The Source

Bratches’s Work Ethic Puts Him on Top

2008-11-19T18:51:26Z

By Holly D’Addio, Source Sports Writer:

It was a classic case of “practice makes perfect” for Daniel Hand High School cross-country runner Will Bratches. In his sixth year of competitive running, Will has gone from mediocre runner to top-notch competitor and after taking his training up a notch two years ago, has seen the fruits of his labor.

“I kind of took the bandwagon approach to cross-country in middle school,” says Will. “All of my friends were doing it and it was something to do, but I wasn’t very good at all. I remember my races and that after every race, they’d hand each runner a ribbon—I was so far behind that I got ribbons that just read ‘Cross-Country Finisher’ on them.”

Will’s sophomore year was the turning point in his running career. Following in the footsteps of then-senior Drew Matthews and fellow sophomore Sean Nestor, Will took his training to the next level and went from running four miles a day to eight and took the “smarter training” approach.

“Since these two guys were doing so well, I thought they must be doing something right with their training,” says Will. “So when I started training with them more intensely and following their steps, that’s when I started to get better.”

The training regimen consists of speed workouts of fast laps around the track in intervals, as well as long, slow distance runs of six to eight miles.

As a group, the Hand cross-country team took on the new approach to training and won its first state title in program history. This year, they took the Class MM title once again and made it to New Englands after making the top five in the State Open.

Will was a co-captain this season and an All-Hammonasset runner. He finished 19th in the state meet after blowing away his expectations of finishing around the 30-place mark.

“Our team generally has great chemistry,” says Will. “We work hard, run well, and have fun, which is really important especially for a high school sport. We trained smarter and harder than ever before and [co-captain] Sean Nestor was our No. 1 runner and the diehard of the team—he set the pace with our training. This was also Coach Geary’s 25th year as coach of this team so we had a great season to celebrate that.”

Will has been a member of Hand’s indoor and outdoor track teams since his freshman year. He runs the 4x800—a team that finished in second place in 2007—and the mile events, and the Tigers were division champions in both 2007 (outdoor track) and 2008 (both indoor and outdoor).

“It’s funny because I was actually going to do lacrosse when I got to high school, but I liked cross-country and running so much that I decided to do track,” he says.

When not running for the Hand teams, Will has participated in several local road races, such as the New Haven Road Race—a race he runs with his cross-country team—and the Turkey Trot and Moonlight Run.

He is also a newcomer to Tai kwon do, something he started last year after making extra money as a busboy at The Wharf, and until his junior year, he was a military cadet for the Civil Air Patrol in New Haven.

At Hand, Will is a member of Daniel Hand Democratic Society, Peer Advocates, the Interact Club, the Woodsy Club, and is a writer for Vox Music Magazine. His top college choice for next fall is Boston University.

“I really love the city of Boston,” says Will. “I plan on doing ROTC so I’m not sure I’d have the chance to run up there, but we’ll see.”

Sidelines with Will Bratches

What is your most memorable sports moment?

Probably going to New Englands this season. It was the way it happened and that we found out we made it in. The top six teams from the State Open get to go and we, as a team, were shooting for the No. 6 spot and when they were announcing it, we weren’t No. 6 so we thought we were out. Then they got to No. 5 and it was us—we were all jumping up and down along with our coach.

Who would you like to thank?

My coach and especially all of my teammates—they’ve had a huge influence on my life in general and I’ve made some really great friends in cross-country. I also want to thank my parents for being there for me.

Pictured: Will Bratches just finished his senior cross-country season during which he was captain and helped lead his team to its second consecutive Class MM title.

Photo by Nancy Dionne

Hand Boys’ Soccer Aims for Elite

2008-11-19T18:01:56Z

By Jennifer Small, Source Sports Editor:

Coming into the season, Stan Latkowski knew there would be some difficulties as a first-year head coach, but knowing the Hand boys’ soccer program’s history, he and his team set high goals for the season.

“The goal of the program this year is the same as every year—win a state title,” said Latkowski. “Even though we didn't accomplish are main goal, we are on the right track of getting the program back to elite status in the state.”

Despite facing the difficulty of getting familiar with a program boasting 75 athletes, Latkowski and his Tigers had a successful season as they put together a 10-6 regular-season record to earn a No. 11 seed in the Class L State Tournament.

Hand topped 22nd-seeded Middletown 1-0 to advance to the second round where the Tigers topped Maloney 2-1 in overtime. In the quarterfinals, Hand challenged three-seed Avon in dismal conditions but fell 3-0.

“This team worked hard each and every day,” said Latkowski. “I wanted the kids to enjoy the game and not take it for granted. They worked hard for one another and had a passion to win. It was evident in the way we won the second round state game against Maloney in OT.”

Leading the charge throughout the season were senior captains Kevin Shirley and Ryan Dolan. Their contributions were noticed on and off the field. Both were named First Team All-SCC, along with Jack Shirley and Dan Shirley, with Kevin Shirley making the Senior Bowl team.

“Kevin and Ryan made the transition easier—they were great,” said Latkowski. “They led by example each and every day. They always worked hard and set a good example for everyone on the team. It will be very hard to replace them next year.”

Along with the captains and the Shirley brothers, there were 13 other seniors on the 2008 team including Alex Sullivan-Guzman, Ian Stevens, Kyler Equi, Tyler Abely, Jordan Kinscherf, Brendan Richard, Conor Horton, Renzo Cano, Aaron Hirsch, Barrett Telford, and Michael Simms.

“They are a great bunch of kids,” said Latkowski. “Some will play in college and a lot of them won't, but all of them will be successful. They’re just a great bunch of young men.”

The graduation of the senior class will certainly leave some open spots on the roster, but there are plenty of underclassmen waiting in the wings, including many who gained valuable varsity experience this season.

Tucker Hackett will return to the net as a sophomore, while sweeper Ben Lussier and back Alec Burlakoff will anchor the defense. Enzo Pagliarulo and Alex Adnani return to the midfield and Chris Genco and Ben Glassman will lead the attack as strikers.

“It will be very difficult to replace the senior core group of Kevin Shirley, Ryan Dolan, Jack Shirley, Dan Shirley, Ian Stevens, Barret Telford, and Jordan Kinscherf, but we have a good starting nucleus coming back,” said Latkowski. “The sophomore group is the most talented bunch that I have seen in a very long time and they will be counted on heavily.

“I would like to thank my coaches, Mike and Adam—they did a terrific job this year,” added Latkowski. “I would also like to thank all the parents who helped support the boys throughout the year. I would also like to thank Athletic Director Craig Semple for supporting me and the boys.”

Fishing the Curl at Season’s End

2008-11-19T17:58:13Z

Constant wind and wave action made for extremely difficult holding of ground tackle–no matter the scope. It was one of those “should we or shouldn’t we” types of decisions that was pondered over. Although safety is always first concern, it really didn’t figure in here as much as knowing that the trip was going to be wet, bouncy, and very salty.

If the season wasn’t waning so quickly and holiday gears weren’t forcibly meshing, the day would’ve been chalked off in favor of a pigskin game. But there were still blues lingering in the mid-50 degree water, stripers just aching to be caught, and togs, although deeper, still well within reach. A somewhat reluctant decision was made to uncleat and head out. And so we did.

Normally this time of year, mooring lines have already begun to stiffen while outboards begin to develop that early morning cough and shake. Soon that will be the case but not just yet. Knowing that in one week this could all change, we loaded hot thermoses to offset the gloomy day and ice chests optimistically reserved for the tide’s catch on board.

A little bit of this bait and a little more of that, we steamed ahead with the thought of letting Mother Nature dictate our game plan. Other than fishing, there was none. If conditions allowed for tautog then we’d drop a hook but if drifting or trolling seemed more productive, we had that covered as well.

When a couple of old salts get together, there can either be non-stop conversation or few words spoken. Often though, it’s an expressive glance that tells the story. That was the case here. With limited options, trolling and rolling the rips was the only logical choice–going with the flow, so to speak. Somehow the fish didn’t mind as much as, quite honestly, we did.

In the curls, as port and starboard gunwales slapped the water, fish could be seen. There was a mix of striped bass and bluefish chasing heavy chromed spoons. Wiping spray and the occasional peak wave from our brows was effort enough but cranking in line while maintaining sound footing was the absolute chore–let alone de-hooking and releasing fish. A few fish were kept for the cooler. The hot thermoses? They weren’t even touched until the vessel was once again secured to the dock. And, that’s the way one of the last trips of a season can take place.

On the Water

Warm water temperatures have somewhat stalled the fall migration of blues and bass, giving us plenty of fishing but unfortunately winds and subsequent wave action have closed many windows of opportunity. When the weather chose to cooperate, fishing proved to be fantastic with schools of both bass and blues becoming seasonally aggressive.

With little time left before Thanksgiving and anglers beginning to focus on year-end events, precious bonus days have been few and far between. Nevertheless, striped bass are here in numbers, schools of blues continue to linger and blackfish/tautog are heading for deeper water beckoning ‘toggers to follow. In fact, bluefish blitzes have occurred within casting distance from shore just a few short days ago.

With cows either moving in from the Rhode Island coast or splitting ranks to follow the Atlantic coast, anglers are looking for that 50- to 60-pounder that’s been eluding them–in some cases, for a lifetime. Now is prime time to try for that record-buster as the big gals cruise the inshore reefs, move across Long Sand Shoal, linger around Southwest Reef, and head west and, in a few cases, move up along tidal rivers to hang out for the winter season.

Hints are that we’re in line for impending cold front(s), which ought to tighten the window on remaining blues. But look for striper action to continue a bit longer and, if another bonus day or two were to materialize, there should follow an arm-weary top water session or two. For those surf casters, jetties, some beaches, and a few of the wharves are producing fish on plugs, chunks, and eels. For these guys and gals, the season will continue–longer if you follow the striper coast.

As water temperatures continue to drop, Atlantic broodstock salmon in the twelve-pound range are becoming more active. Single hook spoons and small spinners have been connecting along with mixed-colored and dark streamers. These, along with trout in CT’s stocked rivers, have been offering decent fall fishing when the winds beg off.

Largemouths have not been very active but ‘smallie’ fishing has been hot, joining the good pre-front bite for northerns and black crappie. Carp are being caught in the main rivers while both river/lake catfish taking bottom baits. It seems that certain labrador retrievers have taken a liking to cheese/blood baits so watch your frisky outdoors pal. Tom Megargee (DEP fishing instructor, avid freshwater angler and excellent fish chowder creator) landed this colorful CT River cove 40½” 15.7Lb northern pike using live bait.

Wherever fishing, think Captain Morgan’s for all things fishy including the latest gear, bait, flies/flyfishing, rod/reel repair, clam/crabbing supplies and licenses. Swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days, located on 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

Horsin’ Around

2008-11-13T21:30:44Z

Pat Bandzes and her horse Trish, Rockland Preserve Committee Chairman Joe Oslander, Madison First Selectman Al Goldberg, Mary Lou Millet and her horse Desiree, and Patrick Gazda gathered Madison’s Rockland Preserve last weekend to hear about the new Volunteer Horse Patrol. A joint venture of the Beach and Recreation Department, Rockland Preserve Committee, and the Connecticut Horse Council, the patrol will operate at the preserve.

Photo by Ray Hryb

Youngerman Resigns from Finance Board

2008-11-13T21:29:40Z

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Staff Writer:

Democratic Board of Finance member David Youngerman, in a letter submitted to First Selectman Al Goldberg Monday morning, has resigned his seat on the Board of Finance. The Democrats Monday night nominated Peggy Lyons to fill the seat.

Youngerman’s family has moved to Colorado and there has been a “For Sale” sign on his front lawn for weeks. While his wife and daughter relocated to Colorado in time for his daughter to begin the school year there, Youngerman stayed behind to sell the house.

“Pending a real estate transaction in Madison, I’ll be joining my family,” he said.

“Because of the nature of real estate sales, the house could sell tomorrow or three months from now. I don’t know when I might be leaving. Resigning now allows a new member to take part in the budget deliberations for the next fiscal year. It would not be fair to a replacement, and certainly not fair to the town, to ask someone to step in at the middle of the budget process,” Youngerman explained.

He went on to describe Lyons as “a terrific choice” and he placed her name in nomination at the Monday night Democratic Town Committee meeting. He cited her strong professional credentials, including a 17-year career in finance as an investment banker and corporate financial professional, her expertise in the preparation of financial projections and strategic planning, and her understanding of capital markets and the underwriting process.

Youngerman was elected to the Board of Finance last November in a local election that brought a Democratic first selectman into office and Democratic majorities on the finance board and Board of Selectmen. Prior to that, he had served four years on the Board of Education.

Lyons holds a bachlor’s degree from Cornell University and an MBA from The Wharton School. Most recently she worked with Deloitte & Touche Corporate Finance in New York City as managing director of Deloitte Strategic Investments & Development Team. There, among other responsibilities, she managed acquisition activities such as due diligence, valuation, negotiation and integration planning. She also served as managing director of U.S. Corporate Finance, also a part of Deloitte & Touche.

Previously she was manager of business development at General Electric Corporation, director and vice president for the Global Consumer Products Group at Merrill Lynch & Co., and was a director in the investment banking division of UBS Warburg.

According to the town charter, the Board of Selectmen chooses the candidate to fill a vacancy on the Board of Finance. The selectmen are expected to take action on Lyon’s nomination at its meeting Monday evening.

Turkey Tradition Hits 30-Year Mark

2008-11-13T21:28:08Z

By Jen Matteis, Source Community Desk Chief:

Thanksgiving may mean turkey and pumpkin pie for most—but some shoreline families are getting ready for a different tradition.

On Thanksgiving morning at 10 a.m., families and runners will take to Hammonasset Beach State Park for the 30th annual Turkey Trot. The event, sponsored by soundRUNNER of Madison and Branford and organized by the Madison Jaycees, is composed of a five-mile Road Race and a two-mile Family Fitness Walk, so participants can choose their level of activity.

“People bring their kids, some people come just to run,” explained Madison Jaycees President Jennifer Daricek. “People like to bring their kids out and go for a nice morning walk.”

According to Daricek, the Turkey Trot is a strong tradition. With 30 years under its belt and getting bigger each year, the Jaycees have watched the event grow from its humble origins of a mere 22 runners to become a huge draw for residents of Madison and surrounding towns.

“Last year we had over 2,500 participants,” Daricek recalls. “It would be nice if we could break that record.”

The race, dedicated to Dave Parcells, two-term Jaycees president and the oldest man to do a double swim across the English Channel, has taken place in rain and shine, snow and mud.

“A few years ago it was a mud pit, and there were still hundreds of people who showed up,” Daricek said. “I couldn’t believe it.”

Daricek and Jaycees’ Race Director Bill Clorite makes sure that the effort is never wasted.

“All of our proceeds go to local charities,” Daricek added, naming the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Madison Land Trust as examples of past beneficiaries.

Whether enjoying—or creating—a family tradition, looking to break your five-mile record, or just happy to know the money is going to a worthwhile cause, those involved in the Turkey Trot know how to have a good time.

“It’s definitely a lot of fun and a good way to start the morning,” Daricek said. “A lot of people come and make it part of their holiday tradition.”

Afterwards, participants enjoy a variety of refreshments, including hot cider, clam chowder, bagels, and “all kinds of goodies.” But don’t eat too much—after a morning of exercise, participants may feel their appetites piqued for the second half of the day’s ritual: that big Thanksgiving dinner.

The Turkey Trot is on Thursday, Nov. 27 at 10 a.m. at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. Registration costs $18 in advance or $22 on the day of the race (deduct $1 if you own a ChampionChip timing device). Send checks payable to Madison Jaycees to: The Madison Jaycees, P.O. Box 128, Madison, CT 06443. Pre-registered runners receive a long-sleeved shirt. For more info, to pre-register, or to become a sponsor, email themadisonjaycees@yahoo.com or visit www.madisonjc.com.

Want Happiness? Join the Club

2008-11-13T21:25:04Z

By Jen Matteis, Source Community Desk Chief:

Listing all the groups that she volunteers with—Circle of Care, the Madison Selectman’s Council on Youth Substance Abuse, the Children’s Center in Hamden, and both the Hospital of St. Raphael and Yale-New Haven Hospital—it’s hard to imagine that Tina Garrity has time for much else.

Yet in addition to knitting caps for people undergoing chemotherapy, helping people learn valuable job skills, and visiting child cancer patients in the hospital, Tina still finds time for happiness: the Happiness Club, that is.

While it might seem an addition to her other tasks, volunteering and the Madison Happiness Club go hand in hand for Tina, who founded the club two years ago. Whether with kids or seniors, her volunteer work is no tedious task but a time for play, arts and crafts, and generally a way to spread a little happiness.

“You’ve got to get away from the ‘me, me, me,’” Tina explains. “We don’t live on an island, any one of us, we live in communities and we have to take care of each other. When you start to give you feel good.

“I love being able to help,” she continues. “There’s so much need in this world. There’s not enough time in the day for all the things I could be doing.”

Tina, who formerly worked as a math teacher both at Daniel Hand High School and Southern Connecticut State University, has lived in Madison for 25 years with her husband Kevin. When their five daughters became involved in the school system, so, too, did Tina. From there, her volunteer work began in earnest. One of her biggest projects is running Circle of Care’s Art from the Heart program—a room makeover for a child going through chemotherapy, done in conjunction with Betsy Millane and local high school kids. For Tina, working with others is a big component of the happiness equation.

“I’m a people-person. That’s why I started the Happiness Club,” she explains. “The club is about passing on how to live a positive life. We’re the richest country in the world and we’re not very happy. There’s a huge need for it.”

Tina founded the Madison Happiness Club after attending meetings of the Fairfield Happiness Club—creating another branch of the larger, international club. Since its inception, Tina has brought a variety of authors, doctors, and motivational speakers to town. Since the speakers donate their time, the meetings are free to the 30 to 50 people who attend each session.

At heart, the message is simple.

“The philosophy is to help people realize you have a choice,” Tina says. “Happiness is definitely a choice but it’s one you have to work on.”

Although people begin at different emotional baselines, Tina believes that everyone has the ability to alter their level of happiness.

“You can raise that happiness level,” she notes. “There are things you can do to be a happier person.”

Tina emphasizes that other emotions will always have their place.

“Life always throws you curve balls,” she says. “You have to honor those times as well, but you don’t have to stay there.”

The concept goes beyond mere words—Tina has witnessed the club’s results firsthand, and knows that people are getting happy in Madison. Her hope is that the feeling will spread.

“If people can feel better about themselves, feel better about their lives, the people around them are going to feel better,” she concludes. “It is about being happy. Bottom line, I think that’s all we all want.”

The Madison Happiness Club meets on the last Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Scranton Memorial Library. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, this month’s meeting is on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Elizabeth Hale-Rose, a licensed clinical social worker, will present “Happiness Is Found in the Present Moment.” For more info or to sign up for the group’s newsletter, email ting45@aol.com.

Pictured: The prime mover of Madison’s Happiness Club, Tina Garrity of Madison has discovered her own source of happiness in volunteer work.

Photo by Jen Matteis

New Madison Beach Hotel Approved

2008-11-13T21:23:30Z

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Senior Staff Writer:

If plans move according to the present schedule, there will be a new, “upscale,” and year-round Madison Beach Hotel opening in May of 2011. The new structure will replace the present hotel and restaurant complex at the same site on West Wharf Road.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) last week approved the application last week following a public hearing that opened in September and continued to October. The board imposed a series of limitations on size, hours of operation, and parking, aware that the hotel sits within a residential zone.

The new building will include a hotel with a maximum of 34 guest rooms, two restaurants–one casual and the other more formal–and a spa for hotel guests. The present Madison Beach Hotel will remain open through the 2009 summer season, closing in September of 2009, when demolition of the main building and three accessory buildings will start.

Because there has been a hotel and restaurant on the West Wharf site since the late 1800s, use of the property for this purpose predates Madison’s zoning regulations. As a result, it is known as a legal, non-conforming use and the new plans need only ZBA approval.

Two years ago Ric and Dawn Duques, nearby residents on Parker Lane, purchased the hotel/restaurant operation and property.

“It was an emotional purchase,” Ric Duques told the ZBA in September, “My wife and I saw this Madison landmark falling into disrepair.”

He later added, “Dawn and I hope to do something positive for the town, to build something that is substantially better than what is there now.”

Plans for the new design call for razing all the various structures on the property, including hotel property on the north side of Parker Lane. Glen Coben, architect for the new hotel, said he and the owners presented a design “which tiers down by floors, respects the history of the hotel, as well as the style and character of the neighborhood…This is a unique New England style inn that we want to make into a luxury hotel property.”

The design provides a new entrance and courtyard on Parker Lane. The building will have cedar shingle exterior with white trim. The guest rooms will be larger and “upscale” when compared with the present rooms. The hotel now has two restaurants, the informal crow’s nest upstairs and the more formal dining area on the first floor. Duques said the plan calls for reversing the two.

“We think people who come for the more formal restaurant and dining will want to enjoy the water views from the second floor,” he said. “The folks coming in from the beach will find something more casual downstairs.”

The ZBA conditions set maximum occupancy at 34 guest rooms, 346 restaurant/banquet seats, and 34 bar seats. This is slightly less than present capacity. Hours of operation will be 6 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. There are also restrictions placed on outdoors events.

The limited parking available at the site was a concern for the ZBA and it has required valet parking during those times, including the summer months, when guest occupancy is high. There is also a requirement for offsite parking at certain times or for certain events. Because the hotel sits within a residential neighborhood, the ZBA also limited the number of delivery trucks and times, as well as trash removal. Other conditions dealt with lighting, landscaping, and public parking.

Library Trustees Consider Next Steps

2008-11-13T21:22:26Z

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Senior Staff Writer:

Faced with a disappointing loss at the polls last week, the Board of Trustees of the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library said they will work with town officials to develop a revised proposal for the library expansion that will meet the needs of the town.

The trustees had asked town taxpayers to approve a $13 million bond issue, allowing the library to renovate and expand its landmark building at the corner of Wall Street and the Boston Post Road.

In a letter to the editor in this issue of The Source, Board of Trustees Chair Ted Mallory said, “Most of those who were opposed were concerned with taking on a major expense in the tumultuous financial times that burst upon us this fall…The referendum was defeated. The economic fears were too great and we failed to communicate or convince enough people of our reasoning.”

In a final vote total, the referendum garnered 5,063 “yes” votes with 5,528 “no” votes. With 80 percent of Madison’s voters coming to the polls Nov. 4, the library question was defeated by less than 500 votes. More residents voted in favor of the $13 million funding request than voted for Republican John McCain for president.

John Brady, one of the trustees who spearheaded the “Library Yes” campaign, said, “With the benefit of a little hindsight, I think it was the [national] financial meltdown in the last month that defeated the proposal. Without that, I am sure it would have passed.”

The trustees lobbied the Board of Selectmen this past summer, asking that the $13 million referendum question be placed on the November presidential ballot.

“We want as many residents as possible to have an opportunity to vote,” Mallory told the selectmen, and voter participation in presidential elections was much higher than in local budget referendums held each May.

With just over 5,000 voting in favor, “the referendum shows tremendous support for expanding the library,” Brady said. “I know from talking with hundreds of [residents] that they are enthusiastic about the future and the value of libraries. I appreciate their support.”

He also thanked the volunteers who joined him on the Library Yes advocacy campaign.

In his letter, Mallory says, “The trustees, together with town officials, will take another critical look at our proposal for Madison’s public library.”

Meyers’s Film Debuts on Sundance Channel

2008-11-13T21:21:31Z

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Staff Writer:

Before coming to Madison this summer to film his latest movie, Marc Meyers had written, directed and produced another, Approaching Union Square. The independent feature film had its broadcast premiere on the Sundance Channel Saturday night. It will run four more times throughout the month.

The Montreal Gazette described Approaching Union Square as “as startlingly accomplished debut…smart, confessional, rueful, funny and sad.” The 81-minute film is written and directed by Meyers and produced by Ibid Filmworks partners Jody Girgenti and Meyers. This is the same team Madison and Guilford residents saw at work this summer during the filming Harvest, a story also written by Meyers. Just as he did with Approaching Union Square, Meyers is writer, director and producer of Harvest.

Just before shooting began on Harvest this summer, Meyers described the story as a family drama, centered on three generations of a family coming together one summer around the eventual passing of its patriarch, a World War II veteran. Madison plays a prominent role in the film, from scenes at Middle Beach Road and West Wharf to the town’s July 4 parade.

Growing up Meyers spent his summer along the shoreline in Guilford, Madison, and Clinton, and so knows the area well.

“In part, Harvest is an ode to Madison, which is a special place, a special kind of small town that is a great backdrop for an independent movie,” he said. “Madison is so connected with the film, it could not have been shot any place else.”

Meyers is presently back in New York City editing the scenes shot here this summer.

Approaching Union Square, Meyers’ first feature film, is adapted from his original stage play, Love & Sex: Tales from the Trenches. The lives of 11 passengers on a New York City bus are revealed in a series of individual monologue vignettes. While largely anonymous to each other, the travelers–including a tourist, an immigrant, a sex addict, and a psychic–harbor secrets, longings, connections, and intriguing inner lives otherwise invisible. The film played more than 25 film festivals and earned several jury awards for best feature.

Currently scheduled screenings on the Sundance Channel for Approaching Union Square are:

Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 a.m.

Sunday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m.

Friday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m.

Selectmen Consider Budgets and Revenue

2008-11-13T21:20:24Z

By Marianne Sullivan, Source Senior Staff Writer:

Only five months into this fiscal year, the Board of Selectmen is spending time discussing the next fiscal year. Like other communities across the state, Madison is facing increasing costs and uncertain revenue.

The town department heads begin considering budgets for the next fiscal year, 2009-2010, within the next few weeks. The public schools have already begun the process.

In a board meeting last week, First Selectman Al Goldberg asked fellow selectmen if the board believed it should give town departments specific instructions, limits, or guidelines as the put their budgets together.

“At this point,” he said, “Revenue is an unknown for us, but we still must begin the budget planning for next year.”

With the state’s increasing budget deficit, it seems unlikely that state funding would increase. In fact, it could decrease. At the same time, the town’s investments have suffered as interest rates have fallen. Selectman Joseph MacDougald has been pushing for a special meeting to discuss the revenue picture for the next year.

“It is difficult to move forward with a budget discussion of we have not discussed revenue first,” MacDougald said last week.

Selectman William Gladstone said the message he would send to department heads was to “hold the line.” In the past, other administrations have set guidelines or limitations on budget increases.

“I’m reluctant to do that, but we all need to understand that the town is being squeezed on every side, and we should be looking for savings and deferrals wherever we can to make ends meet,” Gladstone said.

Goldberg said the “budget big three” are the costs for employee compensation, health care coverage, and energy.

“The first two may be out of our control. Most departments, although not all, have contracts. With health costs, there is only so much we can do, even though we self-insure,” Goldberg said, noting that the town and the school system have gone out into the marketplace together this year to use that power to lock in many energy costs.

As a result he said, “I don’t expect any energy surprises” as they plan for next year.

Selectman Noreen Kokoruda said, “The one thing we know for certain about revenue is that the news will not be good.”

Current Year Savings

While the selectmen discuss planning for the next fiscal year, Goldberg had asked department heads to meet individually with him to discuss possible savings that could be accomplished in the present year’s budget. The list he distributed to selectmen recently totaled a possible savings of more than $400,000.

The greatest savings came with personnel, specifically not filling or delaying the hiring in certain jobs. The difficult budget outlook has already eliminated the $72,600 position of operations coordinator within the selectman’s office for this fiscal year. Another new position, director of land use operations and planning, listed at $30,700, is still being defined and will likely not be filled for several months. Delaying the hiring of a maintenance worker until December will save an estimated $15,000.

The Police Department estimated savings of $50,000 within its salary account. Staffing levels within the department remain below budgeted amounts. The Public Works Department suggested postponing replacement of a town car to save $20,000 and replacement of a backhoe to save $100,000.

These are expenditures that could be considered for postponement in this fiscal year, he said.

Sturman Powers Past the Competition

2008-11-13T17:50:35Z

By Holly D’Addio, Source Sports Writer:

Growing up, Hannah Sturman had to put up with her competitive twin brother’s sports glory and while she took it all in stride while being a tough competitor herself in dance, once Hannah got to high school, she decided to pick up a couple of extra sports.

“My friends all played school sports and my brother has always been competitive,” says Hannah, now 17. “I was sick of him getting all of the glory so I wanted to try a few sports on my own.”

Her sophomore year at Haddam-Killingworth High School, Hannah was introduced to volleyball. She got some varsity playing time that year—in which she earned the Rookie of the Year—and was a full-time starter in the libero position her junior year.

“It was kind of tough starting off that year when everyone else had at least a year of experience on me,” says Hannah. “My friends were a year ahead of me so it just pushed me to try harder so I could catch up to their skill level.”

The HK volleyball team has had much success in recent years. Hannah’s sophomore and junior seasons, the Cougars made it to the state finals, only to lose to Coventry both times. They’ve also lost to Morgan in the Shoreline finals the past two years as well but are currently still going strong in the state tournament. Hannah’s awards so far this season include being selected as a Second Team All-Shoreline player.

To prepare for her high school success, Hannah has attended Gold Medal Squared Volleyball Camp, which is a camp that travels to schools in the area during the summer and helps prepare them for the fall season. Hannah has also played during the winter for the Connecticut Juniors Volleyball Program for the past two years.

Hannah also discovered tennis, which she has played during the spring since her sophomore year. That year, she made the varsity doubles team and earned the Most Improved Award.

“I picked up tennis for the same reason,” says Hannah. “I liked how busy volleyball kept me and wanted to have a spring sport to play.”

In addition, Hannah continues to work year-round at perfecting dancing, which she has been involved with for 13 years. She has competed for seven years in ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap, and gymnastics and has been with Dance Corner in Killingworth since the beginning. She competes against other dance schools in the New England area and practices three times a week and has about three competitions a year to prepare for.

At the high school, Hannah is involved in SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and is also a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.

With college looming for the HK senior, Hannah is in the midst of applications and college visits. She is contemplating a major in psychology and a post-high school career in volleyball.

“If I played volleyball, it would have to be Division III or intramural,” says Hannah. “I’d consider joining the dance team as well. But right now, I’m just concentrating on doing the best I can this year to make it easier and to get ready for next fall.”

Sidelines with Hannah Sturman

What is your most memorable sports moment?

Last year we were playing Morgan during the regular season and were down something like 23-12 but came all the way back to win the match and beat them all-around. It was very exciting for us and our coach is always telling us that we’re known as the team that pulls together makes comebacks.

Who would you like to thank?

My coaches, Mr. Langer and Mr. Vanicky—they’re the best coaches anyone could ever have and they’ve taught me so much and are always there for me. Also my parents for always being there and being supportive and my friends on the volleyball team—they’re the best team and everyone is always there for each other and we all have a blast.

Pictured: Hannah Sturman is only in her third season playing volleyball but has won several awards for her efforts.

Photo by Jennifer Small

Cougars’ Volleyball Reaches State Semis

2008-11-13T17:09:03Z

By Jennifer Small, Source Sports Editor:

The HK volleyball entered the state tournament coming off a strong regular season in which the Cougars finished 15-3 to earn a No. 6 seed in the state tournament and a bye in the first round. HK beat Terryville 3-2 in second-round action and then topped Grasso Tech 3-1 in the quarterfinals.

The win pitted the Cougars against a more-than-familiar foe—the No. 2-seeded Morgan Huskies in a game that was played yesterday. HK has faced Morgan three times already in 2008—twice in the regular season and once in the Shoreline Conference Tournament finals—and fell in each of three contests.

In the second round on Nov. 5, HK beat No. 11 seed Terryville 25-21, 23-25, 25-21, 21-25, 15-9. Stephanie Venuti had four blocks, 15 assists, 25 digs, and seven kills and Lindsey Wierbicki had 26 assists, seven kills, and 10 digs.

Also contributing to the win were Emily Dadario with six digs and six aces, Megan O’Brien (4 kills, 5 blocks), Erin Moriarty (19 kills, 17 blocks), Hannah Sturman (17 digs, 14 service points), Jordan Shultz (12 digs), Cara Weber (7 kills, 5 digs), Mikayla Litevich (4 kills, 8 digs), and Jordanne Anderson came through with two key kills and digs.

In the 25-16, 20-25, 25-16, 25-16 over third-seeded Grasso Tech in the quarterfinals on Nov. 7, Venuti had 14 assists, 16 digs, and 14 service points, while Wierbicki had 25 assists, 20 service points, nine aces, and 10 digs.

O’Brien laid down 13 kills to go along with seven service points and two blocks. Moriarty was dominant at the net with 16 kills and 16 blocks. Sturman added 20 digs and seven service points.

Other contributors were Anderson (2 kills, 4 digs), Emily Dadario (5 digs, 6 service points), Shultz (13 digs), Weber (7 kills, 5 digs), and Litevich (3 kills, 3 digs).

Pictured: Megan O’Brien has been solid for the Cougars in their state tournament run, advancing to the semifinals where they took on Morgan yesterday.

Photo by Erik Johnson

Hand Girls’ Soccer Falls in Second Round of States on PKs

2008-11-13T16:46:08Z

By Jennifer Small, Source Sports Editor:

After topping 23rd-seeded Sacred Heart Academy 3-1 in the first round of the Class L State Tournament, the No. 10 seed Hand girls’ soccer team fell to Farmington when the game came down to penalty kicks.

On Nov. 4, the Tigers scored three goals in the second half before Sacred Heart scored with les than two minutes to play in the game.

About 25 minutes into the second half, Kerri Flaherty sent the ball in from the right side to Courtney Reilly, who collected the ball at the top of the 18 and blasted the ball past Sacred Heart Academy Goalkeeper Freshmen Megan Rodrigues

“The first goal is always the most important goal,” said Coach Bob Faulkner. “We stressed to the girls at halftime that whoever scores the first goal in a tournament game usually goes on to win the match so make sure we get the first goal.”

Hand didn’t stop there as the Tigers scored two goals within seven minutes. Carli Reichelt made a run from the outside and drove a ball to the far post where Flaherty one-timed a full volley into the upper corner.

“It was a great play by Carli with her run to goal and a fantastic finish by Kerri, who showed a lot of skill to hit a ball like that into the upper corner of the goal,” said Faulkner.

Reichelt set up the final goal when she broke down the Sacred Heart Academy defenders on the left side and sent a ball into the box to a waiting Reilly, who drilled the ball into the upper-left side to put Hand up 3-0 with less than three minutes remaining.

“Both teams played very well and both teams were a credit to their schools,” said Faulkner. “It was a tough match for us and a challenging first-round game. I’m very proud of our girls.”

The Tigers then took on seventh-seeded Farmington in the second round on Nov. 6. Unfortunately Hand was without its head coach for much of the match as Faulkner had a family commitment and Faulkner’s request to push the time back was denied by Farmington. Assistant Coach Anthony Mancini and Stan Latkowski, the Hand boys’ soccer coach, led the team.

“We were at a little disadvantage without Coach Faulkner—he is such a good game coach—plus we were missing a few starters who couldn’t play due to illness,” said Latkowski. “The kids rose to the challenge and played their hearts out.”

Hand came out strong in the first half, moving the ball and attacking the Farmington defense, despite the persistent driving rain. In the first two minutes, Hand’s Megan Derken hit the crossbar and the Tigers had several more good scoring opportunities in the first 15 minutes but couldn't find the back of the net.

“The conditions were at best suited for ducks and the rain was not helping the Hand players who were sick and coughing on field and sideline,” said Latkowski. “We were not only fighting the elements and playing on a sloppy field we were also down in numbers due to kids being sick and not being able to play.”

Hand’s defense was led by Ellie Brink Hanna Stone, Becca Church, and Reichelt and held strong as the teams battled to a scoreless tie in regulation and through two overtime periods.

“The defense was very strong and worked very well together—these girls were not going to let Farmington score,” said Mancini.

Of course, Hand’s defense was made even stronger by its All-State goalkeeper—Kerri Wallack.

“Kerri is such a dominating keeper she is a game changer said Latkowski “No one was going to score on her today and she handled everything and made every save look easy even in the wet conditions.”

Despite trying to push forward through the remainder of regulation and the overtime periods, Hand’s attack couldn’t penetrate as Farmington held players back to push the game to penalty kicks.

On penalty kicks, Brink’s shot went inches over the crossbar, while Farmington’s first player missed as well. Reilly hit the crossbar for Hand and Wallack just missed saving Farmington’s next PK as the ball hit the inside post. Taya Richardson evened the score as she buried her PK to the left side. In a déjà vu play, Wallack again covered the next PK, but the ball again hit the post and skipped into the goal.

Hand’s Mary McGinley sent a perfect ball into the left side to tie it 2-2 and Farmington scored on the next PK as Wallack slipped in the mud. Hand missed its next PK and Farmington rushed the field to advance to the quarterfinals where it fell to Avon.

“We played like champions and I’m proud of these girls and all they have accomplished this season,” said Faulkner. “These girls rose to every occasion, they fought through a lot of barriers that would have torn many teams apart. I couldn’t have been any prouder of this team; they are my heros and they are my champions. I would like to thank my seniors and younger players—they made this season very special. Coach Latkowski, Coach Mancini, and my assistant coaches did a great job with the team—they are true friends and I am indebted to them for all their help and commitment to this team.

“We were honored to have played in the state tournament, to represent our school, our community, and soccer program,” added Faulkner. “Our Athletic Director Craig Semple, our administration, and New Superintendent David Klein gave us the tools, confidence, and the support we needed to do well this season. The team and I are indebted to them and their support. I couldn’t have asked anything more from this team; I love them and I wish them well and I thank them for letting me coach such a fine group of young ladies.”

Hand Boys’ Soccer Falls to Avon in State Quarters

2008-11-13T16:35:52Z

By Jennifer Small, Source Sports Editor:

The Hand boys’ soccer team finished the regular season 10-6 to earn a No. 11 seed in the Class L State Tournament. The first round saw the Tigers top 22nd-seeded Middletown (7-7 regular-season record) 1-0 to advance to the second round on Nov. 5 to take on Maloney, the No. 27 seed with a 6-8-2 regular-season record.

Maloney put up a solid fight, pushing Hand to its limits and the teams battled to sudden-death overtime. Despite chances on both sides, the Tigers put the ball home for a 2-1 win and a berth in the quarterfinals where they met third-seeded Avon and fell 3-0 on Nov. 7.

In the first-round win, Middletown goalkeeper Ryan Sheil made two spectacular saves in a three-minute period against Hand’s Ryan Dolan to preserve the 0-0 tie that held up through much of the first half.

“It was a very chippy game—Middletown was very physical and tried throwing us off our game, but the boys stayed levelheaded enough to get out with a win,” said Latkowski. “First we really took it to them.

Hand broke through with 13:00 to play in the first half when the Tigers were awarded a direct kick from about 20 yards out. Kevin Shirley stepped up and hit a rocket into the upper 90 for a 1-0 lead.

“The second half was more about surviving and moving on,” said Latkowski. “Every time we touched the ball, we would get hammered. The boys kept their composure for the most part and they didn't back down from the physical play.”

Hand outshot Middletown 18-5 with goalkeeper Tucker Hackett notching three saves.

“Barrett Telford and Ryan Dolan and the back four of Ben Lussier, Jack and Dan Shirley, Kyler Equi played excellent, and Alec Burlakuff played very well off the bench,” said Latkowski. “Like I told the boys, you don't get style points this time of the year. All you want to do is win and move on. The boys proved that they can play the game any way the opponent wants to play. If you want to play soccer we can do that. If you want to play a physical game, we aren't going to back down either.”

In the second round against Maloney on Nov. 5??, Hand had several chances in the first half. Barrett Telford hit the crossbar and Ryan Dolan went just wide twice. Despite solid play, the Tigers couldn’t score for a 0-0 tie at halftime.

The second half started out the same way with several chances on throw-ins and set pieces. With 13:00 left in the game, Kevin Shirley had a direct kick from about 25 yards out and played a swerving ball into the box. Alex Adnani got his left foot on it and put it away.

Maloney picked up the pressure, resulting in a direct kick from the edge of the box with 4:00 to play. Eric Fournrer capitalized with a beautiful shot into the upper 90 to tie it.

“We were in a panic state for the rest of the regular time and going into sudden death, I knew if we kept our composure and possessed the ball, we would get a good look at the goal,” said Latkowski.

Latkowski was right as Kevin Shirley had the first look from about 20 yards, but Maloney’s keeper came up with the save. Then 7:00 into the first overtime, Ben Lussier threw the ball in and Telford tried to flick it in, but the ball went towards the end line. Chris Genco got to the ball before it went out and one-timed in front of the net where Ryan Dolan was waiting to knock it home for the 2-1 win and advance the team to the quarterfinals against Avon (see footage of the goal courtesy of Wendy Hackett via the link on www.thesourcenewspaper.com).

“The game was very intense and a very hard-fought victory,” said Latkowski. “

Pictured: Ryan Dolan scored the game-winning goal in Hand’s sudden-death overtime win over Maloney in the second round of the Class L State Tournament on Nov. 5. See a video clip of the game's winning goal here: Hand’s Golden Goal 11-5-08.

Photo by Margi Goldstein, video courtesy of Wendy Hackett