Jump right in

Welcome 2009 with a day of activities and an icy swim

NEW HAVEN — Elm City Parks Conservancy will hold "First Day New Haven,’’ a winter fund-raising festival featuring the eighth annual Polar Plunge for Parks from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 1 at Lighthouse Park.
First Day New Haven is a fun, exciting and invigorating way to begin the New Year and is a family-oriented event, organizers said.
Admission is free and this year the event will feature horse carriage rides, lighthouse tours, a wintry volleyball tournament, a treasure hunt dig, a sand sculpting contest, live music, children’s games, a hearty brunch, plenty of hot cocoa and more, organizers said.
For more information, call (203) 627-0178. To obtain Polar Plunge for Parks pledge forms, e-mail firstdayplunge@gmail.com

Being Eleanor

NEW HAVEN — The public is invited to enjoy "An Evening with Eleanor Roosevelt" from 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 11 at the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.
The event features, actress Jean Lane, shown, who created a one-woman show to highlight portions of Roosevelt’s life, especially the early years that shaped her character, organizers said. Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was First Lady of the United States from 1933-45. After the death of her husband, she was a civil rights activist, author and politician, who also was chairwoman of the committee that drafted and approved the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The program is free and it is suitable for all ages. Free parking is available. For more information, call the library at 946-8835.

Take a break

NEW HAVEN - Planet B-Boy a feature-length documentary that explores one of the most incredible dance phenomena the world has ever seen will be shown at from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 2 the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.
Breakdancing, once known as B-boying---until the girls got into the act, originated on the streets of New York City during the seventies and was a huge influence on hip-hop culture in America, event organizers said.
Movies such as Flashdance inspired teens to compete against one another across America, spinning on their backs doing "windmills," training their bodies to "pop and lock," and mastering gravity-defying moves. Then it seemed to fade into history.
Turns out, B-boying was just evolving into a sophisticated and acrobatic dance form. Planet B-Boy explores the back stories of five of the best b-boy competitors from all over the world as they prepare for the Battle of the Year, "World Cup" of b-boying, held annually in Germany. The film is suitable for all ages. For details call the library at 946-8835.

Gateway Community College Annual Holiday Celebration brought holiday cheer

More than 400 residents of local New Haven Shelters enjoyed holiday festivities at Gateway Community College’s 8th Annual Holiday Celebration last week, officials said.


Above, Santa and Mrs. Claus and helpers make a grand entrance.


Guests were brought to the Long Wharf campus in busses, then treated to an evening of entertainment, holiday festivities and gourmet food prepared by the college’s culinary arts students, officials said.
More than 200 children received gifts from Santa and Mrs. Claus while adults received gift bags of health products. All of the guests were invited to choose warm winter items from the clothing closet and coat room, officials said.
Under the direction of Gateway’s Culinary Arts professor, Andrew Randi, the annual outreach has become a Gateway Community College tradition that is planned, funded and organized by staff, faculty and students.



“This is the largest event of its kind in the area,” said Randi. “And it takes the time, talent and goodwill of the entire college community to make it successful. Starting in early October they hold fundraisers, coat and toy drives and begin the planning. The contents for over 450 gift bags are donated by college employees and we form work teams to make sure all of the details are covered.”
“I am so proud of our college community for this remarkable effort” said Gateway President, Dorsey Kendrick. “It puts everyone in the holiday spirit and brings out the best in the college community and their guests. It’s heartwarming to see the smiles on everyone’s faces.”


At right, Gateway faculty and staff prepare to serve their guests

Breakfast of champions

New Haven’s James Hillhouse High School Class of 2010 will hold a breakfast fundraiser from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Applebee’s restaurant, 2400 Dixwell Ave., Hamden.
Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door but the preference is for tickets to be purchased in advance by calling (203) 946-8475.

Get organized

And change the world

NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Public Library will hold a centennial retrospective on legendary community organizer Saul David Alinsky at 6 p.m. Jan. 20. A film, "The Democratic Promise: Saul Alinsky and his Legacy," will be screened at the downtown branch, 133 Elm St., with commentary by Melissa Canham-Clyne, Wilson Branch Library manager and author of a recent article on community organizing.



Actor Alec Baldwin narrates the hour-long documentary.
Saul David Alinsky (1909-1972) was a community organizer and writer, generally considered the founder of modern community organizing in America. He is said to have coined the slogan "Think globally, act locally." He was an early influence on many of current political leaders, including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
The event is free and and free parking is available. Call the library at 946-7431 for more information.

Pucker up!

This sweet pig gets plenty of smooches

Amity Middle School-Bethany Reading Consultant Eileen Kazdan crouches for a cuddle with Daisy, a pig who travels the country to promote reading. Daisy, also shown with her owner, Paul "Farmer" Minor, rear, and Principal Richard Dellinger, visited Amity because students completed a, 8-week reading challenge in which Kazdan set 1,000 books as the minimum. Students read a total of 1,078 books in six weeks. During Daisy’s visit, the pleasant porcine inspiration received many smooches on her snout, school officials said.

Enjoy!

Getting in the spirit



Nate Strabbe, 2, of Woodbury, right, greets Blaze, mascot for the Connecticut Sun Basketball team at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital. Sun Head Coach Mike Thibault also visited children at the hospital Thursday, bringing gifts

Photo by Peter Casolino

A group of people walks along Chapel Street carrying CD players Thursday evening in New Haven, each playing one of four different parts that, combined, created one composition. The event, part of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas “Unsilent Night” holiday musical processional, is in its second year. Participants met at the Shubert Theater then took to the streets downtown with the piece playing.

Student Art Exhibit at Gateway Community College

Arts on Long Wharf

Photos of Allen Gales

NEW HAVEN – The Gallery at Gateway Community College is holding the Gateway Art Students End of Semester Exhibition.
The exhibition is on view from though Jan. 30 in the Gateway Community College Gallery 60 Sargent Drive.

Gallery Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

JCC open house for children's education programs

WOODBRIDGE — The Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven will hold an open house for its Yeladim Learning Center and Nitzanim Kindergarten programs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at 360 Amity Road.
Parents will have a chance to meet staff and teachers and tour the facility. Parents also are encouraged to bring children to participate in classroom activities. Families from all religious and cultural backgrounds are welcome.
The Yeladim Learning Center program offers full- and part-time programs for children 3 months to 4 years. It’s spacious facility includes a gym, outdoor playgrounds, pool, dance studios, and more. The Nitzanim Kindergarten offers 4½- to 5½-year-old children individualized instruction in a small group setting. The curriculum includes math, science, social studies, literacy, creative arts, and weekly swim and yoga.
Both programs provide quality instruction in a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of young children, officials said. The curriculum encourages experimentation, problem solving, logical thinking and cooperative learning, as well as the assimilation of values and the development of social skills and positive self-esteem. Children explore and create in an enriched and challenging learning environment.
Both programs are fully licensed by the state. For more information call Gwenn Cohen or Lynn Bullard at (203) 397-7415.

Got Clutter?

Consider this:

A New Year is on its way once again and that closet still explodes on opening, there's no place to work at your desk, you can never move because you could never pack., Siund familiar?

If so, the New Haven Public Library invites you to get yourself some professional help. Mark your calendar (if you can find it) for 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 14, to get serious about organizing your personal, family, or business space.
Professional organizer Rosemary Chieppo, shown, makes her living doing what most people hate to do: organizing. She writes for Around the Towns magazine and The New Haven Register, and has been featured on WTNH TV and WFSB TV.

Author of Clutter, Chaos & the Cure (KIWI Publishing, 2008 http://www.kiwipublishing.com/), Chieppo also is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.

For more information about Chieppo visit http://www.borntoorganize.com/.

The seminar and parking are free. Register online at www.guidezilla.com/nhfpl or call the library at 946-8835.

Be an animal angel

Homeless Pets and Animal Shelters Get Support from Angel Tree Program

Family pets are the latest victim of the economic downturn. As the economy worsens and more families struggle to make ends meet, Connecticut animal shelters are seeing a huge inflow of pets being given up for adoption.

“Shelters and rescue groups are overwhelmed with the large number of dogs and cats released by people who just can’t afford to care for them,” said Jeremy Moran of Best Friends Pet Care, Bethany. “The shelters simply don’t have enough food or supplies for all these newly homeless pets.”

To help address the shortage, Best Friends is collecting donation of food and supplies through its “Angel Tree” program at all four Connecticut locations.

Beneficiaries include Connecticut Humane Society of Newington and Westport, Animal Haven of New Haven, Meriden Humane Society, Pet Protectors of Fairfield, Hotwater Rescue, Double Dog Rescue, Stamford Animal Shelter and PAWS of Norwalk.

Throughout the holiday season, animal lovers can visit any Best Friends to select a card from the Angel Tree and donate the items listed for that homeless dog or cat. Since each shelter has specific needs, donors are asked to shop from the list on the pet’s card.

Donations also can be made by phone. Best Friends is at 60 Harris Road, Avon, (860) 673-0555; at 227 Cheshire Road, Bethany, (203) 393-3126; 528 Main Ave., Norwalk (next to DMV), 203-849-1010; and at 1511 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, (860) 721-8080.

“The holidays are always a difficult time for shelters,” said Moran. “Donations usual dip during this season, but this year, with all the newly homeless pets, the shortage of food and supplies is becoming a crisis. We are inviting anyone who loves animals to help out by donating to the program.”

For more information, visit http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/.

The world comes to the New Haven Library

World Films To Screen at New Haven Library Branches in December and January

The New Haven Public Library will hold a special world film series in December and January at several branches around the city. Free library screenings of GLOBAL LENS 2008 are made possible through Yale's Programs in International Educational Resources, or PIER.

The schedule is:

Dec. 13, 2p.m.--LET THE WIND BLOW (Partho Sen-Gupta, India, 2004) at Wilson Branch Library (946-2228)
Dec. 20, 2p.m.--ALL FOR FREE (Antonio Nuic, Croatia, 2006) at Main Library (946-7431)
Jan. 10, 2p.m.--LUXURY CAR (Wang Chao, China, 2006) at Main Library (946-7431)
Jan. 14, 6p.m.--THE CUSTODIAN (Rodrigo Moreno, Argentina, 2006) at Fair Haven Branch Library (946-8115)
Jan. 17, 2p.m.--THE BET COLLECTOR (Jeffrey Jeturian, Philippines, 2006) at Main Library (946-7431).

All films are in the native languages of the countries from which they originate, with English subtitles, and suitable for audiences over 12, officials said in a statement. For trailers and more information about the series, visit http://www.globalfilm.org/. For directions to library branches, call the number indicated.

New Haven Happenings

NEW HAVEN — The Tony Blair Faith Foundation will play host to a Malaria Relief Concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 13 at Yale’s Woolsey Hall.
Performers include members of the Yale Alumni Chorus, St. Luke’s School’s a cappella groups, Take 9 and the Acafellas and Yale’s a cappella groups, Mixed Company and Proof of the Pudding. More than 500 million people contract malaria each year, and the concert aims to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Tickets are $10 per person, and each ticket is enough to protect a family from malaria through providing a bed net in endemic regions, organizers said. All proceeds go to malaria relief.
The concert is sponsored by the Graduate and Professional Student Senate and Yale Engineering. Tickets can be purchased online at www.yale.edu/music, or in person in the box office located in the lobby of Sprague Hall at 470 College St. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by phone at (203) 432-4158.

NEW HAVEN — People interested in learning more about magnet schools will have the chance at a series of open houses sponsored by the New Haven Public Schools. A pre-k through grade 12 Citywide Magnet Fair will be held from 6–8 p.m. Jan. 7 at the New Haven Field House, 480 Sherman Parkway. Representatives from all of the magnet schools will be there to answer questions. A pre-K through grade 12 Interdistrict Magnet Fair will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at Hill Regional Career High School, 140 Legion Ave. Representatives from all interdistrict magnet schools will be there to provide information about their schools and programs. For more information, call the magnet schools office at 946-7415.

Ninety and still running

Dr. George "Doc" Whitney of Orange, right, shown on his 90th birthday at the William B. Meyer, Inc. Fairfield Holiday Run, is congratulated by Tom Gillon, of Trumbull, president of William B. Meyer, Inc. in Stratford.

More than 100 runners and walkers of all abilities participated in the 7th annual Holiday Run at the Scandinavian Club on Dec. 7. ,

The 5k event benefited the Fairfield Police Toy Drive. It is presented by William B. Meyer Inc., one of the largest transportation and storage providers in the Northeast, and an agent for United Van Lines.

All participants brought new, unwrapped toys as part of their entry fee and more than 500 toys were collected at the run. The toys collected this year will be distributed to the Bridgeport Hospital Pediatric Unit; Bridgeport Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit; Yale-New Haven Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit; Daughter’s of Charity - Sister Theresa in Bridgeport and American Medical Response.
"With the holiday season underway, William B. Meyer, Inc. is pleased to be sponsor the annual Holiday Run to benefit the Fairfield Police Toy Drive. If a child has to be in the hospital during the holidays being thought of by receiving a toy can hopefully put a smile on their face. We hope this run makes a difference for many children in our area. We would like to thank the Fairfield Police Department for allowing us to participate in this event," Tom Gillon, president of William B. Meyer, Inc. said in a statement.

William B. Meyer, Inc. has been the presenting sponsor for the event for four years.

At the run, Whitney, a retired veterinarian, opened up a whole new age category for the race organizers. Whitney has run in the race since its inception, having started running when he was 80. A birthday cake complete with 90 candles was presented to Whitney at the end of the race as the crowd of runners, walkers, family members and well-wishers from near and far sang "Happy Birthday."
Toys are being collected until Dec. 18 at the Fairfield Police Station, 100 Reef Road, Fairfield and at the reception area at William B. Meyer, Inc, 255 Long Beach Blvd., Stratford.

Now that's a tree!

Get some holiday spirit with a visit to the city Green, where this is what awaits after dark.

Photo by Peter Casolino

The right note

The recent Columbus Day Committee 28th Awards Ceremony included presentation of a trophy to the Roberto Clemente School for its excellent performance in the Category of Middle School Band in the Oct. 12 Columbus Day Parade October in North Haven.

Presenting the award is North Haven First Selectwoman Janet M. McCarty, assisted by Committee Member Peter Gambardella. Receiving the trophy is teacher Donna Johnson. Students, l to r, are: Yyrone Wiggins, Marlisa Shaw and Marvin Shaw III.

A tree grows in New Haven

Chapel Haven students pitched in recently to help plant five new trees on their campus at 1040 Whalley Ave. as part of the GreenSkills Program offered by the Urban Resources Initiative, officials said. GreenSkills is an internship program that brings college and high school interns together to plant street trees. Chapel Haven received two lindens, two honey locusts and one small pear tree through the program. Chapel Haven is a private, nonprofit special education and independent living program that teaches young adults with cognitive and social disabilities to live independent and productive lives.

Mayo new president of NEASC

NEW HAVEN - Superintendent of Schools Reginald Mayo was elected to the position of president-elect of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges at the organization’s 123rd annual meeting at Boston’s Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel.

Mayo will assume the gavel on Dec. 4, 2009, and preside over the association throughout 2010, the association’s 125th year. NEASC has 1,962 member institutions throughout the six-state region and in 77 countries overseas.

Eleven New Haven schools are accredited members of NEASC. NEASC is headquartered in Bedford, Mass., and employees a staff of 41. The work of peer review is conducted by 6,200 trained volunteers who, in 2008, contributed 164,000 hours of professional service valued at $32,800,000.

Mayo has 36 years of experience in education, the last 16 as superintendent of the New Haven system.

NEASC Executive Director and CEO Jacob Ludes, III, said, "We are honored that Reggie Mayo has agreed to serve the region’s broader education community by leading NEASC. We are especially gratified that his term of office will include our vitally important 125th anniversary year."

Busy, busy, busy

NEW HAVEN — A Community Sing will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 tonight, Dec. 9, at Yale University’s Dwight Hall Chapel, 67 High St. Everyone is invited, from students and faculty to community members, to participate in singing music from many traditions around the world. Free hot apple cider will be served.
The event will immediately follow the Alternative Gift Fair from noon to 6 p.m., also in Dwight Hall Chapel. The fair will offer alternative gift shopping and unique gifts offered by international organizations and local New Haven agencies, organizers said. It will support Sadhna from India, One Mango Tree from Uganda and several other fair trade cooperatives from different parts of the world including Afghanistan, Kenya, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and more, organizers said.

NEW HAVEN — A public lighting of a menorah will take place at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21 on the city Green.
The event, timed for the first day of Hanukkah and sponsored by Yeshiva Gedolah Rabbinical Institute of New England, Connecticut, will include a car procession from the Green, beginning at 6:15 p.m., to the Rabbinical Institute, 292 Norton St., where the Grand Chanukah Celebration will be held at 7 p.m. There will be a special presentation dedicated tor all the people who were killed in the recent terrorist attack in Mumbai.

NEW HAVEN — Alderman Sergio Rodriguez, D-26, president Pro Tempore of the Board of Aldermen, will hold a neighborhood community meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Davis Street School, 26 Davis St. Neighbors are welcome and encouraged to attend to share ideas and concerns and discuss issues of importance to the neighborhood. Coffee will be available. Future neighborhood community meetings are scheduled to take place, also at 6:30 p.m. at Davis Street School, on March 25 and June 17.

'Tis the season

In photo, Gabriel Ciarleglio of Hamden, is one of many students at the Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts learning how help others through a food drive the academy is holding.

The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts in Hamden is holding its annual food drive to help the local food pantry and soup kitchen. The academy is offering its students a free semi-private lesson for any five non-perishable items they donate and offering two weeks of free lessons to non-students (limited to one give away per person and cannot be combined). Academy officials hope the offer will encourage more people to give.

There is no requirement to accept the offer in order to be part of the drive and anyone can give.
Donations can be dropped at the acedemy now through the holiday season, at 1890 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. For more information call (203) 288-9990, or visit http://www.academyofkempo.com/, including to learn the best times to drop off donations and receive the thank you gift.

Santa loves pets too

Wags & Whiskers TLC, an animal support group based in West Haven, will have its annual photos with Santa event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at Pet Supplies Plus 471 Boston Post Road, Orange, Conn.The cost is $7 and canned cat food and refundable cans and bottles will be collected during the event.The event is open to all pets of every shape and size and "of course children," organizers said. Cookies, cider and coffee will be served. All proceeds will benefit the Wags & Whiskers medical fund. For more information, please call Jim Vitelli at (203) 937-3642 or send an e-mail to: pounddogs@yahoo.com

Fundraiser for Community Soup Kitchen

David O’Sullivan, director of the Community Soup Kitchen and Santa Christy Mulhall are preparing for a fundraiser.

NEW HAVEN - Christy's will again host a fundraiser for Community Soup Kitchen of New Haven from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 10. There will be hors d’oeuvres, drink specials, prize drawings and a special pre-Christmas appearance by Santa Christy himself.

There is a $15 donation at the door. (tax deductible)

Santa Christy says, "Last year we raised $5,700. That's 1,425 meals! And we all had a great time. So please put this event on your calendar today! It may be the best gift you give this holiday season."

Contributions may be made at any time at Christy’s, 261 Orange St. (checks payable to Community Soup Kitchen of New Haven.) All proceeds benefit CSK. For more information call: Colin O'Toole– (203) 506-5753

In the photo by Pete Casolino, David O’Sullivan, director of the Community Soup Kitchen and Santa Christy Mulhall prepare for the fundraiser.

A way with words

Students told the story of Christopher Columbus

From l to r: Ellen King and Kaitlyn Capone, both of Hamden High School; Matthew D’Angelo, of Notre Dame of West Haven; winners of the Columbus Day Committee of Greater New Haven Essay Contest, and Essay Committee Co-Chairmen Louis Criscuolo and Richard DiPalma.The students won the contest for essays that presented the best biographical portrait of Christopher Columbus, highlighting his influence on United States and relating his experience to the immigration experience of today and the last century, organizers said. Missing from the photo are winners Kara Maltese, West Haven High School and Donato Biceglia of Notre Dame of West Haven.

About animals means about people

Anyone who loves animals might want to check this site out:

http://teslaslove.blogspot.com/

Shabbat evening services with an upbeat twist

Shabbat Alive, a cheerful and upbeat Kabbalat Shabbat Service filled with joy, prayer and song, leads services periodically at a variety of Conservative and Reform synagogues in Greater New Haven. Shabbat Alive provides a different experience for congregants welcoming and receiving the Sabbath, re-energizing Shabbat evening services with a blend of lively traditional and contemporary musical settings, meditation, dancing and teaching, organizers said.
This month Shabbat Alive will be followed by a Shabbat Dinner at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Temple Emanuel, 150 Derby Ave., Orange and all are invited. The dinner costs $15.00 for adults and $7.00 for children. In addition to the traditional kosher chicken dinner, vegetarian options are available with advance notice. For dinner reservations and any questions about the menu, call Leona Kusmit at Temple Emanuel at 397-3000 or e-mail office@templeemanuel-gnh.org. Payment can be made using a credit card or personal check.
Shabbat Alive services are led by New Haven business attorney Isaiah Cooper, a member of Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel of New Haven, serving as teacher/leader;h well-known Clinton-based cantorial soloist, guitarist and songwriter Rick Calvert, of Temple Beth Tikvah of Madison serving as song leader; and Amity High School senior Jacob Zonderman, of Temple Emanuel, accompanying on a variety of hand drums and other percussion instruments.
All are welcome, there no need to be a member of Temple Emanuel to attend the service or the dinner. Contributions to Shabbat Alive can be sent to Isaiah Cooper c/o Cooper Law LLC, 205 Church Street, Suite 307, New Haven, 06510.

Sisters in Crime

Murder and mayhem clearly come easily to women

NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Public Library will launch a mystery discussion series at 6 p.m. Jan. 28, at the downtown branch, 133 Elm St.

The series, Connecticut Sisters in Crime, will meet once a month through April to discuss four popular mysteries written by Connecticut women authors. Participants may choose one or all of the discussions, and copies of the books will be available for those who register.

The series is made possible by a grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council. Discussions will be led by Carole Shmurak, shown, author of the first book, Deadmistress. Shmurak is professor emerita at Central Connecticut State University and the author of 10books. Her third Susan Lombardi mystery is due out in 2009.

Book Schedule is:
Jan. 28: DEADMISTRESS by Carole Shmurak
Feb. 25: FINAL FORE by Roberta Isleib
Mar. 25: SACRED COWS by Karen Olson (with special appearance by the author)
Apr. 22: RESTLESS WATERS by Jessica Speart

There is no charge for the discussions, and participants are invited to bring a sandwich; coffee will be provided. Please reserve books by registering for each discussion online at www.guidezilla.com/nhfpl or call the library at (203) 946-8835. Free off-street parking is available.

Job Corps seeking applicants

NEW HAVEN —The New Haven Job Corps Center has launched its fall recruitment drive to fill class openings, center officials said in a statement.
Young adults age 16 to 24 who meet specific income requirements can enroll in the program free of charge, the statement said.
Job Corps provides its students with academic and career technical training, room, board, and basic medical and dental services, it said.
"Our program gives students the opportunity to train in the careers of their choice, while still completing their educations through self-paced classes," Acting Center Director Patty Wooten said in the statement. "Job Corps offers students a variety of career areas, including culinary arts, advanced pastry and baking, stationary engineering, C.N.A., facilities maintenance, and carpentry."
"Each student receives specialized attention, ensuring they gain the skill sets and academics they will need to be successful in today’s competitive job market," Wooten said.
On average, students spend two years completing career technical training, while working toward a high school diploma or GED.
Job Corps offers students the Advanced Career Training program, which allows them to receive further training by enrolling at a vocational or community college at no additional cost. The New Haven Job Corps Center offers a wide range of career areas from which students can choose. Students also participate in athletics, community service projects and the Student Government Association.
For more information, call (203) 907-4300.

A helping hand

Nate Brown, left, of International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 478, thanks Stop & Shop of Hamden Manager Ed Paglia after loading a truck of food for delivery to Christian Community Action of New Haven. This is the seventh year the union has worked with CAA to help deliver food the agency then delivers to those who need it for Thanksgiving. Local 478this year will donate nearly $1,800 worth of stuffing, fresh baked pies, potatoes, and other traditional Thanksgiving foods.
Christian Community Action is a 41-year-old ecumenical social services agency with a mission to provide food, emergency housing and other support to homeless families New Haven and to the poor. More than 1,400 families and individuals, the majority of them children, will receive turkeys and bags of groceries to prepare a home-cooked holiday meal as part of the agency’s 2008 Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Local 478, headquartered in Hamden, is the largest supplier of trained, qualified heavy equipment operators, mechanics, and support personnel in the state, its officials said.

Anniversary of adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights to be honored

The Shoreline Chapter of Amnesty International will hold a special event to honor of the 60th Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General Assembly of the United Nations at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Scranton Memorial Library in Madison.
The guest speaker will be James Silk, clinical professor of law at Yale Law School and director of the Allard K. Lowenstein International Human Rights Clinic, organizers said. Silk is also executive director of the Schell Center for International Human Rights at Yale Law School. As a former director of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights in Washington, D.C., Silk focused on human rights in China, child labor and corporate responsibility. Before attending law school, Silk was editor, policy analyst, and senior writer for the U.S. Committee for Refugees, event organizers said.
Article 1 of the Declaration say, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." In keeping with this tenet, the event will include participation in Amnesty International’s Global Write-a-thon, organizers said. Letters in support of prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders will be available for signature.
The event is free and refreshments will be served.

In the photo: Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt holds a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Gan Hayeled Nursery School registration

Gan Hayeled Nursery School of Woodbridge is holding enrollment for the 2009-10 school year and is accepting applications for the 2-, 3- and 4-year old programs. Two open houses are upcoming: from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 16 and 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 14.
Gan Hayeled Nursery School is a non-profit program in its 60th year of operation, and is sponsored by Congregation B’nai Jacob in Woodbridge.
The open houses are opportunities for parents of toddlers and preschool-aged children to learn more about the program, meet teachers, speak to current parents and to tour the school, officials said.
Registration packets will be available at the events. For more information, an application or directions, please contact Sue Shapiro at (203) 389-2111, ext. 215 or visit www.ganhayelednurseryschool.org.
Gan Hayeled Nursery School is at Congregation B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge.

Probate Court judge rules on Markiewicz case

New Haven Probate Court Judge John A. Keyes has ruled that former clients of J. Markiewicz and Sons Funeral Home whose pre-paid contracts were misused are entitled to refunds of 50 percent to 80 percent of what they paid.But those who are supposed to receive the money haven’t seen any yet, and nobody can say when they will. Moreover, at least one of those clients is outraged that the percentage isn’t higher.

Read the full story here:


nhregister.com

Christian Community Action defines action

Nearly 200 volunteers packed 1,550 grocery bags filled with food Saturday and Sunday for Christian Community Action to distribute this week to families and individuals in the Hill neighborhood.

Read the full story here:

nhregister.com

Photos by Brad Horrigan

Community Foundation is all about community

The Community Foundation of Greater New Haven keeps stepping up to help.


Read the full story here:

nhregister.com

Come sail away

Members of Oyster Point Marina will share decades of memories at next month’s holiday party as they gather together, possibly for the last time, to say goodbye.

Read the full story here:

nhregister.com

Anytime you can spend some money and save a life.."

Roadway changes on Long Wharf Drive may not have the curb appeal of traffic circles and other in-vogue traffic calming techniques, but the city hopes some simple concrete barriers and sand-filled plastic barrels will help solve the street racing problem on the stretch along New Haven Harbor.


Photo by Vern Williams

Read the full story here:

nhregister.com

“Tonight is a demonstration of what we stand for”

Thirty-one groups, including students, city workers and families, pitched tents on the Green Thursday night to raise the final thousands of dollars needed to keep the Cedar Street overflow shelter open through April.

“Whether it is those infected with HIV, the recently arrived, those with mental illness, the homeless, time after time, the one that stands up first, loudest and with the most self-sacrifice is New Haven,” said Mayor John DeStefano Jr.


Photo by Melanie Stengel

Read the full story here:

nhregister.com

"Positive change in the world"

Students helping in Rwanda

Yale University student Emily Morell, crouching at left, and Emma Clippinger, a student at Brown University, co-founders of Gardens for Health International, were on Thursday named the global winners of the Staples "Youth Social Entrepreneur" Competition.

Gardens for Health International provides nutritional support and economic empowerment to HIV-positive people throughout Rwanda. The organization simultaneously targets malnutrition, HIV/AIDS and poverty. Morell and Emma Clippinger were chosen from five finalists selected from more than 100 entries received from the U.S. and France for their outstanding impact, innovation and commitment to serving their community, according to a prepared statement. They will receive $5,000 in Staples products to help run their organization.
The panel of judges included Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist; Hannah Teter, U.S. Olympic gold-medal winning snowboarder; Gilles Daniel, vice president of MTV France; Franck Riboud, chairman and chief executive officer of Groupe Danone; and Kyle Freas, grand prize winner of the 2007 "Youth Social Entrepreneur" Competition.
The award was created by Staples Foundation for Learning, a private foundation created by Staples, Inc., and Ashoka, the world’s community of leading social entrepreneurs.
"We received hundreds of entries for this year’s Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition from young entrepreneurs from all over the world who are making positive change in the world," said Bill Drayton, CEO and chairman of Ashoka. "We hope their stories and Ventures will inspire youth everywhere to take part in the global movement of young changemakers who are taking initiative and creating Ventures that contribute to social change."
Youth Venture is an Ashoka initiative that is "catalyzing and investing in a movement of young changemakers all over the world who are taking action by identifying problems and creating Ventures to create positive change in their communities," the statement said. Staples began its support of Youth Venture in 2006 through Staples Foundation for Learning, a private charitable foundation created by Staples, Inc. Support from Staples Foundation for Learning has helped Ashoka launch the Youth Venture program in France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Canada, Argentina and Brazil. To date, Staples has contributed $1.5 million to build the capacity, visibility and reach of the Youth Venture program throughout the world, the statement said.

A match made in New Haven

Officials applaud new College partnership program

Shown, l to to r, Margaret Bauer, Gateway Community College dean of research; State Sen. Martin Looney, D-New Haven; Dolores Garcia-Blocker, principal of Cooperative Arts High School, Gateway President Dorsey Kendrick,; AT&T state President Ramona Carlow; John Emra, regional vice president, AT&T External & Legislative Affairs; and Mary Ellen Cody, Gateway dean of Development & Community Partnerships.

NEW HAVEN - The Gateway Community College Foundation Thursday received a $35,000 grant from AT&T to support planning and building a Middle College partnership program between Gateway Community College and Cooperative Arts High School to provide a guided and rigorous college curriculum.
The Middle College will give a group of students from the high school the opportunity to complete an Associate Degree Program in General Studies while attending regular high school classes, the college said in statement.

Upon high school graduation, students may receive both a diploma and an associate degree, thereby facilitating transfer into a baccalaureate program.

"This grant will enhance access to post-secondary education and expose students to college much earlier in their academic experience," said Dorsey L. Kendrick, president of Gateway Community College. "This partnership strengthens our collaboration with New Haven Public Schools as well and we are grateful for AT&T’s generosity."

AT&T’s grant is part of AT&T Aspire, a $100 million philanthropic program to help strengthen student success and workforce readiness, the statement said.

AT&T Aspire supports the work of the education community to help our students succeed in school by helping them see the connection between education and their brightest future.

“You shouldn’t have to put your life on the line to work at a 24-hour convenience store”

A 23-year-old New Haven man who admitted to fueling his drug addiction by committing a string of armed robberies at convenience stores in Orange and West Haven received a 10-year prison sentence Wednesday.

Defense argues, “Addiction is walking death. … If it was a choice, we wouldn’t have 20 million addicts (in the country); we would have no addicts.”

But judge tells him, “You have a choice not to do it to begin with."


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Hillhouse, now and forever

There was kick off this week to a year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of James Hillhouse High School, the city’s oldest public academic institution

Photo by Melanie Stengel

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A happening place

The Green is more than gorgeous.


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Up, up and away

A new exit ramp is going to take you over Interstate 95 and down onto Route 34. Check it out at right.

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It's almost time!

NEW HAVEN — Fantasy of Lights, presented by Easter Seals Goodwill Industries and a holiday tradition for thousands of families, begins Nov. 21 at Lighthouse Point Park.
The exhibit, which runs through December 31 is sponsored by area businesses, corporations and individuals. PSEG Power Connecticut LLC is the title sponsor.
Hours are 5 to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission for passenger cars/family vans is $10, 15-passenger vans or mini-buses $25, buses $50. Proceeds benefit Easter Seals Goodwill Industries whose mission is to enhance employment, educational, social and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and other challenges.
For more information, visit www.ctgoodwill.org

Ankle Soup

Woodbridge native Alison Josephs is the illustrator of a new children’s book, "Ankle Soup," that is drawing rave reviews in the human and animal world.

Well, OK, no animals have actually weighed in on it yet that we know of, but they should. The book features a gorgeous little French bulldog named Carlos, who is made all the more lovable by Josephs’ colorful illustrations.
The book takes readers along for the adventure as Carlos makes his way through Grand Central Station on Thanksgiving. And what’s not to love about Grand Central Station at any time of year, let alone during the hustle and bustle of a holiday.

"So smile when you see me
way down in the crowd.
And bend to my level
for crying out loud!
Please try to see things
from my point of view.
Your ankles are nice but…
you’re more than a shoe," says one passage

The intent of the author, Maureen Sullivan, and Josephs, is to give "young readers the chance to learn to have a sense of the other guy — to walk a mile in another’s shoes — a key to balance in life and a boost to emotional intelligence," according to their press packet.

Josephs, a painter and graphic designer working in New York City, grew up in Woodbridge, graduating from Amity High School in 1983. She went on to earn a BFA from Cornell University and studied in Florence and Assisi.

Her work focuses on New York themes such as Yankee Stadium and Coney Island. Shown at right, Josephs now lives in Hoboken, NJ with her ankle-high Norwich Terrier, Ruby.

For more, visit: http://www.anklesoup.com/

Susan B. Anthony will be in the house

Yes, that Susan B. Anthony

NEW HAVEN — Fort Nathan Hale will hold its annual meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday at Center Church Parish Hall, 311 Temple St. The hall is directly behind the library.
Keynote speaker will be Sally Matson, a professional actress and educator who will perform as Susan B. Anthony — "The Invincible."
Anthony struggled for most of her life to get voting rights for women and equal rights for all.
Also featured at the meeting will be a display of antique postcards of old New Haven and Fair Haven, presented by Tom Slater, a long-time history buff who is working on a book about New Haven.
Historical and other items will be on sale to benefit fort restoration projects. Election of officers will take place and refreshments will be served. The meeting is free and open to the public.
For more information, call 466-1596.

Is there a doctor in the house?

State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal Monday recommended contracts for Husky Medicaid insurance and Charter Oak be rebid, but Gov. M. Jodi Rell sees no need for that.

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Ebenezer had nothing on this heist

Police found the Branford couple who allegedly are the Scrooges who nearly ruined the annual Fantasy of Lights holiday display.

NEW HAVEN — Police Tuesday arrested the two suspects who were wanted in connection with the theft of power cables that left a portion of the annual Fantasy of Lights display in the dark.
Detectives found David John Tobey, 27, and his girlfriend, Amy Folland, 30, both shown at the Branford house of Tobey’s mother when they went there to deliver paperwork from a weekend search warrant they served at that location, said Sgt. Steve Shea.
The two were arrested on larceny and conspiracy warrants with bail of $500,000 for Tobey and $200,000 for Folland, police said.
Tobey and Folland, who police say have a history of substance abuse, are accused of stealing hundreds of feet of electrical cables that powered about a dozen of the nearly 70 displays that were being erected at Lighthouse Park. The next day, Officer David Murgo spoke to a witness who provided a description of a suspicious vehicle she saw near there. Detectives Scott Branfuhr and James Naccarato visited local scrap yards and ultimately identified the suspects.
Easter Seals Goodwill Industries puts on the annual display as a fundraiser and between 12,000 and 15,000 people visit it each year.
In the wake of the theft, volunteers gave their services and equipment to restore electricity to the darkened displays. The event is set to kick off Friday.

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Real issues up for discussion

NEW HAVEN — The Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP will act as host for a discussion on challenges faced by public defenders, and on Yale University’s investments in the city, during its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Luke’s Church, 111 Whalley Ave.
New Haven Public Defender Thomas Ullman will give an account of the many serious challenges facing his office and those around the country in defending the poor. Ullman also will address the local and state correctional system, cases of innocence, and the death penalty.
Bruce Alexander, Yale University’s vice president and director of New Haven and state affairs, will lead a discussion on the ongoing development and investment plans of the university in the city of New Haven. Alexander will provide insight into how neighborhoods, residents and businesses might benefit from Yale’s expansion projects.
The aim of the event is to provide information on subjects that have raised many questions from NAACP members and the general public, organizers said.
"Our goal during general meetings is to educate and inform our membership of activities that impact those living in greater New Haven. That is our charge," noted Branch President James E. Rawlings.
The Branch also will finish the election of officers to serve for 2008-10.

Interfaith Cooperative Ministries works to make Thanksgiving a special day for all

NEW HAVEN — The collective generosity of many congregations, organizations, and individuals who are donating food and volunteering time for the annual Thanksgiving Day Celebration Dinner sponsored by Interfaith Cooperative Ministries will make Thanksgiving a little more bountiful for some New Haven families in need, organizers said.
The Thanksgiving Celebration Dinner starts at noon Nov. 27 at the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen dining hall in New Haven’s Center Church on the Green Parish House basement. Interfaith Cooperative Ministries is also looking for donations of food and help preparing more than 400 hot turkey meals, which will be distributed to those in need in the community on Thanksgiving Day.
"The holidays tend to bring out the best in people," said Center Church pastor, the Rev. Sandra Olsen in a prepared statement. "This effort by Interfaith Cooperative Ministries and DESK, which serves hundreds of people in need, is truly a community event, with volunteers from all congregations and the public, who so graciously donate food and their time for others who need a hand."
DESK advises interested volunteers to sign up through their congregation, or contact ICM at 776-9526. Food donations (uncooked) can be dropped off at DESK, at 311 Temple St., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 24. Cooked food for the Thanksgiving dinner should be delivered to DESK on the morning of Nov. 25.
Center Church on the Green, a congregation of the United Church of Christ (UCC), has been located on the New Haven Green for the past 370 years and is a registered New Haven Connecticut Landmark. ThecChurch is actively involved in its community, offering space and assistance to the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen, as well as involved in Columbus House, Hill Health Center’s The Baby’s Closet, and Christian Community Action & AIDS Interfaith Network. For more information about the church or services, visit NewHavenCenterChurch.org or call (203) 787-0121.

Writers Live!

NEW HAVEN - Sandi Kahn Shelton will be the star as New Haven Public Library presents Writers Live! from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 10. Shleton will discuss her recent novel, Kissing Games of the World (Shaye Areheart Books, 2008). Shelton, of Guilford, is the author of the novels "What Comes After Crazy" and "A Piece of Normall," plus three nonfiction books on parenting.

A feature writer for the New Haven Register, she also id a frequent contributor to Working Mother, Family Circle, Woman's Day, and Redbook magazines.

Booklist says "Shelton delves into family relationships with humor and empathy." Shelton writes that "some people (say) these books are hilarious and side-splittingly funny (like) "chick lit"…while others see only the hard parts of the characters' struggles to find themselves amid the confusion and grief wrought by their earlier lives and losses."

From Kissing Games of the World: "If there's one point that Jamie McClintock and Nate Goddard can agree upon, it's that love is overrated. Jamie doesn't have time for it. Nate doesn't need it. And they certainly don't want it from each other."

Read more at http://www.sandishelton.com/. The public is invited to meet this talented local author at the Downtown Branch of the Library, 133 Elm St. There is no charge, free parking, and books will be available for sale and signing. Sandi's blog is at http://www.sandishelton.com/blog.

Registration is recommended at www.guidezilla.com/nhfpl or call the library at 946-8835.

Exchange Club forming in New Haven

Group works to prevent child abuse

NEW HAVEN — The Madison Exchange Club, part of a network of 27 Clubs in Connecticut, is sponsoring a new club in New Haven.
The National Exchange Club and National Exchange Club Foundation are organizations whose national project is child abuse prevention. Exchange is comprised of 800 clubs with more than 26,000 members in the United States, including in Puerto Rico.
The clubs support a network of 110 professionally staffed centers in 29 states, four Connecticut. The centers provide a nationally recognized Parent Aide Program, supervised court visitation, parent education, and informational programs on Child Abuse Prevention. The new club will meet twice a month in New Haven. For more information, call Emy at (203) 245-2967 or Pam at (203) 640-2629

Gateway breaks a record

Nineteen new scholarships will be funded

NEW HAVEN — The Gateway Community College Foundation raised a record $75,000 at its 11th Annual Hall of Fame event, which honored Carlton Highsmith, William Ginsberg and Allen Gales.
The recent event, held at Woodwinds in Branford was Gateway’s most successful scholarship-raising event to date, both in the amount raised and in the support shown by by representatives from business, education, and government, college officials said in a statement. Proceeds will fund 19 new scholarships.
Master of Ceremonies Keith Kountz introduced event co-chairmen Fred McKinney and Lindy Gold, who urged the crowd of almost 250 guests to join them in "taking the college and the Greater New Haven community to the next level" by supporting the college’s campus consolidation project.

Shown at right, l to r, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Lindy Gold, Carlton Highsmith, Paul McCraven, Gateway President Dorsey Kendrick, Mark Herzog, Fred McKinney.

Blumenthal, commended Gateway for its growth and cited each honoree as "remarkable citizens who make a difference in their community and in the state."
Chancellor of the Connecticut Community Colleges, Marc Herzog praised President Dorsey L. Kendrick for her dedication to the college and its students, saying Gateway had grown almost 90 percent under her leadership.
The event was a first for Mary Ellen Cody, Gateway’s new dean of Development and Community Partnerships, who credits event sponsors for raising the bar. "It’s a new day for the Gateway Community College Foundation," she said in the statement. "By supporting this event, our sponsors have partnered with us to emphasize the great importance of supporting the campus consolidation project and the students that it will serve."
The 11th Annual Hall of Fame event sponsors included NewAlliance Bank, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, AT&T, Specialized Packaging Group, Northland Investment Corporation, The United Illuminating Co., The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, The Anne E. Casey Foundation, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Hill Health Center, Pfizer New Haven CRU, and Southern Connecticut State University.

Yale investments

Group to meet on where, how Yale invests.

Tonight is the first public meeting. All are invited to attend the meeting, at 7 p.m. at Linsey-Chittenden Hall, 32 High St.


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"Zero tolerance policies force school administrators to seek suspensions or expulsions of students even when sanctions serve no legitimate or subst

A report released today by the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut takes aim at what authors describe as a “school-to-prison pipeline” formed by zero tolerance discipline policies and police presence in public schools.

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Chapel Street, the story of New Haven

Chapel West Special Services District adds video surveillance to curb crime.


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A queue for the "Q"

Timing jobs to get the best price on materials is difficult, state officials said.

The state Department of Transportation won’t ask for a second round of bids for a new Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge this month as scheduled, but will wait until spring, hoping for better economic times, DOT officials said.



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Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy open house

ORANGE — Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy invites prospective parents to an open house that will run 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 1-4 and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Dec. 2 and 4, at the school, 261 Derby Ave.
The school combines secular and Judaic studies for students in preschool through eighth grade. The open house will allow prospective parents to meet teachers and learn about SCHA graduates, with a strong Jewish identity, who continued on to top-notch universities and are community leaders.
To RSVP for a visit, call (203) 795-5261 or e-mail lpadua@schacademy.org.

The U.S. Election and U.S.-Taiwan-China Relations Special Lecture Event at Yale University

NEW HAVEN - Following the election of Barack Obama as the next U.S. president, the question of what the next four years may bring to the relationship between China and Taiwan and how the next U.S. president may influence triangular relations among the two nations and America, will be the subject of a discussion by cross-Strait expert Prof. Lin Chong-Pin and Prof. Pierre F. Landry of Yale University’s Department of Political Science at 4 p.m. Nov. 19 at Rosenfeld Hall, Yale University, 109 Grove St.



Those interested in East Asian studies and U.S.-Taiwan-China relations are likely to enjoy the academic exchange of views, organizers said. A reception will follow the lecture.



Lin, shown, will present his views in lecture form, and Landry will follow with a Q&A session. Lin is former deputy minister of Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense and the former vice chairman and spokesman for the Mainland Affairs Council. He now teaches at the Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies of Tamkang University in Taipei. The lecture event is jointly sponsored by the Council on East Asian Studies at Yale University and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York.

For more information, e-mail Leanne Kao at leanne@taipei.org.