 Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  By Owen Gagne
Pam Harrison is an incredible person and truly a hero to our small town of Wethersfield. Although she is currently employed as a staff member in our public school system, Ms. Harrison also does volunteer work with the Youth Advisory Board. Through this group, she organized a 5k race named HUGS with proceeds going towards “campership'' which is financial aid for families who can’t afford to send their children to camps in the summer. Ms. Harrison’s assistance in the coordination of this event was crucial to its success. She says “I’m a runner and I’ve seen so many races go virtual this year, so I thought we could do something like that”. She has completed two marathons and numerous half marathons and thought it would be the perfect event. With her knowledge of virtual races and connections throughout the town, she was able to organize the HUGS 5k race to collect some fundraiser money over Valentine's Day weekend. “I’ve been on the Youth Advisory Board for about 7-8 years now. It’s a great place to be involved in our community”, said Ms. Harrison. As a member of the Youth Advisory Board, Ms. Harrison helps think of unique fundraiser ideas such as raffle night, an event at Wood N’ Tap, and the 5k race. They work alongside the Town Hall Social and Youth Services at times as well which allows for use of certain facilities or opportunities otherwise unavailable. The group meets monthly to brainstorm ideas as to how they can make Wethersfield a better place for its students. What made this event so inspirational was the fact that all proceeds were donated to the Town Hall Social and Youth Services’s campership fund. Ms. Harrison said, “Any Wethersfield student whose family may need some financial assistance can receive a scholarship or “campership” because it is used for summer camp”. She knows that lots of kids in town do not have the same opportunities as others, therefore she works to assist the less fortunate. The passion to help others in her community transpired from the joy she feels when knowing she can give back to the community. Being part of the Wethersfield school system, along with being a resident for many years, she feels “it is a nice way to see things from a different angle. Usually I am just looking at high school students, but this way I can see the whole continuum of what we can do for kids”. She also has relations with other Wethersfield residents who benefit from her services as part of the Youth Advisory Board, which helps motivate her to do more. As stated earlier, Ms. Harrison is an amazing person who deserves to be recognized as a hero to her Wethersfield community. Her volunteer work with the Youth Advisory Board and everything she does to benefit the children of her community is a truly admirable characteristic. It was an honor to interview this Wethersfield hero who has helped so many.
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 Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  by: Samara Irizzary and Shanelle Lewis
Social justice promotes equity and balance in many spaces of society, including the Wethersfield community. When talking about social justice in education, we aim for equal distribution of resources and make all individuals feel guarded and secure. A push for social justice reform can’t be done by a single person, but by a population, which would require the conscious work of everyone in our town. A member of the community stands out when it comes to these societal issues. Pamela Jones, a first grade educator at Emerson Williams, has been a part of the community for 24 years to realize that there needed to be a demand for change. Mrs. Jones was asked what made her want to become an advocate for social justice reform and she explained, “When I started teaching 24 years ago, Wethersfield’s racial makeup was far less diverse than it is today. There were far less children/families of color in our schools. The makeup of the staff, the content of the curriculum, and the books on the shelves closely mirrored the children in the classrooms.” Years after she had made this observation, more children of color were prominent in the Wethersfield community, but the makeup of staff members, the content of the curriculum, as well as the books on the shelves, remained the same. The learning environment in Wethersfield, as well as the racial climate in our country following the murder of George Floyd, ignited a spark in her to be an advocate for the children and families in the community whose voices are silenced rather than amplified. Jones took the necessary steps to help marginalized groups that are affected by these factors. She noticed that there was a problem and thought about the impact she could make by long term changes in the space she works in on a daily basis. “I did small things in my classroom to make everyone feel loved, respected and included. Some examples of these changes include purchasing multicultural books and other diverse resources, celebrating the diversity of the children in my class by inviting their families in to teach children about the clothes, food, language, dance, etc. of their cultures,” she said. Her work as an educator for the younger generation also involved incorporating the diverse history of people of color. She wrote a musical about the life of Martin Luther King Jr. which was later shared with her students. They then performed the musical for their parents and the entire student body. Furthermore, Mrs. Jones is also a member of the newly formed Courageous Conversation Committee at Emerson Williams as well as the Steering Committee for the townwide Social Justice Coalition, both committees that help make change within the community. “Every person in the community is important. Every voice should be heard. Every opinion should be considered. Every person should be seen. Every culture should be celebrated. Every race should be respected. When a community marginalized groups of people intentionally or unintentionally by not respecting, hearing, or understanding them, it sends a clear message that they are not welcomed or wanted there.” Social justice means the people of color in Wethersfield, and anywhere really, would have an equal social, political and economic status to their white counterparts. Because of our town's overwhelmingly white history, we fall behind more diverse towns when it comes to addressing these issues. However, Mrs. Jones believes that the community is taking a gigantic step in the right direction to make social justice and inequity a priority in all spaces involving marginalized and/or ostracized groups. Pamela Jones is an outstanding member and educator of the community for her astounding efforts for social justice reform. She highlights what it means to be an advocate in support for change in a large environment that lacks inequity. She continues to create safe space for children of color and helps amplify their voice through education and cultural learning. Whilst Pamela has been making great efforts for change, others can also advocate for social justice in the community. She responded to this idea with, “When you see something, say something! If you see someone being treated unfairly, do not just stand idly by watching. Speak up. If you don’t know what to say, saying something is better than remaining silent. Another thing that can be done is to talk to people who are different than you. Listen to their stories. Believe their truths. Try to seek understanding. Finally, educate themselves. Read books on social justice. Watch documentaries. Research the topic.” These are just a few ways to better improve how we can amplify the voices of people of color. “In the words of Maya Angelou, ‘When you know better, you do better.’”  Source: Hartford Courant by: Aaron Maher and Francesco Moline
The end of an era approaches at a fast pace, after 20 years of WHS Principal Mr. Moore being in office, it’s safe to say that his management of his school could not have been any better. Overseeing the renovation construction with a keen eye, as well as his reaction and efficacy throughout the Coronavirus pandemic are just a few of the many obstacles he has overcome during his time as a principal. He truly is and shall be remembered as a legend to the Wethersfield High School community. It won't be easy to fill such big shoes, moreover it will take a surplus of experience and professionalism to even begin to fill them, which brings us to congratulate our new Wethersfield High School Principal, Mrs Siobhan O’Connor, who has been in school administration for quite some time, most recently as the Principal of Highcrest Elementary School. She first started as a teacher where she grew up in Windsor, then went on to oversee different educational settings and eventually she was promoted to Principal at several different schools. Diving deeper into her credentials, Mrs. O’Connor specifically started as a social studies teacher in Windsor High. When we interviewed her, she made sure to stress that classrooms should be fun and enjoyable, so that kids are willing to learn, and therefore be more successful, which she learned during her time in Windsor. Despite this however, she understands her position as someone who will be leading a very prestigious high school. One promising thing about Mrs. O’Connor is not only her view of education, but her commitment to the class. When we asked for her thoughts on the transition from being teacher to administration, “Once you get pulled from the classroom there's no going back.” We then conducted an Interview with Superintendent Michael Emmett, where he mirrored Mrs. O’Connor’s stellar credentials with her history as a classroom teacher and administrator at multiple school levels. Of course, Mr. Moore is and always will be irreplaceable, but to compare Mrs. O’Connor with Mr. Moore is at best inappropriate, they each have their different strengths which will surely be made clear next year when she is comfortable in her job. Mr. Emmett told us that they have a good relationship as co-workers, and that he personally vouches for her skills and mindset. After interviewing Mrs. O’Connor herself, as well as the influential Mr. Emmett, we went ahead and asked one teacher who had been on the committee that voted for the new principal, Mrs. McKenna. We specifically asked for her viewpoints on the decision, she agreed with it and believed it was very well thought out. We also asked her what she thinks makes Mrs. O'Connor a great fit. She answered that she “thought she fit well because of her past experiences. Not many of the other candidates had nearly the amount of experience she has had”. Being a principal at all three levels of public schools, it was surely an influential factor in the decision. Be sure to welcome Mrs. O’Connor when you see her in the hallways!  Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  By: Fatma Bark
“It turns out that ‘mask’ is a very powerful tool for protection. We learned a big lesson, that mask really works!” Mrs. Chlo-Anne Bobrowski, a School Nurse Supervisor at Wethersfield Public Schools, is one of those heroes who was in the hot seat every day to make the community safer and to ensure the district was in a good place to deal with COVID. Throughout her career, Mrs. Bobrowski always dedicated her life to make peoples’ lives better. She worked at Hartford Hospital for 20 years, then worked at Midstate Medical Center as an infection control nurse, then she became a school nurse and now a school nurse supervisor. “I have to say, it was a journey to get here and I think that everything that I have experienced, what I have done with my work history, has been an important piece and a very important function on why I am able to do what I do today,” she said. Phases Of Pandemic That We Faced Was Unbearable, Yet We Moved On To Another. Initially this pandemic was only a 10 days precaution but we never returned back to school at the end of the 2019-2020 year. In the fall of 2020, schools needed to be open and be safe for everyone. While we were stuck at home figuring a way out of boredom during the summer of 2020, Mrs. Bobrowski and other school officials were busy thinking about how they could put things back in normal conditions. “That has been an adjustment for me as well to balance my life and I think that is an important thing about really eating, living, breathing COVID. I think one of the things that really comes up for me is really allowing myself to have a balance in life, and not just always thinking about COVID.” We had our times of struggle and decided to switch off every source that provided data after data for all day every day. While we could turn off the TV or skip the channels explaining the death rates, Mrs. Bobrowski did not have an option. As much as she wanted to unplug from the news she needed to know everything that she could to help better. She added that she knew how hard it was to be in the hot spot every day and making big decisions that would impact many people in the district. She mentioned that besides walking and exercising, she used a couple of apps that helped her to relax her mind and learned how to meditate. They Never Got A Break From Work, As If 2020 Never Finished! Summer of 2020, the time period that history will never want to repeat and no people want to recall. Unusual quarantining, running out of supplies as soon as they were available, literally not being able to do anything that we would desire to do during beautiful summer days, but there is always the other side of the medallion, which we might forget from time to time. Mrs. Bobrowski mentioned that her work never finished and she never had a summer break at all. That was to make sure we, the Wethersfield Public School community members, could safely come back together in fall. On the larger scale it was an offer made to families whether or not they wanted their kids back in school. More like a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ question. When I was given the opportunity to look closer, it was meeting after meeting held to find a way to do the regular school duties with new safety protocols.There were a lot of people who sacrificed their time to establish a sanitized and safe environment for us. We will never thank them enough for their hard work. Dear Pre-Pandemic People, Please Consider The Following... Mrs. Bobrowski mentioned the importance of the Covid vaccine and how essential it is for us to start turning back to our lives. “Some people kind of misunderstand the science behind the vaccine. It is not a light virus that has been injected to your body, it’s like a replica of the virus so that your immune system will respond and build antibodies.” is how she clarified the point that maybe many of us got confused about. She suggested that everyone who has access should consider getting the vaccine sooner rather than later. Lastly I asked Mrs. Bobrowski, what would she say to people pre-pandemic? She was concerned about whether anyone could predict a world-wide pandemic like the one that we face, or could be prepared enough for what is coming. Her advice was: “Wash your hands!”. She sincerely hoped that people would understand how important hand hygiene is. It is extremely simple to spread the virus, when we don’t keep our hands clean. Another essential advice of hers was: “Don’t try to work through something if you are not feeling well!”. This is a habit of human nature, we always ‘have to’ do something. But this has changed for good I believe as the government itself requested people to stay home if they don’t feel well. Health is what we should value but we don’t even realize it’s importance before it is damaged. Pandemic Was Very Challenging For Everyone, Even For A Nurse. Mrs. Bobrowski almost spent half of her life helping others. As a nurse, she had experienced many challenges that prepared her for any circumstances that are unusual to us but would be manageable for a nurse. Like a worldwide pandemic! She was a nurse but also she was a grandmother to a newborn baby during the pandemic. Due to her job and her position she could see her granddaughter from the other side of the window. As included, there was an emotional setback in her life besides the mental setback most of us felt. Mrs. Bobrowski said she created a safety pod of people. She also mentioned that she discovered many beautiful parks during her outdoor walks that she did for stepping out of all the struggle that her job brought and being emotionally stabilized. “There is a tremendous amount of stress and being able to connect with nature was a nice way to debrief and bring down the stress level” is how Mrs. Bobrowski explained the impact of her walks. It was a pleasure to interview Mrs. Chlo-Anne Bobrowski. I would like to extend my thanks and regards to her and everyone who worked and still works at the forefront for the rest of us. It was an honor to understand the perspective of a nurse who was at the front line everyday during a global pandemic. Let’s keep those hands clean, masks up and vaccinated! The bright future is coming closer day by day when we work towards it!  Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  By: Joe Balut
Doreen Tarascio chose to volunteer at Foodshare at Rentschler Field during the pandemic. Amidst the pandemic, Doreen remained comfortable because all of the necessary equipment was provided like gloves, masks, sanitary wipes, and Foodshare provided instructions on how to provide food to cars safely. Many of the people who showed up to pick up food were nervous, but others were so thankful that they would do anything to receive assistance. I asked Ms.Tarascio how her volunteer experience made her feel. “The majority of people I talked to said that helping people during this pandemic was more rewarding than they could have ever imagined.It made me appreciate my own circumstances. The people there were so grateful and appreciative.” I asked Ms.Tarascio if she will continue to volunteer after Covid. She said, “I volunteered at Foodshare before COVID and was amazed by the generosity of the community prior to COVID, and during as people continued to donate money. When people could no longer donate food to the warehouse, they donated money so that Foodshare could buy food.” Today was Foodshare´s last day of food distribution at Rentschler Field. The food distribution started a year ago as a one-week emergency distribution and ended up continuing for an entire year. On average, 2,000 cars a day would line up for assistance. In total, Foodshare distributed more than 7 million meals through Rentschler Field over the past year.The thing that got Foodshare through the heat last summer, and frigid winter we´ve just endured was the stories of the people who came through for the food and donations. It is incredible what they have done through this dark time in our country and the world. To find a food pantry near you,call 2-1-1(or 1-800-203-1234) or visit www.ct211.org.  Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  “Women need to lift each other up. It takes a community” -Mrs. McKenna by: Lorien Touponse and Camila Nobre
As society takes an honest look at its biases and prejudice, a group of young women in Wethersfield High School are working to create change. Feminism club, founded by Veronica McKenna, Ava Heimgartner, and Mia Gugliotti, meets once a month and strives to raise awareness on current issues surrounding women's rights. This is a club suited for anyone who is even remotely interested as Veronica stated, “everyone should be a feminist.” The girls were adamant in the idea that this club was for everyone, not just women. A club member added, “We get a lot of women because women have experienced it. It is important to remember that anyone can join. We can accomplish more with white men on board. It came about at the right time because with everything going on, we knew we needed to bring recognition to those issues.” And they did just that by creating this inclusive environment in which they discuss all groups of people who identify as women and therefore experience discrimination. The story of how this club started was quite simple but inspiring. Veronica explained that they had always been feminists and that they would often find themselves ranting about women’s rights. One day it occurred to them that there should be a safe space for people to get together and discuss these important issues and better educate themselves. Veronica said, “You don’t need a lot of people, but you need an advisor to start the club.” Since her mother is Mrs. Stephanie McKenna, an English teacher at the high school, she approached her with the idea and created this amazing community of people who care about women’s rights. Veronica added that she was surprised that a club like this hadn’t already been created. This club spends their time looking for solutions and hosting fundraisers to support women. Recently, they organized a collection of feminine hygiene products for My Sister’s Place, a local shelter in Hartford for women and children who have been evicted, subjected to domestic violence, unemployed, have mental illnesses amongst other situations. Visit their website http://sistersplacect.org/support-our-mission/ for more information on how to donate and volunteer. Articles are frequently posted on their Google Classroom to educate their members about challenges women face in our society. To keep people engaged during this challenging time of remote learning, they lead discussions about these articles and later express their opinions, thoughts, or any concerns. So far, the Feminism club has gotten a lot of positive attention. Despite the remote learning complications, they have over 95 members. On his last day as Principal of Wethersfield High School, Mr. Moore generously donated $300 to help finance this up and coming club. Mrs. McKenna shared that she has had teachers ask about the club and show their support by donating to their collection drive and asking how they can get involved. The club founders are encouraging everyone to educate themselves on the fight for feminism. Acknowledging that feminism can take many forms, Ava explained that there are many ways to get involved, “Hop on Google if you don’t want to join the club. Just start caring. Read books, watch videos.” Mrs. McKenna, the club's advisor added, “Be aware of what is happening around you. Are women being ignored? Is there equity here? Are women’s rights being as protected as men’s? There are a lot of challenges we need to overcome as a society.” When asked why we should care about feminism, the members had a lot to say. Mrs. McKenna pointed out that women’s rights have advanced more than we often think about over the last 50 years. “I was talking to my mother and she didn’t get a credit card because women couldn't open credit cards in the 70s in Connecticut. Laws are changing and they continue to need to change to support women.” That being said, there is still a great amount of progress that goes unnoticed. One of the club’s topics of discussion was the NCAA tournament, in reference to the disparities between the mens and womens facilities, and how the public did not know about it until someone made a TikTok. One group member added, “When women speak up, they get shut down.” In a perfect world, the Feminism Club would not have to exist. However, because of the inequities women endure, some of the most amazing women have bounded together to create the beginnings of a powerful organization and work together to help lead the feminist movement. These pioneers saw a lack of support and created it to better their community. Because of their actions, small steps have already been taken to help women. If you are interested in getting involved in this club, the class code is: obi2t2k. They also have an instagram where they share posts about current events and club meetings: @WHS_Feminist_Club  Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  By: Gino Santilli
Sarah Johnson is a Curriculum Specialist at Charles Wright Elementary School in Wethersfield, Connecticut for 11 years, but her role goes way beyond being a Curriculum Specialist, as she is well respected around the classrooms as well as the community. Curriculum Specialists are teacher-leaders who, due to their experience and success in the classroom, serve as collaborators and guides for classroom teachers to plan lessons, analyze student performance, model instruction, support differentiation, and so much more. Her heart is made of pure gold as she is always lending a helping hand, putting others ahead of herself. Johnson is known for her ear-to-ear smile just reflecting positive energy as she enters a room. She always sees the positive in any situation allowing for a good time whenever you are with her. When Johnson was asked what her favorite thing to do is, she replied, “I love trying new things with teachers as I am always ready for a new challenge.” This goes a long way because she is always looking for a way to improve herself and others around her. Johnson is always looking for a way she can help no matter what it is as she is constantly putting others in front of her. She is always willing to help, give advice, teach, or even provide something for a student. Johnson always has an answer for the questions you may have. Johnson was asked what her motto is, she responded with a quote from Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” This is a very powerful quote as it believes in second chances. Meaning everyone has stuff going on in their life and we cant be so hard on ourselves. Johnson truly is a great fit for this role as her kindness comes so naturally to her. She said, “my kindness comes from empathy for others.” She knows everyone has something going on and her job is making everyone’s day a little easier. When she sees a kid smile she knows she did her job properly. The feeling is intoxicating to her and describes it as making her happy and hungry for more. She is known for her “happy dance” when there is a job well done, which brightens everyone’s day. To truly gauge the presence Johnson’s personality holds, you just need to meet her in person as she is practically the sunshine in Charles Wright Elementary School. As she will never leave a person behind or a kid left discouraged, Johnson is someone who you need to keep around.  Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  By: Morgan Cathcart
During the pandemic, people have been lonely, away from friends and family, longing for the days that they could go outside without a mask and without worry of catching the virus, especially those in elder care or hospitals. Wethersfield resident Jeanne Cathcart is spreading love and joy to friends, family, and strangers from her home. She spends her free time knitting prayer shawls that she then gives to others. Prayer shawls, if you don’t know, are blankets that are done with three stitches to represent The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit, and are a few months of work to complete each one. “One went to a very good friend who never took it off his shoulders when he was in a nursing home, his wife displayed it at the funeral on her husband's casket,” Cathcart said. “That was the first time I was in awe of what I made and how it could make people feel,” she then added. With the changes the world is facing since the COVID-19 pandemic, Cathcart’s knitting group at a local church has stopped meeting for the time being. However, this hasn’t stopped Cathcart from making prayer shawls and volunteering. “Since COVID, I have made many more for friends. I have had more free time which has allowed me the time to knit more,” Cathcart said. So many have lost loved ones or been separated from their families in order to stay safe. Cathcart and her husband, have been lucky to be able to stay in good health through this past year. Sadly, the same can’t be said for one of her good friends who had surgery recently and is in the hospital. It is situations like this that the prayer shawl is the most important to Cathcart. Being able to give a friend in need a gift of warmth and hope is something that has no price or restrictions. That friend will be receiving a prayer shawl soon, Cathcart has confirmed. These gifts aren’t always for friends or family. When Cathcart has the time and resources she donates her knitting to her church and sometimes other organizations. From those places, the shawls are given to people in need, people that she doesn't even know. It isn’t hard to brighten someone’s day, could be family, a friend, or even a stranger you have never met, and Cathcart has proved that. Along with knitting, Jeanne spends many hours volunteering at her church, whether it is setting up the altar for the next mass, or cleaning up the garden. She plants flowers, pulls weeds, and decorates the interior of the church with flowers in the springtime. You may ask why someone would do this, and from Jeanne herself, she said, “You hope people appreciate it, but that's not why I do it. I do it because I want to. It's a feeling of giving and doing something for someone else.” Anyone can be a hero, whether they want recognition for it or not. Jeanne is exactly that, a hero in our very own community. Always striving to give to others and brighten other’s days. “There’s so many other people that are heroes other than me that do so much good. So many people do so much and that's what makes the world go round, we all need to give in one way or another,” Cathcart said.  Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  By: Alecia DiCenso
COVID-19 has been rough for all of those in the workplace. During COVID-19, many jobs, including my mother’s, have become much more risky. She is an essential worker and runs CT Home Care & Companions LLC. What she does is helps those who can’t help themselves or need assistance. She has a business for elderly assistance. She does this to help people and families who have loved ones they can’t be with 24/7. With COVID-19, her job became risky. Through all of the struggles with COVID, they didn’t lose any clients or caregivers at the start so her business remained consistent. The town provided her business with masks and gloves to ensure safety along with the mask mandate about a few days after the mandate. The changes started happening in early April. The only changes were that caregivers have to wear masks and gloves in the client's house, but they also have to get tested for COVID-19 every week. This was to ensure that the workers, caregivers, and my mom were safer to ensure they were protected. They were tested at clinics nearby and my mother would supply them with gloves and masks unless they wanted to get their own. After talking to her about her business she has said that some people are more concerned than others. She said she has one client who doesn’t want the aides to wear masks, but they all still do. Other clients are happy as long as they are all wearing masks. I asked her how COVID-19 has affected her business. She said, “I have to be more attentive to signs if a client is going to be sick to try and prevent the aides from getting sick. The aides have to get tested every week so that the clients won’t get sick because some of them have other health issues.” She also received both of her vaccines. I asked her how she felt after getting the second shot. “I felt some of the symptoms but very mildly and it only lasted the day after my shot.” I then asked her if her workers are getting vaccinated. “Some of them have and others don’t want to, we don’t require them to.” I then interviewed one of her workers, Yahiel. She has worked for my mom for about a year and is mostly an aide at a house where the client is paralyzed from the waist down and can’t speak very well. I asked her how she felt about COVID-19 and working. She said she needs to work to support her kid and she doesn’t like the pandemic, but it hasn’t affected her and working. I asked her if she received the vaccine and she said she wasn’t sure about getting it. “Was your work life changed by COVID-19? Yes girl, I just hate these damn masks, but I gotta wear em’ and gloves. ” Overall, I asked them why they do what they do. My mom said she enjoys helping families and ensuring their loved ones are always safe. Yaheil said she enjoys helping people and getting to know the clients. The only difference for my mom workers is that they have to wear masks in the client's house (even if the client says they don’t have too), wear gloves and get tested for COVID-19 every week. It can be very dangerous for the client if they were to get sick because a lot of them have health issues. She loves what she does, and the pandemic hasn’t affected her not being able to do so!  Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  by: Audrey Buccheri
What is the price of regret ? James Buyak, often referred to as Jim by friends, is a lieutenant at the Wethersfield Police Department. Before that he was a patrol officer. He took the time to talk to me and share his knowledge. At the end of the day it all boils down to about two things: One, do not speed. And two: always ask yourself what is regret worth? Walking into the police station is somewhat intimidating and it made me feel like the questions I had prepared were not so great. I started by asking how COVID has affected him and his job. I originally had this theory that it would have made crime rates go down. He stated that “In a town like wethersfield there are two main types of crime: shoplifting and car theft, and those happen all the time.” He went on to say that the number of domestic violence cases increased. This made me wonder if it is because it is starting now or has the pandemic caused people to be more prone to report it due to the fact they are stuck at home? Do not speed. This was something he really wanted to make sure I understood. Jim showed me pictures and explained to me what can happen. That when driving especially as a newer driver, you have to be aware of the people around you. Oftentimes, major accidents are caused by people blowing through stop signs and red lights at major intersections. The reason this happens is because if there is a car stolen in town and they are driving it around or to a neighboring town then they do not care for the car. The vertical becomes a rocket and could kill any person in another car upon impact. He went on to ask me about my future plans. I shared them with him as well as my hesitations and he told me to ask myself “What is regret worth?” This can be applied to almost all major life choices. In reality everything is a choice and whether you take one path or another you do not want to end up with regret. So think about your choices and how they will affect you long term.  Note from the Editor: This is the first in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  By: Emily Sousa
With the world being in a dark place right now, there is a needed light, something to bring people together in a time where people are divided, and that is what PEP (People Empowering People) is doing for the Wethersfield community. The PEP is a group of volunteers and members who plan events to get people involved in their community and help people find their voice and strengths. To get a better understanding of the amazing work the members of PEP are doing, I interviewed the founders of PEP, Jeanne Berasi (The Wethersfield PEP Facilitator) and Kim Bobin (Wethersfield´s Family and Early Childhood Coordinator). Mrs. Berasi runs the classes and keeps the events going while Mrs. Bobbin communicates as she has an office in town hall. PEP is an organization, where the participants go to 10 classes then afterwards they plan either one big project or multiple small projects. All the participants meet up and discuss a project that they are all passionate about, and that will help the community “There is a lot of training leading up to the projects, that talks about communication, successes, and about failure and you keep trying even if you fail your learning,” Mrs. Berasi said. Their goals are to help people get involved in their community and to help people find their own inspiration and strengths. Even through COVID, their goals and plans to help the community were not stalled. For one of their most recent projects, Porch Portraits, Mrs. Berasi and her daughter Gabby went to peoples’ houses and took pictures of them from a safe distance. This project was a safe way to bring communities together all while raising $4,000 for local food banks. Mrs. Berasi and Mrs. Bobbin started PEP to bring communities together and help people find their strengths which are their families and where they come from. Kim Bobin discussed her inspiration in working in this organization,“It's my mom and my family. My mom is from Mexico, and when I was a kid going to Mexico I always felt like I didn't belong, and also as a teenager kind of felt like I didn't belong and so I'm just passionate about making sure people feel like they belong. Everybody has something special right and sometimes we just need someone to remind us what that is.” “I worked in international education for a long time, and helping people feel welcomed and helping them adjust to different norms and that is all very important and I know the struggle. My father is from Italy, he came here and spoke a different language and was held back in school, just making sure everybody feels comfortable with changes and with what's expected,” Jeanne Berasi added. PEP can be described in many ways as one big family. With a collective group of people working together, everyone knows and hangs out with everyone, they have reunions to bring old members back. Kim Bobin added, “My office is just covered with pictures of kids and families, and again I feel like that for me is where the heart of it comes from. I just love that feeling, I always wanted a big family and I love the feeling of having a family that speaks multiple languages, and different ages.” PEP is a UCONN extension program, formed by two friends for a partnership that will last forever. With the idea of helping people find themselves and bringing communities together, this group has done amazing work for communities everywhere. Look out for their latest projects Bicycles On Maine, coming to Old Wethersfield very soon. Remember to say hi to your neighbor, say hi to someone who is by themselves, invite them to your table and in the words of Kim Bobin, “Invite them to the table, and, if there is no room, make a bigger table.”  Note from the Editor: This is the first in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  by: Cristin Blake and Tarsja Tibbs
Technology has played a key role in the world and how people interact now since the start of the pandemic. With this, schools have been affected and have had to adapt to adding technology to their learning curriculum. Specifically in the Wethersfield School District, staff members have been working to make it easier for all students to have access to all their work and be able to communicate with their teachers even while learning remotely. Jason Barth is one of the staff members that has greatly helped our community and made it less stressful for everyone. After joining Wethersfield High School in 2015, Jason Barth has worked as a Computer Technician, helping fix all the computers and technical problems that occur. It may not be as easy everyone thinks. Since the pandemic, technology has changed dramatically and Barth has had to learn everything so that he could help everyone out. That could be very stressful but to him, “This is the new normal. I have adjusted to it, I’m used to it now.” If students are having technical difficulties with their computers, they would just bring their computers to the library where Barth would have them fixed. This process took him within a few hours to fix and the student would be able to get their computer back. Now, because of COVID, new hygiene rules and regulations have been put in place. Now, those computers have to go through the maintenance staff so they can be cleaned. It now takes him at least a day to fix. Loaner computers have been put in place so that students wouldn’t have to wait that long for their computers. Computers aren’t the only technology that he deals with at the school. He has been the guy who helps install the new technology gadgets that are helpful for teachers in the classroom. Different types of technology have now been used because of remote learning. Webcams have been installed in classrooms so that the teachers are able to see their students through Google Meet and vice versa. A new way of getting WiFi to students and families with poor connection is also being introduced. Dorris Duggins, a social sciences teacher at WHS, has been one of the main teachers that have benefited from Jason Barth’s work in the classroom. In Mrs. Duggins’ words, she says, “Whenever the school sends him to my room, he is there all the time prepared. When something happened to my speaker, he brought extra speakers just in case he thought that we would need them. He’s smiling, so helpful and kind, will follow up, and he’s been someone that I always smile and happy to see coming.” Jason Barth didn’t even see himself as a hero but he has made a huge impact on various members of our community to make the transition between in-person to remote learning safe and easy for all.  Note from the Editor: This is the first in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  by: David Barajas and Adam Schapfler
The Wethersfield Food Bank is a place for people who are currently struggling with food insecurity. During this very tough time of COVID-19, they have done an amazing job at helping the people who needed that little extra food to get by. The food bank is always there to help people who are struggling for food. For more information about the Wethersfield Food Bank, contact kathy.bagley@wethersfieldct.gov or their phone number; 860-721-2890. Christina Morra-Tiu, the overseer of the Food Bank, says that the donations from the community were outstanding during the global pandemic. The amount of donations that had never been seen before, as the food bank even had conference rooms filled with food. Whenever they asked for something or needed something, the community jumped right on it. Christina Morra-Tiu says that “I was seeing new faces along with the already or recurring faces needing the food” that they had collected. But to keep the Wethersfield community safe and healthy, the Wethersfield Food Bank had to adjust how family’s secured the food they needed. Where before families would make an appointment and come into the food bank, now pre-made bags were made to keep family’s and Wethersfield Food Bank employees safe and healthy and community members fed. Through changes and an incredible amount of donations from our community, the Wethersfield Food Bank was able to do great work to help families within our community.  Note from the Editor: This is the first in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  By: Aaron Cholewa and Anthony Zabielski
The man walks into an abyss of screams and sirens. He has one goal: Get the job done. Today is one of the worst days. A child is involved. However the goal remains the same, help the people. This is the work of our local hero. Dennis McMahon is the current chief of the Wethersfield Volunteer Ambulance Association (WVAA), where he has worked since 1984. Through his time there, he has been through many horrific situations. However, McMahon puts it perfectly when he says, “You gotta do what you gotta do to get the job done.” This quote shows his dedication to helping the public. McMahon has described cardiac calls as some of the scariest possible calls to get. Combine that with children and you have the scariest possible situation for someone to deal with. Even McMahon, who has decades of experience says that it “makes your heart jump out of your throat,” yet he still continues to power through and help people. McMahon also explained how scarce personal protection equipment was to get. McMahon said, “PPE was very difficult to get.” Everyone wanted the PPE, but luckily for Wethersfield, McMahon had the willingness to work tirelessly and drive far lengths to get his crew the equipment they needed. When COVID hit hard in March, many people’s lives got hectic but Chief of Wethersfield Volunteer Ambulance Dennis McMahon said that, “People were scared to go to the hospital when they needed help.” Click "Read More" to continue reading this article.  Note from the Editor: This is the first in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  by: Krysta Szymecki Pam Szymecki, a paraprofessional at Hanmer Elementary School, is going the extra mile to help students with learning obstacles during the pandemic. She is making sure her students stay engaged and get all the help they need to flourish in these times. Mrs. Szymecki genuinely appreciates everyday she gets to spend with her students. “I am very lucky to not only enjoy what I do, but be able to see the first hand benefit from my students' successes.” She is able to make students feel more comfortable and confident in themselves. Growing up, Mrs. Szymecki always loved helping other people, from taking care of her brother to baking dinners for other people and many more ways. So, it’s no surprise that she’s good at providing her students with the uttermost help and support they need this year.  Pam Szymecki also happens to be my mom, which may make me a little biased. However, my mom has the biggest and warmest heart on this planet. She is always the first person to help me when I need it and my biggest supporter.
I can tell you truthfully that my mom pushes the people she cares about to their full potential. I see the way she feels when she gets home from work and everyday she is happy that she got to help at least one person in any way. She treats her students like her own kids and is willing to help them in any way she can. This year, with remote learning, I have seen her truly engage with her students. From the beginning of quarantine until now, she has spent hours upon hours on her computer either with students or figuring out better ways to help them. Even this summer, she spent time every week to read with a student of hers online, just to see them grow. Even on hard days, she is sure to help others. I’ve learned a lot from my mom, but the biggest impact she’s had on me aren’t from her words but her actions. She truly shows everyday that she is there to encourage, support and love those around her.  Note from the Editor: This is the first in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  Amy Miller doing a Grab’n Go Handout for the Superbowl in February. by: Charles Hayes
Amy Miller, a Wethersfield native, knows about working with the senior population, because she has for over 20 years in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living. Amy worked with many veterans who fought in the Korean War and WWII, and knew many Holocaust survivors. She loved hearing their stories, all of which were “full of bravery, courage and heartbreak.” In April of 2019, a position opened up at the Wethersfield Senior Center and Miller jumped on the opportunity because she knew this is where she wanted to be. When Amy came to Wethersfield two years ago, she and the rest of the world would never realize that everything would come to a stop as the pandemic started. As you can imagine, it was very difficult for families to stay home with their children but for most elderly there were so many other restrictions that came along with that. What would they do to get their groceries or go to the pharmacy for medication? Most of the senior population come to the senior center for the interaction and exercise, and it was all taken away from them. For Miller, it happened so quickly as the senior center was the first building to close due to the age group they serve because they are the most vulnerable. She mentions, “I was glad our town was looking out for the safety of our seniors.” Throughout the pandemic, there was an overwhelming amount of volunteers that stepped up to help the senior population. The Wethersfield community as a whole helped out with phone calls and wellness checks, asking if they needed anything like services, information, food, or just someone to talk to. They even sent them cards over the holidays to let these isolated seniors that Wethersfield was thinking of them. Miller, in her work, implemented remote programs and enjoyed “Grab’n Go” programs where the seniors could drive up and receive a goody bag. Also, they had a a state-wide virtual holiday bash in collaboration with the Connecticut Assoc. of Senior Center Personnel, the AARP, CT Healthy Living Collective, North Central Area on Aging. But out of all of the programs Amy and her team had done, she said the most rewarding was the collaboration with the Central Connecticut Health District to hold a COVID vaccination clinics for our seniors and most vulnerable Wethersfield residents. Because many of the seniors did not have access to computers, could not travel or wait in long lines; they were able to reach out to over 450 residents to get their vaccinations. How amazing is that? She said she is most proud of “coordinating with my coworkers, making phone calls and helping at the clinics, seeing our seniors in person has been wonderful, and hopefully putting us one more step closer to safely reopening our doors.” A huge thank you to Amy Miller and her staff for helping our seniors everyday but navigating through this pandemic. You are true Wethersfield heroes.  Note from the Editor: This is the first in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me. by: Michael Johannes There are quite a few amazing people in Wethersfield and they have accomplished great things to improve the lives of other people in Wethersfield. Students can also be heroes by making other student’s day better. Antonio, a 4th grader from Charles Wright Elementary School, has been a hero to many of his classmates. He likes helping them out to try and understand a concept better. Antonio has helped classmates follow the rules of school. He said why he helps them, “First off, even with the pandemic, life has affected me. Sometimes helping people can help me help myself.” Why Antonio feels happy helping his classmates is because he said, “It gives me warmth in my heart.” He always asks how people are feeling and tries to help them get better if they are down. Antonio also does activities for the class to help everyone come together. He likes to play “Among Us” and he said, “Among Us has gotten very glitchy, but I am a big gamer. Our class really likes ‘Among Us,’ so I made each person as an ‘Among Us’ character to make everyone happy.” Antonio’s teacher Mrs. Antonelli said this about the impact her student, “Antonio brings positive energy to our class. He is always looking for the joy in situations to share with everyone.” It is always nice to have someone looking for the positive in every situation so it can boost up the energy in the room. It’s awesome that someone that young understands that people always need someone to help them get through the day. There needs to be more people like Antonio to help people get through a tough day.   Note from the Editor: This is the first in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  By: Andrew Labbe and Aaron Guay
With our community’s struggles with COVID-19, food is scarce. People are donating less to shelters and restrictions on these shelters are overbearing. This lack of food is where the Hunger Action Team comes in. Led by WHS teacher John Sand, the Hunger Action Team is meant to ease the pain of people in need by providing a steady supply of food. You may be asking what the Hunger Team is; we asked John Sand to find out. When meeting with Mr. Sand, he said that the Hunger Action Team is a WHS program to help people who struggle with food security. “It’s a place where students can come together and package food to bring to local pantries,” according to Mr. Sand. When asked about why students would join the hunger action team, he said, “To receive community service hours mostly, or to hang out with their friends who are also on the team.” In WHS, community service is not only required for some classes but also increases chances for getting into desired colleges. The Hunger Action Team is a place where students can come together and have fun helping people in need, while also receiving vital community service hours. According to Mr. Sand, he leads the Hunger Team because of similar reasons above. When he first asked to lead it, he knew the amount of dedication needed to fill the role. He has to take countless hours out of his busy schedule (between teaching and traveling frequently) to supervise and organize this program. Nonetheless, he dove in headfirst in striving to create the best Hunger Action Team possible. Aside from being the leader of the Hunger Action team, Mr. Sand is a student rights advocate. In his words, “The students are what we do this for. If you guys [the students] weren’t here, neither would I.” Teachers like John Sand always have student’s best interest in mind. It was this mindset, to strive for more student rights, that made Mr. Sand led the Hunger Action Team. With no questions asked, Mr. Sand is an amazing teacher and person. When asking senior Alexander Ginter who is enrolled in two of Mr. Sand’s classes about his opinion on Mr. Sand, he said, “He’s just a great teacher and a great guy. Though his teaching is informal, it is easier to relate to him and create an amazing student-teacher relationship He’s the kind of guy that makes little nicknames for everyone and greets you with that name every time you walk into the room.” With his interactive teaching styles, the countless hours he spends outside of school planning for the Hunger Action Team and participating in numerous other school events, there is no debate in saying that Mr. Sand is a blessing to have in the Wethersfield School System.  Note from the Editor: This is the first in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me.  By: Dana Andrews
Since 1803, the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department has gone above and beyond to serve and protect our wonderful community. Even during the pandemic that hasn’t changed, with members doing even more acts of kindness and gratitude. One member of the fire department stands out, firefighter Javier Bello. Javier has been with the WVFD for the past 2 years. During the pandemic, he has responded to 55% of the fire department's calls for service. Javier has many commitments outside of the fire department which makes this number so remarkable. Javier has been a patient care assistant at Hartford Hospital for the past 2 years. This May, he will graduate from Sacred Heart University’s nursing program. Javier’s goal in the nursing field is to become a critical care (ICU) nurse. Congratulations to you, Javier! We’re all so proud of you. You are a great example of a caring Wethersfield citizen we all can count on that makes this town as wonderful as it is. Javier gave me a glimpse of what his shift at Hartford Hospital is like and what it’s like at the fire department. One thing is evident: his teamwork and compassion. “In March 2020, we started taking a lot of COVID patients at Hartford Hospital, eventually transitioning to mostly COVID patients. It was a hard time and all of the resources were spread thin, but everyone rose to the occasion and worked together. At the fire department, resources were also spread thin with members getting sick or having underlying health concerns. There was a tremendous amount of teamwork within the WVFD and we made sure Wethersfield wasn’t left unprotected,” he said. Early on in the pandemic, the fire department started doing birthday party parades with their fire trucks and other gear. You were able to sign up for a parade via email, then the fire trucks would come down your street with lights and sirens full blast. You could see the happiness on everyone’s faces during a dark time in 2020. He said, “They [The parades] were something we could do to reach out to the community, because COVID affected everyone, the kids who couldn’t have their friends over or see friends at school. It was a way to get involved in the community as much as we could in the setting of the pandemic.” When things start to get better, members of the WVFD can't wait to do community events that existed prior to the pandemic such as Touch-A-Truck, Cornfest, and various other town events. Javier Bello is an example of a member of the WVFD that goes above and beyond the call of duty and will lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. If anyone is interested in joining the WVFD, they should email Assistant Chief Mahder at wvfd@wethersfieldct.gov  4 out of 5 of our WHS Girls Hockey players by: Sarah Karwic Many people are familiar with the boys hockey team at Wethersfield High, but are unaware that there is also a girls hockey team. The team is a collective of 18 players from Avon, Southington, Newington, Litchfield, RHAM, and Wethersfield, 5 of which come from Wethersfield. Wethersfield became involved in this team through current WHS senior Paige Muscillo. Muscillo states that when she was a sophomore, she received an email asking if she would be interested in joining the Avon-Southington co-op team. Since joining, she has loved being a member of the team and bringing in other Wethersfield players. The team has not been immune to the changes brought by COVID-19. In their practices and games, they have had to make adjustments to comply with new regulations. According to Muscillo they “went from regular practice with masks, to only four players and a coach on the ice with masks.” In their games they have made accommodations to playing with masks, Muscillo stated, “One of the biggest differences from years before is wearing a mask on the ice, with mask breaks every 10 minutes. Due to this, it really slows down the game which can either work in our favor or the opposite.” Off the ice they have had to make adjustments in the locker rooms. According to Muscllo they are still allowed to use them, but depending on the rink they are at and the size of the locker room there are limits to how many people are allowed in it. At the Newington arena they are only allowed to have 15 people at a time. Spectatorship has changed too. Each player is allowed two guests, but only at home games. Despite all of the added troubles caused by COVID-19, the team is going strong. The team is currently ranked second for their conference and fifth in the state. They have also only lost three out of fifteen games this season, so they are not letting COVID-19 ruin their season. |
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