The beginning of a new administration for most local boards and commissions typically involves a number of administrative and "housekeeping" practices.1984,The first selectman then issued a proclamation, which in part recalled that the marching band has been the Connecticut State Champions four of the last seven years. It noted the group's outstanding performance of its 2017 presentation "Dystopia," which is based on George Orwell's novel 

But newly seated First Selectman Dan Rosenthal put most of those formalities aside during his first Board of Selectman meeting, December 4, to spend a few minutes honoring the Newtown Nighthawks Band and Guard for their recent national championship victory.

About two dozen members of the ensemble and the Director of Bands Kurt Eckhardt, along with several proud parents and siblings, crowded into the Municipal Center Council Chambers to hear remarks from Mr Rosenthal, Selectman Maureen Crick Owen, and Selectman Jeff Capeci, all of whom marveled at a towering trophy that was brought along after being conferred to the Nighthawks for their first place performance at the USBands Open Class National Championships.

"Our band has long been the pride of Newtown - back to Joe Grasso," Mr Rosenthal said. "The band is something the community has always been proud of, and winning a National Championship is an incredible thing."

 was honed in performance as they won nine competitive band events leading up to the National Championships at MetLife stadium.

The proclamation also singled out the ensemble's winning turn at the New England States Class IV championship, where it competed against 15 other groups representing six different states; and noted that the student musicians and guard members collective participation in the Newtown Nighthawks Marching Band and Guard "will be an enduring experience that will positively effect members for a lifetime."

All those involved then stood with Mr Eckhardt and the board officials for a photo op before heading out and leaving the selectmen to complete the remainder of the brief first meeting.

Among the items of remaining business was the naming of a board agent, who would legally assume the first selectman's duties if he is incapacitated or unable to perform his work; selecting an official clerk; and naming a town attorney.

Selectman Crick Owen was chosen as the agent; Susan Marcinek, the longtime incumbent clerk and executive assistant to Mr Rosenthal, was elevated to another term; and the firm of Cohen & Wolf was renamed as legal representatives on behalf of the town.

Mr Rosenthal asserted a caveat to that proceeding, saying that he planned to evaluate the town attorney choice early in the new year.

The board then accepted its 2018 regular meeting schedule, heard a brief review of the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) from Finance Director Robert Tait, and quickly moved through appointments, re appointments, and the approval of tax refunds before adjourning.