Fundraiser to be held for Phyllis Marino in East Haven

Phyllis Fund Raiser

Bob Woodruff Foundation Fundraiser in Stamford April 21

STAMFORD — The Bob Woodruff Foundation has announced that "Celebrate Spring in Connecticut," an evening of cocktails, barbeque, dancing and music, will be held at 7 p.m. April 21

All proceeds go to support the foundation's mission—to help provide resources and support to service members, veterans and their families to successfully reintegrate into their communities, according to a statement.

Board member Marian Salzman, CEO of Euro RSCG Worldwide PR (@erwwpr), and fellow members of the board Cynthia M. Blumenthal, Eileen Lynch Sussan and Anthony Viceroy, will act as hosts for the fundraiser in Stamford at the home of Salzman and Jim Diamond, the statement said.

"This is the first fundraiser organized by the board of directors and will be a chance for friends and supporters of the foundation in the tristate area to engage locally in what Bob Woodruff's recovery means as inspiration for those who suffer the physical and hidden injuries of war," the statement said. "Up-and-coming musician Collin McLoughlin, Bob and Lee Woodruff's nephew, will perform."

Event sponsors include @erwwpr, Team Epiphany, Heineken, Belvedere and Hennessey, the statement said.

"I believe it is absolutely vital to support our troops. These brave men and women put their lives on the line for us, after all, so I am honored to host this event as a way to show our appreciation," Salzman said, also in the statement. "I am also thrilled to support the good works of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, whose dedication to this cause is unending. We at @erwwpr have donated hundreds of hours of pro bono work via PR services for the foundation's signature event, Stand Up for Heroes, and we count ourselves lucky to be able to provide any assistance we can."

The Woodruffs, who live in Rye, N.Y., "remember the outpouring of support from their friends in the area when ABC News journalist Bob was injured on assignment in Iraq," the statement said.

 "Our friends—and especially those in the Fairfield/Westchester County community—rallied for us when we were going through the darkest days of Bob's recovery, and they have been with us throughout the whole journey," said Lee Woodruff, also in rhe statement. "We learned the real value of friends and neighbors during those trying times, and with this event, we're working to ensure that everyone can have the amazing support from their own communities that we had from ours when we needed it most."

"The Bob Woodruff Foundation has invested more than $10.5 million dollars in program spending to help wounded warriors and their families overcome the challenges they face as they transition and heal from the physical and hidden wounds of war. Funds raised at 'Celebrate Spring in Connecticut' will be invested in programs that connect troops to the help they need—from physical rehabilitation and counseling, to education, employment and financial assistance, to help with larger issues like homelessness and suicide."

Tickets are $175 each and $150 per person for parties of two or more. Tickets can be purchased by calling or emailing: Mallory McLoughlin, mallory.mcloughlin@eurorscg.com, 212.367.6805.

The invitation can be viewed and tickets can also be purchased through Paperless Post: http://paperless.ly/A8bfCq

For more information about the Bob Woodruff Foundation visit www.ReMIND.org, or contact Anne Marie Dougherty, 703.853.2128, info@remind.org.

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

Calling all artists: Dixwell Children's Arts Festival is in July

The 2012 Dixwell Children's Arts Festival is gearing up, organizers said.
The schedule dates are Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28, 2012, organizers said in a statement. 
 "All artists who want to continue their participation, or any new artists who want to join this wonderful community event," are asked to contact Dr. Thom Brown at thombrown@aol.com.

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

Photos wanted! Let your work represent Greater New Haven on Facebook!

Calling all readers! The New Haven Register is switching to the new timeline on our Facebook page and we’d like you to be a part of our design.
Send us your photos that best represent the Greater New Haven area with a short description about yourself and what you like about it, and we’ll post them all to an album our Facebook page. The photo with the most ‘likes’ gets featured as our cover photo for April!
We also will offer prizes - gift cards to local restaurants - for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place vote getters.
To enter, e-mail the photo and description to ctansey@nhregister.com with ‘cover photo’ in the subject line or share it with us on Facebook or Twitter. (Also indicate it is for the timeline)
One entry per reader, please, and no promotional photos of businesses or services. Thank you.
Photo is a reader contributed one - from @ffjewelry on Twitter.

Bernie Siegel to present workshop on achieving goals, facing challenges

BETHANY — Bernie Siegel will present the workshop, “The Journey of Miracles,” 7-9 p.m. April 2, 9, 16 and 30 at the Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Road.
Participants can overcome personal challenges and achieving their hidden potential through dialogue, homework and drawings.
Cost is $175; scholarships are available for those coping with physical illness and financial difficulty. Contact Leslie Cahill at cahill@learn.edu.
Class size is limited to 25. Register at www.berniesiegel.eventbrite.com.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Photo from ctbulletin.com

Chess anyone? Club for teens meets in Derby

DERBY — The Public Library Teen Chess Club invites all young adults ages 11 to 17 to meetings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Monday.
All skill levels are welcome.
Participants will learn how the game is played as well as new and classic defensive/offensive strategies.
Julio Maldonado provides superb expertise from a lifelong love for the game, organizers said. Registration is requested. For more information stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203.736.1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org

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

New Haven street corner to be named for longtime pastor

There will be a street sign dedication ceremony at the intersection of Read and Butler Streets in New Haven, honoring the late Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Donelson.
Donelson was senior pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 109 Butler St. for 46 years prior to his death in December 2009.
Those scheduled to attend include Mayor John DeStefano Jr., other city and state officials, leaders of the Christian Community, residents of Newhallville and others. For more information, email your inquiry to: patricia.younger@snet.net.

New Haven clergywoman to receive 2012 Reverend Howard Nash Community Leadership Award

NEW HAVEN — Community Mediation, Inc. has announced today that the 2012 Reverend Howard Nash Community Leadership Award will be presented to the Rev. Bonita Grubbs at the annual breakfast that begins at 8 a.m. May 2 at the New Haven Lawn Club, 193 Whitney Ave.
“This year’s award will be presented to Reverend Bonita Grubbs for her leadership roles in promoting civic engagement and community collaboration in the New Haven area through such work as her agency’s program, Mothers for Justice, a grass roots advocacy group that seeks to empower women to speak out on and propose solutions to policy and decision makers about issues that affect their community,” Community Mediation Executive Director Brenda Cavanaugh said in a statement.
Grubbs also last year was named by the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame as a "Notable Woman of Influence."
Grubbs has been executive director of Christian Community Action since December 1988. She has been ordained to the Christian Ministry within the American Baptist Church since November 1987, the statement said.
Grubbs has served as a board member of the Greater New Haven Community Loan Fund; a member of the Judicial Review Council for the State of Connecticut; Interim Pastor of Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church in Hamden; president of the CT Coalition to End Homelessness; and, co-chairwoman of the Steering Committee of New Haven’s Fighting Back Project, the statement said. Her current board and voluntary involvements include: columnist, New Haven Register; member of the Board of Trustees, Hospital of St. Raphael; and board member, CT Voices for Children and CT Center for School Change.
In 2001, Grubbs received an honorary degree from Albertus Magnus College in Humane Letters. Special recognitions received in 2000 include: Public Citizen Award, CT Chapter National Association of Social Workers; Prevention Award, The Consultation Center (New Haven); Women Who Make a Difference Award, CT Women’s Education and Legal Fund; and, Good Egg Award, Greater New Haven Community Loan Fund.

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

Session on caregivers and emergency preparedness to be held in Shelton

SHELTON —The next free Caregivers Workshop, presented by the Valley Senior Services Council, will be held on Thursday, April 12 at the Senior Center at 81 Wheeler St. The evening will start with a light supper, followed by the evening’s topic, “Emergency Preparedness” presented by Amy Shields, MPH, from the Naugatuck Valley Health District.
Areas covered will include how to assemble an emergency kit, emergency notification systems in your area, and what plans to have in place before a major event occurs. A question and answer period will follow.  The Valley Senior Services Council is a subcommittee of the Valley Council of Health and Human Services. Funding for this series is provided by the Valley United Way. Registration is required. Call 203-924-9324.

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

Need a Shamrock today? Or corned beef and cabbage?

Happy St. Patrick's Day all, and in case you need some great green to celebrate, here's a look at all the photos from the New Haven St, Patrick's Day Parade. Enjoy! (sneak peek of parade-goer with a jaunty tilt to her hat!)

If you are in the mood for appropriately green cookies,  here's a recipe - and one for green shakes you can make at home too.

And just in case, let's not forget corned beef and cabbage, here's that recipe in case you're cooking.

Slainte!

T.S. Monk and the T.S. Monk Sextet to perform in New Haven event

The New Haven Public School's TAG program will present “Thelonious Sphere Monk, The Man and His Music,” featuring his son “T.S. Monk and the T.S. Monk Sextet,” will begin at 6 p.m. May 5 at Yale University’s Woolsey Hall, 500 College St.
General Admission for adults is $20; $5 for students; with VIP tickets $30 for adults and $15 for students.
VIP tickets include meet and greet with T.S. Monk, with proceeds to benefit the Columbus House and New Haven Reads, Nubian Sisters Cancer Support Group, Varick Church Soup Kitchen/Food Pantry.
Ticket Venues venues include Scoop This 180 Amity Road, Woodbridge; Varick AME Zion Church, 246 Dixwell Ave, New Haven; Dixwell/Yale Community Learning Center, 101 Ashmun St., New Haven; Custom Tee’s 365 Whalley Ave, New Haven; Executive Touch 1600 Southeast Road, Farmington; and credit card purchases at www.jazzhaven.org
The event is sponsored by Yale University Office of New Haven and State Affairs; New Haven Public Schools. Educational Services provided by Thelonious Monk Foundation, of New York, N.Y.
For more information contact: Marcella Monk Flake, marcella_flake@yahoo.

Love Jazz? You're in luck: Thomas Cruciani to perform music of Duke Ellington

The public is invited to a presentation and performance of Duke Ellington’s music by local musician Thomas Cruciani at 2 p.m. April 14 at the Silas Bronson Library in downtown Waterbury. Cruciani "will focus on Ellington’s career highlights and the enormous contributions Ellington made to the evolution of the jazz genre," according to a release.

Cruciani is currently the music director for “An Evening With Abraham Lincoln,” featuring Lewis Dube as Lincoln, the release said. Cruciani also performs on weekends at Diorio’s Restaurant and Bar, the release said.

He has taught instrumental music in the Redding, Conn. public school system since 1980, the release said.

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

 

Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee announces awards

The Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee has announced that the Northeast Judging Association selected the organizations for an award based on their appearance in the 2012 Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade. An award ceremony, with the Knights of St. Patrick acting as hosts, will be held with presentation of a plaque from the Parade Committee, organizer said in a statement. The ceremony will be held at the KOSP Club, 1533 State St., at a date to be determined, the statement said.

Read more about the parade here

The awards go to:

Grand Marshal’s Award: James Hillhouse Marching Band and JROTC & Honor Security Color Guard

Best fire department marching unit: New Haven Fire Department Local 825 and New Haven County Emerald Society Color Guard

Best fire department color guard: NHFD American Legion Post 132

Best police department marching unit: New Haven Police Department and Connecticut State Police

Best police department color guard: Bridgeport Police Department Honor Guard and Stratford Police Department

Best volunteer fire color guard: Charters Hose Co. #4 Volunteer Fire Department - Ansonia; and M. P. Rice Hose Co. 2

Best volunteer fire department: Hilltop Hose Co. #5, Ansonia

Best appearance military - junior group: Marine Cadets of America Co. A, 1st Battalion and U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Edson Division, New Haven

Best appearance military color guard: U.S. States Coast Guard Academy

Best middle school musical group: Edgewood Magnet School Band and Mauro Sheridan Interdistrict Magnet School Band

Best high school band: Bristol Eastern High School Band and Terryville High School Marching Band

Best fife & drum seniors: Connecticut Patriots Senior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps and Stony Creek Fife & Drum Corps

Best fife & drum juniors: Deep River Junior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps and Col. John Chester Fife and Drum Corps

Best pipe band: Manchester Regional Police and Fire Pipe Band; Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band and Connecticut Firefighters Pipe and Drums

Best senior drum & bugle: St. Peter’s Drum Corps, Torrington; and Connecticut Alumni Sr. Drum & Bugle Corps

Best Irish organization: Pioneers of the Sacred Heart and New Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling Club Flags

Best overall unit: Connecticut Hurricanes Sr. Drum & Bugle Corps; and 501st CT Garrison

Best youth marching unit: Reaching for the Stars Dance Troupe

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