Valley Courier

A Dreamy Midsummer’s Night

2009-07-01T15:50:35Z

Slow Latin Groove Project entertained strollers from the steps of Cummings & Good in Chester Center during last Friday’s Midsummer’s Night Weekend Art Gallery and Shop Opening Reception Stroll. Many of the village establishments participated in the event.

Photo by Adam Coppola

Junior Firefighters Volunteer, Learn, Give Back

2009-07-01T15:47:33Z

By Marianne Sullivan, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

ESSEX - The exercise is called Midnight Alarm. There are five cots lined up along the floor of the fire station. At the foot of each cot is a (hopefully) well-organized and assembled pile of firefighting gear. When the alarm sounds, the occupants of the five cots must jump up and into their gear in record time.

For these junior firefighters of Essex Fire Engine Co. #1, no problem. Earlier this month they were practicing this skill, and others, in preparation for an area-wide firefighters competition. They were going to complete this test in record time.

The fire company has a specific program for juniors and welcomes all interested young people—male and female—between the ages of 15 and 17. According to Don Schumacher, a captain with the engine company and the officer who oversees the junior program, junior members participate actively with senior members of the department.

“The juniors are here every Wednesday, just like we are. They train, work on equipment, all carry pagers. They respond to emergency calls,” he said.

They get the training and then the on-scene experience that keeps it interesting.

“For instance,” Schumacher explained, “All juniors are trained in use of self-contained breathing apparatus, how to change out the bottles. If they’re at a fire scene, the juniors work in our rehab area, which is a safe zone that they have helped to set up. One of their major responsibilities is changing out the bottles on the air packs.”

Once a scene has been deemed safe, there are other roles for junior firefighters. In addition, they can respond to calls on motor vehicle accidents.

Schumaker explained, “They go for tools, they watch and learn. Some, like Chris Daniels, are also medically trained once they become 16. Chris is a medical response technician.”

The company’s junior firefighter program was started in 1968. Many of the senior members of the today’s company began as juniors. One example is Andy Unghire, whose son Mitchell is now a part of the junior firefighters program.

Why are the present junior members interested in the program? For Matt Herman, it’s a way to give back to the community and for Brad Brown, it’s helping people in need. For Jake Wlochowski, it’s a lot of fun along with a lot of work he enjoys. Every one of them is excited about what they do—and interested.

These juniors have actual experience at fire scenes, accidents scenes, the necessary work within the station, and the learning and classes that are required of firefighters. They have their own gear—boots, pants, jackets, gloves—that goes home with them. They are responsible for keeping it in good condition.

This is more than jumping onto a fire engine that’s tearing out of the station. Schumacher made the point clear.

“We meet with every junior’s parents before they come into the program. We want the parents and the young people to understand what happens here. There are emergencies and we respond. Young people are exposed to the real world here,” he explained.

The company is also careful to follow to guidelines and restrictions set down by the state for young people who are involved in these types of junior volunteer programs. Students interested in learning about the program can come to the fire station any Wednesday evening about 7 p.m. There are junior and senior members there who will be pleased to talk with them.

Remember the Midnight Alarm? According to Mitch Unghire, who was holding the stop watch, the juniors’ best time was 35 seconds. That, they all predicted, would be a sure win at this year’s firefighters competition.

Pictured: Just about every Wednesday night these guys are hanging around the Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 headquarters. Meet the company’s junior firefighters—Matt Herman, Brad Brown, Chris Daniels, Josh Schumacker, Jake Wlochowski, and Mitchell Unghire.
Photo by Marianne Sullivan

Top Students at Valley Regional

2009-07-01T15:44:07Z

By Rita Christopher, Courier Senior Correspondent:

Rich Gilliland, the salutatorian of the graduating class at Valley Regional High School, had on a Middlebury T-shirt, but it is valedictorian Dana Callahan who will be attending Middlebury in Vermont next year. Rich himself is going to Yale.

“I like that it’s far enough from home, while still being nearby,” Gilliland says.
For the Callahans, having a valedictorian in the family isn’t a new experience. Dana’s older sister Caitlin, now a student at Bowdoin College in Maine, was also valedictorian of her graduating class at Valley Regional.

Dana Callahan says she chose Middlebury because she’s interested in the school’s revamped science curriculum as well as its writing and language programs. She also plans to continue running track at Middlebury. In high school she competed in cross-country, as well as in one-mile and two-mile races. During the indoor season she ran the 1,000-meter contests. In addition to track, Callahan played the French horn in the school band and various chamber groups and participated in the school musical.

Class speaker Matthew Harrigan will travel the farthest to get to college; he will be a freshman at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena next year.

Harrigan is clear about why he chose Caltech: “It’s a really good school and I like the weather.”

Harrigan says he doesn’t know in which branch of science he will major but is thinking of chemistry, physics, or computer science.

Callahan is also thinking of a science major, perhaps molecular biology or biochemistry. She says she is interested in environmental economics and green energy, but she also wants to continue the French she studied in high school and add Spanish or Chinese.

Gilliland has already taken Chinese through an online course offered at Valley Regional; last summer, he attended an intensive four-week summer camp in Chinese, and he plans to continue studying the language in college. A possible major, he says, is Yale’s program in ethics, politics, and economics.

“It’s like being an economics major with political science thrown in,” he explains.

Like Callahan, Gilliland also ran track and he has played the guitar for five years, some of that time with a group that broke up last year.

“Our bassist left for Berklee College of Music,” Gilliland explains.

He still writes songs and records them with his own recording equipment. “Acoustic” is the word he uses to describe the music. Harrigan says he is a piano player, mostly pop songs by ear.

Gilliland and Harrigan both participated in High School Bowl, a quiz-team with monthly contests between local high schools. Gilliland was a member for four years; Harrigan for three.

“I like trivia; I have a memory for it,” Gilliland says.

He also has skills as a recruiter.

“I went to college bowl practice because Gilliland said it was fun,” Harrigan explains.
Both Harrigan and Gilliland served as Valley Regional’s student representatives to the Region 4 Board of Education, non-voting positions in which they could, nonetheless, give the board the students’ perspective on issues as well as reporting on the board’s discussions to their classmates.

They both felt triumphant that at the most recent board meeting—they had help to persuade the voting members not to endorse a stricter state wellness plan that they say would have further restricted meal choices in the cafeteria. (The schools already have an extensive healthy eating program in school cafeterias, they say.)

Gilliland says the two student representatives told the board that high school students should be old enough to make their own food decisions. The best moment, both Harrigan and Gilliland agreed, came at the end of the debate.

“After the wellness policy debate, they offered us ice cream,” Harrigan says.

On the cusp of adventures yet to come, all three students took a turn at predicting their futures.

“In 10 years, I see myself in a shiny laboratory with high tech equipment,” Harrigan says.
“I would like to be involved in international development in a green industry,” says Callahan, adding she may go to law school or business school to further that goal.

Law school is also something Gilliland considers, as well as a career involving international relations, and, of course, China.

Before they can consider what is to come, however, there is the business of the present to consider: all three have to have their graduation speeches, now only in draft stage, finished in two days. Finding the right balance between something that appeals to all members of the audience, and something that, in his words, sounds too corny, is a challenge, Gilliland admits.

So far, there is too much excitement to wallow in nostalgia. It is the future, not the past, that the students are focusing on.

“I’m so completely excited,” Callahan says. “It’s a time to look forward,”

Pictured: Valley’s top students are, from left, Class Speaker Matt Harrigan, Valedictorian Dana Callahan, and Salutatorian Rich Gilliland.

Photo by Rita Christopher

Music, Music, Music All Summer Long

2009-07-01T15:40:59Z

ESSEX - The Park and Recreation Commission kicks off its annual Summer Concert Series Wednesday, July 8 with a performance by the always popular band Long Island Sound. This premiere concert will be at the Main Street Park in downtown Essex Village. For every event in this summer concert series, admission is free and the public is invited.

The seven-piece Long Island Sound Band, which has played for presidents Carter, Reagan, and Clinton, will present its own unique and lively interpretation of music from the 1940s through today.

Each of this year’s seven concerts takes place at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Locations alternate between the town park on the Main Street in Ivoryton and the town park on the Main Street in downtown Essex. Audience members are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to better enjoy the show.

New this year, there will be dinners to go available for purchase from local caterers.
The other acts scheduled this summer are:
July 15: Small Town Concerts. An eclectic sound offering lots of traditional folk music, folk rock, acoustic-based Americana, and some country. This is music that has both a wide appeal and a community conscience. At the Ivoryton Village Green.
July 22: Shiny Lapel Trio. A small band with a great big sound. Keeping it simple with just three rockin’ instruments and big smooth vocals. At Essex Main Street Park.
July 29:Say What? A group of teenage prodigies hailing from Chester and presenting the best in blues, classic, and original rock. At Ivoryton Village Green.
Aug. 5: The Corby’s. A traditional Celtic group combining instrumental melodies with sing-alongs and bagpipe jigs and reels. At Essex Main Street Park.
Aug. 12: Gopherbroke. With influences from rock ‘n roll, folk, and the blues, Gopherbroke’s broad and crowd-pleasing repertoire includes songs by Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, The Beatles, Jimmy Buffet, and many more. At Ivoryton Village Green.
Aug. 19: Middletown Symphonic Band. The band has an extensive repertoire, including classical and semi-classical pieces, Broadway, jazz, old favorites, and traditional concert band music. At Essex Main Street Park.

For more information, contact the Park and Recreation Department at 860-767-4340 x110 or 148 or recreation@essexct.gov.

Pictured: Long Island Sound
Photo courtesy of Leslie Barlow

Ruth Levy: Meet the New School Superintendent

2009-07-01T15:37:55Z

By Rita Christopher, Courier Senior Correspondent

Ruth Levy can think of one thing that might be an issue when she takes over as superintendent of Regional District 4 schools in July. A New Jersey native, she still roots for that baseball team in the Bronx.

“I know there are Red Sox fans in the office,” she says.

Ruth hopes they can come to understand.

Ruth says she knew she wanted to be a teacher after she visited her mother’s elementary school classroom when she was a teenager.

“I loved to watch the look on children’s faces as they got something,” she says. “That feeling is still with me now.”

Now, as the newly appointed superintendent, she will have all the faces in Regional District 4 to watch. Ruth will assume her new position on July 1. Kim Caron, the current superintendent, has accepted a position as headmaster/superintendent of Woodstock Academy, a secondary school in Woodstock, Connecticut.

Ruth, who started out as a special education teacher, then became a coordinator of special education programs, says her goal was always to become a school superintendent.

“The position is the ultimate advocate for children,” she explains.

Still, there’s a twinge of sadness in her good fortune.

“I would have loved to have told my mother,” she says.

Her elderly mother, however, is so severely compromised by Alzheimer’s disease that she can no longer comprehend the news.

Ruth exudes enthusiasm for the district she will oversee.

“What is important is to bring out what a great district we have here,” she says, noting John Winthrop Middle School just received an award from the Connecticut Association of Schools as Middle School of the Year. “That award is one indicator of the direction this district is going in.”

Ruth says the district is using new computer software, much of it aimed at teachers, to enable them to assess and improve what is going on in their classrooms.

Among her goals for the district, she says, is the transition to all-day kindergarten programs.

A major challenge, as she sees it, is for the district to consolidate its present administrative configuration, which includes separate local boards of education for elementary schools in Chester, Essex, and Deep River and then a regional board for middle school and high school. The system, Ruth maintains, causes duplication and extra work.

“It always means complication, even in reports we sent to the state. We have to do everything four times,” she says. “We are not as efficient and we could be so much better.”
Ruth’s office holds the keys not only to her professional life but her outside passions as well. On the wall is a poster of a racing bicyclist, a sport Ruth herself loves.

“I always loved biking and then I got a road bike. I like riding with groups,” she explains.
Now she rides with two different cycling clubs, and also with friends in the area. One group ride she enjoys, however, is often hard for her to schedule: the Thursday evening group.

“That’s the only bad part of my job. Thursday’s a night when I usually have meetings,” she says.

In the winter, Ruth does spinning, a type of indoor cycling.

“I’ve got to be in the gym at 5 a.m.,” she notes.

On shelves in her office there is a snow-globe with an undersea scene as well as a stuffed toy red lobster, reminders of her other favorite outdoor activity: scuba diving. Ruth, 57, has been diving for 30 years in locales ranging from the Caribbean to the Red Sea. She says she finds great relaxation in diving, though she is always aware of the potential dangers.
“I’m pretty comfortable, but you never want to be too comfortable,” she says. “I have a healthy respect for the sea.”

Ruth, who has been living in Middlefield, is negotiating to sell her present condominium and is eager to move to the area where her new responsibilities lie.

“I’d like to be a part of the community and be able to get to school in the evening for more activities,” she says.

She has two grown children—a son, Steven, who’s a marketing professional in Stanford, and a daughter, Sharon, a lawyer who lives in Hartford.

Ruth received her bachelor’s degree from Ryder College and her master’s from Kean College, both in New Jersey. She has her 6th year degree from Southern Connecticut State University and her doctorate in education from the University of Hartford. Her doctoral thesis focused on the qualities principals need to provide effective leadership.

Ruth knows her new job will present new problems to solve, but she is positive at least one thing will remain the same: On a table in her office there are bowls with a selection of M & Ms, chocolate bars, and jelly beans. And whatever else happens when she takes over as superintendent, she says she is sure of one thing: “The candy will always be here.”

Pictured: Movin’ on up: As of July 1, Ruth Levy will move from the region’s assistant superintendent to the top spot—superintendent of schools for Region 4.

Photo by Rita Christopher

Police Incident Report June 10 to 17

2009-07-01T15:36:05Z

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

Deep River

Wednesday, June 10
No arrests were made.
• An 80-year-old woman of River Lane was operating a 2005 Toyota Prius eastbound on Elm Street just east of Union Street when she struck a 6-year-old girl crossing the street southbound between residential numbers 33 and 34. The girl was struck just as she reached the eastbound lane. The girl sustained minor abrasions and contusions to the right side of her body and knee and was transported to the Shoreline Clinic for treatment and released. No enforcement action against the driver was reported.

Thursday, June 11
No arrests were made and no significant incidents were reported.

Friday, June 12
• A 27-year-old woman of Main Street was charged with failure to appear in the second degree. She was processed and released at 11:55 a.m. on a $2,500 surety bond.

Saturday, June 13
• A 20-year-old man of Whittlesey Brook was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to obey a control signal, and possession of liquor by an underage person in a public or private place after the arresting trooper observed the accused operating a vehicle erratically.

• A 1996 Nissan Altima was traveling southbound on Route 9 when then operator lost control and drove off the right side of the roadway in the area of exit 4. The vehicle destroyed 300 feet of wire rope guardrail and came to rest against a metal beam guardrail along the center shoulder. The operator fled the scene—leaving his disabled vehicle in the left lane—prior to the arrival of emergency personnel on the scene. The case remains active.

Sunday, June 14 to Tuesday, June 16
No arrests were made and no significant incidents were reported.

Essex

Wednesday, June 10
No arrests were made and no significant incidents were reported.

Thursday, June 11
No arrests were made.
• A 50-year-old Westbrook man was issued a misdemeanor. for operating a motor vehicle without insurance and operating an unregistered motor vehicle following a two-vehicle accident in front of 1937 Main Street. In the same incident a 19-year-old Deep River woman was cited for failure to grant right of way at a private road. No injuries were reported at the scene.

Friday, June 12 to Saturday, June 13
No arrests were made and no significant incidents were reported.

Sunday, June 14
No arrests were made.

• An 87-year-old woman of Bokum Road was operating a 1993 Volvo 940 northbound on Route 153 when she struck the railroad crossing gates that protects the rail line. The crossing gates were inspected and cleared for continued operations. No injuries were reported at the scene but the accident remains under investigation.

Monday, June 15 to Tuesday, June 16
No arrests were made and no significant incidents were reported.

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

Valley Girls’ Tennis Finishes Yet Another Stellar Season, Led by Seniors Paul and Crehan

2009-06-30T20:13:57Z

By Holly D’Addio, Courier Sports Writer:

After graduation last year, Valley Regional High School girls’ tennis coach Gary Ribchinsky looked around and realized he had two singles players and three doubles teams leaving the team, meaning the amount of space to fill was unfathomable. The always-strong, always-solid Warriors surprised everyone—including Ribchinsky—by finishing with an impressive 13-5 record this spring and boasting, yet again, a long list of all-conference players, including several underclassmen.

“The kids did a better than outstanding job staying on the top of the Shoreline Conference and once again gaining respect from the top teams in the state,” said Ribchinsky. “I am mostly impressed by the entire team’s ability to improve on their skills tremendously throughout the season. This team rolls with the punches and dealt with unquestionable weather, lineup changes, illness, you name it, and they prevailed in every test. I am more proud of this team for their heart and fight to keep the meaning of the team intact.”

Senior captains Kate Paul and Chelsea Crehan were undoubtedly the team’s rocks. Paul finished her impressive high school career as the Shoreline Champion for all four years and Crehan—a part of the team’s No. 2 doubles duo—also finished a solid career and as an Honorable Mention All-Shoreline pick.

“Tennis can become very specialized and an individual sport and with this year’s superior leadership of Chelsea and Kate, these kids were grounded much of the season,” said Ribchinsky. “Kate shared her enthusiastic approach and love for the game, while Chelsea shared her athleticism and skills. The younger kids really looked up to these girls and it is contagious, as our program succeeds with this positive vibe.”

This spring, Valley went on an 11-in-row winning streak with some lineup changes due to illness. The team was challenged late in the season by North Branford and Old Lyme, always a rival and competitive match for the Warriors.

“Old Lyme is always very competitive and they were gunning for us this time,” said Ribchinsky. “It’s exciting to have the rivalry and we know we are going to have a good match. They have won the conference the last five years and we have shared one of those years with them and both of their defeats were from us. All our girls’ preseason goal sheets included having the determination to beat Old Lyme this year, which we did, so we reached our goals.”

With four underclassmen making all-conference and eight of the 10 starters returning in 2010, the team is in very good position to build on a very good 2009 season. Megan Mallon returns next season after ending 2009 as the first seed in the 3-4 singles bracket in the conference and finishing with a 14-1 record, as does Eva Ribchinsky, who according to dad is “one step away from stepping up her game.” Ribchinsky finished 2009 beating semifinalist Caitlin Gilhouly from HK in the 1-2 singles tournament. Brigit Crosbie will also return to the team after finishing a 14-2 season and making it to the state semifinals before being defeated by champion Liz Bagdorf from Old Lyme.

The No. 1 doubles team of Carolyn Learned and Paige Gregory finished as the fourth seed and “have all the right doubles components to make a super number one team and with a little more rehearsal technique, a shot or two crisper and a refiner will improve them substantially.” Gregory and Learned are next year’s senior leaders, along with Anna Grillo. No. 2 doubles player Molly Perkins (who was paired with Crehan this season) returns, as does Regan Decker. Despite losing Paul and Crehan, clearly both integral to Valley’s success, the returning core group promises to keep Valley at the top of its game.

2009 Valley Girls’ Tennis Season in Review

Record: 13-5
Captains: Kate Paul and Chelsea Crehan
Seniors: Paul and Crehan
Biggest Accomplishment: The entire team improving upon its skills throughout the season and remaining one of the top teams in the conference.
MVP: Paul
Most Improved: Ragan Decker
Rookie of the Year: Molly Perkins
Warrior Award: Crehan
First Team All-Shoreline: Paul
Second Team All-Shoreline: Eva Ribchinsky, Megan Mallon, and Brigit Crosbie
Honorable Mention: Crehan and Perkins
Next Year’s Outlook: With eight of 10 starters returning next season, Valley is expected to be in contention in 2010 and remain a top Shoreline team.

Pictured: Chelsea Crehan and Kate Paul ended their high school tennis careers on a high note, with both earning all-conference honors this season.
Photo courtesy of Gary Ribchinsky

Valley Girls’ Lax Boasts Senior Pride in 2009

2009-06-30T20:09:06Z

By Holly D’Addio, Courier Sports Writer:

The Valley Regional High School girls’ lacrosse squad may not have had much to brag about in its final record of 3-12-1, but that record was not indicative of how the team played or the senior class the team boasted this season.

The Warriors started the season with a tie with Ledyard and a big win over Wheeler, followed by losses to conference rivals such as North Branford, HK, Morgan, and Old Saybrook. In late May, the team showed its true colors, giving Division II finalist St. Bernard-Montville a run for its money. The Warriors played a tough game, staying within three goals for much of the game before falling to them by two goals. The team began hitting its stride in May but by then, had suffered through an eight-game losing streak. The Warriors went 2-4 over their final games including tough losses to North Branford and St. Bernard.

Senior captains Sara Donovan, Mary McGee, and Emily Sterner were huge pieces to Valley’s puzzle this season with Donovan earning Second Team All-Shoreline honors and the Most Valuable Offensive Player and McGee earning First Team All-Shoreline honors.

“These three young ladies played a ton of minutes during their Valley careers, including the three at varsity,” said Coach Greg Pfaffenbichler. “We will need to replace pretty much 150 minutes of player time each game with their graduation. Each of the captains brought character, dedication, and leadership to the program. All three brought tremendous stability to our midfield and transition game. Sara finished off her goals much better as the season progressed and had an impact on the game all over the field. Emily always brought an aggressive nature to the field and greatly helped our team defense including interceptions and ground balls controlled. Mary exits Valley with the most points and assists in school history.”

Seniors Hannah Lawrie and Julie Miezejeski also brought many positives to the team this spring.

“Hannah improved to become a more than reliable part of our line defense,” said Pfaffenbichler. “Julie became a much better playmaker this year as her passing and field vision improved, having always been a goal-scoring threat throughout her three years with the program.”

Despite the graduations, Valley returns a slew of experienced players, including Most Valuable Defensive Player Rachel Carlson and Rookie of the Year Alli Pash.

“This will be our toughest senior class to replace thus far for our young program,” said Pfaffenbichler. “Many starting positions will be up for grabs next spring so hopefully returning players look for opportunities to continue improving their stick skills and conditioning before then. We will have excellent senior leadership heading into next season, which will be a huge plus.”

2009 Valley Girls’ Lacrosse Season in Review

Record: 3-12-1
Captains: Sara Donovan, Mary McGee, and Emily Sterner
Seniors: Donovan, McGee, Sterner, Hannah Lawrie, and Julie Miezejeski
Biggest Accomplishment: Playing Division II finalist St. Bernard to a three-goal game late in the season.
Most Valuable Offensive Player: Donovan
Most Valuable Defensive Player: Rachel Carlson
Most Improved Player: Lawrie
Rookie of the Year: Alli Pash
Warrior Award: McGee
First Team All-Shoreline: McGee
Second Team All-Shoreline: Donovan
Next Year’s Outlook: With the hard-to-replace graduating class from this season, Valley will look to fill several spots next spring on an already young squad.

Pictured: Senior tri-captain Mary McGee ended her lacrosse career at Valley earning First Team All-Shoreline honors and having the most goals and assists in Valley history.
Photo by Adam Coppola

Boys’ Tennis Finishes 2009 Ahead of the Game

2009-06-30T20:02:56Z

By Holly D’Addio, Courier Sports Writer:

The 2009 season started off unbeatable for the young Valley boys’ tennis team, as the Warriors were undefeated through 11 matches before suffering their first loss of the season to a very tough East Hampton team, followed by two more losses to HK and Old Lyme. Despite those losses, Valley came out at the end of the season second in the conference after finishing 17-3, missing the Shoreline Championship by one game.

Senior veteran captain Matt Cottrill played No. 4 singles and finished with a winning 12-4 record, while fellow senior Jimmy Tomlinson played No. 5 singles and first doubles.

“Matt was a very good leader and a very dependable captain,” said Coach Bunny Logan. “He won all but four of his matches and just played great for us. Jimmy was very versatile this season for us and also provided some leadership.”

The underclassmen ruled once again for the team, with sophomores Alan Shortz (13-5) and Dan Cappiello (17-1) earning First Team All-Shoreline honors and sharing the MVP Award with Trevor Rosensohn (15-2). The threesome can likely be remembered for their efforts last season as freshmen, when they posted impressive records and were predicted to be this year’s top players.

Freshmen first doubles team Clay Arnold and Tavo Dam finished 11-7 and earned the Rookie of the Year Award, also making the future promising for Valley, which graduates only two seniors and returns its top three singles players and first doubles team.

“This is a very young team that will only get better,” said Logan. “We are looking forward to a good season next year.”

2009 Valley Boys’ Tennis Season in Review

Record: 17-3
Captains: Matt Cottrill
Seniors: Cottrill and Jimmy Tomlinson
Biggest Accomplishment: Finishing with such a successful record and second in the conference.
First Team All-Shoreline: Dan Cappiello and Alan Shortz
MVP: Cappiello, Shortz, and Trevor Rosensohn
Rookie of the Year: Clay Arnold and Tavo Dam
Most Improved: Tomlinson
Next Year’s Outlook: Valley graduates only two seniors and with their top players returning as only juniors, the Warriors should be in contention once again.

Pictured: Sophomore Alan Shortz put in another solid season for Valley and earning First Team All-Shoreline honors.
Photo by John Vanacore

Valley Baseball Finishes Season Plagued by Injury

2009-06-30T19:59:54Z

By Holly D’Addio, Courier Sports Writer:

The Valley baseball team finished its season 6-14 after setting a preseason goal of 10-10. The team may not have finished where it wanted, but this year most certainly was the building grounds for a promising future.

Senior captain Jon Kuzaro and junior captain Jeff Holmes held the team together, putting in solid performances in their respective positions, as did senior Ben Howell. The team was basically young with four sophomores starting and batting in the four, five, and six spots.

“It was a season of shoulda’s,” said Coach Ed Maikowski. “There were many games we should have won and needed that one extra hit, but we made that big mistake. We also lost a key player early in the season to injury.”

Next year’s team looks very promising with seven returning starters, including Holmes, pitcher Tim Mesite, MVP James Pash, and Second Team All-Shoreline recipient Randy Schmidt.

“If Holmes and Mesite continue to improve pitching-wise, this team could do some damage the next couple of years,” said Maikowski.

Pictured: Senior captain Jon Kuzaro was one of Valley’s starting pitchers this season.
Photo by Adam Coppola

Belval Brings Defensive Excellence to Valley Sports

2009-06-30T19:39:26Z

By Holly D’Addio, Courier Sports Writer:

Valley Regional High School’s Leo Belval has been a mainstay on both the football and lacrosse teams over the past few years and most certainly leaves his footprints on the field even as he graduated this month. The defensive rock has contributed greatly to both sports teams and looks forward to college in the fall where he hopes to continue his sports career.

Leo started playing football in the fourth grade, starting with Tri-Town Football.

“I really wanted to play, but my parents were apprehensive about letting me,” says Leo. “Then I finally convinced them after my friend started playing.”

Leo made the Valley varsity squad his junior year after getting some playing time his sophomore year. He contributed to the Warriors’ spectacular 8-3 season—the first time in a long time the football team has finished so well—and earned both the Coach’s Award and Heart of the Warrior Award his senior season.

“I really liked playing football,” says Leo. “I made some of my best friends on the team. I did suffer a really bad concussion during Camp Fuller and missed a month of play my junior year, but as soon as the headaches went away, I jumped back on the team and started most of our games this past fall.”

Leo tried his skills at lacrosse his freshman year when Valley only had a junior varsity team. He started on varsity his sophomore year—Valley’s first season as a varsity squad—and quickly built up his skills to be a top midfielder for the team.

“My first year playing, it took me about three to four weeks to learn to throw and catch,” says Leo, who was a captain this spring. “Our football coach wanted us to stay active in the spring, so I had the choice between lacrosse and track, and lacrosse was more appealing to me.”

Leo served as a Captain’s Council member and will attend Western New England College in the fall as an electrical engineering major. He also hopes to play intramural sports there and continue his football and lacrosse careers beyond high school.

Sidelines with Leo Belval

What is your most memorable sports moment? Halfway through this season, beating Old Lyme in double overtime. We’ve never beat them before so it was a great feeling.

Who would you like to thank? Coach King, Coach Hopkins, Coach Ginter, Coach Woods, Coach Narducci, and everybody in the weight room that pushed me and my friends and teammates for their support. I also want to thank my parents and my brother Alex for supporting me.

Pictured: Senior Leo Belval was a defensive rock for the Valley boys’ lacrosse team for the past several seasons.

Photo courtesy of Leo Belval

What’s Up with the Sound’s Summer Striper Bite?

2009-06-29T19:10:42Z

It was foggy and humid with air quality like the tropics. There was no wind and the only relief, if any, was from a saltwater breeze created by the forward motion of our vessel. We’ve all just about had it with the constantly changing weather and uncertainty it brought to plans. The spring season was odd and summer started off in the same vein. But what else is expected in New England?

Yet hopes were high that the striped bass bite would be on and rods would bend once a big ol’ linesider engulfed the fresh live bait. After all, earlier in the week, both stripers and blues were feeding heavily on an influx of bait. Those hopes held on for most of the tide before dwindling. Changing reefs and shoals several times was to no avail and looking for a school of big bass turned out to be a challenge, especially since the Sound has so many stripers schooled up.

On the surface, the Sound was noticeably void of activity. Gulls were placid and no swirls of bait were evident even though earlier in the week pods of sand eels and herring were “balling.” From time to time, distant scenes of some form of surface-breaking activity popped into view. Overall, the scene was eerie!

Still no bass! In fact, not one bite from any fish species. Something flipped a switch very reminiscent of when a dominant predator enters the area. Speculation continued but still no answers and no fish. Then word came.

A pod of hundred or so bottlenose dolphins had entered the Sound, an occurrence that happened a few seasons ago and was covered in this column. They were following their food source, herring. Whenever dolphins or seals are feeding around your favorite fishing spot, or any spot for that matter, you can bet that the bite will stop. Could this event be the cause of such a quiet morning? My guess is yes!

On the Water
Summer temperatures arrived along with high humidity and little wind driving mid-Sound water temperatures to 66 degrees. During the early morning hours, fog hung just above the waterline, creating dense banks. Perhaps, to some anglers, these were ideal conditions to fish in tight. Unfortunately, with buckets of rainfall over a short period of time, much of the baitfish departed from the tidal rivers. In fact, only a few pockets of menhaden could be seen at any given time throughout Long Island Sound. Just in the western part of the Sound in and around Norwalk did schools of this bait seem to hold.

Of late, our weather patterns were unpredictably predictable at best. Late-day thunderstorms precluded opportunities to fish the evening tide. Filling gill nets posed an issue for live baiters and short fluke catches disappointed many anglers. Sure, there were catches on any given day of fish in excess of the 19 ½-inch size limit, but many drifts resulted in fish just short.

Schools of fluke bounced from Long Sand Shoal, Six Mile Reef, and at times, south of Faulkner’s in about 60 to 70 feet. Striped bass in the 30- to 40-pound range ran through Six Mile, some settling for a short time at the edges of Southwest Reef and the Ledge before they developed lockjaw—still plenty of schoolie action in the lower tidals. Black sea bass might have been the exception. There was a bite in about 90 feet of “humpback” territory where flagship catches were produced.

A few energized bluefish schools did manage to stir some boaters around the Faulkner Island haunts and by Kimberly Reef on the ebb. And overgrown scup/porgies in excess of 15 inches were caught not only on local inshore reefs but also from shore wharves and jetties. The summer-like weather rejuvenated anglers of all ages along shoreline communities and beyond.

Rainfall and low pressure again negatively affected trout fishing in the rivers and streams. The largemouth bass and panfish bite continues to be good, but smallie catches have only been fair and catfish better than that. Northern pike action has been on and off again in rivers and lakes while pickerel are chasing baits.

The rains also affected shell fishing with many bed closures. Those few that remained open did so because they weren’t in close proximity to runoff from adjacent land. And speaking of shellfish, could there be a rebound in blue crabbing this year? Sporadic sightings of young crabs have occurred in the Madison/Guilford tributaries. Hopefully, they will survive both the elements and the hungry jaws of predators.

Note: Having a hard time finding or obtaining a sportsman license? Captain Morgan’s has “all” 2009 fishing, hunting, trapping licenses/permits (rifle, shotgun, archery, muzzle loader, HIP, CT duck stamps, etc.) available including shellfish licenses for Guilford and Madison.

Whenever and 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/permits. Swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 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

Pictured: Art Stoner of Killingworth hit it right when he brought up this pair of Long Island Sound sisters “humped” in 90 feet o fwater. Both of these colorful, twin, black sea bass measured 22 inches and weighed in at 5.3 pounds.
Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Bleating the Heat

2009-06-18T20:34:57Z

Alex Lenda meets a freshly shorn sheep at the Essex Land Trust’s family sheep shearing event at the Johnson Farm in Ivoryton last Saturday. With land trust volunteer and Hale Ray Middle School science teacher Lara Sullivan at the shears, the event provided education for the kids and a summer’s worth of comfort for the sheep.

Photo by Adam Coppola

Police Incident Report: June 3 to 9

2009-06-18T20:34:21Z

Chester

Wednesday, June 3

No arrests were made.

• Sometime between 1:15 a.m. and 4 a.m. on June 3, a 19-year-old Old Lyme man’s vehicle was scratched on the trunk, rear passenger door, and rear quarter panel while it was parked on Maple Street near Main Street. The damage was estimated at $1,200. Anyone with information is asked to call the Chester Resident Trooper’s Office at 860-526-3605.

Thursday, June 4

No arrests were made.

• A 66-year-old Chester woman was driving southbound on Straits Road when she entered its intersection with Spring Street and was struck by a vehicle making a right turn onto Straits Road from Spring Street. The offending vehicle fled the scene and continued southbound on Straits Road. No injuries were reported at the scene.

Friday, June 5 to Saturday, June 6

No arrests were made and no significant incidents were reported.

Sunday, June 7

• A 47-year-old man of High Street was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and failure to maintain the proper lane of a multiple-lane highway. A 911 caller reported the erratic operation of a tan Chevy Trailblazer heading north of Route 154. Police intercepted the suspect vehicle, observed the erratic operation as the vehicle passed him, and stopped the vehicle. The driver then failed a field sobriety test.

• Unknown person(s) entered the residence at 25 Straits Road and cut a copper water pipe in the basement. The basement was flooded. The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Chester Resident Trooper’s Officer at 860-526-3605.

Monday, June 8

• A 19-year-old man of Castle View Drive (and of Howland, Maine) was charged with reckless driving and racing after he was clocked traveling at 103 miles per hour in a 65 mile per hour zone. The vehicle the accused was racing against was clocked traveling at 102 miles per hour. No information was available on the second vehicle.

Tuesday, June 9

No arrests were made and no significant incidents were reported.

Deep River

Wednesday, June 3

• A 66-year-old Meriden man was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, assault in the third degree with a motor vehicle, and making a restricted turn on Stevenstown Road (Route 154); his vehicle entered the right shoulder and struck a 54-year-old female bicyclist of Westbrook. The cyclist was transported by Lifestar to the Hospital of Saint Raphael in new Haven for treatment of serious head and neck injuries. The accused was processed and released at 8 p.m. on a $10,000 non-surety bond.

• Police conducted administrative services at Devitt Field and similar services at 245 Main Street.

Thursday, June 4

No arrests were made.

• Police conducted administrative services at 136 High Street at 11:42 a.m.

Friday, June 5

• A 40-year-old woman of Kenilworth Drive was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and making a restricted turn. Police observed a dark colored SUV drift to the right three times within three tenths of a mile, stopped the vehicle, and administered a field sobriety test, which the driver failed.

• A 31-year-old man of Main Street was charged with breach of peace in the second degree. Two friends were sitting in an apartment on Winter Avenue when a third party walked into the apartment and punched a victim in the head over an ongoing dispute concerning the accused’s fiancée.

Saturday, June 6 to Sunday, June 7

No arrests were made and no significant incidents were reported.

Monday, June 8

• A 20-year-old man of Rosemont Drive was arrested on a warrant charging him with failure to appear in the second degree.

Tuesday, June 9

• A 39-year-old Deep River man was charged with breach of peace following a domestic dispute between a husband and wife on Main Street. The husband was accused of kicking his wife in the back as she walked away. She was not injured.

• Police investigated a larceny at 143 Westbrook Road.

• Police assisted a state agency at the John Winthrop Junior High School.

Essex

Wednesday, June 3

• A 28-year-old Westbrook woman was charged with possession of less then four ounces of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to obey a stop sign on Main Street at Ivory Street

Thursday, June 4

No arrests were made.

• Police investigated a burglary at 158 Main Street.

Friday, June 5

No arrests were made and no significant incidents were reported.

Saturday, June 6

• A 47-year-old man of Walnut Street in Ivoryton was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and failure to maintain the proper lane of a multiple-lane highway.

Sunday, June 7

No arrests were made.

• Police investigated a larceny at 23 Main Street.

Monday, June 8

• A 35-year-old Deep River man was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and speeding.

Tuesday, June 9

No arrests were made and no significant incidents were reported.

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

Towns Losing Individual Probate Courts

2009-06-18T20:33:09Z

By Marianne Sullivan, Courier Senior Staff Writer:

   Under legislation approved last month by the state legislature and signed by the governor, municipal probate courts will be consolidated into regional courts. Chester, Deep River, and Essex will each lose their individual courts.
   While the make-up of each regional probate court has yet to be determined, the first selectmen from 10 area towns moved quickly last week to recommend a redistricting that would include Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook as one regional probate court district.
   Philip Miller, first selectman of Essex, explained, “We want to keep the nine towns in our regional planning agency together, and to add Haddam. These are towns that work together and share a number of programs on a regular basis, such as the pump-out boat or the hazardous waste collections, the transit district, and there are several other examples.”
   Under the proposal the first selectmen have made to Paul Knierim, the state’s probate court administrator, Old Saybrook has been recommended as the host community.
   The legislation seeks to reduce the present number of probate courts in the state—117—to approximately 40. Each probate district court would serve a region with a population of approximately 40,000 or more.
   The proposed 10-town district has a combined population of 69,698, according to the 2008 census, and the combined case load from the individual courts is 6,309.
   “We are proposing a larger district because first, it makes sense for our towns, and also because we believe any final regionalization will see probate courts serving populations higher than 40,000,” Miller explained.
   In their letter to Knierim, the first selectmen said, “As chief elected officials, we have significant concern that arbitrary boundaries may be assigned…that would not serve the best interests of our communities.”
   The 10 towns proposed by the first selectmen “have a long history of successfully providing voluntary regional services to our constituents. As leaders, we work together well and our residents are familiar with the facilities and services we share. To include probate services in this existing regional effort is a logical extension of our existing relationships,” they said.
   Miller emphasized that this is a proposal. It will be submitted to a probate redistricting commission, which will have the final authority to determine the size and geography of the regional courts. The new districts will be announced in the fall.
   Another portion of the legislation calls for probate judges to be attorneys. In Connecticut many probate judges do not hold law degrees. Those who are serving now but who are not attorneys may by grandfathered in under the new law.
   The regional courts will mean that the probate judges will have to face election regionwide rather than in their individual towns. Probate judges are elected for four-year terms. The regional courts will become effective by 2010 with the election of probate judges.
   In Chester, Justine Tobis has been serving as probate judge since 2006. A Democrat and an attorney, she replaced Bonnie Bennet, who was also an attorney. In Deep River, the probate court judge is Patricia Damon, a Republican. She has served since 1994. She is not an attorney. Deborah Pearl is the probate court judge in Essex, where she has served since 1979. A Republican, she is not an attorney.