April 7, 1989

The Board of Education is taking another look at its smoking policy for the high school, which allows a provision for designated smoking areas. The board reviewed policy made in July of 1987. The board had made the decision to allow designated areas for teachers and students, to forestall a state law that prohibited smoking in public schools unless individual boards decided to set aside certain areas. It called for more deliberation after a year had passed. That has not happened. Herb Rosenthal, secretary for the board, expressed his strong feelings again on Tuesday night against allowing students to smoke on school property. Dr Reed suggested that a subcommittee of board members be formed to invite comments from students. Mike Osborne, board member, said… if smoking were allowed for teachers then it ought to be allowed for students.

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A move toward spiffing up their performance has resulted in honors for the Newtown High School Marching Band, The group tied for first place in the 100-plus member division when they marched in the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade held in New York City this year. “This year I asked them to hit the ball a little harder, so to speak,” said music director Joe Grasso, “so this year there was no fooling around in formation.”

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A citizens’ opposition group and one selectman expressed concern Monday that the first selectman may be engaged in negotiations on a proposed state jail without the authorization of the full board. “I am not aware of the approval of the board per se,” said Selectman Michael Snyder, regarding First Selectman Rod Mac Kenzie’s alleged involvement in negotiations for concessions on the jail. According to state official William Carbone, whose office is overseeing construction of a $52 million state jail here, he and Mr Mac Kenzie have met several times this past month. Three selectmen and legal counsel for the town’s jail fight will meet Wednesday, April 12, at 8:30 am to address Mr Snyder’s and related concerns, at the office of John King, a litigator with Updike Kelly & Spellacy of Hartford. Mr Mac Kenzie did not return several calls to his office.

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Developers of Sandhill Plaza have announced two major tenants plans to locate at the proposed, $15 million shopping center on Route 25. Super Stop & Shop, a supermarket, and T.J. Maxx, a department store, will anchor the 158,000 square foot plaza, which also will house about 20 smaller stores, including a restaurant, pharmacy and bank.

April 10, 1964

The “Bicycle Safety Rodeo,” this Saturday, April 11, will be held on the tennis courts of Dickenson Memorial Park from 9 am to noon. All local police available will be at the rodeo, in uniform, to emphasize the importance of safety and to help keep events running smoothly. After the contestants’ bicycles are inspected they will proceed, with their papers of verification, to the tennis courts where the riders will demonstrate their skills. The scores will be tallied quickly and winners announced without delay.

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Mrs William Crawford White arrived home on Tuesday from a nine-week trip which took her around the world. She and Mrs Robert B. McGraw flew to the West Coast in January and went by freighter across the Pacific. They flew the rest of the trip, visiting such interesting places as Hong Kong, Delhi, the Holy Land, Cairo and Athens.

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Newtown High School students take pride in their appearance. On April 17, the students, with members of the faculty assisting, will hold a dress code assembly. Regular dress or sport shoes are acceptable. No boots. No cleats. Trousers and slacks must be suitable for school wear. No dungarees or jeans. Girls may wear Bermuda shorts or slacks in season to home and away athletic contests. Clothing must fit properly. The hemline for girls skirts and dresses will go below the top of the knees. Girls jewelry will be suitable for school, not exotic or distracting. All shirts will be “tucked in” except slipover shirts of an appropriate length, just below the belt line, with straight, knitted hems. The only uniforms allowed are those of accepted civic organizations.

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James F. Hinckley, superintendent of schools who is leaving the Newtown school system after the close of this school year, will become principal of the new middle school in Easton, it has been announced. He will continue to reside in Newtown.

 

April 7, 1939

A fire, which started late Tuesday afternoon from an over-heated chimney in the kitchen at the home of Mrs Gertrude Ford on Sugar street, threatened to destroy the entire house. Mrs Ford was out of town and neighbors discovered smoke coming out the roof. When the local fire company arrived, holes were cut in the roof to release the smoke. Willing hands had carried out most of the furniture, which was returned when the danger passed. Some criticism has been made for the cutting of the holes, but it served the only way to release the pressure and clear the house of smoke. The damage from smoke and water was considerable.

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H.G. WARNER Tel. NEWTOWN 111… SANDY HOOK: Rib Roast, Cut from Prime Steer Beef, per lb: 35c; Roasting Chickens, 5-lb average, per lb: 35c; Legs of Lamb, White and Tender, per lb: 29c; Roasting Pork, Rib End, per lb: 23c. HAMS FOR EASTER: Wilson’s Certified of Sperry & Banres ‘Old Homestead’ (cut from real choice porkers, cured and smoked until the flavor is just right to be served your favorite ways.) Whole or Shank Half, per lb: 29c. Florida Oranges, Large Size, per doz: 29c; Medium Size, per doz: 20c. Fancy Grapefruit, 5 for 25c.

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Mrs Charles M. Goodsell, president of the Newtown Scholarship Association, has sent out letters to prospective members acquainting them with the purpose and plans of the organization, as well as the accomplishments since its inception. The ultimate aim of the organization is to establish a permanent scholarship fund which would be invested, the annual income being used for the award. Membership dues are one dollar per year, with life memberships one hundred dollars.

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Reservations are being received thick and fast for the Charter Night program of the Newtown Rotary Club, which will be held in the Alexandria room of the Edmond Town Hall on Monday evening, April 10. About 225 Rotarians and guests from all over the state are expected to be present, to enjoy the program which will formally inaugurate the Newtown Club. Music will be provided by the Westport Rotary Orchestra and song leader will be “Bill” Hammell of the Bridgeport Club.

 

April 10, 1914

With his friend, John C. Beers, Borough Warden Peck took a little ride. When passing through a stretch of road, to their surprise, they saw a fat rabbit run out in front of the car. “Thunder, John, I believe I’ll catch that rabbit.” And jumping from the car he ran like a deer up the road in pursuit of the bunny. Just as it was trying to squeeze into a stone wall, the borough warden grabbed it by the leg and held it up to the view of his astonished comrade. Mr Beers had an empty grain sack and it was hustled into it in short order. Mr Peck then returned to the tonsorial parlor of Oscar Pitzschler, to get properly fixed up for the next meeting of the Burgesses. Some of the boys in the shop thought they would have a little fun, so while Mr Pitzschler was talking, the string on the bag holding Mr Rabbit was cut and the first thing Mr Peck saw was a streak running around the barber shop. Peck chased the rabbit around while the town clerk and those present shouted with laughter. Peck, with perspiration in his face, again held in fond embrace the rabbit, and he trotted back to the barber’s chair, red-faced and angry.

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The improvements at the Congregational church are nearing completion and the refitted and refurbished auditorium will be used on Easter Sunday for the first time. The seats are painted a cream color, and the top rail is stained a mahogany color. The side walls are a buff color and the ceiling a very light buff. The walls have what is termed a sand-finish or oatmeal effect. The carpets are a light brown, and the effect is a harmonious one.

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May of the local autoists will be glad to know that A.C. Grisco of the Premier Manufacturing Co., in addition to his regular pump line, will turn out high class mechanical work in the machine line, at the factory in Berkshire, such as the regrinding of cylinders and other work requiring expert attention.

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On Saturday afternoon of the last week the farmers of Newtown met for the second time to discuss the advisability of forming a Co-operative association. Co-operation means the doing away with the middle man who takes more from the farmer than he receives for products. Remember the 35c dollar, and join the newly formed association. There is a chance for everyone, don’t wait to send in your name at once to the secretary. Membership blanks will be mailed to the farmers of the town.