Connecticut Audubon Society to host 'Halloween at the Enchanted Forest'

The Connecticut Audubon Society invites you to "Bring your ghosts and goblins for a hoot of a Halloween at the Enchanted Forest" on Oct. 24, according to a release.

 

"An excellent nature-themed alternative or addition to the traditional Halloween celebration, the Enchanted Forest introduces fascinating, entertaining (and educational!) information about nocturnal animals in their natural habitat," the release said.

 

"Participants will have a fun – but not scary – experience when they are escorted around the luminary trail by volunteers who light the way with flashlights." the release said. "The night also features fall-themed craft making, Halloween snacks and a chance to meet some of the Center’s creepy and crawly critters. Children are encouraged to wear costumes.  The Enchanted Forest is held rain or moonshine."

 

Guided walks leave approximately every 15 minutes beginning at 5:30p.m. and the last walk leaves at 7:30 p.m., the release said.  Pre-registration and pre-payment required at time of registration. Call 203-259-6305 ext. 109 to reserve your walk time. Program fee: CAS members $10/child, $2/adult; Non-members: $15/children, $2/adult.  "Call early or you don’t stand a ghost of a chance. "

 

All proceeds support Connecticut Audubon Society environmental education programs. Visit www.ctaudubon.org for additional programs.
 

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

Arts Council of Greater New Haven is seeking proposals for community art projects

NEW HAVEN - The Arts Council of Greater New Haven is inviting artists, artist collectives and organizations to submit "project proposals for engaging the community through art," according to a release.

 

The council will select four to five creative projects to fund with small stipends of $1,000 to $2,000, the release said. Read the full RFP at newhavenarts.org

 

The council is "pleased to provide support for community projects that allow the general public to help with the creative process," the release said.

The "goal is to select ideas that will enrich the quality of community life, enhance the lives of individuals, and build connections between people through art. Last year, we funded 4 outstanding projects that allowed artists to make art with the community," the release said.

The deadline is Oct. 27, 2014, at 5p.m., the release said.

For more information, rules and requirements send an email to info@newhavenarts.org or call the Arts Council of Greater New Haven at (203) 772 – 2788.

In the photo: Jack Lardis' 2013 Oil Drum Art Project with Hyde High School students. Photo by Judy Rosenthal. 

New Haven Symphony Orchestra and the #B5Challenge

NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Symphony Orchestra will open its 2014-15 Season with Beethoven & The Don on Oct. 2 at Woolsey Hall, according to a release.

 

"Led by Music Director William Boughton, the program will include Beethoven’s 'Symphony No. 5,' as well as Strauss’ 'Don Juan' and Prokofiev’s" Violin Concerto No. 1" featuring guest Russian-American violinist Yevgeny Kutik. "

"Inspired by this opening night program, music director William Boughton has issued the “Beethoven Five Challenge” on Facebook to raise awareness for music education in this community," the release said. "After singing the opening notes of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Boughton challenged prominent community members to record their own performance and challenge their friends to do so as well. Participation is growing and has included video posts by the new NSHO principal pops conductor, board members, and members of the media. Visit www.facebook.com/newhavensymphony to view the videos and to learn more about issuing a #B5Challenge."

 Also in the release:

"The Russian-American artist Yevgeny Kutik is hailed for his dazzling command of the violin and its repertoire, as well as a communicative immediacy that harkens back to the legendary Romantic masters. Yevgeny Kutik’s current season is highlighted by engagements as guest soloist with New York City’s Park Avenue Chamber Symphony and the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston. Kutik made his debut with Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops in 2003 as the 1st Prize recipient of the Boston Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition and was awarded a 2006 Salon de Virtuosi Grant as well as the 2006 Tanglewood Music Center Jules Reiner Violin Prize. Of special note, Yevgeny Kutik continues his close association with the United Jewish Federations of North America Speakers Bureau, annually performing throughout the United States to raise awareness and promote the assistance of refugees from around the world."

Tickets:  Single Tickets are $15- 74. Student tickets are $10 and KidTix (children ages 7-17) are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Blue Star tickets for active military personnel and their immediate families are free. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact the NHSO Box Office at 203.865.0831 x10 or visit www.NewHavenSymphony.org.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the NHSO Box Office at 203.865.0831 x10 . For single tickets to NHSO performances at the Shubert Theater, call 203.562.5666

 

In photo  Yevgeny Kutik, guest violinist. Photo credit: Kevin Sprague.

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O'Tooles Undies Run 2014 is Saturday

In a release, O'Tooles announced its "Undies Run 2014" to take place Saturday Sept. 20, 157 Orange St.,  New Haven

"As many of you know on August 25th, 2014 Delaney's Taproom & Restaurant was lost to a devastating fire. Delaney's and their staff, were and are a vital part of our New Haven community. To help our neighbors and friends in their time of need all proceeds from the 2014 undies run will be donated directly to help subsidise their loss of income," the release said.

See photos from last year's run here.

This year,  "Fun Run will take place Heat, Rain, or Shine! This is a gentle fun run, not a long marathon! Joggers & Walkers are also welcomed!"

 Schedule of Events:
11:30am Regisration Pre-Party & T-Shirt Pick Up at O'Tooles Irish Pub
2:00pm: Undie Fun Run Start
2.30pm: Cool Down Party - Music, Food, Drinks, Raffle

$25 Pre-Registration -Day of $30

Participants:  Anyone 21+ with a good sense of humor!

Attire:  Underwear obviously! No thongs PLEASE! Other accessories encouraged (superhero costumes, etc) Clothed “prudes” are also welcome!

What you Get:  Official Undies Run T-Shirt, Huge Post-Party Cool Down Party, and the chance to run around New Haven through Jocelyn Splash park in your undies all for a great cause! Prizes to best "un-dressed" male and female and teams, the release said. O'Tooles can be reached at 203 562 7468

Photo by Peter Casolino.

 

 

Read the AARP Voter Guide Here

In a release, AARP announce it created "voter guides featuring positions from Congressional, Gubernatorial and state legislative candidates – in their own words – on critical issues including Social Security, Medicare, financial security, caregiving and affordable utilities."

 

 See the voter guides at www.aarp.org/yourvote.

 

“AARP wants to make sure our members and all voters know what the candidates are saying – and not saying – about key issues that matter to them and their families,” AARP State Director, Nora Duncan said in the release. “Our nonpartisan voter guides help voters cut through the political clutter and pressure candidates to share their views on issues critical to older adults and their families before Election Day."

 

 

 

Editor's note: This release is courtesy ofJennifer L. Millea, Associate State Director, Communications AARP Connecticut  

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'Participatory concert' at the New Haven Museum

 

NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Museum and the Friends of Grove Street Cemetery invite the public to take part in a special participatory concert of the compositions of Daniel Read, "with the audience seated in the manner of a late 18^th-century singing school, in four sections around an open square—tenor, treble, alto, and bass—facing the singing master," at 4 p.m. Sept. 21 according to a release.

 

The free event will be held at the museum, and will be followed by a reception, the release said. The New Haven Museum at 114 Whitney Ave.

 

"According to records, though Daniel Read earned a living as a comb-maker and the proprietor of 'Read’s Cheap Store' back in late 1700s New Haven, his true claim to fame was his prolific career in  musical composition and choral instruction. In fact, Read was one of the best known, most widely published American choral composers of his day," the release said.

 "The participatory 'singing school' will be accompanied by members of the Yale-New Haven Regular Singing and conducted by Yale University Professor of Music Ian Quinn, with assistance by John Gambell, Yale University printer and participant in the Yale-New Haven Regular Singing," the release said.  

"Quinn will give a brief overview of the practice of group a cappella singing in Read’s time, and conduct a demonstration lesson in the fundamentals of shape-note singing using several of Read’s most important compositions. Copies will be provided for the audience. The lyrics for most of the tunes to be performed were drawn from the work of the English poet and non-conformist hymn writer Isaac Watts (1674-1748). While the lyrics are paraphrased from Bible verses, and reflect Watts’s Christian spirituality, the songs were essentially the popular music of their day, sung in the singing schools and local “singings” in addition to their use in Protestant churches."

Visit  facebook.com/NewHavenMuseum or call 203-562-4183.

 

Hamden Police Benevolent Association Scholarship Golf Tournament is Sept. 15

HAMDEN - The 22^nd annual Hamden Police Benevolent Association Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held beginning at 9 a.m. Sept. 15 at the Laurel View Country Club, at 310 West Shepard Ave., according to release.

 Contact Betty Montijo at 203-695-1581 or bmontijo@hamdenpd.com for more information or to register.

 

"Each year the Hamden Police Benevolent Association Scholarship Golf Tournament raises money for a scholarship fund benefiting the children of the Hamden Police Officers, as well as Hamden High School students who are continuing their education in Criminal Justice," the release said. "Money raised from this tournament will also be donated to local charities and events."

"Golfers who want to spend the whole day at the tournament will enjoy breakfast at 8" a.m. gift package with a voucher for 1 free golf club, lunch on the course, 18 holes of golf with a cart, hole-in-one prize (3 year Cruze lease, sponsored by Lee Partyka Chevrolet), dinner, driving range, sports memorabilia auction by Mike Riccio of “Legends of the Game,” and a raffle that includes a $10,000 Hole-in-One, the release said. 

 

The registration fee is $160 per person.  Supporters who do not golf, but want to come for dinner only are welcome.  Registration fee for dinner only is $50.   

Opportunities to sponsor the event:

Title Sponsor (includes one foursome) - $1,500

Dinner Sponsor - $1,000
Front 9 Sponsor - $750
Back 9 Sponsor - $750
Lunch Sponsor - $500
Breakfast Sponsor - $250
Longest Drive Sponsor - $250
Green Flag Sponsor - $200
Tee Flag Sponsor - $150
Individual Tee Sponsor (individual cardboard sign on tee box) - $100

 

 

 

 

 

Read: Obama's remarks at 9/11 memorial ceremony

This is an unedited release from the White House of President Obama's remarks at a 9/11 ceremony:

 

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Good morning.  Scripture tells us, “We count as blessed those who have persevered.”

 

     Secretary Hagel, General Dempsey, members of our Armed Forces, and, most of all, the survivors of that September day and the families of those we lost –- Michelle and I are humbled to be with you once again. 

 

     It has now been 13 years.  Thirteen years since the peace of an American morning was broken.  Thirteen years since nearly 3,000 beautiful lives were taken from us, including 125 men and women serving here at the Pentagon.  Thirteen years of moments they would have shared with us.  Thirteen years of memories they would have made. 

 

     Here, once more, we pray for the souls of those we remember, for you, their families, who love them forever, and for a nation that has been inspired by your example -- your determination to carry on, your resolve to live lives worthy of their memories. 

 

As Americans, we draw strength from you.  For your love is the ultimate rebuke to the hatred of those who attacked us that bright, blue morning.  They sought to do more than bring down buildings or murder our people.  They sought to break our spirit and to prove to the world that their power to destroy was greater than our power to persevere and to build.  But you, and America, proved them wrong. 

 

America endures in the strength of your families who, through your anguish, kept living.  You have kept alive a love that no act of terror can ever extinguish.  You, their sons and daughters, are growing into extraordinary young men and women they knew you could be.  By your shining example, your families have turned this day into something that those who attacked us could never abide, and that is a tribute of hope over fear, and love over hate.

 

America endures in the tenacity of our survivors.  After grievous wounds, you learned to walk again and stand again.  After terrible burns, you smiled once more.  For you, for our nation, these have been difficult years.  But by your presence here today, in the lives of service that you have led, you embody the truth that no matter what comes our way, America will always come out stronger.  

 

America endures in the dedication of those who keep us safe.  The firefighter, the officer, the EMT who carries the memory of a fallen partner as they report to work each and every day, prepared to make the same sacrifice for us all.  Because of these men and women, Americans now work in a gleaming Freedom Tower.  We visit our great cities, we fill our stadiums and cheer for our teams.  We carry on, because, as Americans, we do not give in to fear -- ever. 

 

America endures in the courage of the men and women who serve under our flag.  Over more than a decade of war, this 9/11 Generation has answered our country’s call, and three months from now, our combat mission in Afghanistan will come to an end.  Today, we honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice these 13 years, more than 6,800 American patriots.  And we give thanks to those who serve in harm’s way to keep our country safe and meet the threats of our time.

 

America endures in that perennial optimism that defines us as a people.  Beginning tomorrow, there will be teenagers –- young adults –- who were born after 9/11.  It’s remarkable.  And while these young Americans did not know the horrors of that day, their lives have been shaped by all the days since -- a time that has brought us pain, but also taught us endurance and strength; a time of rebuilding, of resilience, and of renewal.  What gives us hope –- what gives me hope -– is that it is these young Americans who will shape all the days to come. 

 

Thirteen years after small and hateful minds conspired to break us, America stands tall and America stands proud.  And guided by the values that sustain us, we will only grow stronger.  Generations from now, Americans will still fill our parks, our stadiums, our cities.  Generations from now, Americans will still build towers that reach toward the heavens; still serve in embassies that stand for freedom around the world; still wear the uniform and give meaning to those words written two centuries ago:  Land of the free.  Home of the Brave.  Generations from now, no matter the trial, no matter the challenge, America will always be America.    

 

“We count as blessed those who have persevered.” 

 

May God bless your families, who continue to inspire us all.  May God bless our Armed Forces and all who serve to keep us safe.  And may God continue to bless the United States of America.

 

Archbishop’s Columbus Day Breakfast is in New Haven

NEW HAVEN - The Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools will hold its annual Archbishop’s Columbus Day Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 10 at Anthony’s Ocean View, Lighthouse Road, according to a release.

Proceeds from the event will provide scholarship grants to Catholic students in the Greater New Haven Catholic elementary schools, the release said.

FACS awards approximately $300,000 annually in tuition assistance to hundreds of students of all faiths, who attend Catholic elementary and high schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford," the release said.

Archbishop Leonard Blair will be joined by guest speaker Kerry Robinson, the release said. Robinson, executive director of the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management, has written on the subjects of: philanthropy, development and faith, the release said. Robinson also is the founding editor of the "Catholic Funding Guide: A directory of Resources for Catholic Activities," now in its 8th edition, the release said.

Robinson’s "mission is to strengthen the affairs of the Church by harnessing the expertise and resources of Catholic senior level executives from all sectors in service" to the church, the release said.

Emcee for the breakfast will be Chuck Mascola, president of the Mascola Group advertising agency.

Sponsorship packages are available. Other opportunities include the purchase of advertisements in the event’s program book, the release said.

Individual tickets for the event are $75 per person. For a reservation call 860-761-7499 or visit facshartford.org for more information.

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

Reading partners sought for students in Greater New Haven

The Jewish Coalition for Literacy is seeking volunteers to become reading partners to students in area public schools.

 

The JCL is a nondenominational program that "recruits, trains, places and supports volunteer reading partners in local public schools to read one-to-one with children," according to a release. "Reading partners share the pleasures of reading and the thrill of helping a student enjoy learning."

 

No prior experience is required, according to the release.

 

An orientation and information session for new and returning literacy volunteers will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Sept. 17 at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge.

 

Fay E. Brown, associate research scientist, Yale Child Study Center; Krista Bergin, literacy intervention facilitator, New Haven Board of Education and Cheryl C. Durwin, professor of psychology assistant chairwoman, Psychology Department, Southern Connecticut State University, are panelists who will present "best practices of reading with a child and highlight the importance of reading partners offering children a nurturing opportunity to help them succeed," the release said.

 

"In just one hour per week, reading partners make a significant positive impact on their students as they enjoy reading and conversation, sharing the pleasures of reading, enabling children to become confident readers and stronger students while improving their English language skills."

 

Further, volunteers choose the day of the week, time of the day, specific school and grade level of the student with whom they would like to work, the release said. Children who would most benefit from the individualized attention and support are selected by teachers and reading specialists.

 

For more information and to register for orientation program, email bbrenner@jewishnewhaven.org or call 203-387-2424 ex. 308.