Learning and fun for kids with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra

 

According to a release from the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, there will be a chance to "put on your PJs, grab your favorite stuffed animal," and join the NHSO for this year’s Family Concert Series: “Once Upon A Time...”

 

"This concert series celebrates the magic of fairy tales and each concert concludes with a beautiful lullaby that families share at home," the release said.

 

The free series will continue with Ferdinand The Bull at 2 p.m. Feb. 6 at Davis Street School in New Haven and 2 p.m. Feb. 7 at Shelton Intermediate School, the release said.

"Strings are the focus of this concert, which will begin with a short medley taken from Robert Schumann’s Album for the Young. Connecticut soprano Anne Rhodes will narrate the beloved childhood tale Ferdinand the Bull, the story of a bull named Ferdinand who doesn’t like to fight, before singing Aaron Copland’s “Simple Gifts,” “The Little Horses,” and “I Bought Me A Cat.” The concert will end with the familiar, lilting waltz melody from Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty."

 

Starting at 1:30 p.m. before the concert, the NHSO will offer an Instrument Discovery Zone where children can tap, tickle, and toot real orchestral instruments  the release said. Following the concert, families are invited to stay for a healthful snack. New Haven Reads will partner with the NHSO once again to provide free children’s books for everyone who attends the concert, the release said.

 

In the photo: a child participating in the Instrument Discovery Zone (credit: Joe Crawford).

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Episcopalians Celebrate King's Legacy in West Haven

WEST HAVEN - The Southern Connecticut Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians invites you to help honor the life, legacy and witness of civil rights icon the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The liturgy will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 28 Church St., West Haven, according to a release. 

The Rev. Carl Howard, bridge pastor of West Haven's First Congregational Church on the Green, will be the guest preacher.  Yale professor, The Right Rev. Jeffery W. Rowthorn, retired bishop suffragan of Connecticut and the Rev. Richard Meadows, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, New Haven, will co-celebrate the Mass, the release said..

“The public is invited to come and lift their voices in song and prayer,” the release said.

 Clergy from all denominations are invited to wear the vestments of their customs with white, celebratory or kente cloth stoles.

 For more information, call UBE Chapter President Steven R. Mullins at 203-824-4262.

 

Barn time in a blizzard: The horses need their hay

By Joan Bennett
The Blizzard of '47

Swirling snow, wind gusts that could flatten a grown man, and howling like a banshee in the wee hours of the morning greeted us as my sisters and I huddled together in the bed meant for one.
 
The blankets piled high upon us kept us warm but we dared not leave the bed until we could feel some heat rise through the grates in the floor of our bedroom above the first floor kitchen. We could not see anything from our window as it was covered with snow and ice. Our imaginations ran wild.

Dottie, my older sister, spoke with authority, "There must be
three feet of snow on the ground."
Laney, the baby of the family, started to wail, " I won't be able to go out, the snow will cover me."

"Don't fret," I told her, forgetting we would all have to help dad get to the barn to care for the twenty horses we owned.

Helen and Dorothy Scanlon

First our dad had to add coal to the stove in the cellar, which had been banked before we all retired the night before. It took awhile for us to brave removing our pile of quilts and such so we could, like lightning, don our robes and slippers and head for the stairs that led into the kitchen of the old farmhouse in which we lived.

We had been warned via our trusty radio that a strong storm would likely hit us overnight but who would have ever thought a blizzard would be surrounding us as we snuggled in our beds our feet warmed by covered and heated bricks that our mother had placed at the bottom of the bed.

Helen and Walter Scanlon

Our small, outdated kitchen which when we moved into the house only a year before had only a coal stove for cooking and a ice box that looked like a relic from the eighteen hundreds was now equipped with a refrigerator and an electric stove.
Mom had the oven door open to help warm up the  kitchen. A large pot of hot cereal awaited us. Hot tea in mugs would help to
keep us warm when we braved the frigid temperatures outdoors.
Dad was already eating his big bowl of piping hot oatmeal. " Hurry girls, you must eat quickly and get dressed warmly. I'll need your help getting to the barn and taking care of our horses. They are our livelihood. you know."

My sisters and I had never experienced a winter storm as ferocious as on this day so we were amazed when we stepped out the kitchen door and saw the mountains of snow drifts and the covered tree limbs bent with the weight of the snow.

Dad had shoveled a narrow path to the barn which we
trudged along. We were on a mission and had no time for snowball fights or snow angels.

Each of us girls were handed a shovel when we got to the

Walter and Helen Scanlon

barn door. Laney was given a short handled one so that she could push the snow around and feel useful.

The snow had drifted to about six feet up against the barn door. Dad showed each of us how to shovel so we would not strain ourselves. We cleared a large area so that dad could get the barn door open. Dottie helped him as the rungs on the sliding door had frozen stiff.

We quickly entered the stable and closed the door behind us. The
interior was quite warm compared to the freezing cold outside. Each horse had been covered with a blanket the night before and the combined body heat afforded some degree of warmth.
Our first job was to break the ice in each horse's stall so the animals could drink.

The water pipes had frozen so we were unable to top the buckets but in the front of the barn we had a large watering trough with a thin layer of ice which we broke so each horse if still thirsty could leave his stall and drink from the trough.

Dad sailed hay from the loft to the stable floor and with pitch forks we threw it into each stall. The horses stamped their feet as they knew the oats came next but dad wanted to wait until we cleared the piles of snow from the fenced in paddock area.
A few horses at a time would be led out so they could stretch their legs and roll in the piles of snow if they so chose.

Most just ran back into their stalls to eagerly await the oats, which would surely come next.
Instead Dad had us muck out the stalls so the manure would not freeze and be more difficult to remove if it was just left . Into the wheel barrows it went and out to a new steaming manure pile as we couldn't find the old one in all that snow.

When we finally fed the last horse his measure of oats dad rewarded us will gigantic bear hugs and praise for jobs well done. As we dragged ourselves home we noticed that the light snow had stopped and sunlight was filling the sky.


Dottie the optimist remarked as she threw snowballs at Laney and I "I bet this is the only blizzard we'll have this winter so have  some fun."


Editor's note: This story is about the Blizzard of 1947.

Monogold's New Haven show coming to Cafe Nine

NEW HAVEN -  Brooklyn’s indie-psych trio Monogold has a show February 5 at Cafe Nine with the Peach Kings, according to release.

 

"The New Haven show is one of three stops on a short run of tour dates that has the band on the road in support of their recent album, "Good Heavens" (SoundCloud)," the release said. 

 

Last month's "hilarious, pop culture-infused video for 'Pink Lemonade'” (YouTube), the first of three new videos from the album that being rolled out around these dates, according to the release.

On "Good Heavens", Monogold left the signature synths and samples from their previous work behind, in favor of foundational-layers of lush, dreamy textures, along with the tireless manipulation of the organic sounds of guitars, vocals, percussion, and vintage organs and pianos," the release said. 

 

 

Find Monogold on Facebook and Twitter. 
 

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

The 'What’s Cooking Series,' in Fairfield

FAIRFIELD - The What’s Cooking Series at the Fairfield Public Library is scheduled to feature one of "the area’s premier sources for artisanal cheese," Fairfield Cheese Co., at 7 p.m.
Feb. 8, according to a release. 

Laura Downey, co-owner of the store, share her story in the Rotary Room of the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road, the release said.
.
"Laura will guide us through a scrumptious tasting of fresh and bloomy cheeses, washed
rind and aged cheese, plus a variety of cow, sheep and goat chest," the release said.  "We will learn about cheese-making, storage and serving."

Fairfield Cheese Co. was the recipient of Connecticut Magazine’s 2011 and 2012 Best Cheese Selection, the release said. 

The "What’s Cooking is a series featuring local cuisines," the release said. "Guest chefs and foodies share the back stories behind their culinary lives."

Advanced registration is required due to the limited space.  All programs at the Fairfield Public Library are free of charge.  For more information and to register for this event call 203-256-3160, or visit www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org . 

You can follow the Fairfield Public Library on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/fairfieldpublib and Facebook: www.facebook.com/fairfieldlibrary. 

The library also encourages folks to "Dream…Discover…Innovate…Create… @ the Fairfield Public Library."

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Coast Guard Sector Long Island honors the late Robert Connors

In case you missed this news about a very respectful event:

 

NEW HAVEN - Members of Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound gathered this week to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the collision of Coast Guard Cutter Eastwind with the motor tanker Gulfstream, according to a release.

 

"In the early morning hours of January 19, 1949, 13 Coast Guardsmen died after the icebreaker East­wind collided with the tanker in the frigid waters of New Jersey," the release said. "Among the deceased was New Haven native, Engineman 3rd Class Robert Emmett Connors. Connors, who was 19 years old, died while valiantly trying to save a friend."

Records of the incident indicate that Connors himself was safe at one point but went back into the billowing smoke and twisted steel of the cutter’s midsection, the release said. Testimony reports that his body was recovered 15 feet from his friend, the release said.

Connors, a 1947 graduate of East Haven High School, "received no medal or citation" until the dedication of the Connors Maintenance Building at Sector Long Island Sound on Sept. 15, 1972, the release said. "The building today serves as the maintenance center for Coast Guard Station New Haven and Aids to Navigation Team Long Island Sound where a plaque is posted in his honor."

Capt. Ed Cubanski, sector commander, and Chief Petty Officer Kevin Wyman, officer in charge of Station New Haven, gathered at the plaque to celebrate Connors’ life and contribution.

Angela McKeon, Connors’ "high school sweetheart, was also present and commemorates his death annually," the release said. She presented a bouquet of flowers to Wyman, whose boat crews then "set them adrift along Connors’ home shores of New Haven in memory of his life and death."

"The sacrifice and gallantry of our forebears is forward in the public’s mind right now, with the release of the movie ‘The Finest Hours,’" Cubanski said, also in the release. "There are so many brave men and women in Coast Guard history who deserve equal remembrance. We are honored to celebrate the bravery of Bob Connors and to work daily in a building" that bears the name "of a Coast Guard hero. ... His legacy of self-sacrifice for the lives of others will always be remembered."

Connors attended the Coast Guard’s Engineman School in Groton, then was assigned to the Eastwind, the release said..
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Red Cross Has Safety Reminders Ahead of Winter Weather

Connecticut is bracing for the possibility of first storm of the winter season this weekend and the American Red Cross wants folks to be prepared

 

.“We want to remind people of some important information that will help them weather this storm and safely clean up after it departs,” said American Red Cross spokeswoman Stefanie Arcangelo, in a release 

Keep track of weather updates here.

Here are tips, shared unedited here as a public service, the Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms:

(For more information on winter storm preparedness in Spanish visit  www.cruzrojaamericana.org.

• Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing for each family member. Sand or non-clumping cat litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and a supply of essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.
• Use Technology to Prepare and Stay Safe: Download Red Cross preparedness apps for your smartphone. Our free apps have tips and real-time information to help you prepare, as well as tools to help you keep in touch during and after a major storm. In particular, the First Aid App has a special section devoted to severe winter weather with preparedness tips and information about coping during and after the storm. Get the apps for iPhones or Android phones at www.redcross.org/mobileapps.
• Heed Storm Warnings: A Winter Storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately. Stay tuned to local media to keep up with forecasts and additional warnings. A Blizzard Warning is issued for winter storms with sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with considerable falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to 1/4 of a mile or less. These conditions are expected to prevail for a minimum of 3 hours. 
• Use Caution Clearing Snow: Shoveling snow is strenuous work; take the task slow and easy to guard against over-exertion or back injury. Take regular breaks. If using a snow thrower, keep hands and feet clear of moving parts. Always turn off your snow thrower and use a stick or other implement to clear blockages, never use your hands. If there is a fire hydrant on your property, clear snow around the hydrant so it is accessible in the event of a fire. 
• Tips for Home and Car:  Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing. When the storm has passed, completely clear snow from all surfaces of your vehicle. It’s safer for you and other drivers and it’s the law in Connecticut. Be sure to keep furnace and gas dryer vents outside your home clear of snow to avoid the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. If you lose power and heat, running water at a trickle from a faucet helps to prevent pipes from freezing.  
• Use Generators Safely: Never operate a generator inside homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, sheds or other partially enclosed spaces, even if using a fan or opening doors and windows. Carbon Monoxide (CO) can quickly build up in these spaces and linger for hours after a generator is shut down. Place your generator outside, well away from windows, doors and vents. Shut down the generator before refueling it. If you begin to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a portable generator, shut it off and get to fresh air immediately. You could have CO poisoning.
• Use Care When Outdoors in the Cold: Dress in light layers so you can adapt to temperatures. Wear a hat; most of your body heat is lost through your head. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear insulated, waterproof footwear. Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms. Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

 

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Smile: Mystic Aquarium reminds us of National Penguin Awareness Day

Mystic Aquarium is reminding everyone of National Penguin Awareness Day "in honor of its colony of African penguins and the endangered populations in South Africa," according to a release.

"This day is especially meaningful in bringing awareness to the plight of endangered African penguins and the organized efforts of organizations like Mystic Aquarium, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB)," the release said.

This film, produced by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Gayle Sirpenski, "provides a look at the current threats facing African penguins and why it is important these endangered birds be saved from extinction," the release said.



"In celebration of Penguin Awareness Day, Mystic Aquarium is proud to announce the addition of 'Penguins Up Close' a new encounter program designed to provide further insight into the care and conservation of the endangered African penguin.  Among the most popular exhibits at Mystic Aquarium, guests are invited to go behind the scenes of the Roger Tory Peterson Penguin Pavilion and get up close to the African penguins," the release said.


Learn more here.

"Mystic Aquarium is a leader in a collaborative, nationwide effort to assist researchers in South Africa and sends staff to SANCCOB, a leader in seabird rescue and rehabilitation. Staff from the aquarium’s animal care, education and research departments examine all factors possibly affecting the penguins and develop plans for the aquarium to lead and assist with education, research and the conservation efforts of this species. Just last month, Tracy Camp, Senior Trainer at Mystic Aquarium, traveled to South Africa to assist with the efforts at SANCCOB. Her blog can be found at http://www.mysticaquarium.org/newsroom/south-african-penguin-blog," the release said.



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Gateway Community College Foundation: Chef Bun Lai event coming up

 Chef Bun Lai

The  Gateway Community College Foundation announced that Chef Bun Lai, owner of Miya’s Sushi, will be the featured chef in the next Chefs Of Our Kitchen (COOK) series on Jan. 27, according to a release.

"Hailed by the Huffington Post as a 'sustainable sushi guru,' the renowned Chef Bun brings 'crisscrosses the globe' in search of harmful invasive species in our oceans and repurposes them into the next new delicacy," the release noted. "Nature.org praises Chef Bun Lai who 'has taken the next step in his quest for sustainability: He’s tackling the party crashers of the sea by crafting inventive dishes from what’s available and abundant locally — and that includes plenty of invasive species.'”

 

"Miya's was the first sushi restaurant in Connecticut to specialize in Kyushi-style recipes.  In 1995, Miya's began to create an original and non-traditional plant-based sushi menu starting with the sweet potato roll in. By 2006, 80% of the sushi menu at Miya's was plant-based and traditional sweetened white rice was replaced with whole grain brown rice-based blend. Miya's introduced its first invasive species menu in 2006 with locally caught invasive species such as Asian shore crabs and European green crabs," the release said.

 

Lai "will work his magic at the next COOK series in Gateway’s Café Vincenzo, GCC’s intimate and elegant demonstration kitchen and dining room."

 

Tickets are $65 and include a pre-event reception and meet-and-greet with Chef Bun, cooking demonstration and three-course meal prepared by GCC Culinary Arts students under Lai’s direction and a take-away gift to commemorate the evening.

 

Parking for this event is validated for the Temple Street Garage.  Tickets are available at the GCC Foundation website www.gatewayfdn.org or by calling (203) 285-2617.

 

 

Watch: Dublin Rising 1916-2016

 Cliffs of Moher

 In New Haven there has been a Mass for peace and a flag raising ceremony on the Green to commemorate the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland

After the annual Mass organizers have held a ceremony to honor the men and woman who fought for Irish independence . “This annual public ceremony in New Haven ... in its 24th year, serves as a reminder to all ethnic groups that freedom and liberty carry a high price,” organizers have previously said in  release. “Local honorees are remembered in a roll call and the original ‘Proclamation of Freedom’ will be read.”

An image from Ireland
 

This year, in the 100th anniversary of the Rising, Google has created a visual and narrated "walk" through the sites in Dublin where important events took place. It is narrated by Colin Farrell.

Watch the video here.


The 1916 Easter Rising occurred when about 1,000 men and women captured the General Post Office in Dublin, Ireland, in an effort to break the bonds of British rule and gain independence for their country, the release said. “This became a key turning point on the road to Irish independence..."

The Gustave Whitehead debate continues at the Stratford Library

 

Author Susan Brinchman

STRATFORD - The Stratford Library will continue its  “Sunday Afternoon Talks”, a monthly series of "informative and entertaining talks featuring prominent local guest speakers," at 2 p.m. Feb, 7 with author Susan Brinchman and Educator Andy Kosch, according to a release..'

The February topic is: “Gustave Whitehead: First in Flight”, based on Brinchman’s latest book about the aviator, the release said. The program  is free and open to the public.
See photos of Whitehead and his aircraft in 1901 here.

"The ongoing controversy over who flew first in America, the Wright brothers or Gustave Whitehead, continues to this day," the release said.  "The public is invited to meet Brinchman, via Skype, as she makes her case of Whitehead’s notable accomplishments which predate those of the Wright Brothers. Brinchman's discussion will cover Fairfield, Connecticut’s connection to the first man who accomplished the "first in powered flight" and the inventor of the airplane."

The release noted that the author "is uniquely suited to present documentation for the achievements of the controversial aviation pioneer. Brinchman is an expert on Gustave Whitehead and is an experienced educator and early aviation researcher with a love of history. A highly successful educator for 36 years, she holds four California teaching credentials including social sciences, with a master's degree in educational technology. She resides in California."

Her new book, "Gustave Whitehead; First in Flight," "utilizes her key research for the past five decades, where she was present for key events such as interviews with witnesses and familiar with the places Whitehead lived and flew."

Educator Andy Kosch also will be a live guest speaker at the Library bringing a replica of the Whitehead #21 model. "Kosch has been involved in the Gustave Whitehead plane project for the past 30 years, having flown a replica of the Whitehead plane at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in December 1986, or some 85 years after Whitehead successfully flew his heavier-than-air plane in Fairfield," the release said.

Autographed copies of Brinchman’s  "Gustave Whitehead; First in Flight" will be available for purchase after the Library talk.

For more information call the library’s Public Relations & Programming Office at 203.385.4162 or visit its website at: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

 

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

Read President Obama's resolution on the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Read President Barack Obama's resolution on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

2016mlk.prc.Rel

'Gift to UConn To Provide Scholarships'

George Soros (contributed photo)

 

 

STORRS —Philanthropist George Soros and UConn alumnus Gary Gladstein ’66 with his wife, Dr. Phyllis Gladstein, will give a $4 million gift to the UConn Human Rights Institute, according to a release.

 

This marks the largest ever donation to the program, the release said.

 

"The gift, which requires the UConn Foundation to raise an additional $2 million in matching funds, would give the Institute a $6 million endowment and provide scholarships to undergraduates majoring in human rights," the release said.

 

“The vision and generosity of our donors continues to make an incredible impact on this program and is helping to make UConn a global leader in human rights education and scholarship,” UConn President Susan Herbst said, also in the release. “We could not be more grateful to both Gary Gladstein and George Soros for their support and commitment to our university and the field of human rights.”

 

Gary Gladstein (contributed photo)

"The Institute, with its interdisciplinary focus, is one of the top human rights programs in higher education worldwide. Faculty members are drawn from most schools and colleges across the university, including anthropology, political science, business, and law. The program has a strong focus on collaborative research and scholarship. The Institute has a rapidly growing student population and its graduates have landed key humanitarian jobs," the release said.

 

“I was a child in Hungary when the Nazis invaded. I then lived under Soviet rule, so I know what it is like to live under brutal regimes that deprive people of their basic human rights,” Soros said. “I am pleased to support UConn’s critical work in researching and promoting human rights. I am glad to partner with Gary to help build UConn’s program.”

 

Gladstein, who has been the Institute’s primary benefactor, is giving the Institute a gift of $2 million. Soros, a businessman, philanthropist, and political activist, has pledged to give a $2 million challenge grant. Soros’s grant is through the Open Society Foundations, his grant-making network dedicated to building democracies with accountable and open governments.

 

Also in the release:

 

Soros’s grant requires the UConn Foundation to raise an additional $2 million in matching funds from donors. Once completed, the $6 million endowment will provide scholarships, fellowships, internships, and program support for signature programs, such as the Scholars-at-Risk Initiative.

Gladstein said he was pleased to partner with Soros, a friend and colleague who first raised his awareness of the vital importance of human rights.

 

“All civilizations must learn to share and respect the human rights of others,” Gladstein said. “The true differences around the world are not between different religions or races, but more about those who embrace peace and those who would destroy it. We can all do much better when we work together.”

 

 

 

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Community Foundation for Greater New Haven taking grant applications

NEW HAVEN - The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven has announced several grant opportunities with various application deadlines in the coming weeks, according to a release.

 

For complete details, visit www.cfgnh.org/grants.

The Quinnipiac River Fund, a component fund at The Community Foundation, is accepting applications through Jan. 15, and the fund "makes grants for projects designed to benefit the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River, the New Haven Harbor, and surrounding watersheds. Approximately $100,000 in grants is awarded each spring from the Fund," the release said. Learn more here

 

The Neighborhood Leadership Program at The Community Foundation will accept applications through noon Jan. 19. " The Neighborhood Leadership Program is an eight month training and grant program that supports community leaders in imagining, developing, testing and realizing projects which build community and provide positive outcomes in New Haven neighborhoods and contiguous towns," the release said. Learn more here.

 The Community Fund for Women & Girls is accepting applications for the 2016 grants cycle. Grants are awarded to gender-specific initiatives that are intentional, equitable and well-informed.  An orientation session for interested applicants will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 22, the release said. Learn more here.

 

The Community Foundation is also accepting grant applications from eligible nonprofit organizations through March 31 for its "Responsive Grants process, which is done in conjunction with its partner in philanthropy serving the Valley, the Valley Community Foundation. Responsive Grants are generally awarded to address operating, programmatic or capacity building needs. Amounts vary from $7,500 and up; eligibility restrictions apply, including adherence to The Community Foundation’s anti-discrimination policy."
"Applicants who are unfamiliar with the grant process are encouraged to register for an informational webinar to be held in mid- February," the release said. Learn more here.

 

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s 20-town service area includes: Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, Derby, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Wallingford, West Haven, Woodbridge. For more information about The Community Foundation, visit www.cfgnh.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.org/cfgnh or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cfgnh.

West Haven Twilight Baseball League 'Hot Stove Lunch' is Jan. 23

The West Haven Twilight Baseball League will kick off the 2016 Baseball Season with its Annual Hot Stove Lunch, from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 23, at West River Hall, 37 Orlando St., according to a release.

 

The event will honor North Haven Baseball Legend, Bob DeMayo, North Haven High School Baseball Coach, for his many year's of dedication and support of amateur baseball, the release said.

Featured speakers for the event are sportswriter, Leigh Montville, and Major League pitching coach, Dave Wallace. Former Major League broadcaster, George Grande, will again serve as the master of ceremonies, the release said..

"Montville, formerly of Sports Illustrated and the Boston Globe, is the author of numerous books, including biographies of Ted Williams and Babe Ruth. He was born in New Haven graduated from Notre Dame High School and UConn, starting his sports writing career with the Journal Courier and New Haven Register.

"Dave Wallace is the pitching coach for the Baltimore Orioles and served in the same position in other Major League organizations, including the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. He played for the Phillies and Blue Jays after completing his University of New Haven career where he pitched to a 24-7 record with a 2.18 ERA and 311 strikeouts," the release said.

"As always, legendary UNH coach, Frank "Porky" Vieira, with over 1,000 wins in his college coaching career, will be on hand to offer his entertaining stories and takes on the game we love."

“This year’s event will feature some amazing baseball greats, with time for Q & A,” League President Vin DiLauro said, also in the release.  “Having time to hear from Leigh Montville and Dave Wallace I am sure will be an incredible experience, and we are also excited to honor local baseball great North Haven High School Coach Bob Demayo and as always we welcome back Coach Frank “Porky” Vieira and Master of Ceremonies George Grande. We are looking forward to a great afternoon!  

Tickerts are $30 each. Send payment to W.H.Twilight League, P.O.Box 7564, New Haven, 06519 or call Roland Depew (203-932-0134) or Nick Dematties (203-671-9546).

For information visit www.whtl.org.

 

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

St. Mary Parish in Branford to hold sessions for Catholics seeking to return to faith

The St. Mary Parish in Branford has issued an invitation for people who "have been away from the Catholic Church for a while--for whatever reason--to come back and take another look," according to a release.

 

The free six-week series is a "process of education, healing and reconciliation for those wishing to return to the practice of their faith," the release said.. The event is a "safe landing for Catholics, an invitation to 'come home," the release said.

 

 It will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, February 11 - March 17 at the St. Mary Parish Center Conference Room, 731 Main St.

 

For more information, call/email Sr. Carolyn at 203-488-1607,

carsev2000@yahoo.com

CitySeed’s Winter Farmers’ Market coming up in New Haven

NEW HAVEN - CitySeed’s third annual Winter Farmers’ Market will open for the season on Jan. 16 at Metropolitan Business Academy, 115 Water St. , according to a release.

The winter market will again be held indoors at Metropolitan from 10a.mm to 1 p.m.   and will continue through the end of March, the release said. 

 

CitySeed’s weekend markets return outdoors in April, a month earlier than usual, the release said

"This year’s Winter Market will feature a variety of 'Saturday brunch' menu items including hot drinks from The Coffee Pedaler, sweet and savory baked goods from four renowned local bakeries – SONO, Whole G, Sixpence Pie Company and Elm City Sweets – and prepared offerings from a weekly rotation of food trucks including Farm Belly, Caseus and Chief Brody’s Banh Mi.  Farm fresh food items will include root vegetables, greens, apples, cider, chicken, beef, pork, seafood, eggs, mushrooms, dairy products, cheeses, jams and more.  Knife and tool sharpening services will also be featured," the release said.

"Family-friendly indoor activities will again include Family Yoga by Full of Joy Yoga and live performances by a series of local musicians.  Each week the market will feature an activity for kids ages three and older.  New events this year include cooking demonstrations and tastings with Small Kitchen Big Taste and bi-weekly food workshops, including a cheese-making workshop led by Beltane Farm’s Paul Trubey, and cookbook and gardening tool swaps. "

"All CitySeed Farmers’ Markets offer Food Stamp Double Value Coupon Program, a nutrition incentive program that enables SNAP recipients to double their money dollar for dollar at CitySeed Farmers’ Markets – up to $10 buys $20 of CT-grown fruit, vegetables, seedlings, or canned fruits and vegetables at each market each week," the release said.

 Read about a benefit that was held for Cityseed here.

American Red Cross to hold volunteer orientation in New Haven

NEW HAVEN – The American Red Cross will hold a new volunteer orientation  from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20, 2016 at its office at 703 Whitney Ave., according to a release

 

"Every single day, the American Red Cross helps people in emergencies. Whether it’s one displaced family, thousands of disaster victims, or providing care and comfort to an ill or injured service member or veteran or support to a military family member, our vital work is made possible by people like you. It is through the time and care of ordinary people that we can do extraordinary things," the release said.

 

The 1 hour orientation "is designed to introduce new volunteers to the history of the Red Cross and to learn about all of the local volunteer opportunities available. In addition to disaster action team volunteers, there are a variety of leadership and other volunteer opportunities available that utilize a variety of skillsets and availability."

Anyone interested in attending the session and becoming a volunteer must register in advance online at redcross.org/ct/volunteer, the release said. Call 860-678-2788 for more information.

 

New Haven Museum to hold storytelling for Peabody Museum’s 20th MLK Celebration

NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Museum will act as host for the storytelling portion of the Yale Peabody Museum’s 20th Annual “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice,” on Monday, January 18, 2016, from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 18, according to a release.

"Held in honor of Dr. King and his efforts to ensure environmental and social justice among all people, other activities planned by the Peabody Museum include world-class performances and educational activities for visitors of all ages. All events held in conjunction with the two-day celebration are free of charge," the release said.

The storytelling sessions include "engaging tales by three professional storytellers" and the schedule is:

- 12:30 p.m.: Joy W. Donaldson -“Martin Luther King: In Word and Song”

- 1:30 p.m.: Waltrina Kirkland Mullins - "We've Come A Long Way! - Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. King"

- 2:30 p.m.: Karen Johnson - “Giving Thanks for the Harvest”

For more information on the weekend’s events visit: http://peabody.yale.edu/

 

The New Haven Museum at 114 Whitney Ave, is steps away from its Yale neighbor, the Peabody Museum, at 170 Whitney Ave.