LITCHFIELD COUNTY NEWS
Bell to ring in New Milford for missing soldiers
Bell ringing to honor peaceThere will be a bell ringing Jan. 24 at noon to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the Paris Peace Agreement (Jan. 27 is the real anniversary) outside St. Francis Xavier Parish Center on the green. The agreement ended America's active involvement in the Vietnam War.
New Milford's Relay for Life kickoff is Jan. 23
Relay for Lifeready for kickoffThe American Cancer Society will hold its New Milford Relay for Life kickoff Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Bank Street Theater, 48 Bank St. The kickoff will include a luminaria ceremony, games, a video presentation, and speeches.
Dinner to benefit Rakowski family
A dinner to benefit the Rakowski family of New Milford will be held Jan. 24 from 3 to 7 p.m. in Danbury.The dinner, organized by the New Milford Recreation Association and hosted by Anthony's Lake Club, will take place at the lake club at 10 Christopher Columbus Ave.
Youth offerings on tap at The Maxx
The Maxx on Railroad Street in New Milford will offer several events in the coming days.They will include music by Those Mockingbirds, Euphoria and others Jan. 15 with doors to open at 6:30 p.m. and the show to start at 7:30 p.m. for $8; and a sixth-grade winter dance Jan.
Public invited to Kent library events
Kent Memorial Library will offer a variety of programs in the coming days.They will include a program with Mark Robinson, author of "Smoke, Fire and Angels," Jan. 16 at 4 p.m.; a screening of "Garbage Warrior" Jan. 21, "Who Killed the Electric Car" Jan.
Naturalist to visit Roxbury this month
World-famous naturalist and author George Schaller of Roxbury will present "A Naturalist in the World's Wilderness" at the Roxbury town hall Jan. 24 at 3 p.m.Sponsored jointly by Minor Memorial Library and the Roxbury Land Trust, the program at the 29 North St.
NMHS Boosters to host benefit gala
The New Milford High School Booster Club will hold a Green Wave Gala dinner-dance and silent auction March 13 from 7 p.m. to midnight.Festivities will be at The Fox Hill Inn in Brookfield.Tickets are $85 per person and will include a cocktail hour, dinner, dessert, dancing, an open bar, a silent auction and a raffle.
Get a 'grasp' on carpal tunnel syndrome
Band to play Jan. 22 concert at the MaxxThe Maxx on Railroad Street in New Milford will feature a concert by Those Mockingbirds, Euphoria and other bands Friday, with doors to open at 6:30 p.m. and the show to start at 7:30. Cost is $8.A sixth-grade winter dance is planned for Jan.
Roses & thorns
ROSES to those postal delivery workers and employees of FedEx, UPS and other delivery services for their efforts, especially during the holiday season and the cold, snowy winter months, to be sure each and every package arrives in one piece, safely and as close to on time as possible.
Questions legal costs for the police contract
To the Editor:Concerning the New Milford police contract dispute, according to the article by Nanci Hutson in the Jan. 9 News-Times, starting officers earn $42,000 per year and, after five years, earn $53,000.That is an average of $47,500 per year.
Lauds generosity of New Milford area residents
To the Editor:With the holiday season now behind us, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Greater New Milford community on behalf of the New Milford Social Services Department.Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to help an unprecedented number of families and individuals.
My town has much beauty to offer
Sometimes it feels like it was 100 years ago that I used to house-sit for my sister and her husband while they went on vacation with their kids.They've been living in New Milford for 25 years now, and I swore back then that I would never live here.At that time I was working at The News-Times in Danbury and the commute alone was enough to make me feel that way.
Are laws pressing our Constitution to change?
To the Editor:Before 1776 American Nationals had only one problem which was the King of England.The Declaration of Independence by Jefferson, Adams and Franklin, items were listed that called people to resist:Among them were, "imposing tax on us; erected a multitude of new offices and sent officers to harass our people and eat out their substance; combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution.
Appreciates efforts of staff at Huntington...
To the Editor:To all the staff at the Huntington Learning Center, Cristina Matta, director, Jeff Perrillion, coordinator, and all the teachers, we would like to thank all of you for helping our children with their educational needs. Their confidence has increased and they are more comfortable in their classrooms.
Water Witch firefighters praise support for their...
To the Editor:The volunteer firefighters of Water Witch Hose Company No. 2 of New Milford recently held our annual holiday party for the members and their families at our firehouse.The party, attended to by more than 100 people, consisted of a pot-luck dinner, a visit from Santa, and a large raffle, which was the highlight of the evening for many.
Bridgewater approves dropping the mil rate
The town of Bridgewater will use $225,000 of the General Fund, Fund Balance in the 2010 budget to reduce its mil rate from 15.5 to 15.2.A town's mil rate designates the amount of residents' property tax.The decision was reached to unanimous agreement at Tuesday's specially called town meeting.
Hotshot basketball slated soon in Kent
Kent youths aged 9-15 are eligible to compete tomorrow (Saturday), Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Hotshot basketball contest at Center School in Kent. Inclement weather date would be Jan. 23.The free event will be hosted by Kent Park and Recreation and Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association.
Youth Baseball/Softball to hold spring signup
Registration for New Milford Youth Baseball/Softball's spring season for area youths aged 4-15 will be held soon at Pettibone School.Sessions will be offered Jan. 22 and 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Jan. 23 and 30 from 9 a.m. to noon.For information, visit www.
Youth lacrosse opens its spring registration
Signup is underway for spring youth lacrosse in New Milford.For registration or information, check the New Milford Youth Lacrosse website at www.nmyl.org.Coaches and sponsors are needed for the 2010 season. For details, see the Web site.
On deck
FRIDAY, JAN. 15NM boys' basketball vs. Notre Dame at home (7 p.m.)NM JV boys' basketball vs. Notre Dame at home (5:15 p.m.)NM frosh boys' basketball vs. Notre Dame at home (3:30)NM girls' basketball vs. Notre Dame in Fairfield (7 p.m.)NM JV girls' basketball vs.

Schools react to H1N1 absences Flu illness has Region 12 schools closed and New Milford on alert
An increase in the number of students out with "influenza-like illness" this week prompted Region 12 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bruce Storm to close all schools in the district until Monday.Dr. Storm hopes the five-day hiatus, which began Wednesday with the Veterans Day holiday, will help reverse an "upward trend of student illness.
Washington Parks & Rec notes
The following are programs offered by Washington's Parks & Recreation Department.Programs must be pre-paid. Application forms are available outside the Parks & Recreation office during Bryan Memorial Town Hall hours. Office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.
Students earn honor roll at Shepaug Valley Middle...
The following students at Shepaug Valley Middle School in Washington were named to the honor roll for the first marking period.8TH GRADEHigh honorsEmily Chin, Amy Dwyer, Kelsey Hall, Michael Leslie, Tia Martino, Thomas McCluskey, Quinn O'Malley, Nathan Ong, Amanda Payne, Josephine Purdy, Hannah Redstone, Shaelyn Rourk, Kathleen Shusdock, Nathaniel Steers, Kimberly Valentine, Dana Walker, Taylor Weston, Sarah Williams and Clara Wolfe.
Spartan girls' basketball
Coach: John Spear, 2nd year.Assistants: Al Ciarlo, Jody Schroeder.2008-09 results: 9-13 record; qualified for the state class 'S' tournament.Graduation losses: Berkshire League all-star Riley Brigham, Jackie DeVito, Rachel White.2009-10 captains: Claudia Bierce, Gwen Clair, Janine Parker.
Spartan ice hockey
Note: Home matches at The Gunnery in caps:12/16 SHELTON12/19 Watertown12/23 New Milford12/26 HOUSATONIC12/26 ALUMNI12/30 JOEL BARLOW1/4 NEW MILFORD1/9 E.O. Smith1/13 Newtown1/15 Housatonic1/22 BETHEL1/27 WATERTOWN1/30 Masuk2/3 NEW FAIRFIELD2/6 Joel Barlow2/8 Bethel2/13 Windsor2/17 NEWTOWN2/20 Shelton2/22 MASUK2/26 WINDSORCoach: Michael Gorra
Events ongoing at Washington museum
The Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington will offer two programs in the coming days.They will include Scout day Nov. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and a storytelling celebration Nov. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m.For more information and admission fee, call IAIS, located at 38 Curtis Road, at 860-868-0518.
Washington, Kent elected officials to take oath
The oath of office will be administered Nov. 16 to Kent and Washington officials who were elected in the Nov. 3 municipal election.The public is invited to attend the events.The Washington ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. at Bryan Memorial Town Hall.
Festival of Wines on tap in Washington
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Washington and St. Patrick's Church in Roxbury will co-sponsor the fourth annual Fall Festival of Wines Nov. 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in Washington.The event, which will support the Knights of Columbus' Shepaug Council, will be held at Bryan Memorial Town Hall in Washington.
HORSE slates tag, tack sale
HORSE of Connecticut in Washington will hold a tag and tack sale Nov. 21-22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at the 43 Wilbur Road organization.
Gunn Library showcasing Brown photos
The Gunn Memorial Library on Wykeham Road in Washington is preseneting an exhibit of black and white photographs by Hunter Brown through Dec. 5.The library is open Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.
Holiday bazaar on tap at Washington church
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Washington will hold its annual holiday bazaar Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.The event at the Route 47 church will feature white elephant items, linens, a nearly new boutique, a culinary corner, children's activities, drawings and a silent auction.
Recital scheduled at Gunn Library
The Gunn Memorial Library on Wykeham Road will present a recital with cellist Vit Fiala and pianist Amy Vinisko Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m.The concert will include the Sonata A Major by Franck, 12 variations on the theme of Judas Maccabaus by Beethoven and some shorter works by Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Strauss, Faure, Poulenc and Saint-Saens.
Friends of Music to celebrate release of CD
The Shepaug Friends of Music will hold an all -day party Nov. 14 to celebrate the release of the organization's "Winter's Inspiration" CD.The party will be held at Marty's Cafe at 4 Green Hill Road in Washington Depot.The 15-track CD includes holiday songs featuring current and former students of Shepaug Valley High School in Washington, as well as several local professional musicians.
Montessori school to hold open house
The Washington Montessori School will hold an open house tomorrow (Saturday), Nov. 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the 240 Litchfield Turnpike (Route 202) school.The school offers full- and part-time programs for children aged toddler through eighth grade.
'Spelling Bee' debuts soon at Shepaug Curtain...
The school district's hopefully brief bout with the flu has postponed the debut of Shepaug Dramatics' presentation of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."Six days later than had been planned, the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit will be staged by a student troupe from Shepaug Valley High School starting next Thursday, Nov.
Region 12 schools closed through Friday to stop...
All Region 12 schools in Washington, Roxbury and Bridgewater will be closed Wednesday through Friday to try to break the spread of an "influenza-like illness" that hit a steadily increasing number of students in the past few days.Superintendent Bruce Storm said two weeks ago Region 12 had fewer than 10 students out within influenza-like illness.
Region 12 schools close for two days as...
REGION 12 -- All Region 12 schools in Washington, Roxbury and Bridgewater will be closed Thursday, Nov. 12 and Friday, Nov. 13 as a preemptive and precautionary step to break the cycle of infection of "influenza-like illness" that has been steadily increasing among students over the last few days.
Friedman ousted from Washington zoning
With incumbent First Selectman Mark Lyon running unopposed, the election drama in Washington centered Tuesday on the Zoning CommissionWhen the votes were counted, longtime incumbent Valerie Friedman was out, and commission newcomer Ray Reich and fellow Republican incumbent Gary Fitzherbert were the winners.
Registration underway for ASAP workshops
The After School Arts Program, which serves the Region 12 school district, will offer "Creating Heroes & Villains" and monotype printmaking workshops in the coming days.Jesse Smolover will lead the four-week "Creating Heroes & Villains" workshop to students in grades six through eight Fridays from 2:30 to 4:15 p.
Garzi earns ABR designation
Brenda Garzi of William Raveis Real Estate in New Milford has been awarded the Accredited Buyer's Representation (ABR) designation by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council of the National Association of Realtors.Ms. Garzi joins more than 30,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned the ABR designation.
Wood available for Washington residents
Washington residents are invited to pick up firewood at the highway department on Blackville Road (Route 109) in the coming weeks.Wood of varying lengths and sizes will be available.Interested residents should call the first selectman's office at 860-868-2259 to arrange for delivery.
VNA Northwest to hold flu clinic
The VNA Northwest, Inc., which serves towns in the Greater New Milford area, will hold a walk-in clinic for the seasonal flu vaccination for people aged 18 and older Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.The clinic will take place at the VNA Northwest located at 607 Bantam Road in Bantam.
Scarola's pack grabs state silver Shepaug boys...
As the Spartans have oft-times done during coach Tom Scarola's tenure, the Shepaug Valley High boys' cross country team peaked Saturday to claim a silver runnerup plaque for the state class 'S' race.The Spartans had posted an 8-2 regular-season record and then checked in fourth in a 10-team Berkshire League championship race field Oct.
Washington Festival of Wines to aid Knights
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Washington and St. Patrick's Church in Roxbury will co-sponsor the fourth annual Fall Festival of Wines Nov. 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in Washington.The event, which will support the Knights of Columbus' Shepaug Council, will be held at Bryan Memorial Town Hall in Washington.
Harvest dinner set at Washington church
The First Congregational Church on the Green in Washington will hold a harvest dinner Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.The fare will include roast turkey, mashed potatoes and all the trimmings, homemade pies and beverages.The cost is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors age 65 and older and $5 for children under 10.
Reich, Fitzherbert win zoning seats in Washington
WASHINGTON -- With incumbent First Selectman Mark Lyon running unopposed, the election drama in town centered on the Zoning Commission, where three candidates ran for two open spots.When the votes were counted, Valerie Friedman was out, and commission newcomer Ray Reich and fellow Republican Gary Fitzherbert were the winners.
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