Inuit Film Fest Kicks off Indigenous Peoples Weekend at Yale

NEW HAVEN - The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and the Whitney Humanities Center at Yale will celebrate the lifestyles and traditions of native people in a three-day event focusing on Inuit culture beginning Oct. 10.

Events on Oct. 10 and 12 take place at the Yale Peabody Museum and those on Oct. 11 are at the Whitney Humanities Center.

All film events at the Peabody and Whitney Center are free. Amission to Monday’s celebration at the Peabody is $5-7, no charge for children younger than 3.

The schedule is:

Oct. 10, at 5:30 p.m., Yale Peabody Museum auditorium, 170 Whitney Ave., Film Screening: Songs in Stone: An Arctic Journey Home, hosted by Canadian Filmmaker and director of Songs in Stone, John Houston. Reception to follow. Free and open to all.

In 1998, Houston, Yale ’75, a Canadian filmmaker, shown at r ght, directed and co-wrote his first film, Songs in Stone: An Arctic Journey Home, which won the Best Arts/Entertainment Award at the 2000 Yorkton Short Film & Video Festival. The one-hour documentary, the jacket from whic is shown below, shot mainly on Baffin Island in the wilds of the Canadian Arctic, pays tribute to the sculptors and printmakers of Cape Dorset, and to his parents, the late James and Alma Houston, whose historic collaboration launched Inuit art onto the world stage.

Born on Baffin Island and immersed in native tradition at an early age, Houston brings to his films a unique perspective on Inuit culture, on the gap that separates it from Western cultures, and on the need for creativity to bridge that divide. Songs in Stone launched an Arctic trilogy instrumental in promoting and preserving Inuit oral tradition. The films have garnered numerous awards plus nominations for Geminis and the International Emmy.

A question and answer session with Houston will follow the screening, after which a reception will be held in his honor. The screening and reception are free and open to all. Houston’s visit is co-sponsored by the Yale Peabody Museum, the Yale Department of Anthropology, the Woodward Fund, the Yale Silliman College Master’s Office, and the Yale Film Studies Program.

On Oct. 11, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Inuit Film Day will be held at Whitney Humanities Center, 53 Wall St. Two captivating films comprise this freefilm mini-festival: Nanook of the North, (1922, 79 min., b&w); and Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner), (2001, 172 min., color)
Commentary and discussion will follow.

On Oct. 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A Celebration of Native American Cultures
At Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Ave. Cost: Admission of $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children 3-18 and college students.
This year’s celebration will focus on Inuit peoples of the Canadian Arctic. The event will feature music and dance performances and a display of Inuit sculpture. There will also be crafts, games and storytelling for children.


Photos are C. Ball, CSC/Drumsong Communications, Inc. Photo of Inuk Hunter, top, is by N. Luck, Houston North Gallery

Source: Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

They killed Vlad for the pot, cops say

Vladimir Voinov, 21, shown, was killed during a drug deal, according to police.

Yet, “Vlad had so many friends from all different backgrounds; he touched so many lives and was loved by everyone who had a chance to know him even briefly,” his cousin said. “He had a bright future and to have his life ended by these people is just a shame. His family was expecting a very different future for him. It’s a horrible tragedy for the family.”

Two people have been charged in the killing; one still at large, considered "armed and dangerous."

Read Bill Kaempffer's full story here:

nhregister.com

Forum Wednesday on issues that are important to Connecticut’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community

NEW HAVEN — A free, statewide forum on issues that are important to Connecticut’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community this election season will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the New Haven Gay & Lesbian Community Center, 50 Fitch St.

The event, “Election 2008: What’s at stake for Connecticut’s GLBT Community? An Issues Forum,” will include discussion and featured speakers, Christopher Healy, shown lower, chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party, and Nancy DiNardo, shown above, chairwoman of the Connecticut Democrat Party.

Topics will include marriage and civil unions, employment, bias crimes, transgender issues, youth, HIV/AIDS and health care, among others, organizers said. The event is co-sponsored by NHGLCC, Love Makes a Family, Multicultural Leadership Institute, True Colors, Women and Families Center, United Church on the Green-UCC, Ct TransAdvocacy Coalition, Human Rights Campaign, AIDS Project New Haven, GLSEN Connecticut, PFLAG-New Haven and GLAD.Participants are asked to RSVP to nhglcc@gmail.com. For more information, call 387-2252 or e-mail http://www.nhglcc.org/.

Five is not the charm

The Housing Authority of New Haven has lost a fifth attempt to secure federal HOPE VI funding for a $170 million redevelopment of Rockview Circle

Read Elizabeth Benton's full story here:

nhregister.com

Knights sponsoring pro-life radio campaign

The Knights of Columbus is running 30-second “pro-life” radio spots across the United States until the presidential election, but pro-choice critics doubt the words will change many minds.

Read Abe Katz's full story here:

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Listen to the radio spot here:

Settlement will be paid by city insurance

A “sober house” foundation has won a $350,000 settlement in a claim the city failed to accommodate disabled residents in limiting the number of unrelated people living together at its two properties.

Read Elizabeth Benton's full story here:

nhregister.com

Not so sooty?

The ‘Sooty Six’ power plants are far from clean and green, but they are significantly less grimy than they used to be, according to federal data gathered by the Clean Water Action group.

Read Abe Katz's story here:

nhregister.com

It's all happening at the JCC

The Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge, has something for nearly everyone going on this fall.

For example, an activity based on the popular "Dangerous Book for Boys," is open to boys and girls, ages 7 to 10, with their parents.

Children can be signed up for any or all of the sessions, with a free book given to those who enroll in the entire series. Except for the final session on November 23, classes are held from 1:30 to 3:00 pm on Sundays.

Go-Kart Building is the topic on October 19, when wood and wheels result in a great go-kart. Israel Ortiz, JCC Plant Director, will help participants create fast and fun machines, but parents must bring basic tools for construction (list to be provided). The fee is $30.

On October 26, Classic Games are the feature. Take a break from video games and enter the Golden Age of Games, where no batteries or microchips are needed. Players will create such games as coin football, marbles, cards, along with pen and paper games. The fee is $20.
Juggling is the subject on November 2, when a professional juggler heads up a fun workshop, promising impressive results that will amaze friends and relatives. The fee is $20.

On November 16, Making Stuff shows how to create amazing things, such as the best paper airplane or a battery and pocket light out of household objects. The fee is $20.

The final session, November 23, is called Space (and Pizza Bagels) and meets at 5 pm at the Yale Observatory, 111 Hilldale Road, Bethany. Guided by the Astronomical Society of New Haven, participants will visit the observatory to gaze at the night sky through powerful telescopes, check out meteorites, and be treated to an amazing presentation inside the dome. A treat of pizza bagels concludes the program. Bring a flashlight and dress warmly, as part of the session takes place outdoors. The fee is $20.

Also:
A bus trip to the Mohegan Sun Casino is planned for Tuesday, Oct. 28, from the JCC. The coach bus leaves 360 Amity Road at 10 a.m. The cost of $27 includes the bus ride, $10 food voucher, and $20 casino bonus voucher. Reservations in advance are required and space is limited. Please call the JCC at (203) 387-2522, extension 221, for reservations and additional information.

Mah Jongg classes for beginners and intermediates are starting at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven on Thursday, October 23rd, 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. The 5-week course is taught by experienced instructor Hermine Swimmer. The JCC is located at 360 Amity Road in Woodbridge, and course fees are $20 for JCC members and $25 for non-members. Call the JCC at (203) 387-2522, ex. 221, for more information.

The next program in the Classical Music Series at the JCC features guitarist Judith Handler, along with Mark Levesque, who plays both guitar and mandolin. The concert is set for Oct. 19, at 2 p.m., in the Vine Auditorium at 360 Amity Road. The program is free and open to the community.
Judy Handler is a graduate of the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and the Hartt School of Music. She has given concerts and workshops at numerous venues throughout the United States and Europe. She teaches guitar at the University of Connecticut and at a private studio in Vernon, Ct. She is founder of the CT Classical Guitar Society.
Mark Levesque plays an array of guitars, as well as several types of mandolins. His versatility has given him the opportunity to play in groups ranging from duos to big bands. He started playing at age 13, has composed songs and instrumental music, worked with synthesizer orchestration, and learned the art of studio recording.
In 2003 Judy and Mark released an exhilarating live concert recording with bass and drums, called Two Guitars Live! Their 2001 release, Acoustic Blend, received international acclaim and was chosen by the Greater Hartford Arts Council as a premier gift for donors to their United Arts Campaign for 2003. They are also on five compilation CDs of New England guitarists, as well as an international virtual CD, Prelude.
For more information about the October 19 concert, call the JCC at (203) 387-2522, extension 206.

DCF staff impostor aided home invasion

Real DCF workers would always have proper state IDs, agency says.


Read Bill Kaempffer's story here:

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“They found a way to get around the system"

This pair took ticket fixing to new heights, city says.


Read Elizabeth Benton's story here:

nhregister.com

She works "tirelessly to support music and dance education for the youth of New Haven"

Luncheon to honor city educator and benefit a new scholarship

Dr. Regina M. Lilly-Warner of New Haven Public Schools, shown at right, will be honored at a luncheon at noon on Oct. 4 at Laurel View Country Club in Hamden

The event honoring Lilly-Warner, supervisor of Music, Library Media Services, and the Advanced Placement Program for the New Haven Public Schools, will benefit NHPS students through the new Dr. Regina M. Lilly-Warner Scholarship Fund at Neighborhood Music School.

Keith Kountz, anchor for WTNH News Channel 8 is master of ceremonies for the event and performers will include renowned NHPS musicians/teachers Harriet Alfred and Danielle Steele and Jonathan Berryman, NHPS and NMS faculty member William Fluker, and several NHPS students who are studying at NMS. The public is invited to attend, and tickets can be purchased by calling Neighborhood Music School at (203) 624-5189 ex. 24 or at http://www.nmsmusicschool.org/.

Dr. Patricia F. Brett, chairwoman of the luncheon, noted, "Dr. Warner has done so much to promote the value of music education within our community over the years. We are delighted to honor her request that this special event be dedicated to scholarships for New Haven Public School students at Neighborhood Music School."

The establishment of the Dr. Regina M. Lilly-Warner Scholarship Fund will make possible financial assistance for NHPS students who wish to participate in music lessons through Neighborhood Music School, but might not be able to do so otherwise.

Larry Zukof, executive director, noted, Warner "has worked tirelessly to support music and dance education for the youth of New Haven and we are all fortunate that she has aligned herself closely with NMS and other arts organizations to bring cultural resources to the NHPS community."

Lilly-Warner is a native of Fort Worth, Texas, and earned a bachelor of science degree in Music Education at Fisk University, where she graduated with honors and received a Fisk University Jubilee Singers Key. She earned a master of science degree in Guidance at the University of Bridgeport and was awarded a sixth-year diploma in Administration and Supervision from Southern Connecticut State University. In 1996, she received her doctor of education degree in Educational Administration from Columbia University’s Teachers College. She was principal of Cooperative Arts & Humanities Interdistrict Magnet High School from 1995 to 2000 when she assumed her current position. Lilly-Warner also has been the recipient of numerous awards for her work in the community and with youth in the Greater New Haven area, including the Connecticut Commission on the Arts Award, the Elm and Ivy Award, and the Patrick Daley Award of the Yale Child Study Center.

Neighborhood Music School, established in 1911, is one of the 10largest community resource centers for music and dance dedicated to providing the highest quality instruction to all, regardless of talent or ability to pay. Its 130 professional teachers provide private and ensemble instruction to 3,000 students in a year-round setting. NMS students come from all walks of life and range in age from 6 months to 80+ years. Music instruction includes classical and jazz repertoire, ethnic and folk instruments, over 100 coached ensembles, as well as numerous classes in theory, composition, and appreciation. In addition, NMS offers a broad range of dance classes, including modern, ballet, and hip-hop, along with an extensive early childhood arts program.

NMS awards over $220,000 in financial assistance and scholarships to some 350 students annually. This includes over 100 New Haven Public School students. NMS is particularly proud of its Instrumental Impact Outreach Program to several New Haven Public Schools that features a tuition-free private instruction program for band and string students specially selected by their music teacher and principal.

Photo courtesy of Harold Shapiro

Women's Studies Conference

NEW HAVEN -The 18th annual Women's Studies Conference will be held at Southern Connecticut State University on Oct. 17and 18.

The conference, "Girls' Culture & Girls' Studies: Surviving, Reviving, Celebrating Girlhood," is organized and sponsored by Southern's Women's Studies Program. It will offer panel discussions and plenary sessions; spoken word performances, a flamenco performance choreographed by young women and girls; film screenings, and a women and girls' fair.

A highlight of the conference will be a keynote address at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 by Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Henry Pickering Walcott Professor of the Practice of Public Health and Associate Dean for Diversity at Harvard University. Prothrow-Stith, shown above, is a nationally recognized public health leader. As a physician working in inner-city Boston, she broke new ground with her efforts to have youth violence defined as a public health problem; not just a criminal justice issue. With others, she created a social movement to prevent violence that has made an impact on Boston and the nation. In 1987, then-Gov. Michael S. Dukakis appointed her as the first woman Commissioner of Public Health for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In that role, she established the first Office of Violence Prevention in a state department of public health, expanded prevention programs for HIV/AIDS and increased drug treatment and rehabilitation programs.

Conference fees range from $20 to $120, with discounted rates for students and young girls. For more information or to register, visit http://www.southernct.edu/womensstudies/ or call (203) 392-6133.

On the farm, trail or forest, Common Ground gets kids outside

This fall, Common Ground school will open its doors to children and young people, ages 6-16, for a full slate of new after-school programs – all providing safe, active opportunities to get out into the natural world, educators said.

“Every child deserves a chance to explore the outdoors,” Rebecca Holcombe, Common Ground’s Director of Community Programs said in a release. “At a time when some families don’t feel safe letting their kids go out and play after school, New Haven young people are missing out on chances to be active, have fun, and learn. Common Ground is aiming to help fill that gap.”

Some fall programs begin as soon as next week, and all continue through November. With the start of programs around the corner, Common Ground welcomes children and young people into each of the following programs:

- Eco-Explorers experience the harvest season on the farm and the autumn forest.
Ages 6-10: Wednesdays, October 29, 29, November 5, 12, 19, 3:30-5:30.

- In Nature Arts Workshop, curious and creative children use the farm and forest at Common Ground as inspiration for seasonal artwork and writing.
Ages 8-10: Thursdays, October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 3:30-5:30.
Ages 11-14: Wednesdays, October 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, 3:30-5:30.

- Farmer’s Helper welcomes all kids who love animals and enjoy being outside on the farm and in the garden.
Ages 6-8: Mondays, September 29, October 6, 20, 27, November 3, 3:30-5:30.
Ages 9-12: Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 3:30-5:30.

- TrailTeam Service Club members will maintain trails and participate in community service projects in West Rock Park.
Ages 11-16: Mondays & Fridays, November 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 3:30-5:30.

- Students in West Rock Rangers meet new people, spend time with friends, and have outdoor adventures as they learn outdoor skills and natural history topics.
Ages 11-14: Monthly meetings take place September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4, January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, and June 4.

Enrollment in all fall programs is open now, and pre-registration is required. Families interested registering or in learning more can visit http://www.commongroundct.org/, or call Rebecca Holcombe at 203.389.4333 x1213. The Web site includes information on registration fees, specific program content, and other critical information, along with information on many other upcoming Common Ground programs.

Common Ground is:
· An environmental education center, offering programs that connect people of all ages with the natural world while helping them develop habits of sustainable living.
· Connecticut’s only charter high school focused on the environment, preparing students for both success in college and environmental leadership.
· An urban demonstration farm, modeling practices of sustainable agriculture and contributing to a healthy food system for New Haven residents.
· A 20-acre laboratory for environmental research, sustainable living, the study of natural and human history, and community-building.
As a whole, Common Ground is a center for environmental learning and leadership located in New Haven. It is a place where all members of the community – young and elementary-aged children, middle and high school students, the general public, and environmental practitioners – can find connections to the local environment, each other, and opportunities for learning and engagement.

Dust off that old tome

This time you can bring your book to the library

NEW HAVEN - A book appraiser will visit the New Haven Public Library at 133 Elm St. from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 1 to help answer the question: Is your book rare...or just old?

This is a question that leads to many more questions, as book appraiser Adam Langlands will point out in a program, program organizers said. Langlands will share his wide experience of the book world, the valuation of books of all kinds, and how to research book values on the Internet. Participants are invited to bring one or two of their own treasures for possible discussion and evaluation during the program. No individual appraisals will be offered.

Langlands has worked at Christie's and other international book dealers for more than 25 years. He is currently working on a 2-volume reference work on Beatrix Potter. His specialties are natural history, travel and children's books. Langland's discussion will concentrate on collectible and antiquarian books:how to interpret what you have and how to value it. There is no charge for the program and free parking is available.

Register at www.guidezilla.com/nhfpl or call the library at 946-8835.

Yale-New Haven gets new hazardous materials coordinator

NEW HAVEN - Yale-New Haven Hospital has hired a hazardous materials coordinator so that it can meet stringent state and federal requirements for the proper handling and disposal of regulated hazardous materials and waste.
Alan Tuchmann, who owned and operated environmental service companies for more than 25 years, had been a consultant before being hired to the newly created position at the hospital, a hospital spokesman said. Tuchmann is responsible for managing the hazardous materials and waste, medical waste, and proper disposal, and for developing a recycling program for the hospital. Tuchmann also is responsible for educating employees about proper handling of materials and waste, including pharmaceuticals, the spokesman said.
A New Haven native who now lives in Cromwell, Tuchmann earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Southern Connecticut State University.

Home Movie Day

Not just for family

NEW HAVEN - New Haven Home Movie Day will be an open screening from 2 to 6 p.m. October 18, at the People’s Center 37 Howe St. and members of the community are asked to bring in home movies.

The films will be inspected by trained film lab technicians and archivists, and then projected in front of an audience, organizers said. Home movies do not need to be your own family’s but can include found films, organizers said. Formats accepted are: 8mm, Super 8, and 16mm. There will be information available on how to properly care for movies, transfer options and local vendors, and fun prizes.
Organizers ask that anyone with a movie to show arrive at at noon to drop the film off for inspection and projection preparation. Also, especially appreciated would be dropping the film off before the event day , which can be arranged by contacting Molly Wheeler at newhavenhomemovieday@gmail.com or (203) 430-4157

The event is free and open to the public.

Even black holes have a breaking point?

Although black holes seem capable of swallowing an endless supply of gas, dust and stars, research led by a Yale astrophysicist suggests that the gravitational monsters get full.

Read the full story here:

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Photo as seen at http://science.nasa.gov/

Night of violence follows a night of violence

A fatal shootout in the middle of a downtown street early Sunday that appears to have stemmed from a dispute in a nightclub, left a man dead and another wounded, police said, making it a second consecutive night of violence in the city’s popular entertainment district.

Read the full story here:

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

NEW HAVEN - Arte Inc. and Registro have collaborated on a photography exhibit entitled "Progreso Latino" that celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and opens with a free reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday in the atrium at City Hall, 165 Church St. Refreshments will be provided.

The exhibit, which runs through Oct. 18, includes photographs of Latinos from all walks of life, who have made or will make positive contributions to their community and the state. Ideally, this photo exhibit will also be displayed in several cities around the state during the coming year.

The exhibit also highlights contributions of a growing Latino population in Connecticut. Along with the photography by Amanda May of Registro, the show also includes text provided by the participants about what they feel their greatest accomplishment has been. All text is in English for this exhibition.

Each person that was chosen, of the some 140 participants, has a different story to tell and brings a different contribution to society, be it large or small, public or private.

From butchers in Fair Haven to the Mayor of Hartford, their personal success stories come from many different countries and backgrounds and will truly inspire those who visit the exhibit. Through their hard work and personal successes, they help make up the thriving Latino population here in the state. Individually, these are personal accounts. Together, they tell the story of the progress of a people.

For more information about this, and the many other, mostly free, Hispanic Heritage Month events put on by Arte Inc., visit www.arte-inc.com and click on "Events." Arte Inc. is a local non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Latino art and culture.

These photos, by Amanda May, which will be on display at New Haven City Hall, show Ángel Díaz, butcher, La Supermarqueta; Sandra Treviño, executive director, Junta for Progressive Action; and Ruben Felipe, deputy chief of staff, Bridgeport mayor's office.

"The opening of the consulate is really a sign of strength"

Ecuadorian consulate to open on Church St. after years of lobbying.

I think it is a good thing when people from other parts of the world come to New Haven. ... The opening of the consulate is really a sign of strength ... of optimism and many good things to come,” said Mayor John DeStefano Jr.

Read the full story here:

nhregister.com

School construction costs skyrocket

City plans to return to state for more $$$.


Read the full story here:

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It's “Your Responsibility”

A group of seven city teens wrote, acted in, directed and filmed five public service announcements on the subjects of teen pregnancy and STDs and hope the managers of those media mediums will give them a chance to show their work in Greater New Haven and other parts of the state.

Read the full story here:

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Cheers for the new St. Ray's cancer center

Shown in the photo are, l to r, Marjorie Clark, Hamden PTA Council president; Nancy Torello, Hamden Lights for Life tri-chair; Hamden Mayor Craig Henrici; Henry Candido, Hamden Lights for Life tri-chair and fire commissioner; Superintendent of Schools Fran Rabinowitz; and Chris Wilson, Hamden Lights for Life tri-chair and the Hamden High School Cheerleaders coach.

NEW HAVEN - Hamden Lights for Life, a public event to support construction of Saint Raphael’s new Father Michael J. McGivney Cancer Center – Hamden Campus, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28, at Meadowbrook Park. The rain date is Oct. 5.
United Illuminating is the sponsor and the Hamden High School Cheerleaders are organizers. The event will begin by lighting the luminaria, which are for sale for $5 each, at 6:30 p.m., followed by music and a speaking program. Luminaria are created by placing a candle inside a paper bag, which can be personalized with a message by the donor.

Often, the luminaria are used to pay tribute to a loved one who has died of cancer, or celebrate a cancer survivor, organizers said.
“As the superintendent of Hamden Public Schools, I am pleased to be part of a dynamic and diverse community,” said Fran Rabinowitz. “I am strongly committed to challenging each student to reach his or her potential and to become productive, responsible and ethical citizens. I am proud of the community involvement our students and PTAs are demonstrating through the Hamden Lights for Life to benefit the Father Michael J. McGivney Cancer Center - Hamden Campus.”
Luminaria can be reserved by contacting the Saint Raphael Foundation at (203) 789-3242, visiting www.srhs.org/foundation, or dropping off contributions to Hamden Lights for Life, c/o TD Banknorth at 2995 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Luminara also can be purchased at Joiya Day Spa, Weed’s Café, the Tymes Restaurant, Laurelview Country Club Golf Pro Shop, Clarion Hotel, AT&T Crossroads, Harborside Healthcare – Arden House, and the following schools: Ridge Hill, Spring Glen, Church Street, Shepherd Glen, Dunbar Hill, Helen Street, West Woods, Bear Path, Hamden Middle and Hamden High.

"He got along with everybody”

2 Elm City shooting victims die


“He wasn’t a violent person. He wasn’t a gangbanger,” said Margaret Conner, the mother of one victim, speaking outside their Poplar Street house Tuesday. “He was quiet, friendly, had a good heart.


Read Bill Kaempffer's full story here:

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35 to get the ax, city won''t tell yet who it will be

City to layoff 35; won't fill positions, to balance budget.


Read Elizabeth Benton's full story here:

nhregister.com

It's all in the nose

They can run and they can hide, but a pair of pooches and their superior olfactory ability will give bedbugs at Bella Vista a run for their money.


Read Mary O'Leary's full story here:

nhregister.com

Party for the Parade

Pub crawl brought in the bucks

NEW HAVEN - The Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee recently received a check from the management of several New Haven restaurants that participated in the “Save the Parade” Pub Crawl. Through efforts by Damian Cashman, manager of the New Haven Playwright and Colin O’Toole, manager of Christy’s on Orange, and other New Haven restaurant owners/managers, the pub crawl raised a $11,825.00 donation for the 2009 parade to help offset the cost of police overtime.

Pictured left to right in the first row is 2009 Grand Marshal Brian Enright accepting the check from O’Toole and Cashman and flanked by Jim McGovern, Parade Chairman. In the second row, l to r, are Chef Scott Cintron, from The Anchor; Christy Mulhall, Owner Christy’s On Orange. Third row, l to r, are Dieter VunRabenStein, Owner GM Richters Café; Ari Gorfain, Keys to the City @ Café Bottega; Jason Walker, GM Anna Liffey’s Irish Pub. Fourth row, l to r, Bill Scalzi, from Metro Taxi; Kevin A. Smith, Parade Chief of Staff; Mike Farber, from Prime 16. Fifth Row, L to R: Frank Patrick, from BAR; and Mike Porcello, from Black Bear.

Friends and fans

A language of their own

WOODBRIDGE - A daytime Book Discussion on "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" will be held at noon Oct. 7 at the Woodbridge Town Library. Reference Librarian Fran Sauer will lead the discussion on the book by Lisa See.

The absorbing novel takes place in 19th century China when girls had their feet bound, then spent the rest of their lives in seclusion with only a single window from which to see, organizers said. Illiterate and isolated, they were not expected to think, be creative, or have emotions. But in one remote county, women developed their own secret code, nu shu - "women's writing" - the only gender-based written language to have been found in the world, organizers said. They painted letters on fans, embroidered messages on handkerchiefs, and composed stories, thereby reaching out of their windows to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments.

With detail and emotional resonance, the novel delves into one of the most mysterious and treasured relationships of all time: female friendship, organizers said.
The program is free, and all are welcome to join. Bring lunch and the library will provide drinks and dessert. Registration is requested. Copies of the book will be provided to registered participants. To register, or for more information, visit the Circulation Desk, call 389-3466, or email pvalsecchi@ci.woodbridge.ct.us.

Get ready for a clean-up

It's a messy world and someone has to clean it up. Why not let it be you...and you...and you...and you

NEW HAVEN — Alderwoman Jacqueline James, D-3 invites all area residents to attend the Community Clean-Up and Festival, from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Participants are asked to meet on the Sylvan Avenue side of Career High School at 140 Legion Ave.
Each street will be provided with a street captain during the clean-up and James has asked that area residents join her and other community volunteers in the effort.
After the clean-up, a Community Festival will be held at the Career High School Field, from 1 to 6 p.m. The festival should be a good time for all, with free food, fun and games, as well as free back packs and school supplies for children, James said.
To donate, volunteer for the event, or for further information, call James at 676-9478.

"She had this way about calming people down..."

A city police officer injured while responding to a report of a man beating a woman in the street last week remained in critical condition Tuesday, a day after the two people involved in the domestic dispute made their first appearances in court.

Friends and family have been holding vigil for her.

Early Tuesday, the family of Diane Gonzalez, shown above, issued this statement:

"Our family wishes to express our thanks and appreciation to everyone in the community for their prayers and best wishes for New Haven Police officer Diane Gonzalez. We are grateful for the care she is receiving and the support from everyone as we all work together toward her recovery. At this time, we have asked that only her condition be released, and we know you understand and will respect our need for privacy at this time."

Read Bill Kaempffer's full story here:

nhregister.com

A city mourns

For readers who might not have caught recent coverage of the tragic loss of one of New Haven's finest and severe injury to another, Elm City Express has grouped links to the New Haven Register's stories here.



For coverage of his funeral:

nhregister.com


For coverage of the wake:

nhregister.com


For coverage of two people arrested in incident that led to fatal cruiser crash:

nhregister.com


The day after the crash:

nhregister.com

Information not so free

City officials continue to maintain they are unable to provide a crime scene videotape despite a ruling by the state Freedom of Information Commission that it should be turned over to the New Haven Register

Read Randall Beach's full story here:

nhregister.com

To blog or not to blog

Police Department wants to go interactive on the Web.


Read Bill Kaempffer's full story here:

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Doodle no longer dandy?

Former customers of the Yankee Doodle Coffee Shop, who mourned its abrupt closing last January, say they now have another reason to be upset: They haven’t received the Doodle merchandise for which they paid.


Read Randall Beach's full story here:

nhregister.com

New Haven resident and photographer works to help people in Iraq

Reception and photo showing coming up

NEW HAVEN - Photojournalist Daniel W. Smith, who recently spent four months in Iraq and will return soon to Baghdad, will have a "Life in War: Iraq & Afghanistan 2002-2008" reception and show and sale of his photographs from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 20 at United Church on the Green 270 Temple St.

The suggested donation is $5-$35 and all of the proceeds will benefit aid organizations in Iraq, including small medical clinics, Smith said. When Smith returns to Iraq, he will again bring medical supplies donated by New Haven’s REMEDY, a non-profit that funnels such supplies to those in who need, he said.

The event will include food, wine, live music and a Q&A with Smith 7:30 p.m.

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

For info, call (203)901-7558
or visit danielwsmith.com

City reeling as a New Haven police sergeant killed in crash and second officer injured

Sgt. Dario "Scott" Aponte, 43, died in the crash and Patrol Officer Diane Gonzalez, 47, was critically injured





Read the full story here:

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And an earlier story here:


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Ferry Street bridge to reopen after 6 years

Party Saturday to celebrate renewed Fair Haven-Fair Haven Heights link

By Ed Stannard
Register Metro Editor

NEW HAVEN — The Ferry Street bridge is no longer a bridge to nowhere.

For Fair Haven and Fair Haven Heights, linked by the bridge across the Quinnipiac River, Saturday’s reopening after almost six years will spell the end of inconvenience, slow business and traffic problems.

The drawbridge, which was declared unsafe and closed in November 2002, will reopen at 1 p.m. with a city-sponsored party and ribbon-cutting.

Read the complete story at nhregister.com.

Register photo by Peter Casolino

Don't forget to go green

SCSU is the place to be for the greening of New Haven Sunday

NEW HAVEN — The third annual CT Green Expo will take place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 14 at Southern Connecticut State University.
The 2008 expo will engage families with a series of experiential programs for children based on different areas of sustainability, including clean energy, green transportation, locally grown food, clean air and water, and waste reduction.
The event will not only provide practical solutions that will help to save resources and money, but will also promote long-term community and planetary health and well being.
The expo will feature a mini-film festival offering six short films on subjects ranging from small farms in Connecticut to the impacts of consumer behavior upon our ecosystem. In addition, local experts will offer presentations on various issues including farmers markets to building sustainable communities.
Workshops will be conducted on greening your home, composting, raised bed demonstrations, seed saving, yoga for green commuters, basic bicycle repair and bike safety talks. Exhibitors and vendors include an array of nonprofit groups, state and local agencies, and businesses promoting a mutual mission of local sustainable living.
Visitors are encouraged to bring old cds, books and sneakers to be recycled. Attendees can take a ride on Metro Taxi’s hybrid taxi to the City Seed Farmers market in Westville to learn about farmers markets and then on to the Common Ground farm for a tour.
A highlight of the event is the labyrinth made of finished compost and created by Sherrill Baldwin.
Music is a big part of the day, beginning with local musician Scott Kessell showing children how to make instruments with recycled bottles and cans and be part of musical parade, followed by Sally Rogers, who tells stories and involves families with her music.
Pierce Campbell leads the Hoot, where all are invited to bring their voice or instrument to be part of this annual singalong.
Green Kids offers families a chance to attend hands-on workshops led by the Eli Whitney Museum, the Two Coyote Wilderness School and the Regional Water Authority. Sweet Pea the fairy invites kids to take care of the planet through a variety of earth friendly projects.
Parking is available at the Lyman Center lot on 501 Crescent St. For more information, visit www.Ctfolk.com.

Voter registration

NEW HAVEN — The Community Soup Kitchen will team up with the National Council of Jewish Women to conduct voter registration at the soup kitchen on Sept. 11.
Marylyn Rittner and Bernice Gillman, co-chairwomen of the local chapter of National Council of Jewish Women, will lead the effort.
David O’Sullivan, coordinator of the soup kitchen at 84 Broadway, said voter registration may be the best way to commemorate the lives of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C.
"Encouraging every American’s participation in our elections will show the world that our democracy is strong and that everyone’s vote is important," O’Sullivan said.
In 2007, the soup kitchen provided 59,335 breakfast and lunch meals to the homeless. sick and working poor in the city. It offers lunch four days a week at the Broadway site and provides food for breakfast at four ancillary sites and lunch at St. Luke’s lunch program for women and children.

Called "out" but still No. 1

Jericho Scott's team will receive trophies after all.

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Get out of jail free, but only for a weekend

An inmate - accidentally freed from custody in Superior Court after a courthouse miscommunication - turned himself in.


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Say ahhhhhhh

New dental exam rooms ready at Hill Health Center

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West Rock housing makeover on agenda

The first set of approvals to advance a re-imagining of the now isolated, shuttered West Rock housing projects will come before zoning officials tonight.

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City faces charter issues over budget gap

More than two months into the new fiscal year, City Hall has yet to secure already budgeted labor concessions, hindered by disinterested unions and restricted by a state minimum budget requirement dictating how much the city must provide for its schools.

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nhregister.com

Baseball mania

Those Damn Yankees, their dynasty and more, all at the library

NEW HAVEN -The New Haven Public Library will launch its 2008 Baseball Series at 6 p.m. Oct. 22, as author Frank Strauss shares highlights from his recent book Dawn of a Dynasty: The Incredible and Improbable Story of the 1947 New York Yankees.

The book documents one of the most memorable seasons in the history of Yankee baseball, library officials said. Veteran players Joe DiMaggio, Phil Rizzuto, Tommy Henrich, and Charlie Keller were joined by rookies Yogi Berra, Bobby Brown and Frank Shea to win 19 straight games, claim the pennant, and winning the World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

The program is suitable for all ages: those who remember, and those who love to hear the stories. It will be held at the Downtown Library, 133 Elm St.

Follow up with a baseball movie at 6 p.m. Oct. 29, when Damn Yankees, directed by George Abbott and Stanley Donen, a classic Hollywood musical, will be shown. The film stars Tab Hunter, Gwen Verdon, and Ray Walston as the devil. All ages. Also at Downtown Library, 133 Elm St. Or, catch Fever Pitch, a 2005 Farrelly Brothers remake of an earlier film based on Nick Hornby's book of the same name, starring Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore. Filming took place on location at Fenway Park during the 2004 regular season, and the Boston Red Sox World Series victory necessitated a re-write of the script. At Mitchell Branch Library, 83 Harrison St. There is no charge for this series, and free parking is available at each location. Call Carol Brown 946-8835 for more information.

Catholic school enrollment on the decline

But some, like St. Gabriel in Milford, continue to thrive

By Ed Stannard
Register Metro Editor

This is one way Roman Catholic schools have adapted to life in the 21st century: Since the eighth-grade boys at St. Gabriel School in Milford can wear any tie they want with their navy-and-khaki uniforms, the girls petitioned for some individual expression, too.

Now, the eighth-grade girls at St. Gabe's can be seen wearing brightly colored, even garish, knee socks.

It's a small thing, but it's a symbol of vitality for Catholic schools, many of which are suffering from declining enrollments or even closing.

To read the full story, go to nhregister.com.

Photos by Peter Hvizdak/New Haven Register
TOP: Cathy Collins leads the eighth-grade language arts class at St. Gabriel Roman Catholic School in Milford.
RIGHT: Tim Peterson, T.J. Russell and Kelsey Magee compete in a spelling bee at St. Gabriel.

ShotSpotter

The high-tech system that uses acoustic triangulation to pinpoint gunshots for police is a step closer to being installed here.

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To the Supreme Court? Maybe

A mega-law firm with extensive experience before the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to represent the city for free in a reverse discrimination lawsuit by 20 city firefighters.

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It really is a tiny house

But this Yale grad student has big ideas.

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UNH scores housing

Remodeling of the troubled Savin Court property in West Haven for lease to the University of New Haven guarantees a tenant for the developer, helps fill the housing gap for the school and keeps the property on the tax rolls.


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Minne-Paul Moments. Day 3

Patricia J. Fers, 2nd vice chairwoman of the 3rd Congressional District of the Connecticut Republican Party, is a delegate to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul and sending her views from there.


Read the full posting here:

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"A great violinist and musician, as well as a wonderful person"

New Haven Symphony Orchestra has new concertmistress, acclaimed violinist Ani Kavafian.

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Timing was everything

On the eve of a deadline that could have triggered significant financial repercussions citywide, the Office of Management and Budget released a list of contractual employees and entities whose combined work with the city and schools is budgeted to cost about $100 million this year.

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State approves plan for city schools

In a district improvement plan triggered by the federal No Child Left Behind Act and now approved by the state, New Haven says it will raise test scores 20 percent by 2011, close the achievement gap to no more than 10 points, reduce out-of-school suspensions by 50 percent and lower the drop-out rate to 10 percent.

Read more at:

nhregister.com

Associate Dean of Yale College to lead Woodbridge Library talks

Registration is available for the Fall Book Discussion Series at the Woodbridge Town Library, 10 Newton Road. The four-part series, dubbed “Studies in Scarlet: Readings in Crime and Punishment,” will be led by Mark Schenker, Associate Dean of Yale College, shown at right.

The series will feature a survey of four works of literature that focus on the topic of crime and punishment. While no session will be devoted to Dostoyevsky’s masterpiece of 1866, the novel Crime and Punishment will inform the consideration of a range of issues, including secrecy and community, guilt and innocence, justice and mercy, and revenge and reconciliation. The schedule is:

Sept. 25 – Oedipus Rex by Sophocles
Oct. 23 – A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Nov. 20 – The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
Dec. 18 – The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad

Sessions begin at 7 pm. The program is free, and all are welcome to join. Registration is required. Copies of all works will be provided to registered participants. To register, or for more information, call 389-3466 or email pvalsecchi@ci.woodbridge.ct.us The library is off Center Road, with driveways and parking on Newton Road and on Meetinghouse Lane.

Where's the teeth?

Aldermen ban sale of spray paint to minors. Concern is that the new ordinance contains no penalties for people who break it


Read Bill Kaempffer's story here:

nhregister.com

Minne-Paul Moments: GOP conventioneers beset by protesters

Not a pleasant scene, at right, former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons is attended to by an emergency worker.

Read Patricia Fers' full St. Paul posting here:

nhregister.com

Go with the flow

Tai Chi at the library

NEW HAVEN - The public has been invited to explore "the ancient practice of tai chi" in a special 5-class series on the terrace overlooking Elm Street at the downtown branch of the New Haven Public Library. Instruction is designed for adults at a beginners level.

Participants will learn a 10 form set of Yang style tai chi derived from the Yang style 24 form, organizers said. The 24 form is the most widely practiced form in the world, typically what persons in China and Japan practice in parks and sidewalks in front of their apartments each day, organizers said. Participants can expect to have the sequence of movements memorized well enough by the end of the series that they can practice this short set on their own.

Instruction will be provided by Kathleen Brenner, shown on the terrace of the New Haven Public Library, who recently offered a demonstration at the library.
Brenner has studied tai chi for 19 years and has won several gold, silver and bronze medals in international tai chi competitions. She has taught tai chi and Chi Kung to several hundred people of all ages over the last nine years.

The classes will be held from 5:30 toi 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 11 through Oct. 9. A $5 donation is requested for each class. Free parking is available. Registration is required by Sept. 8, either online at www.guidezilla.com/nhfpl or call 946-8835.

Cooking and cancer

WOODBRIDGE — The Woodbridge Town Library is presenting a series of free nutrition and cooking classes for cancer prevention and survival.
Food for Life Nutrition & Cooking Classes are designed by physicians, nutrition experts and registered dietitians at The Cancer Project, a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C.
The schedule of classes:

• Sept. 10, 7 p.m., Fueling Up on Low-Fat Foods.
• Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Favoring Fiber.
• Oct. 8, 7 p.m., Discovering Dairy Alternatives
• Oct. 22, 7 p.m., Replacing Meat

Space is limited. Registration is required.Call 389-3466 or e-mail pvalsecchi@ci.woodbridge.ct.us.

Minne-Paul Moments. Day 1

Word from the Repubublican National Convention.


Read Pat Fers' full St. Paul diary here:

nhregister.com

Have faith

New Life Spiritual Enlightenment, a faith-based social service agency that helps men and women in crisis, has added an energy assistance component to it’s list of services.

Read the full story here:

nhregister.com

Beach on Kennedy

I know Ted Kennedy is controversial and some Americans start to twitch at mere mention of his name. But no matter what your politics, I think you have to admire his dedication and courage as he undergoes treatment for brain cancer.


Read Randall Beach's full column here:

nhregister.com

Revamped memorial to fallen officers

In the lobby of police headquarters, the Police Department has spent $15,000 reinventing the wall of honor recognizing city officers killed in the line of duty.

Read Bill Kaempffer's story here:

nhregister.com

Emergency Q bridge repairs to begin

By Ed Stannard
Register Metro Editor

NEW HAVEN — Emergency repairs to the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge will begin this week and carry a $950,000 price tag.

A no-bid contract, which will be 80 percent paid for with federal money, was recently given to Cianbro Corp. of Pittsfield, Maine, according to Department of Transportation spokesman Kevin Nursick.

Read the full story at nhregister.com.

Palin fires up Republican delegates

By Ed Stannard
Register Metro Editor

Published Saturday, August 30, 2008 5:30 AM EDT

Republican delegates heading to St. Paul, Minn., for the Grand Old Party’s convention are practically giddy that Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska will be their vice-presidential nominee.

What was going to be a celebration of John McCain’s nomination for president now will be even more energized and emotional, they say.

For the full story go to nhregister.com.