School Budget Fails For First Time Since 2013Newtown voters rejected the $88.8 million school budget at an April 23 referendum, the first time voters have rejected a budget in 10 years.For the first time since a budget failure in 2013, a budget failed to pass muster with the voters, as the education budget failed, 1,701 “no” votes to 1,194 “yes” votes.The town budget narrowly passed, 1,465 “yes” votes to 1,424 “no” votes, so the town’s budget of $48,834,506, a $1,308,366 or 2.75 percent spending increase, is official.The proposed Board of Education stood at $88,817,373, a $3,747,722 or 4.4% increase over last year. With the rejection from voters, the school budget will go back to the Legislative Council and Board of Finance to decide on a new bottom line, as well as the Board of Education for line item cuts.Legislative Council Chairman Keith Alexander said council will “convene to reconsider the proposed Board of Education budget for further adjustment.”“The Council will have to use the feedback of this referendum to assess the tax payers’ priorities,” said Alexander.On the secondary question to the education budget — If the proposed sum for the Board of Education is not approved, should the revised budget be higher? — the responses were 727 “yes” and 2,071 “no.”Superintendent of Schools Chris Melillo said that the proposed budget was “focused on maintaining staff and programs” as well as current levels of curriculum and instruction. With the failure of the school budget, Melillo said the “priority remains the same, to provide the best education and support students.”“We will try and maintain essential staff and programs, and shield them from cuts as much as we can,” said Melillo. “We will advocate for our students and make sure their educational experience is not compromised.”First Selectman Jeff Capeci said that the schools going down “by a large margin” suggests that the council and BOE have work that still needs to be done. He said the follow-up question gave the council “clear direction.”Capeci also noted that while the town passed, it was by a small margin.“We are conscious that taxpayers are feeling the pinch economically in general and from taxes,” said Capeci. “That’s the message I received.”The Bee reached out to BOE Chair Alison Plante but she did not respond before press time.A Letter to the Editor in this week’s Newtown Bee from four Republican Legislative Councilmen, Jennifer Nicoletti, Derek Pisani, John Zachos, and Ben Ruben, stated, “Newtown has not had a budget fail referendum in over a decade and we cannot take this message lightly. Affordability is not a partisan matter, and there were voters of all party affiliations who acted to send this budget back to the Council.”If both budgets had passed, voters were facing an overall budget of $137,651,879, a $5,056,088 or 3.7% spending increase. The mill rate would have increased from 26.24 to 27.24, a 1 mill or 3.82% tax increase.The Registrar of Voters reports 15.1% of Newtown’s registered voters participated in yesterday’s referendum, with 2,952 people showing up at Newtown Middle School to vote and another 47 turning in absentee ballots.In 2023, Newtown saw increased participation at its April budget vote with a turnout of approximately 8.8 percent, the first year of increased participation after years of waning participation, especially following the COVID pandemic. In 2022, participation was only 7.7 percent; in 2021, the turnout was 8.98 percent; in 2020, there was no budget referendum due to the pandemic; in 2019, turnout was 17 percent; in 2018, turnout was 15.7 percent; and in 2017, turnout was 19.9 percent.This year’s participation close to doubled the participation in 2023, but the results seem indicative of discontent with the proposed budget after years of relative apathy.The Board of Finance was expected to at least discuss the referendum results at its April 25 meeting, and the Legislative Council next meets on May 1. The Board of Education next meets on May 7.=====Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.School Budget Fails For First Time Since 2013 Jim Taylor
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Referendum Results: Split DecisionIn short: the town budget passed and the education budget failed during the April 23 referendum.In short: the town budget passed and the education budget failed during the April 23 referendum.The Registrar of Voters reports 15.1% of Newtown’s registered voters participated in yesterday’s referendum, with 2,952 people showing up at Newtown Middle School to vote and another 47 turning in absentee ballots.At the end of the day, 1,465 Yes votes were received for the $48,834,506 municipal budget vs 1,424 No votes.On the education side, with voters deciding on a proposed $88,817,373 budget the final numbers were 1,701 No and 1,194 Yes.On the secondary question to the education budget — If the proposed sum for the Board of Education is not approved, should the revised budget be higher? — the responses were 727 Yes and 2,071 No.See this week’s Newtown Bee print edition for additional details.=====Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.WEB referendum results Shannon Hicks
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Referendum At Midpoint: 5% Turnout ReportedAt the midway point of today’s referendum, 998 of Newtown’s 19,148 registered voters had visited Newtown Middle School to cast their four-question ballot.At the midway point of today’s referendum, 998 of Newtown’s 19,148 registered voters had visited Newtown Middle School to cast their four-question ballot. That represents 5% of the town’s voters appearing in person as of 1 pm.Voters are deciding the fate of a proposed $48,834,506 Board of Selectmen/municipal budget. That figure, approved by the Board of Finance in February, represents a $1,308,366 or 2.75% spending increase.The referendum also includes the proposed Board of Education budget. Following the Board of Finance’s review in February, the BOE proposal is $88,817,373, a $3,747,722 or 4.4% increase over last year.Voters also have secondary questions for each proposed budget: If the proposed sum for the Board of Selectmen/Board of Education (respectively) is not approved, should the revised budget be higher.The polling location opened at 6 am and will remain open until 8 pm. All voting is being conducted in the gymnasium of Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street.The Office of the Registrar of Voters received 46 absentee ballots, which will be opened and counted after the close of polls at 8.Read more here: Council Approves Board Of Education Budget Without Cuts On Split Vote=====Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.WEB referendum midday reminder Shannon Hicks
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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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Reed Library And Media Specialist Sara Wasley Receives Outstanding Educational Leader Award When Reed Library and Media Specialist Sara Wasley walked through the library doors on Monday, April 22, she was as surprised as she was overjoyed to learn that she received an Outstanding Educational Leader Award from Connecticut PTA.Reed Library and Media Specialist Sara Wasley thought the first day back from spring break to be one like any other. When she walked through the library doors on Monday, April 22, she was shocked to be welcomed back with a surprise award ceremony and cheer and applause from fellow Reed library staff, PTA members, and even students.This was because the Reed PTA Board wanted to surprise her with the fact that she received an Outstanding Educational Leader Award from Connecticut PTA. According to Reed PTA Secretary Meredith Campbell Britton, these annual awards recognize educators, school professionals, and volunteers that demonstrate exceptional leadership for learning, community involvement, communication, and professionalism.“We just are so proud of you, and we just think you’re so amazing,” Campbell Britton said. “We were so excited to nominate you and are so happy that Connecticut PTA agrees with us.”Reed Library Administrative Assistant Sarah Beier helped gather letters of support from library patrons, students and adults alike, that nominated Wasley as an Outstanding Educational Leader. These included letters from Board of Education member John Vouros, Reed Principal Dr Matt Correia, Reed Assistant Principal Jenna Connors, and many more. Reed PTA then wrote the application and sent it in to Connecticut PTA. According to their website, the Connecticut PTA's mission is "to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children."For the special surprise award ceremony, Reed PTA members and library staff gave Wasley a bouquet of flowers, a congratulations card, stickers, and a folder with the letters of support that were written by students. These students who wrote letters of support were apparently so excited according to Beier that they kept coming up to her and asking if she heard whether Wasley won the award or not. Beier mentioned that she "couldn't wait" to tell the students the good news. When they wanted to take a group photo to memorialize the moment in The Bee, everyone gathered around a fake tree decoration dotted in white flower lights toward the back wall; one of Wasley's favorite spots in the library. “Oh my gosh, this is so amazing. Thank you all so, so much,” Wasley beamed. “This is just so sweet.”There will be a ceremonial brunch held by the Connecticut PTA on Sunday, June 2 at La Bella Vista, 380 Farmwood Road in Waterbury to celebrate all of the 2024 Outstanding Educators. The brunch will start at 11 am and feature a wide variety of foods from appetizers such as sliced seasonal fruit and croissants to buffet items such as Belgian waffles and chicken francese, and much more. All winners are considered guests of Connecticut PTA, while family and friends must register to attend. Registration forms for the Connecticut PTA 2024 Outstanding Educators Brunch are available online at ctpta.org/ct-pta-awards-dinner.Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.MUST Reed Library And Media Specialist Sara Wasley Receives Outstanding Jenna Visca
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When Reed Library and Media Specialist Sara Wasley walked through the library doors on Monday, April 22, she was as surprised as she was overjoyed to learn that she received an Outstanding Educational Leader Award from Connecticut PTA.
NBLA Trail Notes: Annual Slow and Go Ride Pleases All Participants Trail ride through Huntington Park in Redding features slow and fast pace options.Each spring Newtown Bridle Lands Association hosts a group trail ride through Huntington Park in Redding. Called the Slow and Go Trail Ride, it is designed to appeal to all types of riders and horses. The “Slow” group is walk only. Riders who choose this option have different reasons: perhaps their horse is not yet in condition, getting over lameness, or learning about trail riding. Sometimes either the horse or the rider is a senior who just doesn’t feel like hurrying. Spring is a beautiful time to amble through the park and enjoy the trees coming into bloom and the songs of birds as they tend to their babies.The “Go” group is usually made up of confident riders who love a ground covering extended trot and a fast canter through the meadows. Both groups had to navigate mud, water crossings, and some rocky paths, but that is the nature of true trail riding and the horses did what they were asked.This year the ride took place on April 20. Fifteen riders and their mounts showed up to take part and they were evenly divided between the Slows and the Gos. The course was a big loop starting and ending at a member’s house that is located near the park. After the ride, the horses were freed of their tack, brushed down and loaded in their trailers with some fresh hay. Meanwhile, the riders partook of a delicious meal of chicken salad on croissants, soup, green salad, and dessert. Conversation was horse-centric, just what the participants enjoy the most!Tracy Van Buskirk is a 39-year-resident of Newtown and president of Newtown Bridle Lands Association, at www.nblact.com, a nonprofit volunteer organization formed in 1978 to foster an interest in horseback riding as well as preserving, protecting and maintaining riding and hiking trails in the community. Horses have always been a part of her life. She owns a small bay quarter horse named Little Bear.NBLA Trail Notes Tracy Van Buskirk
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State Representatives Speak To Newtown Seniors In ‘Pizza & Policy’ Event
State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107) visited the Newtown Senior Center on April 19 for a “Pizza & Policy” event, where they talked to Newtown seniors about the 2024 Legislative Session and then answered questions on state issues.State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107) visited the Newtown Senior Center on April 19 for a “Pizza & Policy” event, where they talked to Newtown seniors about the 2024 Legislative Session and then answered questions on state issues.Around 45 people attended the event, with many eager to raise their concerns about various issues such as healthcare, transportation, tax relief, aging in place, and affordable senior housing.To Bolinsky, this event is an extension of the work that he already does on a daily basis.“In all the 12 years I’ve been serving, my mission has been about talking to people in my constituency and helping people in my constituency every single day,” Bolinsky said. “Even on vacation, I answer my phone and my texts. That’s important to me.”The event started with residents treating themselves to either plain, pepperoni, or vegetable pizza alongside refreshments such as water, seltzer, and tea.Attendees were also handed a packet of information detailing the major issues of the 2024 Legislative Session and small cards with Bolinsky’s and Foncello’s contact information, which Foncello referred to as their “baseball cards.”Both Bolinsky and Foncello encouraged any attendees who were confused about the topics in the booklet and at the event to personally reach out to them, as they want to do what they can to help residents understand the policies that affect them.“Seriously, if you need to reach us, on the back of those cards, there’s phone numbers, emails, addresses, and so on,” Foncello said. “We want to help you.”Everyone sat together at tables set with floral centerpieces as they ate and talked amongst themselves before Director of Human Services Natalie Griffith formally introduced Bolinsky and Foncello to the crowd.As a ranking member of the Legislature’s Aging Committee, Bolinsky said they were aiming for a “quantum shift” in the way the state uses its money.“We spend huge amounts subsidizing nursing homes … when the best place to be is in your home,” Bolinsky said. “The access to skilled nursing care, of wheelchair ramps and the ability to widen your bathroom door so you can get in with your walker; all of those things are in the process of happening right now in our Aging Committee.”This focus on helping improve the quality of life for senior citizens serves as the anchor for Bolinsky and his colleagues’ two priority bills in the 2024 Legislative Session.One is with the Speaker of the House and focuses on supporting seniors “aging in place,” which is the desire for seniors to remain in their own homes while receiving proper care. The other is with the governor and focuses on increasing quality and accountability in nursing home settings.Attendees also strongly expressed concerns regarding affordable housing, and asked the state representatives what they are doing to address the issue.Bolinsky explained that they are working to “address it as organically as they can” and that the state does not control housing supply. He and his committee said they also expressed interest in the idea of converting and repurposing long-term care buildings into affordable, independent living communities.“The goal is to use available real estate, convert it, and to have the community take advantage of it,” Bolinsky said. “We need affordable living options now, and have proposed two regional trial programs to redirect more costly, traditional aging resources into subsidizing or bonding-assistance to retrofit and convert increasingly underutilized, existing facilities.”Bolinsky also shared that they just applied for and got a state designation for Fairfield Hills Campus as a state historical site. He went on to say that he was happy to speak on the significance of the campus and why he felt it needed to be declared historic and qualify for historical credits.Some residents, such as attendee Danuta D’Alessandro, expressed their gratitude for the state representatives visiting and talking to the community.“[Bolinsky] comes here from time to time and talks to us and listens to us, and I just feel this makes us more important and heard as seniors,” D’Alessandro said.Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.State Representatives Speak To Newtown Seniors In "Policy & Pizza" Event Jenna Visca
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Bolinsky, Foncello Among Those To Support 911 Dispatchers At Hearts of Hope Newtown EventHearts of Hope Newtown recently hosted a Paint with a Purpose event honoring 911 Emergency Dispatchers. Hearts of Hope Newtown recently hosted a Paint with a Purpose event honoring 911 Emergency Dispatchers. State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Marty Foncello (R-107) were among those to attend the April 17 event at Newtown Community Center. The evening was scheduled midway through National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.Both men thanked the organization for their continued efforts to bring hope to those who serve the community.Bolinsky said 911 emergency dispatchers are often taken for granted, “but they’re the calming, helpful voice we hear first when we call for help. They begin the process of directing resources and the appropriate public safety response we need.“They’re seldom on the line long enough for us to be able to say, ‘Thank you for caring,’” the state representative added. “Hearts of Hope helps express our gratitude in a simple, beautiful way.”The local Hearts of Hope chapter is currently led by President Diane Sarna and Vice President Ivey Pearson.What the women, Bolinsky said, “have built allows members of our community to come together to create these hand-painted messages of hope, kindness, and encouragement for folks, or entire communities, who need and deserve a hug.”Foncello offered his thanks to the local chapter “for hosting a wonderful night to honor 911 Emergency Dispatchers. This was perfect timing to show appreciation for these dedicated individuals during a week set aside to recognize their work.“Emergency dispatchers work behind the scenes and are often the calming voice for people at some of the worst moments in their lives. They are not seen, but they are heard and I thank them for their service,” he added.About a dozen community members attended the event. In spite of it being a rainy and blustery evening, guests were enthusiastic and happy to be part of such a wonderful endeavor. Attendees were reportedly from Bethel, Middlebury and even Berlin in addition to Newtown.Newtown Emergency Communications Center Director Maureen Will, who also serves as the town’s deputy emergency management director, spoke with participants about the work of dispatchers and what goes on behind the scenes during emergency calls. She also relayed how much the painted ceramic hearts, along with the messages of hope, meant to Newtown dispatchers when a previous batch was delivered to them.Hearts of Hope is a healing art program formed following 9/11 attacks. The Newtown chapter was started in the wake of 12/14. Attendees of events are encouraged to paint simple messages and/or images on palm-sized ceramic hearts which are then shared with their intended recipients.Bolinsky, Foncello Support 911 Emergency Dispatchers at Hearts of Hope Newt Story Bolinsky, Foncello Among Those To Support 911 Dispatchers At Hearts of Hope Newtown EventBolinsky, Foncello Support 911 Emergency Dispatchers at Hearts of Hope NewtFeaturesNone
‘For The Love Of Painting’: Engelman Retrospective Planned At Booth LibraryA watercolor retrospective of the works of Bambi Engelman (1947-2023), a longtime SCAN member and officer, will be presented at C.H. Booth Library. A watercolor retrospective of the works of Bambi Engelman (1947-2023), a longtime SCAN member and officer, will be presented at C.H. Booth Library May 4 through July 31.Engelman expressed her artistic voice and vision through her beautiful watercolors of flowers, still lifes, and ocean- and shore-related scenes, the Madison beaches being one of her favorites.Engelman spent part of her life along the shore in Madison.She was born into a Navy family and spent much of her young life moving around the United States. She eventually decided on a teaching career and spent 30 years in the Monroe school system, where she was loved and admired.Her painting friends enjoyed hearing her stories of traveling through France as a young woman on the back of a motorcycle. This was surprising since Engelman was a reserved, gentle woman. As people got to know her, however, they realized how independent she was and what a strong will she had to succeed.Most of her works were painted from her own photographs and told a story about places and things she loved. She studied with a variety of teachers over the years.Friends of Engelman have worked with her daughter and son-in-law to curate the presentation.They shared the following statement:“Bambi’s representational works reflect her passion for watercolors. Her brush gave her a great sense of quiet peace, a sanctuary, a safe place to be in her creative mind. She had a personal connection with all her works, most of which were from her own photographs.“Her subjects reflect places dear to her. Her still lifes, botanicals, and her flower paintings display her love of detail and her love of nature.”The presentation of Engelman’s works, “For The Love of Painting,” will be in the hall on the upper floor of the library, 25 Main Street. Booth Library is open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am-8 pm; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 am-5 pm; and Sunday, 12-5 pm.All works will be available for purchase, with 75% of the proceeds going to the library.Engelman works going on view at Booth Library Story ‘For The Love Of Painting’: Engelman Retrospective Planned At Booth LibraryEngelman works going on view at Booth LibraryCultural Events, FeaturesNone
Girls’ Golf Team Posts Wins The Nighthawk girls' golf team picked up where it left off with a victory fresh out of spring break.Newtown High School’s girls’ golf team defeated visiting Joel Barlow of Redding 199-247 at Newtown Country Club on April 10. Lucia St Lorenzo shot a 43, Riley Ragan carded a 46, Maddy Watson 53, Amanda Faircloth 57, and Sarah Gore 60.After some time off for spring break, the Nighthawks visited Stratford at Mill River Country Club on April 23 and carded a 210 to win. Stratford had only two golfers and did not score as a team. Defending South-West Conference individual champion Lauren Ogradowicz, of Stratford, shot a 39 for medalist accolades. Newtown was led by Faircloth with a 51 and a balanced score sheet of 53s from Madelyn Marcisz, St Lorenzo, and Ragan, along with a 57 from Watson.The Hawks, after three consecutive scheduled road matches, return to Newtown Country Club Tuesday, April 30 when Immaculate of Danbury and Pomperaug of Southbury visit at 3 pm.NHS Girls Golf Story Girls’ Golf Team Posts WinsNHS Girls Golf_8SportsNone
Girls’ Lacrosse Team Wins Easily After OT Setback, Then Pulls Out Nail-Biter Hawks battled New Fairfield and Joel Barlow in down-to-the-wire contests.Newtown High School’s girls’ lacrosse team shook off a tough 12-11 overtime setback to visiting New Fairfield on April 18 with an 18-1 win over visiting Immaculate of Danbury on April 20, then edged host Joel Barlow of Redding 7-6 on April 23.Against New Fairfield, Summer Harrell recorded four goals and six draw controls, and two assists; Jules Battaglia had three goals; and Natalie Mclean, Brooke Bulkley, Jen Socci, and Ava Mitchell all netted goals. McLean recorded four draw controls and had two assists and Brooke Bulkley had three draw controls to go along with an assist. Goaltender Alexa Manfredonia made ten saves.In the win over Immaculate, Bulkley had four goals and McLean scored three. Battaglia logged two goals and an assist, Nicki Kaplan scored twice, Reese Lischuk scored one and had two assists, and Harrell had an assist. Casey Schnitzler, Mitchell, Rachael Albrecht, Gabby O’Sullivan, Blake Heim-Sherwood, and Sara Ruddy all scored a goal.Newtown jumped out to a quick three-goal lead and held off Barlow. Mitchell scored three times, Battaglia, Bulkley, and Socci each had a goal and an assist, and McLean added a goal.“Barlow is a great defensive team and in conference rival and it was truly a defensive battle,” said Co-Coach Steph Suhoza, who added that possession was critical in this matchup. “Our defense came up with a number of turnovers that helped us secure the Win — led by Abby Ihelfeld, Mo Murphy, Kayla Locke and Ella Macey. Alexa had five saves.”Socci had the winning goal as the Hawks held on with a defensive stand after a Barlow draw circle win.The Hawks, after hosting FCIAC opponent Ridgefield on Thursday get back to South-West Conference action with a Tuesday, April 30, visit to Pomperaug of Southbury at 7 pm. Bunnell-Stratford visit NHS Friday, May 3 at 6:30 pm.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.NHS Girls Lacrosse Andy Hutchison
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Boys’ Volleyball Team Enjoys Success On The Court NHS squad keeps winning ways going against Brookfield and Xavier of Middletown.Newtown High School’s boys’ volleyball team maintained its winning ways when the Nighthawks topped visiting Brookfield 3-0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-8) in its home opener on April 17. The Nighthawks excelled in some facets of the game while continuing to show improvement in others.“I think our serve was pretty good. Our free ball offense is starting to come together,” Head Coach Ardi Kodzodziku said.Newtown’s passing game was also strong and set up some seemingly easy points. “Without the passing you can’t get big swings and the bounce balls we got today,” added the coach, referring to hard hits in which the ball is not returned and bounces off the court or hands of opponents and out of play.Against Brookfield, Charlie Hanson compiled 15 kills, seven digs, and a trio of blocks; Nate Twitchell had 12 kills, three digs, and one block; and Eli Sullivan racked up 11 digs to go along with two aces. A. J. Zatulskis had three kills, Warner Bacon five kills, Max McCarthy logged three blocks, and Matt Tomaj recorded four digs and 33 assists.After winning game one with relative ease the Nighthawks found themselves behind 5-1 to start the second set. The Hawks battled back to take a 7-6 lead only to see the Bobcats go in front 12-7 and 15-8. Newtown went on a 6-0 run highlighted by Twitchell’s cross-court, front-corner placement kill, a Hanson smash down the middle, Sullivan’s service point, and a combined effort block for a point by Zatulskis and Bacon. The Hawks were within a point at 15-14.The teams traded points before Hanson’s block and subsequent kill off contact gave the Hawks an 18-17 lead. Hanson followed that up with another kill and Bacon scored a point to give Newtown a 20-17 lead. Brookfield trailed just 21-19 but saw the Hawks close out on a 4-0 run which included McCarthy and Bacon combining on a block and a strong serve by Tomaj which led to Zatulskis finding an opening just inside the back line to end the set.Newtown had its way in game three, jumping out to a 9-1 lead and never looking back. Twitchell’s kill made it 3-1 and he held serve for and extended run of points aided by a pair of aces that sandwiched a service point. Hanson also had key hits during the early-set pull-away.After the Bobcats clawed a bit to get within eight at 15-7 the Hawks finished strong with a 10-1 run. Sullivan’s ace pushed Newtown’s lead to 20-7 and Zatulskis followed with a booming hit for a point. Twitchell had two consecutive kills, the second a nicely-placed hit just inside the back line, to cap the scoring and clinch the win.The Nighthawks, following a 3-1 (19-25, 25-21, 25-18, 25-19) home win over Xavier of Middletown on April 22, improved to 6-3 overall. Twitchell had 14 kills, 12 digs, and three blocks; Hanson had ten kills and a trio of blocks; Bacon logged four kills and five blocks; Tomaj recorded ten digs and 35 assists; Zatulskis had seven digs and four aces; and McCarthy added two digs and two kills.Kodzodziku likes what he is seeing, especially given the players needed to make some positional adjustments. Kodzodziku noted that he has eight players who are club-level middle hitters and some have had to switch to the outside and right side hitter positions.“It’s starting to come together. They’re running with it very well. They’re a very coachable group,” Kodzodziku said after the Brookfield match. “It’s so fun — really good group.”Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.NHS Boys Volleyball Andy Hutchison
Story Boys’ Volleyball Team Enjoys Success On The CourtNHS Boys Volleyball_36Featured Slider, SportsNone
Hawks Play Long Ball And Small Ball For Dramatic Win Versus Bethel Home run and walk-off finish make for exciting game against Wildcats.There are a variety of ways to score in any sport but perhaps no more differing options can be found in a game other than baseball. Case in point: Newtown High School’s 2-1 walk-off victory over visiting Bethel on April 17.Sure, the Nighthawks only scored twice but the way in which the two runs came across home plate could not have differed any more than they did. Catcher Hayden Conklin hit a game-tying home run and got to round the bases at his leisure when the ball cleared the fence in left field in the fourth inning. “He’s been hitting the ball very well the last couple games and he hit a bomb right there — that was huge,” Newtown Coach Ian Thoesen said.Then there was the decisive run, which came about without the ball ever leaving the infield. First baseman Jack Carta took one for the team; he was hit by a pitch to start the improbable rally. Pinch runner Travis Rekos stole second base with two outs. Then pinch hitter JoJo Meriano hit a smash that deflected off the short stop’s glove and rolled just far enough away for the speedy Rekos to sprint all the way around to score ahead of the throw home.Newtown and Bethel met for the second time in less than a week and the Nighthawks came from behind to come out on top in both contests (winning 7-3 at Bethel on April 11).“I’m very proud of the team,” Thoesen said following the 2-1 win, which was completed just before a light rain began to intensify. “It was a good team effort.”Especially considering a pinch runner and pinch hitter came off the bench to make the difference. Thoesen said he tells his players they always have to be ready and there is no telling when they might be the difference-maker on a given day.“That’s what we instill. Everybody’s got to do their part,” the coach added. “We’re learning to compete. We’ve just got to play our game.”Putting the ball in play, pitchers throwing strikes, and fielders making at least the routine plays will add up to success, Thoesen said.Pitcher Dhilan Amin was outstanding on the mound, striking out 11 batters, walking one, and scattering five hits in seven innings with his four-seam and two-seam fast balls, curve, and changeup all working. Amin scattered a handful of hits and also showed off his athleticism when he got to a back-spin infield blooper that went over his head and made a play to narrowly throw out the batter running to first base.“It feels amazing to get a home win in a conference game. We really stepped up when we needed to. Everybody knew what they needed to do when they got to the plate — everybody knew the job they had,” Amin said.Newtown saw its three-game winning streak halted by visiting Joel Barlow of Redding in another pitching duel and 2-1 outcome on April 19. Newtown scored in the second inning and Barlow plated runs in the third and fifth. Ryan Schmid had two walks and a run driven in and Yarema Stasyshyn walked and scored. Evan Nikolis had the only Newtown hit and also pitched well in relief; Nikolis pitched 2.2 scoreless innings, scattering three hits, walking one, and striking out five. Jamie Piccuillo struck out the side and walked one in a scoreless inning of work. Danny Leyva was solid in 3.1 innings, allowing two runs, but just one earned, giving up five hits, allowing a walk, and fanning one batter.The Hawks fell 11-2 to visiting New Fairfield on April 22 but looked to bounce back with games Wednesday at Kolbe Cathedral of Bridgeport and home Friday, April 26, versus Immaculate of Danbury at 4:15 pm.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.NHS Baseball Andy Hutchison
Story Hawks Play Long Ball And Small Ball For Dramatic Win Versus BethelNHS Baseball_140SportsNone
Hitting Is Contagious: Softball Team Erupts For Nine-Run Inning In Blowout Victory Hawks use nine-run frame to seal victory then pile up nine more runs in another win.Held scoreless through three innings and leading just 3-0 in the fourth, the Newtown High School softball team put its hitting shoes on to the tune of a nine-run rally in the fifth on the way to an improbable 12-0, run-rule victory over visiting Bethel on April 17. The game was called because of the mercy rule in which teams with a 12-run lead are declared the winner once the opponent has been retired in the fifth inning.Bethel appeared poised to push this game into the sixth and then some, despite the Newtown power surge starting with back-to-back home runs in the fourth. Maddie Thoesen and Bri Pellicone both cleared the fence to get the scoring started. Sophia Caruso followed with a single and was bunted into scoring position by Lila Accousti. Caitlin Milks followed with a run-scoring single to make it 3-0 Nighthawks.In the fifth, Julia Berry led off with a walk. Two outs later and the Wildcats never would have guessed they would get run-ruled. But Newtown strung together hit after hit, and a couple of errors mixed in resulted in the scoring outburst. Caruso had a run batted in on single through the third-base hole to make it 4-0. Gabby Ansman followed with an RBI hit down the left field line. Accousti reached on an infield single that scored a run. Reyha Litke blooped a two-run single to center to make it 8-0, and the Hawks kept pouring it on.Berry, the leadoff batter, had three hits, an RBI, and two runs scored; Cordova was 3-for-4 with three RBI, and two runs scored; Pellicone and Caruso both had two hits, an RBI, and two runs scored; and Rachael Casagrande had one of Newtown’s 15 hits and scored a run. Ansman and Cordova both doubled and Berry had a stolen base.“Once we start hitting it repeats itself,” Pellicone said.“I think hitting is just contagious. When one person starts hitting everyone else feeds off it,” Newtown Assistant Coach Christina Wolf-Gallo said. “That inning is an example of what we’re capable of as a team when we’re hitting.”The homers by Thoesen and Pellicone allowed everybody to relax a bit after a tight few innings were put in the books by both starting pitchers. Newtown gave regular starter Thoesen a break and turned to Addy Cordova who pitched four solid frames, allowing two hits, two walks, and struck out a pair. Reyha Litke entered the game with Newtown still leading 3-0 and pitched a hitless, one-walk, two-strikeout frame.“They complemented each other very well today,” Wolf-Gallo said of the Nighthawk pitchers.Newtown followed up its nine-run inning game with a 9-0 win, beating visiting New Fairfield behind a 15-hit effort on April 22.Pellicone went 3-for-4 with two singles and a double; Cordova went 2-for-4 with a single, a double, and an RBI; Thoesen drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly to right to score Berry; Caruso an RBI single and sacrifice bunt that scored a run; Ansman went 2-for-4 with a single, a double, and RBI; Accousti went 2-for-3 with a pair of solid singles; Casagrande had a two-run single and walk; and Litke and Elena Burdo recorded RBI singles. Pellicone and Accousti both stole bases.Thoesen pitched two innings and had two strikeouts; Cordova pitched three innings and recorded four strikeouts; and Litke tossed two innings and recorded one strikeout. The three pitchers combined to allow only three hits.“In addition to hitting, our defense was solid. Addy Cordova had a great day at short, making some great plays before going into pitch. Bri Pellicone and Caitlin Milks worked together to make some great saves in the middle of the infield, and Sarah Hubner ended the game with a double play,” Head Coach Megan Goyda said.The Hawks will host Immaculate of Danbury Friday, April 26, at 4 pm.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.NHS Softball Andy Hutchison
Story Hitting Is Contagious: Softball Team Erupts For Nine-Run Inning In Blowout VictoryNHS Softball_159SportsNone
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.
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 (John Angel Art Alcove, third floor), 25 Main Street
Second 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 30; 203-426-4533.
