Old Saybrook High School Opening Performance of Fiddler on the Roof April 1

Old Saybrook High School is proud to announce that this year’s spring musical will be the timeless classic  “Fiddler on the Roof.”

The opening performance will be Friday, April 1, at 7 p.m. This will be followed by the extremely popular 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, April 2, which includes a “Meet the Cast/Autograph” session on stage after the show. The third and final performance is at 7 p.m. on April 2.

John DeNicolo, one of the shoreline’s busiest directors, has returned to work with a talented cast of 45 students. Susan Clarke oversees the entire production as well as providing the vocal direction. The choreographer for the show is Tara Winch, the school’s Associate Principal, and Mark Slater will conduct the twenty-piece orchestra.

The winner of the 1964 Tony Award for Best Musical, “Fiddler on the Roof” has won the hearts of people around the world. It is a magical show that weaves music, dance, poignancy, and laughter into an electrifying and unforgettable experience. Featuring the Broadway favorites, “Tradition”, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”, “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset”, this is a show the whole family can enjoy.  It’s a great opportunity for all ages to continue the Saybrook tradition of supporting live theater by attending this blockbuster production!

Tickets for the show are only $10 and can be obtained at Harbor Books on Main Street in Old Saybrook or by calling 860-304-2424.

St. John School in Old Saybrook is currently holding registration for their fall 2011 Pre-K and Kindergarten Program.  Pre-K 3 year old and 4 year old programs offer options of 2, 3, and 5 days, including a full day option too.  Kindergarten is full day with a structured, nurturing program including academics, creativity, and religion. 

St. John School at 42 Maynard Road, houses students from Pre-K up to eighth grade.  Tours and a shadow program can be arranged by personal appointment through the office all year long.  The school is fully accredited with certified teachers, has a tournament winning sports program, and many clubs and activities for all ages. 

Information can be obtained by calling the office at 860-388-0849.

The Old Saybrook Garden Club is offering a $1,000 Scholarship to an Old Saybrook resident.  The scholarship will be awarded to a public or private high school senior or an undergraduate student at an accredited two- or four-year college or university. 

The applicant must plan to pursue a course of study in botany, city planning, conservation, forestry, horticulture, land management, landscape design or any field of environmental science.

For further information please send a request for an application to Old Saybrook Garden Club, P.O. Box 113, Old Saybrook CT 06475, Attention: Betty O’Brien Scholarship Committee.  All applications should be submitted by April 15, 2011.

Are you looking for a better job, more pay, a new career or looking to advance in your current job?  Middletown Adult Education’s External Diploma Program offers an opportunity.

Adult Education can help you accomplish your goals. Applicants are being enrolled now in the National External Diploma Program. The NEDP is an experience-based program for mature adults who have been away from the classroom for a while.  It incorporates a person’s life experiences, from family to work, into activity-oriented tasks designed to meet certain basic competencies.  It is a complete system that enables adults to demonstrate skills for which a high school diploma is awarded. 

The External Diploma Program was created to provide competent adults with an alternative method of receiving recognition for the skills they already possess and use.  The need for an alternative process arose when it became clear that traditional methods of testing were not always appropriate or adequate for adults with testing anxiety or those who had been out of school for many years.

Some of the ways the EDP differs from more traditional high school programs include:

• Recognizing and rewarding the success achieved through practical life experiences
• Awarding credit for what adults already know while allowing them to learn what they do not know 
• Ensuring confidentiality
• Classes are free and offered day and evening
• Flexible scheduling – work at home and attend class as little as once a week
• Satisfying requirements in as little as one semester
• Awarding a traditional high school diploma

This nationally accredited program is staffed by experienced, certified teachers.  Diplomas are issued by the Middletown Board of Education, and approved by the Connecticut State Board of Education.  Many clients continue on to college or a vocational training program upon graduation.

Middletown Adult Education is open days and evenings and they are located at 210 Main Street, Old Saybrook.  Call 860-343-6048 for more information or visit our website at www.maect.org.

St. John School in Old Saybrook will be holding a Winter Open House and community basketball competition on Sunday Feb. 6.   Boys and girls ages 10-14 can participate in the local level of competition for the Knights of Columbus annual free throw basketball championship. 

This local competition is sponsored by the Old Saybrook council. There is no charge for this event and local winners will go on to compete at the district level immediately afterwards in the gym.  Registration is at noon and competition is at 1:00 p.m.  Written parental consent is necessary to take part.

A children’ s activity room will also be available for children under age 10, including a movie, crafts, and refreshments. 

The host site, St. John School, will be conducting a “Winter Open House” simultaneously with these activities.  Classrooms will be open for no obligation tours, (1:00 – 3:00) with faculty and parents available for questions and tuition information.

The public is invited for any or all of these events.  St. John School is a Roman Catholic pre k – eighth grade  school  and is now accepting registrations for the 2011-12 school year.

For additional information, please contact Bob Daley at 860.388.6383  or St. John School at 860.388.0849.

Approaching from the south, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts stands proudly on the left-hand side of Lyme Street immediately before the I 95 overpass.

 

“The College believes the fine arts are of unique importance as a defining, substantive element of society, and life itself ; further that educated artists are individuals who not only articulate their culture, but who give shape and substance to that culture”

Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts is an accredited college offering a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in painting, sculpture, drawing and illustration, as well as a three-year Certificate, and a Post Baccalaureate Certificate. The College also hosts a variety of Continuing Education courses including a Pre-college program for high school students. 

Having transitioned from an academy to an accredited, degree-granting college some 14 years ago, the College is gaining national prominence with graduates who are shaping the future of art across the country.  

Volunteers work with staff in this creative environment to provide support in many ways, including: 

• Public relations
• Computer and database support
• Special event planning and development
• Cataloguer/archivist
• Art store assistant
• Library assistant
• Receptionist 

For a complete list of volunteer opportunities, visit www.lymeacademy.edu

The College welcomes community members who would like to support the production of art through volunteer efforts.  Administrative staff will work with you to tailor your role to fit both your interest, and your schedule.  

Mother and daughter Insuk (standing) and Kiana Hainsworth are long-time volunteers at the College

Volunteers representing a wide spectrum of ages currently work at the College.  Mother and daughter Insuk and Kiana Hainsworth of Lyme have been volunteering at the College for some two years.  They work – sometimes together and other times alone – in a variety of administrative capacities.  Insuk took on a key role for the 2010 annual Scholarship Party – , the College’s biggest fundraising event – when she chaired the mailing list committee for the event.  

Insuk comments, “Through volunteering, I have made friends with many of the staff, all of whom are accessible and make the College a very positive environment.  I love the exhibition artwork and the chance to support the students, who produce exceptionally high quality and reasonably priced work.” 

She adds, “The College is beautiful and intimate – I am on a first name basis with the College President and pretty much everyone else on campus.”   Bringing her daughter on board has also been a positive experience for Insuk, who says of 17-year-old Kiana, “She is very comfortable at the College, and has helped with the Scholarship Party, as well as the opening receptions for the six or so exhibitions the College has each year.” 

Opening receptions for art shows at the College are not only popular, but also offer a number of volunteer opportunities for members of the community

The Chauncey Stillman and Sill House Galleries at the College are open to the public with free admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  Similarly, all exhibition opening receptions are open to the public and campus tours are available at any time.

For further information about volunteer opportunities or the volunteer program in general, contact Ann de Selding, Director of Alumni and Volunteer Relations, at 860-434-3571, ext. 117, or email adeselding@lymeacademy.edu   

For further information about the College, call Joanne Donaghue at 860-434-3571, ext. 125, or visit www.lymeacademy.edu

From left to right, Bottom Row: Claire Herrle, Kelly Ledwith, Katie Prozesky, Valerie Sacco, Second Row:Maddie Malinovsky, Isabela Jacobsen, Brittany Rosser, Briana Bardos, Third Row:Kristy Ledwith, Ashley Vigorita, Ali Messina

 The Old Saybrook REACH team is an active group of high school students spreading awareness of substance abuse and raising money for local substance abuse charities.

They have held many successful events and projects in the past two school years, including bringing presentations, bands, posters, and a group of role models in the school as well as advocating to the middle school, the community and much more.

In October last year the REACH team represented Old Saybrook at the 5k walk , raising $344 to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking.  More recently the REACH team raised $138 through the sale of red ribbons and candy canes to fellow students at Old Saybrook High School. The proceeds of these sales were donated by the REACH team to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).

If any high school students are interested in joining the club, contact either Katie Prozesky or Briana Bardos. If any parents have any concerns or suggestions for the REACH team, please contact Youth Coordinator Kristen Cartier at Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services, 860-395-3190, or via email at kcartier@town.old-saybrook.ct.us.

Entire cast - Photo Matt Pavlos

Last week, Old Saybrook High School’s drama department put on the Shakespearean comedy “Twelfth Night.” The audience was reminded during the pre-show that the set “looks like Old Saybrook, but it’s NOT Old Saybrook.” The show was set in the present day with various 1960s and 1970s songs to keep everyone humming.

Directed by high school English and drama teacher Jeanne Proctor, “Twelfth Night” transports the audience to the mysterious seashores of Illyria. Viola (Sarah Schuster) has been shipwrecked on Illyria and her brother, Sebastian (Morgan Lyons) is believed to be dead. Viola decides to work for Duke Orsino (Jeremy King) and the Duke asks Viola to woo the mourning Lady Olivia (Nicki Palmer) for him.

 Meanwhile, Sir Andrew Auguecheek (Hunter Spitale), Sir Toby (Teddy Gudis), Maria (Briana Bardos), and Feste (Mary-Kate Hoey) play tricks on Malvolio (Tyler Smith), who is also in love with Olivia.

Sarah Schuster as Viola/Cesario after the "duel" (boxing match). - Photo Matt Pavlos

Sarah Schuster portrayed Viola. Throughout most of the play, Viola takes up the name Cesario and dresses like her brother. Schuster’s body language was very telling of the awkward situations Cesario was put in. The funniest scene with “Cesario” was when “he” was challenged to a duel with Sir Toby. This scene was played for laughs. Instead of a traditional sword fight, this scene was updated to a boxing match.

Nicki Palmer played Lady Olivia. Olivia is grieving for her brother. She and her court are draped in black. Cesario helps Lady Olivia come out of her shell. It was funny when Olivia mistook Sebastian for Cesario and they kissed, but Sebastian didn’t know why.

  The play ended with the traditional “Twelfth Night Song (The Rain, it Raineth Everyday)” and the characters looking up at the glowing full moon.

Daniel Proctor’s set captured the essence and beautiful simplicity of Saybrook Point. The set was a boardwalk and a on the scrim sat a cardboard cutout silhouette of Fenwick and various houses seen from the Old Saybrook causeway. Jeanne Proctor’s direction was wonderful and the cast members had great comedic timing.

 Oldsaybrooknow.com can’t wait for the next production: “Sweeney Todd.”

Old Saybrook inspired set by Daniel Proctor - Photo Matt Pavlos

The Country School in Madison will be sponsoring two programs at Acton Public Library on Nov. 30 – “Fun with World Languages” and “Forgotten in the Middle?”

Fun with World Languages will be an interactive fun session for elementary school children and their parents. Led by Michele Schofield, World Language Teacher and participant in the Yale University East Asian Studies Program.  This will be held in the Acton Library on Nov. 30 from 4-5 p.m.

Forgotten in the Middle? will provide an opportunity to join experts from The Country School to learn what Middle School researchers found about preparing your child for success in high school, college, and career. For parents and Middle School students. This will be held in the Acton Library on Nov. 30 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Country School, Madison

The Country School will also be holding an Open House on Jan. 30 from 1 to 3 p.m.   The County School’s unparalleled outdoor education program features a garden classroom where students from preschool toGrade 8 learn to grow –food, plants, and flowers. Combined with the traditional academic disciplines, these outdoor experiences challenge students in ways that build character – giving them the confidence inside themselves for success in the outside world.

Visit the Open House: Jan. 30, 2011 from 1 to 3 p.m. 341 Opening Hill Rd, Madison. 203-421-3113. www.thecountryschool.org

'Best Buddies' Jacob Faulkingham and Alex Berthiume put their painting skills to work.

In a collaboration with The Clayhouse, Old Saybrook ’Best Buddies’  from the Old Saybrook Middle School painted ornaments to hang on the “Twelve Days of Christmas + Hannukah” XTreme Tree, which was made by various artists from  Gallery One, Old Saybrook.

The “tree” will be auctioned off to benefit the CT Audubon Society Ecotravel  at the XTreme Tree – Birds N’Boughs gala event tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 20,  at the Left Bank Gallery, Main St, Essex.  

‘Best Buddies’ is a peer program to build a sense of community for students, and all the participants enjoyed their painting experience.

The “Trees” are on view through until the evening of the gala at the Left Bank Gallery.  

A few tickets for the gala are still available  at $35 in advance, or $40 at the door.

Tickets can be reserved at the Left Bank Gallery or by calling the CAS Ecotravel at 860 767 0660

A color guard leads the veterans into the gym.

While the federal government and many Connecticut public schools are off for Veterans’ Day, Old Saybrook High School (OSHS) was open on this holiday and chose to honor the veterans with an assembly.

At school, students learn about the importance and similarities of previous wars.  Vietnam veteran Hal Farrington expressed a similar theme when he commented, “The war in Afghanistan is similar to Vietnam. You never know who your enemy is.”

A breakfast was set up for veterans before the assembly.  Many of the veterans were excited to be there.  “They (school administrators ) have been asking me for years to come [to the assembly],  commented Don Sparaco, Vietnam veteran and former OSHS teacher, adding, “It’s very nice.”

Students say the Pledge of Allegiance

At the assembly, the color guard led the veteran’s to their seats.  Old Saybrook High School Principal Oliver Barton had the first remarks of the morning after the Pledge of Allegiance.  He reminded students to, “Recognize and honor the veterans” and that, “Each veteran played a unique and important role.”

Barton asked the veterans to stand and acknowledged each one them by name.  He also mentioned, “Each war reminds us of the complexities and conflicts.  We are indebted to our elders and our history teachers to make sense of it.”

There were five student speakers whose topics ranged from, “What it means to be patriotic,” to their own personal experiences of being in a military family.

The OSHS band concluded with the Armed Forces Medley to end the assembly on a high note.

Ira Lewis, who was a WWII photographer in the Philippines, attended the ceremony. His granddaughter, Rachel Berliner, is a senior at Old Saybrook High School.

“It was beautiful.  I was impressed that the school had an extensive program for Veterans’ Day involving the whole school,” said veteran Ira Lewis, who greatly enjoyed the assembly.

Editor’s Note: Photos by Ira Lewis.