‘Tis the Season for Package Thefts

New Haven police spokesman Officer David B. Hartman turns out to be a poet and in this case for a good cause. In a release Friday, as the holiday season officially gets underway, the longtime city officer shared the following work as a polite warning to folks:

 

‘Tis a month until Christmas in the City of Elm

And the larceny stats would not overwhelm

Block Watches and citizens were on the look-out

For despicable thieves who were lurking about

 

The crooks look for trucks of the delivery style

And follow their drivers in a manner so vile.

From East Rock to Westville they rudely stop by

To see what nice parcels are on your lanai

 

The Chief is committed to keep you abreast

Of Grinches who deserve to be under arrest

Safeguard your goodies so as not to get stressed

By a criminal element that must be suppressed.

 

- Officer David B. Hartman

 

 

Also noted in the release is (unedited here and posted a public service):

 

 "The New Haven Police Department is hoping this holiday season will see fewer thefts of packages and other property crimes. Last year’s statistics were an improvement on previous years. We’re hoping the trend continues.

 

 

Holiday shoppers are not alone out there. Grinches continue trolling for your gifts and are not as easily detected as one might think.

 

These thefts are generally perpetrated by opportunists who look like the average pedestrian but can commit their crimes within seconds.

 

Please phone Police if you see people following delivery trucks, suspicious people casing homes and businesses or strangers on the prowl in your neighborhood."

 

Here are some helpful tips:

 

• Require a signature upon delivery.
• Request a tracking number and delivery confirmation.
• Insure your packages.
• Specify delivery instructions, indicating where the package should be left.
• Arrange to pick up packages at the post office or delivery service location.
• Ship packages to your workplace, if the company allows it.
• Ask a friend or neighbor to look out for your order and accept & pick up your packages.
• If you are sending a package, let the person you are sending it to know that it is coming and when to expect it to arrive. Follow up to make sure it was received.

 

If you suspect that your package was lost or stolen, you should:

 

• First, check outside your residence (or other delivery address) to see if the package was placed out of sight, such as in the hedges, by the garage or on the porch.
• Ask your neighbors if they witnessed the delivery or if the shipper accidentally delivered the package to them.
• Contact the shipper first to be sure the items were sent properly. If you determine that the shipper was not at fault, file a complaint with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
• File a police report.

 

If you made the purchase with a credit card:

 

• Federal law allows consumers to dispute charges for credit card purchases if they are damaged or stolen.
• Consumers whose good faith attempts with merchants have failed should contact their credit card issuers to reverse the credit card transaction.
• Most credit card issuers offer purchase protection, which protects items against theft or damage for a specified period of time (usually 90 days). Check with your credit card company to see if you are covered.

 

 

Officer David B Hartman, Media Liaison

Office of the Chief

Headquarters

New Haven Police Department

1 Union Avenue

New Haven, CT 06519

 

Office - 203-946-6285

Department Mobile - 203-589-3238

dhartman@newhavenct.gov

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's Thanksgiving message

On the eve of Thanksgiving, Governor Dannel P. Malloy shared the following message with Connecticut residents (shared here unedited):

 

Every year on Thanksgiving, Connecticut families of all ethnicities, religions, creeds, and backgrounds come together to express our gratitude and thanks for the blessings in our lives.  As we are surrounded by our families, friends, neighbors, and even strangers in our communities, this holiday allows us to give back to our community and help those who are not as fortunate.

 

In Connecticut, we know there are challenges here at home. But the challenges we face should not prevent us from being thankful for the progress we have made together.

 

I am grateful that in the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris and elsewhere, we stood shoulder to shoulder with our allies across the globe. It is a reminder of how we should be thankful every day for the sacrifice of our military heroes serving around the world and the first responders here at home who keep us safe. I am also thankful of the tremendous grace and compassion that we have shown in honoring our ongoing commitment to refugees.

 

At the same time, I am incredibly proud and thankful of the work that our nonprofit community has accomplished this year working with our administration in housing homeless veterans. These are the men and women who have bravely served our nation, and who deserve access to housing, quality health care, education, and career opportunities.

 

Connecticut was certified this year as being the first in the country to end chronic homelessness among veterans – a milestone we can certainly be proud to have reached. This means that we are at a functional zero head count of chronically homeless veterans in our state. This does not mean that no one will ever experience homelessness again, but it means that we have the tools in place to provide housing quickly should someone be identified.

 

And we are well on our way to reaching our goal of eliminating chronic homelessness among everyone by the end of next year. These investments have been a top priority of our administration – and especially the state Department of Housing and Department of Veterans’ Affairs – not only because it’s good for our economy and makes our communities stronger, but because it is morally right.

 

This year we’ve also made incredible headway at reducing our uninsured rate down to its lowest point in history – and among the lowest in the country – at 3.8 percent, and it’s continuing to drop. More of our fellow Connecticut families have access to care to keep them healthy – something for which we should all be grateful.

 

I am also grateful to our education community for the success they’ve achieved to increase graduation rates, reduce the achievement gap, and make Connecticut one of the best states in the nation to receive an education. In the last five years, our graduation rates statewide have increased to record highs. We are leading nationally in reading. More young students are increasingly gaining access to early childhood education opportunities to prepare them for the future. And we have our teachers, administrators, and parents to thank.

 

I am particularly grateful to our police officers, prosecutors, judicial officials, crime lab technicians, probation, parole, and corrections officers, and the many nonprofits and community groups whose united efforts have driven our crime rate to its lowest level in almost 50 years. At the same time, I am thankful that law enforcement and community members have worked together, built trust, and employed community policing to reduce crime to this historic low.

 

I am also thankful that we have been able to lead the nation in creating a Second Chance Society right here in Connecticut. We’ve implemented sweeping reforms, and we’ve enacted smart criminal justice policies. Strong partnerships are key to strong neighborhoods, and it is the work of these people that is making our communities safer and better places to live.

 

And finally, I am thankful that this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ensured that freedom and equality apply to everyone equally, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

 

And right now in particular, I am incredibly proud to be the citizen of a country that celebrates freedom, promotes democracy, and is filled with a sense of humanity that can never be broken.

 

Even though there might be times where we falter, allow fear and doubt to overtake us and struggle through obstacles and challenges, we are a strong state, built by strong people, and we are at our best when we measure our success by how well our neighbors and community are doing.

 

When it comes down to it, we all strive to achieve the same things in our lives. Family, friends, security, and opportunity. On this day of giving thanks, let us keep our hearts opened, our resolve strong to build a better community, and remain grateful for the blessings and progress we have made together.

 

Wishing you and yours the very best on this day of Thanksgiving.

Orange Historical Society Museum and Antique Shop open for business before holidays

Candle holder from the shop

The Orange Historical Society Museum and Antique Shop is gearing up for the  holidays with new and exciting antiques and collectibles, according to a release. 

The shop is open every Saturday from 10 a/m/ to 3 p.m. and will happily receive shoppers at the Tree
Lighting Events on December 6 from 3 to 6 p.m., the release said. 

Come browse in the shop for those  holiday gifts and don't forget those hostess gifts that come in handy when a spur of the moment invite comes your way."

You can also purchase tickets for the Breakfast For Dinner, a fundraiser at Chip's on Dec. 8, the release said. 

 

Call Phyllis at 203 795-4549 and pick up your ticket at the door.  There are three sittings, 5, 6 & 7 p.m..  Please specify the time you wish.  For information about the museum call 203 795-3106

Spinning wheel at the shop

Connecticut officials urge caution in prepping Thanksgiving meals

 

The following news release is posted as a public service, unedited here:

 

 

"THANKSGIVING IS PEAK DAY FOR HOME COOKING FIRES"

 

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP)/Commission on Fire Prevention and Control is urging the public to keep fire safety in mind when preparing meals this holiday season.

 

“There are more cooking fires in November than in any other month, with Thanksgiving being the peak day with roughly three times the average number of fires than any other day,” said DESPP Commissioner Dora B. Schriro. “Recognizing the risk can greatly reduce the chance of a home cooking fire.  It can keep you and your loved ones safe and sound.”

 

“On behalf of firefighters across Connecticut, I am urging all residents to be conscious of fire safety this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season,” said State Fire Administrator Jeff Morrissette.  “As you gather with family and friends, please remember to use caution when preparing special holiday meals.”

 

To reduce the risk of cooking fires this holiday season, DESPP recommends the following safety tips:

 

• Keep anything that can catch fire such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels and curtains away from the stovetop.

 

• Inspect any electric fry pans, pots or other accessories such as electric knives and handheld whisks for frayed cords and bad connections before using them. Do not submerge electric appliances in water.  

• Always remain in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food.  If you have to leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• When simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check the pots and pans regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you when it is time to turn down or turn off the burner or oven.
• Stay alert.  If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, do not use the stove or any cooking appliance or accessory.  

If you have a cooking fire:

 

• Keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother a small grease fire. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop.  Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. 

• If unable to control….Ensure all occupants get out of the house immediately!  When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.  

• Call 9-1-1 as soon as you evacuate.

 

DESPP also discourages the use of turkey fryers, a popular cooking method on Thanksgiving. The use of turkey fryers can lead to devastating burns and other injuries, and the destruction of property due to the large amount and high temperature of oil used. DESPP urges those who prefer fried turkey to look for grocery stores, specialty food retailers and restaurants that sell deep fried turkeys. Find more information about the dangers of turkey fryers on National Fire Prevention Association’s (NFPA) cooking equipment safety webpage.

 

“A Child’s Christmas in Wales” to be performed Dec. 6

          

The Stratford Library will present a holiday program of the Dylan Thomas classic “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” at 2 p.m. Dec. 6, according to a release.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of Square One Theatre who will also provide light refreshments. It is free and open to the public, the release said.

“A Child’s Christmas in Wales” is "told through a series of warm childhood remembrances of growing up in Wales. Dylan Thomas’ mastery of poetic prose as well as his gorgeous use of the English language reflects not only the Victorian era in Wales from which it evolved but also of a family portrait that speaks of and to the human condition," the release said.

"The prosaic work is brought to life by professional actor Colin Lane with live musical accompaniment by Rebecca Zaretzky. Lane has performed on and Off-Broadway and in most of the major regional theaters from Boston to Los Angeles and Minneapolis to Florida. He's a Dramalogue award winner for his role as Frank Sweeney in “Molly Sweeney” at the Mark Taper Forum in LA. The actor has performed “A Child's Christmas in Wales” over the past 25 years from Boston to Off-Broadway."

The performance is suitable for adults who wish to reminisce and children old enough to sit through a live performance of 30 minutes, the release noted..

For more information call the library at 203.385.4162 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

 

In the photo:  Actor Colin Lane and musician Rebecca Zaretzky will perform "A Child's Christmas in Wales" at the Stratford Library on December 6 at 2 pm.

Columbus House joins Tavern New Haven and SHiFT Cycling for New Haven fundraiser

NEW HAVEN - Columbus House, Tavern New Haven and SHiFT Cycling, will hold a "unique, collaborative" fundraising event from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 20 at Tavern New Haven. 124 Temple St., according to a release.

For the event, SHiFT Cycling will bring bikes to Tavern for a Battle on the Bikes Challenge, the release said. For a $10 donation to Columbus House at the door, participants get one drink pass, one class pass at SHiFT Cycling and a 1-minute bike challenge to win prizes and giveaways, the release said.

This event, aimed at being a night of fun and good will help support Columbus House and participants will join the fight to end homelessness, the release said.

The $10 door donations, 10 percent of net sales and 10 percent of bartender’s tips during the event will be donated to Columbus House, the release said.

The release also noted that Tavern New Haven is the city’s newest craft beer bar and it seeks "to make philanthropy part of their platform in order to give back to their local community."

SHiFT Cycling is an indoor cycling studio with locations in New Haven and Guilford, with classes designed for people of all fitness levels, the release said.

"We are psyched to be bringing our indoor cycling bikes to Tavern New Haven for our Happy Hour FUNdraiser to end homelessness. The timing is perfect. As we head into Thanksgiving and surround ourselves with family, friends and food, it is important to think about those who don’t have a home," said Jenn Kuehn, owner of SHiFT Cycling, in the release. "Columbus House is a respected organization making a huge impact in New Haven and throughout the state and we are proud to do our part to help with such an important cause."

Columbus House is a 501 c 3 non-profit homeless services organization that provides street outreach, shelter, employment services and housing to homeless adults, families with children, Veterans, the elderly and those suffering from mental and physical disabilities. Columbus House relies on contributions from individuals, businesses and foundations in addition to government grants to carry out their work.

For more information about Columbus House, call 203-401-4400 x131 or email info@columbushouse.org.

Oh dear! DEEP reminds motorists to watch for deer this Fall

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Wildlife Division reminded motorists in a release Tuesday "to be watchful of increased deer activity along roadways, especially during early morning and evening hours."

UPDATE: The DEEP Thursday issued a safety reminder "for outdoor enthusiasts as a variety of hunting seasons are currently underway – most notably the opening of the fall firearms deer season" which begins Nov. 18. Deer hunting season information is available on the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep/hunting.

 

 "Late October through December is the peak of the breeding season (also known as "the rut") for white-tailed deer which increases deer activity and the likelihood of deer crossing roads," the release said  "Be aware and heed 'Deer Crossing' signs erected by highway departments."

 

Further, motorists are "advised to slow down and drive defensively should a deer be spotted on or by the road. Deer/vehicle collisions should be reported to local or state law enforcement agencies, or the DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Division at 860-424-3333.," the release said

“In the early 2000’s more than 15,000 deer vehicle accidents occurred annually, while this past year, approximately 6,500 deer were killed in the state due to collisions with vehicles,” Rick Jacobson, director of the DEEP Wildlife Division said, also in the release.

 

The director "credits this decline to increased educational efforts and more intensive deer management efforts in many areas of the state."

New Haven Veterans Day events slated

NEW HAVEN >> The city and the Mayor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee will conduct the annual Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Center Church on the Green on Temple Street.

Harp will offer remarks on behalf of the city and Charles Pickett, commander of New Haven’s Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 12150, and a twice-deployed veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, will deliver the main address, according to a release.

Musical selections will be performed by the Unity Boys Choir; soloist Ruth Rosa will lead the audience in the singing of the "Star-Spangled Banner," the release said,

Placement of wreaths at the War Memorial on the New Haven Green and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Long Wharf will follow the 11 a.m. service, the release said.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the events and "pay tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who serve and who have served this nation," the release said.

Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University receives grant

Connecticut Humanities announced in a release  that two Connecticut organizations will share nearly $47,000 in grant money to support humanities-based programming.

 

"One grant will fund a series of important discussions statewide about diversity and discrimination. The other will subsidize a unique exhibit of Irish artwork," the release said.

 

Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University received a $16,867 grant from the agency to present “In the Lion’s Den: Daniel Macdonald, Ireland and Empire,” the release said.

 

"This exhibition of Irish artwork, which the museum says is the most comprehensive ever to be displayed in the United States, features the only known painting of The Great Famine. The exhibit will explore the enormous impact of the famine on everyday life in Ireland during the 19th Century," the release said.

 The free exhibit will be on display at the museum in Hamden from January 20 to April 17, 2016, the release said..

 

Further, "the largest grant was awarded to Hartford’s Amistad Center, which is partnering with the James Baldwin Project to host an ambitious series of film screenings, performances and discussions in several communities across Connecticut," the release said.
 

"The $30,000 Connecticut Humanities grant will support 'Conversations with Jimmy,”'a project which uses a film about the author’s life as a starting point to begin engaging discussions about diversity, discrimination and brotherhood."

 

The Amistad Center will hold a series of “Conversations with Jimmy” programs throughout the state through June 2016, the release said.

 

Also in the release:

Connecticut Humanities, a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, funds, creates and collaborates on hundreds of cultural programs across Connecticut each year. It administers a competitive grant pool made possible by the Connecticut General Assembly. Visit http://www.cthumanities.org.

 

Friends of New Haven Animal Shelter to hold adoption event

NEW HAVEN >> The Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter will hold an adoption event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 7 at Bishop’s Orchards, 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford.

For more information visit: . http://www.findafriendforlife.org/index.html

For directions, visit: http://bishopsorchards.com/.
 

Willy Wonka Art Class and Exhibit at Stratford Library

As part of the Stratford Library’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ book fair at Barnes & Noble of Milford on Nov. 20, the library will hold an art exhibit for children through age 12, according to a release.
Children may submit "2-D artwork" no bigger than 11 inches by 17 inches to the Stratford Library no later than 5 p.m. Nov. 16, the release said.
Art should have the child’s name, age and phone number on the back. "Art should depict some scene or theme from Roald Dahl’s classic novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," the release said.
In addition, the Library will host a Willy Wonka Art Class at 4 p.m. Nov 5, from which the art projects will also go to the exhibit, the release said.
Register for the class from www.stratfordlibrary.org or call 203-385-4165 for more information.
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