Boating classes to be held at several area locations

Coast Guard auxiliaries are holding the following boating safety classes:
‰West Haven: Flotilla 24-11 is offering a safe boating and personal watercraft course 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at 1 Kimberly Ave., $60.
For further information contact Charlie Phippen at 860-828-5438 or 860-916-3379, or visit www.a0142411.uscgaux.info.
‰Oxford: Flotilla 24-12 offer About Boating Safety, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 15, $60 at the David S. Miles Post 174 American Legion, Oxford Road. Call 203-888-2988 or visit http://a0142412.uscgaux.info.
‰Milford: Auxiliary 24-3 is offering About Boating Safety course Oct. 22.
For registration prior to the class, go to http://a0142403.uscgaux.info/ or register in person on 1-3 p.m. Oct. 16, at the Flotilla 24-3 Training Center, 1 Helwig St., one block north of Milford Boat Works.
Walk-ins are welcome.
Cost: $60.
For additional information about auxiliary courses, call 860-663-5505, or visit http://a0142403.uscgaux.info/.

Colonial tea party at Pardee-Morris House to aid restoring gardens

Enjoy a Colonial tea party from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Pardee-Morris House.

The event will raise money to restore the historic gardens at the house, first built in 1750 and rebuilt after it was burned by the British in 1779. The house is owned by the New Haven Museum and Historical Society.

The tea party will feature period “vittles and libations” donated by Chestnut Fine Foods, music by the Milford Militia and others, demonstrations of Colonial-era crafts, tours of the house and virtual tours of the plans for the gardens, developed and donated by Leslie Martino, an area landscape designer who is preparing a certificate in landscape design at Harvard. The Pardee-Morris gardens will serve as her certificate project.

Contributions range from $25 (member), to $40 (supporter) to $75 (founder); free for children under 16. To make a reservation, contact Louise FitzSimons at 203-562-4183 or lfitzsimons@newhavenmuseum.org.

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Play trivia with the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee

The Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee will hold a trivia night beginning at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at Randall’s Restaurant, 236 Platt Ave., West Haven.

The event will include a light buffet and games and will benefit the 2012 Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased from Mary Malenda by calling at 203-397-8523. Reservations are recommended. Participants can come with a four person team or ask for assignment.

Tickets also will be available at the door. For more information, visit http://www.stpatricksdayparade.org/.

Look who is dancing now!

Mohegan Sun To Host Third Annual ‘MADD About Dancing’

Connecticut celebrities will compete to benefit Mothers Against Drunk Driving at Mohegan Sun Sept. 30, according to a statement by the casino on it website.

"Mohegan Sun is proud to present the third annual ‘MADD About Dancing’ competition in The Cabaret Theatre," the statement said.
The group of celebrities includes: Sonia Baghdady, evening anchor for WTNH; WTNH Meteorologist, Gil Simmons;Fox Connecticut Meteorologist Rachel Frank; Star of Johnny Rockets’ episode of Undercover Boss, Janice Garcia; Connecticut College Vice PresidentUlysses Hammond; WCTY’s on-air personality Marty Hausberger; WFSB New London Bureau Chief, Kevin Hogan; Fox Connecticut on-air personality, Jennifer Lahmers; Libero JewelersVice President Michael Libero, Jr.; and Miss Connecticut 2011.

"Ten Connecticut celebrities will lace up their dancing shoes and hit the floor to help raise awareness and funds for Mothers Against Drunk Driving... the third year Mohegan Sun is teaming up with WCTY and Arthur Murray Dance Studio to host a night filled with fun, entertainment and competition. The evening also includes a special vocal performance by Country artist and former Dancing with the Stars competitor, Chuck Wicks."

Doors to The Cabaret Theatre will open at 7 p.m.

For the competition, each celebrity will be paired with a professional dance partner from Arthur Murray Dance Studios and will perform two short routines, the release said. Female celebrities will perform the Waltz and Cha-Cha, while male celebrities will try their hand at the Foxtrot and Rumba. Professional dance expos and a special performance by Wicks will round out the event. Wicks, who is playing in Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den the night before, will perform a few of his hit songs in The Cabaret Theatre for guests, the release said.

Tickets to “MADD About Dancing” are $50 per person and benefit Mothers Against Drunk Driving. They are available through ticketmaster.com or at the Mohegan Sun Box Office.

Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so guests are encouraged to come early. For more information, visit: mohegansun.com/entertainment/special-events.html

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

New Haven public schools slate 'Meet the Teacher Night'

Wednesday, September 21 is Meet the Teacher Night at all New Haven public high schools except Metropolitan Business Academy (MBA).


MBA will hold its Meet the Teacher Night on Thursday, October 13.
 
Here's the schedule:



Cross High School

6 p.m.

Hillhouse High School Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011

5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

Coop Arts & Humanities High School

6 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Hill Regional Career High School

5 p.m.- 8 p.m.

High School in the Community October 13, 2011

5 p.m.- 7 p.m.

Hyde Leadership School

6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

ESUM

6 p.m.- 7 p.m.

Metropolitan Business Academy

October 13, 2011

New Haven Academy

5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Riverside Education Academy

5 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Sound School

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Dixwell New Light High School

2 p.m.- 5 p.m.

New Horizons School for Higher Achievement

5 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

Polly T. McCabe Center

4 p.m.- 6 p.m.

High School Meet the Teachers NightSeptember 21, 2011

The trial of Joshua Komisarjevsky

In addition to finding all the news at nhregister.com, you can follow the New Haven Register's coverage of the Joshua Komosarjevsky Cheshire triple homicide trial at this blog and on Facebook.
For live tweets from the trial, follow @nhrlive or on the web.

Southbound: Laura Gomez will share her 'South American Trip Exploration'

Laura Gomez, who is a New Haven Register Community Media Lab blogger and is part of the Branford staff for Trailblazer, just got back from a two month backpacking trip in South America.

She has chronicled her adventures on her Southbound blog

But Gomez, a journalism student at Southern Connecticut State University, also will share her story at an event at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Trailblazer store in Branford.
She will present numerous photos and talk about "some of the stand outs from her trip in a great presentation you don’t want to miss," Trailblazer officials said.

The event will include giveaways and refreshments.

"Get a little closer to the lives our awesome staff live outside of the walls of our store," Trailblazer officials said.

Hospital of Saint Raphael to hold first-ever “Miracle Walk”

NEW HAVEN – The Hospital of Saint Raphael’s first-ever “Miracle Walk” will take place in Hamden this Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011. Sponsored by People’s United Bank, the Hospital of Saint Raphael Miracle Walk will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Meadowbrook Park in Hamden. The event will feature a 5K walk, live entertainment and fun family activities; all proceeds will go toward renovations of the hospital’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Saint Raphael’s NICU cares for about one in four infants born at the hospital each year. Plans are underway for $2 million in renovations and technology upgrades to provide a more private, quiet environment for newborns and parents. For more information, visit www.srhs.org/foundationevents.

'Healthy Harvest' to be demonstrated at the New Haven Library

Author and healthy food activist Terry Walters returns to New Haven Public Library on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 6-7:30 p.m.

She will talk about preparing simple, delicious meals using ingredients fresh from the fields, demonstrating and offering samples of selected recipes. Walters' first book, "Clean Food" helped fuel a nationwide movement for healthy eating that's been embraced all the way to the White House, according to a statement. Her newest book, "Clean Start" is nominated for the 2011 James Beard Foundation Award, and will be available for purchase and signing, the statement said.

The event will take place at the Main Library, 133 Elm St., and free parking is available. Space is limited, and registration is suggested at www.terrywalters.eventbrite.com, or call the library at 203-946-8835.

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

First Baptist, New Haven, to welcome new minister

Members of the First Baptist Church will install their new minister, the Rev. Joseph C. Delahunt, at 6 p.m. Sunday at the church, 205 Edwards St.

Delahunt is a Connecticut native, and has served in campus ministry at the University of Bridgeport and with the Christian Medical Society. Since 1998, he has been the pastor of Silliman Memorial Baptist Church in Bridgeport, helping establish the Immanuel Institute for Christian Training in Hyderabad, India. He is also an area minister for the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut.

“The ministry and community of First Baptist, New Haven, presents exciting opportunities for sharing the love of Jesus Christ in the world,” Delahunt said in a press release. “The diversity found at First Baptist is a wonderful witness to the universal gospel. It exemplifies the vision of God’s kingdom described in Revelation 5.9 as being, ‘from every tribe and language and people and nation.’”

Delahunt graduated from Yale Divinity School and in 2001 received a doctor of ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. He and his wife, LaRee Carriker Delahunt, live in Bridgeport. They have three grown children.

Celebration of the life of former New Haven city librarian to be held

The family, friends and colleagues of James Welbourne, former city librarian for the New Haven Free Public Library (2000- 10) will gather to celebrate his life and legacy from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Courtland Seymour Wilson Branch Library, 303 Washington Ave.

The public is invited to attend. Anyone wishing to share personal thoughts, memories or stories about Jim is welcome to do so at that time, publicly, privately or in writing. Anyone who would like to add thoughts to a memorial booklet that will be available at the celebration as a remembrance keepsake, may e-mail to kathienhct@gmail.com by Sept. 25.

Plan ahead for fall fun and arts in Madison

Columbus Day Weekend Open Art Studio Trail and Outdoor Arts Festival on the Historic Madison Green

Join the Arts Center Killingworth’s Annual Autumn Open Art Studio Trail and Outdoor Arts Festival on Oct. 8 and 9, organizers said.
Begin the weekend at the free two-day Arts Festival on the historic Madison Green in Madison; meet and see the work of representational and modern painters, jewelry-designers, fabric artists, photographers, sculptors, glass artists and other crafters.
Then purchase a weekend pass ($10 Adults, Children Free 12 and Under) and head out on the Trail with map and program in hand to explore the private studios of well-known painters, potters and ceramicists, mixed-media artists and crafters, organizers said in a statement.

"This year’s Open Studio Trail winds through picturesque Connecticut Shoreline towns such as Killingworth, Chester, Madison, Clinton, Haddam, Westbrook and Ivoryton."

 The free two-day Outdoor Arts Festivals on the charming and historic Madison Green (Boston Post and Copse roads) will feature a festive atmosphere enhanced with creative activities for children, live music and food vendors, the statement said.

For advance Open Studio Trail tickets call (860) 663-5593 or buy online. A kick-off reception for the weekend is 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Madison Memorial Town Hall. Visit the Arts Center's online gallery for up-to-date coverage of participating artists and for more details on weekend travel packages at http://www.artscenterkillingworth.org/ and facebook.com/artscenterkillingworth

Art shown is by David T. Wenzel

Author and Dog at New Haven Library Sept. 26

A middle-aged, overweight, agoraphobic newspaper editor and his little dog are an unlikely pair of mountaineers.

 But a close friend's death propelled the two into a journey of tribute to climb 48 of New Hampshire's White Mountain peaks — twice — in one winter.

 Author Tom Ryan will describe their great adventure at 6 p.m. Sept. 26, at the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St., according to a statement.

Copies of his just-published book, "Following Atticus" (Harper Collins) will be available for sale and signing. And dog lovers will enjoy meeting Ryan's dog Atticus, who will be on hand to provide his own point of view about the story.

 Donations will be accepted for Friends of New Haven Animal Shelter, and several dog product companies are providing free samples for attendees to take home to their pets.  For more information, visit www.atticussept26.eventbrite or call the library at 203-946-8835.

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

Book-signing celebrates publishing of Mill River: Photographs of Joseph Gerhard

"Down by the old mill stream ..." It's a romantic notion and New Haven has its own Mill River, even if the mills are long gone.

Photographs of the river have been published in a new book, "Mill River: Photographs of Joseph Gerhard" (Manton Westwood Books). A book signing and reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Eli Whitney Museum, 915 Whitney Ave., Hamden.

You can order the book, which features 95 black-and-white photos, at millriverbook.com. Price is $60, plus $7 shipping in Connecticut.

Rotary wants your help to clean up at Lighthouse Point

The New Haven Rotary Club is cleaning up the beach at Lighthouse Point Park on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and is asking for volunteers to join them!

They will meet by the lighthouse on the right side, cleaning between the lighthouse and the boat ramp. Rotary provides the gloves and the garbage bags.

This is an International Coastal Clean-up, working with Save the Sound and the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, which means they log all the trash they pick up. "After Irene we could use all the help we can get!

For more information, contact Sharon Sudusky.

Thanks to Robbin's List for this information.

Golf Tourney to benefit New Haven homeless shelter

The Orange Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, is sponsoring its 15th Annual Paul Ode Memorial Golf Tournament on Oct. 3 at Orange Hills Country Club, 389 Racebrook Road, Orange.



The 18-hole event begin at 7:30 a.m. for registration and breakfast, organizers said.

The shotgun start begins at 8:30 a.m. and will feature a scramble format.

It will conclude with lunch and the distribution of raffle prizes.

A minimum of fifty percent of the funds raised will be given to support the work of Columbus House, a New Haven based charitable organization that has provided services for homeless adults throughout the region and beyond since 1981.

Columbus House programs include emergency shelters as well as transitional and permanent supportive housing combined with comprehensive case management services and street outreach, organizers said in a statement. To learn more about Columbus House, visit www.columbushouse.org.

The remainder of the money will be distributed to a variety of charities, organizers said.

Players will receive shirts, goody bags, prizes for various events like closest to the pin, longest drive, and a hole-in-one contest, breakfast, on-course refreshments, and lunch. Carts are included, as are team photos.

David Rubelmann is heading up the planning for the tournament. Cost will be $150 per golfer. There is a $50 discount for a student/parent golfing combo. Lunch is available to non-golfers for $25. A variety of sponsorships are available including Gold, Silver, Lunch, Breakfast and others. Tee sponsorships are only $100. All sponsorships are tax deductible.

Anyone interested in playing in the tournament, being a sponsor, or contributing prizes should call the church office at 203-795-9749.

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

Startup Weekend coming to New Haven

Startup Weekend, "an intense 54 hour event which focuses on building a web or mobile application which could form the basis of a credible business over the course of a weekend," is coming to New Haven Nov. 11-13.

"The weekend brings together people with different skillsets - primarily software developers, graphics designers and business people - to build applications and develop a commercial case around them," organizers said on a website.

"Startup Weekend packs into three days what normally takes entrepreneurs three months to do," said organizer Derek Koch, founder of New Haven software company Independent Software. "Entrepreneurs with ideas find your cofounders, develop their plan, and build prototype all in a weekend."

"Startup Weekends are weekend-long, hands-on experiences where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can find out if startup ideas are viable. We are very excited to be able to bring this creative collaboration to New Haven," the site says.

Learn more about the New Haver Startup Weekend here.

New Haven polling places for Sept. 13 primary

NEW HAVEN — Ward 1: Main Library, 133 Elm St.; Ward 2: Troup Academy, 259 Edgewood Ave.; Ward 3: Career High School, 140 Legion Ave.; Ward 4: Truman School, 114 Truman St.; Ward 5: Firehouse, Howard and Putnam avenues; Ward 6: MicroSociety Magnet Elementary School, 103 Hallock Ave.; Ward 7: Hall of Records, 200 Orange St.; Ward 8: Conte/West Hills Magnet School, 511 Chapel St.; Ward 9: Cross, formerly East Rock Magnet School courtyard, 133 Nash St.; Ward 10: Wilbur Cross High School, 181 Mitchell Drive; Ward 11A: Bella Vista, 343 Eastern St.; Ward 11B: Bishop woods School, 1481 Quinnipiac Ave.; Ward 12: Ross/Woodward School, 189 Barnes Ave.; Ward 13: Benjamin Jepson School, 15 Lexington Ave.; Ward 14: Atwater Senior Center, 26 Atwater St.; Ward 15: Firehouse, Lombard and Poplar streets; Ward 16: John Martinez School, 100 James St.; Ward 17: Firehouse, 824 Woodward Ave.; Ward 18: Nathan Hale School, 480 Townsend Ave.; Ward 19: Celentano School, 400 Canner St.; Ward 20: Lincoln-Bassett School, 130 Bassett St.; Ward 21: Urban Youth Center, 580 Dixwell Ave.; Ward 22: Wexler Grant School, 55 Foote St.; Ward 23: Berger Apartments, 135 Derby Ave.; Ward 24: Firehouse, 120 Ellsworth Ave.;


Ward 25: Edgewood Magnet School, 737 Edgewood Ave.; Ward 26: Mauro/Sheridan School 191 Fountain St. ; Ward 27: Mitchell Library, 37 Harrison St.; Ward 28: Hillhouse High School, 480 Sherman Parkway; Ward 29: Beecher School, 100 Jewel St. ; Ward 30A: Clarence Rogers School, 199 Wilmot Road; Ward 30B: Old West Hills School, 311 Valley St.

Source: New Haven city website and registrar of voters office.

Chabad at Yale University to hold groundbreaking ceremony

Chabad at Yale University invites all to join for a groundbreaking ceremony, marking the beginning of renovation an construction of the new Chabad House at Yale.
Please join many dignitaries from the New Haven and Yale communities on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. at 36 Lynwood Place.

Musicians will 'Rock the House" in New Haven to help the homeless

NEW HAVEN  – Local non-profits have partnered with Terminal 110 and the city to "produce a marathon benefit concert to raise money for Tent City 2011 and the homeless youth shelter providers in New Haven, organizers said in a statement.


This event, dubbed Rock the House New Haven, is scheduled for 2 to 10 p.m. (or later) Sept.18, at Terminal 110, 240 Sargent Drive. The event will feature an eclectic mix of musicians, bands and vocalists from all over the Greater New Haven area, the statement said.

Tickets are $15 each and proceeds will benefit Youth Continuum and New Haven Home Recovery. Tickets can be purchased online at www.uwgnh.org/rockthehouse.
The concert is a joint effort organized and supported by numerous city-based groups: Children in Placement, Christian Community Action, the City of New Haven/Community Services Administration, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven , New Haven Home Recovery, the NHPS/Board of Education, Life Haven, South Central Behavioral Health Network, St. Andrews Episcopal Church/Your Place Youth Center, United Way of Greater New Haven, Youth Continuum, and various local groups, the statement said.

Follow on Twitter @RockTheHouseGNH and, on Facebook 

FEMA disaster recovery centers open around Connecticut

HARTFORD — Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Centers opened Thursday in each of the state’s counties, including two in New Haven County.

The centers are intended to assist homeowners and businesses affected by Tropical Storm Irene.

“I am urging any individual or business who has suffered losses or damages as a result of Tropical Storm Irene to visit a center and work with staff there to review what benefits to which they may be entitled,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a statement. “These centers provide an opportunity to get answers to any questions you might have with regard to federal disaster assistance and assistance with application preparation.”

Regular hours will be Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The centers will be staffed with state and federal disaster recovery specialists, including Small Business Administration representatives, who will provide information and answer questions about disaster assistance programs, the statement said.

Residents with damage or losses as a result of the hurricane turned tropical storm are encouraged to register with FEMA before visiting the recovery center by either calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), going online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by using any PDA device at m.fema.gov, the statement said. Residents with speech or hearing disabilities, can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585.

“Registering with FEMA is the first step in determining if you qualify for federal disaster assistance,” Malloy said in the statement.

“It is also important to note that residents who have already provided damage information to their towns, FEMA, state officials or 2-1-1 must still register with FEMA, the statement said.

Locations are: Western Greenwich Civic Center, 449 Pemberwick Road, Greenwich; Tunxis Community College, 271 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington; Torrington Fire Headquarters 111 Water St. Torrington; Department of Police Services, 6 Custom Drive, Old Saybrook; Gateway Community College 88 Bassett Road, North Haven; High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, Orange; Groton Senior Center 102 Newtown Road, Groton; religious Community Center 10 South Eagleville Road, Storrs (Mansfield); and Quinebaug Valley Community College 742 Upper Maple St., Danielson.

Chapel Haven to hold open house

NEW HAVEN – Chapel Haven will hold an open house and tour for interested families from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 1
Visotors can enjoy a light breakfast, meet students and staff, take part in fun activities and tour Chapel Haven's two programs to learn more about how this nationally acclaimed agency can provide the path to a fulfilling adult life. Participants will have the chance to tour two of Chapel Haven's transitional programs – the REACH program for adults with mild developmental disabilities and autism and the Asperger's Syndrome Adult Transition (ASAT) program.
Chapel Haven is located at 1040 Whalley Ave., New Haven (www.chapelhaven.org).
Chapel Haven was founded in 1972 and provides a lifelong program of individualized support services for adults with cognitive and social disabilities, enabling them to live independent and productive lives. The agency celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2012.
RSVPs are required by phoning Connie Brand, Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing, cbrand@chapelhaven.org, 203-397-1714, X111 by Monday, September 26, 2011. You can also register online at http://www.chapelhaven.org.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

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

 

 

Alzheimer’s Association offering a free series for caregivers

BRANFORD — The Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter is offering a free series for caregivers of family members with any type of dementia.

This four part series will take place at The Hearth at Gardenside, 173 Alps Road, and will include a light dinner. The classes will run on 6-7:30 p.m. four Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 13. Topics will include:
Sept. 13, overview of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, treatment, research, and Alzheimer’s Association programs and services.
Sept. 20, communication techniques, behavioral challenges, strategies and safety.
Sept. 27, family dynamics, keeping the caregiver healthy, and community resources.
Oct. 4, legal and financial issues
To register for one or more sessions, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 203-230-1777, ext. 14 in Hamden or maria.tomasetti@alz.org.

Connecticut Hospice regatta has an island feel

BRANFORD — The third annual Connecticut Hospice Race ‘Round Faulkner’s Island Regatta in Branford Harbor Sept. 24.


A parade of sails can be seen from Hospice grounds at 100 Double Beach Road at 11 a.m. as two dozen boats unfurl their sails. The race begins at noon. Racers may call Eric Treu at 203-483-9262 for further information. For information on watching the parade, call Pat Corradino at Hospice, 203-315-7510. Both events are free.

The Regatta Committee will hold a lobster bake will be held noon-3 p.m. Oct. 1 on Hospice shorefront grounds. Chowder, clams, lobster will be served. There will be entertainment, dancing, model boat races, and a silent auction. Regatta winners will be recognized.

Tickets to the lobster bake can be obtained from Corradino for $40. Proceeds benefit patient and family needs.

For further information, go to http://www.hospice.com/.

The Consultation Center Celebrates Grandparents

NEW HAVEN  - In honor of National Grandparents Day on Sept. 11, The Consultation Center will hold a meeting for grandparents who are raising grandchildren to find out more about their Grandparents Program from 10:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 12. 

Since 1995, The Consultation Center has been providing grandparents with a range of services and supports, including group meetings both days and evenings, newsletter, parenting skills training, respite opportunities and legislative advocacy. In addition there are many opportunities for socializing for families, grandparents and children.  The meeting is open to the public for any grandparent raising grandchildren in the Greater New Haven area.  Membership is free of charge. The meeting is at 389 Whitney Ave.

 

More information:

The estimated number of grandparent-headed households in Connecticut according to the last census, completed in 2010; put the number of children in direct care of a grandparent at about 46,000. This is an increase of 6,000 families in the last 10 years. Professionals working with families suggest the actual number may actually be even greater.

 

In the current economic crisis sometimes the loss of a job can create the loss of a home. When parents cannot pay the rent or the mortgage and are struggling with financial crisis they turn to their own parents for help. Most families pull together in the crisis, sharing the limited resources they have.

 

Children sometimes need to move into the home of their grandparents, sometimes with a parent, sometimes without either parent. At other times parents fall prey to the ugliness of substance abuse. Teen pregnancies and single parenthood and mental health issues fuel the phenomenon. Today, more and more, divorce is the reason that grandparents are playing a larger role in raising grandchildren.

 

How are grand families managing this important role?

For the most part they are doing a fantastic job. Research tells us that children cared for by their grandparents are doing well. The trauma and loss they experience from the breakdown of their family is significantly diminished because in most cases their lives remain intact otherwise. We can be proud of Connecticut grandparents that rise to the challenge of parenting for the second time. For many managing the issues of aging and limited retirement income is a daily challenge. Learning to parent in a new age can require some training and support as the rules of child rearing change with the times.

 

 

 Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is lightly edited here and posted as a public service.

Fundraiser to be held to help the New Haven Free Store

And you can help find a new location for the store

NEW HAVEN — A fashion show fundraiser for the New Haven Free Store is scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday on the second and third floors of 756 Chapel St.

Ben Aubin, who brought the Free Store to 55 Church St. in June but then closed it in late July because a tenant had been found for that space, said the fundraiser will give the members of the public a chance to suggest the next location for the store. They will also be asked how the Free Store and local businesses can benefit each other.

The fundraiser is being sponsored by Connecticut BioFuels, dedicated to providing clean, renewable Biodiesel fuel made from recycled cooking oil. CT Biofuels will continue to donate to the Free Store for the first 50 restaurants who sign up and mention they would like to support the store with their patronage.

Aubin has been working with teens from the Youth Community Development Program to transform the fundraising site on Chapel Street. Members of the public are encouraged to donate clothing to be used in the show.

The second and third floors are accessible only by stairs. Entry is on a sliding-scale “pay what you can” basis.

Free Store volunteers and YCDP youths are working to up-cycle used clothing into new outfits. Guests may bid to have replicas of these original outfits fitted to their size. Screen printed items also will be on sale and free items will be available too.

Aubin can be contacted at ben@ifightbears.org.

New Haven and Yale University join to commemorate 9/11

NEW HAVEN — Yale University and the city of New Haven have jointly planned events to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and the university also organized two exhibitions related to the tragic events of that day.

Among the activities planned by Yale, local organizations and the city for Sept. 11 are a city-wide tolling of bells, including the Yale Carillon, at exactly 1 p.m.; a community service fair on the New Haven Green from 3 to 4 p.m. “to honor the spirit of those who volunteered their services following the attack”; and an “Interfaith Service of Remembrance and Reconciliation” at 4 p.m. on the city Green, according to a statement.

A candlelight vigil will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Yale’s cross campus. The vigil will include an outdoor display of an installation titled “9.11.11 Reminiscences and Reflections” made up of personal recollections submitted by individuals from the campus and city community, the statement said.

“The 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, is more than an occasion to honor and mourn those who lost their lives that day,” University Chaplain Sharon Kugler said, also in the statement, “it is an opportunity to pledge ourselves to building a better future.”

The observance also features two Yale campus exhibitions of works created in reaction to 9/11:

• “Remembering 9/11,” featuring work by Yvonne Jacquette, Nathan Lyons, and Judith Shea, and Leo Rubinfien’s acclaimed photographs in the installation “Wounded Cities,” will be on view at the Yale Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., through Nov. 27, the statement said.

•“The Book as Memorial: Book Artists Respond to and Remember 9/11” will be on view at the Haas Family Arts Library, 180 York St., Sept. 6–Dec. 5.

In photo: Commemorative flag on display at Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford that bears the name of all Connecticut victims. Photo courtesy Connecticut Historical Society and Brian Ambrose.

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

Debbie Kahan presents yoga at the New Haven Public Library starting Sept. 7

Debbie Kahan will lead the hour-long classes in a series of stretches and basic poses. Classes are suitable for all fitness levels. 

$5 per class, bring your own mat. Drop-ins welcome.

Wednesdays, 1-2 pm, Sept. 7-Oct. 26

in Program Room, Lower level,

 New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.

Cheshire Artsplace workshop planned

CHESHIRE - Artsplace is offering one-day workshops on Sept. 17 for teens and adults.  

These include: "Colored Pencil for Beginners" with instructor Rita Paradis, from 9:30am -12:30 pm.  "Pen & Ink for Beginners" from 9:30 – 11:30 am, with instructor Tony Ruggiero.
Ruggiero is also offering a special "Free Introduction to Drawing" workshop from 12:30-2:30.  

Phone reservations are required to reserve space in this class.
Seven-week sessions of classes begin Sept. 19, and are offered daily through Saturdays for many age groups.

Artsplace also offers short workshops.  Subjects include basic drawing, pastel, watercolor, oil, acrylic, colored pencil, pen and ink, felting and more.  Taught by experienced, professional artists, all supplies are included in class cost.

To view the latest schedule and learn more details about class/workshop offerings, visit Artsplace website: www.cpfa-artsplace.org<http://www.cpfa-artsplace.org>. For additional information, call 203-272-ARTS/2787 between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
Registration is ongoing, class size is limited and a small yearly registration fee is also applicable.

Artsplace is located at 1220 Waterbury Road.  Schedules may also be picked up at the top of the stairs, under the purple awning, and completed registration forms delivered to locked box at the bottom of the stairs.

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

Help us track how the power was restored in Connecticut after Irene

Are you among the lucky ones? Or is the guy across the street watching the ball game on TV while you’re still in the dark? We want to know when your “Power Hour” was, when you got your electrical power back after Irene, or if you’re still going without.

Charity Fashion Show to benefit Neighborhood Music School

NEW HAVEN  – East Rock West Rock: New Haven Music Week presents a benefit fashion show celebrating a century of musical and artistic contributions of Neighborhood Music School (NMS) in New Haven. Families are welcome.

The show takes place on Sept. 17, 2011, from 6-8:30 p.m. at NMS, located at 100 Audubon St., New Haven. It features a cocktail hour accompanied by a live musical performance by NMS students from 6-6:30 p.m., followed by a runway fashion show at 6:30 p.m.

General seating tickets are $15 and can be purchased the day of the show. VIP tickets are available for $40, including a complimentary bottle of wine and table service along with a gift bag. VIP tickets must be purchased in advance. They can be reserved by calling 203-624-5189 ext. 15. Proceeds will be donated to Neighborhood Music School. Participating boutiques and designers include Seychelles, Tracy B, Odean and more.

About Neighborhood Music School:
Neighborhood Music School believes in the power of the arts to inspire. NMS is celebrating 100 years since its founding and is proud to serve over 3,000 students from 80 different towns in
Connecticut.  NMS has a range of weekly classes in music, dance and drama for adults and children at all levels of experience. Beginners are always welcome. To see the fall class offerings, visit the school's website at http://www.neighborhoodmusicschool.org/
About East Rock West Rock:
New Haven will hold its third annual East Rock West Rock Music Week beginning Thursday Oct. 6, 2011, through Saturday, Oct. 15. Music Week provides an entertaining live music experience featuring many shows for music lovers of all ages.  This year the festival will feature over 300 bands and artists, showcasing all styles of music in intimate coffee shops, bars, nightclubs and various performance spaces.
"There were more performances during New Haven Music Week than some cities have in a year"- Randy Borovsky, Ultra Radio.
"Our mission is to feature up and coming local and national talent by facilitating amazing shows throughout the city. We want to give bands more opportunities to play."  - Patrick Mansfield, Co-founder of the ERXWRX Music Week.

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

 

The Humane Society of the US Names State Director for Connecticut

 The Humane Society of the United States has named Maryanne "Annie" Hornish its new Connecticut state director. Hornish will lead The HSUS' animal welfare efforts throughout Connecticut.
"I am honored to join The Humane Society of the United States and look forward to promoting humane communities here in Connecticut," said Hornish.
Before joining The HSUS, Hornish was a State Representative for Connecticut's 62nd District (2009-10). During her time in office Hornish was well known for her efforts with animal-friendly legislation, including fighting puppy mills and fighting to prohibit the cruel practice of battery cages in egg production. She was founder and Co-chair of Legislators for Animal Advocacy (2009-10) and Co-chair of the Rural Caucus (2010).

Hornish is a lifelong resident of north central Connecticut and has a professional background in healthcare. Hornish graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor's Degree from the College of Agriculture, received her certification in Cytotechnology from the UCONN Health Center, and was awarded her M.B.A. from Western New England College.
Annie and her husband Neil reside in Granby with their seven rescued cats, two rescued dogs, and two rescued house rabbits.
In 2010, The HSUS helped pass more than 100 animal protection laws in various states and saved thousands of animals in natural or man-made disasters through its animal rescue team deployments. The HSUS focuses its work through campaigns that include promoting sheltering and equine protection, and campaigns that work to stop animal cruelty like animal fighting, puppy mills, the Canadian seal slaughter, factory farming and the worst wildlife abuses such as captive hunting and poaching.
To learn more about Hornish and The HSUS' work in Connecticut, visit humanesociety.org/about/state/connecticut/ or on Facebook at facebook.com/humanesociety/The-Humane-Society-of-the-United-States-Connecticut
Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is unedited here.