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Fire Reports | April 24-30, 2024 Fire calls and their responders for the period of April 24-30, 2024. Wednesday, April 24: 2:11 pm, gas leak, 301 South Main Street, Botsford responded; 2:40 pm, medical assist, Queen Street, Hook & Ladder responded; 5:13 pm, medical assist, Wasserman Way/Mile Hill Road, Hook & Ladder responded; 6:19 pm, service call, Wasserman Way/Trades Lane, Hook & Ladder responded.Thursday, April 25: 1:49 am, mutual aid, 7 Boxwood Drive, Brookfield, Hawleyville responded; 3:25 am, medical assist, Still Hill Road, Sandy Hook responded; 6:51 am, medical assist, Marlin Road, Botsford responded; 3:45 pm, medical assist, Patricia Lane, Botsford responded; 6:35 pm, fire alarm, 85 Flat Swamp Road, Dodgingtown responded; 8:10 pm, appliance malfunction, 30 The Boulevard, Hook & ladder responded.Friday, April 26: 7:13 am, motor vehicle accident (MVA), South Main Street/Borough Lane, Hook & Ladder responded; 2:32 pm, brush fire, 40 Saw Mill Road, Hawleyville and Hook & Ladder responded; 3:55 pm, tree/wires down, Oakview/Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook responded; 4:04 pm, medical assist, Papoose Hill, Hook & Ladder responded; 4:37 pm, service call, 23 Cherry Street, Sandy Hook responded; 5:57 pm, service call, 3 Trades Lane, Hook & Ladder responded.Saturday, April 27: 2:17 pm, fire alarm, 9 Queen Street, Hook & Ladder responded; 2:18 pm, MVA, Interstate 84 Exits 10&9, Hook & Ladder responded; 5:06 pm, MVA, 154 South Main Street, Botsford responded.Sunday, April 28: 10:28 am, service call, 65 Echo Valley Road, Hook & Ladder and Sandy Hook responded; 3:53 pm, brush fire, 351 South Main Street, Botsford responded; 5:31 pm, MVA, I84E Exits 10&11, Sandy Hook responded; 5:38 pm, gas leak, 48 Elizabeth Circle, Hook & Ladder and Sandy Hook responded; 6:01 pm, smoke/odor investigation, 32 Castle Meadow Road, Botsford responded.Monday, April 29: 10:33 am, fire alarm, 10 Mountain Manor Road, Sandy Hook and Botsford responded; 2:47 pm, fire alarm, 225 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook and Botsford responded; 4:41 pm, standby, 59 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, Hawleyville responded; 8:02 pm, medical assist, Nunnawauk Meadows, Hook & Ladder responded.Tuesday, April 30: 8:04 pm, CO alarm, 16 Swamp Road, Botsford responded.

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Fire Reports | April 24-30, 2024

Fire calls and their responders for the period of April 24-30, 2024.

News

Flags To Be Lowered Sunday

Flags To Be Lowered Sunday Flags are to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, May 5, in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.Flags are to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, May 5, in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, an annual observance honoring the sacrifices of firefighters across the country who have died in the line of duty.Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the US flag, all other flags — including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise — should also be lowered during the same duration of time.The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will host a ceremony on Sunday morning at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park in Emmitsburg, Md., during which 226 fallen firefighters — 89 of whom died in the line of service in 2023 and 137 others in previous years — will be memorialized by having their names added to a bronze plaque that will be unveiled during the ceremony, becoming a permanent part of the federal park.North Haven FD Lieutenant Anthony A. DeSimone, 50, is being added to the memorial this year. DeSimone suffered a fatal medical emergency on August 24 after returning home from a 38-hour continuous shift at his fire station.A Candlelight Service for families will be conducted Saturday night. The Memorial Service for all families, friends and fellow firefighters will be Sunday at 10 am, and will be livestreamed at weekend.firehero.org/

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News

Council Cuts $1.4 Million From School Budget

Council Cuts $1.4 Million From School Budget The Legislative Council authorized a reduction of $1.4 million from the Board of Education budget's increase, and the new budget will go out to referendum on May 14. Following a rejection of the school budget by 507 votes at a referendum on April 23, the Legislative Council at its April 29 meeting slashed $1,408,307 from the Board of Education’s proposed 2024-25 budget.The reduction was unanimously approved by all 12 councilmen, in contrast to a previous, pre-referendum meeting on March 27, where no bottom line for the school budget drew more than a simple majority of seven votes.The new bottom line of $87,409,066 is a $2,339,415 or 2.75% spending increase over the 2023-24 budget, which places it in line with the municipal budget, which was passed by voters. The previous proposed 2024-25 BOE budget rejected by voters was $88,817,373, which would have been a $3,747,722 or 4.4% spending increase.With the approval of the $48,834,506 municipal budget, if the new proposed school budget is passed, the mill rate will increase from 26.24 to 26.97 mills, a 2.77% tax increase. The previous proposal would have increased the mill rate from 27.24, a 1 mill or 3.82% tax increase.The next budget referendum will be on Tuesday, May 14.Regarding the $1.4 million cut, Democrat Chris Gardner, who made the motion, said it was one he was “not happy to make” but that the council had to address how the vote had turned out.“The people who voted, voted overwhelmingly to cut this budget, it was a three-to-one vote to cut the budget,” said Gardner.Gardner acknowledged a large amount of people in attendance at the meeting, but said that the support didn’t come prior to the budget vote and that councilmen had to react to the votes that were cast.Gardner urged the residents in attendance who spoke in favor of the school budget to go out and vote at the next referendum.Republican Derek Pisani, who seconded the motion, said the council had received “direct feedback about the affordability” of the budget.“Even the town, which had a modest increase and had cut some items, barely passed,” said Pisani. “The voters indicated this is a challenging time that some residents are not finding affordable.”There are currently 400 Newtown families who are delinquent on their homeowner tax bills, and another 100 who rely on the town’s food pantry.“Affordability is not partisan or political; it’s a complicated balance,” said Pisani.The education budget failed, 1,701 “no” votes to 1,194 “yes” votes.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.”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 Registrar of Voters reports 15.1% of Newtown’s registered voters participated in the April 23 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.Democrat Heather Dean said it was an “extremely difficult decision to support a cut of this size.”“I know the other councilmen believe in the school system, believe in the schools, and support education,” said Dean. “Unfortunately, the vote did not come out that way. We can’t ignore the votes that came in, or didn’t come in.”Legislative Council Chairman Keith Alexander said that he had “zero interest” in cutting the education budget, and having read the budget, it “underscores that it’s very difficult to run the entire school system” and he felt “people were making decisions without full knowledge of the budget.” He said he would prefer to make smaller cuts and see if those pass; however, since the town was on a tight time line, that was not possible.“As much as it pains me, this is the number that works,” said Alexander.Former BOE chairman Deborra Zukowski, speaking during public participation, said tears were in her eyes when she heard the motion.“I know we all support the schools, but I understand where this comes from,” said Zukowski. “The town only passed by 41 votes. It’s a hard time to be in your seats.”Earlier in the meeting, when asked where cuts could potentially come from, Superintendent Chris Melillo said that the schools potentially had a $500,000 surplus that he would use to cover some one-time costs such as buying textbooks and a grade six to eight reading program.For roughly another $500,000, the schools are considering not hiring a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst the district was looking to hire; removing additions to summer school; cutting a teacher from the high school, possibly by not hiring the position of a retiring teacher; eliminating a teaching position that the schools were looking to add, eliminating a kindergarten through sixth grade Spanish program with four full-time position equivalents attached; consolidating some secretarial positions, eliminating some platforms for assessing students, and removing a kindergarten readiness program. The possibilities for cuts for the remaining $400,000 have yet to be identified. Melillo cautioned councilmen that due to timing, none of the proposed cuts had been presented or approved by the Board of Education, so the final cuts may look different.Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.

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News

Special Absentee Voting Hours, Ballots Available For Second Referendum

Special Absentee Voting Hours, Ballots Available For Second Referendum The Town Clerk’s office will have Special Absentee Voting Hours and ballots available ahead of the next Board of Education referendum. Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia Halstead has announced that the Town Clerk’s office will have Special Absentee Voting Hours ahead of the Board of Education referendum from 9 am to noon Saturday, May 11. Registered local voters are heading back to referendum on May 14 after the education budget failed on April 23.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 their own during all hours of voting.Due to the referendum being conducted with less than three weeks notice, ballots must be applied for in person or a designee. These ballots will not be mailed out.Voters or their designees must vote in person or have a qualified designee pick up their ballot.Absentee ballots can be returned in person to the office of the Town Clerk by 4:30 pm Monday, May 13; inserted in ballot box outside either entrance of the municipal center, 3 Primrose Street, before 8 pm on referendum day; or dropped off to the office of the Town Clerk by a qualified designee before 8 pm on referendum day.Absentee ballots will be counted at Newtown Municipal Center.Absentee ballots are available weekdays between 8 am and 4:30 pm at the Office of the Town Clerk, within Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street.For additional information regarding absentee ballots contact the Office of the Town Clerk at town.clerk@newtown-ct.gov or 203-270-4210.

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News

Two New Police Officers Sworn In

Two New Police Officers Sworn In Newtown Police Department welcomed its two newest officers during a swearing in ceremony on May 1.The Newtown Police Department welcomed its two newest officers — Kevin Poruban and Kurt Kling — during a swearing in ceremony on May 1.The two officers will be attending police academy for six months before officially joining the force.Police Chief David Kullgren said Poruban is a Norwalk native and Norwalk High School graduate. He has been serving in the Connecticut Army National Guard since 2009, and is currently a staff sergeant in Westbrook.Kling is a Newtown resident and Newtown High School graduate who has been serving in the US Air Force for the past six years, and is also at the rank of staff sergeant.“This is a moment that will be etched in your memory,” Kullgren told the men Wednesday afternoon. “The oath is not a formality but a sacred commitment. You will be held to a higher standard, that you chose willingly.”Kullgren told Poruban and Kling to always honor their oath, their badge, their fellow officers, and their community.First Selectman Jeff Capeci called the officers the new “guardians of the community” and said they had chosen a path of “courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the safety” of the town’s residents.“Being an officer is not merely a profession but a calling to make better the lives of the people of Newtown,” said Capeci. “The badge is not just a symbol of authority but of trust; wield the power with fairness, compassion, and integrity.”Poruban said being sworn in felt “amazing.”“I’m excited, eager to get to the academy, and even more excited to be a member of the Newtown community,” said Poruban.Kling called the swearing in “a dream come true.”Both officers took the oath of honor, which states, “On my honor, I will never Betray my integrity, my character Or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of my community, and the agency I serve.” Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia Halstead swore in the new officers.=====Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.

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Features

Newtown Celebrates Earth Day With Annual Festival The 2024 Newtown Earth Day Festival took place on the front lawn of Newtown Middle School on Saturday, April 27. The 2024 Newtown Earth Day Festival took place on the front lawn of Newtown Middle School on Saturday, April 27.The family friendly event again featured environmental organizations, local service groups, vendors, food/refreshments, live entertainment and more, entertaining and educating attendees of all ages for six hours.While it was a sunny day with very comfortable temperatures, there was one small challenge for some: Newtown High School Band Director Aaron Ovsiew drew a laugh when he said the biggest challenge for his musicians was keeping their sheet music in place due to windy conditions.The NHS Jazz Band’s performance was extraordinary, nevertheless. Many audience members commented on the outstanding quality of the music.The students performed after the event was opened with remarks from First Selectman Jeff Capeci. Live music continued as guests arrived and explored the grounds, filled with local organizations and vendors.Partial proceeds from the festival continue to be donated to Newtown Scholarship Association for a green studies scholarship.

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Newtown Celebrates Earth Day With Annual Festival

The 2024 Newtown Earth Day Festival took place on the front lawn of Newtown Middle School on Saturday, April 27.

Features

NUSAR’s First Annual Open House Was ‘A Huge Success’

NUSAR’s First Annual Open House Was ‘A Huge Success’ Dozens of guests attended Newtown Underwater Search & Rescue’s (NUSAR) first annual open house on Saturday, April 27. Held on-site at NUSAR’s station, 28 Riverside Road in Sandy Hook, the event let residents meet the team and learn about their equipment and capabilities. Dozens of guests attended Newtown Underwater Search & Rescue’s (NUSAR) first annual open house on Saturday, April 27. Held on-site at NUSAR’s station, 28 Riverside Road in Sandy Hook, the event let residents meet the team and learn about their equipment and capabilities.NUSAR is a professionally trained, all volunteer emergency rescue team. Founded in 1989, the group is dedicated to saving lives year-round for water rescue and recovery incidents in Newtown and surrounding areas, alongside promoting water safety education.What drove NUSAR to hold the first open house now was to raise funding and raise awareness as to who they are and what they do. Since this was their first annual open house, NUSAR Chief Mike McCarthy said the team had no idea how many people would even show up.With dozens filing in from the community to show their support and talk with the team, NUSAR members were overjoyed seeing the turnout for the event. McCarthy hopes, he said, the April event showed those who attended what the team is capable of and will build momentum for further community support and awareness.“We’re just trying to get our name out there, show people what we do, what we have,” he said.To that end, NUSAR members went all out in making the experience memorable for their guests by setting up various demonstrations. There was a video demonstration that showed the team in action and detailed the equipment and procedures they use to stay safe and effectively perform rescues and recoveries.NUSAR members also led tours of their vehicles and vessels, where attendees could stand inside their trucks and boats and see the team’s equipment up close.A big hit among the demonstrations was the dive tank, where one of the team’s divers goes into a tank full of water in their dive suit and face mask. Guests could even speak to the diver and ask them questions through the team’s communications systems as they were underwater.The water in the demonstration tank was green with limited visibility, reflecting what the divers see on a regular basis, according to NUSAR Assistant Chief Dr Mike Cassetta. The tank also had goldfish of all shapes and sizes swimming around inside for guests to see.Inside the station, there was a silent auction, information packets on proper water safety, along with team apparel and other goodies for sale including chocolate chip cookies, muffins, and brownies.Several local businesses contributed prizes for the silent auction, including a spa basket, jewelry, wine, and landscaping service, with all proceeds benefitting NUSAR. Norwalk-based mobile caterer Dave’s Mobile Planet Pizza was there to support the event and sell pizza to any hungry attendees.Everyone was even treated to a special guest appearance from Resources in Search and Rescue (RSAR) and one of their dogs Fiona, affectionately called Finny.NUSAR Vice President Dawn Singer and Cassetta emphasized that the team makes it a point to be there for one another as a family. Since this is a volunteer group, each member draws from their own varied professional and personal backgrounds to help the team however they can. They also make it a point to honor any and all members of the organization, past and present. This is best seen in the colorful diver cutout propped outside that guests could stick their head into, which was named Budge in honor of a diver that they lost about a year ago.To Cassetta, the foundation of NUSAR’s mission is doing what they can to support not only each other, but also the community.“I’ve been diving for many years, so I have a passion for diving. But also, being a member of the community, I wanted a way to give back,” he said. “Everybody has a different reason for joining the team, but the mutual thing is that we all want to help.”For further information on NUSAR, call 203-270-4390, email info@nusar.org, visit nusar.org, or find the team on Facebook (NewtownDiveRescue) or Instagram (@newtown_dive_rescue).Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.

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Cultural Events

SCAN Roundup: Watercolor Workshop, Artist Demo, Spring Show & Sale

SCAN Roundup: Watercolor Workshop, Artist Demo, Spring Show & Sale The Society of Creative Arts of Newtown has been prolific in recent months, hosting regular and special events for members and the public. The Society of Creative Arts of Newtown (SCAN) has been prolific in recent months, hosting regular and special events for members and the public. Following is a look at what’s next, some of the recent events, and what is currently on view in town.Up Next: Birdsall Floral Still Life DemoSCAN will welcome Stephanie Birdsall on Wednesday, May 8, at 7:30 pm, when she will lead a demonstration on painting a floral still life in oil.The program will be in the lower meeting room of Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main Street (at The Flagpole). The demonstration is open to the public and admission is free.Birdsall received her formal training at the City and Guilds of London Art School in England. After graduation she spent time traveling through Europe honing her skills as a plein air painter.Upon her return to the United States, Birdsall continued her study under several master artists including Richard Schmid and Nancy Guzik, David Leffel, and Sherrie McGraw.In 2006 Birdsall was invited to join a group of painters under the tutelage of Schmid. This opportunity began an intense focus and rapid growth period. Painting for the last 15 years with Schmid and his wife Guzik and the others in this small group, which has become known as the Putney Painters, has provided invaluable support and inspiration.Birdsall and her work have been featured in publications such as International Artist magazine, Southwest Art magazine, PleinAir Magazine, Fine Art Connoisseur, American Art Collector and Pastel Journal as well as Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) station. She has 3 DVDs available from Northlight Publishing, and recently recorded a new oil painting DVD, “Lemons and Leaves,” with Lilliedahl.Birdsall’s work is among the permanent collections of the Museum of the Everglades, Everglades National Monument: Florida Museum of Art and Culture, Florida State Art Collection, and The Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson, Ariz. She has been honored with a one-artist show at Florida Museum of Art and Culture.Her work has garnered recognition and more than 60 major awards in national and international juried exhibitions. She has exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London, England, Bargemon, in France, and National Arts Club in New York.Among the awards she has received are Best in Show at Bridgeport Museum of Arts and Science, Grumbacher Gold Medallion Award, first place, The Florence Gleseman Floral Exhibition Salmagundi Club, The Degas Pastel Society Exceptional Merit Award, Connecticut Pastel Society Herman Margulies Award and The Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club John Manship Award.In 2004 her work was selected by National Academy of the Arts for inclusion in the Arts for the Parks National Exhibition.Birdsall is a Signature member of the Oil Painters of America and of the Salmagundi Club, a Master Pastellist with The Pastel Society of America, and a Master with the International Association of Pastel Societies.Birdsall is also a distinguished workshop instructor. Her goal is to help her students overcome their fears and become true artists. When not traveling to paint plein air, or teach, she spends her time working and teaching in her studio in Redding.Reservations are not needed for SCAN programs, but additional information may be available at SCANart.org.‘Manet’s Florals’ With SheaOn April 20 award-winning artist and teacher Roberta Shea gave a painting workshop at Newtown Meeting House. “Watercolor Florals with Roberta Shea” was based upon the painting style and work of Edouard Manet.Manet was a French painter who is considered a forerunner of the French Impressionists. While he never exhibited with them, his work and artistic approach served as an inspiration for them.Shea spent five hours with eight students. The workshop opened with a demonstration and instructions, and then Shea guided students of all levels, working in their medium of choice, as they created scenes based on live floral arrangements.Portrait Program With HarringtonOn April 24 SCAN sponsored a portrait painting demonstration with the award-winning artist Heidi Harrington.The artist told attendees that as a young woman she was amazed at the power that was conveyed by a Rembrandt self-portrait. That experience turned out to be a strong influence on her future career plans. Although she had been drawing since she was a young child, the Rembrandt painting was the catalyst that helped her decide to become a professional artist.Harrington is well-known for her series of portraits of British comedians, “Stand-up Sitting.”Spring Show & Sale On ViewSCAN hosted the formal opening reception on April 6 for its Spring Juried Art Show and Sale. An estimated 100 people attended the opening for the annual presentation, which is on view until May 24 at Art & Frame Gallery, 77 Main Street.A collection of 71 works was accepted into the exhibition. Viewers are treated to a variety of media including oil, watercolor, and acrylic paintings, pieces of sculpture, mixed media entries, prints, pastels, and other forms of graphics.Jurors for the show were Sandra Cointreau, Jim Laurino, and Alain Picard, all well-known artists. Awards totaling $2,000 were presented to the 11 winning artists.The Larry Newquist Award for Excellence/Best in Show was awarded to Linda Thomas for her watercolor “Fanfare.”Additional 2024 Awards included The Ruth Newquist Memorial Award to Carmina Polarino for her graphics work, “On the Vine”; The Barbara Engelman Memorial Award for Watercolor to Randy Carboni for “Evil Goat”; The Newtown Cultural Arts Commission Award to Sharon Ohmen Krejcir for her oil “From Gram’s Kitchen.”Also, The Barbara Goodspeed Memorial Award to Joan D. Cone for her oil “Still Life with Pears”; The Marianne Scanlon Memorial Award to Maureen Gianni for her oil “Putnam Pond”; The May Pat Ramsey Award to Anne Brecher for her sculpture “Waiting.”Also, The SCAN Members Award to Roberta Shea for “Bloom”; The Meeting House Painters Award to Dandie Daignault for her acrylic “Not Far from Here”; The C.H. Booth Library Award to Cathleen Nardo for her pastel “Contemplating Degas”; and The Caraluzzi’s Market Award to Pamela J. Danneman for her oil “Sheep.”Art & Frame is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.

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Features

Main Street Flagpole Dent-Free Once Again

Main Street Flagpole Dent-Free Once Again It took about four hours last Thursday morning to repair a nasty dent in the town’s landmark Main Street flagpole. It took about four hours last Thursday morning to repair a nasty dent in the town’s landmark Main Street flagpole.The dent — easily a few inches deep and approximately 36 inches off the ground — happened when a truck sideswiped the pole sometime last year. Keeper of the Flagpole Chris Gardner said the impact “caused a substantial dent” on the western side of the 2½-ton steel monument that stands 100 feet tall in the center of the five-legged flagpole intersection of Main Street, Church Hill Road, and West Street.On April 25, employees of Barzetti Welding in Bethel began repair work by filing away paint from the dent and surrounding area. Dean Faulds, Dan Clarke, and business owner Dave Barzetti did the on-site work.Police officers, one each from Newtown and Easton, handled traffic management while work was occurring.Gardner said he didn’t think the steel had been exposed to the sun for 74 years.“The flagpole was installed on January 23, 1950, and was immediately painted white,” he told The Newtown Bee Thursday afternoon. In addition to his informal role as keeper of the landmark, Gardner is the Senior Borough Burgess and a member of The Flagpole Stewardship Committee. The latter is a small group of volunteers who work together when needed to raise money for The Newtown Flagpole Fund, an endowed account maintained by the Town of Newtown Finance Director.Once the paint was ground off last week, a steel shell was then welded onto the flagpole, according to Barzetti. The shell was crafted to be as flush as possible, added Gardner, who followed the welding with a fresh coat of white paint on the lower section of the flagpole.“Hopefully we won’t see the steel again for at least another 74 years,” he said.The current flagpole, according to notes by the late Town Historical Dan Cruson prepared for Newtown’s tercentennial in 2005, “is set in a hole 12 feet deep and seven feet in diameter. The pole was then placed in a galvanized steel cylinder 21 inches in diameter, which was lowered to a depth of 11 feet and then surrounded by concrete.”In its history, the flagpole has been hit by many vehicles, most often by drivers who are not paying attention to a 100-foot-tall white pole in the center of the roadway.While most crashes are slow-speed events, in October 2012 the flagpole was struck hard enough by a tractor-trailer truck that the 16” diameter gilded ball at its top was knocked off its post. Then-Keeper of the Flagpole David Lydem told The Newtown Bee it was the first time since 1993 that the flagpole had been hit hard enough for that to happen.The driver of the truck was uninjured. The golden ball was never located.Since December 1996, the flagpole has been on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been a state-sanctioned landmark since 1981.It has its fans and its detractors. Many love its presence and what it stands for.In a recent interview with The Newtown Bee, Gardner named the Main Street flagpole among his favorite things about his hometown.“…there’s nothing like driving on Main Street, coming from the Brookfield side,” he said. “There’s no other color that you can see, especially the time of year when everything is gray and black, and white, but you look at that flagpole and you see that red, white and blue waving in the wind … no matter how many times I pass that, it always makes me smile and brightens my day.“I love looking at that when I’m coming down the hill.”The Main Street flagpole’s appearance dates to 1876. To celebrate the nation’s centennial, a two-part flagpole was erected at the location it continues to hold.That first flagpole, originally called the Liberty Pole, looked like a ship’s mast, and stood at least 70 feet tall. It was, also according to Cruson, “considerably lower than 100 feet, the height of the present pole.”That first pole, he also noted, “was square hewn” according to tradition.The pole has been replaced three times: twice by wooden poles (1892 and 1914) and then by a spun steel pole in 1950. The last two poles were 100 feet high. The formal dedication of the town’s new landmark took place on Sunday, February 12, 1950. It was purposely timed to fall on Lincoln’s Birthday.The repair work last week cost $800, according to Gardner."The Borough of Newtown paid for it and the Town of Newtown paid for police coverage," he added. "It was nice that the Borough and Town could work together on this."Readers who would like to support upkeep of and repairs to the flagpole are invited to contact Chris Gardner at 203-592-1093.=====Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.

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Features

The Way We Were

The Way We Were Newtown news of 25, 50, 75 100 and 125 years ago, from the archives of The Newtown Bee. May 7, 1999HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER OF Wally Wood.* * * * *Last month’s tragedy in Littleton, Colo., and the fear that it could happen again brought parents to the high school Wednesday night for a meeting on school violence. The meeting room at Newtown High School was packed for the event, which featured a panel of speakers made up of school administrators and community counselors. Parents were there to find out what the school is doing to ensure that Newtown’s young people can go to school in a safe environment. Many were there to find out how they, too, can help make growing up a little bit easier for kids.* * * * *The Peace Corps’ regional office has announced that Thomas Maxwell III of Newtown has accepted a position with the Peace Corps to serve as an agribusiness development volunteer in Moldova. Thomas graduated from Miami University in 1988 with a BS in marketing. As an agribusiness development volunteer, Thomas’s work will include teaching business principles to entrepreneurs in the former Soviet Union. Previously, Thomas spent a summer in Nepal earning college credits while conducting research on Tibetan art.* * * * *The streets of Newtown are a little bit cleaner this week following this past Sunday’s Lose-the-Litter Day. The ninth annual townwide spring cleaning proved to be a success. Though crews were still collecting the trash at press time, Public Works Director Fred Hurley estimated that between 8 and 12 tons would ultimately be collected. Town workers spent the early part of the week picking up huge piles of garbage bags, tires and other junk at several drop-off spots around town. An estimated 109 families and groups took part in the event, which was sponsored by the Lions Club for the fourth year in a row.* * * * *Gregg Simon, longtime social studies teacher at the Newtown Middle School and coach of the Newtown High School girls’ basketball team for almost 20 years, is going to be recommended to the Board of Education as the new NHS athletic director. Mr Simon would take over for Jim Casagrande and Joanne Johnson, who took on the job on an interim basis after former athletic director Bob Zito resigned the position. The appointment, which would become effective at the start of the 1999-2000 school year in September, would have Mr Simon teaching two classes at the high school and performing the duties of the athletic director for the remainder of the day.May 3, 1974Skydiver Ray Bertalowitz of Danbury landed on the ICC baseball diamond after plummeting from 5,500 feet, all part of the opening of the Newtown Little League 1974 season last Saturday. He delivered a baseball to First Selectman Frank DeLucia, which was tossed to open play. Prior to the skydive a flying banker, J.C. Myers, president of the Citizen’s National Bank, maneuvered his plane in flyovers, to the delight of the crowd.* * * * *On Tuesday evening, April 30, after weeks of discussion and receiving opinions of parents, school administrators and faculty members, the Board of Education made a decision regarding school space needs for the coming year. There will be no double sessions within the system, and the overcrowding at the Middle School will be relieved by the return of grade 5 to the elementary schools, which will see the addition of portable classrooms to handle the extra students. Kindergartens will also remain in the elementary schools, and the Middle School will house three grades instead of four; 6, 7 and 8.* * * * *In light of the fact that the Board of Finance cut the funds for a new aerial ladder truck out of the 1974-75 budget, The Bee last week ran a public opinion survey in order to try and get some insight as to how the townspeople feel about the need for the new piece of equipment. The response to the survey was what could be called more than light and cannot in any way said to be the opinion of a good cross section of the town. In all there were only 38 responses, and seven of those were negative for the truck. Responses came from all of the five fire districts in town. Many of those in favor of the truck signed their returns, while those opposed did not.* * * * *Mrs Jane Biesel, school transportation coordinator, has brought to the attention of The Bee that school bus drivers have reported an alarming number of cars passing their busses which are stopped to load and unload students. Some cars are even going so far as to pull out of a line of stopped vehicles to pass the busses when their red lights are flashing. Stopping for a school bus with flashing lights is a state law and must be obeyed, especially when doing so affects the safety of school children. Several of the bus drivers have been taking down the license numbers of the cars which are disobeying this law, and the incidents have also been reported several times to the police department.* * * * *On Tuesday evening, April 30, at a special meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners, four men on the police force were promoted in rank: one to sergeant and the others to detective. The newly promoted included Detective Harry Noroian, a member of the force for six and a half years; two-year member Detective Owen Carney; four and a half year member Detective John Qubick, who will also be the new youth officer; and four-year member and former youth officer Sergeant John Taylor. The men were selected for their new positions through tests which were given within the department.April 25, 1924EDITORIAL INK DROPS: There will be general satisfaction locally over the final decision of the United States Geographic Board at Washington, D.C., in naming the large lake on the eastern border of Newtown, “Lake Zoar.” Without consulting the local people some two years ago, some well meaning members of the Sons of the American Revolution took the matter up with the United States Geographic Board and persuaded them to name it “Lake Humphreys” after Gen Humphreys of Revolutionary fame who lived over in Naugatuck. The lake had already been christened “Lake Zoar” by the people of Stevenson and Newtown, and there was some quiet feeling [illegible]. John R. Bownes and others of Stevenson got in touch with the editor of The Bee, who wrote a letter of protest to President Harding.* * * * *LAKE ZOAR IT IS. LAKE ZOAR IT IS GOING TO STAY. United States Geographic Board, Washington. April 17, 1924. Mr Allison P. Smith. Editor, Newtown Bee, Newtown Conn. Dear Sir:— Respecting the name of the lake on the Housatonic River, which you call Zoar: The U.S. Geographic Board has reconsidered its action of April, 1923, and has now adopted Zoar, instead of Humphreys, as the name of this lake to be used on all Government maps and publications. It is the policy of the Board to prefer the name which is in use locally, when the local usage can be ascertained. But in April, 1923, the Board had not been informed that any name other than Humphreys had been used or had been proposed for this newly created lake; nor was it informed of any controversy on the subject. Very truly yours, James McCormick, Secretary.* * * * *A WORD FROM CONGRESSMAN O’SULLIVAN April 18 1924: Hon Allison P. Smith, Editor of Newtown Bee, Newtown, Conn. My dear Mr Smith:— I write to you this morning that I had finally been successful in having the name Zoar Lake adopted in place of Humphreys. It has been a slow and persistent job, but I am highly pleased over the result and know you and all of the residents near this body of water will also be pleased. I take pleasure in enclosing the original letter from the U.S. Geographic Board telling the whole story. With kind personal regards, Sincerely, P.B. O’Sullivan,* * * * *On Easter day there was a large congregation present at Trinity Episcopal Church. The service throughout voiced the glad Easter thought of a risen Christ. The music was in keeping with the day and was well rendered and thoroughly enjoyed. The Easter flowers were very fine. Rev Mr Leffingwell of Milford conducted the service.* * * * *CARD OF THANKS: To our many friends and neighbors who were so kind and thoughtful during the sickness and death of our mother and sister, we return our sincere thanks.—[The Mahoney children.* * * * *C.B. Taylor returned, Tuesday evening, after a winter’s sojourn at St Petersburg, Fla.* * * * *Raymond Hall is passing the week end with Paul S. Smith at Amherst College, Amherst, Mass.May 5, 1899DEATH OF REV MR BAYLEY — A FORMER PASTOR OF THE SANDY HOOK METHODIST CHURCH: Mrs Emily Bennett of Sandy Hook has received a letter from Fannie M. Bayley at Bridgeton, Barbadoes [sic], announcing the death of her father on March 31. His sufferings were intense, and one could hardly bear to witness them. Miss Bayley writes that he knew he was going home and said good-bye. “All the people miss him very much. He has worked among them so faithfully. He left the mission in charge of one of the colored preachers called Elder C.C. Jones. Over 3000 people followed my dear father’s body to its last resting place. The Salvation Army came first, then a crowd of our members on foot, then came the hearse and another company of members from the Christian mission. I did not follow him to his grave as it is the custom here for the ladies of the family to remain at home and not be seen much at a funeral.”* * * * *Edwin E. Dickinson of South Amherst, Mass., has been a guest of his daughter, Mrs H.M. Smith, this week.* * * * *Arthur J. Smith, business manager of The Bee, accompanied by Mrs Smith and Miss Susie Scudder, left on Tuesday for Bon Air, Va., where they will be the guests of Prof W.D. Smith, Mrs Smith’s brother, and Rev Dr James K. Hazen, secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Education for the South. Mr Smith has gained steadily in health since his prostration of two months ago and it is hoped the trip and change will still further promote his recovery.* * * * *Edward S. Lovell, one of Newtown’s most successful farmers, has bought the land west of Newtown Street of the heirs of the Booth Terrill estate. There are 33 acres in the tract, and it is most desirable land for farming purposes. The sale was negotiated by Arthur T. Nettleton.* * * * *Frank W. Munson, who for the past 15 years has been engineer on the Shepaug road, is about to take an extended vacation for the benefit of his health. Mr Munson runs on what is known as the mixed train, and is a popular man on the road. Mr Munson, accompanied by his wife, will shortly start on a trip through Connecticut, spending a good share of the summer away from home.—Danbury News.* * * * *John Whalen, car inspector at Hawleyville, has moved from one of S.A. Blackman’s cottages to the house of Carlisle Hill, made vacant by Mrs Squires. The latter has moved into a part of S.A. Barnum’s house.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 were way we were_213 Features, Way We Were None

Sports

Living

Work Week Opened With Fundraiser At The Country Club Fifteen golfers spent the early part of April 29 at Newtown Country Club, where they helped one high school student raise funds for the Newtown Ecumenical Workcamp Servants. Fifteen golfers spent the early part of April 29 at Newtown Country Club, where they helped one high school student raise funds for the Newtown Ecumenical Workcamp Servants (NEWS).Newtown High School junior Andrew Goldsmith is one of 33 young adults who will be heading in late June to Biloxi, Miss., along with eight chaperones, as part of this year’s NEWS mission trip. The group will be working with Back Bay Mission to help rebuild homes and provide other forms of support for identified communities on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.On Monday, Andrew welcomed golfers and NEWS board members for a Par 3 event. Funds were raised through entry fees, including an option to re-tee as many times as a player wanted, and a 50-50 raffle.Golfers teed off at 9 o’clock, and proceeded to enjoy a three-hole challenge in beautiful weather.Workcampers raise funds ahead of each annual trip to cover the cost of transportation, materials, and chaperone tuition. NEWS is in its 30th year of hosting mission trips. Recent events for the 2024 trip have already included a poinsettia sale and the annual breakfast that welcomes up to 200 guests.=====Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.

NEWS Par 3 fundraiser recap Shannon Hicks Story Work Week Opens With Fundraiser At The Country Club NEWS Par 3 fundraiser recap Featured Slider, Religion, Sports None

Work Week Opened With Fundraiser At The Country Club

Fifteen golfers spent the early part of April 29 at Newtown Country Club, where they helped one high school student raise funds for the Newtown Ecumenical Workcamp Servants.

Sports

Boys Even The Score In Annual Softball Fundraiser Game

Boys Even The Score In Annual Softball Fundraiser Game Baseball team pulls away in late innings during fun-filled game at Treadwell Park.Coming off a loss in last year’s Newtown High School softball program fundraiser game, the baseball team beat the girls at their own game to even the overall series at a game apiece. More importantly, members of both teams had plenty of fun and $723 was raised for the program. The game was played under the lights at Treadwell Park on a cool April 27 night with on and off light rain.Things started out as well as possible for the girls who, after retiring the boys quickly in the top half of the first inning, got a home run from leadoff batter Julia Berry on the first pitch she saw. The game was back and forth for several innings before the baseball team got hot at the plate and pulled away for a 20-9 win.Both teams used several pitchers and players rotated around the field, some playing out of their natural positions. The sides even switched coaches with Softball Coach Megan Goyda and her staff on the boys’ side and Ian Thoesen switching allegiances from baseball to softball. A softball field reunion of sorts with his daughter Maddie, whom he coached throughout the years.“It’s so much fun. I have a lot of them in class. It’s just different — it’s a good change,” said Megan Goyda, who is also a physical education teacher at NHS.Danny Leyva, Colin Gevry, and Jonathan Moseman all drove in runs as the baseball team built a 4-1 lead. Softball battled back. The baseball outfielders backed all the way to the fence when Berry led off the bottom of the third, a show of respect if not a smart plan given her game-opening power show; Berry was retired a soft liner to second base when relief pitcher Gevry continued to baffle the softball lineup. (Berry got back to her longball ways a little later.) An error in the third helped set the table for Bri Pellicone to smash a three-run homer, however, and the game was tied 4-4.“It was different,” Gervy said of underhand softball pitching compared to the overhand throwing style used in baseball.NHS Public Address man Jason “J” Edwards, who has learned a thing or two about underhand pitching in his many years playing vintage base ball, gave pointers to the baseball players before they competed in this game.In the fourth, softball went up 6-4 behind some aggressive base stealing and a throwing error. The game changed in the top of the fifth. Baseball tied the score when Moseman collected two RBI on a hit down the right field line. Ryan Schmidt’s two-run single gave the hard-ballers an 8-6 edge. Lucian Place had a two-run single in a big inning that saw the boys seize a 13-6 lead.In the bottom of the sixth Berry homered again, a two-run shot to left, pulling softball to within 13-9. This game was very much undecided until baseball established some breathing room in the top of the seventh. Schmidt hit a two-run double, Yarema Stasyshyn delivered an RBI double when he narrowly missed homering off the top of the center field fence, and Jamie Piccuillo and Moseman connected on home runs.In the end it was a grand slam of a night for both sides as the softball team raised money and had several strong innings and individual success moments against their baseball counterparts and the baseball team got its softball-playing skills going with some big swings for the fences.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

Softball Fundraiser Game Andy Hutchison Story Boys Even The Score In Annual Softball Fundraiser Game Softball Fundraiser Game Sports None

Sports

NHS Boys’ Lacrosse Team Wins Lopsided Games

NHS Boys’ Lacrosse Team Wins Lopsided Games Hawks rack up 14 goals in one game and 16 in another for a pair of easy victories.Newtown High School’s boys’ lacrosse team won a pair of lopsided tilts this past week, toppling host Bunnell of Stratford 14-0 on April 25, then bouncing back from a 5-2 setback at Trumbull on April 27 with a convincing 16-1 triumph over visiting Danbury on April 30.Against Bunnell, Charlie Massett scored four times and Kyle Ruddy and Nick Stockwell both found the net twice; Ruddy also had three assists. Owen Sullivan, Gavin Doyle, Owen Marshall, J.J. Haddick, Billy Massett, and John Scalfani also scored. Marcus Gerace had two assists.Charlie Dunn and Brady Macey both collected seven ground balls and Fisher Stites had six ground balls. Newtown won 16 of 18 faceoffs.Gerace had a goal and an assist in the Trumbull game. Marty Dunn also scored. Stites collected six grounders and Haddick had five ground ball scoops.Against Danbury, Dunn and Charlie Massett both had hat-tricks. Gerace and Stites both had two goals and an assist, and Charlie Dunn found the back of the net twice. Gavin Doyle had a goal and a trio of assists, Cole Stockwell had a goal and two assists, and Andrew Bradley and Nick Stockwell also scored.Draw controls were relatively even with Newtown winning 11 and Danbury gaining possession of nine but Newtown was dominant in the ground ball category. Fisher Stites racked up eight ground ball scoops among Newtown’s 40 ground balls. Macey had four and Cole Stockwell, Nick Stockwell, Bradley, and Charlie Massett all had three.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

NHS Boys Lacrosse Andy Hutchison Story NHS Boys’ Lacrosse Team Wins Lopsided Games NHS Boys Lacrosse_130 Sports None

Sports

Another Dramatic Win Propels Softball Team And Thoesen Reaches 100 Ks

Another Dramatic Win Propels Softball Team And Thoesen Reaches 100 Ks Nighthawks post walk-off win and Thoesen follows up heroics with milestone strikeout.If it is not a blowout you can practically bet on some final-inning heroics when it comes to Newtown High School’s softball team. Coming off a 15-1 win at Kolbe Cathedral of Bridgeport on April 24 the Nighthawks came from behind for a 4-3 walk-off victory over visiting Immaculate of Danbury two days later.With the Nighthawks trailing 3-2 and down to their final strike Maddie Thoesen smacked a 2-2 pitch up the middle for a clutch single to drive in two runs and send the Nighthawks to their second walk-off win of the season, and third victory decided in the final inning. What a week for Thoesen who reached the 100 strikeout plateau in Newtown's next game, at Brookfield.It’s been feast or final-inning heroics for the Nighthawks this spring and the nail-biter versus Immaculate is the first of what Coach Megan Goyda anticipated would be a tough block of South-West Conference matchups in succession.“Moving into this week it’s just the momentum we need to prove we’re still a top contender in the league,” said Goyda, whose defending SWC Champion Nighthawks had yet to be challenged by conference foes.The Nighthawks visited Brookfield (only one loss in conference play, 4-3 to Masuk of Monroe) on April 29 and fell 7-1; then were to travel to face a competitive New Milford lineup on Wednesday and will host unbeaten Masuk on Friday at 4:15 pm.“It’s the first SWC challenge we’ve faced. To be able to pull it out is going to help with confidence,” said Goyda, whose squad previously scored in the last inning to defeat FCIAC foes St Joseph of Trumbull and Fairfield Warde and easily toppled its five previous SWC opponents, winning by nine runs or more in each of those contests.Goyda said it is nice to see game-deciding rallies come from different parts of the lineup. It was a nice at bat for Thoesen who took the approach of putting the bat on the ball and hitting it hard rather than swinging for the fences, even though she has home run power. Despite the outcome resting on her shoulders Thoesen, a junior who has already committed to Central Connecticut State University, was not overwhelmed by the moment.“I like the pressure. It pumps me up,” she said.The winning rally started with the old softball mantra coming to fruition: Put the ball in play and anything can happen. Newtown trailed the Mustangs 3-1 in the final frame. A one-out error, two-out Julia Berry had infield single, and single, and another error got one run home and set the stage for Thoesen to deliver with two base runners in scoring position.The Mustangs chipped away to build a 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning. Thoesen worked a one-out walk and Bri Pellicone laced a run-scoring triple to center field.Thoesen pitched well against the Mustangs, striking out seven. Errors and passed balls led to all three Immaculate runs.Immaculate has a handful of Newtown players on the roster, and some of these girls are teammates of the Nighthawks in summer leagues: Norah Whitmore, Olivia Lugo, Kaylee Hall, Lela Libnen, and Caroline Murray.In the win over Kolbe Berry singled and hit a home run; Thoesen singled twice, doubled, and tripled; Pelicone doubled, Sophia Caruso hit a triple; Gabby Ansman singled twice and homered; Lila Accousti homered; and Rachael Casagrande singled.Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

NHS Softball Andy Hutchison Story Another Dramatic Win Propels Softball Team To Begin Challenging Stretch Of Games And Thoesen Reaches 100 Ks NHS Softball_167 Sports None

Sports

Nighthawk Track And Field Athletes Stand Out At O’Grady Relays And In Home Meet

Nighthawk Track And Field Athletes Stand Out At O’Grady Relays And In Home Meet Newtown High track and field competitors shine in various events.Newtown High School’s girls’ track and field team had a nice showing at the O’Grady Relays at Danbury High School April 26 and 27. The Nighthawks scored 53 points to place third behind only Windsor with 69 and New Canaan with 60.Coach Becky Bourret noted that there were 55 teams in the competition and that her Nighthawks scored in ten of 15 events.The 4x100 meter hurdle relay, comprising Aashni Shetty, Amanda Reyes, Marcella Corral, and Elizabeth Anesi, broke the school record and the South-West Conference record with a time of 1:11.84. Shetty previously held this record as a freshman where she ran around 21 seconds; this year her split was 15.35.Newtown’s 4000 meter distance medley relay of Clara D’Amico (1200), Grace Lyons (400), Leah Morris (800), and Keira Budge (1600) broke the school record in 12:56.08 (fifth place).The 4x400 comprising Lyons, Lola Kessler, Morris, and Jessie Moore took second place with a season PR of 4:12.72. Lyons ran both races coming back from a minor injury this week.Pole vault relay took third place as a team without the help of team No. 1 pole vaulter Lola Kessler. Nighthawks who stepped up were Bridget Gioffe (7-foot-3), Ashley Cote (7-3), and freshman Clare Csaszar (6-6).Triple Jump took first place as a team led by Shetty (33-11), Ella Hall (32-05.75), and Violet Asante-LaBash (29-08).The Newtown boys were 11th with 17 points.Noah Masotta was third in the 2K steeplechase in 6:21.04, just a second off National Championship qualifying time.The 4x100 relay of Aydyn Gonzalez, Grady Marks, Jayden Taylor, and Gabriel Appiah was fifth in 44.68.Elias Brady came in fourth in the long jump with a leap of 19-11.75. The boys had the second highest average of all the participants; Appiah was eighth with a jump of 19-05.50 and Dominic Simpri jumped 17-11.The girls hosted a meet at Blue & Gold Stadium on April 29. The Nighthawks defeated New Fairfield 124.66 to 25.33, beat New Milford 122-28, and topped Weston 102-48.In the 100 meters Grace Lyons was first in a time of 13.33, Amanda Reyes was third in 13.72, and Ella Hall fourth in 13.76. In the 200 Hall placed fourth in 28.51 and Abby Manka was fifth in 28.73.Lola Kessler won the 400, coming across the finish line in 1:04.20, Ana Morris was third in 1:04.69, Kelsey Brennan fourth in 1:05.37, and Rylan Kennedy fifth in 1:06.69. In the 800 Leah Morris was third in 2:28.57 and Lyons fourth in 2:28.84.Keira Budge was third in the 1600 with a time of 5:22.91. Clara D’Amico led the field in the 3200 in 12:39.14 and NHS took the top four spots in the race with Jessica Zhang in second in 12:50.15, Grace Chiriatti coming across in 12:52.56, and Britta Petersen finishing in 13:41.51.NHS went one-two in the 100 hurdles as Aashni Shetty clocked in at 15.82 and Marcela Corral finished in 18.18. Shetty also won the 300 hurdles with a time of 49.28 and Lyla Kopp placed fourth in 53.01, followed by Liz Anesi in fifth in 53.20.The 4x100 relay of Hall, Ella Kessler, Abby Manka, and Victoria Baghdady was second in 52.83. The 4x400 comprising Grace Lyons, Ana Morris, Leah Morris, and Budge, was first in 4:14.08. The 4x800 team of D’Amico, Ana Morris, Anabelle Foley, and Jessie Moore was second in 10:13.64.In the shot-put competition Izzy Khazadian was first with a throw of 29-05.50 and Faith Weir was second with a 27-09.50; Jamie Humphreys was fourth with a 25-06.25. Khazadian was second in the discus event with a throw of 76-04; Lily Tullis came in fourth with a throw of 62-10 and Jamie Humphreys was fifth with a 62-03.Mackenzie Penrod was third in the javelin event with a 77-04 and Kaylin Brissette came in fourth with a 72-08. Anesi won the high jump, clearing the bar at 4-06 and Marcela Corral and Isabella Walder were among several jumpers to tie for third with a 4-04.In pole vault Lola Kessler came in second with a 9-06 and Ashley Cote came in fourth clearing 8 feet. NHS had the top two long jumpers with Shetty winning with a 15-10.75 and Violet Assante-LaBash recording a 15-04.75; Amanda Reyes placed fifth with a 14-09.50. Shetty won the triple jump with a 33-05 and Assante-LaBash came in fourth with a 30-10.75.

NHS Track Story Nighthawk Track And Field Athletes Stand Out At O’Grady Relays And In Home Meet NHS Track_69 Sports None

Today's Events

May 7, 2024

“David K. Merrill’s Lifetime of Painting"

Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street

Presentation of more than 100 original paintings by David Merrill spanning his career of over 60 years, on view to June 27.

May 07, 2024 at 08:00 am

"For the Love Of Painting: Bambi Engelman Retrospective"

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street

Retrospective of watercolors by the late Bambi Engelman, including florals, still lifes, and ocean and shore related scenes, to July 31.

May 07, 2024 at 09:30 am

“Discover Exoplanets: The Search for Alien Worlds” NASA exhibit

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street

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.

May 07, 2024 at 09:30 am

Better Day Café

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street

Young adults from the Newtown Community Partnership transition program (NCP) in collaboration with the Better Day Café at the Newtown Community Center will be selling snacks and baked goods, including homemade dog treats, on the first floor across from the meeting room; 203-426-4533.

May 07, 2024 at 09:30 am

2024 SCAN Juried Art Show & Sale

Art & Frame Gallery, 77 Main Street

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.

May 07, 2024 at 10:00 am

Newtown Bridge Club Open & Limited Games

Edmond Town Hall (Alexandria Room), 45 Main Street

$13/person ($10 club members)

(Free lessons at 11:40)

ACBL sanctioned games played each Monday-Wednesday; 203-733-8525, director@newtownbridge.org, newtownbridge.org.

May 07, 2024 at 12:30 pm

Nonfiction Book Club: "Sea of Glory" by Nathaniel Philbrick

C.H. Booth Library (Gathering Room), 25 Main Street.

May 07, 2024 at 01:00 pm

Drop-In Story Time

C.H. Booth Library (Children’s Program Room), 25 Main Street

Come to the children’s story hour room and enjoy books, rhymes, and flannel board activities, for ages 3-5 that can sit independently for 30 minutes, no registration required; 203-426-4533.

May 07, 2024 at 02:00 pm

Police Commission meeting

Newtown Police Department, 191 South Main Street

May 07, 2024 at 06:30 pm

Board of Education meeting

Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street

May 07, 2024 at 07:00 pm

Booth Library Governance Committee meeting **CANCELED**

This event has been canceled.

~~C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street~~

May 07, 2024 at 07:00 pm

Lake Zoar Authority meeting (agenda posted)

Southbury Town Hall, 501 Main Street South

agenda posted

May 07, 2024 at 07:00 pm

Lake Lillinonah Authority meeting

Location TBA

May 07, 2024 at 07:30 pm

Special Editions

Barbara Edwards

John Landolfi

Mark M. Passero, Sr

Police Report | April 13-April 30

We all know the powers that be float a high number at the voters. If they get that passed they are in hog heaven,they have plenty of fat in the original proposal.The voters will now be shamed into passing the revised budget. I say we vote it down again and see how creative they can get with the numbers.We all know plenty of fat is laced in the proposals.

Do Not Let Myths Become The Dominant Narrative

George was absolutely one of the shining stars of the Newtown School system.

George Stockwell

I, too, love that flagpole. I approach it in the southbound lane, as Mr Gardner described, and it’s an inspiring way to start my day. In addition to all it stands for, it tells me something, whether it’s furling in the wind, or hanging quietly when weather is still, sometimes boldly majestic, sometimes sad or unsure. A gem like no other. I know it generates angst with traffic; approached with the appropriate level of caution, it should not be such a problem. Can’t really blame the flagpole, it doesn’t move. I hope it’s there long after I’m gone, and inspires others as well. Thank you Mr Gardner and all the other current, previous, and even future Keepers of the Flagpole.

$500,000 surplus? Funny how money just shows up when you squeeze. And where did this surplus come from? Our tax dollars, right? I say vote NO again and let's see how much more money they can find.

Very few Republicans in the House have any backbone. They are just glad to be there and would rather cave to Democrat wishes than play hardball to get things done.

Getting What They Want And Then Some

Work Week Opened With Fundraiser At The Country Club

Aquila’s Nest Vineyards Recognized As SBA Connecticut’s Manufacturer Of The Year

Newtown Celebrates Earth Day With Annual Festival

NUSAR’s First Annual Open House Was ‘A Huge Success’

Fire Reports | April 24-30, 2024

Flags To Be Lowered Sunday

Council Cuts $1.4 Million From School Budget

Special Absentee Voting Hours, Ballots Available For Second Referendum

Two New Police Officers Sworn In

Newtown Celebrates Earth Day With Annual Festival

NUSAR’s First Annual Open House Was ‘A Huge Success’

SCAN Roundup: Watercolor Workshop, Artist Demo, Spring Show & Sale

Main Street Flagpole Dent-Free Once Again

The Way We Were

Work Week Opened With Fundraiser At The Country Club

Boys Even The Score In Annual Softball Fundraiser Game

NHS Boys’ Lacrosse Team Wins Lopsided Games

Another Dramatic Win Propels Softball Team And Thoesen Reaches 100 Ks

Nighthawk Track And Field Athletes Stand Out At O’Grady Relays And In Home Meet

Home & Garden Spring 2024

Guide To Newtown 2024

Holiday Gift Guide 2023

For Better Health - Fall 2023

Home & Garden Fall 2023

Newtown Bee's Back-To-School 2023

For Better Health - Spring 2023

Back To School 2021

The Newtown Bee's Special Edition, 12/14/12

Log In

Work Week Opened With Fundraiser At The Country Club

Aquila’s Nest Vineyards Recognized As SBA Connecticut’s Manufacturer Of The Year

Newtown Celebrates Earth Day With Annual Festival

NUSAR’s First Annual Open House Was ‘A Huge Success’

Fire Reports | April 24-30, 2024

Flags To Be Lowered Sunday

Council Cuts $1.4 Million From School Budget

Special Absentee Voting Hours, Ballots Available For Second Referendum

Two New Police Officers Sworn In

Newtown Celebrates Earth Day With Annual Festival

NUSAR’s First Annual Open House Was ‘A Huge Success’

SCAN Roundup: Watercolor Workshop, Artist Demo, Spring Show & Sale

Main Street Flagpole Dent-Free Once Again

The Way We Were

Work Week Opened With Fundraiser At The Country Club

Boys Even The Score In Annual Softball Fundraiser Game

NHS Boys’ Lacrosse Team Wins Lopsided Games

Another Dramatic Win Propels Softball Team And Thoesen Reaches 100 Ks

Nighthawk Track And Field Athletes Stand Out At O’Grady Relays And In Home Meet

Home & Garden Spring 2024

Guide To Newtown 2024

Holiday Gift Guide 2023

For Better Health - Fall 2023

Home & Garden Fall 2023

Newtown Bee's Back-To-School 2023

For Better Health - Spring 2023

Back To School 2021

The Newtown Bee's Special Edition, 12/14/12