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For the love of tennis
Found: 4 Days 7 Hours 2 Minutes ago
The Hour - NORWALK
BY CHRIS BOSAK
Hour Staff Writer
Marvin Tyler is doing what he loves. But that doesn't mean it's not a business.
Tyler, a Norwalk resident and owner of Slammer Tennis World, wrapped up his summer tennis camp in Norwalk on Friday with a cookout and awards ceremony at the courts at Mathews Park. It was the culmination of the second of two three-week sessions he held in Norwalk this summer. He also held a six-week session in Stamford and took part in the New Canaan YMCA sports camp this summer.
"I love it," he said. "It's my passion."
Yes, it was a busy -- and rewarding -- summer for Tyler, who also happens to be the director of tennis for the city of Norwalk and a vice president with the American Tennis Association. His camps in Norwalk are run in partnership with the Norwalk Parks and Recreation Department.
Perhaps the most rewarding thing about this summer, he said, was being able to employ five camp counselors for the summer. One of the employees was through the Mayor's 2008 Summer Youth Employment Program, which employs young Norwalk residents aged 14 to 18.
"I am fortunate and blessed, as a small business owner, to be able to give these kids a job for the summer," Tyler said. "When you can get kids and teenagers working for you or playing tennis at your camp, they aren't getting into trouble. It really brings happiness to me to see my dream of being a business owner come true. If you give, it will come back to you."
The camp helped twofold for counselor Anna Czeladka of Norwalk, who is attending Southern Connecticut State University and is studying to be a teacher.
"This gives me experience with kids, which I need," she said. "The kids here are all different ages so that exposes me to their different learning levels."
Jessica Munoz, a senior at Norwalk High School and member of the NHS tennis team, is a counselor and is part of the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. She worked for the DPW last year through the program.
"This summer was great. The kids were wonderful," she said. "I'm coming back next year for sure."
Tyler called Brian Santa Cruz of Stamford his "head pro." Santa Cruz, who will attend the University of Michigan, is a former ranked junior tennis player, reaching as high as 26th in New England and third in Connecticut.
"I want to bring everything I've learned to the kids and give back to the community in that way," Santa Cruz said.
Slammer Tennis World's other counselors were Brad Smyth of Stamford, and Marvin Tyler Jr. of Norwalk.
Tyler also runs tennis camps in the fall, winter and spring in Norwalk. He hopes to expand his summer program in Norwalk next year by running two camps: one at Mathews Park and one at Woodward Park, at which he recently had the tennis courts refurbished.
This was Slammer Tennis World's second summer camp in Norwalk. Tyler more than doubled his numbers from last year.
"You can't ask for anything better than that. We're very happy with this summer," Tyler said. "I'm branching out. Slowly, but surely. It's still growing faster than I thought. I can see the potential for this camp to keep growing."
Tyler stresses that he not only focuses on tennis strokes, but also on discipline and overall fitness. He sees obesity as a big problem in the United States, so he incorporates a fair amount of physical activity in the campers' day to "do our part to cut down on obesity." The variety, it seems, only adds to the enjoyment of the camp.
Jennifer Heatly's son Landon, 6, attended Slammer Tennis World's camp in the spring and the summer.
"I asked him what he wanted to do this fall -- maybe take a break from tennis and try soccer. He said he wanted to play tennis," Heatly said. "He's a shy kid, but he seemed to have opened up and come out of his shell."
Tyler said his business picked up dramatically since partnering with the Recreation and Parks Department of Norwalk in 2005.
"The relationship has been rewarding and productive," he said, adding that he and Rec. and Parks Director Mike Mocciae have "big things" planned for the city in terms of tennis.
Slammer Tennis World and the Norwalk Recreation and Parks Department will hold lessons in the fall, starting on September 16. The camps are for ages five to 15 and the campers are divided into two age groups.
For more information about Slammer Tennis World, call (203) 854-5625 or visit www.slammertennisworld.com
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Hadassa Lieberman visits WBDC client Aetheria Spa
Found: 5 Days 2 Hours 7 Minutes ago
The Hour - Staff Report
NEW CANAAN -- The Women's Business Development Center hosted Hadassah Lieberman, wife of Sen. Joseph Lieberman, at Aetheria Relaxation Spa in New Canaan this week.
Lieberman heard from WBDC client and member, Elizabeth McCarthy, owner of Aetheria Relaxation Spa, about her journey as an entrepreneur, her experience as a Connecticut business owner, the training she received from WBDC and its impact on her business.
The WBDC is a nonprofit organization that promotes economic development through entrepreneurship.
It provides low cost programs for women and men at every stage of business and professional development. Its training facilities are in Stamford, New Haven, Norwalk, Milford, Shelton and Bridgeport.
About 25 guests attended the event and sampled the spa services offered, such as hand and foot massages.
"I am honored to have been invited to host Mrs. Lieberman at Aetheria Spa by the Women's Business Development Center," said McCarthy. "Owning a business is very intense and overwhelming at times, and I'm fortunate to have been the recipient of the WBDC's services and programs over the last three years. Most importantly, they are one of my biggest cheerleaders."
Fran Pastore, the president and CEO of WBDC, added: "WBDC's goal is educate, motivate and inspire women entrepreneurs throughout the state so they can create jobs for themselves and others and become taxpayers."
...
More arrests in violent plot to rob boyfriend
Found: 5 Days 6 Hours 24 Minutes ago
The Hour - NORWALK
By FRANK MacEACHERN
Hour Staff Writer
Two more people have been charged in connection with the June 24 robbery and beating of a man who was allegedly set up by his girlfriend.
Michael Shook, 21, of 15 Novak St., and Jessica Aviles, 21, of 33 Ferris Ave, have been charged with second-degree robbery and conspiracy.
The victim's girlfriend, Melissa Berquist, 25, of 365 Jelliff Mill Road, New Canaan, was arrested July 14 on charges of second-degree robbery and conspiring to commit second-degree robbery. She was released after posting bond.
Aviles was released from custody after posting $40,000 bond while Shook remains in custody after not posting bond.
The three return to court on Aug. 27.
It was on June 24 that Berquist along with Aviles and Shook hatched the plan to rob the victim of the $1,900 he had on him.
The four people had been drinking at a couple of bars before stopping at the Eagles Club on Mott Avenue. In the police affidavit, the victim said he had bought drinks but was annoyed because Shook wasn't buying any drinks in return.
Berquist convinced the victim to go to Andrews Field to talk about their relationship. He told police he thought it was strange because in their two-year relationship, they had never gone there.
They got out of his Jeep and walked onto the field. During that walk, he was suddenly confronted by a shirtless white man with a red bandanna pulled over his face.
According to the affidavit, the victim was knocked down and the attacker, who police alleged is Shook, began to kick him in his head. Berquist then lay on him and told the attacker to take the victim's wallet. She told the victim, "don't call the cops, call me tomorrow," said the affidavit.
The victim told police he was sure that he had been "set up" by Berquist because she owed money to her drug dealer. The victim reported the wallet contained $1,900 in cash and some credit cards. He was treated for his injuries at Norwalk Hospital after reporting the robbery to police at 11:40 p.m.
According to the affidavit, Berquist, Shook and Aviles went to the Stamford Motor Lodge where they rented a room and split the money.
According to the affidavit, Berquist and Aviles each received $400 while Shook took $500. No mention was made in the affidavit about the remaining $600. Berquist said her father had found out about the robbery and was very angry and picked her up at the lodge.
Shook allegedly used the money from the robbery to have "Shrimpy" tattooed on his shoulder. Shrimpy is the name of Aviles' late father who was also the victim's best friend, said the affidavit.
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Hearst deal includes control of News-Times and Spectrum
Found: 5 Days 10 Hours 26 Minutes ago
The News-Times - Hearst Corp. announced last Friday it has bought the Connecticut Post and six non-daily newspapers from Denver-based MediaNews Group Inc. for an undisclosed amount.
Hearst is also taking control of The News-Times of Danbury and The Greater New Milford Spectrum, The Advocate of Stamford, and Greenwich Time, which MNG had been managing for Hearst through a joint operating agreement since April 2007....
Hearst Corp. buys Connecticut Post
Found: 6 Days 2 Hours 17 Minutes ago
Connecticut Examiner - Hearst Corp. has purchased the Connecticut Post in Bridgeport and seven weekly newspapers in the state from MediaNews Group Inc. The two companies announced the deal Friday. Terms were not disclosed, but a person with direct knowledge of the deal who spoke on condition of anonymity said the price was $155 million. ...
Shore and Country takes second
Found: 6 Days 7 Hours 37 Minutes ago
The Hour - Staff reports
The Shore & Country swim team finished second overall in the Division 2 Divisional Championships on Tuesday at Burning Tree Country Club in Greenwich.
The S&CC female swimmers finished first with a score of 454 points, easily outdistancing second place Woodway Country Club (414 points). The S&CC male swimmers finished in third with 353 points behind first place Lake Club (509) and secnd place New Canaan Field Club (374). The combined score put S&CC in second place overall in the seven-team field.
Shore and Country had 24 swimmers qualify for the County Championships, which will be this Saturday at Roxbury Club in Stamford.
Edward Stolarski, competing in the 10-and-under clss, was the only triple winner for S&CC team at the Division meet. Stolarski won the 25 meter butterfly (17.00), the 25-meter backstroke (17.73), and 50-meter freestyle (32.63). Stolarski won all of his individual events at the Divisional Championships and also set a new Shore & Country Club record in the 25 backstroke. His time of 17.73 is a second faster than his time at the beginning of the season when he initially set the record.
In addition, Stolarski's backstroke time established a new pool record at Burning Tree Country Club for boys 10 and under.
Jillian Carter won two events in the girls 14 & under division, capturing the 50-meter butterfly (31.34) and the 100-meter individual medley (1:14.13). Carter's time in the 50 butterfly was a new pool record at Burning Tree. Carter also placed second in the 50-meter freestyle (30.36).
Julia Arnese (girls 10 & under) won the 25-meter breaststroke (19.00) and was third in the 100 I.M. (1:36.02). Arnese's time tied a Shore & Country Club record in the event that has been standing since 1979. Marissa Favano (girls 10 & under) won the 25-meter breaststroke (21.29).
Top three finishers for S&CC were Cavan O'Brien (boys 8 & under), who placed second in the 25-meter butterfly (22.53); Lizzy Colwell (girls 8 & under), who placed second in the 25-meter breaststroke (26.75); Stephen Holmquist (boys 12 & under) placed third in the 50-meter butterfly (35.91), 2nd in the 100-meter I.M. (1:19.63), and 2nd in the 50-meter freestyle (33.46); Caroline O'Brien (girls 14 & under) placed second in the 50-meter butterfly (33.67); Griff McGoldrick (boys 17 & under) placed third in the 50-meter backstroke (33.30); Marisa Shields (girls 17 & under) placed third in the 50-meter backstroke (34.41).
The girls 200-meter medley relay team of Marisa Shields, Mary Kate Fornshell, Caroline O'Brien, and Marisa Favano finished third with a time of 2:29.83. The boys 200-meter freestyle relay team of Stolarski, Stephen Holmquist, Jake Dunsmore and Griff McGoldrick finished second with a time of 2:08.65. The girls 200-meter freestyle relay team of Arnese, Laura Knapp, Carter and O'Brien finished second with a time of 2:13.66.
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Police hunt alleged thief of CL&P copper
Found: 6 Days 7 Hours 37 Minutes ago
The Hour - NORWALK
By FRANK MacEACHERN
Hour Staff Writer
Police are looking for a man who narrowly avoided being arrested Monday as they investigated the theft of about 100 feet of thick copper wire from Connecticut Light & Power's New Canaan substation.
The man and a day laborer he had hired to cut the heavy insulated copper cable were at LaJoie's Auto & Scrap Recycling at 40 Meadow St. Monday afternoon trying to sell the copper.
But LaJoie's had been informed by police earlier in the day they were conducting an investigation about the copper theft. They stalled the suspect and quietly called police. The man told the laborer he was going to go out to his truck and would be right back.
Instead, he drove away just before police arrived, leaving the confused laborer at LaJoie's to face police questions, said Sgt. Praveen John, a spokesman for the Norwalk Police Department.
The laborer said he didn't know the man, and police believe he wasn't aware of where the copper came from. There are no charges against the man.
"Right now, it's kind of stalled," said John about the investigation, "because (the laborer) doesn't know the other party at all."
Monday afternoon police seized three approximately five-foot long pieces of the insulated copper cable from behind a multi-family residence at 8 Knapp St.
A resident at the address, who declined to be identified Monday, said she awoke to the sounds of someone sawing in the backyard. A circular saw and chopped up pieces of plastic insulation were left at the scene Monday afternoon.
Copper fetches $3 per pound at scrap yards but is even more dear to utilities like CL&P, said spokesman Mitch Gross.
He said he didn't know how much the copper is worth but said it's expensive for the utility and it's CL&P customers who are going to have to foot the bill.
"Unfortunately they will end up paying for it because of a few people who are trying to make a quick buck," said Gross.
He said it "doesn't seem very promising," that the cut copper cable will be able to be salvaged by the utility.
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U.S. ready to make Olympic run
Found: 6 Days 17 Hours 28 Minutes ago
Stamford Advocate - With the 2008 Olympics now underway, and the first track and field events set to begin at the end of the week (be sure to stay offline until the evening broadcast, since everything except the two marathons will be shown on a 12-hour delay), it's time to look ahead and see how the U....
COMMENTARY: Tireless effort makes Foti a big hit
Found: 6 Days 17 Hours 29 Minutes ago
Stamford Advocate - STAMFORD - Kyle Foti heard the whispers through his junior year at Trinity Catholic High School.
Great glove, questionable bat....
West Nile-infected mosquitoes found in New Canaan
Found: 6 Days 17 Hours 39 Minutes ago
Stamford Advocate - NEW CANAAN - Mosquitoes from Hoyt Swamp have tested positive for the West Nile virus.
It is unlikely humans will contract the virus because the type of mosquito that tested positive primarily bites birds....
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