Elm City Express

'Festive' dinner parties to benefit LEAP

2012-01-27T21:31:00.002-05:00

NEW HAVEN – For the 17th consecutive year, generous hosts throughout the New Haven area will open their homes on Feb. 29, for a "much-anticipated evening of intimate dinner parties, bringing together distinguished guests and supporters of LEAP (Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership)," according to a statement.

"The eminent guests of honor at each of the dinners will lead conversations on diverse subjects from cheese to China, dogs to dogma, economics to Egypt, museums to the military, and Josef Stalin to J. Edgar Hoover," the statement said. "Among this year's luminaries are Egyptian Ambassador Sallama Shaker, iconic poet and human rights activist Rose Styron, sports writer and broadcaster Jon Wertheimer, PBS economics correspondent and Yale professor Paul Solman , and many more eminent writers, performers, academics, and activists."

The evening's events begin with a cocktail reception at Hopkins School, New Haven, from 5 to 7 p.m., with food and beverages provided by Culinary Concepts and the Wine Thief. Guest authors will be there to sign their recent books. The dinners are at 7:30 pm.

For those unable to attend the Feb. 29 event, another dinner is offered on March 7, featuring Dean Karlan, "a Yale behavioral economist who co-founded StickK.com, the online 'commitment store,'" the statement said.
Call the LEAP development office at 203-773-0770 for a detailed invitation listing the hosts and special guests for all twenty-nine dinners.

LEAP (Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership), was created in 1992 to make a difference in the lives of children and young people from challenged urban neighborhoods, the statement said. "LEAP is an after-school mentoring program that engages children and youth in opportunities that promote educational success and inspire them to become good citizens and agents of positive change for their communities. LEAP hires, trains, guides and supervises teenagers, college students and recent college graduates who run year-round after-school and summer programs for 250 children ages 6 to 12. The LEAP dinners are the organization's most significant fund-raising event. Last year, benefit tickets and the unstinting generosity of individual and corporate sponsors raised nearly $90,000 to support the organization's programs."
Learn more at leapforkids.org.

Editor's note: All information and images in this post werecontributed. It is only lightly edited here.

Applications available for grants process at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the Valley Community Foundation

2012-01-25T19:08:00.001-05:00

NEW HAVEN – Pre-applications are being accepted from nonprofits serving the 20-towns covered by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and its affiliate the Valley Community Foundation. "Funding is available through the annual Responsive New Grants process, the largest competitive grantmaking process available through the two foundations," according to a statement

Pre-applications must be completed online and submitted by 5 p.m. March 2, the statement said.

A complete list of eligibility criteria is located at www.cfgnh.org/grants or www.valleyfoundation.org/grants.

"The Responsive New Grants process is intended to be a source of flexible funding and is open to all requests for projects and organizational support that meet the eligibility criteria. Any nonprofit that creates positive sustainable impact in the areas of: arts and culture, basic needs, civic vitality, economic success, quality education, the environment, health and wellness and children and youth is encouraged to apply."

"In 2011, more than $3 million in single and multi-year grants was awarded through the Responsive New Grant processes of the two foundations."

The statement also said: "The first step to applying for a grant through the Responsive New Grants process is submitting a pre-application online. Applicants are encouraged to attend a webinar scheduled for Feb 2, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Participation in the webinar is not required to apply for a Responsive New Grant or to start the pre-application process. However it is strongly encouraged, even for experienced applicants, as there are changes from last year."

To register for the webinar, visit www.cfgnh.org/grants or www.valleyfoundation.org/grants.

For more information about the Responsive New Grants process, contact Denise Canning, Grants Manager, at dcanning@cfgnh.org or call 203-777-7076.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Folks at CFGNH wrote it. we post it as a public service.

Fashion show will showcase New Haven talent and benefit foundation set up in memory of slain youth

2012-01-25T18:05:00.001-05:00

The Royalty Unveiled Runway Show is scheduled to take place at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at West River Hall, 37 Orlando St., West Haven
The event was “to showcase some of New Havens most notable up and coming designers, stylist and businesses; and to also generate funds to be donated to the Sean J. Reeves Jr. Foundation,” said China Byrd, presenter of the event and owner of Best Kept Secret Online Boutique.
“Our featured designer for the evening is Aqulia Yannic designs,” Byrd said.
Yannic is a native of New Haven and is known all over the tri-state area and beyond for her chic designing, Byrd said. Yannic has been featured in many highly acclaimed shows, such as “Revealed” Fashion Show and CT Fashion Rocks, Byrd said.
“Aqulia Yannic’s one of a kind pieces bring high quality and unique style to the runway,” she said.
Sean J. Reeves Jr. was a native of New Haven who was an innocent bystander in a deadly shooting over the summer. As a result, his father Sean J. Reeves Sr. has started a foundation for youth within the city.
The elder Reeves receives no federal aid or grant to keep this program up and running, Byrd said.
The Royalty Unveiled committee wants to give back to the New Haven community and has adopted the Sean J. Reeves Jr. Foundation, she said.
“We will donate (proceeds) brought in by the show to this great foundation.”

Proposal writing class offered March 15 at the New Haven Public Library

2012-01-23T18:13:00.001-05:00

A full-day grant writing class will be held on March 15 at New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.

"This 'SUBWAY SEMINAR' is designed to provide nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers as well as community leaders and freelance grant writers with the skills needed to craft a proposal that increases the likelihood of success with targeted funders," according to a statement.

Participants will participate in group exercises "derived from real-life foundation grant proposals" and will explore: "how to identify the most suitable foundation prospect; elements of a foundation grant proposal; customizing applications to funder's interests and requirements; a variety of submission techniques," the statement said.

Judith Margolin, of Stamford, an independent consultant and workshop leader on foundations and grants, will teach the class, the statement said. Margolin served for several years as vice president for Planning and Evaluation at the Foundation Center, the nation's leading authority on philanthropy, the statement said.

Her books include "The Individual's Guide to Grants" and "Financing a College Education," the statement said.

This Subway Seminar will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the program room on the lower level. Certificates of attendance will be provided by the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits and The Foundation Center Cooperating Collection of the New Haven Free Public Library, the presenters of the seminar, the statement said.

C.E.U.s are also available upon request. The Subway Seminar Series receives support from Subway Restaurants.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. A $30 registration fee is payable by March 8 and includes coffee and lunch. To register, contact Seth Godfrey at 203-946-7431 or sgodfrey@nhfpl.org.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is largely unedited here.

Upcoming Events at Music Haven

2012-01-23T14:42:00.002-05:00

Check out some of Music Haven's upcoming events for the winter-spring season.

January 26: Haven String Quartet at Best Video
1842 Whitney Avenue, Hamden
7:30- 9 p.m.
Free
Come see the Haven String Quartet play a 45-minute set in the coolest video store around: Best Video! http://www.bestvideo.com/
Get a sneak peek of the music that will be performed at the Haven String Quartet's next series concert on Feb. 25 (7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Society of New Haven), entitled "Out of Africa, Into Europe," with selections from Kevin Volans, Justinian Tamusuza & Steve Reich.
The Quartet is thrilled to be a part of the vibrant Thursday night local music series at Best Video's performance space. The performance will also include a slide show of Music Haven photos.
Grab a drink and a snack from their coffee bar (serving Willoughby's coffee, Neil’s Donuts, Bread and Chocolate baked goods and more), kick back and enjoy the music!

February 25: Out of Africa, Into Europe
Time: Pre-concert Lecture: 6:30 PM; Concert: 7:30 PM
Location: The Unitarian Society of New Haven
700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden, CT 06517
Admission: $25, $12 students and seniors. Available at
www.musichavenct.org/concerts<http://www.musichavenct.org/concerts>
The Haven String Quartet presents Steve Reich's iconic work for String Quartet and pre-recorded tape, "Different Trains."

March 6: Out of Africa, Into Europe
Time: 8:00 PM, Pre-concert Lecture: 7:00 PM
Location: Charles Garner Recital Hall at Southern Connecticut State
University
Engleman Hall, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515
Admission: $5
The Haven String Quartet continues its SCSU residency with a special performance of Steve Reich's iconic work for String Quartet and pre-recorded tape, "Different Trains."

March 13: The Haven String Quartet at the New Haven Museum
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: New Haven Museum
114 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510
Admission: Free
The Haven String Quartet celebrates the New Haven Museum's 150th
Anniversary with the music of Copland, Webern, Riley and Barber.

March 17: Children's Concert at the Mitchell Library
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Mitchell Branch Library
37 Harrison Street, New Haven, CT 06515
Admission: Free
Join us for a special family-friendly concert for kids of all ages! Haven String Quartet and a select group of Music Haven students present a concert and an interactive "instrument petting zoo."

March 23: Music Haven Spring Performance Party
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: (TBA; please visit our website for updated information)
Admission: Free, but bring a dish to share at the potluck following the show
Join the Music Haven community as we celebrate the accomplishments of our 56 students. Hear performances from the Haven String Quartet, Music Haven student soloists and ensembles. Come for the music, stay for the food and community spirit!

April 11: Gallery Talk: Playing Images with the Haven String Quartet
Time: 12:15 PM
Location: Yale University Art Gallery
1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06510
Admission: Free
An exploration of music and art with the Haven String Quartet and
Jessica Sack, the Jan and Frederick Mayer Associate Curator of Public Education.

April 28: Adolescent Exuberance!
Time: Pre-concert Lecture: 6:30 PM; Concert: 7:30 PM
Location: The Unitarian Society of New Haven
700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden, CT 06517
Admission: $25, $12 students and seniors. Available at
www.musichavenct.org/concerts<http://www.musichavenct.org/concerts>
The Haven String Quartet performs adolescent works by the masters of the string quartet: Mendelssohn, Mozart and Britten.

May 16: Gallery Talk: Playing Images with the Haven String Quartet
Time: 12:15 PM
Location: The Yale University Art Gallery
1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06510
Admission: Free
An exploration of music and art with the Haven String Quartet and Jessica
Sack, the Jan and Frederick Mayer Associate Curator of Public Education.

May 20: A Starry Night in New Haven
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts
501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515
Admission: $25
The New Haven Family Alliance, Music Haven, Greater New Haven Help Alliance and Southern Connecticut State University partner to present
an inspiring program of awards, music, dance and spoken word performances (with the Haven String Quartet and Music Haven students, capoeira, the United House of Prayer Shout Band, the Betsy Ross Dance Ensemble, Aaron Jafferis, Frank Brady and many, many more TBA).
Join us as we honor the best, brightest and most talented individuals in our community!
For updated info, visit: http://www.facebook.com/AStarryNightInNewHaven

June 1: Music Haven Summer Performance Party
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: (TBA; please visit our website for updated information)
Admission: Free, but bring a dish to share at the potluck following the show
Join the Music Haven community to celebrate the accomplishments of our 56 students! Hear performances from the Haven String Quartet, Music Haven student soloists and ensembles. Come for the music, stay for the food and community spirit!

Music Haven is at 117 Whalley Ave. New Haven, (203) 745-9030 or musichavenct.org

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is largely unedited here.

Branford Chamber and United Way of Greater New Haven team up for community engagement

2012-01-22T19:43:00.000-05:00

BRANFORD – The town’s Chamber of Commerce is collaborating with United Way of Greater New Haven to create a new Community Engagement Component, which will help local businesses involve their employees in addressing community needs.
The engagement initiative will aid companies that want to be more involved in the community or help businesses identify needs or causes their employees can support.
United Way and Comcast Business Services will co-host a kickoff event at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., entitled “Community Connections: Making a Difference in Business & Life.”
Call Ed Lazarus, president of the Branford Chamber of Commerce, for more information or visit www.branfordct.com.

JDRF Greater New Haven Prepares for 2012 Dream Gala

2012-01-22T18:00:00.001-05:00

NEW HAVEN – JDRF Greater New Haven will hold its 13th annual Dream Gala on April 28 at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale.

"The evening, themed Past, Present, and Future, will include a cocktail reception, lively entertainment, and legendary live and silent auctions," according to a statement. "The 2012 Dream Gala will honor Albert Subbloie, President, CEO and Founder of Tangoe."

"Tangoe is the leading global provider of Communications Lifecycle Management (CLM) software and related services to a wide range of global enterprises. Founded in 2000, Tangoe currently supports more than 500 active clients, many of them large multinational corporations," the statement said.

Headquartered in Orange, Tangoe has nine operation centers around the globe, including international offices in Amsterdam, Netherlands and Kunshan, China, the statement said. JDRF is recognizing Subbloie "for his long-standing commitment to the Foundation's mission of finding a cure for diabetes and its complications."

The event will include musical talent, a nd "inspirational speakers" from the JDRF community. "The live and silent auctions will offer items ranging from luxurious vacation trips to autographed sports memorabilia to striking jewelry and clothing," the statement said.

The evening will highlight JDRF's signature Fund-A-Cure program, during which 100 percent tax-deductible donations may be made to research, the statement said.

"In 2011, the Dream Gala raised over $260,000 for diabetes research. JDRF hopes to continue its success this year through corporate sponsorships, donations, auction activity, ads and ticket sales."

Visit www.jdrfgnh.org for more information about the 13^th Annual Dream Gala. Questions may be directed to the local JDRF Chapter at (203) 248-1880 or by email at greaternewhaven@jdrf.org.

About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is now the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal of JDRF research is to improve the lives of every person affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners who share this goal.

Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has awarded more than $1.6 billion to diabetes research. Past JDRF efforts have helped to significantly advance the care of people with this disease, and have expanded the critical scientific understanding of T1D. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education.

For more information, please visit www.jdrf.org.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. (Pretty good job they did, eh?)

Nominate a woman who you think is leader

2012-01-20T18:24:00.000-05:00

The Women and Families Center is now accepting nominations for the 27th Annual Women in Leadership Awards. A nominee should demonstrate strong leadership qualities through her work or community involvement.
The award winners will be honored at the “In the Company of Leaders” luncheon at St. Clements Castle in Portland on Thursday, April 12,
For information forms or for more information, please contact Astrid Ojeda at 203-235-9297 ext. 110 or download a nomination form from www.womenfamilies.com.
Nominations are due by Feb. 17.
The Women and Families Center is a multi-faceted human service agency providing services throughout Middlesex County and the Greater New Haven area.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

Workshop to be held on local demographic research

2012-01-19T12:55:00.001-05:00

Folks who need information about the region for statistical and comparative purposes are invited to a demonstration from 10 a.m. to noon March 7 by DataHaven Executive Director Mark Abraham at the New Haven Public Library, 133 ELm St., the library said in a statement.

There is no charge for this workshop, the statement said.

"DataHaven is a free online resource with over 400 community indicators at the local level. Drawing on thousands of documents, links and multimedia resources, DataHaven helps to illuminate civic priorities by linking complex policy issues, community indicators, local organizations and grassroots efforts. DataHaven allows users to display information about local neighborhoods with easy to use graphing and charting options," the statement said.

For more information about DataHaven, visit www.ctdatahaven.org.

The statement also noted: "The public is also invited to become more familiar with the library's repository of Connecticut state documents, which provide invaluable statistical and background resources concerning our state and municipalities. For more information about business and nonprofit resources, call the library at 203-946-7431. For details about government documents that are available at the library, call 203-946-8130 x 218."

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is largely unedited here. (Heck yes, as we've said, the folks at the library know their words)

Take a fancy flight: Shop in downtown New Haven

2012-01-19T11:51:00.000-05:00

The Town Green Special Services District and its deputy director, Daisy C. Abreu, have announced that "Flights of Fancy," billed as "Downtown New Haven’s popular wine tasting and shopping event" returns at 4 p.m. Feb. 3.

"The event, sponsored by The Wine Thief and The Study Hotel at Yale, is presented by the Broadway and Chapel Merchants Associations and features in-store wine tastings, special discounts and extraordinary giveaways at over 20 Downtown shops," according to a statement.

Attendees register at from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Study Hotel, 1157 Chapel St. "Registration is $10 and includes the exclusive Flights of Fancy wine glass, a map of participating shops, entry into the grand prize drawing, validated parking, coffee and dessert," the statement said.

Registered participants can sample wines provided by The Wine Thief, of 181 Crown St., and receive 25 percent off their favorite item at participating stores in the Broadway and Chapel shopping districts, the statement said. A bus will be available to shuttle participants between the shopping districts throughout the evening, the statement said..

At 8:30 pm, at the The Study Hotel, participants will be served Willoughby’s coffee, dessert, and there will be a grand prize drawing for a complimentary stay for two at The Study Hotel at Yale, the statement said.

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

Participating merchants include: 1804 Fashion Footwear, Ashley’s Ice Cream, Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Yale, Campus Customs, Celtica, Claire’s Corner Copia, Denali, derek simpson… goldsmith, Enclave, Enson’s, Froyoworld, Hull’s Art Supply & Framing, idiom, Metaphore, Laila Rowe, Lisa Jones Boutique, Peter Indorf Jewelers, Ten Thousand Villages, Tracy b, Wave Gallery, Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea, and Yurway Designs. Newcomers to the event include, Au Bon Pain, Box 63, Origins, Savitt Jewelers and Chocopologie.

"Flights of Fancy is sponsored by the Chapel and Broadway Merchants Associations, The Wine Thief, The Study Hotel at Yale and organized by the Town Green Special Services District and Yale University Properties"

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

It's almost time for 'Taste of Honey' at the Jewish Community Center in Woodbridge

2012-01-16T18:10:00.001-05:00

WOODBRIDGE — The Center for Jewish Life and Learning will hold its annual Taste of Honey program Jan. 28 and 29 at the Jewish Community Center, 360 Amity Road.
Taste of Honey is designed to provide classes for almost every taste and interest.
Offerings range from Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic’s session, “Is the Penn (State Brand) Mightier than the Truth? Judaism and Moral Responsibility”; a presentation by Yonatan Moss, a post-doctoral fellow at Yale, on “How an Iraqi Bishop Helped Invent Jewish Philosophy: The Newly Discovered Evidence of a Yale Manuscript.”; and Adam Segulah Sher, program director at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center in the Southern Berkshires, will lead a session with Sarah Chandler, associate director for the Adamah Fellowship, on the Jewish spiritual dimensions of eco-consciousness and how it improves other aspects of our lives.
On Jan. 28, Rabbis Alvin Wainhaus of Congregation Or Shalom and Michael Farbman of Temple Emanuel will lead a session celebrating the legacy and music of Debbie Friedman as well as lead the Havdalah service with Friedman’s melodies.
Cost for the classes is $18 per participant, or $10 for students and seniors
Richard Gans and a host of local musicians and local Hebrew school students will perform a free concert celebrating Friedman’s music at 10 a.m. Sunday.
For more information about the many interesting programs, visit www.jccnh.org or contact Rich Walter at 203-387-2522, ext. 300 or richw@jccnh.org.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed in a statement.

You can practically hear the music already: The Next Lakeview Lodge Concert

2012-01-12T22:53:00.000-05:00

'Yale Peabody Museum Honors King’s Legacy with Free Two-Day Celebration'

2012-01-12T11:41:00.002-05:00

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is largely unedited here.
NEW HAVEN - "Music and dance performances, educational activities and an invitational poetry slam drawing poets from around the country will highlight the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History's 16th annual two-day celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday," organizers said in a statement.

Events and activities "will help demonstrate how Dr. King strove to raise awareness about public health concerns and urban environmental issues that disproportionately affect minorities and low-income communities," the statement said.

"Sunday's activities will feature music and dance performances, storytelling and a teen summit focusing on Dr. King's message. World Stage performers include Premier Jazz Ensemble, African Arawak Connection and St. Luke's Steel Band." See a detailed schedule below.

Also: "Monday's featured event is the Annual Invitational Zannette Lewis Environmental and Social Justice Poetry Slam, an event that brings poets from around the country to compete. It is named for a dedicated Peabody volunteer and champion of the MLK celebration. Also taking place on Monday is the Zannette Lewis Environmental and Social Justice Community Poetry Open Mic, an opportunity for people of all ages to share their original poetry or rap and speak their minds on issues of justice and injustice. Pre-registration is required."

"Monday will also feature more World Stage performances in the Great Hall and a drum circle finale led by Michael Mills. The former include Boogie Chillun, Brian Jarawa Gray and Friends, New Haven Breakdancers, and Kouffin Kanecke Company doing a traditional West African dance and drumming performance.

The two-day event is sponsored by Citizens Bank with support from the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Subway and Stop & Shop."

See a detailed schedule of events.

Sunday, January 15, Noon to 4:30 pm

World Stage Performances (Great Hall of Dinosaurs)

1:00–1:30 Premier Jazz Ensemble

2:00–2:30 African Arawak Connection

4:00–4:30 St. Luke's Steel Band

3rd Floor Auditorium

12:30–5:00 "Unity & Community" — Teen Summit

3rd Floor Storytelling (North American Dioramas)

12:30–1:15 Karen Johnson — "Baba, the Farmer" and "Butterflies Should Be Free"

1:30–2:15 Joy Donaldson — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Word and Song

2:30–3:15 Waltrina Kirkland Mullins — Past and Present: We Live the Legacy!

Monday, January 16, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm

World Stage Performances (Great Hall of Dinosaurs)

11:00–11:30 Boogie Chillun

12:00–12:30 Brian Jarawa Gray and Friends

1:00–1:30 New Haven Breakdancers

2:00–2:30 New Haven Breakdancers

3:00–3:30 Kouffin Kanecke Company — Traditional West African dance and drumming performance

3:45–4:30 Michael Mills — Drumming performance and drum circle finale

3rd Floor Auditorium

11:00–12:30 Zannette Lewis Environmental and Social Justice Community Poetry Open Mic — An opportunity for people of all ages to share their original poetry or rap and speak their minds on issues of justice and injustice. Pre-registration required.

1:00–4:30 Annual Invitational Zannette Lewis Environmental and Social Justice Poetry Slam

Invited Poetry Slam Participants: Kyle Brooks, Darian Dachaun, Ishmael"Ish" Islam, Joseph Robbins, Iyaba Mandingo, Caroline Rothstein, Tracy Caldwell, Lyvonne Proverbs Briggs, Monique Jarvis, Narubi Selah

The following organizations will act as hosts for Activity Areas on one or both days of the celebration:

· Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center

· Black Caucus of America Library Association –CT Affiliate

· CitySeed

· Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice

· Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Kellogg Environmental Center

· Connecticut People's World/Communist Party

· Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., New Haven Alumnae Chapter

· Experience Corps. — Greater New Haven

· Fairfield County Environmental Justice Network

· Greater New Haven Peace Council

· National Council of Negro Women, New Haven Section

· New Haven Health Department, Bureau of Environmental Health

· New Haven/Leon Sister City Project

· Peabody On the Road

· Promoting Enduring Peace

· RSVP of South Central CT/Gray is Green program of Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut

· Solar Youth

· Teachers Against Prejudice

· The Descendants of the Connecticut 29^th C.V. Infantry Regiment

· UCONN Master Gardeners, New Haven County

· WPKN

Credit for all photos is Yale Peabody Museum

Look what's back at the New Haven Free Public Library

2012-01-11T20:21:00.000-05:00

New Haven Free Public Library announced that InterLibrary Loan service will be restored beginning Jan. 9.
“ILL service allows New Haven Public Library cardholders to request a book or article not found in New Haven Library’s collection. The library will then locate and borrow a copy of the book or article from another public library in the state,” according to a statement. “The card holder can request a title or article on-line, over the phone or in person. Requests are processed and loaned through the Main Library on Elm Street. One request per New Haven Library card holder per month will be accepted.
ILL was suspended last February when the library’s budget was cut, the statement said.
While Saturday branch hours also were cut, in response to public demand, the Board of Aldermen and Mayor John DeStefano Jr. returned money to the library budget, restoring Saturday branch hours to noon to 5 p.m. in all branches, and InterLibrary Loan service, the statement said.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

Celebration of Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to be held at New Haven School

2012-01-11T13:49:00.000-05:00

The Annual Martin Luther King Conference will present “A Celebration of the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Character Over Color” from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at Wexler-Grant Community School, 55 Foote St.
The event is free and open to the public and will include workshops for children and adults, entertainment, exhibits, free raffles, prizes and more, organizers said in a statement.
A continental breakfast and hot lunch will be served, organizers said.
For more information email mlkday@akanewhaven.org, visit www.akanewhaven.org or call 203-503-5607 or 203-915-5615

Duo Dickinson and Ann Nyberg Explore Remodeling Options March 3 at New Haven Public Library

2012-01-10T20:53:00.003-05:00

Are you stymied by the nasty housing market, and considering remodeling rather than moving out?

Help is available in architect Duo Dickinson's newest book, "Staying Put: Remodel Your House to Get the Home You Want" (TauntonPress, 2011), according to a statement.

However, there also is love help as at 3 p.m. March 3 Dickinson and broadcast personality Ann Nyberg (both shown in photo and both New Haven Register Community Media Lab bloggers!) "will get into the challenges and solutions for people who want to transform their houses into homes that more truly reflect the way they live—without breaking the budget, and without sacrificing good design," the statement said.

Dickinson "has done his professional best to encourage the move away from McMansions toward beautiful houses with a small footprint that support a creative, comfortable -- and more affordable lifestyle," the statement said.

Copies of "Staying Put" will be available for sale and signing at the free event at New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.

Free parking is available in Yale Lot #51 on Temple St., the statement said. For more information visit www.duo.eventbrite.com or call 203-946-8835.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. (Yes! The library wrote it!)

Chocolate Wars at New Haven Public Library

2012-01-10T18:10:00.003-05:00

Chef and chocolate expert Maria Brandriff will demonstrate delicious ways in which chocolate and health can be celebrated "at the same time" in her new program, "Chocolate Wars," at 6 p.m. Feb. 8 at the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St..

"In a decadent 'Taste-Off,' participants will sample and compare chocolate desserts in traditional v. healthy versions, and decide the winners," according to a statement.
Recipes, samples, and even a small take-away are all part of the fun planned just in time for Valentine's Day, the statement said.
Brandriff grew up in a Ukrainian household "where Viennese-inspired tortes and confections dominated every holiday. As she became more knowledgeable about working with chocolate she experimented with traditional recipes and began to develop her own variations, culminating in hundreds of chocolate truffles produced every year for family and friends during the holidays," the statement said.
For this Valentine program $5 will be collected at the door and space is limited. Register online at www.chocolatewars.eventbrite.com or call the library at 203-946-8835. Free parking is available.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Yes, those wordsmiths at the library sent it, we posted it for you!

Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital receives check for $136,959 from Kohl’s

2012-01-10T17:29:00.001-05:00

NEW HAVEN - Kohl's recently presented a check for $136,959 to the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital's Parenting Support Program.

"Over the course of its 11-year partnership with YNHH Children's Hospital, Kohl's has donated more than $1 million from the sale of Kohl's Cares merchandise at its Connecticut stores. A portion of the Kohl's funding supports the hospital's "Kohl's Caring Parents" program," according to a statement.

In the photo: Kohl's district manager Michael Rusciano (third from right), presents the check to (l-r): Marna Borgstrom, president and CEO; John Leventhal, MD, medical director, Child Abuse Services and Prevention Program, YNHCH; Cynthia Sparer, executive director and vice president, YNHCH; Paula Crombie, director, Social Work. YNHH; and Jocelyn Maminta, health reporter, WTNH.

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

'New Haven Museum Opens New Exhibit on East and West Rock'

2012-01-10T14:36:00.000-05:00

NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Museum will open its latest exhibition “New Haven’s Sentinels: The Art and Science of East and West Rock” with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12.
The reception is free and open to the public, organizers said in a statement.
The "exhibition celebrates the local innovations in art and geology in 19th century New Haven" and features "many paintings and works from the New Haven Museum’s collection and geological objects from the Peabody Museum and Wesleyan University," the statement said.
"The New Haven Museum collaborated with Dr. Jelle de Boer, Harold T. Stearns Professor of Earth Science, Emeritus at Wesleyan University and author of Stories in Stone: How Geology Influenced Connecticut History and Culture, on this exciting project that centers on the changes in the worlds of art and science and the significance and inspiration of New Haven’s local geology from the founding of the colony to our modern city," the statement said.
The new exhibit, made possible with partial support from United Illuminating Co., will be on view until May 2012, the statement said.
The New Haven Museum, founded in 1862 as The New Haven Colony Historical Society, is located at 114 Whitney Ave. For more information, contact Jason Bischoff-Wurstle at (203) 562-4183 x18 or photos@newhavenmuseum.org.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. (Those folks over at New Haven Museum know their stuff!)

Race, Politics and Police discussed Feb. 1 at New Haven Public Library

2012-01-09T20:05:00.002-05:00

"Race, Politics and Police" will be presented by Shafiq Abdussabur, author of "A Black Man's Guide To Law Enforcement In America," from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 1, at the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St., according to a statement.

The discussion will be moderated by Paul Bass, publisher of the New Haven Independent, and a reception will follow the presentation. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing, the statement said.

"Abdussabur is a law enforcement officer in Connecticut who has won awards for his work with inner city youth. In 2007 he co-founded Omar Ibn Said Leadership Academy, a private boarding school for boys," the statement said.

A Black Man's Guide To Law Enforcement In America goes behind the Great Blue Wall of law enforcement to provide an insider's view of issues that often arise between police and people of color, the statement said.

For more information visit www.shafiq.eventbrite.com or call 203-946-7431. There is no charge for this program, and free parking is available.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is largely unedited here and posted as a community service.

Free program to be held in Milford on medical alert service

2012-01-09T17:43:00.000-05:00

MILFORD - Jennifer Cotter, Lifeline Program coordinator at New Haven’s Hospital of Saint Raphael will be the special guest speaker when Saint Ann Parish opens its new season of Wellness presentations at 2 p.m. Jan. 29 in the church.

Cotter "will give background on Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Service, explain how it works and the various options available," according to a statement.

The hospital has offered the 24/7 service to the surrounding community for more than 25 years, the statement said.

Cotter, "who began her career at the hospital in 1989, has been the Lifeline coordinator since 2002," the statement said.

"She finds her work 'very rewarding' and enjoys 'helping the elderly stay independent and in the homes they love,'" the statement said.

Statistics indicate that more than 13 million people ages 65 and older will experience a fall or some other medical emergency in their homes this year. When time is of the essence a medical alert service can be invaluable, the statement said.

The public is invited to attend this event. For more information call 203-874-0634.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is largely unedited here.

Neighbor-to-Neighbor LifeLine Grant Applications Now Available

2012-01-07T09:14:00.001-05:00

The grants are available for residents of many area towns

NEW HAVEN -- United Way of Greater New Haven and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven will begin their 4^th year of Neighbor-to-Neighbor LifeLine, a partnership to help meet emergency housing and hunger needs in the Greater New Haven and Shoreline regions. The campaign, which began in 2009, has provided nearly $2 million to help individuals and families avert or pull-out of crises caused by the economic downturn.

This year, N2N will make grants to nonprofit organizations, government institutions and/or faith-based organizations to help them meet the emergency food or housing needs of residents of the region.
Grant applications are now being accepted by Greater New Haven organizations that provide emergency food or emergency housing services to residents of New Haven, Bethany, Cheshire, East Haven, Hamden, Milford, North Haven, Orange, Wallingford, West Haven, and Woodbridge. Applications for Greater New Haven are due February 8th at 12:00 noon and must be submitted online.

A separate Shoreline application will be available on January 18^th for organizations that provide emergency food, housing, and relief fund services to residents of: Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, North Branford, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. Organizations may submit multiple applications to either process, or apply to both application processes. Visit www.n2nlifeline.org/application for more information.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. (Yes, United Way wrote every word) It is unedited here.

Jewish Federation and JCC Debut New Websites

2012-01-04T17:13:00.001-05:00

The Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven are excited to announce the grand opening of their new website. Previously, the Jewish Federation and JCC had stand-alone websites built more than five years ago on separate platforms. The new website incorporates both organizations under the same thematic roof. In addition, the Jewish Foundation’s brand new website (newhavenjewishfoundation.org) is scheduled to launch in January as well and will be directly linked to the other new sites.

“Our new website serves a number of important purposes for both the Federation and the JCC,” said Sydney Perry, CEO of the Federation. “This is the first time since we merged in 2009 that we can truly share our story with people and really show, rather than tell, the myriad opportunities we provide for involvement. The new site is a direct result of the Strategic Planning Initiative launched in September 2010, with its main priority being the improvement of communication and cooperation throughout the Greater New Haven Jewish community. We have created a ‘Community’ section of the site to give Jewish organizations, synagogues, schools, and social service agencies an opportunity to increase their visibility—and to make it easier for all of us to share resources in our common mission of fostering a caring, vibrant Jewish community.”

The Federation will still have the same web address (www.jewishnewhaven.org), as will the JCC (www.jccnh.org). The big difference is in the many different ways the new sites can tell their organization’s stories and share information and how it’s displayed. The new site will feature a more accessible calendar with a broader range of listings, more up-to-date-schedules, videos, slideshows, and blogs.

The Jewish Community Center is a community resource for art, education, fitness and social networking. The 100,000 square foot facility is open seven days a week. Programs, activities, and events include day camp, an early childhood learning center, aquatics, fitness programs, dancing, basketball, talks by best-selling authors, and discussions with well-known political figures. More information available at: jccnh.org or (203) 387-2522.

The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven strives to be the central organization and resource for communal planning, outreach and Jewish education in our region. The Federation raises funds to support beneficiary agencies, synagogues and other local and national organizations in Greater New Haven, Israel and worldwide. More: www.jewishnewhaven.org.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is unedited here ans posted as a community service.

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Montanari Brothers Gold’ Super Gym New Haven wraps up its 2011 Toy Drive

2011-12-30T17:44:00.001-05:00

The gym and its loyal customers once again gave back to their community with the toy donations.
Richard Montanari, Jerry Montanari, Dino Montanari and Darren Montanari along with long time employees, Tony C., and Kenny “Boot Camp” Wallach work each year to serve women and children’s shelters in the area, organizers said.
This year, donations went to Crossroads, Inc., in New Haven. Tony C. said, “Crossroads, Inc. for years has proven to be an asset to the non profit sector providing services to men, women and mothers with children (and) located on East Ramsdell in New Haven. The donation is well deserved as the agency goes above and beyond to provide for their (clientele).”
Gold’s Super Gym New Haven is hoping to see more donations to agencies serving women and children.
Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Photo shows last year's drive.

Looking for something to do New Year's Day?

2011-12-30T12:14:00.000-05:00

A hike at Sleeping Giant State Park might be just the ticket.

"Start the new year off right by joining other outdoor enthusiasts at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden" at 1:30 p.m. New Year’s Day "for a hike through one of Connecticut’s most scenic state parks," the state

Department of Energy & Environmental Protection said in a statement.

"The hike is being hosted by the Sleeping Giant Park Association (SGPA) and is free and open to the public," the statement said.

The event also "is part of the nationwide initiative, “First Day Hikes” launched by the National Association of State Park Directors," the statement said.

Before you go, check out this new book by a Guilford author that recounts "the legend behind the Sleeping Giant himself."

“America’s State Parks First Day Hikes” are occurring in over 400 state parks nationwide Jan. 1, the statement said.

The hike at Sleeping Giant is the only one in Connecticut this New Year’s Day. Directions to the park can be found here: www.ct.gov/deep

“I can think of no better way to begin the new year than by going for a brisk hike with friends and family,” DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette said, also in the statement. “DEEP is delighted that the Sleeping Giant Park Association is hosting this hike and encourages everyone to take the opportunity to enjoy the day walking in the woods.”

The hike will begin at the bulletin board by the kiosk near the park entrance at 1:30 p.m. It will include two groups and will last about 1½ to 3 hours depending on which group participants choose, the statement said.

"The hike will involve traveling over uneven, rocky terrain, possibly with a degree of rock scrambling. Hikers should be in good physical condition. Dress warmly and wear comfortable, supportive shoes, with good traction," the statement said.

Participants are welcome to bring snacks and water. Advanced registration is not necessary; however, minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult and have signed permission of a parent or legal guardian, the statement said. Please leave pets at home.

"The 'sleeping giant' is a popular feature of the south central Connecticut skyline with two miles of mountaintop resembling a large man lying in repose. A 1½-mile scenic trail leads to the stone observation tower on the peak of Mt. Carmel which provides an excellent view of Long Island Sound and the New Haven area," the statement said.

(Also contained in the statement: The SGPA was formed in 1924 to acquire land on and around the series of ridges in Mount Carmel, Connecticut known as the Sleeping Giant for use as a state park. SGPA is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to protect and enlarge Sleeping Giant State Park. The NASPD is devoted to helping state park systems effectively manage and administer their state park system. The mission of the Association is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation's environment, heritage, health and economy.)

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Photo contributed by: Sleeping Giant Park Association

DeStefano to be sworn Jan. 1 as New Haven mayor for 10th time

2011-12-29T18:27:00.002-05:00

NEW HAVEN – Mayor John DeStefano Jr. will be sworn into an historic 10th term of office at the city’s inauguration ceremony on Sunday .

Along with DeStefano, City Clerk Ronald Brown and the Board of Aldermen with 18 new members also will be sworn in. The ceremony will take place a noon at Hill Regional Career High School, 140 Legion Ave.

The Rev. Todd Foster will deliver the invocation prayer at the ceremony, followed by remarks by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

State Supreme Court Justice Lubbie Harper Jr., a native of New Haven, will administer the oath of office to DeStefano. Judge Robin Wilson will give the oath to the Board of Aldermen. And the Rev. Boise Kimber and Vin Baker will administer the oath of office to Brown for city clerk.

The ceremony will conclude with a benediction by the Rev. Abraham Hernandez.

A reception will follow in the cafeteria of the school.

'Sweet Honey in the Rock concert highlights Yale’s King holiday celebrations'

2011-12-27T11:31:00.003-05:00

NEW HAVEN - "One Yale, One Community, One Dream" will be the theme of the campus-wide celebration for the national Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in January 2012.

This year's events will include a concert by the internationally renowned a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock on Jan. 15, at 3 p.m. in Woolsey Hall, corner of College and Grove streets.

The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets or reserved seating is required and doors to the hall will open at 2:30 p.m. Woolsey Hall is accessible to persons with disabilities and the show will be sign language interpreted.

Founded by Bernice Johnson Reagon in 1973 (with Mie, Carol Maillard, and Louise Robinson) at the D.C. Black Repertory Theater Company, Sweet Honey in the Rock is rooted in a deeply held commitment to create music out of the rich textures of African-American legacy and traditions.

The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History also will again play a major part in the campus celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday with its annual event "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice."

The museum will have free admission and offer an array of performances and educational activities for visitors of all ages, also on Jan. 15, from noon to 4:30 p.m., and again Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Yale's celebration of the work of Martin Luther King Jr. has a long tradition, dating back to 1964 when the University presented him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. The citation read: "As your eloquence has kindled the nation's sense of outrage, so your steadfast refusal to countenance violence in resistance to injustice has heightened our sense of national shame. When outrage and shame together shall one day have vindicated the promise of legal, social, and economic opportunity for all citizens, the gratitude of peoples everywhere and of generations of Americans yet unborn will echo our admiration."

Information about all the campus and related events and activities for the "One Yale, One Community, One Dream" celebrations on and around the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday will be available online at news.yale.edu/mlk2012

Links: Sweet Honey in the Rock: http://www.sweethoneyintherock.org/ and Peabody Museum http://peabody.yale.edu/

Editor's Note: This is a press release. We took the liberty of editing a couple of words here and there, but generally really like what is says so we decided to let the folks at Yale speak for themselves, in their own words. (Shout out to Mike Morand, maybe?) So instead of a bunch of quotes we are sharing it relatively au naturale here. Have community news you want to share? Send it along! (P.S. The buttons below allow you to tweet this, Facebook it and otherwise show the social media love!)

Non-profit animal shelter seeking volunteers

2011-12-21T19:23:00.000-05:00

NORTH HAVEN — The Animal Haven is seeking adults to be volunteer directors from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays once a month.
The Animal Haven is a no-kill animal shelter that takes in adoptable homeless cats and dogs, and takes pride in matching them with loving, permanent homes.
Call 203-239-2641 or visit www.theanimalhaven.com.
You also can find the shelter on Facebook.
Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

Lend a hand at Fantasy of Lights in New Haven

2011-12-19T18:03:00.001-05:00

NEW HAVEN — Still not feeling that holiday glow quite yet?
There’s no better way to get into the spirit than doing something for others.
The folks at Easter Seals Goodwill Industries are still looking for groups of volunteers (neighbors, the office gang or community service organizations) to help staff a number of nights for Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Point Park.
Open dates include Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Dec. 28, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Jan. 2,3 and 4. Duties include welcoming visitors to the annual light display, collecting admission fees, etc.
Read more about the Fantasy of Lights.
To volunteer, call Fiona Paterson, administrative assistant, Easter Seals Goodwill Industries, at 203-777-2000, ext. 263, or email fpaterson@esginh.org.

Photo: The Knights of Columbus Nativity display.

Amity students reach out to help others. Can you help?

2011-12-16T17:38:00.009-05:00

Who should be the Register's Person of the Year?

2011-12-16T14:43:00.000-05:00

It's that exciting time again when the Register names a Person of the Year. Please help us select someone who has made a difference in the community. Send us the person's name, city or town they live in and a description of why you think the person should be chosen. Email us at localnews@nhregister.com (please put Person of Year in subject line), or call 203-789-5752.

Here's a look at past honorees:

2010: Dr. William Petit Jr

2009: Kelly Brownell, director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University

2008: Ann DeMatteo, New Haven Register reporter and cancer survivor

2007: Joanne Goldblum, founder of the New Haven Diaper Bank

2006: Jennifer McTiernan H., executive director of CitySeed Inc.

2005: Kica Matos, director of JUNTA for Progressive Action in New Haven

2004: Dacia Toll, Amistad Academy

See a film Sunday: "Ghost Bird" sponsored by Audubon

2011-12-16T13:40:00.001-05:00

On Dec. 18, the Menunkatuck Audubon Society, a local chapter and Audubon Connecticut, the state office of the National Audubon Society, will host a free public film screening of Ghost Bird at the Blackstone Memorial Library in Branford from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

The screening is free and open to the public. RSVPs not required.

'Ghost Bird' the movie explores the mystery surrounding the rediscovery and shows how one phantom woodpecker has changed a sleepy Southern town forever. In 2005, scientists announced that the Ivory-billed woodpecker, a species thought to be extinct for 60 years, had been found in the swamps of Eastern Arkansas. Set in a murky swamp overrun with birders, scientists, and reporters, Ghost Bird explores the limits of certainty, the seductive power of hope, and how one phantom woodpecker changed a sleepy Southern town forever. Millions of dollars poured in from the government while ornithologists and birders flooded the swamps to find the rare bird. Down the road, the town of Brinkley, Arkansas - itself on the brink of extinction – was transformed by the hope, commerce, and controversy surrounding their feathered friend. Now six years later, the woodpecker remains as elusive as ever.

Ghost Bird brings the Ivory-bill's blurry rediscovery into focus revealing our uneasy relationship with nature and the increasing uncertainty of our place within it. With over one hundred bird species having already been driven to extinction, what are the chances of one coming back, and if one did, how would we respond? Answers arrived in April of 2005 when scientists from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology held a press conference at the U.S. Department of the Interior announcing that the world's third largest woodpecker, believed extinct for over half a century, had been rediscovered. At a time when extinctions are disturbingly commonplace, the miraculous reappearance of the Ivory-billed woodpecker was welcome news celebrated by nature lovers and conservationists across the planet. This film is a reminder of how local conservation plays a vital role in preserving the planet's precious biodiversity.

To see a trailer and learn more, visit: http://ghostbirdmovie.com/

No RSVP required. Questions about local Audubon activities can be directed to Audubon Connecticut State Board Member, Dennis Riordan at: 203-387-2167. Donations to support future Audubon chapter events and conservation projects are welcome at the door.

The Blackstone Memorial Library is at 58 Main Street, (203) 488-1441, www.blackstonelibrary.org.

The Menunkatuck Audubon Society's January 2012 newsletter is available here

http://www.menunkatuck.org/files/8113/2397/9367/jan12.pdf

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is largely unedited here (that means they wrote it) and posted as a community service. (And for folks who love birds. Actually, doesn't everyone love birds? Maybe not Alfred Hitchcock)

Festival of Lights with a Chanukah Dinner to be held in Hamden

2011-12-16T13:27:00.000-05:00

HAMDEN — Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Road, will celebrate the Festival of Lights with a Chanukah Dinner and Service Dec. 16.
This fun family celebration is open to the community and will begin at 5:45 p.m. with a Shabbat dinner that features traditional Friday night foods, as well as latkes and other favorite Chanukah treats.
The evening will conclude with a Shabbat and Chanukah Family service at 7 p.m. There is a fee for dinner.
To RSVP and for more information, call the synagogue office at 203-288-3877.

Photo: Taken by Melanie Stengel in New Haven in 2007, not at Congregation Mishkan Israel.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

It's Frosty time. (And no, we don't mean beer or the snowman)

2011-12-16T13:16:00.000-05:00

GUILFORD — The Rotary Club is holding its 27th annual Frosty 5K New Year’s Day road race and 2K health walk.
Sound Runner is race headquarters. Participants can register at the store’s Branford, Madison or Old Saybrook locations, or online with a credit card at www.bit.ly/Frosty5k.
Pre-registered entrants receive long-sleeve running shirts and gloves and can pick up their race packets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 30 and 31 at Sound Runner in Branford, 1088 Main St.
Race-day registration and packet pickup is from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Jan. 1 at at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 309 S. Union St. The race begins at 11 rain, sleet or snow. The course is flat and scenic and follows town streets from the start/finish line on South Union Street to the harbor and back.
Proceeds benefit the Rotary’s Memorial Educational Fund to help people seeking job training or advanced education through scholarships and no-interest loans.
A brunch will be served at the K of C Hall after the race, where awards are made and results posted. Runners also can check results online at www.plattsys.com.
For more race information visit the Rotary website, www.guilfordctrotary.org. or follow us on Facebook (Rotary Frosty 5K).

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

Benefit for Hole in the Wall Gang Camp to be held in New Haven

2011-12-14T17:11:00.000-05:00

By Register Staff
NEW HAVEN — Elm City attorney Ed McManus has been on Santa’s “nice” list for a number of years.
Thursday (Dec. 15) from 5 to 8 p.m., he’s at it again when he co-hosts his seventh annual holiday fundraiser to benefit The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp at O’Tooles Irish Pub and Restaurant, 157 Orange St.
A minimum $20 donation gets the party started with something to nibble on and a drink. The McManus law firm and McGladrey tax firm are the hosts this year.
Raffle prizes include a 43-inch Samsung TV, an Apple iPad 2 and a Kyros tablet.
Founded in 1988 by the late Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is a community dedicated
to providing a different kind of healing to seriously ill children. Through camp programs,
year-round outreach to hospitals and clinics and ongoing services for children, families and
caregivers, the camp serves more than 17,500 annually. All services are free of charge.
For more information, call McManus at 203-776-1200 or email ed@emcmanuslaw.com. Those who can’t make it, but would like to donate can visit here.

Need a ride? CT Transit might have you covered on the Connecticut Shoreline

2011-12-13T21:53:00.002-05:00

CT Transit and 9 Town Transit and will begin expanded Saturday service on the Shoreline Shuttle and S Route between New Haven and Old Saybrook Dec. 17.
The new service will extend the hours from 7:20 a.m. to 6 p.m, and expand the route to the Scranton Gazebo in Madison. The service will now tie in to new CT Transit S Route service between Madison and New Haven.
The new schedules will provide an important link between the Shoreline and New Haven, with access to popular points such as Madison Center, Westbrook Tanger Outlets, Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets and the Guilford Green.
Additional information, route maps and schedules are available online at www.9towntransit.com or by calling 9 Town Transit at 860-510-0429. CT Transit S Route schedules are available at www.cttransit.com or by phone at 203-624-0151.