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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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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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.
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
The Way We WereNewtown news of 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 years ago, from the archives of The Newtown Bee. April 30, 1999HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER of Nancy Taylor.* * * * *A draft environmental assessment of the 185-acre core campus at Fairfield Hills finds there are 27 potential areas of environmental concern on the site, which is for sale by the state. Maguire Group Inc, the New Britain consulting firm which prepared the environmental report for the state Department of Public Works (DPW), assigns “moderate” environmental concern to soil and groundwater on the site. “However, the buildings are assigned a high rating for encountering environmental concerns, due to the suspicion of numerous materials containing asbestos and possibly lead,” according to the report. Maguire recommends that the state further study the site to verify the presence or absence of environmentally harmful substances within the buildings and surrounding areas.* * * * *Newtown’s voters stayed away from the polls for the most part Tuesday, but those who did show up approved the proposed $62.1 million municipal budget for 1999-2000. Of the 1,305 who voted, 767 voted in favor of the package, while 538 voted against it. The Yes/No question on the ballot offered no indication as to why people voted against the spending plan. The 10.4% voter turnout was up from 8.8% a year ago. There are 12,564 registered voters in Newtown.* * * * *On a hilarious train ride from Chicago to New York, a host of colorful passengers including an extravagant theatre producer and a tempestuous star tap dance their way from one outrageous situation to another. One of those characters is Letitia Peabody Primrose, played by the Newtown actor Jan Neuberger. The train ride in question is onboard the famed New York Central Railroad car “The Twentieth Century Express,” and the story of the train’s passengers is the ploy for the Tony Award-winning play On The Twentieth Century. The musical comedy is the 1999 season opener at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, which continues until July 3. Neuberger, the Newtown actor in one of the six principal roles of the Goodspeed production, made her Broadway debut in 1978.* * * * *The Book Review, an independent book store in Sand Hill Plaza, was turned into a temporary home for the Magic School Bus last weekend. The creators of the immensely popular children’s book series visited the store Saturday afternoon to celebrate the release of the 11th Magic School Bus book, The Magic School Bus Explores the Senses. Series author Joanna Cole and series illustrator Bruce Degen, both residents of Newtown, met with fans of all ages for a few hours on April 24.April 26, 1974EDITORIAL INK DROPS — NO PLACE FOR A MALL: There must be a better reason than “we think Newtown needs and will support a shopping center” on the part of the developers who are all so anxious to plan a complex in town. In the past, and even now, hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission have not brought out any information concerning an actual study and potential buyers’ market to back the applicant’s request to give his best for Newtown and provide additional stores. … This Friday evening in the Edmond Town Hall Gymnasium, the Planning and Zoning Commission will hear still another request, this time to make way for a shopping mall on South Main Street. The plans call for a banking facility, a small department store, a food store, a restaurant, and various other concerns, mostly specialty shops. Above and beyond a potential market for more shopping in Newtown, first consideration must be given to the traffic conditions. Based on information gathered from area residents, the police reports and daily observations, the only conclusion which can be reached is that the road is heavily traveled and very dangerous. Just last week a man was killed within sight of the proposed area for the mall on a stretch of highway that has almost fifty roads and driveways, both public and private, leading from it in less than two miles. We already have one shopping center in the exact location now under consideration. This grouping of stores has seen businesses come and go, in addition to being the site of many accidents due to the constant stopping and turning. Almost hourly a fresh skid mark is left on the road and we do not need twice as many through the creation of another center. … It is our hope that the proposed center will not meet with approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission for when Route 25 is concerned, the future of the road itself must be determined before any major congestion is added to an already crowded highway.* * * * *Newtown’s Antique Auto Club Spring Dust-Off and Progressive Restoration Tour started from the Cyrenius H. Booth Library on Sunday, April 21. The tour included visits to various members’ homes to view automobile restorations in progress. The first stop was at Chris MacKenzie’s home where a 1931 Model A Ford Victoria as well as a 1929 DeSoto Roadster find themselves in capable hands for complete refurbishing. The next stop was to see Jack Hanna’s 1936 Pierce-Arrow Limousine … The final stop was at the home of Richard Hipp where an ever-popular 1931 Model A Ford Rumbleseat Coupe is being given a new lease on life.* * * * *Newtown High’s girls track team won a meet on Tuesday with a score of 95.5, over New Milford, 44; Weston, 31.5; Mason, 23; and Central Catholic, 11. Among the event highlights, Joan DaSilva tied the school record for the high jump and took first in the meet for the high jump.* * * * *The auditorium in the Middle School seats 500, and nearly all of those seats were taken by Newtown residents, teachers and school administrators who came to a public forum called for by the Board of Education Monday, April 22, in order to get citizen input and ideas regarding the solution of space problems in the school system. The main part of the discussion centered around the school with the worst crowding, the Middle School, and what to do about it. Although opinions were varied as to a solution, the consensus of the evening was that most of those attending the meeting did not seem to feel double sessions in the Middle School would solve any problems.* * * * *The Board of Fire Commissioners on Tuesday, April 24, received word from Controller Thelma Mathison of budget cuts in the fire department’s requests for fiscal 1974-75. Total cuts for the department amounted to $28,300, and included in that total is the $20,000 requested for the new aerial ladder truck, which, if purchased, would have been under the five-year capital improvement plan at a cost of $123,000.April 22, 1949EDITORIAL INK DROPS — HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND WELL DESERVED BEST WISHES: Because April 28th marks a milestone in the existence of a local organization, The Bee takes this opportunity, in advance to the actual date, to wish it many happy returns of the day. More than that—we wish to congratulate the two people responsible for its start, and also responsible for its unusual success. We refer to the Social and Athletic Club, and to Mr and Mrs Wilton Lackaye. It was on April 28, 1946, that seven boys gathered at the Lackaye home in Sandy Hook for the club’s first meeting. Officers were elected on May 9th, with Jack Watkins as the first president. Arrangements were made to meet in Glover Hall, now the Sandy Hook fire house, where the club continues to gather regularly each week. But today there are seventy active members, instead of seven, with twenty-five sustaining (adult) members and fifteen participating members who act as coaches, referees, and help the boys in other ways.* * * * *The death of William Abel Upham, which occurred early Tuesday morning at the New Haven Hospital, removed one of Newtown’s prominent and popular citizens. In January Mr Upham suffered a stroke and was a patient for nearly a month at the Danbury hospital. His health improved after his return home, but he was forced to enter the New Haven hospital on April 11th, his death following a week later. Funeral services are being held this Friday morning at 11:30 o’clock at Harvard, Illinois, where burial will take place. A memorial service will also be held in Newtown on Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the Newtown Congregational church, conducted by the pastor, Rev Paul A. Cullens. This will afford townspeople an opportunity to pay tribute to an old friend, but it is requested that flowers be omitted. … Mr Upham came to New York in 1900 and entered into partnership in the Upham Miller Company in 1904 for the packaging of food products. His own firm Upham Food Products, Inc, was started in 1909 in New York City and the business was moved to Hawleyville by Mr Upham in 1916, where it has since continued in operation. Peanut butter was one of the firm’s large items for packaging, but because peanut oil was needed for other uses other than home consumption during World War I, Mr Upham looked for a new item to take its place, deciding upon tea. He first packed loose tea in packages for Thomas J. Lipton.* * * * *Following the announcement on page 1 of last week’s issue of The Bee that the sale of Easter Seals in Newtown is $400 short of its goal, H.C. Honegger, one of Newtown’s most prominent and philanthropic citizens, called at The Bee office Saturday morning, offering to donate two-thirds of the needed $400 if the townspeople contributed the other one-third of the sum. Mr Honegger took the opportunity to comment on last week’s article in The Bee, in which Dr Waldo F. Desmond was quoted as urging generous support for the work of the Connecticut Society for Crippled Children and Adults among persons afflicted with cerebral palsy. He expressed the hope that Dr Desmond’s call for financial support would not go unheard, and so he had made his generous offer, the terms of which The Bee is sure local townspeople will be glad to accept. Donations should be sent to Mrs George M. Stuart, local chairman, and promptness will be appreciated.* * * * *On Wednesday evening the first anniversary of the founding of the Newtown Cub Pack 70 was observed by a dinner in the Trinity church rooms. In addition to their first birthday, the Cubs, under the leadership of Donald R. McCain, Cubmaster, were celebrating the fact that in one year’s time their enrollment had increased from an original 13 boys to the 40 who were present at the dinner. Among the 141 people who attended, were parents, Scouting officials from Pomperaug Council, and local Scout leaders and sponsors.* * * * *On Monday morning, April 18th, the Charles Howard Peck Sr and Jr Post, 308, Ladies Auxiliary, VFW, presented 24 flags to Hawley School. The auditorium received two flags and the class rooms one each. The presentation of the flags was made by Madeline Detlefs, patriotic instructor, and Myrtle Smith, past president.April 18, 1924Mr and Mrs John J. Northrop and family passed Sunday in Easton, guests of Mr and Mrs J. Arthur Sherwood.* * * * *Miss Esther Coger of the Bridgeport Hospital Training School for Nurses, passed the week end at her home in town.* * * * *Mr and Mrs Robert T. Bradley and son were Sunday guests at the home of Thomas F. Bradley.* * * * *The annual meeting of the Men’s club was held at the Parker House, Tuesday night. The officers elected for the year were: President, Charles T. Cole; vice-president, John C. Beers; secretary-treasurer, H.N. Tiemann. After attention was paid to an excellent dinner served by Mine Host Parker, a general discussion on local affairs followed.* * * * *Edward Mullins, a skillful golfer, will take up his abode at the Club House of the Newtown Country Club on May 1, beginning his engagement as Club Professional. Mr Mullins will give golf lessons and carry a full line of golf balls and sticks.* * * * *A fire, which probably started by sparks from an engine, burned over a tract of about 20 acres of land south of the Tunnel on Monday about noon. There was a high wind prevailing.* * * * *Mrs Charles W. Dayton has returned to her home on Dayton street, Sandy Hook, after spending the winter in Bethel with her son, J.W. Dayton.* * * * *Mr and Mrs Arthur Ferris of Bridgeport were Sunday guests of Mrs Bertha Ferris.* * * * *John Murphy is driving a new Chevrolet touring car, bought of Carlson Brothers, the enterprising local agents.* * * * *Allison P. Smith was the guest at dinner, Wednesday evening, of Selectman Thomas F. Brew.* * * * *Selectman Thomas F. Brew is shingling over the exterior of the residence of Miss McCarton.April 28, 1899Mr Editor: The title and thought, especially the thought, of Rev Mr Wright’s sermon on Easter Sunday in St John’s church, as reported in The Bee, impresses me as being unique. I am quite sure I am expressing the wish of a large number of your readers, when I ask you to secure it for publication in The Bee at your earliest convenience.—[H.J.W.* * * * *At the urgent request of the editor, the above correspondent and others, Rev Mr Wright kindly furnished the manuscript to The Bee. It appears in this week’s issue.* * * * *William N. Northrop arrived in town, Tuesday, with two loads of stock cattle.* * * * *The dance at the Town hall, last week Friday night, under the auspices of the Grange, was very enjoyable, and was attended by a large number.* * * * *Michael McNamara of the Glen has been confined to the house for a week with rheumatism.* * * * *W.H. Ingram of Bennett’s Bridge has some fence posts he has been getting out this winter, which are for sale.* * * * *John F. Murray of North Center district has moved, with his mother and sisters, to Danbury, where he has secured a position. Mr Murray’s place will be occupied by George Drew, who has already taken possession.* * * * *Any one having a complete file of The Bee for 1898 are asked to communicate with Box 7, Newtown, stating price desired.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 The Way We Wereway we were_212Features, Way We WereNone
Top Of The MountainNewtown news and notes, told from the point of view of a cat named Mountain. Hug a tree today! If anyone gives you an odd look let me know, because April 26 is Arbor Day and we should hug trees for everything they do for us.If you’d like to hug baby trees, be sure to visit the Newtown Lions Club area at Saturday’s Newtown Earth Day Festival. Club members will be handing out four different types of saplings. They’ll be among the multiple vendors and local organizations celebrating all thing green and environmentally friendly during the annual event returning to the front lawn of Newtown Middle School on Queen Street. Organizers have arranged a full lineup of entertainment, local car dealers and enthusiasts will show examples of 21st Century green vehicles that offer tax breaks and other benefits, and proceeds will again go toward a scholarship for a Newtown High School graduate interested in environmental or ecological studies. Check our calendar, in print and online, for hours and other details.It’s been a minute or two, but this week we have our latest Good Egg Award. This time the honor goes to a young man at Newtown Middle School who recently coordinated a fundraiser that raised just over $75 for FAITH Food Pantry. Sue Shpunt may have whispered some of the details to me this week. She was still so thrilled to see a young person take the initiative for something “so important to so many people,” she said. “I’m still so touched. He took the time to talk to his principal, get permission for his idea, and did this special thing just to help others.” He didn’t want to share his name, she said, but she wanted to do something to let him know that his kindness will not be forgotten. I agree: this young man is definitely a Good Egg!If you’d like to help FAITH Food Pantry, there are many ways to do so. The pantry itself is located in the standalone building south of the Knights of Columbus building and the rectory on the St Rose of Lima campus at 46 Church Hill Road. Donations are accepted Tuesday mornings between 9:30-11:30 am and Thursdays between 3:30-6 pm. Drive-Thru Food Drives are conducted the first Saturday of each month (which means the next one will be May 4) from 10 am until noon. Nonperishables, cleaning and personal hygiene products, and even pet supplies are always welcome. Financial donations can be done at any time in person and online through newtownfoodpantry.org. The website also lists current needs if you’d like to really plan ahead. There is an Amazon Wish List also set up through the website. Finally, there are still a few copies of The Silver Bridge is Silver Again (But Somebody Tore Down Bill’s Hotdog Stand) available at our office. Shirley Ferris published her memoir late last year, and every penny of the $20 cover price is going to FAITH Food Pantry.If you’re on the other side of the spectrum — if you’re among those in town who need a hand putting food on your table — visit the FFP website. Full details are there, as is a phone number if you’d like to speak with someone at the pantry. They make things as easy and discreet as possible, I promise.I saw St Rose School students and teachers walking across Church Hill Road on Monday, visiting Holy Cow Ice Cream for their annual spring visit. That means one more thing is approaching: the final St Rose Bingo Night of the 2023-2024 academic school year. The season finale is planned for Friday, May 3. Bingo fun and cash prizes, along with raffle giveaways and concessions will take place in the Msgr Weiss Gathering Hall at 40 Church Hill Road. Cost is $20 per person, $1 for each special game, and full details are available in our calendars.You know I’m a sucker for anything with a bumble bee on it. Someone must have known I’d be walking past these adorable painted rocks (see photo) when they planted them recently just outside Newtown Senior Center. How could I not take a photo and share it with you?The calendar changes next week from April to May. Looking toward Mental Health Awareness Month, NewSylum Brewing Company and NYFS Mental Health Awareness are again collaborating on a fundraiser now in its third year. The month is a time to shine a light on an essential aspect of well-being that often hides in the shadows. In May, however, readers who are 21 and older are invited to visit the brewery at 36 Keating Farms Avenue in May, and order one of the local brewery’s favorites, Therapy Session. All profits from the purchase of the hazy New England-style pale ale will go to NYFS, a leading mental health and youth services agency that serves the greater Newtown area. The collaborative effort has done well its first two years. Organizers are hoping to do just as well if not better this year. Let’s see if we can help with that.The Annual Daniel Barden Mudfest will celebrate its tenth year of mud, mayhem, and merriment next weekend in Deansboro, N.Y. A decade ago, race co-founders Dan and Melissa Williams organized Mudfest as a way of honoring the memory of Daniel Barden, one of the first grade children killed on 12/14. Daniel was a kind and gentle child who touched the hearts of everyone he met. In the years since, Mudfest has made over $440,000 in charitable contributions to many organizations such as Sandy Hook Promise and other local nonprofits. Officially dubbed “The Boilermaker’s Dirty Little Brother,” Mudfest is a rough-and-tumble mud run obstacle course that offers something for everyone: timed 5-mile run and timed 5K obstacle course options for competitive runners, an untimed 5K course for the less competitive runners, and even a Kids’ Fun Run for ages 5-11. The event returning Saturday, May 4, will also offer brand new offerings: The Highland Games, an exhilarating exhibition of strength at noon; and The Farmers Carry at 1:30 pm. After all that, participants and spectators will find Central New York’s biggest barn party with food, drinks and music. All proceeds this year will benefit Sandy Hook Promise, the nonprofit founded in the wake of 12/14 with a mission to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities through proven programs and sensible, bipartisan school and gun safety legislation. Athletes, volunteers and sponsors are all welcome to join. Visit bardenmudfest.org for full details.It felt like April Fool’s Day was happening all over again on Monday, when a Frost Advisory was issued for parts of southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey and southeast New York. The plants around The Bee office all did well. I hope everyone reading this was able to protect their plants, either with covers or getting them inside until it warmed up again.Right now it feels like this time last week all over again. This is where I tell you I hope you have a good week and you promise to come back next week to … read me again.Top Of The Mountain Story Top Of The MountainTop Of The Mountain_291FeaturesNone
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
Story Girls’ Lacrosse Team Wins Easily After OT Setback, Then Pulls Out Nail-BiterNHS Girls Lacrosse_165SportsNone
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.
