Thirteenth Annual Green Corn Festival is Aug. 5 in Connecticut

WASHINGTON, CONN. -  The Institute for American Indian Studies is inviting everyone to help celebrate the first ripe corn of the season at the Thirteenth Annual Green Corn Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 5, according to a release.

 

"Enjoy exciting activities including drumming, dancing, crafts, storytelling and more," the release said.

 

This year, organizers are pleased to welcome as performers the Eastern Suns drum group and the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers, according to the release 

 

"After working up an appetite dancing, grab some Native American food, make a craft to take home and browse unique Native-crafted items for sale. Held rain or shine!

 

The event fee is: $10 Adults; $6 Children.

 

Also in the release:

  

About The Institute for American Indian Studies: The Institute for American Indian Studies Museum & Research Center preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. www.iaismuseum.org.

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5 tips for hurricane preparedness in Connecticut

 

Register file photo

In a news release, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and state emergency management officials reminded Connecticut residents that the first day of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season is June 1, and it runs through Nov. 20.

 

 

Further, the release noted: "The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Atlantic hurricane season forecast for 2017 is predicting an above average season with 11 to 17 named storms, 5 to 9  hurricanes, and 1 to 4 major hurricanes.

 

“One single hurricane or tropical storm can have a lasting impact,” Malloy said in the release.  “We urge all residents to take three simple preparedness steps: get a kit, make a plan, and stay informed.  These three steps will help to ready everyone for any weather emergency you may encounter.”

 

Connecticut residents can also download the state’s emergency preparedness app for smart phone and tablet devices, the release said.  The app is available free and can be downloaded in the Apple iTunes store and the Google Play store by searching “CT Prepares,” according to the release.

 

 

The release provided this list of preparedness tips for Connecticut residents:

 

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit

 

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation; at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both; flashlight and extra batteries; first aid kit; a whistle to signal for help
• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation; wrench or pliers to turn off utilities; a manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps; cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Medicine or any special need items, including diapers for infants; Food and litter requirements for any pets

 

 

Also in the release: 

 

Family Emergency Plan

 

• Identify an out-of- town contact.  It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone.  If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know.  Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.
• Teach family members how to use text messaging.  Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through, and it uses less battery life.  Plan ahead and pre-set a family group text conversation in your phones.
• Subscribe to alert services.  Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register for emergency alerts.

 

Protecting Your Possessions

 

• It is important to review your insurance policies yearly and especially prior to the start of hurricane season.
• Review your policy with an agent, or contact the Connecticut Insurance Department to understand what is covered and what your coverage limits are to ensure you are receiving adequate protection.
• Keep your policies and insurance contact information in a safe place.
• Make an inventory of your possessions should your property be damaged and you have to make a claim.

 

 

 

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Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum to hold information session for volunteers

Grace Brady, left, executive director of Ireland’s
Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University

 HAMDEN - Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University will hold an information session at 3 p.m. Feb. 7 for individuals who are interested in becoming volunteer docents, according to a release.



Photo by Helen Bennett

"The docents will provide tours of the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions to groups of adults and children, from around Connecticut and the world," the release said.

“The ideal docent candidates are interested in art, Irish history, communicating with people and giving back to the community,” said Claire Puzarne, assistant director of the museum, in the release. “Our docents will be expected to facilitate personal interaction, education and enrichment between museum visitors and the artwork, so we’re looking for volunteers who are passionate, eager to learn, enjoy working with people, flexible, articulate and comfortable speaking in public, dependable, honest, punctual and professional.”

Also: Docents must be at least 18 years old, and will be required to attend weekly training sessions for eight weeks, beginning in March 2017. Once trained, they are expected to provide a minimum of two tours monthly, requiring approximately a four-hour commitment per month.

Applications will be accepted until  March 1 and may be obtained at the information session and online at www.ighm.org..

"Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac is home to the world's largest collection of visual art, artifacts and printed materials relating to the Irish Famine," the release noted.

Photo by Helen Bennett

 "The museum preserves, builds and presents its art collection to stimulate reflection, inspire imagination and advance awareness of Ireland's Great Hunger and its long aftermath on both sides of the Atlantic."

"The collection focuses on the famine years from 1845-52, when blight destroyed virtually all of Ireland's potato crops for consecutive years. The crop destruction, coupled with British governmental indifference to the plight of the Irish, who at the time were part of the United Kingdom, resulted in the deaths of more than one million Irish men, women and children and the emigration of more than two million to nations around the world. This tragedy occurred even though exports of food and livestock from Ireland continued and, in some cases, actually increased during the years of the Great Hunger.

Works by noted contemporary Irish artists are featured at the museum including internationally known sculptors John Behan, Rowan Gillespie and Éamonn O'Doherty; as well as contemporary visual artists, Robert Ballagh, Alanna O'Kelly, Brian Maguire and Hughie O'Donoghue. Featured paintings include several important 19th and 20th‐century works by artists such as James Brenan, Daniel MacDonald, James Arthur O'Connor and Jack B. Yeats."




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Connecticut Motorists: Watch for Deer and Moose this Fall

Deer a little later in the season

 The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reminding motorists to watch out for deer and moose along roadways, especially during early morning and evening hours, according to a release.

"September through October is the peak of the breeding season for Connecticut's small but expanding moose population in the northern part of the state. The breeding season (also known as "the rut") for white-tailed deer closely follows the moose breeding season, running from late October through late December," the release said.

Further, DEEP’s Wildlife Division "says motorists should be aware and heed 'Deer Crossing' signs along state highways. Motorists are advised to slow down and drive defensively should a deer or moose be spotted on or by the road," the release noted. "Because moose are darker in color and stand much higher than deer, observing reflective eye-shine from headlights is infrequent and, when struck, moose often end up impacting the windshield of vehicles."

Moose and deer vehicle collisions should be reported to local, state, or DEEP Environmental Conservation police at 860-424-3333.
 

 

“During 2015, approximately 4,500 deer were killed in the state due to collisions with vehicles,” Rick Jacobson, director of the DEEP Wildlife Division, said, also in the release. “A total of 40 moose-vehicle accidents have been reported in Connecticut between 1995 and 2016, with an average of two per year since 2002.  Moose-vehicle accidents are expected to increase as the moose population expands.”

Also:

"Most of Connecticut is not considered ideal habitat for moose because the state’s landscape is fragmented, roadways have high traffic volume, and moose have large home ranges (approximately 10-15 square miles). Moose venturing into southern Connecticut, with high population density, road networks, and traffic volumes, pose an increased potential for human fatalities from accidents as compared to deer-vehicle accidents. Residents throughout the state are encouraged to report moose sightings on the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep/wildlife."

Program on raptor rehabilitation and birds of prey to be held in Derby

The Naugatuck Valley Audubon Society,  in cooperation with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will hold "a program for the entire family" at the Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby at 1 p.m. May 15, according to a release.

 

The event will help folks learn about "A Place Called Hope, a Raptor Rehabilitation and Education Center for Birds of Prey," the release said.

This non-profit organization, located in Killingworth, is run by volunteers who specialize in rescue, rehabilitation, re-nesting, and release of birds of prey within Connecticut, the release said. "Their goal is always to reunite wildlife into the natural world."

 

The program will include two live diurnal and two nocturnal birds of prey. Visitors will have a chance to see birds, rehabilitated from injuries too severe for release, which have become educational birds, the release said. "You will learn about their habitat along with tips on how to lessen human conflicts."

After the presentation participants will have a chance to take a walk through the Osborne Homestead Museum gardens and, if time allows, a bird walk across the street at Osbornedale State Park where NVAS maintains bluebird houses, the release said.

The program will be held at the Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby. A donation of $5 per adult is requested. Children under 12 are free. Light refreshments will be served after the meeting.

For more information, directions, or to register, call (203) 734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov

 

Editor's note: All information and the photo in this post were contributed.  Photo by:  Paul J. Fusco/CT DEEP Wildlife Division.

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Red Cross Has Safety Reminders Ahead of Winter Weather

Connecticut is bracing for the possibility of first storm of the winter season this weekend and the American Red Cross wants folks to be prepared

 

.“We want to remind people of some important information that will help them weather this storm and safely clean up after it departs,” said American Red Cross spokeswoman Stefanie Arcangelo, in a release 

Keep track of weather updates here.

Here are tips, shared unedited here as a public service, the Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms:

(For more information on winter storm preparedness in Spanish visit  www.cruzrojaamericana.org.

• Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing for each family member. Sand or non-clumping cat litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and a supply of essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.
• Use Technology to Prepare and Stay Safe: Download Red Cross preparedness apps for your smartphone. Our free apps have tips and real-time information to help you prepare, as well as tools to help you keep in touch during and after a major storm. In particular, the First Aid App has a special section devoted to severe winter weather with preparedness tips and information about coping during and after the storm. Get the apps for iPhones or Android phones at www.redcross.org/mobileapps.
• Heed Storm Warnings: A Winter Storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately. Stay tuned to local media to keep up with forecasts and additional warnings. A Blizzard Warning is issued for winter storms with sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with considerable falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to 1/4 of a mile or less. These conditions are expected to prevail for a minimum of 3 hours. 
• Use Caution Clearing Snow: Shoveling snow is strenuous work; take the task slow and easy to guard against over-exertion or back injury. Take regular breaks. If using a snow thrower, keep hands and feet clear of moving parts. Always turn off your snow thrower and use a stick or other implement to clear blockages, never use your hands. If there is a fire hydrant on your property, clear snow around the hydrant so it is accessible in the event of a fire. 
• Tips for Home and Car:  Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing. When the storm has passed, completely clear snow from all surfaces of your vehicle. It’s safer for you and other drivers and it’s the law in Connecticut. Be sure to keep furnace and gas dryer vents outside your home clear of snow to avoid the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. If you lose power and heat, running water at a trickle from a faucet helps to prevent pipes from freezing.  
• Use Generators Safely: Never operate a generator inside homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, sheds or other partially enclosed spaces, even if using a fan or opening doors and windows. Carbon Monoxide (CO) can quickly build up in these spaces and linger for hours after a generator is shut down. Place your generator outside, well away from windows, doors and vents. Shut down the generator before refueling it. If you begin to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a portable generator, shut it off and get to fresh air immediately. You could have CO poisoning.
• Use Care When Outdoors in the Cold: Dress in light layers so you can adapt to temperatures. Wear a hat; most of your body heat is lost through your head. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear insulated, waterproof footwear. Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms. Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

 

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Smile: Mystic Aquarium reminds us of National Penguin Awareness Day

Mystic Aquarium is reminding everyone of National Penguin Awareness Day "in honor of its colony of African penguins and the endangered populations in South Africa," according to a release.

"This day is especially meaningful in bringing awareness to the plight of endangered African penguins and the organized efforts of organizations like Mystic Aquarium, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB)," the release said.

This film, produced by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Gayle Sirpenski, "provides a look at the current threats facing African penguins and why it is important these endangered birds be saved from extinction," the release said.



"In celebration of Penguin Awareness Day, Mystic Aquarium is proud to announce the addition of 'Penguins Up Close' a new encounter program designed to provide further insight into the care and conservation of the endangered African penguin.  Among the most popular exhibits at Mystic Aquarium, guests are invited to go behind the scenes of the Roger Tory Peterson Penguin Pavilion and get up close to the African penguins," the release said.


Learn more here.

"Mystic Aquarium is a leader in a collaborative, nationwide effort to assist researchers in South Africa and sends staff to SANCCOB, a leader in seabird rescue and rehabilitation. Staff from the aquarium’s animal care, education and research departments examine all factors possibly affecting the penguins and develop plans for the aquarium to lead and assist with education, research and the conservation efforts of this species. Just last month, Tracy Camp, Senior Trainer at Mystic Aquarium, traveled to South Africa to assist with the efforts at SANCCOB. Her blog can be found at http://www.mysticaquarium.org/newsroom/south-african-penguin-blog," the release said.



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The Gustave Whitehead debate continues at the Stratford Library

 

Author Susan Brinchman

STRATFORD - The Stratford Library will continue its  “Sunday Afternoon Talks”, a monthly series of "informative and entertaining talks featuring prominent local guest speakers," at 2 p.m. Feb, 7 with author Susan Brinchman and Educator Andy Kosch, according to a release..'

The February topic is: “Gustave Whitehead: First in Flight”, based on Brinchman’s latest book about the aviator, the release said. The program  is free and open to the public.
See photos of Whitehead and his aircraft in 1901 here.

"The ongoing controversy over who flew first in America, the Wright brothers or Gustave Whitehead, continues to this day," the release said.  "The public is invited to meet Brinchman, via Skype, as she makes her case of Whitehead’s notable accomplishments which predate those of the Wright Brothers. Brinchman's discussion will cover Fairfield, Connecticut’s connection to the first man who accomplished the "first in powered flight" and the inventor of the airplane."

The release noted that the author "is uniquely suited to present documentation for the achievements of the controversial aviation pioneer. Brinchman is an expert on Gustave Whitehead and is an experienced educator and early aviation researcher with a love of history. A highly successful educator for 36 years, she holds four California teaching credentials including social sciences, with a master's degree in educational technology. She resides in California."

Her new book, "Gustave Whitehead; First in Flight," "utilizes her key research for the past five decades, where she was present for key events such as interviews with witnesses and familiar with the places Whitehead lived and flew."

Educator Andy Kosch also will be a live guest speaker at the Library bringing a replica of the Whitehead #21 model. "Kosch has been involved in the Gustave Whitehead plane project for the past 30 years, having flown a replica of the Whitehead plane at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in December 1986, or some 85 years after Whitehead successfully flew his heavier-than-air plane in Fairfield," the release said.

Autographed copies of Brinchman’s  "Gustave Whitehead; First in Flight" will be available for purchase after the Library talk.

For more information call the library’s Public Relations & Programming Office at 203.385.4162 or visit its website at: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

 

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Governor Malloy activates Connnecticut’s 'Severe Cold Weather Protocol'

Anyone Seeking Shelter Should Call 2-1-1

 

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy Monday announced he activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol "in anticipation of temperatures in the teens and single digits and wind chills below zero overnight" according to a release. 

 

"The protocol is effective beginning the afternoon of Monday, January 4, 2016 and will remain in effect through the morning of Tuesday, January 5," the release said.

 

“While we’ve experienced mild temperatures over the past several weeks, the new year has brought some cold weather. I am activating our severe cold weather protocol to initiate essential services to protect our most vulnerable,” Malloy said, also in the release.  “Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to find the nearest shelter or warming center.”

 

While activated, the protocol directs the departments of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Social Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Housing to coordinate with 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to ensure that the state’s most vulnerable populations are protected from the severe cold weather," the release said.

 

Also, "under the protocol, the DESPP’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security activates its WebEOC communications network, an internet-based system that enables local, regional and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions.  The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it.  Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.

 

DSS and DOH coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness in working with community-based providers to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.

 

DMHAS deploys teams that specialize in working with homeless people to locate those who are at risk, spread the word about the 2-1-1 system, and encourage them to take shelter.  It also works with shelters to assess and meet the needs of individual clients."

Further:

"Due to the arrival of the extremely cold winter weather, Mayor John A. Harkins
has directed that the four Town of Stratford Fire stations  be opened to the public
as temporary warming stations should the need arise."
 The fire stations are
located at:
Fire Headquarters   2750 Main Street
Engine Company 2   1415 Huntington Road
Engine Company 3   20 Prospect Drive
Engine Company 4   200 Oronoque Lane
"Connecticut will experience very cold weather over the next several days with evening temperatures ranging from the low teens to single digits with winds causing the wind chill factor to dip below zero. Appropriate clothing should be worn when venturing outdoors. We also would like to remind pet owners that pets  should not be kept outside during this extremely cold weather, as pets can suffer
frostbite and hypothermia the same as humans," according to Deputy Chief Jonathan Gottfried Emergency Management Director
 

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Orange Historical Society let folks hold events in historic house

ORANGE – Did you know that the historic Bryan-Andrew House is available for use for special events?

The house can accommodate about 18 people seated at tables in the various rooms of the home, the parlor, the hall and the keeping room, all with working fireplaces, Orange Historical Society officials said. 

For the events, docents dressed in period costumes give tours of the home.  All food and beverages must be brought by the family or group using the house as no kitchen is currently available.

For information, including about rates, call 203 795-3106 and leave a message.  All calls will be returned.

Further, those interested in history and helping to keep the society going can visit The Academy Museum Antique and Gift Shop at 605 Orange Center Road,

 

The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturdays.

 

 

An example of the items displayed in the museum is a hand-painted postcard from the 1940s, society President Ginny Reinhard said. The Dutch postcard has a message on the back that says "our camp has fifty barracks like this there are two hundred men in one barrack.  The Germans invaded the Netherlands in May of 1940 despite their declaration of neutrality.”

The postcard (shown at right) is in the society’s collection, “which is highly prized to WWII collectors and postcard collectors as well.”

“We have an extensive collection of hand painted cards and cards from the 1900s,” she said. “The card was sent to the US Patent Office in Washington but no stamp or
postmark....a research into the post cards that look this date it 1940.”

 

Oh dear! DEEP reminds motorists to watch for deer this Fall

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Wildlife Division reminded motorists in a release Tuesday "to be watchful of increased deer activity along roadways, especially during early morning and evening hours."

UPDATE: The DEEP Thursday issued a safety reminder "for outdoor enthusiasts as a variety of hunting seasons are currently underway – most notably the opening of the fall firearms deer season" which begins Nov. 18. Deer hunting season information is available on the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep/hunting.

 

 "Late October through December is the peak of the breeding season (also known as "the rut") for white-tailed deer which increases deer activity and the likelihood of deer crossing roads," the release said  "Be aware and heed 'Deer Crossing' signs erected by highway departments."

 

Further, motorists are "advised to slow down and drive defensively should a deer be spotted on or by the road. Deer/vehicle collisions should be reported to local or state law enforcement agencies, or the DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Division at 860-424-3333.," the release said

“In the early 2000’s more than 15,000 deer vehicle accidents occurred annually, while this past year, approximately 6,500 deer were killed in the state due to collisions with vehicles,” Rick Jacobson, director of the DEEP Wildlife Division said, also in the release.

 

The director "credits this decline to increased educational efforts and more intensive deer management efforts in many areas of the state."