Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Set sail with Schooner, Inc.

Program for kids in pre-k through twelfth grade

Spaces are still available for Schooner Inc.’s week-long summer camps for students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The science enrichment and sailing camps are the "perfect opportunity to get children outdoors and explore Long Island Sound’s wild places, while having fun and making new friends," Schooner officials said.
Campers in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade enjoy shore-based science enrichment and those in fourth grade and up are trained in small boat sailing, among other activities.
Schooner Inc’s summer camp is state-licensed and all camp staff are CPR and First Aid certified
For more information about Schooner Inc. camp offerings or to register online, visit www.schoonerinc.org or contact the Schooner Inc office at (203) 865-1737.
Schooner Inc is a non-profit marine education organization based in New Haven. Since 1975, Schooner Inc has been dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and personal growth through experiences in marine science, sailing, and the history of Long Island Sound and its watershed, the group’s statement said. Each year more than 13,000 people participate in Schooner Inc. programs in the classroom, on the shore and on board Quinnipiack, Schooner Inc’s 91-foot schooner. During the school year, Schooner Inc. provides programs that meet curriculum needs and, during the summer, Schooner Inc. offers a licensed day camp. For more information, call the office at (203) 865 1737 or visit www.schoonerinc.org.

Basketball for boys in West Haven

WEST HAVEN — The Department of Recreation is registering city boys ages 15-18 for its summer basketball program at the Nike Site Park courts on Bull Hill Lane.
Games are played at 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from July 6-Aug. 8.
The fee is $15, which includes a T-shirt.
Participants, accompanied by a parent or guardian, must register at the department’s Painter Park office, 190 Kelsey Ave., by June 29. For details, call 937-3651.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

So much to be proud of for New Haven

NEW HAVEN — The Black and Hispanic Caucus of the Board of Aldermen will honor winners of the 2009 Alvis D. Brooker Scholarships at the 10th annual Alvis Brooker Scholarship Award Reception at 3 p.m. Sunday at Luce Hall at Yale University, 37 Hillhouse Ave.This year’s winners represent five city high schools and will be going to some of the most select colleges throughout the United States, the caucus said in a statement. Winners had to have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, participated in community service and been accepted to a two- or four-year college or university, the statement said.Winners are: Brittni Anderson and Stephanie Encarnacion, of High School in the Community; Imani Johnson-Bell, Chelsea Bennett, Orisel Castaneda, Leon Chavez Davis, Leo James, Rosa Maria Lopez Rodriguez and Ana Marie Trimble, of Hillhouse High School; Monique Haynes of Hill Regional Career High School; Tanay Moore of Hyde Leadership, and Rosaly Rosario of Sound School.Tickets for the reception can be purchased at the door for $25. All proceeds go to providing future scholarships.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

New Web site for Office of Economic Development

NEW HAVEN — The city New Haven Office of Economic Development has launched a new Web site.
The intent of the site is "to assist in communication between the city, residents, business leaders, and those interested in relocating to New Haven," officials said in a statement.
"Despite a slumping national economy, New Haven continues moving forward with development projects and assisting businesses to grow or move to our city," Kelly Murphy, director of economic development said in a statement. "It’s great that we now have a user-friendly tool to share this information with our residents, the business community and people who are interested in finding our what and who we are as a city and why they should think about locating in New Haven."
The site is intended to provide information on key development projects as well as other useful resources for business, including links, the statement said.
The Office of Economic Development welcomes any suggestions, and encourages visitors to fill out an online feedback form, the statement said, at http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/EconomicDevelopment/Contact/ or to contact the department at 946-2366.
This new site is accessed through www.cityofnewhaven.com, by either clicking on the Business button, then the Economic Development button or by clicking on the Government button, then the City Departments button, then Economic Development. The direct link is: http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/EconomicDevelopment/index.asp.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Career Express Bus to make stop in Woodbridge

The state Department of Labor's Career Express Bus will be at the Woodbridge Town Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 29.
Career Express is a 38-foot bus equipped with eight high-tech computer workstations and SMART Board that travels to towns throughout the state helping job seekers with employment searches, library officials said.

Career Express staff will offer job search and individual job skills development services on a first-come, first-served basis.

Job seekers will be able to conduct online job searches and learn about other job search resources and Web sites.

Bring your resume and have it reviewed and critiqued by staff who are Professional Certified Resume Writers. Career Express staff will answer questions about job interviews and interviewing as well as providing additional information on the state Department of Labor/CTWorks career centers and services, library officials said.

For more information, please call the library Information Desk at 389-3434.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

What a difference a Day makes!


Local Talent Brings Doris Day film to New Haven June 24

Producer and writer Pierre Patrick, who also is a member of the cast of "What a Difference a Day Makes: Doris Day Superstar," a documentary that screened on European TV this spring. The film will receive its U.S. premiere at 5:30 p.m. June 24 at the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St. Patrick will be on hand to discuss the film. Free parking is available. Register for the event at http://www.dorisdayfilm.eventbrite.com/.

Patrick is also co-author of two books on Doris Day, including the newly released "The Doris Day Companion." Patrick has known the 50’s Hollywood Icon for years, and some of the interviews for the book took place at her home in Carmel, Calif., library officials said. His book, which provides background material on her songs, movies and TV shows, will be available for sale and signing at the film premiere at the library, and at Atticus Bookstore Cafe on June 25.

The library also will offer a free screening of Pajama Game (1957), starring Day and John Raitt, at 2 p.m. June 26 at 2pm. For more information, call (203) 946-8835.

The photo shows Doris Day and Pierre Patrick

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Orange Police Department put citizens to "work"

ORANGE — The Police Department recently held a Citizens Police Academy that ran for eight weeks, with a 2.5-hour session each week.
Attendees, shown, with some department officials, learned about administration, records, the Patrol Division, accident investigation, DUI enforcement, medical emergencies, firearms, the Investigative Services Unit, crime prevention, youth officer and the DARE Program, community policing, special deployments and the court system, officials said.
Attendees also participated in a ride-along with a patrol officer. Officer John Aquino managed the program from week to week, with several officers participating as instructors.
Police Chief Robert Gagne said the department has been running the Citizens Academy for many years and receives very positive feedback after each session.
"It is a great way for our community members to experience firsthand what services we offer and how we police the community," he said. "It also gives us valuable interaction with and feedback from our community members."

Writers Live!

Don't miss this chance to meet with a popular local writer

NEW HAVEN - Author Karen Olson will discuss her new book, "The Missing Ink: a Tattoo Shop Mystery," from 6 to 7 p.m. July 8 at the New Haven Free Public Library, 133 Elm St., New Haven.

As is says at http://www.kareneolson.com/

ABOUT "THE MISSING INK"
Brett Kavanaugh is a tattoo artist and owner of The Painted Lady, catering to high-profile clients in Las Vegas. But in her free time, she does a little investigating too - because murder really gets under her skin. . . .
When a girl makes an appointment to get devotion ink with the name of her fiancé embedded in a heart, Brett takes the job, but the girl never shows. The next thing Brett knows, the police are looking for her mysterious client and the name she wanted on the tattoo isn't the name of her fiancé.
An alliance with an unlikely partner leads Brett to a dead body, a suave Englishman, and an Elvis karaoke bar. And who is the tattooed stranger stalking her? Brett draws lines between the clues, unwittingly putting herself in danger. But she intends to see justice done, since death, like a tattoo, is permanent. . .

Olson also is the author of the Annie Seymour mystery series, which are set in New Haven and feature a take names, hot shot reporter who finds deadly stories in the Elm City while also keeping her own spicy love life alive. Read Olson's blog at http://firstoffenders.typepad.com/

Friday, June 12, 2009

Gun Violence Awareness Month begins June 13

Start and end of month commemorate tragic deaths of two city teens

NEW HAVEN — CTRIBAT Institute For Social Development, Inc. will kick off the 1st Annual Gun Violence Awareness Month by holding a memorial service to commemorate victims and survivors of gun violence beginning at 11 a.m. at 230 Ashmun St., state Rep. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, said.
The launch of the month coincides with the anniversary date of the tragic shooting death of resident Jajuana Cole, 13, Winfielld said. Gun Violence Awareness Month is an intense National Public Health Emergency Campaign aimed at educating the public on the negative impact urban gun violence makes on the physical, mental and educational development and health of children and teens. It runs through July 25, the anniversary date of the tragic shooting death of Justus Suggs, also 13. A large number of community agencies, organizations and professional service agencies will participate, Winfield said.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Sharing a love of reading

New Haven Superintendent of School Reginald Mayo and Connecticut Child Advocate Jeanne Milstein spoke to the Jewish Coalition for Literacy volunteer reading partners June 11.
The volunteers read weekly in New Haven Public Schools to help children experience to joy of reading and improving their English language skills, coalition officials said.

Pictured, l to r, are Brenda Brenner, JCL coordinator, Pat DeMaio, executive director of the New Haven School Foundation, Mayo and Milstein.

Mayo and Milstein relayed the importance of reading with the children and helping them increase their vocabulary. They praised the volunteers for consistency and being dependable.

Anyone interested in volunteering to read with the children should contact bbrenner@jewishnewhaven.org or (203) 387-2424, ex. 308.

Free meals for kids 12 to 15 in July

NEW HAVEN — Free, nutritious meals will be provided to residents ages 12 to 15 years from July 6 through Aug. 27 at East Rock Elks Lodge, 87 Webster St.
The meals will be available from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
The service is paid for by federal funds.
For more information, contact Kate Walton, programs director, at Connecticut Food Bank, P.O. Box 8686, New Haven, or call 469-5000.

Got some ideas about arts?

Then this is your place to be - this is the full schedule!

ARTS & IDEAS CALENDAR

Tickets for all events with admission prices can be purchased at the Shubert Theater Box Office (located at 247 College Street, New Haven) and by phone at (203) 562-5666 or (888) 736-2663. For a complete listing of events and to order tickets online, visit www.artidea.org.
SATURDAY
9 a.m., Bike Tour: West Rock Mountain Biking Explore the off-road trails of West Rock State Park and visit the historic Judges’ Cave in this 15-20-mile ride for experienced riders; helmets, water and an appropriate mountain bicycle required, meet at corner of College and Chapel streets, free.
10 a.m and 2 p.m., 3rd annual Children’s Film Festival Two 90-minute screenings of award-winning independent short films for young audiences (ages 3-10), Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St., free.
1 p.m. Film: "War Child" Hip-hop artist Emmanuel Jal, a former child soldier in Sudan’s brutal civil war, fights to bring peace to his beloved country; question-and-answer session with filmmaker Christian Karim Chrobog follows, Whitney Humanities Center Auditorium, 53 Wall St., free.
1:30 p.m., Foodie Tour: Flavors from Iberia to Latin America Ibiza, Soul de Cuba, Geronimo, meet at Ibiza, 39 High St., reservations required: (203) 562-5666 or artidea.org, $40.
2 p.m., Walking Tour: Sprague Hall Tour includes Morse Recital Hall, considered one of the nation’s finest concert halls, reservations required: (203) 432-2300, meet at Yale Visitor Center, 149 Elm St., free.
2 p.m., Bike Tour: Public Sculpture See works by Roy Lichtenstein, Maya Lin, Alexander Calder and others (for all riders), meet at corner of College and Chapel streets, free.
3 p.m., "Circus" Play inspired by Fellini film "La Strada," is the story of small-time three-person circus, with juggling, tumbling, knife-throwing, trapeze, love and jealousy (no late seating; suitable for all ages), University Theatre, 222 York St., $25.
3 p.m., Ideas: Favorite Poem Project – Community Reading with Former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky Culmination of the project features readings by Connecticut citizens, Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., Free
3:15 p.m., Film Series: "New Year Baby" Director/producer Socheata Poeuv journeys to Cambodia with her family and uncovers their painful history of great heroism in surviving the Khmer Rouge genocide; produced and written by Charles Vogl, Whitney Humanities Center Auditorium, 53 Wall St., free.
5 p.m., When Filmmakers Work with Refugees: Goals, Achievements, Dangers, Disappointments A discussion with the film series filmmakers Christian Karim Chrobog, Socheata Poeuv, Zach Niles and Charles Vogl, Whitney Humanities Center Auditorium, 53 Wall St., free.
8 p.m., "Circus" (see 5 p.m.), University Theatre, 222 York St., $25.
7 p.m., Opening Night on the Green: Global Dance Party American Southern Creole accordionist Buckwheat Zydeco and the nine musicians of New York’s Slavic Soul Party!, New Haven Green, free.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
9 a.m., Bike Tour: Stony Creek Visit a historic seaside village with views of the beautiful Thimble Islands (intermediate riders, 35 miles), meet at corner of College and Chapel streets, free.
1 p.m., Film: "Between Earth & Sky" Film follows Iraqi refugees living in Jordan in exploring the human side of war that’s produced the world’s fastest growing population of refugees and internally displaced people, Whitney Humanities Center Auditorium, 53 Wall St., free.
2 p.m., Walking Tour: Yale Sustainable Food Project: The Yale Farm Learn about the Yale Farm and its many varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowers, as well as the basics of organic agriculture in an urban setting, meet at Yale Farm, Edwards Street between Prospect and Whitney, free.
2 p.m., Bike Tour: Community Gardens and Preserves Ride to various public gardens and preserves throughout New Haven, visiting New Haven Land Trust land, nature preserves at Quinnipiac Meadows, Long Wharf and Morris Creek (all riders, 16 miles), meet at the corner of College and Chapel streets, free.
2:30 p.m., Film Discussion: "The Art of Survival: Refugees from the Iraq War" Panelists include filmmaker Kalyanee Mam, Chris George, executive director of Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services and Iraqi refugees now living in New Haven, Whitney Humanities Center Auditorium, 53 Wall St., free.
3 p.m., "Circus" Play inspired by Fellini film "La Strada," is the story of small-time three-person circus, with juggling, tumbling, knife-throwing, trapeze, love and jealousy (no late seating; suitable for all ages), University Theatre, 222 York St., $25. Artist discussion follows for performance ticketholders.
3 p.m. Ideas Program: "Playing in the Dark: Videogame Luminaries Discuss the State of their Art Video game columnist and design consultant N’gai Croal leads panel on where this medium is headed. Panelists include thatgamecompany co-founder Kellee Santiago (flOw, Flower) and Universal Games’ head of game production Peter Wanat ("Scarface: The World is Yours," "The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay"), Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., free.
4 p.m., Film: "Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars" The story of a group of six Sierra Leonean musicians who formed a band while living as refugees in the Republic of Guinea; co-directed and co-produced by Zach Niles and Banker White, a brief question and answer session with filmmakers follows,Whitney Humanities Center Auditorium, 53 Wall St., free.
6 p.m. – They Might Be Giants Family Concert Grammy-winning band from Brooklyn brings its unconventional style to children’s songs and TV themes, New Haven Green, free.
MONDAY, JUNE 15
6 p.m., Invited Sharing Class Community dancers are invited to join Reggie and Andréya to explore traditional and contemporary dance forms, Broadway Rehearsal Lofts, 294 Elm St. (above Trailblazers), free, but reservations required: (203) 498-3723 or e-mail amatthews@artidea.org.
TUESDAY, JUNE 16
Noon, Baila Peru & Generacion Latina Virgen del Cisne Vibrant music and dance of Peru and Ecuador by two groups from St. Rose of Lima Church, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
1:15 p.m., Manguito "Pocket salsa orchestra," part of Noon to Night, Family Stage, New Haven Green, free.
3 p.m., Walking Tour: Yale University Campus Experience the architectural wonders of the Yale campus, meet at the Yale Visitor Center, 149 Elm St., free.
5 p.m., Foodie Tour: The Art of the Cocktail: From Classic to Contemporary A master class and tasting taught by master mixer John Ginnetti of 116 Crown (ages 21+ only), 116 Crown St., $20, reservations required: (203) 562-5666, www.artidea.org.
5:30 p.m., Ideas Program: Kenji Yoshino: The Hidden Assault on our Civil Rights Kenji Yoshino, the Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law at New York University Law School, talks about his book "Covering: The Hidden Assault on Our Civil Rights" in recognition of Connecticut’s legalization of same-sex marriage, Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St., free.
6 p.m., Dig Deeper: Community Shout Community Shouts are rejuvenating sing-a-longs; learn about the origins and functions of song, through tales and songs from Africa and the African Diaspora in the Caribbean and the American South, Broadway Rehearsal Lofts, 294 Elm St. (above Trailblazer), free.
6:30 p.m., Mango Blue Bassist and singer Alex Alvear, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
8 p.m., "Circus" Play inspired by Fellini film "La Strada," is the story of small-time three-person circus, with juggling, tumbling, knife-throwing, trapeze, love and jealousy (no late seating; suitable for all ages), University Theatre, 222 York St., $25.
8 p.m. Courtyard Concert : Miguel Zenon San Juan’s alto saxophonist and composer, Yale Law School Courtyard, 127 Wall St., $30.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Dance Master Class Dance Master Class taught by AndrĂ©ya Ouamba (Compagnie 1er Temps) explores how the abstract form takes up a lot of space in the work, appropriate for intermediate/advanced dancers, free.
Noon, Caravan of Thieves Husband and wife Fuzz and Carrie and their acoustic quartet play Beatlesque harmonies, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
12:30 p.m., Walking Tour: Hillhouse Avenue Historic District See why Charles Dickens called the avenue the "Most Beautiful Street in America" (ages 15 and up), meet at corner of Hillhouse Avenue and Sachem Street, free.
1-2:30 p.m., Walking Tour: Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity Rudd Center Director Kelly Brownell, a world authority on food policy and obesity issues, leads a discussion on obesity, world hunger, and the role modern food practices play in environmental issues, meet at Rudd Center, 309 Edwards St., free, but reservations required: (203) 432-2300.
1:15 p.m., Arti Dixson Quartet Family Stage, New Haven Green, free.
3 p.m., "Circus" Play inspired by Fellini film "La Strada," is the story of small-time three-person circus, with juggling, tumbling, knife-throwing, trapeze, love and jealousy (no late seating; suitable for all ages), University Theatre, 222 York St., $25.
5 p.m., Foodie Tour: Farm to Table Zinc, Claire’s and Basta, meet at Zinc, 946 Chapel St., $40, reservations required: (203) 562-5666, www.artidea.org.
5:30 p.m., Idea Program: Food: Pleasure, Policy and Public Health Kelly Brownell, director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, Canadian Chantal-Line Carpentier, United Nations Sustainable Development Officer and Josh Viertel, president of Slow Food USA, discuss the joys of food and the interplay of related economic, political, environmental and public health issues, Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St., free.
5:30 p.m., Bike Tour: Eye on New Haven – A Photographic Tour Join an experienced local photographer to shoot some of New Haven’s most picturesque places (all riders, 10 miles), opportunities to take photographs at several stops during the tour, meet at the corner of College and Chapel streets, free.
6:30pm – Cobalt Rhythm Kings Raging blues band steeped in hard-edged Chicago-style blues and jazzy jump blues, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
7:30 p.m., World Cafe Share your reflections at the World CafĂ©, a space for conversation, food and refreshments, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drink discounts (cash bar); visit www.theworldcafe.com to learn more, The Study at Yale, 1157 Chapel St., free.
8 p.m., "Circus" See 3 p.m. above.
8 p.m.,"First Love" Regarded as the greatest living Samuel Beckett interpreter, Conor Lovett’s one-man performance of the early novella has mesmerized audiences around the world, Long Wharf Theatre, Stage II, 222 Sargent Drive, $30.
8 p.m., Courtyard Concert: Tania Libertad Her passion for music from the diverse Afro-Peruvian tradition of salsa, nueva cancion, Brazilian music and her trademark boleros makes for a stunning show, Yale Law School Courtyard, 127 Wall St., $30.
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
Noon, Mactalla Mor Gaelic for "Great Echo", this hard-driving Celtic roots band’s bagpipes, bodhran, organ, flute and singing will get the whole family dancing, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
1:15 p.m., Surcari Young Audiences of Connecticut wind, string and percussion trio, Family Stage, New Haven Green, free.
2 p.m., Walking Tour: The Heritage of Newhallville Visit historic Winchester Repeating Arms Factory, Science Park and the turn-of-the-century homes that surround them, meet at the Munson Street Triangle (Munson and Winchester Streets), free.
5:30 p.m., Ideas Program: Alex Ross: Listening to the Twentieth Century New Yorker music critic and 2008 MacArthur Fellow Alex Ross will play dozens of musical examples, tracing the hidden links between seemingly disparate worlds from Bach to Björk, as noted in his recent bestselling book "The Rest Is Noise," Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., free.
5:45 p.m., Walking Tour: Downtown Art Studios Join Artspace and explore artists’ studios and art spots in downtown New Haven; meet the artists and see their work, meet at Artspace, 50 Orange St., free.
6:30 p.m., Connecticut Ballroom Theatre: Deja Vu Ballroom The 14-member troupe’s premiere of DĂ©jĂ  Vu Ballroom will showcase the evolution of dance, from Rudolph Valentino’s tango and the Lindy Hop of the 1930’s though the big-band era and disco fever, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
8 p.m.,"First Love" Regarded as the greatest living Samuel Beckett interpreter, Conor Lovett’s one-man performance of the early novella has mesmerized audiences around the world, Long Wharf Theatre, Stage II, 222 Sargent Drive, $30.
8 p.m., Courtyard Concert: Rupa & the April Fishes The band’s accessible and multicultural sound has earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting groups in the Bay Area music scene, Yale Law School Courtyard, 127 Wall St., $30.
FRIDAY, JUNE 19
Noon, Walking Tour: Galleries in the Audubon Arts District The Creative Arts Workshop Faculty Exhibit, the Arts Council and a watercolor exhibit at John Slade Ely House, meet at corner of Whitney Avenue and Audubon Street, free.
Noon, Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem Fiddler Rani Arbo’s expressive alto blends seamlessly in four-part vocal harmony on her group’s country blues, vintage swing and Appalachian tunes, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
1:15 p.m., Scott Kessel: Recycled Rhythms Make a wooden "harmonica" and a found-object drum set with percussionist Scott Kessel from Daisy Mayhem in this hands-on workshop, Family Stage, New Haven Green, free.
3 p.m., Dig Deeper: Open Rehearsal for The Good Dance – dakar/brooklyn Observe Reggie Wilson, AndrĂ©ya Ouamba and their companies as they build their piece, Broadway Rehearsal Lofts, 294 Elm St. (above Trailblazer), free.
5:30 p.m., Walking Tour: Creating Tradition: The Architecture of James Gamble Rogers at Yale See the Gothic Revival image of the University, buildings may include Branford College, Harkness Memorial Tower, Sterling Memorial Library, Sterling Law School and the Hall of Graduate Studies, meet in front of Harkness Memorial Tower, High Street, free.
5:30 p.m., Ideas Program: Artists, Diplomats and other Actors on the Global Stage Eugene Downes, chief executive of Culture Ireland, Ben Cameron, program director for the arts at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and Frank Hodsoll, former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, now chairman of the board of the Center for Arts and Culture discuss the role of government in advancing cultural heritage and global understanding, Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St., free.
6:30 p.m., Goldrush Acoustic country and bluegrass band featuring vocalist Mary Beth Sippin, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
8 p.m., "Circus" Play inspired by Fellini film "La Strada," is the story of small-time three-person circus, with juggling, tumbling, knife-throwing, trapeze, love and jealousy (no late seating; suitable for all ages), University Theatre, 222 York St., $25.
8 p.m.,"First Love" Regarded as the greatest living Samuel Beckett interpreter, Conor Lovett’s one-man performance of the early novella has mesmerized audiences around the world, Long Wharf Theatre, Stage II, 222 Sargent Drive, $30.
8 p.m., "Really Real" A dance and music performance created by choreographer Wally Cardona and composer Phil Kline, New Theater, 1156 Chapel St., $25.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
9 a.m., Bike Tour: Sleeping Giant and Farmington Canal Greenway A 25-mile loop with a climb to an apple orchard, and a flatter, shorter, 18-mile round trip that returns on the Farmington Canal Greenway (intermediates, 2 distances: 18 or 25 miles), meet at the corner of College and Chapel streets, free.
11a.m., Walking Tour: Churches and Change on the Green’s East Rim Explore three historic churches and the works of art contained in them on the New Haven Green, meet at front steps of First & Summerfield United Methodist Church, corner of Elm and College streets, free.
1 p.m., Ideas Program: A Conversation with Frank McCourt and Rose Styron The author of Pulitzer Prize winner "Angela’s Ashes" is joined by poet and human rights activist Rose Styron, Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., free.
1 p.m., Villages of Villages This engaging weekend features dancers, musicians, choral groups, puppeteers, acrobats and creative people of all kinds from community-based groups around the state, New Haven Green, free.
1:30 p.m., Foodie Tour: Taste Fair Haven Fair Haven’s historic Grand Avenue: authentic tacos, Puerto Rican alcapurrias, brick oven pizza, Italian pastries and more, meet at the parking lot located at Grand Avenue and Poplar Street, $20, reservations required: (203) 562-5666, www.artidea.org.
2 p.m., Bike Tour: Globalization and New Haven A bike-bound exploration and discussion into how global cultural and economic forces have shaped New Haven’s diverse tapestry of neighborhoods, workplaces and civic spaces (all riders, 12 miles), meet at the corner of College and Chapel streets, free.
3 p.m., "Circus" Play inspired by Fellini film "La Strada," is the story of small-time three-person circus, with juggling, tumbling, knife-throwing, trapeze, love and jealousy (no late seating; suitable for all ages), University Theatre, 222 York St., $25.
3 p.m., Ideas Program: A Conversation with Mavis Staples & Elizabeth Alexander Gospel singer/activist Staples will be joined by poet Elizabeth Alexander, chair of African American Studies at Yale, who recited her poem "Praise Song for the Day" at the inauguration of President Barack Obama, Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., free.
8 p.m., "Circus" See 3 p.m. above.
8 p.m., "First Love" Regarded as the greatest living Samuel Beckett interpreter, Conor Lovett’s one-man performance of the early novella has mesmerized audiences around the world, Long Wharf Theatre, Stage II, 222 Sargent Drive, $30.
8 p.m., Mavis Staples One of the most recognizable and treasured voices in gospel and soul and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, New Haven Green, free.
8 p.m.,"Really Real" A dance and music performance created by choreographer Wally Cardona and composer Phil Kline, New Theater, 1156 Chapel St., $25.
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
9 a.m., Bike Tour: Bethany Farms Scenic countryside just outside of New Haven (intermediate riders, 25 miles), meet at the corner of College and Chapel streets, free.
11 a.m., Dig Deeper: African Diaspora Immersion Tour the African Art Collection with Frederick Lamp, the Frances and Benjamin Benenson Foundation Curator of African Art, with more than 1,000 objects in wood, metal, ivory, ceramic and other materials, Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., free, reservations required: (203) 498-3723 or email amatthews@artidea.org.
Noon, Dig Deeper: An African Immersion A 90-minute movement workshop on contemporary dance technique that draws upon the material of "The Good Dance - dakar/brooklyn" with choreographers Reggie Wilson and Andréya Ouamba, Yale University Art Gallery, Sculpture Garden, 1111 Chapel St., free, reservations required: call (203) 498-3723 or email amatthews@artidea.org.
1 p.m., Village of Villages Celebrate world cultures and American heritage with dancers, musicians, choral groups, puppeteers and creative people of all kinds from community-based groups from across the state, New Haven Green, free.
2 p.m., Walking Tour: Westville: Vaudeville, Bar Brawls and Grindstones Westville’s rich cast of characters from the past and present, in the peculiar stories of its history, as told by Colin M. Caplan, author of "Westville: Tales from a Connecticut Hamlet," meet at Lyric Hall Antiques, 827 Whalley Ave., free.
2 p.m., Bike Tour: Poetry on Wheels Ride to some of the most scenic spots in New Haven to hear local poets and perhaps surprise celebrity writers read from their work and that of their favorites (all riders, 10 miles), meet at the corner of College and Chapel Streets, free.
3 p.m., "Really Real" A dance and music performance created by choreographer Wally Cardona and composer Phil Kline, New Theater, 1156 Chapel St., $25, artist discussion follows for performance ticketholders.
3 p.m., Ideas Program: Robert Farris Thompson: Afro-Atlantic Art, Dance and Music Robert Farris Thompson, the Col. John Trumbull Professor of History of Art at Yale, brings to life aesthetic, social and artistic traditions as they migrate to America, Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., free.
4 p.m., Celebration of Connecticut Bands Local Heroes – from emerging bands like sayWHAT? to New Haven blues band, Don’t Tell Muddy, and the underground band, Mighty Purple, plus the winners of the Connecticut Association of Schools "Band Jam," Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
5 p.m., Sejong New York-based conductor-less string orchestra performs with pianist Robert Blocker, the Henry and Lucy Moses Dean of Music at Yale School of Music, Sprague Memorial Hall, 470 College St., $15.
7 p.m., "First Love" Regarded as the greatest living Samuel Beckett interpreter, Conor Lovett’s one-man performance of the early novella has mesmerized audiences around the world, Long Wharf Theatre, Stage II, 222 Sargent Drive, $30, artist discussion follows for performance ticketholders.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
10 a.m., Dance Master Class A contemporary movement class that utilizes source materials, elements and movement languages from cultures of the Southern U.S., the Caribbean and Southern, Western and Central Africa, taught by Reggie Wilson (Fist & Heel Performance Group), DanceSpace, 70 Audubon St., lower level, appropriate for intermediate/advanced dancers, free.
Noon, Cosmic Jibaros Cross-cultural group’s highly danceable songs are sung primarily in Spanish with charismatic lead singer Ricardo Reyes, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
1:15 p.m., Les Julian Award-winning songs delight and transport both kids and adults and celebrate the diversity of the world in a variety of engaging musical styles, Family Stage, New Haven Green, free.
1:30 p.m., Walking Tour: The Utopian Impulse Exhibit and Lecture Tour features rare materials from Yale’s collections (15th to 18th centuries): illustrated travel books and utopian tracts, architectural treatises and maps, ( best for adults and older children), Sterling Memorial Library, meet at the Yale Visitor Center, 149 Elm St., free, limited space, call for reservations: (203) 432-2300.
2 p.m., Walking Tour: Yale School of Music Collection of Musical Instruments Collection includes nearly 1,000 musical instruments from antiquity to the present, from both Western and non-Western traditions, meet at 15 Hillhouse Ave., $10, tickets: (203) 562-5666, www.artidea.org.
5:30 p.m., Ideas Program: A Conversation with Mark Morris & Joan Acocella Choreographer and conductor Mark Morris discuss his work with a special focus on "Dido and Aeneas," joined by Joan Acocella, dance writer for the New Yorker and author of the 1993 biography "Mark Morris," Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St.,free.
6 p.m., Jason Moran Prodigy pianist, composer and heir to the Thelonius Monk tradition, Moran and his band The Big Bandwagon bring an original multimedia piece based on Monk’s first show with a big band at Town Hall in 1959, Long Wharf Theatre, Stage II, 222 Sargent Drive, $30.
6:30 p.m., Peach Pie Band Original compositions, the songs of Tin Pan Alley, swing tunes, Celtic music and ’60s classics, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
9 p.m., Jason Moran See 6 p.m., above.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Noon, Walking Tour: Parachute Gallery Exhibition – "White Collar, Blue Collar, Pink Slip" How work shapes our identities. A collaboration between the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services and the Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health, meet at PRC, 319 Peck St., Bldg. 1, free.
Noon, Brazz Tree New World acoustic duo of violinist and singer Mazz Swift and acoustic guitarist Brad Hammonds, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
1:15 p.m., Balla Kouyate & World Vision Balafon player from the Djeli or griot tradition in Mali, Balla Kouyate can be heard on Yo-Yo Ma’s most recent album "Songs of Joy and Peace," Family Stage, New Haven Green, free.
1:30 p.m., Walking Tour: Grove Street Cemetery One of the most historic cemeteries in the U.S., with the graves of New Haven’s earliest prominent citizens: Eli Whitney, Charles Goodyear, Noah Webster. A screening of the 60-minute Grove Street Cemetery film "City of the Dead, City of the Living" follows at 2:45 p.m. in Sterling Memorial Library lecture hall (128 Wall St.), meet at Grove Street Cemetery, Egyptian Revival Gate, 227 Grove St., free.
5 p.m., Foodie Tour: Small Plates in Ninth Square Skappo Italian Wine Bar, The Blue Pearl and 116 Crown, meet at Skappo Italian Wine Bar, 59 Crown St., $40, reservations required: (203) 562-5666, www.artidea.org.
5:30 p.m., Ideas Program: Kati Morton: A Hungarian/American Journey The Hungarian-American journalist, author and humanitarian provides a window into her family’s journey and personal search for identity in the context of 20th-century Hungarian history and human rights issues, Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St., free.
5:30 p.m., Walking Tour: Marsh Botanical Garden Tour the gardens and glass houses with tropical collections of carnivorous plants, desert collection and other rare and interesting plants, listen to live music by a Klezmer string band, meet at Marsh Botanical Garden, 227 Mansfield St. (also accessible from 360 Prospect Street), free.
5:30 p.m., Bike Tour: Harborside Greenway East/Lighthouse Point Follow the East Coast Greenway along New Haven’s east shoreline to Lighthouse Park, home of an historic lighthouse and restored carousel (all riders, 12 miles), meet at the corner of College and Chapel streets, free.
6:30 p.m., Balla Kouyate & World Vision See 1:15 p.m., above.
8 p.m., "Ivanov" Set in 1960s rural Hungary, the Katona JĂłzsef Theatre Company’s approach to Anton Chekhov’s Ivanov is intellectual, nontraditional and fresh, layering comedy, tragedy and the spectrum of emotions within, University Theatre, 222 York St., $35.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Noon, Walking Tour: Kroon Hall – Yale’s Greenest Building Tour Yale’s new LEED platinim-slated School of Forestry and Environment building, one of the greenest buildings in America, which uses many sustainable techniques and systems rarely seen in this country (better suited for adults), meet on Prospect Street in the Kroon plaza, 195 Prospect St., free, limited space, reserve at (203) 432-2300.
Noon, Mother Turtle Marsia Shuron Harris’ songs are a soulful and danceable mix of rock, Latin, and reggae, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
1:15 p.m., Imagination in Motion Family Paul Rajeckas and Neil Intraub’s athletic movement theater performance combines mime, modern dance and vaudeville with dialogue, audience participation, Family Stage, New Haven Green, free.
4 p.m., Foodie Tour: Multicultural Art Driven Sushi and Sake Dinner by Bun Lai He breaks down food from different cultures and re-assembles them into another form to create a more expansive, human cuisine, Miya’s, 68 Howe St., $50, reservations required: (203) 562-5666, www.artidea.org.
5:30 p.m., Ideas Program: Confronting the Global Economic Crisis James Surowiecki, staff writer at the New Yorker, moderates a panel with Ray Fair and Robert Shiller (both professors of economics at Yale), Amy Butte, co-founder and CEO of Tile Financial, and Alonso Perez-Kakabadse, former Yale Fellow and economic advisor to the president of Ecuador, Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., free.
5:30 p.m., Walking Tour: A Very Concrete Tour of New Haven Concrete, cement, mortar – see how these ordinary materials have been used with ingenuity and artistry in downtown New Haven’s architecture, meet in front of Trinity Episcopal Church, corner of Temple and Chapel streets, free.
6:30 p.m., Jonny Rodgers & The Aviary, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
8 p.m., "Dido & Aeneas" Mark Morris Dance Group gracefully marries Henry Purcell’s 17th-century opera with contemporary movement in a lush spectacle of extraordinary dance, exquisite singing, and stark stately sets, Shubert Theater, 247 College St., $48 $36, $20, $10.
8 p.m., The Good Dance – dakar/brooklyn The latest project of Brooklyn-based Reggie Wilson (Fist & Heel Performance Group) and Congolese choreographer AndrĂ©ya Ouamba, of 1er Temps, based in Dakar, Senegal, New Theater, 1156 Chapel St., $25.
8 p.m., "Ivanov" Set in 1960’s rural Hungary, the Katona JĂłzsef Theatre Company’s approach to Anton Chekhov’s Ivanov is intellectual, nontraditional and fresh, layering comedy, tragedy and the spectrum of emotions within, University Theatre, 222 York St., $35, artist discussion for performance ticketholders precedes the performance at 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Noon – Nicole Frechette A native of southern Connecticut, Nicole recorded her debut album in Nashville, Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
1:15 p.m., "Play Me A Story" Literary work will be translated into music, the result of composer Jacob Cooper’s collaboration with students from the Vincent Mauro School, Family Stage, New Haven Green, free.
2 p.m., Walking Tour: Yale School of Architecture Includes Paul Rudolph Hall, his iconic Art + Architecture Building, Jeffrey H. Loria Center for The History of Art and the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library (better suited for adults), meet at Rudolph Hall, 180 York St., free, space limited, reserve at (203) 432-2300.
5:30 p.m., Ideas Program: Jonah Lehrer: Proust Was a Neuroscientist How a group of 19th- and 20th-century artists each discovered an essential truth about the mind that neuroscience is only now rediscovering; with Dennis Spencer, chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Yale Medical School, Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St., free.
6:30pm – The Border Cops Elm Street Stage, New Haven Green, free.
8 p.m., "Dido & Aeneas" Mark Morris Dance Group gracefully marries Henry Purcell’s 17th-century opera with contemporary movement in a lush spectacle of extraordinary dance, exquisite singing and stark stately sets, Shubert Theater, 247 College St., $48 $36, $20, $10.
8 p.m., The Good Dance – dakar/brooklyn The latest project of Brooklyn-based Reggie Wilson (Fist & Heel Performance Group) and Congolese choreographer AndrĂ©ya Ouamba, of 1er Temps, based in Dakar, Senegal, New Theater, 1156 Chapel St., $25, artist discussion for performance ticketholders follows.
8 p.m., "Ivanov" Set in 1960’s rural Hungary, the Katona JĂłzsef Theatre Company’s approach to Anton Chekhov’s Ivanov is intellectual, nontraditional and fresh, layering comedy, tragedy and the spectrum of emotions within, University Theatre, 222 York St., $35.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
10 a.m., Walking Tour: City Farmers’ Market Wooster Square Meet at corner of Chapel Street & DePalma Court, free.
Noon, Walking Tour: Paintings from the Reign of Victoria: The Royal Holloway Collection, London Sixty works from the Holloway collection that exemplify a range of themes in mid-Victorian art, meet at the Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St., free.
1 p.m., The Good Dance – dakar/brooklyn The latest project of Brooklyn-based Reggie Wilson (Fist & Heel Performance Group) and Congolese choreographer AndrĂ©ya Ouamba, of 1er Temps, based in Dakar, Senegal, New Theater, 1156 Chapel St., $25.
1 p.m., Foodie Tour: Savory & Sweet Dolci, L’Orcio, and Caseus, meet at Dolci, 932 State St., admission: $40, reservations required: (203) 562-5666 or www.artidea.org.
2 p.m., Bike Tour: Science Park and Dixwell – History, Architecture and Culture, 1860-2010 (all riders, 9 miles), meet at the corner of College and Chapel streets, free.
3 p.m., "Ivanov" Set in 1960s rural Hungary, the Katona JĂłzsef Theatre Company’s approach to Anton Chekhov’s Ivanov is intellectual, nontraditional and fresh, layering comedy, tragedy and the spectrum of emotions within, University Theatre, 222 York St., $35.
3 p.m., The Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London Celebrating the 350th anniversary of the birth of Henry Purcell in a perfect blend of pure voices in singing that is coolly contemporary, romantically heroic, and breathtakingly expressive, United Church on the Green, 323 Temple St., $15.
3 p.m., Ideas Program: The First 159 Days – A Look at The Obama Presidency New York Times Managing Editor Jill Abramson, co-author of the bestseller "Obama: The Historic Journey," leads panelists Beverly Gage, Yale professor of 20th century U.S. history, Nell Painter, the Edwards Professor of American History at Princeton, Richard Norton Smith, scholar in residence at George Mason Unversity, Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., free.
5 p.m., World Cafe Share your reflections at the World CafĂ©, a space for conversation, food and refreshments, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drink discounts (cash bar); visit www.theworldcafe.com to learn more, The Study at Yale, 1157 Chapel St., free.
6 p.m., THE GOOD DANCE See 1 p.m., above.
7 p.m., Festival Grand Finale: Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars & Bio Ritmo Bio Ritmo is one of the leading bands preserving the roots of salsa classica–while also incorporating unusual sonic influences, ranging from electronica, Afrobeat and Brazilian pop to disco and Middle Eastern grooves, free.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

This is a lucky 13

WOODBRIDGE - Registration is available for a daytime Book Discussion to be held at noon July 29 at the Woodbridge Town Library.
The discussion will be led by Reference Librarian Fran Sauer, and the topic will be "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield, library organizers said.

Participants are asked to bring lunch, drinks and dessert will be provided.
In the book, enigmatic and renowned writer Vida Winter, now old and ailing, summons biographer Margaret Lea to her house in order to finally reveal the truth about her violent and tragic secret past. Margaret is enthralled by the story of the peculiar Angelfield family: sadistic Charlie, strange but beautiful Isabelle and her wild, unpredictable twin daughters, Adeline and Emmeline.

During the telling of the story, Margaret is swept up by the gothic atmosphere of Vida Winter’s past, and haunted by the ghosts of Miss Winter and Margaret’s own past. Margaret must decide how much of the story is truth and how much fiction.

The program is free and all are welcome to join. Registration is requested. Copies of the book will be provided to registered participants. To register, or for more information, visit the Circulation Desk, call 389-3433, or e-mail pvalsecchi@ci.woodbridge.ct.us.

Get the lead out

Lead is a serious risk to children's health


On Sunday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carousel Pavilion at Lighthouse Park, New Haven, the New Haven Health Department's Bureau of Environmental Health and the Yale-New Haven Lead Program will hold the 9th Annual Lead Awareness Picnic.


The community event aims to educate local families about childhood lead poisoning prevention through discussion, educational giveaways and entertainment.


New Haven Health Department’s Environmental Health Director, Paul Kowalski, will join representatives from the Health Department, the Yale-New Haven Lead Program, other service agencies and local entertainers in providing lead poisoning prevention information designed to teach parents and children how to reduce the risks of lead poisoning.


Health Department staff will be on site to answer questions and educational materials, and there will be lead screening of toys and dishware. Giveaways and refreshments will be available. Childhood lead poisoning is a serious issue – an estimated 890,000 children between the ages of 1 and 5 live with elevated blood lead levels in the United States.


Locally, health care providers reported that 259 children tested positive for elevated blood lead levels in New Haven in 2008, 48 of whom had moderate to high levels. The event at Lighthouse is an effort to bring down the number of lead cases found in the state, organizers said.



- Amber Simone Jones

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Calling all kids who sing

"America the Beautiful" casting call for Pilot Pen tournament

NEW HAVEN — Pilot Pen Tennis will hold the 2nd annual Pilot Pen Tennis Casting Call to select children to perform "America the Beautiful" at the 2009 Pilot Pen Tennis tournament from 4 to 8 p.m. June 10 at the Shubert Theater, 247 College St.
Winners will perform live on stadium court during all evening sessions of this year’s tournament, August 21-29, as well as both men’s and women’s final.
The open auditions, sponsored by Olympus America, are free. Children 12 and younger, as of August 29, will be asked to sing "America the Beautiful" a cappella in front of a panel of celebrity judges, including American R&B and pop singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress JoJo, who’s first two albums have debuted at No. 4 and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 200. Other celebrity judges include Desiree Fontaine, co-host of WTNH’s Connecticut Style, and a disc jockey from radio station KC101 (WKCI-FM).
The Pilot Pen will announce the final selections on June 30. All contestants will receive tickets to the Pilot Pen. For more information on the open casting call, including official rules, visit www.pilotpentennis.com.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Greater New Haven African-American Historical Society Lifetime Awards Program

NEW HAVEN — The Greater New Haven African-American Historical Society will hold its sixth annual Lifetime Awards Program at 2 p.m. June 20 at the Adanti Center of Southern Connecticut State University.
The guest speaker will be Scot X. Esdaile, president of the Connecticut State National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The 2009 Community Awardees are Sue Carroll, Willie Holmes and Lula White.
There will be a reception after the awardees are recognized. it will include a historical exhibit, music and refreshments. The program is free and open to the public.

Read all about it

Upcoming events and happenings

NEW HAVEN — Registration is being accepted for the CPR/AED for the professional rescuer review for lifeguards course taught by the South Central Connecticut Chapter, American Red Cross.
Training will be held 5-10:30 p.m. June 18 at the Red Cross, 703 Whitney Ave. The fee is $50.

ORANGE — The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians of Connecticut is sponsoring a free, Paul and Lisa Program for Parents titled, "Learn How to Keep Your Children Safe as They Use the Internet."
The program will be held 7:30 p.m. June 18 at the St. Barbara Orthodox Church, 480 Race Brook Road.
Refreshments will be served.
Topics of discussion will include predators, Internet trends, interactive gaming, cell phones, parent checklist, warning signs, parental control software, cyber-bullying, safety tips for the Web, e-mail and blogs.
For further information, contact the Paul & Lisa Program (800) 518-2238 or paulandlisa.org or St. Barbara Church at 795-1347.


EAST HAVEN — Fair Haven and Westville Railroad Co. Trolley Car 355 will return to service June 21 at the Connecticut Trolley Museum after its two-decade restoration.
This open car built in 1902 by the J.G. Brill Co. of Philadelphia last ran on the Yale Bowl line in New Haven bringing riders to the football games at the Yale Bowl. Trolley service ended on thie line Nov. 22, 1947, and service ended in New Haven Sept. 25, 1948.
The trolley museum will be open from noon-5 p.m. June 21 with a ribbon cutting for Car 355 at 1 p.m.
As this event is being held on Father’s Day, any father visiting the museum that day will be admitted for free, with a paid child’s admission.
The trolley had extensive restoration including electrical, body and cosmetic work.
For more information, visit www.ct-trolley.org or call the museum office at (860) 627-6540.

Hopkins and Habitat


From June 1-4, the Hopkins School senior class, with faculty and staff chaperones, volunteered time in remodeling of several houses on sites around Bridgeport with Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County, thhe school said in a statement.


Seniors installed windows and siding, built scaffolding and pre-fabricated walls, painted home exteriors, and created a community garden on a previously vacant lot, the statement said. Hopkins’ volunteers also cleaned two large vacant schools; one of the schools, the Barnum School, was just purchased by Achievement First. That school was cleaned and readied for opening in August, the statement said.



Also, a day was spent helping at the Girl Scouts Camp Murray in East Haven, repairing benches, sanding then staining the interior of the camp “chalet” and landscaping.

The project is the third year in a commitment to community service by Hopkins School. Instead of final exams, each year a week-long event is planned with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and United Way of Greater New Haven and United Way of Coastal Fairfield County for the senior class and Hopkins faculty and staff to work together for local communities, the statement said.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Take a hike in North Haven

NORTH HAVEN — The Peter’s Rock Association welcomes the public to Peter’s Rock today, in celebration of National Trails Day June 6.
Self-guided tours of the trails at Peter’s Rock Park, off Middletown Avenue, are available at any time.
People can picnic at the park entrance at 133 Middletown Ave., just behind First Fuel gas station, or can observe spring flowers and trees in bud. A garden was planted last year around the flagpole by the North Haven Garden Club and a weeping cherry tree was planted last fall in memory of John Lamonaca.
Other park improvements include a boardwalk constructed at the approach to the bridge over the stream on the red trail thanks to Eagle Scout Phil Cooper, and the yellow trail to the garden was partially blazed by Scout leader Diane Worrest and her troop. Maps are available at the park.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Be at the Bee and Thistle Inn and Spa Saturday

Internationally acclaimed sculptor Andrew DeVries, whose studio is in Lenox, Mass., will be at the Bee and Thistle Inn and Spa June 6 to demonstrate a bronze pouring as he casts a sculpture using the ancient art of the “lost wax” process.
The event is from 1 to 4 p.m. at 100 Lyme St., Old Lyme.
Oragnizers said DeVries' demonstrations involve heating about 65 lbs. of metal in a small furnace for 45 minutes to an hour until molten.
He then pours the bronze into a prepared mold, which is an incredible sight.
The event is open to the public free of charge.
DeVries also will unveil his latest commission, which is a ¾ life-size bronze entitled "Innocence." The new work is one of "the most technically challenging figures that the artist has ever done," organizers said.
Visit www.beeandthistleinn.com/events.htm for more information. For more information on DeVries, visit www.andrewdevries.com.

Monday, June 1, 2009

The business of business

The CT Business Expo, a free event, will offer 24 free educational seminars hosted by industry elite speakers and trainers, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4, at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, organizers said.
All of the educational seminars will be held in six custom built classrooms on the show floor, providing convenience for attendees and maximum foot traffic for exhibitors, according to the event Web site. Each seminar is 45 minutes
The six educational tracks include: Sales Development 1 and Sales Development 2Marketing and Public Relations General Business Practices/ Human Resources, Best Practices/ Information Technology Business Growth Strategies, the event Web site says.
More than 4,000 business professionals attended the 2008 expo and more than 5,200 are expected in 2009, the site says.

Here is an example of one seminar, to be presented by Suzi Craig, director of marketing for Hartford-based Fathom, look here for details.

For more information, visit: http://ctbexpo.com/index.php

Nick Bellantoni to share ‘Deeply Human’ archaeology stories

  : Albert Afraid of Hawk, 1899, Heyn Photographer (Courtesy Library of Congress NEW HAVEN — While Nick Bellantoni ,  emeritus   Co...