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Pajama Jam in Orange

ORANGE - Al de Cant, well known local singer and songwriter will be featured in Pajama Jam, a family concert and fundraiser sponsored by the Orange Arts and Culture Council at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 12 in the High Plains Community Center cafeteria/lounge.

De Cant is known for the way he engages the audience with singing, dancing, clapping, marching, playing percussive instruments and signing about caring, friendship, family, the environment and silly things in life, organizers said. His high-energy tunes reflect many genres, including folk, rock and roll, and Afro-Reggae rhythms, organizers said.

Everyone is invited to come in pajamas, nightgowns, robes, slippers –whatever is comfortable. Bring a pillow, a teddy bear, a blanket. Refreshments will be served after the concert. OACC members will do face painting throughout the evening.


Tickets are $5.00 ($20.00 for families of five and over). For ticket information call 397-8915.
The event is a fundraiser for the OACC’s proposed black box theatre, a flexible performing/exhibition space to be housed in the Clark Building in the old library stacks area. A feasibility study on the space has been done, the Board of Selectmen has approved the concept and the OACC is actively involved in fundraising for the renovation of the space. Attending this concert is a way to support the arts in Orange, to add a bit to the Building Fund, and to have a good time, organizers said.

The beetles invasion nobody wants

NEW HAVEN — With the summer season just around the corner from Memorial Day Weekend, the state Department of Environmental and Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station ask campers, vacationers and state residents citizens not to transport firewood from its original site as doing so could spread the Asian Longhorned Beetle and other wood pests.
The Asian Longhorned Beetle is a serious pest that can kill hardwood trees that are common in Connecticut, the DEP said in a statement. Although the beetle has not been found in the state yet, federal agricultural officials confirmed it is in nearby Worcester, Mass. About 64 square miles in Worcester and surrounding towns are regulated due to the beetle infestation, the statement said and infested trees are being removed and destroyed. The beetle also has been found in New York City and New Jersey.
The DEP and CAES recommend purchase of firewood near camp or seasonal home destinations, instead of bringing it from home. All wood purchased at camps and seasonal homes should be used and not brought home.
Any tree infested with the beetle will die because the larvae tunnel in the wood and prevent the tree from receiving nutrition, the statement said. Infested trees need to be removed as early as possible, and the earlier an infestation is found and reported, the quicker federal, state and local officials can work to remove the pest, the statement said. Suspected infestations can be reported to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station at Caes.StateEntomologist@ct.gov or the Office of the State Entomologist at (203)-974-8474. Reports also can be called in to the Asian Longhorned beetle New England hotline number (866) 702-9938.

Have your baby with online help

NEW HAVEN - Yale-New Haven Hospital is offering a new online childbirth education class for parents who are not able to attend conventional childbirth classes due to bed rest, scheduling conflicts or time constraints.

The online class is an interactive, web-based program that includes animated illustrations and videos, the hospital said in a statement. It can be viewed on a PC or Mac. High speed internet is advised, but dial-up will work although it will take longer to download. The program also includes one scheduled face-to-face class with an educator.

For more information about fees, call "WELL/ A Mother's Place" at 9203) 688-9355.

Pertaining to percussion

WOODBRIDGE - Jacob Zonderman, a senior at Amity High School and a percussion student at Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, will present a recital of music of many genres featuring percussion at 7:30 p.m. June 11 at Amity, 25 Newton Road.

Proceeds from the recital will benefit the Amity High School Music Department and the Neighborhood Music School scholarship fund.

Jacob will be joined by his teachers and friends from Amity and NMS, including Philip Dolan, Nick Forte, Gretchen Hary, Jesse Hameen II, the NMS Premier Jazz Ensemble, and the Amity High School Wind and Jazz Ensembles and Drum Line.

Suggested donation is $5. For more information, call 203-799-7961.

In photo: Jacob Zonderman in the percussion room at Neighborhood Music School

Tomlinson Bridge closed for maintenance

NEW HAVEN — The Tomlinson Bridge will be closed for part of the day today through Thursday.

The bridge, which carries Forbes Avenue (Route 1) over the mouth of the Quinnipiac River, will undergo routine inspection from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the state Department of Transportation. Forbes Avenue will be closed between East and Stiles streets during those times.

A detour will be put in place during the inspection. The schedule could be modified or extended depending on weather or other unforeseen reason, the DOT said.

Trike fair!

A chance to take specially adapted therapeutic tricycles for a spin

NEW HAVEN — Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital’s and the Department of Rehabilitation Services will hold a trike fair from 5-7:30 p.m. May 21 in the parking lot of One Long Wharf Drive, the site of the Pediatric Rehabilitation Services outpatient facility.
Families of children and youth with special-needs may try out specially adapted therapeutic tricycles. If therapists determine that your child could benefit from a therapeutic tricycle, he or she may be placed on a wish list to receive a free AmTryke tricycle.
Driven by hand and/or feet, therapeutic tricycles can improve strength, coordination and self-esteem for children and youth with disabilities, or with movement difficulties that prevent them from riding a typically-built tricycle or bicycle with their peers.
AmTryke therapeutic tricycles are provided by AMBUCSTM Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.
To contribute to the purchase of a therapeutic tricycle for a special-needs child, go to www.ynhh.org and click on "donate to YNHH" at the top of the page or visit www.AMBUCS.com.
Questions about the fair may be directed to Christina Rao, pediatric physical therapist at 688-7112 or christina.rao@ynhh.org.

Dancing in New Haven!

In photo: Rabbi Daniel Greer lead a spirited dancing at the community Lag B'Omer bonfire at Yeshiva of New Haven.

Lag B’omer commemorates the lives of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and Rabbi Akiva, who both set examples of proud perseverance and dedication to the Torah and its teachings during the Roman occupation of Israel. It is a day of unity when family and friends join in harmony with acquaintances as well as strangers in accordance with the teachings of Rabbi Akiva that all people should respect each other as themselves. It is also a joyous holiday following the instructions of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a sage, mystical thinker, and author of the Zohar; having fulfilled his mission in this world, he asked that the anniversary be celebrated as a happy day.

Five more swine flu cases

One confirmed case in New Haven

HARTFORD - Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced in a statement Tuesday that the state Department of Public Health has confirmed five new cases of novel H1N1 flu (swine flu) in Connecticut residents.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed one case and the other four were confirmed by the state Public Health Laboratory.
None of the cases found to date in Connecticut required hospitalization and all of the residents recovering or have since recovered, the statement said.
Cases have been confirmed in: Danbury (1), Darien (2), Derby (1), Fairfield (10), Glastonbury (1), Greenwich (2), Hartford (1), Manchester (1), Middlefield (1), New Haven (1), North Granby (1), Old Saybrook (1), Pawcatuck (1), Ridgefield (4), Stamford (1), Stratford (1), Waterbury (1), Wethersfield (1), and Wilton (1).
“We continue to expect new cases, and now our own state laboratory is able to do the testing so we do not have to wait for responses from the federal Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta,” Rell said in the statement. “Happily, the cases we have seen continue to be relatively mild and people are recovering without needing to spend time in a hospital.”
Overall, there have been 33 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Connecticut. Among those cases, ages of the residents range from 4 to 56; 17 are female and 16 are male, the statement said.
Cases were found in: Fairfield, 22; Hartford, 5; New Haven, 3; New London, 2; and Middlesex, 1, counties.
The Department of Public Health continues to monitor for additional cases, the statement said.
For more information on swine flu visit:
Connecticut Flu Watch: www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/swineflu
Connecticut Department of Public Health: www.ct.gov/dph
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Call 211

Gay Pride Month talk slated

A panel discussion in recognition of gay pride month will be held at 7:15 p.m. June 10 at Tower One/Tower East in the Tower East Meeting Room at 18 Tower Lane.
Participants on the panel are Anne Stanback of Love Makes A Family, attorney Jane Griffith, one of the founders of the New Haven Gay Center, Peter Goodman, Chris Coleman and Kevin Fuerst.
The topic of discussion will focus on the stresses of relationships with families and friends.

Still an icon at 102

Today would be Katharine Hepburn’s 102nd birthday and soon a theater named for her will open.
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center is nearing completion and the staff of "The Kate," as well as its many volunteers, are gearing up for an October 17 grand opening, officials there said. Further, Executive Director Chuck Still is continuing to attract a wide variety of programming.
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center will be the only theater bearing the actress’ name, its officials said. The town approved a 20-year operating agreement in April for the 1911 historic brick building that was originally a theater before becoming the Old Saybrook Town Hall.
"I think Ms. Hepburn would be very proud of Old Saybrook’s residents for restoring this beautiful building to its original purpose," Still said in a statement.
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center will be open on Memorial Day after the Old Saybrook town parade for those interested in a sneak peak at construction progress.
To learn more about The Kate, Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, and how to donate visit www.katharinehepburntheater.org

New Haven Senior & Disability Expo

It's free!

The Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut, the Mary Wade Home of New Haven, and the city's Department of Elderly Services will team up to sponsor the free annual New Haven Senior & Disability Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 15, at the New Haven Athletic Center, 480 Sherman Parkway, New Haven.
The New Haven Senior Expo 2009 is part of a month long celebration by the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut for Older Americans Month, organizers said.
The event is a wonderful occasion for to meet friends, socialize, gather information, and enjoy the day, organizers said.
Participants will be part of a self-paced exploration of services, programs and products that are available for members of our older population and for those with disabilities, organizers said. There will be numerous vendors and entertainment, including Vinnie Carr.

Celebrate Taiwan in Madison

Tea will be served Tuesday night!


MADISON - A a celebration of Taiwanese culture will be held from Tuesday, May 12, through May 31 at the Scranton Library, 801 Boston Post Road.
The celebration by the library and the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in New York, will include many Taiwan-themed activities. Taiwanese Tea Basics, presented by Phillip Parda of Savvy Tea, wiil be held at 7 p.m. tonight, May 12, at the Library.
Parda traveled to Taiwan recently to visit tea growers and import teas. He will introduce the history of Taiwanese tea and its manufacturing process, as well as the research that has been conducted to improve it.

The event’s main reception, “A Taste of Taiwan,” will be held from noon to 5 p.m. May 16 at the Library. It includes a screening of a Taiwanese film, "Fishing Luck," Taiwanese refreshments, and a calligraphy workshop. All are welcome to attend.
Finally, Enchanting Taiwan, a collection of exquisite photographs, will be shown at the Scranton
Library, Town Hall, and in 15 shops in downtown Madison from May 16 to May 31.
Enchanting Taiwan features 80 photographs of breathtaking landscapes and colorful cultural
events in contemporary Taiwan, expressing the harmony of traditional and modern in the country.
The “Guide to the Photos” pamphlet is available at the main desk of the Library.
Taiwan is an island more than twice the size of Connecticut, with extensive natural beauty and
cultural diversity. The Scranton Library and the Taipei Economic & Cultural office in New York
hope that these activities will enhance understanding between the people of Taiwan and the
citizens of Madison, organizers said.
Please sign up at the Library (203) 245-7365
For moreinformation, please visit: http://www.scrantonlibrary.org/,
or e-mail April Chen, senior press officer of the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in
New York, aprilchen@taipei.org.

Yale-New Haven Hospital Department of Community Health receives $50,000 grant

NEW HAVEN - The Connecticut Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has awarded a $50,000 grant to Yale-New Haven Hospital's Department of Community Health to provide breast cancer screening, outreach and education.
The grant from the Komen CT Affiliate [Race for the Cure] will support Yale-New Haven's Strategic Alliance Learning for Outreach and Patient Navigation and Networking program, which works to raise awareness about breast cancer among underserved and uninsured minority women in greater New Haven.

S.A.L.O.N. works with beauty salons in the greater New Haven area to provide breast health education and screening outreach services.
This year's Komen Connecticut Race for the Cure will be held on June 6 in Bushnell Park, Hartford. The event is the Connecticut Affiliate's most significant source of funding for its grant making activities in Connecticut. Pledge or join the Yale-New Haven Hospital Pacers Team [race registration and/or donations can be made] online at http://www.komenct.org/.

In photo: Ann Hogan, of New Britain, community and government relations coordinator at Yale-New Haven Hospital and statewide chairwoman of the race, and Patty DeWitt, of New Haven, director of YNHH ambulatory services and YNHH race captain.

Lag B’omer Jewish Community Celebration

ORANGE -Chabad of Orange-Woodbridge will hold a lively outdoor event in honor of the Jewish holiday of Lag B’omer from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road.
The event, which includes circus entertainment by Peter Panic, face painting, and relay races, is for Jews from all walks of life, including adults, students and children, to come together to enjoy and partake in a kosher community barbecue, in celebration of the joyous day, organizers said.
Lag B’omer commemorates the lives of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and Rabbi Akiva, who both set examples of proud perseverance and dedication to the Torah and its teachings during the Roman occupation of Israel. It is a day of unity when family and friends join in harmony with acquaintances as well as strangers in accordance with the teachings of Rabbi Akiva that all people should respect each other as themselves. It is also a joyous holiday following the instructions of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a sage, mystical thinker, and author of the Zohar; having fulfilled his mission in this world, he asked that the anniversary be celebrated as a happy day.
In many communities throughout the world Lag B’omer is commemorated with picnics and parades. On Lag B’omer, we derive great inspiration from our great scholars and heroes. "It’s a day of great joy for the Jewish people and a time to reflect on our roots and remember the great leaders who kept the flame of Judaism alive during difficult times." said Rabbi Adam Haston.
For more information on the event, call Haston at (203) 589-4783 or email events@chabadOW.org

Rabies vaccines at Pet Supplies Plus

A low cost rabies clinic, sponsored by Wags and Whiskers, TLC, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 30, at Pet Supplies Plus, 471 Boston Post Road, Orange, Conn.
The cost is $10 per vaccine and pet owners should bring previous a rabies certificate to receive a 3-year booster. Cats must be in carriers and dogs must be on leashes. For more information, please e-mail or call Jim Vitelli at pounddogs@yahoo.com or (203)937-3642.

St. Bernadette School shares positive messages

A recent program at St. Bernadette School focused on friendship, cooperation, active play, and preventing bullying, school officials said.


The students were actively engaged through music, magic and various scenarios to help them understand the seriousness of bullying and show them how to handle some difficult situations, the school said.
Shown in the photo, the fourth grade class and school Principal Dr. Peter Barile, McDonald's Owner Kathryn Spero, and Ronald, who also visited.

A gala date for Kate

Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center to open in October - performances begin in September

A recent Splash of Spring fundraiser for the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center netted $20,000.
The event, held at Aspen Restaurant in Old Saybrook, included a wine dinner, fashion show and successful live auction, with the highest bid being $2,750 for great tickets to a Yankees-Red Sox game.

Jane and Kevin Bolles, owners of the Saybrook Country Barn, along with Donna Urso of the Apparel Shop and David Griswold of Aspen acted as hosts for the evening. Kathy Berluti, Cathy Dangona, Lynn Efinger, Fran Freedman, and Pauline Kezer also served the committee for the fundraiser. Six local stores participated in the fashion show: The Apparel Shop at Saybrook Country Barn Shoppes, North Cove Outfitters, Essex Golf and Sportswear, Tamar, K C’s Contemporary Fashions, and Equator.
The event and others are warm-ups for the gala to be held Oct. 17 to mark the official opening of the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center.
For more information on the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center or how to donate, visit http://www.katharinehepburntheater.org/.

Show in photo, l to r, event chairmen Keith Bolles, Pauline Kezer and Jane Bolles; KHCAC Executive Director Chuck Still and volunteer Cathy Dangona.

What a menu!

And it's for a great cause

NEW HAVEN — The annual American Committee on Italian Migration Scholarship fundraiser, "Luncheon Primavera" will be held at noon May 16 at Brazi’s on Long Wharf. ACIM assists young Italian Americans with scholarships awards.
Guest will include ZsuZsu Simandy, speaking about her book "Gathering Roses, Thorns and All: Reflections on a Charmed Life."
The menu will include salad, pasta, choice of chicken rolatini with broccoli rabe, scrod francese, beef marsala, coffee and dessert with wine included.
The cost for the event is $27. Make checks payable to ACIM, and send to Lee Morico, 76 Hall St., New Haven, CT 06512.
For more information, call Fran Calzetta at 467-0705.

Rotary Reads

The Woodbridge Rotary Club recently donated $500 to the Woodbridge Town Library to strengthen the collection of the kindergarten and first grade beginning reader collection.

Shown in the photo are Rotary Club members; Jan Vaill Day, Library Director and Rotarian; and Judy Rabin, Children’s Librarian.

A tribute to a guardian angel

In a tribute to The Purr Project‘s guardian angel, the group has created an academic scholarship honoring Suzan D’Antonio.
D’Antonio, shown, of Hamden, a veterinary technician and animal lover, died in March 2008. On her behalf, her family and friends donated almost $4,000 to the Purr Project.

Through the donations, The Purr Project was put on a totally different trajectory in a year that saw rapidly declining budgets, and service cuts, according to a statement.
To honor D’Antonio’s memory and carry on her work of caring for animals, The Purr Project, Inc. will grant a yearly $1,000 academic scholarship to eligible college students and incoming freshmen enrolled in a veterinary technology or pre-vet program. Named the Suzan D’Antonio Full Bucket Scholarship, after the New York Times bestselling book "How Full is Your Bucket?," the scholarship will be awarded to those who have demonstrated the notion of filling buckets and therefore giving back to animals who have no voice, the statement said.
The $1,000 scholarship is meant to "support the supporter" by being available for books, supplies, meal plans, and certain fees that many other scholarships do not cover.
Complete eligibility requirements are still being formulated but will be based on: a history of giving back to animals (filling buckets), need, and GPA, among other factors. Special consideration may be given to students who attend institutions regionally, but students nationwide are encouraged to apply.
The annual award will be granted for the first time in the summer 2009 for the 2009-10 school year. Applications will be available through most college and high school counselors’ office by May 11, online at purrproject.org/D’Antonio as of May 4, or by calling The Purr Project, Inc. at (203) 865-0878. The deadline for submitting applications for consideration is August 3, 2009.
The program will be administered by The Purr Project Foundation, a volunteer group that will also include members of the D’Antonio family. Donations to the foundation can be made with a credit card or Paypal through the Purr Project, Inc web site at www.purrproject.org, or sending a check or money order to The Purr Project Foundation. 843 State St. New Haven, CT 06511.
As with The Purr Project rescue group, The Purr Project Foundation is staffed by an all volunteer force therefore more than 90 percent of each donation goes directly to helping students.

Run for Clifford Beers

NEW HAVEN — Hundreds of people plan to participate in the 1st Annual Clifford Beers Clinic Race for Change May 9 at East Rock Park.
The race gives the community the opportunity to participate in a brisk walk or run to raise awareness and support for the Clifford W. Beers Guidance Clinic.
The certified 5K course runs along the base of East Rock Park (not up East Rock!) and passes stately homes on Livingston and Everit St. Bring the whole family; there will be a ½ mile non-competitive kid’s run, face painting, and live music. Enjoy a post race party featuring food, beverages, and various family activities at Wilbur Cross High School.
The Race for Change benefits the Clifford Beers Clinic. Founded in 1913, Clifford Beers provides accessible community-based mental health services and advocacy that promote healthy and resilient lives for children and their families. Last year, more than 2,500 children and families from the Greater New Haven Area and Shoreline came to the Clinic seeking treatment.
"The Clifford Beers Race for Change is an outstanding event for the community to come together in support of children and families," remarked Alice M. Forrester, PhD, Clinic Executive Director. "We are also thrilled that the event will help raise awareness about the Clinic and the critical mental health services we provide children and their families to ensure a healthier community."
The race is organized by JB Sports, coordinator of New Haven, Christopher Martins, and Branford Road Races. For more information, visit jbsports.com or call (203) 481-5933. This event is sponsored by AmeriChoice by United Health Care; Lockton; Just Hatched; Yale; UNH Chargers; Colony Hardware; Home and Hearth Realty LLC; and Saxe, Doernberger, and Vita, P.C.

You can see it, you can hear it

Amity students have talent in visual and performing arts

Emily Geller and Jacob Zonderman, both seniors at Amity High School in Woodbridge, recently were recognized at the 14th annual Connecticut Association of Schools Outstanding Arts Awards Banquet at the Aqua-Turf Club.

The award is presented to two students from each member school who excel in the performing or visual arts, organizers said.

Geller, who will attend Northeastern University in the fall, received the visual arts award; Zonderman, who will attend Western Connecticut State University and major in music education, received the performing arts award.

Shown in photo, l to r, are: Philip Dolan, band director at Amity High School; Jacob Zonderman, Emily Geller, Brian Flinn, art teacher at Amity High School.