And you can too, along with folks who know a lot about the town of Orange

The Orange Land Trust will hold a guided walk of the Triangle Trail at 10 a.m. Nov. 21.
Participants should meet in the parking lot off Mapledale Road.
The walk will include the Wepawaug River Ravine area, including the site of the mill that made cloth for Union soldier’s uniforms. That area was once the industrial center of the town of Orange, organizers said.
Indian artifacts, such as arrowheads and shards of pottery, also have been found near the Wepawaug in that area.
Walkers will also be able to enjoy the newly completed renovation work done in the Wepawaug Ravine by Boy Scout Peter Olson and his fellow scouts in Troop #925, organizers said.
Olson’s Eagle Scout project was to replace deteriorated cedar railing and do other remedial work in that area.
The walk is less than 2 miles in length and should take about an hour. The terrain is moderately difficult in a few places, but generally not difficult, organizers said.
There will be coffee, cider, and pastries available at the parking lot location. For more information, call Judy Ode at 799-6321.

And you would be right

Three area libraries have invited knitters of all ages to participate in the first ever Tri-Town Knit-a-Thon to help people stay warm.


The hosts are the Stratford Library, the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library of Monroe and Trumbull’s Fairchild Nichols Memorial Library. Participants will knit or crochet scarves and hats to benefit area children’s charities with regular meetings held at all three libraries, organizers said.


Knitters should plan to bring their own supplies and may knit at scheduled meetings or at home, organizers said. All contributions should be dropped off to one of the three participating libraries no later than Dec. 15.


In Stratford, knitters are welcome to meet at 3:30 p.m. Mondays in November in the Children’s Department Book Nook, organizers said. Other meeting times can be found at http://www.3townknit.wordpress.com/. For more information, call the Stratford Library at (203) 385-4165.

Shown in photo: Stratford Children's Librarian Tess Beck, at right, with young knitters, l to r, Liza Marsala and Gillian & Helena Gerardi

STRATFORD - Shelton Artist John Ulatowski is the featured artist for the “Places of Rest,” photography and poetry exhibit that will be the November art display at the Stratford Library, 2203 Main St.

The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Ulatowski has displayed his photographs and complementary poetic verse at local libraries in Bridgeport, Easton, Ridgefield, Shelton, Naugatuck, Ansonia, Orange and Milford, as well as Trumbull Town Hall.

His first exhibit was at the Stratford Library in 1995 and it has always remained a special place for him, library officials said in a statement.

The new exhibit is a collection of images of nature, the sea and people taken in and around Connecticut, the statement said. His poetic verses offer the reader a life theme - "a universal sense of a common bond of an image, place or life experience," the statement said.

Ulatowski graduated Sacred Hearth University with a degree in English. He is the author of several children’s short stories and much of his work has been published in a new book, "Places of Rest," available through Blurb.com.

He lives in Shelton and can be reached at jrulatowski@yahoo.com

Viewing hours for “Places of Rest” are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays: and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. The art exhibit, is in the main lobby of the library, runs through Nov. 30. For more information, call the library's Public Relations and Programming Office at 203.385.4162 or visit http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/.

Milford author Elliot Storm will be a panelist for the Hamden Veterans Commission a panel discussion on how and why Americans respond to the call to service in an ever-changing world from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium located in the Hamden Middle School, 2623 Dixwell Ave., Hamden.

The event is free and the first 150 attendees will receive signed copies of Storm’s novel, "These Scars are Sacred,"compliments of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service, which also is a sponsor of the event.

Storm, shown, has travelled the country to meet with veterans and others to discuss his book, which focuses on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The discussion will include local, state and national speakers. The public is invited and veterans and their families are especially welcome to attend the pre-Veterans Day event.
Abner Oakes, Chairman of the Hamden Veterans Commission, said in a statement that, "It is worth pausing to reflect on what our veterans and their families must give in order to serve." In addition to the panel discussion, there will be an audio/visual presentation tracing the national response to military service over the past half-century, organizers said.
"The Hamden community has always honored its veterans and we are especially proud to help in any way we can," Arthur Erickson of Beecher & Bennett said in the statement.

Erickson’s firm has been active in collecting items for soldiers serving overseas and Beecher & Bennett is a certified Veterans and Family Memorial Care Provider, the statement said.
Panelists also will discuss a range of important health care, education and other benefit issues affecting veterans and active duty personnel and there will be opportunities for audience questions to the panelists. Attendees can view a mural, shown above, honoring veterans recently constructed by Hamden Middle School students in the lobby of the auditorium.

MILFORD - There will be a special screening and discussion of HBO’s documentary "The Alzheimer’s Project, Momentum in Science," at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Milford Public Library, 57 New Haven Ave.

Momentum in Science outlines scientific developments in Alzheimer’s research, organizers said. It explores the current explosion of knowledge within the scientific and medical communities, from imaging earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease, to understanding roles genetics and lifestyle might play, to progress being made in the effort to develop drugs to treat or even prevent the disease, organizers said.
Maria Tomasetti, Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, will facilitate a discussion following the viewing. For moreinformation or to register for the program, call (203) 230-1777, ext. 14.

The Alzheimer’s Project was created by the award-winning team behind HBO’s acclaimed Addiction project and is presented by HBO Documentary Films in association with the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association®, The Fidelity® Charitable Gift Fund, and Geoffrey Beene Gives Back® Alzheimer’s Initiative. The series is Produced by John Hoffman and Executive Produced by Sheila Nevins and Maria Shriver.

A state legislator from Milford is expected to be on hand as Domestic Violence Services of Greater New Haven holds its 10th annual Sound of Hope event from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Long Wharf Pier in New Haven.

The annual event is free and open to the public, and is held in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and to commemorate victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Last year, DVS provided emergency shelter, crisis services, counseling, advocacy and other support to more than 7,000 women and children in Greater New Haven, Milford and the Shoreline.
Scheduled speakers for the event include state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal; New Haven Board of Aldermen President Carl Goldfield; state Rep. Barbara Lambert, D-Milford, shown; Tirzah Kemp, of STRIVE New Haven; and Pam Nuchols of Guilford Youth and Family Services, organizers said.
Testimonials from domestic violence survivors are planned, as is a reading of names of state residents who lost their lives to domestic violence in the past year. Participants will receive a flower to throw into the harbor; each flower represents the hopes and struggles of survivors as they work to end violence in their lives, and honors those who died due to domestic violence. The event will culminate with a bagpipe procession and light snack.
For more information about DVS or the event, call 865-1957 or the DVS 24-hour crisis hot line at 789-8104, or visit www.dvsgnh.org. DVS is a program of Birmingham Group Health Services Inc.

MILFORD — The public can recycle electronic equipment for free 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 3 at Fowler Memorial Field behind the Milford Public Library, 57 New Haven Ave.
Acceptable items include computer equipment, including monitors, and appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators and air conditioners. A fee will be charged for television sets: $8 for plastic and $14 for wood. The event is sponsored by the Milford Technology Advisory Council and the Boys and Girls Club.
The volunteer MTAC provides free computers and technical support to United Way organizations. The computers are donated by the Board of Education and refurbished by MTAC. More than 200 computers have been distributed and installed. MTAC also provides computers to city youths who do not have computers at home. MTAC aims to ensure that all low- and moderate-income youths have a computer at home. It also wants to provide free wireless service downtown.
For more details, call Paul Brunelle at 848-7268 or Paul.Brunelle@microsoft.com or Michael Zabinski at 710-5771 or zabinski@fairfield.edu.

"About Boating Safely" courses are offered by two local Coast Guard auxiliaries. The class covers basic topics involved in safe operation of recreational boating and seamanship. It fulfills the requirements for obtaining a state boating license.
- In Stratford, Auxiliary 24-02 will present the course Oct. 3 at 1 Birdseye St.
Also, "Basic Coastal Navigation" class will be offered Oct. 11.
To register, call 924-5702.
- Coast Guard Auxiliary 24-3, Milford, offers the course at 8 a.m. Oct. 17. To register, visit http://a0142403.uscgaux.info or from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 at 1 Helwig St. Cost is $60. For details, call 874-0200 or (860) 663-5505.

STRATFORD - A talk on black bears in Connecticut will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Stratford Library.

The talk, in conjunction with the state Department of Environmental Protection, is free and open to the public.
In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of Black Bear sightings in Connecticut and with the bear population increasing, it is important for the public to learn more about these animals and how to co-exist with them, library officials said in a prepared statement. Felicia Ortner, DEP Master Wildlife Conservationist, will be the guest speaker at the library program, which will include a slide presentation about the myths and facts surrounding bears, the statement said.

Handouts about bear awareness, fact sheets and bear kids pages will be distributed. A related three-panel lobby exhibit about the bears also will be on display at the library this month, library officials said.
For more information call (203) 385-4162 or visit: http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/.
Photo courtesy of the Stratford Library

It's the kind for kids

Children in first through third grades are invited to experience all the fun of "wacky science" from 4 to 5 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Stratford Library, officials said.

At the Hands-on Science Kids workshop, students will learn about building principles and will be challenged to create structures that can support the weight of dog biscuits, officials said.

Hands-on Science Kids will continue at the library beginning at 4 p.m. Oct. 15 and Nov. 19.
Workshop space is limited and registration is required.

To register or for moreinformation, call the Children’s Department at (203) 385.4165 or visit its Web site at http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/.

Shown in the photo: Julianne Carey, left, and Olivia Donnelly take part in Hands-on Science Kids, a new program to offered at the Stratford Library Children's Department.

Three flu clinics will take place at the Milford Senior Center, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 5, Oct. 7 and Oct. 9, There will be no admittance to the clinic before 9 a.m.
To pre-register, contact the Center’s insurance specialists, Jackie Sconzo or Laura Daneault at
(203) 877-5131 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is recommended you have your insurance information available when you call.
Executive Director, Janice M. Jackson has announced this series of flu shots are the seasonal flu shots, not the H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccines.

The town and the Stratford Arts Commission are sponsoring a Summer Arts Festival and seek volunteers for the event from Aug, 28 to Aug. 30, Mayor James Miron said in a statement.

Volunteers will assist with reception, main stage support, parking management, staffing, and lighting.

“The Arts are such an important part of our community and I am pleased that we have the opportunity to host the Summer Arts Festival on the grounds of Stratford’s Shakespeare Theatre,” Miron said in the statement. “I would like to thank the Arts Commission for coordinating this year’s Festival. I encourage residents to volunteer so we can continue to make this event a success.”

Performances on the grounds of the American Festival (Shakespeare) Theatre will be:

Friday, August 28 at 8 PM -- Quickies in the Park, a collection of the original works of regional playwrights, by SquareWrights

Saturday, August 29 at 8 PM – Hamlet, by Shakesperience Productions

Sunday, August 30 at 2 PM -- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by Shakesperience Productions

Sunday, August 30 at 8 PM – Hamlet, by Shakesperience Productions

As with previous years, the town helps to sponsor this Festival as a service to Stratford residents, the statement said Preceding each performance will be an art show organized by the Stratford Arts Guild. A donation of $10 is requested for admission.

To volunteer for the festival, callTown Planner Dave Killeen at 385-4017 or e-mail him atmailto:atdkilleen@townofstratford.com. Visit http://www.stratfordstage.org/ for complete schedule information for the festival.

ORANGE — Police are searching for the two men who made off with an undisclosed amount of jewelry in an armed robbery at Diamond Design jewelry store today on Boston Post Road.
Two men, both wearing masks and one holding a handgun, walked into the jewelry store at 500 Boston Post Road at 11:11 a.m., police said.
The pair sped off, heading east on the Boston Post Road in a red four-door BMW with a Connecticut license plate, police said.
There were no injuries and the robbery is under investigation.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call investigators at the Orange Police Department at 891-2138.

BRANFORD — There will be a reception to kick off an exhibit called “Visions Toward Wholeness” from 4 to 6 tonight at the Connecticut Hospice’s “Waterside Gallery” at the 100 Double Beach Road facility.
It is the first exhibition of “healing art” organized by the Visions Toward Wellness Educational Foundation, organizers said. The collection is designed to “visually document the power of art to assist in healing our spirit.” The lives of patients and families, while at the Connecticut Hospice, can be very much enhanced by participation in the Hospice Arts Program, which was the first hospice arts program in the country, organizers said. The program is staffed by a variety of artists, musicians, therapists, teachers and volunteers who offer daily opportunities for expression, creativity, and the relief of stress, boredom, pain or other symptoms, without cost to patients and families. The current exhibit is curated by Dr. Jon Moscartolo who, as an arts volunteer for the Connecticut Hospice Arts Program, runs an art expression program for visiting children and their parents.
Connecticut Hospice, the nation’s first hospice, is celebrating its 35th year.

It's the Beatles A to Z

MILFORD - A group of New Haven musicians will perform the entire Beatles catalog in alphabetical order - from "A Day in the Life" to "You Really Got a Hold On Me" - for five nights next month at Daniel Street.

The band first took on this challenge last summer, and the crowd support has inspired them to do it all over again. For many fans young and old, this is the special event of the summer.
The success of last year's endeavor also gained the band a coveted spot at the BEAT Expo later this year, which is the massive Beatles convention that will be coming to Connecticut in November.
"It's really just celebrating everything that they've given us," said guitarist Tim Palmieri, of the band The Breakfast. "I absolutely feel all of these songs from the inside to the out."
The group – which features Palmieri on lead guitar, Breakfast drummer Adrian Tramontano, former Breakfast bassist Ron Spears and frequent collaborator Sean Miller on mandolin – will take over Daniel Street each Sunday in August to accomplish the feat. Special guests will join the band throughout the month.

Even Beatles tracks that never made it onto a Beatles album – such as "Not Guilty" by George Harrison and "Come and Get It" by Paul McCartney – will not be overlooked. "It's a challenge both musically and vocally," Miller says of the endeavor, "but we are fortunate that together we share a vast knowledge of the music."
Event Details:
The Beatles A-Z; performed by Tim Palmieri, Adrian Tramontano, Sean Miller and Ron Spears
Every Sunday in August: August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Daniel Street, located at 21 Daniel St., Milford, Conn., 203-877-4446
Tickets $7 in advance; $10 at the door; 21+, children allowed with guardian
Doors at 5 p.m., Beatles A to Z at 6 p.m.
Contact Tim Palmieri at 203-464-6320 or Sean Miller at 203-915-9916 for more information.

Editor's note: this information was proved in a press release.

Come to the booksale

MILFORD — Bertha the Bookworm invites all voracious readers to Bookworm’s Delight, a used book sale, on August 1, 2, 8 and 9, at the Saint Ann School Hall, 499 Naugatuck Ave.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 1 and 8, and 8:30 a.m. to noon August 2 and 9, organizers said. All proceeds will benefit Relay for Life of Milford. The public is invited.
Bertha, who sources says really loves books but would never really eat one, says the stock is "delightful," including thrillers, military books, best sellers, classics, cookbooks, romance, books for children and more. For more information call (203) 874-0634.

FAIRFIELD — It’s time again for that terrific transaction of tomes: the Pequot Library 49th Annual Book Sale, to be held July 24-28 at the library at 720 Pequot Ave., in the Southport section.
There are more than 140,000 books to be offered for sale from a wide array of genres, as well as LPs, 45’s, CDs, DVDs, and tapes, all of which were donated to the library, organizers said.
All proceeds from the library’s biggest fund-raiser of the year go to help the library provide services to the area. The library serves Fairfield, as well as all other towns in Fairfield County and the entire region.
The library also offers book sale vouchers for up to $100 to teachers in the Bridgeport and New Haven school systems to purchase books for classroom or personal libraries with the cost being underwritten through a grant from the Renée B. Fisher Foundation.
As part of the library’s "Green Initiative," there also will be re-useable book bags imprinted with the library’s logo, for sale and the library seeks to eliminate use of plastic bags by next year, organizers said. Patrons who purchase more than $50 worth of books will receive a free bag.
The sale schedule is 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 24, with all items double the marked price; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 25 and 26, items priced as marked; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 27, items half off marked price; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., $5 a bag day.
For more information on the sale, or to volunteer at the event, email booksale@pequotlibrary.org, call the library at (203) 259-0346, or visit www.pequotlibrary.org.

MILFORD — U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 24-3 offers an "About Boating Safety" course at 8 a.m. July 18 at the Flotilla 24-3 Training Center, 1 Helwig St. The eight-hour course satisfies the licensing requirements for both boats and personal watercraft.
Cost is $60. To register, go to http://a0142403.uscgaux.info or stop 1-3 p.m. July 12 at the training center.
For more information, call 874-0200 or (860) 663-5505.

Milford author Elliott Storm will present a power point presentation when the West Point Retireee Council holds a lecture and book signing at 9 a.m. Saturday June 20, its headquarters at The West Point Academy 66 Swift Road, West Point, N.Y.

Storm, who is on his summer tour, along with his Vet Pack, which includes veterans and other key people, will present the informative power point on the topic of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Storm wrote the novel “These Scars Are Sacred” to help the public understand the causes and effects of PTSD and to help in the healing process for returning veterans.
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has said, “This is a great book, everyone should read it.”

Talk show host Jim Buchanan of WICC radio has hailed the novel as. “The Right book for the Right time."
Storm has lectured across the country speaking to many orginizations, from Veteran groups in California to the University of Michigan and the Naval War College, on the topic. He has also spoken at Yale University.
“Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, has become an epidemic,” Storm said, "not only for our returning soldiers but civilians as well.”

Storm has served as the Judge Advocate for the American Legion District Two, and has welcomed various groups for support of his novel.

“The goal of our lectures and this novel is to provide an understanding of PTSD and through that, aid in the healing process,” he said.

Storm noted that many women have commented that after reading his novel and listening to his group, they can now trace back actions of spouses and loved ones to better understand them. For more information about his book and lectures, visit http://www.thesescarsaresacred.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/

MILFORD — U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 24-3 is offering the following courses: "About Boating Safety," an eight-hour course starting at 8 a.m. Saturday and covering all basic topics; "GPS, Charting and Navigation", 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with basic satellite navigation and its functions presented. Walk-ins welcomed at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Each course is $60.
For more details, call the auxiliary at (860) 663-5505 or 874-0200, or visit http://a0142403.uscgaux.info.

ORANGE — The Police Department recently held a Citizens Police Academy that ran for eight weeks, with a 2.5-hour session each week.

Attendees, shown, with some department officials, learned about administration, records, the Patrol Division, accident investigation, DUI enforcement, medical emergencies, firearms, the Investigative Services Unit, crime prevention, youth officer and the DARE Program, community policing, special deployments and the court system, officials said.

Attendees also participated in a ride-along with a patrol officer. Officer John Aquino managed the program from week to week, with several officers participating as instructors.

Police Chief Robert Gagne said the department has been running the Citizens Academy for many years and receives very positive feedback after each session.

"It is a great way for our community members to experience firsthand what services we offer and how we police the community," he said. "It also gives us valuable interaction with and feedback from our community members."

By Susan Misur
Register Correspondent
and Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief

MILFORD - Joseph A. Foran High School will begin operating on a half-day schedule Wednesday until further notice as health officials try to minimize the threat of the H1N1 virus.
Officials said the school will start closing at noon to minimize time students spend togehter, after 12 youths in the past three days exhibited flu-like symptoms, which the Milford Health Department is referring to as influenza-like illness.
Affected students have been tested for swine flu, though results take a few days to confirm, said city Health Director Dr. A. Dennis McBride.
If more students become ill, it is possible the school could be shut down for a period of time, officials said, but that decision will be made on a day-by-day basis. Foran parents were notified Tuesday evening about the precautions through the city’s Connect-Ed telephone notification system, Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said.
"Though we do not have a confirmed case of H1N1 Influenza A virus at this time, we are implementing these measures proactively to decrease contact among children and to limit the spread of infection. This strategy provides a way to protect the health of the students & staff while minimizing the impact on their education," McBride said.
Foran students will arrive at school Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. and be sent home at noon with no lunch period in an effort to keep large groups of students from congregating and lower the risk of transmitting the flu. The Health Department is not otherwise prohibiting use of the school building, McBride said.
Richetelli said officials hope the school will return to the normal full-day schedule next week, though it could happen as early as this week.
Richetelli said parents should visit Milford’s public school Web site, www.milforded.org for more information and another automated phone call regarding the schedule might go out.
Richetelli and McBride said there haven’t been reports at any other Milford schools of students with flu-like symptoms to cause concern or increased numbers of student absences.
School officials will ramp up cleaning the school.
"The mitigation strategy recommended by Dr. McBride is based on sound public health practice without hindering our education mission," said Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky, in a prepared statement "The implementation of this strategy is necessary to decrease contact among our children thereby limiting the spread of infection."
Officials also advise parents to assume that the virus is present in the community and said anyone with underlying health conditions such as asthma or diabetes should take extra precaution and be monitored by a doctor.
Foran’s senior awards ceremony that had been scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday also is postponed.

MILFORD — The Milford Volunteers Ancient Fife & Drum Corps will hold its annual Milford Muster June 27.
A short parade will start at 1 p.m. at the Milford Senior Center on Jepson Drive. Fife and drum corps from throughout New England and New York will march across High Street, down Darina Place onto River Street, and continue to the Green.
Units will muster immediately after the parade at Eisenhower Park on North Street and perform. Vendors and demonstrations will be included.
For more information, call Pattie Deer at 878-0360 or visit milford.fifdrum.org.

MILFORD — The Harbor Lights Concert Series will be held at 7 p.m. under the Rotary Pavilion at Fowler Field behind the Milford Public Library. Listen to WPLR and WICC for rain cancellation notices.
June 12: Old School, of Shelton, plays favorites by Chicago, The Blues Brothers, Steeley Dan and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
June 19: Paul King Orchestra plays big band music.
June 26: American Festival Concert Band plays patriotic music and includes soprano Paula Phillips, a former Barnum Festival Jenny Lind.
July 2: The Milford Concert Band plays show tunes, pop and patriotic music.
July 10: Gunsmoke plays country and western music.
July 17: Steve D’Agostino and quartet performs great American standards.
July 24: Vinnie Carr and the Party Band plays music from the 1940s-60s.
July 31:Atwood Express, with a full horn section, plays hits from 1950-90.
For more information, contact Kathy Alagno, president and CEO, at 878-0681 or kalagno@milfordct.com.

BRIDGEPORT — Nine Milford students at Housatonic Community College were honored May 26 at HCC’s Awards Night ceremony honoring the “Best of the Best” of the Class of 2009.
Student Robert W. Vieira won the most awards of any student, six, including the Academic Dean’s Prize for maintaining a perfect 4.0 average. Other awards he won include the Outstanding Community College Accounting Student (Connecticut Society of CPA's Educational Trust Fund), a Certificate of Achievement in Accounting, the Blum-Shapiro Accounting Scholarship Award, the Dale Ward Endowed Scholarship, and the Dale Ward Scholarship.
Vieira is shown with emcee Mary Hoyt of Blum-Shapiro, who presented him with the Blum-Shapiro Accounting Scholarship award.

Other Milford students honored include: Arnold DeVera, Certificate of Accomplishment in Accounting;
Cara L. Szekeres, Outstanding Academic Achievement in Human Services; Christa F. Barbin, Academic Achievement in the field of Early Childhood Education: Degree; Janet P. Samelwich, Certificate of Accomplishment in Business Administration: Finance; Margarita G. Brown, Outstanding Contributions to Horizons, the Student Newspaper of HCC, The Quinn Award for Exceptional Improvement as a Writer and Reporter; Nicole D. Catalano, Outstanding Academic Achievement in Human Services; Richard J. Presner, Academic Accomplishment in Business Administration, General; Thomas Natowski, Certificate of Accomplishment in Accounting, Academic Accomplishment in Business Administration: General

Brown, left, is shown with Cody Quinn, a member of HCC’s class of 2009.

ORANGE - Al de Cant, well known local singer and songwriter will be featured in Pajama Jam, a family concert and fundraiser sponsored by the Orange Arts and Culture Council at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 12 in the High Plains Community Center cafeteria/lounge.

De Cant is known for the way he engages the audience with singing, dancing, clapping, marching, playing percussive instruments and signing about caring, friendship, family, the environment and silly things in life, organizers said. His high-energy tunes reflect many genres, including folk, rock and roll, and Afro-Reggae rhythms, organizers said.

Everyone is invited to come in pajamas, nightgowns, robes, slippers –whatever is comfortable.

Bring a pillow, a teddy bear, a blanket. Refreshments will be served after the concert. OACC members will do face painting throughout the evening.

Tickets are $5.00 ($20.00 for families of five and over). For ticket information call 397-8915.

The event is a fundraiser for the OACC’s proposed black box theatre, a flexible performing/exhibition space to be housed in the Clark Building in the old library stacks area. A feasibility study on the space has been done, the Board of Selectmen has approved the concept and the OACC is actively involved in fundraising for the renovation of the space. Attending this concert is a way to support the arts in Orange, to add a bit to the Building Fund, and to have a good time, organizers said.

NEW HAVEN — With the summer season just around the corner from Memorial Day Weekend, the state Department of Environmental and Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station ask campers, vacationers and state residents citizens not to transport firewood from its original site as doing so could spread the Asian Longhorned Beetle and other wood pests.
The Asian Longhorned Beetle is a serious pest that can kill hardwood trees that are common in Connecticut, the DEP said in a statement. Although the beetle has not been found in the state yet, federal agricultural officials confirmed it is in nearby Worcester, Mass. About 64 square miles in Worcester and surrounding towns are regulated due to the beetle infestation, the statement said and infested trees are being removed and destroyed. The beetle also has been found in New York City and New Jersey.
The DEP and CAES recommend purchase of firewood near camp or seasonal home destinations, instead of bringing it from home. All wood purchased at camps and seasonal homes should be used and not brought home.
Any tree infested with the beetle will die because the larvae tunnel in the wood and prevent the tree from receiving nutrition, the statement said. Infested trees need to be removed as early as possible, and the earlier an infestation is found and reported, the quicker federal, state and local officials can work to remove the pest, the statement said. Suspected infestations can be reported to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station at Caes.StateEntomologist@ct.gov or the Office of the State Entomologist at (203)-974-8474. Reports also can be called in to the Asian Longhorned beetle New England hotline number (866) 702-9938.

STRATFORD — This summer, Sterling House Community Center is offering Summer of Service, a youth volunteer program for Stratford students going into 8th, 9th and 10th grades, according to Robert J. Wargo, Jr., Director of Volunteers.
The program gives students the opportunity to actively participate in organized part-time volunteer experiences that meet community needs. These service-learning activities provide students with personal growth, including the development of social and civic responsibility, increased social skills with peers and adults, enhanced self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment.
Students and their parents are invited to attend an orientation and registration meeting on Thursday, May 28, at 7:00 p.p. at the Sterling House, 2283 Main Street, Stratford.
Summer of Service will begin Saturday, June 27, with training and orientation and continue until July 31, with the students being placed in different volunteer sites such as Lord Chamberlain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Grace Lutheran Summer Camp, Stratford Library, and the Garbage Museum.
For more information about the Summer of Service program, visit Sterling House on the web at www.sterlinghousecc.org or call Sterling House Community Center at 378-2606 x 113.

The Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut, the Mary Wade Home of New Haven, and the city's Department of Elderly Services will team up to sponsor the free annual New Haven Senior & Disability Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 15, at the New Haven Athletic Center, 480 Sherman Parkway, New Haven.
The New Haven Senior Expo 2009 is part of a month long celebration by the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut for Older Americans Month, organizers said. The event is a wonderful occasion for to meet friends, socialize, gather information, and enjoy the day, organizers said.
Participants will be part of a self-paced exploration of services, programs and products that are available for members of our older population and for those with disabilities, organizers said. There will be numerous vendors and entertainment, including Vinnie Carr.

ORANGE — Chabad of Orange-Woodbridge will hold a lively outdoor event in honor of the Jewish holiday of Lag B’omer from 5 to 7:30 tonight at High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road.
The event, which includes circus entertainment by Peter Panic, face painting, and relay races, is for Jews from all walks of life, including adults, students and children, to come together to enjoy and partake in a kosher community barbecue, in celebration of the joyous day, organizers said.
Lag B’omer commemorates the lives of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and Rabbi Akiva, who both set examples of proud perseverance and dedication to the Torah and its teachings during the Roman occupation of Israel. It is a day of unity when family and friends join in harmony with acquaintances as well as strangers in accordance with the teachings of Akiva that all people should respect each other as themselves, organizers said. It is also a joyous holiday following the instructions of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a sage, mystical thinker, and author of the Zohar; having fulfilled his mission in this world, he asked that the anniversary be celebrated as a happy day.
For more information on the event, call Rabbi Adam Haston at (203) 589-4783 or email events@chabadOW.org

A low cost rabies clinic, sponsored by Wags and Whiskers, TLC, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 30, at Pet Supplies Plus, 471 Boston Post Road, Orange, Conn.
The cost is $10 per vaccine and pet owners should bring previous a rabies certificate to receive a 3-year booster. Cats must be in carriers and dogs must be on leashes. For more information, please e-mail or call Jim Vitelli at pounddogs@yahoo.com or (203)937-3642.

WOODBRIDGE — The National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Haven Section, will honor two members at its "Angel Luncheon" 12:30 p.m. May 19 at the Oak Lane Country Club, 1027 Race Brook Road.
The members to be honored are: Linda Levine, who is the Angel, and has been chairwoman of the luncheon for several years. She is the past president, has been treasurer, participates in voter registration, cancer awareness projects, and section committees.
Sondra Bernblum is the Special Recognition Honoree, presently recording secretary of NCW, Greater New Haven Section. Bernblum has been engaged in publicity, voter registration, an art excursion to the Hill Stead Museum in Farmington, and many other committees for good and welfare to women, children and families through research, education and advocacy in New Haven communities, and elsewhere in the United States and Israel.
The Ezra Academy Children’s Choir will perform at the luncheon. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 389-2431. Attendees are asked to bring cans or boxes of food, which will be distributed to the needy at the pantry of the Jewish Family Service, 1440 Whalley Ave., New Haven.

In a tribute to The Purr Project‘s guardian angel, the group has created an academic scholarship honoring Suzan D’Antonio.
D’Antonio, of Hamden, a veterinary technician and animal lover, died in March 2008. On her behalf, her family and friends donated almost $4,000 to the Purr Project.
To honor D’Antonio’s memory and carry on her work of caring for animals, The Purr Project, Inc. will grant a yearly $1,000 academic scholarship to eligible college students and incoming freshmen enrolled in a veterinary technology or pre-vet program. Named the Suzan D’Antonio Full Bucket Scholarship, after book "How Full is Your Bucket?," the scholarship will be awarded to those who have demonstrated the notion of filling buckets and therefore giving back to animals who have no voice, a statement said.
The $1,000 scholarship is meant to "support the supporter" by being available for books, supplies, meal plans, and certain fees that many other scholarships do not cover.
Complete eligibility requirements are being formulated and will be based on: a history of giving back to animals, need, and GPA, among other factors.
The annual award will be granted for the first time this summer, for the 2009-10 school year. Applications will be available through most college and high school counselors’ office by May 11, online at purrproject.org/D’Antonio, or by calling The Purr Project, Inc. at (203) 865-0878. Deadline for submitting applications is August 3.
The program will be administered by The Purr Project Foundation, a volunteer group that will also include members of the D’Antonio family. Donations to the foundation can be made with a credit card or Paypal through the Purr Project, Inc. Web site at www.purrproject.org, or sending a check or money order to The Purr Project Foundation. 843 State St. New Haven, 06511.
The Purr Project Foundation is staffed by an all volunteer force and more than 90 percent of each donation goes directly to helping students.

MILFORD — The Rape Crisis Center of Milford will hold its 3rd annual "Walk A Mile In Her Shoes: The Men’s march to stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender violence" event beginning at 1:00 p.m. on April 26.
Participants will stroll one mile from Lisman Landing, around the Green and back to Lisman Landing while wearing a pair of woman’s shoes. Walkers are asked to use their imagination in choosing footwear.
This lighthearted event is held each year to encourage men to put themselves in the shoes of a woman who has been sexually assaulted or harassed, however, registration is not limited to men, organizers said. Everyone is welcome to walk.
This year’s Walk is sponsored by 99.1 PLR, Channel 8 News, Stonebridge Restaurant and The Milford Bank. There is no registration fee, but each walker is encouraged to collect sponsorship donations. All registered walkers who collect at least $20 in donations will receive a free T-shirt to commemorate the event.
Founded in 1974, the Rape Crisis Center of Milford is a not-for-profit social service agency working to end sexual violence through victim assistance, prevention, education and public policy advocacy. The center provides services to the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Milford, Orange, Seymour, Shelton, and West Haven. All services are provided free of charge.

MILFORD – The U. S. Naval Academy Offshore Sail Training Squadron will visit Milford over the July 4th weekend.

After a 300-nautical mile sail from Annapolis, Md., four NA-44 foot sailboats will arrive at Milford Landing on the morning of July 3. The vessels, crewed by midshipmen, will stay at Milford Landing until departure on July 6.
The NA-44’s will be welcomed by USCG Auxiliary and Milford Fire Department vessels. Milford Boatworks will provide fuel and support services to the fleet; maintenance will be handled by Port Milford.
On Friday evening, the midshipmen will participate in the “Honoring our Hero’s” ceremonies at the Westfield Connecticut Post Mall. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display. On Sunday evening, Milford Yacht Club will act as host for the midshipmen for a private reception and dinner.
The public is welcome to tour the USNA offshore sailing vessels from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, and to meet the midshipmen who crew them.
The Milford Chamber of Commerce is seeking the public’s involvement to support the visit of these future Navy and Marine Corps officers. Specifically, the Chamber requests financial donations to help offset the cost of hosting the midshipmen.
Donations can be sent to the Milford Chamber of Commerce, 5 Broad Street, Milford, 06880. Make the checks payable to: Milford Chamber of Commerce Trust Fund-USNA Visit.
Milford has long supported the U.S. military. With many veterans in the area, everyone is encouraged to give financial support in any way possible. This is the community’s opportunity to thank these fine young men and women who will be serving their country during these difficult times.

The Naval Academy provides a four-year undergraduate education for 4400 Midshipmen (students) to prepare them morally, mentally and physically to be professional officers in the naval service. Upon graduation, Midshipmen are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree and receive a commission either as an ensign in the U.S. Navy or a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, where they serve at least five years as leaders of Sailors and Marines.

For more information about the Naval Academy, visit www.usna.edu.

Photo credit: Ralph Naranjo

Editor's note: This information was provide courtesy of Kathy Alagno.

STRATFORD — The town’s annual town-wide spring cleanup program, Project Green Sweep, will be begin at 9 a.m. May 2, with a kick-off rally on the Town Hall Green, Mayor James R. Miron announced.
Miron, the Stratford Beautification Committee and the Stratford Conservation Commission sponsor the all-volunteer project.
This year’s clean up is being recognized for the first time as part of Keep America Beautiful’s national Great American Cleanup, which involves over 17,000 communities in clean up efforts nationwide, a statement from the town said.
"Making Stratford a beautiful and healthy place to live has been a primary focus of my Administration," Miron said in the statement. "I encourage all Stratford residents to join Project Green Sweep and help improve the environment of our town."
Last year, more than 200 volunteers participated in Project Green Sweep. Along with the River Clean-Up, a joint effort including boat clubs and the surrounding towns of Milford and Shelton to clean up the Housatonic River shoreline, the groups involved collected eight truckloads of debris totaling 28,800 pounds or 14.4 tons, the statement said.
"In the past, public response has been overwhelming and we look forward to a similar effort this year," said Beautification Committee Chairman and Councilman J.R. Stroomer.
"Our goal is to enhance the beauty of our town, and we welcome participation from anyone and everyone who loves our community," added committee member and Councilwoman Amy Wanamaker.
The town will again combine its efforts with River Clean-Up. In addition, civic, social, business, youth, scout and religious groups have made commitments to help in the cleanup in areas of concentration such as highway entrance and exit ramps, public greens, parks, forests, beaches, walkways, school grounds and other highly visible areas of town. Volunteers are also being sought to aid in the effort by cleaning up their own neighborhoods.
Participants will receive complimentary T-shirts with the Project Green Sweep logo, bottles of water and light refreshments at 9 a.m. on Town Hall Green. All are asked to bring tools. However, gloves, bags, rakes and trash posts will be distributed to those who are unable to provide their own.
To volunteer in the spring cleanup, interested persons should contact Town Planner David Killeen at (203) 385-4017 or at dkilleen@townofstratford.com.

MILFORD - Mayor James L. Richetelli, Jr. has announced that the city will begin its 2009 Bulk Waste Pickup Program on May 6.
The Bulk Waste Program has been funded for two pickups per year: May and September. The May pickup is intact. However, the Board of Aldermen is currently debating the fiscal year 2009-10 budget that could cut the September schedule if aldermen do not fund it, the city said in a prepared statement.
All homeowners are asked to honor the schedule and not place bulk waste at the curb any sooner than 24 hours prior to their scheduled pickup.

The schedule is: if you garbage day is Monday, pick up is May 6; for Tuesday garbage days, pick up is May 13; for Thursday, May 20, for Friday, May 27.
Call the Public Works Office at 783-3265, the Monday before your pick up if you have goods such as stoves, refrigerators, dishwasher, hot water heaters and other similar appliances.

NEW HAVEN — The Hospital of Saint Raphael will hold a free educational stop-smoking seminar as part of an effort to make hospital facilities completely smoke-free later this year.
The event will take place from :30 to 6: 30 p.m. April 30 in Saint Raphael’s Cronin Auditorium, 1450 Chapel St. Pre-registration is recommended.
The seminar, co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society, will address health risks of smoking both to smokers and those around them. An ex-smoker and American Cancer Society volunteer will offer tips on how to stop and explain the financial benefits of quitting. Representatives from Saint Raphael’s will discuss the hospital’s Freedom From Smoking cessation program and alternative methods to fight nicotine addiction, such as acupuncture and hypnosis.
To register: Call (203) 789-3989 or sign up online at www.srhs.org/stopsmoking

People who want to help relief funds aiding the Abruzzo Region of Italy struck by a deadly earthquake can donate to the American Red Cross’s International Response Fund. The Web site is www.redcross.org. Go to donate now, check the box for International Response Fund and write L’Aquila Earthquake so your donation will be dedicated to those specific relief efforts.
The Italian Red Cross also is accepting donations for its recovery efforts. The Web site is http://www.cri.it/donazioni/. The Webite is entirely in Italian.
Catholic Relief Services also is prepared to take donations at www.crs.org, or call 1-877-HELP-CRS and tell them it’s for the L’Aquila earthquake.
This information was provided by Lieutenant Gov. Michael Fedele, who has family in Italy’s Abruzzo Region.

The Stratford Library will offer a double dose of "green" events on beginning at 1 p.m. April 19 with two environmentally correct programs.
The Library is offering a variety of special events for the month of April with the "green theme". They are free and open to the public. The "Go-Green Double Feature!" includes speaker Evangelio Franco, shown, regional manager of Connecticut Programs with Metropool. Franco will discuss "Transportation Alternatives" and how to conserve fuel in daily living. Alternatives to driving alone include car and van pooling or riding the bus or train resulting in improved air quality, reduced traffic congestion and a better quality of life for all.
Then at 2 p.m . a "Grow Your Own," gardening workshop will be held with Stratford's Susan Pildner. Pildner will discuss the many advantages to home gardening and demonstrate joys of growing vegetables, herbs and flowers. A life-long gardener, she designs and installs perennial, herb and vegetable gardens and specializes in redesign of existing gardens, and consultations. Pildner will cover such topics as where to locate agarden, how to prepare soil and when to use transplants rather than sow seeds. She'll also discuss how to use herbs and flowers as companion plants to improve soil, keep plants healthy, discourage pests and increase yields.
Both “Go-Green!” programs will be held in the Library's Lovell Room. For more information, call the Public Relations & Programming Office at (203) 385.4162 or visit: http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/.

The FBI might be right for you

BRIDGEPORT – Career opportunities with the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be the subject of a talk beginning at noon April 2 at Housatonic Community College.
Slated to appear are an FBI agent and analyst who will discuss their respective jobs as well as career paths in the agency.
The agency is hiring, said HCC student Steve Figueroa, president of the college’s Criminal Justice Club, who arranged the event.
The talk, which is free and open to the public, will be held from noon to 2 p.m. in Room 135 in Beacon Hall on the HCC campus.
HCC is located at 900 Lafayette Blvd. in downtown Bridgeport, 150 yards off Interstate 95's Exit 27 and Route 8's Exit 1 in downtown Bridgeport, a block from the Arena at Harbor Yard.

HARTFORD — An Orange man who served in Iraq and now is clerk of the Legislature’s Select Committee on Veterans’ Affairs will receive National Guard Association of Connecticut’s Meritorious Service Award Saturday. Paul Tarbox, a lifelong resident of Orange, served in Operation Iraqi Freedom II with the 118th Medical Batallion as a communications sergeant from February 2004 to February 2005. He served in the Connecticut National Guard for 10 years from January 1999 to January 2009, leaving with the rank of sergeant, and was awarded medals and decorations for campaigns, service and merit, a prepared statement says. Select Committee on Veterans’ Affairs co-chairmen Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington, and Rep. Ted Graziani, D-Ellington, commended Tarbox for receiving the award.
"Paul is dedicated to his work and is a committed and active member of our veterans’ community," Maynard said. "I’m so pleased that the National Guard Association has decided to recognize his tremendous efforts and all the work that does on behalf of our military personnel and families. I’m very proud of his accomplishments and I know that, in the future, Paul will continue to be a strong voice for Connecticut’s veterans." "I am humbled and honored by this award," Tarbox said in the statement. "It’s a privilege to serve the men and women of the Connecticut National Guard and all of Connecticut’s 300,000 veterans everyday, and I promise to remain committed to doing everything that I can to support legislation that benefits our veterans." Tarbox, who has served as an Orange town constable, is a member of several veterans’ groups, including the American Legion, the VFW and the Association of the United States Army.
"I can’t think of a more deserving person than Paul Tarbox," said Graziani. "Whatever his task, he always gives 110 percent. Paul as a strong sense of dedication for all veterans, and his service on the committee is like a partnership between the legislature and those currently serving and those who have served in our Armed Forces."

The Stratford Library will act as host for Milford author Steve Bellwood for a special “Meet-the-Author” program at 7 p.m. April 15.

Bellwood is the author of "If All the Prophets Are Men." The program is free and open to the public.
Bellwood’s book is set in the early 1980s when a young English poet and his girlfriend, while hitch-hiking across country, are picked up by a US Marine on leave and his teenage wife. The couple proceeds to take them on a wild, 24-hour ride through the looking-glass of the American Dream into a nightmarish world of sex, drugs and violence. It is a first-person narrative and meditation on the nature and consequences of non-negotiable emotional and ideological conflict.
Born and raised in Yorkshire, England, playwright, monologist, storyteller and poet Bellwood has produced and performed his work in London, New York City and throughout the state of Connecticut where he continues to write and perform regularly. He is the father of two sons and lives in Milford.
“Meet-the-Author: Steve Bellwood” will be held in the Stratford Library Lovell Room. Autographed copies of "If All the Prophets Are Men" will be available for purchase. For more information, call the library’s Public Relations & Programming Office at 203.385.4162 or visit its website: http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/.

MILFORD – Bob Macklin, top photo, president and CEO of The Milford Bank, and Robert “Bob” Scukas, bottom, owner and president of Heritage Electrical Contractors, will receive the Milford/Orange Good Scout Award at a luncheon in their honor on May 5 at Costa Azzurra Restaurant.

The Rev. Kenneth Fellenbaum of Boys & Girls Village, is chairman of the event.
The Good Scout Award is presented annually to those who exemplify in their daily lives the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law.

Recipients are chosen for their outstanding community service as evidenced by their interest and leadership given to many worthwhile organizations as well as the respect and esteem in which they are held by their colleagues. Proceeds from the luncheon support the programs and services of the Connecticut Yankee Council, BSA. A detailed registration flyer is available on the Connecticut Yankee Council website at www.ctyankee.org.
Anyone interested in learning more about Scouting or financially supporting this event should contact Event Chairman Ken Fellenbaum at 203.877.0300 or fellenbaumk@boysvill.org, or Staff Adviser Jonathan Pleva at 203.876.6868, Ext. 286 or jopleva@bsamail.org. Seats are $100 and all donors will be recognized at the luncheon.
Bob Macklin has served as the president and CEO of The Milford bank since 1999, giving leadership to 95 employees in five offices inthe Milford area. Macklin also has served in a number of positions at Village Bancorp in Ridgefield, from 1974 through 1999.
An active supporter in the community, Macklin has served for a number of years on the Good Scout Luncheon Committee, chairing the event twice, and he is a member of the Administrative Committee of the Mutual Institutions and Council American Bankers Association, the immediate past chairman of the Connecticut Bankers Association, the immediate past president of Milford Rotary, the vice-moderator of the First United Church of Christ, and a corporator of Milford Hospital.
Robert “Bob” Scukas is the owner and CEO of Heritage Electrical Contracting, Inc. in Milford. Scukas is a member of the Milford Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Business, International Association of Electrical Inspectors, and is a member of the Fairfield County Electrical Association.
Scukas is an active parishioner at St. Mary’s in Milford. He’s a member of the Milford Volunteer Fire Department and is especially active in Milford Scouting. From 1995 through 1999, he served as a Cub Scout leader for Pack 721. Since 1999, Scukas has been the scoutmaster of Troop 721 at St. Mary’s Church. He has built the troop membership from just a handful of Scouts to more than 50 now.
The Connecticut Yankee Council, Boy Scouts of America, serves more than 25,000 youth in Fairfield, New Haven and parts of Hartford counties. Scouting’s programs encourage youth to pursue their special interests, make new friends, develop leadership skills and give back to their community. The council is pleased to receive 1 percent of its $4.1 million operating budget from three participating United Ways, including United Way of Milford. For more information, visit http://www.ctyankee.org/.

WEST HAVEN — The West Shore Order of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America will sponsor a lecture and book signing from 6 to 9 p.m. March 18 at their headquarters at 37 Orlando St.

Milford author and veteran Elliott Storm, who is kicking off his spring tour will visit as will several guests who will speak on the topic of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Storm wrote the novel "These Scars Are Sacred" to help the public understand the causes and effects of PTSD and to help in the healing process.
Radio talk show host Jim Buchanan of WICC radio has called the novel "The right book for the right time." Storm, who has lectured nationwide on the topic of PTSD, has served as the judge advocate for the American Legion District 2.
Radio talk show personality John Labarca, shown at left in photo with Storm, will act as host for the event.
For more information about the book and lectures, visit www.thesescarsaresacred.com or Amazon.com.

BETHANY — The Democratic Town Committee has more than meatballs in store for participants in its Annual Spaghetti Supper at 6 p.m. March 28 at Town Hall.
The event, which begins with wine and cheese, features an auction that includes organic farm manure, time in homes on Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod, tickets to Yankees, Giants and Patriots games, unique work by local artists, and gift certificates and items from area restaurants and merchants. First Selectwoman Derry Gorski and state and local elected officials will be on hand to meet and greet.
For more information or for tickets, call 393-0350.

MILFORD - Saint Ann Parish will welcome the Rev. John Bartunek, to speak on “Deeper Prayer for the Busy Christian: Choosing the Better Part,” as the concluding presentation in the parish’s Winter Wellness series at 7 p.m. March 30 in the church, 501 Naugatuck Ave.

Bartunek will discuss the nature and method of authentic Christian meditation and how it differs from self-help and New Age spiritualities, organizers said. His presentation is based on his 2007 book "The Better Part: A Christ-Centered Resource for Personal Prayer." A book signing will follow the talk.

Bartunek is the author of the 2005 bestseller "Inside the Passion," the only authorized behind-the-scenes look at Mel Gibson’s movie "The Passion of the Christ." He has contributed news commentary regarding religious issues on CNN, Fox, and the BBC. He has appeared on Larry King Live, Hannity and Colmes, and the Laura Ingraham radio show.

Bartunek received his Bachelor's of arts in history from Stanford University in 1990, graduating cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. After college, he worked as a high school history teacher, drama director, and baseball coach. He then spent a year as a professional actor in Chicago. He has since received ecclesiastical degrees in philosophy and theology and worked in youth and college ministries. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 2003. Bartunek served as the English-language press liaison for the 2005 Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist. He lives in New York, where he is engaged in doctoral research, teaching Ecclesiastical History, and continuing his writing apostolate.

The public is invited to attend this special presentation. For further information call 203-874-0634.



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No blarney here

STRATFORD - The Stratford Library Children's Department will present "The Irish Magic Show," featuring Magician Debbie O'Carroll, at 2:30 p.m. March 21.

Library officials said the performance includes the culture, language and lore of the Emerald Isle. It is free and open to the public.

O'Carroll studied theater and magic in the United States and Ireland and performs "The Irish Magic Show" nationally, "captivating youngsters" at festivals, schools and libraries, library officials said.

She has appeared on the Irish television program "Siar is Aniar" and was a featured performer at the Magic and Music Expo 1997 in Limerick, Ireland. In her program, O'Carroll blends favorite Irish tales of the last century with contemporary stage magic to create a truly enchanting program, library officials said.

Limited seating available, reservations are required by calling the Stratford Library Children's Department at (203) 385-4165.

The program is made possible through the generosity of the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund.

But super duper grades are not the key - community sevice is

MILFORD - The Junior Woman’s Club of Milford, Inc. this year will offer two $1,000 college scholarships to Milford youths who have shown outstanding civic participation in their community and in school.
The Junior Woman’s Club of Milford, Inc. has dedicated itself to many worthwhile charities, causes, and community events throughout Milford, club officials said. Some of its charities include; Beth-El Shelter for the homeless, Rape Crisis Center of Milford, Literacy Awards, fifth and the sixth grade spelling bee, Adopt-A-Grandparent and The Mercy Learning Center. It is the club's goal to select students who promote itsideals.
Requirements for the award are active civic and community involvement. High academic achievement is not a requirement for the scholarship. Applicants must be Milford residents in their senior year of high school who plan to further their education in the fall.
Applications are available at the guidance offices of Jonathan Law High School, Joseph A. Foran High School, Academy of Our Lady of Mercy Lauralton Hall and the reference desk at the Milford Public Library. The deadline to submit the application is April 15. For an application or information, call Diane Mitchell at 878-4102 or visit the Junior Woman’s Club of Milford Web site at www.milfordjuniors.tripod.com.

MILFORD — Fitness and wellness expert Linda Gottlieb will conduct a seminar, "Avoid the Invisible Woman Syndrome," beginning at 10 a.m.Saturday, Feb. 28 at Pilgrim Furniture City, 1755 Boston Post Road.
Admission to the seminar is a new children’s book for Read to Grow, a statewide nonprofit early literacy organization. A continental breakfast will be served.
Gottlieb is owner of FIT Training in Milford and is an active living and fitness coach, organizers said. She is founder and leader of FIT Chicks, a monthly social and support sisterhood that meets in Shelton. Gottlieb has degrees in psychology and training and development, and numerous national certifications in fitness. She recently was certified as one of the first cancer exercise specialists in Connecticut.
Books collected at the seminar will be donated to Read to Grow’s Books for Kids program, which provides free books for Connecticut children in need from birth through middle school. Last year, Read to Grow reached 50 percent of Connecticut newborns and distributed more than 110,000 books to children across the state.
For a seminar reservations, call 860-276-0030, ex. 106; email ideagroup@aol.com or sign up at the Pilgrim Furniture customer service desk. Space is limited.