LITCHFIELD COUNTY NEWS
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.
IAIS announces winter programs
The Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington will offer a variety of programs in the coming weeks.They will include a winter film festival Jan. 16-17 at 2 p.m. each day, a winter survival walk Jan. 23 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., winter games Feb.
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.

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.
Big Y to buy New Milford Pharmacy
NEW MILFORD -- New Milford Pharmacy on the corner of Main and Bank streets will soon be taken over by Big Y Foods, a sale that customers, merchants and town officials are greeting with mixed emotions.On one hand, the ownership change will ensure the village center does not soon have another empty storefront.
Bethel driver charged in New Milford
Bethel man chargedNEW MILFORD -- A 27-year-old Bethel man who allegedly gave a false identity when stopped for having a defective exhaust system in his car was charged with interfering with the duties of a police officer.Police said Jeremy Tamburri of Old Town Lane was recognized by the investigating officer from past police contacts, and his suspended license confirmed his identity.
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.
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.
Spotlight on students
GAYLORDSVILLETristan Cowan of Gaylordsville was named to the fall 2009 dean's list at the University of New Haven.NEW MILFORDKayle Schnell, daughter of Joel Schnell of New York City and Kathy Walsh of New Milford, spent the fall 2009 semester studying abroad in London, England, through a program run by St.
China reported stolen from New Milford fire site
NEW MILFORD -- The family who lost most of their belongings in a house fire on Papermill Road told police Monday four sets of china are missing from the charred remains.Mark Rakowski, a town Highway Department driver, is recovering from injuries he suffered in the blaze that gutted the house, leaving little to be salvaged.
New Milford teen charged after three-car crash
NEW MILFORD -- An 18-year-old man faces multiple motor vehicle charges after a police investigation into a three-car collision on Kent Road on Thursday.No one was injured, police said.Bryan McBreairty, of New Milford, was charged with reckless driving, passing in a no-passing zone, disregarding street signs and markings, traveling too fast for road conditions, and failure to carry a state driver's license.
Dinner, raffle to benefit New Milford fire victims
NEW MILFORD -- The town Public Works Department is organizing a fundraiser for the Rakowski family, who lost their Paper Mill Road home, cars and belongings in a Jan. 5 fire.Mark Rakowski, 34, a town highway driver, was critically injured in the fire, but is now out of the hospital and recuperating at the home of relatives with his wife, Sandra, and children, Joey, 10, and Kaitlyn, 6.
Police say New Milford woman gave them wrong name
NEW MILFORD -- A Wellsville Avenue woman who rear-ended a car in December and gave a false name to the investigating police officer was arrested on a warrant for second-degree forgery last week.Mary Lucas, 44, was additionally charged with criminal impersonation, interfering with a police officer, and operating while her driver's license was suspended.
A Sunday chat with Adrienne Sussman
The News-Times sat down with Adrienne Sussman, chef/owner of Adrienne Restaurant in New Milford, and asked her how she got started in the cooking business and what is her idea of a perfect meal.How did you get started in the cooking business?I went to Tulane University and thought I would major in international law, but after a semester I decided I didn't want to go to school for seven years, so I dropped out.
Masuk girls cruise past New Milford
NEW MILFORD -- A little over a week ago, the Masuk High girls basketball team was saddled with an injury-plagued roster and an underwhelming 1-5 record. Three victories later, it seems as though the Panthers have found their stride.Dave Strong's squad (4-5, 3-0) continued to make progress with a 52-33 victory over New Milford (0-8, 0-3) on Friday -- largely due to the impressive performance sophomores Michelle Wu and Kelly Zazuri.
Despite high demand for fuel assistance, officials...
Erica Lamparelli, of New Milford, is eligible for $735 in federal energy assistance this winter, enough to ensure a couple of tanks of fuel oil to heat her home.On New Year's Eve, the 69-year-old disabled woman's fuel tank, first filled in November, was nearing empty.
Operation Fuel struggles to answer need despite...
Operation Fuel started accepting clients on Monday for energy assistance.Executive director Patricia Wrice found the volume of calls somewhat depressing, because she knows the budget this year will not stretch to meet the need.In 2009, the Bloomfield-based program provided -- through a combination of state and private dollars -- some $6 million of assistance to 13,000 households.
New Milford fire victim in critical condition
NEW MILFORD -- Mark Rakowski, 34, who was injured in an explosive fire at his Papermill Road home Tuesday night, remains in critical condition Thursday in the burn center at Bridgeport Hospital, according to a hospital official.Rakowski's wife, Sandra, and their children, Joey, 10, and Kaitlyn, 6, escaped the accidental fire that destroyed their three-bedroom home and killed a pet parrot.
New Milford Republican Town Committee caucus...
NEW MILFORD -- All registered Republicans are invited to participate in the Republican Town Committee caucus Thursday at 7:30 p.m. to elect 40 Town Committee members for a two-year term.The caucus will be held at the railroad station on Railroad Street.
Kent man will jump in lake for Special Olympics
Penguin plunge set for Feb. 6 Kent resident Rob Gerowe will participate in the Penguin Plunge on Feb. 6 to raise money for the Special Olympics for Connecticut athletes with disabilities.Gerowe hopes to raise more than $5,000.Checks may be made payable to SOCT, with a memo "supporting Rob Gerowe" and mailed to Special Olympics, Connecticut, Inc.
Donations sought to assist Rakowskis
Donations are sought to assist the Rakowskis, who lost the entire contents of their home and their vehicles due to a Jan. 5 house fire.The Red Cross is providing some immediate assistance but the family will need to rebuild their household.Donations of cash and gift cards to local department stores would be helpful, according to a press release issued Jan.
Fire destroys family home Public Works employee...
A New Milford family came face to face with disaster Tuesday night.A town highway department driver was critically injured and he and his family lost their Paper Mill Road home when an explosive fire ripped through their house after he had been fueling a snowmobile, family and officials said.
Praises support for Hill and Plain auction
To the Editor:The Jingle All the Way silent auction was a huge success at Hill and Plain School -- thank you to all the families who attended and all the volunteers who made the evening a fun family event.With Bruster's serving up free ice cream sundaes for everyone, free face painting, Zandri's martial arts and the talented children of TheatreWorks Kids providing the entertainment, there was plenty to keep the kids occupied while parents and staff bid on the hundreds of donated auction items.
Lauds community's help with playground
To the Editor:New Milford Parks & Recreation would like to thank all those who made the ribbon-cutting festivities such a success at the new creative playground.Our thanks to Mayor Pat Murphy for wielding the big scissors and opening the area, and to the many donors and school children (anonymous and otherwise) who contributed their time, talents and money.
Offers thanks to 'people helping people'
To the Editor:I'd like to extend a very special thank you for all those who helped make our 27th annual toy and food drive such a fantastic success.With your help and the sponsorship of Haymond Law, Webster Bank, The Greater New Milford Spectrum, Levine Automotive, Ultimate Restorations and, especially, Dan Finn, Party Depot and the Ridgefield Bus Company, we were able to help thousand of kids throughout the state.
Observatory vols share best wishes for 2010
To the Editor:Happy New Year to all the friends of the McCarthy Observatory. We hope each of you had a safe and enjoyable holiday season.We are most excited about 2010, as it is the 10th anniversary year for your observatory and we plan to celebrate.

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