Check out this release from Market New Haven for a fun round up of things going on in New Haven this summer. You might be pleasantly surprised at how many of them are free.

Summer Events 2013 by Helen Bennett

 
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NEW HAVEN — The annual “Blessing  of the Fleet” sponsored by the St. Andrew the Apostle Society will begin at 1 p.m. June 9 at Long Wharf on New Haven Harbor.
“The St. Andrew the Apostle Society would like to wish all the boaters and their families a safe and fun season,” organizers said in a release.
For more information, visit www.ssaanewhaven.com.


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The Orange Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, will hold the 17th Annual Paul Ode Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the Columbus House homeless shelter on June 21, at Orange Hills Country Club located at 389 Racebrook Road, Orange. 
The 18-hole event begins at 7:30 a.m. for registration and breakfast, organizers said in a release.  he shotgun start begins at 8:30 a.m. and will feature a scramble format, the release said. It will conclude with lunch and the distribution of raffle prizes.
A minimum of 50 percent of the funds raised will be given to support the work of Columbus House, the New Haven-based organization that provide services for homeless adults in Greater New Haven.
Columbus House’ Communications Coordinator Lisa Polizzo said there is a PDF of the registration form here.
The remainder of the funds will be distributed to a variety of local charitable and community services, the release said.
“Players will receive goody bags; prizes for various events including closest to the pin, longest drive, and a hole-in-one contest; breakfast; on-course refreshments; and lunch at Bear & Grill,” the release said.
Carts are included. David Rubelmann is heading the planning for the tournament, the release said. 
Cost is $125 per golfer. There is a $50 discount for a student golfing with their parent. Lunch is available to non-golfers for $25.  A variety of sponsorships are available including Tee sponsorship for $100 (with your name at the tee); breakfast for $250; lunch for $750; Silver for $2,500 (includes 1 foursome); Gold for $5,000 (includes 2 foursomes); and Longest Drive/Closest to the Pin/Putting Green Contest for $500 each.
Checks can be mailed to:  Orange Congregational Church, 205 Meeting House Lane, Orange, 06477.  All sponsorships are tax deductible.
Anyone interested in playing in the tournament, being a sponsor, or contributing prizes can call the church office at 203-795-9749, the release said.

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WOODBBRIDGE ­— Author Mary Ann Hoberman will speak at the Jewish Coalition for Literacy’s volunteer appreciation reception at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday May 22 at the Jewish Community Center, 360 Amity Road.
The event is free of charge and open to the public; RSVP to Brenda Brenner: bbrenner@jewishnewhaven.org.
Hoberman was the Poetry Foundation’s Children’s Poet Laureate in 2008.  

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The Connecticut Chapter of the Mutual UFO Network, or MUFON, will sponsor a symposium and video presentation on the Travis Walton Abduction at 11 a.m. June 1 the Farmington Barney Library on Route 10, organizers said in a statement.

The Barney Library is on Route 10 across from Miss Porter’s Preparatory School, the statement said.
Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Admission is free.

By way of explanation, the statement said: “In 1975, Travis Walton was working as a logger in Arizona, when he was abducted in the presence of 5 co-workers by a UFO. He was returned 5 days later, dazed and disheveled. The incident created a media firestorm in Arizona and subsequently led to the Paramount movie adaptation ‘Fire in the Sky.’”

Further, the statement said, “MUFON is the largest scientific organization investigating the UFO phenomena. It sponsors 1,000 highly trained field investigators throughout America who investigate the 900+ sightings reported monthly in the United States.”

“The symposium will summarize UFO activity in Connecticut and in the U.S. generally. The video presentation will include extensive remarks by Travis Walton, clips from TV news shows and clips from the Fire in the Sky movie. Materials and information will be made available to anyone interested in joining MUFON or simply learning more about the UFO phenomena.”

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NEW HAVEN — A breakfast program titled “Economic Recovery: For Some, But Not For All,” will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. May 29 in the community room at Gateway Community College, 20 Church St.
Presented by Christian Community Action of New Haven, the program will feature economist Nicholas S. Perna, managing director of Perna Associates, LLC, visiting lecturer in the Department of Economics at Yale University, economic advisor to Webster Bank and a director of Prudential Bank and Trust, according to a release.
In addition to Gateway, the program is co-sponsored by The Connecticut Chapter of the Counselors of Real Estate and Webster Bank.
Perna will cover the economic outlook for Connecticut and the nation, with respect to jobs, inflation and other financial indicators, the release said. He will relate this to the issues of underemployment, increased income inequality and decreased government support, and attempt to answer the question: What can be done to promote prosperity and address these issues, without damaging our frail economy?, the release said.
The registration fee is $35, or $15 for students with a valid ID from any college or university. All proceeds will benefit CCA’s programs to support families in crisis.  Deadline for registration is May 20.
Registration forms are available at www.ccahelping.org or by calling the CCA Development Department at (203) 777-7848 x 19. Parking at the Temple Street Garage will be validated.
Christian Community Action is a 45-year-old ecumenical not-for-profit social services agency whose mission is to provide “Help, Housing and Hope,” to families that are homeless and people who are poor.  It offers emergency and transitional housing, food, job preparation, personal financial management education, advocacy training and other programs to achieve this goal.

Read the New Haven Charter.Submission Version submitted May 13, 2013 (below that is the letter of transmittal to the Board of Aldermen)

New Haven Charter.08.Submission Version.13 May 2013

Transmittal Letter.01.13 May 2013 New Haven

In a statement, the U.S. Coast Guard said it "released its 2012 Recreational Boating Statistics... revealing that boating fatalities that year totaled 651, the lowest number of boating fatalities on record."
"From 2011 to 2012, deaths in boating-related accidents decreased from 758 to 651, a 14.1 percent decrease; injuries decreased from 3,081 to 3,000, a 2.6 percent reduction; and the total reported recreational boating accidents decreased from 4,588 to 4,515, a 1.6 percent decrease, " the statement said.

Read the report here:

Recreational Boating Statistics 2012

MILFORD - Metro-North Railroad said in a statement that in order to accommodate necessary track work, bus service will replace train service between Waterbury and Bridgeport the weekend of May 18-19.

"Bus service will follow the April 7 train schedule. Train service will resume on Monday, May 20," the statement said.

"The work is being done on the Devon Bridge over the Housatonic River where the Waterbury Branch joins the main New Haven Line.  Metro-North forces will be replacing wooden ties on Track 3 of the moveable bridge as well as the miter rails, which are the rails that move when the bridge opens and are subject to heavy wear.  In addition, the timbers under the moving rails also will be replaced," the statement said.

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NEW HAVEN — Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound will host its annual open house event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 120 Woodward Ave.
The public is invited to this free, family-friendly event where they can tour Coast Guard search and rescue, and aid to navigation support boats.
In preparation for National Safe Boating Week, which runs from May 18-24, Coast Guard Auxiliary and New Haven Power Squadrons will be available to discuss boating safety and paddle smart activities, as well as conducting demonstrations.
The Coast Guard noted that it does not work alone in its efforts to rescue people in distress and protect the environment. Accordingly, boats and vehicles from local police and fire departments will also be on site, including the Fairfield Police Department’s helicopter “Eagle 1.” Environmental organizations, such as the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, will be there to discuss issues that affect Long Island Sound.
There will be hot dogs, hamburgers, and baked goods available for sale and the Coast Guard Exchange will be open to purchase Coast
Guard merchandise.

NEW HAVEN — There is still room in the weekly Saturday series of tai chi classes for drop-in students.
The classes are held 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through May 25 at the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St. There is no class May 18.
Sample a class or step in for the rest of the series ($8 per class or $25 for the series, payable to the instructor, Kathleen
Brenner.
Brenner has studied tai chi for over 20 years and has won several gold, silver and bronze medals in international competitions. She has taught hundreds of people of all ages over the last 12 years.
Each class starts with review and a gentle stretch.
For more information, contact Carol Brown, manager of programming/communications for the library, at cbrown@nhfpl.org or 203-946-8835. Editor's note:

All information in this post was contributed.

This is a message from CT-Department of Public Health: "With warm weather upon us and people spending more time outdoors, the Department of Public Health reminds Connecticut residents to take steps to prevent tick bites and tick-borne diseases."

Read more:

Tick Bite Prevention

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

"The Defense Department published a congressionally mandated, unclassified report on the Military and Security Developments involving the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" This is the report:

Report to Congress on Military and Security Developments Involving the Dprk

NEW HAVEN  — Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, Inc. and
Start Community Bank will sponsor a Multicultural Family Fun Fest from 12:30 p.m. to  4:30 p.m. Saturday in the parking lots of Neighborhood Housing Services at 333 Sherman Ave. and Start Community Bank at 299 Whalley Ave.
“Through good food and good music, the Multicultural Family Fun Fest promises to be a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family,” organizers said in a statement. “The theme of this year’s event is ‘Inherit the Earth’ and aims to celebrate cultural diversity and care for the environment. It will feature art, traditional dancing, boxing demonstrations, Zumba, poetry jams and more.”
“NHS is thrilled to be hosting the Multicultural Family Fun Fest again this year,” NHS Executive Director Jim Paley said, also in the statement.  “This is a true celebration of life, diversity, and the spirit of the people of New Haven, and we are delighted to have our friends and neighbors at Start Community Bank together with us at this festival.”
“Homeownership is a key component to building healthy communities,” Bridgette Russell, managing director of NHS’ HomeOwnership Center and co-organizer of the event said, also in the statement. “Since sound fiscal practices are necessary for individuals to position themselves for homeownership, it is quite fitting that Start Community Bank is a collaborating partner of the event.”
“Start Community Bank is committed to improving financial literacy in the community and is dedicated to assisting individuals, families and business owners expand their own wealth, which will increase the economic viability of the area,” Bill Placke, President & CEO of Start Bank said, also in the statement. “The purpose of this event is to celebrate the Whalley Avenue community and the people who make it a great place to live and work.”

For more information about NHS of New Haven, visit www.nhsofnewhaven.org. For more information on Start Community Bank, visit www.startbank.com.

Also from the statement:
For the second year, Start Community Bank also will honor outstanding women who have made a difference in the community: Joanne Sciulli, executive director of Solar Youth, a non-profit organization providing opportunities for young people to develop a positive sense of self and connection and commitment to others through programs that incorporate environmental exploration, leadership and community service; Mattie Stevenson, one of the many active seniors in our neighborhoods who takes care of two of the community gardens and has been working with youth to help instill in them life values, esteem, and an appreciation of the arts and the earth; and Lanissa Gardner and Jackie Failla, seniors at Common Ground High School who have interned at various environmental science programs throughout the country, and are now sharing their knowledge with youth and seniors in the community.
“From the perspective of Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, activities like the Multicultural Family Fun Fest are a way of providing information to prospective and existing homeowners about the services we provide while at the same time giving back to the community,” said Russell. “It is a way of saying thanks to our clients and to the residents of New Haven whom we serve.”



Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

NEW HAVEN -- A symposium on “Saving Wooster Square,” discussing that milestone achievement in preservation and future like-minded projects there, will be held Saturday at the New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave.
Admission is free but those planning to attend should register at education@newhavenmuseum.org.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. with the first panel discussion, entitled “Wooster Square Then.” The listed panelists: Frank Chapman, former deputy direct
The second panel discussion, “Wooster Square Now,” will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The listed panelists: George Knight of Knight Architecture LLC; Mary Dunne, coordinator of Certified Local Governemt & Historic Tax Credits, CT; and longtime Wooster Square resident Beverly Carbonella.
The symposium is co-sponsored by the New Haven Preservation Trust, the New Haven Museum and the Historic Wooster Square Association.
or of the City Plan Department; Deb Townshend, former chairwoman of the Historic District Commission; landscape architect E. Robert Gregan; and Alan Plattus, professor of architecture and urbanism at Yale.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

A proclamation signed by President Barack Obama "regarding National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2013."

Mental Health Obama

NEW HAVEN - Digital Surgeons, a city-based digital-first creative agency, won "the highest honor of the internet with a 2013 Webby Award for the social media campaign they executed called "Gaga's Workshop," according to a release.

"The team worked ridiculously hard to make sure that this campaign was flawless which is hard to do when you have such a powerful celebrity behind it," co-founder David Salinas said, also in the release. "Our team, lead by co-founder Pete Sena barely slept making sure everything was perfect and Lady Gaga's powerful fan base never crashed the web servers for a second."

"This is a big win for a small shop having beat out much larger agencies and competition that included HBO, MLB, and Nike," the release said.

"We couldn't be more proud and thankful of the team, our client, and all of people in our lives and in the city of New Haven that supported us during our run for this prestigious award."

Here's more: http://bit.ly/10109Qq

NEW HAVEN - The Chatham Square Neighborhood Association, in collaboration with Fair Haven businesses and nonprofits, is "offering a weekend of fun for all ages," according to a release
The 3rd annual Fair Haven Family Stroll from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.May 4 will have activities for children at Quinnipiac Waterfront Park (Intersection of Front and Exchange Streets)^{, the release said}. There is a small fee for participation with a subsidy for families in need. All proceeds from this event will help fund two great early childhood programs in the neighborhood, Alexis Hill Montessori and Friends Center for Children.

Then, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, at Quinnipiac Marina, 307 Front St.,  celebrate the 4^th annual Riverfest with a great lunch menu from The Boat House Café, beer tasting compliments of Thomas Hooker Brewery, music by Good Night Blue Moon and guided canoe rides by the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association, the release said.

Also from the release:.

The Chatham Square Neighborhood Association is an all-volunteer group of Fair Haven residents, businesses and nonprofits working to restore a sense of community and pride to our neighborhood.

Alexis Hill Montessori provides early childhood education based on the philosophy and methodology of Maria Montessori.

Friends Center for Children offers non-sectarian early childhood education with a value-based curriculum guided by its foundations in the Quaker principles of community, equality, peace, simplicity and truth.

Goodnight Blue Moon is an  indie-folk band from New Haven, CT.

Quinnipiac River Watershed Association works to restore the Quinnipiac River and its watershed for the health and enjoyment of the citizens and communities

Thomas Hooker Brewery hand crafted Ales and Lagers.

The Boat House Café at Quinnipiac Marina, a locally-owned waterfront café.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.