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Billof Day


December 15th


Rights Hudson~Litchfield News


Hudson~Litchfield News Volume 22 Number 23 December 16, 2011 16 Pages Bill of Rights


Day, 2011 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION


On December 15, 1791, the United States adopted the Bill of Rights, enshrining in our Constitution the protection of our inalienable freedoms, from the right to speak our minds and worship as we please to the guarantee of equal justice under the law. For 220 years, these fundamental liberties have shaped our national character and stirred the souls of all who dream of a freer, more just world. As we mark this milestone, we renew our commitment to preserving our universal rights and perfecting our Union. Introduced in the First Congress in 1789, the Bill of Rights was born out of compromise. The promise of enumerated rights enabled the ratification of the Constitution without fear that a more centralized government would encroach on American freedoms. In adopting the first ten Amendments, our Founders put forth an ideal that continues to define our Nation - that we can have both liberty and security, that we need not sacrifice the rights of man for the rule of law. This national holiday was officially declared on December 15, 1941, by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In remarks prepared in advance of that declaration Roosevelt promised that Americans “will not, under any threat … surrender the guarantee of liberty our forefathers framed for us in our Bill of Rights.” Because Roosevelt wrote these words just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor the declaration received scant attention then or since. Throughout our nation’s history,


generations have risen to uphold the principles outlined in our Bill of Rights and advance equality for all Americans. The liberties we enjoy today are possible only because of these brave patriots, from the service members who have defended our freedom to the citizens who have braved Billy clubs and fire hoses in the hope of extending America’s promise across lines of color and creed. On Bill of Rights Day, we celebrate this proud legacy and resolve to pass to our children an America worthy of our Founders’ vision.


Hudson-Litchfield Bears Division 12 Cheer Team Wins AYC National Championship


submitted by Christine Bardsley, Head Coach and Heather Chaisson, Assistant Coach On December 10, the Hudson-Litchfield Bears Division 12 Cheerleaders ended their season with a “Bang” when they were declared first place AYC Nationals Champions. As the speakers blared their “explosive” themed music, the girls lit up the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, FL, as they cheered, danced, stunted, and tumbled to a medley of songs. Not only did the team outshine the other six highly competitive cheerleading squads in their division from around the country with an amazing 171.9 points out of a possible 200, but they earned the second highest score out of the 127 teams competing that day. “Words cannot begin to express how proud I am of our team. It just goes to prove that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. We placed second at States and second at Regionals. We traveled to Florida without three girls and had only four practices to rearrange the entire cheer routine between Regionals and Nationals. Throughout it all, the girls remained upbeat, adapted quickly to change, shared their own thoughts and ideas on how to improve the routine, and even found time to fundraise. I knew they would do well, but no one expected them to go down there and win Nationals. This team is amazing!“ said Head Coach Christine Bardsley. “After our second place finishes at both the State and Regional level, some doubted whether we should even consider going


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Top row from left: Assistant Coach Heather Chaisson, Student Demo Kayla Page, Kendra Gerace, Tyler Prather, Amber Bardsley, Meaghan Connors, Mallory Floyd, Assistant Coach Robin Donahue. Second row: Head Coach Christine Bardsley, Jessica Lortie, Kaylee Hunt, Sarah Linnehan, Haley Tuck, Autumn Saab, Carisa Blais, Rachel


Perrron. Bottom row: Catie Donahue, Emily Chaisson, Lauren Ferentino, Cassidy Griffith, Juliana Page, Kayleigh Lavoie, Alexis Williams, Kirsten Rourke.


to Nationals. But Coach Christine, Coach Robin and I were steadfast in our belief that this awesome team had what it takes to win a National Championship,” Assistant Coach Heather Chaisson said.


“What an incredible group of girls we have.


They figure out a way to overcome every obstacle given to them, and do it better each time. A wise woman once said, “Competing at Nationals is like an ice cream sundae,


and winning is like the cherry on top.” These girls proved that they wanted their ice cream sundae and the cherry on top too!” said Michelle Rourke, President of the Hudson- Litchfield Bears Youth Football and Cheer This is the second time in Bears history that a team has brought home a National title, the first time being in 2009. Thirteen of the 20 girls who competed this year in Florida are now two-time AYC National Champions.


Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce Charity Event Successfully Raises $4,300!


submitted by Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce The Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) held its Annual Holiday Auction for Charity on December 8 at The White Birch Banquet Hall, 222 Central Street in Hudson, raising $4,300 for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Special thanks to all those that donated and participated in the auction! During the last twelve years of holding the Annual Auction the GHCC members and local businesses have been able to raise an outstanding $49,000 for charity. The St. Vincent de Paul Society, which


is operated through the Blessed John XXIII Parish at the St. John the Evangelist Church in


Hudson, assists many local families by ble continued to page 8- GHCC Charity Event


Quite a crowd was at he Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) held its Annual Holiday Auction Santa and Mrs. Claus Breakfast by Lynne Ober Once again the Litchfield Fire Department


provided transportation for Santa and Mrs. Claus. With no snow, a shiny red fire truck drove them to Litchfield Middle School for breakfast.


By the time Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived,


many had eaten a delicious pancake breakfast, were playing games hosted by the Girl Scouts and were eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Members of Litchfield Women’s Club organized this fun event. There was a long table of raffle baskets – something to please everyone. Santa Sweet Shoppe was filled with tempting treats.


Santa holds Landon Morrison


When Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived, they stopped to greet everyone. Kids were lifted for close up pictures with Santa. While Santa sat on the stage and chatted with the youngsters, Mrs. Claus talked with the parents. The kitchen staff was busy churning out


regular, blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes with sausage. No one went home hungry. At times most of the tables were filled and at other times, the kids were enjoying the games and the parents sat and chatted at the tables. All proceeds benefit the Litchfield Women’s


Club’s community fund. As always, it was a fun event. If you missed it this year, remember to come next year.


Riley, 4, and Cayla, 5, Leonguerrero sit on Santa’s lap Litchfield Schools ‘Make a Difference’


Members of Campbell High School’s Student Council dropping off items for the Litchfield Food Pantry.


submitted by Leah Stagnone, CHS Student Council Historian Between November 14 and November 22,


Unique lights at Pioneer Auto on River Road


Please send us your “Feast for the Eye” from your home or neighborhood. Send photos to news@areanewsgroup.com


the schools in the Litchfield School District participated in Make-a-Difference Week, an annual food drive that helps members of the community. The Litchfield Food Pantry had been running very low on nonperishable items and hygiene products, so all of the goods that each school provided were highly appreciated.


Litchfield Middle School donated 627 items; Campbell High School donated 1,479 items; and Griffin Memorial School was also a strong contributor. This event was organized by the Campbell High School Student Council, who dropped all of the donations off at the Litchfield Food Panty on Tuesday the 22nd. It was a heart-warming experience for everyone involved to be able to play a part in assisting those in need, especially


staff photo by Len Lahtrop Photos by GHCC


staff photos by Lynne Ober


A Feast


for the Eye!


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