More chances to get involved

The Express wants to offer area residents as much information as possible on ways to get involved in the community. Here are a few examples:

NEW HAVEN — The Marrakech Academy for Human Service Training is offering free training to area residents.
The program includes classroom and hands-on internship experience, and prepares individuals to work with adults and children with developmental disabilities. The program aims to place graduates in full-time employment.
Training takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Friday and will run for 12 weeks. Candidates must attend an information session. Sessions are held at 3 p.m. Wednesdays at 526 Whalley Ave. Classes start soon.
For more information, call 389-2970, ex. 1318.


SHELTON — The local program of Special Olympics Connecticut is seeking athletes to form a soccer team.
Special Olympics fosters an inclusive community between intellectually disabled and non-disabled people. Those with intellectual disabilities and those who wish to train and compete with them on the soccer field as “Unified Partners’ may be part of the team.
For more information, contact local volunteer coordinator Karen Forlenzo at 922-9236 or Special Olympics Connecticut, Southwest Region, at 380-9990 or debbieh@soct.org.
To learn more about programs, visit www.soct.org.



BETHANY - There will be a Clean Energy Task Force public seminar 7-8 p.m. Feb. 19 at Town Hall. Keri Enright of Smart Power discusses how Bethany is saving money and fighting global climate change, in commission room at Town Hall, 40 Peck Road. Call Isabel Kearns at 393-2100, ext. 135.



NEW HAVEN - Mothers For Justice will dicuss working for positive changes in DCF with guest speakers, Christian Community Action, 660 Winchester Ave., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 21. Information: 777-6072.


BRANFORD — United Studios of Self-Defense has “adopted” two military companies serving in Iraq.
One of the soldiers in B Company 411th, National Guard, is a cousin of Holly Broderick, chief instructor at the studio. He is Sgt. Paul S. Holko, 25, of Danbury, who is serving his second tour in Iraq.
The unit is based in Connecticut.
The other unit is B Company 10th, National Guard from Fort Drum, N.Y.
Donations being collected are coffee, twin-size bed linens, snacks, shampoo, conditioner, coffee. For more information, call 481-7774 or visit branford.ussd@att.net.
Donations can be dropped off at United Studios of Self Defense at 66 N. Main St.