Municipal Affairs Minister Kevin O’Brien speaks to the crowd at the announcement of plans for a new recreation facility for Pasadena Friday. — Star photo by Paul Hutchings

Douglas Jann, of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, speaks at a hearing on the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan on Thursday at Fort Trumbull State Park.

August 06, 2011 – AUBURN, Mass. – The Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Pappas Recreation Complex is currently under construction as the premier athletic, recreation and outdoor theater facility for the Town of Auburn.

Recently, a donation of $280,000 was provided to the town for the complex from a variety of generous donors including the Family of Henry Camosse, Fairlawn Rehabilitation Center, The Fuller Family, Gloria and Normand Marois and Family, Alex M. Pappas Trust, Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Pappas, Mrs. Ruth Thompson and Family.

The Town of Auburn has agreed to name fields and structures within the complex in recognition for the generous donors.

Construction for the new 10 acre complex located behind the Pakachoag Church is underway. Town Engineer William Coyle expects two artificial turf fields will be complete by Labor Day, according to a recent schedule presented to the Board of Selectmen.

The 4.3 million dollar recreation facility will include a half size and full size soccer field, two softball fields, one little league field, a concession stand, playground area and amphitheater band stand. One softball field and one soccer field will consist of artificial turf, for extended seasonal use.

August 06, 2011 – AUBURN, Mass. – The Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Pappas Recreation Complex is currently under construction as the premier athletic, recreation and outdoor theater facility for the Town of Auburn.

Recently, a donation of $280,000 was provided to the town for the complex from a variety of generous donors including the Family of Henry Camosse, Fairlawn Rehabilitation Center, The Fuller Family, Gloria and Normand Marois and Family, Alex M. Pappas Trust, Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Pappas, Mrs. Ruth Thompson and Family.

The Town of Auburn has agreed to name fields and structures within the complex in recognition for the generous donors.

Construction for the new 10 acre complex located behind the Pakachoag Church is underway. Town Engineer William Coyle expects two artificial turf fields will be complete by Labor Day, according to a recent schedule presented to the Board of Selectmen.

The 4.3 million dollar recreation facility will include a half size and full size soccer field, two softball fields, one little league field, a concession stand, playground area and amphitheater band stand. One softball field and one soccer field will consist of artificial turf, for extended seasonal use.

Municipal Affairs Minister Kevin O’Brien speaks to the crowd at the announcement of plans for a new recreation facility for Pasadena Friday. — Star photo by Paul Hutchings

HavenRecap: Season 2, Episode 4 Sparks and Recreation (8/5/2011)
More Haven:Recaps|News|All TV Recaps| TVOlogy

Building on last weeks Love Machine, a classic episode in the usual Havenmold, Sparks and Recreation changes things up by adding two new dynamic personalities into the series cast. Guest stars Jason Priestley (of 90210fame) and Adam Copeland, known to wrestling fans as Edge, both bring new plot threads into the familiar supernatural landscape. If this episode makes one thing clear, its that battle lines are being drawn in the town of Haven–and sooner or later, everyones going to have to pick a side. Theres plenty of trouble brewing for our heroes, and its all right here in your weekly summary.

But first make sure you read our interview with Lucas Bryant (Nathan)!

So what we have here is your basic Bird Electrocution Opening. We join Audrey and Nathan in the stands at Havens annual Little League game between the Sea Dogs and the Cutters. The games a huge deal for the town–everybody picks a side (ooh, a metaphor?) and people get fierce about their chosen players. How fierce? When the umpire makes a controversial call, the crowd erupts into riotous debate. Eventually, though, Mayor Brody steps in to intervene. He says a few words on behalf of his team, and pretty soon everyone–even fans of his rivals–is agreeing with him. Only Audrey recognizes the strange magnetism Brody appears to possess. She doesnt have much time to investigate, though–a freak electrical surge sends bolts of lightning arcing from lamppost to lamppost. Audrey saves a stranded kid before fleeing along with the other fans and players.

Audrey and Nathan get the sense that the official explanation–some sort of electro-magnetic pulse–is bogus when they get the chance to talk to Dwight (Edge himself!), a cleaner employed by the previous Chief Wuornos to cover up evidence of the Troubles and generally smooth things over in town. Dwight knows Trouble when he sees it, and on his suggestion, Audrey and Nathan follow up with the umpire at the hospital. There, they run into the Mayor, whos prepping for a press conference. He asks Nathan to corroborate the official story, but the chief never gets the chance–an electrical charge from the Mayors microphone electrocutes the official before he can start his speech. In the audience is Chris Brody, his son, with whom hed been having an argument only minutes before. Youd think Nathan, who witnessed said argument, would be suspicious of the guy, but it seems the Mayors power of charisma has been transferred to his son.

Audrey, still immune, is pretty sure this means that Chris killed his father to inherit the Trouble ahead of schedule, possibly using a separate electricity-controlling Trouble. That theory gets thrown for a loop at the wake for Mayor Brody, where Chris, Brodys wife Felicia, and Dukes wife/old flame/rival Evi all get electrocuted, apparently at random. Audrey knows someone else is involved, but shes not sure just who it is… until she remembers that the nurse who was treating Chris after the baseball incident was nearby when the medical equipment started going nuts on the Mayors poor son. That nurse, Laurie, ends up being right at the center of the weeks Trouble… though not in the way Audrey thinks.

See, Nathans suspicion that the murder of Mayor Brody was a crime of passion was right on the money–the Mayor was having an affair with Laurie at the time of his death. But Laurie wasnt the murderer–though her Trouble creates electrical discharges, she simply isnt focused enough to short out a single microphone and leave everything else untouched. It turns out the death of Mayor Brody was caused by some simple tampering with wires–carried out, of course, by Felicia Brody, who hoped to pin the crime on Laurie. The kicker? Felicia drove Laurie away from the hospital and carted her off to the Revs church for safekeeping… in a van owned by the Rev himself. Huh!

Audrey has Chris use his power of persuasion to keep Laurie at bay while Nathan hooks her up to some spare cables and a lightning rod, saving the church and those inside. But this is just the beginning of Chris adventures in Haven–especially since he and Audrey seem to have hit it off. I figure Chris is just happy to talk with someone who isnt falling all over him. And the Revs still out there, insisting that Havens speeding up on its downward spiral, and apparently pulling strings to get Troubled individuals implicated in crimes. No good, man.

This weeks side plot proved to use once again that Duke Crocker is a modern-day pirate. Going on information he found in Faudreys FBI file, he made his way to a hidden spot where some crucial info was buried. The file contained information about someone who outsmarted the tattooed killers, and Duke hopes the secret will help save him from his impending doom. Of course, hes not alone in his search–Evis copied the contents of the FBI file and chased Duke to the digging spot for her own reasons. Together, they uncover a trail that leads them to Rasmussen House, where they find a small box. The inscription on it reads Love conquers all in Latin. Duke figures hes been led on a wild goose chase, but at least hes got a good opportunity to reconnect to Evi, which he does. Steamily. (As Lucas Bryant will tell you, its hard to resist the Balfour.) But the story doesnt end here… Dukes lantern activates another inscription on the box, which reads Crocker. Huh.

Overall, this episode was a great introduction to some new faces–a nice, subtle sea change in the overall character of the show. It feels like things have well and truly kicked off for Season 2, and I get the sense were building to a crazy showdown by seasons end. Well be with you for every twist and turn–till then, keep speculating, keep investigating, and keep checking back for more info on Haven.

SumOlogy: Nice to see some new faces.

Grade: 8/10

Leftovers

Audrey: I think my head just exploded.

Great. We can make smores together.

You think I electrocuted my own father to get these barnacled yahoos to love me?

The Evi/Duke double-cross was just awesome.

Nathans love-fest with Chris Brody was real. I wonder whether Duke will get jealous of this rival bromance?

DUKE OUT OF FREAKIN NOWHERE!

–

More:Haven Recaps|Haven News|All Ology TV Recaps|TVOlogy

Follow us onFacebookandTwitterfor all the latest TV recaps, news, gossip, entertainment, and more.

Want to connect with fellow TV Ologists? Join the discussion over on My.Ology.com!

Follow Josh Harrison on Twitter:@geekologized

HavenRecap: Season 2, Episode 4 Sparks and Recreation (8/5/2011)
More Haven:Recaps|News|All TV Recaps| TVOlogy

Building on last weeks Love Machine, a classic episode in the usual Havenmold, Sparks and Recreation changes things up by adding two new dynamic personalities into the series cast. Guest stars Jason Priestley (of 90210fame) and Adam Copeland, known to wrestling fans as Edge, both bring new plot threads into the familiar supernatural landscape. If this episode makes one thing clear, its that battle lines are being drawn in the town of Haven–and sooner or later, everyones going to have to pick a side. Theres plenty of trouble brewing for our heroes, and its all right here in your weekly summary.

But first make sure you read our interview with Lucas Bryant (Nathan)!

So what we have here is your basic Bird Electrocution Opening. We join Audrey and Nathan in the stands at Havens annual Little League game between the Sea Dogs and the Cutters. The games a huge deal for the town–everybody picks a side (ooh, a metaphor?) and people get fierce about their chosen players. How fierce? When the umpire makes a controversial call, the crowd erupts into riotous debate. Eventually, though, Mayor Brody steps in to intervene. He says a few words on behalf of his team, and pretty soon everyone–even fans of his rivals–is agreeing with him. Only Audrey recognizes the strange magnetism Brody appears to possess. She doesnt have much time to investigate, though–a freak electrical surge sends bolts of lightning arcing from lamppost to lamppost. Audrey saves a stranded kid before fleeing along with the other fans and players.

Audrey and Nathan get the sense that the official explanation–some sort of electro-magnetic pulse–is bogus when they get the chance to talk to Dwight (Edge himself!), a cleaner employed by the previous Chief Wuornos to cover up evidence of the Troubles and generally smooth things over in town. Dwight knows Trouble when he sees it, and on his suggestion, Audrey and Nathan follow up with the umpire at the hospital. There, they run into the Mayor, whos prepping for a press conference. He asks Nathan to corroborate the official story, but the chief never gets the chance–an electrical charge from the Mayors microphone electrocutes the official before he can start his speech. In the audience is Chris Brody, his son, with whom hed been having an argument only minutes before. Youd think Nathan, who witnessed said argument, would be suspicious of the guy, but it seems the Mayors power of charisma has been transferred to his son.

Audrey, still immune, is pretty sure this means that Chris killed his father to inherit the Trouble ahead of schedule, possibly using a separate electricity-controlling Trouble. That theory gets thrown for a loop at the wake for Mayor Brody, where Chris, Brodys wife Felicia, and Dukes wife/old flame/rival Evi all get electrocuted, apparently at random. Audrey knows someone else is involved, but shes not sure just who it is… until she remembers that the nurse who was treating Chris after the baseball incident was nearby when the medical equipment started going nuts on the Mayors poor son. That nurse, Laurie, ends up being right at the center of the weeks Trouble… though not in the way Audrey thinks.

See, Nathans suspicion that the murder of Mayor Brody was a crime of passion was right on the money–the Mayor was having an affair with Laurie at the time of his death. But Laurie wasnt the murderer–though her Trouble creates electrical discharges, she simply isnt focused enough to short out a single microphone and leave everything else untouched. It turns out the death of Mayor Brody was caused by some simple tampering with wires–carried out, of course, by Felicia Brody, who hoped to pin the crime on Laurie. The kicker? Felicia drove Laurie away from the hospital and carted her off to the Revs church for safekeeping… in a van owned by the Rev himself. Huh!

Audrey has Chris use his power of persuasion to keep Laurie at bay while Nathan hooks her up to some spare cables and a lightning rod, saving the church and those inside. But this is just the beginning of Chris adventures in Haven–especially since he and Audrey seem to have hit it off. I figure Chris is just happy to talk with someone who isnt falling all over him. And the Revs still out there, insisting that Havens speeding up on its downward spiral, and apparently pulling strings to get Troubled individuals implicated in crimes. No good, man.

This weeks side plot proved to use once again that Duke Crocker is a modern-day pirate. Going on information he found in Faudreys FBI file, he made his way to a hidden spot where some crucial info was buried. The file contained information about someone who outsmarted the tattooed killers, and Duke hopes the secret will help save him from his impending doom. Of course, hes not alone in his search–Evis copied the contents of the FBI file and chased Duke to the digging spot for her own reasons. Together, they uncover a trail that leads them to Rasmussen House, where they find a small box. The inscription on it reads Love conquers all in Latin. Duke figures hes been led on a wild goose chase, but at least hes got a good opportunity to reconnect to Evi, which he does. Steamily. (As Lucas Bryant will tell you, its hard to resist the Balfour.) But the story doesnt end here… Dukes lantern activates another inscription on the box, which reads Crocker. Huh.

Overall, this episode was a great introduction to some new faces–a nice, subtle sea change in the overall character of the show. It feels like things have well and truly kicked off for Season 2, and I get the sense were building to a crazy showdown by seasons end. Well be with you for every twist and turn–till then, keep speculating, keep investigating, and keep checking back for more info on Haven.

SumOlogy: Nice to see some new faces.

Grade: 8/10

Leftovers

Audrey: I think my head just exploded.

Great. We can make smores together.

You think I electrocuted my own father to get these barnacled yahoos to love me?

The Evi/Duke double-cross was just awesome.

Nathans love-fest with Chris Brody was real. I wonder whether Duke will get jealous of this rival bromance?

DUKE OUT OF FREAKIN NOWHERE!

–

More:Haven Recaps|Haven News|All Ology TV Recaps|TVOlogy

Follow us onFacebookandTwitterfor all the latest TV recaps, news, gossip, entertainment, and more.

Want to connect with fellow TV Ologists? Join the discussion over on My.Ology.com!

Follow Josh Harrison on Twitter:@geekologized

To list events, reach noell.barnidge@savannahnow.com or 912-652-0347.

BASEBALL

o The Chain Baseball Academy is accepting registrations for the 15U-18U Fall Baseball League and Showcase teams. Tryouts for the Chain Showcase team will be at 10 am Aug. 20 at Chain Field. Tryouts for the Chain Fall League will be at 10 am Aug. 27 at Chain Field. Info: chainbaseball.com, Mike Alvarez at 912-313-1556.

o Miner League Baseball amp; Softball Academy Fall Baseball Program registration deadline is Aug. 12. Program starts Aug. 20. Info: Tony Miner at 912-658-5516 or email tony@minerleagueacademy.com, or call 912-330-0300.

BASKETBALL

o The City of Savannah, Leisure Services will sponsor its annual Summer Youth Sports Camp until Aug. 12 at Blackshear Basketball Complex at 820 Wheaton Street from 8 am-2 pm M-F. The camp is for boys and girls ages 5-12. Cost: $40. Info: Roscoe Edwards, 912-651-6781.

FOOTBALL

o Chatham County Park Services Youth Football meeting at 6 pm Aug. 9 at the Chatham County Public Works amp; Parks Training Room, 7235 Sallie Mood Drive. Info: Anthony Russell at 912-652-6791 or email ADRussel@chathamcounty.org.

MULTIPLE SPORTS

o Salvation Army Victory Sports registration for baseball and fast pitch softball ongoing until September for boys and girls ages 12, 10, 8U. Info: Martha, 912-352-8366.

o The Fellowship of Christian Athletes sports camp for children ages 8-13 in basketball, football, wrestling, ultimate frisbee, baseball, softball, volleyball and soccer is M-F, 8:30 am-4:30 pm Info: Ed Pulkinen, 912-412-3472 or coastalfca.org.

RUNNING

o St. Joseph’s/Candler Leukemia Cup Run for Jane 5K, Sept. 3, 8:30 am at Fort Pulaski. Registration: active.com or at Fleet Feet Sports. Cost: $28 (prior to Aug. 1), $32 (until Sept. 2), $35 (race day). Info: leukemiacup.org/ga.

o Heart of Savannah 5K Run/1-Mile Walk, Sept. 24 at Forsyth Park. Info: YMCA of Coastal Georgia, 912-354-5480.

SOCCER

o Coastal Georgia Soccer Association Fall Recreation Soccer registration is under way for U4-U14 (recreation league) and U15-U19 (high school 7 v 7 league). Info: 912-691-2472, cgsasoccer.com.

SWIMMING

o The Savannah Swim Team, registration for swimmers ages 5 and older from 4-6 pm Aug. 8-11 at the Chatham County Aquatic Center. Registration includes a free two-week trial. Info: 912-927-7946 or email swimsst@gmail.com.

Even with time running out for North Las Vegas to get its finances in order, a visit from the Nevada Taxation Department and weeks of recommendations from the acting city finance director have not produced a big change in its budget crisis.

Mayor Shari Buck says the media is making the city’s financial situation seem like a bigger problem than it really is, but acknowledges something has to be done. After reviewing the latest budget proposal, she told Acting finance Director Al Noyola that the city must negotiate with the police unions soon, or further cuts will end city services at already stressed recreation centers.

Noyola presented a budget reduction update to the City Council and a room full of concerned citizens Wednesday night, stating that the city’s once $30.3 million deficit is now only $4.9 million. He said the reduction is a result of concessions with the firefighters union, among other cuts. The lingering gap costs the city upward of $150,000 a week.

And with neighborhood pools and community centers on the line, the mayor said the city has two weeks to negotiate with the police unions before the council starts raising prices for services at Silver Mesa and Neighborhood Recreation Center. City pools are open only on weekends, libraries have cut 18 weekly hours and rec centers are no longer open seven days a week.

The past two City Council meetings proved how worried residents are that financial problems are affecting community services. Hours of public forum include prepared statements from children who beg the council to “think again” if they try to close down community programs such as the karate class that Stephanie Gorden teaches at Neighborhood Recreation Center. Gorden has taught at the center for more than 20 years, almost as long as she has lived in the valley, and said her program teaches children not only karate, but discipline, respect for elders and to get good grades. She teaches 6-year-old kids to 80-year-old seniors but won’t let any student advance if they are making bad grades. She often uses her own money to pay for things students can’t cover and fears many will not be able to afford the class if prices go up.

“Most kids live in that area and they can’t travel to or afford other community programs,” Gorden said. “You don’t want to make (the price) so high the kids can’t afford it.”

Leonard Cardinale, president of the North Las Vegas Police Supervisors Association said the police unions are ready to make a deal with the city.

“We’re offering recurring and one-time concessions,” Cardinale said.

Both sides have been talking for weeks with no deal on the table yet.

Bob Borgersen, who has lived in North Las Vegas for 16 years and tries to go to every council meeting, thinks that the police union needs to give more this time around.

“The fire union gave up 5 percent and they still make four times the average family in North Las Vegas,” Borgersen said. “If (police unions) would do that we could save jobs. We have to pay these people all this money that we don’t have but we cut back on libraries and rec centers.”

The city has 285 commissioned officers that make an average of $156,974 a year in salary and benefits. That includes all ranks, from patrol officers to the chief of police. Police and detectives average a salary of $84,150 a year and $54,537 in benefits.

Borgersen is disappointed in decisions the city has approved in the past, like extending police and fire union contracts, the new city hall and the water reclamation plant.

“All (the council) has done is postpone the inevitable,” Borgersen said.

And the inevitable is that the state may take over if the budget gap doesn’t close.

The city met Thursday with the Taxation Department and promised to make unspecified cuts by Sept. 30 to prevent a cash problem. The council said Wednesday night it hopes to have a deal with police unions in two weeks, when they will have an update on what recreation fees will increase.

The state’s immediate concern is the city’s projected $9 million general fund deficit for 2012, which could cause the city to have trouble meeting payroll in the second quarter — and trigger a severe financial emergency.

The next North Las Vegas City Council meeting is scheduled for 4 pm Aug. 15 and 16 at 2200 Civic Center Drive.

Even with time running out for North Las Vegas to get its finances in order, a visit from the Nevada Taxation Department and weeks of recommendations from the acting city finance director have not produced a big change in its budget crisis.

Mayor Shari Buck says the media is making the city’s financial situation seem like a bigger problem than it really is, but acknowledges something has to be done. After reviewing the latest budget proposal, she told Acting finance Director Al Noyola that the city must negotiate with the police unions soon, or further cuts will end city services at already stressed recreation centers.

Noyola presented a budget reduction update to the City Council and a room full of concerned citizens Wednesday night, stating that the city’s once $30.3 million deficit is now only $4.9 million. He said the reduction is a result of concessions with the firefighters union, among other cuts. The lingering gap costs the city upward of $150,000 a week.

And with neighborhood pools and community centers on the line, the mayor said the city has two weeks to negotiate with the police unions before the council starts raising prices for services at Silver Mesa and Neighborhood Recreation Center. City pools are open only on weekends, libraries have cut 18 weekly hours and rec centers are no longer open seven days a week.

The past two City Council meetings proved how worried residents are that financial problems are affecting community services. Hours of public forum include prepared statements from children who beg the council to “think again” if they try to close down community programs such as the karate class that Stephanie Gorden teaches at Neighborhood Recreation Center. Gorden has taught at the center for more than 20 years, almost as long as she has lived in the valley, and said her program teaches children not only karate, but discipline, respect for elders and to get good grades. She teaches 6-year-old kids to 80-year-old seniors but won’t let any student advance if they are making bad grades. She often uses her own money to pay for things students can’t cover and fears many will not be able to afford the class if prices go up.

“Most kids live in that area and they can’t travel to or afford other community programs,” Gorden said. “You don’t want to make (the price) so high the kids can’t afford it.”

Leonard Cardinale, president of the North Las Vegas Police Supervisors Association said the police unions are ready to make a deal with the city.

“We’re offering recurring and one-time concessions,” Cardinale said.

Both sides have been talking for weeks with no deal on the table yet.

Bob Borgersen, who has lived in North Las Vegas for 16 years and tries to go to every council meeting, thinks that the police union needs to give more this time around.

“The fire union gave up 5 percent and they still make four times the average family in North Las Vegas,” Borgersen said. “If (police unions) would do that we could save jobs. We have to pay these people all this money that we don’t have but we cut back on libraries and rec centers.”

The city has 285 commissioned officers that make an average of $156,974 a year in salary and benefits. That includes all ranks, from patrol officers to the chief of police. Police and detectives average a salary of $84,150 a year and $54,537 in benefits.

Borgersen is disappointed in decisions the city has approved in the past, like extending police and fire union contracts, the new city hall and the water reclamation plant.

“All (the council) has done is postpone the inevitable,” Borgersen said.

And the inevitable is that the state may take over if the budget gap doesn’t close.

The city met Thursday with the Taxation Department and promised to make unspecified cuts by Sept. 30 to prevent a cash problem. The council said Wednesday night it hopes to have a deal with police unions in two weeks, when they will have an update on what recreation fees will increase.

The state’s immediate concern is the city’s projected $9 million general fund deficit for 2012, which could cause the city to have trouble meeting payroll in the second quarter — and trigger a severe financial emergency.

The next North Las Vegas City Council meeting is scheduled for 4 pm Aug. 15 and 16 at 2200 Civic Center Drive.