VA-Based Earthquake with 5.9 Magnitude Rocks Northeast

VA-Based Earthquake with 5.9 Magnitude Rocks Northeast

Tremors felt from NC to RI and as far west as Ohio; Fairfielders report vibration; Town Hall evacuated briefly.

• By Mike Lauterborn
• August 23, 2011
• Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 8/23

At approximately 1:51pm today, a 5.9-magnitude earthquake, with an epicenter based in Richmond, VA, rocked the Northeast. It was felt as far south as North Carolina, as far north as Rhode Island and as far west as Ohio. There was no immediate report of serious damage, injuries or fatalities according to major television news reports.

In Fairfield, Police Sgt. Sue Lussier said that the department had received a few calls from concerned town residents who felt some vibration. She also said that Town Hall had been briefly evacuated, but that by 3 p.m., workers had already returned to their offices. To her knowledge, transportation services, e.g. Metro North railroad, had not been interrupted.

On a wider scope, tremors were felt on the upper levels of hi-rise buildings in Stamford, according to News Channel 12. WPIX-TV broadcast live footage of office workers spilling out into the streets of Midtown New York, and using their cellphones to contact loved ones. It was also reported that workers in Federal buildings, including City Hall, in lower and midtown New York had been evacuated and that a NYPD Aviation Unit was conducting a visual inspection of major bridges. Jersey City put their emergency evacuation plan into effect. Anxieties were heightened with the approaching 10th anniversary of 9/11.

With regard to transportation in the Northeast, air traffic at Newark and JFK Airports was grounded. Train service between South New Jersey and Philadelphia was also suspended.

Two nuclear reactors were taken offline in Richmond, VA. Locally, Indian Point nuclear facility continued to operate at full capacity, with no damage reported, though an inspection was ongoing.
Though no tsunami-like conditions are expected to result on major waterways in the affected region, aftershocks are anticipated, according to My 9 News (TV).

The last time an earthquake of this magnitude was felt in Virginia was in 1897.

Artists Open ArtPlace Doors to Other Artists

Artists Open ArtPlace Doors to Other Artists:

Work of 27 creatives ushered in 

at Aug 14 reception

By Mike Lauterborn

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 8/24)

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

8/23/11

Fairfield, CT – Twenty-seven area artists, working in a wide range of media, received a golden ticket from member artists of ArtPlace Gallery to show their work at the 11 Unquowa Road space. Pieces were installed August 10 and their arrival celebrated with a cocktail mixer Sunday afternoon August 14. The reception enjoyed a full house, as art enthusiasts browsed, chatted and closely studied exhibited work.

Among those showing was Princess Cureton, a Norwalk artist working in acrylic mixed media. Standing near an untitled piece, she explained, “All my work is multi-dimensional. I like the interaction people have with it, and the response they have to the different layers. It makes it fun, and lends life to the artwork.”

Cureton was invited to show by Margot Bittenbender, with whom she works. “Margot sees me as a closet artist and thought I could get some good exposure here,” Cureton laughed.

Nearby, Easton artist Susan Sharp, standing beside her work “Regret”, an oil painting on wood panels, said, “I’ve been painting since 1975. Oils have been my primary media. My work is personal and topographical, focusing on landscape mapping. The works are intuitive, I don’t plan them. They evolve as I paint them.”

Sharp was a founding member of ArtPlace, one of the four original founders, when the gallery was initially located at Fairfield Train Station. “The gallery has really evolved,” she said, looking about. “It’s nice to see such a good response to a new exhibit.”

Statuesque blonde Kathleen Collins, from Darien, taking interest in Howard El-Yasin’s untitled wood/sand/nails mixed installation, said she had come to support her mom, artist Donna Collins, and enjoy the other artwork. Collins said it was “neat having a mom who is an artist – her artwork is all over our house. I like going to her shows.”

Perhaps the most junior artist exhibiting was Christine Quinn, 24, who is currently attending a graduate program at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, studying animation and 3D computer imaging. Her focus to date had been studio illustration – watercolors, landscapes, etc. In fact, the work she was displaying was a watercolor titled “Italian Landscape Watercolor.” Quinn is also a t-shirt designer and displays her work through a website, www.coroflot.com/cquinn

Visitor Mimi Vandeussen, from Westport, who confessed to being an “artist wannabe”, was intensely studying works by Dorothy Powers, titled “Crouching Woman” and “Red.” She voiced her thoughts: There’s a lot of history behind these. I’m guessing these are about the women brought up in Afghanistan. Red may symbolize war. There’s a tremendous amount of power here. I really enjoy looking at different pieces and what inspires them.”

Another visitor, Chyai Mulberg, of Fairfield, was enjoying Mary Ellen Hendricks’ “Peony #1”. “I love all the colors… it feels like it has movement… and the depth is amazing. I don’t necessarily profess to know art but I know what I like, and this is wonderful.”

The Artists Invite Artists Exhibit runs through Sept. 11, 2011 at ArtPlace Gallery, 11 Unquowa Road, Fairfield. Gallery Hours: Wed.-Sat. 11-5:30, Sunday 12-5.

Four-Legged Friend Inducted into Fairfield Police Force

Four-Legged Friend Inducted 
into Fairfield Police Force:

Ruger becomes third canine 

officer ever in department

By Mike Lauterborn

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 8/23)

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

8/23/11

Fairfield, CT – When it came time to accept the honor, he yawned, looked about and licked his owner’s hand. And while he may not have been aware of the significance of the badge that was being attached to his collar, you could be sure that he would fulfill his responsibilities to the best of his ability.

On Monday morning in the briefing/training room on the second floor of Fairfield Police Headquarters, 100 Reef Road, Ruger the German Shepherd was inducted as a K-9 officer into the department. He was only the third dog ever in Fairfield history to become an official police officer. The induction was conducted by First Selectman Michael Tetreau and witnessed by a roomful of people that included media, other officers (current and retired), Animal Control, fire officials, representatives from Sturm, Ruger and Company, and community members.

“This is a true testament that the K-9 program in town is well received,” said Fairfield Police Chief Gary McNamara, looking around at the crowd, which spilled into an outer hall. “If we had a bigger room, we’d have a bigger crowd. The K-9 program is a need that had to be fulfilled. We’ve met that goal and I’m proud to introduce the newest member of the Fairfield Police Department.”

McNamara continued, “Our goal was to reestablish the K-9 program and, in doing so, we first had to determine that there was interest. This is not necessarily the best of times to establish a program, but we had a ton of financial support from all around the area.”

The chief could not thank every supporter but named a few names, which included: Veterinarian Joan Poster (who is providing services for the program), General Electric, People’s United Bank, students from Roger Sherman and McKinley Elementary Schools who collected and redeemed bottles and cans, Wired Wash, Nutmeg Bowl, Sound Tigers, Sportscenter in Shelton, Bearingstar Insurance, Mr. & Mrs. Adam Simon, Joan DuPont, and Westport and Norwalk police departments.

Chairman of the Police Commission, Arthur Hirsch, added his thanks to members of the community that had provided their support, before Ruger and his handler, Officer Kevin Wells, marched in.

“This is Ruger’s first time in front of a crowd. He’s a little unused to it and has just started obedience training,” said Wells, who said “Setz!” repeatedly to the dog to try and get him to heel. As Ruger finally complied, Wells said, “I couldn’t have asked for a better job. He has lived with me for the past two months and is eager to work.”

Tetreau then administered the induction and, after Wells pinned a police badge to Ruger’s collar, Wells read the K-9 Pledge on Ruger’s behalf, reproduced here:

“I promise to be worth every cent of the money it took to train me. I promise to track down criminals who threaten and harm our community. I promise to stand with you against the violence that penetrates our society. I promise to sniff out the drugs being advertised to your children. I promise to stay resolved and focused upon the success of our mission. No matter what happens, I will be by your side as your loyal companion until the very end. I will never leave your side… I will never waiver… I will never give up.”

On a side note, McNamara spoke about how Ruger came by his name. “I felt it was important for Officer Wells to determine it and when he came back and said he’d like to call him ‘Ruger’, I called Leslie Gasper (Corporate Secretary) of Sturm, Ruger & Company to ask if that was ok. She was extremely excited that the new canine would have a portion of their company name.”

To that regard, Sturm Ruger CEO Mike Fifer provided a $2,500 check to the program and gave Wells a goody bag and new 9mm SR9c handgun, which will be engraved with his name.

Only two other dogs have served on the force to date. The most recent was about 10 years ago, according to Lt. Jim Perez, who said the dog only served for a few months before it was decided that it could not be used as needed.

More memorable was Zack, a white German Shepherd that served from 1987 to 1990 under the guidance of Sgt. (RET.) Bill Krafick, who was on hand for Monday’s swearing-in. “This is a nice thing,” he said. “Dogs are good. I know how effective they are.”

To that regard, Krafick related how Zack was used to catch burglars that had dropped down through the roof of the Mercedes dealership on Commerce Drive and were hiding out in the trunk of a car. “Those trunks are air tight – those guys were turning blue when we got to them.” Another time, Zack found a guy hiding in a laundry basket, with clothes arranged over himself.

In Westport, another man, who had stopped taking his medication, destroyed his beach house with an ax and was on the way to do the same at his mother’s house. “Zack found him under a tree hiding under leaves.”

Krafick summed up, “A dog is definitely critical to successful police work. You don’t have to put officers at risk, the dog can track lost people and it will protect the officers on a crime scene.”

Common German dog training command words:

• Achtung! (Ahk-toong’): Watch! Attention!
• Aus! (Ows): Out! Drop It! Let Go!
• Bleib! (Blibe): Stay!
• Bringen! : Bring! Fetch!
• Fass! (Fahs):Attack! Take hold!
• Fuss! (Foos): Heel!
• Gib Laut! : Bark! Speak!
• Hier! : Here! Come!
• Hopp! : Up! Jump!
• Nein! (Nine):No!
• Pass auf! (Pahs owf): Pay attention! Heads Up!
• Pfui! (Foo-ey): Shame! Stop That! Drop That!
• Platz! (Plots): Down! (Place)
• Setz! , Setzen! (Zetze’n): Sit!
• Such! (Zook): Search!
• Voran! (For-ahn): Go forward! Take the lead!
• Voraus! (For-ows): Go forward! Run out!

(Source: http://www.germanshepherd-breed.org)

SHU Summer ESL Program Attracts Students from 10 Countries

SHU Summer ESL Program Attracts Students from 10 Countries

(for Sacred Heart University)

By Mike Lauterborn

7/11/11

Fairfield, CT – Maddie Monaghan has steered the English Language Institute at Sacred Heart University for the past year and a half and made big strides with recruiting and accreditation since getting in the saddle. The Institute, which is housed under the University College and is dedicated to adult education and non-traditional students (older than 21 and returning to college), features an intensive English Language program that runs five days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., all through the year. Annually, six semesters of seven weeks each are offered. Students can join at any point.

Participants include non-native speakers of English who may have zero English or intermediate English comprehension, who need to achieve a fluency level to begin their graduate or undergraduate studies.

“There are six classes a student must take in a semester,” said Monaghan. “These include Academic Writing, Grammar, Listening, Pronunciation & Presentation, Vocabulary & Idioms, and Reading Comprehension. We offer several levels to accommodate any skill set.”

“This semester, due to our successful efforts, we have 22 students enrolled full-time at our Stamford campus (on Hope Street), representing 10 countries,” said Monaghan. The countries include Bangladesh, Columbia, Greece, China, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Venezuela, Vietnam, South Korea and Poland.

Monaghan pointed out that the ESL program has only just been offered year-round. “I restarted the summer program last year,” she said. “The wide international draw is an excellent indicator of future success and shows that there’s a true interest from across the globe in Sacred Heart’s ESL curriculum.”

The program is being well received by students. Muna Alali, 24, from eastern Saudi Arabia, is in her third month and plans to continue the program through December. “I wanted to improve my English so I could get better grades in all of my subjects,” Alali said. “English comprehension is especially important in my home country as employers are reluctant to hire you unless you can speak and write English. I’m already seeing improvements in my writing and communication.”

Classmate and fellow countryman Fahad Al Sulimani, 21, from the western region of Saudi Arabia, was also seeking to improve his English skills, with a goal of helping him earn a degree in medical laboratory work. “In seven weeks, I’ve made a lot of progress – 25% in comprehension, listening, speaking, reading and writing. The instructors are helpful and available. It’s also awesome to have fellow students from all over the world. You get to know their culture, personalities, educational background and what they do for entertainment.”

Sand Sculptures Rise and Fall, All in a Morning’s Work

Sand Sculptures Rise and Fall, All in a Morning’s Work:

Annual P.A.L.-sponsored contest draws 49 teams Sunday morning

By Mike Lauterborn

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 8/22)

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

8/21/11

Fairfield, CT – As quickly as they rose from the sand, the elaborate sculptures were reclaimed by the rising tide Sunday morning. Their existence was fleeting, but then so are many things on Mother Nature’s grand, ever-dynamic stage.

It was 13 years ago that fellow board members Bob Seirup, Jr. and Pat Dyer hatched the idea to have the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.), the mission of which is to host events and programs for the under-18 set, conduct a Sand Sculpture Contest at Fairfield’s Penfield Beach. This year’s free contest, sponsored by the Bank of Fairfield, attracted 49 teams, some with as many as six members each. As such, an estimated 150 people in all participated. An equal number rooted them on and/or visited their installations, which lined the shorefront in front of the new Pavilion, starting at the tide’s lowest point of the day, around 10 a.m.

Typically, one professional sand castle builder is also featured – essentially hired to erect a remarkable construction usually sponsored by area businesses. Seirup said that this year, though, “Due to the pavilion renovation project, there was going to be difficulty getting the special sand trucked in that the artist needed.”

Contest registration was held on the new Pavilion’s deck, coordinated by Bob Seirup, Sr. and Priscilla Schulz. Among the early registrants were Todd Debek and his son Jack, 14, of Fairfield, who toted a five-gallon bucket crammed with tools they planned to use for sand shaping. The contest had become a Debek family tradition, starting seven years ago, with Todd and Jack competing against the women in their family.

“We’re always in the top three,” said Todd proudly, with regard to past performance. “This year Jack and I are going to do a face – something quick and easy. The girls are going to do a Snoopy, Daffy Duck or Bugs Bunny. In terms of technique, Jack and I last-minute spray down our sculpture with water, to keep it from drying out.” Debek added, “The greatest thing about this event is that everybody wins.”

Another event veteran was Carla Antone, from Norwalk, who had been coming to the contest for the past five years. She was employing family heirlooms – her grandparents’ trowel and shovel – and working from a sketch for the construction of a giant sunflower, with a center that would hold water. Antone was being assisted by Fairfielder Linda Wallimann, who was the artist behind the design concept, which included a special effect. In a hush-hush tone, Antone shared the secret: “We’re going to color the petals with food coloring and water.”

The Norwalker was really throwing herself into the work, furiously digging a moat-like perimeter around a large mound of sand that would become the sunflower. She said sandcastle building usually has a physical toll – “I usually can’t walk the next day from all the bending over.”

Keeping the site safe for sandcastlers, and an eye on the weather, were lifeguards Amanda Reed and Rebecca Stern, wearing trademark Penfield Beach red one-piece swimsuits and camped amid the activities. Reed predicted a big crowd, saying, “People like to come down and see the sandcastles.” Stern countered, “Possible rain could be an unknown factor.”

Moving east up the beach from them, Fairfielder P.J. Clyne and his seven-year-old daughter Alexandra were working on “Three Girls”, which is the name of Clyne’s 21-foot cutty cabin boat, which he keeps in nearby South Benson Marina. “We’re going to try and rebuild her here and be as authentic as possible.”

Meanwhile, fellow Fairfielder Kellie Panus, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, was up-sand collecting seagull feathers. “These will be part of the tail of a prehistoric tortoise sculpture,” she explained, having a chuckle about the idea.

In contrast, Fairfielder Keith Magner was quite serious about his project, despite its whimsical name – Buck the Magic Dragon – and hoped the building activity would be an activity that his young son Zachary would embrace.

“I grew up going to Chatham, MA, on the Cape, during the summer from my earliest memory,” Magner said. “We spent all day at the beach making sandcastles, fishing, catching crabs. Sand castle building is a tradition that I wanted to pass on to my son. Zach’s grandfather, James, is also a fine artist, so it’s in his genes.”

The contest was scheduled to run from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., which couldn’t have been more ideal timing, at least this particular morning, given the report of an impending storm – lifeguard Rebecca’s prediction ringing true. In fact, at 12:45, an announcement that the “water is closed due to an approaching thunder condition” was heard over the pavilion’s public address system. By that time, the tide was quickly on the way back up, swirling in and around sand structures, chomping at their perimeters.

The judges, whose identity was concealed and reviewing process unannounced, had bestowed awards upon installations deemed best and now event organizers stepped around quickly to grab, literally, the signs of recognition before they were swallowed by the sea as well. One of the sign collectors was Bob Seirup, Jr., who had kicked off the contest. As he plucked up signs, tucked them under his arm and continued wading along, he reflected, “This is just a great day of family fun.”

RECOGNIZED WINNERS

MOST ARTISTIC

FIRST PLACE – “Shark Attack” by Marty Daniels, Patrick Daniels and Joanne Fabry

SECOND PLACE – “Cupcake” by Katy Saladin, Dani Corrigan, Emily Erikson and Alyssa Colleran

THIRD PLACE – “Big Face” by Jack Debek and Todd Debek

MOST ORIGINAL

FIRST PLACE – “Gumball Machine” by the Swanson family: Vicki, Dave, Sam, Charlie and Maggie

SECOND PLACE – “Twin Towers” by the Frillici family

THIRD PLACE – “Rubber Duck” by Isabella Roca

MOST REALISTIC

FIRST PLACE – “Motor Boat with Tube” by Molly Doherty, Jack Doherty, Maddy Markham, Cole Markham and Chase Markham

SECOND PLACE – “Kayak with Dolphins” by Ariana Roca, Natasha Roca and Mikaela Roca

THIRD PLACE – “Turtle With Shell” by Katherine Neely, Haley Neely and Mason Neely

BEST CASTLE

FIRST PLACE – “Penfield Moat” by Kassi Barton, Phill Ferdinand and Vehera Alexandrora

SECOND PLACE – “DC Museum Row” by Rebecca Newman, Jacob Newman, Becca Fink, Max Fink and Daniele Miller

THIRD PLACE – “Vampire Island” by Matt Deutch and Lance Dengelegi

- Winner information provided by Bob Seirup, Jr., Secretary, Police Athletic League

- Winners determined by a panel of three independent, non-associated judges 

Kings (and Queens and Pirates) For a Day through Summer Camp

Kings (and Queens and Pirates) For a Day through Summer Camp:

Westport Historical Society hosts themed 5-day program

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

8/16/11

Westport, CT – To step into the subterranean room and see the gathering there, one would think he had stumbled upon some clandestine costume ball. There were young gentlemen with eye patches, ladies with jeweled crowns and other kingly-looking countenances. Yet all said adorned individuals were only between the ages of five and ten.

The dress-up and finery was all part of “Pirates, Kings & Queens”, a five-day summer camp program running August 15 to 19 at the Westport Historical Society, 25 Avery Place. Held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each weekday, the program is coordinated by Elizabeth DeVoll, the education director for the Society.

“I inherited the program,” said DeVoll, overseeing activities in the Newman Room, the sub-level of the Society’s Westport headquarters. “This is designed to mix art, history, games and summer fun.”

DeVoll was glad to have a refreshed space in which to work, mentioning that the Newman Room was renovated earlier in the summer, to incorporate benches and Westport Playhouse memorabilia. “It’s dressed up a bit more, and speaks to the heritage of the area. Actor Paul Newman originally funded it, hence the name.”

Assisting DeVoll were three teens – Georgia Nicklin, 13, Lilly Valente, 13, and Lindsey Giannitti, 14, all Westporters – representing National Charity League. This was the second year running the girls had performed service work in the community, which is the mission of NCL. “Last year, we did 15 hours each. This year, 10. It’s a way to help in the town,” said Nicklin.

Added Valente, “We had a lot of options of programming to support. This looked fun – artsy and craftsy – and you get to work with kids. If you’re going to work in the summer, this is not a bad way to spend your time.”

“And I couldn’t do it without these girls,” said DeVoll, chiming in.

The activities were certainly keeping youngsters busy. “Today, we played with colored sand and salt shakers, and made queens’ crowns and pirate patches,” squealed seven-year-old Abbie Millman, from Westport. “We also did yoga exercises with Sue (WHS’ Executive Director Sue Gold).”

Regarding the exercise, DeVoll said, “The yoga helps mellow them out, especially on a rainy day like today. It helps them focus.”

The children’s morning of crafts was followed by a midday “Walk the Plank” activity session wherein the teen volunteers created individual stations: ring toss wherein the rings are like life preservers you toss to a person, hopping like a peg-leg pirate, drawing oneself as a pirate.

As to the balance of the week, on the agenda was a scavenger hunt at Town Hall, a tour Thursday of the Farmers’ Market behind the library, a tie-in with the Christo exhibit at Westport Arts Center and drama instructor Jen Devine coming in to conduct themed drama skits.

“These are boredom busters,” said DeVoll with regard to the activities. “A great way for kids to fill downtime before school starts again.”

East Coast United Scores Wins Across the Board at NAGA Championship

East Coast United Scores Wins Across the Board at NAGA Championship:

All ECU participants earned a medal at Aug. 6 & 7 meet

By Mike Lauterborn

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com)

© 2001. All Rights Reserved.

8/19/11

Fairfield, CT – Demonstrating the high caliber of instruction they had received, each member of the circle of 11 came away with a competition medal. It was a shining moment for the group and their teacher Joe Oppedisano, who also achieve an Absolute Belt honor.

Oppedisano is the owner of Sportsplex@Fairfield-based East Coast United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing studio and the 11 are his pupils. The group breaks out as seven kids ages 6 to 15 and four adults, ranging in martial arts skill level from white to brown belt. On August 6 and 7, they competed at the North American Grappling Association’s NAGA Fighter match, titled “Battle of the Beach 12” and held in Wildwood, NJ. All scored honors among the over 1,000 competitors, ages 6 to 50. NAGA is one of the largest grappling associations in the world.

Jojo Guaran, the owner of an associated martial arts school, joined Oppedisano in the effort, which was focused on Braziiian Submission Grappling. In this discipline, competitors meet one-on-one, battling until someone taps out. Points are earned by achieving dominating positions and taking an opponent down.

“Everyone earned a medal,” beamed Oppedisano, “which in this case is a samurai sword. It’s the first time this has ever happened in a school environment with which I’ve been associated. I attribute it to the coaching we do here. I truly believe I can make champions out of raw talent. I have kids here who weren’t able to do a simple jumping jack, who have evolved into expert competitors. It’s truly remarkable.”

Among the 11 was Oppedisano’s niece, Gabriella, 15, who is also an assistant coach at ECU. She took first in the white belt competition, against an adult competitor. “This was her first time competing,” said Oppedisano. “Again, very outstanding.”

Oppedisano’s own win, in the brown belt division, came after defeating three competitors.

The martial arts master said these types of accomplishments build self-esteem not only in the martial arts world, but in the real world. “Win or lose, my students are champions just for having stepped on the competition mat,” he said.