Published: May 05, 2025 7:00 am

DANBURY — Union Savings Bank President and CEO Chelen Reyes and Chair of the Board Lucie Voves announced the election of six new corporators at USB’s recent annual meeting.

“We are happy to welcome these six individuals as new corporators at Union Savings Bank,” said Reyes. “Along with incredibly strong business and community connections, they bring valuable expertise in law, finance, real estate, business management, sales, marketing and technology — all key areas, which are instrumental to our mission at Union Savings Bank.”

The Bank welcomes the following individuals:

Joseph Chemero is a realtor at Coldwell Banker specializing in residential real estate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Bentley University, Waltham, Mass. Throughout his career at Coldwell Banker, Chemero has earned numerous top agent awards in the state of Connecticut and has consistently been the top agent in his office since 2007. He is actively involved in his community, contributing his time to organizations such as New Milford Youth Sports, the Sherman Fire Department, and Red Cross. Chemero currently resides in Sherman.

Ella Cohen is the head of legal at BNP Paribas Asset Management. She earned a bachelor’s degree in foreign service from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., and a juris doctor degree from St John’s University Law School, Queens, N.Y. Cohen has worked for major bank broker dealers and law firms specializing in financial services. She also spent nearly twelve years at Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cohen ran her own law firm, leveraging her extensive experience in the industry. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees at King School and resides in Greenwich.

Humberto Figueroa is the owner of HF Home Improvement, LLC, a Danbury-based building and construction business. Figueroa, who is a native of Guatemala, earned his teaching certificate and taught there for several years before coming to the United States in 1984. He started his own business in 2014 and has worked extensively to rehabilitate many Connecticut properties. Figueroa is very active in the Hispanic community and currently resides in Danbury.

Laura Hawley Mascolo has been a property manager at Danbury-based, Hawley Management Co since 2012. She is a licensed real estate salesperson and a licensed property manager. Mascolo earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Connecticut, Storrs. Prior to working at Hawley Management Co, she held various positions including a financial analyst and legal assistant, as well as roles of increasing responsibility at a local bank. With deep roots in her community, Mascolo is actively involved in the Danbury Leadership Training Program, the Young Professionals Council of Greater Danbury, and Regional Hospice, among others. She resides in Brookfield.

Daniel Ohlson is the senior director of global partner sales at Equinix, Redwood City, Calif., one of the world’s largest digital infrastructure companies. With expertise across real estate, finance, and technology, Ohlson brings a unique perspective to his role. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Saint Anselm College, Manchester, N.H., and an MBA with a specialty in Entrepreneurial Venture Creation from the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H. Ohlson has earned many awards during his time at Equinix, including Partner of the Year and Partner Sales Director of the Year. He is also deeply involved in his community, serving on the board of the YMCA and working with the Portuguese Cultural Center. Ohlson resides in Newtown.

Andrea Rynn serves as assistant vice president of community, public, and government relations for Nuvance Health. Rynn earned a degree in business administration from Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, and is a certified public information officer through FEMA/Homeland Security. She brings expertise in many core competencies, including strategic marketing and communications, reputation management, crisis and emergency management, and advocacy and lobbying. Actively engaged in her community, Rynn serves as a council member for the Western CT Council of Governments Economic Development and a member of the American Hospital Association Government Relations Network. She resides in New Milford.

“We are delighted to have these six successful business leaders join our group of corporators at Union Savings Bank,” said Voves. “They are all valuable assets to USB, and we are pleased to have them join the team as ambassadors.”

From left: Joseph Chemero, Laura Hawley Mascolo,  Ella Cohen,  Andrea Rynn, and Daniel Ohlson. Missing from the photo is Humberto Figueroa.—photo courtesy Michele Bonvicini

TWIN CITIES, MN — Twenty-nine bars and restaurants across the Twin Cities metro area were hit in a coordinated burglary ring that stole nearly $200,000 meant for youth sports, veterans’ groups, and other community causes, according to state officials.

Eight men now face felony charges after a 14-month investigation led by Minnesota’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement (AGE) division. The group is accused of targeting pull tab gambling funds, cash raised for charity, from businesses in both the Twin Cities metro and greater Minnesota.

“When you’re paying to open up a pull tab, you don’t want your money ending up in criminal hands,” said AGE Director Carla Cincotta in a news release. “These alleged criminals weren’t just stealing money — they were stealing from kids, from families, from veterans, and from programs that build stronger communities. Thanks to the solid investigative work of our agency and law enforcement partners, we stopped this group in their tracks.”

The charges, filed April 18 in Hennepin County, include 44 felony counts of second-degree and attempted second-degree burglary and theft.

Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement investigation

The investigation began in August 2023 when state gambling agents started noticing a pattern: bars and restaurants with pull tab operations were being burglarized across Minnesota. Over the next 14 months, investigators uncovered a coordinated theft ring allegedly led by 50-year-old Arron Scott King Sr. of St. Paul, police said.

According to authorities, King ran the operation out of his home, directing accomplices to break into businesses and steal cash meant for local charities and community groups.

The crimes took place between March 6, 2023, and Feb. 22, 2024.

King is accused of identifying the targets, while others scoped out the locations and carried out the break-ins using tools like pry bars and sledgehammers to get into pull tab booths and locked safes.

The stolen funds were for charitable activities, including:

• American Legion organizations in communities such as Howard Lake and Stillwater
• Champlin-Dayton Athletic Association
• Eastview Hockey Association
• Elk River Lions Club
• Hopkins Raspberry Association
• Irish Football Boosters
• Jefferson Athletic Foundation
• Monticello Youth Hockey Program
• Rogers Youth Hockey Association
• Roseville Youth Hockey Association
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4210 Forest Lake

The restaurants and bars attacked include:

• Wild Boar in Hopkins
• Cowboy Jack’s in Otsego
• American Legion in St. Louis Park
• Wildcats in Eagan (burglarized twice)
• Broadway Bar & Pizza in Elk River
• VFW Post #1215 in Rochester
• Full Tilt in Bloomington
• American Legion in Chanhassen
• American Legion in Monticello
• American Legion in Howard Lake
• American Legion in Stillwater
• Blainbrook Bowl in Blaine
• Stout’s in Falcon Heights
• Big Louie’s in New Brighton
• Bogart’s in Apple Valley
• Mama G’s in Corcoran
• VFW in North St. Paul
• The Clover in Rosemount
• Dunham’s in West St. Paul
• VFW Post 4210 in Forest Lake
• Country Lounge in Gem Lake
• Keller Golf Course in Maplewood
• Faribault Country Club in Faribault
• Kelly’s Korner in Centerville
• Spring Street Tavern in Minneapolis
• Broadway Bar & Pizza in Plymouth
• Gallagher’s Bar in West St. Paul
• Cherry Pit in Saint Paul
• American Legion in North St. Paul

Authorities say the investigation involved more than 20 law enforcement agencies across Minnesota and included search warrants, surveillance footage, phone records, and interviews with suspects and associates.

Officials credited the collaboration for helping bring the burglary ring to a halt, and for protecting the charitable dollars that support youth programs, veterans, and community events across the state.

This marks a historic milestone as it is the first film shot and directed in the Turks and Caicos Islands by local filmmakers to be selected for a regional film festival.
Commissioned by the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission, the project was led by Project Lead Nandina Hislop and filmmaker Samuel Jules, owner of One Island Media.

The Caribbean Film Festival will take place from 15 June 11 to 15, 2025, at CinemaOne, Home of the IMAX, in Trinidad and Tobago. The festival, hosted by Africa Film TT, is an extension of a platform that has been supporting filmmakers for over a decade.

According to organisers, the Caribbean Film Festival is a “world-class destination film festival” with a mission to “ignite and energise the region’s film and multimedia industry, fuelling a fresh wave of film production and creative content throughout the Caribbean.”

Ripple Effect will be screened alongside films from countries including Panama, Guyana, and Jamaica. The selection was made by a team of seasoned critics, guided by an Advisory Board that includes Scott Sardinha, Cultural Attaché for Westbrook Pictures and the Will Smith Circle.

Ripple Effect was directed by film student Malachi Jarrett and Samuel Jules, with executive production by Samuel Jules and Nandina Hislop. The crew primarily consisted of youth between the ages of 14 and 21, mentored under the Project I.D.E.A. Media Club.

Project Lead Nandina Hislop said, “We are immensely proud of this selection as this successful short film was achieved with a minute budget, powered by immense assistance from the production company One Island Media. Over 90% of actors in the film were first-time performers, which is a testament to the raw talent on our island. We hope this selection will result in a surge of public and private sector investment into the local film industry and the Project I.D.E.A. Media Club.”

Director of the film Samuel Jules, adds, “The acceptance of Ripple Effect into the Caribbean Film Festival brings me immense pride—not just because of the dynamic team, including passionate teens who contributed to its success, but because it also highlights pressing social issues in our communities. I hope this latest development in the film’s journey encourages positive change, inspires greater interest in the art of cinematography among young people, and encourages more support and resources for these creative pursuits.”

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, Hon. Rachel Taylor, also extended congratulations.

She said: “This is a proud moment for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Ripple Effect’s success on the regional stage highlights the incredible potential of our youth and the power of creative expression to tell our unique stories. I commend the Project I.D.E.A.
Media Club, One Island Media, and all involved in this project for demonstrating what can be achieved through talent, mentorship, and perseverance. Initiatives like these are vital not only for building skills and confidence but also for providing positive pathways that steer our young people away from juvenile delinquency. The Ministry remains committed to supporting the growth of creative industries as key drivers of national development and youth empowerment.”

Ripple Effect has also been submitted for consideration to other Caribbean film festivals, including the Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival and the Bahamas Independent Film Festival, with hopes for continued success. For more information, email nehislop@gov.tc.

The Project I.D.E.A. Media Club is currently open for summer session applications. Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/c53uYaAaDb.

Three people from Tulsa and Union Public Schools — including two students and a staff member — died in a crash over the weekend in Kansas, according to school officials.

Tulsa Public Schools said a student who attended Booker T. Washington High School and a staff member who worked in the transportation department were killed in the crash, along with five other people who have not yet been identified.

Union Public Schools confirmed that one of its students had died in the crash as well. The district released the following statement:

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share the news of the tragic passing of one of our 9th grade students who died in a car accident yesterday. On behalf of the entire Union Public Schools community, I extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family, friends, and loved ones.

“We have activated our crisis response team and are providing additional counseling resources at the Union Freshman Academy and across the district. Licensed counselors, school psychologists, and support staff are available to meet with anyone who may need help processing this tragedy.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family, and everyone affected by this tragic event.”

According to TPS, the students were returning home from a youth basketball tournament when the crash happened. The collision occurred on U.S. Highway 169, about three miles northeast of Greeley, Kansas.

Grief counselors are available for students and staff.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, UNITED STATES, May 5, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — As youth sports continue to grow in popularity and competitiveness, the demand for reliable, science-based resources for young athletes, their parents, and coaches has never been greater. Blaise Majewski, a performance coach and youth training specialist, has released a new book titled The Young Athlete’s Playbook: Foundations for Strength, Speed, and Success. This detailed and accessible guide aims to bridge the gap between early athletic development and long-term performance through practical strategies and evidence-informed insights.

Blaise’s approach moves away from outdated or one-size-fits-all training models. Instead, The Young Athlete’s Playbook offers a customizable framework grounded in sports science, physical literacy, and the psychological components of high performance. Designed for athletes ranging from beginners to advanced youth competitors, the book provides actionable tools for enhancing movement, preventing injury, and fostering resilience.

A Framework for Every Stage of Development

One of the book’s central messages is the importance of long-term athletic development (LTAD). Blaise outlines how training should align with each phase of a child’s growth, including pre-adolescence, adolescence, and late-teen years. He emphasizes that early specialization in a single sport often leads to overuse injuries and burnout, and encourages cross-training and movement diversity to develop a broader athletic base.

The playbook includes guidance on how to implement LTAD principles in practical ways. Blaise walks readers through age-appropriate strength training, sprint mechanics, mobility drills, and warm-up protocols. He also addresses common misconceptions about youth resistance training, clarifying that, when properly coached, it is both safe and beneficial.

“Proper movement mechanics are critical for reducing injury risk and improving efficiency,” Blaise noted. “Teaching athletes to run, jump, land, and lift correctly pays off in both performance and long-term joint health.”

Combining Physical and Mental Performance

In addition to physical training, the book covers the mental side of sport. Chapters explore themes such as motivation, discipline, mindset, and how to set meaningful goals. Blaise provides tools to help athletes stay focused and confident, even when facing setbacks or pressure from competition.

“The mental aspect of performance often gets overlooked in youth training,” Blaise said. “But mindset influences everything—from how an athlete responds to coaching, to how they handle adversity. A strong, healthy perspective can help athletes thrive, not just in sports but in life.”

The book includes journaling prompts, mindset challenges, and examples of how to reframe failure as feedback. These exercises are intended to be simple yet impactful, helping athletes of all ages build habits that support emotional resilience.

Designed for Coaches, Parents, and Athletes Alike

What sets The Young Athlete’s Playbook apart is its versatility. The content is presented in a clear, structured format that caters to multiple audiences. Coaches will find programming ideas and cueing strategies, while parents will benefit from developmental timelines, safety considerations, and supportive communication tips. Young athletes, especially those in middle and high school, will discover easy-to-follow routines and self-check assessments.

“Whether you’re a parent trying to support your child’s passion for sports, a coach designing training sessions, or an athlete trying to improve your own game, this book has tools you can use,” Blaise said.

In addition to training protocols and mindset strategies, the book offers guidance on topics such as rest and recovery, nutrition basics, and sleep hygiene. Blaise emphasizes that optimal performance depends on more than just what happens in the gym or on the field, it also requires recovery, balance, and consistency.

Real-World Applications and Sustainable Results

Throughout the book, Blaise draws on his real-world coaching experiences. He shares stories from working with youth in various sports, highlighting the importance of meeting athletes where they are and adjusting expectations accordingly.

“You don’t need a fancy facility or expensive equipment to build a strong athlete,” Blaise explained. “What you need is intention, patience, and a willingness to invest in the process.”

By focusing on sustainability rather than quick fixes, The Young Athlete’s Playbook encourages readers to develop training habits that grow with them. The routines and principles outlined are designed to evolve over time, accommodating changes in strength, skill level, and individual goals.

A Professional Background Rooted in Science and Practice

Blaise Majewski’s coaching philosophy is shaped by a deep understanding of biomechanics, kinesiology, and behavioral science. His certifications and hands-on experience provide a well-rounded foundation that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application. His work spans youth development, injury prevention, speed training, and psychological performance support.

His motivation for writing The Young Athlete’s Playbook stemmed from years of observing confusion and inconsistency in youth training environments. “Parents and coaches are often doing the best they can, but without a clear blueprint, it’s easy to fall into patterns that don’t serve the athlete’s long-term success,” he said.

By publishing this book, Blaise hopes to empower families and communities to make informed decisions about training and development, ones that put the athlete’s wellbeing at the center.

About the Author

Blaise Majewski is a certified performance coach and movement specialist dedicated to youth athletic development. He has worked with athletes across a wide range of sports, levels, and age groups. Through his coaching and writing, he advocates for sustainable growth, injury prevention, and mental wellbeing in young athletes.

Thomas Walker
Book Writers Avenue
email us here

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — A referee was arrested after firing a concealed weapon inside a youth sports athletic facility, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies, who were already on scene to act as security, arrested 49-year-old Ernest Davis at the scene, officials said.

Davis was working as a referee for a youth sporting event when he fired a weapon that had been concealed in his gym bag, officials said.

Officials said the crowd was filled with parents and children. Fortunately, no one was struck and no one was hurt.

“I was about 50 feet away from the shot my son here was playing in a basketball game at the time he was even closer to where it happened,” one parent told Channel 9’s Glenn Counts. “He was within 20 feet of the situation, so my first thought when I heard the sound, I thought it was a metal chair falling on the ground but a little louder but at that time it got everyone’s attention, everything stopped we went over toward the kids made sure they were safe.”

Davis has been charged with carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm into occupied property.

Sheriff Eddie Cathey issued a statement reminding gun owners to practice safe firearm ownership.

“Safe gun ownership can help avoid situations like this and prevent unnecessary injuries or a tragic loss of life,” he said.

©2025 Cox Media Group