Masuk students spread the ‘Good News’ this weekend

Written by Marla Hoffman
Friday, 20 November 2009 12:05

In this economy, the one things people are looking for is a bit of good news. This weekend at Masuk High School, theater goers will get their fill with the drama club’s production of the musical “Good News.”

Written in the 1920s, “Good News” is about a group of students at Tait College whose love lives, academics and football careers collide.

Classics such as the “Varsity Drag,” “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries” and “The Best Things in Life are Free” will bring audiences back to the era of flappers and letter sweaters.

Revaluation firm sues town for withheld revenue

Written by Marla Hoffman
Friday, 20 November 2009 12:05

Total Valuation Services, the firm hired to do the town’s 2008 revaluation, is suing Monroe for what it says is a breach of contract.

Total Valuation Services of Waterbury claims in a suit filed Nov. 9 in Waterbury Superior Court that Tax Assessor Liz Duffy did not cooperate with the company and interfered with its performance.

Among the charges, Total Valuation says Duffy, “refused to accept final valuations which TVS produced,” and “demanded that TVS install and use a computer system…which was neither compatible with CAMA nor required to be used by the terms of the contract,” among other claims.

Buzi and Vavrek prepare for transition

Written by Marla Hoffman
Friday, 20 November 2009 12:04

Town Hall is preparing for a new cast, set to take up their roles Monday, Nov. 23 following the inauguration at Jockey Hollow at 6:30.

Outgoing First Selectman Thomas Buzi, while he will no longer hold public office after next Monday, continues his role in Monroe’s top seat, and is assisting his replacement, Steve Vavrek, in the transition.

First on his list is relaying the importance of health care.

“The transition is going fine,” he said. “I had a staff meeting, they gave me their top areas of concern, and I relayed those to Steve. I also gave him an update on our medical care costs. He’s got to come up to speed quickly.”

Business finds success in difficult market

Written by Marla Hoffman
Friday, 20 November 2009 11:55

In a time where cutting back is a necessity, Creative Music is doing surprisingly well, according to owner Liz Reisman.

Reisman said that despite the statistics reported in last week’s Courier, showing a continuing trend of business closures throughout the state, parents have kept her business alive and thriving.

“Parents are fighting to keep their kids in their music lessons,” she said.

Learning history from one who lived it — World War II veteran revisits his time in war at Jockey Hollow School

Written by Marla Hoffman
Friday, 13 November 2009 12:47

From 1943 to 1946, Sgt. John Bonacci was in the United States Navy and fought in the South Pacific during World War II.

He survived malaria, dangerous and unknown jungles, enemy fire and Imperial Japan occupation.

In honor of Veteran’s Day, Bonacci, a Bridgeport resident, spoke to Jockey Hollow School students Tuesday about his time in the war, and the events that changed the world.

Academically holding athletes accountable

Written by Marla Hoffman
Friday, 13 November 2009 12:46

The Masuk High School administration and athletic department are collaborating to hold student athletes more accountable for keeping up their grades.

The administration has begun compiling data detailing how athletes are doing in each of the three sports seasons, and what subjects each athlete is struggling with. The administration will use the data to show how the grades shift over the course of the year.

Safe & Sound: Collecting unwanted medications

Written by Emily Alexander
Friday, 13 November 2009 12:41

The first car in line for the “Safe & Sound” medications collection that took place recently for Trumbull and Monroe residents arrived early, for good reason.

“We’ve lived here since 1944,” said one of the two older women in the car, “and we have a lot of prescriptions for you.” Sure enough, they revealed a trunkload of medications, with one bottle dating back to 1941.

Volunteers from Aquarion Water Company and St. Vincent’s Medical Center, who had coordinated the event, didn’t mind the load at all. Many hands pitched in, and the trunk was empty in no time.

Palmer monitors student absences

Written by Marla Hoffman
Friday, 13 November 2009 12:40

School Supt. Dr. Colleen Palmer is assuring parents this week that the district is monitoring student absences in light of a slight increase in flu cases.

Palmer sent home a letter to parents Nov. 5 saying absences across the district range from 3% to 14% among the six schools. Jockey Hollow trended the highest with a 14% absentee rate.

Palmer said those numbers are typical of any flu season. However, with H1N1 cropping up in schools across the state, parents’ concerns have heightened.

Info session

Written by Donald Eng
Friday, 13 November 2009 12:39

Trumbull Monroe Health District Director Patrice Sulik can sum up the prevention of the spread of H1N1 in two words: Common sense.

“The precautions you would take to prevent getting H1N1 and the treatment you would use if you contracted it are the same as for the regular flu,” Sulik said. “Drink plenty of fluids, take over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and stay home if you feel sick.”

Business closings reach new record high — Monroe entrepreneurs work to weather the storm, stay afloat during difficult times

Written by Marla Hoffman
Thursday, 05 November 2009 11:27

When you turn on the nightly news or read the latest statistics, you would be hard pressed to find good news when it comes to small businesses.

Economists say the recession is over, and the economy is showing signs of picking up. But drive down Main Street America, and the “For Sale” signs and shuttered store windows tell a different story.

Monroe Chamber of Commerce President Teri Rotella said Monroe’s business community is split between those that are suffering because of a drop in disposable income, and those surviving based on consumer needs.