Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Ball is Saturday

They’re just about ready for the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Ball Saturday night at Yale Commons on Grove Street in New Haven:
Parade Queen Fiona Stewart of Meriden, right in photo, her honor attendant Kate Thompson of Shelton and Joseph M. Lynch, the 2013 parade grand marshal. For tickets, call 203-488-4902. More information at www.stpatricksdayparade.org. Incidentally, the parade steps off at 1:30 p.m. March 10.

Kennel club to talk about pet emergency preparedness

GUILFORD — The Kenilworth Kennel Club  will present a program with speaker Dr. Howard Asher , a member of Connecticut State Animal Response Team, at 7 p.m. March 6 the Christ Episcopal Church House on the Green, next to the Town Hall
Asher will talk about providing prevention and preparedness response and recovery for emergencies affecting animals, including weather events, organizers said.
The venue is next to Town Hall.
The public is invited!. For more info call Karen at 203 421 9354.

New Haven updates parking restrictions

New Haven Friday evening updated its parking restrictions that will be in place while the city continues the clean up of the snow dropped by the weekend blizzard.

This is the update:

New Haven Downtown Parking Restrictions by

New Haven: Get creative with snow and sculpt

Register Staff
NEW HAVEN — Our friends at the city Department of Parks, Recreation & Trees have a suggestion as to what to do with all that snow: Get creative.
Starting today, they’re holding a snow sculpture contest throughout the city parks, says Martin Torresquintero, adventure coordinator for the department.
To enter, post photos of you and your snow sculpture in any city park to the New Haven Parks, Recreation & Trees Facebook Page:
“Let us know the title of the sculpture and what park it’s in for a chance to win prizes donated by local merchants,” says Torresquintero. Entries will be accepted until 5 p.m. Sunday.
Oh, and he asks that snow sculptures not block sidewalks or roads or interfere with the operation of playground equipment. And in case we forgot to mention it, all entries must be in good taste.
For more information, email mtorresq@newhavenct.net.







Contributed photo: This character was last seen in East Rock Park a few years ago.

U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty to hold Town Hall on gun violence in Waterbury

In a statement, the office of U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-5, said that she would act as host for her first official town hall meeting, to be held at the Rotella Interdistrict Magnet School in Waterbury on Feb. 20. 

"Esty will discuss the policy principles announced last week by the Congressional Gun Violence Task Force," the statement said.

This session will include discussion with constituents, answering questions, and listening "to their concerns, insights, and ideas on the specific proposals and more generally on gun violence prevention," the statement said. 

The school is at 380 Pierpont Road Waterbury. 

Esty is one of 12 vice-chairmen of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. 

Large bags and backpacks will not be allowed in the auditorium, the statement said..  

New Haven towing and plowing update

UPDATE: The city Thursday extended the even side parking restrictions extended through 6 a.m. Saturday, E of the Boulevard and W of the Quinnipiac River

"This was done to allow crews the workspace to remove more snow in order to widen the travelable portion of streets. Any cars that parked on the odd side of the street overnight were towed. However, most residents complied with the parking restrictions and only 44 cars had to be towed," the city release said.

"The parking restrictions and corresponding tow and plow operations were scheduled to be repeated one more time, overnight on Thursday.  However, because the operation worked so well and in order to widen more streets, the even side parking restrictions will be extended for two more nights, both Thursday and Friday," the release said.

Updated map:

New Haven Parking Ban Map by

The city of New Haven on Wednesday afternoon released this statement on plowing, snow removal and towing of vehicles. That map also is shown at right.

New Haven Plowing by

New Haven to tow cars to clear snow

The city said in a release that it will "undertake a large snow emergency towing and plowing effort on the main arterials which are posted 'snow emergency routes' and on streets in the downtown area." 

"This towing operation will occur overnight tonight, beginning at 6 pm and ending on Wednesday at 6 am.," the release said.

"This is being done in order to allow for more complete snow removal on these streets and in preparation for tomorrow’s re-opening of downtown businesses.

Any car parked on a posted “snow emergency route” or on streets in the downtown area will be subject to towing."

See the map below or check here for a list of the snow emergency routes.

"In preparation for a second towing and plowing operation, on Wednesday and Thursday, parking will be allowed only on the even side of the street. Any cars parked on the odd side—citywide—will be subject to towing."

New Haven Snow Emergency Map by

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

Violence Against Women Act: What Obama said

The White House today released this statement from President Barack Obama on the Senate passage of the Violence Against Women Act

This is the statement: 

Today the Senate passed a strong bipartisan bill to reauthorize and strengthen the Violence Against Women Act. This important step shows what we can do when we come together across party lines to take up a just cause. The bill passed by the Senate will help reduce homicides that occur from domestic violence, improve the criminal justice response to rape and sexual assault, address the high rates of dating violence experienced by young women, and provide justice to the most vulnerable among us. I want to thank Senator Leahy and his colleagues from both sides of the aisle for the leadership they have shown on behalf of victims of abuse. It's now time for the House to follow suit and send this bill to my desk so that I can sign it into law. 

Further, and also in a release, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3,  released a statement urging the House of Representatives to pass the act. 

This is the release:

The legislation passed the Senate today 78 to 22. DeLauro is a cosponsor of a companion bill in the House and a longtime supporter for ensuring all women have the ability to be safe and secure in their daily lives.

“When one out of four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes, it is unconscionable that we have let the Violence Against Women Act lapse. Since the Act first passed in 1994, it has changed the landscape for American women. Domestic violence has dropped by over 50 percent. The bipartisan Senate bill modernizes the Act for our times, consolidates programs, and takes additional steps to reach victims of domestic violence.

“I hope the Republican House Majority does not play the same partisan games as last year and risk the lives of women. Passing the Violence Against Women Act ensures the continuation of essential protections that have made a difference for so many women. I urge Speaker Boehner to bring the Senate bill to the floor for a vote expeditiously so that women across the country will have the same protections their sisters, aunts and mothers had since the original passage of this landmark bill.”

New Haven police: Please do not drive

This is posted  fully and unedited (photo by Peter Casolino):

NEW HAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE

9 February, 2013 - BLIZZARD 2013, 7:08 PM - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The New Haven Police Department and its Officers have been working around the clock to provide vital storm related services to the city. Aside from typical calls for service, Officers have focused their efforts to keeping streets as clear as possible so plow trucks can remove snow from the city's roadways.

We understand many main arteries are not passable and most secondary roads are not either. The Department of Public Works and the City's Parks Department are making every effort to remove snow as quickly as possible, but it stands to reason that with the incredible volume of snow and the falling temperature, their efforts may be ongoing for several days.

Regardless of whether travel and parking bans are lifted, the Police Department is pleading with people to stay off the roadways. Only those who must travel to provide emergency or vital services should attempt to do so - and then only if the vehicle they are operating is worthy of such efforts.

Many streets have seen partial snow removal. A seemingly cleared roadway could, after a few blocks, in fact be impassable, forcing the vehicle to have to back up to a cleared cross street. This poses a hazard and has led to many cars becoming stuck.

Vehicles that are stuck in a roadway will prevent an emergency vehicle or plow truck from making it through.

It is the responsibility of the owners of stranded vehicles to solicit the necessary assistance to remove such vehicles from the roadways. Even roadways that are passable will eventually be re-plowed to widen the travel paths. Vehicles parked in such a manor as to impede these efforts will be towed at the vehicle owner's expense.

All of this said, shoveling or otherwise trying to remove snow is a physically exhausting task. We are urging people who are not physically able to do so or have a heart condition, to again, solicit the help of others.

The public and private plow operators are reminded that snow can not be deposited into a roadway, regardless of its condition. Those who do not heed this warning and have violated the law in such a manor will face fines.

Chief Dean M. Esserman is asking for the public's patience during these times. "The New Haven Police Department and its Officers are doing their utmost to answer calls from the public in as timely a manor as is humanly possible. We appreciate everyone's understanding that to get to many calls for service, Our Officers are doing so, at least partially, on foot".

The Department's Patrol Division is fully staffed as are the ten Police sub-stations, Emergency Services Unit and Vehicle Maintenance Division. Those with routine or non-emergency issues are asked to understand that priority calls will be answered first and that all calls for service will go through a process of determining their urgency.

Stay warm and stay safe.

Officer David B Hartman, Media Liaison

Blizzard: request for help for Connecticut

The Connecticut delegation to Congress issued the following statement in support of Gov. Dannel Malloy’s application for an emergency declaration due to the blizzard, according to a release:

Connecticut Delegation Blizzard Letter by

New Haven Parking Ban during blizzard and Free Parking Notice

In a release Friday, New Haven announced a downtown parking ban and free parking at some venues:

New Haven Parking Ban Release by

Department of Consumer Protection: Consumer Advice in Advance of Winter Storm

In a press release, the state Department of Consumer Protection and Commissioner William M. Rubenstein urged state residents "to take precautions well in advance of the snowstorm that is forecast for Connecticut tomorrow into Saturday."

“In addition to all the necessary preparations for a storm of this size, consumers also want to take steps to assure the safety of their food and medications, including oxygen if needed.”

Further, "depending on the nature of the storm, residents may find themselves without power, or may suffer damage to their homes and property," the release said.

If that happens, Rubenstein said in the release, these reminders "are in order:"

FOOD SAFETY

· If the power goes out, consume perishable food and beverages as soon as possible

· Keep the freezer and refrigerator doors closed as much as possible to conserve the chill.

· Resources to print and review now:

o A Guide to Food Safety in Emergencies

 

o Food Facts: What Consumers Need to Know About Food and Water Safety During Hurricanes, Power Outages and Floods

 

MEDICATION AND HOME-DELIVERED MEDICAL SUPPLIES

· Loss of electricity could affect certain medications.

· Items that require refrigeration should not be relied upon for full effectiveness and potency if they were not maintained at the temperature recommended by the manufacturer. Due to potency loss, replace affected medicines when possible.

· Anyone having questions about the safety or storage of any medication should contact their pharmacist.

· Persons who depend on oxygen and other medical supply deliveries and plan to temporarily stay at another address – with a neighbor, family member or at a shelter – should notify their medical supply providers to have their supplies delivered to the temporary location with no lapse in their care

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

Dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning: Know the signs

The Connecticut Department of Public Health warns residents of the dangers of carbon monoxide, or CO, poisoning.

Dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning by

Closer to Free Flash Mob in New Haven

Check out the "Flash Mob Brings Us Closer to Cancer Free" made at Union Station in New Haven

Super Bowl XLVII: A sealed deal

NORWALK — Orange, the harbor seal at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, has made her Super Bowl XLVII pick and it is the San Francisco 49ers, according to a release.

The 30-year-old seal is trained to retrieve items placed into the exhibit by her handlers, the release said.

On Friday, Orange was given the choice of retrieving two footballs – one with a Ravens banner attached to it; the other with a 49ers banner, the release said..

Given two out of three tries to confirm her pick, Orange first retrieved the 49ers ball, then – to add drama – brought back the Ravens ball, he release said.. On her third and final choice, she made matters clear by selecting the San Francisco ball.
“She’s a big fan of the 49ers’ pistol-formation offense,” said Vicki Sawyer, a member of the Aquarium’s seal team, also in the release.

Orange is one of seven harbor seals at The Maritime Aquarium, the release said.. Their public feedings are at 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. daily. Friday’s Super Bowl selection was actually a fun variation on a daily behavior in which Orange retrieves and “recycles” an empty water bottle, the release said..

For more details about Aquarium exhibits, programs and IMAX movies, go to www.maritimeaquarium.org  

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

Rosa Parks: Obama proclamation on 100th anniversary of her birth

In a release, the White House issued a "Presidential proclamation" on the 100th anniversary of the birth of Rosa Parks.

Here is the proclamation:

Presidential Proclamation -- 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Rosa Parks by

Kennedys to serve as honorary co-chairmen of VNA of South Central CT’s Nightingale Awards

NEW HAVEN  - Dr. Katherine "Kiki" Kennedy and Ted Kennedy, Jr. were recently named honorary co-chairmen for the 2013 Nightingale Awardsfor Excellence in Nursing, according to a release.

John R. Quinn, president and CEO of the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut made announcement, which included that it be held May 13 at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven, the release said.

“We are extremely honored that Ted and Kiki Kennedy would take the time out of their busy schedules to lend their support and leadership to the 2013 Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing” Quinn said, also in the release, “they are both knowledgeable about our health care system in Connecticut and they have the highest respect and regard for the nursing profession. Their mere presence at the Nightingale Awards is a tribute to those nurses we honor and will make the nurse’s evening a very special and memorable event.”

"The Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing program was originally developed by the VNA/SCC to be a collaborative effort to celebrate outstanding nurses and elevate the nursing profession," the release said. "The goals of the program are to encourage retention, inspire future nurses, focus public attention and recognize the breadth and scope of nursing practice at the local level."

Kennedy is president and co-founder of the Marwood Group, a healthcare-focused financial services firm, the release said.  He previously worked at Wiggin & Dana in New Haven, the release said.

 Kiki Kennedy supervises residents and teaches psychotherapy as an assistant clinical professor at Yale University, and sees patients in her private psychiatry practice in New Haven, the release said.

For more information about the Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing, including sponsorship information and how to purchase tickets, visit www.nightingalenursingawards.org/newhaven/ or call the Nightingale hotline at 203-859-6765.

To make a contribution to the VNA/SCC in support of the event, contact Lindsey Christiani, Community Development Specialist, at 203-859-6054.  

To donate online visit www.razoo.com/story/Vna-Of-South-Central-Ct. 

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

Trees and presidents at the New Haven Museum

 NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Museum will act as host for a talk on "The Executive’s Branch: Trees and the Shaping of Four Great American Presidents," at  6 p.m. Feb. 12.
The talk, featuring Eric Rutkow, will be held on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, and is in honor of Presidents’ Day, according to a release.
"This talk looks at the relationship between trees and four of our commanders-in-chief: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt," the release said. "Drawing on stories from his book 'American Canopy,' Rutkow will explain some of the ways that the natural landscape shaped these four men and how they in turn shaped the nation's forests."
"The legend of George Washington and the cherry tree will be the entry point to a broad-ranging discussion that includes the birth of federal environmental protection, the creation of the national parks and forests, the famous “Tree Army” of the 1930s, and ceremonial trees, such as the oak tree that was planted on the New Haven Green to celebrate the centennial of Lincoln’s birth and lost during Hurricane Sandy."

Copies of Rutkow’s book will be available for purchase. The lecture is free and open to the public, the release said. Rutkow is  a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School, the release said. He has worked as a lawyer on environmental and corporate issues and now is currently a doctorate in American history at Yale, the release said.

The New Haven Museum is at 114 Whitney Ave

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