zip06.com

"Superbly Sirrine" at the Courtyard Gallery - written by Pam Colonese

piratehill — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:59:02 GMT

The Mystic community experienced another spectacular opening reception at the Courtyard Gallery last Saturday evening (June 27).

After a long-awaited break from all the rainy days plenty of people poured through the floodgates at Factory Square ready to party the night away. Gallery guests and passers-by were lured in by the lively sounds of Mark Tabor on the piano. Wine was flowing and all was abuzz about the latest paintings by featured artist, Dennis Sirrine.

Now, I must admit I might be a little partial - my husband and I are avid collectors - but this show nearly blew me away! The snowy street scenes of New York, the local coastal scenes and beautiful sunsets of Connecticut and Florida made for a well-rounded show that drew viewers in, begging them to come back for more. And, on top of that, beside each painting was a little poem from a collection Dennis calls "Simply 'musing" that captured everyone's attention.

"I didn't know he was a poet too!" laughed the gallery's director, Frances Harkins-Grunwald.

"Sometimes we take ourselves too seriously", Sirrine Admitted. "I wrote these after all the paintings were completed for this show. For the fun of it."

"Not bad for paint-by-numbers!" joked Rudy Grunwald.

One couple remarked how the musings revealed another side of the artist, his personality, and insight into his work. Apparently it worked. The next day they returned and bought two of his paintings.

Don't miss this superb show which runs throughJuly 29th.

New Book Unravels the Secrets of Songwriting

L.U.N.C.H. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:38:35 GMT

In 1995, the New York Times wrote "Bill Pere embodies the link between music and science" Pere, a molecular biologist by training, has just released a book which delves deeply into the craft and psychology of songwriting. "Songcrafters' Coloring Book: The Essential Guide to Effective and Successful Songwriting" is the culmination of thirty years of research and interaction with more than 10,000 songwriters all across the U.S., from aspiring beginners to top hit writers. Pere has had two concurrent careers, including 23 years as a research scientist at Pfizer, and 30 years as songwriter and performer. He retired from Pfizer in 2004 and is currently President of the Connecticut Songwriters Association, and Director of the Connecticut Songwriting Academy. Pere explains, "These two fields of endeavor, science and music, have combined to provide a unique perspective on creation, craft, and presentation of songs which has not been presented before in any of the other songwriting books on the market. A song, and the process of constructing it, has for the first time been broken down into all of its individual components, and the contributions and effects of each of these are examined. This gives a songwriter far more conscious control over the final form of his or her creative output. If we can shape organisms by identifying and consciously shaping their genes, why not do the same with the essential building blocks of songs?" During the process of researching the book, Pere received training from the Association for Psychological Type in the use of the Myers-Briggs preference profiling instrument, and his application of this profiling tool to songwriting has been called "Groundbreaking" by Ian Bessler, Editor of "The Songwriters Market". In December 2008, Pere was named one of the "Top 50 Innovators, Groundbreakers and Guiding Lights of the Music Industry" by Music Connection Magazine. The initial response to the book, both locally and overseas in the UK and in Australia, has been very favorable. Pere will be presenting workshops in the coming weeks in Nashville, Boston, and in Connecticut, with a national tour being planned. Pere's online Songwriter Tools page at www.billpere.com receives more than 10,000 visits monthly from around the world. Pere says "I constantly hear from talented songwriters who are desperately searching for specific tools or guidance as to how to cut an polish the raw gems of their creativity into an optimal final form, and then how to get 'out there' to the right audience." I hope this book, and the associated web content I will be adding, will fill this need". "Songcrafters Coloring Book: The Essential Guide to Effective and Successful Songwriting" is available at Amazon.com or from www.songcrafterscoloringbook.com. A portion of proceeds from sale of the book will be donated to local social service programs through Local United Network to Combat Hunger. For more info and excerpts, visit www.songcrafterscoloringbook.com and www.billpere.com

No Insurance No Problem

christopher chialastri — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:31:17 GMT

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

No co-pays/ and No deductibles. All prices are as is no hidden costs.

PATIENT LOYALTY PLANS

Initial visit/Examination $60

Each Visit thereafter $40

For those patients requiring sub acute treatment 4 visits $100 exam included

For those patients requiring acute treatment 15 visits over 3 months (pre pay cost) $450 includes first visit exam

Wellness Care Plans:

1 treatment per month for one year (prepay cost) $400 includes exam

2 treatments per month for one year (prepay cost) $700 includes exam

Weekly treatments for one year (prepay cost) $1200 includes exam

This program offers a special discounted rate for a number of visits that have to be used by the patient within 12 months of the program start date.

MASSAGE THERAPY:

If you ever tried to get your health insurance company to cover the cost of your therapeutic massage sessions, you have been disappointed with the results. This is why I am offering patient loyalty plans to increase the value of your therapeutic massage therapy sessions even more.

Each 1hour sesion $70.

4 1 hour sessions $240

8 1 hour sessions $440

12 1 hour sessions $600 that’s 1 time per month who couldn’t use the stress relief

Keep On Rockin' in the Free World

rags — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:57:56 GMT

Today is part of a forty-eight hour national holiday that is actually supposed to be one day, Saturday. Who would make a two-day/one day national holiday and how? Nothing up my sleeves, ladies and gentlemen, this is just how we roll in this kinder, gentler land we love. I make comedy movies in my head (very small projector with itty-bitty take up reels) and I keep unspooling a short where Washington is trying to rally the troops at Christmas to cross the Delaware and surprise the Hessians at Trenton, and one or more of the farmers turned Revolutionaries says, 'dude! Tomorrow's Christmas and the day after is when the stores open early!'

Of course that's fantasy (some of the stores NEVER close on Christmas Day; both Santa and the Baby Jesus would be so proud) but a lot of us will spend a great deal of time today cooking raw meat over hot rocks, quaffing malt and barley beverages, or playing whiffle ball over on the equivalent of your hometown's Chelsea Parade (okay; not everybody) or perhaps learning the finer points of operating a sump pump to get the weather that's ended up in your basement to the nearest storm sewer.

All worthwhile endeavors, more or less, and I suspect, crabby people like me to the contrary, all of those who gave their lives in the course of the wars fought for, in and by this nation, would probably not have a problem flipping a burger, draining a cold glass or pitching an inning and letting it go at that. The bumper stickers note what those in the streets of Tehran have discovered for themselves, assisted by police cudgels, 'Freedom isn't Free'.

We who have always lived in this society and enjoyed all the protections our Constitution and Bill of Rights provide may sometimes take for granted what others elsewhere cannot, in their wildest fantasies, ever imagine. For generations, everyone, everywhere has wanted to come to America and be free. Newsflash: they still do. There's a reason why we have a Statue of Liberty in the New York Harbor and nobody else does and it doesn't have anything to do with who gave what to whom as a present.

Who we are and what we do are the envy of the world even when we sometimes do thoughtless, hateful and hurtful things. We are the most powerful nation on earth (and in the history of the world) and we are a rare and noble notion that we and we alone should determine who we are, where we live, how we worship and for whom we vote as leaders.

We are the United States of America, not because our cars are faster, our grocery shelves better stocked, our homes prettier, our armed forces more powerful, our hair bouncier, our teeth whiter or our clothes cleaner. We are the sum of all of that and ten thousand other things--the freedom to get up tomorrow morning and move across the street or across the country and never need anyone's permission. The right (some feel it's a duty) to think our elected leadership are cloth-eared clowns who are leading us to ruin (and have been since 1776, I guess).

We have more freedoms we never use than the rest of the world put together, made possible by everyone who has ever been an American ever since there's been an America to be from. George Bernard Shaw once noted "(p)atriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it." But I don't think we feel superior--I'm not always convinced we think at all. But if we did, and do, think, today might be a good day to think a little more about who we are and how we're going to pass what we have to our children, as our parents did for us.

We're a country whose Founders insisted our birthright included, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Not a lot of other places start out with 'fight for your right to party' as the major premise (with 'soda and pie' as, perhaps the minor premise). It may not make us 'better', only different-but at least for today, different is better and our better is better than your better. Whoever you are.

Class of 2009 Haddam-Killingworth High School

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:02:23 GMT

David J. Acampora
Michael B. Ahearn
Tyler R. Allen
Jared C. Averill
Joshua R. Bailey
Sarah Bartosiak
Christopher Bova
Nichole V. Brooks
Anna L. Brundage
Jacqueline Buttendorf
Steven C. Condon
Matthew B. Coyle
Kyle M. Cummings
Kevin F. Dahlberg
Daryl DiStefano
Amanda C. Drew
Chelsea A. Durand
Brooke Faircloth
Douglas Fetteroll
Kaitlin Gargiulo
Caitlin Gilhuly
Lindsay K. Gorman
Alison K. Hammell
Molly C. Hammell
Amanda C. Herbert
Anastasia Howell
Richelle Jessey
William T. Jette
Krystina H. Johnson
Matthew A. Johnson
Jani E. Kaszeta
Thomas E. Kennedy
Zachary A. Kumnick
Anthony C. LaRosa
Jocelyn Lindner
Deanna M. Loso
Robert F. Lucas
Brian M. Ludington
Alicia Mala
Celia I. Marcum
Nichole K. Marvin
Timothy Mathiason
Nicholas E. McGlynn
Michael J. Mead
Timothy R. Mertz
Codie L. Miner
David Murray
Christopher T. Nixon
James W. Nixon
Bradley J. Nuhn
Matthew D. O'Brien
Connor J. O'Neill
Michael W. Ossa
Danielle N. Page
Colleen D. Phelan
Daniel B. Pucillo
Johanna E. Regan
Joshua A. Reynolds
Sarah A. Rogers
Matthew L. Rynkowski
Genna R. Samander
Danielle R. Sanso
Michael R. Saunders
Brendan J. Schillberg
Kayla Schroeder
Erin E. Schuster
Justin C. Simmers
Alexa I. Skoulis
Russell Spaeth
Jason P. Stoner
Hannah K. Sturman
Avalon C. Taboada
Ashley R. Taylor
Shelby E. Van Huysen
Matthew A. Venuti
Stephanie A. Venuti
Christine E. Vivero
Paige C. Volpe
Matthew R. Waldman
Lindsey A. Wierbicki
Sarah R. Wilson
Emma R. Wing
Allison E. Winokur
Katelyn C. Zenie
Salvatore D. Zichichi

HK High School Colleges

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:01:00 GMT

Members of the graduating Class of 2009 from Haddam-Killingworth High School will be attending the following schools in the fall:

Connecticut
Brio Academy
Central Connecticut State University
Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy
Eastern Connecticut State University
Fairfield University
Gateway Community College
Independent Connecticut Petroleum Association Center
Middlesex Community College
Naugatuck Valley Community College
Paier College of Art
Post University
Quinnipiac University
Sacred Heart University
Southern Connecticut State University
UConn – Avery Point
UConn – Hartford
UConn – Storrs
University of Hartford
University of New Haven
Western Connecticut State University

Massachusetts
Anna Maria College
Boston College
Elms College
Lasell College
Northeastern University
Springfield College
Stonehill College
Suffolk University
UMass – Amherst
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Western New England College

Rhode Island
Bryant University
Johnson & Wales University
New England Institute of Technology
Roger Williams University
University of Rhode Island

Vermont
Champlain College
Lyndon State College

New Hampshire
Keene State College
Rivier College

Maine
Unity College

New York
Culinary Institute of America
Hofstra University
Ithaca College
Pace University
C. W. Post University
Rochester Institute of Technology
SUNY Cobleskill
SUNY Fredonia
Wagner College

Pennsylvania
Marywood College
Muhlenberg College
Villanova University

District of Columbia
George Washington University

Florida
Full Sail University

North Carolina
Elon University
High Point University

Virginia
James Madison University
Old Dominion University

Georgia
Savannah College of Art & Design

Ohio
Ohio State University

Utah
BrighamYoung University

KSA Scholarship Recipients Announced

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:59:19 GMT

The Killingworth Scholarship Association is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s awards:

           Sarah Bartosiak
           Tara Cordner
           Lindsay Gorman
           Victoria Hogan
           Deanna Loso
           Nicholas McGlynn
           Colleen Phelan
           Erin Schuster
           Shelby Van Huysen
           Christine Vivero

Each recipient is a resident of Killingworth and a 2009 graduate of Haddam-Killingworth High School or Sacred Heart Academy. Students will receive their award upon the successful completion of their first college semester.

The Killingworth Scholarship Association has been recognizing students from Killingworth for more than 30 years and has awarded more than $112,000. Candidates are required to complete an application along with a reflective essay. Candidates are then selected for a personal interview.

“We had an outstanding pool of candidates again this year,” noted President Nancy Dansereau. “The number and quality of the applicants continues to grow each year, making it a difficult task to select finalists.

It’s a tribute to our community, the students and their families, that the Killingworth Scholarship Association continues to be impressed with the caliber and qualifications of the recipients. We would like to thank the community for their continued financial support even under the current economic climate.”

Goldberg Runs for Second Term

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:58:15 GMT

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Senior Staff Writer:

First Selectman Al Goldberg made it official late last week. The Democrat announced that he will seek a second two-year term.

“I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue to serve as first selectman,” he said.
Goldberg beat incumbent Republican Tom Scarpati to win the office two years ago. This November he will face Republican Fillmore McPherson, a veteran Board of Finance member who announced his intention to run Monday.

Goldberg said, “I will run on my record of leadership, vision and results.”

He said his accomplishments included enhancement to the senior tax relief program, the approval at referendum of the senior center and ambulance facility, improvements to the human resources department and assessor’s office, a refinancing of town bonds to save $1 million over the next 10 years, and the approval of two annual budgets that maintained town and school services while being fiscally responsible.

The Democrat also said that he had worked hard at keeping a campaign promise to seek better communication and cooperation among boards, commissions, and town departments and that many of the accomplishments he cited “are shared with fellow selectmen, all of whom worked in a bi-partisan manner to get things done.”

Goldberg said, “I see myself as a public servant. I don’t want to politicize public policy matters, but sometimes making changes ruffles feathers and is a necessary part of the equation to get things done.”

He added, “This has been an activist administration that has tackled some long-standing problems…I put ethics and an ethics commission back on the front burner, raised the need for open space acquisition planning [and] addressed some problems that have been lingering for 30 years.”

The well-publicized problems within the Police Department have overshadowed much of Goldberg’s past year in office. One of those problems became the ever-increasing legal bills being paid to the former town attorney. Goldberg faced two hostile town meetings to seek additional funding.

“Did I take a beating at times? Yes, but I think we are headed in the right direction,” he stated.

The recently approved agreement with retiring Chief of Police Paul Jakubson will bring new leadership and new vision to the department, he said.

“I believe I’ve kept my campaign promises and the most important, I think, was a promise to get the town talking and working together again. By that, I meant town government. I see more joint meetings, more communication, more collegiality, cordiality, and civility among boards and commissions as we all address the common issues within the community,” Goldberg said.

Two years ago his campaign consisted of a concerted door-to-door effort carried out on his bicycle.

“Starting next week I hop back on my bicycle. It is my intention the visit thousands of voters at their homes. I’ll spend a full day here at my Town Campus office and in the early evening I’ll be on my bike,” Goldberg said.

“I never knew how short a time two years in office can be. There is so much more we need to do. I want to be first selectman to assure that our community gets things done,” he said.
Incumbent selectmen William Gladstone and Kathi Traugh will join Goldberg on the Democratic ticket for Board of Selectmen. Both will be seeking their third terms.

McPherson Steps Forward as First Selectman Candidate

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:57:11 GMT

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Senior Staff Writer:

Republican Fillmore McPherson stated his intention emphatically Monday morning. He announced, “I am running for this job.” The job is first selectman.

McPherson is an eight-year veteran of the Board of Finance and a 30-year Madison resident.
“I love this town. It has become increasingly obvious that the town of Madison is adrift. A new hand is needed at the helm. That is why I am announcing my candidacy for the Republican nomination for first selectman,” he said.

He will be running against incumbent First Selectman Al Goldberg, a Democratic who is completing his first two-year term and has announced this week that he will seek re-election.
“I have lived in this town for 30 years and have a solid record of active leadership in both government and civic affairs. I will be able to provide practical, hands-on guidance for the benefit of the town,” McPherson said.

His announcement, made at the foot of the granite steps of Memorial Town Hall, was greeted with applause from the approximately two dozen Republicans who had assembled there.

McPherson is married, has three grown children—all graduates of Daniel Hand High School—and is a retired executive from Schick Razors. In addition to the finance board, he has served on school building committees, is on the Board of Directors of the Madison Land Conservation Trust, and volunteers with Meals on Wheels, among other activities.

He said there were many reasons why he decided to run for first selectman—“Today I’ll only mention a few.”

For the past eight years on the Board of Finance, McPherson said, he has been “performing due diligence…It gives me a solid background in our financial affairs, and if you don’t think finances matter, wait until you get your tax bill.”

He said, “I have nine years as a board member of the Madison Land Conservation Trust. It speaks to my commitment to preserve our woodlands and coastal areas. I would like to see more land preserved as open space.”

McPherson said he did not want to alter the small town feel of Madison, but did want to encourage greater participation from small businesses as well as a greater variety of downtown retail establishments.

“The empty storefronts downtown do not bode well for local interests or for tax revenue,” he said.

“I do not agree that we made a conscious decision to have homeowners bear 92 percent of our tax burden,” McPherson added in a direct reference to a quote made by Goldberg in a Wall Street Journal article published in May.

The Republican then said, “We need to be prepared to effectively manage the next ‘big problem’ that we do not yet know about. This year it was excessive legal fees. For the past two years it has been police issues. Whatever and whenever the next issue is, I have the leadership experience to keep the ship on a smooth course. I am that leader.”

In introducing McPherson, Republican Selectwoman Noreen Kokoruda called him “the perfect choice…exactly who and what the town needs right now to return honor to Madison.”

Kokoruda and her fellow Republican selectman, Joe MacDougald, will both run for the selectmen seats. Republican Town Chairman Tom Banisch said the party is still seeking candidates for other spots on the ticket.

Teacher by Day, Writer by Night

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:56:10 GMT

By Jen Matteis, Source Community Desk Chief

Randy Howe, a resident of Madison since 2001, has enjoyed the ability to combine his two main interests—writing and teaching.

“I’ve had the opportunity to write a lot of books that in some way pertain to education and teaching,” says Randy, who is a special education teacher by day and a writer by night. “It’s a pretty busy, full life—which is how I like it.”

Currently, Randy teaches special education for students in grades 9 and 10 at the Sound School, a vocational high school in the public school system in New Haven.

Randy—who has a master’s degree in special education from Manhattanville College—has also written approximately 25 books, including a number of compilations of quotes, facts, and trivia.

Randy got his start in the publishing industry with the help of his wife Alicia Solis—the executive managing editor at Globe Pequot Press in Guilford. Randy’s first book—Flags of the Fifty States and Their Incredible Histories—was commissioned by Globe Pequot in 2002.
“They were pleased with the work,” says Randy.

This might be an understatement considering the 25 works that he has written since.
His two latest books, A+ Educators: A World-Class Tribute to Our Best Teachers and Here We Stand: 600 Inspiring Messages from the World’s Best Commencement Addresses, have involved a good amount of leg work. The first book involved getting in touch with award-winning teachers nationwide.

“That’s been pretty rewarding,” Randy notes. “It’s been fun emailing them and building this pool of excellent teachers for future works.”

For the commencement addresses, Randy tried to combine the serious with the more lighthearted.

“Some of the material in there is serious, but when you’re sitting at a speech, you like when someone can make you laugh,” says Randy, who included quotes from Andy Rooney, John Stewart, Barbara Bush, and Madeleine Albright. “Some of the most enjoyable are the folks who you wouldn’t necessarily expect to be funny.”

The book necessitated reading almost 250 speeches.

“I would try to skim the speeches, but I’d end up reading the whole thing,” he says. “That was a lot of fun.”

One of his most enjoyable moments in publishing was seeing his books on display at R.J. Julia Booksellers for the first time.

“I was really excited,” he recalls. “I enjoyed it because it was my first one—having always dreamed of being a writer and seeing my name on a book.”

As for the actual writing process, you might have seen Randy in action at his favorite local haunts—the Scranton Library and Starbucks.

“I will usually write for at least an hour a day,” he says. “It’s relaxing, it’s enjoyable—it’s something I like doing. I put the iPod on and get into the zone and next thing I know it’s 9:30 at night and time to go home and go to bed.”

Being a teacher, Randy is planning to use his summer vacation to write—but not exclusively. He’s looking forward to spending a bit more time with his two kids, six-year-old Noelle and four-year-old David.

“It’s really a nice break for everybody in the family,” says Randy, who adds that the family enjoys spending time at soccer camps and the Surf Club. “We spend the summer in our flip flops and a lot more relaxed.”

While David is mostly interested in baseball, Noelle has definitely felt the influence of having two parents in the publishing industry.

“Noelle says she wants to be an author and an illustrator when she grows up,” says Randy, who also coached his daughter’s soccer team this spring.

As for the teaching side of his life, Randy enjoys working in special education and plans to continue in the field.

“I like that you have to think on your feet,” he explains. “These kids are especially interesting and I’m especially proud of them.

“They are young adults who want to be treated like adults,” he continues. “They want the responsibility and the trust—that’s pretty challenging—to be supportive without being overly supportive.”

For someone who initially wanted to publish fiction, Randy has no regrets about finding his niche in the nonfiction world. Despite rejected efforts at the great American novel, the success that he has found is more than enough.

“This was an opportunity to do something I loved and get paid for it,” he says. “At the end it’s great because a couple times a year I get to see a package by the door and in it is a book I’ve worked on.”

As for his rejection letters?

“I kept all the rejection letters,” he notes. “They’re down in the basement along with all the stuff that got published.”

Randy’s books are available through R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Road, Madison. For more information, visit www.randyhowe.net.

To nominate a Person of the Week, call 203-245-1877, ext. 6119 or email j.matteis@shorepublishing.com.

Pictured: Randy Howe of Madison is a special education teacher by day, writer by night.

Photo by Jen Matteis

Water Filtration System Proposed for Ryerson, Brown

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:54:47 GMT

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Senior Staff Writer:

The Board of Education and the town are moving forward with a proposal from the Connecticut Water Company (CWC) that, if approved, will remove uranium from the water supply at the Ryerson and Brown schools. Since November, tests have shown higher than recommended levels of uranium in the well water at the two schools.

The proposal put forward by the water company will serve the schools from the Legend Hill condominium complex, which borders the school property. The water company has entered into an agreement to purchase the Legend Hill water system, which also has tested with high levels of uranium in its water. The water company will install a uranium removal system at Legend Hill, supply that condominium complex with treated water, and will supply the schools as well.

CWC has submitted a plan to the state Department of Public Health to permit installation of a treatment system, the first of its kind in the state. State Rep. Deb Heinrich, working with the water company and the town, succeeded in having enabling legislation passed recently in the legislature.

Under the water company’s proposal, CWC would assume all responsibility for providing a safe, reliable source of potable water to the schools. The company will assume the costs of providing and installing a water line from the Legend Hill treatment system to a metered connection point at Ryerson School.

The two schools would then become customers of the CWC, just as the other schools in Madison are. Until now, only Ryerson and Brown, the two northernmost schools, have been receiving water from wells drilled on the property. As water company customers, the two schools will pay the same metered rate as the other schools pay.

CWC would be responsible for the future maintenance of the water line. The town will be required to approve some easements to allow for installation and operation of the water lines and will be asked to allow the water company access to use of its well at Ryerson, should that be necessary to insure an adequate water supply.

“It is the company’s goal to have the uranium removal system and service connection for the schools in place by the first day of school this fall,” Craig Plata of CWC said.

The Board of Education, in a special meeting last week, authorized Superintendent of Schools David Klein to enter into agreements with the water company as necessary, and the Board of Selectmen has set a July 15 date for a town meeting to approve easements for access to school property.

It’s Another Glorious Fourth

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:53:49 GMT

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Senior Staff Writer:

Once again this year, Madison is prepared for an exciting July 4 weekend—from fireworks on Friday evening to the Saturday morning parade, which this year is marking its 30th anniversary, to Saturday evening’s concert on the Green. All events are free and open to the public.

First, the fireworks. They are scheduled for Friday approximately 9 p.m. They will be visible from the Surf Club, West Wharf, and East Wharf. Admission to these public beaches is regulated by the Beach and Recreation Department.

The Police Department reminds residents of the following parking, road closure, and public transportation issues:

There will be no parking in posted areas along West Wharf Road, and Surf Club Road. Permanent and temporary parking areas will be enforced and vehicles found in a hazardous location will be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.

West Wharf will be cleared of vehicles beginning at 5 p.m. and vehicles parked there after that time will be towed at the owner’s expense. Any vehicles parked at East Wharf will not be allowed to leave the lot until all pedestrian traffic has cleared the area.
The following roads will be closed to inbound vehicular traffic at approximately 8 p.m., but may be closed earlier if vehicular and pedestrian traffic levels are greater than normal: West Wharf Road, Surf Club Road, Middle Beach West, Island Avenue, and Middle Beach Road from East Wharf to Island Avenue.

Public transportation will be available. Buses will depart and return to the following locations beginning at 5:30 p.m.: Samson Rock Drive at Stop & Shop, the railroad station at Bradley Road, and the commuter parking lot on Route 79. Buses will drop off riders at the intersection of West Wharf Road and Surf Club Road. At the conclusion of the fireworks, all buses will return to all locations.

At the fireworks, drivers are advised to follow the instructions of the police officers who will attempt to move traffic as efficiently as possible. Officers assigned at the Surf Club will form traffic into two outgoing lanes. No inbound traffic will be allowed. All traffic will exit onto West Wharf Road, which will also be designated as one-way (northbound). No southbound traffic will be allowed on West Wharf Road until authorized by police officers. Leaving the fireworks, vehicles traveling in the right hand lane of West Wharf Road will only be allowed to turn right onto Route 1, and vehicles in the left hand lane on West Wharf Road will only be allowed to turn left onto Route 1.

The Police Department asks all drivers to be mindful of the increased pedestrian traffic on all surrounding roads both before and after the fireworks display.

The Parade

This year marks the 30-year anniversary of the town’s July 4 parade, originated and organized under the auspices of the Madison Exchange Club (see story on page XX). The parade will be Saturday at 11 a.m.

This year’s theme is “Health & Wellness,” inspired by the Chamber of Commerce’s Madison Challenge, a program introduced to engage citizens in healthy lifestyles and choices. The parade’s grand master will be Dr. John Mastrobattisto, the initiator of Madison Challenge.
Marching units are asked to organize in the parking lots off Samson Rock Road. The parade will step off at 11 a.m. and travel down Main Street and the Boston Post Road to the Surf Club, where it will disband.

The Concert

One of Madison’s most popular events is the July 4 Concert on the Green presented by Madison Cultural Arts (MCA). Saturday will mark this event’s 27th year. It is sponsored this year by Guilford Savings Bank.

The concert starts at 5 p.m. with the Shoreline Youth Symphony Orchestra. At 7 p.m. the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra will take the stage with its “Program Americana” selections, which include music composed by Bernstein, Copland, and Williams and tunes of Broadway and the Swing Era.

As always, the concert concludes with everyone’s favorite finale, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, and You’re a Grand Old Flag.

Admission is free. There are limited reserved seating areas closer to the stage for concert patrons who donate $60 or more. MCA’s lease with the First Congregational Church of Madison for use of the Green stipulates that the concert be an alcohol-free event and that space cannot be reserved on the Green prior to 6 a.m. on July 4. For reserved seating or for those who would like to volunteer to help with the concert, call Richard Evans at 203-215-4362.

Fourth of July Parade Celebrates Its 30 Year Anniversary

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:52:34 GMT

When you’ve lived in an active community like Madison for more than just a few years, you begin to assume (or not even think about) that the important events on the town calendar “just happened.” So, as years go by, many annual events seem to neither have had a definitive beginning nor seem to have been placed on the town calendar by persons representing any specific organizations.

So that doesn’t happen to our great Fourth of July Parade, the town records should now more properly reflect that 2009 is the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Fourth of July Parade by forward-thinking members of the Madison Exchange Club. In celebration of that moment, five of its founders, headed up by the key originator Carlo DiGirolamo, are assembling this year to commemorate its historic beginnings.

Original Madison Exchange Club organizers attending this year’s 30th anniversary parade include Jim Mezzanti, organizer par excellence; Charlie Corso, CHairman of the Games (in ’79, played all day at the Surf Club); Tom Rhinelander, in charge of safety; and Bob Wiggum, chairman of food & beverage (in 1979, more than 675 lobster dinners).

It should be a great reunion centered on what has become a fantastic part of how Madison celebrates America’s birthday.

Submitted by Ashton Edwards for the Madison Exchange Club

Police Increasing Parking Enforcement

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:50:13 GMT

As the summer season approaches, the Madison Police Department will be stepping up its efforts to patrol the downtown business district as well as school and beach areas to enforce parking regulations.

These efforts could result in increased enforcement actions to the point of the possible issuance of a State of Connecticut infraction ticket, the department said.
Simply put, you could get a ticket and have to pay a fine.

In accordance with Madison Town Ordinance Article II, Section 12-26, Parking Violations (G) “If payment is not received in full within thirty (30) days of the date of issue of the citation, an infraction ticket shall be issued to the last registered owner of the motor vehicle by first class mail. The owner of record shall be that individual, firm, or corporation according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Town infraction will charge the registered owner with violation of a Town Ordinance subject to a fine of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) and not more than One Hundred Dollars ($100). This shall be deemed an additional violation of this section. A letter explaining the fines, penalties, cost and fees due shall accompany the infraction ticket.”

Therefore, if payment of a parking violation isn’t received within 30 days of the issue date, an infraction will be issued, resulting in payment of the fine which is double the original fine plus the infraction fine which could be up to an additional $77, payable to the State of Connecticut Infraction Bureau.

To appeal a parking ticket, the Police Department asks that you follow this procedure: Ticket appeals must be sent in writing to the Madison Police Department, 9 Campus Drive, Madison, CT 06443, and an appeal date with the independent parking appeals officer of the Town of Madison will be assigned.

Ten Students Receive Awards for Citizenship

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:48:14 GMT

On May 13, 108 tutors, students, families and friends of Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore (LVVS) gathered at St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation Hall in Clinton for the LVVS 18th annual Student Awards Ceremony and International Potluck Dinner. The dinner was organized by Ann Lander and her committee. The diners enjoyed delicacies from such countries as Peru, Brazil, Tibet, Mexico, and Afghanistan. The crowning glory of the evening was the awarding of Certificates of Achievement to 10 students who passed the American Citizenship test this year.

Awards were presented to Shahbibi Qurban Ali (Westbrook); Samad Ali Qurban Ali (Westbrook); Fatima Arhday (Guilford); Raul Jara (Westbrook); Hang Lam (Clinton); Ruth Peterson (Clinton); Aracelly Ramirez (Killingworth); Latifa Ghulan Rasool (Westbrook); Gloria Robison (Westbrook); and Juana “Silvia” Tuttle (Deep River). The Essex Garden Club presented each student with a patriotically wrapped herb plant so that they could plant their roots in their adopted country.
Awards were given out to 56 students for Outstanding Student Participation. Certificates were presented to students who set goals that they wanted to achieve at the beginning of the year and attained those goals. Goals achieved included long-term goals such as gaining U.S. citizenship to short-term ones such as getting a library card. Many of these students improved their employment status because of their increased English-speaking skills; others can now communicate in English with their children’s teachers or with doctors. The skills attained are many times those skills that we take for granted but the non-English speaking person finds them a challenge.

The Book Sale Committee awarded prizes for its annual Essay Contest. The essay contest presents an opportunity for students to practice their writing skills. Essays were judged in several different categories according to their language proficiency. Prizes were awarded in both Basic Reading and English as a Second Language. First place in basic reading was awarded to Mary Rubino (Old Saybrook). First place awards in English as a Second Language (ESL) were given to: Beginning: Nohemi Ramirez (Clinton); High Beginning: Niru Keshwala (Clinton); Low Intermediate: Aracelly Ramirez (Killingworth); High Intermediate: Claudia Hernandez (Lopez) (Guilford); Low Advanced: Giemar Rivera (Clinton); and High Advanced: Debora Franca (Old Saybrook).

LVVS is a nonprofit educational program dedicated to helping adults of all ages improve their lives and their communities by learning reading, writing, math and problem-solving skills. Serving 13 towns in the lower valley area, LVVS helps adults overcome barriers and improve employment opportunities by teaching them to communicate in English and basic reading skills.

Information courtesy of Mary Ellen Jewett

Police Incident Report June 17 to 23

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:47:03 GMT

The Source publishes a Police Incident Report to inform residents of incidents, criminal activities, and police responses occurring in Madison and Killingworth. As those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the report does not include names. The report may be edited for size and content.

Madison

Wednesday, June 17
• A 35-year-old woman of Opening Hill Road was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and failure to drive in the proper lane of a multiple lane highway.
• A 41-year-old Guilford woman was charged with larceny in the first degree, credit card theft, and illegal use of credit card.
• Police investigated criminal mischief on public property on Scotland Road near Horse Pond Road, criminal mischief on private property at 65 Old Route 79 and at 43 West Wharf Road, and a burglary at 27 Parker Avenue.

Thursday, June 18
• A 20-year-old man of East Wharf Road was charged with reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, and failure to obey a control signal.
• A 26-year-old man of Duck Hole Road was charged with cruelty to animals, assault in the second degree, threatening, and strangulation in the second degree.
• Police investigated a report of aggravated assault on Lake Drive.

Friday, June 19
• A 20-year-old man of Bartlett Drive charged with disorderly conduct.
• Entrapment in a non-motor vehicle fire was reported at 1301 Boston Post Road.
• Police investigated a criminal trespass incident at 32 Waterbury Avenue.

Saturday, June 20
• A 20-year-old man of Durham Road was charged with evading responsibility in the operation of a motor vehicle following an accident in which there was property damage or bodily injury (fleeing the scene) and failure to drive in the proper lane of a multiple lane highway.
• A 27-year-old Meriden man was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to carry insurance identification card, and failure to drive in the proper lane of a multiple lane highway.
• Police investigated a breach of peace on Puritan Lane.

Sunday, June 21
• A 43-year-old man of River Road was charged with disorderly conduct.
• Police investigated an unlawful discharge of a firearm on Beekman Place.

Monday, June 22
No arrests were made.
• Police investigated vandalism at 87 Surf Club Road, a burglary at 27 Parker Avenue, and neighbor trouble on Old Route 79.

Tuesday, June 23
No arrests were made.
• Police investigated a burglary attempt at 122 Winding Road and criminal mischief on private property at 61 Oak Avenue.

Killingworth

Wednesday, June 17 to Friday, June 19
No arrests were made and no significant incidents were reported.

Saturday, June 20
• A missing person report was filed at 1:16 a.m. and investigated by Trooper Daniel Hoffner. No details of the case were made available.

Sunday, June 21 to Tuesday, June 23
No arrests were made and no significant incidents were reported.

Police correspondent Jason J. Marchi compiles the Police Incident Report.

North Haven High School Class of 2009

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:31:55 GMT

Three hundred six seniors crossed the stage on June 23 to receive their diplomas as members of North Haven High School’s Class of 2009. The weather cooperated to allow the ceremony to be held outdoors and students capped off the occasion by keeping their caps on, foregoing the traditional toss in favor of throwing flowers. Student speeches were delivered by valedictorian Fiona Wood, salutatorian Stephanie Grilo, and class president Davon Darden.

Anthony Abate
James Albert
Luis Alfonzo
Alexander Allouche
Marissa Amarone
Melanie Amodio
Andrew Anastasio
David Anderson
Angelo Annunziata
Zachary Back
Erica Bacon
Lilia Baker
Oladapo Balogun
Anna Bank
Elizabeth Baptie
Matthew Baransky
Michael Baraquin
Frank Barbiero
Angelica Barcsansky
Anthony Barone
Vincent Battista
Jessica Beauton
Kate Bennett
Kelly Bennett
Amy Berarducci
Ashley Biase
Alyssa Biller
Christopher Bonilla
Jaimie Bosco
Jonathan Brenner
John Broccoli
Kelly Brockett
Kayleigh Brooks
Geoffrey Brown
Steven Brown
Melanie Brozek
Kaitlyn Bruneau
Anna Bujalski
Keri Burns
Alex Calechman
Joseph Capriglione
Russell Caprio
Corrine Carman
Tenevia Carter
Gregory Castelli
Nicole Cavallaro
Jillian Ceballos
Nicolle Ceneri
Charles Christoforo
Stefania Ciarleglio
Russell Claver-Obinna
Sequan Clemons
Trisha Clini
Lindsay Cocco
Charlotte Cohane
Samantha Cole
Andrew Consiglio
Alessa Contento
Maria Cook
Philip Cooper
Christopher Cote
Kelly Coughlin
Brenden Creacy
Alyssa Cretella
Megan Criscio
Samantha Criscuolo
Zachary Criscuolo
Jeremy Croll
Yvonne Crowley
Jennifer Cruver
Robert Cummiskey
Christopher Cusano
Brian Dagliere
Angela Daigle
Christine D’Amato
Gabrielle D’Amico
Alessandra Daniele
Davon Darden
Nicole Davis
James Dean
Ashley DeCola
Andrew DeCusati
Frank DeCusati
Kristina DeFilippo
Cristal DeLeon
Amaya Delerme
Christopher DeLuca
Matthew DeMarco
Alyson DeMauro
Christina DePino
Alexandra D’Errico
Bruce Devlin
Stephen DiCapua
Erin Dinneen
John Dockendorff
Lauren Dufour
Timothy Dzialo
Conner Early
Emily Epler
Aleah Evenstad
Stephanie Ferraiolo
Maria Finoia
John Fiore
Matthew Fitzpatrick
Jennifer Flagg
Samuel Frei
Michael Friello
Kevin Fuggi
Angela Fusco
Nicholas Gambardella
Peter Gantos
Olivia Rose Gargano
Bree Garrison
Nadyna Gaudio
Justin Gaudioso
Matthew Geoffino
Emily Giskin
Christianne Glenn-Long
Matthew Goodkin
Rebecca Gordon
Edward Gosney
Raquel Gray
Rachael Green
Stephanie Grilo
Colleen Guckian
Kelly Halkyard
Amanda Hall
Brandon Harder
Erin Hegarty
Kimberly Hentz
Spencer Heyl
Barbara Hoffman
Suki Hood
George Hotton
Sheila Huggins
Steven Iezzi
Michael Improta
Adam Iskra
Serena Jackson
Eric Jacques
Amanda James
Mathew Jennings
Ieisha Johnson
Rebecca Jordan
Erica Kaliszewski
Pelin Kangal
Zoltan Kanyo
Eric Karacsonyi
Alanna Katz
Zachary Kenney
Abdul Khan
Wonjae Kil
Michael Kilmartin
Christina Kim
Olivia Kiraly
Nicole Konopka
Andrew Kruse
Jaclyn Kusmit
Joshua La France
Elizabeth Lafond
Aaron Lefland
Beth Lennon
John Lesko
Reggie Li
Lisa Liquori
Shelby Logan
Silvana Lopez
Christa Lorusso
Chelsea Madonna
Joseph Maher
Erin Maratea
Michelle Marenna
Emma Marshall
Lauren Martorelli
Nicole Mason
Victor Massaro
Joseph Massella
Mathew Maturo
Dennis Mautner
Bianca McClain
Corrine McDonald
Kailee McEvoy
LaToya McFarland
James McGrath
Valerie Melotto
Briceyda Meneses
Lisa Merwin
Taylor Middagh
Gerald Mikolinski
Colin Miller
Brett Minichiello
Michael Minotti
Kelly Morrone
Sean Mumford
Marc Murano
Ryan Murcko
Patryce Murphy
Nicole Naples
Jennifer Nastri
Brittany Nazario
David Neleber
Christopher Neleber
Kimberly Noel
Thomas Nolan
Hope Notaro
Gabriella Nye
Kathrin Nye
Daniel Oakes
Kelsey O’Brien
Kenechukwu Okwuosa
Alberto Ortiz
Kaileigh Osborne
Luis Pagan
Arianna Palmer
Arthur Palmer
Audrey Palmieri
Thomas Palmucci
Michael Pappas
Jalak Patel
Charles Pieper
Nicholas Pisani
Luc Pollard
Francisco Ponce
Joshua Potvin
Daniel Priebe
Michael Proto
William Provenzano
Kyle Pullano
Matthew Puzycki
Thomas Quigley
Thomas Quinn
Jaclyn Ragozzino
Nicole Ranciato
Brytani Randlett
Courtney Reynolds
Janitza Rivera
Mercilla Roach
Christina Roberts
Steven Roberts
Jenna Rodelsturtz
Elvin Rodriguez
Henry Rodriguez
Samuel Rodriguez
Hilary Rose
Christine Rossi
Pauline Roxas
Brittany Roy
Samantha Rudewicz
Steven Rudewicz
Jelani Sancho
Daniel Sardilli
Jennifer Saslow
Mary Savenelli
Neeloufar Sayadi
Antonio Scarano
Justine Scarborough
David Schettino
Danielle Schioppo
Matthew Schloemann
James Schwartz
Alexander Seneco
Arielle Sharma
Chelsea Shaw
Jeison Sicha
Adam Sigovitch
Justin Simon
Drake Smith
Jynnelle Smith
Sarah Smith
Michael Sola
Juhyeon Song
MinYoung Song
Joseph Sorrentino
Cassandra Spadory
Krista Spalding
Julie Sullivan
Michael Swanson
Rebecca Tabak
Kelly Tangney
Shirley Tapper
Andrew Timothy
Caitlin Tischler
Lamar Toles
Kristen Tomlan
Joshua Tong
Samantha Torres
Alisia Toscano
Lyly Tran
Anthony Trischitti
Brittany Umsteadt
Alissandra Usher
Jeffrey Vidal
Aaron Volain
Tyler Wack
Ryan Wagner
Kristyn Ward
Benjamin Weidner
Caroline Weinbach
Evan Welch
Douglas White
Michelle Wingreen
Kevin Withington
Bryan Wolfe
Fiona Wood
William Woodruff
Hector Zamora

Future Plans for the Class of 2009’s Top 10

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:30:55 GMT

1. Fiona Wood, Harvard University
2. Stephanie Grilo, Columbia University
3. MinYoung Song, Tufts University
4. Anna Bujalski, Boston College
5. Drake Smith, University of Southern California
6. Melanie Amodio, University of Connecticut
7. Christianne Glenn-Long, University of Connecticut
8. Arielle Sharma, Boston University
9. Geoffrey Brown, Northeastern University
10. Jalak Patel, University of Connecticut

People Helping People

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:26:00 GMT

By Jason J. Marchi, Courier Correspondent:

When Lucy DeCicco was growing up the youngest of four children in a loving homestead on Green Street in New Haven, she gained an admirer—a boy by the name of Angelo whom Lucy ignored year after year. The boy had had his eye on “little Lucy” since grammar school, but it wasn’t until years later that Lucy acknowledge his interest.

“I was going to hair dressing school and he was in the service at the time. We met on the street one day and he said hello and I finally answered him,” Lucy recalls.

From there true love formed—and a loving marriage ensued that would last for nearly 46 years.

During their wondrous years together, Lucy and Angelo raised three children, Angelo Jr., Janet, and Bernadette, but they also suffered the tragic loss of a baby.

Angelo worked in retail before he took charge of the cafeteria at Blue Cross/Blue Shield in New Haven and Lucy groomed a hairdressing career for herself before a bad knee required surgery and forced her retirement from the business.

A change of career was also urged by her doctor who thought Lucy should not be exposed to the harsh chemicals used in the hairdressing profession at the time.

“I had three little children and a husband, so didn’t want to take any chances,” Lucy recalls.

After several years working in the auditing department at Sears in Hamden, Lucy moved to Blue Cross/Blue Shield for 10 years before retiring once again. At Blue Cross, Lucy worked with the clients who were 65 and older.

“I enjoyed that very much,” she says, recalling the enjoyment of speaking to those customers who were Italian immigrants and had not yet learned English.

Life was status quo for several decades before personal tragedy would strike again.
“I lost my husband six years ago and a year later I lost my daughter Bernadette, at 41,” Lucy says.

“She wanted children so badly,” Lucy says, and notes that Bernadette’s untimely death was caused by a reaction to a fertility medication. “People have asked me why I and her husband didn’t do anything about it. But what are you going to do about it? Is it going to bring Bernadette back?”

While Lucy has suffered her share of losses, she is the kind of person who always sees the proverbial glass of water half-full.

“Our family is very close. We’re normal and we argued, but after we argued that was it. We never went to bed at night without saying, ‘I love you.’ And when I get up in the morning I say, ‘Dear God, thank you for another day; just give me the strength to go on,’ because I have a beautiful family and four grandchildren, three boys and a girl.”

One of those “boys” just graduated from law school, “and the other graduated a week later from UNH and he’s going into criminal justice,” Lucy says. “The third boy is with a police department in Florida and my granddaughter is going to Gateway but she’s not sure yet what she wants to go into—either culinary or hairdressing.”

For Lucy, that joy of family readily translates into her desire to help her fellow seniors each day.

“I started out working in the kitchen [of the senior center] for a while, but then I was put on the staff and I help out where ever I can,” Lucy says.

“I love working with people and I love making everyone happy,” she adds. “Life is short. If you have a beef, get over it. That’s the past. This is the new.”

To nominate a Person of the Week contact Jason Marchi at j.marchi@shorepublishing.com or 203-245-1877 x6166.

Pictured: As a staff member at the Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center, Lucy DeCicco has a goal—to bring happiness into the lives of others despite a number of tragedies in her own life.

Photo by Jason J. Marchi

Police Incident Report June 17 to 23

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:24:00 GMT

The North Haven Courier publishes a Police Incident Report to inform residents of incidents, criminal activities, and police responses occurring in town. As those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the report does not include names. It may be edited for space and content.

Wednesday, June 17 to Thursday, June 18
No arrests were made.

Friday, June 19
• A 24-year-old Seymour woman was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and failure to obey a control signal.

Saturday, June 20
• A 39-year-old New Haven man was arrested on a warrant charging him with credit card theft, illegal use of credit card, and theft of a firearm.
• A 45-year-old man of Pool Road was charged with disorderly conduct.
• A 45-year-old Hamden woman was issued a misdemeanor for improper use of marker plate.

Sunday, June 21
• A 48-year-old man of Quinnipiac Avenue was charged with disorderly conduct and assault in the third degree.
• A 38-year-old West Haven man was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, possession of less than four ounces of marijuana, failure to drive in the proper lane of a multiple lane highway, and failure to signal a turn.
• A 34-year-old East Hartford man was charged with disorderly conduct.

Monday, June 22
• A 29-year-old Fairfield man was charged with larceny in the fourth degree. While in custody he was arrested on a warrant charging him with failure to appear in the second degree.

Tuesday, June 23
• A 25-year-old man of Quinnipiac Avenue was charged with assault in the third degree, interfering with an officer, and breach of peace.
• A 55-year-old Rocky Hill man was issued a misdemeanor for failure to have insurance, misuse of plate, and having an obstructed view through the windshield.

From June 17 to 23, North Haven police also cited five motorists for traveling unreasonably fast, three for operating an unregistered motor vehicle, two for failure to drive a reasonable distance apart, two for speeding, two for operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license, and one for failure to wear a seat belt in the front seat.

Police correspondent Jason J. Marchi compiles the Police Incident Report.

Looking Forward to Possibilities: GHS Class of 2009 Graduates

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:07:26 GMT

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

The Guilford High School (GHS) Class of 2009 took to the Town Green June 24 to celebrate four years of success and growth at commencement exercises. The threat of rain held off during the speeches, but light showers falling as diplomas were conferred didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of the school’s 295 graduates.

GHS Principal Rick Misenti said the class includes 117 high honors/honors students, 120 CAPT Scholars, and 100 National Honor Society Members (the largest GHS group ever). He noted, as GHS Class of 2009 members attend colleges and universities all over the country, “they’ll be walking the halls and taking their pride of Guilford High School with them.”

Class Salutatorian Michelle Sliwinski used her time at the podium to thank family, friends, and the “phenomenal faculty” on behalf of all of the class. She talked about changes in recent years, from the national election to the current recession, and added the most positive change to take place at GHS recently has been the appointment of Misenti as school principal, two years ago.

“He’s been one of the greatest positive changes to our school,” said Sliwinski, adding she and her classmates should now “take matters into our own hands and be an agent for change in the world.”

The GHS Class Shield, a traditional gift from each graduating class, was unveiled at the ceremony. Done in wood, the white frames of sunglasses hold paintings in each lens. One shows an Indian (the GHS mascot) in a canoe on the Sound. The other depicts the town’s iconic Grass Island red shack with the Sound in the foreground. Its motto reads “2009: The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder.”

GHS Class of 2009 Co-Vice Presidents Michael Cargo and Tanyell Cooke presented the shield with Alexa Brancato (secretary) and Katherine Crabtree and Ruhi Mehta (co-treasurers).
“This shield represents our class, our roots, and this town…[This is] a class that will be the change they wish to see in this world,” Cargo announced.

Co-Presidents Chantaneice Kitt and Eliza Summerlin gave the Class Greeting. Class Valedictorian Amelia Urry told her classmates that they were all “preparing to move forward into a new kind of self sufficiency,” reminding them that “with independence comes a new responsibility.”

Urry said every graduate should embrace any fears of uncertainty about his or her future.
“Fear is not evil…We’re meant to fear things we do not know. It keeps us awake, keeps us aware of the life we’re in…For now, anything is possible,” Urry said.

Guilford High School Class of 2009

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:06:02 GMT

The Guilford High School Counseling Department announces the following information regarding the Class of 2009, which recently graduated on June 24. Of the 295 graduates, 96 percent will be pursuing some form of post-secondary eduation. There will be 236 seniors who will be attending four year colleges or universities and 33 seniors will be pursuing their studies at two year institutions. Seven seniors will be attending technical programs, 3 seniors will be attending prep school, 4 seniors will be joining the armed forces, and 12 seniors will be either traveling, are undecided or will be joining the work force directly after graduation.

Jennifer Agamie   ECSU
Jameson Altieri   Gateway Community College
Erika Amatruda   Gateway Community College
Matthew Anthonis   Western New England College
Samantha Ashe   Paul Mitchell Academy of Hairdressing
Matthew Auretta   Lyndon State College
Qasim Aziz   Employment
Emily Babbitt   Berklee College of Music
Rachel Babecki   WCSU
Emily Barber   Duke University
Jennifer Barbosa   New York University
Ariana Basel   Assumption College
Dustin Bennett   Roger Williams University
Christina Berry   College of Charleston
Katherine Bogue   Wake Forest University
Alexandra Bohner   UConn
Melissa Boudreau   Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Alexa Brancato   UConn
Erin Breaker   UConn-Honors Program
Bethany Brierley   College of St. Joseph-VT
Beata Brouard   Wittenberg University
Eric Brown   Curry College
Jacob Brown   University of Rhode Island
Zachary Brown   University of Rhode Island
Kacey Buckley   Delaware Valley College
Nicholas Camera   St. John’s University
Matthew Caraway   Muhlenberg College
Michael Cargos   University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Daniel Carter   Dartmouth College
Laura Castracane   University of New Hampshire
Courtney Cattaruzza   UConn
John Chasse   United States Marine Corps
Branden Cheesman   Porter & Chester Institute
Jonathan Christoff   UConn
Adam Cignatta   UConn
Carly Clark   University of Vermont
Victoria Clifford   ECSU
Charlene Cole   James Madison University
Nicholas Colonese   University of Rhode Island
Zachary Connell   Champlain College
Hannah Consiglio   Gateway Community College
Kenneth Conte   University of Rhode Island
Tanyell Cooke   The George Washington University
Charles Corey   United States Coast Guard
Katherine Crabtree   Tulane University
Brandon Crespo   Undecided
Jonathan Criscuolo   Bridgewater State College
Andrew Culvert   Mitchell College
Dana Cutler   CCSU
Rachel Cutler   ECSU
Kathleen DaCorte   CCSU
Stephen D’Addio   University of Arizona
John Dailey   UConn
Aaron Davis   Drew University
Hollise Davis   Endicott College
Stephanie Delaney   SCSU
Noah DeNegre   UConn
Travis Dillon   University of New Haven
Jayanti DiPaolo   Paier College of Art
Elyssa DiRaffaele   DePauw University
Nicole Dostie-Falcone   Gateway Community College
Patrick Doyle   Western New England College
Erica Drake   UConn
Brian Duggan   Bridgewater State College
Paige Durno   UConn
Kaitlyn Earles   SCSU
Christopher Edgerton   SCSU
Morgan Ehlers   Ithaca College
Jeffrey Eilbott   Middlebury College
James Elander   CCSU
Kathleen Elliott   University of Maryland-College Park
Sean Elliott   Sacred Heart University
Meryl Ertelt   Providence College
Stephanie Falcone   University of Rhode Island
Nicholas Faulkner-Filosa   Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Daniel Feder   UConn
Thomas Ferraro   Gateway Community College
Emily Fischer   Fairfield University
Matthew Fulton   Undecided
Kathryn Fussell   CCSU
Rachel Gaewski   Ithaca College
Dillon Geelan   College of Charleston
Sayali Ghatpande   UConn
Haralambia Giannopoulos   Gateway Community College
Brian Gilloran   St. Lawrence University
Morgan Glassman   Massachusetts College of Art & Design
Rachel Gonzalez   East Stroudsburg University
Allison Gottwalt   Macalester College
Amanda Gozzi   Northeastern University
Maria Greco   Mount Saint Mary College
Erin Greenleaf   Middlesex Community College
Kelsey Greim   University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Janel Haggerty   Keene State College
Stephen Hall   Undecided
Elizabeth Harmon   Fairfield University
Kevin Hartmann   Iona College
Max Hattenback   UConn
Zachary Hawk   Gateway Community College
Sean Healy   UConn-Avery Point
Melanie Heeren   Keene State College
Laura Heidtman   Gateway Community College
Michael Heinemann   Manhattan College
Nina Hersher   Boston University
Jordyn Hilgert   Middlesex Community College
Katie Hobson   Elmira College
Nicole Hodgdon   UConn
Rachel Hoey   College of Charleston
Justin Husted   University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Julia Idarola   CCSU
Alexander Jazinski   Western New England College
Anne Jensen   UConn-Honors Program
Carl Jeppesen   Merrimack College
Matthew Johnson   WCSU
Zachary Johnson   Employment
Elizabeth Jonathan   Hamilton College-NY
Gilbert Jones   Purdue University
Thomas Juncadella   ECSU
Alexandra Kalfus   University of New Hampshire
Amra Kandic   UConn
Stephen Keating   Johnson State College
Andrew Kelly   Lyndon State College
Erin Kelly   Johnson & Wales University
Ryan Kenefick   Middlesex Community College
Alison Kennedy   SCSU
Laura Kennel   University of New Haven
Dino Keric   Middlesex Community College
Corina Kirwin   Trinity University-TX
Chantaneice Kitt   Wesleyan University
Madison Knapp   Bentley University
Domonique Kniffin   Lincoln Technical Institute
Ahmad Kohsar   WCSU
Nina Kraus   Hamilton College-NY
Sarah Krumholz   Macalester College
Stewart Lamberton   SCSU
John Landock   UConn
Brittany Landon   Keene State College
Corinne Latham   SCSU
Andrew Leary   Loomis Chaffee
Kevin Leary   Loomis Chaffee
Nicholas Leeming   Marist College
Brian LeRiche   University of Hartford
Margo Leshine   Pace University-NYC
Shaina Levinson   SCSU
Zachary Levinson   Dean College
William Li   UConn
Jonathan Loja   Middlesex Community College
Thomas LoRicco   Community College of Baltimore-MD
Kyle Lundberg   Trinity College-CT
Justin MacArthur   Providence College
Derek Malinowski   UConn-Avery Point
Kyle Malvey   SCSU
Shelby Mancini   Villanova University
Erica Mansi   Dean College
Christopher Marquis   The College of New Jersey
Stephanie Marsh   University of Rhode Island
MaryLynn Massey   Endicott College
Josef Mazeiko   SUNY-Buffalo
Spencer McCauley   Trinity College-CT
Bryan McCloskey   UConn
Christopher McCloskey   Clark University
Allison Emily McGavisk   Johns Hopkins University
Dennis McGinley   UConn
Ruhi Mehta   Boston University
Kevin Meskill   SCSU
Dustin Miconi   UConn
Lauren Mitchell   University of Delaware
Michael Moalli   Bryant University
Marisa Mohrer   Bates College
Brian Morrell   Middlesex Community College
Paul Mulligan   University of Rhode Island
Michael Nault   UConn
Jenna Naylor   Marist College
Edward Nealon   Mitchell College
Gabriella Necklas   Marist College
Sara North   Gordon College-MA
Rebecca Novick   Lesley University
Laura Nygren   Skidmore College
Jennifer O’Connell   ECSU
Cara Offredi   UConn
Alexander Oman   Saint Joseph’s University
Catherine O’Mara   Keene State College
Rebecca Onat   Mitchell College
Kimberly Osga   SCSU-Honors Program
Shae Owens   Middlesex Community College
Amanda Page   University of Rochester
Shannon Page   Nichols College
Chloe Parrington   SCSU
Allessia Pascarella   ECSU
Akash Patel   Wentworth Institute of Technology
Paul Patinella   Lyndon State College
Johanna Penry   Pace University-NYC
Kathryn Petrick   University of Delaware
Elida Plaza   Hairdressing/Cosmotology Academy
James Plunkett   Kenyon College
Samantha Poccia   Syracuse University
Wayne Pond   Gateway Community College
Frank Prifitera   Employment
Alyxandra Prinz   Pace University-NYC
Kelsey Proctor   SCSU
Troy Puchini   Wentworth Institute of Technology
Frank Putney   ECSU
Michael Rak   Lyndon State College
Christopher Ralls   SUNY-Potsdam
Robert Renner   UConn
Tyler Richmond   Paier College of Art
Meggan Robinson   Middlesex Community College
Michael Roh   Brown University
Julia Rorke   ECSU
Melissa Rose   UConn
Belen Ruiz   UConn-Avery Point
Cristina Ryan   Rhode Island College
Pamela Salmeron   Paul Mitchell Academy of Hairdressing
Zachary Sarlo   Post University
Elizabeth Savrann   Oberlin College
Michael Scales   University of California-Davis
David Scherer   UConn
Evan Schmid   Roger Williams University
Michael Schmitt   Lasell College
Katelyn Scott   UConn
Kyle Scranton   UConn
Katie Shapiro   University of Colorado-Boulder
Kacey Shepherd   University of New Haven
Sarah Shiner   UConn
Ethan Shore   UConn
Gabriel Shore   Syracuse University
Matthew Simon   Junior Hockey
Ari Sinanis   Lesley University
Michelle Sliwinski   The George Washington University
Emma Smith   UConn
Taylor Smith   Salve Regina University
Justin Sousa   Lyndon State College
Connor Sperry   Southern New Hampshire University
Elisabeth Steffen   UConn
Aaron Steinberg   Vassar College
Sydney Stockmann   Middlesex Community College
Michael Stone   University of Rhode Island
Parker Sulkowski   UConn
Emily Sullivan   Boston University
Eliza Summerlin   Macalester College
Andrew Taggart   Middlesex Community College
Andrew Teofilo   SCSU
Eric Terreri   Salve Regina University
Mariuxy Thomas   UConn-Avery Point
Brenna Thommen   University of Delaware
Kaleigh Tomasko   Norwich University
Samantha Troilo   Gateway Community College
Chelsea Trotta   University of Rhode Island
Lauren Trotta   Providence College
Chad Tucker   United States Air Force
Robby Tuttle   UConn
Anne Ulles   College of Charleston
Amelia Urry   Yale University
Fiona Vardy   University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Tristan Vroom   Acadia University
Rachel Wagner   UConn
Kierstin Wall   Endicott College
Justin Wallace   Roger Williams University
Samantha Wallace   Ithaca College
Heather Walsh   Gateway Community College
Ian Watson   Three Rivers Community College
Charles Weber   University of Massachusetts-Amherst
David Weber   Three Rivers Community College
Cody Weimer   University of Central Florida
Seth Wells   Curry College
Jaclyn Welsh   University of Delaware
Alexander Wilcox   CCSU
Cody Wiley   United States Air Force
Kelsey Williams   SCSU
Simone Wolff   Barnard College
Nico Zarrillo   Middlesex Community College
Tingyun Linda Zhang   Boston University

A Hand in the Future: Cox Kids Leave Gifts

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:02:09 GMT

By Pam Johnson, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

No matter where they go in the future, 70 members of the A.W. Cox Class of 2009 have left a handprint on their alma mater, inside and out. As their parting gift last week, they dedicated a new walkway to an outdoor playground, then unveiled a new hallway mural inside the building. Each 4th grader pressed a handprint into the concrete walk and in paint outlining a seascape in the gym hallway.

Everyone in the class painted some aspect of the mural, said Cox PTO Cultural Enrichment Chair Beth Kozarec. Painting began in May and depicts a great white heron watching from shore as dolphins jump above the waves. Meanwhile an orange-red octopus floats underneath near some purple jellyfish, a seahorse, and plenty of other colorful underwater fauna (and flora). Artists/moms Michelle Raiti and Laurie Flagherty assisted Kozarec and the kids with the work.

The 4th graders also had a hand in helping project donor Lyon Construction of Madison install a 25-foot curving concrete pathway that now leads from the school’s rear sidewalk to its front playground. The walk replaces what was usually a muddy path, said A.W. Cox Principal Merry Leventhal.

While professionals built the walk, all 70 students left a hand imprint to line its edges. Stony Creek pink granite, inlaid at the center and engraved with “Class of 2009” was donated by Anderson-Wilcox, Inc., of Branford (which also donated plantings surrounding the walk). Old Broadway Mason and Garden of Guilford donated topsoil for the plantings.

Members of the Cox Class of 2009 lined up on either side of the pathway to watch as Leventhal and Cox Student Council members cut a ribbon to officially open the walk last week.

Leventhal thanked the graduating class for truly leaving its mark on the school, reminding them, “no matter where you go from here…you’ll always be Cox Kids.”

Pictured: Outgoing Cox 4th graders check out their work moments after their seascape mural is unveiled in the gym hallway at the school. All 70 students had a hand in painting the mural and literally left their handprint behind as its frame. The mural was dedicated to the school last week as a class gift.

Photos by Pam Johnson

Whole Lotta Lobster

Shore Publishing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:58:07 GMT

Guilford Rotary held its annual Lobsterfest at the Guilford Fairgrounds on June 27 with more than 1,000 patrons joining for lobster, steak, and an evening of great entertainment. Dustin Galvin, Matt Berliner, Nate Terribile, and Paul Canestri provided culinary expertise as well as sheer muscle.

Photo by Judith L. Barbosa

A LA CARTE ~ Cooking for One

Interactive Desk — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:50:19 GMT

By Lee White:

Two Saturdays ago, I made chicken biryani for three—Nancy and Andy and me. I knew it would be time for me to cook just for myself, but I was still chicken (sorry for the pun) to do it. I made it a few months ago; Doug didn’t think it was as good as I did, but I knew Nancy and Andy would.

This time I had some very good saffron, which I rarely do, and adding it to the few ounces of heavy cream really made the dish. The dinner was a hit. (If you would like that recipe, e-mail me and ask for 10-15-08.)

Two days later, I came upon two recipes from “Real Simple” and I knew the time had come to shop and cook for myself. Each of the recipes called for four servings, so I dropped the ingredients to about two. This way I wouldn’t be cooking for two, unless it was so good I ate the two portions
myself.

As it turned out, I could have eaten the two portions, but I saved each for a quick lunch the next day. Leftovers are still a bit of a problem for me because we would often nuke the leftovers and we’d share what was left.

I’m sure Doug would have enjoyed both of these recipes. I think you will, too.

Chicken with Grilled Peaches and Arugula

Adapted from “Real Simple,” June 2009

Serves 4

4, 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil

Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground pepper

2 medium red onions, sliced into 1-inch-thick rounds

3 peaches cut into wedges

1 bunch arugula, thick stems removed (about 4 cups)

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 ounces blue cheese, broken into pieces

Heat grill to medium-high. Brush chicken with 1 teaspoon of the oil, and season with salt and pepper.

In a bowl, toss onions, peaches, 1 tablespoon oil, and about ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper.

Grill chicken and onions until chicken is cooked through and the onions are tender, 5 to 6 minutes per side.

Grill peaches until charred, 2 minutes per side.

Toss arugula with onions, peaches, vinegar, and remaining oil.

Top with cheese; serve with
chicken.

Grilled Pork Chops with Maple Syrup Sweet Potatoes

Adapted from “Real Simple,” June 2009

Serves 4

4, 1-inch, bone-in pork chops (about 2 pounds each)

Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground pepper

4 small sweet potatoes (about 1 ½ pounds), cut into wedges

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon maple syrup

2 scallions, chopped

Heat grill to medium-high. Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Grill until cooked through, 7 to 8 minutes per side.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon oil and ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Grill, turning often, until tender and slightly charred, 10 to 12 minutes. Reserve the bowl.

To the reserved bowl, add syrup, scallions, remaining oil, and ¼ each salt and pepper. Add sweet potatoes and toss to coat. Serve with pork.

Nibbles: A Recommendation from Lee

How could I be so out of the loop that I didn’t know Jack Flaws was opening yet another food venue? I have been a fan and friend of Jack since his first Connecticut foray as Three Fish. Okay, it was in Westerly, R.I., but even Elise Maclay, restaurant reviewer for “Connecticut” magazine, considered that restaurant important enough to set foot out of Connecticut.

Since then, his culinary artistry included Richard Rosenthal’s Max Downtown, his first very own Jack’s in Old Saybrook, the seasonal Jack’s Harborside, near Saybrook Point Inn, and now Jack Rabbit’s. Here the food is down home rather than white cloth dining, and this one I could visit daily, both because the food is great and the prices are also down home. All his Harborside hot dogs are served here ($2.75 to $4), and they are terrific. His incredible entrée-sized salads are available, too, as are wings, spring rolls crab cakes, and portabella mushroom quesadillas. But it’s the burgers that almost made me cry.

Sliders (of which I can only eat two) are $2, served simple, or you can order original shack sliders (caramelized onions, bacon, American cheese, and “magic” sauce), plus chili, jalapeño, ‘shrooms, and goat cheese, and Philly sliders. Regular burgers are $7 or less (most are in the $4 to $5 range). Add sides like fries or onion rings for another $2. I am in heaven.

Jack Rabbit’s

254 Main Street

Old Saybrook

860-510-0048