November 22, 1991

When you're in the business of selling alcoholic beverages, one of the first things you learn is that Americans aren't big wine drinkers. Beer, liquor, and the occasional wine cooler fill counters at the cash register. When customers do buy wine, it is, for the most part, something light and fruity. So why were package store owners reporting a sudden surge in red wine sales this week? Blame the French Paradox - A segment of 60 Minutes broadcast Sunday night, November 17, examining research suggesting that red wine contains chemical compounds that reduce levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood.

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This isn't going to be one of those funny stories about turkeys. Tim Nichol, who runs a turkey farm on Still Hill Road, has seen many such stories, usually in the week before Thanksgiving. The common assessment of turkeys is that they are quite dumb. And that's true, Tim admits. But he dismisses the story that a turkey in a flood would just look up at the rain until it drowns. Tim also says that turkeys cannot do that most natural of all things - reproduce.

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Residents of the Borough of Newtown are urged to remember their responsibility to keep sidewalks free from debris, leaves, tree limbs, and so forth. And with winter weather upon us, Senior Burgess Lee Glover, Sr, also wishes to remind residents, "Sidewalks must be kept free of snow and ice."

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Newtown police are searching for a man who reportedly ran from the scene of an accident on Toddy Hill Road Monday night. The station wagon that he was driving careened into a car, injuring a 59-year-old Sandy Hook driver. Barbara L. Trosan was transported to Danbury Hospital where she was treated for injuries. According to officer Ray Thompson, the man was heading north on Toddy Hill Road near Route 34 at a high rate of speed when his car crossed into the southbound lane and struck the car driven by Ms Trosan.

November 11, 1966

The executive committee for the Newtown Committee for Education met to consider preparations for the forthcoming town meeting on the bond issue for the school building program. Representing the Board of Education, Mrs Thomas Ineson stated that the town meeting in question would probably be some time in January. Establishment of this date allows the CoEd to make definite plans in its effort to inform the voters of the proposed educational program.

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For about 15 years Leonard Capozziello and his brother Christopher of Fairfield have been digging gravel along Route 25 along Dead Man's Curve. Their property is in a sand and gravel district and their permit has been in order until May 1965. This fall, zoning officer Earle Megin reported that operations were again under way. On October 23 Mr Megin issued a cease and desist order. However, on Monday of this week, First Selectman Carl Schutz observed that digging was continuing. Leonard Capozziello was placed under arrest Tuesday morning by Officer Selwyn Lane for violation of gravel regulations.

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The Newtown Water Company has announced that hydrants will be flushed starting at 9 am, November 15. Some discoloration of water can be expected, a company spokesman said, as well as low pressure in high areas.

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The Newtown Couples Club has a very limited number of reservations left for the military Whist party on November 12 at 7 pm in the Congregational Church House.

November 7, 1941

Hearty congratulations are most certainly extended to Mr and Mrs George B. Beers, who will soon celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Newtown has been the richer for their long years of living here. It is to be hoped that the half century has been as happy as George's carefree fiddling which has afforded so much pleasure to friends of the family. Happiness and usefulness have probably been this couple's chief characteristics.

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Members of the Sandy Hook Fire Department will sponsor a public dance to be held at St Rose Hall on Friday evening, November 14. The Woodbury Boy strummers with Southbury Bill as prompter, will play for dancing. The firemen are asking for public support. Proceeds from this event will support construction of the Sandy Hook firehouse.

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Have you an old trumpet or bull fiddle? The Newtown Parent Teacher Association would like to hear from anyone who has a stray violin, trumpet, bull fiddle, or instrument of any kind that they would lend, sell, or donate to the PTA Music Project. This project enables students to take music lessons for a very small amount of money, finding many who are unable to purchase instruments. The PTA is arranging to supply instruments where needed.

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A public hearing will be held in the Alexandria Room on November 18 at 8 pm by the Borough Zoning Commission upon the application of Edith C. Parker in which she requests a change in classification of property known as the Parker House.

November 10, 1916

Fred Broas, a carpenter working with Will Frisbe, while putting up a new ice house on Mitchell Farm, met with a serious accident last Tuesday. A scaffolding fell twenty feet, carrying three men and a lot of lumber to the ground. Mr Broas alone was hurt - a broken ankle, injured back and head and internal injuries. He was taken to Danbury Hospital at once. His case is considered serious.

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Mrs G.W. Carlson was called to Suffield, Monday, by the illness of her mother, Mrs William Thicket, who is prostrated with an attack of the grip.

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One of the handsomest memorials yet placed in the Newtown cemetery is that erected by Hughes & Chapman, the well-known Bridgeport monument men, for the late Judge and Mrs W.J. Beecher. The monument is a massive white granite, adorned with a beautiful frieze along the border.

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Mr Nolan, formerly with the Blue Ribbon Garage of Bridgeport, will be general supervisor of the repair department at Newtown Garage, giving the people of Newtown the privilege of consulting a man with years of experience. The garage phone number is 144.

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Don't forget the dance at Upham's hall, Hawleyville, Friday night. A good time is assured. Whitney's orchestra will furnish music.