***

Twenty-one mental health workers demonstrated in front of the Fairfield Hills Hospital administration building on a brisk Wednesday morning to protest issues on workers’ rights and patient care. Besides the confusion for employees, gender staffing and floating decrease the continuity of patient care by disrupting familiarity, workers maintain. The staffing issue brought out the most vehement statements from workers at the rally, which was organized by Michael Doyle and union organizer Thomas Doyle.

***

After being open for business only 11 days, Leo’s Diner sustained extensive damage early Thursday morning when a car turned off Route 25, drove off the shoulder of the road into the diner’s parking lot and struck the southwest corner of the building. The building was pushed approximately seven feet off its foundation. Diner owner Frank Leo stated town health and building officials have permitted him to reopen the diner for business as usual at 7 am, Saturday, March 21. Those customers who cannot fit in the undamaged dining room can order take-out, he said.

***

At the Charter Revision Committee meeting March 16, Superintendent John Reed and resident Rod Mac Kenzie each called for charter changes which would expedite the town’s budget adoption procedure. Stressing he was speaking as a resident and school superintendent, but not for the Board of Education, Dr Reed suggested the budget process be amended to prohibit more than one town meeting and one referendum on the budget. If voters reject the budget, he said, the Legislative Council should be given the authority to set the budget without having to present it to voters again.

March 23, 1962

“By 1970, all additions to Connecticut power capability will be atomic,” it was predicted by Sherman R. Knapp, president of the Connecticut Light and Power Company. Addressing the seventh annual dinner of the Newtown Chamber of Commerce at Hawley Manor Inn Thursday evening, Mr Knapp discussed the future of atomic power in New England. Mr Knapp told of the Yankee Atomic Power Plant at Rowe, Mass. The Rowe plant, a pioneer for the New England region, has proved the economic feasibility of atomic power.

***

Lovell’s Farm Equipment on Main Street, Newtown, will hold an open house and new product parade on Thursday, March 29, from 10 am to 6 pm. Among the many products on display will be the world famous International and Farm-all Tractors. In addition, there will be shown the new three-point hitch, which automatically keeps implements where they are wanted, and new improved engines.

***

Student Government Day in Newtown on Tuesday was pronounced an unqualified success by town officials and the high school administration and resulted in enthusiastic participation by students elected at the school last Thursday. Student First Selectman Robert Wilkes was put into the town’s service right away, answering telephone requests from townspeople directed to the selectmen’s office. Several groups of student town officials observed the Circuit Court proceedings in the Alexandria Room. A high point in Student Government Day was the Lions Club luncheon at the Yankee Drover Inn.

***

Due to the increase of unregistered and wrecked automobiles accumulating in several parts of Newtown, Earle H. Megan, Zoning Enforcement Officer, wishes to point out that State Statutes provide that the storage of two or more unregistered automobiles or parts thereof constitutes a junkyard, which requires a license.

March 19, 1937

Following an investigation of the accident early last Thursday morning in which Miss Helen Camp and Norbert Gilchrist of this town were killed, State Police Lieutenant Leo F. Carroll arrested two truck drivers, Albert De Will and Sully Mancina, on manslaughter charges, alleging that they were to blame for the fatalities. Investigation disclosed that De Witt’s truck was halted on the northbound lane and Mancino was parked on the southbound lane, while the men were conversing. Dr Bishop, driver of the car, was blinded by the lights of the southbound truck, which he thought was moving, and he did not see in time the red lights on the rear of the other truck.

***

Despite the ice storm and treacherous traveling which kept a number of out-of-town members and friends from attending the St Patrick’s party at the Country club on Monday evening, there was an attendance filling ten tables. A delicious dessert of apple pie, ice cream and coffee was served. Dessert was followed by contract bridge.

***

An original Pageant is to be presented for the first time in Trinity church on Palm Sunday evening at 7:30 as a United Lenten Service. The pageant, depicting episodes in the life of Christ, was written by Stuart Rohleder. The pageant will act out the theme which is being sung by the choir composed of voices from the Congregational, St John’s and Trinity choirs. The music has been selected by Donald A. Griscom, who is also training the choir and has composed new music especially for the Pageant.

***

The severe ice storm on Monday night made of the countryside a veritable silvery fairyland. To be sure, traveling was bad, and light and telephone companies were seriously affected, yet the world in its icy coat presented to those who took time to enjoy it, a thing of superb beauty. Really commensurate with the hardships at hand. It would pay us well, if we noticed more often the beauties of nature — even though it be only a fleeting sunset, a handsomely shaped tree, or the rugged outline of the surrounding hills we know so well.

 

March 22, 1912

Owing to the bad, almost impassable condition of the Roads, the Spring vacation for the High School scheduled to begin on Monday next week, was taken this present week.

***

Friday’s heavy rain storm, again played havoc with the roads, and from all sections of the town come reports of damage done. Church Hill has been a foaming, yeasty mess, difficult to drive over. A team from The Inn stables, with Dr and Mrs C.H. Peck as passengers, got stuck in the mud on Mt Pleasant, Wednesday, and the doctor and wife were forced to alight. If the public will be patient for a few days the worst will be over. It is certainly the most remarkable road condition Connecticut has seen in a generation.

***

“Where is your patriotism? Why don’t you replace that Liberty Pole? A new pole ought to be in its place by July 4,” said Hon W.T. Cole to Editor of The Bee, Wednesday. “How much will you give toward this subject?” calmly retorted the newspaperman. “Ten dollars,” replied Mr Cole with a cheerful smile. The Bee will be glad to announce further contributions toward replacing the pole.

***

The first annual ball of the Dodgingtown Volunteer Fire Co No 1, will be held, April 12, in Mrs George Crane’s barn. The Newtown Fire Co, the Redding Fire Co. and the Bethel Fire Co. are invited to attend in uniform. A good time is guaranteed. The tickets will be 50 cents.