Wounded Soldier Returns Home; School Lesson Incorporates Dance; Coastal Land’s Future on Table; and More

CHESHIRE – On the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the community welcomed home an American hero who was injured while fighting in Afghanistan.

The welcome home took place at a fundraiser for Private First Class Joshua Budd, who lost his left leg above the knee, fractured his right leg and had serious internal injuries from an IED attack in July. Budd has been receiving treatment at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Maryland, so it was the first time he has been home since being wounded.
 
BETHANY – Keith Johnstone has continued to surprise his doctors.
After an accident in which a tree fell on his head, they thought he would need a breathing apparatus for the rest of his life. He left the hospital breathing on his own. They said he would never walk again. He has since walked across his kitchen with the help of a walker and therapists.

But Johnstone, who was injured while working as a employee of the Bethany Public Works Department, faces an uphill battle against his insurance company — to get the treatment he and his wife say he needs. The insurance company says Johnstone’s recovery has plateaued. He refuses to accept that and vows to continue to fight — for coverage and the ability to walk on his own again.
 
NORTH BRANFORD – During the first week of school, teachers at Jerome Harrison School put a fun twist on educating students about the rules. They acted them out in a dance.

STRATFORD – The fate of Long Beach West is on the table.
Build boardwalks and open the refuge to the public? Sell it to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for it to be preserved?

A commission discussed various proposals this week as it works to create a formal plan to present to the mayor.