s zoning commission was going to take up the Castle Hill application tonight, but Gardner believes they won’t be able to while the appeal is in progress.“We’ll take things as they come,” said Gardner.Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.NFA Appeals IWC Decision at Castle Hill Jim Taylor
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Special Absentee Voting Hours AnnouncedThe Town Clerk’s office will have special absentee voting hours on Saturday, April 20, ahead of the April 23 referendum.Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia Halstead announces that the Town Clerk’s office will have special absentee voting hours from 9 am to noon Saturday, April 20.Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 7-6, any person who is a registered voter in the Town of Newtown or who is a US citizen assessed for at least $1,000 for Real Estate or Motor Vehicles on the 2023 Grand List for the Town of Newtown is qualified to vote at the Referendum.Any qualified person who meets any of the following criteria may vote by absentee ballot: Active service in the Armed Forces, absence from the Town during all the hours of voting, sickness, physical disability, religious tenets which forbid secular activity on the day of the referendum, or duties as a Referendum official at a polling place other than your own during all hours of voting.Absentee ballots can be returned in person to the office of the Town Clerk by 4:30 pm Monday, April 22; by mail, or dropped in ballot box or by a qualified designee before the closing of the polls at 8 pm April 23.The referendum will be held on Tuesday, April 23, from 6 am to 8 pm, at Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street.Absentee ballots will be counted at the Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street.For more information, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 203-270-4210.Special Absentee Voting Hours Story Special Absentee Voting Hours AnnouncedSpecial Absentee Voting HoursNewsNone
Informational Brownfield Session Conducted At NewSylumAs the Fairfield Hills campus is a former brownfield, NewSylum Brewing was chosen as the location of an April 5 informational session on brownfields to help showcase how such properties can be rehabilitated into useful economic developments. As the Fairfield Hills campus is a former brownfield, NewSylum Brewing was chosen as the location of an April 5 informational session on brownfields to help showcase how such properties can be rehabilitated into useful economic developments.State and local officials came to speak on the subject of brownfields and the work being done to make those into usable, tax-revenue-generating properties.Done under the auspices of the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD), the informational session also noted funding programs through the OBRD to help develop brownfield properties.A brownfield is “a former industrial or commercial site where future use is affected by real or perceived environmental contamination,” according to Oxford Languages. A brownfield can “not just be a contaminated property, it must have economic potential,” said OBRD Project Manager William Wallach.The OBRD’s mission is to be “a one-stop resource for brownfield redevelopment in Connecticut, providing financial and technical assistance to municipalities and economic development agencies as well as brownfield owners and potential developers,” stated the OBRD in promotional material.“The mission of OBRD is to return brownfield sites across the state to productive re-use, including mixed use, residential, and open space uses,” stated the OBRD.OBRD Director Binu Chandy said the informational session was part of a planned effort to “remarket” the state’s brownfield program. She said each year, the state makes available $100 million in brownfield funding, which last year helped fund 110 projects.“Remediating a brownfield is a win/win/win,” said Wallach. “It can create jobs and housing, and doesn’t hurt the environment while eliminating existing environmental damage.”There are two competitive rounds of applications for assistance for brownfields each year, the first in January and February, and the second in July and August.“The funds can be used for anything and everything brownfield, including testing, investigating, planning, cleaning, hiring lawyers, developing; all that is eligible,” said Wallach.First Selectman Jeff Capeci said that the Fairfield Hills campus had been a “great success” for Newtown and help from the OBRD helped “take the risk out” of the town’s investment.While Capeci said that “not everything” had gone “according to plan,” he was looking forward to potential development of Shelton and Kent houses as mixed-use commercial/residential developments.“If that is successful, that can bring more development because the heavy lifting is already done,” said Capeci.Capeci noted that with NewSylum’s building, 10 years ago the building was run down and crumbling as many other buildings still are on the campus. NewSylum had been a “great partner,” however, and the building was remediated for things like asbestos and it also received a new roof.Economic and Community Development Director John Voket said he remembered standing in the NewSylum building before its redevelopment and there being “garbage on the floor” and “pigeons in the roof.”“It’s fantastic to see it brought full circle,” Voket said of the brewery.In addition to the potential renovations of Shelton and Kent houses, Voket also pointed to another project — the “infamous Batchelder” property — to bring green energy and possible transportation uses to the town.Another former brownfield, 7 Glen Road, which is now the trail head for the Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP)’s Heritage Trail, was renovated to have a pavilion and parking lot.=====Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.Information Brownfield Session Conducted At Newsylum Jim Taylor
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Newtown PD To Participate In Next Drug Take Back DayNewtown Police Department and other law enforcement agencies nationwide will be partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration this month for the 26th Drug Take Back Day. On Saturday, April 27, from 10 am until 2 pm, Newtown Police Department and other law enforcement agencies nationwide will be partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the 26th Drug Take Back Day.The public can visit the department’s headquarters, at 191 South Main Street, and drop off expired, unwanted, and unused prescription medications.The DEA and Newtown Police Department officers will accept tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.Liquids, including intravenous solutions; syringes and other sharps; and illegal drugs will not be accepted.The service is free and anonymous. No questions will be asked.Drug Take Back Days are conducted twice a year, in April and October.In October 2023 — the most recent Drug Take Back event — there was participation from 4,383 law enforcement agencies, including 94 in Connecticut. More than 599,000 pounds (300-plus tons) of prescription medications were collected among 4,675 collection sites.Cumulatively, 17,900,351 pounds (8,950 tons) of expired, unwanted, and unused prescription medications have been collected since the launch of this program.Newtown Police Department currently does not have a drug drop box in its lobby.Since July 2018, pharmacies in Connecticut have been authorized to dispose of prescription medications. No Newtown pharmacies currently have Drug Drop Boxes; however, local pharmacies will assist customers with the safe disposal of medications.The DEA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also posted instructions for safe disposal for medications in the trash at home. Learn more at DEAtakeback.com.MUST Newtown PD to participate in next Drug Take Back Day, April 27 Story Newtown PD To Participate In Next Drug Take Back DayMUST Newtown PD to participate in next Drug Take Back Day, April 27Cultural Events, NewsNone
The Way We WereNewtown news of 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 years ago, from the archives of The Newtown Bee. April 23, 1999HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER OF Leo McIlrath.* * * * *Newtown Fish & Game members John Sanzo and Steven Tutu were among the early anglers to land trout last Saturday along Taunton Lake. Anglers across the state tossed in their lines last weekend for opening day, the official start to the spring fishing season.* * * * *Newtown’s shortage of fields has reached the point where it has brought new meaning to “sports competition” in town. Different sports organizations are now vying with each other for field time. That was apparent at Wednesday’s meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission. Newtown Lacrosse President Ken Law believes there is an imbalance in the use of fields and suggested that each sport have one traditional season during which it has priority over fields.* * * * *A 28-year-old Roxbury man was killed as a result of injuries he suffered the evening of April 16 in a three-vehicle accident on South Main Street near Orchard Hill Road. Police said the man was driving a 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier northbound on South Main Street, just south of its intersection with Orchard Hill Road, about 6:20 pm when he failed to negotiate a slight curve to the right and drifted over the center line of the road into the southbound lane. A 43-year-old male from New Hartford, N.Y., who was traveling south in a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, saw the Chevrolet cross into the southbound lane and attempted to evade it by steering to the right, but was struck head on by the Chevrolet. Another southbound vehicle, a 1990 Volvo 744 being operated by a 36-year-old male from Trumbull, saw the accident unfolding and also attempted to evade it but struck the Jeep and then the Chevrolet. All three vehicles came to rest in the southbound lane. The driver of the Cavalier was not wearing a seat belt and suffered extensive chest injuries. Emergency medical personnel performed lifesaving techniques on him but he later died at Danbury Hospital. The other drivers and a passenger in the Jeep reported pain, but none were transported to the hospital.* * * * *Talks are underway for a new agreement under which town firefighters would provide fire protection for the state-owned Fairfield Hills campus, according to First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal. Mr Rosenthal met April 15 with representatives of Tunxis Management Company to discuss a fire protection agreement. The company manages the Fairfield Hills property for the state. Last week Mr Rosenthal informed the state that the town will not provide either primary or secondary fire protection for Fairfield Hills because the state has failed to ratify a fire protection agreement that the town endorsed earlier this year.* * * * *Mr Haber’s fourth grade class at Hawley School shared their well-researched projects on Japanese culture, traditions, and lifestyles with their parents on April 19. The parents also enjoyed an array of Japanese cuisine during the presentation.April 19, 1974A group of citizens in three towns has organized to oppose the leasing of 610 acres of land owned by the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company to the state. The property is located in Newtown, Easton and Redding, and the people claim use of the land for hunting would pose a danger to those living in the area. The Hydraulic Company has been negotiating for lease of the land to the state for hunting under public act 73-522 since last fall. Last week there was some uncertainly among officials of the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company and the Department of Environmental Protection on whether the lease has actually been signed.* * * * *At 9:04 am Tuesday, April 16, a Bridgeport man was killed after the car he was driving struck another one head-on near the intersection of Route 25 and Greenbriar Lane. Chief Louis Marchese of the Newtown Police Department said the vehicle going northbound on Route 25 went out of control after it rounded a curve in the highway. It then crossed over the center line and struck an oncoming vehicle which was going south. The two vehicles met head on, left front to left front, near the intersection. The Bridgeport man was pronounced dead on the scene by medical examiner Dr Robert Grossman of Newtown. A passenger in the northbound vehicle was taken to Danbury Hospital in the Newtown Ambulance. Members of Newtown Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 were called to the scene to help get the driver of the southbound car out of his vehicle.* * * * *“You’ll be happy to know,” said Town Clerk Mae Schmidle after the Town Meeting on April 11, “that it cost the Town less than $2 in tape to appropriate more than $140,000.” The exact sum was $146,582 and the entire procedure took less than 45 minutes. The funds were approved almost unanimously.* * * * *Donald Dale Jackson of Saddle Ridge Road, Newtown, is a reasonably relaxed young man. He is a towering broth of a boy—whose eyes sparkle when he introduces his wife and elfin daughter with a wonderful smile, his extraordinarily shy collie dog rejoicing in the name of Holly Golightly, and a venerable shining silver and smoke Persian cat. His voice warms when he lays claim to one of the two guitars resting in a corner and he says, yes, he plays with his son. He has just written a monumental book, “Judges.” The jacket carries a subtitle which is at once heartening and enlightening: “An inside view of the agonies and excesses of an American elite.”* * * * *Marjorie Dujnic, director of the Children’s Adventure Center, accepted with great pleasure a $205 donation from the employees of DuPont-Sorvall. The generous gift, contributed at Christmas by employees, enabled the center to purchase an outdoor vertical climber. The bright yellow tower, a combination of five ladders, varying in height from 16 inches to 48 inches, is sturdy and virtually maintenance free. The castle tower is a useful aid for the development of a child’s reflexes, balance and perception.April 15, 1949A record crowd of 200 dog lovers attending the Newtown Kennel Club’s 21st A.K.C. Sanctioned match show last Thursday evening in Edmond Town Hall, witnessed the selection of an English setter, Dollie of Blue Bar, as best in show. Owned and shown by Mrs J. Philip Gleason of Stamford, the setter was chosen by judges Charles M. Crane of New Canaan and Frank Ortolani of Portchester, N.Y., from the 85 pure-bred dogs entered in the show.* * * * *Charles Steck, who was taken to the Danbury hospital on Tuesday, March 29th, was able to return home last Friday afternoon, and though confined to his bed, is improving gradually. His friends hope for a speedy recovery.* * * * *The Bee is glad to announce that the final figures in the recent campaign for the National Heart Association for the Danbury area exceeded the goal of $5,000. The gratifying result was $5,307.35. A few weeks ago, the local committee, of which Col. C. Sidney Haight was chairman, announced that $675 had been contributed in Newtown. At that time there were still a few plastic hearts to be collected. In the final tabulation the total receipts realized were $751.16. J. Harry White, area chairman, has expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all those who helped to make this initial campaign a success.* * * * *An enjoyable occasion took place on Sunday afternoon at the home of Mr and Mrs Edmund M. Foster in Gray’s Plain district when the couple entertained a group of their friends in honor of their fifteenth wedding anniversary. The party, held from 12 until 2 o’clock, also afforded an opportunity for Mr and Mrs Foster to introduce Mr and Mrs Daniel F. Wheeler of Nichols, friends of long standing, who expect to move soon into their new home which is just being completed in Easton. Mr and Mrs Foster were married at St Bartholomew’s church in New York City on April 10, 1934, the ceremony being performed by George Langdon, who at that time was rector at Pomfret School and is now headmaster of the Salisbury School at Salisbury.* * * * *Townspeople are reminded by workers in the current Red Cross roll call canvass that many contributions are still to be made if Newtown is to attain its annual goal. Canvassers have been unable to contact many residents. In such instances it is asked that the resident make his contribution directly to the canvasser in that area. A report to date on the progress of the campaign will be forthcoming soon.April 11, 1924Last Friday evening, April 4, the Hawley High school girls’ basketball quintet journeyed to New Milford to play the final game with Washington High school. Newtown and Washington were tied for honors previous to this game, which was to decide who were champions of the Southwestern League. The game was played on a neutral floor with a neutral referee officiating. After one of the hardest, fastest, and most exciting games played this season, our own Newtown finally came out on top with a score of 16-14, one which could hardly be more closely contested. The entire team deserves special credit for the excellent playing and teamwork displayed to the end.* * * * *The lecturer’s program at the meeting of Pootatuck Grange, Tuesday night, was as follows: Vocal duet, “Barcarole,” Mrs Phillips, Miss Phillips. Piano duet, Miss Ruth Ekins, Miss Anita Coy. Play, “Robber Boots,” Mrs L.A. Glover, Mrs Ada M. Blakeman, Evelyn Ekins, Marjorie Peale. Recitation, “The Famine,” Edith W.G. Mitchell. Vocal trio, “The Merry Heart,” Mrs A.J. Smith, Mrs H.N. Tiemann, Miss Lillian Phillips.* * * * *HATTERTOWN ITEMS OF INTEREST: Millard T. Morgan has a new Ford touring car. | Jacob Goldberg has recently purchased a new Ford commercial car. | Fred Waterbury on Strong’s Hill has a new Ford sedan. | J.C. Lewis, who has been shut in for a number of weeks, is improving and was able to enjoy a ride in his automobile, Saturday. | Mr and Mrs J.H. Jackson, who have spent the winter months at Asbury Park, N.J., have returned to their home in this place. | Remember the date, April 15, and 16, for the big Wheeler auction at Easton.* * * * *As John R. Peck’s truck, driven by Wesley Peck, was proceeding towards Waterbury, Monday, April 7, with a load of folding boxes from S. Curtis & Son, just beyond Seymour, the driver found the Naugatuck river had taken possession of the state road. The river was flowing breast high near the road. One truck driver tried to get through but his engine went dead in a puff of steam. Mr Peck wisely turned around, and waiting until the next day, found the river nearly normal.* * * * *Albert C. Dubret was pleasantly surprised at his home in Botsford, last Wednesday evening, when friends and relatives tendered him a surprise party in honor of his birthday. Singing and games were enjoyed and after a late hour a buffet lunch was served. Those present were: Miss Juliett Dubret, Miss Ella Galski, Fred William Galbraith, Mr and Mrs John Sember, Mr and Mrs Amos Osborne, Mr and Mrs Julius Dubret, Mr and Mrs Louis Dubret, and Mr and Mrs Albert Dubret.* * * * *Ramon Jasinsski is erecting a building north of Lovell’s garage and will have a store for the sale of ice cream and temperance drinks. He will also have an up-to-date gas and oil station.* * * * *Allison P. Smith was in Middletown, Wednesday, attending the quarterly meeting of the trustees of the Connecticut State Hospital. He was accompanied by Mr and Mrs A.T. Minor of Bethlehem.* * * * *Mr and Mrs Albert Gustaveson of Washington motored to Newtown, Sunday, calling at The Homestead farm of E.J. Morgan & Son.* * * * *William Hawley of Hawleyville has a new horse bought of the well known dealer, T.O’Brien, of 16 Crosby street, Danbury.April 21, 1899Oscar Squires of Hawleyville, who for months had been a great sufferer from heart and dropsical troubles, died last week Friday. His illness dates back about three years, although he had been in a critical condition for only three months. Oscar Squires was born in Southbury, July 2, 1842. His parents were Royal G. Squires and Orrissa A. Towne. Mr Squires resided in Little York district in Southbury until about 11 years ago, when he removed to Hawleyville and took a position in the signal tower. He is survived by a wife, Hattie Richmond Squires, and two daughters, Mrs John McDonald of Brookfield and Mrs Edna Chamberlain, the latter living with her mother. The funeral was attended on Sunday from his late home at Hawleyville, Rev Mr Fowler officiating. … Mr Squires was a member of King Solomon’s lodge, F. & A.M., of Woodbury, and was a past master of the lodge. The members of this lodge ministered to his necessities in his last illness. Mr Squires was a man of kindly nature, and was well liked at Hawleyville. He had a kind word for the children, at all times.* * * * *DODGINGTOWN AND VICINITY: Edward Miller of Bethel passed Sunday the guest of his sister, Mrs J.W. Behn. | Andrew James has been the recent guest of his nephew, George Reid of Bridgeport. | Mrs Arnold of Ansonia is visiting at Mrs Ellen Barnum’s. | Jerome Platt is on the sick list. | Miss Mary Falls has been the recent guest of her sister, Miss Nora Falls of Bridgeport. | Mr and Mrs E.C. Bevans passed Sunday, the guests of relatives in Danbury.* * * * *HATTERTOWN: Dr and Mrs C.M. Penny and son of Bridgeport passed Sunday here the guests of Mr and Mrs J.W. Penny.* * * * *Arthur T. Nettleton, the genial treasurer of the Newtown Savings bank, passed Sunday in Danbury.* * * * *The large furniture establishment of A.G. Baker & Son at Hawleyville will soon be bright in a fresh dress of paint, applied by Edward Pitcher.* * * * *William Lee is at work at painting with Ruffles & Nichols.* * * * *It is said that the wedding bells will soon chime forth at Hawleyville, two popular railroad men being the interested parties. Those who expect to remember them with presents are hoping the weddings will come on different dates.Do you have photographs of people or places in town from a bygone era? The Way We Were is the perfect landing spot so that your photographs can be enjoyed by Newtown Bee readers. Images can be e-mailed as attachments to shannon@thebee.com, subject line: Way We Were photo. When submitting photographs, please identify as many people as possible, the location, and the approximate date. If you live locally and would like to loan a photo/photos, please give us a call (203-426-3141) to let us know when you will be visiting.way we were Story way we wereway we were_211Features, Way We WereNone
Top Of The MountainNewtown news and notes, told from the point of view of a cat named Mountain. I don’t think James Brunot had “collaborative Scrabble” in mind when he developed Criss-Cross Word into Scrabble right here in Newtown more than 75 years ago. If you missed last week’s announcement, Mattel has released Scrabble Together — currently only available in the UK, with no current plans for release in the US reportedly because Mattel does not hold the license here — which invites people to collaborate on their turns and make games move faster. We in Newtown take a lot of pride in that internationally celebrated board game. The Scrabble game was developed, copyrighted and trademarked in 1948. That was the year Brunot worked with CrissCross Words creator Alfred Mosher Butts to simplify the rules and board design of Butts’ original creation. Brunot is credited with the name change and creating both the premium squares on the classic board and premium points for some letters. The first tiles were cut in the former Mannix wood shop on South Main Street, and the first tile racks — also cut at that location — were pieces of molding trucked in from Long Island. The first Scrabble boards, boxes and individually stamped letter tiles were assembled in the former Flat Swamp district schoolhouse, which was rented by James Brunot and his wife Helen. By early 1953, 35 employees were working in office space on the second floor of the then-newly constructed Wheeler Shopping Center (now Queen Street Shopping Center), assembling 6,000 game sets each week. While the list of accepted words has certainly expanded over the years (Butts certainly never thought anyone would be allowed to play “adorbs,” “deepfake” or even “jedi”), the game itself has remained a two-person competition. By definition that means someone must win, and someone else will lose. What’s next, Collaborative Battleship?In the vein of competitions and for those who are counting down to next month’s Scripps National Spelling Bee (like this cat!), regional spelling bees have concluded and the 245 spellers who will make up the Class of 2024 have been solidified. The final crop of spellers is students from California, whose winning word was locomotive; Montana, with the winning word semaphore; Missouri, who won with parkour; Houston, with winning word yagi; New York, with facile; Minnesota, with profundity; and Washington, D.C., with sophomoric. If you read me regularly (as everyone should), you already know that I’m particularly excited for this year’s competition thanks to the inclusion of a Newtown student among this year’s competitors. Next stop for the Class of 2024 is National Harbor, Maryland, in late May, for Bee Week.The latest stop for Bruce the Spruce, the seasonally decorated artificial tree in Bee Publishing Company’s Production Department, is spring. The ladies in Production have turned Bruce into Spring Showers this month, complete with a few rain drops, an umbrella, rain boots, and even fresh flowers that continue to bloom after each brief shower.I understand one young attendee of Trinity Episcopal Church has earned a gift certificate to Ferris Acres Creamery for being the winner of the church’s recent Lenten Passport Contest. I’d offer a seal of approval for that work but I believe the children competing in that contest were collecting stickers. Congratulations!Parents are reminded that we offer a gift certificate to Ferris Acres Creamery every week through our Birthday Cake feature. This long-standing column invites parents, grandparents and guardians to celebrate a child’s approaching birthday by sending us a photo, the child’s first and last name, birthday, and the age they will be turning, to Managing Editor Shannon Hicks by noon each Tuesday. The photos and those details are shared in the paper, and then one name is selected at random to receive a Creamery gift certificate. The Creamery graciously provides each week’s winner with a vanilla-chocolate ice cream cake. There is no fee to participate, and we love sharing birthday wishes with everyone. See page B-5 of this week’s print edition for this week’s Birthday Cake honorees and the few additional details for those who want to join the fun.Looking for a new home for used books or games? Consider taking them to the rear parking lot of C.H. Booth Library on Sunday. The Friends of the Booth Library Spring Donation Day is planned for April 21, rain or shine from 12 to 5 pm. Volunteers will be eager to receive items in good condition for their Book Sale at Reed Intermediate School from July 12-16. I’ve given some of my own reads to them in the past, and know how good it feels to be able to donate books for that group. I even went one afternoon when it was drizzling, and the Friends volunteers were ready for the weather. They had a cart with a tarp over it and they moved my books so quickly, I don’t think a single drop of rain was able to splash onto a page.The Hearts of Hope Newtown Chapter received some very good news recently: an $800 grant has been announced from The Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation. NSHCF has been supporting causes of strength and healing since 12/14. Hearts of Hope continues to offer Paint With A Purpose sessions most months, when the public is invited to paint palm-size ceramic hearts with simple messages and images of encouragement.More good news this week: Newtown PD K-9 Aris has been cleared for full duty. Aris had suffered a life-threatening emergency while preparing for training on April 2. Fortunately his handler, Officer Felicia Figol, was able to get him into emergency surgery for gastric dilation and volculus, a condition where the stomach becomes twisted in dogs with large chests. The condition can be extremely painful and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated quickly. Fortunately Aris had excellent care and a very good recovery period, complete with cards, notes and even toys from many of his admirers. According to the PD’s Facebook page, Aris went back to work midweek.I’m going to go back to working with my friends on figuring out the next classic game that will be changed up. One of my favorites has always been Mouse Trap. If someone decides that one needs an update I’ll be sure to let you know as long as you promise to come back next week to … read me again.Top Of The Mountain Story Top Of The MountainTop Of The Mountain_367FeaturesNone
'Matilda Jr' In The Works At ReedReed Intermediate School students are hard at work rehearsing their upcoming production of 'Matilda Jr.'Reed Intermediate School students are hard at work rehearsing their upcoming production of Matilda Jr.Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 26-27, at 7 pm; and Sunday, April 28, at 2 pm. All performances will be at Reed Intermediate School. 3 Trades Lane.Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the door with cash or online at ShowTix4U.com.Matilda Preview Story Matilda Jr In The Works At ReedMatilda PreviewEducation, Featured Slider, FeaturesNone
Snapshot: Mary SalleyThis week's Snapshot introduces readers to Mary Salley. Family: My immediate family is my husband Paul and our two daughters, Elizabeth and Noelle. They’re both students at Sacred Heart University. I’m also one of seven children, so I have family across the country.Pets: We have a crazy Labradoodle named Elvis, who is 7 years old.How long have you lived in Newtown? We’ve been here 23 years.Career: I am the executive director at Nunnawauk Meadows. We are a federally subsidized housing complex in Newtown for the elderly and disabled. I oversee the staff and run the day-to-day operations.Are you part of any local organizations? I’m part of Hope on Main Street. It’s a local Relay For Life team but we fundraise throughout the year for the American Cancer Society. I’m also a parishioner at St Rose.What do you like to do with your free time? We like to go to concerts, and we love to socialize with friends. I love cooking and gardening, and we have a one-acre vineyard in our backyard where we spend a lot of time trying to make wine.Favorite book genre? I like beachy, summertime novels. Jennifer Weiner is one of my favorite authors.What is the most recent book you’ve read? I’m in the middle of reading Of All The Light You Cannot See.Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life? My husband. He’s got some adversities he deals with on a daily basis but it never stops him or slows him down. He always has a smile on his face and a joke on his lips.If you could spend the day with one person, living or deceased, who would you choose and why? My mother. She passed away when I was 20 years old, and I’d love it if she could see how we’re all doing.What is the most recent movie you have seen in the theater?Priscilla, at Edmond Town Hall. When we go to the movies, we really only go there.Favorite movie genre? Rom-coms, happy movies — I like movies that make me laugh. I don’t like scary movies and I don’t like movies that are depressing. I watch movies and I read books to escape to a happy place.Favorite musical genre? I like it all. Last summer we went to a lot of concerts. We got to see everything from Taylor Swift to The Steve Miller Band, Dead & Company, we like it all. I’ll also admit: I have a special place in my heart for 80s hair band music. We like to go to the live music events at Edmond Town Hall.What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? Treat others with kindness.Do you have any pet peeves? No, not really.Favorite color? Yellow.What is something you cannot live without? Coffee. A good cup of coffee — black in the morning, and cream in the afternoon. Caraluzzi’s has the best beans in town.What is your proudest accomplishment? My girls. Raising two happy and kind daughters.What is your favorite travel destination? It’s a tie. We’ve gone to Cape Cod every summer for 20 years, and we’ve been lucky enough to go to Ireland twice too.What is your favorite part about Newtown? Everything that’s available to do. You don’t have to leave Newtown to do a lot, between the live music and the library, outdoor recreation at Fairfield Hills. There’s enough to do in and around town to keep you busy if you want to be busy.What would you like to see covered inThe Newtown Bee? Profile more work from home businesses. People you see at craft fairs, for instance, who have small home-based businesses, I’d love to read about them. I don’t think we realize how many people have their own small, crafty type businesses. But I think you guys do a great job.Do you have a personal credo? When you know better, you do better.snapshot -- Mary Salley Story snapshot -- Mary Salleysnapshot -- Mary SalleyFeaturesNone
The Value Of Reconnecting With Old Friends: Grammy Award-Winning Violist Mooke To Headline Next Flagpole Radio CaféNewtown music lovers have something big to look forward to this spring. Newtown music lovers will have something big to look forward to this spring. On May 11, Edmond Town Hall will host the next performance of Flagpole Radio Café, a local variety show that blends musical performance with witty comedy.While the event certainly promises to showcase a number of prominent local artists, residents can expect to enjoy a guest performance by Grammy Award-winning violist and composer Martha Mooke, known for her powerful fusion of classical and electronic sound.Mooke told The Newtown Bee this week that she identifies as an “electro-acoustic violist” and a “creative instigator.”As a performer, she shared, one of her main goals is to “help audiences experience the concert in multidimensional ways” and use the opportunity to connect with audiences and inspire them to unlock their own creative potential.“I find it opens up new channels and new ways of broadening the experience,” she related, “when people realize that when they go to a concert it’s not just listening with their ears.”Mooke comes equipped with a traditional classical training and a master’s degree in viola performance from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. After experiencing some work by the innovative jazz violist Jean-Luc Ponty, however, she started to engage seriously with less traditional applications of the instrument.“I discovered that a string instrument could do so much more than just playing Mozart,” she said April 9. “Not that there’s anything wrong with just playing Mozart, but to play jazz, to improvise, to plug into electronics like guitar players do — that opened up a whole new world to me.”These experiences led her to become one of the pioneering players of the electric viola at a time when few artists were experimenting with such an instrument. This uniqueness then captured the interest of the musician and producer Tony Visconti, well known for his work with Marc Bolan and David Bowie.“Tony and I became friends, and then I started doing recording sessions for him, and then I produced a showcase and asked Tony to be the host of it,” she explained. “It was a showcase that was featuring classically-trained musicians that were making music that defied boundaries.”The result of this collaboration was the 2001 American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers’ (ASCAP) new music showcase “Thru the Walls,” which went on to earn Mooke the ASCAP Concert Music Award.“Tony invited David Bowie to come to the very first one,” she recalled, “and David came to the show. That’s how I met David Bowie! He came to my show, sat at my table, and heard me play my electric viola with my duo partner who plays the guitar.”According to Mooke, Bowie enjoyed the performance so much he wanted her to form and lead a string quartet to play alongside him at Carnegie Hall for an upcoming Tibet House benefit concert which was being produced by the esteemed composer Philip Glass.“That was the whole beginning of another part of my world,” she said. “I got three other string players together, and we rehearsed a couple of times with David. Philip had a recording studio called Looking Glass in those days. Then we played at Carnegie Hall in 2001 and subsequently played the next two years also with David. We ended up recording on his album Heathen.”Mooke’s list of collaborations extends even further. She has performed alongside Barbra Streisand, Andrea Bocelli, Elton John, and Star Wars in Concert, to name just a few.Apart from her performance work, she works as an artist-clinician for Yamaha and is Eventide Audio’s first ever artist in residence. She also teaches as a full-time professor, directing the Multi-Style Strings program, which she personally founded, at New Jersey City University“I was asked to revitalize the string program,” she recalled. “I actually started as an adjunct just to help rebuild the program, and I put together a proposal. I’m classically trained, but I’m self-taught with improvisation and all the other things I’ve learned along the way. I always wished that there was a program I could go to at school to learn all these tools. It took me 30 or 40 years to self-teach. What if these instruments and all these electronics and the people to teach improvisation and these different styles could be an actual program?”Her Grammy Award came just a few months ago, in February. Mooke won the Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for her electric viola performance on Carla Patullo’s album So She Howls.Newtown residents may wonder what could have motivated Martha to take an interest in our local music scene here in town. The answer is a powerful illustration of the value of connecting with old friends.In a pre-show press release Flagpole Radio Café Producer Martin Blanco shared he and Mooke “knew each other as undergraduate students at SUNY Albany, where she was studying music, I was studying English and Theatre, and we both worked at the Performing Arts Center on campus.“While I regret that we haven’t seen each other in 39 years,” he added, “I am delighted that we will have the opportunity to be reacquainted through the show. I can’t wait to see how she ignites the Edmond Town Hall.”Martha Mooke’s work can be listened to on all major music streaming platforms as well as on her YouTube channel, which can be easily discovered by searching her name. Curious readers should visit her website marthamooke.com or follow her on Instagram at “elecviola” to learn more.The Flagpole Radio Café is scheduled to begin at 7 pm Saturday, May 11, at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased online at edmondtownhall.ticketleap.com or flagpoleproductions.org.=====Reporter Owen Tanzer can be reached at owen@thebee.com.Flagpole Radio Cafe-Martha Mooke feature preview Owen Tanzer
Story Grammy Award-Winning Violist Mooke To Headline Next Flagpole Radio CaféFlagpole Radio Cafe-Martha Mooke feature previewFeatured Slider, FeaturesNone
Softball Team Compiles 25 Runs In Perfect Game And Battles Tough Nonconference Foes Hawks battle Shepaug Valley and Waterford and topple Barlow and Pomperaug.The highlight of the week undoubtedly was a 25-0 win over visiting Joel Barlow of Redding on April 11. Not only did Newtown High School’s softball team’s offense dominate with two dozen hits but backup pitchers Addy Cordova and Rheya Litke combined on a five-inning perfect game from the pitcher’s circle.Cordova pitched two frames and Litke three and the tandem combined for 13 strikes in this no contest that was called after Barlow batted in the top half of the fifth because of the mercy rule.“For us it was a good mental reset,” said Newtown Coach Megan Goyda, whose team opened the season with four straight games against challenging nonconference teams — all decided by one or two runs — and was coming off a 1-0 extra-inning loss to host Shepaug Valley in Washington the day before.Goyda noted that everybody in the lineup contributed and it was nice to not have to sweat one out all the way down to the last pitch for the first time this spring.But as enjoyable as it may have been to rack up 14 runs in the second inning alone on the way to that ultra-dominant performance the setback to Shepaug Valley along with a 6-3 loss to visiting Waterford on April 13 will arguably be better for the Nighthawks in the long run.“The games where there’s a little pressure with everything you do, that’s what’s going to help us reach our ultimate goal,” Goyda acknowledged.As far as that ultimate goal goes, the Nighthawks, coming off a South-West Conference Championship last spring, are looking to repeat and also challenge for a state title.In the Shepaug game, which was decided in the ninth inning, Maddie Thoesen pitched eight and a third dominant frames, allowing four hits, just the one run, and walked two; she compiled 17 strikeouts to match her pitching counterpart’s K total. Newtown also mustered four hits with Julia Berry smacking two doubles, and Bri Pellicone hitting a triple and reaching on a single. Goyda said her batters did not make adjustments and therefore could not muster a rally.Against Waterford on a chilly, windy and late-in-the game rainy day, Newtown managed eight hits and two walks but did not capitalize on enough chances, leaving eight base runners stranded. Newtown’s coach liked how her hitters adjusted as the game moved along.“We made good contact. We just hit it at them,” Goyda said.Waterford led 3-0 in the third. Thoesen nearly escaped a bases-loaded jam in the second when she struck out the side, for a trio of her ten fanned batters, but a wild pitch gave the visitors their first run. After Waterford worked around a leadoff double by Caruso in the bottom of the second it scored twice in the third. In the bottom of the third Julia Berry crushed a solo home run to left. Cordova and Thoesen followed with deep fly outs and Pellicone singled before Newtown was retired. Down 4-1 in the fifth the Hawks put two runners in scoring position with no outs but could not capitalize.Waterford doubled its run total on homers, a solo blast in the fifth and two-run shot in the seventh, to seemingly put the game out of reach. But Newtown scratched out a couple of runs and brought the potential tying run up to bat in the seventh but left two runners on base to end the threat.Take it for what it is worth but Newtown’s biggest SWC nemesis, Masuk of Monroe, also faced Waterford and prevailed 4-1.There was no such drama in the Barlow game. Offensive highlights from that one included four hits, including a homer, and seven runs batted in by Thoesen; four hits, two RBI, and four runs scored by Berry; three hits, three RBI, and a trio of runs scored by Gabby Ansman; and a hit, three walks, three RBI, and three runs scored by Caitlin Milks. Rachael Casagrande had two hits, an RBI, and two runs scored; and Olivia Doersch and Gabby Boughan both collected two hits, an RBI, and run scored. Berry had two doubles and Pellicone, Ansman, Boughan, and Cordova all added extra base hits.Newtown also had an easy one at Pomperaug of Southbury on April 15. The Hawks jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the opening inning on the way to a 13-1 triumph. This was another shortened game due to the mercy rule and ended when the Hawk put up another five spot in the top of the sixth. Thoesen pitched five innings of two-hit ball, allowing one run, walking one, and fanning nine batters. Cordova pitched a perfect frame and struck out all three batters.Berry had three hits, including a double, drove in a run and scored three times; Thoesen had three hits, including a double, three RBI, and two runs scored; Pellicone, Ansman, and Lila Accousti all had two hits with Ansman and Accousti each driving in a pair of runs. Casagrande tripled and scored as Newtown collected 15 hits.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.NHS Softball Andy Hutchison
Story Softball Team Compiles 25 Runs In Perfect Game And Battles Tough Nonconference FoesNHS Softball_154SportsNone
Big Plays Help Baseball Team Get Into Win Column NHS sluggers come back to defeat South-West Conference foes Bethel and New Milford.Newtown High School’s baseball team came from behind twice in as many games to post its first two wins of the campaign. The Nighthawks clawed back from a two-run deficit with six runs in the final three innings to defeat host Bethel 7-3 on April 11, then overcame a 4-0 deficit to edge visiting New Milford 5-4 on April 16.Against Bethel, the top of the lineup did the damage as Dhilan Amin, Kieran Garrity, Danny Leyva, and Yarema Stasyshyn combined for five hits, five walks, and scored six of Newtown’s runs. Hayden Conklin had a hit and Ryan Schmidt walked and scored a run.Stasyshyn Conklin, and Garrity doubled. Amin, Newtown’s starting pitcher, had two hits, stole a pair of bases, and scored two runs. On the mound he allowed five hits, four walks, and three runs — two earned — while compiling seven strikeouts. Leyva relieved and pitched an inning and a third, allowing only a walk and not hits.Behind the plate catcher Conklin threw out a would-be base stealer to help thwart a rally and right fielder Garrity made a clutch diving catch with two base runners aboard to keep things tied 3-3 in the late innings. Newtown fell behind 2-0 in the first inning and trailed 3-1 after four frames before getting the bats going. The Hawks tied the game with a couple of runs in the fifth and scored four in the seventh inning. A Bethel error, five wild pitches, and pair of unearned runs helped Newtown’s cause. Garrity, Stasyshyn, and Evan Nikolis all drove in runs.“Good fielding, good hitting — a solid game all around. We were down 2-0 early so I loved how we battled. It jump-starts us. It gives us more confidence,” Newtown Coach Ian Thoesen said of the Hawks earning their first win.The Nighthawks followed up this victory with another battle-back W against New Milford. NHS fell behind 4-0 in the second inning but put up four runs of its own in the bottom of the third then scored the decisive run in the fourth.All of New Milford’s runs were unearned as a result of a trio of Nighthawk errors and aided by ten walks. Pitchers Jamie Piccuillo, Wes Keayes, and Nikolis combined to scatter six hits while collectively striking out five.Amin had two hits, an RBI, and run scored; Leyva had a hit, RBI, and run scored; Stasyshyn had a hit and drove in a run; and Keayes had a hit, walk, and two runs scored. Schmidt singled to drive in Keayes with the eventual winning run. Schmidt also scored a run and Jack Carta had a hit.Newtown opened the season with a trio of nonconference games and fell to Fairfield Ludlowe, Norwalk, and defending state champion Fairfield Warde, despite homers off the bats of Lucian Place and Leyva against Warde.“We’ve had a tough schedule. We’ve played hard,” said Thoesen, adding that it is nice to see the players’ work pay off in the form of wins.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.NHS Baseball Andy Hutchison
Story Big Plays Help Baseball Team Get Into Win ColumnNHS Baseball_137SportsNone
Murphys Make It A Family Affair On The Sacred Heart Basketball Court Mike, Jamie, Liam, and Braden Murphy all have significant roles with the Pioneer basketball program.While it might not be uncommon for a parent to coach his or her son or daughter, and perhaps only a bit unusual for a sibling or father-son coaching connection, or even for a husband-wife coaching tandem, having all of these in place at the university level — all at the same school no less — is another story.Never mind the Final Four, there is a Newtown Murphy Four at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. Mike Murphy is the head coach of SHU’s women’s club team and is joined on the bench by both his son Liam and wife Jamie. What’s more, Liam’s brother Braden is a practice player for the SHU Division I women’s team, which won the Northeast Conference for the second year in a row and qualified for the NCAA Tournament. Braden had the opportunity to travel with the team to South Carolina. Braden had an opportunity to meet members of the South Carolina squad which went on to capture the National Championship on April 7.You may have heard of March Madness, the postseason tournament time that spills over into April each year, but at SHU perhaps the phrase Murphy Madness would be more appropriate.“I am very lucky to coach with my son and have my wife be involved as well. It is really awesome,” Mike said. “I get to coach with my son, my wife is involved with some practices and is at all games, it is a family atmosphere. The players and university are amazing — could not be happier with this opportunity.”Mike and Jamie saw their lives cross paths through basketball when they both played four years at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y. Jamie was in the second Hall of Fame Induction Class at Mount Saint Mary; she is the No. 2 all-time scorer in women’s program history. During games at SHU she talks with players, offers advice, and determines areas to improve.This is Mike’s second season with the SHU club team. Last year the Pioneers went 17-5, won its league and lost to the University of Massachusetts in the New England Regional semifinals. The team’s highest ranking was No. 2 and it finished the season ranked No. 11.The squad surpassed its win total of a year ago, won its league and played in the New England Regionals in Boston during the first weekend of April. Ranked No. 12 in the preseason poll, the Pioneers got as high as No. 5 this season.The head coach is extremely pleased with the success the Pioneers have had, especially given the loss of key graduates last year. “We lost six seniors who set the tone for the program and this year returning players have kept it going,” he said.“We’ve had success but, more importantly, we’ve been able to work with some young individuals who love the game,” Mike said.Mike has more than 25 years of coaching experience, including several with high school teams, including Immaculate of Danbury — where both of his sons played — and nine seasons at the youth level.Liam is an assistant coach. He helps develop practice plans, scouting reports, individual improvement with players, and game preparation among his responsibilities. Having the chance to direct a team alongside his dad is a unique opportunity.“It’s really cool. Growing up he coached all of my games. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to coach with,” Liam said.Liam said the family members do bring their coaching minds home with them and give each other input about areas in which the team is doing well or needs to improve, and that it is nice to have three different perspectives.It has become increasingly common for women’s basketball programs to use male students as practice players in an attempt to push the women more in their game preparation, Mike said.“It’s a lot of fun,” said Braden, an SHU business major, adding that the team has been welcoming and he has built many friendships through this experience. The coaches scout opposing teams and Braden’s role varies from pregame to pregame as he simulates various types of opponents such as long-range shooters or those who drive to the basket, for example.What’s even more is that Mike’s brother Matt coaches the Newtown High School boys’ team and his daughters Shea and Moira, along with his son Keenan, now a senior at South Carolina, played for NHS. Mike and Matt also run the Murphy Basketball Camp for girls and boys each summer. Basketball has run in the Murphy family for years; in 1998 Mike and Matt took over the camp started by their dad.“Its fun. When you grow up in a basketball family you look forward to March,” Braden said.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.Murphy SHU Basketball Connection Andy Hutchison
Story Murphys Make It A Family Affair On The Sacred Heart Basketball CourtMurphy SHU Basketball ConnectionFeatured Slider, SportsNone
Hawk Laxmen Bounce Back From Opener During Character-Building Stretch Of Games Newtown offense turns it on with a ten-goal outburst against rival Weston.Newtown High School’s boys’ lacrosse team followed up a 5-1 loss to visiting Fairfield Warde in the April 6 season opener with an impressive 10-4 victory at defending South-West Conference Champion Weston on April 9.“Great team win. Our players bought into our adjustments from game one and worked so hard — I am very proud of them,” Coach Tony Fitti said. “Our attention to detail allowed ourselves to generate scoring opportunities. We dodged hard, found space, and played very unselfishly assisting on eight out of ten goals. Our defense clamped down and gave our offense a ton of confidence. Our bench was incredible — they gave us a ton of energy from the opening faceoff.”Marty Dunn scored a hat-trick, freshman Nick Stockwell — who scored against Warde in his first varsity action — netted a pair of tallies and had an assist, and Marcus Gerace logged a goal and four assists.Goaltender Blake Ballard made eight saves. Brady Macey had six ground balls, Fisher Stites five ground balls, and Cole Stockwell and Asher Williams both recorded five ground ball scoops.Following Thursday’s visit from Bethel the Hawks host Masuk of Monroe Saturday, April 13, at 6 pm.“We have a really tough stretch. We play three very good conference teams in a row. It’s a gauntlet — it’s a good start. It’s going to teach us a lot about ourselves,” said Fitti, adding that this is a character-building start to the season.Newtown retained much of its defense from last year’s State Tournament-qualifying squad which won its opening round state game against Warde. That strong D helped make this season’s opener/rematch with Warde a low-scoring contest.“We rely on them a lot. We put a lot on them as coaches,” Fitti said.Specifically, the Hawks implemented a man-to-man defensive strategy in which the three midfielders do not help the back line but instead cover their men off ball on the defensive half of the field, Fitti said.“Basically, we play a high-level college style defense and leave our long poles on a defensive island and ask them to play their matchup straight up. We do not give them help from the other three players, which allows those three to take care of their responsibilities,” the coach explained. “If they get beat there is no one to back them up but the goalie.”Fitti likened the strategy to that of man-to-man cornerback defense with no safety help.Long pole defenders Macey, Cole Stockwell, and J.J. Haddick, along with newcomer and defensive midfielder Brady Brosius, stepped up and limited Warde’s chances, particularly in the second half when the Mustangs mustered just one goal.Freshman Luke Gagnon took faceoffs admirably and had some success in his first varsity effort, helping the Hawks gain possession and keeping them in the game.The new-look offense struggled in part due to the physical nature of this penalty-filled tilt. Both teams were a bit too rough at times and each defense was up to the repeated challenge of killing of roughing, slashing, and holding, and delay of game penalties.Macey collected five ground balls, Gerace had four ground ball scoops, and Kyle Ruddy had a trio of grounders. Ballard made some big saves to keep the game within reach.Nick Stockwell, Ruddy, Gerace, Andrew Bradley, Sean Reilly, Gavin Doyle, and Charlie Massett were among players to set up some good chances in the second half but were denied.The Hawks entered the season looking to find offense from a variety of players after graduating a bulk of its offensive production from a year ago. Fitti noted, following the Warde game, that “you can’t fit a square peg into a round hole” and said it is up to the coaches to get the most out of the players on the field and come up with plays that maximize Newtown’s chances to put the ball into the net.After the performance against Weston it appears that in addition to its stellar defense Newtown is well on its way to making the pieces fit together nicely on the offensive side of things, too.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.NHS Boys Lacrosse Andy Hutchison
Story Hawk Laxmen Bounce Back From Opener During Character-Building Stretch Of GamesNHS Boys Lacrosse_116SportsNone
Girls’ Lacrosse Team Finding Its Way Early This Season Hawks win two then fall in close one against SWC foe Weston.Newtown High School’s girls’ lacrosse team opened the season with a pair of contests against strong nonconference squads and prevailed in both, following up a come-from-behind 11-10 victory over host Conard of West Hartford on April 2 with a 7-4 win over visiting Glastonbury in an afternoon clash at Blue & Gold Stadium on April 6.The Nighthawks, defending South-West Conference Champions, may be off to a winning start but they certainly have had to overcome a lot in the early going and the coaches say they have a long way to go.Against Conard on a rainy and cold day the Hawks had a tough time getting possession on draws and when they did were unable to capitalize in the first half. Conard took advantage of an early yellow card against Newtown and scored three quick goals. Before the Hawks knew it they were in a 9-0 hole at halftime.“One of our strongest defenders recently had a season-ending injury and we are trying to fill her spot which is a big spot to fill,” said Maura Fletcher, co-head coach along with Steph Suhoza, referring to defensive standout Jenna Lagan. “We are getting girls up to speed but it will be a process and the defense needs some time to trust the unit. We will get there.”“The whole team has really stepped up” Suhoza said of filling a significant void left by Lagan. “We have attackers coming in, Natalie McLean moved from attack to mid and Jen Socci moved from mid to defense. It has been a whole team effort and they are all working hard everyday to get better.”The Hawks are also adjusting to a change in rules that coaches certainly can take advantage of from game to game.“This is the first year we are playing quarters and I really like it. It allows us to get a two-minute rest/time-out between quarters that we have never had before. It also allows us more access to both offense and defense,” said Fletcher, whose teams in the past were limited to only the halftime break in addition to a pair of time-outs to give players a breather and/or work on strategy.In the opening-day comeback, Brooke Bulkley scored the first goal in the third quarter to make it 9-1 before standout Summer Harrell took over. “A huge relief when that goal was scored. I just knew it was the start of a run. Summer Harrell took control of the game and scored eight straight. That’s why she is a USA Lacrosse All American player,” Fletcher said.Natalie McLean scored to put the Nighthawks in front 10-9 and the Hawks held the lead with possession with four minutes to go before Conard pressure forced a turnover.“It was disappointing because we know how to handle pressure — first-game jitters. Conard tied it up and got possession on the next draw. Defense, and (goaltender) Alexa Manfredonia specifically, bailed us out on the defensive end,” said Fletcher, noting that Manfredonia made four huge stops and the defense came up with the loose balls.“We were able to clear the ball and Natalie McLean was fouled with seconds to go. Calm, cool and collected, she put the ball in the back of the net with no time left on the clock,” Fletcher said of her execution on a free position shot with the game on the line.As dramatic and exciting of a win as this was, Fletcher would like to see the team improve to a point such a substantial comeback and thrilling finish are not necessary.“It was an eye-opening opener,” Fletcher said. “Luckily we came out on top, but we have a way to go to beat teams on our schedule. Despite this weather, we have been working hard every day. We will get there. We have high hopes and we have the personnel.”Newtown made things a bit easier on itself against Glastonbury.“Our defense performance really held it together and secured the win for us,” Suhoza said.Yellow cards called against NHS put the Hawks a player down for most of the first half, putting pressure on the defense, but Suhoza noted that the D “responded well in the face of adversity.”Suhoza pointed out that the attack players also played a key role in Newtown’s defensive success.“The attack really supported the defense in helping slow the ball down in transition and even resulted in several turnovers. The draw circle had a great day winning more possessions, anchored by Brooke Bulkley. We still look to focus on valuing possession and hitting the back of the net as well as building further upon our defense end,” Suhoza added.It took a while for Newtown to get the scoring going thanks to a combination of solid Glastonbury defense/goaltending and some near-misses, including a shot attempt that went off the cross bar. Finally, Bulkley gave NHS a 1-0 lead with 2:53 to play in the opening quarter. Harrell added a goal with just 30 seconds left in the opening stanza.When all was said and done, Manfredonia made five saves. Bulkley netted two goals and a pair of assists, Jules Battaglia scored two goals, Rachael Albrecht had a goal and an assist, Harrell scored and had an assist, McLean also found the back of the net.The Hawks had their first taste of defeat in their first game against a South-West Conference foe, falling 5-4 to visiting Weston on April 9. Manfredonia came up with nine saves in this defensive battle. Abby Ihlefeld, Mo Murphy, Kayla Locke, and Ella Macey stood out in the back. Newtown struggled with possession, Suhoza said.Harrell had two goals and an assist, Ava Mitchell scored and had an assist, and Battaglia netted a goal.“Offensively, we had a tough time against their zone tonight,” Fletcher said after the game. “Something we will work on moving forward. If we don’t win, we learn. On a positive note we really reduced our fouls, we turned over the ball a lot in transition, but unfortunately just couldn’t capitalize.”The Hawks will be home Friday, April 12, to take on Cheshire at 6 pm. It is also the 15 For Life Foundation game.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.NHS Girls Lacrosse Andy Hutchison
Story Girls’ Lacrosse Team Finding Its Way Early This SeasonNHS Girls Lacrosse_155SportsNone
Self-guided tour with paved path embellished with an array of poems by local writers displayed on signs, observing National Poetry Month, presented by C.H. Booth Library, full map of path and poetry locations available online (chboothlibrary.org); 203-426-4533.
C.H. Booth Library (John Angel Art Alcove, third floor), 25 Main Street
Third exhibition of works by the Newtown resident and right-handed carpenter who suffered a stroke one year ago, and has since taught himself how to paint and do wood burning with his left hand, through April 29; 203-426-4533.
A national traveling exhibit that focuses on exoplanets and space exploration, learn about exoplanets and NASA’s search for habitable planets through hands-on, multimedia kiosks and activities spread throughout all three floors of the library, through late May; 203-426-4533.
C.H. Booth Library (Gathering Room), 25 Main Street
Safely and securely drop off old electronics at the library to be recycled, acceptable items include: computers, iPads, tablets, routers, video game consoles, computer parts, cell phones, cables, wires, and monitors (flat screen only), TVs or large printers and monitors are not accepted; 203-426-4533, chboothlibrary.org.
Annual exhibition hosted by The Society of Creative Arts of Newtown featuring original works in watercolor, acrylic, pastel, graphics, mixed media, printmaking and sculpture, on view to May 24; scanart.org.
Music educator Brad Peterson will lead children in various musical activities including finger plays, nursery rhymes, poems, songs, dances, and more, for children ages 2-6 with an adult caregiver, registration required; 203-426-4533.
Co-Owner John Richards and Director of Business Development Monique Bongartz will provide nutritious lunch while sharing insights on FirstLight HomeCare, also delve into “Lessons Learned in Life,” emphasizing the priceless wisdom gained from life experiences and the value of accumulated knowledge over the years, registration required; 203-270-4310.
Free, free all weekend courtesy Ingersoll Auto of Newtown
Screening of the animated adventure comedy starring Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Keegan-Michael Key, and Danny DeVito, released in December and rated PG; 203-270-4285, edmondtownhall.org.
Free for members (nonmembers call for fee details)
Opportunity to join State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Marty Foncello to discuss the 2024 Legislative Session and ask questions about state issues, pizza lunch will be served, registration required; 203-270-4310.
Performance of Henryk Górecki’s Symphony No. 3 by Orchestra Nexus, with guest soprano Diana McVey, all proceeds to benefit Trinity Church’s Little Pantry (on-site offering of emergency food to neighbors at all hours); getintouch@orchestranexus.org, orchestranexus.org.
Free, free all weekend courtesy of Ingersoll Auto of Newtown.
Screening of the animated adventure comedy starring Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Keegan-Michael Key, and Danny DeVito, released in December and rated PG; 203-270-4285, edmondtownhall.org.
26 years ago the Newtown education system was excellent, today it is not.
No amount of money will fix that until those responsible for the destruction leave the school system.
Is it not true, that school budgets, by LAW, cannot be reduced year to year, no matter the reason? If it was 1M at 1000 students, next year at 500 students, the budget MUST be 1M?
