Harbor News

Clinton Year in Review–2008

Shore Publishing — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:49:24 GMT

By Fay Abrahamsson
Harbor News Senior Staff Writer

January

The Clinton Police Department, down three officers due to retirements and staffing shortages, is slated to hire two new officers who would enter the police academy next month.
A residential builder causes a storm of controversy with his neighbors after he removes a section of stone wall on a lot he owns in the tiny Liberty Green historic district.
Superintendent of Schools Albert Coviello gives the school board notice of his plans to retire on Dec. 31, 2008.
Romona Jennings of Clinton is arrested after she allegedly operates a school bus after getting drunk on vodka an hour before she arrived at work.

February

The proposed school budget, at $28.6 million, represents a 4.52 percent increase over last year. The town budget, at $13.66 million, has one of the lowest increases seen in years at 3.07 percent.
The Grand List, a listing of all taxable properties in town, grew less than one percent from the previous year. Clinton Crossings Outlets (#1) and Unilever (#2) remain the largest taxpayers in town.

March

Jay Northrup joins Clinton as its town planner, a position not seen at Andrews Memorial Town Hall for more than 20 years.
Famed forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee visits Clinton’s own Mezzetti & Me informational cable television show and speaks of his many notorious cases.
Chuck Venter, information technology technician for the town of Clinton, unearths a $53,000 mistake (in the town’s favor) in its phone bill.
Following a six-month investigation, a Clinton/Westbrook drug ring was busted by state and local police for trafficking cocaine, ecstasy pills, and marijuana along the shoreline. Eleven people were arrested

April

Morgan School sophomore Christian Haughwout is charged by the Clinton Police for bringing an alleged homemade shocking device, manufactured from an instant camera, to school. He was charged with possession of a weapon in a school and second-degree assault.
Vandals destroy the press box used by Little Leaguers at the Jared Eliot Middle School.

May

The cash-poor Stanton House, an antique museum across from Andrews Memorial Town Hall, receives assistance from two local utility companies, Connecticut Water Company and Southern Connecticut Gas.
Just 940 voters in town turned out to approve the $13.6 million town and $29.9 million school budgets.

June

After graduating 156 “Huskies” at the Morgan School, seniors celebrated at the school’s special “A Star is Born” all night, alcohol-free event.
The Henry Carter Hull Library celebrates its 10th year on Route 81 with programs, events, and contests for all ages.
Dennis Knapp, 20, of Clinton took a plea deal of a 10-year prison sentence, suspended after five years, for second-degree manslaughter in the death of Madison resident Kirsten Meyer, 19.
After 30 years of use, the Clinton Town Marina has new bulkheads, docks, and gangways.

July

Assistant Superintendent of Schools John “Jack” Cross is chosen by the Board of Education to replace Superintendent Albert Coviello when he retires at the end of this year.
High gas prices sway many residents to enjoy a vacation at home on the shoreline and attend events such as the 34th annual Bluefish Festival and the third annual Family Day.
Due to a bevy of complaints, the Board of Selectmen eyes the formation of a fair-rent committee to oversee rent practices at manufactured (mobile) home complexes and apartment buildings.
Long-time Clinton resident and former actor with the Nutmeg Players Ben Mochan, 65, falls off his sailboat and drowns at the entrance of the Sakonnet River in Rhode Island.

August

After many heated meetings and accusations flying from both sides, the Board of Selectmen refuses to reappoint Water Pollution Control Commission chairman James Staunton (U) to another term. Lynn Pinder, a local attorney and former scientist, is appointed the new chair.

September

In an effort to remedy the town’s wastewater issues, officials hold several public meetings, one with representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection, to keep residents up-to-date. In addition, three town-owned properties are being eyed for possible suitability as large leaching fields.

October

A bus driver was fired by M&J Bus Company in Clinton after a four-year-old child was left alone, undiscovered for two hours, on her empty school bus at the depot.
Clinton Landing, an outdoor destination spot along the Indian River with walkways and picnic areas, officially opens behind the former police station off East Main Street.

November

A large percentage of voters turned out to return incumbent Democratic politicians to their seats including U.S. Representative Joe Courtney, State Senator Eileen Daily, and 35th district State Representative Brian O’Connor.
Police arrest Clinton resident William Strom for allegedly patronizing prostitute Susie Rosado at his home. He found Rosado’s name and number on the Internet site www.craigslist.org.
A proposed sidewalk ordinance that would require residents to clear their walks of snow, ice, and leaves garners public outcry. The Board of Selectmen, after a public hearing, will decide to enact the ordinance, or not.
A strong odor on a school bus brings 10 different area response teams to the Lewin G. Joel Elementary School. None of the children suffered ill effects from the accidental burning wire in the bus’s heating system.

December

State Representative Brian O’Connor (D-Clinton, Westbrook, and Killingworth) is charged with driving under the influence and speeding on Route 9.
Superintendent Albert Coviello retires. The Board of Education appoints Maryann O’Donnell to the position of assistant superintendent of schools beginning Jan. 1, 2009. She takes the place of Jack Cross, who will assume the duties of superintendent on the same date.
Christian Haughwout, the Morgan School student who brought the alleged shocking device to school, was cleared of any criminal charges in Middletown juvenile court. His attorney has filed suit for false arrest. His father, Bret Haughwout, goes to court this month for several charges related to a police search of his property following the school incident.

The Year in Review-Old Saybrook

Shore Publishing — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:48:17 GMT

By Becky Coffey
Harbor News Senior Staff Writer

January

The Board of Selectmen (BOS) approved the bid to buy a new Pierce fire rescue truck for $650,000 with funds from capital reserve and budgeted equipment funds.
Jeffrey Stark, age 44, was found dead alone in his home.
Governor Rell spoke to more than 200 attendees at the annual Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Saybrook Point Inn.

February

The first teenage clients moved into a group home on Anchorage Lane after the state Department of Children and Families (DCF) awarded a license to Gilead Community Services.
Old Saybrook High School held a Community Open House with live music and art displays to showcase new and renovated program spaces that were part of its $16.3 million school construction project.
The Chamber of Commerce held its 12th Annual Chili Cook-Off.
The Inland Wetlands Commission’s decision denying the Preserve project a permit was upheld on appeal in a decision in Superior Court this month. About 114 acres of the 927-acre project parcel is considered wetlands.
The State Freedom of Information Commission fined First Selectman Michael Pace $100 for not ensuring that town employees delivered public records to Youth and Family Services Director Larry Freundlich in a timely manner.

March

The State Election Enforcement Commission ruled this month that four $1,500 contributions to the Committee to Elect Dan Moran violated state statute by exceeding the monetary limit. Matthew Rubin and Hadass Rubin, two Rubin relatives, and Campaign Treasurer Donald Brodeur, Jr., were fined.
As investigations into the records of the Raymond McMurray Memorial Fund by the Attorney General and the Freedom of Information Commission continued, Police Chief Ed Mosca said that the memorial fund, created from voluntary donations, was a private fund “used to pay for non-budgeted items that benefit the police department, its personnel, and the community at large” and that it currently had no more than $32,000.
An investigation into a dispatcher’s handling of a 911 distress call led to disciplinary action against 17-year veteran David McDonald and a requirement for re-training. The investigation found he failed to recognize in his telephone conversation with Ronald Gebo, who was later found dead, that Gebo may have required medical assistance.
In one final pass, All-Habitat’s ATV mower cut down the last stand of Phragmites australis grasses to end phase one of a multi-year effort to remove the invasive species from North and South Cove marshes. Through the tenacious efforts of Janice Holland of the Old Saybrook Land Trust, signed permissions were obtained from 75 percent of the 200 marsh-abutting property owners to first spray and then mow the phragmites stands.

April

After a nationwide search, the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center trustees named Chuck Still as the center’s first executive director. The non-profit Center Trustees organization pays Still’s salary.
The State Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities dismissed complaints filed by four female employees of the town’s Youth and Family Services agency against director Larry Freundlich.
Old Saybrook’s de-illumination program won national recognition as one of 50 Innovative Government Programs earning semi-finalist status in a Harvard Kennedy School of Government/Ash Institute for Democratic Governance contest.
With federal funding of $4.3 million to dredge North Cove finally approved, the Army Corps of Engineers restarted the administrative process that led to dredge contractor selection by fall 2008.
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and the Connecticut Fund for the Environment asked the state appellate court to reverse the February ruling allowing the Inland Wetlands Commission 2004 approval of a previous developer’s free-standing golf course on the Preserve property stand.

May

In a town-wide referendum vote on May 22, electors and property owners approved the proposed budget for general government of $15,120,098 and for the Board of Education of $20 million–an overall budget increase of 3.57 percent.

June

Lieutenant Michael Spera, 33, was appointed by the Police Commission to the newly reinstated position of Police Department deputy chief.
A new town Bikeways Commission were appointed and charged by the town’s selectmen to a two-pronged mission: to improve facilities and signage and to create a public outreach campaign to encourage more residents to bicycle through town.

July

The Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) delivered to the state Department of Environmental Protection a Wastewater Facilities Plan by the July 15 deadline. The plan, which includes site-by-site improvements needed for properties in 15 different town neighborhoods, was developed over a two-year period by the town’s engineering firm. WPCA also held a public meeting to introduce and discuss the plan.
Two grants–one from the state to the town for $50,000 and one for $3,000 from Liberty Bank Foundation to the HOPE Partnership to use for educational outreach effort–supported improving affordable housing opportunities in town.
The 45th annual Old Saybrook Arts & Crafts Festival was held on July 26 and 27.

August

Town electors voted to send the selectmen’s proposal to allocate $215,000 of budget surplus to the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center project to a town-wide referendum. The funds were requested to replenish the center’s depleted construction contingency account.
Heston Sutman was promoted to a central office administrative post overseeing curriculum development and scientifically research-based intervention programs, while Mandy Ryan was appointed to take his former post of associate principal of Old Saybrook Middle School.

September

By a vote of 985 to 670, the town’s electors voted against taking $215,000 of last year’s budget surplus to add to the $4.3 million already approved for the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center construction budget.
In the September primary, newcomer Carol Conklin won the nod over incumbent Elizabeth Steffen to be Democratic registrar of voters for Old Saybrook.
The Founders Memorial Town Park recreational development project was unveiled in an official ceremony with members of the Clarke Family, donors of the core parcel that spearheaded creation of the park, on-hand to celebrate.
The long-awaited project to dredge North Cove began when Congressman Joe Courtney personally removed the first of the channel buoys.
The BOS, after spending a year deliberating on the language and scope of a proposed ordinance for cleaning up blighted properties in residential areas, voted to move it to a town meeting vote in November.

October

The Katharine Hepburn Center Building Committee identified about $145,000 in “deductions” for tasks that will remain undone. About $75,000 of the savings will be re-allocated to install additional infrastructure like conduits and cables within the interior walls before they are closed and finished.
In the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Council awards ceremony, Old Saybrook’s Project Ninth Grade, a team-building retreat for all freshmen that uses senior students as mentors, won top honors as the top asset-building program for youth.
Old Saybrook Fire Department held its 11th annual Haunted Hayride at Clark Memorial Field.

November

The November issue of Connecticut Magazine ranks Old Saybrook High School as 20th in its list of the top 35 Connecticut high schools.
Incumbent Republican Marilyn Giuliano won a tightly-contested election against Democratic challenger Eileen Baker to serve another term as state representative. Incumbent Democratic State Senator Eileen Daily beat out challenger Vincent Pacileo. State Senator Democrat Andrea Stillman was also reelected.
Felix Diaz died at an area hospital following injuries he received after he was found beaten and lying unconscious in the parking lot of the Comfort Inn in Old Saybrook.

December

The residents of Old Saybrook, in a close 54 to 50 vote, approved the new blight ordinance at the annual town meeting.
Town residents voted to repeal the golf cart ordinance adopted two years ago to regulate safe use of the carts on town and private roads, though voting to do so only under protest. State legislative action last year revoked the town’s right to regulate golf cart use.
December holiday events in Old Saybrook again included the 20th annual Saybrook Stroll, the Torchlight Parade, and a benefit concert for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries.

Harbor News Police Correspondent Jason J. Marchi contributed to this report.

The Year in Review-Westbrook

Shore Publishing — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:47:18 GMT

By Becky Coffey

Harbor News Senior Staff Writer

January

The Board of Selectmen (BOS) appointed an interim animal control officer, Sandy Bannon-Rankin, while Tanya Marocco, the town’s current part-time animal control officer, was put on paid administrative leave after her arrest on cruelty to animal charges.
The BOS voted to approve the Harbor Commission’s request to appropriate $128,000 from the town’s dredging reserve account to pay for an emergency project to clear the Patchogue River Harbor entrance channel. The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) later granted preliminary approval to remove 6,000 cubic yards of dredged material from channel using a pump-dredge system that would deposit the material on the Grove Beach Point Association beach.
The BOS asks the dormant ad hoc health district study committee to update its statistical information and present it to the BOS by March 1.

February

Superintendent of Schools Pat Charles announced the school district was awarded an $82,600 competitive grant to help pay for school entryway security improvements.
One day after the Westbrook First Selectman’s office got a letter from the Connecticut River Area Health District (CRAHD) demanding health district study committee documents, Westbrook’s town attorney Michael Wells sent a letter to the CRAHD Board demanding copies of CRAHD minutes, agendas, and budget documents. Ad Hoc Health District Study Committee Chairman Jeffrey Bernstein and member Carol Ketelsen said that the financial information provided did not give them confidence that the organization was on strong financial footing. The study committee also voted to reverse its 2007 recommendation to join CRAHD.

March

Traffic flow along downtown’s Westbrook Place converted from one-way to two-way and a new traffic signal was activated at the intersection of Westbrook Place and the Boston Post Road at the new Walgreen’s driveway.
At a town meeting, electors approved up to $1.5 million to replace Daisy Ingraham Elementary School’s aging and leaking roof.
Owners of the Westbrook-based Lee Company unveiled a new $2.1 million photovoltaic rooftop solar array.
Incoming Town Treasurer Darlene Jones discovered $99,000 in older cashable but undeposited checks and an $18,750 check from 2004 on a desk in the treasurer’s office. The checks were performance bonds written by contractors to the town as a security deposit to assure they met conditions of their land use permits.
After a six-month long investigation, state police arrested 11 people in connection with an alleged drug trafficking ring in Westbrook and Clinton.

April

Dredge MD’s pump-dredge system started work to draw up to 6,000 cubic yards of sand from the bottom of the Patchogue River Harbor entrance channel and deposit it into a trench along Grove Beach.
In a tragic drowning, nine-year-old Marie Mazeau of Westbrook died in a Valley Shore YMCA pool.
The BOS was told that the town needed to hire a full-time registered sanitarian or risk potential sanctions from DEP.
After hearing a report from members of the town’s 2007 ad hoc charter study committee, the BOS disbanded the group and voted to form a new group whose charge would be to create a list of pros and cons of a charter in Westbrook.
The Town Garage Building Committee selected two contractors for the project: Weston & Sampson of Rocky Hill and Milone & MacBroom of Cheshire.

May

After repeated equipment failures, weather, and contractor personnel problems stalled progress, the town’s Harbor Commission in late May threw low-bidder DredgeMD off the job. The firm had already received two $23,000 project progress payments out of a $72,000 contract. Connecticut Dredge of Clinton was then tapped to dredge the channel before the DEP deadline.
Eight firms submitted bid proposals to replace the Daisy Ingraham Elementary School roof. The lowest bid was $809,000, a price almost half the $1.5 million bonding authorization the town voted for the project just a year ago.
In a town-wide referendum vote on May 27, residents voted 274 to 180 to approve the $23,822,770 town and schools budget, a budget increase over last year of 7.47 percent. Two factors in the higher budget were expanded costs to operate the renovated and enlarged library and $30,000 allocated to support the town’s senior center.

June

The BOS agreed to support granting an easement to place piping under the Town Green to replace a failing septic system of the Westbrook Pizza and Westbrook Deli.
In a climate of controversy stemming from property valuation appeals that were won and then reversed without explanation by the town’s assessor, the BOS declined to renew Ivan Kuvalanka’s annual contract for next year.

July

The newly renovated Westbrook Public Library on Goodspeed Drive got its Certificate of Occupancy. The $4.2 million project added 7,328 square feet–3,664 to the main floor and 3,664 underneath it as unfinished basement–to the existing 11,760 square foot space, as well as an elevator, a new roof, upgraded bathrooms, and new mechanical systems.
The town received a written landfill closure authorization from the DEP. The approval was with conditions that included continued quarterly testing of both onsite monitoring wells and of five offsite residential wells where previous water tests had found high lead levels.
The Westbrook Chemical Engine Company again sponsored the annual multi-day Fireman’s Carnival on Ted Lane Field.
Fifty people came to a public hearing hoping to learn why the Town of Westbrook should or should not join the CRAHD; conflicting information and views made making a decision more difficult.

August

In a town known for lively meetings with spirited debate, the meeting to kick-off an update of the 18-year-old Plan of Conservation and Development instead demonstrated surprising consensus among the 75 residents.
The Westbrook Drum Corps hosted its 49th annual Muster.
In a voter turnout larger than this year’s budget referendum, 326 to 230 not to join the CRAHD. After the vote, the BOS confirmed its plan would be to now hire a full-time health director with registered sanitarian credentials to provide health services to the town.
Kathleen Onofrio joined the Westbrook Public Schools as its new director of special services.

September

The Town of Westbrook solicited applications for the new full-time post of director of health/registered sanitarian.
The Westbrook Library reopened to the public.

October

In the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Council awards ceremony, Westbrook’s annual Youth Awareness Day won honors as the top youth substance abuse prevention program.
Westbrook Youth & Family Services agency again held its Haunted House at the Tanger Factory Outlets.
The Westbrook Historical Society asked this month for donations to restore more than 20 tombstones in the historic Lower Cemetery on South Main Street that were damaged by vandals earlier this year.

November

Electors voted to grant an easement to Westbrook Pizza and Deli allowing the firm to install replacement septic piping for the business under one edge of the Town Green.
The BOS suspended two constables, Rhea Milardo and Robert Powers, with pay while a State Police investigation continued into whether or not the two responded appropriately in the case of deceased resident Elsie White.
Neighbors to the town’s closed bulky waste landfill again expressed frustration with the town for failing to comply with the DEP’s quarterly water-testing and reporting requirements.
Uncertainty about whether or not groundwater below the future town garage site could be contaminated led the state Department of Transportation to take back responsibility for the clean-up work at the Route 145 site from the town garage building committee.
Incumbent Republican State Representative Marilyn Giuliano won a tightly contested election against Democratic challenger Eileen Baker for another term as state representative. Incumbent State Senator Eileen Daily beat out challenger Vincent Pacileo handily while State Representative Brian O’Connor won unopposed.

December

Neighbors of the town’s bulky waste landfill came out again in force to a BOS meeting demanding that town leaders comply with the state’s landfill closure order and do the quarterly testing of their wells for lead and other contaminants.
Westbrook was awarded a $50,000 technical assistance grant for affordable housing plans, feasibility studies, and for work to draft affordable housing rules as part of the town’s ongoing effort to update the 17-year-old Plan of Conservation and Development.
An elderly woman of New England Village was killed in a tragic early evening fire.
The BOS formally offered $13,000 to the Grove Beach Point Association to settle claims of nearly $20,000 against the town. The claims stem from costs the association incurred to hire a contractor to prepare their beach to receive the dredged sand and water mixture from DredgeMD, the town’s contractor.
Westbrook’s annual tree lighting ceremony and Santa’s parade brightened the Town Green on Dec. 7.

Harbor News Police Correspondent Jason J. Marchi contributed to this report.

Old Saybrook Police Arrest Alleged Bank Robber

Shore Publishing — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:45:42 GMT

By Izaskun E. Larrañeta
Special to the Harbor News

OLD SAYBROOK

Police arrested a Shelton man Dec. 22 in connection with a Dec. 8 robbery at the Bank of America branch in town.
Jeffrey DeAngelis, 28, is also suspected in other bank robberies in Seymour, Madison, and Hamden, police said.
Old Saybrook police executed a search warrant at DeAngelis’s home at 183 Long Hill Avenue in Shelton. Police seized several items, including a vehicle.
DeAngelis was charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree larceny, and second-degree threatening.
Police Deputy Chief Michael Spera said since the robbery his officers have been working tirelessly on following every tip they received. He hopes that the arrest will bring an added sense of ease to residents.
Spera also said police worked with their colleagues in the FBI, Shelton, Madison, and Seymour police departments to chase down leads that led to DeAngelis’s arrest.

This story originally appeared in the Dec. 24 issue of The Day.

WB Sees Senior Dominance in Basketball

Shore Publishing — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:42:54 GMT

By Holly D’Addio, Harbor News Sports Writer:

Girls’ Basketball

   Ending with a 5-15 record, the Knights fell short of making the state and shoreline tournament. Led by senior captains Kim Uihlein, Chrissy Civetello (MVP and Second Team All-Shoreline), Gabby DeLorenze, and Kayla Curry, and under new head coach Derek Hanssen, Westbrook thrived on being a post-oriented team.

   “My four seniors were the captains,” said Coach Derek Hanssen. “Kim did a good job of playing the point. Kayla contributed more and more as the season went on. Gabby became our defensive stopper and Chrissy led the team in scoring and rebounding.”

   The Knights led off the season with losses against East Hampton and Portland, which was followed by wins against Valley and Hale-Ray. Westbrook was also victorious against Old Saybrook and Hyde Leadership, both Shoreline rivals.

Boys’ Basketball

   Finishing 10-10 in the regular season and winning two games in the postseason, the Westbrook boys’ basketball team made the state tournament for the first time in three years. Under Coach Bill Bernard, the Knights lost in the first-round games of both the shoreline and state tournament.

   “I’m satisfied where we ended up, but we lost some games we should’ve won throughout the season,” said Bernard. “I went in hoping for 12-8, but we fell a little short, although we made it to the first round of states—it was the first time in three years this team made states.”

   Led by senior captains Brian Cormier, Drew Bernard, and Peter Taylor, as well as fellow seniors Jesse McLaughlin and Jim Shrek, this group proved they knew how to win. Taylor and McLaughlin earned Third Team All-Shoreline honors, while the upcoming underclassmen posted a 15-4 record for the junior varsity team.

WB Spring Sports Finishes Solid Year

Shore Publishing — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:41:28 GMT

By Jennifer Small, Harbor News Sports Writer:

Boys’ Tennis

   With not one year-round player on the team, the Knights finished 10-10 in the regular season and qualified for the state tournament. Under the leadership of senior captain Drew Bernard, the team also looked to seniors Jerry Morant, Ryan Taylor, Ryan Higgins, and Aaron Bernstein. Many of the Knights’ losses were 4-3 games and the team, although graduating five seniors, has youth on their side for the future.

Girls’ Tennis

   Finishing 11-7, the Westbrook girls’ tennis team ended its season on a high note. Senior captains Avery David, who finished her season as a Second Team All-Shoreline selection, and Rachel Cyr “did an excellent job by example at practices and games and promoted sportsmanship and dedication to the task as leaders of the team,” according to Coach Paula Fitzgerald.

   Also graduating were Pam Tucker (Honorable Mention All-Shoreline), Sara Verderame, Maggie Federici (Second Team All-Shoreline), Sam Westbrook, and Amanda Gessick.

Softball

   Despite finishing 6-14, the Westbrook softball team showed off its experienced players and improved upon working together as a team. Under captains Julie and Jenny Labbadia (MVP, All-Shoreline Honorable Mention pitcher), and lone senior Meredith Guimond, the Knights beat tough teams like Old Saybrook, Portland, Putnam, and Academy of the Holy Family.

Baseball

   The young Westbrook baseball team forged an alliance and vowed to play through games, even if it looked as though it would come out in the loss column. The final 4-16 record may not have been what they were hoping for, but it wasn’t too far off.

   That starting pitching was the big question mark at the start of the season. After graduating three senior starters in 2007, Westbrook had to rely on its youth to get wins for the team. Senior co-captain and pitcher Brian Cormier had his ups and downs during the season but pulled out a big win for the Knights in their final game against Shoreline Conference rivals North Branford.

   Also pulling through for the Knights on the mound was sophomore Matt Forest, who earned the most wins on the team and was awarded Most Improved. Proving to be the team’s offensive powerhouse, senior co-captain Ryan Riggio led the team in hitting with a .325 batting average and was also the winner of the Southern Connecticut Diamond Club “No I in Team” Award and the Coach’s Award.

Girls’ Track

   The girls’ track team finished 27th in Class S and 10th in the Shoreline Conference under senior captain Danielle Aspinwall.

   Also graduating was senior Gabby Delorenze, an integral part of the team who spent much of the season injured. Sophomore Brittany Moore went to the State Open again and placed in the top five in the long jump for Class S for the second year in a row.

Boys’ Track

   The Westbrook boys’ track team had much success in 2008, finishing ninth in the Shoreline Conference and 16th in Class S, despite being a relatively small team. Alex Dyer was the team’s big performer, taking top honors in the Shoreline shot put and second in discus, while placing first in the discus at states. Also contributing to the team’s success were Pat Hamilton, Dan Devenscenzo, Adamo Fusaro, and Ken Cusano.

WB Fall Teams Find Strength in Senior Class

Shore Publishing — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:39:48 GMT

By Holly D’Addio, Harbor News Sports Writer:

Girls’ Soccer

   The Westbrook girls’ soccer team had yet another tough season and finished 1-14-1, but brought more to the table than in previous years under new coach Brian Moore, including hard work that resulted in many games ending in one-goal losses.

   Senior captains Alyssa Bernstein (Honorable Mention All-Shoreline) and Shannon Godiksen and junior captain Brittany Moore (First Team All-Shoreline) led the team. Brittany Palermo was a Second Team All-Shoreline pick while goalkeeper Tara Higgins was Honorable Mention.

Boys’ Soccer

   The 2-10-4 record did not reflect the hard work and effort the Westbrook boys’ soccer team put in. Under Coach Jeff Higgins, the Knights were powered by seasoned veterans and plagued by calls to the other team.

   Leading the team were senior captains Adam Welch (Honorable Mention All-Shoreline), Jeremy Larkin, and Dylan Twigg. Seniors Logan Bridgewater, Matt Corda, Patrick Hamilton, and Patrick Loftus also helped lead the team to possibly its biggest accomplishment—tying conference champion Morgan in a regular-season game.

Field Hockey

   Proving they are still a powerhouse team, the Westbrook field hockey team finished another solid season with a 9-6-2 record, even without its starting goalie.

   The captains were Britney Malhotra, Jenny Labbadia, Julie Labbadia, and Caitlon Stedman with seniors Amy Valiante, Alyssa Molinares, Abby Neale, Michelle Biegaj, Christina Gamble, and Mary Panico also contributing.

   Jenny Labbadia, Stedman, and Katherine Clements were First Team All-Shoreline picks, while Malhotra and Julie Labbadia earned Second Team honors, despite the fact Labbadia was out most of the season with mono. Honorable Mention went to Amy Dean and Alyssa Reilly, while Stedman was also named League MVP and First Team All-State and Julie Labbadia was named All-State Scholar-Athlete.

OS Winter Sports Sees Two Shoreline Champions in Track and Boys’ Basketball

Shore Publishing — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:26:47 GMT

By Holly D’Addio, Harbor News Sports Writer:

Girls’ Basketball

   On paper, it may look like the Old Saybrook girls’ basketball team had a rough season—the Rams finished 4-16—but don’t let that record fool you. While getting the wins against both Hale-Ray and Hyde Leadership, the Rams challenged several top teams throughout the season and made even the best of them look behind their shoulders.

   “The 2007-08 team was an awesome group to work with due to their work ethic, enthusiasm, perseverance, and refusal to become discouraged by injury and misfortune,” said Coach XXXXXXXX Woods.

   Despite losing key players Christine Marshall and Katy Price for most of the season due to injuries, and Amanda King for the last four games, the team rallied around each other to play close games against high-ranked teams such as Morgan and Cromwell, as well as Valley Regional when the Rams were without Marshall, Price, and King for that game.

   Leading the team was captain Brittany O’Neil, the lone senior on the team. Melissa Rodriguez, Taylor Yust, and Beth Morrison also showed leadership and development throughout the season. Rodriguez earned Honorable Mention All-Shoreline, while King made Second Team All-Shoreline.

Boys’ Basketball

   After losing in the Shoreline finals game three years in a row, this year’s Old Saybrook boys’ basketball team looked to break the streak. Not only were the Rams successful in the Shoreline finals game, they were successful throughout the entire season, due to their work ethic and never-give-up attitude.

   “We surpassed our goals,” said Coach Denis Freeman. “I came into the year meeting with the captains and I said ending up around 15-6 would’ve been a good goal. We improved upon that goal and ended up better.”

   The Rams went undefeated through 11 games before falling to Shoreline rival Hyde Leadership, only to avenge that loss their next meeting—the Shoreline finals.

   “We did a great job in Shorelines,” said Freeman. “We did good against Westbrook, then had a tough game against Cromwell in the semifinals. We saved our grittiest performance for Hyde in the finals. Everyone was talking about Hyde, and rightfully so—they’re a very talented team—and we were fortunate to have played well against them. Nobody was talking about us, but we pulled it out.”

   Old Saybrook entered the Class S tournament as a fourth seed where it won in the first round against 29th-seeded O’Brien Tech. They then beat 20th-seeded St. Paul Catholic in the second round and lost to 21st-seeded Bloomfield in the quarterfinals.

   Old Saybrook was led by senior captains Eric Stalsburg, Dylan Briotti, who earned First Team All-Shoreline honors; and Zach Wright, who was named Shoreline Player of the Year.

   “These captains did an outstanding job,” said Freeman. “They might not have been the most vocal, but they played and led by example. They accepted criticism during practice and games and set an example to the younger kids. They are a great bunch and we were very fortunate to have them as leaders.”

   Seniors Frank Eucalitto and Dom Pacelli also contributed to the Rams’ success, along with Nick Farbotka, Kyle McGowan, and Mike Pantages.

Indoor Track

   After both the girls’ and boys’ teams were Shoreline Conference Champions, the Rams competed well in the Class S state meet. The girls—led by Maggie Dunlap, Lara Novinski, Sara Schiavone, Lindsey Martel, Sam Cummins, Chiara Scarpelli, Emily Pfannenstiel, Deanna Slobin, Dyllon Cappiello, Hillary Maxson, Dannielle Sorano, and Kris Cawley—finished 11th and the boys’ team—led by Mike Rubano, Nick Bai, Trevor Manuel, Nick Kauffmann, JJ Connolly, Sean Charles, Nate Willbanks, Cam Dunlap, and Rod Souza—finished sixth.

   In the Shoreline meet, Mike Rubano was a huge point-scorer for his team, recording several top finishes. He finished second in the 1,000, setting a conference and school record. He also took first in the 3,200 and second in the 1,600.

   On the girls’ end, the 3,200 relay team of Garnett McGlaughlin, Maxson, Cummins, and Pfannensteil finished second, setting a school record. Nora Brown finished first in the 55 hurdles and Maxson placed second in the 1,600 and third in the 3,200.

   Strand for the boys and Brown for the girls were the top finishers in the state meet, with Strand coming in first place in the 600 and Brown finishing second in the 55 hurdles.

OS Spring Sports Sees Success All Around

Shore Publishing — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:25:14 GMT

By Jennifer Small, Harbor News Sports Editor:

Girls’ Tennis

   In a record-breaking season, the Old Saybrook girls’ tennis team won eight games—more than the last few years combined-also making the state tournament for the first time in years after finishing the regular season at 8-8.

   Other seniors included Tseyang Amdo, Crista Anderson, Liz Clampett, Courtney Meyer, and Joelle Sopariwala.

   Freshman MVP and No. 1 player Alissa Rothman was the team’s pleasant surprise for the season.

Boys’ Lacrosse

   The success of the first-year varsity boys’ lacrosse program was unprecedented, as the team finished the regular season with a 9-7 record and was ranked 10th of 26 teams, making it to the state tournament. The Rams were captained by Steve Konarski, the team’s lone senior, and Chris Covey. MVP went to Konarski, Alex Rose, Ian Graham, and Jeff Stanwix.

Girls’ Lacrosse

   Despite a losing season, the Old Saybrook girls’ lacrosse team had heart and determination. Under senior captains Vee Sourignamath, Kristen Santamaria, and Heather Yavarone, the team saw a bigger turnout in 2008 than in previous seasons. Also contributing for the Rams was Mairin Finnegan and McKenzie Slane.

Baseball

   Despite finishing with a 7-13 record, the Rams played well as a team throughout the season and may have hit a few patches of bad luck, narrowly missing the state tournament.

   Old Saybrook led off the season with a big win against Shoreline Conference rival Morgan before falling to Old Lyme, Coginchaug, HK, Cromwell, and East Hampton. The team recorded a few more wins against Hyde, Westbrook, North Branford, Portland, and Hale-Ray to end the season just shy of postseason qualification.

   Leading the team were captains Brian Pendleton (Coach’s Award), Frank Eucalitto, and Pete Krawiec, along with fellow seniors Jon Ostrowski, Robbie Simoni, and Jeremy Painter.

Girls’ Track

   Finishing third in the Shoreline Conference and eighth in Class S, the Old Saybrook girls’ track team put in a solid performance in 2008. Danielle Sorano was Shoreline champion in the pole vault (9-0) and set a meet record for the event, while Lara Novinski was also Shoreline champion in the 200 (27.76).

   In the Class S, Nora Brown proved to be the one to beat. She finished second in the both the 100 hurdles (16.35) and the triple jump (34-06 ¼), while teammate Hilary Maxson finished fourth in the 3,200 (12:07.58).

Boys’ Track

   Facing a tough Shoreline Conference, the Rams came out on top, taking the top slot in the conference. Putting the final piece in the puzzle for the win was senior Zach Wright, who was Shoreline Champion in four events—100 (11.51), high jump (6-04), triple jump (39-03 ½), 300 hurdles (40.33), in which he broke a state record.

   Also putting in a solid individual performance was Rod Souza, who was Shoreline Champion in the 110 high hurdles event (15.05), breaking a school record for that event, and fourth in the triple jump (38-08 ½). Junior Mike Rubano placed second in both the 1,600 (4:37.82) and 800 (2:04.55), while senior Eric Stalsburg placed third in the 400 (53.45) and Nick Kauffmann placed third in the javelin (153-01).

   In the Class S State Championship, the boys’ team was runners-up to Bloomfield, suffering its first loss of the season. Souza and Wright were both state champions—Souza in the 110 hurdles (14.90) and Wright in the high jump (6-4).

Golf

   The Old Saybrook golf team saw yet another successful season in 2008. Finishing 10-8-1 with a shoreline record of 5-4-1 in the regular season and a third-place finish in the conference tourney resulted in 13.5 points and a fifth-place finish overall. The Rams were also seeded 13th in the state tournament based on regular-season scoring. The team shot 355 and finished 14th overall in the Division IV tournament.

   The Rams had an individual standout performance by sophomore Jon Drobiarz (First Team All-Shoreline), who finished 10th at the conference tournament with an 83 and also shot 83 in the state tournament.

   Senior Sam Ayers earned Second Team All-Shoreline and tied for seventh individually with an 82 at the conference tournament. Solid contributions were also made by junior James Schondelmeier, sophomore Matt Joseph, and freshman Shane Stangle.

OS Fall Sports Dominated by Senior Leadership

Shore Publishing — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:23:11 GMT

By Holly D’Addio, Harbor News Sports Writer:

Field Hockey

   What a difference a year makes for the Old Saybrook field hockey team. After finishing their 2007 season 5-10-1 and failing to qualify for the state tournament, the Rams began 2008 with five straight wins and ultimately qualified for the state tournament after finishing 7-7-2.

   The Rams fell to North Branford in the first round of the state tournament in double overtime and had their best and hardest-played game of the year, which included double-digit saves for senior Lauren van Vliet, an Honorable Mention All-Shoreline honoree.

   Senior captains Meredith Chamberlain, Leah Sweet, and Mackenzie Slane were all contributors to the team’s success. Chamberlain (9 goals, 3 assists) was named co-MVP and a Second Team All-State and First Team All-Shoreline player, while Sweet earned the Coach’s Award and a Second Team All-Shoreline nod, and senior Arianna Pappas (12 goals, assist), was co-MVP, Second Team All-Shoreline, and Second Team All-State.

   Rounding out the senior class were Danielle Scott (Second Team All-Shoreline), Marissa Souza (Honorable Mention), Nikki Mehrtens (Ram Spirit Award), Kaitlyn Scarlett (Ram Spirit Award), Allie Jensen, Catie O’Brien, Colby Redway, and Paige Shelto.

Cross-Country

   Despite not being able to run a single meet with everyone healthy in 2008, the cross-country teams fought to stay on top and succeeded. Both teams ran with young athletes this fall and had to compete without some of their best runners due to injury.

   The boys’ team finished 10th in the Shoreline Conference and 14th in the state tournament and was hindered by the loss of senior co-captain Mike Rubano—a conference champion the past two years.

   Despite the loss of Rubano, junior captain Rod Souza stepped up in leadership, as did senior James Schondelmeier. Freshman Sean Hughes (Coach’s Award) also had a solid season.

   Finishing a solid seventh in the Shoreline Conference and eighth in the state tournament proved to be the big accomplishment for the girls, with help from the team’s two captains—senior Mary Burton and junior Hillary Maxson, who was First Team All-Shoreline, All-State, Coach’s Award recipient. Senior Ally Towne, a four-year runner, also contributed.

Girls’ Soccer

   While the Old Saybrook girls’ soccer team finished yet another somewhat disappointing season with a 2-12-2 record, team growth was evident by season’s end and the record did not quite show the team’s capability, as the Rams finished the season with six one-goal games. Senior tri-captains Melissa Rodriguez, Katie Price, and Christine Marshall were top contributors.

Boys’ Soccer

   After losing 13 seniors to graduation last year, the Rams were rebuilding in 2008. Under 2007 Shoreline Conference Coach of the Year Sam Barnes, Old Saybrook finished 2-12-2 record after winning 14 games last season.

   Helping to put the team back on track were seniors Julian Gulliksen, Will Patterson, and Christian Shurtleff, whose leadership was invaluable.

Football

   Finishing 5-6, the Old Saybrook/Westbrook football team ended its 2008 season subpar, but much of the reason was the team was plagued by a few major injuries throughout the season. The Rams, however, finished with a win on Thanksgiving Day, beating out Morgan.

   The 13 seniors included Matt Bowes (MVP, Best Defensive Player), Chris Covey, Cameron Dunlap, James Deng, Nick Pentrose, Calvin Hararay, Alex Dyer, Jason Cane, Ryan MacDonald (Offensive Player of the Year), Jon McKenna (Special Teams Player of the Year), Cameron Shea, Ian Santagata, and Chris Bushy.

Morgan Winter Sports Fall Short of Ultimate Goals But Improve

Shore Publishing — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:55:45 GMT

By Holly D’Addio, Harbor News Sports Writer:

Wrestling

   Led by only two seniors—captains Bobby Butcher and Jake Luchuk—the Morgan wrestling team was unable to fill a roster of 14, therefore having a tough time winning meets as a team due to forfeits. Erik Leiss, a Morgan wrestling alum, took over as head coach.

   Butcher was the team’s star, earning the Class S title for his weight class and took fifth in the State Open. The team was mainly made up of freshmen and sophomores who had little or no experience, but learned the sport quickly and are expected to strengthen the team in the years to come.

Indoor Track

   The boys’ and girls’ indoor track team had another successful season in 2007-2008. The girls finished fifth in Shorelines and seventh in Class S, while the boys finished third in Shorelines and eighth in Class S.

   Led by team captains Emily Lane, Jessica Lane, Michelle Manguilli, Jim Kostek, Zack Standish, Alex Shultz, and Sean Nunan, the Huskies posted high scores throughout the season. Mike Underwood coached the team.

Girls’ Basketball

   It’s hard to top a season like the one the Morgan girls’ basketball team had in 2007-2008. The Huskies made it to both the Shoreline finals and Class M state championship games and, although they lost in both, the season would be hard to beat.

   “To finish second in the state, we can’t be too upset with what we accomplished,” said Coach Joe Grippo. “They all came and worked hard every day in practice and it’s how we got to where we did.”

   Ending the regular season with a 17-3 record, the Huskies—ranked fifth in Class M—fell to East Hampton in the Shoreline finals, only to come back playing hard in states just days later, eventually losing to second-seeded Avon in the finals.

   “I was most impressed with how these girls came back after their Shoreline loss and played in the state tournament,” said Grippo. “Everything just came together for them-we were 14 seconds from being knocked out in the quarterfinals, but the way they conducted themselves-they played damn good basketball. I’m not upset with anything that took place. To turn around and do what we did after the Shoreline finals game—that says a lot about what we’re about.”

   The Huskies were led by senior captain Cat Gordon and juniors Kara Fillion and Michelle Santamaria, who both earned First Team All-Shoreline honors at season’s end. Andriel Doolittle, who earned Honorable Mention All-Shoreline honors, and Melissa Atkins rounded out the senior class. Other contributors were freshmen Melissa Bastian and Amanda Cullen.

Boys’ Basketball

   Ending with a 6-13 record, the Huskies fell short of their ultimate goal of making postseason tournaments but did not fall short in effort during the season.

   “We were a young team and never stopped playing,” said Coach Joe Manning. “We led most of our games this year but struggled putting a complete game together. We made every opponent work for its win and proved we can beat any team on a given night.”

   Led by captains Mike Frisbie, Kyle Fillion, Brian Mitko, and Mitch DeMazza, the Huskies graduated the lone senior—Steve French.

2008 Harbor Spring Sports Year in Review: Morgan Senior Presence Plays Big Role in Spring Success

Shore Publishing — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:53:37 GMT

By Holly D’Addio, Harbor News Sports Editor:

Girls’ Tennis

   Ending the season 1-15, the Huskies had a rough season due to several varsity players from the previous year not returning. Senior captains Monika Kadlof and Erin Wenker provided leadership, while seniors Vanessa Baez (MVP) and Rebecca Rota also showed solid improvement on the season.

   The team’s highlight was its away victory against HK in a close 4-3 match and several other close matches that resulted in losses.

Girls’ Lacrosse

   For the second year in a row, the Morgan girls’ lacrosse team proved that as a newly founded varsity team, it should be taken seriously. The Huskies the season with an 11-5-1 record and in the Division II quarterfinals against Old Lyme.

   The Huskies were led by captains Cat Gordon, Maribeth Simmons, Jordan Molina, and Lainey Congdon. Gordon and Simmons—both seniors and First Team All-Shoreline, Scholar-Athlete, and New Haven Register All-Area players—started the lacrosse program at Morgan as freshmen and grew in the sport for four years.

   Congdon (First Team All-Shoreline, Scholar-Athlete, and Second Team All-State player) and Molina (Second Team All-Shoreline goalie) will be senior captains in 2009, along with Leah Houde (Second Team All-Shoreline).

   Other key contributors in 2008 were senior starters Kelsey Norton, Caitlyn Jones, Julia Mathison, and Jamie Mugavero.

Boys’ Lacrosse

   The Morgan boys’ lacrosse team finished another successful season with a 9-7 record and made it to the first round of state-tournament play.

   Jake Luchuk (Second Team All-Shoreline), Brendan Hylan (All-Area goalie), Brian Mitko, and Steve Nadeau captained the team.

   Also contributing to the Huskies’ success was Nick Campanaro on defense, Jeremy Finkeldey on faceoffs, and Sean Conway, Ryan Walsh, Andy Rodrigues, and Hugh Neri on attack.

Boys’ Tennis

   The Huskies finished with a 4-14 record, but their win over Shoreline Conference rivals Old Saybrook early in the season was a confidence booster. The team was led by senior captains Ian Kumekawa and Adam Apicella, who were the No. 1 and 5 players, respectively.

Baseball

   Finishing 10-11, the Morgan baseball team found much of its strength from the large number of experienced seniors on the team. Led by senior captains Jim Kostek, Adam Taylor (2008 All-Star selection), and Mitch Demazza, the Huskies also found leadership from seniors Zach Standish, Steve French, Bill Morelli, Garrett Coady, and pitcher Matt Richards.

Golf

   The Morgan golf team’s record didn’t come close to indicating the hard work and determination the Huskies put in during the season. Finishing 1-16, the team stayed positive despite its losing record with help from senior captain Ron Hurst, who was First Team All-Shoreline and had some of the team’s best scores throughout the season.

   Also contributing to the team’s camaraderie were juniors Chris Anderson, Tim Campanaro, AJ Driscoll, and Bryan Comeau and sophomores Kyle Fillion and Alec Putillo.

Softball

   The Morgan softball program continued its success in 2008 under Coach Sal Fiorillo. The team finished 13-9 and finished better than .500 for the first time in five years to make the state tournament.

   Seniors Melissa Atkins (First Team All-Shoreline) and Andriel Doolittle (Second Team All-Shoreline) led the team with help from senior pitcher Ashley Van *** and Caitlyn Hammer. First Team All-Shoreline selection Jenn Hill, Second Team All-Shoreline selection Sam Sanchez, and Honorable Mention All-Shoreline Emily Criscolou also contributed.

Girls’ Track

   Ranked sixth in the Shoreline Conference and eighth in Class M at season’s end, the Morgan girls’ track team exceeded expectations. Under captains Jessica Lane, MVP Emily Lane, and Kim Lee, the team united for a strong showing in Class M.

   Graduating seniors included Jessica Lane, Lee, Caitlyn Campanaro, and Brittany Treichel. Juniors Katie Hozian and Michelle Manguilli also put in solid performances throughout the season.

Boys’ Track

   Early on in the season, many might have discounted the young and shorthanded Morgan boys’ outdoor track team, but the Huskies had a successful finish with an impressive eighth in the Shoreline Conference and 21st in Class M.

   The Huskies graduated four seniors including co-captain Alex Schultz, who scored points for Morgan in the 4x800 and 800 events, Ryan Kaye, John Carbone, and Bobby Butcher, and both Kaye and Carbone were a part of the Shoreline champion 4x400 relay team that came within a second of breaking the school record. Schultz, Kaye, and Carbon were also recipients of the Coach’s and Captain’s Award, recognizing hard work, leadership, and determination throughout the season.

   Perhaps the standout of this season was junior co-captain Sean Nunan, who was runner-up in the 300 in the Shoreline Championship, scoring his best time, while breaking the school record. He was also a member of the 4x400 team that placed first at Shorelines, as well as a seventh in the State Open and qualifying for New Englands.

Morgan Fall Sports Sees Two Shoreline Champions

Shore Publishing — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:50:39 GMT

By Holly D’Addio, Harbor News Sports Writer:

Girls’ Soccer

   The Morgan girls’ soccer team overcame youth and injury by finishing the 2008 season with a solid 10-5-2 record to qualify for the state tournament.

   Senior captains Jocelyn Rose, Ania Kadlof, and Lauren Barnett went above and beyond as the team’s leaders with help from seniors Katie Hozian and Kerry Hayes. Rose and junior Ashlyn Zacarelli were named MVP and earned First Team All-Shoreline and Second Team All-Shoreline honors, respectively. Kadlof was given the Sportsmanship Award, Hozian the Coach’s Award, and veteran goalkeeper Kaylee Woodford and Danielle Soucy were Honorable Mention All-Shoreline recipients.

Field Hockey

   After finishing a somewhat sub-par season with a 2-13-1 record, the Morgan field hockey team had plenty to brag about despite the small number of wins.

   With only 19 consistent players on the entire squad—six of them seniors—the Huskies undoubtedly played their best game against powerhouse Haddam-Killingworth. Despite suffering a 1-0 loss, Morgan held the Shoreline Conference championship team to one goal.

   Leading the Huskies were senior captains Casey Vickerman and goalkeeper Paige Bogucki, who earned the Coach’s Award and All-State, First Team All-Shoreline, and Scholar-Athlete honors. Seniors Michelle Santamaria, Jess Sarkisian, Maria Ierardi, and Kelsey Welch were also major contributors.

Cross-Country

   Youth certainly ruled both the Morgan boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams this season. With only one senior on the team—girls’ captain Emily Lane—the Huskies can only look to an even stronger future ahead with the experience gained from the underclassmen this season.

   The boys’ success was found in the its eighth-place finish in the Shoreline Conference and 13th-place finish in Class SS. Leading the Huskies as captain was junior Mike Gosselin. Juniors Preston Porter, Gio Ortiz, and Grady McBride, as well as sophomores Kyle Waterbury, John Schroeder, and Guillome Bastian all contributed to the team’s success.

   The girls finished 10th in the Shoreline Conference and 15th in Class SS under Lane’s leadership. The team’s No. 1 runner, freshman Elena Schroeder, earned Second Team All-Shoreline with her 18th-place finish at the shoreline meet, while junior Maria Paradis and freshmen Emily Card and Kelley Roche also put in a solid season for Morgan.

Volleyball

   It would be hard-pressed to have a repeat season the way the Morgan volleyball team had in 2008. Finishing the regular season undefeated and winning their 16th straight Shoreline Conference title after beating out Haddam-Killingworth was a feat of its own, but the Huskies continued to power through the Class S State Tournament and suffered their only loss in the finals against undefeated Coventry, leaving them as state runners-up to cap a remarkable season at 23-1.

   Senior co-captains Kara Fillion and Brittany Dahlberg—both four-year players—were integral to getting the Huskies to where they went this season. Fillion capped another phenomenal season, earning MVP All-New Haven Area and First Team All-Shoreline and All-State honors, while Dahlberg was also a First Team All-Shoreline pick and Second Team All-State player.

   Also serving as huge contributors for the Huskies were seniors Johanna Mari (First Team All-Shoreline), Julia Torella, Jordan Molina, Stephanie Zimerle, Jessie Short, Kristen Fitzgerald, Kim Eininger, and Leah Houde.

Boys’ Soccer

   Under new Head Coach Scott Raffone, the Morgan boys’ soccer team built a squad on hard work, experience, and a new system. The Huskies finished their season 15-3-1 and won the Shoreline Conference title after edging out Old Lyme before suffering a surprising loss in the second round of the state tournament to end their season short of the ultimate goal.

   The Huskies were made up of several seasoned veterans and boasted postseason awards to the moon. Senior captains Sean Nunan (MVP, First Team All-Shoreline, All-State), Brian Mitko (Sportsmanship Award, First Team All-Shoreline, All-State), and Alex Mansfield, who missed the season with an ACL tear but earned the Coach’s Award for his continued support.

   Rounding out the senior class were goalkeeper Tyler Reynolds (Honorable Mention All-Shoreline, 10 shutouts), Tyler Redes, defender Joe Bergers (Second Team All-Shoreline, 2 goals, 5 assists), Sam Carlson (Most Improved), defender Chris Fagan, Leo Rode (First Team All-Shoreline, CSCA Senior Bowl selection, and Defensive Player of the Year), and Steve Munoz.

Football

   Under new head coach Tom Maffuid, the Huskies put together a youthful team and Maffuid recruited more players as the season started. Morgan ended its season 3-8 after losing several close ball games to tough division rivals.

   The team was led by senior captains Chris Alfano, Jon Mizger (Sportsmanship Award), and Kevin Smith, a player that was injured all season with a dislocated shoulder suffered in the preseason.

   The remainder of the team was comprised of seniors Ryan Walsh, Joe Carosella, and Andy Brooks, as well as 17 juniors and only a few sophomores, some of which started on either side of the ball throughout the season and gained some valuable experience. The Huskies’ biggest accomplishment proved to be something that was done to ensure a successful future for the program: adding to the team’s numbers.

In the Spirit of Giving

Shore Publishing — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:07:37 GMT

    Board members of Families Helping Families (FHF), a Clinton non-profit organization, were excited to present to the town a check for $10,000. The money will be used to assist Clinton families in need pay their home heating bills. In addition to the $10,000 raised this year, the group also collected more than 5,000 pounds of food for the Clinton Food Pantry.

   “The reason we were able to raise this amount of money and food this year is due to our partnering with local civic organizations such as Rotary and the Lions Club, and through the work of the students and staff at the Joel Elementary School, and because of the Clinton Country Club which hosted our annual fund-raising golf tournament,” said FHF President Miner Vincent.

   Since 2004, Families Helping Families, which provides food and energy assistance to needy Clinton families, has raised a total of $51,000 and donated more than 19,000 pounds of food.

   “We are hoping for more donations next year, but it is remarkable how much we raised this year considering the economic conditions facing us all,” added Vincent. “People come up to us, unsolicited, and hand us a check. The people of the town of Clinton are generous and willing to share.”

Pictured: Families Helping Families (FHF) President Miner Vincent, left, and FHF Vice-President Terri Dombi, right, present a $10,000 check to Clinton First Selectman William “Willie” Fritz, Jr. The money will be used to assist Clinton families in paying their home heating bills.

Photo by Fay Abrahamsson

Early Evening Fire Kills Westbrook Senior

Shore Publishing — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:03:39 GMT

WESTBROOK:

   Residents in the quiet retirement neighborhood of New England Village were shaken two Saturday’s ago when a fire claimed the life of one of their own.

   The sole occupant of 39 Stone Hedge Road, an elderly woman whose identity still had not been released by state police at press time pending notification of her family members, died from smoke inhalation—according to a medical examiner’s report—after her house caught fire just a few hours after sunset.

   The victim’s relatives live outside of the U.S., according to police.

   When firefighters arrived at the scene minutes after being dispatched at 6:47 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, they found the dwelling completely engulfed in flames. After the fire was knocked down enough for firefighters to enter the one-story dwelling, the woman’s body was found inside.

   While state fire marshals continue their investigation into the cause of the fatal fire, police said there was no early evidence of any foul play.

   According to Westbrook Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jim Long, the fire was extinguished around 10 p.m. yet firefighters remained on scene for several hours in case of a flare-up.

- Jason J. Marchi

Pictured: An elderly woman died when her small ranch house caught fire on Saturday, Dec. 13 in the senior residential neighborhood of New England Village.

Photo by Jason J. Marchi