St. Luke Youth Group Boxed In For the Night

St. Luke Youth Group 
Boxed In For the Night:

Church event raises 

awareness for homeless

(Appeared in Westport News 10/24)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

10/23/10

Westport, CT – If you weren’t aware of the event activity, you’d think a sanitation truck had left a few boxes behind in St. Luke Church’s 84 Long Lots Road parking lot. On closer inspection, you would realize that these were temporary shelters and had been purposely placed there.

The boxes, some twenty structures in all, were erected by 30 teenagers who are part of St. Luke’s Youth Group. The teens planned to spend the overnight in these structures in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of an estimated 33,000 homeless individuals residing in Connecticut and to help drive food donations for Fairfield’s Operation Hope.

“My son goes to Osborn Hill and, noting his school’s efforts with Operation Hope, I decided to see what else we could do to help going into the holiday season,” said St. Luke Youth Program Director Deb Toner.

“The project idea ‘Outside of the Box’ was initiated about a year and a half ago, but we wanted to wait until the temperatures dropped so we could experience what it would be like to not have a warm home… and proper meal,” added Toner.

Toner noted that “building” materials were limited to a box, tape and spray paint, while food supplies would be water and hot dogs only for 12 hours. Toner said the food restriction would be “tough for teenagers” and “if anyone brings candy or breaks the restriction, they would have to go in the penalty box.”

The food drive had already been initiated on October 17 and would continue through the 25^th. All donated food will be trucked to Operation Hope’s 50 Nichols Street shelter facility to benefit its residents. The items most needed, which are being collected at St. Luke, include beans, canned tomatoes, cake mixes, powdered milk, canned meats and stews. A full list of needs is available on the organization’s website: www.OperationHopeCT.org

Timmy Jeanneret, 15, was busy putting last minute touches on his box structure. He had bought three 20”x20”x20” Fed Ex boxes and was taping them together. “I’m going to slide right in and close both ends. It should hopefully be warm. I brought some extra clothing to add onto what I’m wearing,” he said.

Project Co-Organizer and Norwalk resident Allison Love said some of the students would be sharing boxes, for warmth, and that a bonfire was planned, around which students will sit and roast their hot dogs.

Jill Toner, 15, Deb’s daughter, was unraveling a sleeping bag in which she planned to sleep inside her box. She had created a little tree with a welcome sign outside its entrance. Her box home was massive – a Samsung refrigerator box in its past life. On its top side, she had spray painted “Out of the Box” and, on one side, the names of some of her fellow participating students.

“I’m very excited about this,” said Jill. “It’s something new. I think it’ll be really fun. Of course, I couldn’t imagine living like this and it makes me feel for the people that have to, especially in the cold.”

Project Captain Emily Hanrahan, 16, a Staples High School student, was settling into her own box. It, too, was massive, having housed a Kohler whirlpool bathtub. She had spray painted it with graffiti but had also handrawn a scene she had dubbed “Boxville”, which in essence referred to this temporary community that the students had formed. She planned to room with Co-Project Leader Elizabeth Driscoll.

“It’s a wake-up call for all of us to realize there are so many homeless. I think it’s going to be hard to spend the overnight outside. It will be a challenge, but fun. I think it’s supposed to drop to 40 degrees,” guessed Hanrahan.

Deb Toner noted that today, October 23, was Westport Make-A-Difference Day, which is how the event day was selected. She added that the Youth Group’s good deeds also include such efforts as an annual mission trip, wherein students travel to other communities to bond with other Catholic teens, paint houses and help in soup kitchens.

The Youth Group was formed four years ago and has gone from 5 to 54 students, with 40 students participating at any given time. “We have a very high participation rate,” said Toner. “The fact that they’re coming on their own… it’s fantastic.”

Pumpkin Carving Fun at Fairfield Museum

Pumpkin Carving Fun 
at Fairfield Museum

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

10/23/10

Fairfield, CT – Red cheeks and bright orange pumpkins. These were the most apparent images at Fairfield Museum and History Center early Saturday afternoon October 23 when two dozen children and their parents came together for pumpkin carving fun sponsored by the Fairfield Organic Teaching Farm.

In a grassy, sunny corner just outside a classroom space at the museum, four long tables had been set out and covered with bright yellow plastic tablecloths. Each table featured a plastic bowl and big spoons for seed scooping and pumpkin “guts” collection. There were also a variety of stencils available – essentially black and white images on copy paper of hissing cats, ghosts, scary faces and bats. A small container of pushpins was provided for tacking stencils on the front face of pumpkins. A larger container of Sharpie pens stood at the ready for carvers that chose to go a non-stencil route.

Of course, the stars of the show were the pumpkins themselves, which had been donated by Greenfield Farms. Twenty of these had been set on a carpet of crunchy leaves, scrubbed clean with soapy sponges and awaited eager carvers.

Assisting with the hour-long event were museum workers Walter Matis, Programming Volunteer Coordinator, and Christine Jewell, Director of Education and Public Programs. They were joined by Matis’ wife Sharon Hsu and representatives from the Teaching Farm including Vice President Jennifer Cole and Secretary Beth Bradley. Analiese Paik, Founder of Fairfield Green Food Guide, was also on hand.

Reached by phone, Teaching Farm President Pamela Jones, Esq., said, “We are very excited to co-sponsor the pumpkin carving. This is the farm’s first activity with the museum and we’re looking forward to undertaking other activities with them. We’re also excited to bring local native produce to students.”

The Teaching Farm is currently negotiating with the town for its own space in which to start a four-season micro farm. In the meantime, it is already cultivating produce in various locations around town. The Farm’s mission is to celebrate Fairfield’s agrarian roots and provide a demo farm for Fairfielders to learn sustainable farming practices. It is currently working with the Fairfield Woods Library to start an heirloom seed bank and library so Fairfielders will be able to plant and grow produce from provided seeds.

“I’m doing a ghost,” said Donna Drive resident Tommy Quinn, 14, freehand drawing an image on his pumpkin from a stencil. “I plan to put it on the front steps with three others there.”

Said Quinn’s mom Linda, “We’re members of the museum and had seen a flyer attached to a school e-blast. They (son Tommy; daughter Mary, 11; and their friend Katie, 12) love to carve. They look forward to doing this every year, usually at home. It’s exciting to do it somewhere else.”

Sungkey Paik and his sons Andrew, 11, and Phillip, 7, had pinned a cat stencil to a pumpkin and were pricking holes to provide cutting guidelines. He explained that his wife Analiese’s Fairfield Green Food Guide has a strong parallel with the Teaching Farm as an online resource for local and sustainably grown food ranging from local farm stands to farm-to-table restaurants.

Karen Capponi and daughter Isabella, 7, were also stenciling a cat face on their pumpkin. “I hope it turns out like a cat. We’ll see when we’re done!” the Holland Hill area mom said.

Mary Baker and children Sarah, 7, and Collin, 9, were carving a moon and stars pattern. “The kids really like old-fashioned activities like this instead of watching TV.”

A dad in the pack, Bernie Kelley, worked with daughter Kelley, 7, and her friend Chloe, 5, on an original carving. They had walked over from Kelley’s soccer game held on an adjacent field. He summed up the general feeling here, saying, “It’s really a lot of fun… and what a beautiful day!”

A Twinkling Light in the Heart of Westport

A Twinkling Light 
in the Heart of Westport:

Thali Offers Delectable 

Indian Cuisine

(Appeared in Nov. issue of Fairfield County Life magazine)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved

9/18/10

Westport, CT – “Thali” is basically a platter of food served at many Indian festivals and special occasions and typically contains several small containers of appetizers, adding up to a complete meal. In much the same way, Thali restaurant at 376 Post Road East in Westport offers diners a broad, highly satisfying palette of taste experiences.

Tagged as a venue providing “regional cuisine of India”, Thali Westport is the latest addition to owner/chef Prasad Chirnomula’s family of restaurants. Opened in March 2010, it is his sixth eatery in operation, with an additional New Haven location in development. Venues include Thali Ridgefield, Thali New Haven (Orange Street), Thali Too (Broadway, New Haven), Thali New Canaan and Chao Chi in Sandy Hook.

Chirnomula, 47, says he has always loved Westport. In fact, back in the early 90s, he opened Bombay Grill, which he since sold. “I like the in-town location, the demographics are great and people here – and in Fairfield County in general -- are well traveled and more cosmopolitan,” he said. “Thali Westport is a destination, not a walk-by… high-energy and with a great to-go business that accommodates the needs of people in the area who like to take home good food. I felt there was a gap between Fairfield and New Haven counties. I was determined to be here.”

Patrons are immediately soothed by the atmosphere of the Post Road location – brick, wood, paisley seatbacks, hues of deep red and burnt orange, dark stone tiles and a hip music soundtrack. Bent glass partitions, with Diwali fabric patterns and twinkling lights imitative of India’s Festival of Lights, create privacy and add warmth. A narrow street-side patio area dressed out with straw mats and trimmed with marigolds in flower boxes offers a sunny lunch perch or romantic sanctuary.

For the afterwork set just seeking thirst-quenching libations, Thali’s Mumbai Bar serves up exotic cocktails like its Tajmopolitan Martini, Bubbly Bangalore and Mumbai Collins, priced at $9 on average. The bar also provides aged ports, cognacs, bourbons/whiskies and single malt scotch, as well as domestic and imported beer like Indian brands Kingfisher and Taj Mahal.

For those wishing to relax and dine, the menu offers entrees that include Sea Bass seared in Hot Tandoor, Date & Walnut Chicken Breast with papaya-pineapple-tomato salsa and Goan Tiger Prawns in tempered garlic and slow-cooked tomatoes, priced at an average of $25. Thali also offers traditional Indian entrees like chicken, shrimp, fish, lamb and vegetables, all prepared with Indian herbs and spices, and Tandoor baked Nan bread complemented by seasoned onions, garlic and potato. Various side dishes include lentils, cucumber & tomato yogurt, cumin & coriander potatoes, and garlic spinach.

The highlight of the menu, however, is the arm’s length of small plate appetizers – no less than 30! – that are available. This is the core of the Thali concept: allowing diners to sample a host of different dishes and tastes that are filling and satisfying at a cost-effective value. In this “Indian food tapas-style” category, Chrinomula’s recommendations include Spicy Chicken Kababs, Multi Pepper-Crusted Breast of Duck, Pan-Seared Sole, Large Tandoori Shrimp, Samosa, and Little Buttons of Steamed Lentil and Rice Cakes. On average, these are priced around $8.

Of course, what meal would be complete without dessert? Thali exceeds expectations with a mouth-watering selection of unique offerings like Cardamom Crème Brulee, Caramel Mango Cheesecake and Indian specialties like Dudhi Jamun (fried milk balls in honey syrup) and Shahi Tukra (bread pudding). As complementary beverages, there’s a perky carousel of Lavazza coffee and Masala chai and organic teas, as well as excellent late harvest/dessert wines ranging from a Riesling “Ice Wine” to a Sauternes Chateau Guiraud.

“I have created hundreds of menus in the past. This is my favorite,” said Chirnomula. He also confesses though, “This is a hard kitchen as there is so much food to manage. One table of four that order eight appetizers times 10 tables could mean 80 appetizers to prepare in an hour’s time. We have a fairly sizable cooking and serving staff to accommodate this and our equipment is ample to handle demand as well.”

“Most of my competition is my own creation,” added Chirnomula, delving into his background and experience. “I’ve been involved with the marketing, development, consulting, management or ownership going back to the late 80s in Connecticut. I love marketing and have self-promoted myself for a long time… you can say I’m self-made.”

Born in Hyderabad, in southern India, Chirnomula had a comfortable start. Dad was a doctor, mom was a homemaker. His father wanted Prasad to follow in his footsteps and be a doctor, but Prasad’s dream was to be in the people and food business. “While my dad was looking for medical colleges for me, I was looking at culinary schools.” Prasad had seen his cousins reading big books and getting ready for medical practice and all the years they invested, and felt like half of one’s life is gone before one starts a medical career.

Chirnomula was inspired by his mother’s cooking – “It’s just amazing! The best food anywhere, anytime!” – and was determined to pursue his dream. He told his parents, “I’m going into the people/food business and far away from here!” He was 18 at the time. Still, they sent him to a medical entrance school, where he placated them, passing his time and having fun. But then it was on to the Food Craft Institute in Pune, about 300 miles from his home, where he participated in a four-year program, earning a chef and management degree.

Chirnomula went out for training during that span and had the opportunity to work at some of India’s finest hotels – onsite education, offsite practical training. He joined a privately owned Ritz Hotel as a management trainee and, at age 23, after just six months, was promoted to Food & Beverage Director. He had a “great young manager” and asked him what he should do with his life. The man suggested he go to America.

“I traveled to New York and my immediate goal was to join a hotel group or chain, at the 5-star level. I got a sponsorship through a restaurant and had big expectations – however, they started me as a busboy. Initially, this was a jolt, but I took the job, feeling that I had to start somewhere. Fortunately, I got very quick promotions and landed in the kitchen within a year.”

In 1988, Chirnomula got a call saying someone wants to open a restaurant, Meera, in Connecticut, from the ground up. “I never left the state since then,” he said. He was involved with the set-up for over a year then called to help with another Indian restaurant, Kismet in Georgetown, which he ultimately bought in 2004 and made a Thali.

In the years 1988-1999, Chirnomula opened eight restaurants – all primary locations from Westchester County to Massachusettes. Then he went on his own and opened his first Thali in 2000, in New Canaan.

“I’m a guy who believes in what he does, pays attention to quality and service and is motivated by a great staff and the greatest clientele.”

The Pipes Are Calling: First Church Congregational Debuts New Pipe Organ

The Pipes Are Calling:

First Church Congregational Debuts 

New Pipe Organ

(Appeared as a front page feature 

Fairfield Sun 10/21)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

9/17/10

Fairfield, CT –  “A… B… C…” Bernhard Althaus called down from the scaffolding to Michael Bessmann seated at the pipe organ keyboard below. As Bessmann pressed each key, Althaus moved methodically from pipe to pipe, listening intently, tapping and adjusting.

It was a mid-September weekday and Master Organ Builder Althaus and his assistant were busy tuning and testing the first 400 or so pipes of a new Tracker Pipe Organ that was being installed in the Sanctuary at First Church Congregational. The installation had begun in early July and this was a particularly critical stage – and one that had to meet the high standards of their boss, Philipp Klais, who had flown over from Germany this day and was due any moment to inspect their work. They were in the homestretch of a project that was ten years in the planning and readying the equipment for its November 14^th public debut and concert.

The notes filled the high-ceilinged, Romanesque-style room with a pleasant sound while light filtered through the Tiffany stained glass windows around the perimeter. The smell of fresh sawdust hung in the air, the result of recent cutting and fitting of ramps, ladders and walkways up behind the organ to permit the workers access.

Sweat dripped from Althaus’ brow as he moved about the tin pipes, which were still wrapped in protective plastic. The bench of the organ was likewise wrapped in Styrofoam, to protect and keep clean the equipment. The two wore gloves so that no natural skin oils rubbed off on any surfaces. From Bonn, Germany, and residing in housing in Fairfield’s Beach Area, the pair remarked that their countrymen back home were drinking apple wine at this time of year. Althaus looked like he might enjoy taking a break to enjoy a nice libation like that. But the oval faceplate on the organ with the imprint “Johannes Klais, Bonn 2010” was a constant reminder that he had an important job to accomplish here and a narrowing window in which to complete his tasks.

Faced with the need to replace an aging electronic instrument and receiving funding from the estate of Lewis and Alice Burr, the church, an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, began active planning for a new pipe organ in 2000. The church interviewed numerous builder candidates before deciding in 2008 to enter into a contract with Johannes Klais Orgelbrau of Bonn. Philipp Klais, 42, great grandson of the founder, now leads the 128-year-old company and 65 skilled workers building organs for churches and concert halls around the world and in all styles, from 17^th century European chapels to 21^st century contemporary buildings.

Charlotte Dyslin, who has led the church’s organ committee for ten years and been monitoring the installation work, has been very satisfied with the choice of builders. “Working with Phillip and his team has been a wonderful experience. Phillip truly understands the spiritual part that a pipe organ plays in worship and he and his team of craftsmen and craftswomen have been very creative in addressing the particular needs of our physical space,” she commented.

Althaus and Bessmann switched places from time to time and, on occasion, Bessmann would remove a pipe for Althaus to more closely inspect it. Periodically, Althaus would carry one to a makeshift workbench at the rear of the Sanctuary to make a small adjustment or even to hold up the pipe to his mouth and blow through it like some great alpine horn. “We are testing the sound,” he explained, a process known as “voicing.”

Returning to the organ, Bessmann played a particularly low and deep note and, smiling at Bessmann, cackled in a sinister way, like the Phantom of the Opera.

Accompanied by Dyslin and Peggy Gettig, co-chair of the organ committee, Klais, dressed in a black sport coat, jeans and black shoes, arrived on the scene and immediately began conferring with his workers. He had just two hours to give onsite before he had to return to the airport and fly to the Middle East to inspect another installation at a concert hall.

Perching on a bench, Gettig said, “I’m retired and have been fortunate enough to have been working with these guys all summer.” Gettig has been photographing and documenting the whole installation process via the church’s website and Blog, www.firstchurchfairfield.org in a dedicated “Pipe Organ Installation” section.

About the initial development steps, Dyslin explained, “They built the base in Germany, then disassembled it and rebuilt it here. It had to be adjusted further as the installation space was not square.” Joked Gettig, “Like any old thing!”

Gettig noted that only 20% of the pipes had yet been installed. She referred to this as the “principal” or foundation of the organ. “If the principal sounds good – and Philipp is here to listen – then the rest will be good. In total, there are 2,103 pipes, of which 172 are wood. The rest are metal.”

The overall specs and logistics related to this fantastic organ are indeed dizzying. Thirteen thousand man hours of labor to create and install. The longest pipe measuring nearly 20 feet. Combined Tracker length of 5,200 feet. Combined wind duct length of 100 feet. Combined length of structural beams 1,800 feet. A total weight of 14 tons.

The organ itself has three manual keyboards, 36 stops and 41 ranks. It is a moderate, but full-sized organ designed to fill the Sanctuary with a sound that will both inspire and uplift. The room underwent an extensive restoration in 2009 and the style of wood and carvings on the organ’s face have been crafted to match the historic church décor. The organ features an “eclectic tonal style”, meaning that it will be able to lead the congregation in hymns and accompany the choir, while honoring the entire scope of the organ repertoire, spanning the 16^th to 21^st centuries.

“We anticipate this instrument will be here for 300 years,” said Dyslin. “The member children of the congregation will need to be its stewards.” To this regard, the church contracted Fairfield author/writer Peter Saverine to develop a children’s book, titled “A Little Mouse Music”, that will help them appreciate it and learn more about the history of the church. “It will help the adults, too,” joked Gettig, “who have a harder time with change!” The book, as well as a related CD, will be introduced on the organ’s Inaugural Day.

As Klais took his turn playing notes and scaling the rafters, Pastor David Spollett emerged from his office. “Herr Klais is here!” he noticed, and went to greet him. “It’s just fabulous!” he complimented.

Klais concluded his inspection and felt the work had progressed well. “I’m a pipe organ builder, so I’m always worried. I want an instrument that reaches not only ears, but hearts. It should be singing, not shouting… a member of the  congregation, not just an expensive toy of the organist. I’m glad we got the confidence of the church to build it… but I’m not sure I want to let it go! It’s become an important part of my life.”

SIDEBAR

Historic First Church Prepares for Pipe Organ’s Inaugural Day

In a recent meeting at First Church Congregational, Pastor David Spollett offered background about the church’s history and the significance of its new pipe organ. “This is the sixth meeting house on this spot, with the first built in 1639. The current building was established in 1891, the longest-lived of the series. It’s built of red sandstone from the Manchester area of Connecticut.”

The architect was Josiah Cleveland Cady, known for developing the south wing of the American Museum of Natural History, and the Dakota building, in New York City.

The church’s previous organ was electronic, installed in 1971, which replaced an older pipe organ. “It was like a computer,” pipe organ committee co-chair Peggy Gettig remarked. Added Spollett, “An electronic organ is just an amplified sound. The key to the pipe organ is air moving through pipes. You feel the sound, the richness, the warmth. It’s the difference between listening to a recording of a symphony orchestra and listening to the symphony orchestra live.”

Offered organ builder Philipp Klais, “Each pipe has its own soul… and, together, the pipes need to be a good choir, rather than soloists. If the organ is felt and loved by the congregation, it will help spur a feeling of community during church services. Pipe organs have been doing this for centuries.”

November 14^th Inaugural Day Schedule (open to the public)

10:15 am -            Dedication of Pipe Organ during service

11:20 am -             Celebration Reception – Wakeman Hall

11:30 am -             Children’s Pipe Organ Concert & book reading/signing (fee)

4:00 pm -             Inaugural Concert

5:00 pm -             Formal Reception – Meet the Organ Builder, Philipp Klais, and Organist, Justin Bischof  

New Book Field of Screams Captures “Spirit” of Baseball

New Book Field of Screams Captures “Spirit” of Baseball

(Appeared on Fairfield.Patch.com 10/21)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

10/20/10

Fairfield, CT – The spirits in Yankee Stadium must have been at work again, helping to lift its pinstriped home team up from a 3-1 American League Championship Series deficit against the Texas Rangers. At least, that’s what author Dan Gordon would have you wondering in his new book Field of Screams, about which he presented an overview Wednesday evening at Fairfield Museum while the Yankees and Rangers duked it out in the Bronx.

The presentation was part of the museum’s “It’s A Hit!” baseball-themed programming and exhibits that run through January 2, 2011, and attracted baseball enthusiasts young and old.

The book, co-authored by Mickey Bradley, documents some of the amusing folklore that surrounds the game. In effect, it offers “the soul of the game and the stories that memorialize its legendary players and historic moments.” The authors permit true believers and skeptics to have their say, leaving the reader to draw his own conclusions. At the end of the day, this collection of supernatural stories adds color to the legacies of the great teams and the game itself.

Gordon, who “lives and dies with the Red Sox”, and Bradley, a lifelong Yankee fan, are unlikely partners. “There’s been a little bit of tension over time, but we both have a deep appreciation for history and enjoy the fun stories,” said Gordon.

Previously, the duo collaborated to write Haunted Baseball: Ghosts, Curses, Legends and Eerie Events. It was essentially the first volume of these spooky stories culled from ballplayers, stadium personnel, umpires, front office staff and fans, exploring the amusing and often eerie connection between baseball and the paranormal. When the authors set out to research that initial project, they wondered if they would find enough stories to fill a book. They were aware of some of the famous curses and talk of ballpark ghosts. Still, they were stunned by how many stories were making their way around which had not been captured in print, and knew a second book would have to follow.

The old Tiger Stadium in Detroit, which had sat idle and overgrown for 10 years after ceasing operations, yielded a “rich cache of stories,” explained Gordon. This included the spectre of Ty Cobb running the bases, the roar of a ghostly crowd late at night and ghosts in the security office. The Comerica Park that replaced it had its own share of strange goings-on: metal detectors going off by themselves, a dark silhouette in a corner and a glass display case said to reflect Cobb’s image.

At Angels Stadium in Anaheim, CA, former players claim there’s an injury curse and have seen faces in the walls. At Boston’s Fenway Park, the image of a long-time announcer is often seen in the PA booth while a seagull that frequents the stadium is said to be the reincarnation of a former late owner.

If you ask Los Angeles Angels ballplayer Torii Hunter, he’ll tell you about hearing ghosts at Yankee Stadium “whispering in your ear the whole time you’re walking to the clubhouse, to the dugout, on the field.”

Literal truth or fanciful fiction? You decide the next time you take yourself out to the ballgame.

For more information about Field of Screams, visit www.fieldofscreamsonline.com. Published by Lyons Press, 257 pages, $14.95.

Westport Police Department Swears In New Officer

Westport Police Department Swears In New Officer

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

10/20/10

Westport, CT – It was 30 years ago this December that the Westport Police Department hired its first female officer. On Wednesday, October 20, the department swore in its tenth female patrolman.

Fairfield resident Ashley Del Vecchio, 21, was inducted in an afternoon ceremony that took place in a second floor classroom at the 50 Jesup Road police headquarters. In attendance was family, friends, police officers from both Fairfield and Westport, EMS, fire department officials and Westport First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff. Del Vecchio’s addition, filling the last vacancy in the WPD created by retirements in 2009, brings the force to full strength: 68 officers.

With regard to the induction, Del Vecchio was experiencing a whole range of emotions. Outwardly, though, she appeared quite composed and professional, beaming in a crisp navy blue suit jacket and slacks. “This is unbelievable… everything I’ve worked really hard for. It’s just starting to hit me now. Nervousness, excitement. It’s the beginning of the rest of my life.”

Del Vecchio is a 2007 graduate of Fairfield Warde High School and a senior at Eastern Connecticut State University majoring in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She played field hockey and lacrosse throughout high school and college and was named National Student Athlete in her junior year at ECSU. She interned with the Fairfield Police Department during the summer of 2009 and 2010.

“I’d always had positive experiences with police officers… and was always on sports teams. There are parallels between the force and sports in terms of physical fitness and team spirit, and this was attractive,” explained the new recruit about how she chose this path.

“We’re very proud of her,” said mom Cheryl, who handles public relations at Fairfield Woods Library. “She really worked years to get here and this is definitely what she wanted to do. I know she’s going to be a really good police officer.”

Del Vecchio’s dad, Al, had applied to the force back in 1977, but ended up pursuing a career in real estate. He was proud that Ashley had achieved her dream and distinguished herself. “I’m amazed as there were 525 applicants. Two candidates were hired in Fairfield and one in Westport. I don’t think my experience was an influence – it was really something in her own make-up.”

Fairfield P.D. Lt. Jim Perez, who supervised her internships, knew from the start she was a standout. “She had this enthusiasm and drive to want to learn every aspect of law enforcement. The experience she got gave her a real grassroots picture of policing today. I can’t say enough about her. She’s got all the right ingredients.”

Sisters Lynn Hauser, 29, and Cara Del Vecchio, 23, were equally complimentary. “She’s very accomplished, motivated and determined,” said Hauser. “She really did it all herself, while working a job and going to school. She never freaked out!” added Cara.

Following a brief video that provided a historical overview of the department and welcome message to Del Vecchio, Chief Alfred Fiore commended her on getting through the application process. “It’s a tough job to become a cop today. You have to go through a lot. We lose half the people at the tail end of the exam process. It’s a credit to you to be here.”

Fiore noted that she will attend the Connecticut Police Academy in Meriden for the next 5 ½ months, then spend 400 hours training with patrol officers. On the heels of Fiore’s remarks, Joseloff administered the swearing in, saying, “Westporters appreciate the job our first responders do, especially in these times.”

Public Safety Officer Linda Vena, the first female officer hired by the department, said the ceremony made her reflect on her own experience. “I never thought I’d last 30 years, but I’ve worked with a bunch of great officers. I wish Ashley the same fulfilling experience that I’ve had.” 

BOE Meet Focuses on Student Activity Budgeting, Enrollment and Athletic Policies

BOE Meet Focuses on Student Activity Budgeting, Enrollment and Athletic Policies
(Appeared on New Canaan Patch.com 10/19)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

10/18/10

The New Canaan Board of Education met Monday evening October 18 to discuss budgeting against Student Activity Accounts, present staffing and enrollment figures/projections and provide a quarterly financial report. The Board also tweaked and approved Policy 6400 related to athlete conduct. The session was held in the Wagner Room at New Canaan High School.

Called to order by BOE Chair Nick Williams, the session opened with public commentary from parent Natalie Portman, who expressed concern about plans to build a new bus operation center to house drivers and administrators when the needs of children being bussed should be prioritized. “Our kids are being forced to endure packed buses. We really need to be taking a look at the whole busing system.” She urged that construction be shelved, which the Board noted.

Director of Finance and Operations Michael Lagas presented budget targets for June 30, 2012 for Student Activity Accounts. The budget proposal aims to eliminate nearly $36K as compared to a 6/30/10 operating balance of $198,347. The proposal was broken down by class year as well as by activity with certain items highlighted as concerns with regard to whether enough or too little funding had been dedicated.

The chief Activity Accounts issue discussed by the Board was the suggestion that funding be determined at a set percentage versus reviewing historical spending by activity over the past 2-3 years and setting funding accordingly. Board Member Jim Kucharczyk also questioned why there were balances dedicated to certain programs that didn’t seem to require an abundant level of funding. Board Member Alison Bedula cautioned that the budgeting be done as accurately as possible so that parents don’t have to cover shortfalls out of their own pockets. NCHS Assistant Principal Ari Rothman suggested moving towards amounts that are actually needed versus what each group wants and recalibrating as necessary. Further discussion is planned.

With regard to Staff Utilization and Enrollment, Assistant Superintendent Steve Swerdlick presented a comprehensive summary. A highlight was that K-12 enrollment in New Canaan Public Schools had reached 4,096, the highest level in 30 years, though enrollment has been fluctuating between 4,000 and 4,100 for the past seven years. The high school experienced the largest increase, with 56 more students this school year than in 2009-10. Enrollment in Special Education was down from two years ago, which Swerdlick attributed to the staff’s efforts to reach students before they require special ed. Staffing shortages in the areas of science, math and world languages could be possible if overall enrollment increases continue.

Lagas provided Operating Budget Measurements for the quarter ending September 30, 2010, indicating that, with 75% of the year remaining, 77.3% of the operating budget for expenditures and 68.4% for contracted services remains.

Finally, Athletic Policy #6400, after brief Board discussion and agreed-to minor changes in language, was unanimously passed. Further, it was recommended that policy highlights be provided to student athletes, particularly as the athletes will be required to sign and confirm their understanding of the new policies.