Date: Fri 13-Oct-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: CURT

Quick Words:

Mountain-fall-foliage

Full Text:

MOUNTAIN for 10/13

About a month ago, it was conventional wisdom that the fall colors would be

disappointing this year because of the dry summer. I must have heard 20 or 30

people declare with all solemnity that the leaves were simple going to turn

brown and fall of in a day or two.

I don't know how rumors like this get started, but this week has certainly put

the rumors to rest. It may be that we get jaded (literally) looking at green

leaves all summer, so any other color at all looks spectacular by comparison,

but I really think the fall foliage hasn't been diminished by the dry weather.

Check out the traffic this weekend, and I think you will find that most leaf

peepers would agree.

One rite of the passing seasons is Al Boyson's annual trip with the mower

through the dying loosestrife in the Ram Pasture. This year Al cut town the

thick vegetation without getting stuck in the mud or slipping into the pond.

These days turning 40 is a rite of passage that usually involves a rummage

through baby pictures to measure the damage four decades have wrought, and

that's what Maryann Adams did in preparation for her husband, Milton's, 40th

on October 12.

INSERT PHOTO HERE

This is the photo Maryann came up with. It shows Milton getting an early start

on his driving skills, which he now plies in the big trucks of the town's

highway department and Newtown Hook and Ladder. Maryann also tells us that

Milton's sons. Thaddeus, Tyler, and Joshua, came up with the following poem,

though I think they may have had a little help from mom.

Though Columbus sailed the ocean blue

We think you're pretty special too.

Trains & firetrucks & backhoe on town crew

We love you just because you're YOU.

While I'm on the subject of milestones, Mr and Mrs Don Zemo, Sr, celebrated

their 65th wedding anniversary on October 6 with a dinner out with the family.

I hear that the latest addition to the Zemo family, Porki the kitten, got all

the doggie bags from the dinner.

Also, I'd like to wish happy birthday to my friend MJ Hanifin, who celebrates

the big day on October 19.

There aren't many canines who warm my heart, but there was one little white

fellow I'd often run into at the Senior Center. You'd find him waiting by the

door, or sleeping in the middle of the floor during an activity. I was sorry

to hear Bob Berger lost his best friend this week - lots of seniors will also

miss the canine companionship he provided. Condolences also are extended to

Liza and Wright Montgomery who lost their sleek grey family feline, Gretchen.

Many Newtowners spotted a familiar face in Newsweek last week. Rabbi Jeremy

Milgrom was featured in the news magazine for his efforts to bridge the

cultural and religious gaps that separate Palestinians and Jews in the Middle

East. While he was a student rabbi in 1982, Rabbi Milgrom and his wife,

Hillary, was associated with Newtown's Adath Israel synagogue. Now he is

building a reputation in Israel for reaching out to Arabs to find common

ground on which to build understanding and the hope for peace.

Have you noticed how nice the Exit 9 area looks? Representative Julia

Wasserman and First Selectman Bob Cascella used their respective influence to

encourage the DOT and Tilcon contractor to clean up their act in that area.

The debris has been removed and the trailers are soon to follow.

Don't spend too much time watching football on television this weekend.

Reserve a few hours for a walk outside. It's beautiful out there. But be sure

to get back in time to...

Read me again.