It's time for Girl Scout cookies

More than 2.6 million boxes of Girl Scout cookies arrive in Connecticut on Saturday. Girl Scouts throughout the state will pick up their orders at 20 different drop locations and prepare them for delivery to Connecticut residents, according to the Girl Scouts. The annual cookie drive is the most significant fundraiser for the Girl Scouts of Connecticut and is vital to supporting the educational programs the organization provides for girls throughout the year. This photo by Peter Hvizdak shows the warehouse at William B. Meyer Inc. in Stratford, which temporarily stored twenty-five million Girl Scout cookies for distribution in Connecticut this weekend.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
When Jack Fowler of Milford first ran for public office in 1997, he received a $500 campaign contribution from his big boss, William F. Buckley Jr.
“I’m holding a check and I can’t believe that Bill Buckley gave me a check and that I’m running for public office as an alderman,” Fowler, who is publisher of the National Review, recalled Wednesday, the day Buckley died.
Fowler in 1997 was part of a splinter group that ran against the Milford Republican Town Committee’s endorsed slate of candidates. Fowler was elected to the board, where he served for five years including a stint as majority leader.
Fowler, shown above with the late U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde, said it’s with great sadness and respect that he looks back on the life of Buckley, a Yale University graduate, and the founder of the National Review, the most widely circulated conservative magazine.
Fowler said Buckley had the “intellect, charm, and energy to single-handledly spearhead the modern day conservative movement.
“There was no conservative movement until Bill Buckley came in,” Fowler said.
He said Buckley’s support of Ronald Reagan helped him capture the presidency, and the conservative movement ignited by Buckley led to the “fall of communism.”
“The National Review was the only voice in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s that spoke for the billions of people who were oppressed,” Fowler said. “The fall of the Berlin wall could be traced back to Bill Buckley.”
Buckley, 82, was found dead in his Stamford home; the cause of death is unknown though he suffered from emphysema. Buckley founded the National Review magazine in 1955. Buckley was an editor, columnist, and the star of television talk show “Firing Line,” and once unsuccessfully ran for mayor of New York City.
Fowler said when he learned of Buckley’s passing he was “very sad,” but he knew Buckley had been very ill recently as he had battled emphysema.
“I knew and feared this day was going to come when Bill died,” Fowler said. “I hoped it didn’t come but sadly today is the day.”
On Monday, Fowler was one of eight people invited to dine at Buckley’s New York apartment, but Buckley was too ill to show.
“It was odd having dinner in his apartment without him being there,” Fowler said. “It was a sad omen.”
He said about 30 of the magazine’s New York employees were informed of the news Wednesday and there was a long list of sad faces, and calls of support came pouring in from across the country. U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, I-CT, spoke about Buckley on the floor of the U.S. Senate Wednesday for 13 minutes.
Fowler said Buckley always took the time to meet and talk with him. Fowler said that when he was a young associate publisher for the National Review, he came up with a new idea for a magazine.
“I thought it was a genius idea,” Fowler recalled, though the magazine never took off. “Bill took me to lunch. He was so kind and supportive. To be a young conservative Republican and to think Bill Buckley made time for you I was stunned by it.”
Fowler also recalls fondly that Buckley signed a copy of the National Review from the same date he was born: June 18, 1960.
“He wrote me the nicest inscription,” Fowler said. “There was little Bill would say no to on a personal level.”
Fowler said Buckley also was known in the state for his intense dislike of then U.S. Sen. Lowell P. Weicker Jr., R-Conn. Buckley led an opposition group in an effort to get Weicker kicked out of office, and is credited with helping signal to conservatives it was OK to vote for Lieberman, who narrowly defeated Weicker.
“American has lost one of its finest writers and thinkers,” President Bush said in a statement. “He brought conservative thought into the political mainstream, and helped lay the intellectual foundation for American’s victory in the Cold War and for the conservative movement that continues to this day.”
Buckley retired as head editor from the National Review in 1990, but remained very active in the operations. In 1999 he ended “Firing Line after a 23-year run that included guests such as Richard Nixon.
“There is something about the Buckley DNA that should be captured and shared with everyone,” Fowler said.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — Two West Haven families will have to remove their children from the school system after losing their appeals of a Board of Education decision to oust the students.
The decision saves the school system at least $50,000, and the school board will now seek restitution from the families for the services they have received illegally, said school board attorney Floyd Dugas.
Dugas said an independent hearing officer ruled last week in favor of the school system that two West Haven couples were illegally sending their children to city schools. Altogether, there were five children involved, and the per pupil cost is $10,400.
Both families have about 15 days left to file an appeal with the state Department of Education. If an appeal is filed, the children are allowed to remain in Milford schools until the appeal is heard.
Dugas said federal and state laws prohibit him from identifying the two couples, though police last month arrested Henry Jean-Louis, 30, and Erlyne Jean-Louis, 31, both of 63 Antrim St. in West Haven for having sent their three children to city schools under false pretense. The couple was charged with first-degree larceny and conspiracy.
Dugas declined to confirm that one of the residency cases involved the Jean-Louis’, but sources said they were one of the families. A police spokesman said Tuesday he would have to look into whether charges will be filed against the second family.
School officials sent a letter to both families informing them of their belief that their children were not supposed to be in the school system, and then both families exercised their right to hold a hearing. Dugas said the school board decided to bring in an independent hearing officer to hear both cases in an effort to ensure complete objectivity. The school system paid under $1,000 for the hearing officer’s time.
“It’s obviously important for a school district to keep its costs down so taxpayers do not shoulder the burden for paying for another community’s children to be educated,” Dugas said.
Dugas said one child attended Harborside Middle School, two were at Orange Avenue elementary School and two received an education at Jonathan Law High.
“We will continue to be vigilant in our assessment of residency issues,” said Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky. “The board has made this one of its top policy issues. I’m representing the board on this.”
Dugas said people use several different measures to try and illegally enroll their children in a school system.
“You’d be amazed at how creative people can be,” Dugas said. “People will use a business address or (that of) a relative’s.”

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — Jonathan Law High School and community members turned to song and prayer at a candlelight vigil Tuesday night to mourn the loss of two teenagers, and to pray for the speedy recovery of a third who remains hospitalized after a car accident.
Braving the cold and rain, about 40 students, family members and parents, who were still reeling from the fatal crash, packed into the Gazebo on the Green for the vigil.
“I’m feeling sad, but I’m also feeling a little joyous seeing everyone’s face here,” said Alison Dolceacqua, of Hamden, grandmother of the late Jonathan Dolceacqua.
Dolceacqua, 18, was the back-seat passenger in 17-year-old Shawn Foley’s 1990 Nissan 240SX Feb. 11 when Foley lost control of his car, sending it skidding into a utility pole on the ring road that loops around the Westfield Connecticut Post mall. Foley and Dolceacqua were killed.
Front-seat passenger Michael Vicino, 16, remained in critical condition at Bridgeport Hospital Tuesday night. Police said speed was a factor, and they are investigating witness reports that Foley may have been racing with another car.
Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky said the entire community was rocked by the car accident and Tuesday night’s vigil provided an opportunity for the students to come together and heal spiritually.
“It helps us to regain our commitment to faith, regardless of denomination,” Polansky said of the vigil. “It tries to bring some closure and to offer — in a spiritual way — to keep the memories of these young people alive.”
The Rev. Maurice Maroney, pastor of St. Gabriel Church, led the group in prayer and through a tearful rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
When Maroney first came to Milford, he said, he noticed a sign with the slogan, “The little city with a big heart,” and said that slogan never rang more true, given the outpouring of support for the grieving families. “Even on this cold, chilly night I feel the warmth of Milford,” Maroney said.
Polansky said he was “never more proud of a group of youngsters than I have been in the last two weeks.”
Maroney spent part of Tuesday with Vicino and his family in the intensive care unit at Bridgeport Hospital. He said Vicino is recovering and appears to be very comfortable as “doctors are keeping him asleep.” He said the shared cookies that came as a gift forhe Vicino family wawith them, and said the familynted to express their gratitude for the support they have received. “I don’t think you know how much they appreciated your prayers, and words, the food and all the offerings that came their way,” Maroney said.
Alison Dolceacqua told the students assembled, none of whom chose to speak at the vigil, to “feel what you need to feel,” as they deal with the loss of their friends and classmates. She also implored them to take advantage of the grief counselors available to them at school.
Polansky left the group with the message: “You need to keep a positive approach alive, and that means taking on every day with your best effort, in their memory.”

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — A blaze tore through a Red Root Lane home late Tuesday morning, displacing the owner and leaving the house in “seriously bad shape,” fire officials said.
The fire broke out around 10:30 a.m. while the homeowner was soldering pipes in his bathroom. Flames from the soldering process “got away from him,” sparking the blaze, said Fire Capt. Michael McDaniel.
The two-story, colonial-style home on 176 Red Root Lane is owned by Victor J. Sekelsky Jr., according to city land records. McDaniel said the homeowner is the only occupant and was home alone when the fire started. He escaped with no injuries.
The Milford chapter of the Red Cross is offering emergency assistance to the homeowner, a spokeswoman for the organization said. The Red Cross is contacted by fire departments to offer temporary lodging and emergency clothing and food to those displaced by fires.
Firefighters hit a snag when they arrived at the scene. There was only one hydrant on the street, and that was about 2,800 feet away.
Firefighters ran hose through three “pumper trucks” from the hydrant to the house. McDaniel said they have state-of-the-art equipment and had no problems with pressure, but setting up the hose caused an initial delay.
He said when a hydrant is so far away, “it takes us a little longer to get started, but with our equipment it’s like taking the hydrant with you.”
“We would definitely like to see at least one more hydrant added to that street,” he added. The Fire Department’s goal is to have one hydrant every 500 feet, and McDaniel said the department has made great strides toward accomplishing that, but “it takes money and it takes time.”
Firefighters cleared the scene at about 2:30 p.m.

The following is a release from Stevens Auto Group, placed here as public service. While All About Milford does not post items that are advertising, it accepts releases that are about public and community events.


Stevens Auto Group is inviting the public to its March “Artist Of The Month” Opening Reception


The public is invited to enjoy the artwork of Alice W. Fredericks, examples of which are shown above, during the month of March at the dealership on Route 1 in Milford. According to dealer principal David Stevens, “we are pleased to be the host site for revolving art exhibits featuring area artists. We look forward to the “Watercolors by Allie” month long exhibit featuring Fredericks' original paintings of seascapes, nature scenes, and wildlife birds.” Fredericks exhibit can be seen in the Stevens Lincoln, Mercury, Ford showroom at 717 Bridgeport Ave., during the month of March Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and all day Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition, the public is invited to a wine and cheese Opening Reception from 5 to 7 p.m. March 5. All those attending will be eligible to enter a drawing to win an original piece of artwork by Alice Fredericks. There is no charge to attend, but pre-registration is encouraged. Applications are still being accepted for future “Artist of the Month” programs.

More about Alice W. Fredericks: she has been a Milford resident for 50 years; and her medium is watercolors: seascapes; scenes of nature and wildlife birds. she has a son and daughter; the daughter also is an artist. Fredericks became interested in art when she retired. She is a former nurse, writer and reporter, and studied with Ronald Grobes and Mim Mills of Milford.

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — A New Haven man was arrested after allegedly leading police on a drunken “low-speed” chase through three towns while driving a snow plow that police say he stole from the parking lot of a Boston Post Road diner.
David Banister, 44, of 863 Quinnipiac Ave., was charged with taking a plow truck from outside the Kimberly Diner just before 7 p.m. Friday, police said.
He refused to pull over during the pursuit down the Post Road through Orange and into West Haven on the snowy evening, said Officer Vaughan Dumas, Milford police spokesman. Milford, Orange and West Haven police all responded as he passed through the three communities.
When he got to West Haven, Banister jumped out of the snow plow in the area of Jeffrey Street and hid under a van on Knox Street, said Sgt. Martin Garcia, West Haven police spokesman.
Police were able to track him by following his footprints in the snow and with the help of the Milford police dog Justice and the West Haven police dog Texas.
When police found Banister, he refused to come out from under the van and the dogs were released to pull him out, Garcia said.
“We said repeatedly that if he didn’t come out, we would deploy the dogs,” Garcia said. “And he didn’t come out, so we deployed the dogs.”
Banister was offered medical treatment at the scene but refused.
He was also accused of hitting another vehicle while leaving the diner parking lot, and he refused to submit to a sobriety test, police said.
Banister is facing charges of first-degree larceny, evading responsibility, driving while intoxicated, failure to drive right, failure to obey officers’ signals and operating a motor vehicle without a license.
Both police spokesmen said they have no idea why Banister decided to steal the snow plow. Banister is free on $10,000 bail pending his court date March 11.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — Jonathan Law High School students still grieving after an accident claimed the lives of two of their classmates and seriously injured a third city teen are planning a candlelight vigil for Tuesday night.
The vigil will begin at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo on the Green. Candles will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own.
A Law parent contacted the media and the mayor’s office to share the information concerning the vigil. The parent, who asked not to be identified, said Law students deserve the credit for bringing up the idea of the vigil.
“The kids just want to be there,” the Law parent said. “Michael (Vicino) can use the prayers and so can the other families.”
St. Gabriel Church’s pastor, the Rev. Maurice Maroney, will speak and offer prayers.
Law students Shawn Foley, shown above left, and his back-seat passenger, Jonathan Dolceacqua, 18, abouve, right, died Feb. 11 when Foley lost control of his car, sending it skidding into a utility pole in the parking lot of Westfield Connecticut Post mall.
Vicino, 16, a front-seat passenger, remained in critical condition Monday at Bridgeport Hospital, a spokesman said.
Police said speed was a factor, and they are investigating witness reports that Foley may have been racing with another car. Immediately after news of the accident broke, students mobilized to create a memorial at the mall to honor their friends.
“The kids want to come together to pray for Michael and for the families of Shawn and Jonathan,” the parent said.
Students from Platt Technical High School and Joseph A. Foran High also have been invited to attend the vigil.

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — Had a chain of events not unfolded exactly the way they did one fateful day in November, Grant “Cliff” Roti is convinced he would be dead.
But less than two months after the Milford resident was found sprawled in front of his Housatonic Community College office — with no heartbeat — Roti has made a full recovery and has since resumed teaching.
“If it didn’t happen where it happened and if things didn’t happen just like they did, with the student finding me and campus security having a defibrillator and the ambulance coming as quickly as it did … I’d be dead,” Roti said Friday.
Roti, an English and Latin professor at the Bridgeport college suffered what doctors told him was sudden cardiac arrest brought on by ventricular fibrillation, or the uncoordinated contraction of cardiac muscles.
About 40 seconds after Roti collapsed, he was found by Debbie Trump, a student who happened to be more than 40 minutes early for her 8 a.m. class.
“I just knew if I didn’t do something he was going to die,” Trump said Friday. She cried for help and quickly began performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, calling on her memory from a first aid course she took years ago.
Then HCC Director of Public Safety Chris Gough got an emergency call and sprang into action.
“When I got there, he had no pulse and wasn’t breathing,” Gough said in November. “He probably would have died if we didn’t get to him when we did. He was for all intents and purposes dead when we found him.”
But Roti did not die. Gough took over performing CPR and had Julie Calderon, another public safety officer, run back to his office to grab a portable defibrillator.
After one shock from the life-saving device and briefly resuming CPR, the machine detected a faint heartbeat and Roti began breathing again, Gough said. Roti, who turns 66 Monday, was still unconscious when he was taken away by ambulance.
Roti said he was then brought into a medically induced coma and medically induced hypothermia to drive blood to his vital organs.
Roti, whose heart had stopped beating for more than three minutes, suffered no ill mental effects and impressed doctors with his ability to recite the entire succession of U.S. presidents only two weeks after his collapse. Roti now has a device fitted in his chest that acts as both a pacemaker and a defibrillator, he said.
He said his brush with death hasn’t really changed his life outlook except, “I’m a little more grateful, I suppose, for the people in my life.”
Trump who has only exchanged a few words with Roti since the incident, says she gets “a warm feeling” every time she thinks about how she was able to to help save a life.
Although people have described Gough and Trump as heroes and the quick-thinking pair have even both been nominated for a Red Cross “Heroes” award, they are quick to shrug off any accolades.
Trump insists she was did what anyone would do in that situation.
“I don’t know if I would call myself a hero,” Gough said Friday. “My feeling is I did my job, I’m just glad my training paid off when it counted. And Cliff is one strong man with a very strong will to live. I don’t think we can discount that when we talk about how he was able to recover like he did.”

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — The expansion of the courthouse is one step closer to reality with the announcement that $225,000 in state funds to study the project will likely be headed Milford’s way.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell and House Speaker James Amann, D-Milford, said the funds for studying the “impact and feasibility” of the courthouse expansion are expected to be approved when the state Bond Commission meets Friday.
The building, on West River Street, houses Superior Court.
The plan will likely include expanding the courthouse into the existing post office on West River Street and adding a multi-level parking garage that will sit behind the structure, said Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. Another downtown site will be found for the post office, Richetelli said.
“This announcement signals that expanding the courthouse remains a priority for the state,” Richetelli said.
Amann said the capacity of the existing courthouse is being stretched by the growing communities it serves. The money will be used for preliminary plans for the courthouse’s physical layout to meet the parking, courtroom and office space that is required.
Richetelli said the addition of a parking garage will not only ease parking woes for people who use the courthouse, but he is hopeful it will also be used by commuters from the nearby Metro-North train station.
He added that Milford has always been given a seat at the planning table with the state Department of Transportation and the Judicial Branch to make sure the plans fit with the “colonial New England charm” of Milford’s downtown.
At the very least, the existing façade of the post office will be maintained and the parking garage won’t be a “towering monstrosity,” he said. It will be lower in height and situated behind the courthouse, he said. The project is expected to cost the state $10 million.

Agency just $150,000 from its annual campaign goal
By Abraham Ruiz
Special to the RegisterUnited Way of Milford’s 2007-08 campaign is showing encouraging results as it heads into its final weeks, but there remains a gap before the fundraising goal is reached, according to Kathy Hart-Jones, marketing director for the agency.
Barry Kasdan, campaign chairman and president and CEO of Bridges A Community Support System Inc., said United Way is at 90 percent of its goal of $1.1 million.
“We need $150,000 to make it. That is roughly the equivalent of $2.88 per Milford resident. That is a pretty good premium for a comprehensive healthcare policy for our community. This is a caring community and I am confident that people will step to the plate,” said Kasdan.
State cutbacks and other economic issues affect the campaign and the result is fewer services for those in need, Hart-Jones said.
“The goal of our organization is to create a lasting change by preventing problems from happening in the first place, therefore, we are asking Milford residents to reach deep inside their hearts and contribute a couple of dollars in a cause that can help members of their community,” said Hart-Jones.
Members of United Way understand some residents are having a hard time due to gasoline prices, the cost of rents or a mortgage, but they emphasize that a small contribution can help.
United Way helps Milford residents find support and services, including child care, adult day care for seniors, mentoring programs for youths, response to people in crisis and helping individuals and families out of poverty.
Gary Johnson, president and CEO of United Way of Milford, said the campaign it is an opportunity for the community to give their support as the gifts have the power to help city residents.
“About one out of every three residents in the Milford community uses a service associated with one of our partner agencies,” said Johnson.
To donate to the campaign, call United Way of Milford at (203) 874-6791, or mail contribution to United Way of Milford, P.O. Box 221, Milford 06460.
Abraham Ruiz is a New Haven Register intern.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. called the news good, but said he hopes one day he can reclassify it as great news for the city.
The General Assembly is poised to approve a $14 million loan and grant package that will help the city finance federally mandated upgrades to the Beaver Brook wastewater treatment plant.
The city has been hoping to secure the money from the state for several years, and last month it appeared the state would not allocate any money for Milford. This could have cost taxpayers an additional $5 million to $10 million in bonded debt over 20 years. The city has to pay an interest rate of 4.5 percent, while the state offers a 2 percent interest rate.
Despite the good news, Riche­telli said the news will become great if the city can receive an additional $25 million to $30 million in grants and loans from the state. Originally, when the city bonded the costs of the upgrades to both the Housatonic and Beaver Brook plants, it also factored in pump station upgrades.
The total cost for all of the work was $64 million, but Richetelli said delays in getting the money has increased the price tag, and the $64 million will be enough just to complete the work to the two wastewater-treatment plants. He said the additional $25 million to $30 million is necessary to pay for the pump station projects.
“Because of four-plus years of delays, the costs have escalated tremendously,” Richetelli said. “We hope the smaller projects will be included instead of us having to bond ourselves.”
He said work on both wastewater-treatment plants has been ongoing for the past couple of years, and work will be completed by the end of 2009. He said work on the pump stations has not begun but several are on the immediate horizon because of their deteriorating condition.
He said the West Avenue pump station is the city’s “highest priority” because one-third of the city’s flow runs through there, but he said the Gulf Pond pump station also needs to be rebuilt.
“The sewer systems are the most essential system in the city,” Richetelli said. “We cannot risk an environmental disaster. We need to do this work.”
State Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Dennis Schain said the fact that $216 million is being earmarked for wastewater treatment plant upgrades allows the city to receive a 20 percent state grant, or $3 million, and the rest will be paid through 2 percent loans totaling $14 million.
State Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford, said she is delighted the state has approved the money for the Beaver Brook upgrades. Last month, $21 million was allocated for the Housatonic upgrades, also through grants and loans.
“This makes the project do-able,” Slossberg said of the state funds. “This is a project we’ve been working on for many years.”
She said the next step is to secure money for the pump station upgrades. State House Speaker James A. Amann, D-Milford, said the entire state delegation is excited about the Beaver Brook funds. “This was something long overdue,” Amann said.
As for the pump station upgrades, Amann said, Richetelli needs to sit down with DEP officials and strategize about acquiring the additional money.

A Murder Mystery Theater Production to benefit the Beth-El Center and soup kitchen will be held at 6 p.m. on April 24 at Ocean Grill Restaurant, 464 Boston Post Road, Orange. The event will include hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, raffles, a silent auction, a fabulous buffet and exciting entertainment, organizers said. Each guest will receive a complimentary drink with their admission. Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are $65 per person. Tables of ten are available for $600.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour, silent auction and a raffle of many certificates to restaurants, salons, spas, events, and specialty stores. The a silent auction includes sports memorabilia, trips, services, and event tickets. The Murder Mystery Theater Production, performed by a troupe of talented players, will follow the cocktail hour with a full dinner buffet served at intermission, organizers said. The production involves the audience in solving the murder mystery. Prizes will be given to the first table that solves the mystery. The buffet will be prepared by the chefs of Ocean Grill.

Beth-El Center runs a shelter with 34 beds for men, women, and women with children who find themselves homeless due to a number of reasons, ranging from financial and emotional problems to substance abuse. Persons may stay in the shelter for up to 90 days while receiving support and assistance from trained case managers who help the residents return to a normal level of independence. Beth-El Center is the only shelter in the region that houses families with children. In addition, Beth-El Soup Kitchen serves a hot, nutritious noon meal to an average of 60 persons a day, 5 days a week. Several churches and community groups provide meals on week-ends.

Tickets for the Murder Mystery Theater may be purchased from the Ocean Grill Restaurant or by calling Beth-El Center at 876-0747. For additional information or if to become a sponsor for this event, call Joanne Byrne 799-9926.

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — A New Haven teenager who police believed took part in a Halloween holdup of trick-or-treaters was arrested because of a case of mistaken identity, Assistant State’s Attorney Charles Stango said Wednesday.
Stango told Superior Court Judge John Ronan that the case against Jorge Fernandez was dropped or “nolled,” because the police arrested the wrong person.
Fernandez, 16, of 102 Sherland Ave., was arrested because police believed he matched the description provided by victims of a white male wearing a Baltimore Orioles baseball hat. But Fernandez, who was found with a group of people in the area of the robbery, is Hispanic and was wearing a St. Louis Cardinals baseball hat, Stango said.
“I don’t know if your honor is a baseball fan, but that’s the difference between a black hat and a red hat,” Stango said to Ronan, referring to the colors of the two teams when explaining why the charges against Fernandez were nolled.
Since the charges were nolled, the prosecutor retains the right to reopen the case during the next 13 months, and if it is not reopened during that time, the charges are formally dismissed.
The charges stem from a Halloween night robbery of candy and a Halloween mask on Forest Road near the Interstate 95 overpass.
A 20-year-old and a 16-year-old told police they were trick-or-treating when they were approached by two teenagers. They told police one was wearing a hockey mask and had what they believed to be a handgun.
The gun turned out to be a “soft-pellet, facsimile handgun” that was found on the ground near where a group of teens was stopped. The suspects in the robbery were identified by police as Akil Bovell, 17, of 16 Westminster Court, New Haven and Fernandez, who were both arrested that night. The Halloween “trick” brought with it the potential of serious penalties as the two were charged with first-degree robbery, sixth-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit those crimes.
Police said they believe Bovell is the one who held the pellet gun and the case against him is pending in Superior Court at Milford. Stango said two independent witnesses have identified the actual accomplice and he expects charges against him to be filed soon.
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 876-3030.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — Iroquois Gas Transmission System of Shelton plans to break ground this spring on its $40 million compressor station off Oronoque Road as the Planning and Zoning Board approved the project.
The new compressor station will “add significantly to our grand list and our tax rolls,” said Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr.
City Planner David Sulkis said the PZB’s approval Tuesday night was for an infrastructure upgrade to an existing structure on Oronoque Road. The compressor station will allow gas to travel through an existing gas line.
“Any time the utilities upgrade facilities it’s nice tax revenue for the city,” Sulkis said.
Iroquois officials said the compressor station would be on 4.8 acres the company owns across from the city transfer station. The project includes construction of three buildings. Two buildings, 45 by feet by 60 feet, will be constructed for the compressor unit; the third is an office building.
Iroquois officials said the new energy source would go to its Long Island market, specifically Suffolk County.
Iroquois spokeswoman Ruth Parkins said construction will begin in April or May. Parkins said the goal is to have the compressor station completed by Jan. 1. 2009
She also credited the PZB members for being very helpful during the process.
PZB Chairwoman Jean Cervin, D-3, said the board basically had no choice but to approve the application because it had already been approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. But Cervin also said questions concerning noise and pollution were addressed.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — On the bright side for the schools, there is no substitute teacher shortage this week.
Students and staff are on winter vacation.
But while top school officials acknowledge there continues to be a shortage of substitutes, they say they are doing all they can to remedy the problem.
“We’re still experiencing a shortage of substitutes (in) kindergarten through grade 12. We’re looking at different avenues. It’s still an issue,” Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky recently told Board of Education members.
The issue of a substitute shortage surfaced in January. It was then that former PTA Council President Michael Taylor told the school board of his concerns about an apparent lack of substitutes at Joseph A. Foran High School.
Taylor said his children were spending too much time in study halls.
At the time, administrators responded that they pay substitutes a competitive wage of $90 daily, and that there was a shortage statewide, especially at high schools where many substitutes do not want to work.
Personnel Director Wendy Kopazna said Milford is selective in hiring its subs.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or 90 college credits. Officials also undertake a criminal background check.
Substitutes can choose in which building and at what level they want to work, and Kopazna said the turnover is high.
The school system has 670 teachers.
In an average day, there can be 80 to 120 teacher absences, and calls can come in at the last minute.
Kopazna said the district has someone who calls substitutes at the last minute, but it’s very difficult to get those slots filled.
“If a substitute doesn’t do a good job, we take them out and put them in another school if it’s not a serious issue,” Kopazna said.
The district also uses a computer program to call substitute teachers, and it can restrict calling a particular substitute for a specific school.
Parent Cathy Byrnes said her daughter attends Mathewson Elementary School and there are not enough substitutes, which she said is not good for continuity.

The Stratford Library will act as host for a visit by the CTWorks Career Coach, a career center on wheels designed to deliver career services and training opportunities from 1 to 4 p.m. March 5 at the library at 2203 Main St.
The Career Coach offers free services to low-wage workers and job seekers in Southwestern Connecticut who are unable to get the services at local career centers due to lack of transportation, lack of childcare, or employment schedules, organizers said.
The coach provides computer workshops, 10 computer workstations, high speed access to the Internet, 42” plasma TV with Smartboard overlay for training use by the instructor, 10 wireless laptops and exterior plasma TV, interview room and an ADA-compliant lift and workstation for job seekers with disabilities.
The service is free and open to those 16 and older. For more information call the library’s Teen Department at (203) 385-4167 or visit
www.stratfordlibrary.org.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — The Park, Beach and Recreation Commission has given tentative approval to the Downtown Milford Business Association’s bid to show six or seven movie nights this summer on the Green.
The commission agreed to waive for now its rule that the Green not have back-to-back events during a three-week period. Some of the dates tentatively identified include May 31, June 7, and Aug. 9 and 23. Names of movies to be shown have not been announced.
Park, Beach and Recreation Commission Chairman Daniel Worroll Jr. said he and Recreation Director William McCarthy, Public Works Director Bruce Kolwicz, and Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. met recently to discuss the movie matter.
“We decided to allow movies on an individual basis,” Worroll said. “If we find the Green damaged, we’ll have to reschedule or cancel.”
As part of the interoffice agency agreement, McCarthy, as recreation director, will have the authority to cancel any movies if he feels the weather and people would damage the Green.
In September, the Downtown Milford Business Association showed its first movie on the Green, the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy classic “Young Frankenstein.” outdoors on a big screen.
It costs about $1,200 to show each movie downtown. The merchants hope the movies will bring residents downtown to shop and would attract people from outside of Milford.
About 400 people are expected to attend each movie.
After every major event on the Green the grass needs to be watered, and the policy to ensure there are not back-to-back events during a three-week period has kept the Green looking “fantastic,” Worroll said.
Organizers need to do a better job of ensuring there are no vehicles on the Green, McCarthy said. Last time, a truck was brought onto the Green and ran over a sprinkler, he said.
McCarthy said the cost for a permit is $100 and the city can charge the merchants association $500.
He said last year the event organizers did not clean up after themselves, and by charging additional money, it could ensure the debris is picked up.
Recreation board Vice Chairwoman Ann Fabian said once the board decided to allow back-to-back events, it is forever changing its policy for the use of the Green.
Recreation board member Kerri Rowland said she was pleased by the turnout for the first movie.
“Most kids and parents stay seated for the most part, and the seniors sit in the lawn chairs. By no means was anyone rowdy or unsafe in my opinion,” Rowland said. “I think it’s a very good thing and kids really like it. I think we should do what we can to support our downtown.”

MILFORD — The Joseph A. Foran High School Cheerleading Team will hold a fundraiser Comedy Basketball Game with the Harlem Rockets at 7 p.m. March 27 in the gymnasium at the school on Foran Road.
Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door. Advance tickets will be available at local supermarkets. Proceeds of the event will be used for uniform and camp expenses. For more information, visit www.freewebs.com/forancheerleading.

In an All About Milford tribute to the memory of two young lives lost here last week, stories about the funerals of Shawn Foley and Jonathan Dolceacqua are posted here together.

On Friday:
By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — Hundreds of mourners packed St. Ann’s Church Friday for the funeral of city teen Shawn Foley, whose father spoke of his son’s love of athletics, school work, and cars.
Gerald Foley told about 750 people, seemingly the entire Jonathan Law High community, of the great impact his son’s life made, despite being cut short at the age of 17. About 200 students lined up around the church in the area leading to the altar, even more jammed into the foyer. Sobs could be heard during the 90-minute service as faculty distributed tissues to grieving students.
Shawn Foley, and his back-seat passenger, Jonathan Dolceacqua, 18, died when Foley lost control of his car Monday night, sending it skidding into a utility pole in the parking lot of Westfield Connecticut Post mall. Front-seat passenger Michael Vicino, 16, of Milford, remained in critical condition at Bridgeport Hospital Friday. Police said speed was a factor, and they are investigating witness reports that Shawn Foley may have been racing with another car.
“My family and I want to express our sincere gratitude for your support and well wishes,” Gerald Foley said, often overcome with emotion. “In our time of need, you have shown a level of compassion I’ve never seen before.”
Immediately after news surfaced of the accident, students mobilized to create a memorial at the mall honoring their friends.
The Rev. Thomas Ptaszynski said Gerald Foley’s family asked him to address assembled students concerning the “mistake” Shawn made. Ptaszynski did not elaborate except to say Shawn Foley made an error and “didn’t intend for anything bad to happen.”
But he added, “We have to think before we act.”
“We are not indestructible. Our actions can have far-reaching consequences,” Ptaszynski said.
Gerald Foley asked everyone to keep his son, as well as Dolceacqua and Vacino, in their thoughts and prayers.
“Our families will be forever linked in our tragedy,” Foley said. “Remember them not how they died, but how they lived.”
Foley described his son as being born to run, which was a lifelong “passion.” Shawn Foley, a track star, won a meet at Simon Lake School, then was awarded a first place ribbon three years in a row at West Shore Middle School. At Law, Shawn Foley holds the school record for the 100-meter dash.
While running was a passion, he also excelled in football. During the most recent football season, he kicked several extra points to help Law’s team to a successful record.
“Shawn enjoyed school and made friends easily,” Gerald Foley said. “He was a good student who performed well in school.”
He said teachers always remarked that his son was a “pleasure to have in their classroom,” but Shawn’s real love was cars, and it was his dream to own a Ford Mustang.
“One of my fondest memories of Shawn is celebrating all his passions,” his dad said. “The joy in life as a parent is our children.”
Ptaszynski recalled how Shawn sat in church every Saturday, and how he received the sacrament of confirmation just two years ago, with his, brother, Scott serving as a sponsor.
“Shawn treated people with respect, love and care,” Ptaszynski said. “We have to make Shawn’s life meaningful. We have to make that happen. Good has to come from his life or it’s doubly tragic.”
He said many will not comprehend why Foley’s life was tragically cut short, but he said he believes God is as sorry as anyone.
“Shawn is with the Lord. Shawn is at everlasting happiness and peace,” Ptaszynski said.
“Shawn’s life has meaning for each person here.”



On Saturday:
By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — The hundreds of mourners who filled St. Gabriel Church for Jonathan Dolceacqua’s funeral service Saturday were asked to hold onto the memories the 18-year-old left behind.
“As the newspaper articles all seem to mention Jonathan’s warm smile, let us now recall our own fondest memory of Jonathan,” the Rev. Maurice Maroney said at the beginning of the morning service.
Dolceacqua’s fellow Jonathan Law High School students, faculty, family and friends that filled all the pews of St. Gabriel Church and lined the back wall of the church obliged Maroney’s request and dropped their heads in silence.
Dolceacqua was the back seat passenger in 17-year-old Shawn Foley’s 1990 Nissan 240SX Monday night, when Foley lost control of his car and crashed into a utility pole on a ring road around the Westfield Connecticut Post mall. Foley and Dolceacqua were killed.
Front-seat passenger Michael Vicino, 16, of Milford, remained in critical condition at Bridgeport Hospital Saturday. Police said speed was a factor, and they are investigating witness reports that Foley may have been racing with another car.
But there was no mention of the car crash that claimed Dolceacqua’s life at his funeral Mass. Instead, Maroney and Dolceacqua’s paternal grandmother, Alison Dolceaqcua, chose to focus their thoughts and prayers on the memories that the youth left.
“No matter how long we have known Jonathan, whether it a short or a long time, it is the memories that we have that will carry us through this tragedy,” Alison Dolceacqua said.
Alison Dolceaqcua, who referred to herself as “Grandma Allie,” recalled the weekly Sunday dinners, being introduced to new family pets, watching school pageants and plays, and the fishing trips that she and her husband shared with their grandson.
“Most of all I remember how sensitive he was toward his little brother, Matthew,” she said.
Dolceacqua is also survived by his older brother, Michael, and his twin brother, Anthony.
Alison Dolceacqua and Maroney both asked those in attendance to take solace in their faith Jonathan Dolceacqua is now in heaven.
“Welcome to angelhood Jonathan,” Alison Dolceacqua said. “We love you.”

By Pamela McLoughlin
Register Staff
MILFORD — Students in Platt Technical High School’s automotive department are taking part in a unique assignment: restoring a 1952 Mack A model fire truck for West Haven’s Allington Fire Department.
Department Chairman Mario Ferguson said the mechanics of the antique truck were repaired at the firehouse and the students will make it look like new, so the truck can go to fire musters, parades and other special events.
The truck went out of service in the late 1970s.
Students have the truck almost entirely stripped and in the coming months will use it for experience in welding, sanding, plastic filler, priming and painting.
The firetruck will be painted red with gold leaf lettering and a stripe.
“It’s something different,” said sophomore Matt Babian, 16, of Derby. He said the firetruck is made of thicker metal than the other vehicles they work on.
Sophomore Amanda DeMayo, 16, of New Haven said the restoration takes a lot of skill and requires close instruction. “It takes a lot of work and you have to know what you’re doing, but it takes a lot of hard work,” Amanda said.
The idea to make the truck a class project came from John Carew of the school’s plumbing department, who is also chief of the Allingtown Volunteer Fire Association. “We’ve been working on it in bits ands pieces in the firehouse for six years, doing mechanical work,” including on the brakes and carburetor, Carew said.
“It was in nice shape for its age,”Automotive collision instructor Robert Turcotte said. “It’s a whole group of the same students who will take it from start to finish.” The materials to restore the truck were donated by Pittsburgh Plate Glass.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — The Board of Education may hire an expert to help develop possible redistricting options.
The board is in the midst of a community survey, and after the first mailing to about 17,000 dwellings, 50.3 percent of the questionnaires have been returned. School officials are asking how many children parents have and the children’s ages.
It’s most important that the district determine where children from birth to age 4 are located.
School board Chairman David Hourigan, D-4, said an expert or consultant will help identify where residential developments might sprout up.
“An expert can help us with redistricting options,” Hourigan said.
He said he hopes the consultant would be hired in the spring, but the costs are not yet known. The board will do whatever it can to keep expenses down, he said.
Deputy Superintendent of Operations Philip G. Russell said cards were recently sent to 1,500 parents of school-age children who did not respond to the initial mailing. He said another 600 responses came back, pushing the percentage to 57.65 percent, but he said 900 parents have not responded.
“That’s a very low percentage return,” Russell said, who added that the district needs to obtain at least a 70 percent response rate. He said the next step is for officials to go door-to-door or hire a telemarketing firm to make calls. He said the calls must come from a school board number or no one will answer because of caller ID.
Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky said he is somewhat mystified that 900 parents have not turned in their surveys. “There is some resistance to submitting ... surveys,” Polansky said.
Russell said the school system must finish the survey within a year or the data is meaningless.
The school board is discussing the issue of redistricting due to overcrowding at Mathewson Elementary School.
The school board has decided to send incoming kindergartners to Pumpkin Delight to ease overcrowding there.
The school board is looking at redistricting citywide. No specific plans or proposals have been discussed.

By Pamela McLoughlin
Register Staff
BRIDGEPORT — When Lesly Nerette told his wife, Merlyse, that he wanted to add to their family of four children, she told him quite frankly that her abdomen had been stretched enough.
But Merlyse Nerette was all for making their family grow, so they became foster parents, then adopted. And plan to adopt again.
“Once you start it, it’s hard to stop — the only thing that will stop us is the size of this house,” Lesly Nerette said.
Today, it’s more about the quality of their foster home than the quantity, and they were recently named Foster Parents of the Year by Boys and Girls Village, one of the highest honors given at the agency’s awards dinner.
“They’re so supportive of the children and they go beyond what’s expected, but they don’t make it look like there’s anything to it at all,” said therapeutic case manager Melissa Ringer.
The Nerettes, both from Haiti and big families, do make it look easy.
It’s partly because the six children in their house, including four biological, appear to have had great training: They know what their chores are, they have impeccable manners, outstanding grades and keep themselves occupied when mom and dad are busy.
They have four biological children: Marthe, 20, a student at Sacred Heart University who plans a career working with children; Emmanuel, 17, an honors student, athlete and leader at Central High School; Geranah, 10, and Lesly Jr., 8. They recently adopted Yhayquest, 13, whom they had as a foster child for five years, and have a foster son, 6, who could not be identified or photographed, but whom they plan to adopt.
They will soon welcome another foster child to the house and hope to someday have the kind of foster home where the most troubled children are cared for.
“They want love,” Merlyse Nerette said. “Just put yourself in their life.”
Lesly Nerette said at first he wasn’t sure how Yhayquest would blend in. But a few weeks into his stay, he started a little fight with one of the other kids and it was music to Lesly Nerette’s ears.
“I was happy. I said, ‘Yes, we’ve got him,’” Lesly said. “We enjoy listening to them fighting.”
The Nerettes weren’t introduced until they had each moved to the United States. Lesly Nerette said both of their mothers in Haiti were the type to help people, and there were many children in their households, not necessarily all birth siblings. In at least one case, Lesly didn’t find out until adulthood that one of the boys he grew up with wasn’t a brother.
Merlyse, who has a calmness that belies her role as mom to six and wife to type-A Lesly, is in school full time to become a social worker and would like to eventually work with children.
“I’ve always liked to help people,” she said. “We just want (the kids) to have a fair life.”

The following is a list of upcoming events as provided by United Way of Milford

Each year, United Way of Milford and its partner agencies hold fundraising events to offset the annual campaign and to raise awareness of the impact it makes on the Milford community. Please mark your calendars with the dates of the following events and come out to support United Way of Milford and its 20 partner agencies.

February
Kids Count will be offering a workshop on Thursday, February 28 at the Milford Hospital from 7 - 9 p.m. entitled “Identifying Temperament in Young Children Part Two: Strategies and Techniques for Parents to Use at Home and Teachers to Use at School”. It is presented Timothy Heitzman, Ph.D., Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Fairfield University. To reserve a spot: email pkelly@milforded.org or call 783-3627.

March
The Young Parent Program of Milford offers and 8 week Childbirth Class on Monday nights beginning March 3 at Milford Hospital. These classes are free of charge for pregnant girls up to 21 years old. Additional support service to young families is available and confidential. Those interested in this class or for further information about programs for teenagers/young adults who are pregnant, please call 876-4285.

April
Bowl for Kids' Sake, an annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern CT fundraiser, will be held at AMF Milford Lanes, Saturday, April 19. Bowlers can register to begin at 12:00, 2:00 or 4:00pm. Adult participants need to raise $60 or more, Students 13 and older need to raise $30 or more. Children 12 and under are free with a participating adult. Registration includes 2 games, shoe rental, T-shirt, entertainment and lots of fun! For more information or to register, call 1-800-240-7186, visit our website www.bbbsswct.org or email: info@bbbsswct.org

Kid's Count presents "The Week of the Young Child Breakfast" scheduled for Thursday, April 24 at the Milford Yacht Club. The Theme of the week is: Bring Communities Together for Children, Children Bring Communities Together. The Keynote is Speaker of the House James Amann. The breakfast will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Contact Peggy Kelly at Kid's Count for further information (203) 783-3627
The Rape Crisis Center of Milford will be hosting their 2nd Annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes event on Sunday, April 27 at Lisman's Landing, Milford. Walk A Mile In Her Shoes is a nationwide event that invites men to join in the efforts of women to make the world a safer place. Men, women, families, neighbors, colleagues, and teams will participate in the one-mile leisurely stroll to raise awareness around issues of rape, sexual assault and gender violence. ALL MEN are asked to wear women's shoes...high heels, ballerina slippers, flip-flops, fuzzy slippers...use your imagination! Registration is at 12 noon and the walk will start at 1:00 p.m. Rain or Shine. Following the walk please join us for complimentary refreshments at Stonebridge Restaurant. Please join the fun. For more information please call (203)874-8712 or go to our website www.rapecrisisctr.org

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — The few working farms left in the city could get some much needed help if a plan to offer farmers a break on city taxes is approved by the Board of Aldermen.
The city attorney is reviewing a proposal to grant tax relief to working farms, and it will be up for aldermanic approval as early as next month, Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said Thursday.
The plan would give a property tax exemption on certain farm-related buildings on land used exclusively for farming. The farms must have at least 3 working acres that provide a significant source of income.
There are about seven farms that fit that description, said Letty Malone, former chairwoman of the Conservation Commission, and one of the people who brought the proposal to the mayor.
The proposal would take advantage of existing legislation that allows local municipalities to approve the tax break for farms.
“I think it’s another way of the city saying to the farmers ‘we value you, and we want to give you any advantage we can to keep you in business,’” Malone said. “There’s a great concern we’re going to lose a lot of the farms.”
Richetelli said the cost to the city would be minimal, and estimates that it would lose about $10,000 annually in tax revenue. “It won’t cost the city very much at all, but it may make a big difference to a farmer,” Richetelli said.
He added that if a farm were to remain as a viable business, the land is less likely to be sold to housing developers.
“I look at it as an environmentalist as a great way to save open spaces,” Malone said.
Besides environmental benefits, “the general character of the community is enhanced by having the ability to drive around and see farms and open spaces,” she said.

WPLR of Milford is clearly all about romance: Melissa Chaisson of Bridgeport gets a smooch from boyfriend Paul Lacroix of West Haven, who is wearing a wedding veil after Lacroix won a diamond engagement ring during a WPLR event at the New Haven Athletic Center. The contest required him to race other would-be grooms also seeking to grab the ring.

Photo by Mara Lavitt

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — The Board of Education will extend for a year the plan to send incoming Mathewson School kindergartners to Pumpkin Delight School to ease overcrowding.
This is the first year the kindergartners have been attending Pumpkin Delight. Administrators said the move was seamless and parents were supportive.
The kindergartners will be relocated back to Mathewson in the fall for first grade.
School board Chairman David Hourigan, D-4, said the board agreed to extend the move because it has not completed its redistricting review, and no plan will be ready for the start of the next school year.
Hourigan said the board will review the kindergarten relocation in another year, and he hopes that by then the board will have several redistricting options to explore.
Mathewson Principal Clifford Dudley, in a letter, said that in 2006-07, Mathewson was overcrowded with 574 students. At the third-grade level there was no additional classroom space, which would have led to a class size of 25. Dudley said that large a class could have affected student achievement.
He also said the absence of kindergarten classes makes it possible to schedule more time for the upper grades to use the computer room for research.
“The removal of the five kindergarten classes from Mathewson also directly impacted the school safety,” Dudley wrote. “The principal and parents had such concerns regarding the overcrowding in the cafeteria that a Milford Fire Department inspector was called in for advice. That overcrowding no longer exists.”

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — Jonathan Law High School officials Wednesday were working hard to restore “some sense of normalcy” to the school after two of their students were killed in a car accident Monday night.
In what school spokeswoman Kathy Bonetti called a “supportive structure,” classes are continuing as scheduled, but grief counselors are on site for any students who need them.
Superintendent of Schools Harvey Polansky was at Law for several hours Wednesday and said the faculty is working to compassionately provide a sense of normalcy.
“There is still sadness, but the kids are resilient,” Polansky said. “And it’s important to note the staff and faculty have responded to this with such care and compassion — it’s been exemplary.”
But some of the more than 1,000 Jonathan Law students will never be quite the same without their friends.
Matthew Zullo, a Law senior, said Tuesday he already had plans with Jonathan Dolceacqua and Shawn Foley, who were killed in the car crash, for the senior traditions of the class prank and “senior skip day.”
“It’s just not going to be the same without Jon and Foley; we had a lot of big plans,” he said.
Foley, 17, and his back-seat passenger, Dolceacqua, 18, died when Foley lost control of his car, sending it skidding into a utility pole in the parking lot of the Westfield Connecticut Post mall. Front-seat passenger Michael Vicino, 16, remained in critical condition at Bridgeport Hospital Wednesday.
Vicino had attended Law, but transferred to Bullard-Havens Technical School in Bridgeport. Police said speed was a factor, and they are investigating witness reports that Foley may have been racing with another car.
“You just can’t put into words the grief our children — our adults — are feeling,” Polansky said. “These are three humans that impacted a lot of lives,” Polansky said. “The impact on a community like Milford and on the micro- or sub-community of Jonathan Law is dramatic.”
A giant banner was put up in a school hallway with pictures of Foley and Dolceacqua so students could write their thoughts and final messages to their fallen friends. The school has no plans for a memorial service at this time, school officials said. A spontaneous candlelight vigil was held at the site of the crash Tuesday night, despite the snowy and icy conditions.
“The one good thing, if there is anything good that can come out of a tragedy like this one, is that it does draw people together,” said Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr., who was at the vigil. “Milford really is one big family, and when one of our citizens needs support, we’re here to give it to them.”
Richetelli added that once all the facts surrounding the accident are discovered the city can then look for ways to “attempt to prevent something like this from happening again.”
A public forum of Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s Teen Driving Task Force was scheduled to be held Wednesday night at Hill Regional Career High School in New Haven but was postponed because of inclement weather. It has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the same location.
Richetelli said a similar forum may be sponsored by the Milford Youth Services Network.
“We’ve been dealing with this type of unfortunate tragedy for a long time and whatever the legislators decide to do will probably be long awaited for a lot of us,” Polansky said. “Personally, I have a 16-year-old who is going to get his license in a couple of weeks, and he is going to hate me for saying this, but I hope they move the age up to 18 tomorrow.”
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 876-3030.

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — A makeshift memorial site decorated with flowers and candles sprang up Tuesday at the spot beside the Westfield Connecticut Post mall where two Jonathan Law High School students lost their lives and a third teen was critically injured late Monday when the car they were in slammed into a utility pole.
Distraught friends of driver Shawn Foley, 17, above right, and back-seat passenger Jonathan L. Dolceacqua, 18, above, left, who died in the crash, and front-seat passenger Michael Vacino, 16, who remained in critical condition at Bridgeport Hospital Tuesday, flocked to the memorial site, many trying to find solace in each other’s company.
Foley apparently lost control of the 1990 Nissan 240SX he was driving along what is known as the Ring Road along the outside of the mall parking lot. Police are investigating whether speed was a factor in the crash.
The utility pole that 18-year-old Shawn Foley slammed his car into killing Foley and one of his teenaged passengers was transformed into a memorial Tuesday, and has become a meeting place for people to mourn their fallen friends.
Throughout the day, dozens of flowers and candles were piled up around the utility pole as the teens’ friends and Jonathan Law High School classmates met to grieve.
Matthew Zullo, a Law senior, said he came to the memorial to mourn with his friends and pay his respects to Foley and Dolceacqua.
Zullo remembered Foley and Dolceacqua as “guys that always had smiles on their faces.”
“The 18 or 17 years they were here they lived for the day,” Zullo said while choking back tears. “But they left too soon. We had big plans … now there’s a big hole, there’s (a) hole.”
Foley was in his senior year at Law and excelled at sports as well as academics, his friends said. He was an All-State track star and was a high school football team place kicker, officials said.
“Jonathan (Dolceacqua) was into cars, he reconditioned cars, he wanted to make that as a career,” said Superintendent of School Harvey Polansky.
Dolceacqua’s friend Joe Szyja, also a Law senior, said he and Dolceacqua would take “J and J” road trips - dubbed so for the first letter of their names, Joe and Jonathan, and enjoyed off-roading in Jonathan’s Ford Bronco.
“They were the quintessential high school kids,” Polansky said. “They were athletes, they were friends, they were family.
News of the accident hit the school administrators Monday night and they quickly brought in grief counselors and opened up the school to students that night.
“The love and outpouring of support was truly amazing. They were leaning upon each other; they were leaning upon their teachers and their coaches, staff administrators,” said Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. who was at the school Monday night.
Richetelli said the entire city is mourning the tragic accident.
“I know that right now that our biggest thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these three youngsters, but there are hundreds of other youngsters at Jonathan Law High School and throughout the city who are feeling this in a difficult way,” he said.
Calling hours for Foley, the son Gerald and Joan Turko Foley, are from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Gregory S. Doyle Funeral Home, 291 Bridgeport Ave. The funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Ann’s Church, Milford.
Calling hours for Dolceacqua, the son of Michael and Patricia Lunn Dolceacqua Sr., are from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Smith & Sefcik Funeral Home, 135 Broad St. The Funeral Mass is scheduled for at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Gabriel’s Church in Milford.

3rd student
critically hurt;drag racing suspected
By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — Police believe speed was a factor in the car crash that killed two Jonathan Law High School students Monday night in the Westfield Connecticut Post mall parking lot, and they are investigating reports that the crash may have been the result of drag racing.
The driver, Shawn Foley, 17, and passenger Jonathan Dolceacqua, 18, died late Monday after their car slammed into a utility pole in the mall parking lot off Boston Post Road. A third person in the car, 16-year-old Michael Vicino, was in critical condition Tuesday night at Bridgeport Hospital.
Police have talked to witnesses who reported that they saw another car, also traveling at a high speed, at the time of the accident, said Police Chief Keith Mello, shown speaking above. Police are trying to determine if the two cars were racing.
“We believe speed was a factor, and by all appearances, the driver lost control of the vehicle,” Mello said. “Why that happened and how that happened will be something that will be determined later on.”
The accident sent shock waves through Milford, and counselors have been at Jonathan Law High School to help friends and staff with the grieving process, officials said.
“We are attending to every detail, attending to every need, but it is a bruised community today,” Superintendent of School Harvey Polansky said Tuesday.
Foley, and his rear-seat passenger Dolceacqua of 67 Hill St., were taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival, police said. Vicino, of 175 Broadway, was sitting in the front passenger seat. He had been a Jonathan Law student, but had transferred to Bullard Havens Technical School in Bridgeport.
Foley, of 480 Woodland Ave., apparently lost control of his 1990 Nissan 240SX while coming around a curve at the south side of the mall, near JC Penny, while trying to pass another vehicle on what is known as “ring road,” police said. The road runs along the perimeter of the mall parking lot. It is mainly a two-lane road that intermittently has a third lane to allow people to turn into the mall lots.
Police first received a 911 call at 7:37 p.m. from mall security notifying them of the accident. Emergency workers arrived shortly thereafter and quickly set to work extricating the three teenagers, who were all unconscious and trapped in the heavily damaged car, said fire Battalion Chief Robert Healey.
At one point, there were more than 35 emergency medical personnel at the scene, Mello said.
“Every effort was made to save these gentlemen; unfortunately in the case of two, our efforts were not enough,” Healey said. “Our condolences go out to the family, but it was true a team effort to give these fellas every viable chance they had to survive this tragic accident.”
Healey said he is unsure if the teenagers were wearing seat belts.
The Milford Police Traffic Division accident reconstruction team was on the site Tuesday and is beginning to piece together exactly what happened Monday night. The investigation process can take 30 to 60 days, Mello said.
Once all the information is in, Mello said he is going to “dissect it” to determine if there is a way to avoid another tragic accident like this one from happening.
Mello said he doesn’t think the road design is to blame because there were only three accidents, all of which were minor, on the road in the last five years.
The road is owned by the mall, but there is a state-posted speed limit of 25 mph. Even though it is private property, people driving on the ring road can be subject to speeding tickets and citations for certain other traffic violations, Mello said.
Foley had his license for more than six months, making it legal to have passengers in the car, Mello said.
“On behalf of all the citizens of Milford, our heart, our prayers go out to the family of these boys that lost their lives last night,” said Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr.
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 876-3030.

MILFORD — Two Jonathan Law High School students were killed Monday night and a third remained hospitalized Tuesday after the car they were riding in slammed into a utility pole in the Westfield Connecticut Post Mall parking lot off Boston Post Road.
The 17-year-old driver, Shawn Foley, shown above, right, and his rear-seat passenger Jonathan Dolceacqua, 18, above left, of 67 Hill St., were taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital where they were pronounced dead, police said. Michael Vicino, 16, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, was taken to Bridgeport Hospital, where he is listed in critical condition, police said. Vicino, of 175 Broadway, had been a Jonathan Law student but had transferred to Bullard Haven Technical School in Bridgeport.
Foley, of 480 Woodland Ave., apparently lost control of his 1990 Nissan 240SX while trying to pass another vehicle on Ring Road, police said. The road runs along the perimeter of the mall parking lot.
The Milford Police Traffic Division is continuing to investigate the accident.
Grief counselors are at Law to help staff and friends with the grieving process, officials said.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — The city is seeking $12,000 from Al Dente Restaurant after it was forced to clean up a sewer backup from the Bridgeport Avenue eatery.
Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said the sewage backed up into the adjacent M-Bellish Cafe and Tea Room last week, forcing the city to conduct an emergency cleanup. The city is still in the final stages of the cleanup, he said.
Al Dente’s has an agreement with the city that it is liable for the costs of the cleanup, which total $12,000 for the city, and $5,000 for M-Bellish, the mayor said.
“It’s the city’s full intention to seek the money from Al Dente’s,” Richetelli said.
The sewer backup led to flow inside of M-Bellish.
Al Dente’s co-owner Daniel Bagley said late Monday that “this is the first I’ve heard of” the city charging the eatery for the cleanup costs. Richetelli said the city always had the intention of collecting the money for the cleanup.
“The city is not doing this as a favor to any businesses. We will be seeking damages,” Richetelli added.
City Engineer Robert Brinton said Sewer Commission Chairman Paul Austin has sent a letter ordering Al Dente’s to install a grease trap, which would have prevented the backup.
Brinton said basically the buildup occurred because as pots and pans were washed, grease got into the sewer line. He said the grease solidified in the pipes, leading to a clog.
When Al Dente’s opened in 2003, the Sewer Commission allowed the restaurant to operate without a grease trap for 18 months.
When Al Dente’s opened in 2003 it was hailed as being a major part of the city’s Devon Revitalization efforts. In fact co-owner Christina D’Archangelo is a member of the Devon Revitalization Committee.
M-Bellish is housed at the former site of Video Pleasures, a porn store that was bought out by Kingdom Life Christian Church, and it’s Bishop Jay Ramirez, who is a member of the Devon panel. M-Bellish closed down its Stratford location last year and moved to the Devon site. Edward and Caroline Perez operate M-Bellish. They could not be reached for comment.

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — The long-simmering controversy over the razing of the historic Cadley farmhouse boiled over Monday night at a special aldermanic meeting called to hash out the circumstances surrounding the fall of the house.
In his opening statements, Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. blasted aldermanic Chairman Ben Blake, D-5, for even calling the meeting.
“The irresponsible way in which the chairman called this meeting, and by public remarks he and others have made prior to it, undermines the city’s legal position and puts politics ahead of principles,” Richetelli said.
Blake, however, said the meeting was called to promote transparency in government and that the issue deserved to be handled in a public way.
“Tonight, we are not here to play or engage in political battles,” Blake said. “Hopefully, by the end of this discussion — and it is a discussion — we will understand why demolition permits were issued in error and how we can ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
Prior to the meeting, Blake said he hoped the meeting would first determine if the developer who bought the property broke a deal with the city. And if the Board of Aldermen finds Westwood Ranches broke the agreement, whether the city should seek $200,000 in damages that Blake said the city paid for the preservation of the farmhouse.
Richetelli said publicly airing strategies of possible future litigation would put the city at a disadvantage if a lawsuit ever materializes. At press time, debate was ongoing.
The Cadley farmhouse was built in 1790. It was dismantled in November, before the 45-day waiting period, required for houses built before 1902 are demolished, expired. The Cadley farmhouse was purchased by the city and sold to Westwood Ranches in a deal that left 3.6 acres of open space and required the exterior appearance and any historic value of the house to be preserved.
The deal permitted 1.5 acres to be sold to Westwood Ranches at a $200,000 discount because of deed restrictions in the historic preservation covenant, Blake said.
Richetelli maintained the Cadley farmhouse was meticulously dismantled after it was determined that the beams holding the house up were too rotted for it to be moved, as was originally planned. A replica of the house, which will contain salvaged materials, will be built on the Old Field Lane site.
City Attorney Marilyn Lipton has also maintained that the developer has not violated the deal.
Building Inspector Tom Raucci weeks before the meeting admitted that one of his employees issued the demolition permit in error without following the demolition delay ordinance. He did not appear at the meeting Monday night, despite Blake’s written request that he appear.
City Historian Richard Platt suggested in the future a preservation organization hold the deed to historically important houses, rather than the city.
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 876-3030.

The Stratford Library will present a look at present-day Nepal at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. Guest speaker for “Nepal: Its Mountains and People” will be Stratford family therapist, playwright and world traveler Orna Rawls, who snapped the photo at right during a trek to Nepal. The film and discussion program is free and open to the public.
Of the 14 mountains that top 8,000 meters, eight are in Nepal. The majestic Nepal Himalayas have long held fascination to both climbers and trekkers. Orna Rawls, who trekked around the Everest Base Camp and the Annpurna range, will talk about the unique culture of trekking and the traditions, religions and people of Nepal. Video of her adventures will accompany the talk. Rawls enthralled a standing-room-only audience last year at the library with her lecture on Tibet, organizer said. “Nepal: Its Mountains and People” will be held in the library’s Lovell Room. For more information, call the library’s Public Relations & Programming Office at
(203) 385-4162 or visit its Web site at: www.stratfordlibrary.org.



MILFORD - Milford Garden Club meets, 55 Prospect St., 1 p.m., Feb. 12, for workshop on line design, $5 for nonmembers. Information: 877-7663.
Milford: Royal Arch Masons 49 dinner at 6:30 p.m., meeting at 7:30, 59 Broad St. Call 877-4977.


MILFORD - There will be a free presentation on body sculpting, Milford Hospital, 300 Seaside Ave., 6 p.m. Feb. 13. Registration: 876-4004 or www.milfordhospital.com.
Ansonia: Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center meets, Deerfield Road, 7 p.m. Call 736-1053.


MILFORD - There will be a free workshop for mothers and daughters on understanding sexuality, and sexual decision making skills, Milford Hospital, 300 Seaside Ave., 6 p.m., Feb. 27. It is a free event. Information and registration: 876-4004 or www.milfordhospital.com.
Seymour: children’s programs, Morning Mini Movies, read and watch the movie, Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St., 10:30 a.m. Information and registration: 888-3903.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — For 32 years, Joan Politi personified community involvement.
She was a PTA member, a Board of Education member, an alderwoman and led numerous agencies and civil groups.
But she may be remembered best as the person who banned hats in schools.
The hat ban in 2000 made headlines and caused some tense moments, but Politi’s friends said her overall record of service is what will have a lasting impact on the city.
Now, Politi is bringing her time in Milford to an end. She and her husband are moving to Massachusetts to be closer to their grandchildren.
“I’ve been motivated to be an involved citizen,” Politi said. “It’s been a privilege to serve the people of Milford in my role as a city leader. I feel very blessed that my community involvement has broadened my horizons in so many ways.”
Pamela Staneski, who served on the school board with Politi for four years, calls Politi the consummate “worker bee.”
“When you think Joan Politi you think service. She was all about service. Milford will have an empty hole to fill,” she said.
Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said the “entire city is going to miss (Politi’s) friendly smile and her untiring efforts in so many different ways to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Milford.”
Politi said she had no desire to leave Milford but that all changed when her 3-year-old grandchild said in August, “Nana, Connecticut is too far away.”
“I said ‘You’re right,’” she said.
Politi and her husband, James, have sold their house and will be heading to Tyngsboro, Mass. to be close to their children, Justin, 32, and Melissa, 29, and her two grandchildren.
“Milford’s been a wonderful place to live and raise our children. I’m sad to leave that behind. Every day I’d go to work and shed a tear or two,” Politi said. “It’s been a whirlwind.”
Politi, who is a cardiac nurse, said she wants to continue her career when she moves.
Politi’s love affair with Milford was initially tepid. Politi and her young family were forced due to financial reasons to relocate from Fairfield in 1975. She was homesick for Fairfield, and admits Milford did not have the charm it does now.
“It took a couple of years to get used to it all,” she said.
Politi said her first community involvement was getting involved in her son’s Junior Major Baseball team followed quickly by joining the PTA. Her first political experience was helping organize opposition to a proposed housing development near where she lived. She mobilized a petition drive, and inevitably the project was reduced from 50 to 28 units.
Politi said that was a watershed moment for her.
“It proved to me when you get involved…and you put your efforts behind something you can make a difference,” Politi said.
Politi said she wanted to get involved in city government when Mayor Frederick Lisman became mayor. Because of her career as a nurse she thought an appointment to the Board of Health made sense. Instead, she was placed on the Board of Conservation.
Politi, Barbara Milton and Letty Malone formed the city’s Environmental Concerns Coalition.
“I never thought ten years later that group would still be going on,” Politi said.
Politi said she never planned to run for the school board in 1997. She was involved in the PTA, and after a difficult year at high school for her son, she told administrators she felt disconnected. Her comments led to a Parent Faculty Liaison Group at Jonathan Law High School, which is still active.
Politi also helped create the idea of a post prom party at the high schools. Despite some criticism, 200 students showed up on just a $500 budget.
“No one said it would be a success. Everyone said the kids wanted to drink,” Politi said.
The tipping point for her run for Board of Education was when the health curriculum was overhauled at the middle school. Politi and a group of parents protested.
“I felt the kids were learning too much,” Politi said.
She asked for an orientation for parents, and it was at this time several school board members encouraged her to run.
She said her first two years were tranquil, but the second term featured political battles over the chairman’s position. It was during her second-term Politi began to push the theme of respect in the youth.
“We were tired of kids talking back to teachers and a lack of respect on ball fields,” Politi said.
It led to the Respect Task Force, culminating in the Respect Celebration. Each year students at all 15 schools receive awards for those who exhibit respect the best.
“It’s important the community recognizes good behavior,” Politi said. “It’s important to have good character.”
By her third term, Politi assumed the chairman’s title. She was challenged right way as parents at one school raised concerns about the school’s air quality. Politi also said she remembered the board spending too much time on the issue of hiring and firing coaches.
“The phone would ring off the hook more than any other issue,” Politi said. “I did what I felt was the best for the kids.”
She also worked hard to tighten up the dress code including the famous ban on hats. She received so much criticism over the matter that she literally didn’t sleep a wink that first night. But the students complied, and the controversy subsided.
Then the school system’s longtime superintendent left and the board hired Gregory A. Firn.
“I really enjoyed working with Dr. Firn. He was passionate and really cared about the kids and wanted to improve the school system,” Politi said.
Firn’s tenure deteriorated into controversy over his leadership and how he handled a sex scandal involving a basketball coach.
Firn’s contract was bought out by the school board in late 2006. She said she grew frustrated as the “level of nastiness” against Firn increased and led to his departure.
“That broke my heart to see it,” Politi said.
She also led Milford’s Promise, a civil group which helped the city win for the third straight year as one of the top 100 communities in the country for youth to live.
Former PTA Council President Susan Glennon said Politi stood out because of her tremendous advocacy on behalf of children. She said Politi listend to both sides of an issue, and when she was on your side she was with you 100 percent.
“She has got to be one of the most diplomatic people I know and she gave tirelessly of her time, in her own quiet way,” Glennon said.

By Brian McCready
and James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — For the first and likely last time, Deputy Superintendent of School Operations Philip G. Russell tops the charts when it comes to annual salaries for Board of Education and city employees.
“I’m the only one at the top that worked the whole year,” Russell said Friday. “I never thought I’d be at the top and this is probably the only year I’ll be there.”
Russell, who oversees district’s budget, personnel office, transportation, and building and grounds earned a salary of $138,264 in 2007. Typically, the school’s superintendent earns the largest salary, but former acting Superintendent of Schools Larry Schaefer retired in August.
New Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky did not crack the Top 10 because he did not start until July 1. Polansky is earning $165,000 annually, in addition to a $15,000 annuity. Polansky, who gets an another $2,300 for having a doctorate, is likely to top the charts in 2008 at a total salary of $182,300, Russell said.
“We’re probably where we should be because — unfortunately — we are competing with people in our area and as we go west (school officials) make more,” Russell said.
The superintendents of schools in the Westport, Bridgeport and Trumbull school systems make $262,294, $214,982 and $180,250, respectively, Russell said.
Russell was paid a base salary of $120,918 last year, but received a $10,000 increase because he and Schaefer took on extra duties after the school board bought out the contract of former Superintendent Gregory A. Firn. Schaefer received another $15,000 for his added responsibilities. Russell usually ranks third behind the superintendent and assistant superintendent.
The rest of the Top 10 wage earners for the school system included principals.
On the city side, Health Director A. Dennis McBride topped the list with a salary of $121,129, and he was followed by Finance Director Judy Doneiko, who earned $110,278.
Aldermanic Chairman Ben Blake, D-5, joked about where he placed on the list. Blake, like all members of elected or appointed boards and commissions, does not earn a dollar for their service.
“This year I should be able to double my salary. We’re in the majority. I’ve earned a 100 percent increase,” Blake quipped.
Blake said publicizing the Top 10 lists in the schools and city allows taxpayers to see how some of their dollars are spent. He said a lot of funds are spent on leadership positions, but that’s because they are the “folks that steer the ship.”
The Top 10 Board of Education wage earners were: Russell, $138,264; Joseph A. Foran High Principal R. Michael Cummings, $125,147; Schaefer, $124,892; Jonathan Law High Principal Janet Garagliano, $123,555; Jonathan Law Assistant Principal Richard Kramer, $119,859; West Shore Middle School Principal John Barile, $119,552; Mathewson School Principal Clifford Dudley: $119,020; retired teacher and consultant Edward Connolly: $118,474; East Shore Middle School Principal Catherine William, 116,960; and Orange Avenue Principal Steven Madancy, $116,935.
The Top 10 city wage earners were: McBride, $121,129; Doneiko, $110,278; City Attorney Marilyn Lipton, $109,293; Police Chief Keith Mello, $108,856; police Sgt. John Alexopoulos, $107,980; Fire Chief Louis LaVecchia, $107,151; police Lt. Joseph Pietrafesa, $105,000; Patrol Officer Dennis Broderick, $104,559; Fire Superintendent of Apparatus Lawrence Lester, $102,707; and Building Inspector Thomas P. Raucci Jr., $102,257.