March 29, 2008

Shelton fourth-grader on course, sets sights on pilot's license

Joey Milici. 9, of SHelton stands with his flight instructor, Kyle Colasanto, owner of Image Aviation Services, in front of the plane, a 2006 Diamond DA40FP, in which he has been taking lessons. Below, Joey sits in the cockpit.

Joey Milici is doing something that most 9-year-old boys dream of doing, and that is pilot an aircraft. Joey, a fourth-grader at Mohegan Elementary School in Shelton, has been in training for more than a year and has logged more than 10 hours of actual flight time.
While the legal age to solo in an aircraft is 16, his parents, Joseph and Nadia, thought they would allow Joey to get a jump on things. They travel to Waterbury-Oxford airport, where Joey receives his lessons from Image Aviation Services Inc.
Joey flies in a 2006 Diamond DA40FP with a center stick so he doesn’t have to reach up for a yoke. “The stick is right there between my knees and that makes it much easier for me,” he said. “And the engine’s throttle is right next to me.”
According to Joey’s flight instructor and owner of Image Aviation Services, Kyle Colasanto, “His feet just touch the rudder pedal, and that’s enough to use them in flight, but once on the ground Joey runs out of leg length. That’s why the Diamond DA40FP is the perfect aircraft for him to learn to fly.”
In one short year, Joey has learned many of the same flight maneuvers required for the private pilot certificate, including how to land safely. He plans to continue flying and logging hours until he can take the pilot’s test when he is 16.

To learn how you can train, just like Joey, to become a certified pilot, contact Image Aviation Services at 203-267-6017.

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Concocting sweet creations great fun for children, parents

Ellie Roberts, 6, of Fairfield, makes a roof covered in gumdrops.

Piper Melnick, 4, of Fairfield, is proud of her creation.

Ray White and his son Michael, 5½, of Fairfield, had fun creating their candy house together.

Graham cracker walls and roofs adorned with gumdrops are just a couple of ways children and families chose to decorate their candy houses one weekend in December at the Fairfield Museum and History Center’s annual workshop. The event, conducted at the historic Burr Mansion, was heavily attended, with families creating their sugar inspired masterpieces.

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Sending an important message

A number of kindergarten and fifth-grade students and teachers from Orchard Hills School in Milford were recently recognized by the Milford Board of Education for their participation in a water bottle recycling project. The students, along with their classmates, helped educate students, faculty and parents on the importance of recycling. Above, from left, are Robin Tobin, Olivia Marrone, Corina Massey, Brendan May, Jeff Morgan and Judy Wannagot.

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Agency gets expansion grant

The Near & Far Aid Association has granted $10,000 to CancerCare of Connecticut to expand activities in Fairfield County to help young people and their families deal with a diagnosis of cancer.
Marilyn Wald, the coordinator of children’s programs, oversees CancerCare for Kids out of the agency’s Norwalk and Fairfield offices and off-site locations such as the Bennet Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital and the Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital.
The award enables the agency to assist up to 140 children and their families with free professional counseling, education and financial assistance.

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Stratford resident marks 100 years

Stephen Macey, of Stratford, celebrated his 100th birthday on Jan. 20. To mark the milestone, a church service to honor him took place at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Stratford, where he served as an usher for more than 50 years.
In addition, a party in his honor took place at the Valley Yacht Club, Milford, hosted by his children and their spouses, Janet and Cosmo Carrozza of Startford and Ronald and Jean Macey of Shelton. Also in attendance were his 87-year-old brother, Albert Macey, and more than 70 family members and friends.
Stephen was married to the late Anna Macey for more than 50 years, and retired from Remington Arms in Bridgeport with more than 40 years of service. He has five granddaughters and six great-grandchildren.

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Bearing gifts

Christian Heritage first-graders in Linda Harris's class show off their wrapped shoeboxes before being collected and delivered to an Operation Christmas Child drop-off site. Back row: Will Rojas, Irene Kim, Sal DiNardo, Kathryn Burke, Isabel Moran, Morgan Evans, Matthew Rubino, Jayce Curcio, Nate Torre-Tasso and Joshua Sacoto; front row: Christopher Wyskiel, Ryan Viores, Taryn Marshall, Daniel Ng, Rebekah Bacon, Daniel Colgate, Julia Krebs and Ranita Muriel. Not pictured is Mark Boccarossa.

Students at Christian Heritage School in Trumbull wanted to help those less fortunate this season by participating in Operation Christmas Child, a Samaritan Purse project that sends gift-filled shoeboxes to children in desperate situations all over the world.
First-grade and middle school students participated. Each first-grader got to choose whether they wanted to give a shoebox to a boy or a girl, and also got to choose the age of the recipient. They were encouraged to earn the money necessary to buy the items that would be included.
“This project is very meaningful to the children,” said first-grade teacher Linda Harris. “God has blessed us so much and it helps them identify with children who have nothing. It also allows them to give these children the best Christmas gift of all, Jesus.”

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Show a fun display of children's abilities

Some of the talented youngsters who participated in a talent show sponsored by the Fellowship of Orthodox Churches in Connecticut included: first row: Platon Vlamis; second row: Andrianna Papadimitriou, Zach Pappas-Fernandes, Zoe Pappas-Fernandes and Christopher Ocrain; third row: Margarita Kolitsas, Demi Skenderis, Krystiana Toth, Johnna Vereb, Nicole Pettas, Loizos Karaiskos, Zachary Arvanitis and Audrey Anna Ocrain.

The Fellowship of Orthodox Churches in Connecticut recently presented a talent show. Young children from 30 Orthodox churches in the state demonstrated their abilities in playing the piano, karate, cello, duet singing, chorus singing and playing the violin.
The event was great fun for all in attendance, especially the parents who had come to see their talented children perform.

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Kids find magic in math

Above, from left, are Malathi Muralidharan, a teacher at Hillcrest Middle School; Petrina Gunsolley, math chairperson; and "Math Magician" Henry Banville.

On Nov. 19, seventh-grade Hillcrest Middle School students were enthralled by the “Mathmagic” of Henry Banville. Since his retirement as a mechanical engineer, Banville has given his Magic in Math presentation to more than 4,000 students in grades five through eight.
“It thrills me when I can get a fifth-grader to square 105 without using a calculator or piece of paper,” he says.

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Special delivery

Standing, from left, Bridgeport Hospital Auxiliary members Judy Brown of Fairfield, Ulla Atweh of Westport and Judy Demarest of Bridgeport deliver a poinsettia plant to maternity patient Laquisha Evans of Stratford and her 1-day-old son, Quinten. The Auxiliary spreads holiday cheer to all of the hospital's patients with its annual poinsettia gifts. Brown is the current Auxiliary president; Atweh is the wife of hospital chairman of surgery Dr. Nabil Atweh, and Demarest is a 20-year former employee in the hospital marketing department.

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Fundraiser aids orphaned brothers

At St. Stephen Church in Trumbull, members of its Youth Ministry gathered for a decorating party in the parish hall to get ready for their Dec. 15th Breakfast with Santa fundraiser. A total of $350 was raised and will be donated to recently orphaned brothers Arturo Jr. and Jesus Iselo Hernandez, through the Bridgeport Catholic Charities, St. Peter Family Fund.

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Hard work pays off

Front row: Mikelange, Emmanuel, and Jackson Sainville. Back row: MLC President/ CEO Jane Ferreira, NEDP Facilitator Marge Tuccio, NEDP Assessor Gail D’Elia, Flaure Sainville, Marie Sainville, Rene Sainville, tutors Chris Zavada and Marci Hardt.

Christmas came early for Haitian-born Marie Sainville of Stratford, a mother of four. A student at Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport since 2003, Marie had been working to earn a high school equivalency diploma.
She was enrolled in the center’s Adult Basic Education classes from 2003 to 2006, before being chosen to participate in the National External Diploma Program, which allows adults to demonstrate their high school level skills by applying their life experiences in real-life situations. In collaboration with facilitators from the Trumbull Continuing Education program, center tutors Marci Hardt and Chris Zavada worked one-on-one with Marie at the center for several months.
Upon mastering a rigorous set of competencies, she earned a diploma from Trumbull High School. A small graduation ceremony took place recently at the center to celebrate her achievement and present her with a leather-bound diploma. Among those in attendance were her husband Rene; her children Flaure, Mikelange, Jackson and Emmanuel; MLC President and CEO Jane Ferreira; Hardt and Zavada; program facilitator Marge Tuccio and Gail D’Elia of the Trumbull Continuing Education program; as well as several teachers, administrators and students.
Marie hopes to continue her education and become a nurse, and will attend Housatonic Community College this spring.

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Check out this chess team

Above is the Riverfield chess team, which placed first in all three divisions — first grade, primary and elementary — at the Dec. 16 regional chess tournament event.

Riverfield Elementary School in Fairfield hosted a regional chess tournament Dec 16. Despite a snowy and icy start that morning, more than 80 kids showed up to compete from 20 state elementary schools.
Riverfield has one of the largest elementary school chess clubs in the state, with 135 members (from grades K through 5) who meet weekly for an hour before school, October through May.
The kids love the hour of practicing and playing chess with their friends — and the parents and teachers appreciate what chess can do for young minds: research has shown that chess strengthens children's problem-solving and critical thinking skills, enhances memory and mathematical skills, and improves their ability to focus and concentrate on the task at hand — even for kids that normally may have difficulty with such tasks.
The Riverfield club — run by several volunteer school moms — also offers formal chess instruction to its members by a professional chess teacher. Forty-five members have competed as part of the school team in various outside tournaments this year, have consistently placed among the top three schools at nearly every tournament. In the past three years, the team has also placed among the top three teams in the state in several age brackets at the annual Connectict State Chess Championships.

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Nothing quite like a Handyman

Members of Cub Scouts Den 3 Pack 25 of Shelton watch as John Landry, center, owner of Luther's Garage, gives instruction to Mark Sullivan on checking tire pressure. From left are Justin Fabozzi, Sam Molitoris, Chris Friend, Alex MIlls, Zachary Rogers and Mark Sullivan.

From left, Chris Friend, Justin Fabozzi, Sam Molitoris, Mark Sullivan and Alex Mills watch and listen carefully as John Landry, owner of Luther's Garage in Shelton, explains the process of changing a headlight bulb.

During December, the Cub Scouts of Den 3 Pack 25 attended an Automotive Basics Car Clinic at Luther' Garage in Shelton. The boys, who are between 9 and 10 years old, learned how to change a tire, check air pressure and change a headlight. The class was a step toward earning the Webelos Handyman Badge.

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Scouts' float a natural winner

Seymour Brownie Troop 135 created a float for the Nov. 25 Seymour Christmas Parade. The theme was “Giving Back to Nature,” and the girls decorated a tree with edible ornaments for animals. Their inspiration came from the story “Night Tree,” by Eve Bunting, in which a family decorates a tree for the animals in the woods. They created seeded pinecones, a garland of peanuts, popcorn and cranberries, as well as dried fruit ornaments. The girls, who dressed as wild animals native to Connecticut, won third place in the parade. After it was over, the girls removed the ornaments from the float and decorated the tree in front of the Seymour Police Station for the animals to enjoy.

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Spooner House gets cool gift

Above are Susan Agamy, Spooner House executive director, with Torch Club members Hunter Yocum, Samantha Bellotti, Corrine Kapral, Jenna Hoffman, Rejenea Johnson and Idella Johnson.

The Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys and Girls Club’s Torch Club is a youth leadership and community service club. When members learned about the Spooner House’s old and badly in need of repair refrigerator, they decided to do something to help.
Members decided to raise money by painting faces and asking for donations at the October Nightmare Fair in Ansonia. They collected enough money to buy a new refrigerator and donated it in time for Christmas.
“It made it a wonderful way to wish them a happy holiday and to really feel like we were able to help. The kids worked very hard and were excited about the entire project”, said Torch Club adviser Jill DeWerdt.

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40 years of service feted

Fairfield First Selectman Ken Flatto and Selectman Denise Dougiello present Joy Shaw, center, with a certificate of appreciation and best wishes on the 40th anniversary of the Mill River Wetland Committee.

The Mill River Wetland Committee celebrated 40 years of environmental service recently at the Burr Mansion in Fairfield. Members of the committee’s board of directors were joined by town representatives, River-Lab guides (current and former), and other friends of the environment, to honor the anniversary. The setting was cheery, the mood was festive, and a pleasant evening was enjoyed by all.

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Teamwork a good thing

Above, from left are FBLA memebers Katie Lang, Renee Bachman, Michelle Spadaro, Meena Nasimi, Angela Garcia, Laura Fenely and Katie Lindley.

One of the goals of the Future Business Leaders of America is to foster community service. The holiday gift drive, a state-sponsored activity, is an activity in which the students learn and work together as a team to raise funds for a community project.
The FBLA organization asked volunteers to collect money to buy gifts for children in Bridgeport Hospital over the holidays.
The group collected a total of $410.59, which was collected during a two-week period. Volunteers, officers and advisers then purchased gifts for all the children at the hospital.
“Even though we didn’t get to see the children’s faces when they opened the presents, knowing that we did something good for them, especially during the holidays, makes me feel good,” said group historian, Katie Lang.

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March 22, 2008

It's all for a good cause

A smiling Kathryn Cullen, 8, of Stratford, holds up the hair she donated to charity on Dec. 27. She is the second daughter in her family to donate her hair to Locks of Love, an organization that provides wigs for children who lose their hair after receiving cancer treatments. Nancy Diamond from Regis Hair Salon participates by donating her time and services.

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18-year volunteer , 89, retires

Milford resident Ethel Fields, left, 89, recently retired as café manager for the Salvation Army Senior Nutrition Program at the Eisenhower Senior Center in Bridgeport. Among those helping her celebrate 18 years of service was Margaret Anderson, Bridgeport, a primary volunteer with the program who worked with Ethel serving hot lunches at the center.

Ethel Field of Milford recently retired after 18 years as café manager with the Salvation Army Senior Nutrition Program at the Eisenhower Senior Center in Bridgeport.
While 18 years of service is commendable, what makes her story even more remarkable, says Patricia Kees, program director, is that Ethel was 89 years old at the time of her retirement.
“Ethel had an impeccable record and we were very lucky to have her,” said Kees. “She thought of her clients and the center’s staff as family, rarely taking time off and often helping the staff when her managerial duties were done for the day.”
Eighteen years ago, according to Kees, Ethel was “looking for something to do.” When her husband, George, suggested she call the nutrition program, she found what she was looking for. On weekdays, the program delivers hot lunches to senior centers in Stratford, Trumbull, Fairfield and Bridgeport.
After accepting the day’s meals, Ethel ensured all food safety measures were met, set up the dining room, handled registrations, helped serve lunch and clean up, and then prepared the daily bank deposit. When those duties were done, she could be found answering the center’s telephone, sorting clothes or other donated items, and helping out wherever she was needed.
“Ethel is an example of the dedication of many of the seniors who help make this program happen for other seniors,” said Kees.

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Eggs-treme sport

Above, one of the more than 50 children who hunted for 700 Easter eggs March 15 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Oxford. The children also enjoyed crafts, games and snacks.

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Grant goes to Caroline House

The Caroline House in Bridgeport has received a $15,000 grant for its Mother and Child Literacy programs from the Perrin Family Foundation. With these funds, Caroline House will be able to continue to provide English as a second language and life skills to low-income mothers while their children attend a comprehensive preschool program.
Caroline House educates more than 150 women and children each year in these programs, as well as approximately 85 school-age children in the after-school/summer tutoring program. All programs and services are provided at no cost to the participants.
The Perrin Family Foundation provides funding in the social services area for health services to children, after-school programming and parenting/workforce prep skills.

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Eggs-actly how many are there?

Riley Immel and Collin Hoffman, Sunday School students, enjoyed the annual Easter egg hunt at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Monroe. The event took place a bit early — on Palm Sunday — and began a full week of Holy Week activities and services.

Zach Forte, Sunday School Student.

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Sweet connection

From left, front row, Harold Perlin, resident of the Jewish Home, presents Phil Bleich, of New Haven, founder of Operation Far From Home, with the first two of many bags of resident-made hamantashen. Standing are Bleich, Perlin's daughter Nancy Lerner, of South Carolina, Bunny Kaspar, of Woodbridge, member of the home's board of directors, and Ellen Ashkins, of Fairfield, director of resident life at the home.
With photo: jhomesoldiers

Recently, 2/19, Phil Bleich, of New Haven, founder of "Operation Far From Home," was at The Jewish Home for the Elderly, Fairfield, to receive dozens of hamantashen baked by the residents for him to send to Jewish soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Hamantashen are the traditional pastry treat of Purim, a holiday celebrating Jewish victory thousands of years ago," said Ellen Ashkins, of Fairfield, director of resident life at the home.
Bleich and his wife Linda started Operation Far From Home to communicate to Jewish troops that they are not forgotten.
" While we cannot bring pots of chicken soup to the troops we can mail cans of soup along with other kosher foods, Judaic items, requested necessities, and some fun things all packed with love and caring," said Bleich. "As they serve in conflicts, they connect us to the realities of a harsh and difficult time in history, and we serve to connect them to the community."

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Project from the heart

February. The month of love, kindness, and gratitude, and this year Masuk High School’s FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) demonstrated these qualities by participating in a community service activity. The group collected for the organization Project from the Heart, which benefits U.S. troops in Iraq through donations of food, and hygiene items, as well as monetary donations to help with shipping costs.
Each class was asked to donate a specific item of need: Freshmen, beef jerky; sophomores, oatmeal packets; juniors, hot chocolate packets; and seniors, Chapsticks. The collection took place during the week of Feb. 25 to 29.
FBLA collected a total of 10 packets of beef jerky, more than 100 packets of oatmeal, 112 packets of hot chocolate, and 30 individual Chaptsicks. These items will be made into care packages along with other necessary goods and sent to the soldiers.
FBLA would like to thank all the individuals who donated: Billy Cascio, Danny Cascio, Brian Ballo, Mike Lupo, Rob Honrath, Brian Matera, David Barlettt, Matt Niski, Jackie Bunnell, Robert Morales, Julia Janco, Brad Cloutier, Ms. Clini, and the Waring family.

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Meet-and-greet

The children of St. Joseph Catholic School in Shelton were recently greeted by the school's Lenten Fish Fry mascot "Fryer Tuck." The school just concluded its annual Lenten Fish Fry, which took place every Friday evening during Lent in the St. Joseph Church Hall.

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Three-generation team teaches ancient art to eighth-graders

A three-generation team, Paul Monks, an eighth-grader at St. Theresa School in Trumbull; Susan Monks, his mother; and Frank Stuban, his grandfather, recently taught the ancient art of making pysanky, Ukrainian Easter eggs, to Paul’s class. Eighth-grade teacher MaryBeth Moynihan hosted the workshop.

the finished eggs.

Paige Palmero, 8th grade, Trumbull

Patrick Lomnitzer, 8th gr. Trumbull

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Please take me home

This little Southern Bell just wants to be loved.
Jessie Belle came to PAWS when her beloved owner passed away and no other family member was able to take her in. She is about 9 years old and has PLENTY of years of love left to give! In her previous home she lived with 2 other cats and could live with other gentle felines. She is a sweet and gentle girl who would do best in a quieter home. The loss of her owner and the challenges of adapting to being at PAWS have been hard on Jessie Belle and she will need a little time to settle into her new home. She is already spayed, current on her vaccines and has tested negative for Fiv and Felv.
Interested? Please call PAWS at (203) 750-9572 or visit www.pawsct.org to see other great dogs and cats looking for homes!

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Walk committee disburses funds at get-together

The Greater Bridgeport CROP Hunger Walk committee recently conducted a get-together for agencies in the community that receive funds from the annual walk. The event took place at Olivet Congregational Church in Bridgeport. The Rev. Jesse Glick, tri-state coordinator of Church World Service and CROP, was on hand to present the checks, along with John Campbell of the committee. This year’s walk on May 6 raised more than $50,000.
Checks for $12,000 were presented to representatives of Bridgeport Rescue Mission, King’s Pantry, Operation Hope, St. Charles Food Pantry, St. Luke’s/St. Paul’s Food Pantry, St. Stephen’s Food Pantry, Sterling House Food Pantry, Stratford Baptist Church and the Thomas Merton House.

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Light on their feet

The Teamsters Local 191 Retirees chapter’s Christmas party took place Dec. 15 at Tashua Knolls Country Club in Trumbull. Above, members and their partners dance the night away.

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Festival of lights

Above is Malthy Gupta, who recently discussed Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights at Hillcrest Middle School in Trumbull.

On Nov. 28, Hillcrest Middle School’s Cultural Diversity Club celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Guest speakers were Malthy Gupta and Rushi Tasker, parents of students Priya Gupta and Nikhil Tasker.
Malthy Gupta discussed various aspects of Diwali and showcased some Indian attire. Rushi Tasker shared his experiences as a child growing up in India and celebrating the festival, which symbolizes the destruction of evil and a new beginning.

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Benny Rae Day

Caption 1: From left, then Bridgeport Mayor John Fabrizi and legendary singer-bandleader Benny Rae.

Caption 2: From left, Benny Rae and Tony Procaccini perform for attendees at the "Benny Rae Day" proclamation. Couples danced to American Songbook classics, reminiscent of earlier years at Bridgeport's Parkwood Lounge.

On Nov. 5, then-Mayor John Fabrizi proclaimed "Benny Rae Day" at Bridgeport's City Hall Annex. Rae's long-time pianist Tony Procaccini, music director of St. Patrick Church, originated the proclamation. Attendees also listened and danced to the music of the duo, which performed such classics as "You Make Me Feel So Young" and "New York, New York."

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Wishful project

The second-, third- and fourth-grade students at Jane Ryan School in Trumbull were involved in a community project for Operation Hope in December. Each grade sponsored a family and then purchased items from a “wish” list for those families. Items included clothing, towels, and toys, as well as various gift cards. Michelle Stearns from Operation Hope came to accept the gifts. She thanked the children and their families for their generosity and told them they will help to make a difference in these families’ lives. Parent coordinators were Suzanne Ryan, Jodi Thaler and Lynda Roca.

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A jolly time for all

The Best Western Black Rock Inn made it a very merry Christmas for 25 children from Action for Bridgeport Community Development Dec. 18. The hotel hosted a holiday event with a special appearance by Santa Claus and his elves.
Staff purchased gifts for each child based on a wish list the children provided. Santa and his elves passed out the gifts and posed for photos with the children. Lunch was provided, as well.
"I am very proud of our staff for their generosity and community spirit," said Fitzroy Grizzle, general manager of the inn. "The holidays are a time for giving and we hope to make this event a holiday tradition each year."

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Greek celebration

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox recently hosted a Christmas luncheon and celebration to celebrate the season and completion of a new handicapped accessible elevator.
A Christmas luncheon and celebration at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, with the Rev. Demetrios Recachinas as chairman, assisted by Constantinos Vlamis and Alicja Loukrezis, had a large number of parishioners in attendance.
The event marked the completion of the new elevator for the handicapped, as well as “Looking Towards Our Second Century,” a vision of outreach, project improvements and faith and heritage planning.
After the invocation by Father Demetrios, the choir and junior choir performed, singing church hymns, followed by the Christmas tree lighting.
Father Recachinas, listing the names of all the contributors to the elevator fundraiser, unveiled a plaque during the ceremony with his gratitude for their support.
Committee members included the Rev. Recachinas, Marina Anastasiou, Stella Capiris, Anna Christopoulos, George Christopoulos, James Leach, Alicja Loukrezis, George Mourizakis, Maria Mourizakis, Bill Odendahl, Chris Papachristos, Chrysoula Pertesis, Eva Vaniotis, Scott Vereb, Constantinos Vlamis and Effie Vlamis.

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Lots to celebrate: People helping people

The joint Connecticut chapter holiday meeting at the Aqua Turf in Southington featured a donation of 200 toys to the Marines’ Toys for Tots program, highlighted by a contribution of $1,200. From left are Sgt. Zach Britt; Doreen Roy, of the Northwest Hills Credit Union; Hartford Chapter President Liz Mumford; Carl Skudlarek, CEO, Bridgeport City EFCU,; and Cpl. Justin Clark.

Three chapters of the Credit Union League of Connecticut came together to celebrate the holidays Dec. 4 at the Aqua Turf Country Club in Southington and generously demonstrated the credit union philosophy of people helping people.
Employees and volunteers from the Bridgeport, Hartford and Moran/Nixon Chapters — 162 in all — participated in the combination business meeting/dinner/holiday celebration and brought along more than 200 Toys for Tots to fill the Marines’ collection van for their annual program. In addition, members topped off the donation with a check for $1,200.
Accepting on behalf of the U.S. Marines were Cpl. Justin Clark and Sgt. Zach Britt of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment of Plainville.
“This was the largest single monetary donation our regiment has received from a civilian donation,” Clark said. “Our van was filled from side to side and top to bottom with toys for the kids. We’re very grateful.”

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Spooner friends

The boys and girls of the Oxford Flag Football League recently donated $1,000 to the Spooner House, an organization that provides food, shelter and support services to people in need in the Lower Naugatuck Valley. The flag football league is made up of Oxford and Seymour boys and girls ages 6 to 12. The money was raised through T-shirt and coffee mug sales sponsored by the league. From left are Terrance Brown, Patrick Cragan, Kevin Schumitz and Matthew Sherman of Oxford Flag Football, and Susan Agamy of the Spooner House.

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March 15, 2008

High school hockey players take on cause of youngster recovering from cancer

Pictured with Sam Cohen, second from the right, are Notre Dame hockey captains Anthony Capelli, Dave Hotchkiss and Kevin Conniff.

After hearing an appeal on a local radio station, Notre Dame of Fairfield hockey players and parents adopted the cause of a Connecticut teenager who has cancer and a passion for hockey.
At age 6, Sam Cohen was diagnosed with a spinal tumor. Just as he was finishing his treatment, the tumors spread to his brain. Since then, Sam has braved many surgeries, chemotherapy and physical therapy. At this time, his cancer is in remission, though he still takes medications, has severe headaches, back pain and plenty of doctor appointments, but he never complains.
Sam’s illness left him with paralysis in his left leg. He would someday like to work in the field of prosthetics to help others overcome some of the obstacles he has. Today, he is a high school freshman who participates in wheelchair track and field, has joined the robotics club and made the honor roll.
Besides video games, Sam’s other passion is sled hockey, hockey for people with physical disabilities. It is played sitting in a special sled, and with the help of modified sticks, players propel themselves around the ice.
Sam, who plays with the Connecticut Wolf Pack, was using a “hand-me-down” sled from one of the older players, a sled that doesn’t fit him correctly, and this is a sport Sam dreams about playing for years to come.
Sam’s birthday was two days before Christmas and all he wanted was money so someday he could have his own sled.
Once the N.D. team heard his appeal, they adopted the cause. In a matter of days, thanks to the generosity of the team, parents and fans, a collection raised $1,055, more than the $900 needed to purchase the sled.

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Doing right thing is its own reward

Trumbull Police Officer Brian Falkenstein and Trumbull High senior Cara Yakush.

Every month, in a feature called Heroes Honoring Heroes, People’s United Bank and local police departments honor a police officer and a student for excellent school performance or for the good works they do. The student winner receives a $100 U.S. Savings Bond.
This month, recognition goes to Trumbull Police Officer Brian Falkenstein, who has chosen to honor student Cara Yakush, a senior at Trumbull High School.
A foreign language student, Yakush would like to one day teach languages to high school students, though she’s not ruling out jobs with the federal government or with the United Nations as a translator.
“I like to teach,” says the National Honor Society member.
Yakush is most proud of her work as a volunteer with Special Olympics Unified Sports, a sports support agency. “I’m happy to be able to teach people something because it fits in with my career goals,” she said.
Yakush is also active in varsity swimming and diving, indoor track and softball, and is involved with the Student Council, as well as the French, Italian and Interact clubs, the latter of which is affiliated with the Trumbull Rotary Club and dedicated to helping local communities.
Falkenstein has known Yakush for about one year. “Certain students always get a lot of recognition. I sought out the school guidance counselors to help me select a student for this award, someone who is under the radar, yet deserving. I wanted someone who stood out academically and in her work beyond the school walls. Cara fits that bill perfectly.”
The nine-year Marine Corps veteran joined the Trumbull Police Department two years ago. He spent six months in Patrol before he took on his current position as a school resource officer at Trumbull High School.
“These students are our future,” he said. “Awards like this one provide well-deserved recognition to students who are doing the right thing, and doing the right thing because they want to, not because they have to.”

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Brand-new ride

David Stevens, the chairperson of the Milford Rotary Auto Raffle, proudly presents a 2007 Ford Mustang to winner Frederick Palmer of Orange. The Milford Rotary Club funds a number of nonprofit groups with the proceeds from the event.

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Grand Welcome

The Regina A. Quick Center at Fairfield University recently was the setting for honoring His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. The archbishop is the U.S. head of the Greek Orthodox Church. In honor of his 40th anniversary of being a bishop and his many contributions to the Greek Orthodox community, the world of scholarship and the ecumenical movement, he was awarded an honorary doctor of law degree by Fairfield University. Attending the ceremony were many religious leaders, university officials and members of area Orthodox churches.
The Junior Choir from Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bridgeport sang several hymns at the event. Right, pictured with Archbishop Demetrios, from left, are Darwin Pappas-Fernandes, Koula VonHope, Andrianna Papadimitriou, Krystianna Toth, Archbishop Demetrios, Zachary Pappas-Fernandes, Johnna Vereb, Elias Papadimitriou, and choir director Joanna Bogardus.

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A celebration of success

DiMatteo Insurance, with locations in Shelton and Bethany, recently participated in the Birmingham Group Health Services’ “Under the Tree Project” and purchased gifts for two families in the Valley. Celebrating the success of the project, from left, are Robert Lesko of DiMatteo Insurance; Gloria Hollo, project volunteer and Birmingham board member; Rosemarie Esposito of DiMatteo Insurance; Arlene Greco, of Birmingham Group Health Services in Ansonia; and Debra Soulsby, of Birmingham Group Health Services.

The DiMatteo Insurance family and staff recently brightened the holidays for two families in the Valley area. DiMatteo Insurance, with locations in Shelton and Bethany, participated in the Birmingham Group Health Services’ “Under the Tree Project,” a program that aids families whose lives have been affected by domestic violence, mental illness or HIV/AIDS.
The Birmingham Group in Ansonia provided gift requests for two families, which were purchased by the DiMatteo family and its staff. Debra Soulsby from the Birmingham Group helped organize the project. This is the fourth year that DiMatteo Insurance has participated.

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DAR comes through for vets

Above, from left, are Pamela Huth, DAR regent; veteran Richard Trudeau; AND Luella Ostrofsky, service to veterans chairperson at Homes for the Brave.

The mission of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a women’s service organization, is to promote patriotism, education and historic preservation. Patriotism includes service for veterans, as well as celebrating the Fourth of July and making the public aware of Constitution Week in September.
The Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter of Fairfield supports Homes for the Brave, a facility in Bridgeport that offers counseling and transitional housing for 38 veterans re-entering the workforce.
When chapter members learned that the men drink a lot of coffee and needed a large coffeepot, particularly when they have group counseling in the evening after work, they purchased and donated a large urn and the coffee to go along with it, as well as toiletries and household goods.

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Tennis family of the year

Marcy, Jay, Joshua and Jesse Rubinstein of Trumbull were recently named the 2006 United States Tennis Association/New England Edwin Goodwin Family of the Year. This honor is awarded to the USTA New England family that has contributed the most to tennis in New England. Above, the family accepts the award from Jack Schubert, USTA/NE president.

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Top Student volunteers

From left are Rosemary Seaman, principal of Hillcrest Middle School; Chitra Nidadavolu; Traci Sacco, guidance counselor; Zachary Voytek; Julianne Boggs; and Jeff Rago, counselor.

Hillcrest Middle School sixth-grader Julianne Boggs has been selected as this year’s winner of the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her outstanding community service.
Julianne made more than 600 bead bracelets and sold them to students and staff at her elementary school, raising more than $1,400 for the Child Life Department at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. Her application will now be considered on the state level for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award which is presented to young people in each state who have demonstrated exemplary community service throughout the year.
Congratulations also go out to two other Hillcrest students, sixth grader Chitra Nidadavolu and eighth grader Zachary Voytek, who likewise have demonstrated exceptional community service and were selected as runners-up.

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March 8, 2008

Special day for a special lady

Caryl G. Morgan, a resident of St. Joseph’s Manor in Trumbull, recently celebrated her 95th birthday with more than 50 family members and friends at a luncheon at the Red Barn. Morgan served as the clerk of probate court in Bridgeport for 40 years until her retirement in 1995. She is shown with her three children, from left, Sharon Graze of Easton, Caryl Besescheck of Southbury, and Thomas Morgan of Stratford.

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Successful program pairs younger, older students

Orchard Hills Elementary School in Milford has a program called “Book Buddies” in which students from Judi Wannagot’s fifth-grade class pair up with kindergarteners from Robin Tobin’s class.
The fifth-graders become “Buddies” with the kindergarteners, to help them with reading and other activities. The fifth graders then look out for their buddies throughout the school year, becoming junior mentors meeting together several times a week. They recently worked on a recycling project together. At the Dec. 10 meeting of the Milford Board of Education, several students from Orchard Hills accepted a recognition award for their school and their important work of recycling.

From left are Robin Tobin, kindergarten teacher; Olivia Marone; Corina Massey, Olivia’s kindergarten buddy; Brenden May; Jeff Morgan Jr., Brenden’s buddy; and fifth grade teacher Judi Wannagot.

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Student: Class skills go far

Jade Miller, a junior at Masuk High School, was named Business Student of the Month for February. She strongly recommends that students enroll in business courses in high school because “the skills