Volume 19, Issue 10
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
Friday, June 15, 2012
No decision by Middlefield P&Z on 20-acre parcel
CT School Nurse of the Year says there’s never a dull moment
By Elisabeth Kennedy Special to the Town Times
By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times Joanne Nytch loves children, which her husband says is because she’s still a kid at heart. She’s quick as lightning to say that her favorite part about being the school nurse at Memorial Middle School is “the children.” And it’s a good thing, because as the school nurse, Nytch says, she gets to know every single one of the students. Joanne Nytch Photo by Stephanie Wilcox However close she is with the students, though, it was her peers in the district, along with Principal Kevin Brough, who nominated Nytch for the Association of School Nurses of CT School Nurse of the Year, a title she was awarded in early May. The plaque that proves this honor sits in her office and describes the recipient as someone with “outstanding professionalism, initiative and leadership skills.” Brough can attest to that: “The award is certainly well-deserved. In my professional career, I have never worked with a more dedicated, committed professional than Mrs. Nytch.” But Nytch, who lives in Durham, was shocked when she learned she was CT’s School Nurse of the Year. “Never in a million years did I expect this. I was awe struck. I feel very humble.” Nytch is humble; she stated, “It doesn’t mean I’m the best school nurse. It means I was recognized by my peers as being able to do my job. They respect me for it.” She also was quick to say any good school nurse can get this award. So what is “any good school nurse?” According to Nytch, it requires more than “just putting on band aids. The job is all about the kids… It’s about the whole child.” “The school nurse is really important for children’s’ development,” she See Nurse, page 31
The Middlefield Planning and Zoning Commission re-opened the public hearing June 6 on the town’s application for creation of a 20-acre interior lot on the 246-acre Powder Ridge property. Brandan Schain of Branse, Willis & Knapp explained that the town’s application is not a special permit (which allows board discretion), but a site plan application, therefore the only issue before the commission is whether the application meets all requirements of the town’s regulations.
Selectman Ed Bailey read a letter from First Selectman Jon Brayshaw, who was not in attendance due to a prior commitment. Bailey presented an updated map, pointing out the proposed interior lot and remaining acreage to be sold, confirming requirements have been met. Paul Pizzo addressed the commission, armed with maps of his own (prepared for town referendum on the sale of Powder Ridge to the town while Pizzo served on the Board of Finance). Pizzo concentrated on Nerden Camp, opining that the first thing the See Powder Ridge, page 3
State softball champs
The Coginchaug softball team poses after winning the State Championship June 8. The girls beat St. Bernard 6-0. The CRHS Blue Devils were named Shoreline and State champions this year. More photos on page 4. Submitted by Marissa Puchalski
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