Local Area Taking on Lunar Look

Local Area Taking on Lunar Look:

Snowbanks top light poles, rival icebergs

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/24)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

1/24/11

Fairfield, CT – If you’ve been out and about town, you’ve seen them. Massive mounds of snow taking on iceberg proportions and transforming local landscapes into lunar horizons. Most did not occur naturally but are the result of the bulldozing and plowing of snow accumulations received over the past month.

You are likely to encounter them at retail centers, schools and other public venues that have adjacent parking lots. Like space boulders, they contain rock and debris and are frozen through and through. Unless there’s a defined and long-lasting thaw in the near future, expect to see these behemoths well into April, particularly if current arctic temperatures hold and additional snowfall arrives.

To that regard, the National Weather Service calls for a high of only 14 degrees today, a 30% chance of snow on Tuesday and an 80% chance of a snow and sleet mix, accompanied by gusts as high as 29 m.p.h., on Wednesday. New precipitation amounts of between 1 and 2 inches are possible by Wednesday night.

Think warm thoughts Fairfielders and keep your earmuffs, shovels and snowscrapers at the ready. Old Man Winter’s going to be sticking around a while.

Jets’ Super Bowl Hopes Dashed

Jets’ Super Bowl Hopes Dashed:

AFC battle with Steelers draws friends together

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/23)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

1/23/11

Fairfield, CT – It was the much anticipated AFC Championship showdown in Steel City between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. Football enthusiasts across Fairfield were planted on bar stools and dug in at home ready to witness history.

A dedicated Jets fan, Woods End Road resident Ken Kubel was one of many hosting home festivities and had pulled out all the stops. The main feature: an 8-foot wide x 4-foot high screen and hi-def projection unit with mini tower speakers for surround sound effect. This was set up in a 24’ x 20’ back family room with vaulted ceiling in which several couches and recliners had been arranged.

In the spacious kitchen, a dedicated, fully-stocked beer refrigerator had been established along with a full chili-and-fixings table and secondary snack set-up with bacon bread, chips, salted nuts and dips. In the wings, sausage and peppers, sandwiches and buffalo chicken nachos.

Attendees, wearing the green given a majority Jets backing, began trickling in early while the Green Bay Packers were completing a mostly dominant 21-14 performance against the stubborn Chicago Bears in the earlier NFC Championship.

Among the arriving Fairfielders was Mill Plain resident Paul Mucha, Lawrence Lane’s Will Silbert and Woods End Road’s Dave Pierpont and Curtis Clarke. Among out-of-towners were Sheltonites Carl Leonzi, Brian Pisanelli and Kevin Sands; Monroe resident John Evans; and Stamford’s Diane Mucha.

There was also a generous helping of youngsters, who had mimicked their elders with jerseys and warpaint, and wives.

“Just as last week (against the Patriots in the AFC Playoff), again the Jets are underdogs, but I believe it’s going to be the same turnout – another Jets victory and we’ll be going to our first Super Bowl in 42 years,” Kubel said, referencing the team’s 1969 win. Since, the Jets have played for the conference title in 1982, 1998 and last year, but never made it back to the Big Dance. In contrast, the Steelers hold six Super Bowl trophies.

The game time temp in Pittsburgh was 15 degrees – 5 with the wind chill – and fans were bundled. It was no warmer here at home, and the house crew was glad to be indoors.

The Steelers had first possession, with QB Ben Roethlisberger on point, and ate up more than nine minutes of the clock to achieve a first TD and take a 7-0 lead.

“The Steelers managed their time well, keeping the Jets offense off the field,” observed Sands, “but New York could turn around and score right now.”

Unfortunately, Jets QB Mark Sanchez couldn’t put a good reply together and the score held at the close of the first.

“I think the Jets are biding their time… but they can’t bide too much time,” said Pierpont. “This game will be won in the second half.”

In the early minutes of the second quarter, NY had a lucky pick-off on a 4^th-and-1 Pittsburgh push, but again couldn’t produce.

“Typical. Jets, Mets and Nets,” said Carl Leonzi, a Yankees, Rangers and Giants fan. “They don’t look anything like last week,” he added, going against the grain of the crowd.

New York’s lackluster resulted in another Pitt score – a field goal – with seven minutes left before halftime. At the two-minute mark, Roethlisberger pushed the score up again, running in for a TD, making it 17-zip. “Let’s go Rangers!” Kubel mocked, then, “Time to move on to hockey!” Someone else cried, “Who wants to buy my sweatshirt?” referring to his Jets-logo’ed attire.

The pain didn’t stop there when, seconds later, Sanchez was clobbered, fumbling the ball to allow another Steelers TD. While New York mustered a last second field goal, the Steelers were rocking a 24-3 lead at the half.

Jets fans were despondent but still hopeful. “We need to rally and explode in the next half,” said Matt Kubel, 10.

Kubel may have lit a fuse with his remark as, three minutes into the third, Santonio Holmes caught a Sanchez bomb and scored, closing the gap 24-10. How quickly hope returned to the room… and things started to happen… an interception mid-3^rd, a couple of sacks; long pass connects.

The score held going into the 4^th and the Jets kept pushing. Mid-4^th, they were at the goal line knocking but couldn’t get in. In a twist, a safety resulted, pushing the score to 24-12, Steelers. A follow-up drive punted the score up to 24-19. From oblivion, they’d re-emerged as contenders.

“They’ve pulled this kind of thing off in the regular season,” said Kubel. Hopefully they haven’t climbed back for nothing,” said Silbert.

Unfortunately, it was all for naught, with NY allowing first downs that led to their demise.

Cries of “Let’s Go Packers” closed the party in the Kubel house. “Better luck next year,” said the host.

Fairfield Youth Play Key Roles in Upcoming Choir Performance

Fairfield Youth Play Key Roles in Upcoming Choir Performance:

Fairfield County Children’s Choir set for Feb. 5 revue

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/23)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

1/21/11

Fairfield, CT – The dedication and energy of a handful of Fairfield-based young people has been a plus behind the activities of the Fairfield County Children’s Choir, which is set to kick off 2011 with its annual Broadway revue.

The annual event, its Broadway Concert and Auction, is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport. The performance will feature medleys from the Broadway musicals Wicked, Crazy for You, Annie and Barnum, be accompanied by the FCCC Orchestra and offer solos from soprano Stephanie Gregory as well as many of the choir’s own stars. The choir is a community-based choral program made up of over 250 children in grades 4 through 12 from communities in Fairfield County and beyond.

“I’ve had nine amazing years in the choir, including seven years in the Chamber Singers, which is one of four divisions – the most advanced – of the choir,” said Rachel Philips, 18, a senior at Fairfield Warde High School. She explained that the other divisions of the choir include the Chorus, the Chorale and the Concert Choir. Each performs both individually as well as part of the whole.

“The first rehearsal the first year I was doing this was a little overwhelming,” recalled Philips. “I walked into a room with 250 other kids and asked myself ‘What am I doing here?’ But by the second month, it became so second nature. The first public performance I had was a winter show. You’re always both excited and a little nervous about the unexpected. Now, nine years later, it doesn’t faze me at all.”

Philips is the newly-elected president of the Chamber Singers, a promotion about which she is excited. “It comes with a lot of responsibility and has taught me a lot about leadership. Choir is such a place wherein you can make friends and be with people who like to do what you do. It also provides such a strong foundation for basic musical concepts. Our choir director Jon Noyes likes to say ‘Have fun being awesome’ which we take very seriously.”

Fellow choir member Alyson Leppla, 17, and Philips have shared a similar path. Like Philips, Leppla started with the choir nine years ago, is part of the Chamber Singers and is also a student at Warde. “Rachel and I were friends in elementary school (North Stratfield) and joined the choir together. We’ve really grown up together. It’s nice to see someone else stick with it like I have for so long. It’s been very exciting – the people we’ve gotten to work with, the trips. I’ve had opportunities that I wouldn’t have had elsewhere. And even though there are a ton of singers, you really get to know everyone, particularly in your specific group.”

Leppla wasn’t sure if she would make singing a career, but expected to pursue it at an extracurricular level through college.

The newly-elected vice president of the Chamber Singers, Max Rein, 17, a student at Fairfield College Preparatory School, weighed in with his unique perspective as a male in the choir. “I’ve been in the choir for nine years, which is unusual for a guy given voice changes. In fact, I’m only one of maybe four males in the choir to have continued in the program so long. My older sister had been in the choir for many years before me and encouraged me to join. For about two years, we were actually in the program together, which was a unique experience given our four-year age difference.”

Rein recalled the highlight of his choir career. “The most exciting moment for me to date was performing at Carnegie Hall. I was a freshman, and to be in a world renown concert hall where so many incredible singers have performed was such a privilege.”

The Concert event includes a silent auction that opens at 5:30 p.m. and will feature a wide range of items including tickets to the Westport Country Playhouse, spa/beauty treatments, gift certificates to local restaurants, Pinkalicious books signed by best-selling author Victoria Kann, and a Lillian August gift basket.

Tickets to the FCCC 2011 Broadway Revue are $15 and $20 and will be sold the day of the performance. For more information, contact barbarabfccc@snet.net

Fairfield Public Library’s Jobs Series Opens to Rave Reviews

Fairfield Public Library’s Jobs Series Opens to Rave Reviews:

HR pros go one-on-one with jobseekers to hone resumes

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/22)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

1/22/11

Fairfield, CT – Some were re-entering the workforce. Others wanted to tweak their information to improve response. All needed help honing their bios.

Local jobseekers turned out in droves to get the help of human resources professionals that had volunteered their time to the Fairfield Public Library’s Job Series program, which offered the first of six sessions Saturday morning at the 1080 Old Post Road main branch. The opening session was devoted to One-on-One Resume Review and was facilitated by five professionals seated at separate stations in the library’s Memorial Room.

Library Reference Associate Judy Sparzo said the program, now in its third year, has been a great success. “We’ve served over 3,000 people to date through our weekly presentations. We’ve also recorded the presentations and put them on our website, as podcasts. The page has realized over 18,000 hits. We have people coming from Fairfield mostly, but also surrounding towns.”

Regarding program content, Sparzo added, “We try to offer a mix of skills they need like resume writing and interviewing, as well as stress management and credit counseling. A lot of things come into play when you’re looking for work and that are impacting your family. Our weekly presenters have been very generous with their time in helping people.”

Judith Evans, a Career Management Consultant for NewCareerVentures.com, one of the five resume reviewers, said she was glad to play a role. “It’s important for people as they go forward to have a really good resume. It helps open a door. I’m only too glad to help because I feel I’m contributing in a way to bettering the economy.”

Attendee Rosemary Field, from Fairfield, hoped to gain help re-entering the workforce. “I used to be an art educator but have been out of the workforce for 10 years now. I’ve been at home with my kids and have experienced life-altering situations. One of my children was diagnosed with special needs and my husband is transitioning his career. I really need to get back out there and use the skills I’ve learned volunteering and teaching to pursue a new career. My motto is ‘Passion, Purpose, Pay’, which to me means creativity in serving others. I’m hoping this program will help give me more focus.”

Attendee Mark Meuser, also from Fairfield, hoped to add some spark to his resume. “I’m currently unemployed and my resume isn’t working so far, so any professional advice to help me make it work harder would be appreciated. An old girlfriend and I put together my resume the best we could. It needs a professional touch.”

Fairfielder Carmen Herrera wanted to get a few pointers to help spice up her resume with a goal of landing a better job. “I’m here to see how I can improve my resume. I’m currently employed but looking for a better position and thought this would help. My sister is also creating her own resume and I thought I could get some pointers to help her.”

Pam Toner was another Fairfield resident reentering the workplace. “I’m relaunching my career after a 10-year sabbatical with my children. My resume’s three pages long and I want to find out how to condense it and make it work.”

The Job Series will continue through April 4 and include sessions devoted to interviewing, consulting, keeping current on business trends, leveraging LinkedIn and effective job searching.

The Job Series program is free to the public. For more information and a schedule of sessions, visit www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160. 

Historical Society Provides Life Lessons Through Fun MLK Day Activities

Historical Society Provides Life Lessons 
Through Fun MLK Day Activities

(Appeared in Westport News 1/19)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

1/17/11

Westport, CT – While it was a vacation day from school, Hilary Gibson wanted to be sure there was still some learning going on, though in a fun and interactive way.

Gibson is the Director of Education at the Westport Historical Society at 25 Avery Place and was hosting a “Take A Stand” program on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday Jan. 17. The fee-based class, held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., was attended by a handful of students ages 5 to 9, who learned important lessons about equality and race through engaging activities.

“We wanted to create a meaningful program about why this day is significant and how King stood up for his ideals,” said Sue Gold, the Society’s Executive Director. “This helps children take their own stand while they have fun and learn at the same time.”

Since the Society began offering programs on MLK Day back in 2004, it has tried to teach a different lesson each time, said Gold. “One year, we invited illustrator Tracy Sugarman, who was very involved in the Civil Rights struggle and met Dr. King. He brought images and stories about that time period and gave kids a very real look at those events.”

Gold said the Society does a similar program on Election Day, centered around what it means to vote and make your voice heard.

Gibson designs and implements a wide range of educational programs for the Society as well as works with area nursery schools and the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport. She said, “My whole philosophy is that an educational theme can be woven through every activity that we do. Even with something as simple as decorating cookies, there’s a lesson to be learned.”

She referred to the snack time the children enjoyed and how they used different sprinkles and icing to make their cookies unique, and how they learned that no one cookie is more special than another.

To bring attention to bullying, Gibson read the story “Hooway For Wodney Wat”, discussing how it related to race struggles and the treatment of certain peoples. It provided an easy way for kids to understand the issues.

Demonstrating the concept of segregation, Gibson divided the room by children wearing clothing with stripes and those wearing dark or solid colors, giving only one group certain privileges. Then she asked them for their feedback.

“I felt it was unfair how we were separated and treated,” said Blair Gowrie, 9, who clearly understood the message.

To show that issues can be solved through words and communication, the children made picket signs, each with its own message that was important to the child, e.g. no bullying, be kind. The children also designed their own Dream Pillow, which contained a slip of paper listing a dream. The latter had direct correlation to King’s “I Have A Dream” speech and, in Gibson’s words, taught that “you should have dreams and goals but also that these should be flexible to change over time.”

Assisting Gibson with coordinating this activity day were four freshman volunteers from Staples High School – Amelia Brackett, 14, Charlotte Piekara, 14, Kristin Dionne, 15, and Olivia Kalb, 14. All are members of National Charity League (NCL), a mother-daughter community outreach program. NCL provides a list of service opportunities from which the teens can choose.

“We chose this program here at the Historical Society because of the tie-in with Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” said Brackett. “Holiday programs are usually more interesting because we get to see how children interpret issues.”

The children participating were clearly enjoying themselves but gaining valuable lessons at the same time, as Casey Corso, 7, summed up. “This is really fun and we’re learning a lot about Martin Luther King. It doesn’t matter if you have different colored skin or what you look like on the outside. It’s only important what’s on the inside.”

The Westport Historical Society will offer similar vacation programs in February and April, and during the summer. For more information, visit www.WestportHistory.org or call 203-222-1424.

Police Bowled Over by Support for New K-9 Unit

Police Bowled Over by 
Support for New K-9 Unit:

Fundraiser at Nutmeg Bowl draws crowd

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/22)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

1/22/11

Fairfield, CT – As he sent a neon-colored ball hurtling down the alley, Fairfield Police Lt. Jim Perez hoped no one was paying much mind to how his bowling shoes clashed with his uniform. It was a trivial concern in contrast to the important mission he and fellow department members were undertaking early Saturday.

Set up at Nutmeg Bowl at 802 Villa Avenue, the Fairfield Police Department was conducting a fundraising event for its new K-9 unit. The event was sponsored in large part by Bearingstar Insurance, which helped with coordination, secured merchandise for an onsite raffle and recruited bowlers.

Sgt. Sue Lussier, a spokesperson for the department, said events like these are critical to bringing the unit to fruition. “We not only have to purchase the dog, but we have to train the handler, buy equipment, outfit a vehicle with a transport cage that’s safe for the canine, sustain training for the handler for five years and pay a daily handling fee.”

That isn’t even the full extent of expenses, said Lussier. “There are also expenses for vaccinations, grooming, medical care, permits, licensing fees and handler membership fees. There’s so much involved with the K-9 program – it’s not just the initial purchase but sustaining the operation for five years, the normal life of a working dog.”

With regard to the schedule for rollout, Lussier added, “Our goal is to purchase the dog by March 1, train it with the handler in April and May, and put the dog into service June 1.”

Lussier said there’s a pressing need for the K-9 unit. “Every single week we’re calling for a canine from another town or agency to supplement our routine patrol work. We just made an arrest this week at a burglary in progress in which we used a dog, to track a suspect. The dog would also be used for building searches, area searches and missing person cases. Hopefully we’ll have a dual purpose dog that can also provide narcotics detection.”

Kathy Piro, an Insurance Consultant with sponsor Bearingstar, had put all of her energies toward the event and supplied such raffle items as a Vera Bradley handbag, wine basket, auto safety kits, Sound Tigers tickets, a Molto restaurant card and teeth whitening services. “This is an important need for the town that’s probably overdue, and I’m going to stay committed to the cause.”

Attendees Jen Corbin from Shelton and Mike Lindberg, a Fairfield Letter Carrier from Stratford, were equally committed and were purchasing raffle tickets. “I’m friends with a couple of Fairfield cops and want to help support the effort behind the K-9 fundraising,” said Lindberg.

Lussier noted that the department is currently at 40% of its fundraising goal and she hoped that today’s event would help them reach their target. 

“Guys Night Out” Fills a Program Void

“Guys Night Out” Fills a Program Void:

Men gather to meet, eat and take in a flick

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/22)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

1/21/11

Fairfield, CT – Pizza. Beverages. Intimidating electronics. A top-rated guy’s film. The evening had all the makings of a good time for a bunch of local men looking for an evening activity.

“Guys Night Out”, a new program offered by Fairfield Public Library geared to men only, got its kickoff early Friday night in the Rotary Room at the main branch, 1080 Old Post Road. The main focus of the social event was a showing of the 1999 cult classic Fight Club on the library’s 120” hi-definition projection system complete with surround sound. Colony Grill supplied pizza pies, and snacks and beverages were also available. About 20 people attended.

Coordinator Jim Swift, the library’s Systems Administrator, said the library’s director approached him about what it could do specifically for men. Swift said, “I suggested movies and food, which makes great use of our hi-def system.”

Swift’s colleague, Valerie Fredericks, a reference librarian, indicated that Swift was a highly appropriate person to be offering the event. “Jim watches a tremendous amount of movies and is very knowledgeable about them. I think he’s put together a great series. Next month’s movie will be ‘The Hangover’. These are real guy movies.”

Besides The Hangover, the series will offer other action-packed films like The Godfather, Full Metal Jacket, Snatch and The Matrix. Films will be shown every third Friday of the month going forward.

Attendee Bernard “Bert” Leskovsky, 60, thought it would be a good diversion and fills a void in area programs. “I’m a Fairfield resident and have been laid off for the second time in four years. This is a good distraction. Usually, events are dedicated to children, women or seniors and not for guys specifically. It’s a nice alternative.”

Darin Mann, 40, agreed that the event met a need. “It’s unique to see a Guys Night Out posting. I thought it would be interesting and it’s nice to see something fun.”

The social aspect of the activity appealed to Joe Whyte, 66, who was attending with his friend Rudy Costello, 64. “I come to the library frequently. It seemed like a good time. You get a little camaraderie and meet some new people.”

For Chuck (declined to give last name), a self-described “library rat” who had just relocated to Fairfield, it was a chance to reconnect. “I just recently moved back here and this seemed like a good way to meet some local people. I haven’t seen the film, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Like Leskovsky, Allen Cassatt, 60, was down on his luck and appreciated the night out. “I’m not currently working and never get a chance to visit the library. I thought this would be a good opportunity and to fraternize with my town. It gives you peace of mind.”

Rich Rizzardi, 59, was very enthusiastic about the program. “I think the concept is fantastic. I take advantage of most of the library’s amenities. When this came up, I said ‘wow!’ I don’t think you even need the food – the movies are current and the event is very social.”

For Shashi Chaddha, 71, the event was an opportunity to experience library offerings. “I’ve not used the library very much and noticed this program. I thought this would be interesting to see.”

John Quintiliano, 52, probably couched things best, noting, “You come out here and they have food and a real good movie. It’s very comfortable and social. You can’t ask for more.”  

For more information about upcoming films and scheduling, contact www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160.