The state Department of Public Health is investigating an anonymous complaint that the school system improperly removed asbestos floor tiles, and there may be violations, a spokesman said.


Read Brian McCready's full story here:


http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19870989&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=635049&rfi=6

City officials have identified building a bridge and dam to span the Wepawaug River as the top priorities when it comes to putting the $348,000 of federal funds allocated for Eisenhower Park improvements to use.


Read Jim Tinley's full story here:

http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19870973&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=635058&rfi=6

An aldermanic committee focused on bringing state and federal dollars to the city will meet for the first time Monday.


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http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19870962&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=635058&rfi=6

Neighborhood Music School recently honored State Speaker of the House Jim Amann, D-Milford, as the first recipient of its Champion of the Arts Award. NMS created the Champion of the Arts Award to recognize outstanding leadership in improving access to music and arts education for children and adults throughout Connecticut, the school said in a statement.
Carol Ross, immediate past president of the school’s Board of Directors, presented the award to Amann at a special ceremony at the school, which is in New Haven’s Audubon Arts District.
"We are delighted to recognize the many contributions Jim Amann has made during his tenure as House speaker. In many areas of public policy, he has made a difference for the better. The students, faculty and supporters of the Neighborhood Music School join me in thanking him for his steadfast support of cultural programs, including arts and music education for people of all ages," Ross said in the statement.
Established in 1911, Neighborhood Music School is the largest independent non-profit community arts school in Connecticut, and one of the 10 largest in the country, the statement said. Its mission is to provide high quality instruction in music and dance and make it accessible to people of all ethnic and economic circumstances. Major renovations of the school’s facility at 100 Audubon St. were completed in 2006, including expansion of the Recital Hall, façade and entryway, upgrades to the numerous teaching studios, and replacement of mechanical systems. The $5 million project was funded through a $2 million grant through the state Connecticut Bond Commission and an additional $3 million from private foundations and individuals, the statement said.

A former elementary school teacher who police allege had about 67,000 instances of child pornography on his home computers was freed on $250,000 bail Friday, as further graphic details of the case emerged, including that a "courageous" girl came forward to report she was a victim, authorities said.






Read Jim Tinley's full story at:


http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19861231&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=635049&rfi=6


Read the arrest warrant affidavit at:

www.nhregister.com

Cops say ex-teacher filmed area children. Suspect Thomas Bavedas, 38, of Brooklawn Drive, shown at right in photo provided by Milford Police Department.

Read Jim Tinley's full story here:

http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19859225&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=635049&rfi=6

Read more about this story in Saturday's New Haven Register, and read the arrest warrant affidavit at: www.nhregister.com

Sunday school aims to draw young families in to "Or Shalom Family"


ORANGE - Congregation Or Shalom, a Conservative synagogue, is initiating a new program for children in kindergarten through second grade this fall.
Young families may enroll their children in the Sunday School program without the requirement of membership in the synagogue.
Rabbi Alvin Wainhaus, synagogue spiritual leader, noted that bringing young families within the orbit of the community will stimulate them to open the “doors” to various groups and committees within the synagogue.
“Ultimately, we hope they will become part of the Or Shalom Family,” Rabbi Wainhaus said.
Information about the program is available by calling the synagogue at (203) 799-2341. Congregation Or Shalom is at 205 Old Grassy Hill Road.

The work a right by artist Sharon Coffin will be among those to be displayed at the Why Not? exhibit at Housatonic Community College.

BRIDGEPORT – Why Not? a juried exhibit of the work of some 90 woman artists from New England and New York , will be on display at the Housatonic Museum of Art Sept. 4-Oct. 24. The theme of the exhibit, sponsored by the Connecticut Chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art, is women artists pushing boundaries. The work on display shows the responses of women as they engage the question “Why Not?” from personal, historical or universal perspectives. The opening reception is open to the public at no charge. The reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 4, in the Burt Chernow Galleries at Housatonic Community College , 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport.

STRATFORD — The Stratford Library will hold a free panel discussion of William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, "Romeo and Juliet" at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The program also will offer previews of two productions of the Bard’s classic that will be seen by Stratford audiences this summer. The series is part of the ongoing Stratford Summer Arts Festival and is free and open to the public.
Stratford Arts Commission Chairman J. Sibley Law will facilitate the panel discussion with guest directors T. Paul Lowry, from the New Haven Theatre Company and Jeremy Funke, of the Players at Putney Gardens in Stratford. Both companies are presenting very different productions of "Romeo and Juliet" this summer. The Putney production is currently on stage in Boothe Memorial Park through August 2. The New Haven Theatre Company will present its show on the grounds of the Shakespeare Festival Theatre August 7-17. In addition to the panel discussion, selected scenes from both productions, featuring lead actors David Their, Lydia Barnett-Mulligan, Christian Shaboo and Kelly Shamburg, will be presented.
For more information call the library at (203) 385-4162 or visit www.stratfordstage.org.

• 
  Milford News Notes
  
  July
  ShopRite of Milford will hold a United Way Awareness month at the store on Cherry Street on for the month of July. ShopRite will offer hotdogs and soda outside and will collect donations at each register. Proceeds go to United Way of Milford. For more information, call 874-6791.

• 
  August
  Good Shepherd and East Shore day care centers will have a book sale again at the Oyster Festival on August 16. Call Good Shepherd at 874-8232 for more information and about donating books.

• 
  United Way of Milford will have a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Celebration beginning at 4 p.m. Aug. 6 at its new building at 20 Evergreen Ave. A tour of the new building will be included. Everyone us asked to bring an item for back to school supplies (notebooks, pencils, crayons, markers, etc.) to be included in the Salvation Army’s Annual Backpack program. For more information, call 874-6791.

• September
  The Rape Crisis Center of Milford will hold its 5th annual Bridesmaid Ball at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Race Brook Country Club in Orange. Sponsors include GE, CDW-G, News Channel 8 and My TV9. Co-hosts are Sonia Baghdaddy and Matt Scott. Event includes dancing, food and beverages, and a silent auction. Women are encouraged to wear their favorite, or maybe not-so-favorite, bridesmaid’s gown, while black tie is optional for the gentlemen. Tickets are $75 per person and tables of 10 are available. Tickets will not be sold at the door. For tickets, call (203) 874-8712.
  

• United Way of Milford will hold its 7th Annual Golf Classic to begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 26 at Orange Hills Country Club on Race Brook Road in Orange. Fee of $165/pp includes round of golf, golf cart, lunch, refreshments, dinner and beverages. Register early as there is a limit of 124 players. There are many sponsorship opportunities. Call 874-6791 or visit at www.unitedwayofmilford.org for more information.
  

• Milford’s Promise will hold its 4th annual Red Wagon Youth Fair from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sept. 27 at Fowler Field Pavilion. The rain date is Sept. 28. The fun for the whole family will include food, games, pony rides, face painting, moon bounce, live children’s music, story time and much more, organizers said. Parents can learn about all of the great programs and resources offered for youth in Milford. Many agencies will have booths to explain their programs. For more information on the fair or sponsoring a booth at the fair, call Executive Director Danielle Dumont at 490-9160 or email cmdumont@sbcglobal.net

• Bridges-A Community Support System, Inc. will hold its 16th Annual Folks on Spokes/Folks on Foot on Sept. 14 beginning at Fowler Field. Check In is at 10:30 a.m.; start is at 11 a.m. For more information, call Bridges at 878-6365 ex. 419 or visit at www.folksonspokes.org or www.folksonfoot.org for registration information.

• Salon Lui will hold a fundraiser on behalf of the Beth-El Center on Sept. 7, which also is Grandparents’ Day. Glam-A-Thon will take place at Salon Lui, at 221 Boston Post Road, Orange. All proceeds go to the Beth-El Center homeless shelter and soup kitchen. Call Salon Lui for an appointment at 799-2006. The event runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• October
  United Way of Milford will hold its annual kick-off annual campaign on from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, October at Daniel Street Restaurant. A $10 admission includes an All-U-Can-Eat Buffet & Cash Bar. Beverages will be served by Local Celebrity Servers (TBA) all tips to benefit United Way of Milford’s 2007-08 Campaign. Call 874-6791 for more information.
  

• The Milford Youth Services Network will hold its annual Community Forum at the Parson’s Government Complex on Oct. 15. The forum, dubbed "Tuning In or Tuning Out…Internet Awareness" is the 5th forum in a series of topics on risky behaviors in youth that is presented by MYSN. Please call 783-3253.
  

• Beth-El Center will hold its 17th Annual Walk/Run for the Homeless will take place on Sunday, October 19. Walkers and Runners will begin at Fowler Field Pavilion (behind the Library) and end at the Beth-El Center at 90 New Haven Avenue, Milford. The 5K Run is a new addition to this annual event. Registration is from 12:30-1:30, and Walk/Run begins at 1:30. For more information, including registration form, call (203) 878-2327 or (203) 283-5643. Proceeds to Benefit Beth-El Center shelter and soup kitchen.

• November
  The Kennedy Center, Inc. will hold its 44th Annual Four Season Four Seasons Ball with a "007" theme. It will be held on Nov. 15 at a new location, The Waterview, in Monroe. The reception includes a cocktail hour, KC’s deal or no deal game, sit down dinner, and dancing to the band, "Celebration." Also, there will be a Tribute Journal presentation to this year’s honorees, Ernest and Joan Trefz. For more information on ticket pricing and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.kennedycenterinc.org or call Jennifer at (203) 365-8522, ex. 216.

A creature who looks like this might be visiting your neighborhood soon, if you live in Woodbridge or the Valley.

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http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19853453&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=635058&rfi=6

Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. Tuesday beamed as he led a tour of the just-completed Milford Academy municipal project, which includes the new $4.1 million Alterative Education High School.

Read Brian McCready's full story here:

http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19853462&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=635058&rfi=6

Sand sculpture

By Susan Misur
Special to the Register
MILFORD — Beachgoers in Milford created a sandstorm of a different kind Saturday at Walnut Beach.
Hundreds of people covered the beach, observing, digging, carving and shuffling sand around for five hours for the 30th annual Great American Sand Sculpture Competition. Of the 58 entries, 16 were named winners in the family, friends and clubs, and individuals categories.
Steve Warzel and his friend, Ellen Croll, both of Milford, entered Saturday and said they have won the contest in previous years. Their inspiration Saturday came from the video game, "Guitar Hero."
"He’s an amalgam of a character from the game and bands like Kiss," Warzell said of the sand man he was gently shaving and sculpting.
"It’s amazing when you look around and see the different ideas people have," Croll said as she studied the rock ‘n’ roll character’s hair to see if it looked too long.A few feet down the beach, Milford resident Dee Baker, her daughter, Brittney Baker, 10, and some relatives were sculpting a mermaid. The group gathered sea shells to arrange as the mermaid’s teeth and styled her green seaweed hair.
Josh Woyciesjes, Brittney’s 9-year-old cousin, said they began by digging a pile of sand and shaping the mound into a mermaid shape. Josh’s sister, Alicia Woyciesjes, 10, said the group chose to design a sand mermaid because she made one in her Girl Scout troop.
"We did it before in our Brownie troop and thought it was pretty," she said.
This was the first time the family attended the contest, and they plan on coming again next year, Baker said.
"The kids did a ton of the work. We did a lot of digging, but they made the teeth, hair and necklace and put shells on the body," Baker said as she stood back to admire the finished product. "They really did a good job."
Other creations included race cars, turtles, ducks, a gnome, a snowman, soda bottles, a treasure chest and a banana split.
Fran Breban also chose an ice cream theme, and titled her melting ice cream cone, "Oops," which won first place in the Individuals 17 and Up category. The Milford resident said this was her fourth time entering the contest and that she, too, had won in previous years.
"It’s so much work. The higher and bigger the project, the more sand you have to dig up. I spent at least half the time digging," she said.
"That’s making me hungry," exclaimed Valerie Scicchitano as she paused to look at the six-foot-long ice cream cone.
Scicchitano, of Long Island, said she was visiting friends in Milford. When she saw a nearby sculpture of a capsized boat and oncoming submarine, she declared the ice cream and boat entries her favorite.
"Look at this detail," she said as she watched Brad Conant, 36, mold a sand submarine and blow excess sand crumbs away with a straw. "This guy has a straw in his mouth, he knows what he’s doing."
She stood with a growing crowd behind Conant, a resident of West Haven and professional sculptor for a company making prosthetic limbs. Conant said he’s entered the contest in previous years and typically uses a beach theme for his creation.
"I wanted to play on different themes like ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ and ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.’ I thought it would be fun for people to see," said Conant
As he carved, bystanders called out guesses, ideas and comments, to which he credits his motivation.
"The reactions people give, it’s why I keep coming back," said Conant, who won Best In Show.
Contestants were judged on originality, detail and difficulty, said contest judge David Konopacke of New Haven.
Milford Fine Arts Council Executive Director William Meddick, who organized the event, was pleased with the turnout and quality of work.
"It’s such a nice thing for families and neighbors to do together," he said. "That’s what you want the arts to do — involve all people. Everybody can be an artist for a day."

Saying goodbye

Friends mourning the loss of Steven "Clint" Salsman Jr. on Friday night held a candlelight vigil in his memory at Walnut Beach. More than 7

5 people attended. It was organized by Alicia Hardiman, 21, of Milford, said Mike Carlson. Salsman died early Friday when he was hit by a car while riding a bicycle along Bridgeport Avenue, police said. The accident remains under investigation.

"He was a great dude, full of love, and the funniest," said friend Justin Sinaly, 19, early Friday. "He was all around loved. Everyone that knew him should feel blessed."

All photos provided by Mike Carlson.

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About 250 people turned out for Boys & Girls Village fundraiser; show support for embattled for police commissioner. Here, he is shown, center, with state Sen. Gayle Slossberg and her daughter, Rebecca. At right is Tony Romano.

Photo by Brad Horrigan

Read Brian McCready's full story here:

http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19842107&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=635049&rfi=6

The Connecticut Association of Nonprofits on Wednesday met at Stonebridge Restaurant in Milford to thank state Sen. Gayle Slossberg. D-Milford, for the lawmaker’s "ardent and outspoken" advocacy and support for nonprofit organizations.

"Nonprofits provide services for Connecticut s neediest residents, and they do so at a great cost savings to the state," Slossberg, who serves as the Senate chair of the Government Administration & Elections Committee, said in a statement.

"The people who operate and staff these nonprofits are truly selfless individuals, dedicated to their work and to serving those who need a helping hand. The state should do all it can to support this work and the people who devote their lives to nonprofits. I’m very proud to support our nonprofit providers," she said.

Slossberg, shown with Beth-El Center Executive Director Toni Dolan and Gloria Hayes from Good Shepherd Day Care in Milford, won her office for the first time in 2004 and was reelected in 2006. She represents Milford, Orange, and the southern half of West Haven.

Ron Cretaro, executive director of Connecticut Association of Nonprofits, said "Slossberg has worked tirelessly on behalf of all nonprofits, not only in her district, but across the state."
"We are grateful for her dedication to our work and compassion towards those we serve," he said in the statement.

Organizations recognizing Slossberg Wednesday included: Boys & Girls Village Inc.; the Beth-El Shelter; Domestic Violence Services of Greater New Haven; Marrakech, Inc.; the Good Shepherd Day Care Center; Vantage Group; ACORD, Inc.; the Woodruff Family YMCA; the West Haven Community House; United Way of Milford; and the Connecticut Women’s Consortium.

Steven Chan, 9, of Milford jumped off of Flag Rock into the water at Anchor Beach in Milford on Tuesday.

Photo by Arnold Gold

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — Democratic and Republican officials are trading barbs over a resolution the Board of Aldermen adopted that urges energy conservation but also advocates for a statewide publicly owned electric utility.
Republican Alderman Scott Willey, R-4, assailed the resolution brought forth by Alderwoman Barbara Lambert, D-2, which he calls an "embarrassment for the Milford Democrats."
"In putting forth a meaningless resolution on electricity rates, they have used the very real suffering of our citizens to advance their left-wing socialist agenda and score cheap political points," Willey said. "The truth is that their radical ideas would hurt the very people they say they are trying to help."
Lambert’s resolution, which was approved along party lines in a 9-to-6 vote of the aldermen late Monday, says the aldermen urge the state to work to reduce electric rates, invest large scale in the generation of clean, renewable energy, and move toward creation of a statewide publicly owned electric utility. Republicans, including Willey, vehemently opposed the state taking over government of the electric utility.
He said the idea the state should take over the generation and distribution of electricity is laughable.
"Our state government is a den of incompetence that I would not trust to properly run a lemonade stand," Willey said.
In the resolution, Lambert maintains the United Illuminating Co. has raised its rates by 50 percent and Connecticut Light & Power has raised its rates by 22 percent since 2006, and an additional 7.7 percent in 2007.
The approved resolution will be sent to the clerk of the General Assembly, all lawmakers and Gov. M. Jodi Rell, and local leaders in all 169 municipalities.
But Democratic Town Chairman Richard Smith claims Willey is way out of touch with his constituents and added that he believes Willey watches "way too much Sean Hannity."
"Will Willey not be happy until the entire middle class is under water?" Smith said.
As ratepayers have been hit with a 50 percent hike in their electricity bills, "Democrats believe it’s the responsibility of political leaders to step up, stand up and defend the people of Milford from these out of control hikes," Smith said.
Willey countered the state always likes to "stick it to Milford," and would likely raise the city’s electricity rates higher than any other community. He said he and other officials believe the city has been grossly shortchanged in education dollars from the state.
Aldermanic Chairman Ben Blake, D-5, said Lambert’s resolution is still needed despite the state Monday denying UI’s bid to reopen a 2006 rate case, which eliminated speculation of another rate hike.
Blake said the city still needs to send a clear message that something needs to be done about runaway utility costs.
Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said the intent of the resolution was muted by the denial of UI’s effort to reopen its rate case.
But Richetelli said to have the state run utilities is "objectionable."

It's only a hop, skip and a jump from Milford

In the words of library officials:

Early on the morning of July 25, booklovers from all over the country will be lined up for the Pequot Library’s 47th Annual Book Sale. This year, as always, they’ll flock to tents and into the Library building to browse through an astonishing array of almost 150,000 books and other media offered for sale at bargain prices. They are some hoping to find special titles on their wish lists. Some are collectors, and others just looking for a good read at a good price. Chances are, all will leave with a great find at a good price - doubly important during these tight economic times.

Among them will be teachers taking advantage of the Books for Teachers program, which issues vouchers to over 270 pre-selected teachers from Bridgeport and New Haven schools to select up to $100 worth of books for use in their classroom or for their own use. Funded by generous contributions from the Renee B. Fisher Foundation, Lori Hashizume, former Book Sale Chair, helped establish the program and still remains involved. This program provides an enormous benefit to the teachers of these under-served school systems.

For those wanting to be among the first people into the Book Sale, at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday July 24th, the day before the sale, booklovers may pick up a numbered admission ticket. Traditionally, these tickets are given to the first 100 people who will be the first admitted in the order of the number on their tickets to the Tents and the Auditorium on Friday morning when the Sale opens. No admission ticket is necessary after the first 100.

Throughout the sale, which runs from July 25 to July 29, a silent auction will feature up to a dozen special titles or editions. They will be on dispolay in the Renell Room of the Library along with the other “special-interest” books of unusual value. Bids will be accepted for this silent auction by email as well. Watch the Library’s Web site starting mid-July for more details. Doug Fried handles this aspect of the sale with a sure knowledge of good books.

Following last year’s success, the sale will once again feature a media tent, with records, DVDs, tapes, and other non-book media. LPs, long thought to be outmoded, have enjoyed a comeback in recent years thanks to an appreciation of their cover art, and the development of technology that enables them to be transfered to MP3 files for use on portable devices. Lee Friedman and Paige Gillies are very active in this area, and their hard work is immediately evident when you enter the tent. There will also be an assortment of prints, selected and displayed by Stephanie Weaver. This selection increases each year, and is an exciting aspect of the sale.

Sunday, July 27 will be the 3rd Annual Young Readers’ Day, with a selection of specially donated “like-new” books under a separate tent. The donation of these books was made possible by the hard work of Paige Gillies. Ruth Frantz is working with Susan Ei, our Children’s Librarian to make sure there will be a whole raft of fun things for kids to do. The theme this year is Princess and Pirates, and we are encouraging young kids to don their favorite princess gown or pirate patch and come in costume. Each child who shows up in costume will receive a voucher for a free book and can participate in the Pirates and Princess Parade which will take place at 11:45.

During Young Readers’ Day, Mary Ann Hall and her family of singers will be there once again this year for a concert, and there will be face-painting and theme-related crafts as well.

Preparation for each year’s sale begins before the tents come down in July. Under the direction of Chair John Hartwell and Book Sale committee members Barbara Young, Doug Fried, Jim Fast, Llew Almeida, Linda Teja, Ruth Anne Baumgartner, Ed Canning, Ruth Frantz, Paige Gillies, Colin Green, Cindi Kruth, Betty Oderwald, and Stephanie Weaver, over 200 volunteers collect, sort, and carefully store books and other media for the next sale, and work on the day of the sale.

The staff is a crucial part of this team as well. Bob Repko works on the Book Sale day in and day out throughout the year and Linda McCormack is not far behind in the contribution she makes to the success of the Sale. Starting in May other members of the staff join in with Robin Jerrild, Robyn Filippone, Liz Hanusovsky, Susan Ei, Vicki Hanusovsky, and Danielle Carriera all helping out as well.

During the four days of the sale, volunteers are needed to assist buyers, help at check-out, replenish stock, and perform a number of other tasks. We were almost overwhelmed last year with the record number of attendees and sales, so we are particularly eager to welcome new volunteers to our ranks of dedicated people. To volunteer, or obtain more information about the Book Sale, please contact the Library at (203) 259-0346.

The library is at 720 Pequot Ave., Southport section of Fairfield.

47th ANNUAL PEQUOT LIBRARY BOOK SALE HOURS
Friday, July 25th to Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
NO ADMISSION CHARGE
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT PEQUOT LIBRARY
Friday, July 25th 9 AM to 8 PM All items double the marked price
Saturday, July 26th 9 AM to 5:30 PM Items priced as marked
Sunday, July 27th 9 AM to 5:30 PM Items priced as marked
Monday, July 28th 9 AM to 8 PM Items half off marked price
Tuesday, July 29th 9 AM to 2 PM $5 a Bag Day!

Sunday is “Young Readers’ Day”!

What about designated drivers?


Reads JimTinley's full story at:

http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19836304&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=635058&rfi=6

Read Brian McCready's full story here:

http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19836477&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=635049&rfi=6

STRATFORD — The Hudson Shakespeare Company will perform the play "King John" in the Stratford Library’s amphitheatre in the rear of the building beginning at 2 p.m. July 19. Patrons should bring a lawn chair or blanket to spread. In case of rain, the play will be presented in the library’s air-conditioned Lovell Room.
Set in the early 12th century, King John, the brother of the late Richard the Lionheart, mounts a force against his nephew the 12-year old Prince Arthur, the rightful heir to the throne. Both John and Arthur are driven by their powerful mothers, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Lady Constance, respectively. Personal and family grudges translate into political alliances and famous battles which are all observed and sarcastically commented on by Richard the Bastard, the illegitimate son of Richard the Lion Hearted. The Bastard, both in personality and birth, serves as the audience guide narrating the fickle political alliances and "glorious" military engagement as they change at the drop of the hat. Comical political grandstanding, convenient public policy changes, dubious military engagements, and behind the scenes tragedies resonate with modern headlines as much as they did in both Shakespeare’s and King John’s day.
Hudson Shakespeare Company was formed in 1992 and tours with outdoor Shakespeare and contemporary plays for schools, library’s and other venues. The company just finished a production of a beach themed "Twelfth Night" last month at the library and will conclude with an all-female "Julius Caesar" on August 23 in Stratford.
For more information, call the Stratford Library Public Relations and Programming Office at (203) 385-4162 or visit www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Children's Services Librarian Christine Alteri (left) congratulates Alexis Cunzio at the annual Sterling House Volunteer Service Awards. A student at Bunnell High School, Cunzio was nominated by the library and recognized for her outstanding service in the Stratford community at a recent ceremony at Stratford Town Hall.

A Tuesday morning blaze at a Buckingham Avenue paint company created an environmental and safety hazard that sent 23 city firefighters and two others to Milford Hospital for evaluation after they were exposed to toxic smoke, officials said.

Photo courtesy of David Purcell

Read Jim Tinley's full story at:

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The Stratford library’s 24th annual outdoor film festival highlights the Best Picture Oscar nominees from 1968. All films are free and open to the public. Popcorn and lemonade will be served.

• On Wednesday, July 9 at 8:15 p.m. "Doctor Doolittle" will be shown in the Amphitheatre. The film is the delightful children’s fantasy about the magical doctor who could talk to the animals. Rex Harrison and Anthony Newley star. Patrons are invited to picnic early and bring lawn chairs or blankets to spread. In the event of rain, film will be shown in the air-conditioned Lovell Room.
  


• On Wednesday, July 16 at 8:15 p.m. "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" will be shown in the Amphitheatre. The film is the sentimental favorite starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy (in his final screen appearance) as a long-married couple whose daughter brings home a black man as her fiancé. Film is shown uncut and outdoors in the library’s scenic amphitheatre. Patrons are invited to picnic early and bring lawn chairs or blankets to spread. In the event of rain, film will be shown in the Lovell Room. Free and open to the public, popcorn and lemonade will be served.

• On Wednesday, July 23 at 8:15 p.m. "The Graduate" plays in the Amphitheatre.
  Mike Nichols’ ground-breaking comedy made Dustin Hoffman a star playing a recent college graduate who gets involved with the wife of his father’s business partner. Anne Bancroft steals scenes as the sultry Mrs. Robinson and the classic score is by Simon and Garfunkle. Film is shown uncut and outdoors in the library’s scenic amphitheatre. Patrons are invited to picnic early and bring lawn chairs or blankets to spread. In the event of rain, film will be shown in the Lovell Room. Free and open to the public, popcorn and lemonade will be served.
  


• On Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. "Bonnie & Clyde" will play in the Amphitheatre.
  In the controversial crime drama about the legendary 1930s bank robbers, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway star with Gene Hackman, Michael J. Pollard and Estelle Parsons offering solid support. Film is shown uncut and outdoors in the library’s scenic amphitheatre. Patrons are invited to picnic early and bring lawn chairs or blankets to spread. In the event of rain, film will be shown in the Lovell Room. Free and open to the public, popcorn and lemonade will be served.

For more information on this and many more programs, call the Stratford Library Public Relations & Programming Office at (203) 385-4162 or visit the library Webs ite at: www.stratfordlibrary.org

BRIDGEPORT — Manufacturing in the 21st Century will be the focus of a workshop at Housatonic Community College on July 17.
The workshop will focus on emerging trends in lean manufacturing and on HCC’s associate degree program in industrial technology, which was developed in consultation with area businesses. In addition, it will review HCC’s AutoCad Course, which is being offered this fall.
"The discussion of Lean Manufacturing will focus on cutting-edge practices to reduce waste, reduce defects, and create a continuous improvement culture," said HCC Academic Coordinator Bill Griffin, in a statement. "It will also cover increased flexibility in the manufacturing process, and empower employees to learn from their mistakes and improve their skills."
The Industrial Technology program presentation will focus on providing knowledge and skills needed by today’s manufacturers to compete in a competitive global marketplace, he said. Courses such as Writing and Research in Business and Industry (Technical Writing), CAD Mechanical AutoCAD, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Manufacturing Processes, Engineering Processes (Materials), Metrology, Environmental Safety and Health, and Computer Numeric Control (CNC) are designed to provide these skills.
Industrial Tech instructor John Sabulis will make the lean manufacturing and AutoCad presentations, while
Griffin will make the Industrial Technology program presentation. HCC will offer the CAD Mechanical AutoCAD course this fall, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
The workshop, which will be repeated July 31 and August 14, will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Room A225 at the college. The public is invited to attend.
For more information, call Griffin at (203) 332-5056. Registration for the fall semester is going on now. Classes start Sept. 2.

It's really a shuttle and it's free!

MILFORD - Milford Progress and the office of the mayor and Milford Transit are pleased to announce the FREE W.A.V.E., or Weekend Area Valet Express. The WAVE Shuttle runs Fridays and Saturdays from July 4 through August 30. Friday hours are 5 p.m, to midnight; Saturdays, from noon to midnight. Riders should call 223-0842 for pickup at the following stops to drop off at the following destinations: Restaurants: Bin 100 Restaurant, Cracker Barrel, Daniel Street, Jeffrey’s A Restaurant by Claudio, Johnny Ray’s Restaurant, The Lazy Lobster Restaurant, Rainbow Gardens, Scribner’s Restaurant, Southport Brewing Company (SBC), Stonebridge Restaurant. Hotels include: Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Hampton Inn, Howard Johnsons Hotel, Hyatt Place, Residence Inn by Marriott, and SpringHill Suites by Marriott. Shopping: Downtown Shopping District Shuttle Stop at Stonebridge Restaurant, Walnut Beach Shuttle Stop at The Lazy Lobster Restaurant and Westfield Connecticut Post. Boat Facilities: Milford Boat Works and Milford Lisman Landing.
Additional stops include: parking lot behind Parsons Government Center, Jepson Drive-Senior Center, Jagoe Court-Community Room, 100 Viscount Drive-Foyer, DeMaio Drive-Main Entrance, Foran Towers-Entrance B. There is no charge for the service.
The program is sponsored by: Milford Progress, Office of the Mayor, Milford Transit, the Milford Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and The Greater New Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Milford Business Association and Walnut Beach Association. This service free of charge to promote economic development and tourism in the City of Milford. Milford Chamber of Commerce President, Kathleen Alagno noted,

The Milford Chamber of Commerce has announced the Summer Nights by Harbor Lights Concert Series 2008.

Sponsored by the law firm of Kapusta & Otzel, the series will continue at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 3, with Paul King, under the Rotary Pavilion at Fowler Field behind the Library. In addition to original arrangements by its current arranger Wayne Hiller, the band plays original arrangements of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Ray Anthony, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, and Duke Ellington. The band has appeared in every corner of the state and just recently played at the State Capital for opening day activities of the General Assembly and State Senate.
For more information on The Milford Chamber of Commerce, call Kathy Alagno, President & CEO at (203) 878-0681 or email her at kalagno@milfordct.com.