The Source

State, Local Officials Honor WWII Veterans

2008-11-20T17:28:56Z

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Senior Staff Writer:

Thomas Francis Jordan came home from church one Sunday morning in December 1941 to find his mother in tears. She had just heard the news on the radio. The Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The United States was at war.

Like thousands and thousands of young men, the next morning Jordan went to the Bridgeport Post Office and enlisted. Because he was only 17, his mother had to sign his enlistment papers. She cried again. He was sent to Groton and from there assigned to the USS Wichita CA-45. For the next 42 months, he saw action in every major theater in the war at sea.

Last week, as the nation honored veterans on Nov. 11, state and local officials here also honored the town’s World War II veterans. In a special ceremony held at the Polson Middle School, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz presented the veterans present with State of Connecticut World War II Veteran Public Service Awards. She was joined by First Selectman Al Goldberg, State Rep. Deb Heinrich, and State Senator Ed Meyer.

The elected officials were also joined by a score of veterans and their families and friends. Bysiewicz, whose father is a World War II veteran, said, “We are losing 40 veterans every day in the state, 1,500 in the country. I have held these public awards ceremonies in 87 other communities in the state. Madison is the 88th. We are here to say ‘Thank you’ to all of you.”

She also urged the veterans “to share your stories with your children and grandchildren, so your sacrifices will not be lost” to another generation. She then urged the veterans in the audience to step up to the microphone to share their stories right there.

Jordan, a retired Bridgeport policeman who has lived in Windemere for the past 12 years, was the first to speak. He introduced his niece, Sharon Eaton of Guilford, whose son died in Iraq. Jordan’s story was repeated over and over by the veterans who followed him to the microphone, each adding their own experiences in very brief remarks.

And there was Janet Lee, who decided she would enlist. She traveled down to the recruiting office on Broadway, took the necessary tests, passed and phoned her parents to say is was joining the Navy. She became an aviation machinist mate assigned on the West Coast, eventually leading the teams that serviced the planes. She loved it.

“I took care of those planes for young men like you,” she told her audience, “Young men who went off into the blue. Some came back. Some did not.”

More than 100 veterans and their families attended the awards ceremony Nov. 13.

Pictured: Thomas Francis Jordan, like so many other World War II veterans who spoke last week at a ceremony honoring them, had never heard of Pearl Harbor until Dec. 7, 1941. The next day, at age 17, he enlisted.

World War II veteran Alex Kozikowski, accompanied by his grandson, led the assembled Madison veterans and their families and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Public Service Awards ceremony last week at Polson Middle School.

Photos by Nancy Dionne

Steps Taken to Provide Water at Two Schools

2008-11-20T17:26:16Z

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Senior Staff Writer:

The drinking fountains had been disabled and bottled water has been brought in to Brown Middle School and Ryerson Elementary School as school and town officials worked to assure parents, students, staff, and residents that all necessary steps are being taken to provide safe water at both schools.

On Friday, Superintendent of Schools David Klein notified parents and students that the results of testing at both schools showed the presence of uranium in the water at levels higher than the standard set by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

On Oct. 28, according to Klein, an anonymous source informed the school system that the ground water on property near the two schools, which are located side by side off Route 79, had tested positive for uranium.

“In an effort to take every precaution, the school system, in cooperation with John Bowers, the town’s director of health, immediately tested the water in both schools,” he said.

The results came back Nov. 13. They confirmed the presence of uranium at a level of 110 parts per billion. The EPA has a standard of 30 parts per billion for public water systems that provide water to homes, but there is no standard for water systems for schools, Klein explained. The town and schools immediately opened a discussion with the state Department of Public Health.

Both Brown and Ryerson, which sit just south of Route 80, are served by wells. The remainder of the town’s schools are served by the Connecticut Water Company, which tests its water regularly, including testing for uranium.

Bowers explained, “We regularly test the water at these two schools. The state Department of Public Health requires a regular schedule of testing and sampling and we have always been in full compliance. We have always had passing results, with no problems.”

The state-required tests do not include testing for uranium, he said.

“We test for bacteria, nitrites, nitrates, pH levels, color, odor, copper, lead, many things, but not uranium,” he said. “It is not required.”

There are only two laboratories in Connecticut certified to test for uranium, he said. Phoenix Environmental Laboratories of Manchester, which does the town’s water testing, took the necessary samples and then shipped them to a certified laboratory.

“We acted quickly and the tests were done as quickly as possible,” Bowers said.

“We have had very good interaction with the state Department of Health to understand what this means and what actions we could take,” he added.

In his message to parents, Klein said the department “has informed us that they would not expect to see adverse effects on people consuming the water from Brown and Ryerson schools and they do not see a need for medical follow-up.”

He explained that a public health department fact sheet on uranium in well water “indicates that the chemical properties of uranium (as a metal, similar to copper) in drinking water are of greater concern than its radioactive properties. Most ingested uranium is eliminated from the body, but a small amount is absorbed and carried through the bloodstream. Drinking water at elevated levels of uranium can affect the kidneys over time. Bathing, hand washing and cleaning (including dishwashing) with water that contains uranium is not a health concern.”

To ensure both health and safety, the district disabled all water fountains at both schools and will be providing bottled water for all drinking and cooking purposes, Klein said.

Bowers said his department, the state, and the school district will continue to investigate all possibilities for a long term answer for these two schools.

A Madison Force in a Far-Off Land

2008-11-20T17:05:48Z

By Jen Matteis, Source Community Desk Chief:

Madison residents might remember this 2003 graduate of Daniel Hand High School as Kate Ballantine, but she goes by a different name now.

“Here I am known to friends and family as Kine Diaw,” said Ballantine, now a volunteer for the Peace Corps in Senegal, West Africa.

Ballantine’s mission: to bring sustainable agriculture to the native Wolof people. During the rainy season (June through October), she provides the local farmers with samples of improved varieties of seeds, advises them on agricultural techniques, and helps plan against pests.

“They grow experimental plots and hopefully choose to adopt the government-developed seed in the future,” explained Ballentine, who lives in the village of Kaymor, located more than 12 miles from a paved road.

The program has engendered successful crops and great feedback from the farmers.

“It’s been nearly 100 percent positive,” Ballentine said. “People are huge fans of the new varieties and want more seed next year.”

Along with extending the community’s crops of rice, beans, corn, and millet, Ballentine started up a section of the non-governmental organization 10,000 Girls in her local village. Although it’s hard work in a male-dominated society, the group focuses on securing education and entrepreneurism for girls.

The group started small, selling soap and lotion to earn money for school supplies. From there, Ballentine met with the president of the Rural Community and Rural Council, who promised the girls 10 hectares of land.

“Everyone said it couldn’t be done and it certainly wasn’t easy, but I eventually got the ownership papers for the girls,” she recalled.

The girls planted 1,500 cashew trees and three hectares of hibiscus with the goal of selling raw materials to be transformed into exportable products.

“They have already begun selling hibiscus tea in California,” Ballentine noted.

“I am so proud of them,” she continued. “In a society where women are second class, especially young unmarried women, the changes my girls have made as well as the community’s perceptions of them is almost unreal.”

As for Ballentine, she’s found her place, and won’t be leaving anytime soon.

“I became known as one of those volunteers who never leave,” she said. “I love my site. In addition to growing tremendously as a person, I really feel like I’m doing something sustainable that will make a difference for people of all ages.

“My girls have the confidence to stand up and speak at a meeting in front of the most important men of the village,” she continued. “My farmers see they can use their land more efficiently and want to try new techniques. The smiles I get from my host brothers when I walk in the compound door—that’s what Peace Corps is all about.”

Want to help out 10,000 Girls? The group’s president, Viola Vaughn, is one of the top ten finalists of CNN’s Hero of the Year.

For a glimpse of Kate’s village, don’t miss CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute. The program airs on CNN on Thanksgiving night at 9 p.m.

To directly help Kate’s sustainable agriculture project, click here.

Photos courtesy of Kate Ballantine

Police Incident Report: Nov. 5 to 11

2008-11-20T17:02:33Z

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

Madison

Wednesday, Nov. 5

No arrests were made.

• A burglary at 145 Middle Beach Road was investigated at 6:37 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 6

• A 20-year-old Clinton woman was arrested at 9:50 a.m. and charged with larceny in the sixth degree (shoplifting). She was processed and released on bond pending a Nov. 18 court date.

• A 43-year-old Guilford man was arrested at 2:59 p.m. and charged with criminal violation of a protective order (by threatening).

• A theft of miscellaneous items from 1315 Boston Post Road was reported at 9:01 a.m.

• Neighbor trouble on Duck Hole Road was reported at 1:20 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 7

• A 21-year-old Clinton man was arrested at 5:40 p.m. and charged with criminal trespass in the third degree, sale/use/possession of fireworks, illegal possession of marijuana, and use and possession of drug paraphernalia. The arrest followed a report of criminal mischief on private property on River Rood near Kingsbridge Way.

• A 24-year-old man of a Dudley Lane apartment was arrested at 5:40 p.m. and charged with use and possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of marijuana, and criminal trespass in the third degree. He was processed and released on bond pending a Nov. 18 court date.

• Threatening on the 200 block of Legend Hill Road was reported at 12:01 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 8

• A 23-year-old man of Durham Road was arrested at 4 a.m. and charged with burglary in the third degree, criminal mischief in the second degree, and larceny in the fourth degree. He was processed and released on bond pending a Nov. 25 court date.

• A 24-year-old man of Paper Mill Drive was arrested at 5 a.m. and charged with burglary in the third degree, criminal mischief in the second degree, and larceny in the fourth degree. He was processed and released on bond pending a Nov. 25 court date.

• A burglary at 73 West Wharf Road was investigated at 2:16 a.m.

Sunday, Nov. 9

No arrests were made.

• Neighbor trouble on the 600 block of Summer Hill Road was investigated at 1:50 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 10

No arrests were made.

• The theft of miscellaneous items from 43 Madison Avenue was investigated at 12:12 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

• A 28-year-old Norwich man was arrested at 7:40 p.m. and charged with violation of probation, use and possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal possession of marijuana. The arrest occurred on Route 1 near East Wharf Road. He was processed and released on bond pending a Nov. 25 court date.

• Fraud on the 200 block of Legend Hill Road was investigated at 12:27 p.m.

• Criminal mischief on private property at 257 Copse Road was investigated at 1:07 p.m.

From Nov. 5 to 11, Madison police also issued two citations to motorists for failure to obey a stop sign, two citations for traveling unreasonably fast, two citations for failure to renew registration, one citation for failure to drive a reasonable distance apart, one citation for failure to obey a control signal, and one citation for failure to renew registration.

Killingworth

Wednesday, Nov. 5

No arrests were made and no incidents were reported.

Thursday, Nov. 6

No arrests were made.

• A 19-year-old man of Schnoor Road was issued a citation at 4:02 p.m. for traveling too fast for conditions after he lost control of the 2000 Nissan Xterra he was operating eastbound on Lovers Lane when he traveled over a puddle in the roadway in front of #42. The driver admitted to police that he was traveling at a high rate of speed. He was transported to Middlesex Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor back pain.

Friday, Nov. 7

No arrests were made.

• An untimely death at 65 Fawn Hill Road was reported at 7:55 p.m. by Trooper Andrew Gwiazda.

Saturday, Nov. 8 to Sunday, Nov. 9

No arrests were made and no incidents were reported.

Monday, Nov. 10

No arrests were made.

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries on Route 81 near Stevens Road was investigated by Trooper Carl Bisson at 5:47 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

No arrests were made and no incidents were reported.

Police correspondent Jason J. Marchi compiles the Police Incident Report

California Dreams

2008-11-20T16:59:06Z

By Jen Matteis, Source Community Desk Chief:

Determination is perhaps the secret to success for Matt Brady, the owner of a successful California production company. Growing up in Madison, Matt always knew what he wanted to do.

“Even when I was younger, people were saying, ‘You’ve got to get to California and get into movies,’” Matt says.

In 1996, not long after graduating from Daniel Hand High School, Matt moved to Los Angeles to follow his dreams—but not in a haphazard way. Matt grounded his Hollywood dreams in pre-arranged job interviews and a healthy dose of persistence.

“I didn’t waste any time,” Matt recalls. “I got here on a Monday and started working on a Tuesday.”

From interning with Entertainment Tonight to working as a personal secretary for actor Randy Quaid, Matt moved his way up in the industry, culminating with the launch of his own production company in 2001.

As president of MRB Productions, there is no question that Matt has found both traditional and personal success. Through the company, Matt works to produce independent features, television shows, television specials, and commercials.

“One of my biggest clients is ESPN,” Matt says. “I’ve done the openings for Monday Night Football (MNF), The X Games, the NBA Finals.”

Matt and his company have enjoyed a fair dose of acclaim—both honorary and notorious.

“I won my first Emmy five years ago,” says Matt, who also won Emmys for the NBA Finals and for a MNF opening featuring Dennis Hopper.

As for notorious, Matt’s company was responsible for the MNF spot where Nicollete Sheridan dropped her towel in front of wide receiver Terrell Owens.

“The whole nation was in an uproar the next day,” he recalls. “It was billed as the most controversial spot of 2004.”

In addition to Matt’s work producing MNF openings, which included one featuring President-elect Barack Obama, MRB recently co-produced its first feature film, I Trust You to Kill Me starring Kiefer Sutherland. MRB’s numerous other productions include Super Bowl Opens with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Harrison Ford, along with commercials for Hyundai, Sprint, and Hot Wheels.

As if that weren’t enough, Matt is also the executive producer of Free Radio, a VH1 comedy series now in its second season.

From working with celebrities to traveling the world (one recent production brought Matt to Sweden to shoot the opening of the World Figure Skating Championships), Matt’s dreams have lived up to his expectations—and they have also brought him home. Last month, Matt returned to Connecticut to shoot the opening introductions to the NFL Network games. Not just another shoot, this meant a chance to visit his parents, Michael and Eloise.

In general, production—whether working under budget, in other countries, or here in Connecticut—has brought Matt the satisfaction of knowing he’s doing exactly what he wanted to do—and to fulfill someone else’s Hollywood dreams on the side.

“I really enjoy production,” he says. “It’s my job as the producer to execute the director’s dreams. I absolutely love it.”

Check out a clip from Free Radio on youtube. For more on Free Radio, visit Free Radio's website.

Matt’s Connecticut NFL shoot featuring the Pilobolus Dancers is visible here.

Pictured: Matt Brady of Madison, now the owner of a California production company, has shaped his dreams into reality.

Photo courtesy of Matt Brady

Funds, Financial Advice, Come to Jeffrey for a Day

2008-11-20T16:52:14Z

By Jen Matteis, Source Community Desk Chief:

The “JA in a Day” Junior Achievement program returned to Jeffrey School for its third year last Friday, this time accompanied by a generous $5,500 donation from the Madison Rotary Club. Of the total amount, $3,000 came directly from the Madison members, while the remainder was a match grant received from their district organization.

In addition to the funds, members of the club and parents from the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization donated their time and expertise for the day, teaching basic financial literacy and economics to the students. Perhaps they’re not ready to take on their parents’ taxes, but the elementary school students learned important lessons about community roles and basic finances.

The non-profit, world-wide JA organization held a “JA in a Day” program earlier this month at Island Avenue School, and plans to hold another in April at Ryerson School. In addition, the group implements the “Banks in Action” program at Daniel Hand High School.

For more information about JA, visit www.ja.org.

Pictured: Last Friday, members of the Madison Rotary Club donated both funds and financial expertise to Jeffrey School’s “JA in a Day” program. Pictured (left to right) are Ben Haag of Madison Rotary, Jeffrey School Principal Mona Goodman, Madison Rotary President Robert Friend, Junior Achievement of Southwest New England President Lou Golden and District Manager Pam, and Madison Rotarians Brian Bishop, Mark Odyniec, and Tom Banisch. Missing from the photo is Rotarian Chris Brown.

Photo by Jen Matteis

‘Dolly’ Fire Ruled Electrical, Accidental

2008-11-20T16:49:54Z

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Senior Staff Writer:

The fire that damaged a guest building at the Dolly Madison Inn & Restaurant on Nov. 11 was caused by a problem with an electrical outlet in one of the second floor rooms, Fire Marshal Sam DeBurra has determined. The blaze has been ruled accidental.

Although the auxiliary building suffered fire and heavy water damage, the inn and restaurant located at 73 West Wharf Road remain open. No one was injured in the blaze, which began sometime around 10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11. A problem with an electrical outlet in a guest room caused a bed, which had been pushed up against the wall outlet, to catch fire. One person, an employee who had been living in the guest room, was in the room at the time.

The fire and water damage, which was extensive, has made the auxiliary building uninhabitable. It contained five guest rooms.

In an unrelated incident, police arrested two men on charges of burglary and larceny following a Nov. 8 incident at the inn. According to police reports, at 2:13 a.m. on Nov. 8 staff at the inn reported that a room used for liquor storage had been broken into. At the time the staff discovered the break-in, they also discovered the two suspects, who allegedly were still in the storage area. A chase between suspects and staff ensued, police said.

Arrested were Andre Dube-Fredericks, 23, of 612 Durham Road, Madison, and Christopher Hart Durante, 24, of Gunnison, Colorado. Both were charged with third degree burglary and sixth degree larceny. They were released on $5,000 bonds each for appearances in New Haven Superior Court this week.

The investigation was conducted and the arrests made by officers Scott Pardales and Rebecca Ricciuti.

School Board, Administrators Ratify New Pact

2008-11-20T16:48:34Z

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Senior Staff Writer:

The Board of Education and the district’s 14 school administrators have agreed to a new three-year contract that includes 3.25 percent salary increases in each of the three years, board contributions to a fixed annuity, and increases in administrator contributions to health care costs.

“We think this is a very competitive contract. When the salary increase, the step adjustments, and the annuity are combined, the total increase is 3.84 percent in each of the three years. The state average is 3.83 percent,” John Dean, chair of the school board’s Personnel Committee, said. “We believe this contract is an equitable one for them as well as for us.”

The new contract takes effect July 1, 2009, and runs through June 30, 2012.

In an effort to better control health care costs, Dean said administrators will be paying 17 percent of their premium costs in each of the three years. That is an increase. There will also be higher copays.

“We expect a reduction in health care expense because the administrators are paying more, but we do not know what that reduction will be at this time,” he said.

Major points of the contract between the Board of Education and the Association of Madison Administrators are:

• A 3.25 percent salary increase is given in each of the three years.

• In each of the three years the school board will contribute $3,750 to a tax-sheltered annuity for each administrator.

• Longevity payments are added to salaries depending on years of service. From 6 to 10 years as an educator in Madison, an administrator receives $500. The annual payments climb in three more steps up to a maximum of $1,700 for those with 21 or more years in the Madison system.

• A stipend of $2,000 will be added to the salary of an administrator with an earned doctorate degree.

• Administrators receive group term life insurance and long term disability as well as medical and dental insurance.

• Administrators receive 18 days of sick leave per year, cumulative up to a maximum of 230 working days.

• Sabbatical leaves may be granted by the Board of Education to administrators with seven consecutive years of service. During a full year sabbatical, an administrator will earn three-fourths of his or her salary. For a half-year sabbatical leave, a stipend equal to 37.5 of the salary will be paid.

In 2009-2010 the salary range is listed below. The steps refer to years of experience. Each step in the salary schedule below increases by 3.25 percent in 2010-2011 and in the final year of the contract there is another 3.25 percent increase across all the positions and steps.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

Elementary Asst.

$102,082 $105,239 $108,494 $111,849

MS Assistant

$106,335 $109,624 $113,014 $116,510

Guidance Director

$108,451 $111,806 $115,264 $118,828

HS Assistant

$110,766 $114,191 $117,723 $121,364

Elem. Principal

$113,424 $116,932 $120,549 $124,277

District Director

$114,424 $117,932 $121,549 $125,277

MS Principal

$118,150 $121,804 $125,571 $129,455

HS Principal

$126,919 $129,509 $132,152 $134,849

Bratches’s Work Ethic Puts Him on Top

2008-11-19T18:51:26Z

By Holly D’Addio, Source Sports Writer:

It was a classic case of “practice makes perfect” for Daniel Hand High School cross-country runner Will Bratches. In his sixth year of competitive running, Will has gone from mediocre runner to top-notch competitor and after taking his training up a notch two years ago, has seen the fruits of his labor.

“I kind of took the bandwagon approach to cross-country in middle school,” says Will. “All of my friends were doing it and it was something to do, but I wasn’t very good at all. I remember my races and that after every race, they’d hand each runner a ribbon—I was so far behind that I got ribbons that just read ‘Cross-Country Finisher’ on them.”

Will’s sophomore year was the turning point in his running career. Following in the footsteps of then-senior Drew Matthews and fellow sophomore Sean Nestor, Will took his training to the next level and went from running four miles a day to eight and took the “smarter training” approach.

“Since these two guys were doing so well, I thought they must be doing something right with their training,” says Will. “So when I started training with them more intensely and following their steps, that’s when I started to get better.”

The training regimen consists of speed workouts of fast laps around the track in intervals, as well as long, slow distance runs of six to eight miles.

As a group, the Hand cross-country team took on the new approach to training and won its first state title in program history. This year, they took the Class MM title once again and made it to New Englands after making the top five in the State Open.

Will was a co-captain this season and an All-Hammonasset runner. He finished 19th in the state meet after blowing away his expectations of finishing around the 30-place mark.

“Our team generally has great chemistry,” says Will. “We work hard, run well, and have fun, which is really important especially for a high school sport. We trained smarter and harder than ever before and [co-captain] Sean Nestor was our No. 1 runner and the diehard of the team—he set the pace with our training. This was also Coach Geary’s 25th year as coach of this team so we had a great season to celebrate that.”

Will has been a member of Hand’s indoor and outdoor track teams since his freshman year. He runs the 4x800—a team that finished in second place in 2007—and the mile events, and the Tigers were division champions in both 2007 (outdoor track) and 2008 (both indoor and outdoor).

“It’s funny because I was actually going to do lacrosse when I got to high school, but I liked cross-country and running so much that I decided to do track,” he says.

When not running for the Hand teams, Will has participated in several local road races, such as the New Haven Road Race—a race he runs with his cross-country team—and the Turkey Trot and Moonlight Run.

He is also a newcomer to Tai kwon do, something he started last year after making extra money as a busboy at The Wharf, and until his junior year, he was a military cadet for the Civil Air Patrol in New Haven.

At Hand, Will is a member of Daniel Hand Democratic Society, Peer Advocates, the Interact Club, the Woodsy Club, and is a writer for Vox Music Magazine. His top college choice for next fall is Boston University.

“I really love the city of Boston,” says Will. “I plan on doing ROTC so I’m not sure I’d have the chance to run up there, but we’ll see.”

Sidelines with Will Bratches

What is your most memorable sports moment?

Probably going to New Englands this season. It was the way it happened and that we found out we made it in. The top six teams from the State Open get to go and we, as a team, were shooting for the No. 6 spot and when they were announcing it, we weren’t No. 6 so we thought we were out. Then they got to No. 5 and it was us—we were all jumping up and down along with our coach.

Who would you like to thank?

My coach and especially all of my teammates—they’ve had a huge influence on my life in general and I’ve made some really great friends in cross-country. I also want to thank my parents for being there for me.

Pictured: Will Bratches just finished his senior cross-country season during which he was captain and helped lead his team to its second consecutive Class MM title.

Photo by Nancy Dionne

Hand Boys’ Soccer Aims for Elite

2008-11-19T18:01:56Z

By Jennifer Small, Source Sports Editor:

Coming into the season, Stan Latkowski knew there would be some difficulties as a first-year head coach, but knowing the Hand boys’ soccer program’s history, he and his team set high goals for the season.

“The goal of the program this year is the same as every year—win a state title,” said Latkowski. “Even though we didn't accomplish are main goal, we are on the right track of getting the program back to elite status in the state.”

Despite facing the difficulty of getting familiar with a program boasting 75 athletes, Latkowski and his Tigers had a successful season as they put together a 10-6 regular-season record to earn a No. 11 seed in the Class L State Tournament.

Hand topped 22nd-seeded Middletown 1-0 to advance to the second round where the Tigers topped Maloney 2-1 in overtime. In the quarterfinals, Hand challenged three-seed Avon in dismal conditions but fell 3-0.

“This team worked hard each and every day,” said Latkowski. “I wanted the kids to enjoy the game and not take it for granted. They worked hard for one another and had a passion to win. It was evident in the way we won the second round state game against Maloney in OT.”

Leading the charge throughout the season were senior captains Kevin Shirley and Ryan Dolan. Their contributions were noticed on and off the field. Both were named First Team All-SCC, along with Jack Shirley and Dan Shirley, with Kevin Shirley making the Senior Bowl team.

“Kevin and Ryan made the transition easier—they were great,” said Latkowski. “They led by example each and every day. They always worked hard and set a good example for everyone on the team. It will be very hard to replace them next year.”

Along with the captains and the Shirley brothers, there were 13 other seniors on the 2008 team including Alex Sullivan-Guzman, Ian Stevens, Kyler Equi, Tyler Abely, Jordan Kinscherf, Brendan Richard, Conor Horton, Renzo Cano, Aaron Hirsch, Barrett Telford, and Michael Simms.

“They are a great bunch of kids,” said Latkowski. “Some will play in college and a lot of them won't, but all of them will be successful. They’re just a great bunch of young men.”

The graduation of the senior class will certainly leave some open spots on the roster, but there are plenty of underclassmen waiting in the wings, including many who gained valuable varsity experience this season.

Tucker Hackett will return to the net as a sophomore, while sweeper Ben Lussier and back Alec Burlakoff will anchor the defense. Enzo Pagliarulo and Alex Adnani return to the midfield and Chris Genco and Ben Glassman will lead the attack as strikers.

“It will be very difficult to replace the senior core group of Kevin Shirley, Ryan Dolan, Jack Shirley, Dan Shirley, Ian Stevens, Barret Telford, and Jordan Kinscherf, but we have a good starting nucleus coming back,” said Latkowski. “The sophomore group is the most talented bunch that I have seen in a very long time and they will be counted on heavily.

“I would like to thank my coaches, Mike and Adam—they did a terrific job this year,” added Latkowski. “I would also like to thank all the parents who helped support the boys throughout the year. I would also like to thank Athletic Director Craig Semple for supporting me and the boys.”

Fishing the Curl at Season’s End

2008-11-19T17:58:13Z

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

Horsin’ Around

2008-11-13T21:30:44Z

Pat Bandzes and her horse Trish, Rockland Preserve Committee Chairman Joe Oslander, Madison First Selectman Al Goldberg, Mary Lou Millet and her horse Desiree, and Patrick Gazda gathered Madison’s Rockland Preserve last weekend to hear about the new Volunteer Horse Patrol. A joint venture of the Beach and Recreation Department, Rockland Preserve Committee, and the Connecticut Horse Council, the patrol will operate at the preserve.

Photo by Ray Hryb

Youngerman Resigns from Finance Board

2008-11-13T21:29:40Z

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Staff Writer:

Democratic Board of Finance member David Youngerman, in a letter submitted to First Selectman Al Goldberg Monday morning, has resigned his seat on the Board of Finance. The Democrats Monday night nominated Peggy Lyons to fill the seat.

Youngerman’s family has moved to Colorado and there has been a “For Sale” sign on his front lawn for weeks. While his wife and daughter relocated to Colorado in time for his daughter to begin the school year there, Youngerman stayed behind to sell the house.

“Pending a real estate transaction in Madison, I’ll be joining my family,” he said.

“Because of the nature of real estate sales, the house could sell tomorrow or three months from now. I don’t know when I might be leaving. Resigning now allows a new member to take part in the budget deliberations for the next fiscal year. It would not be fair to a replacement, and certainly not fair to the town, to ask someone to step in at the middle of the budget process,” Youngerman explained.

He went on to describe Lyons as “a terrific choice” and he placed her name in nomination at the Monday night Democratic Town Committee meeting. He cited her strong professional credentials, including a 17-year career in finance as an investment banker and corporate financial professional, her expertise in the preparation of financial projections and strategic planning, and her understanding of capital markets and the underwriting process.

Youngerman was elected to the Board of Finance last November in a local election that brought a Democratic first selectman into office and Democratic majorities on the finance board and Board of Selectmen. Prior to that, he had served four years on the Board of Education.

Lyons holds a bachlor’s degree from Cornell University and an MBA from The Wharton School. Most recently she worked with Deloitte & Touche Corporate Finance in New York City as managing director of Deloitte Strategic Investments & Development Team. There, among other responsibilities, she managed acquisition activities such as due diligence, valuation, negotiation and integration planning. She also served as managing director of U.S. Corporate Finance, also a part of Deloitte & Touche.

Previously she was manager of business development at General Electric Corporation, director and vice president for the Global Consumer Products Group at Merrill Lynch & Co., and was a director in the investment banking division of UBS Warburg.

According to the town charter, the Board of Selectmen chooses the candidate to fill a vacancy on the Board of Finance. The selectmen are expected to take action on Lyon’s nomination at its meeting Monday evening.

Turkey Tradition Hits 30-Year Mark

2008-11-13T21:28:08Z

By Jen Matteis, Source Community Desk Chief:

Thanksgiving may mean turkey and pumpkin pie for most—but some shoreline families are getting ready for a different tradition.

On Thanksgiving morning at 10 a.m., families and runners will take to Hammonasset Beach State Park for the 30th annual Turkey Trot. The event, sponsored by soundRUNNER of Madison and Branford and organized by the Madison Jaycees, is composed of a five-mile Road Race and a two-mile Family Fitness Walk, so participants can choose their level of activity.

“People bring their kids, some people come just to run,” explained Madison Jaycees President Jennifer Daricek. “People like to bring their kids out and go for a nice morning walk.”

According to Daricek, the Turkey Trot is a strong tradition. With 30 years under its belt and getting bigger each year, the Jaycees have watched the event grow from its humble origins of a mere 22 runners to become a huge draw for residents of Madison and surrounding towns.

“Last year we had over 2,500 participants,” Daricek recalls. “It would be nice if we could break that record.”

The race, dedicated to Dave Parcells, two-term Jaycees president and the oldest man to do a double swim across the English Channel, has taken place in rain and shine, snow and mud.

“A few years ago it was a mud pit, and there were still hundreds of people who showed up,” Daricek said. “I couldn’t believe it.”

Daricek and Jaycees’ Race Director Bill Clorite makes sure that the effort is never wasted.

“All of our proceeds go to local charities,” Daricek added, naming the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Madison Land Trust as examples of past beneficiaries.

Whether enjoying—or creating—a family tradition, looking to break your five-mile record, or just happy to know the money is going to a worthwhile cause, those involved in the Turkey Trot know how to have a good time.

“It’s definitely a lot of fun and a good way to start the morning,” Daricek said. “A lot of people come and make it part of their holiday tradition.”

Afterwards, participants enjoy a variety of refreshments, including hot cider, clam chowder, bagels, and “all kinds of goodies.” But don’t eat too much—after a morning of exercise, participants may feel their appetites piqued for the second half of the day’s ritual: that big Thanksgiving dinner.

The Turkey Trot is on Thursday, Nov. 27 at 10 a.m. at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. Registration costs $18 in advance or $22 on the day of the race (deduct $1 if you own a ChampionChip timing device). Send checks payable to Madison Jaycees to: The Madison Jaycees, P.O. Box 128, Madison, CT 06443. Pre-registered runners receive a long-sleeved shirt. For more info, to pre-register, or to become a sponsor, email themadisonjaycees@yahoo.com or visit www.madisonjc.com.

Want Happiness? Join the Club

2008-11-13T21:25:04Z

By Jen Matteis, Source Community Desk Chief:

Listing all the groups that she volunteers with—Circle of Care, the Madison Selectman’s Council on Youth Substance Abuse, the Children’s Center in Hamden, and both the Hospital of St. Raphael and Yale-New Haven Hospital—it’s hard to imagine that Tina Garrity has time for much else.

Yet in addition to knitting caps for people undergoing chemotherapy, helping people learn valuable job skills, and visiting child cancer patients in the hospital, Tina still finds time for happiness: the Happiness Club, that is.

While it might seem an addition to her other tasks, volunteering and the Madison Happiness Club go hand in hand for Tina, who founded the club two years ago. Whether with kids or seniors, her volunteer work is no tedious task but a time for play, arts and crafts, and generally a way to spread a little happiness.

“You’ve got to get away from the ‘me, me, me,’” Tina explains. “We don’t live on an island, any one of us, we live in communities and we have to take care of each other. When you start to give you feel good.

“I love being able to help,” she continues. “There’s so much need in this world. There’s not enough time in the day for all the things I could be doing.”

Tina, who formerly worked as a math teacher both at Daniel Hand High School and Southern Connecticut State University, has lived in Madison for 25 years with her husband Kevin. When their five daughters became involved in the school system, so, too, did Tina. From there, her volunteer work began in earnest. One of her biggest projects is running Circle of Care’s Art from the Heart program—a room makeover for a child going through chemotherapy, done in conjunction with Betsy Millane and local high school kids. For Tina, working with others is a big component of the happiness equation.

“I’m a people-person. That’s why I started the Happiness Club,” she explains. “The club is about passing on how to live a positive life. We’re the richest country in the world and we’re not very happy. There’s a huge need for it.”

Tina founded the Madison Happiness Club after attending meetings of the Fairfield Happiness Club—creating another branch of the larger, international club. Since its inception, Tina has brought a variety of authors, doctors, and motivational speakers to town. Since the speakers donate their time, the meetings are free to the 30 to 50 people who attend each session.

At heart, the message is simple.

“The philosophy is to help people realize you have a choice,” Tina says. “Happiness is definitely a choice but it’s one you have to work on.”

Although people begin at different emotional baselines, Tina believes that everyone has the ability to alter their level of happiness.

“You can raise that happiness level,” she notes. “There are things you can do to be a happier person.”

Tina emphasizes that other emotions will always have their place.

“Life always throws you curve balls,” she says. “You have to honor those times as well, but you don’t have to stay there.”

The concept goes beyond mere words—Tina has witnessed the club’s results firsthand, and knows that people are getting happy in Madison. Her hope is that the feeling will spread.

“If people can feel better about themselves, feel better about their lives, the people around them are going to feel better,” she concludes. “It is about being happy. Bottom line, I think that’s all we all want.”

The Madison Happiness Club meets on the last Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Scranton Memorial Library. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, this month’s meeting is on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Elizabeth Hale-Rose, a licensed clinical social worker, will present “Happiness Is Found in the Present Moment.” For more info or to sign up for the group’s newsletter, email ting45@aol.com.

Pictured: The prime mover of Madison’s Happiness Club, Tina Garrity of Madison has discovered her own source of happiness in volunteer work.

Photo by Jen Matteis