Fairfield Museum and History Center offering program for families with special needs children

 

This is not in New Haven but it seems like it is worth the trip and is shared here for families who are looking for activities for their children.

In a release.  the Fairfield Museum and History Center said that "As part of a growing movement in museums nationwide," it is offering a new program,  "Discovering Our Way," for "families with special needs children, featuring interactive gallery tours in a small group setting." 
 
The program "is designed for families with both mainstream and special needs children ages 7 – 13 to enjoy the museum in a safe, low-stress environment," the release said. "The program will include an interactive tour in the American Revolution section of the Creating Community: Celebrating 375 Years of Our Past exhibition, where participants will explore the secret and fascinating world of spies, learn about their coded messages and help to crack a code."
 

The release noted that planning for "Discovering Our Way" started more than a year ago with a brainstorming session with the Fairfield Special Education PTA (SEPTA), discussions with parents of special needs children and educators in the field."  

 

“The goal of the program was to meet the special challenges faced by these families, while addressing the Fairfield Museum’s mission which is to inspire students of all ages and backgrounds with Museum experiences that are personal and meaningful,”  Christine Jewell, the museum’s Director of Education, said in the release.

Jewell "has more than 10 years of experience developing and implementing museum education programs in the arts, history and culture for adults, families and children," and will lead the tours with Bonita Lee, a Connecticut-certified special education teacher, the release said..

 

“I am so excited to be involved in this program that enriches special needs children by broadening their exposure to a variety of subjects in a fun and engaging way,” Bonita Lee, a specialist in private practice who teaches children and adults with a broad range of disabilities, said in the release.

 

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"Discovering Our Way" offers a "quieter, less crowded experience" for children and their families, allowing them "to enjoy the exhibition at their own pace," the release said..
 
“By essentially having the exhibition to ourselves, we don’t have to worry and everyone can get something out of it, and that’s priceless,” Melissa Rosenbluh, parent of a 13-year-old son with special needs said , also in the release. “There are not many public outing that we can take as a family and we are so fortunate to have a local history museum that is flexible and willing to explore new opportunities for families with special needs children in the community…I think it’s fabulous.”

Discovering Our Way will be offered Saturdays, April 5, April 26 and May 3 in two sessions: 10 – 10:45 a.m. or 11 – 11:45 a.m.  Advanced reservations are required by calling 203-259-1598; admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children, the release said.

Fairfield Museum and History Center is at 370 Beach Road

 

 

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Connecticut Learns and Worksconference is May 16

"Annual event geared for educators, workforce professionals"

 

In a release, it was announced that Connecticut Learns and Works, "an annual conference for educators, counselors, employment and training specialists and business people interested in career and workforce development," will hold its 20^th event  8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16 at the Water’s Edge Conference Center in Westbrook.

The event will feature as keynote speakers, students from the Academy of Engineering and Green Technology at Hartford High School, the release said. "The eight young people will discuss a wind/solar system which they designed and is currently bringing power to a remote village located high in the Himalayan Mountains."

"Aimed at educators, counselors, employment and training specialists and business people interested in career and workforce development issues, this year’s Connecticut Learns and Works conference, titled “Imagine More: Energizing, Learning & Working,” is sponsored by the Connecticut Departments of Labor, Education and Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Community College System,  the Connecticut Career Resource Network, the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities and the Connecticut Learns and Works Committee,," the release said.

According to the release, the conference will include  morning and afternoon workshops including:  Advanced Manufacturing/Post-Secondary Institutions; Building Bridges – Manufacturers and Teachers Working Together to Prepare Students for Careers in STEM; Opportunities in Healthcare; LMI: Economic Update; Maximizing & Managing Your Brand; Middlesex Community College Center for New Media; New Haven Manufacturers/Teachers Learn College; and What Employers are Looking For in Today’s Workplace.

 

Information regarding registration, which is $95, and other details, including potential conference sponsorships, can be found at www.ctlearnsandworks.com.

 

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

Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 24-11 announces spring boating class

 

WEST HAVEN — U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 24-11 is offering a one-day About Boating Safely class from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  April 5, according to a release.

 

"In a classroom format, attendees will learn general information about boats and maintenance, navigation rules and aids to navigation, what to do in case of boating emergencies and Connecticut-specific law and regulations," the release said.  "Individuals who successfully complete this course will qualify for both the Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate and the Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation."  

 

The course fee is $60.00.  

 

The classes will be held at the USCG Auxiliary West Haven Flotilla facility, 1 Kimberly Avenue, West Haven.   For more information or to register, contact either Charlie Phippen at (860) 828-5438 or David Wendelowski at(203) 932-2651.  

 

Alternatively, information and on-line registration is available at http://a0142411.uscgaux.info/educ.html. A free State of CT Conservation ID Number must be obtained before the class by registering at ct.outdoorcentral.net.

 

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Connecticut Department of Public Health announces 'Healthy Connecticut 2020'

The Connecticut Department of Public Health announced Healthy Connecticut 2020, "a statewide health assessment and plan for improving the health of all Connecticut residents in the current decade," according to a release.

Read more here:

Health2hct2020 State Hlth Impv Plan 032514

DEEP Issues Advisory On Winter Fish Kills

In a release, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection warned of the potential for upcoming fish kills.

 

This release is unedited here and posted as a public service:

 

 

?Shallow lakes and ponds most susceptible to fish kills caused by extensive snow and ice cover?

 

The long, cold winter, with extended periods of snow and ice cover across the state has greatly increased the potential for fish kills in shallow ponds and lakes, according to Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection’s (DEEP).

DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division said these die offs, termed “winterkills” are typically natural events that vary in severity from year to year depending on conditions.  DEEP said conditions this winter have been similar to those experienced three years ago, when the Agency received numerous reports of dead fish in lakes and ponds as ice cover finally receded.

“Winterkills occur most frequently in very shallow, nutrient-enriched ponds that are subject to abundant growth of aquatic vegetation,” said Peter Aarrestad, Director of DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division. “Conditions conducive to winterkill arise when heavy snow cover over ice inhibits sunlight penetration, thereby preventing aquatic plants and algae from producing oxygen via photosynthesis. This process is the sole means of oxygen creation under ice-covered ponds. The fish typically die during the winter and are only observed following ice-out.”

Winter kills that occur in larger lakes are rarely serious in the long run because lakes support thousands of fish per acre. Usually enough fish survive, either in the lake or in connecting waters, to repopulate the lake. More severe winterkills that result in the elimination of all or nearly all of the pond’s fish community are more likely to occur in very small ponds, which are often privately owned. Pond owners who experience winterkill are advised that in the future, shoveling off some of the snow cover to allow light penetration may stave off potential winterkill conditions.

Anyone observing abnormally high fish mortalities during or after the time that ice is melting can notify the DEEP Inland Fisheries Division in Hartford (860-424-3474), the Eastern District Office in Marlborough (860-295-9523), or the Western District office in Harwinton (860-485-0226).

The public is also advised that any fish kills observed in rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams any time of year can be reported to the Inland Fisheries Division at the numbers listed above. While most fish kills are natural occurrences, some have been attributed to accidental or unauthorized human actions such as chemical releases, agricultural runoff, flow modifications or poorly designed or conducted management activities. Anyone reporting fish kills is asked to provide as much detail as possible concerning location, time and date, estimated size, numbers and types of fish involved, and other relevant site-specific information, and if possible, photographs or digital images. A fact sheet with more information on winter fish kills can be found at http://1.usa.gov/QbpFWn.

The new Maddie Dawson is coming and there is a reading at the New Haven Lawn Club

The new book by none other than Maddie Dawson is coming out April 8, and she is reading from it

at 7 p.m. April 9 at the New Haven Lawn Club.

 

There will be wine and cheese and "stuff like that," and a reusing from the first chapter from "The Opposite of Maybe," "which is about how Rosie Kelley ended up being pregnant at the age of 44," according to a release.

"It’s a funny/sad look at what happens when your life goes off the rails and all the crazy things you might have to do to find out how to get it back on track again," the release said. "It’s got love, teacups, heartbreak, elderly relatives behaving badly, obsession, friendship..."

 

"Kirkus and Publishers Weekly both gave it their stamp of approval with great reviews, with Kirkus calling it 'delightfully witty… A messy, funny, surprising story of second chances,'” the release said.

 

Those who will attend should let the folks at R. J. Julia Booksellers know, as they are the sponsors of this event. Call them at (203) 245-3959 to reserve your space. This event is free and open to everyone, a good head count is needed, the release said.

 

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

Orange Historical Society shop is open Saturdays

ORANGE - The Orange  Historical Society is reminding folks that "It's almost spring and the holidays, events and weddings  we attend are just  around the corner."
So that, a society release says, means, "Why not stop by the Academy Antique Shop at the Orange  Historical Society for that special gift?"
The Academy is at 605 Orange Center Road.
"Visitors will find a wide variety of antiques and collectibles, books and a  recently received collection of Applebee's Restaurant's framed pictures of  local town events, groups and town scenes," the release said. "Once on the walls of this  popular restaurant, these artifacts are now for sale."
The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, the release said.  For information call 203 795-3106

The horses are in a field behind the former library, near the Academy building.


Here's a look at the Emily Prudden display at the Orange Historical Society building in the Academy on Orange Center Road

Jewish High School of Connecticut students attend American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference

WOODBRIDGE -  Jewish High School of Connecticut juniors Emma Judd of Hamden and Batsheva Labowe-Stoll of New Haven were among four  students who traveled to Washington D.C. to attend the recent annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, Policy Conference, according to a release. 

 

"AIPAC is dedicated to a bipartisan, multicultural solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," the release said.

 "Participants attended several sessions a day and heard from political leaders including Secretary of State John Kerry, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Senator John McCain of Arizona," the release said.

 

“We heard from people from the Latino, African American, and Palestinian communities. It was fascinating to hear such inspiring voices from across the political, geographical, and religious spectrum, said
Labowe-Stoll, also in the release.

 

The Jewish High School of Connecticut is NEASC accredited and serves grades 9-12.  For more information call 203-764-1608 or go to www.jhsct.org 

 

Pictured (l-r) are Jewish High School of Connecticut students who attended the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington D.C. earlier this month:  junior Emma Judd of Hamden, senior Shaina Gluckman of Norwalk, junior Batsheva Labowe-Stoll of New Haven and senior Shane Rand of Stamford.


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

Fairfield Public Library to hold talk by journalist Diego Cupolo

FAIRFIELD - Journalist and photographer Diego Cupolo will speak at 2 p.m. March 23 at the Fairfield Public Library Woods Branch, 1147 Fairfield Woods Road, organizers said in a release.

"Cupolo has reported on Syria, Turkey, Bulgaria, Nicaragua, Peru, and Chile. His news stories
are told through the personal accounts of those most affected by local and international policies
or conflicts," the release said. "He will share his experiences on the Syrian-Turkish border while presenting his book 'Seven Syrians--War Accounts from Syrian Refugees'," the release said.
"The book is an excellent read to understand what is happening right now to Syrian civilians, including women and children. This book is not about political statements, but about human beings."

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing, the release said.


Advanced registration is required due to the limited space, the release said. All programs at the Fairfield Public Library are free. For more information and to register for this event call 203-255-7308, or visit www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org .

Follow the Fairfield Public Library on Twitter and Facebook. Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Click one of the buttons below to share it.

Albertus Magnus College will act as host for talk by Brian J. Pierce

 

 

NEW HAVEN -  Albertus Magnus College will present Brian J. Pierce, O.P., Province of St. Martin de Porres, USA, to deliver the third and final talk, “Caught in the Middle—Between Two Friends,” in the 2013-2014 St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture Series, from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. on March 31, according to a release. 

 

Pierce’s "remarks will focus on Dominican Spirituality and how we discover that God has taken on a human face in the person of our neighbor," the release said.

         

The lecture, free and open to the public, and will be held will take place in the Behan Community Room of the Hubert Campus Center. 

 

To reserve a space, call 203-773-8502 or e-mail alumni@albertus.edu. 

 

"This event is made possible through the generosity of the Marie Louise Bianchi ’31 Fund, one of the largest single gifts ever made to the College and directed to promoting the teachings and philosophies of St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the best-known students of the College’s namesake, Albert the Great," the release said.

 

 

Inspire: A Weekend of Fun, Learning and Community at Congregation B’nai Jacob

The event will be held March 21-23, 2014

WOODBRIDGE - Congregation B’nai Jacob will present Rabbi Micha Odenheimer as their 2014 Inspire Scholar, according to a release  
"Odenheimer is the founder and director of Tevel B’Tzedek (The World in Justice), an Israeli peace corps," the release said. 
"A California native and Yale University graduate, he received his rabbinic ordination in 1984 and became a student and close friend of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach," the release said.  "After making aliyah in 1988, Odenheimer worked extensively on social justice issues as founder of the Israel Association for Ethiopian Jewry and at Tevel B’Tzedek."
Odenheimer also is an award-winning journalist who has reported on poverty, globalization and human rights for notable publications, including The Washington Post, The Guardian, The London Times, Jerusalem Report and Haaretz, the release said.

Inspire Weekend is sponsored by James M. Shure. the release said. 

Inspire Weekend Schedule

March 21  -  Friday night, following dinner, 8:30pm

Chasidic Teachings about Shabbat, the Cosmos, and the Meaning of Life

March 22 - Saturday, following Kiddush, 12:30pm

The Path of the Just: Judaism and Social Justice in the Age of Globalization

 Seudah Shlishit, 6:30pm Shlomo Carlebach and his Torah

March 23, Sunday morning, 10am, Shabbos in Somalia
Sunday morning, 11:30am, Special Program for Kids and Teens

 

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U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy statement on Ukraine vote in Senate Foreign Relations Committee

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., released a statement after the Senate Foreign Relations Committee "voted 14-3 to advance legislation to provide aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian officials responsible for challenging Ukraine’s sovereignty."

This is the statement, unedited here:

 
This winter, the Ukrainian people boldly took to the streets to demand a corruption-free government and a future of partnership with Europe rather than control from Moscow. They asked for the support of the United States, and today, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee delivered a clear, strong message to the Ukrainian people that we stand with them in their continuing struggle. This legislation will authorize the U.S. to join with our European partners in offering an economic lifeline to Ukraine that will stabilize its economy, while also requiring that they make the tough economic reforms necessary to prosper in the long run. The legislation sends a strong message to Russia, including some of the toughest sanctions that this committee has authorized in recent history.

 

Russia invaded Ukraine because they didn't believe consequences would be handed down from the rest of the world community. Today, we began the process of proving the Russians wrong. And we helped cement the reality that no matter what happens in Crimea, with this economic support, the remaining 43 million Ukrainians are closer to European integration, rendering Russian efforts to rebuild its empire null and void.

 

Senator Menendez should be applauded for working across the aisle to secure broad bipartisan support for this package, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues on swift passage on the floor.

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

'Modern-Day Dinosaurs about to Take First Breath at Peabody' Museum in New Haven

 

Pass the cigars!

 

“One egg is beginning to wiggle,” reports Jim Sirch, education coordinator

 

 
In a release, the Peabody Museum of Natural History said  the emu eggs incubating there "will reach the end of their 7-8 week (50 day) gestation period around March 11 and will begin hatching thereafter."
"Visitors will be able to watch the baby emus poke their beaks through the dark blue-green eggs and break out of their shells," the release said. "As birds are a lineage of living dinosaurs, seeing emus hatch provides a chance to reflect on the hatching of dinosaur eggs millions of years ago. The Peabody incubator contains fertile eggs from the Songline Emu Farm in Gill, Massachusetts. The emu incubator and nursery are located in the Tiny Titans exhibition hall."

 Further, the release said:

 

"The emu incubator and nursery are also viewable online at http://peabody.yale.edu/exhibits/tiny-titans. Find out when they hatch and come in to see them yourself. Or take a chance and be among the first to see an egg crack open. "

Also in the release:

 

"The emu is a member of the ratite group of flightless birds, which includes the ostrich, kiwi, and cassowary. Ratites share more features with dinosaurs than other present-day birds. The national bird of Australia, it roamed the outback some 80-million years ago. Emus are curious and docile. At birth they are about 10-inches tall with black and white stripes. The mature emu is 5 to 6 feet tall and normally weighs 90 to 140 pounds with a life span in the wild of 5 to 10 years. They are strong runners reaching ground speeds of up to 40 miles per hour in short bursts. Emus have a diverse diet, feeding on seeds, fruits, young plant shoots, caterpillars and other small animals."

 

General Museum Information

Open Monday to Saturday, from 10 to 5, and Sunday from noon to 5. All programs and exhibits are free with admission unless otherwise noted. Admission is $9 adults, $8 seniors 65+, $5 children 3-18 and students with I.D. Admission is free for everyone on Thursdays from 2-5 pm from September through June. Wheelchair accessible.

 

Editor's note: All information and the photo in this post were contributed.

 

 

Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge sponsors free programs

In a release, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announce two, free upcoming programs.

The first is "TICKED OFF! - Invasive Plants and Lyme Disease - A Surprising Connection"

On Thursday March 27^th at 6:30 join

Dr. Scott Williams of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station will talk about "the invasive plant Japanese Barberry and its strong connections to ticks, deer and the spread of Lyme Disease," at 6:30 p.m. March 27  at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge - 733 Old Clinton Road, Westbrook.

(Exit 64 off I-95.)

At the program, learn "how to identify this nuisance plant that has invaded the backyards and backwoods of our state and see what can be done to control it," the release said.

 

 Then come the program, " Invite Birds and Butterflies to Your Yard." at 6 p.m.

April 10, as  Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge staff "lead a how-to presentation on attracting songbirds, hummingbirds, butterflies and other interesting creatures to your back yard."

 

Two free information booklets will be provided to the first 30 attendees at the program at the Westbrook Public Library - 61 Goodspeed Drive, Westbrook.

 

Call Visitor Services Manager Shaun Roche at 860-399-2513 for more information on these or other public programs.

Blumenthal: Hagel commits to review of other-than-honorable discharges related to PTSD

In a release, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said that today at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, he secured a commitment from U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel "to reconsider the cases of Vietnam Veterans who received other-than-honorable discharges due to symptoms associated with what would today be classified as Post-Traumatic Stress."

 

A class action lawsuit has been filed in the matter by Yale Law School in New Haven.

 

See video here.

 Here is more from the release, unedited here:

Blumenthal: I want to focus for the moment on one man, happens to be a resident of Connecticut, Conley Monk, who enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in November of 1968 at the age of 20, went to Parris Island, served in Vietnam from July until November of 1969 where he was barraged by mortar fire, attacked by gorillas, gas, subject to riffle fire. He received a high-proficiency rating for his conduct and performance on the field. And some months after leaving Vietnam began to suffer from anxiety attacks, flashbacks, insomnia, symptoms that we now know are associated with Post-Traumatic Stress, but of course Post-Traumatic Stress was not diagnosed until 1980. He was involved in altercations, other incidents, that led to his confinement to the brig and he was given the choice to leave the military with other-than-honorable discharge and he chose to do so.

 

The fact is that there are thousands, we don’t know how many, of men who were discharged with other-than-honorable status and have suffered this stigma and shame and loss of benefits. In fact wounded twice, first on the battlefield and then in civilian life. First by Post-Traumatic Stress and then by an other-than-honorable discharge, which denied them medical treatment for the very wounds they suffered as well as employment benefits housing, other VA benefits. And to be very blunt, Mr. Monk has sued you and your colleagues as did John Shepard before him. I’ve been involved in supporting the legal action, which I hope can be avoided by your engaging on this issue. As it happens, you were very forthcoming in the confirmation hearing, Mr. Secretary, and agreed to review this situation. I am asking you now to commit to changing the system, because Mr. Monk has waited for eighteen months for the Board of Corrections of Naval Records…This system really needs to be changed and overhauled. I would like your commitment that you will address this situation as soon as possible…

 

Hagel: …You have my absolute commitment. In fact, I asked my General Counsel yesterday about this lawsuit… I took note of it. I asked our General Counsel to get back to me this week on it. I will get into it. I will get the specifics, or our staff, will get the specifics, on Mr. Monk from your staff, but I’m already addressing the larger issue and taken a look at it and I will do it personally.

 

Blumenthal: And if I could ask since I’m going to be running out of time shortly for the General Counsel could contact me and perhaps brief me further on what steps you are preparing to take.

 

Hagel: He will. Thank you.

 

Footage of the exchange between Blumenthal and Hagel from today’s hearing can be found here.

 

State Sen. Gary Holder-Winfield to hold office hours

State Sen. Gary Holder-Winfield, D-New Haven,  will hold public office hours  7:30 to 9 a.m.   March 5, at the Elm Diner, 111 Elm St., West Haven, according to a release.

The public is invited to attend and talk with  Holder-Winfield about issues that are most important to them and their family, the release said.

 “I’m looking forward to speaking with West Haven residents about the issues that matter to them,” Holder-Winfield said, also in the release. “It is important that I bring the voices of my constituents to Hartford.”

 

This is the first time Holder-Winfield will hold  office hours as a state Senator.  He previously served as the state representative for the 94th District House seat.

   Editor's note: All information and the photo in this post were contributed.  Photo by ctnewsjunkie.com

White House: G-7 Leaders Statement on Ukraine

This statement on the reaction to what is occurring in Ukraine was released by the White House. It is shared unedited here:

 

 

We, the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States and the President of the European Council and President of the European Commission, join together today to condemn the Russian Federation’s clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in contravention of Russia’s obligations under the UN Charter and its 1997 basing agreement with Ukraine.  We call on Russia to address any ongoing security or human rights concerns that it has with Ukraine through direct negotiations, and/or via international observation or mediation under the auspices of the UN or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.  We stand ready to assist with these efforts.
 
We also call on all parties concerned to behave with the greatest extent of self-restraint and responsibility, and to decrease the tensions.
 
We note that Russia’s actions in Ukraine also contravene the principles and values on which the G-7 and the G-8 operate.  As such, we have decided for the time being to suspend our participation in activities associated with the preparation of the scheduled G-8 Summit in Sochi in June, until the environment comes back where the G-8 is able to have meaningful discussion.
 
We are united in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its right to choose its own future.  We commit ourselves to support Ukraine in its efforts to restore unity, stability, and political and economic health to the country.  To that end, we will support Ukraine’s work with the International Monetary Fund to negotiate a new program and to implement needed reforms.  IMF support will be critical in unlocking additional assistance from the World Bank, other international financial institutions, the EU, and bilateral sources.