North Haven Courier

Making Fridays Fun

2008-11-20T16:22:09Z

Alex Vaughan proudly shows of his arts and crafts talents to his mother, Tara Vaughan, during North Haven Memorial Library’s 10-week Friday Fun program for toddlers.

Photo by Ray Hryb

A McKnight in Shining Armor

2008-11-20T16:19:35Z

By Jason J. Marchi, Courier Correspondent:

Pattie McKnight and her husband, John, have owned the McDonald’s at 129 Washington Avenue in North Haven for 10 years and during that time, both as business owners and North Haven residents, they’ve devoted themselves to fundraising causes, especially those related to the Ronald McDonald House and most recently a walk to help cancer patients.

Last May, Pattie helped run the New Haven walk organized by Y-ME, a national organization committed to helping women facing breast cancer. In addition to the New Haven event, walks were conducted in 15 cities across the nation and some 50,000 people participated.

“Last year was the first year the Y-ME had a walk here in Connecticut, so it was the first time McDonalds sponsorship was brought in,” Pattie explains for her involvement. “Because this was the first year and because the walk was added late in their cycle, we didn’t have the headway we wished we would have had. But we’re already working on this year’s, which will be set for Mother’s Day in 2009.”

Perhaps unusually, it didn’t take a diagnosis of cancer in anyone Pattie knows personally to motivate her into action. As a local businesswoman, Pattie says she feels it’s important to give back to the community and to help those in need.

In addition to the annual cancer walk, Pattie is involved year-round with at the Ronald McDonald House of New Haven. After 18 months on the charity’s Board of Directors, during which she served as vice-president, Pattie will now step into the coming new year as board president.

“My husband John was on the board of the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven for eight years and I just started a year ago on the board,” Pattie says, adding “you don’t need to be affiliated with McDonalds to help out at the house. The Ronald McDonald House of New Haven serves all of Connecticut…Any kids who come in from any major hospital in the state for treatment can stay at the house.

“This little boy,” Pattie says, and points at a photograph hanging in the restaurant, “is from Puerto Rico and he’s in the hospital right now having liver surgery. So many of these children are displaced. They’re from Puerto Rico, from Ecuador, from Guatemala, and we have a young girl now from Waterbury with a premature baby. These people have to be treated at the hospitals for as long as six months some times, so where do they live?”

Pattie says some people are surprised to discover how far away from their own home the ill and their families travel to end up at the Ronald McDonald House.

“Since we have some of the best hospitals in Connecticut, kids are coming from all over the world to get treatment here,” Pattie explains. “But the downside of that is the fact that these families can’t afford hotels for an extended time. That’s where our mission comes in—to give a home away from home to families of critically ill children who are being treated at local hospitals.”

In the tough economic climate, the charity is, as ever, reliant upon donations to create their caring community.

“We’re very lucky that we have a lot of food donated, so the kitchen is always stocked,” Pattie says of the big old colonial home on George Street in New Haven. “When you walk in you’ll find any number of mothers cooking dinner for their families, and moms sitting with other moms, so it’s a good network of people who really understand what they’re going through because they’re going through the same thing.”

This December, Pattie is sponsoring the 19th annual Trees of Hope holiday spectacular at the Long Wharf Maritime Center to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut.

“There will be a dazzling display of 70 decorated trees, each of which will go home to a lucky raffle winner,” Pattie says.

The 19th annual Trees of Hope holiday spectacular to benefit the Ronald McDonald House is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Dec. 6 to 14, at the Long Wharf Maritime Center, 555 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven. Free admissions. Free parking on weekends. For info, visit www.rmh-ct.org.

Pictured: North Haven resident Pattie McKnight is an ardent supporter of a number of charities, including the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven where next month she assumes the post of president of the board of directors. Pattie is also behind the 19th Annual Trees of Hope holiday spectacular from Dec. 6 to 14 that will benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut.

Photo by Jason J. Marchi

To nominate a person of the week, email Jason Marchi at j.marchi@shorepublishing.com or call 203-245-1877 x 6166.

Emergency Dispatch Passes Muster

2008-11-20T16:16:54Z

By Sean Fogarty, Courier Staff Writer:

After analyzing hours of tapes of dispatch calls, Police Chief James DiCarlo and a committee formed to investigate the issue have determined there to be no inadequacies in the performance of North Haven’s dispatch center, as had been alleged in a letter by firefighter’s union President Jeff Obier.

Obier sent the three-paragraph letter citing flaws in the dispatchers’ performance to Fire Chief Vincent Landisio, First Selectman Janet McCarty, and DiCarlo on Sept. 8.

DiCarlo said the letter was “very strongly worded and included a lot of serious allegations.”

Neither Obier nor Landisio returned calls for comment.

According to DiCarlo, after receiving the letter, he formed a committee composed of Landisio, Police Deputy Chief Thomas McLoughlin, and Deputy Fire Chief Frank Gersz. The men went through tapes of calls at random to determine if the allegations in the letter, which included lack of courtesy on the part of dispatchers, lack of pertinent information being given to firefighters from dispatchers regarding the conditions on the scene to which they were heading, and lack of urgency on behalf of the dispatchers.

“It’s our duty to investigate it, which I feel we did pretty thoroughly,” said DiCarlo.

The committee reviewed not only the tapes of the incoming calls, but also the radio communications during the response.

“Say someone calls and says their nine-year-old fell out of the tree,” said DiCarlo. “We listen to the entire dispatching, which takes us to a whole different scenario. We listen to radio transmissions, we send a police car, we listen to every call until the incident is over. When we listen to one call, we listen to 15 to 20 conversations, some on the phone, some on the radio.”

DiCarlo said that, in listening to these tapes and communications, he and the committee found “just the opposite” of the claimed “unprofessional” behavior.

“When we examined our records,” said DiCarlo, “we didn’t see these glaring flaws as put in the letter and we will work to fix what isn’t quite right.

“There will always be some difficulties because of the nature of what we do,” the chief continued. “When a 911 call comes in for a major incident, it isn’t just one 911 call, you end up with 15 or 16, all of which have to be answered.”

DiCarlo and North Haven’s four dispatchers recently had a round-table discussion regarding ways to improve services. “We’re all working together to make sure it’s working right,” said DiCarlo

Police Incident Report: Nov. 5 to 11

2008-11-20T16:15:22Z

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.

Wednesday, Nov. 5

• A 22-year-old Northford woman was arrested at 9:53 p.m. and charged with possession of less than four ounces of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana, and illegal manufacture, sale, or distribution of a prescription drug.

• A 22-year-old man of Fawn Ridge Road was issued a misdemeanor summons at 5:41 a.m. for speeding, operating a motor vehicle while under license suspension, disobeying the signal of an officer (first offense), and failure to wear a seat belt in the front seat.

Thursday, Nov. 6

• A 37-year-old Wolcott man was arrested at 9:53 a.m. on a warrant charging him with failure to appear in the second degree.

• A 31-year-old East Haven woman was arrested at 3:14 p.m. on a warrant charging her with failure to appear in the first degree.

• A 36-year-old woman of Quinnipiac Avenue was arrested at 6:18 p.m. and charged with harassment in the second degree and violation of a protective order.

Friday, Nov. 7

• A 46-year-old Orange man was arrested at 3:45 a.m. and charged with criminal mischief in the first degree, criminal trespass in the first degree, disorderly conduct, and harassment in the second degree. Police were called to the Rosewood Condo complex at 1298 Hartford Turnpike at 2:37 a.m. after a female resident reported a former companion was in the parking lot and throwing rocks through her second floor bedroom window. He had been calling and text-messaging her continuously the previous evening. Officers from the Orange Police Department arrested him as he arrived home a short time after the victim called police. He was held overnight on a $5,000 surety bond and arraigned the following day. The female victim was not injured.

• A 44-year-old Wallingford man was arrested at 6:37 a.m. on a warrant charging him with failure to appear in the first degree.

• A 58-year-old New Haven man as arrested at 9:30 a.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and or drugs and failure to obey a control signal.

Saturday, Nov. 8

• A 35-year-old woman of a State Street apartment and a 52-year-old male neighbor were arrested at 7:30 a.m. on a warrant charging her with breach of peace and violation of a protective order.

• A 19-year-old Meriden man was arrested at 12:30 p.m. and charged with criminal attempt to commit larceny in the third degree, forgery in the third degree, larceny in the sixth degree, and possession of alcohol by a minor after liquor was found in his knapsack. A neighbor observed the accused remove a piece of mail from the mailbox of an Overbrook Road residence. He continued on foot. Police found him a short distance away and after questioning he was arrested. He was additionally charged with a larceny from a mailbox that occurred in August along Quinnipiac Avenue. In this incident a payment being mailed to a utility company was removed from a mailbox. The accused then altered the payment check and attempted to cash it in a Meriden bank. Bank authorities contacted police and the accused was identified through bank photos. The accused was presented in court on Nov. 10 on all charges after being held on a $1,500 surety bond over the weekend. The United States Postal Inspector’s Office in New Haven was notified of his arrests.

Sunday, Nov. 9

No arrests were made.

Monday, Nov. 10

• A 25-year-old Hamden woman was arrested at 1 p.m. and charged with larceny in the third degree.

• A Hispanic male was assaulted and robbed during the morning hours (time not pinpointed) while seated alongside the west end of the Target Plaza waiting for a bus. Two black males approached him and demanded money and the victim turned over cash from his wallet. He was then struck about the face causing injuries to his mouth area and scalp lacerations. He was treated and released at Yale–New Haven Hospital. No weapons seen. Witnesses can contact the detective division. Officer Geoff Marquardt is investigating.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

• A 55-year-old man of Sugar Hill Road and a 31-year-old man of Middletown Avenue were arrested at 5:42 p.m. and charged with disorderly conduct.

Police correspondent Jason J. Marchi compiles the Police Incident Report

Morrison Named New Finance Director

2008-11-20T16:14:00Z

By Meredith Crawford, Courier Associate Editor:

The Town of North Haven finally has a full-time finance director to replace embattled former director Vincent Palmeri, who left his position after a scandal that rocked the town in April 2007.

First Selectman Janet McCarty announced last week that Thomas J. Morrison has been selected to fill the vacant position.

“Morrison brings more than 20 years of government and non-profit financial management experience to North Haven…He has both public sector and private sector experience. He is a dedicated public servant,” said McCarty.

Morrison’s resume includes positions as the finance director in Hartford, director of finance and administration in Plainfield, New Jersey, and business administrator in Orange, New Jersey. His areas of experience include debt issuance and management, risk management, human resource and benefit administration, urban economic development, and creative revenue enhancement. He has developed budgets for cities of between 12,000 and 60,000 people.

Morrison said he’s eager to begin his new position with the town.

“I am very happy to join the staff of First Selectman Janet McCarty,” he said. “There is great promise for this administration and North Haven. I look forward to meeting citizens and providing support for the residents who are entitled to quality services.”

Morison earned a BA from Swarthmore College in political science in 1975, an MBA in accounting and finance from Columbia University in 1977, and passed the New York CPA exam in 1978. In addition to his work experience, he has also served on boards of directors for various organizations, including those of homeless shelters, hospitals, and state commissions. Morrison is treasurer of the Knox Foundation, a member of the Ambassador Group of Leadership of Greater Hartford, an advisory board member of the Urban League, and a tier-one member of the Greater Hartford Art Council.

Palmeri, who was granted conditional retirement by the Board of Selectmen in early 2008, has been charged with facilitating and covering up the alleged misuse of town funds by former director and assistant director of Community Services & Recreation Joseph and Patricia Ierardi. He also faces charges of larceny and stealing a firearm, both related to an investigation into the alleged misuse of town funds.

Geoff Brown’s Dedication Leads to Athletic and Academic Success

2008-11-19T18:59:30Z

By Chris Piccirillo, Courier Senior Sports Writer:

North Haven boys’ soccer coach Federico Fiondella says that Geoff Brown “does everything 100 percent,” and if you look at the senior’s achievements in both the athletic and academic arenas, you’ll be certain to agree. Fiondella and Indians’ outdoor track coach Steve Celmer each cite Geoff’s natural athleticism, coupled with his strong work ethic and willingness to learn, as primary factors behind his success, which has thereby contributed to the prosperity of his teams.

Geoff recently capped his final season with the soccer squad by aiding North Haven’s run to the Southern Connecticut Conference Oronoque Division title. Furthermore, Geoff, who plays the defensive sweeper position, earned All-Oronoque honors and was chosen to play in the Senior Bowl.

Geoff’s also seen his share of success on the track as the highly versatile athlete—who does everything from hurdles to jumps to the javelin—has helped the indoor squad win one division title and the outdoor team earn a share of two Oronoque crowns. He additionally has a pair of individual postseason titles, having won the 55 hurdles at last winter’s indoor Oronoque’s championship and the 110 hurdles at the outdoor championship this spring.

But perhaps the best aspect of Geoff’s success is that the energy he expends in athletics doesn’t detract from his pursuit of academic excellence as the member of the National, Latin, Spanish, and Math Honor Societies is ranked eighth in his class and has been named the Scholar Athlete for his team seven times.

“Geoff is an intelligent athlete who always asks questions to try and figure out things and was also one of my top students in advanced U.S. history who gave everything he had in the classroom just like he does on the field,” Fiondella says. “Geoff is one of the best sweepers I’ve coached here and was the leader of our defense this season. Not only is Geoff quick and agile, which helped him win head balls, but he always stayed composed whenever a dangerous player came his way and was often there to save the day.”

Some athletes might be apprehensive about playing sweeper, which is the last line of defense before the goalkeeper, but for Geoff, the challenge of playing such a pressure-packed position was something he relished.

“I actually feel I thrive under that type of pressure,” says Geoff, who along with Jim McGrath, Andrew Timothy, Joe Sorrentino, and Mike Swanson formed a defensive unit that called themselves ‘The Iron Curtain’. “I’m a real competitive kid who wants to win and if something has to be done to help us win, I figure that it might as well be me. I’m always willing to sacrifice for the good of my team.”

Geoff says that learning self-sacrifice to help the greater good has been the most valuable lesson he’s absorbed through his time with North Haven soccer, a program he appreciates for its “family atmosphere” in which “everyone is always there to support you.”

The Indians were certainly there to support each other this fall throughout their run to the Oronoque title as North Haven posted the best record in division history at 9-1. The Indians then posted two shutouts in winning two Class L Tournament games, followed by a 1-0 loss to RHAM-Hebron that was decided in penalty kicks.

“We were a blue-collar bunch of guys who worked hard and had played together for several years so we felt we could win the division and go far in states,” Geoff says. “Even though the RHAM loss was tough, we still exceeded our expectations. We won more games than any team ever has in the Oronoque, made the SCC Tournament, and won two games in states for the first time with Coach Fiondella. This was a great season and I’m very happy about it.”

Geoff is now looking forward to another season in indoor track as the Indians will look to reclaim the Oronoque title they last won when he was a freshman. Geoff’s personal goals include repeating as the Oronoque’s 55 hurdles champion and then winning the event at SCCs and the state meet, the further at which he placed second last season.

Steve Celmer, who’s an assistant in indoor track and head coach of outdoor track, feels that Geoff has a good chance to achieve those goals.

“It was immediately apparent that Geoff would make an impact because of his natural ability and the fact that he has both long legs and speed,” says Celmer of Geoff, who besides his success in the hurdles, finished second in the triple jump at last spring’s outdoor Oronoque Championship. “But another reason why Geoff has had such success is that he’s a very coachable. Geoff is mature enough to realize that if he listens to his coaches and does what we tell him, that good things are going to happen and they definitely have for him. He and his brother have been two of the biggest building blocks of our program.”

Indeed, Geoff’s twin brother, Steve, has also had a major impact on North Haven’s success, having been part of every division title to which Geoff has contributed. Coincidentally, Steve has twice finished right behind Geoff in his postseason victories by placing second in the hurdles each time his sibling has prevailed.

But the Brown brothers—who will captain North Haven’s indoor and outdoor teams—wouldn’t have it any other way as they both feel that their competitive natures bring out the best in themselves and thus lends to the success of their teams.

“It’s a mixture of feelings because my first priority is for us to always get the top two spots in any event we do, but I also want to win because I don’t want him to talk smack to me about him winning,” jokes Geoff, who plans on studying pharmacy in college and also volunteers at Benhaven, a home for autistic people. “But no matter who wins, it helps to have each other there because it makes us push ourselves and we become better athletes because of it.”

Pictured: Geoff Brown aided Indians’ boys’ soccer to a division title this fall.

Photo courtesy of Geoff Brown

Field Hockey Squad Fares Well in Krajewski’s First Year

2008-11-19T18:47:51Z

By Chris Piccirillo, Courier Senior Sports Writer:

Cori Krajewski entered her first season as head coach of the North Haven field hockey team looking for her Indians to achieve a handful of goals. For one, Krajewski wanted to squad to earn a winning record, something the Indians fell just shy of last season. She also wanted her team to not only return to the state tournament, but also advance past the first round, something North Haven had only done once in the past decade.

Despite graduating nine athletes from last year’s team, the Indians were able to achieve those goals, first posting an 8-5-0-2 mark for the regular season, followed by a 2-1 Class M first-round win versus E.O. Smith—Storrs, thus making for a season about which Krajewski was quite pleased.

“This was a great year for my first with the program and I really couldn’t have asked for much more,” said Krajewski, whose team nearly defeated top-seeded Darien in the Class M Quarterfinals before dropping a 2-1 overtime decision to finish 9-6-0-2. “Our kids did a phenomenal job on the field and really made it a point to work together and communicate with each other during games, which helped us tremendously. It was amazing to see what high school kids can do when they put their heart into something and to finish with a winning record was a great accomplishment as it gives us something to build off of because now we know we’re a competitive team.”

One of the reasons why North Haven was so competitive was the contributions of its six seniors, who were forward Nicolle Ceneri and goalkeeper Rachel Green; plus captains Kristina DeFilippo and Christina Kim, who were both midfielders; Sheila Huggins and Hope Nataro, who were defenders.

“Our seniors all have different personalities but worked well together towards the same goal, which was nice to see,” said Krajewski, who was assisted by program alum Casey Sanford. “They helped established good camaraderie on this team, starting with our captains’ practices through our games to our pasta parties. Everyone was included on this team.”

Some of North Haven’s athletes were also included on the All-Southern Connecticut Conference squad as Huggins made the First Team and junior forward Allie Doheny earned Second Team honors, recording nine goals with eight assists. Huggins additionally made All-State First Team, will play in the Senior All-Star game, and was named Most Valuable Player for the Indians, whose Most Improved Player was the goalkeeper Green, and who also saw junior right back Desiree Fredericks win the Sportsmanship Award.

“Sheila was the anchor of our defense. She’s a smart player who always knew what to do with the ball and how to get it to her teammates,” Krajewski said. “Rachel did a great job by starting every game in the cage in her first year on the varsity team and Desiree is just a great kid who’s always willing to help, never questions anything, and who tries hard to apply what she learns in practice to her play in games.”

Pictured: Shelia Huggins recently completed her senior season as a member of the North Haven field hockey team, which went 9-6-0-2 this fall.

Photo by John Vanacore

Fishing the Curl at Season’s End

2008-11-19T17:58:51Z

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

Play on

2008-11-13T21:04:20Z

The North Haven High School (NHHS) Drama Club kicks off its production of Arsenic and Old Lace under the direction of Kathy Grassi tonight, Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. in the NHHS auditorium. There are two other performances, both at 7 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15. Tickets are $7. Pictured rehearsing scenes from the play are (from left) Channelle Roach, Courtney Llarnes, and Katelyn Fung.

Photo by John Vanacore

Big Sister and Youth Mentor

2008-11-13T21:01:42Z

By Jason J. Marchi, Courier Correspondent:

When Liz Davis left the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization six years ago after 15 years of dedicated service to head up the educational services program at the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce, she brought with her a love of helping and inspiring young people.

Chamber President and CEO Robin Wilson saw Liz as a perfect fit for her own plans to get local businesspeople more involved in the North Haven school system and the experience Liz brought to the table has greatly enhanced the presence of Big Brothers Big Sisters in town while helping the local business community connect with future generations at the same time.

“Six years ago we started a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters where I originally was working,” Liz recalls. “Robin and I met to discuss how we could offer this program to the business members here at the chamber. We’ve always needed mentors [at Big Brothers Big Sisters] so it was a great way to introduce the business community to this type of a program.”

Unlike the typical Big Brothers Big Sisters situation in which a mentor meets with a student in settings outside of school, the Chamber’s program involves mentors from local businesses meeting with students for one hour each week right at the schools.

Before a mentor and a student are paired up, according to Liz, “the mentor has to be interviewed and the child has to be interviewed and that’s how you make the process work, so they are equally matched. We look at interests, what needs the child has, and we try to match the best person with that need.”

That match most often results in same-gender mentor/student matching, Liz notes.

“The mentor stays with the child for one year, working on a different bunch of things like going over homework, working on social skills, having an extra friend for those students without many friends, or whatever that student was in need of is what we gear the mentor toward,” Liz says.

“It allows the community to get involved without putting a ton of time into it. Members often meet with the kids during their lunch hour,” Liz notes.

And while an hour might not seem like a lot of time, that little bit of weekly attention means a great deal to the children.

“Some kids say the only reason they come into school is so they can meet with their mentor,” she says.

While the bulk of the Chamber’s mentoring program is focused on the school setting, “at times the relationship is so good they wanted to see each other over the summer, and then [the mentor] has to [go through] some extra steps in order to be qualified to do that,” Liz explains.

“The program has been very successful over the years and we’ve gotten quite a few [North Haven] businesses to match up,” she continues. “They come and go but most of the time they last pretty long. We have a couple of people in our own office who mentor kids within the North Haven and Wallingford school systems.”

Mentoring usually begins at the elementary school level, though many mentoring relationships occur right up into the high school level.

“Some matches have gotten into seeing each other all the time, and at that point Big Brothers Big Sisters monitors the relationship,” Liz states.

Although mentoring might be something one imagines a child missing a parent might need, “sometimes it’s just the fact that they student doesn’t have any social skills and mom and dad really aren’t any good at that either,” Liz explains. “The teachers will know the students need just a little something extra to help them along and it’s not an authoritative figure trying to direct them how to do it, it’s a friend.

“When we monitor this program we have found, statistically, that kids have done a lot better in school, a lot better at their social skills, and that special friend coming to see them gives them a reason to go to school and to do well,” Liz continues. “Not only does the student want to show the mentor his or her improvement, but the fact they are doing that thing the mentor has helped them with builds their self esteem.”

And that, Liz knows, is when the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program operated through the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce is working at its best.

Pictured: In addition to the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters in North Haven, Liz Davis also oversees the annual Read Aloud Day Program each May and the Career Connection Online Program that gives students firsthand exposure to the world of business.

Photo by Jason J. Marchi

To nominate a person of the week, email Jason Marchi at j.marchi@shorepublishing.com or call 203-245-1877 x 6166.

Police Incident Report: Oct. 29 to Nov. 4

2008-11-13T21:00:08Z

Wednesday, Oct. 29

No arrests were made.

• A 20-year-old Wallingford woman was issued a misdemeanor summons at 8:07 p.m. for reckless driving.

Thursday, Oct. 30

• A 21-year-old man of Blossom Drive was arrested at 6 a.m. and charged with reckless burning and reckless endangerment in the first degree.

• An 18-year-old Hamden man was arrested at 12:20 p.m. and charged with disorderly conduct.

• A 46-year-old Hamden man was arrested at 9:28 p.m. and charged with theft of a number plate/insert, use and/or possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of narcotics.

Friday, Oct. 31

• A 42-year-old Hamden man was arrested at 11:30 a.m. and charged with disorderly conduct and assault in the second degree.

• A 34-year-old Hamden man was arrested at 1:30 p.m. and charged with disorderly conduct and assault in the second degree.

• A 31-year-old New Haven man was arrested at 6 p.m. and charged with burglary in the third degree and larceny in the fourth degree.

• A 48-year-old Hamden man was arrested at 10:44 p.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and failure to drive in the proper lane of a multiple-lane highway.

• An 81-year-old Hamden man was issued a misdemeanor summons at 3:22 p.m. for misuse of plate, failure to have insurance, operating a motor vehicle while under license suspension, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

Saturday, Nov. 1

No arrests were made.

Sunday, Nov. 2

• A 39-year-old West Haven woman was arrested at 1 a.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, failure to drive in the proper lane of a multiple-lane highway, and failure to wear a seat belt in the front seat.

• A 49-year-old Hamden man was arrested at 11:20 a.m. and charged with use and/or possession of drug paraphernalia; illegal manufacture, distribution, or sale of prescription drugs; possession of less than four ounces of marijuana; illegal possession near a school; risk of injury to minors; criminal trespass in the first degree; breach of peace; loitering in/about school grounds; and public indecency. The accused was found to be looking into a school classroom at the middle school while exposing himself.

• A 20-year-old New Haven woman was issued a misdemeanor summons at 4:40 p.m. for misuse of plate, failure to have insurance, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

Monday, Nov. 3

• A 25-year-old New Haven man was arrested at 6 p.m. on a warrant charging him with breach of peace, reckless endangerment in the second degree, aiding and abetting, and conspiracy.

Tuesday, Nov. 4

• A 48-year-old Northford woman was arrested at 10 a.m. on a warrant charging her with larceny in the fourth degree, larceny in the fifth degree, larceny in the sixth degree, and robbery in the third degree.

• A 68-year-old woman of Randall Drive was arrested at 10:30 a.m. and charged with harassment in the second degree.

• A 20-year-old New Haven man was arrested at 2:59 p.m. and charged with breach of peace.

From Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, North Haven police also issued six citations for traveling unreasonably fast, four citations for speeding, three citations for failure to obey a control signal, two citations for failure to wear a seat belt in the front seat, two citations for operating an unregistered motor vehicle, one citation for failure to drive a reasonable distance apart, one citation for using a hand held cell phone while driving, and one citation for failure to signal a turn.

Police correspondent Jason J. Marchi compiles the Police Incident Report

Friends Focus on Library Fun

2008-11-13T20:59:06Z

By Sean Fogarty, Courier Staff Writer:

Cooler weather and trying economic times only highlight the strengths of the North Haven Memorial Library, where families can find all sorts of activities–and they aren’t just within the library’s walls.

The library offers museum passes that can be checked out just like books, according to Head of Children’s Services Pat Laterza.

“Each museum has a certain fee they charge libraries and we get one pass. You get it for two days, then you have to return it, like a book,” said Laterza.

The library has passes for 15 outside venues, including Beardsley Zoo, Maritime Aquarium, and state parks. While some passes, such as the one to Beardsley, provide entirely free entry, others provide discounted rates.

Laterza said the museum passes are just one of the many programs the Friends of the Library funds.

“The Friends basically provide funding for all the extras that happen at the library,” said Friends Co-President Bernadette Laudach. “We fund all the programs, whether for children or adults. We also provide large-print books and help with the infrastructure of the library.”

Laudach also said that the Friends just purchased an LCD projector and screen so families can watch Saturday afternoon movies.

“We like to think of ourselves as the grandparents of the library; we pay for all the fun extras the town doesn’t provide,” she added.

According to Laudach, the Friends, established in the 1960s, raises all of its money from donations–no town funds are used.

“We have two main ways to raise funds,” said Laudach. “One is our membership drive and the other is a used bookstore we opened in November of last year.”

Laudach said the bookstore has books of all classifications, DVDs, VHS, and CDs–some of which, she said, arrive still in shrink-wrap. Most cost less than $5.

The money raised from the store goes to provide programs such as Dads and Donuts, offered on Wednesday, Nov. 19 for children between 6 and 10. Participants will learn to do tricks with everyday objects with magician Chuck Kelman.

One of the library’s newest programs, “Art That Makes You Look Twice,” focuses on a variety of unorthodox art, including massive sculptures, surrealist works, and optical illusions. The program is offered on Saturdays, Nov. 15, 22, and 26 at 10:30 a.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2:30 p.m. The hour-long program is appropriate for ages six to nine.

Also on the schedule is a Toy Tag Sale on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Library Community Room. All the proceeds from the tag sale will go to the Friends of the Library.

History Moves Forward

2008-11-13T20:58:10Z

By Sean Fogarty, Courier Staff Writer:

The North Haven Historical Society (NHHS) is turning a new page in its own history. With a new website planned for release soon and many upcoming activities, the society has never had more opportunities for locals to learn about their town.

NHHS President Bruce Dumelin said the website is an important piece of the society’s move toward change.

“We are in the process,” said Dumelin. “We have a prototype ready to launch and once we get some photographs to add, it’ll be up.”

The website will replace the society’s 2001 static website with a slew of new features, including a blogging tool the society’s members can use to post facts about the local history, upcoming events, and their reactions to them.

Because the society has many plans, it should be an active site–as NHHS Program Committee Chairman Mary Lou Stamp said, “We’ve got a lot coming down the pipe.”

Coming up on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 30 Church Street, the society will sponsor a production of They Called Me Lizzy…From Slavery to the White House, the story of Elizabeth Keckly, the dressmaker for Mary Todd Lincoln. The program follows Keckly’s duties as a dressmaker as she puts the finishing touches on one of her works. The program lasts one hour, is free to the public, and is appropriate for ages 12 and older.

Stamp said the society is also working with the police department to go over historical crimes in the town, such as famous murders and robberies.

But while the society can look through records, files, folders, and books, some of North Haven’s history is right beneath its residents’ feet.

One of those places is Peter’s Rock. According to Dumelin, the society is planning an upcoming tour of Peter’s Rock, the largest piece of land in North Haven at 182 acres. While families used to climb the mountain Sundays to draw water from the man-made well, now families can climb for views of the surrounding towns and a view of The Hermitage, a hunting lodge built in 1901.

Bendel Runs to Outstanding Rookie Season with NH Cross-Country

2008-11-13T17:33:40Z

By Chris Piccirillo, Courier Senior Sports Writer:

Brittany Bendel wasn’t part of North Haven cross-country as a freshman, but after hearing some positive things about the program and then running a lot during the summer, the sophomore decided to give it a shot this season.

Though her initial goal was to simply earn a varsity spot, Brittany exceeded her expectations by a country mile, establishing herself as the Indians’ No. 2 runner and seeing her season culminate with strong performances at the Southern Connecticut Conference and Class L Championships.

“I was nervous coming into the season because I hadn’t run a lot before this year so to go from where I started to where I am now is satisfying because it means that all the hard work paid off,” Brittany says. “I’m happy with how the season went and the growth of our team.”

Indeed, Brittany had nothing but compliments for her teammates’ effort and the warm way in which they welcomed her to the squad. In turn, Coach Carl Jackson was extremely pleased with Brittany’s season as he praised her tremendous work ethic and the way she learned to pace herself during races throughout the campaign.

By the time the regular season finished, Brittany had played a major role in helping the young North Haven squad withstand numerous injuries to maintain its second-place standing in the Oronoque Division. Her regular season actually proved to be a setup for her crowning achievement as she was North Haven’s top finisher at the SCC Championship, placing 38th with a time of 22:19 to earn All-Oronoque distinction.

“My goal was to not hold back so I set a quicker pace for myself than I had at previous meets,” says Brittany, who’s also a member of North Haven fencing, plays flute in the school’s marching band, and plays guitar in the jazz band. “I started to feel fatigued around the two-mile mark but just tried to say close to the person nearest to me, then got an adrenaline rush and did a full-out sprint towards the end.”

Brittany then finished her season in equally impressive fashion as she placed 53rd with a mark of 22:31 at the Class L Championship, a time about which she was very happy, especially considering the hilly terrain she successfully navigated at Wickham Park.

That race was similar to SCCs as Brittany established a steady pace and then turned on the burners towards the end. And though fatigue was again taking its toll, she found a way to push to a swift finish, one of the most important things she learned through running cross-country this season.

“It’s a euphoric feeling when you push yourself as hard as you can to finish a race because you know you exceeded what you originally thought you could do,” says Brittany, who plans on running outdoor track this spring. “That’s what happened at the two postseason meets and those were both experiences that I know I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

Pictured: Brittany Bendel had a successful debut season for Indians’ girls’ cross-country.

Photo by Nancy Dionne

Indians’ Football Blanks East Haven 47-0

2008-11-13T17:16:47Z

By Chris Piccirillo, Courier Senior Sports Writer:

After dropping their last four games, the only thing the Indians’ football squad wanted to do was earn a home victory against a rival East Haven team that’s had its fair share of struggles this season.

Well, not only did North Haven accomplish that, but Tony Sagnella’s squad did so in resounding fashion as its offensive line created holes early and often, which resulted in a ton of rushing yards for the Indians in their 47-0 triumph at Vanacore Field.

North Haven, which led by 28 halftime, was sparked by three touchdown runs and 83 rushing yards from quarterback Mike Friello, who also found fellow senior captain Dan Oakes on a 20-yard passing TD in the first half. Nick Melillo added 83 yards and two scores on the ground, fellow junior Ryan Criscio rushed for 79 yards, and sophomore Nate Alleyne also ran one in for the Indians, who improved to 3-6 overall and 2-2 in Southern Connecticut Conference Division II East.

“The strength of our team is our play at the line of scrimmage and that was East Haven’s weakness,” said Sagnella, whose squad was bolstered by 10 tackles apiece from Oakes and Brian Wolfe, plus five extra-point kicks from Rob Carbone. “So it was a good match-up for us as we were able to run the ball well and then pick and choose where we wanted to throw it.”

Indeed, the Indians’ offensive line set the tone for this game and Sagnella was quick to extend praise to that entire unit, the starting lineup which consists of tight ends Oakes and Adam Iskra and linemen Ken Okwuosa, John Proto, Matt DeMarco, Dan Sardilli, and Bruce Devlin, the latter two who are senior captains. Sagnella also extended credit to four other linemen who saw considerable time in David Anderson, Conner Early, Anthony Chiaia, and Tim Dzialo.

“It’s a good feeling to get a win, especially at home,” Sagnella added. “They’ve been hard to come by for us this season, but the kids have worked extremely hard and kept their chins up with a positive attitude and I’m happy that they took care of business.”

North Haven first got on the board when Friello rushed one in from 29 yards out, after which East Haven fumbled the ensuing kickoff, thus putting the Indians in prime scoring position. They then took advantage of the position as Melillo’s 13-yard run made it 14-0 after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Friello had the 20-yard scoring pass to Oakes, then a six-yard run for a 28-point halftime advantage. The second half saw Friello score on a 15-yard run and Alleyne and Melillo score on rushes of two and 75 yards, respectively.

Pictured: Senior captain quarterback Mike Friello accounted for four touchdowns as the North Haven football team beat East Haven 47-0.

Photo by John Vanacore