STRATFORD - The Stratford Library says it's "offering the best of the Bard all summer long."
That's because the popular Hudson Shakespeare Company of New Jersey will continue it's 3-play program in Stratford with the Bard's war of the sexes comedy, "Much Ado About Nothing" at 2 p.m. July 10.
The presentation is free and open to the public and performed outside in the library's scenic amphitheatre area, the library said in a statement.
Details, according to the statement, are: "When wars are done, a young man's thoughts turn to matters of love but not everyone wants to join in on the fun. The young Count Claudio (Bjorn Pederson) has recently ended a campaign under his commander and friend Don Pedro (Woody Gaul). As the army returns, they are heartily greeted by Leonato (Tom Cox), the governor of Messina, and his family. Claudio wants to pursue a romance with Hero (Monica O'Malley), the daughter of Leonato, but the budding romance is side tracked by a romance gone sour with Hero's cousin Beatrice (Noelle Fair) and Claudio's best friend, Benedick (Jon Ciccarelli). The two former lovers have not taken the split well and engage in a merry war of words and comic jabs to get back at one another."
The final play in the summer Shakespeare series will be “The Tempest” on August 14. Patrons should bring a lawn chair or blanket to spread in the amphitheatre prior to the 2p.m. show time, the statement said.
If it rains, performances will take place in the library’s air-conditioned Lovell Room.
For more information, call the Stratford Library Public Relations and Programming Office at 203-385-4162 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

In the photo: Claudio (Bjorn Pederson, center) and his bethrothed Hero (Monica O'Malley) with former loverse Beatrice (Noelle Fair) and Benedick (Jon Ciccarelli) in the Hudson Shakespeare Company production of "Much Ado About Nothing".

STRATFORD – The Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority Garbage Museum has attracted more works from artists whose media includes recycled, reused and reclaimed materials for its new show, the organization said in a statement.

The Garbage Museum will hold a grand opening of the show dubbed “RETURN: A Recycled Art show with a Unique Perspective” from 6 to 8 p.m. July 2, the statement said.

The event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served, the statement said.

“RETURN” will be on display at the Garbage Museum through Aug. 13.

The works in “RETURN” offer three artists’ "interpretations of the “three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” – that the Garbage Museum has taught since its opening in 1995," the statement said.

The show will feature the work of artists Will Machin, Oscar Santillan, and Howie Sneider, the statement said.

Machin, of Richmond, Va., will feature eight pieces along with a series of photographs taken from objects he found in the area near the Garbage Museum, the statement said.

Machin has worked as a public artist and a commissioned artist across the country and has won residencies and grants, including Rhode Island Foundation New Works Grant in 2005, the statement said. He is completing his Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture and Extended Media at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va., the statement said. He has begun to work within the gallery system in pursuit of wider critical response.

Oscar Santillan, of Richmond, Va., will exhibit two pieces, including a photograph titled, “The Compassionate Hunter,” the statement said.

Santillan, of Ecuador, is currently pursuing his MFA in Sculpture at Virginia Commonwealth. Santillan has displayed work at the Havana Biennial in Cuba and ICO Foundation in Spain among other events and institutions and he has won many awards including the Salon de Octubre at Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana in 2000, the statement said.

Sneider, of Syracuse, N.Y., will feature two pieces from his lens series, which are created from camera lenses and United States Army uniforms, the statement said.

He also will have planters on display in front of the Garbage Museum which are part of Industrial-Evolution, a collaboration with Machin, the statement said. Together they re-used dozens of discarded bus brake drums to create durable urban planters. Schneider currently runs the Public Projects for the Steel Yard, a Providence, R.I.-based non-profit organization specializing in the industrial arts, the statement said. He has taught welding, fabricating, sculpture and drawing and has collaborated with over 100 other artists to create functional and decorative public art throughout southern New England, the statement said.

“Showcasing artists who use recycled materials is another avenue the Garbage Museum is pursuing to educate the community about the impact they have on the environment. RETURN provides just this,” Sotoria Montanari, education supervisor said in the statement.

The Garbage Museum is located at 1410 Honeyspot Road Extension.

Its summer hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Aug. 13.

The Garbage Museum in Stratford and the Trash Museum in Harford have provided environmental education, recycling and sustainability programs to over 500,000 people from Connecticut and worldwide since 1993, the statement said.

Both museums are attached to regional recycling centers where visitors get an up-close look at the sorting and processing of recyclables. Student programs align with state science and social studies standards. Museum exhibits focus on proper waste management practices with hands-on activities and displays, the statement said.

Total on bill is correct, however

MILFORD — Motor vehicle tax bills are on their way to residents, but a printing error may incorrectly show an exemption on most residents’ bill, said city Tax Collector Judy J. Haley.
Although the tax exemption printed on the bill is incorrect in most cases, the final amount due is correct, Haley said.
It appears the printing company, in error, printed the net assessment twice. It is printed once in the proper column and once incorrectly in the exemption column.
“The net assessment and tax amounts due are correct as shown on the bills,” she said in a statement released to help avoid confusion. “The printing error that showed an exemption is the only error on the bill. Again, the tax amount due is calculated correctly and should be paid promptly.”

MILFORD — The new owners of Café Atlantique will hold a grand opening THUfrom 6 to 9:30 tonight.
The event will feature free food, a wine tasting, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and music.
The 33 W. River St. shop was reopened in January by new owners Christina Roberts and Sandy Dzialo. They had closed the shop for a few weeks for renovations, including painting, a new ventilation system and new floors.
Dzialo said they wanted to hold the grand opening after they became used to running the business and had built relationships with regular customers.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for people to come and see the changes we’ve made,” she said.
“We’re excited to be here and to be part of the community,” she said. “I love it here. It’s a fun business.”
Dzialo and Roberts bought the shop from Toni Letezeio and her son, Charles Letezeio, who had owned it since 2006.

MILFORD - The Milford Chamber of Commerce has announced the Kapusta, Otzel and Averaimo Summer Nights by Harbor Lights Concert Series 2010.
The concert series is sponsored by Kapusta, Otzel and Averaimo, Attorneys
at Law. Each begins at 7 p.m. under the Rotary Pavilion at Fowler Field (behind the Library).
The concert series begins July 2 with the Paul King Orchestra, the chamber said in a statement.
Under "the leadership of Paul King, the Band has become one
of the finest Big Bands in the state of Connecticut," the statement said.
"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 statement said.
On July 9, the concert will feature Steve D'Agostino - Singin' & Swingin' the Great American Standards, the statement said.
"Steve D'Agostino has been performing for more than 20 years the songs from the Great American Songbook with an emphasis on the era from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and Tony Bennett," the statement said. "He adds his own flair without impersonating any of the great artists that came before him. Steve performs with his quartet all over Connecticut."
Southford Falls Quartet is a new addition to the 2010 lineup; the quartet plays a mix of jazz, rockabilly and country on July 16, the statement said.
The Southford Falls Quartet "performs a variety of favorites from almost every musical
genre performing extensively throughout Fairfield County, the statement said.
The event July 23 will include The Milford Concert Band show tunes, pop and
patriotic music, the statement said.
The Milford Concert Band is made up of amateur and semi-professional musicians from the Greater Milford area ranging in age from high school students to retirees. Established in 1992 the band has grown to 35 regular members, the statement said. Milford resident Steven Saunders is the conductor of the Milford Concert Band.
On July 30, the concert will feature the authentic Country & Western music of Gunsmoke. "One of the most awarded and popular bands in the New England area for over 20 years, Gunsmoke is now receiving national recognition after their performance in Nashville...on the World Famous Ernest Tubb's Midnite Jamboree," the statement said. They have performed with musical legends such as, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Ray Price, Hank Thompson, Alan Jackson, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Buck Owens, and
countless other country legends. They have performed for two sitting presidents of the United States, and been voted six years in a row, Band of The Year by The New York Metropolitan Country Music Association, the statement said.
Vinnie Carr & the Party Band will perform on August 6. Vinnie Carr specializes in a wide variety of musical styles from the 40's, 50's and 60's while including some of today's favorites. Enjoy music from ball room dancing to old fashion rock-n-roll. Vinnie Carr has been captivating audiences since 1966 with his unique style of musical
entertainment.
Flashback, one of Connecticut's premier oldies bands, rounds out the 2010 concert series, specializing in 50's and 60's Rock 'n' Roll! The band has been performing at concerts, dances, and parties since 1980, bringing the classic sounds of the Golden Oldies to life for legions of fans throughout the state. "With an ever expanding repertoire of hit's dating back to the roots of Rock 'n' Roll, the band faithfully
reproduces all your old favorites. Noted for outstanding vocal harmonies, often with all 6 vocalists, you'll swear you're listening to the originals," the statement said.

The Milford Chamber of Commerce is the only official business organization for the Milford business community, the statement said.
For more information, contact: Kathy Alagno, president & CEO at 203-878-0681 or email
kalagno@milfordct.com.

MILFORD — Milford Youth and Family Services, the Salvation Army Milford Service Unit, and several area churches are again working together to make sure all students have the necessary school supplies for September.
The goal is to provide backpacks filled with school supplies to children whose families struggle to afford essential back-to-school items. New backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, glue sticks, and three-ring binders are among the items being collected. Donations may be dropped off at the Department of Human Services at 150 Gulf Street, Milford, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. until August 6. For more information call Jennifer Doyle, Program Coordinator, at 203-783-3253.

The event Sunday also will raise awareness about Neuroblastoma

MILFORD — A celebration in memory of a Sydney Bartone, little girl who died from Neuroblastoma will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at Daniel Street, 21 Daniel St.
The "Sydney Rocks" also will serve to raise awareness of the little known disease. A $30 donation includes seven live local bands, food and entry into a prize raffle that will include items ranging from concert tickets and sports memorabilia to the use of a Porsche Boxter for a weekend. Kristen Cusato from News 8 will serve as one of the event emcees. Pam Landry will act as a co-host.
"We want people to know that you’re supporting the cause but you’re also getting something in return," said Sheryl Bartone, Sydney’s mom.
Sydney, shown in an undated photo, was diagnosed in May 2005 at age 5 with stage 4 Neuroblastoma. She died in December 2007 when she was 7. Sydney loved rock and roll music and to have a good time.
Neuroblastoma is one of the most aggressive childhood cancers and one of the most rare. Sydney’s parents created the Sydney Fund while Sydney was alive to raise awareness and to assist families in dealing with the disease.
Bartone said she finds families in need mainly through word of mouth. The Sydney Fund does a number of fundraisers throughout the year. The cause of Neuroblastoma is unclear though it strikes children younger than 10.
The assistance provided by the Sydney Fund could mean helping a family keep their oil tank filled, providing something for the sick child or even talking and listening to the family.
"When Sydney was sick I didn’t want to talk to anyone," said Bartone. "Everyone is different so I am available if they want me."
Tickets for Sydney Rocks are available at the door or in advance at Napoli Deli in Milford, United Cigar Shop in Derby or Mattei’s Deli in Derby.
For more information on Neuroblastoma and the Sydney Fund visit www.sydneybartone.com or call Sheryl Bartone at 203-732-5011.

ORANGE - A low cost rabies cliic will be held by Wags and Whiskers, TLC from 10 a.m. to noon June 20 at Zoey Girl Pet Services. at 185 Boston Post Rd.
Vaccines are $10. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers.
Written proof (not tags) of prior vaccination for rabies must be presented to qualify for a three-year certificate.
One-year certificates will be given to all others.
Please contact Jim for more information at 203-937-3642 or pounddogs@yahoo.com
According to its website, Wags and Whiskers is "a 501c3 non-profit organization which supports the West Haven Animal Shelter in Connecticut. Our focus is to provide resources above and beyond what West Haven budgets for ill and injured animals at the animal shelter. Some of this accomplished by ongoing activities throughout the year, but we are also seeking donations. Your help is appreciated. Thank you."

MILFORD —The Milford Diner, a new non-profit with a goal to restore the Milford Diner, will hold a "50s style sock-hop" from 7 to 10 p.m. August 8 at Daniel Street Café.
All money raised from the event will go towards restoration of the diner, organizers said in a statement.
When restored, The Milford Diner will serve as an information and welcome center serving all of Milford, the statement said.
"Fans of The Milford Diner voted on the type of fund-raising event they would most like the organizers to hold—and a Sock Hop was an overwhelming favorite," the statement said.
The event will feature free jitterbug and swing lessons provided by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Orange and will feature the Connecticut Roller Girls. There will be prizes for the best dressed as well as a dance contest; but best of all, there will be 3 hours of music and dancing, the statement said.
Tickets are $20 and are available at Wild Expressions, 575 New Haven Ave., Given to Gauche, 4 Daniel St., or by calling, 203-874-0115. Tickets can be purchased at the door, the statement said.
For more information, visit http://www.themilforddiner.com/ or email, sxaviershaw@yahoo.com, or call, 203-874-0115

WEST HAVEN - The Ward Heitmann House held a Flag Day ceremony on June 14 that honored World War II veterans, according to a statement.

"If you told any of these men that they were noble, they would be embarrassed; perhaps they’d laugh and turn away. But the actions of at least 138 West Haven High School students during World War II were noble indeed, and on Flag Day, June 14, 2010, the survivors of that group were honored in a special ceremony at the Ward-Heitmann House," the statement said.

Mayor John Picard, Bailey Middle School Principal Valerie Bruno, ceremony director Joe Weber, and West Haven Historian Dan Shine paid tribute to the men in speeches "honoring their patriotism and their noble devotion to their country in its hour of great need," the statement said.

Each member of the group left school and their various interests and obligations in order "to join the U.S. Armed Forces; they had chosen to fight for their country as well as for the freedom of faraway peoples that they had never met. Some of them didn’t live to return home," the statement said.

Their names and enlistment dates were read, to the sound of a drum roll; at the end of the ceremony, they were assembled for group photos.

Patriotic music was provided by the Bailey Middle School Band.

“We don’t know exactly how many of our boys left school and volunteered for WWII service,” said Weber said in the statement. “After Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7, 1941, there was an immediate patriotic rush to enlist in the Armed Services; but at West Haven High School, records of such service-related school departures weren’t kept until the period from June, 1942-June, 1945. Anything before that period was not recorded.”

In the photo are survivors from the original group.

The citizens of West Haven gratefully salute their efforts and their sacrifices, the statement said.

In photo front row, l to r, Bill Smallman, Art Hubbard, Charles L. Peschel, Bob Reilly, Harry Thibeaut, Harry Brown, Edward Wolfe. In second row, also l to r, Robert Granger, George Raffile, Thomas Kelly, Richard Dewick, Jimmy Quarz, Salvatore Corso.

Do you know of any patriotic locals who deserve to have their story shared with our readers on July 4? Register staff writers Brian McCready and James Tinley want to know of local residents who best exemplify patriotism and love of country.

If you can, provide us with why you feel this person is patriotic, your first & last name and the town you live in. Email Brian or James, or leave a comment on this page.

The suggestions and information we gather from you will be used to write a story as part of our Ben Franklin Project, which be published in print and online July 4. If you are able to provide us with contact information for your nominees that would also be greatly appreciated.

Brian McCready can be reached at bmccready@newhavenregister.com
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@newhavenregister.com

MILFORD — Coast Guard Auxiliary 24-3 offers About Boating Safety, 8 a.m. June 19, cost $60.
For advanced registration visithttp://a0142403.uscgaux.info or register from 1 to 3 p.m. June 13 at the Flotilla 24-3 Training Center, 1 Helwig St., one block north of Milford Boat Works.
For more details about courses, activities or membership call 203-874-0200, 860-663-5505 or visit http://a0142403.uscgaux.info.

STRATFORD -The Real Americans Tea Party will hold an event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 4 at Boothe Memorial Park.
The event will include lots of music, especially patriotic music, guest speakers, and several candidates for Congress, Senate, and the governor's position, organizers said.
There will also be an open mike for anyone who wishes to speak and there will be shuttle buses to transport people who cannot find parking spaces at the park, organizers said.

The group will have open enrollment Saturday


MILFORD - Sea Scout Ship 721 of St. Mary's Church in Milford, part of the Boy Scouts of America's Venturing program for older boys and girls ages 14 to 21, is back.

The group is reorganizing more than six years since a Sea Scout Ship has been active in the Milford area, leader Anthony Piselli Sr. said.

An an open enrollment for new member will be held as part of “Milford Sea Scout Day” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 12. The day will include an open house to learn about "Sea Scouting."

Sea Scout Ship 721- the "Keelis II", a 30-foot sailing vessel, will be docked and open for information to see what Sea Scouting is all about, at the Milford boat launch ramp. It will be manned by existing Sea Scout members of the crew to talk with potential members about the program as well as "letting Milford know that Sea Scouting is back and alive in Milford, and looking to make a positive lasting impression," Piselli said.

The group also is seeking sponsors for its organization.

For more information, call Piselli at 203-874-5553

MILFORD — The Walnut Beach Neighborhood Association has invited the Walnut Beach Enhancement Committee to present their plans for the Walnut Beach area at its regular neighborhood meeting at 7 p.m. June 14, Community Development Director Robert B. Gregory said Monday.
Landscape architect, Stephen Wing, ASLA, will make a presentation on improvements being considered at various locations including the public beach park, the Naugatuck Avenue and East Broadway corridors and the beach access at Naugatuck Avenue. The meeting will be held at St. Gabriel’s Parish Hall, 26 Shorefront. The public is invited to attend.

BRIDGEPORT — The 15th annual Gathering of the Vibes Festival, the largest music, arts and camping festival in the Northeast, returns to Seaside Park, on the shores of Long Island Sound, July 29-Aug. 1.
The lineup of artists includes a two-set, headlining performance by Further, featuring the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh and Bob Weir on July 29. The band includes Jeff Chimenti on keys, John Kadlecik on lead guitar and Joe Russo on drums.
For information, go to http://www.gatheringofthevibes.com/Home
Weekend camping passes are on sale for $197.50; VIP passes are $420. Friday and Saturday single-day tickets are $65 a day in advance; Sunday tickets are $50.
For tickets, go to www.GatheringoftheVibes.com or call Vibes at 203-908-3030.

WEST HAVEN — Wags and Whiskers, TLC has scheduled two upcoming rabies clinic, from 1 to 3 p.m. June 12 at Angel Animal Hospital 333 Elm St. and from 10 a.m. to noon June 13 at the Minor Park Fire Station 318 Fairfax St.
Rabies vaccines are $10. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers, The clinics are open to all pet owners.
For more information, call Jim Vitelli at 203-937-3642 or e-mail pounddogs@yahoo.com

MILFORD — The Pet Food Bank at the Milford Animal Shelter is very low on cat and dog food. Wet and dry cat and dog food, (especially cat), along with treats and toys, will be accepted from 9 am to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Milford Animal Control, 664 E. Broadway. The shelter is in Silver Sands State Park, with an entrance on Meadowside Road.
For further information, call 203-783-3279, zero.

This is a very good looking overlook

ORANGE — The Orange Land Trust will hold a Spring Guided Walk at the Housatonic Overlook area starting at 9:30 a.m. June 19.
The walk will include a view of the Housatonic River from Tucker’s Ridge and walking the trails that are lined with mountain laurel (Connecticut’s State flower) in many areas.
It is hoped the laurel will be in bloom for the walk, which should take about two hours, organizers said.
Participants should meet at the end of High Ridge Road, which is off of Derby-Milford Road in Orange.
The walk is moderately difficult in some areas. The plan is to have two groups, one with the more difficult area included, and one using the more level trails, organizers said. Due to the possibility of ticks, long pants (that you can tuck into your socks) are recommended. All are welcome, and please bring a friend. For more information, call Judy at 203-799-6321.

MILFORD — Applications are being accepted for the city’s Summer Youth Employment and Training Program.
The six-week program will run July 6-Aug. 13. Residents ages 14-24, who receive special assistance in school or meet income guidelines, can work 20 hours a week.
Applications are available 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at the employment and training office, 150 Gulf St.
For information, call 203-783-3243. Deadline for applications is June 11. Documentation must be provided.