<![CDATA[THE EAGLE EYE

<![CDATA[THE EAGLE EYE - WHS Life]]>Wed, 13 May 2026 22:13:49 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Take The Trip of A Lifetime to Belize or New Zealand and Australia!]]>Tue, 16 Oct 2018 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.eagleeyewhs.com/whs-life/take-the-trip-of-a-lifetime-to-belize-or-new-zealand-and-australiaBy Ajla Ahmetovi

Have you ever wanted to see different parts of the world? Eat new foods, experience new cultures and meet new people? Now is your chance with the upcoming trip to Belize or New Zealand and Australia being organized by history teacher John Sand. The trip to Belize will take place in February of 2019, and the trip to New Zealand and Australia will be in the summer of 2019. In an interview with Mr. Sand, the value of traveling and how traveling can enrich our lives can be seen.

When asked what these trips contribute for a valuable learning experience to students, Mr. Sand said, “It gives students experiences that they can't have at home - scuba, climb a Mayan pyramid, snorkel in the largest barrier reefs in world”

These activities give students the chance to adventure and try new things, something every student should be given the opportunity to do.

Why travel? What does traveling give that a conventional classroom cannot provide? When asked this question, Mr. Sand answered, “Travelling takes students out of their comfort zones. When they go to places that don't have all of the luxuries, conveniences, and shopping malls that we have here, they learn to adapt. Students learn to eat foods we don't have here. They see how people in other cultures treat each other and what other cultures value. That's the biggest element - understanding that people in different parts of the world live differently than we do. And that maybe we can learn something from these cultures”.

Experiencing different cultures is without a doubt one of the main aspects of these trips. Students are able to learn more about themselves, all while being in a positive educational learning environment.

And lastly, what is one big reason you would give to a student who is interested in the trip, but hesitant to go” was the last question asked, to which Mr. Sand said, “It's the experience of a lifetime! Most people will never get to Belize or Australia/New Zealand on their own. If you don't go now, you may never get there. I also feel that being away from home and experiencing a new culture, even for a week or so, is a great preparation for going away to college where many students will live away from home and experience a different culture!”

Take the chance to enrich your life. Plan ahead for the Belize or New Zealand and Australia trip by attending future meetings. If you have any specific questions, stop by room 112, Mr. Sand’s room, with any questions or concerns.

]]><![CDATA[Buffalo Wild Wings]]>Fri, 08 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.eagleeyewhs.com/whs-life/buffalo-wild-wingsBy Lianna Montalvo

I believe most can agree that children are what brings town and communities together. As some might have cookouts others choose to dine out on a crisp sunny day, what other way to do that by bringing your children to an atmosphere made perfect for children.

Buffalo Wild Wings, here in Wethersfield has teamed up with the Boys and Girls Club of America to raise money for all of the clubs! Wild Wings has designated 2 days out of the week (Sunday & Wednesday) to be their “Kids Night.” On kids night children get kids meals for $1.99, but also 10% of your bill will go to the Boys and Girls Clubs.

“The three years I’ve been apart of the Buffalo team we have always been about the kids, we have made many contributions to schools, kids programs, and safe grads.” Manager Kathleen Conlan informs me.

Kathleen started at Buffalo Wild Wings, 2 and a 1/2 years ago, and showed her excellence to become a Wing Certified Trainer (WCT) and now a Shift Lead/Manager. When she was training me she really focused in on the kid aspect of the restaurant and how much we strive to make the atmosphere all about them.

“Buffalo isn’t only about the wings, beer and sports, we not only want our adults to have a good time but we hope the children have an even better time. We set up games for them throughout the restaurant. There’s a station where they can play golf, race one another and also claw machines. As a part of March Madness we also set up a basketball hoop… and let's be honest people don’t want to come back to a place that isn’t kid friendly, so buffalo is always for the kids!” General Manager Chris Bonet tells me.

Chris has been the General Manager at Buffalo Wild Wings for about a year now, he has worked at Buffalo for almost 10 years, starting as a cook, then turning into a Wing Certified Trainer (WCT), where he was later promoted to manager. Chris informs that Buffalo has always been big on the kids and will continue to make them top priority as long as he is General Manager.

Every year Buffalo participates in a march, March of Dimes, an organization whose mission is to lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies, for 80 years March of Dimes had helped moms and babies to strive no matter their age background or demographics.

They support moms throughout their pregnancies and support radical improvements to the care that they receive and provide research to the biggest threats of medical issues to moms and babies.

Miguel Proano, Regional Manager of the Wethersfield location, has been apart of the organization for years, and has brought the organization into the work that we do at Buffalo Wild Wings. We have had numerous fundraisers and events to raise money for the funds that they have to provide research for the Moms and Babies associated with the organization.

Kids are the face of everything happening right now in today's world, which is why Buffalo Wild Wings makes them their number one mission.

]]><![CDATA[Life of An Everyday Wethersfield Resident: THE Tammy Luiz]]>Fri, 08 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.eagleeyewhs.com/whs-life/life-of-an-everyday-wethersfield-resident-the-tammy-luizBy Aniela Zawisza

From long days at school, to long nights at home, Tammy Luiz has put her family and her students first no matter what. Her determination is truly inspiring and has a long lasting affect not only with the kids she works with as a paraprofessional, but also her own children.

Tammy grew up in Hartford, Conn. Her younger years were filled with joyful memories of her sister and brother. She attended South Catholic High School and after completing high school, Tammy did not go to college but instead pursued the career of a receptionist for an elite attorney’s office.

In her twenties, Tammy met her husband, Bob Luiz, and they began a life together. Once settled down, Tammy did mortgage loans as a profession for most of her life. This job suited her until she had her first daughter, Sarah. After having Sarah, Tammy believed it would be better becoming a stay at home mother while her husband continued to work. After Sarah, Tammy also gave birth to two boys, Joe and Jimmy. She continued to be a stay at home mother for 12 years. She speaks of this choice with great confidence saying she, “Values family and wanted to raise her own children.” Being a stay at home mom allowed her to tend to her children's needs and also live her own life. After her last son was in first grade, she got a job as a para at one of the local elementary schools, Emerson Williams.

Mrs. Luiz continues to work with Kindergarten and first graders at Webb Elementary School in Wethersfield as a para with kids on the Autism Spectrum. Tammy says, “I never know how my day will start, it depends on how they arrive to school. While some days are hard for me, so many more are so rewarding because of the growth I see in students.”
Being a para for kids with special requires a certain set of skills and characteristics. You need to be patient and understanding as Tammy explained to me. Seeing her kids reach the goals that they've been working on for months, as simple as even walking across the hall to art class without getting upset, truly warms her heart. All the difficulties of the job are worth it in the end.

Everyday when Tammy’s students run up to her, she gives them a huge hug and says “Make today the best day ever!!!”

Tammy inspires her students and own children to always try their best and work towards their goals. She contributes so much to our Wethersfield community with her welcoming hugs and dedication to her students. It may not seem big, but her contributions play a huge role in the lives of students she works with. Tammy is the mom that always has freshly baked desserts on the kitchen counter or trays full of candy waiting for her kids and their friends. She loves having guests at her house to entertain and enjoys being the house that her kids friends always want to go to.

]]><![CDATA[WHS Student Life: Michael Houlihan]]>Fri, 08 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.eagleeyewhs.com/whs-life/whs-student-life-michael-houlihanBy Brendan Dowd

Michael Houlihan is a senior at Wethersfield High school, Mike has grown up in the age of everyone going to college but he has decided to take another path. Back about ten years ago college was something that you would only go if you had the money. Kids would get their high school diploma at least and then go straight to the workforce, in recent years society has gone away from this method but not Mike.

After high school Mike will go to trades school where he will learn to be an Electrician. Practically going straight to the workforce and coming out with minimal debt, who’s to say this isn’t smarter than a kid dropping 30 thousand on a college and coming out with all kinds of debt and still no idea what they want to do. Mike has always been his own person, not a follower, a leader. This hasn’t stopped him from making lifelong friends. When I asked him, How his friends played a role in shaping him? Absolutely I’ve grown up with the same group of friends and we always feed of each other and have shared a lot of life changing moments together. Mike is very well liked by everyone his personality and easy to talk to manner makes him a pleasure to have as a friend. Mike won the saprilitive “Bestfriends” with his childhood friend Chris Moylan, this just shows how well recognized as a great friend all around the school he is.

When I asked Mike if he would consider his childhood a success he said “Yeah I had a pretty good childhood it was a little disoriented but all in all I’m very grateful.” When Mike was five his Dad passed away, at this time he was living in Vermont so he moved to Wethersfield to be closer to his Mom’s family I asked him how he felt talking about his father he said “It’s kind of sensitive to tell people about”, rightfully so I stayed away from the topic but I did ask him who the biggest influence on his life was? He said “Probably my brother he is twelve years older than me so for most of my young years I thought he was really cool”. It’s almost like his brother took on the role of his father, and if I don’t say so myself Mike has turned out very well. He is one of the most responsible kids in our school, he has worked since freshman year and recently bought a car with his own money, he said “even though it was a bucket I had to put myself on a budget and save money.” In an age of kids mooching off their parents until their mid twenties Mike never allowed himself to do that. It just shows the maturity level that he has at such a young age he truly is an adult.

Not many kids turn out as good as Mike has, I’m talking about kids with both parents, a lot of money and the biggest issue being what they’re going to do on a saturday night. Mike has endured a lot, losing a parent, having to move to another state, and even working since freshman year. Nothing has been given to Mike he has worked for it all, and if you asked around the school who would you consider the most caring, hardworking, nicest kid I would bet a lot of money that Mike would be one of the first people to come to mind.

]]><![CDATA[Out Of The Darkness: Jacqueline Reategui Interview]]>Fri, 08 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.eagleeyewhs.com/whs-life/out-of-the-darkness-jacqueline-reategui-interviewBy Almira Beganovic

Imagine being an 18 year old and wanting to change the world for a better place and actually doing something about it. Jacqueline Reategui is an 18 year old senior trying to create a better future. She knew how much depression affected people and what comes along with having this disease,the suicidal thoughts or even attempts, but the worst of it all, dying by suicide. So Jacqueline wanted to see less of this happening and more change worldwide.

“Out of the Darkness Community Walks” are just the beginning of a great journey. This organization helps raise awareness for suicide prevention, participates come out for a walk and donate for a greater cause. Walkers do not need to pay to participate, but they are asked to coordinate donations to help the society.
During Reategui’s sophomore year, she was trying to hold a walk on her own that she wanted to be town-wide and hopefully worldwide one day. She made a website and even met with the townspeople, then a good sign came her way. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) reached out to her. Sophomore year was just the beginning of Jacqueline’s path to a greater future with this organization.
I had sat down with Reategui and asked her how she felt when the AFSP reached out to her.

“It was unexpected and overwhelming.” Jacqueline stated. I can tell how much this organization and being a part of something so powerful has affected someone like her especially started at a young age especially when something as big as AFSP reaches out to you.

This year’s walk will be on Saturday May 19, 2018 from 10:00 until 12:00 PM. Here’s the website if you would like to join or sign up to walk out with a great group of people! www.afsp.org/wethersfieldhs or contact Jackie Reategui jackiereategui@yahoo.com for any further questions. I hope you all get involved to walk “Out of the Darkness.”

]]><![CDATA[Ed Krech and the Life of Jazz]]>Fri, 08 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.eagleeyewhs.com/whs-life/ed-krech-and-the-life-of-jazzBy John Gregory

A lot of genres thrive and grow in the music industry. Genres that make u snap your fingers, groove all night, or just to listen to when your alone with your thoughts is the music of the world. Mr. Edward Krech, a long time record store owner of 40 plus years sells records consisting of R&B Soul, Rock n’ Roll, Blues and mainly Jazz.

When I first got there I parked and the store was nowhere to be found. After looking around for a bit I realized it was underneath the local smoke shop. When I first opened the door the first thing I noticed was the rows and rows of vinyls. And the smell, the smell of old school cardboard on vinyls filled the air. I approached an older gentlemen at the counter, facial hair, glasses, white hair. His name was Edward Krech. He specializes in jazz music mainly on the obsession of the genre and the very huge collection of vinyls he once had. Starting out as a computer programmer at Travelers, him and a fellow coworker decided to stray away from the insurance company and open up the original store on May 5 1972 at 800 Silas Deane. His partner eventually quit after 4 years and he took over the whole store.

However for actually starting up the business in a town in Wethersfield, the answer was simple. Buying a house seemed to be the good choice and the Silas Deane is booming with business even today. His wife also taught at Wethersfield schools from 1969 to 1976. The way he adds to the community is almost showing that old school music is never gone it’s what he has always been passionate about. His record store is a symbol of soul and hard work put into classics that new artists should look back and improve upon. He states that “The feeling of the music, the rhythm and the many different styles go back to the very beginning with music. He even promotes the styles having UHart students and even high school students perform at his store. The kids enjoy it because they get to play what they love to play and it brings more light to the store.

I believe the the whole genre of Jazz gave his whole life a purpose, starting out as a computer programmer to eventually opening up a record store selling and doing what he loves to do. With what he loves to do, it impacts the community showing that old school music is still very relevant and not choosing the easy way with mainstream music.

]]><![CDATA[Living Right at Live Right Wellness: An insight into The Business and Ventures of Owner Kerri Abronzino]]>Fri, 08 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.eagleeyewhs.com/whs-life/living-right-at-live-right-wellness-an-insight-into-the-business-and-ventures-of-owner-kerri-abronzinoBy Chelsea Pinchera

In the recent decade, specifically the last couple of years, our world and society have shifted focus. In the past, America has been known as one of the most unhealthy nations, but we are starting to see a difference in this social reality.

Although this may be a fad, healthy eating, healthy lifestyles, and self wellness has become a huge priority across the nation. Via social media and through the public openings of so many activity centers (fitness centers, CrossFit, yoga studios, etc.), we have been able see the changes happening right in front of us.

Owner of Old Wethersfield’s Live Right Wellness Kerri Abronzino was into health before anyone in this fad has and been living this healthy lifestyle for more than 15 years. She has been practicing, preaching, and living the idea of keeping your mind and body healthy through her daily activities and opening of her healing center.

Kerri Abronzino opened her center of healing as a sole proprietor at the age of 38 and was the only employee for quite some time. But she didn’t one day just decide to open a shop as a career, she was summoned by god.

“I was called. I’m a very spiritual person and when you are called to your path, you
know and it’s unimaginably exciting! I cherish those first days...God inspired me to
become my own boss. He spoke to me through a client who passed shortly after I opened
my business. God used a variety of ways to get my attention in a very short period of
time. My work is his work,” She says about the starting of the business.”

Since those beginning days, Kerri Abronzino and her shop have grown in so many ways. Her business has come so far from having one staff member to over fifteen employees varying from barre instructors to studio managers. When asked about the growth of the space she said,

“Over the last year, we have had tremendous growth. Live Right has grown a little every
year. Each year is better and better and we expand further into the community a little
more. This year our growth was 75 percent. Equal to that, we had some pretty big
challenges and changes, but it’s been the most rewarding year ever. We are very
connected to our community. We live it and breathe it”

Kerri Abronzino has even done special readings on clients from out of state and has been traveling around the country to share her gift with so many clients.

When we asked one of her top stories of all time on the job, she told us this,
“We were nominated for Best of Hartford Magazine’s Readers poll this year. We are in
the top 3 and our competition is pretty awesome! At the same time, I was just notified
tonight the studio won Best of Wethersfield for wellness and fitness category. We are
super proud!!! And my team has certainly earned it.”

Here is a note from Kerri Abronzino:
“Self love, self empowerment and self forgiveness are my greatest achievements. The
business is a reflection of that. It’s what we all desire….a thriving happy healthy pulse. Life has made me who I am. I’m a child of God and I recognized my divine connection early in life. He has given me an adventurous heart and I like to explore. My experiences, my vulnerability, my willingness to listen and remain teachable. I’m a warrior with a healer’s heart. All these things make me who I am I guess and more. I’m a mom, a wife, a writer, a yogi, and I don’t know…I guess I’m a lot of cool things. Most of all I’m honored Chelsea chose me to be interviewed….I guess that right there says I’m doing something right.

]]><![CDATA[WHS Senior Interviews: Anna O'Neil]]>Fri, 08 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.eagleeyewhs.com/whs-life/whs-senior-interviews-anna-oneilBy Jacqueline Reategui

Anna O’Neil is an 18 year old student, as well as an active participant in Project Light Hartford, Conn. It is an organization branched off Project Light Rwanda, whose focus is to raise money and help Rwandan genocide survivors come back from that tragedy and build a life.

She’s a leader in Project Light Hartford, she gives kids who are part of the group tasks and different volunteer opportunities. The organization help a genocide survivor of Rwanda named Methode. He is now going to college in India, he is studying political science in hope of being able to help his country one day. The organization supports him by making and selling bracelets and backpacks. Anna states, “also big donations from rich people because they have to raise $6,000 a year.” Anna went on to describe that they also help homeless people around Hartford. In fact, she described being able to help homeless people as her greatest benefit while being in this organization.

Anna had first joined the group for her grandmother, who also plays a big role, but she stated, “I was able to set a Skype call with Methode [Rwanda genocide survivor], whose family died right in front of him and I was able to hear all of his story. He survived by hiding in a bush near his house, he ran before they could catch him. He was with other 6 year olds. His mother was the only survivor but she went crazy and left him. The rest of his family was hatched. This made me want to help.” For Anna, hearing his voice and the seeing the strength he still had after all he experienced was reason enough for wanting to help.
But for Anna, it wasn’t just Methode that she wanted to help, she enjoys being to interact and give to the homeless people in Hartford. She states, “I go to the Marshal House in Hartford and play with the kids and bring them baked goods and try to be involved with them as much as I can. You know, they don’t have much and just being able to make them [the kids] laugh and make them happy is almost like a priority.”

O’Neil has learned that helping others is the biggest way to appreciate what you have and take what you have and share it with others. She said, “ I didn’t see how privileged I was and I just wanted to share that with others.” She hopes to pursue a career that is able to help people and has a good cause one day.

What most people tend to forget is how lucky they have it compared to others, we all get lost in the emotions and everyday life that we forget to appreciate it all. Being able to give back to your community can change you in many ways, the biggest is opening your eyes to see that the world is much more than just yours. Being able to discover Anna in a new mindset has allowed to realize how great of a person she is and her empathy for others.

]]><![CDATA[A piece of Wethersfield: Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center]]>Fri, 08 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.eagleeyewhs.com/whs-life/a-piece-of-wethersfield-eleanor-buck-wolf-nature-centerBy Ajla Ahmetovic

A staple in the Wethersfield community has been the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center. A learning and education center that puts its focus on the environment and animals. A closer look into this small but impactful part of the community is taken in a written interview with the Director of the Nature Center, Patrick Telman.

When asked how long the Nature Center has been running for Telman wrote, “As a stand alone nature center, since 2005. Previously the "nature center" was just a room in the Community Center”.

That statement alone shows the incremental growth of the Nature Center. Starting as just a room to becoming its own independent center with a purpose to educate.

How has the community had an impact on the Nature Center was another question to which Telman wrote; “The Nature Center exists because members of the community had an idea to create one. They did all the fundraising and got it started when it was in the Community Center and are the reason it was able to move to the facility on Prospect St. Members of the community also make up the "Friends of the Nature Center Committee" and support it today”.

Evidently, the community has the largest impact on the Nature Center because it is them who facilitated the whole idea of beginning an educational “hub” for the community to learn about the world’s vast environment and animal life.

When asked what events the Nature Center holds to bring the community together, Telman wrote; “We hold Summer Camps, Preschool programs, School Vacation Camps, Birthday Party Rentals, Meeting Rentals, a variety of Workshops and informational sessions as well as Eleanor Buck Wolf Day”.

The variety of activities the Nature Center has created over the years have added to their popularity and are what gets the people excited to integrate together all in this one part of the community.

The topic of community service hours at the Nature Center and how it helps people get more rooted into their community came into question to which Telman answered; “As we are a community run organization, any volunteer work people do through the Nature Center gives people ownership into the facility. Which is the same for any volunteer work. You care about things more if you have personal involvement”.

Telman believes that by participating or volunteering at the Nature Center, anyone can grow a sense of care for their community, which is why he strongly urges volunteering at the Center if anyone wants to gain a deeper connection to their community.

As for what the future of the Nature Center is, Telman wrote; “Hopefully someday a new building where we can house more species, an outdoor portion where we can have domestic farm animals”.

It is evident both Telman and all people of the Nature Center see an even more thriving development for the place they love and respect. Their main goal is to educate and supply the learning needs of the community, and with the achievable goals for the future they have planned; their goals are sure to be sustained.

]]><![CDATA[Bobbie Granato: From student, to Running the Show]]>Fri, 08 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.eagleeyewhs.com/whs-life/bobbie-granato-from-student-to-running-the-showBy Alison Fitzpatrick

For Bobbie Granato, Wethersfield was always home. Although she never saw herself returning to her home, nevertheless teaching at her old elementary school. Let’s bring it back to the beginning of how Granato got involved in education. She started teaching swim lessons at Mill Woods, those interactions with children are the things that decided it for her. She initially wanted no part of returning to her hometown, applying for a teaching job in Australia, but the economy brought her back.

Throughout the years, she enjoys how much the town has retained its charm and how she still sees so many familiar faces from over the years. In her first year of teaching she started at Highcrest Elementary and taught second grade. She valued teamwork and collaboration among her students “They did say my classroom was too loud… my whole philosophy is that you learn a lot from each other”. With tables instead of desk and believing in the communication of students “I did have some criticism... from a couple of my colleagues, who said kids should sit at desks. And I said ‘That’s not my philosophy.”
With the birth of her first son and raising him, she truly realized the dynamic and collaboration between parent, teacher and child. After she retired as a teacher she felt her “time was more myself”, she stayed involved in the town through Dollars for Scholars and other functions, but what she really enjoyed with her new found time was her love of the game of golf. Being an active member of the Wethersfield Country Club, you can almost always find her on the golf course or in the clubs dining room interacting with old and new friends.

When the town democrats called asking if she would consider running for Board of Education with the affiliation of the party. After taking the weekend to think about it, she decided that she could never leave the thing that was a part of her life for so many years: education. Once elected, she was nominated by her fellow board members as chairperson, mixed feelings of fear and elated took over. With this new position she felt as though she wasn’t in this alone and felt as though she was a member of a team.
In looking into the Wethersfield classroom at a new angle, she sees how much has changed from the more narrow curriculum “I like the curriculum very much, I just wish it would be broader and teachers have more freedom… to enhance it”. She wishes she had all the technology we do today and also had the idea of selected seating in her classroom. A valuable lesson that should be taught in a Wethersfield classroom, or any classroom, is formal interpersonal skills “How to look someone in the eye, how to shake someone’s hand, and I’m talking little ones to big ones. And I think everyone needs to learn that… and it’s a formal way of getting along with people”.

]]>