North Haven Courier

Songs to Soothe the Soul

Shore Publishing — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:08:09 GMT

By Jason J. Marchi, Courier Correspondent:

   After the congregants of St. Vincent de Paul Church in East Haven kept telling parish cantors Carol and Joseph Silva how comforting their songs were during Mass, funerals, and concerts, they finally recorded a music CD.

   As easy as that sounds, it was, in truth, a decades-long relationship the Silvas had with Kathryn Scalia, the parish’s director of music, that made the album—I Am with You Always—a reality.

   A piano teacher in North Haven with 23 years under her belt as the music director at St. Vincent’s and having produced a musical album before, Kathy was in the ideal position to take the helm as a producer and instrumentalist and help Joe and Carol create their inspirational CD.

   “For two years I tried to talk them into it–they’re so humble about their singing,” Kathy says.

   Then, when William Iovanni, director of the Iovanni Funeral Home in New Haven, requested a CD of the Silvas’ music for his customers, Kathy paid attention to that “calling” and convinced the singing duo it was now time to commit to recording what so many were asking for.

   “I told them, ‘This is it, you better do it or you’re not going to do it, Kathy says.

   “I had to sit with my computer in my music room,” she explains of the start of the creative process, “and I had to ask myself, ‘How do I feel about this song? What does this song need?”

   And although every move the trio made on the project seemed to be telling them they were doing the right thing by creating the CD, Kathy admits “It was scary for us when the CD came out. We put our blood and sweat into this and it’s our souls. It’s how we are interpreting a particular song with my instrumentals and their vocals.”

   Her fears were quickly laid to rest, however, with the response to the CD by fellow parishioners: nothing but heavenly.

   “Why do people like us?” Joe Silva asks of their growing legion of fans.

   “I work with a bunch of big burly men,” he continues. “And they come pulling into the parking lot and I hear my wife’s voice, or my voice, or Kathy’s music playing in their cars, it’s the strangest thing.”

   Kathy explains Joe Silva’s surprise as a natural tendency to take one’s own innate talent for granted. After all, with 23 years at the pipe organ, Kathy is used to her own small group of fans.

   “On the holidays when the congregation is packed and they come up here [to the organ loft] they enjoy watching me play, and when you do something so often you just take it for granted,” she notes.

   All modesty aside, Kathy says the songs on the CD are “meant to carry people through times of trouble, uncertainty, loss or sorrow, or simply help them get through a bad day or a rough patch. We all have troubles, but beautiful music can sooth our souls and carry us through the tough times in our lives.”

   Kathy says the trio hopes to recoup the production costs of the CD—to repay their angel sponsor, Bill Iovanni—and then begin donating some of the proceeds from the CD sales back to St. Vincent’s.

   Meanwhile, Kathryn has returned to her love of teaching piano at Goldie and Libro Music Center and School of Music on Washington Avenue.

   “I took my grandson there for guitar lessons just a month ago, and I came out with a job,” she says.

I Am With You Always CDs are $20. Copies can be purchased at the St. Vincent De Paul Church office, 80 Taylor Avenue, East Haven, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays, or by calling Kathryn Scalia at 203-284-0765 or Joe and Carol Silva at 203-468-8161. CDs can also be mailed for an additional postage charge.

Pictured: Although Kathryn Scalia has been playing heavenly music from the choir loft at St. Vincent de Paul Church for almost a quarter-century, it took five months and more than 150 hours of preparation to produce I Am with You Always, with church cantors Joseph and Carol Silva.

Photo by Jason J. Marchi

To nominate a person of the week, contact Jason Marchi at j.marchi@shorepublishing.com or call 203-245-1877 x 6166.

Taxes Made Virtually Painless

Shore Publishing — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:03:49 GMT

By Meredith Crawford, Courier Associate Editor:

   When it comes to paying your taxes to the town this year, there’s one less line to wait in and one less thing to think about. North Haven offers its residents the option to pay their real estate, personal property, motor vehicle, and supplemental motor vehicle bills online on a secure site.

    Residents can access that site through the town’s official website, www.town.north-haven.ct.us.

    Tax Collector Alan Sturtz said this arrangement, which North Haven also offered in July, has benefits for residents, as well as for the town.

   “You can schedule the payment for any day you want…and it’s automatically uploaded to the town’s account and the bill is paid,” said Sturtz. “There are no lines and no time constraints…Hopefully people who are computer savvy and who pay all their other bills online will use the Internet for municipal tax bills, too.”

   Sturtz said the website charges a $0.50 processing fee for each bill paid. He reminds residents that the last day to pay real estate, personal property, and supplemental motor vehicle bills without penalty is Monday, Feb. 2.

   For those who still prefer to mail their payment to the town’s post office box in Hartford or to pay in person, Sturtz said the Tax Collector’s Office is working to make the process as smooth as possible. Residents paying in person in Town Hall should have everything ready in advance to ensure quick processing. When paying with a check, residents should include the bill number on the memo line.

   Sturtz encouraged residents to call his office with any questions and to leave a detailed voice message if the volume of calls precludes an immediate answer.

For more information, call the Tax Collector’s Office at 203-239-5321, ext. 765.

Police Incident Report: Dec. 17 to 30

Shore Publishing — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:01:55 GMT

The North Haven Courier publishes a Police Incident Report to inform residents of incidents, criminal activities, and police responses occurring in town. As those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the report does not include names.

Wednesday, Dec. 17
• A 30-year-old Milford man was arrested at 7:30 a.m. and charged with violation of a restraining order.
• A 62-year-old man of Ridge Road was arrested at 8:31 p.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, evading responsibility in the operation of a motor vehicle following an accident, and failure to drive in the proper lane of a multiple-lane highway.
• A 30-year-old Shelton man was arrested at 8:58 p.m. and charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, criminal trespass in the first degree, criminal mischief in the second degree, breach of peace, and threatening.

Thursday, Dec. 18
• A 39-year-old Wallingford man was arrested at 10:35 p.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• A 31-year-old Wallingford man was issued a misdemeanor summons at 3 p.m. for failure to have insurance and traveling too fast for conditions.
• A 30-year-old man of a State Street apartment was issued a misdemeanor summons at 10:49 p.m. for speeding and operating a motor vehicle while under license suspension.

Friday, Dec. 19
• A 29-year-old New Haven man was arrested at 1 p.m. and charged with larceny in the fifth degree.

Saturday, Dec. 20
No arrests were made.
• A 57-year-old Madison man was issued a misdemeanor summons at 10:57 a.m. for failure to have insurance, operating a motor vehicle while under license suspension, failure to obey a control signal, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

Sunday, Dec. 21
• A 19-year-old Wallingford man was arrested at 12:09 a.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, traveling too fast for conditions, and failure to drive in the proper lane of a multiple-lane highway.
• A 42-year-old Waterbury man was issued a misdemeanor summons at 9:38 p.m. for failure to have insurance, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle while under license suspension.

Monday, Dec. 22
• A 29-year-old New Haven man was arrested at 9:58 a.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, possession of narcotics, possession of less than four ounces of marijuana, and failure to signal a turn.
• A 32-year-old man of Kings Highway was arrested at 12:19 p.m. and charged with disorderly conduct. In the same incident a 37-year-old woman was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and assault in the third degree.
• A 22-year-old woman of Skiff Street was arrested at 2 p.m. and charged with risk of injury to a minor and reckless endangerment in the first degree.
• A 25-year-old New Haven man was arrested at 9:30 p.m. and charged with larceny in the sixth degree.

Tuesday, Dec. 23
• A 41-year-old East Haven woman was arrested at 7:05 p.m. and charged with larceny in the sixth degree.

From Dec. 17 to 23, North Haven police also issued three citations for failure to drive a reasonable distance apart, three citations for failure to obey a control signal, and two citations for operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

Wednesday, Dec. 24
• A 22-year-old Hamden man was arrested at 10:04 p.m. and charged with criminal trespass in the third degree and criminal attempt to commit trespass in the third degree.

Thursday, Dec. 25 to Friday, Dec. 26
No arrests were made.

Saturday, Dec. 27
• A 33-year-old Glastonbury man was arrested at 1:17 a.m. and charged with breach of peace and refusing to be fingerprinted.

Sunday, Dec. 28
• A 25-year-old man of Scrub Oak Road was arrested at 12:28 a.m. and charged with possession of narcotics, possession of less than four ounces of marijuana, tampering with or fabricating evidence, and failure to grant right of way at a private road.
• A 44-year-old Wallingford man was arrested at noon on a warrant charging him with burglary in the second degree and larceny in the first degree.
• A 29-year-old Hamden man was arrested at 11:30 p.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and failure to drive right.

Monday, Dec. 29
• A 26-year-old Meriden man was arrested at 11:33 a.m. on a warrant charging him with failure to appear in the second degree. While in custody he was also charged at 1 p.m. with use and/or possession of less than four ounces of marijuana.
• A 20-year-old man was arrested at 12:40 p.m. and charged with burglary in the third degree, larceny in the third degree, and conspiracy to commit burglary in the third degree and larceny in the third degree.
• An 18-year-old man of Pool Road was arrested at 2:55 p.m. and charged with larceny in the third degree.

Tuesday, Dec. 30
• A 43-year-old man of Pembroke Pines, Louisiana, was arrested at 12:30 p.m. and charged with criminal trespass in the first degree and disorderly conduct.
• A 28-year-old woman of Beach Street was issued a misdemeanor summons at 4:43 p.m. for failure to have insurance and operating a motor vehicle while under license suspension.

From Dec. 23 to 30, North Haven police also issued three citations for traveling unreasonably fast, two citations for failure to maintain the proper lane of a multiple-lane highway, two citations for operating an unregistered motor vehicle, two citations for failure to obey a stop sign, and two citations for failure too obey a control signal. One citation was issued for each of the following: failure to keep right, operating a motor vehicle without a license, failure to drive a reasonable distance apart, failure to return license or registration after suspension, and improper license classification for vehicle driven.

Police correspondent Jason J. Marchi compiles the Police Incident Report

A Plethora of Possibility: Library Offers Endless Winter Entertainment

Shore Publishing — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:00:51 GMT

By Meredith Crawford, Courier Associate Editor:

   Whether you’re a concerned parent, an erstwhile dieter looking to re-enter the fold, or a curious and crafty kid, the North Haven Memorial Library has something to suit your interests this winter. Registration for most library programs and events starts tomorrow (Friday), so now is the time to stop by 17 Elm Street or visit www.leaplibraries.org/nhaven to secure one of the coveted spots.

   Things kick off for adults on Wednesday, Jan. 14 between 2 and 3 p.m. with the “Homeschool Educators Workshop.” Children’s Librarian Pat LaTerza and Reference Librarian Nancy Haag will give participants a taste of all the library has to offer as an educational and cultural resource.

   Then, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, join representatives from the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) as they present “Help! My Child is Struggling in School” between 7 and 8:30 p.m. CPAC will share insights into the Response to Intervention initiative now used in public schools as a tool to support struggling students. This program will address both academic and behavioral issues.

   Have a friend in a neighboring town who might be interested in the above programs? Feel free to bring him or her along, as both presentations are open to non-residents who register in advance.

   “Decoding Nutrition Labels: Don’t Judge a Food by its Package” will round out January’s adult programs as Joanne Hoffman, MS, of North Haven’s own EATS4LIFE Personal Nutrition Consultants shares her expertise on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. Hoffman will deliver an interactive seminar on dietary and other health issues. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the North Haven Library.

   When it comes to entertaining youngsters of all ages as the weather gets colder, the library has the answer, too.

   The library has followed the lead of its popular monthly Mother/Daughter Book Discussion series to include a Parent/Son series for area residents in grades 2 to 4 with a parent and/or caregiver. This season, the group will begin with My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Gannett.

   The Mother/Daughter series for grades 4 through 6 will start with Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo on Monday, Jan. 12. Meanwhile, the group for grades 7 through 9 will tackle its first tome–to be determined–on Monday, Jan. 26.

   The remainder of the library’s children’s programs represents a mix of old and ongoing favorites and fresh opportunities for exploration and fun. From a Chinese New Year celebration to a Bubblemania extravaganza and a look into Connecticut’s stranger myths, the North Haven Memorial Library’s offerings are too plentiful to list.

For more information, to obtain a full schedule of programs held at the North Haven Memorial Library at 17 Elm Street, and to register, call 203-239-5803 or visit www.leaplibraries.org/nhaven.

Friello Made His Mark at QB for Indians’ Football

Shore Publishing — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:25:25 GMT

By Chris Piccirillo, Courier Senior Sports Writer:

   An athlete’s path to success doesn’t always take the expected course and someone who understands that as much as anybody is North Haven senior Mike Friello. Mike was having a fine season two falls ago as a wide receiver/cornerback for Indians’ football as Tony Sagnella’s squad was poised to follow the prosperity of a 2006 season in which they won seven games.

   Sure enough, the ’07 campaign started well as North Haven was 2-1 and held a first-half lead against Cheshire. But then something happened which no follower of Indians’ football was happy about as quarterback Jeff Bartek suffered a dislocated shoulder that ended his season. One person who was as upset about this as anybody was Friello, a close friend of Bartek’s who’d been serving as North Haven’s backup quarterback.

   “It’s tough to see your friend and teammate go down like that,” Mike says. “I remember at the time thinking how the only thing I wanted was for Jeff to get up and be okay.”

   Ultimately, Bartek was okay as the senior captain had successful surgery and helped guide the Indians’ from the sidelines through the rest of the campaign. But still, here was Mike, a junior with no experience at varsity quarterback, now expected to lead a team which had expectations of a second straight winning season and having to begin that quest by maintaining the lead against a tough Cheshire squad. As upset as he was, Mike knew that sulking about his friend’s injury was no recipe for further Indians’ success.

   “There was lots pressure on me to come into a game like that and that wasn’t that way I wanted to become the team’s quarterback,” says Mike, who also had to take over Bartek’s role as punter and switch his defensive position from cornerback to safety. “But I remember seeing the seniors’ faces during halftime and how they looked like we could still do it so I just took it from there because I didn’t want to let them down. I wanted to win for them.”

   That’s exactly what happened as Mike threw two second-half touchdowns in defeating Cheshire, after which North Haven went on a run that culminated with another seven-win season, a second straight division title, and the first playoff appearance in program history.

   Mike’s contributions to that run were plentiful as he rushed for 13 touchdowns and passed for 12 while also recording 76 tackles on defense to make the Levi Jackson Team, which honors athletes from New Haven County.

   “Making the playoffs was a great thing for the program and the town and I was really happy to be part of it,” Mike says. “Last season was a life-changing experience for me as learning to deal with that kind of pressure showed I can handle any adversity that life throws at me.

   “But I never could have done it without everyone’s help, whether it was our offensive line, the coaching staff, or my teammates who helped me learn the different things I needed to do on defense,” he added. “I definitely couldn’t have done it without Jeff. We had several conversations where he gave me advice on how to handle the responsibilities of being a starting quarterback.”

   One person who was glad to see the way Mike handled those responsibilities is Sagnella, who saw Mike rush for 1,103 yards and 19 touchdowns to go with 801 yards and four TDs via the air en route to earning Most Valuable Player distinction for the Indians as a senior.

   “Mike’s entire role on the team changed the minute Jeff got injured and he wound up defining himself as player who was versatile, unselfish, and mentally tough,” says Sagnella of Mike, who also made All-Southern Connecticut Conference as a punter this fall and posted four interceptions with 65 tackles on defense to again make the Levi Jackson team. “We really couldn’t have asked any more of Mike as he put the team on his shoulders that day against Cheshire and then picked up things quickly as the season continued.

   “Then this season Mike had to get used to the fact that he wasn’t a secret to our opponents anymore but still brought the total package to our offense as he became an even harder runner who showed patience in the pocket and was never afraid to get knocked down,” Sagnella added. “He was also tremendous worker and a sure tackler with a good nose for the ball.”

   Unfortunately, Mike’s senior year didn’t go quite as well as his junior season as North Haven finished 4-7. Nevertheless, the captain was pleased that he and his fellow Indians never stopped grinding from the opening kickoff through the final whistle.

   “We didn’t have the best record this year, but we came to play hard every game and didn’t back down to anyone,” Mike says. “It was a great experience to captain the team with [Dan] Oakes, [Dan] Sardilli, and [Bruce] Devlin, who I became better friends with during the season.”

   Even though the football season has finished, Mike is still playing alongside Dan Oakes as the two are members of the boys’ basketball team, which is 5-0. Mike has switched from point guard to small forward, which Coach Pete Civitello says better enables him to utilize his skills of driving to the hoop to both score and get rebounds.

   Civitello had a few other kind words to say about Mike, who hopes to continue his football career in college as either a wide receiver or running back while majoring in criminal justice with the goal of becoming a police officer.

   “Mike is a tremendous athlete who’s more valuable to the team as a forward and is doing well at that position,” Civitello says. “Mike’s also been a great leader for us in that he’s a blue-collar athlete who does whatever he’s asked to the best of his ability without ever complaining. Mike is a good teammate and great all-around kid who it’s been a pleasure to coach.”

Pictured: Senior captain Mike Friello was a key contributor for Indians’ football as a quarterback, safety, and punter the last two seasons.

Photo by John Vanacore

Boys’ Hoops Wins Double-OT Thriller over Law

Shore Publishing — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:16:38 GMT

By Chris Piccirillo, Courier Senior Sports Writer:

   The North Haven boys’ basketball team got out to a great start this season as the Indians won their first four games to put themselves in good shape for this week’s contests against current Top 10 ranked schools Cross and Lyman Hall.

   But in between those first four contests and the two this week, the Indians still had to deal with a feisty Law team which came to North Haven looking to hand Pete Civitello’s squad its first loss of the campaign. And early on, it certainly looked like that was going to happen as the Lawmen held a 17-point lead in the second quarter.

   But what transpired after that was an example of increased intensity and improved execution as the Indians stormed back to cut the deficit to two entering the final frame, after which the game went back-and-forth until North Haven ultimately prevailed in double overtime, 73-69.

   “We hadn’t practiced for a few days because of the snow and I thought we were flat early while Law played hard, hit some big threes, and blew us off the court in the first half,” Civitello said. “At halftime I really got into the team good and wanted us to pick things up, especially defensively. We came out in the third quarter and did that, creating some turnovers that lead to points.”

   Indeed, after trailing 41-26 at halftime, the Indians owned the third quarter, outscoring Law 19-6 to be down just 47-45 heading into the fourth.

   The final quarter was tight throughout and came down to a scenario in which senior newcomer Elvin Rodriguez had two free-throw attempts with North Haven down two with 12 seconds left. Sure enough, the transfer from Cross, who recorded his second triple-double of the season by notching 22 points with 13 assists and 11 rebounds, sank them both to tie the game 54-54 at the end of regulation.

   Rodriguez then hit a two-pointer and subsequent free throw to put the Indians ahead by two late in the first overtime. But to Law’s credit, one of its athletes hit a shot while falling out of bounds to tie it again with five seconds remaining, setting up the second OT.

   Law took an early three-point advantage in the second overtime, but Adam Iskra’s lay-up later gave North Haven the lead for good, after which the senior captain center hit a pair of free throws for the final four-point margin of victory.

   “This was a game where we had to suddenly turn the switch on and I think we learned a valuable lesson that we can’t rely on doing that,” said Civitello, whose team has already surpassed last year’s win total by improving to 5-0. “But our team showed a lot of heart and guts by working hard to get back in this game and win it, and overall, you can’t complain about being 5-0.”

Game at a Glance

Jan. 2: North Haven 73, Law 69 (2OT)

Key Performances:
• Elvin Rodriguez: 22 points, 13 assists, 11 rebounds
• Dan Oakes: 18 points
• Nick Gambardella: 10 points

Pictured: Elvin Rodriguez notched a triple-double for the North Haven boys' basketball team in its win versus Law last week.

Photo by John Vanacore

New Year’s Ushers in the First Good Ice

Shore Publishing — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:19:40 GMT

    A cold front was eminent and, while the sun promised to keep us somewhat warm, temperatures were in the mid-20s. Wind from the previous day subsided and we were looking for a catch of panfish. As the ice season was young and these little scrappers were figured to be in the shallows where vegetation was prevalent and forage staged (especially in view of the impending weather), we proceeded to drill a few test jigging holes.

   The arsenal was simple. Light jigging sticks, two-pound test, a variety of micro jigs, grubs, a few pimples, and a couple of favorite chubby darters were made to fit nicely into a small backpack/seat along with a skimmer. Being familiar with this particular lake, we knew that our first attempt positioned us over a point adjacent to a gradual drop off.

   When jigging for small fish, it’s best to establish a smooth, slow, steady routine—jig up for about 15 seconds or so and then down. Since panfish often take bait lightly, any interruption should be met by a hook set. You’ll find that most hookups will come on the drop so stay alert. Keep in mind also that fish react to stimuli and will move accordingly. Food, temperature, weather conditions, oxygen, cover, etc., all play an important role in locating them. They may be bottom-feeding, top-feeding, or suspended.

   These conditions, in part, determine whether the fish caught this time last season or yesterday are in the shallows or have moved to deeper water. As panfish grow, their diets change—going through a spectrum of insects, plankton, shiners, crustaceans, and other assorted invertebrates. Understanding that small fish school and larger ones usually run solo and are often timid, fishing techniques should change accordingly.

   Panfish migrate and being successful in locating them means an understanding of the lake/pond and its bottom structure. An overcast cloudy day during a warm front may, for example, concentrate panfish in the shallows. As the weather changes, they may scatter or go deep. Knowing what their routes may be as dictated by points, dropoffs, natural/unnatural bottom structure, etc., will assist in locating a school or prize catch.

   Add more fish to the cooler by tipping jigs with a grub, worm, or partial shiner, threading a red bead, or adding a shiny spoon above your baited hook or jig for extra weight and flash. It worked for us this day. Fish smart and be safe by not walking on ice thinner than 3½ to 4 inches.

On the Water/Ice

   Happy New Year to all and hello winter, ushering snow, sleet, wind, and frigid temperatures down the aisle, offering more than a tease to shoreline ice anglers. Areas that were relatively protected were able to build ice, enough to sustain light hole-punching and a handful of fishers. Limited spots, however, did manage in excess of four inches where near-shore fishing was productive.

   First ice, so to speak, saw intermittent black crappie bites along with some largemouth bass and yellow perch action. For the most part though, southern Connecticut weather needs to stabilize for more consistent results. Northern Connecticut lakes, ponds, and coves, on the other hand, did bring out more tipups and jigging sticks and northern pike was added to the above catches.

   Prior to the cold fronts moving in, several key rivers were dotted with trout anglers both in the catch and release zones and those open to creel limits. Wind was a key factor but in between blows, fish were more than cooperative. Atlantic salmon fishing in the Shetucket River was on again/off again. At times, the broods were “porpoising,” ignoring everything but their frolic, frustrating anglers no end. Patience paid off and, when the bite was on, 12- to 15-pound fish hooked up.

   Captain’s thought for the week: “A fisherman with little patience catches trees; one with too much catches bottom.”

   Upper reaches of the Thames, CT, and Housey rivers are the places to be for striped bass action. Soft plastics, small jigs, and lightweight deep trolling are the go-to tactics to use. Stripers are usually stacked up this time of year and fishing for them is usually best before a cold front moves in. Go deep and keep the retrieve/troll slow. Remember, you’ll need your 2009 fresh water license to fish this far up.

   Note: Captain Morgan’s has all 2009 fishing, hunting, trapping licenses/permits (rifle, shotgun, archery, muzzle loader, HIP, CT duck stamps, etc.) available including shellfish licenses for Guilford and Madison. Don’t wait until opening day. Git’er done now!

   Time to welcome in the 2009 fishing season so think Captain Morgan’s for all things fishy, including the latest gear, bait, flies/flyfishing, rod/reel repair, clam/crabbing supplies, ice fishing, and licenses/permits. Swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...

Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan

2008 Year in Review

Shore Publishing — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:12:14 GMT

By Meredith Crawford
Courier Associate Editor

It was a year marked by change for North Haven, which saw new directors of finance and community services and the unveiling of several retail stores at North Haven Commons. Meanwhile, the national economic downturn dug in on the local level as summer approached. Quebecor/Northeast Graphics closed its North Haven branch, leaving 308 area residents jobless, and Rabina Properties announced it would postpone indefinitely its ambitious redevelopment scheme for the former Pratt & Whitney site.
North Haven faces unprecedented fiscal challenges in the new year and the budget season is sure to include some hard-fought battles, but residents’ compassion for their fellow neighbors was undoubtedly a bright spot this past holiday season.

January

Democrats and Republicans exchange barbs when recently re-elected Fire Commission Chairman Pat Nuzzolillo (R) refuses to allow Democratic Town Committee Chairman and Fire Commission Secretary Pete Criscuolo to assume the role. Despite a shift to Democratic majorities on most boards and commissions following the November 2007 election of First Selectman Janet McCarty, the Fire Commission maintained a Republican majority. Criscuolo accuses Nuzzolillo of attempting to trade the chairmanship for a job for a friend. Nuzzolillo adamantly denies the charge.
The Board of Finance (BOF) receives the results of a supplemental forensic audit that gauges the extent of the damage wrought by former finance director Vincent Palmeri and former Community Services & Recreation director Joseph Ierardi and assistant director Patricia Ierardi. The trio was arrested in April 2007 on charges alleging the embezzlement and misuse of town funds and its cover-up. The supplemental audit gauges the estimated losses to the town between 1996 and 2007 to $142,000.
The Board of Selectmen unanimously approves embattled former finance director Vincent Palmeri’s retirement on the condition that he forfeit his $7,000-a-month-pension and “all benefits due or becoming due” if he is found guilty of any of the charges he faces.
The Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) begins its deliberations on Rabina Properties’ zone-change application for the former Pratt & Whitney site on Washington Avenue. The PZC expresses concern over several issues, including Rabina’s provision that North Haven extend Valley Service Road.
The Registrars of Voters report higher-than-ever voter registration numbers in advance of the Presidential Primaries

February
A Special Town Meeting approves approximately $570,000 in emergency capital expenditures for the Department of Public Works, Clintonville Elementary School, and the Police Department. Monies from the un-appropriated fund balance are used.
Montowese Elementary School celebrates its 50th anniversary.
North Haven’s Republicans support John McCain in the Presidential Primaries, while Democrats support Hillary Clinton.
North Haven receives a $15,600 Small Town Economic Assistance Program grant for the construction of Ridge Road Elementary School’s new playground.
The Board of Education adopts a $42.89 million budget for fiscal year 2008-09 before passing it on to the Board of Finance. The budget reflects a 6.5 percent increase over the 2007-08 fiscal year.
Former finance director Vincent Palmeri files a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the Town of North Haven and the Board of Selectmen (BOS). Palmeri alleges that the BOS violated the town’s pension plan and his rights when it voted to conditionally grant him a pension.
Rabina Properties withdraws its zone-change application before the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) for the former Pratt & Whitney site. The firm is disappointed with the conditions the PZC seemed about to levy on a potential application approval.

March

The Animal Haven celebrates its 60th anniversary.
The Board of Selectmen approves making the two registrar of voters positions full-time in a vote of 2-to-1 with First Selectman Janet McCarty opposing. McCarty supported a lesser salary increase. Registrar positions are set at $28,500 per year plus health benefits. The decision is later overturned at the behest of the Board of Finance. The positions are kept part-time and the salaries set at $20,000 each.
Gerardo Sorkin is hired as the new director of Community Services & Recreation. Deborah Ward-O’Brien is elected chairman of the North Haven Republican Town Committee for a two-year term.
The Board of Finance (BOF) approves an $81.1 million overall budget with an additional $1.68 million for capital expenditures, which were drawn from the town’s un-appropriated fund balance. Another $850,000 from that same balance covers one-time payments such as debt service for the high school. Minus the capital account, the proposed budget reflects a 4.5 percent increase over fiscal year 2007-08. A public hearing is scheduled for April, a referendum for May.
The Board of Education asks the Board of Finance (BOF) for $250,000 to prevent it from ending the fiscal year in the red, which is against state law. The deficit was caused by unexpected increases in special education enrollment. The BOF passes the motion and the matter is sent to referendum on the same night as the budget.

April

First Selectman Janet McCarty delivers her first State of the Town Address, painting a relatively optimistic picture for North Haven.
In an effort to crack down on out-of-towners in its schools, North Haven announces it will make incoming 6th and 9th graders re-register.
Public Works Director Richard Branigan leaves the position after 18 years to take a job as town manager of North Branford. Bob Kalm is named Branigan’s temporary replacement.

May

Quebecor/Northeast Graphics announces it will close its North Haven facility on June 30. Quebecor employed 308 workers, 10 to 15 percent of whom were North Haven residents, and contributed about $500,000 in revenue to the town. Local, state, and national leaders work together on plans of action to aid displaced workers.
Problems with North Haven High School’s athletic fields come to light and the Secondary School Building Committee hires a geotechnical engineer to determine the extent to which debris appearing on two of the fields indicate that the old high school on which the fields were built was not demolished according to specifications. Further problems are discovered during the removal of unsuitable soil.
The budget for fiscal year 2008-09 is unanimously approved by town referendum. About 14 percent of registered voters turn out. The mill rate is subsequently set at 23.5, down from the previous year’s rate of 25.44 mills.
18-year-old passenger Nicole Stepen is killed in a car crash on I-91 one month shy of her high school graduation. The driver, Jason Giardiello, is later charged with manslaughter in her death.

June
The impending health insurance switch estimated to save the town $450,000 angers municipal workers.

July

Republican Veronica H. Kivela announces she’ll challenge incumbent State Rep. Steve Fontana in the upcoming election.
After a federal court judge dismisses his lawsuit against the town and Board of Selectman, former finance director Vincent Palmeri files an appeal.
The state Supreme Court rules in favor of Dennis Loring, an adult-oriented book and video store purveyor who intends to open shop in Dell’oro Plaza against town wishes. The town’s motion to reconsider the decision is later denied.
Jonathan Bodwell is hired as town engineer.
The police department unveils its newest enforcement tool, a 2008 Harley Davidson Road King Police Special.

August

The remaining space of the former Stop & Shop distribution center is filled by Cheshire-based Bozzuto’s, a wholesale food distributor.

September

Citing economic woes and a saturated market, Rabina Properties announces it will postpone the redevelopment of the former Pratt & Whitney site indefinitely.
A Special Town Meeting approves Tax Incremental Financing for North Haven Commons retail development on Universal Drive. By November, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and Best Buy open there.

October

The Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center receives a $750,000 Small Cities grant from the federal government for additions and repairs.
North Haven unveils a six-step energy savings initiative.

November

Eighty-three percent of the town’s registered voters taek to the polls on Election Day, supporting President-elect Barack Obama nationally and State Rep. Steve Fontana and State Sen. Len Fasano locally.
Thomas J. Morrison is named the new finance director.
Despite allegations of inadequacy, an investigation finds no flaws in the North Haven emergency dispatchers’ performance.
The Connecticut Consortium for Education Foundations names the North Haven Education Foundation among the best in the state.

December

North Haven Memorial Library Director Lois Baldini’s longtime secretary Raffaella Giordano is arrested for allegedly stealing from the Friends of the Library.
A Special Town Meeting approves a 10-year municipal solid waste contract with Covanta Energy, effective on July 1, 2010 at the expiration of a 20-year contract with Connecticut Resources Recovery Administration.

2008 North Haven Winter in Review: Boys’ Fencing Claims State Title, Girls’ Hoops Makes History

Shore Publishing — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:20:41 GMT

By Chris Piccirillo, Courier Sports Editor:

Boys’ Fencing

   North Haven’s foil team went 12-2 for the regular season with its epee squad posting a 10-3 mark. The Indians foil team then reached the final of the state tournament with the epee club claming its second straight state championship.

   In the tournament, the foil team beat Hopkins-New Haven and Waterford 5-4 to reach the final where it lost to Guilford. The epee squad beat Old Lyme 5-4 and Norwich Free Academy 5-3 to reach the final and then downed Fairfield 5-2 to capture the crown.

   Senior captain Mike Rose and Won Kil each won six bouts with Jeremy Croll taking three in that championship run. Rose also finished first at the Epee Individual State Championship with fellow senior Wen Chen placing seventh and Kil taking eighth. James Harris finished his seventh season as head coach.

Girls’ Fencing

   The foil squad went 10-5 for the regular season and the epee team finished 8-5. The foil team then lost to Fairfield in the state tournament before beating Old Lyme 5-3 in the consolation round and then losing to Waterford 5-2 to place sixth. The epee squad defeated Old Lyme 5-3 and Hopkins-New Haven 5-2 to reach the final of the state tournament where it lost to Guilford.

   Mairead Smith was the Indians’ senior captain and came in seventh place at the Foil Individual State Championship with Katie Roberts finishing sixth at the Epee Championship. James Harris finished his seventh season as head coach.

Girls’ Basketball

   North Haven posted its first winning season in Coach Jeff DeMaio’s tenure as it went 12-8 overall and 3-5 in the Southern Connecticut Conference’s Oronoque Division.

   Senior captain guard Sara Laudano averaged 22.1 points per game to make the All-SCC Oronoque team. Krystin Cerreta, Holly Andris, and Christine Warner were the other senior captains. DeMaio finished his 10th season.

Boys’ Basketball

   North Haven went 4-16 (0-8 SCC Oronoque) in Pete Civitello’s first year as head coach.

   Brian Salzillo averaged 11.3 points per game to be named MVP.

   Dan Oakes was named Most Improved and senior captain Scott Bahls received the Sportsmanship Award.

Ice Hockey

   North Haven went 12-8 (3-4 SCC Division I) to reach the Division I Tournament. Mike Violano finished his eighth season as head coach.

   Senior captain forward Mike Henrici posted 18 goals with 22 assists to make First Team All-SCC and, as a squad, the Indians received the Dick Gagliardi Sportsmanship Award. North Haven’s other captains were forward Steve Plachtyna and assistant captains Steve Rizzo, a senior defenseman, and junior defenseman Dan Sardilli.

Boys’ Indoor Track

   North Haven set 130 personal-record marks and placed third at the SCC Oronoque Championship, then sixth at the SCC Championship.

   Senior captain Steve Clayton was named the team’s MVP.

   Senior Kris Collins was named Most Improved and earned All-Oronoque by winning the shot put. Senior captain Chris Sagar received the Sportsmanship Award. Junior Geoff Brown also made All-Oronoque as he won the 55 hurdles at that meet.

   The Indians’ other senior captain was Eddie Walker. Marc Celmer finished his third season as head coach.

Girls’ Outdoor Track

   North Haven wanted to set 100 personal-record marks and accomplished that goal by notching 110, then placed second at the SCC Oronoque Championship.

   Senior captain Veronica Cross was chosen as the team’s MVP.

   Most Improved went to senior Brittney Johnson, who prevailed in the shot put at the Oronoque meet (36-1 ½).

   Also making All-Oronoque was the 4x800 relay of Griffiths, Kristina DeFilippo, Melissa Mastriano, and Elizabeth Hubbell. Marc Celmer finished his third season as head coach.

Rifle

   North Haven went 5-1 and then placed second at the State Championship in Stephen Dillon’s first campaign as head coach.

   Eric Karacsonyi was named MVP as he led North Haven with an average score of 192.6. Most Improved went to Kate Bennett and Kyle Hegarty earned the Sportsmanship Award. North Haven’s senior captains were Brian Pedalino and Justin Jetmar.

Cheerleading

   North Haven placed third at the SCC Championship and then finished seventh at the Class L Championship in Kathleen Crisafi’s 22nd season as head coach.

   Senior captain Jamie Dulac earned All-State honors and was named the Indians’ MVP. Alessa Contento received the Most Improved Player award and senior Taylor Sims earned the Sportsmanship Award. North Haven’s other senior captains were Meghan Callahan, Taylor Keislich, and Samantha Prunier.

Boys’ Swimming

   North Haven/North Branford went 5-8 overall (4-8 SCC) in Matt Johnson’s first season as head coach, winning five straight matches down the stretch.

   Senior captain Kevin McDonald made All-SCC by virtue of placing third in the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke at the SCC Championship. He then finished second at the Class LL Championship in the backstroke and third in the 50 freestyle to earn All-State honors.

   Fellow senior captain James Parfitt was named the team’s MVP.

   Lucien Rizzo was named Most Improved and senior Kevin Kortsep received the Sportsmanship Award. The team’s other senior captains were Jim Bianchi and Kim Cappetta.

2008 North Haven Spring in Review: Indians’ Softball Wins Class L Championship, Girls’ Track Goes 12-0

Shore Publishing — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:14:03 GMT

By Chris Piccirillo, Courier Senior Sports Writer:

Softball

   North Haven went 18-2 for the regular season with a mark of 10-0 in the Southern Connecticut Conference’s Oronoque Division to win the title for the second-straight season.

   The Indians then won four straight games in the Class L bracket to win the first state championship in program history. The Indians finished at 22-3 and were ranked No. 4 in the New Haven Register’s Top 10 State Poll.

   In the Class L Tournament, Sally Maher’s squad defeated Windsor 15-0, rallied to beat Darien 7-6, avenged their SCC Tournament loss to Mercy by winning the rematch 4-0, and then rallied to down Waterford 5-4 in the championship game as Brittany Cretella singled home fellow senior captain Kelli Griffiths with two out in the bottom of the eighth inning.

   Pitcher Jen Cruver was named the team’s Most Valuable Player as she went 18-3 with an earned-run average of 1.28 to also make the All-SCC Oronoque team as well as the All-Area squad from the New Haven Register and All-State from the Hartford Courant.

   North Haven’s Most Improved Player was senior Krystin Cerreta and the Sportsmanship Award went to Kristina DeFilippo.

   Captains Kristen Mezzanotte and Kelli Griffiths, plus fellow senior Sara Laudano made the All-Oronoque team with Mezzanotte earning selection to the Coaches’ All-State team and also First Team All-State distinction from the Hartford Courant and New Haven Register, the latter for which she also made All-Area. Griffiths also made All-State for the Courant and Register.

Baseball

   North Haven went 5-15 and 4-6 in the Oronoque.

   The MVP was Andrew Brockett, who was the winning pitcher in all five of the Indians’ victories.

   The Most Improved Player was Steve Vermiglio with the Sportsmanship Award going to junior captain catcher Russ Caprio. The John “Whitey” Piurek “There’s No ‘I’ In Team” Award went to Steve Rudewicz. The Rocky Ruggerio Award went to junior captain pitcher/first baseman Steve DiCapua. The John Calamita Scholarship Award was presented to senior Brett Bradanini.

   Bob DeMayo finished his 50th season as head coach.

Girls’ Outdoor Track

   North Haven went 12-0 for the regular season and 5-0 in the SCC Oronoque, which coupled with the Indians’ first-place finish at the Oronoque Championship, allowed them to capture their third division title in four years.

   Morgan Dwyer was named MVP for the track events and fellow senior captain Holly Andris was field MVP as she won the javelin and discus at the Oronoque Championship.

   The Most Improved Player on the track was Lindsay Meyer and the Most Improved Player in the field was senior Brittney Johnson, who won the shot put at the Oronoque meet. The Newcomer of the Year was senior Christine Warner, who won the 1,600 and 3,200 at the Oronoque Championship. The Sportsmanship Award went to senior captain Mairead Smith.

   Warner, Andris, and Johnson made All-Oronoque by winning at that meet as did Cross, who prevailed in the high jump. Johnson made All-State with her victory at the class meet and also made the New Haven Register’s All-Area squad, as did Andris.

   Carl Jackson completed his eighth season as head coach.

Boys’ Outdoor Track

   North Haven went 12-3 (4-1 SCC Oronoque) after which the Indians placed third at the Oronoque Championship.

   Steve Brown, who led North Haven in points with 237, was named the Indians’ MVP.

   The Most Improved Player was Brian Dagliere and the Sportsmanship Award went to senior captain Kyle Reiss.

   The Perry Pausig Courage Award went to senior captain Chris Sagar.

   Geoff Brown made the All-SCC Oronoque team by virtue of winning the 110 high hurdles at that meet.

   North Haven’s other senior captains were Scott Bahls and Steve Clayton.

   Steve Celmer finished his 23rd season as head coach.

Lacrosse

   North Haven went 6-10 overall (3-7 SCC) in George Fredericks’ second season as head coach.

   Jackson Taymans was the team’s MVP as he took over as the starting goalkeeper in the Indians’ fifth game.

   The Most Improved Player was Tyler Benson, who led North Haven in scoring and the Sportsmanship Award went to Steven Roberts.

   North Haven’s senior captains were Dan Fleming (midfielder), Mike Capozziello (defender), and Kyle Hegarty (defender).

Boys’ Tennis

   North Haven went 7-9 (5-3 SCC Oronoque) in the first season as head coach for Mike Reichentahl.

   The team’s senior captains were No. 1 singles player Sean McManus and Ben Shatsoff, the latter who teamed with fellow senior Mark Cunningham at No. 1 doubles.

Girls’ Tennis

   North Haven went 1-15 in Bryan Smith’s first season as head coach.

   Junior captain Elizabeth Baptie was named the Indians’ MVP as she played No. 1 singles.

   The Sportsmanship Award went to senior captain Liz Campbell. North Haven’s Most Improved Players were Desiree Fredericks and Melissa Sardilli.

   The team’s other captain was junior Nicolle Ceneri.

Golf

   Mike Murphy was the captain for the Indians and was joined on the team by fellow seniors Russ Hansen and Andre Genest.

Pictured: The North Haven softball team celebrates after beating Waterford to win the Class L championship.

Photo by Kevin Benisvy

2008 North Haven Fall in Review: Boys’ Soccer Wins Division, Volleyball Squad Unites for a Cause

Shore Publishing — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:10:48 GMT

By Chris Piccirillo, Courier Senior Sports Writer:

Boys’ Soccer

   North Haven went 9-7 for the regular season (9-1 Oronoque) as Federico Fiondella’s squad claimed the division crown. The Indians won two Class L tournament games to reach the quarterfinals where they dropped a 1-0 decision to RHAM-Hebron in penalty kicks.

   North Haven’s senior captains were Joe Sorrentino (stopper/central defender) and outside defender Andrew Timothy. Sorrentino and fellow seniors Steve Brown (forward) and Geoff Brown (central defender) earned First Team All-Oronoque with Timothy, senior goalkeeper Mike Swanson, and central midfielder Marlon Rafael making Second Team and outside midfielder Jimmy Albert and fellow senior Jim McGrath (outside defender) gaining Honorable Mention. Both Brown brothers were selected to play in the Senior Bowl with Steve also earning All-State and New Haven Register All-Area honors. Fiondella, who completed his eighth season as head coach, was named the Oronoque Division’s Coach of the Year.

   Steve Brown was chosen as the squad’s Most Valuable Player. Timothy received the Joe Janush Outstanding Sportsman Award with McGrath gaining Most Improved Athlete honors. The Jim and Brenda Howlett Scholar Athlete Award went to Geoff Brown, who also made the SCC All-Academic Team with McGrath and Istvan Kanyo. The Will to Win Award was presented to Swanson with fellow goalkeeper Keegan Hanlon winning Rookie of the Year. The Guido Fiondella Merit Award, which is named in honor of Coach Fiondella’s late father and goes to the team’s unsung heroes, was presented to forward Will Woodruff and fellow senior Spencer Heyl (central midfielder).

   North Haven’s Goal of the Year Award went to Rafael, who scored on an assist from Steve Brown in North Haven’s 2-1 win against Cross. The North Haven Boys’ Soccer Alumni Award was won by Albert. The Outstanding Service Award was presented to the team’s managers, Tess McKeon, Julie DePaola, and Paolo Barecchia, along with the Sorrentino family, plus Mr. John Russo, father of junior Antonio Russo. The Outstanding Leadership Award went to Timothy and Sorrentino. The team’s 2008 World Cup Champions were the Brown brothers, Zoli Kanyo, and McGrath.

Girls’ Soccer

   North Haven went 9-6-1 for the regular season (5-2-1 SCC Oronoque) to return to the state tournament. The biggest victories came by avenging an early season loss to Branford by blanking the Hornets 3-0 in the rematch, sweeping the season series from East Haven, then beating Foran on Senior Night when senior captain Chelsea Shaw scored the winning goal. Shaw earned All-Oronoque as did goalkeeper Maria Sanzari and Jessica Broadbent. North Haven’s other senior captain was outside back Jaimie Bosco. Michael DeBaise finished his 11th season as head coach.

Football

   North Haven went 4-7 (2-2 SCC Division II East) in Tony Sagnella’s 12th season as head coach. North Haven’s captains were quarterback/defensive back Mike Friello, along with offensive lineman Bruce Devlin, linebacker/offensive lineman Dan Sardilli, and tight end/linebacker Dan Oakes.

   Friello made All-SCC as a punter with Devlin and senior two-way lineman Okwuosa making it on offense and Sardilli making it as a defensive lineman. The Indians had three athletes make the Levi Jackson team as Friello made it at defensive back with Oakes and senior Matt DeMarco earning honors as a tight end and offensive lineman, respectively. Oakes also won North Haven’s Sportsmanship Award. Friello was named MVP as he passed for 801 yards and four touchdowns to go with 1,103 yards and 19 TDs on the ground. Linebacker/running back Jelani Sancho was named Most Improved and fellow senior Connor Early, a two-way lineman, received the Scholar-Athlete Award.

Field Hockey

   The Indians went 9-6-0-2 in Cori Krajewski’s first season as head coach, earning a 2-1 win versus E.O. Smith-Storrs in the first round of the Class M tournament before nearly defeating top-seeded Darien.

   Senior captain defender Sheila Huggins made First Team All-SCC with Allie Doheny earning Second Team. Huggins also made First Team All-State, played in the Senior All-Star game, and was MVP for the Indians, whose Most Improved Player was senior captain goalkeeper Rachel Green. Desiree Fredericks won the Sportsmanship Award. The Indians’ other senior captains were Kristina DeFilippo and Christina Kim, who were both midfielders, and defender Hope Nataro.

Girls’ Swimming

   North Haven went 5-7 overall in the third season of Ken Pierson’s second stint as head coach. Suki Hood was MVP for the Indians as the senior captain competed in the 100 butterfly and 200 individual medley at the Class L Championship.

   The Most Improved Player was fellow senior Alyssa Biller and the Sportsmanship Award went to Sarah Pucci. The Indians’ other senior captains were Danielle Schioppo, Lauren DuFour, and Julie Sullivan. Making All-SCC for North Haven was Amanda Saslow, who finished second at the SCC Diving Championship.

Boys’ Cross-Country

   The Indians went 5-4 (4-1 Oronoque) in Carl Jackson’s 10th campaign as head coach. The team was led by senior captains Jeremy Croll and Brian Dagliere, plus junior captain Patrick Hubbell, who earned All-Oronoque honors along with Casey Mackay and Matt Kortsep.

Girls’ Cross-Country

   North Haven went 3-5 overall (3-1 SCC Oronoque) as Carl Jackson completed his 10th season as head coach. Brittany Bendel earned All-Oronoque and was joined by senior captain Minyoung Song and sophomore Elizabeth Hubbell.

Volleyball

   North Haven went 3-15 overall (3-5 SCC Oronoque) in the first season for head coach Carin Mikos. The Indians’ senior captain was outside hitter Kristen Tomlan. North Haven was also led by sophomore Kelsey Searles, who initiated the effort to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer, which culminated with the Indians’ contest versus Amity in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month. North Haven’s athletes, coaches, and parents raised $2,600 with an additional $300 donated by Amity.

A Wintry Musical Mix

Shore Publishing — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:25:43 GMT

The North Haven High School Concert Band, Choirs, and Jazz Ensemble delighted the crowds and got everyone in the holiday spirit last week during a winter concert. Here, members of the Select Choir perform.

Photo by John Vanacore

Hair Stylist to the Stars

Shore Publishing — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:22:37 GMT

By Jason J. Marchi, Courier Correspondent:

   While many people dream of early retirement, achieving such success might not be all that it’s cracked up to be. Ask Joey Bartholomew, who in 15 short years went from zero to wealth—and a bit of celebrity status at the same time—as hair stylist to famous actors, musical stars, and stunning models. Then the sun went down on his world when he plunged into the dark despairs of drugs and alcohol.

   Joey’s career as a hair stylist started 31 years ago when he was 20.

   “I was kind of a child protégé,” Joey says. “My mom was a hairdresser. I opened my first salon in Clinton–Hair Plus–and we ended up with 10 of them. I was probably one of the youngest journeymen in the State of Connecticut, and I’ve had a wild career, a really good career.”

   He’s had a very good career indeed considering the price of a haircut when he first started in 1977.

   “My first haircut was $3.50 and now I get $75 for a haircut,” Joey says, while sitting in his salon, New Trends Hair Designs in North Haven.

   “I got lucky in the ‘80s. I got married and had two children, Bryanna and Sera-Taren, and I moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where I opened a salon called Manhattan Hair Connection and we made all right moves from 1982 to 1992.”

   His shop in Oklahoma became a test salon for the early applications of Minoxidil. He was also one of the original creative artistic directors for Matrix Essentials, which became a major corporation in the hair care business.

   Early in his career, Joey started out writing for a newspaper called The Elder, giving self-hair care advice to seniors.

   “There are a lot of inexpensive ways to do things to your hair. A lot of home remedies that really work,” he notes.

   That newspaper column was the precursor to a TV show Joey would end up hosting called Hair Care Hints from a Pro, which was sponsored by the Hospital Corporation of American. The show was syndicated nationally and ran from 1984 until 1990.

   “It was a lot of work. It ran five days a week and we filmed six shows in one day. I’d never do it again,” he states.

   Joey cut, colored, and dressed the hair for the girls at the Miss USA Pageant in 1991 and 1992. After those two gigs the rules of the pageants changed and Joey was the last hairdresser to work on the girls.

   “There is no longer a hairdresser at any of the pageants. Now they teach the girls how to do their own hair,” he says.

   His business today is closed to new clients, as he serves a select group of longtime customers. One of his private clients, in fact, is the most recent Connecticut Miss Teen winner (Miss New Haven/Hartford).

   “And I still have some celebs that come every now and then to Connecticut. Some of the celebs whose hair I’ve done that I can mention are Irlene Mandrell, Pat Boone, and Goldie Hawn. I specialized in hair for film and video productions.”

   Because of Joey’s past connections with Universal Pictures, he’s been approached a number of times to write memoirs—those tell-all kinds of books—about his celebrity clientele. Joey says he’s passed up large advances because he respects the privacy of his former customers.

   When Joey retired from his self-made business in 1992 at the age of 35, he arrived back on Connecticut’s shores, and that’s when his struggle with drugs and alcohol began in earnest.

   “After the quick money, the stardom, I was looking for another thrill,” Joey laments.

   As he was financially set, the question in Joey’s mind was what to do for an encore.

   “So I struggled with drugs and alcohol for 20 years. I retired way too young, and the question for me was, ‘What’s the next bell ringer?’”

   During that personal struggle Joey was still able to do his work and even taught hairdressing at a local school for three years.

   “This business kept me alive. The talent, even with the drugs, was still there, and it kept me alive,” he says.

   Slowly and insidiously, though, the booze and drugs continued to ravage Joey’s life until tragedy struck.

   “I lost a very close friend in a car accident,” he says.

   That sent him into rehab.

   “This time it stuck. That and I kind of grew out of it in a way. I’ve been clean and sober for four years,” he states with confidence.

   Having rebuilt his life, Joey was hit with another setback, this one completely unexpected.

   “Five months ago I had a stroke,” he says. “I’m not quite 100 percent, but I’m getting there. I was totally debilitated on the left side. I think that’s the scariest thing I’ve ever been through because it took away my ability to work.”

   Today, Joey is back on his feet and back to his greatest love.

   “I have a wonderful support system. My significant other, Ellen Reilly, was my main support and nursed me back to health. She’s made a lot of sacrifices throughout the nine years we’ve been together.”

Pictured: After learning under the best in the business, Joey Bartholomew gained distinction caring for the hair of Hollywood actors, models, and other celebrities. Then his life turned to a personal bought with alcoholism, drug addition, and a stroke at the age of 49. Today he has shaken his personal demons and returned to his craft with the help of family and friends.

Photo by Jason J. Marchi

To nominate a person of the week, contact Jason Marchi at j.marchi@shorepublishing.com or call 203-245-1877 x 6166.

Police Incident Report: Dec. 10 to 16

Shore Publishing — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:19:03 GMT

Fueling Assistance: St. John’s Donates $5,000 for Energy Assistance

Shore Publishing — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:18:00 GMT

By Meredith Crawford, Courier Associate Editor:

   The declining health of the economy isn’t news to anyone, but North Haveners might be surprised by the range of help available to them when it comes to defraying home heating and electricity costs this winter.

   According to Community Services & Recreation (CSR) Director Gerardo Sorkin, federally funded, state energy assistance programs (EAP) often cap income limits for eligibility at low levels, disqualifying families and individuals who still demonstrate need. A recent donation to the town from St. John’s Episcopal Church, however, offers hope.

   Earlier this week, St. John’s presented First Selectman Janet McCarty with a $5,000 check to supplement the EAP. The monies will be placed in the town’s emergency fuel bank, Sorkin said. Since this money is intended as a supplement, he added, it is subject to looser guidelines for eligibility.

   The emergency fuel bank consists of “funds to assist residents who either do not qualify [for the federal program] or may be going through some type of emergency,” said Sorkin. “We have some guidelines that we look at which are not exactly the same as the energy assistance guidelines, so some people who may not qualify [for the EAP] but are close” will qualify for help from the town.

   Sorkin said that the emergency fuel bank funds can also be used to help those who have received fuel through the energy assistance program, but have run out of it. Sorkin said the fuel bank is “limited,” making St. John’s donation that much more appreciated.

   So far this year, CSR has received approximately 200 applications for the federally funded EAP–a marked increase over last year. CSR processes North Haveners’ applications to the Community Action Agency (CAA) of New Haven, which makes the ultimate determination of eligibility for the EAP. Sorkin said that the number of applicants who have been rejected by CAA but who would still be eligible for assistance from North Haven has also risen over the past year.

   Awareness of this need is what led St. John’s Rev. Matt Lincoln to donate to the cause. The $5,000–North Haven’s share of the $9,500 St. John’s distributed among Hamden, North Branford, and Wallingford–was raised through community sponsorship of 2008’s annual parish golf tournament.

   “Churches are naturally communities themselves, but they are also integral parts of the larger communities in which they are located,” said Lincoln. “By inviting our neighbors to partner with us in helping neighbors who are struggling, we are all pulling together for everyone’s sake in the community. The golfers who participated in October’s tournament worked with St. John’s and the tournament sponsors to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

   Sorkin said St. John’s contribution will be used wisely.

   “We do have limited resources, but we would be able to give up to 100 gallons per season per family,” per the town’s qualification guidelines, Sorkin said. “We want to be very cautious…but at the same time manage the funds appropriately…We don’t want anyone in North Haven to suffer the consequences of lack of heat.”

Make the Call

   Commmunity Services & Recreation (CSR) Director Gerardo Sorkin said CSR staffers are eager, willing, and able to counsel residents about their options for energy assistance. Those with questions should call 203-239-2566.

   In addition to the emergency fuel bank funds, residents may be eligible to receive assistance from the non-profit organization Operation Fuel.

How are you planning to save on heating and electricity costs this winter? To brainstorm, share tips, and offer advice to your neighbors, leave a comment below this story.