Thomas Deitelbaum
NAUGATUCK As schools across the state turned to distance learning amid the COVID-19 outbreak this spring, Thomas Deitelbaum thought about the significant amount of time children spent in front of computer screens.
Then an idea popped into his head.
Deitelbaum, a fourth-grade teacher at Hop Brook Elementary School, would write a children’s book one that children could enjoy, while still learning, away from their computer screens.
Deitelbaum’s idea became reality in October when he self-published his first book, “Halfsy: A Math Adventure,” through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform. The book is available as a paperback only on Amazon.
By Elio Gugliotti, Editor
Lawrence ‘Larry’ Hutvagner, center, is shown in 2018 with Darlene Ragozzine, left, and then state representative candidate Kevin McDuffie at the Connecticut Democratic Convention in Hartford. Hutvagner, a longtime volunteer in Beacon Falls, died Dec. 7 due to complications from COVID-19. -REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN ARCHIVES
BEACON FALLS Whether supporting his children from the sidelines when they played sports growing up, volunteering with the Beacon Falls Lions Club, serving on a town board, or giving his time to benefit Beacon Hose Co. No. 1, Lawrence “Larry” Hutvagner was known for his caring and giving nature.
“He was always there for his kids and the community,” said Matt Hutvagner about his father.
By Elio Gugliotti, Editor
Volunteers Marianne Dubuque and her daughter, Erin Dubuque, serve food to guests during the annual Christmas Day Dinner at St. Michael’s Church in Naugatuck in 2019. This year, dinners will be delivered only. -REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN ARCHIVE
NAUGATUCK Even though there isn’t going to be a sit-down dinner on Christmas at St. Michael’s Church this year, that won’t stop a team of volunteers from delivering holiday cheer with some turkey and ham.
Typically, community members and volunteers come together for the annual Christmas Day Dinner a long-standing borough tradition that goes back more than 30 years in the church hall to share a meal and celebrate the holiday. Meals are also delivered every year.