30th Annual Jack Friel Memorial Scramble Held In Support Of Scholarship Association

By Sherri Smith Baggett, The Newtown Bee

Lin Hertberg, of Newtown, created the Hertberg Family Foundation Scholarship through the Newtown Scholarship Association five years ago. Honored at the 30th Annual Jack Friel Memorial Golf Scramble, Hertberg is flanked by scholarship recipients and family members. Pictured are, from left, front: Sienna Cummings, Lin Hertberg, daughter Bonnie Hertberg, and granddaughter Sophie Lenahan; and back: Colton Procaccini and Ashlynn Kirrane. Not pictured: recipients Maddie Albee and Rayna Toth.

Despite short periods of rain, Newtown Scholarship Association (NSA) completed its 30th Annual Jack Friel Memorial Golf Scramble outing at The Country Club of Waterbury on June 27. A nice indoor luncheon was held for a full field of golfers before they headed out to complete 18 holes of golf.

“We were fortunate there were no delays due to lightning,” NSA golf tourney Chairman Ted Kohler said. “Play started out with a soft rain for probably the first three holes, a bit harder the next three, and the rain then trailed off and we were able to complete the tournament.”

The course was filled with golfers giving great energy throughout the day, not letting rain dampen spirits. During the 18 holes of play, golfers were challenged to a hole in one shot to win a car from Ingersoll Auto of Danbury on the 12th hole and on the 8th hole, TJ Wyld was declared the winner for the golfer hitting closest to the pin. Winning the tournament was the team of BJ Powers, TJ Wyld, Dan Mattson, and Ted Kohler.

Winners of the newtown Scholarship association’s 30th annual jack friel memorial golf scramble are, from left: dan mattson, tj wyld, ted kohler, and bj powers.

After golf, players gathered for drinks and dinner inside the clubhouse. NSA provided a silent auction and raffle table for golfers and guests. Many great prizes were offered, from golfing foursomes at prestigious courses to fun take-home items. After 18 holes of golf, the players were very supportive with the raffle and silent auction, helping to continue supporting NSA.

The dinner honored Lin Hertberg of Newtown. Hertberg created a scholarship through NSA, The Hertberg Family Foundation Scholarship, and donates $10,000 every year to a student with financial need attending college as well as meeting other criteria.

“I had a chance to meet and have great discussions with three of the five recipients of our scholarship,” Hertberg said. “We sat together for dinner. It was really nice to get to know them and I am very impressed by these students, all very highly motivated.”

Hertberg created his family scholarship five years ago. Golfers introduced to Hertberg learned about his scholarship and what it has meant to NSA and to the recipients.

“It was very nice to honor Lin, have him introduced, and speak about the scholarship and criteria students must meet to apply for it,” Kohler said. “I believe Lin’s speech gave the audience another perspective of NSA and reinforced what our organization provides for students applying to college and continuing aid offered while in school.”

Through annual fundraisers held during the year, NSA continues its mission to award scholarships and continuing aid to students with financial need heading to college. For the 2022-2023 school year, NSA has awarded 149 students from Newtown need-based scholarships totaling approximately $280,000. In the 84-year history of NSA, over $4 million scholarship awards have been distributed to college students.

“With the continued support of our community and the golfers that return to play every year, we are able to help achieve our mission,” Kohler said. “It seemed everyone enjoyed playing the course and had a good time.”

Cool And Windy Conditions For 48th Annual Rooster Run Events

By Andy Hutchison, The Newtown Bee

Bee Photos, Hutchison

Running is a cool thing for many to do, and a breeze for some. Running a race was both for everyone involved at the 48th Annual Rooster Run, at Fairfield Hills, on June 18. With temperatures unseasonably cool, in the 60s, and occasionally blustery conditions, participants did not have to beat the heat in a mid-June race for a change — only the competition.

Leading the way in the 5K race was Prospect’s Trevor Genthe, 13, who crossed the finish line in a time of 18:48. Southbury’s Charlotte Murphy, 15, was the top female, completing the course in 21:10; Murphy finished sixth overall.

This was the first race for Genthe, who said “it felt good” coming out on top.

“It was really fun. It was my first 5K in a long time,” Murphy said.

Newtown’s Philip Tisi, 40, won the 10K race in 40:11. Sandy Hook’s Samantha Hatcher, 16, was the top female, clocking in at 52:10, good for 22nd overall.

Tisi said he was striving to finish in under 40 minutes but was still pleased with the win.

“The weather was great — the cool day was amazing. The wind was a little tricky because you felt like it was always in your face,” Tisi said.

For Hatcher, the success was as much surprising as it was rewarding.

“I’m really excited. I wasn’t expecting to place,” she said.

It was a family event for the Hatchers with parents Rob (10K) and Christy (5K) and Samantha’s sibling Eli (5K) all running. In fact, their dog even got in on the action as Eli took Chandler on a leash for the course.

The husband-wife tandem of Bill and Pat Smith, of Sandy Hook, each won their 70 and over age division. Bill, 80, completed the course in 35:14 and Pat, 75, finished in 35:11. Pat Smith said the couple got involved with running road races a decade ago when they were looking for a way to commemorate Bill Smith’s 70th birthday.

The Rooster Run events, including the Little Chicks Dash for the youngest children, were hosted by Newtown Parks & Recreation and benefitted the Newtown Scholarship Association. This year the 10K course was modified to make it easier for participants to follow, and with less impact on Fairfield Hills campus activities; the new course kept runners on the trails, while in the past it had them on the roadways within the campus.

Cody Gotthardt, 28, of Newtown, was the second-fastest finisher in the 5K, completing the course in 20:19. Rounding out the top 10 in the 5K were Henry Prout, 15, of Newtown 21:02; Ryan Scelia, 13, Brookfield also in 21:02; Murphy in sixth; John Wlasuk, 29, Phoenix, Ariz., 21:23; Matthew Hoeken, 17, Sandy Hook, 21:29; Claudio Goncalves, 40, Monroe 22:12; and Robert Hughes, 46, Monroe 22:14.

For the 10K: Hadrian Gardner, 30, of Newtown was second in 42:27; Richard Fernandes, 43, of Waterbury was third in 42:37; Jeremy Titus, 52, of Durham, was fourth in 44:09; James Matheny, 57, of Stamford came in fifth in 44:43; Alejandro Lopez, 29, of Brookfield was sixth with a time of 45:11; Cooper Holbrook, 28, of Milford, was seventh in 46:06; Tim Connors, 56, of Hartland, Vermont, came in eighth in 46:23; Rob Hatcher, 52, of Sandy Hook was ninth in 46:39; and Matthew Praino, 28, of Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., was tenth in 46:50.

Those who finished the 10K in places 11 through 15 are all from Newtown/Sandy Hook, as follows: Jack Meade, 14, 46:50; John Gonski, 50, 46:54; Sean Prince, 39, 47:24; Bennett Leake, 39, 47:38; Jonathan Grauer, 44, 48:28.

For complete results, visit the Plattsys Timing Results webpage at http://www.plattsys.com/ptsrun.php.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.

Local Earth Day Festival Returned To A Live Celebration For 2022

By Eliza Hallabeck, The Newtown Bee

As event MC Dr Aaron Coopersmith said at the April 23 Newtown Earth Day Festival: “We’re back.”

For roughly six hours on Saturday, the front lawn at Newtown Middle School was packed with tents, vendors, families, and some animals — all celebrating the global holiday that actually fell on April 22.

As previously announced in The Newtown Bee, organized by a group of concerned citizens, the annual outdoor event is designed to highlight Newtown’s abundant natural resources and help attendees learn how to become a bit greener. The event included children’s activities, live music, animal exhibits, refreshments, vendors, a silent auction, and Newtown Lions Club’s Lose the Litter initiative. Newtown Lions Club members also sold 2022 Great Pootatuck Duck Race and Mustang raffle tickets at the event.

A quick scan of the booths at mid-day had children building birdhouses for Eastern Bluebirds, potting flowers, Garden Club of Newtown members distributing tree saplings, a polar bear at the Center for Biological Diversity tent greeting guests, many people milling about between tents, and laughter and greetings could be heard.

As recently announced by Governor Ned Lamont, this year marked the 52nd Anniversary of Earth Day, which underscores the importance of reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector to combat the climate crisis, improving air quality, improving health, and improving the quality of life for residents.

In December 2021, Lamont signed a climate executive order directing the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), the Department of Environmental Energy Protection (DEEP), and all other state agencies to take meaningful actions to reduce carbon emissions.

“The State of Connecticut is an example of how government can continue to be innovative and effective while also becoming more environmentally sustainable,” Lamont said in a recent release. “I am proud that our government is leading the way and state agencies are making meaningful progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are more effective when we are working together to reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate our impact on climate change.”

Transportation remains the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Connecticut, according to the release.

Under the governor’s executive order, CTDOT can no longer purchase or use state funds to purchase diesel buses after 2023 and must create a roadmap for electrifying the state’s bus fleet by 2035. CTDOT now has ten battery electric buses on the road, with two more coming soon, and nearly 50 more on order.

The state agency also has 30 free public electric vehicle charging stations at its Newington headquarters. Additionally, CTDOT has provided 104 Community Connectivity Grant Program awards totaling more than $38 million to communities around the state. The governor’s budget includes even more funding for the program.

The Newtown Earth Day Festival marked its 12th year in 2022.

While music was playing and attendees were clearly having fun, Coopersmith said the event brings awareness of environmental action and awareness especially for people in Newtown.

Vendors at the event, as listed on newtownearthday.org, included Associated Refuse, Back Yard Bee Keepers Association, Bent of the River Audubon Center, Birds of Prey, BT Phantasmagoria, Center for Biological Diversity, Cullens Youth Association Inc, Edmond Town Hall, Endurvinna, EverWonder Children’s Museum, Fair Food Project, Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, Girl Scout Troop 22, Holmes Fine Gardens, Iroquois Gas, Lions Club Duck Race, My Place Restaurant, Newtown Arts Festival, Newtown Conservation Commission, Newtown Ecumenical Workcamp Servants, Newtown Forest Association, Newtown Greenery, Newtown Parks and Recreation, NHS Environmental Club, Popowich Chiropractic, Protect Our Pollinators, Public Works Department, Renewal by Andersen, Renewal By Anderson, Send a Smile Cards & Home Décor, and The Garden Club Of Newtown.

Newtown Earth Day is also a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Partial proceeds from festivals are donated to Newtown Scholarship Association, earmarked for students majoring in environmentally friendly studies, according to an announcement for the event.

For additional information about the event see its website newtownearthday.org.

Education Editor Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.

Local Organizations Earned $21,000 On Giving Day

By Shannon Hicks, The Newtown Bee

The ninth annual Fairfield County’s Giving Day raised nearly $2.2 million for Fairfield County-based nonprofit organizations during the 24-hour period of Thursday, February 24. The event is a major annual undertaking by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF).

For the eighth consecutive year, Stamford-based Curtain Call, Inc, was once again the lead fundraiser, finishing the effort with donation and prize funds totaling $98,038.02.

For the first time in the event’s history, the final numbers — overall and the lead fundraiser, among others — did not increase over the previous year’s efforts. The overall funds received in 2021 were just over $2.25 million; Curtain Call’s total was $121,648.

Nevertheless, FCCF President and CEO Juanita James called the 2022 event “such a success” in a video message posted once the day’s results were announced. “Your gifts help change lives,” she added.

Newtown nonprofits participated again this year, raising more than $21,000 collectively.

Powered by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF), Fairfield County’s Giving Day is the region’s largest annual philanthropic event.

The mission of the event is to raise as much money as possible for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in 24 hours, all done through online donations. All are invited to support a favorite program, cause, or nonprofit through tax-deductible donations of at least $10. There is no maximum donation.

The one-day regional effort harnesses the collective power of individuals, friends, families, businesses, employee groups, school groups, and others to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in giving.

Nonprofit organizations register through FCCF, which organizes Giving Day with major support from Bank of America. This year, 403 organizations benefitted from the fundraiser.

Fifteen Newtown nonprofits participated this year, raising a collective total of $21,233 (versus a final total of $31,123 in 2021).

As with last year, Newtown Parent Connection led the local fundraising, raising $3,865 on February 24.

The following Newtown organizations also participated in the ninth annual event: Newtown Scholarship Association, raising $2,575; Merryhill Child Care Center ($2,245), Ben’s Lighthouse ($2,037), Kitten Associates ($1,910), Newtown Youth & Family Services ($1,783), Real Food Share ($1,250), Friends of the Newtown Community Center ($1,088), C.H. Booth Library ($1,085), and Sandy Hook Promise ($1,035).

Also, The Children’s Adventure Center ($950), Friends of Edmond Town Hall/The Mary Hawley Society ($550), Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue ($475), EverWonder Children’s Museum ($285), and Newtown Action Alliance Foundation, $100.

Participants not only collect donations from supporters, but also compete for financial prizes based on Most Unique Donors, Most Dollars Raised, Employee Engagement, Rookie of The Year, and other bonuses.

Sponsors provided a bonus pool of more than $100,000 in prize money for participating nonprofits this year.

None of the local nonprofits won any of those prizes this year, according to the Fairfield County’s Giving Day prize board. Curtain Call again picked up multiple awards, however, adding $11,000 — including one of the largest prizes of the day, an $8,000 award — to its final total.

FCCF initiated Giving Day to empower the community at large and to encourage local philanthropy across the many avenues of need in the region.

Associate Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.

Beer, Bourbon and BBQ on Saturday, September 24th

Over the course of the Newtown Scholarship Association’s 79 year history we have held a number of different fundraisers which has allowed us to provide more then $4 million in financial aid through need based scholarships.  You may have participated in our annual golf fundraiser or attended one of our galas.  This year we thought let’s forget the tuxedos and high heels and break out our jeans and cowboy boots and celebrate Beer, Bourbon and BBQ.  

Please join us on September 24, 2016 at 6PM at Michael’s at the Grove located at 42 Vail Road in Bethel, CT.  Tickets are $125.00 each or $100 for a table of ten.  Tickets can be purchased through the NSA’s websitewww.newtownscholarship.org/beer-bourbon-bq-2016.

We will feature free craft beer tasting from Two Roads Brewery and free bourbon tasting from Hartley and Parker.  For those interested in another kind of bar, The Creamery will be donating their ice cream for our “sundae bar”.  In addition, there will be live auction items including a Bourbon Tasting Trip to Kentucky and a Sam Adams brewery tour in Boston. We will also have a wonderful weekend in New York city with an overnight stay including a broadway play and dinner. Our silent auction items will feature “Around Newtown Basket”, Lady Luck Lottery, Beer and Bourbon baskets and select designer handbags just to name a few. To get your energy level up for all this fundraising we will have line dancing and the live band Whiskey and Rye.

This year the NSA awarded more then $430,000 to 175 deserving students helping make the dream of a college degree a reality for hundreds of young people in Newtown.  The scholarships are funded through the generous donations of local businesses and individuals, and through named memorial and honorary scholarships. In addition to supporting a worthy cause, the BBQ will pay tribute to one of the NSA’s most dedicated and enthusiastic supporters.  A woman who believed that all students have the right to a secondary education regardless of financial circumstances - the late Betty Lou Osborne.  We believe she would appreciate our Party with a Purpose!

We hope you will join us for an evening of fun, food, dancing and spirits!