A Celebration of Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Camps

Paul Newman

In 1988, the late actor Paul Newman founded the first Hole in the Wall Camp, in Ashford, CT.

The camp’s name came from the hideout made famous by the hugely popular film, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” that starred Newman and Robert Redford.

Today, there are Hole in the Wall Camps in New York, Florida, California, North Carolina, Ireland, Italy, Hungary, France, the UK and countries in Africa and Asia.

Newman’s generosity – as well as that of the donors and volunteers who make the camps possible – has touched more than 164,500 children who are struggling with life-threatening and terminal diseases.

In Ashford alone, each summer more than 1,000 children between the ages of 7 and 15 from across the country and abroad attend The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp free of charge. The camp also offers parent support programs, outreach, reunions and other programs year-round.

Newman was very modest about this accomplishment. He once described his desire to found a children’s camp simply as gratitude:

“I wish I could recall with clarity the impulse that compelled me to help bring this camp into being. I’d be pleased if I could announce a motive of lofty purpose. I’ve been accused of compassion, of altruism, of devotion to Christian, Hebrew and Moslem ethic, but however desperate I am to claim ownership of a high ideal, I cannot. I wanted, I think, to acknowledge Luck; the chance of it, the benevolence of it in my life, and the brutality of it in the lives of others, made especially savage for children because they may not be allowed the good fortune of a lifetime to correct it.”

It was Newman’s hope that after his death the camps would continue to thrive and provide a place filled with warmth, compassion, children’s laughter and most of all, acceptance. Newman, who made his home in Westport, CT died at the age of 83 on Sept. 27, 2008.

On Monday, June 8 at 7 p.m., there will be a “Celebration of Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Camps,” at the Lincoln Center – Avery Fisher Hall in New York.

It will be hosted by Newman’s wife of 50 years, actress Joanne Woodward, his good friend Robert Redford and Julia Roberts and there will be performances by Joshua Bell, Harry Connick, Jr., Art Garfunkel, Yo-Yo Ma, Jerry Seinfeld, Take 6, James Taylor and the Hole in the Wall Campers.

The evening will benefit the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps. Through the generosity of the Newman’s Own Foundation (funded by the sale of those salad dressings, spaghetti sauces, popcorn and other products) all expenses have been underwritten, which means 100 percent of ticket sales will be donated to the Hole in the Wall Camps Foundation.

For ticket information, visit the Lincoln Center Web site, or click here.

(Special benefactor tickets, which include an after-party, begin at $1,500 and are available for purchase through the Benefit Office by calling 212-627-0678.)

Posted May 31, 2009

Not coming to a theater near you…

Fiona Gordon tries to teach Phillipe Martz how to swim in "L'iceberg." Photo courtesy of First Run Features.

Sometimes little gems of a movie fall through the cracks because they are just a bit too “quirky” (the chilling effect of that word is like calling a woman’s face “interesting”)  or maybe there’s not enough stuff blowing up.

In this column, I want to share some films that I have uncovered at Netflix, Blockbuster.com, and even at the local library which, if you’re trying to cut some costs, is a great place to find old favorites, classics you’ve been meaning to see, the weird & wonderful, and lots of films suitable for the whole family.

I also invite you to share finds of your own – either in a comment at the end of a review or if you’d like to write your own review, contact me at mansfieldeditor@htnp.com with a little bit of information, and perhaps you can take over the column one week.

This inaugural review focuses on two DVDs I recently enjoyed, “L’iceberg,” which I found at the Willimantic Library (but is also available at Netflix), and “Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World,” which I came across when swapping my Blockbuster.com return for a free movie at the store.

L’iceberg (2006)

“L’iceberg” is a Belgian film with subtitles (the dialogue is in French), but there is very little dialogue.

Much of the comedy is expressed in actions. The directors, Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon, who also serve as actors in this story are in fact clowns. Not in the sense of the clowns we usually see at the circus. These are trained dancers and masters of physical comedy.

The best moments – whether they are laugh-out-loud or poignant – are the ones where there’s little or even no dialogue.

This “little” film transports the familiar theme of “wife-and-mother-taken-for-granted takes a walk” to whole new places, both psychologically and geographically.

After getting locked overnight in a freezer at the restaurant where she works – and then discovering she was never even missed by her husband and children – Fiona (Fiona Gordon) sets out on a truly unique quest.

She becomes obsessed with all things cold and icy, especially icebergs. There are scenes reminiscent of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and the obsession with a particularly-shaped mountain.

The characters in “L’iceberg” are weird in many ways but still very engaging – including the sweet Inuit actress (“Nattikuttuk,” played by Lucy Tulugarjuk) who opens and closes the film.

Gordon won the 2006 Audience Award for Best Actress at the Seattle Film Festival for this little gem. To learn more about it and view the trailer, you can visit the Web site at First Run Features: http://www.firstrunfeatures.com/iceberg_synopsis.html

Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World (2005)

This one is available at Netflix, and Blockbuster in Willimantic.

Albert Brooks tries a stand-up routine in front of an Indian audience. Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers.

It was written and directed by comic actor Albert Brooks (as noted in this film, he is probably most widely known for his voice-acting in “Finding Nemo,” as well as co-starring with Meryl Streep in another wonderful story “Defending Your Life,” and “Lost in America”)

Brooks, who points out that he is Jewish, is chosen by the State Department to become a kind of comic anthropologist/sociologist/ambassador to India and Pakistan.

His assignment is to compile a 500-page report about what makes the people in these countries laugh – with the idea that this will improve U.S. relations with the region’s 300 million Muslims.

When Brooks hesitates, they dangle the possibility of a humanitarian medal and because he is feeling particularly vulnerable after being rejected quite bluntly by Penny Marshall for a film role, Brooks takes the bait.

The local people Brooks meets along the way are at least as funny as the jokes and comic bits Brooks tries out on them.

In the end, instead of promoting world peace, his efforts lead to unpredictable and unwelcome consequences that are still funny, in an awful sort of way.

Brooks tends to portray characters that are funniest when they are not trying to be funny. His tone is that tired bafflement we can relate to when one too many things go wrong. His is often a very dry humor, so if that’s not your cup of tea, you may not enjoy this tale.

Brooks is accompanied in this film by two not-so-secret police who viewers will recognize from other films (“Hey, it’s that guy!”) – John Carroll Lynch, also known as Steve Carey in the “Drew Carey Show,” and  Jon Tenney who has made guest appearances on a long list of TV shows, including “Will & Grace” and who currently co-stars as Kyra Sedgwick’s love interest on the crime drama, “The Closer.”

Brooks also acquires an assistant in India, Maya, played by Sheetal Sheth, who gets some laughs as she tries to learn about the subtleties of American humor.

Given the subject matter, it’s not surprising that there was some controversy about this film before it was released.  For more about the film and to view the trailer, you can visit the official Web site at http://wip.warnerbros.com/lookingforcomedy/LFC_content.html or visit Spike-trailers at http://www.spike.com/video/looking-for-comedy/2682278?cid=YSSP

Posted May 30, 2009

Obituary for Dr. Carolina Herfkens

Dr. Carolina Herfkens, 63, of Coventry, passed away Thursday, May  28, 2009 after  a  courageous  battle  with  cancer.

Born in Holland, she was a  long-time  resident of  Storrs, CT.

Carolina  received  her  doctorate  from  the  University  of  Connecticut  in  Psychology.

Her  passion  for  children  led  her  to  practice  as  a  school  psychologist  for  several  local  school  districts,  most  recently  Lebanon  Elementary  School.

Carolina  was  also  a  loving  supporter  of  Camp  Horizons  and  had  served  on  its  board  of  directors.

UConn basketball, reading  and  travel  were  among  her  passions.

She was predeceased  by  her  husband,  Dr.  J. Conrad  Schwarz.

She  is  survived  by  her  siblings,  Johanna  Hahn  of  Maine,  Janet Herfkens  and  her  husband  Albert Hoogendoorn and Nick Herfkens  and  his  wife  Hans,  all  of  Utrecht,  Holland;  three  step-daughters, Cynthia  Streams  and  husband  Eric,  Pamela  Cheney  and  husband  Richard,  Nancy  Weber  and  husband  Bob;  six  grandchildren;  five  nieces  and  nephews;  and  many  cherished  friends.

Memorial donations may  be  made  to  Camp  Horizons,  P.O.  Box 323,  South  Windham, CT  06266.

Rell reverses decision to close some state parks

Gov. M. Jodi Rell

Hours after Gov. M. Jodi Rell proposed on Friday to close some of the state’s smaller parks – part of a slate of “painful” cuts to cover the roughly $8 billion budget deficit -  Rell  abruptly reversed herself.

Spokesmen for the Republican governor and the Department of Environmental Protection said Rell decided not to cut $1 million in each of the next two fiscal years for seasonal workers at state parks.

To do so would have resulted in closing some smaller parks and boat loading areas for the summer.

Major parks such as  Harkness State Park in Waterford or Hammonassett in Madison and Clinton would not have been affected.

Rell now plans to look for dollars from the underground storage tank cleanup fund in the DEP’s budget, said the agency’s spokesman Dennis Schain.

Rell proposes to shift $3.8 million from that account in each of the next two years.

Connecticut has 107 state parks and 34 state forests, as well as a total of 11 state park beaches. Four of those beaches are on the shore of Long Island Sound, while the rest are on inland lakes and waterways.

Posted May 30, 2009

Join the 6th annual Willimantic River Fest today

Horse-riding along the Willimantic River. ----------

The 6th annual Willimantic River Fest begins at 9 a.m. today with most events held at the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum site at 55 Bridge Street (off Main Street in downtown Willimantic).

This year’s events include the “Willimantic Rootbeer Float,” a casual float down the Willimantic River taking in all the beauty of the river and the properties along its shores.

Participants can float down the river in any floatation device they prefer including boats, kayaks and canoes.

The fee for the ride is $5 which includes a glass of rootbeer, insurance provided by the American Canoe Association and a shuttle bus ride from the finish in Willimantic back to the starting point at the Eagleville Dam.

There also will be food vendors, music, kayak demonstrations and lots of exhibits and events related to conservation and the river.

Admission to the festival is free, but some of the activities will include fees.

The Whitewater Partnership is also holding a Fill-a-Kayak collection for nonperishable foods the local food pantry and kitchen.

The goal of this festival is to remind Eastern Connecticut that the river is an integral part of the communities along its shores. The event also hopes to educate the future caregivers of the Willimantic River about conservation techniques and the natural wonders of the river.

For more information about the Whitewater Parntership, visit the Web site at this link: http://www.willimanticwhitewater.org/~whiteh20/node/39

Posted May 30, 2009

Hearing closed on controversial church plan

An attorney speaking on behalf of Coventry residents, Lewis Wise addresses the IWA during the May 27 public hearing on the project proposed by St. Paul's Church project. Photo by Roxanne Pandolfi.

The inland wetlands agency closed its public hearing on a controversial church proposal Wednesday, although some agency members thought they needed to seek the advice of a third party.

The agency is expected to vote during its next meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on June 24 in the town hall annex.

St. Paul’s Collegiate Church, with a location currently in Storrs, proposes to develop 60 acres for both religious and community uses, with the focal point being a church capable of seating 800 people.

Plans also include two fields, one for baseball and one for soccer, space for offices, Sunday school and other church-related services, as well as 375 parking spaces, about 270 of which would be paved.

Wednesday’s meeting was in the Coventry High School lecture hall and while the crowd was smaller than previous meetings, a few dozen residents came out for the third public hearing.

Most of those speaking at each of the hearings voiced opposition to the project, but wetlands agency members pointed out that some of those concerns are not within their jurisdiction.

One concern raised is the impact on water quality; some said they already have iron in their water and they are worried the church project could make the problem worse.

But a memo from Town Engineer Todd Penney quoting an email from Town Attorney Michael Zizka stated, “the aquifers themselves are not within the direct jurisdiction of the [wetlands agency].”

He said the agency can regulate activities in wetlands or watercourses if those activities impact aquifers.

Residents Wednesday also reiterated concerns about runoff from the proposed development and urged the agency to seek input from a third party expert on the potential impact of the project.

Lewis Wise, an attorney representing 17 homeowners in the area, had previously raised the issue during April’s meeting. On Wednesday, he said, “nothing has changed my stance.” The wetlands agency should seek analysis from a hydrologist because the proposal is, “by Coventry’s standards, a very large project,” he said.

Other residents agreed, and urged the town to contact the state environmental review team, a group of environmental consultants paid by the state.

Penney offered a recommendation for an engineer if the wetlands agency wanted to hire one, but also said the project met town standards and state Department of Environmental Protection guidelines.

Before the wetlands board closed the hearing, church representatives expressed concern about the timeline.

Attorney for St. Paul’s Collegiate Church, Leonard Jacobs, saidcontinuing the hearing to June would make it difficult for the church. The timing would have given Jacobs and others representing St. Paul’s no more than a week to meet with experts and review comments.

Only one wetlands agency member, Lori Mathieu, voted in favor of seeking an outside consultant. Chairman Darby Pollanski, and members Helen Armstong, Raymond Chicoine and David Sorich (IWA an alternate seated for regular member Thomas Woolf), all voted against taking this action.

Alternate Charles Slapp, who was not seated and therefore could not vote) also said the IWA should hire an expert.

Dissenting members said they felt they had enough information, and Sorich said there was no guarantee residents would be satisfied, even if the town sought the advice of a third party.

The wetlands agency voted 4-1 to close the public hearing, with Mathieu opposed.

Contributed by The Chronicle.

Home Depot recalls patio umbrellas

The Home Depot's Offset Patio Umbrella that is being recalled. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Home Depot, announced today [May 28, 2009] a voluntary recall of Offset Patio Umbrellas.

Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately.

These umbrellas are being recalled because the patio umbrella and its pole could tip over and strike consumers, if the umbrella’s collar or sleeve is not removed prior to closing the umbrella, and thus poses a risk of impact-injury to consumers.

To date, Home Depot has received one report of a recalled patio umbrella tipping over and breaking. No injuries have been reported.

The patio umbrellas are beige with a brown offset pole. They stand 11 feet tall. The base is a brown cross about 18 inches long.

These umbrellas were sold at The Home Depot stores nationwide from January 2009 through February 2009 for about $250.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled patio umbrellas and return them to any Home Depot store for a full refund.

For more information, call The Home Depot toll-free recall hot line (866) 403-5504 or the CPSC toll-free recall hotline at (800) 638-2772 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.  Monday through Friday, or visit the Web site at www.homedepot.com

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product.

Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

Posted May 29, 2009

Henry A. Palmer – January 6, 1936 – May 23, 2009

Henry A. Palmer, loving and devoted husband of 50 years to his best friend and high school sweetheart, Janice Stuart Palmer, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at Hartford Hospital.

He was the proud father of Robert Stuart Palmer and his wife Renee of Storrs, and of Scott Andrew Palmer of East Orleans, Massachusetts, and he was Pop-Pop to Caitlin Oriana Palmer and Madison Olivia Palmer of Storrs. He is also survived by many cousins.

Born in Albany, New York on Jan. 6, 1936, he was the son of the late Delores and Henry Palmer and brother of the late Maria Hatker of Albany.

He earned his graduate degree in Pharmacy at the Albany College of Pharmacy. He moved to Storrs to pursue graduate studies at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, receiving his M. S. and Ph.D.

His 42-year teaching career at UConn began as a teaching assistant, and ended with his retirement on Jan. 1, 2000 as a Clinical Professor and Associate Dean.

His teaching focused on the areas of prescription compounding, non-prescription medication and consumer education.

His love of teaching the science of pharmacy as it applied to practice was rewarded in many ways, not the least of which were the many awards for teaching excellence and concern for students bestowed by his students.

He was also dedicated to providing consumers – from school children to senior citizens – with information on medications to assure their proper and safe use.

A scholarship named for him was initiated in 2000 by the Connecticut Pharmacists Association, and an annual Continuing Education program was named for him in 2002 by the School of Pharmacy.

He was an active member of many state and national pharmacy and health-related organizations and was a past-President of the Connecticut Pharmacists Association.

Several of these organizations honored him with awards in recognition of his contributions to the practice of pharmacy.

He was a consultant to pharmaceutical companies, government agencies and health-related institution, and he pioneered the development of several methods of medication use for consumers.

After his retirement as Clinical Professor Emeritus, he continued his affiliation on a part-time basis with the School of Pharmacy, serving as its Director of Continuing Education.

In April 2009, the Board of Trustees established a Professorship in Community Pharmacy Practice in his name.

And he was an active member of the Storrs Congregational Church, serving as Deacon and as a member of many committees over the years.

He enjoyed reading, cooking, baking, folk arts and crafts and was a beginning woodworker.

He loved the seashore and had many pleasant memories of the times he spent walking and relaxing with his family on the beaches of Cape Cod and at their cottage in East Orleans.

A Memorial Service celebrating his life was held on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at the Storrs Congregational Church.

There are no calling hours, with private interment.

Those wishing to honor Henry in a special way may contribute to “The Henry A. Palmer Endowment Fund,” c/o Lisa D. Brown, Assistant Director of Development for the School of Pharmacy. She may be contacted at (860) 486-9342 or via email at lbrown@foundation.uconn.edu. Or contributions may be made to the Storrs Congregational Church, designated for the “Welcoming All Accessibility Campaign.” Arrangements were handled by the Potter Funeral Home.

Posted May 28, 2009