“Jason Powers, volunteer fire fighter for the Gales Ferry Fire Company, is fulfilling his dream. “Fire fighting is not a job to us, it is our passion. We are a close knit community and we take care of each other.”

story & photo
by Maren Schober

As long as he can remember, Jason Powers, 26, of Gales Ferry yearned to be a firefighter.   It was his dream.  It was his passion. It still is. “ I had my first set of bunker gear, firefighting clothing, at four years old.  I used to set up my bunker gear next to my bed when I was little,” Jason explains.

“I am a fourth generation firefighter.  My father, George Powers, started in the fire service in the 70’s in Sterling.  My grandfather, Ray Williams, and my great-grandfather, Louis Leo Tuck, plus my uncle, Jeff Jones, and uncle, Doug Williams, were all involved with the fire service.  I remember many, many visits with my uncles at the their firehouse in Arizona as I was growing up. Dressed in my bunking gear, I would climb all over the fire truck, reaching up to push the air horn button and then sound the siren. I drove them crazy!”

“The first time my uncle took me along with him on a fire call, I think I was only six years old.  I was visiting him at the firehouse.  The alarm came in for a structure fire, and my uncle told me to hop on the engine.  I was pretty much sold on firefighting after that.”

Even at age 6 Jason Powers knew he wanted to be a firefighter: (l-r) cousin, Bobby Lee Williams, uncle, Doug Williams, and Jason

Jason was born in Mesa, Arizona and currently he is active duty Navy. “I am a volunteer fireman and I want to become a career firefighter upon completion of my Naval service in January of 2012.”

“I started EMS at Bangor Submarine Base in 2004 in Washington State and began working part time with Poulsbo Fire Department in 2005 in Poulsbo, Washington.  When I moved to Connecticut in 2007 I started with Gales Ferry where I made Lieutenant in 2008.”

“On duty nights at the fire station, we are responsible for checking the rigs at the start of every duty night, cleaning the firehouse, and whatever training the shift officer has assigned.”

What was Jason’s most memorable recent fire?

“I worked a fire in Ledyard and the stairwell to the attic was so small you couldn’t turn around to come down so I had to go down the stairs backwards. While I was going down the stairs my air pack got caught on a clothesline the owner had strung up.”

“I am learning that no one is invincible and you never know what can happen, so never leave anyone on bad terms.  Firefighting is not a job to us, it is our passion.

“We firefighters have a dry sense of humor.  We are constantly joking with each other.  I think that is the way we cope with some of the things we see as firefighters.  Brotherhood comes along with the service.  Our service is a very close knit community, and we take care of each other.”

Jason Powers is the recipient of many awards for his fire service.  “I am proud to work with outstanding firefighters in New London County. They are an elite group of men and women.”

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Shannan Farr, disability support coordinator, United Cerebral Palsy, Quaker Hill, loans books and toys from this Tech Tot Library to children with disabilities. This is done through home visits. There is no cost for families participating in the program.

story & photo
by Maren Schober

The Tech Tot Library, sponsored by United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), Quaker Hill, is good news for parents who have a child with disabilities.  The good news is that the parents do not have to go to the library for toys and books, the library comes to them!  All it takes is a phone call to UCP to set up the home visit.

Shannan Farr, Disability Support Coordinator, UCP, is the one who does the lending through home visits.  This is a free service! “Our office has a large supply of toys and books available for loan to these children and we want to get them out to as many children as possible,” Shannon explains.

“The toys give the children an opportunity to play, interact with others and learn.  Many of the toys are adapted for use so that a child with disabilities learns how to use language, gain physical strength, develop cognitive skills, gain confidence and become more independent. The toys are ideal for preschool children through age 12.  They include puzzles, videos, balls, toys, and materials for older children.  I visit the child in his or her home, deliver the toy, interact with the child and I bring back any toy or book that needs to be returned.  It is very heartwarming to see the child learn to play independently.”

The toys are stimulating and motivating!  They can be musical, produce a breeze, or vibrate when touched or assembled correctly.  Some are action toys, clowns, animals or cars.

Peg Morrison, one of the Exec. Directors of UCP, tells a story about one of the musical toys. “One little girl used a piano mat through the library.  The mat made noise and music as she moved over it.  With the combination of therapy and adaptive toys, this girl began to move more and graduated from limited mobility to crawling to walking.  While the piano mat did not do this alone, the toy supplemented her therapy and allowed her to work on goals from home in a fun way.”

Peg continues, “The kids with disabilities have trouble playing with siblings and friends because they don’t have toys to play with independently.  These toys are things that the child can use independently, but are also toys that are fun for children without disabilities.”

The Tech Tot Library also offers a wide selection of switches to adapt many commercially available toys for children physically unable to handle conventional toys.  This enables the special needs child to fully enjoy them.

To receive a toy simply phone Shannan Farr at 860-443-3800 ext. 11.   The UCP of Eastern CT Tech Tot Library has a representative who will meet with the family and child or children to assess needs and preferences of the child and make appropriate toy selections. The representative will then return to exchange toys.

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(l-r) The hardworking kitchen crew, Debbie Rosen, Pamela Romagna, Rick McGrath,Beth Miezejeski, Amy Lewis, Francisco Mariano, Delci McGrath, Bob Bergdoll, Ann Edwards, Sheryl Lambert and Karrie Mattia, dish out pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausages at the September 18th Pancake Breakfast at St. John’s Catholic Church, Uncasville. The Breakfast benefits Guy and Karen O’Brien who lost their house to fire August 14th.

The Parish Hall at St. John’s Catholic Church, Uncasville, is filling up fast this morning, September 18,  as friends and neighbors of Guy and Karen O’Brien come streaming in through the doors.  About a dozen hardworking kitchen crew members are cooking the breakfast and dishing up pancakes, eggs, sausages, bacon and fruit as families come through the food line.  Representative Tom Reynolds and Montville Mayor Joe Jaskiewicz  are on hand offering their concern and support.  Tickets are being sold at the door and many busineses in town are donating their services and goods at the raffle tables. What is going on?

It all stems from the tragedy that occurred Saturday night, August 14th, in Uncasville. This is the neighborhood in which I live and what happened is unforgettable.

Around 8:30 p.m. an explosion was heard immediately followed by black smoke filling the sky just a block away from our house.  Neighbors streamed out of their houses as Montville and neighboring community fire trucks screamed up the street. Flames of fire could be seen for hours as the fire companies fought the battle.  Owners of the homes on either side of the burning house grabbed their garden hoses and sprayed water on their houses to prevent the spread of the fire.  Thank God there was no wind that night!  Otherwise…

The fire started in the kitchen. “Only my husband, Guy, was  home at the time,” Karen O’Brien  tells me. “We have five children.  None of them were in the house at the time. Guy called me at work and told me the house was on fire!”

When all was said and done the house was gone and the dog was missing. Guy and Karen  are now without a home. “We are so thankful we can live with my son and family while we wait to build a new house on the same property as the fire.  It is a wonderful neighborhood and we love our friends.  We want to move back.”

It is heartwarming to see so many neighbors come together to help. Amy Lewis is the neighbor organizing today’s Pancake Breakfast to benefit the O’Brien Family. “I don know them at all, but I know we need to help Guy and Karen,” Amy tells me. “ I live around the corner from their house.  It was frightening to watch the fire.  Many neighbors are volunteering their aid for set up, clean up, cooks and servers.  Volunteers are signing up to sell tickets and hang signs.”

A fund for the O’Briens is set up at Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.  Donations may be made at any branch for the O’Brien’s Fire Donation Fund. Anyone needing more information may call Amy Lewis at 860.625.6035.

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(l-r) Tianna, Edgar and Corinna Roman, Tracey, Jaxyn and David Beaudet, Zander Roman, DJ Beaudet at Washington Park, Groton, sporting the Edwin Rivera t-shirts.

Army Staff Sgt. Edwin Rivera, Waterford, will long be remembered for his love of God, family and country and for the ultimate sacrifice of his life on May 25, while in military service overseas.  He was in the National Guard and his death leaves behind his parents, siblings, wife and his two young children.  Whether you knew Edwin or not, all of us feel this loss inside ourselves and our hearts go out, especially to his surviving wife and children. Edwin was 28 years old when he fell.

Tributes from our community members pour in.

“I never met him, but I will never forget him.  God bless.”

“I can not express my gratitude to your family.  He will forever be remembered in our hearts.”

“I did not know Edwin, but I would like to thank him for his bravery in fighting for us!”

David Beaudet, Groton is one of those who did not know Edwin, yet, he felt both grief and appreciation for Edwin’s life of sacrifice.  David’s sadness for the remaining family spurred him to action.

“I feel deeply aware of this whole situation,” David shares with me.  “I know Edwin’s father and sister Miriam, but most importantly, I too have a wife and two young kids, a three year old and a seven year old.  God forbid something ever happens to my wife or myself. If it did, I would hope someone, somewhere, would do something for my family.”

Along with these thoughts, came the idea of how he might help Edwin’s wife and children.

“I talked with my wife Tracey and she agreed with my idea. Tracey turned to her best friend, Corinna Roman, and Corinna spoke to her husband Edgar. Between the four of us, the idea was hatched.  We would organize a softball tournament community fundraiser at Washington Park,  Groton, in which all monies collected would go to the Childrens Fund for Edwin’s family.”

Saturday and Sunday, August 21 and 22 were the dates of the big event and it was a huge success!  About 11 softball teams came together and played all day Saturday and into Sunday, each player and team donated money to the cause.  Community businesses also donated their time.  All kinds of family activities took place – a live DJ from 107.7 entertained, clothing and jewelry were sold at table displays, food and beverages were available and there was a silent auction and raffle.

“I don’t know how it all came together,” Tracey tells me, “but it all did.”

“There is just one more thing to tell the readers of the Resident newspaper,” David urges.  “Tell them that if they see a serviceman or servicewoman in or out of uniform, THANK THEM FOR THEIR SERVICE.  You wouldn’t believe the smiles you receive when you do this!  Those five little words go so far for all they give up to protect our country.”

If you missed the event, it is not too late to donate to the Childrens Fund. To make a donation or to buy one of the wonderful Edwin Rivera t-shirts, you can email Tracey at tracey29@sbcglobal.net or phone: 860.448.6188.

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After being taken away for restoration two years ago, the Battle of Stonington cannons stand free of corrosion and freshly painted once again.

Author of the book, The Battle of Stonington, James Tertius deKay states, “I wrote this book because I was fascinated with the mystery surrounding the circumstances of the Battle.”

It is the middle of August and Stonington Village is at its best.  Colorful flags and flowers accent store fronts and banners extend over Water Street.  The mood is happy and festive.  Joy abounds and radiates from the residents in town. What is going on?

Ever since 1814 the residents of Stonington gather every August to commemorate the Battle of Stonington;  a bit of Stonington history they are very proud of.  This year the commemoration of the Battle and re-dedication of the two recently refurbished cannons at Cannon Square took place on August 14.

The two original cannons fired August 9-12, 1814 in defense of the town were taken away two years ago to be restored. They were restored at Texas A&M University while the two carriages were restored at Deschenes and Cooper in Pawcatuck. All corrosion was removed and the cannons were repainted.

I love a mystery, don’t you?  There is mystery surrounding the story of the Battle of Stonington which took place during the War of 1812. The Stonington victory over the British naval invasion raises some serious questions.

James Tertius deKay, author of The Battle of Stonington written in 1990, shares with me what he knows and does not know about the battle. “For four days in August 1814, the tiny seaport of Stonington was attacked by a large, heavily armed British Naval Squadron, intent on destroying the town. Every day the village was bombarded with explosive shells, rockets, incendiary missiles and cannonballs.  About fifty tons of British ammunition was thrown into the village.”

Continuing his findings James says, “A small handful of Stonington volunteers fought back as best they could, but they were hopelessly outgunned.  The British had over 160 cannons, while the village only had two 18-pounder cannons and a brass 6 pounder.”

“I wrote this book because I wanted to solve the mysterious outcome. There were so many questions unanswered; for example Why did British Naval Captain Thomas Masterman Hardy attack Stonington Village?  Why were the villagers so recklessly courageous in their response?  Why did the British inflict so little damage?  Why, with his overwhelming superiority in men and material, did Hardy lose?”

“Captain Thomas Hardy was ordered by Admiral Hotham to attack points along Long Island Sound. Hardy chose Stonington to be a target not because it deserved attack but because it was geographically approachable and would present fewer problems for his ships.”

After four days of fighting the British captain suddenly ordered an end to the bombardment and pulled out of Stonington.  Why??!!

“The mystery is still unsolved and probably will never be solved,” James comments.  “The witnesses to the battle died.  There is no one left to share what they saw and heard.  It could be that Hardy’s moral convictions kept him from destroying the village.  He faced a group of volunteers bravely and recklessly defending their homes and families in a hopeless situation.  Perhaps he just lost his zeal for the battle.”

Copies of the book The Battle of Stonington by James are for sale at the Stonington Historical Society, 860.535.8445.  Copies are also sold at Borders and other local bookshops.

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David Smith is appointed the Director of the Salvation Army theater group.

David Smith, 17, Norwich, lives and breathes theater!  A recent graduate of Norwich Free Academy (NFA), David spends almost every hour of every day involved with play writing, directing and participating in his theater groups.

“My mission in life is to give teenagers a microphone, a spotlight and an audience and to provide free programs that encourage leadership and creativity.  My goal is to benefit the community through art,” David tells me.

His years at NFA provided Dave with lots of theater experience.  “In addtion to acting in the dramas at school,” Dave states, “This past spring I served as a general theater instructor for an after school program called A.S.P.I.R.E.  This program is for the middle school youth at Kelly Middle School.”

“In August 2009, I founded the Down Stage Center Free Summer Camp at the Salvation Army in Norwich for students age nine through 18,” David continues.

“This summer I am appointed the director of the theater group which is sponsored by the Bully Busters of Norwich.  Rehearsals will start up in August for a play that will be written by me and the teenagers I work with.  The play will be performed Saturday night August 21 in the United Congregational Church on Broadway in Norwich.”

David started volunteering in the community when he was 12 years old and in the seventh grade. “I helped in my school’s food drives to aid the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. As my reward, I was invited to attend a speech given by Bill Clinton and sit onstage with him among other youth who helped in the relief program.”

David’s theater interest frequently take him to New York City. “I am currently the stage manager for an off-off Broadway show in NYC. It requires me to live there Monday through Wednesday the entire month of June. This is a paid job with the Emerson Theater Collaborative.”

What does David like best about doing community service?

“My favorite part of my work is that I am constantly reminded that helping others is also a way to help yourself.  I was given this incredible opportunity  to direct a theater group.  I don’t keep the money.  The money goes to charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army.  I get to keep the experience of directing a show at the age of 15 and 16.  I get to keep these amazing friendships with fellow artists and community enthusiasts.  I am doing what I want to be doing.  There is no doubt of that!”

Next year? “I am going to be attending the State University of New York in the fall for their theater conservatory to obtain a BFA in theater technology with a concentration in stage management.  My dream is to own and direct my own theater that emphasizes on original, collaborative scripts.”

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A large party in honor of Charles Brayton Holland, Jr.,  was held on July 17 at the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society, Stonington. The Gift Of Rhyme by Claudia Gauches was read for his 85th Birthday celebration, commemorating his life in rhyme! The following are a few excerpts taken from Gift Of Rhyme:

The Early Years
Eighty-five years ago, on July 20th, 1925,
Charles Brayton Holland, Jr. came alive.
Charles Brayton Sr. and Alice, his wife,
Were the parents who gave him life.
The first of their children, Charles created quite a stir
Until five more Holland kids there eventually were.
Jack and Bob followed Charles, each fifteen months apart,
Then Ronnie and Carol – maybe a run on girls she’d start?
But Gerry followed Carol to become the youngest of all six,
Adding one last boy to the Holland family mix….

Charlie’s Mom learned piano from the nuns when she was young.
Classical music was her favorite, not music to be sung.
An upright Ivers and Pond piano into the house she brought
And, at age thirteen, learning to “tickle the ivories” Charlie sought.
Without formal lessons, although Ms. Healy did teach him a few,
Miraculously, Charlie played like trained pianists do.
He needed little instruction to find middle C.
Instinctively he knew just where it would be.
So “The King of Instruments” became his best friend
And Charlie played on each day for days on end….

Mom enjoyed the fact that Charlie could make the piano glow.
She loved to listen as he made the melody and harmony flow.
Though at times, her criticism could get a bit rough.
“You have a beautiful touch until you start all that crazy stuff!”…
School Days
On the GI Bill, to college he was bound.
After the Air Force, college had an appealing sound.
First, Mitchell College in New London was his place
And then URI he decided to grace.
Graduating with a degree in hand,
He went off to work, still playing in a band….
Family
About this same time, romance in the air did brew
As Charlie fell in love, as lots of young men do.
A Westerly beauty, Martha Moorhouse, caught his eye
And soon they decided to give marriage a try.
Eloping was their way of starting married life
As Charlie and Martha became husband and wife….
The “All Stars”
The crème de la crème of all the places you play
Is Skipper’s Dock from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on each Sunday.
“Charlie Holland and his All Stars” is how your talent is billed.
With the sounds that you make, Stonington Harbor isn’t stilled.
Quite the contrary, and all who attend do enjoy
The musical skills you and your group employ.
We all disagree with what your Mom once said to you.
We think that crazy stuff is the best thing you do!
Best Wishes
What an amazing life your eighty-five years did sow,
From the early days in Pawcatuck to here now in the Boro.
Happy Birthday, Charlie, may you have many more.
Whether you know it or not, you’re part of our local lore.
Whenever we think of you and all that you are,
Charlie Holland’s your name — you’re our local star.
May the proverbial road always rise up to meet you
And may the tricky old wind know just what to do.
Let it be generous at your back, throughout your life.
May you have few worries and personal strife.
Your family and friends have one last thing to say
We wish you always, the black and whites to play

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(l-r, back row) Chelsea Groton Bank associates, Kleo Curis, Lauren Ackley, Pat Leonard, Josephine Pai, Rebecca Harms (front row) Jennifer Seuferling and Anne Ogden honor all those that are or have been serving our country. On Friday, July 2, they joined all the Waterford Banks and Credit Unions together with the Town of Waterford to wear Red,White and Blue, jeans and a special ribbon for the recent death of SSG. Edwin Rivera of Waterford.  The ribbon donations went to the SSG Edwin Rivera Children’s Fund.

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