Harbor News

Take a Midsummer Break

2008-11-20T16:10:49Z

The Westbrook High School Drama Club gets in character for A Midsummer Night's Dream directed by Nancy Malafronte on Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 students and seniors, and are available at the door or at the school office.

Photo by Nancy Dionne

Songs from the Heart

2008-11-20T16:08:13Z

Amid the respectful and somber air of Veteran’s Day, there was also fun and smiles at the Westbrook Senior Center’s 2nd annual celebration on Nov. 12. Led by Richard Zotti, the program included an American flag demonstration by the Antique Veterans, a musical march and singing by the Golden Cut Ups, and a narrative detailing the way World War II changed lives. Participants also paid respects to those local veterans who are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pictured are the Golden Cut Ups singing wartime songs to veterans Bill Schmid, Ken McCarthy, Charlie Gellatly, Bob Wilcox, Dan Cappiello, and Joe Hellar.

Photo by Nancy Dionne

Unilever Gives ‘Thanks’

2008-11-20T16:05:46Z

By Fay Abrahamsson, Harbor News Senior Staff Writer:

CLINTON:

A 20-year employee of Unilever now unable to work due to health problems was recognized last week by his former company for his idea and foresight in helping develop an in-house wastewater treatment and recycling operation.

“If it were not for the ingenuity and insight of Mr. Dan Young, this would not have been possible,” said Plant Manager Dennis Hammen.

According to Hammen, Young had an inspiring idea: that the plant should reuse and recycle its own water. He took his idea further and completed an employee focus improvement form, writing down his ideas to management. That was five years ago.

The now-completed project allows the 100-year-old cosmetics manufacturer to process and recycle its own wastewater in-house, re-using it for its own operations. For many years, the former Chesebrough-Pond’s, now Unilever, discharged treated and clean wastewater into Hayden’s Creek in Clinton.

Hammen said that the plant reuses utility wastewater in its cooling towers, boilers, chillers, and toilets. This process eliminates surface water discharge into the environment. Solids are trucked away by an outside firm.

More than 5,000 gallons of water are used daily in the manufacturing plant to sanitize the mixing tanks and in other processes.

The project was a joint effort by the community, government, and company who all worked together, noted Hammen, who said the company is proud of its global reputation for environmental and hygiene programs.

“This project makes you feel good seeing what we are doing for the environment,” echoed Plastics Manufacturing and Supply Chain Manager Bruce Langevin.

Young was accompanied to the special ceremony by his wife, Louise, sons Dan and Jesse, and “adopted” son and close family friend Corbin Celotto. Young’s son Jesse and Celotto are lance corporals in the Marines and were leaving for Afghanistan two days after the event.

Pictured: At a ceremony dedicating the new Unilever in-house wastewater treatment process (the “Young Project”) to a former employee are, from left, Unilever Manufacturing Manager of Rigid Packaging and Supply Chain Manager Bruce Langevin, State Representative Brian O’Connor, former Unilever employee Dan Young, Unilever Plant Manager Dennis Hammen, and Unilever Manufacturing Manager Allison Bresloff.

Photo by Fay Abrahamsson

Not-So-Sunny Side of the Street

2008-11-20T16:04:05Z

By Fay Abrahamsson, Harbor News Senior Staff Writer:

CLINTON:

Whose responsibility is it to clear the sidewalks of leaves, snow, and ice? One resident in Clinton firmly believes that as the non-owner of the sidewalk in front of his residence, it’s the town’s responsibility, not his, for the maintenance of this small strip of concrete.

“You are passing the responsibility from the town to the people,” said Charles Stannard of Liberty Lane at last week’s Board of Selectmen meeting. “The town will be abandoning its responsibility if this ordinance is passed.”

According to First Selectman William “Willie” Fritz, the town has talked about having a sidewalk ordinance for years, but has never closed the deal.

“More than 80 percent of the towns in this state have a similar ordinance,” said Fritz. “It is time for Clinton to have one.”

Long-timers who were around 20 years ago when a similar ordinance surfaced but died said things grew pretty heated at public hearings on the subject.

Fritz said the town lacks the resources in manpower and funds to remove all of the leaves, snow, and ice that accumulate on sidewalks.

“Financially, the town is burdened by this,” he said.

Not to mention the fact that during and after every snowstorm, his office receives plenty of calls from agitated residents asking “when is my sidewalk going to be plowed?” And in this era of litigious problem-solving, icy sidewalks put the town at risk.

“It opens us up to so much liability,” said Fritz.

The town’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is currently responsible for leaf and snow cleanup for town buildings and Department of Park & Recreation complexes such as the Indian River Recreational Complex, Ethel Peters Complex, and others. They employ three full-time workers for Park & Recreation maintenance and cleanup and two for town-owned buildings.

“Everyone works on snow removal,” said Director of DPW Pete Neff. “We clear snow and ice from all town buildings including Andrews Memorial Town Hall, the fire and police departments, the marinas, roads, and sidewalks.”

The DPW does not clear snow at the schools, although that may change next year, said Neff. The state Department of Transportation clears state-maintained roads such as Routes 1, 145, and 81.

The ordinance, which must go before the public for a vote, basically passes the responsibility from the town to the residents to clear away not only snow or ice, but also leaves from their sidewalks. For snow and ice, the sidewalks fronting their property must be cleared within 24 hours after the cessation of any storm.

There are financial penalties if the ordinance, if passed, is not obeyed. One of the penalties is that the homeowner would be required to pay the expenses of the town’s Public Works Department to clear the snow or ice if the area is deemed hazardous. If they do not pay, a lien could be imposed upon the property. In addition, there could be a $25 a day violation fee. If a homeowner removes snow or leaves from their property but places them in the street, another sidewalk, or other public way, they could be fined $60 for each day of the violation.

Residents with disabilities or other circumstances that may prevent them from complying with the ordinance, if passed, may request in writing to the first selectman’s office for arrangements to be made.

A public hearing on the proposed sidewalk ordinance is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 10 at AndrewsMemorial Town Hall in Clinton at 7:30 p.m.

How do you feel about the proposed sidewalk ordinance? Will you be speaking in favor or against the ordinance at the upcoming public meeting? Let us know your thoughts on the subject. Add your comments under this article. Opinions may be published in a future article in the Harbor News.

Giving a Gift of Time

2008-11-20T16:01:31Z

By Fay Abrahamsson, Harbor News Senior Staff Writer:

CLINTON:

Would you donate some of your sick days to a co-worker in need? Two local groups have answered “yes” to that question–the employees of the Clinton Police Department and Clinton Town Hall.

In a bad news/good news situation, two employees of the Town of Clinton, one an officer with the police department and one at clerk at the land office, have experienced personal issues forcing them to take time away from work.

Officer Glenn Smith was diagnosed earlier this year with thyroid cancer. After miraculously beating that cancer, he received more bad news: he has throat cancer. The 39-year-old is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Smith, who is married with two young girls, recently returned from an assignment in Iraq with the military police for the National Guard. Smith was featured as a “Person of the Week” in the Harbor News in June of 2006 prior to his military leave.

Karen Hathaway, a 20-year employee at the land office at Andrews Memorial Town Hall, is also experiencing a double-whammy in her life. She was planning on retiring this year, said First Selectman William “Willie” Fritz. She and her husband had purchased a home in the south and had their shoreline residence on the real estate market.

“A family member and her spouse both have serious health issues,” said Fritz. “Karen needs her medical benefits and time away from work in order to survive this.”

In an effort to help, Chief of Police Joseph Faughnan, when he heard about Smith’s second bout with cancer and the time he would need off from work to fight it, approached Fritz with an idea: set up a special program where employees can donate a portion of their accumulated sick time to another employee in need. The donation is completely voluntary on the employees’ part.

Fritz said he and Faughnan worked within the legalities of Smith’s union and devised a one-time only program whereas other employees of the police department could donate up to five days of their unused sick time to Smith. Employees donating sick days must have accumulated a minimum of 10 days of sick time to donate. The cap was set at 50 days total that Smith could be given.

Fritz said the deal was applicable only to Smith and could not be used in future contracts with the police union.

Shortly after the selectmen approved this program for Smith, it came to their attention that Hathaway needed a similar program.

“Last Wednesday, Karen’s deal was passed by the selectmen,” said Fritz.

Hathaway’s arrangement is similar to Smith’s–employees at town hall can donate up to five days of their sick time (if they have a minimum of 10 sick days on the books) up to a total of 50 days for Hathaway to use. Fritz this time worked with the clerical union to create the one-time program exclusive to Hathaway.

“I have not heard of another town in this area with a program similar to these two,” noted Fritz, who said he has heard of a similar agreement happening within the state police.

The results of the program have been truly remarkable, according to Fritz and Faughnan, as fellow employees stepped up to donate their sick days for both employees.

Would you donate any of your accumulated sick time to a co-worker in need? Would there need to be special circumstances surrounding the need? What if you became seriously ill while working? What would you do? Give us your thoughts on the subject in comments section below this article. Opinions may be published in a future article in the Harbor News.

Moving on at OSHS

2008-11-20T15:56:36Z

By Becky Coffey, Harbor News Senior Staff Writer:

OLD SAYBROOK:

After 12 years as Old Saybrook High School principal, Scott Schoonmaker will move up the administrative ladder after accepting an offer from the North Branford Board of Education to become that district’s next superintendent of schools. He will take the helm in North Branford on Jan. 1, 2009.

“I’m thrilled with the opportunity and looking forward to new challenges,” said Schoonmaker. “It’s bittersweet, though, to leave the Old Saybrook schools where I was a teacher, dean of students, and for the last 12 years, principal.

“What I’ll miss is the relationships I’ve built, both professional and personal. I couldn’t have accomplished what we have without the support of staff, the Board of Education, and parents,” he continued. “I’ve been fortunate to work in such a supportive [environment].”

Tara Winch, Old Saybrook High School’s current associate principal, will step in for Schoonmaker as interim high school principal on Jan. 1.

“The entire Board of Education wishes Scott well. He has been a wonderful principal and will be a terrific superintendent. It’s a loss to our district but we all wish him well,” said Old Saybrook Board of Education Chair Mario Gaboury.

The Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Joseph Onofrio II have announced they will conduct a national search for Schoonmaker’s replacement as principal of Old Saybrook High School. The goal is to complete the search and have a new principal in place by July 1, 2009. The board also said a second search for an interim associate principal to assume the roles Winch held would also begin immediately.

The board established its own search committee at its meeting last week to oversee the search process and conduct interviews.

“The board and the administration will engage in a methodical and conscientious search process that will include inputs from all relevant stakeholders: parents, students, district employees, town officials, and community members,” said Gaboury.

The board and superintendent of schools plan to hold focus groups with various stakeholder groups in the near future to identify qualities that each group would like to see in a new high school principal.

Under the current district administrator’s contract, the salary range for this year for the Old Saybrook High School principal position is between $121,490 and $131,029. Placement within the wage range would be based on the successful candidate’s previous experience.

Strike Up the Harp

2008-11-20T15:45:02Z

By Becky Coffey, Harbor News Senior Staff Writer:

OLD SAYBROOK:

When most of us see professional musician perform, they’re seated on stage, dressed all in black, ready to play with the conductor’s first downbeat. It’s a moment of anticipation as we wait for the tones that will create a musical palette for the senses. Yet, do we ever think of the daily challenges that some of these musicians who seem so calm faced just to get on stage that evening?

Consider the case of Sally Perreten, professional harpist. A graduate of the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, she was trained for and chose a career performing classical music. But imagine for a moment what it must have been like to weigh just 115 pounds and have to lug an 85-pound concert harp, stool, music stand, and a bag of music with her to each performance.

“In my younger days, it was rare that I didn’t have five jobs each weekend,” said Sally.

Taking musical gigs in New York City required her to find a nearby parking place where she could safely unload her concert harp, stool, and stand. Sally said at a certain point, she stopped accepting jobs in New York City because the logistics were so difficult.

Sally, who still performs on her harp, now has a system she’s developed for transporting it. She rolls the harp down a ramp into her garage to her minivan. With the van’s two rear seats removed, Sally keeps a mattress on the van floor to cushion the ride for her instrument. With a practiced maneuver, Sally tips the top of the harp onto the mattress and then slides the rest of it into the van.

Not surprisingly, about 20 years ago, Sally started having some back problems. But she said that going to Pilates classes two or three times a week ended her pain, allowing her to again transport her harp by herself.

It was at age three or four, after seeing a friend of her mother’s play the harp that Sally insisted on learning. At seven years old, her parents surrendered and she moved from piano to the harp.

“All of my musical career has been rewarding,” she said.

For the first 20 years after Juilliard, Sally lived in Montreal where she played, taught harp, and raised her two children, both of whom also chose musical careers: her daughter is now associate principal flute with the Toronto Symphony and her son, associate principal bassoonist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

When her parents retired to Westbrook–and the environment became difficult for English-speaking teachers in Montreal–Sally moved to Old Saybrook to be near them and while still pursuing a musical career and enjoying her other hobby, sailing. For the next 23 years, she taught harp performance at Wesleyan University, performed chamber music, and played harp at the Bee and Thistle Inn and Saybrook Fish House.

“I never liked performing on stage but I loved rehearsing and playing harp in informal settings where I could meet and talk with the audience,” said Sally.

Her advice to others who would follow her path is to recognize that success in the increasingly competitive music world requires a mix of talent, hard work, and luck.

“Some top musicians get by on talent through high school but never develop a good work habit and then get passed by in conservatories by those who practice really hard,” said Sally.

Today, Sally teaches both classical and Celtic harp in her home to both youth and adult students. But she’s also stepping out of the musical field to explore a new passion: the art of photography. Working with Town Planner Christine Nelson, and another volunteer, Maryann Flick, this summer she began photographing 200 to 300 town sites shown in old photos. The goal is to create a then-and-now exhibit or book illustrating how these town sites have changed.

“I love taking photographs. When you’re thinking with the camera, you see differently, you see changes in the light,” said Sally, excited by her newest artistic challenge.

Pictured: For Sally Perreten, a professional musician, the harp is her canvas.

Photo by Becky Coffey

Town to Vote on New Blight Rule

2008-11-20T15:42:20Z

By Becky Coffey, Harbor News Senior Staff Writer:

OLD SAYBROOK:

Everyone has seen a property he or she would consider blighted–one with rusted abandoned cars and equipment in clear view, dilapidated or deteriorated structures that are unsightly or rotten, or yards that appear uncared for or overgrown with weeds.

If town electors agree, the town could soon have a new legal tool to compel owners to clean up these blighted properties.

Section 1 of the proposed ordinance reads its purpose is “to define, prohibit, and abate blights and nuisances and to protect, preserve, and promote public health, safety, and welfare and to preserve and protect property values.”

Under the rule, to compel clean up of a blighted property, a member of the public must file a written and signed complaint with the first selectman. In it, the citizen must allege how the condition of the property in question violates the blight ordinance. Anonymous complaints would not be accepted.

Once the first selectman receives the written complaint, an investigation would begin. Under the ordinance, the determination of whether there is a violation would be made by the first selectman or his or her designee. If the blight complaint is found valid, “such officer shall cause notice of such violation to be given to the person responsible.” The notice of violation would describe the actions the property owner must take to comply with the ordinance and would also cite a date by which clean up must be completed.

In meetings where this ordinance has been discussed, the Board of Selectmen’s goal would be to have the town’s officer first try to solve a property condition problem through informal discussions with the owner. A blight ordinance violation would be issued only if preliminary discussions with the owner had failed to bring about corrective action.

Each violation of the ordinance would be punishable by a fine of $100 payable to the Town of Old Saybrook.

The Town Meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, at the Old Saybrook Middle School Auditorium.

New Marina Fees on Agenda

Old Saybrook Asks Residents About Cart Use and Budget Transfers

Next Monday’s town meeting will also tackle topics including action to adopt a new schedule of Harbor Management Commission fees and action to receive the annual reports of town agencies, departments, and commissions.

Fees to moor a boat at North Cove Road and Ferry Dock would increase by 15 percent from $325 to $373.23. The fee schedule establishes fees for moorings and tackle in the North Cove Dredged Area, a mooring fee for other town waters, fees for slips at Ferry Road dock, a fee for the North Cove “Clothesline Marina,” and fees for the North Cove Dredged Area waiting list. Fees to moor in the flats and outside North Cove would be $150 while moorings at sites with deeded access, at the Ferry Point anchorage, and at the “Clothesline Marina” would be set at $75.

Also on the call is a proposal to revoke the town’s new golf cart ordinance that regulates cart use because state legislation passed recently now prohibits golf cart use on state and town roads under all circumstances.

Another action, if the town agrees, would transfer $47,616 from last year’s budget surplus to add funds to labor and personnel account 254.

The Town Meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, at the Old Saybrook Middle School Auditorium.

Police Incident Report: Nov. 5 to 11

2008-11-20T15:40:27Z

The Harbor News publishes a Police Incident Report to inform residents of incidents, criminal activities, and police responses occurring in Clinton, Westbrook, and Old Saybrook. As those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the report does not include names. It may be edited for length and content.

Old Saybrook

Wednesday, Nov. 5

No arrests were made.

Thursday, Nov. 6

• A juvenile was arrested at 5:55 p.m. and charged with criminal mischief in the third degree and disorderly conduct. The juvenile was processed and released and his case was referred to the Juvenile Diversion Board for review.

Friday, Nov. 7

• A 49-year-old Branford man was arrested at 6:40 a.m. on warrants charging him with larceny in the sixth degree, larceny in the third degree, theft of identity (10 counts), illegal use of a credit card (10 counts), and receiving goods, money, and services by illegal use of a credit card (13 counts). He surrendered himself at police headquarters. He was processed and released on a $500 non-surety bond pending a Nov. 13 court date.

Saturday, Nov. 8

• A 25-year-old Westbrook man was arrested at 12:06 a.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and failure to drive in the established lane on Route 1 near Oyster River Bridge. He was processed and released on a $500 non-surety bond pending a Nov. 17 court date.

• A 26-year-old man of an Elm Street apartment was arrested at 3:39 a.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, failure to drive in the established lane, and operating a motor vehicle without a license on Elm Street. He was processed and released on a $500 non-surety bond pending a Nov. 17 court date.

Sunday, Nov. 9

No arrests were made.

Monday, Nov. 10

No arrests were made.

• A 57-year-old Clinton man was issued a misdemeanor summons at 1:56 p.m. for failure to have insurance, operating a motor vehicle while under license suspension, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle on Route 1 near River Street.

• A 43-year-old Durham man was issued a citation at 12:17 p.m. for having an unsecured load following an accident on Route 1.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

• A 77-year-old Haddam man was arrested at 12:19 a.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs on Route 1 near Railroad Bridge. He was released on a $500 non-surety bond pending a Nov. 24 court date.

• A 45-year-old man of Main Street was arrested at 6:04 p.m. and charged with aggravated assault and simple assault. He was processed and held in lieu of a $10,000 surety bond pending court arraignment on the following day.

From Nov. 5 to 11, Old Saybrook police also issued 16 citations to motorists for failure to wear a seat belt in the front seat, two citations for using a handheld cell phone while driving, two citations for failure to obey a control signal, two citations for operating an unregistered motor vehicle, one citation for traveling unreasonably fast, one citation for operating a motor vehicle without a license, and one citation for failure to obey a stop sign.

Clinton

Wednesday, Nov. 5

• A 48-year-old East Haven woman was arrested at 2:59 p.m. and charged with criminal violation of a restraining order.

• Criminal mischief on West Main Street was investigated at 5:26 p.m.

• An assault on Captains Walk was investigated at 11:04 p.m. No details were available.

Thursday, Nov. 6

• An 18-year-old man of Grove Hill Road was arrested at 10:08 a.m. on a warrant charging him with violation of probation/conditional discharge. The arrest was made on Hurd Bridge Road.

• Criminal mischief on Waterside Lane was investigated at 8:52 a.m.

• A larceny on River Road was investigated at 9:20 a.m. No details were available.

Friday, Nov. 7

• A 51-year-old Madison man was arrested at 3:38 p.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and improper parking.

• A 21-year-old man of Waterside Lane was arrested at 11:07 p.m. and charged with assault in the third degree, breach of peace, and failure to halt possession of alcohol by a minor. The assault required medical transport.

• An automobile theft on East Main Street was investigated at 7:09 a.m.

• A drug offense on East Main Street was investigated at 1:52 p.m. No details were available.

• Theft of a bicycle from East Main Street was investigated at 2:56 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 8

No arrests were made.

• A 21-year-old Branford man was issued a misdemeanor summons at 12:43 a.m. for operating a motor vehicle while under license suspension following a motor vehicle stop on Waterside Lane.

• A suicide attempt on Sunnybrook Lane required medical transport at 1:28 p.m.

• A larceny on Killingworth Turnpike near Walnut Hill Road was investigated at 2:59 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 9

No arrests were made.

• A 29-year-old man of Oak Hills Drive was issued a misdemeanor summons at 9 a.m. for reckless driving (greater than 85 miles per hour) and operating a motor vehicle while under license suspension following a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Killingworth Turnpike.

• A case of identity theft on Longate Road was investigated at 11:50 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 10

• A 40-year-old woman of Stanton Road was arrested at 11:34 a.m. on a warrant charging her with criminal trespass in the second degree.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

• A 14-year-old juvenile was arrested at 8:23 a.m. and charged with creating a public disturbance on Killingworth Turnpike.

• A 75-year-old man of Hide A Way was arrested at 9:22 a.m. and charged with illegal dumping/littering on Nod Road.

• Theft from an automobile on East Main Street was investigated at 9:42 a.m.

• A domestic dispute on Killingworth Turnpike was investigated at 12:16 p.m.

• Between 5:58 and 9 p.m. police issued two citations to motorists, seven written warnings, and one verbal warning on Cow Hill Road, Airline Road, High Street, and East and West main streets.

Westbrook

Wednesday, Nov. 5

No arrests were made and no incidents were reported.

Thursday, Nov. 6

No arrests were made.

• A 21-year-old Clinton man was issued a citation at 10:09 a.m. for failure to maintain the proper lane of a multiple-lane highway after the 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante he was driving on Pleasant Valley Road near the Westbrook town line veered to the right shoulder and off the roadway, striking two wooden posts. No injuries were reported.

Friday, Nov. 7

• A 36-year-old Middletown man was arrested at 9 a.m. on a warrant charging him with violation of conditions of release. He was released on a $2,500 cash bond pending court arraignment on the same day of arrest.

• A 46-year-old Guilford woman as arrested at 4:24 p.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, operating a motor vehicle while under license suspension, and improper parking. She was processed and released at 9 p.m. on a $1,000 non-surety bond to the custody of a male relative pending a Nov. 18 court date.

Saturday, Nov. 8

No arrests were made and no incidents were reported.

Sunday, Nov. 9

• A 19-year-old man of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was arrested at 7:39 a.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and speeding (at 83 miles per hour). He was processed and released at 11:30 p.m. on a $500 non-surety bond pending an unspecified court date.

Monday, Nov. 10

• A 45-year-old Old Saybrook man was arrested at 9:54 p.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, operating a motor vehicle while under license suspension, and failure to maintain the proper lane of a multiple-lane highway after the 2004 Subaru Legacy he was driving collided with a 2002 Chevy driven by a 51-year-old man of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, who had a 49-year-old female passenger onboard. Both operators were transported to area clinics for evaluation.

• An 81-year-old woman of Uncas Road East was issued a citation at 5:30 p.m. for failure to drive a reasonable distance apart after the 1993 Honda Accord she was driving westbound on Route 1 at the Hammock Road intersection struck the rear of a 2000 Toyota Sienna operated by a 49-year-old Ivoryton woman who had stopped to avoid hitting a white van that drove across Route 1 from Hammock Road in front of her. The white van bore Connecticut plate 113-F2P which had no information in DMV records. The Ivoryton woman was transported to the Shoreline Clinic for treatment of head and neck pain.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

No arrests were made.

• A 28-year-old East Hampton woman was issued a citation at 4:17 p.m. for failure to drive a reasonable distance apart after the 2007 Mazda she was operating westbound on Boston Post Road struck the rear of a 2000 Dodge Caravan operated by a 46-year-old woman of Willard Avenue who had stopped for traffic. The Willard Avenue woman had two female passengers onboard: a 17-year-old and an 8-year-old. No injuries were reported.

• At 5:16 a.m. Trooper Joseph O’Connell reported that a passing motorist found a man lying on Route 1. The man, dressed in dark clothing, was intoxicated and very emotional. He would not answer the trooper’s question as to why he was lying in the roadway. An emergency committal was instituted and Westbrook ambulance staff brought the patient to the Shoreline Clinic for evaluation. No further details were available.

Police correspondent Jason J. Marchi compiles the Police Incident Report

Labbadia: Westbrook’s Comeback Kid

2008-11-19T19:11:06Z

By Holly D’Addio, Harbor News Sports Writer:

Early on this fall season, things looked grim for Westbrook senior Julie Labbadia when she found out she was stricken with mono. As Westbrook’s starting field hockey goalkeeper and defending all-conference and all-state player, the senior captain was facing the possibility of not being able to play her last high school season, let alone add more awards to her already long resume. Not only did Julie return to the team just in time for the state tournament, but she also looks to have solid seasons in basketball and softball in the upcoming months, all while being involved in several school activities and college hunting.

Julie was one of the lucky few who was able to start her field hockey career in third grade with the Westbrook Parks and Recreation Department team. She became a goalie her sophomore year at Westbrook High School after the starting goalie was injured and never looked back, which earned her the Coach’s “Team Above Self Award” that season.

“The team needed someone to step up and I offered,” says Julie. “It was really a no-brainer for me.”

Prior to her junior year, Julie attended a camp at Yale, which earned her a bid for the Futures Program, a program she has been involved with since last winter, along with the Tsunami, a club team. Last Thanksgiving weekend, her team attended the National Festival put on the by the USA Field Hockey Association and will do so again this year.

A full-time starter her junior year, Julie was named Goalie of the Week and earned First Team All-Shoreline, Second Team All-State, and Shoreline Scholar Athlete honors that year. She entered her senior season as captain with the same work ethic and hopes of repeating her awards—until she was diagnosed with mono early in the season.

“I was really looking forward to this season,” says Julie. “It was hard for me not to play and contribute, but my coach just wanted me to get better and didn’t want me at games or practices so I could rest. When I eventually got cleared to play, I went into our game that same day and did the best I could, and needless to say, I was very tired after the game.”

Despite not playing or practicing for more than a month, Julie successfully defended 16 penalty corners, a penalty stroke, and recorded a shutout against the heralded Cougars with 15 saves. She also helped her team end Killingly’s undefeated season record later that week with a 2-1 win and push for the state tournament, where Westbrook fell in the first round. Julie earned Second Team All-Shoreline and All-State Scholar Athlete honors—an impressive feat after missing most of the season.

“This season was really fun and I think it’s because we had a great group of leaders and although I wasn’t as much a part of the season as I’d hoped, I was happy to have gotten those awards,” she says.

In the winter, Julie is involved with Westbrook’s basketball team and has managed the boys’ freshman team the past two years. She also plays softball in the spring and will enter her second season as captain in the shortstop position. Julie earned Honorable Mention All-Shoreline honors her sophomore year and was featured, along with her twin sister, in a WFSB twins highlight during softball season last year. Julie was also a member of the travel softball team called the Hornets her freshman and sophomore year before choosing for focus solely on field hockey in the off-season.

Besides sports, Julie is involved with her school community. She plays the flute and piccolo in the school band and was named “Most Musical” in the yearbook last year. She is also a member of American Legion Oratorical, writes sports articles for the school newspaper The Knight Times, and is a member of Future Careers and Community Leaders of America and the Mosaic Society. Julie also finds time to volunteer coach with the recreation department for basketball and field hockey.

Being a senior, Julie is undoubtedly busy with college applications and visits. Her first choice as Fairfield University-which names her dad, Pat, as alumni.

“I really like the campus and it’d be a good school to attend for my major, sociology,” says Julie. “I don’t think I could play Division I sports there, but I would like to continue sports in college, especially field hockey, in some form.”

Sidelines with Julie Labbadia

What is your most memorable sports moment?

My sophomore softball season, we beat Hale-Ray—a team we hadn’t beaten since 1991—and we beat them 7-1. It was very exciting for us as a team. And this field hockey season, a game that stands out is the one against HK. It was the first game I played since being out for mono and I had 15 saves and everyone just played an all-around great game against them.

Who would you like to thank?

My parents—they’ve done a lot for me over the years—and my brother, Louis, and sister, Jenny. I also want to thank my coaches for everything they’ve done for me.

Pictured: Julie Labbadia (center) just finished her senior field hockey season, during which she was a captain and made an impressive comeback at the end of the season after being sidelined with mono.

Photo courtesy of Pat Labbadia

Morgan Volleyball: Class S Runners-Up!

2008-11-19T18:41:25Z

By Holly D’Addio, Harbor News Sports Writer:

Heartbreak was inevitable for one of the undefeated teams going into the Class S volleyball finals on Nov. 14 at Newington High School. Coventry and Morgan each held a 21-0 undefeated record going into the game and that feat, as well as the state title, was on the line. After a gut-wrenching battle, Coventry went home with the Class S state title after defeating Morgan 3-0 (26-24, 25-15, 25-21).

“We didn’t play well tonight,” said Morgan Coach Joe Grippo. “Kara [Fillion] had to carry way too much of the load and when we’re good, we’re getting contributions from a lot of people, but we didn’t get a lot of contributions from people tonight.”

Game one proved to be probably the toughest loss for Morgan. After jumping ahead to a quick 10-5 score behind solid offense from Johanna Mari, Fillion and Andrea Lee, Coventry started to bounce back. Despite blocks from Mari, Melissa Bastian, and Nghi Le, Coventry’s height played the major advantage at the net and the Patriots pulled out to a 19-18 lead after several kills placed in the holes of Morgan’s defense.

The Huskies continued to fight after Giulia Torella made three consecutive successful serves that Coventry mishandled, putting Morgan back on top 24-23. Game one’s victory ultimately belonged to Coventry after Morgan made a few errors that put the Patriots up 26-24.

“I don’t care about game one—we still can get beat, but we can still win three out of four,” said Grippo. “We should’ve won game one and we made it very difficult on ourselves because of that loss and they got on a really good roll because of it. I’m a little disappointed in the way we played tonight, that’s all.”

Game two continued to be a case of Morgan meeting its match in Coventry. The Patriots went up 3-0 quickly after finding holes in Morgan’s defense. Powerhouse Fillion continued to shine, putting down two kills and a serve that Coventry couldn’t handle to pull the Huskies within two points.

“Offensively, we didn’t have too strong an attack—it was kind of Kara and nothing else,” said Grippo. “It’s been an issue at times during the year and I don’t know if it was nerves and I can’t give the reason why, but Kara was carrying way too much of the load tonight offensively.”

A potential turning point for Morgan during game two came when a Coventry player spiked the ball and Fillion came up with it on a dive, followed by a successful set and kill by Leah Houde for a point. Lee then recorded a kill to put Morgan on top for the first time in the set with Bastian and Fillion adding kills for two more points. Morgan’s opportunities for points came to a halt when Coventry recorded successful serve after serve, eventually putting the Patriots on top 25-15.

“They weren’t doing anything that we were surprised about,” said Grippo. “We knew what was coming and we weren’t afraid of it. We dug more balls than they did but gave them way more free balls and weren’t on our offense enough tonight. I know some people don’t think we have much of a tradition because I talked to somebody from the Coventry paper, but we’ve still got a good volleyball program here and they can talk all they want because we hear it all the time, but I’m not going to give these guys up for anybody in the world. It wasn’t a good night for us tonight, but for someone to tell me we’re supposed to be afraid of them, that’s garbage.”

Game three was a fight for life for Morgan. Coventry took the lead first once again, but the Huskies responded with two kills by Fillion—the second one clipping the fingertips of a Patriot and hitting the court for a point. Fillion continued to display her power and had five more kills in the set, and also recording two digs, while Mari and Dahlberg dove left and right to keep Morgan alive, even saving a ball that went into the rafters. The Huskies—despite their perseverance, incredible undefeated season, and fight throughout—suffered the heartbreaking loss to Coventry after the Patriots took game three 25-21.

“Our defense was solid and we got a lot of balls up, especially because we gave them so many free balls,” said Grippo. “Defensively we stood on our own, but offensively, they came at us with more weapons than we went in with—and I really think that was the difference in the match. I didn’t think it was going to come down to that—I thought it would come down to passing and serving—but I’m not really upset with my serving or passing, it’s how I don’t think we put up an attack at the net like we’re capable of. It’s a hard way to end a season like this, but they’ll bounce back.”

Game at a Glance

Nov. 14: Coventry 3, Morgan 0 (26-24, 25-15, 25-21)

Key Stats

• Brittany Dahlberg: 20 assists
• Kara Fillion: 11 kills, block

• Andrea Lee: 7 kills, block

• Leah Houde: 7 blocks

• Chelsea Melanson: 3 blocks, 2 kills

Pictured: Senior captain Kara Fillion, who had 11 kills in Morgan volleyball's Class S state finals game against Coventry on Nov. 14, was a huge contributor in getting the undefeated Huskies to the finals.

Junior Andrea Lee had seven kills in Morgan's state finals game against Coventry in which Morgan finished as runners-up.

Photos by John Vanacore

Fishing the Curl at Season’s End

2008-11-19T17:56:14Z

Constant wind and wave action made for extremely difficult holding of ground tackle–no matter the scope. It was one of those “should we or shouldn’t we” types of decisions that was pondered over. Although safety is always first concern, it really didn’t figure in here as much as knowing that the trip was going to be wet, bouncy, and very salty.

If the season wasn’t waning so quickly and holiday gears weren’t forcibly meshing, the day would’ve been chalked off in favor of a pigskin game. But there were still blues lingering in the mid-50 degree water, stripers just aching to be caught, and togs, although deeper, still well within reach. A somewhat reluctant decision was made to uncleat and head out. And so we did.

Normally this time of year, mooring lines have already begun to stiffen while outboards begin to develop that early morning cough and shake. Soon that will be the case but not just yet. Knowing that in one week this could all change, we loaded hot thermoses to offset the gloomy day and ice chests optimistically reserved for the tide’s catch on board.

A little bit of this bait and a little more of that, we steamed ahead with the thought of letting Mother Nature dictate our game plan. Other than fishing, there was none. If conditions allowed for tautog then we’d drop a hook but if drifting or trolling seemed more productive, we had that covered as well.

When a couple of old salts get together, there can either be non-stop conversation or few words spoken. Often though, it’s an expressive glance that tells the story. That was the case here. With limited options, trolling and rolling the rips was the only logical choice–going with the flow, so to speak. Somehow the fish didn’t mind as much as, quite honestly, we did.

In the curls, as port and starboard gunwales slapped the water, fish could be seen. There was a mix of striped bass and bluefish chasing heavy chromed spoons. Wiping spray and the occasional peak wave from our brows was effort enough but cranking in line while maintaining sound footing was the absolute chore–let alone de-hooking and releasing fish. A few fish were kept for the cooler. The hot thermoses? They weren’t even touched until the vessel was once again secured to the dock. And, that’s the way one of the last trips of a season can take place.

On the Water

Warm water temperatures have somewhat stalled the fall migration of blues and bass, giving us plenty of fishing but unfortunately winds and subsequent wave action have closed many windows of opportunity. When the weather chose to cooperate, fishing proved to be fantastic with schools of both bass and blues becoming seasonally aggressive.

With little time left before Thanksgiving and anglers beginning to focus on year-end events, precious bonus days have been few and far between. Nevertheless, striped bass are here in numbers, schools of blues continue to linger and blackfish/tautog are heading for deeper water beckoning ‘toggers to follow. In fact, bluefish blitzes have occurred within casting distance from shore just a few short days ago.

With cows either moving in from the Rhode Island coast or splitting ranks to follow the Atlantic coast, anglers are looking for that 50- to 60-pounder that’s been eluding them–in some cases, for a lifetime. Now is prime time to try for that record-buster as the big gals cruise the inshore reefs, move across Long Sand Shoal, linger around Southwest Reef, and head west and, in a few cases, move up along tidal rivers to hang out for the winter season.

Hints are that we’re in line for impending cold front(s), which ought to tighten the window on remaining blues. But look for striper action to continue a bit longer and, if another bonus day or two were to materialize, there should follow an arm-weary top water session or two. For those surf casters, jetties, some beaches, and a few of the wharves are producing fish on plugs, chunks, and eels. For these guys and gals, the season will continue–longer if you follow the striper coast.

As water temperatures continue to drop, Atlantic broodstock salmon in the twelve-pound range are becoming more active. Single hook spoons and small spinners have been connecting along with mixed-colored and dark streamers. These, along with trout in CT’s stocked rivers, have been offering decent fall fishing when the winds beg off.

Largemouths have not been very active but ‘smallie’ fishing has been hot, joining the good pre-front bite for northerns and black crappie. Carp are being caught in the main rivers while both river/lake catfish taking bottom baits. It seems that certain labrador retrievers have taken a liking to cheese/blood baits so watch your frisky outdoors pal. Tom Megargee (DEP fishing instructor, avid freshwater angler and excellent fish chowder creator) landed this colorful CT River cove 40½” 15.7Lb northern pike using live bait.

Wherever fishing, think Captain Morgan’s for all things fishy including the latest gear, bait, flies/flyfishing, rod/reel repair, clam/crabbing supplies and licenses. Swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days, located on 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time, from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...

Tight Lines,

Captain Morgan

Homecoming, Big Easy-Style

2008-11-13T20:50:20Z

Morgan alums Debbie (Riley) Molina, Maryellen (Reinwald) Ierardi, Carol Waterbury and her daughter Kaycee, Wendy Chittenden, Lisa Bernier and her daughter Taylor, and Alice (Reinwald) Lee donned their finest beads and masks for the Morgan Homecoming Parade on Nov. 8. This year’s festivities saw a return to more elaborate homecoming floats made by Morgan students, alumni, and teachers.

Photo by Ray Hryb

Fiscal Year Clean-Up

2008-11-13T20:47:48Z

By Becky Coffey, Harbor News Senior Staff Writer:

WESTBROOK:

Four and a half months after the fiscal year ended, voters approved transfers of funds from town capital reserve accounts and from the unappropriated fund balance to cover shortfalls in last year’s department accounts. With the vote to appropriate or transfer funds, the town treasurer’s office is now able to close out the fiscal year and allow the town’s auditors to complete their work.

Among the items approved by town vote was an appropriation of $40,000 from a reserved capital account to purchase new updated software for the tax collector’s and assessor’s offices. The existing software is antiquated and will no longer be supported by the supplier.

The other transfers will provide funds to pay two outstanding bills from the last fiscal year to be paid: one for $2,918 to cover over-expenditures for overtime in the resident troopers’ accounts and one for $260 to pay outstanding invoices from the Zoning Commission for placing legal ads in the newspaper.

The town meeting also took action to accept a $20,000 grant awarded to the town by the State Office of Policy and Management. The grant is to support the ongoing work of the town planner and Planning Commission to update the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development. All state grants must be accepted before the funds can be spent.

What failed at the meeting in a close vote was a proposal to adopt an ordinance that would allow the town to prepare pro and con summaries to inform voters of the two sides of issues that face major town-wide votes.

Two Constables Suspended

2008-11-13T20:46:23Z

WESTBROOK:

At a closed door meeting last Monday, the Board of Selectmen took action to suspend two constables, Rhea Milardo and Robert Powers. The two will remain on administrative leave until further notice, according to First Selectman Noel Bishop.

The decision came after receipt of an investigation report from the State Police Internal Affairs Division the previous Friday. The report examined the circumstances surrounding a drowning of 68-year-old Elsie White on a stormy June 2008 evening. White, a resident of Ambleside, had been observed to be in distress by a passing citizen, Kimberly Bratz, who reported the woman’s distressed condition and location to the two constables. Questions about the timeliness of the constables’ response were raised shortly after White was found drowned the next morning on a beach near Old Kelsey Point.

In the Town of Westbrook, constables are part-time employees that work under the supervision of resident state troopers from Troop F. A satellite Resident Trooper’s office and the constables’ ready room both are located on the rear of the Mulvey Municipal Center.

-Becky Coffey