Friday, January 31, 2014

American Cancer Society annual report "Cancer Facts and Figures" - Read it here

The Corporate Communications office of the AmericanCancerSociety on Friday released,

"Cancer Facts and Figures" "an annual report from the American Cancer Society," according to a news release.
"Cancer Facts and Figures 2014" presents "the landscape on childhood cancer" and "updated state-by-state estimates for newly diagnosed cancers in adults. 22,070 people in Connecticut will be diagnosed with cancer and about 6,880 are expected to die of the disease," the release said.
 
"This year’s edition features a special section focused on childhood cancer that summarizes the most recent and comprehensive data on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival, and outlines what is known and where answers are still needed for childhood cancers," the release said.
 
"For 2014, the American Cancer Society estimates 15,780 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed and 1,960 deaths will occur among children and adolescents aged birth to 19 years. Approximately, 1 in 285 children will be diagnosed with cancer before age 20 and about 1 in 530 young adults between the ages of 20 and 39 is a childhood cancer survivor. Today’s report is notable because it uses data in a more comprehensive way to look at several specific types of childhood cancer and provides a clearer picture of the childhood cancer landscape," the release said.
 
Read the full report:


Thursday, January 23, 2014

'Exhibit at Gateway Showcases Olin-Winchester Stories' in New Haven

 
NEW HAVENGateway Community College’s NewAlliance Foundation Art Gallery is showing "Our Community at Winchester: An Elm City Story," according to a release.

The collection will be on display until March 21, the release said. The public is invited to an opening reception at the gallery from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 29, the release said.

 

The exhibit "showcases the stories of the workers at the Olin-Winchester plant, a prominent American maker of repeating firearms, which closed and left New Haven in 2006. The workers’ stories—of labor struggles, workers’ culture within the plant, and the impact of the plant on the larger community—are the basis of the exhibit," the release said.



"The exhibit is a collection of photographs and documents from the International Association of Machinists Local 609 records, held in the Greater New Haven Labor History Association’s archives, supplemented by oral history interviews with retired Winchester workers conducted by Association volunteers," the release said. " Local 609 represented workers at the plant from 1956 until its closure. Images from earlier years as well as from workers’ lives in the community are culled from personal memorabilia and employee newsletters."

 
For more information, contact joan@laborhistory.org or visit the Greater New Haven Labor History Association at www.laborhistory.org or Gateway Community College at GatewayCT.edu.

 
Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Click one of the buttons below to share it.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Black And Puerto Rican Caucus To Hear Public’s Legislative Priorities

 
State Representative Juan Candelaria, D-New Haven. chairman of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, said the group will hold an open hearing that will the public to present their ideas and priorities to lawmakers, according to a release.
 
The hearing wil be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Jan. 23 in Room 1E at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Registration for the public starts at 3:30 p.m.
"Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Registration will take place prior to the start of the meeting," the release said.
Candelaria "noted this hearing would give lawmakers and the caucus an opportunity to decide which proposals will become part of their 2014 legislative priorities, the release said.
 
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Artspace has new exhibition opening Feb. 7 in New Haven

 

http://artspacenh.org/Artspace will open the exhibition "Smart Painting",  curated by John O’Donnell, with an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at 50 Orange St., according to a release.
The exhibit run through March 22 and there will be an artist talk at 6 p.m. March 7, with a reception starting at 5 p.m., the release said.

"Smart Painting" is "a show of paintings by artists who respond to the institution of contemporary abstraction.  These painting are sharp, quick, bright, amusing, elegant and are aware of their own limitations and forge on, in the familiar, but ambiguous territory of abstraction," the release said. "Confidently defining space through the use of line and structure these paintings challenge traditional notions of abstraction through rational constructions that challenge concepts of composition and depth."

"Smart Painting" artists are: Blake Shirley, Sharon Butler, Deborah Dancy, Zachary Keeting, Ben Piwowar, Jenn Dierdorf, Rob D. Campbell, Derek Leka, Clare Grill, Tatiana Berg.

John O'Donnell of Connecticut,  "is a multidisciplinary artist and has created performance pieces" for the Museum of New Art in Detroit, Proof Gallery in Boston, Flux Space in Philadelphia, and SOHO20 Gallery in New York City, the release said 

"Artspace's mission is to catalyze artistic activities; connect contemporary artists, audiences, and resources; and to enrich art experiences and activate art spaces. Artspace is a non-profit organization bringing communities together with emerging local and national artists," the release said.

Artspace is open from noon to 6 p,.m. Wednesdays & Thursday from 12-6pm, Fridays & Saturdays from 12-8pm.  The gallery is free and open to the public.

                          
Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Click one of the buttons below to share it. Image Credit: Blake Shirley      

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Albertus Magnus College to present one-woman play “Rooted in Love:

NEW HAVEN -  Albertus Magnus College will present Sr. Nancy Murray, O.P., performing her one-woman play “Rooted in Love: The Life and Death Story of Sr. Dorothy Stang” Tat 5:15 p.m. Jan. 30, as part of its St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture Series, according to a release.
 
The St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture Series is free and open to the public, the release said. It is "made possible through the generosity of the Marie Louise Bianchi ’31 Fund."
The performance will be held in the Behan Community Room of the Hubert Campus Center. To reserve a place, call 203-773-8502 or e-mail alumni@albertus.edu.
 
Stang, "a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, spent four decades in the Amazon region of Brazil, advocating for poor farmers who were being driven off their land by ranchers and logging companies," the reklease said. "In 2005, on her way to a meeting with local peasants, she was intercepted by two men with weapons drawn; when she began to read her Bible, she was shot six times at point blank range.  Five years later, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur asked Sr. Nancy Murray to write the story of their martyred sister."
 
Further, "For several years, Sr. Nancy has performed her other one-woman play “Catherine of Siena: A Woman of Our Time” around the world as a new form of preaching.  Sr. Nancy earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Barry University and a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University.  She has taught at the primary, secondary and university levels. She also worked as a campus minister, intercity parish pastoral associate and vocation director for the Adrian Dominicans."  
 
                                                                                                    
 
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New Haven warming centers and snow removal tips

 New Haven is activating “warming centers” for the public to provide relief from the cold. Learn more here: (Scroll down for information on safe snow removal)



Snow removal:

Monday, January 20, 2014

New Haven Museum to hold Lunarfest Events in Celebration of "Year of the Horse"

 
NEW HAVEN The New Haven Museum and the Council on East Asian Studies at Yale University and the Yale-China Association will act as co-hosts for " Lunarfest" a day of hands-on workshops, talks, and performances in celebration of the Year of the Horse, according to a release.

The Lunarfest events will be held from noo to 5 p.m. take place at several locations, from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2014,. Rain date is Saturday, February 8, 2014. All activities are free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required at www.yalechina.org/lunarfest.

The event is for all ages. The murseum is at 114 Whitney Ave. You can find it on Facebook as well.


Lunarfest begins at 10 a.m. with a colorful lion dance on Whitney Avenue, between Grove Street and Trumbull Street, and then moves indoors. For a complete list of activities visit here.

 The following is directly from the release:

New Haven Museum Lunarfest Events

12-12:45 p.m. - Fan Dance - Members of the Yale undergraduate organization Phoenix Dance Troupe will teach a popular modern interpretation of ancient Chinese court dances, including choreography utilizing colorful fans. Students learn to express individual artistry as well as coordinated formations needed to perform this dance. Recommended for ages 4-18.

 1-1:45 p.m. - Ribbon Dance - Instructors from the Xi Wang Dance Troupe will teach a popular modern interpretation of ancient Chinese court dance similar to the fan dance. Students of this workshop will learn to create flowing patterns and motions with handmade ribbons. Recommended for ages 4-18.

 2-2:45 p.m. Wuhsu Workshop - Local martial arts instructor Teake will give a demonstration on wushu and present the philosophy and training of wushu. Wushu has principles similar to those of tai chi and kung fu, promotes non-violence and utilizes coordinated movements among team members to demonstrate acrobatic and athletic agility.

 
12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. - Mommy and Me, NIHAO NEW HAVEN!  The New Haven Chinese Language School hosts a fun class for toddlers and families. Participants will learn about Chinese traditions, sing songs, and make crafts. Recommended for pre-K and under.

 
12-4 p.m. - Arts and Crafts - While you are visiting the New Haven Museum exhibits and other Lunarfest activities, stop by the arts and crafts table in the rotunda for hands-on fun and creativity.

 For a complete listing of Lunarfest 2014 events and to register, visit www.yalechina.org/lunarfest, email lunarfest@yalechina.org, or call 203-432-3427

 The Council on East Asian Studies at Yale University promotes education about East Asia both in the college curricula and through lectures and workshops, conferences, cultural events, and educational activities open to faculty, students, K-16 educators, and the general public. Support for this day of Chinese arts and cultural programming has been provided by a Title VI National Resource Center Grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

 The Yale-China Association inspires people to learn and serve together. Founded in 1901 by graduates of Yale University, we foster long-term relationships that improve education, health, and cultural understanding in China and the United States. We envision a U.S.-China relationship of mutual understanding and profound respect nurtured by collaboration among individuals and institutions.

 
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Sunday, January 19, 2014

Dinosaur Egg and Baby Exhibition opening at Peabody Museum in New Haven

 
NEW HAVEN - "Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies," a multimedia, hands-on exhibition opens at the Peabody Museum Feb. 8 and runs through Aug.  30, accoring to a release.

 
The exhibit will include "the amazement of seeing and in some cases touching such unique fossils," and visitors to "Tiny Titans" will be able to "appreciate their enormous scientific value," the release said.

 
"They will see life assemblages of baby dinosaurs frozen in time at the moment of their demise. One such fossil from China, 'Early Ceratopsian Dinosaur Nursery—Fossil Life Assemblage,' shows a herd of 34 very young psittacosaurs, all about the same age, intertwined in a group with one adult. All the skulls are above the mass of bodies as they would have been in life. "
 
"Another highlight is the extremely rare embryonic skin preserved inside an egg, a scientific first. Fossils of embryos are among the rarest of dinosaur remains but the fossilization of soft tissue such as skin is even more so because it usually decays soon after death and burial. This rare glimpse into the past enables scientists to visualize the skin of the living animal."
 
Also noted in the release: "Over 150 fossil dinosaur eggs, including sauropods (long-necked dinosaurs), theropods (meat-eating dinosaurs) and ornithopods (duck-billed dinosaurs and their relatives), are on view as well as nests, embryos and young . Animated computer games, hands-on exploration stations and a fossil dig invite discovery. Exquisite paintings show interpretations of dinosaur family life and dinosaur nesting. Animated video presentations feature renowned dinosaur experts reporting some of the latest dinosaur research."

The exhibition was developed by the Stone Co., of Colorado, and augmented for the Peabody by its rare egg and nest collections. Support for Tiny Titans was provided by the 2013-2014 O.C. Marsh Fellows of the Yale Peabody Museum, yhe release said.
 
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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Flights of Fancy shopping and wine tasting event in New Haven Jan. 30

 
NEW HAVEN - Flights of Fancy, the "popular wine tasting and shopping event" returns from 4  to 8 p.m.  Jan. 30. according to a release .
 
"The event, sponsored by The Wine Thief and The Study at Yale Hotel, is presented by The shops at Yale and features in-store wine tastings, special discounts and extraordinary giveaways at over 25 downtown shops," the release said.

Attendees should check in at The Study at Yale Hotel, 1157 Chapel St., from 4 pm to 7 p.m. Participation is $20* and includes a "Flights of Fancy" wine glass, a map of participating shops, entry into the grand prize drawing, validated parking, coffee and dessert, the release said.
 
(*Bring your wine glass from a previous Flights of Fancy event and receive $5 off of your admission fee.)

 Also in the release:
 
Once registered, participants sample fine wines provided by The Wine Thief (181 Crown Street) and receive 20% off their favorite item* at participating stores in the Broadway and Chapel shopping districts.  Live music will be played throughout the evening in The Study at Yale Hotel.

 At 8:15 pm, attendees return to The Study at Yale Hotel for Willoughby’s coffee, dessert from Insomnia Cookies, and a grand prize drawing for a complimentary stay for two at The Study at Yale Hotel.

 Free validated parking is available at The York Street Garage (150 York Street) for all Flights of Fancy participants. The event is limited to the first 700 registrants and reservations are encouraged. 

 
Participating merchants include:  Agabhumi, Barnes & Noble - The Yale Bookstore, Campus Customs, Derek Simpson… Goldsmith, FroyoWorld, Hull’s Art Supply & Framing, idiom, Jack Wills, Oaxaca Kitchen, Peter Indorf Jewelers, Raggs, Thali Too, Therapy, Wave Gallery, Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea, Yurway Designs, and many more.

 

New Haven Mayor Toni Harp to speak at Martin Luther King 28th Observance at Milford City Hall

MILFORD - The annual observance of "Reflections: a Tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr," will begin at 4 p.m. Jan. 20 in Milford City Hall auditorium, according to a release.

 The keynote address will be delivered by the New Haven Mayor Toni N. Harp, the city's first female mayor, the release said..

"This is the 27th year that the MilfordChapter of The Links, Incorporated, a women’s service organization, has sponsored the event," the release said.

 The program is open and free to the public, the release said

 The Milford Chapter, one of 6 in the state, was chartered May 17, 1986 and has continued to impact the Greater Milford Community in their programmatic endeavors. The chapter has sponsored annual Walk For Health and Hunger Walk-A-Thons to benefit Beth El Shelter and the Clothes Closet in Milford.  The chapter is also a supporter of the Robert McInnis Hospice Suite at Milford Hospital.  The chapter’s present program initiative is PROJECT L.I.N.K.S. (Little Individuals Need Kinder Services). The chapter was the recipient of the Eastern Area’s 1st place award in Umbrella Programming and second place for their initiatives in international programming. 

    
 
Others invited to participate iu the program include US Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3; State Sen. Gayle Slossberg,Milford Mayor Benjamin Blake, the Foran High School Chorus, First Baptist Church Praise Dancers, and Soloist Vicki Battle, the release said.

 A reception will immediately follow the program in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church at 28 North St., the release said 
 
Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Click one of the buttons below to share it.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Neighborhood Music School Open House is Jan. 26 in New Haven

 
 NEW HAVEN -Neighborhood Music School has invited residents and families in Greater New Haven to its annual Spring Open House from noon to 3 p.m. Jan.  26 at 100 Audubon St.

 For more information,

call 203-624-5189

 
"The free event includes an 'instrument petting zoo,' where children can try playing real musical instruments, assisted by older students and teachers," according to a release. "There will be special interactive activities at the Open House, including Project Discovery, where kids and adults can play recorders and rhythm instruments together, a 'drop-in' drum circle for all ages and a kids' Discover Modern Dance class where participants explore the elements of dance. Kids will use their skills for hopping, skipping, jumping and galloping with and without music."

 "There will be other free 'drop-in' classes, including dance and early childhood music and movement, which explores rhythm, motor, aural and social skills for children six and under. For those interested in private music lessons, there will be placement consultations and free mini-lessons at the event for children ages five and up. Financial aid information will be available as well. "

 
“We want people of all ages and experience levels to feel welcome at NMS. There’s no audition required to take lessons here, and many people are pleasantly surprised to learn about our dance and drama programs,” Larry Zukof, NMS executive director, said, also in the release.  “We have highly experienced faculty members and there are many opportunities to play music with other students. You may find yourself wanting to learn more than one instrument at a time!”

 The following schedule also is from the release:

Open House

Interactive activities include:

12:15 p.m.   Project Discovery - Learn how to play the recorder!

1 p.m.           Afro-Caribbean drummingfor all

1:45 p.m.     Discover Modern Dance

No music or dance experience needed!

 Early childhood classes:

12:30 p.m.   Making Music (age 12-24 months)

1 p.m.          Music in Motion (age 3-5)

1:30 p.m.     Yoga Musical Adventures (age 3-5)

2 p.m.           Music in Motion (age 2-3)

Dance classes:

12:30 p.m.   Creative dance (age 4-5)

1 p.m.          Modern dance (age 6-12)

1:30 p.m.     Ballet (age 6-12) 

2 p.m.          Tap (age 6-12)

2:30 p.m.     Hip-hop (age 6-12)

No dance experience needed!


Spring private lessons, classes and ensembles begin the week of Monday, Feb. 3.

 
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Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Public invited to Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute at Connecticut State Capitol

HARTFORD - Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission will  hold the 28th celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Jan. 20, 2014 at the State Capitol, according to a relase.

The event will be held in the Hall of Flags and the public i"s most cordially welcome to attend," the release said.

Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, State Treasurer Denise Nappier and "other luminaries" will attend, the release said.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission will honor three outstanding Connecticut women,  the release said.

"Tanya Hughes, executive director of the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities will be honored for her two decades of leadership in the field of civil rights; Victoria Christgau, who founded the Connecticut Center for Nonviolence at the request of legendary civil rights leader, educator and activist, Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. will receive the community award. Also, Maggie Gardner, who in 2007 established Gardner’s House, Inc., to improve the course of personal recovery from cancer, and particularly for those living within Hartford’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods will receive the humanitarian award," the release said.
 
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Saturday, January 11, 2014

Third Annual Debbie Friedman Memorial Concert is Sunday in Orange

The Temple Emanuel Band, Children’s Choir and Hebrew School invite you to join them for a morning of singing and celebration in memory of the music and legacy of Debbie Friedman.

Here are the details:

Thursday, January 9, 2014

'The Irish Domestic in the 1800s' at the New Haven Museum

 
"Shades of Downton Abbey at the New Haven Museum"
 
NEW HAVEN  – A lecture dubbed “Irish Women in Domestic Service,” will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the New Haven Museum on Jan. 23, according to a release.
 
During the lecture, Neil Hogan, editor of the Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society’s newsletter,, “The Shanachie,” will share research and stories collected as part of the Society’s ongoing oral history project," the release said.
 
There is no charge for admission.
 
"Faced with starvation in their native land, a multitude of brave Irish women faced the perils of an Atlantic crossing during the 1800s in the hope of becoming domestic servants in the United States. Thousands landed, lived, and worked in Connecticut, resulting in drama occasionally reminiscent of scenes from 'Downton Abbey,'" the release said.
 
The program is made possible by support from Connecticut Humanities and is part of “Connecticut at Work,” a year-long conversation about the past, present and future of work life in Connecticut created by Connecticut Humanities, the release said.
 
(Snow date - Thursday, January 30, at 5:30 p.m.)
 
 "Hogan notes that housework was considered so demeaning that 19th-century, native-born women would sometimes accept lower-paying work rather than face the humiliating task of cleaning another’s home. Though faced with long hours, grueling physical labor, religious intolerance and a great many prejudices, in some cases the women found fulfillment, love and acceptance on American soil. Hogan will share stories of Irish domestics employed by some of Connecticut’s most prominent families—including those of Mark Twain, P.T. Barnum and the Beechers of Hartford—and at Wooster Square, the home of manufacturer J.B. Sargent and the Russell Military Academy, which employed an all-Irish, female domestic staff."
 
“Irish Women in Domestic Service,” is offered in conjunction with the Museum’s exhibition “Beyond the New Township: Wooster Square,”  which runs through May 31, 2014, the release said.
 
The talk is co-sponsored by the Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society and Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University.  It is presented in conjunction with Connecticut at Work, an initiative of Connecticut Humanities, and a related exhibit, ‘The Way We Worked,” on view at the New Haven Free Public Library through January 19, 2014.
 
 
 
Exhibition hours:  The New Haven Museum is open Tuesday through Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday, from 12 noon to 5 pm., through May 31, 2014, and is open free of charge to the public every first Sunday of the month. For more information visit  or facebook.com/NewHavenMuseum or call 203-562-4183.
 
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Nick Bellantoni to share ‘Deeply Human’ archaeology stories

  : Albert Afraid of Hawk, 1899, Heyn Photographer (Courtesy Library of Congress NEW HAVEN — While Nick Bellantoni ,  emeritus   Co...