September 18, 1992

As a result of all the tractor trailers colliding with the railroad bridge over Church Hill Road, the state Department of Transportation plans to raise the bridge by one foot. According to Public Works Director Fred Hurley, the state has already appropriated money for the project, which is now in the design stage. Wednesday morning the overpass claimed another tractor trailer truck when a 13'5" moving van collided with the 12'7" high bridge.

***

A resident and Newtown's police chief expressed concerns this week about the infrequent, supervised walks by drug treatment inmates off the grounds of their units and through the center of town. "Anytime there are convicted felons walking in the community supervised by one corrections officer, it's a legitimate public safety concern," said Chief Michael DeJoseph. "I really don't see any rehabilitative value in taking prisoners and walking them through the community," he said. He noted the many acres of state land at Fairfield Hills, saying, "There is plenty of room to walk." On Tuesday afternoon a resident who asked not to be named spotted a group of about 10 inmates walking with a supervisor dressed in a blue uniform over the railroad tracks that cross the bridge on Church Hill Road and along Main Street, across from the Hawley Manor Inn.

***

A chance to win $5,000 awaits a fortunate individual on Saturday, October 24, at 4 pm following the Newtown High School football team's homecoming game. There will be a cow chip raffle at Bruce Jenner Stadium that day which promises to be fun and has a payoff to rival the lottery's. Whoever buys a ticket will "own" a square of the football field. When the celebrity cow is led onto the field and releases her "chip," the owner of the square wins a $5,000 grand prize. Sponsoring this first-time event is the Blue and Gold Booster Club, which supports all athletic programs at the high school.

***

On September 5, inmates at the State Department of Corrections' Western Substance Abuse Treatment Unit had a car wash to raise money for Hurricane Andrew victims. A check was presented to American Red Cross representatives.

***

Newtown and Brookfield selectmen will meet jointly on September 30 to try to resolve a long-standing discrepancy on the town line that borders both towns. Newtown selectmen met last week to discuss property owners concerns about possible changes to the town line. Brookfield is considering altering the line as it begins its revaluation process. Two areas in dispute may affect the undeveloped land of some 11 Newtown property owners.

September 29, 1967

The first open meeting of the Newtown Board of Finance convened at 8 pm on September 25, with one member of the public, two press members, and five Board of Fire Commissioners on hand. The major item for consideration was the firemen's request for $80,000 to purchase three new pieces of equipment for the town. A letter form the Board of Selectmen to the Board of Finance was read, recommending appropriation of these funds.

***

A petition is being circulated in Newtown, requesting the Newtown Zoning Board of Appeals to deny the application of the Newtown Water Company to erect a water tower 80 feet by 45 feet on Cedar Hill Road. Anyone not yet contacted who would be interested in signing this petition should call John Gill. Also, all townspeople are urged by residents in the area to attend the public hearing on this application on Wednesday, October 4, at 8:45 pm in the Edmond Town Hall gymnasium.

***

"The happiest fairground in the world" is what the advertisements say of The Great Danbury State Fair, and the man who is putting his all into making it just that is John Leahy, general manager. A visit to the fairgrounds last week found Mr Leahy busy tooting about the area in his little red truck checking on work still to be done and chatting with his employees. One of the fair's new attractions, a pony tent, and a large map which serves as the roof, came from the New York World's Fair. The fair begins its nine big days this Saturday, September 30.

***

The closing week of September has come to be associated with the Visiting Nurse Association of Newtown's fund drive. About 3,700 requests for money to support the VNA have been mailed this week, one to every home in Newtown. This is the VNA's only solicitor, not to be followed up by visits or phone calls. Through the VNA, professional nursing service is made available, on doctor's orders, to any resident of Newtown, regardless of age, illness, or ability to pay fees.

***

As a result of the public hearing held by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday evening, an amendment to the Town Plan of Development to establish the land surrounding Taunton Reservoir as open space land, has been adopted by the P&Z. Taunton Reservoir is used by the Newtown Water Company, a privately owned firm, as a source of public water supply for the town. Only about 10 persons attended the meeting.

September 25, 1942

Without fuss or feathers, the Newtown Ambulance Association held its first meeting last Thursday and heard reports of its first year of service. Matters of finance and operation were reported running smoothly, and so they are. The ambulance has, indeed, proven a valuable asset to the townspeople and can be expected to continue. The officers and other workers are due a public thanks for their good work. The Bee assures them that the townspeople appreciate all that the ambulance means to Newtown.

***

Sunday's rain made it necessary to postpone the second game of the Pomperaug League finals, scheduled to play at Pine Grove Park between the Naugatuck Bluebirds and Jack Leavy's Sandy Hook nine. Weather permitting, however, the two clubs will meet this Sunday afternoon to resume their battle for the league title.

***

The list of reservations for the PTA Supper Square Dance this Friday evening at Hawley School has been closed at 150, and the Red Cross Canteen group will serve supper to that number. The PTA wishes it could accommodate more of its friends, and hopes that those who have not made reservations will come at 8 o'clock to enjoy the square dancing and 4-H Victory exhibit.

***

In response to a number of questions regarding its work, the Newtown Committee for Child Refugees wishes the people of the community to know that the Wednesday meetings are continuing without interruption. The Committee has informed by the British Refugee Authorities in New York that garments are even more sorely needed in Britain than previously. And it has been assured that shipments are being included in convoys and getting through to England with regularity.

***

Next week The Bee will print a special issue, marking 50 years of newspaper publishing on the part of Arthur J. Smith, company president. His years with the paper have been active and fruitful, and already many of the paper's friends have shown a desire to congratulate him through the pages of next week's Bee. A unique occasion is planned for Saturday evening, October 3, when the Bee staff will gather at the Parker House for a dinner in Mr Smith's honor. Wives and husbands will bring the attendance to 75 or so at this "Bee family" party. The Bee considers this milestone in Mr Smith's business career an important event, not only in the life of this newspaper, but in the entire weekly newspaper field.

September 14, 1917

This is the week of the King Elberta peach, and selectman Newton Curtis and his helpers are now busily engaged in harvest. Ex representative Michael Kilbride, acting as chauffeur for Mr Curtis, is taking several loads daily with the Curtis truck to Talbot's in Danbury. The Faithful Daniel Lynch, with Mr Curtis's team, has been getting rid of one or two loads daily in South Britain, Southbury and Woodbury.

***

At the request of the US government, the American Library Associations has undertaken to provide libraries for our soldiers and sailors. This will be made possible by a million dollar fund and the week of September 24 has been selected as campaign week for the raising of the fund. Those interested in the Sandy Hook library wishing to contribute to the cause may communicate with Mrs Birdsey Sniffen who will forward any amount received to the Library War Council in Washington D.C.

***

The many friends of that sterling tax collector John F. Houlihan, regret to learn of his serious illness.

***

An automobile belonging to Albert E. Clark of Danbury was abandoned by its driver Thursday night, at the Golden Peach in Sandy Hook. Mr O'Neil notified Mr Clark, but up to Wednesday afternoon the Danbury gentleman had not put in an appearance to secure his car.

***

As we go to press Mrs J. W. Gordon informs us a worthy movement has been started to complete the fund for the ambulance. It is expected it will have the aid of the school teachers and children, and doubtless all will be glad to lend a hand.

Please consider sharing your old photographs of people and places from Newtown or Sandy Hook with readers. Images can be e-mailed to kendra@thebee.com, or brought to the office at 5 Church Hill Road to be scanned. When submitting photographs, please identify as many people as possible, the location, and the approximate date.