Youth Lacrosse Update and It's Franklin Pumpkin Time

If it's October it must be pumpkin time over at Franklin School, where things in swing for several popular PTO events. It's also time for the youth lacrosse teams to be hard at work and some welcomes to our schools.

Here's a look at what is going on About Town.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AT FRANKLIN

Franklin School's PTO is gearing up to host it's biggest fundraiser of the year, the much loved Franklin Pumpkin Fair. This year's event will kick off at 11 a.m. on Oct. 16 and go to 4 p.m. You don't need to be a Franklin parent or student to stop by, all are welcome!

Some of this year's event will include the chance to win a goldfish, the cookie walk, a haunted house, the chance to make cool and creepy crafts and a bake sale. But the agenda is not just this, there is much, much more to check out. Hope to see you there.

YOUTH LACROSSE OFF TO STRONG START

After the first two weeks the five Westfield teams are off to a great start!  The coaches and players have been giving their all and, as a result, we are a force to be reckoned with.
 
Westfield 1 is 2-0, with balanced scoring and stifling defense, led by Senior goalie Jeff Laforge and Senior defensemen Tom Snyder.  Sophomores Christian Burgdorf and Mike Fitzhenry have made significant contributions on the defensive end.  Pete Mebane has been very strong at the face-off X, gaining much needed possessions.  Senior James  Lisooey has led the attack thru the first two games.  The offense has been a little sloppy, but good enough to win.
 
Westfield 2 is 0-2, dropping two very close games.  Both goalies, Garrett Williamson and Chris Stivala have been solid, keeping the team close in every game.  Freshman Connor Cummings was impressive in week 1, dodging effectively and creating opportunities for teammates.  Frosh Jackson Boyle has been very good, dishing out assists and big hits as well.  Frosh Pat Decker has made a very successful comeback from his back injury.  This team has a lot of potential!
 
Westfield 8th graders are 2-0, dominating both weeks of lacrosse.  This team plays very hard, riding like crazed dogs to create great odd-man opportunities for the offense.  Attackmen Kyle Rittendale, Will Korth and Brennan Erikson scored a lovely goal executing RED 1 to perfection in week 1.  Middies Eli Wirtshafter and Matt Lanzano play uptempo and VERY physical, leaving opponents bruised and frustrated.  New to defense, Danny McHugh has been dominant.  Both goalies, Jordan Hickman and Chris Caminiti have been very solid, although they have not seen many shots...which is good.
 
Westfield 7th graders are 2-0, with two very impressive wins.  This team is a jugernaut!  Each win has been a total team effort with literally each player shipping in on offense and defense.  James Bohlinger is back from his concussion, dominating at the face off X and ripping shots from up top.  Brandon Leuthold and Nick Mueller are developing into a deadly tandem at attack.  All the middies have been outstanding--Jack Cash, Kevin Bronander, Blake Taylor, Teddy Mebane, and Toby Burgdorf, who took a big hit last week.  The defense has been outstanding, anchored by goalies Jordan Hindes and Aaron Tavasi.
 
Westfield 5/6 team is also 2-0 and off to a great start.  Last week we mixed in with a very short-handed team and had a lot of fun going after each other.  Jared Bansky had a big second half at attack.  Sean Mikovitz, Max Kaplan, Nick Nolan and David Lindros have been outstanding on offense.  Riley Kopser was very strong week one, and Matt Angelo has been great both weeks at defense.  Newcomer Jonah Schieber shows a lot of potential and athleticism.  Feisty Ryan Boll has been a rock in the goal.

WELCOME MUSICIANS

According to the latest issue of the school district's fine arts newsletter, there are three new music teachrs in Westfield this year. I just wanted to take a minute to welcome them to town.

John Brzozowski is the new (and returning) choral director at WHS. He has a degree in music educaton from James Madison and has taught music in New Jersey for nine years. He started his career at Roosevelt and then spent five years teaching at Scotch Plains-Fanwood (we'll forgive him) and is now back here.

James Doyle is the music teacher over at Roosevelt. He really isn't new, he's been at RIS since December and student taught in the district before that. He has a bachelor's degree from Montclair State and is the assistant band director.

Stephen Markowski rounds out the trip as a music teacher at McKinley. He has a bachelors from Rutgers and he's a WHS alum! Once a Blue Devil, always a Blue Devil. Well hopefully he'll also soon find out why "Everyone Loves McKinley."

WHS PARENTS GET READY

Tomorrow night at Back to School Night at Westfield High School. Our chance to check out what are kids are doing and get a chance to meet their teachers. Clubs will also have a chance to talk to parents too.