STURBRIDGE, Mass. – Fife-and-drum companies from all over the northeast will converge on Old Sturbridge Village Sept. 11 for competitions, demonstrations, a uniform “fashion show,” and a combined “parade of corps,” according to a statement.

"Visitors can learn about the importance of military songs and cadences, and how fifers and drummers used specific tunes and rhythms to communicate with troops in battle," the statement said.

The event is free with museum admission, and OSV is also offering free stagecoach and riverboat rides through Sept. 30.

For times and details: http://www.osv.org/, 800-733-1830.

Also on Sept. 11, the museum will hold a day-long Collectors’ Forum highlighting “Ceramics in New England,” featuring noted authors, artisans, and curators, pottery demonstrations, a redware pottery kiln firing, a one-day-only display of ceramics from the OSV collection, and a wine and cheese reception, the statement said.

OSV Collectors’ Forum speakers include Pat Halfpenny, recently retired from her position as director of Museum Collections at Winterthur Museum; Don Carpentier, master craftsman and founder and director of the Historic Eastfield Foundation of Nassau, N.Y.; and independent museum consultant Nan Wolverton, former Old Sturbridge Village curator of Decorative Arts.

The Collectors’ Forum, which includes the “Evening at the Kiln” pottery firing, is open to the public; cost is $80 per person; $60 for museum members.

For details: www.osv.org/collectors; 800-SEE-1830.

Visitors may also attend the “Evening at the Kiln” event separately, which is set for 7 - 9 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Old Sturbridge Village pottery shop, where potters will be stoking the Village’s 24-foot-high brick kiln to 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit and will fire a year’s worth of vintage-style redware pottery hand-crafted at the museum, the statement said.

Guests can try their hands at “throwing” a piece of pottery on the potter’s wheel, and can enjoy appetizers, drinks, and watch the sparks fly from the top of the kiln.

Cost for “Evening at the Kiln” is $35 per person; $30 for OSV members.

Old Sturbridge Village is one of the oldest and largest living history museums in the country and celebrates New England life from 1790 – 1840.

The museum is open daily 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Daytime admission: $20; seniors $18; children 3-17, $7; children under 3, free. Parking is free, and admission includes a free return visit within 10 days. For information: http://www.osv.org/; 800-SEE-1830.

NEW HAVEN — In honor of the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution granting American women the right to vote, which was ratified Aug. 26, 1920, The New Haven Museum and the League of Women Voters of New Haven will hold an exhibit and a series of programs at the Museum, 114 Whitney Ave., this month and October.
The exhibition will feature a traveling archive of historical photographs and artifacts from the League of Women Voters of Connecticut, augmented with material from the New Haven Museum and private collections.
The four programs, which are designed to teach younger women and girls about the struggle to bring about this democratic right for all American women, are:
- Yale library chief research archivist Judith Schiff, a LWV board member, will give an illustrated talk on “New Haven’s Woman Suffrage Heritage” at 2 p.m. Sept. 11.
- The film “Iron Jawed Angels,” starring Hillary Swank as Alice Paul, will be shown at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Sept. 15, with a reception between showings. The movie depicts the struggle of individual suffragists in the face of fierce opposition, often from within their own families.
-Sally Matson will present her dramatic impersonation of suffragist “Susan B. Anthony — The Invincible!” at 2 p.m. Sept. 25.
-Anna Greenberg, senior vice president of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner in Washington D.C., one of the nation’s leading authorities on women’s voting patterns, will speak about today’s issues at 2 p.m. Oct. 2.
All programs are free and open to the public, and will be followed by discussion and re­freshments.
The New Haven Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

FAIRFIELD - The Fairfield Public Library has announced 15 new programs in its popular Jobs 2010: Back to Work series for job seekers.
"The series, now in its second year, is updated with new speakers discussing topics that reflect the state of the current job market, and expanded with the addition of a new Small Business Strategies track for current and prospective entrepreneurs, as well as job seekers who may be considering starting their own business as an alternative to the traditional workplace," organizers said in a statement.
The series starts Sept. 13 and runs through Dec. 14.
The weekly presentations, by experts from the local community, will cover topics such as: turning NetWorking into NetPlaying; interviewing skills that improve results; effective time management; tax strategies for job seekers; repositioning oneself for success; and the “over 40 and under the radar” group, the statement said.
All programs are in the rotary of the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road, at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 pm for informal networking. The programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Details:
Monday, September 13: Time Management: Mission Critical offering advice on how to prioritize and set goals, and how to stop wasting time on passive or less relevant tasks and focus on doing the things that will lead to a new job or career. The presenter is Julie Jansen, a speaker, author, coach, resume creator and trainer who is often quoted in business publications and has appeared on the Today Show, ABC World News Now, MSNBC, NPR, and CNN Financial News.

Wednesday, September 22: Cover letters are your ticket to the interview! Join HR professional Ann Wright for a presentation entitled Cover Letters are Key on . Writing a compelling, attention-getting cover letter is a valuable skill that, when done correctly, can serve to create interest, make an application and resume stand out, and lead to an interview. The elements of effective cover letters will be reviewed and attendees who bring a job posting or job description with a draft cover letter in response will be constructively critiqued, who brings over 20 years of experience in human resources and transition coaching.

Wednesday, October 13: What Makes a Successful Candidate? in this job market and economic climate is a challenging question. Melissa Morris Petrafasa will discuss her experiences as a staffing manager at the McIntyre Group, one of the area’s top recruiting companies. Only one person gets the job, and there are steps to take that ensure that person is you. Melissa will debunk the strategies and address how to be the best candidate from initial application to getting hired. Gather proven tips in this interactive presentation

Tuesday, October 19: Turn NetWorking into NetPlaying, will be presented by a consummate Fairfield County networker, Lynne Marino. Networking does not have to be work – when done right, it can be fun, useful, and profitable give and take for both the job seeker and those you network with. Regina Madwed, owner of Capitol PhotoInteractive of Fairfield, will also be on hand from 6:30 – 9 p.m. to offer professional headshots for the very reduced price of $25 plus tax. Reservations are required for headshots, as space is limited.

Thursday, October 21: Tax Strategies for Job Seekers: Dealing with Deductions and the IRS will offer some tips on how looking for work may be tax deductible! The presenter is Susan McAteer who is an independent tax advisor and former member of the Tax Advocate Service (TAS). Did you know that job seekers have six valuable tax benefits?

Monday, November 22: In time for the holidays, Dorothy Timmerman, Executive Director of Fairfield Counseling Services, will provide insights into Managing the Stress of Unemployment on . When you are worried about your future or unemployed, this can be an especially difficult time of the year.

Two programs will focus on getting ready for the interview: Be a Phone Interview Pro on Tuesday, September 28 and There’s More to a Successful Interview Than You Think on Wednesday, November 10. Paul Bailo will address how many employers are using phone interviews as the first screening tool in the hiring process and discuss how to prepare for maximum impact to get “screened IN” for a face-to-face interview. Cathy Alfandre will tackle gaining important insights and learning specific techniques that can be used before, during, and after an interview to improve results in this interactive presentation.

Wednesday, December 8: Steven Greenberg, founder of www.jobs4point0.com and host of CBS Radio’s “Your Next Job,” will reveal how to overcome “overqualified” and make experience work for the mature job seeker on in a presentation Over 40 and Under the Radar.


To see the complete schedule, and learn more about the specifics of the six new Small Business Strategies for current and prospective entrepreneurs, visit here. You can register for all programs at the Library’s website or by calling 203-256-3160.

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

CHESHIRE — Muralist Tony Falcone, of Sports Haven and Peabody Museum fame, will teach a course he designed called "Create a Permanent Piece of Public Artwork," from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays for seven weeks starting Sept. 9 at Artsplace, 1220 Waterbury Road.
The class, which will teach the art of creating murals, is open to students in grades eight through adult.
Students will develop, transfer designs and paint a mural outside on a wall at Artsplace. The subject of the mural will be a timeline of the history of art and will include replicas of some of the most famous artwork of all time.
Class size is limited. All supplies included. To register, visit www.cpfa-artsplace.org and download the Artsplace Fall 2010 schedule, or call 203-272-ARTS/2787.
Read more about Falcone and his work here.

Then this might be the contest for you

WOODBRIDGE — Casting calls for the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven’s "Largest Loser" contest are being held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 12 and 5-8 p.m. Sept. 13 and 14 at the center, 360 Amity Road.
The "Largest Loser" contest, promises a healthy, competitive challenge that will encourage participants to lose weight and improve their health and fitness.
No appointment is necessary, just a show up to apply. Members of the JCC and nonmembers are welcome
Casting will consist of completing forms for medical and weight management history, fitness goals and lifestyle questions. A short interview with a team trainers and a "before" photo will be taken. Participants will be chosen within one week, and will receive all necessary details of the contest.
Top trainers and instructors will divide up participants into three teams of 10 who will be expected to meet at their designated team training times, three days per week for workout sessions. Four weight loss guidance lectures with a Nutrition Specialist and a Registered Dietitian for safe and effective fat loss and five fitness competitions are scheduled. Weekly weigh-ins will track individual as well as team weight loss. The greatest percentage of weight lost will be recognized and top prize will be awarded to both a man and a woman.
Participants will receive two ‘Largest Loser contest T-shirts, and a JCC Fitness membership for the eight-week program. The cost of the program is $349 for members and $399 for non-members.
For more information, contact Susan Donovan, director of fitness services, at at 203-387-2522, ext. 265.

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

And it might get you a part....

ORANGE — The Orange Players will hold auditions for its upcoming musical "I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change" from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 7 and 8 at the High Plains Community Center at 525 Orange Center Road.
Four to eight energetic and versatile performers are needed to play a number of characters, organizers said.
Please prepare an uptempo, comedic song that shows your voice and personality, organizers said.
You will also be asked to read sides during auditions. Show dates are Nov. 5 and 6 and 12 and 13. For questions, call Marianne Miller at 203-795-3906.

WOODBRIDGE - Registration is now open for the Book Discussion Group that meets on the first Tuesday of the month at the Woodbridge Town Library.
The upcoming four-part series will be led by Yale Associate Dean Mark Schenker, library officials said in a release.
Read more about Schenker, shown, here
The Fall Series is entitled “O is for Outstanding.”
It will feature a series of discussions on four outstanding literary works across a range of genres: drama, short story, novel, and poetry, the release said.
Specific dates and works are:
Sept. 7: Othello by William Shakespeare
Oct. 5: Short Stories of Flannery O'Connor
Nov. 2: Out Stealing Horses by Per Peterson
Dec. 7: Poems of Mary Oliver

The program is free, and all are welcome to join, the release said.
Registration is required.
Copies of all works will be provided to registered participants.
To register or for more information, call 203-389-3433, stop by the Circulation Desk, or email pvalsecchi@ci.woodbridge.ct.us.

Fall Art Program for Kids at Stratford Library

STRATFORD - Children ages 5 to 8 can celebrate the art of a good story at the Stratford Library’s Fall Art Program, organizers said in a release.
"Children will listen to great stories and then create artwork that ties into the themes of the books," the release said.
The class will be taught by local art instructor Sally Head, the release said.
The storytime meets the second Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. beginning Sept. 8.

To register or for more information, call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165 or visit its website at www.stratfordlibrary.org.


In the photo: Instructor Sally Head with her students at the Stratford Library

STRATFORD — Radon test kits are available to residents for $10 at the Health Department along with additional information and giveaways.
Residents also may buy kits at hardware or home improvement stores. Look for a radon kit that meets EPA requirements: visit www.epa.gov/radon or contact the Radon Hotline at 800-SOS-RADON.
For more information, contact Maureen Whelan at the Health Department at 203-385-4090, or visit the department, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the Birdseye Municipal Complex, 468 Birdseye St.
In the U.S., it is estimated that nearly 1 out of every 15 homes has elevated radon levels, but Stratford residents are particularly vulnerable to radon exposure because of the naturally occurring bedrock formations in the area, according to a press release.
Fairfield County has the highest potential for elevated radon levels in Connecticut, the release said. Radon problems can be eliminated, often by caulking leaks around basement foundations, sealing leaks around pipes and taking other steps to prevent radon from entering the home through areas that have immediate contact with the ground.
"Exposure to radon can be a very preventable health risk. I urge residents to utilize our Health Department resources to identify their risk and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from radon exposure" Lisa Pippa, director of health, said in the release. She added that "the only way to know about your home is to test, and the good news is that testing for radon is simple and inexpensive."

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

MILFORD — There is a kick off meeting for team captains for the for the 19th annual Walk-for-the-Homeless from 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 2 at Beth-El Center, 90 New Haven Ave.
The walk, to benefit Beth-El Center, is set for Oct. 17.
Registration is at 12:30 p.m. inside the Fowler Building, 45 New Haven Ave., according to a statement.
The walk starts at the Rotary Pavilion in back of the Milford Public Library at 1:30 p.m. and ends at Beth-El Center, 90 New Haven Ave. with refreshments, activities, a raffle, tours, and closing ceremonies, the statement said.
This year, there will be two route options for walkers, a 2 ½ mile scenic route in the Milford Harbor, Fort Trumbull and Milford Center areas or an alternate 1 mile walk around Fowler Field.
Organizers are looking for individual walkers and teams of walkers. Walkers make a commitment to help the homeless and hungry by collecting pledges from family members, friends, and co-workers. Beth-El Center is a 34-bed, 90-day program for homeless individuals and families, the statement said. The soup kitchen serves more than 17,000 meals yearly to residents and members of the community in need and bagged sandwich dinners are now distributed in the evening to members of the community in need, the statement said.
When temperatures are dangerously low, Beth-El Center also operates a "no freeze" emergency homeless shelter, the statement said. For more information, including a registration form, call Maria at (203) 988-8598 or Brenda at (203) 878-9890. Online credit card donations are possible through www.bethelmilford.org. Click on Make a Donation. In the Message box, indicate Walk donation and the name of the person you are sponsoring, the statement said.
For more information, call Maria Tomasetti, 203-988-8598.

FAIRFIELD - The Fairfield Public Library will offer a wide range of hands-on and lecture-demonstration computer classes for all skill levels when the Technology Topics series resumes in September at the main library, 1080 Old Post Road, officials said in a statement.

All classes in the library’s 18-seat computer lab will use Microsoft Office 2010, a newly-released software version upgrade that was recently installed at both the Main Library and the Fairfield Woods Branch Library, the statement said.

The series will begin with Microsoft Excel Intermediate at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14. Instructor Jan Byrnes will offer tips on working with multiple worksheets, advanced formula functions and creating 3-D references, the statement said.
College instructor and website designer Alan Weaver will discuss "Optimizing Your Website" at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 p.m. in the Rotary Room, sharing ways to make your website more effective, including how to increase its visibility on Google, the statement said.

Additional topics will include using social networking sites Linkedin and YouTube to drive traffic to your site. Weaver will present The “Hidden” Google at 7 p.m. Nov. 18, exploring the many rich features of Google including cloud computing, Google Earth, and Google Business Services, the statement said.
Also, new this fall will be Mid-Day with Merry, a three-session mini-series offering the opportunity to explore hot and emerging technology trends with tech guru Merry Uk, webmaster for both the town of Fairfield and the Fairfield Public Library, the statement said.

Topics will include: Facebook on Sept. 15, Twitter on Oct. 6, and Flickr and Picnik on Nov. 17, all at noon in the Rotary Room. Each session will offer a 20-minute overview of a tech topic, followed by a Q&A session on anything technology-related. Bring your questions – no experience necessary, the statement said.

Technical trainer Susan McAteer is teaching two new classes this fall: Advanced Microsoft Excel 2010 on October 26 at 6:30 pm, and Linkedin – The Basics, Plus on November 9 at 6:30 pm. McAteer will also lead a two-part class, Introduction to Microsoft Access 2010, on September 23 and September 30 that explores the structure, benefits, and uses of a database. Instructor Jan Byrnes will be leading seven hands-on classes this fall, including: Microsoft Word 2010 Intermediate with Mail Merge on September 20 at 6:30 pm, Introduction to Microsoft Word 2010 on October 16 at 10:15 am, Introduction to MS PowerPoint 2010 on October 20 at 6:30 pm, Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2010 on November 20 and December 11, both at 10:15 am, and Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 Intermediate on December 13 at 6:30 pm.

Librarians Lauren DeNisco and Judy Sparzo will team up to offer Internet 101, three session hands-on class that will allow novice computer users to discover the valuable information available on the internet. What’s It All About on September 22 will provide an overview of the internet and how to search it, Fun Sites and Money Savers will be discussed on October 13, and I Need to Know – medical, legal, consumer, and financial information- will be covered on November 10, all meeting at 9:30 am. Mouse and keyboard skills are required.

A complete Technology Topics brochure with dates, times, and descriptions of all the fall classes is available at both libraries, and is also online at http://www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/. Registration is required, and begins 1 month before each class begins.

Please call the Main Library at 256-3160 to register or learn more about the series. All classes are free and open to the public, with Fairfield residents given preference for limited seating in the hands-on computer classes.

Great Horned Owl to be released in Greenwich

Wildlife in Crisis, one of Fairfield County's Wildlife Care Centers, will hold its annual fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. August 29 at the Audubon Center in Greenwich.

At this year’s event, rehabilitated Great Horned Owls will be released as Wildlife in Crisis supporters look on, organizers said in a statement.

The event will include a wine reception, beer tasting, hors d’oeuvres and silent auction tables, the statement said. The owl release will conclude the evening.

Admission to the annual fundraiser is $100 per person. RSVP to Wildlife in Crisis by e-mail at wildlifeincrisis@snet.net or call WIC at 203-544-9913. Space is limited.

Donations are tax deductible, the statement said.

WIC is a volunteer-run, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Wildlife in Crisis opened to help ailing wildlife 22 years ago, and "remains dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured or orphaned indigenous wildlife," the statement said.

The non-profit organization supports wildlife rehabilitation and release, land conservation and public education. The WIC staff, interns and volunteers have participated in the Greenwich Audubon HawkWatch for the past eight years, and have delivered educational programs at the Greenwich Audubon center, the statement said.

Wildlife In Crisis receives more than 15,000 phone calls about wildlife issues annually and responds to each one, often counseling callers on protocols of nature, and wildlife protection, the statement said.

Wildlife in Crisis is in constant need of support and donations and welcomes inquiries from the public. Donations and inquiries may be made to the Director Dara Reid, on WIC's website: http://www.wildlifeincrisis.org/ , by e-mail at wildlifeincrisis@snet.net, and to Wildlife in Crisis, Inc. P.O. Box 1246 Weston , 06883.

Editor's note: The information and images in this post were submitted entirely by Audubon Greenwich/Audubon Connecticut.

Morton’s The Steakhouse in Stamford will act as host for “Hannah Storm and Friends: Morton’s Celebrity Server Night,” a fundraising event that begins at 6 p.m. Sept. 21.

The event, for which Hannah Storm, of ESPN’s Daytime SportsCenter, also will act as host, according to a statement, will feature top professional athletes and media personalities including: ESPN baseball analyst and Stamford’s favorite son Bobby Valentine; Sports Illustrated swimsuit model and actress Brooklyn Decker; Dan Hicks of NBC Sports; ESPN football analyst and football legend Mike Ditka; Dan Jansen, Olympic gold medalist, speed skating; MC for the evening, Armen Keteyian, chief investigative correspondent, CBS News; Marcellus Wiley, Merril Hodge and Darren Woodson, ESPN NFL analysts; Stone Phillips, formerly of NBC’s Dateline and Kate Snow, NBC News, and ESPN SportsCenter anchors, Bob Ley, Josh Elliott, John Anderson and Michele Beadle of “Sports Nation.”

Read a story about ‘SportsCenter’ here

The mission of the Hannah Storm Foundation is to be an advocate for children’s issues through a variety of medical and educational platforms, the statement said. One of the key efforts of the foundation is providing medical support and education for children and families suffering from vascular birthmarks and their related medical conditions, the statement said.
In 2010, the foundation funded three surgeries with an additional three scheduled for this fall at the Vascular Birthmark Institute in New York City, the statement said. The foundation also will hold its second annual Advocacy Day this October in New York City to bring awareness to key issues surrounding Vascular Birthmarks.

Hannah and friends serve a lavish dinner featuring Morton’s signature cuisine and guests will be able to bid on a number of auction items including: A behind the scenes ESPN tour, including delicious dinner for 2 at Morton’s, a signed ESPN Banner, Morton’s cookbook and knife set; Two four-day passes to the US OPEN 2011 June 16 – 19 at Congressional Country Club in Washington D.C., the winner also will have the chance to watch “Dan and Johnny” call the shots in the booth; Golf for two at the famed Winged Foot Golf Club with NBC Golf Host Dan Hicks and CBS Golf Host Jim Nantz; New York Giants Experience, including two premium tickets to an upcoming Giants game with Once-In-A-Lifetime Pre-Game Field Passes, and an original Lynn Mara painting; and dinner from the legendary RAO’s prepared in your home by Executive Chef Dino Gatto, the statement said.

The following information was released by Bridgeport Hospital on its screenings, support groups, lectures and other offerings. It is reprinted here as it was received.

ONE-DAY CANCER COLLEGE – Bridgeport Hospital’s Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute will present its third annual One-Day Cancer College, Saturday, Sept. 25, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., at the Trumbull Marriott, 180 Hawley Lane. The free event will feature mini-lectures by Bridgeport Hospital physicians and other healthcare experts on a number of cancer topics, information tables and a talk by cancer survivor, motivational speaker and Mt. Everest climber Alan Hobson. Advance registration is required. Call 1-888-357-2396.

PROJECT HEART SMART – The Heart Institute at Bridgeport Hospital will offer Project Heart Smart, an eight-week series of classes to reduce heart disease risk, Tuesdays, Sept. 21–Nov. 9, 5:00–8:00 p.m., at Bridgeport Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation & Wellness Programs, Brick Walk Professional Building, 1305 Post Rd., Fairfield. The cost is $250 ($200 for the second person in the same party). For information or to register, call 1-888-357-2396.

QUIT SMART SMOKING CESSATION – Bridgeport Hospital will offer the Quit Smart smoking cessation program on Tuesdays, Oct. 5, 19, 26 and Nov. 2, 6:00–7:30 p.m., in the hospital’s duPont Board Room, 267 Grant St. The cost is $75. To register, call 1-888-357-2396.

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP – Bridgeport Hospital’s Ahlbin Rehabilitation Centers will host a free Stroke Support Group meeting for recovering stroke patients and their caregivers Tuesday, Oct. 5, 6:00–7:00 p.m., at its Shelton outreach site, 4 Corporate Drive. For information or to register, call 203-925-4201.

FREE LECTURE ON ACID REFLUX – A panel of Bridgeport Hospital physicians will discuss the causes and treatment of gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) during the free lecture, “Burping & Bloating, Gas & GERD: They Can Be Treated!” Wednesday, Oct. 27, 7:00 p.m., at the Trumbull Marriott, 180 Hawley Lane. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Speakers include Chairman of Surgery Nabil Atweh, MD, and gastroenterologists Andrew Bedford, MD, and Richard Link, MD. Registration is required. Call 1-888-357-2396.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS – Bridgeport Hospital will offer free blood pressure screenings at the following locations and times. For information, call 1-888-357-2396.
· Fairfield Senior Center, 100 Mona Terrace, Mondays, Oct. 4 and 18, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
· Stratford Baldwin Center, 1000 West Broad St., Tuesday, Oct. 12, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
· Shelton Senior Center, 81 Wheeler St., Monday, Oct. 25, noon–2:00 p.m.

HELP FOR NEW MOVERS – Bridgeport Hospital’s free Newcomer Concierge Service helps new residents of Bridgeport and surrounding towns locate physicians to meet their personal and family health needs. The service also provides information on health-related events and activities. To reach the Newcomer Concierge Service, call 203-330-7462 Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

SENIOR DRIVING COURSE – AARP’s Senior Driver Safety Program will be offered Saturdays, Oct. 9 and 16, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., in the first-floor duPont Board Room at Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant St. The fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members which cover handouts and instructional materials. To register, call 1-888-357-2396. Classes are taught by trained AARP instructors. Successful completion may entitle seniors to a discount on automobile insurance premiums.

INFORMATION AND SUPPORT FOR HEART PATIENTS – Heart Beats Inc. will sponsor a Sharing & Caring support group meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 5:30–7:00 p.m., in the first-floor duPont Board Room at Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant St. The meeting is open to anyone who has experienced heart disease. Parking is free and no reservations are required. For information, call 1-888-357-2396.

FITNESS CLASSES – Bridgeport Hospital’s Ahlbin Rehabilitation Centers offers fitness classes throughout the year at its Shelton site, 4 Corporate Drive. Classes include Shoulder Conditioning for the Overhead Athlete, Low Back Reconditioning, Special Populations Fitness/Wellness, Women’s Strength Training, Golf Fitness and Personal Training. For information about times and costs, call 203-925-4201.

MOVING FORWARD – Bridgeport Hospital’s Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society will sponsor a meeting in the free Moving Forward support and educational series for cancer survivors, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 5:00–7:30 p.m., at 5520 Park Ave., Trumbull. A light supper will be served. Registration is required. Call 203-563-1523.

OSTOMY SUPPORT – Bridgeport Hospital will sponsor a free meeting of the United Ostomy Chapter on Sunday, Oct. 17, 1:30 p.m., at Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut, 40 Lindeman Drive, Trumbull. The meeting is open to anyone who has had an ostomy operation, such as a colostomy, urostomy or ileostomy. To register, call 1-888-357-2396.

BETTER BREATHING CLUB – The Better Breathing Club will meet Friday, Oct. 29
1:30 p.m., in the first-floor duPont Board Room at the hospital, 267 Grant St. The support group meeting is open to anyone with chronic respiratory disease. To register, call 1-888-357-2396.

PASTORAL CARE TRAINING – Bridgeport Hospital’s Department of Spiritual Care & Education has openings in its part-time, extended unit Clinical Pastoral Education Program, which will meet Tuesdays, Oct. 5, 2010–April 26, 2011. The program will be offered at two sites: Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, and the Veterans Administration Medical Center, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven. For information or to apply, contact
Rev. Jay Cooke, CPE supervisor, at 203-384-3948 or vjcook@bpthosp.org.

FIRST AID AND SAFETY CLASSES – Bridgeport Hospital’s Emergency Care Institute will offer the following self-care classes. To register, call 203-384-4497.
· American Heart Association Adult, Child and Infant CPR Two-Year Certification –
Wednesday, Oct. 6, 6:00–9:00 p.m. The cost is $50.
· Pediatric First Aid and Safety and American Heart Association Infant and Child CPR –
Saturday, Oct. 16, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. The cost is $80 for the full class or $50 for the first aid portion only.
· Administration of Medicine Class – Tuesday, Oct. 12, 6:00–9:00 p.m. The cost is $25 or $15 for injectable medications only.
For information about workplace or community-based group classes, call 203-384-4748.

PHYSICIAN INFORMATION AND REFERRALS – Bridgeport Hospital provides free information about, and referrals to, more than 585 affiliated physicians 24 hours a day. Call 1-888-357-2396 for information on physician specialties, office hours and locations as well as insurance plans accepted. Bridgeport Hospital physicians represent more than 70 medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties, including internal medicine/family practice, OB/GYN, orthopedics, pediatrics and psychiatry.

BILLING QUESTIONS – Bridgeport Hospital provides free, confidential assistance to patients and families with questions about their hospital bills. Financial counselors are available during regular business hours to privately discuss billing issues and payment assistance options, including eligibility for free or discounted care. Bridgeport Hospital also pays a state employee to be on-site to help patients apply for Medicaid and other state assistance programs. For an appointment to see a financial counselor, call 203-384-3449.

To discuss attempt to avert tragedy

WEST HAVEN - The University of New Haven Tagliatela College of Engineering will act as host for a public lecture, “Truth, Lies, and O-Rings: Inside the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster” with Allan J. McDonald, retired engineer and executive of the aerospace industry, the university said in a statement.

The talks will be held from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. and 6 to 7:15 p.m. Sept. 15 in the Schumann Auditorium in the Tagliatela College of Engineering, Room B120, on the UNH campus.

McDonald’s lecture is part of the UNH Fall 2011 Alvine Engineering Professional Effectiveness and Enrichment Program and he will highlight his role in the attempt to stop the space shuttle Challenger from being launched by NASA in 1986, and the fiery destruction that took place on live television shortly after, the statement said.

"McDonald will highlight points made in his book, "Truth, Lies, and O-Rings," in which he contends that he fought to draw attention to the real reasons behind the disaster, and was the only one targeted for retribution by both NASA and his employer, Morton-Thiokol, Inc., now ATK Launch Systems Group, makers of the shuttle's solid rocket boosters," the statement said.
The lecture "will look at the Challenger tragedy and its aftermath from the perspective of an insider who recognized the potential disaster and tried to prevent it," the statement said.
The talk is free and open to the public.

According to the UNH statement, McDonald, shown, earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Montana State University in 1959 and a master's degree in engineering administration from the University of Utah in 1967. He retired from ATK Launch Systems Group after a 42-year career with the company, the statement said. He was the director of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Motor Project at the time of the Challenger accident, and led the redesign of the solid rocket motors as vice president of engineering for space operations. He has several patents related to rocket propulsion, has published over 80 technical papers presented at national and international conferences, and received numerous professional awards, the statement said.
For more information, contact Professor of Mechanical Engineering Ismail I. Orabi, chairman of the UNH Department of Industrial Systems and Multidisciplinary Engineering, at 203-932-7144 or iorabi@newhaven.edu

The musical, that is


ORANGE - The Senior Center has just booked a block of orchestra/front mezzanine tickets to see the new Broadway Musical, “Memphis” on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 for the matinee performance, center officials said in a statement.


“'Memphis'” is one of the hottest shows on Broadway and winner of several Tony Awards including Best Musical," the statement said. "From the underground dance clubs of the 1950’s, Memphis, Tennessee comes a white DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break."


Memphis is filled with laughter, soaring emotion, and roof-raising rock ‘n roll, the statement said. "You will leave the theater singing and dancing!"


Before the performance, trip participants will have lunch at Pietrasanta Restaurant.


The total amount of the trip including tickets to “Memphis”, transportation on a deluxe motorcoach, lunch at Pietransanta and all gratuities is $189 per person.


A deposit of $100 is needed by Sept. 22 to hold a ticket. The balance will be due April 1, 2011.


Call the Orange Senior Center at 203-891-4784 for more information or to make a reservation.

MILFORD - The Literacy Center of Milford is offering a five-week volunteer Tutot Training class in ESL, or English as a Second Language, beginning Sept. 29, officials said in a statement.
Classes will be held at the Center, 16 Dixon St. from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Sept 29, Oct 6, 13, 20 and 27, the statement said.
There is a $25 fee for course materials. Knowledge of a foreign language is not necessary. All prospective tutors must have an interview.
For further information, call the Literacy Center office between the hours of 9 and 3 at 203-878-4800.

Additionally, those interested in working with students preparing for their GED, or those who would like to help an adult student with basic literacy skills, can call the above number for an interview, the statement said.
The Literacy Center of Milford is part of the ProLiteracy network of adult basic education and literacy programs. ProLiteracy is working with its member programs to raise awareness of available ESL services, the statement said.
“Non-English speakers in the U.S. can fall behind in education or employment in an already challenging job market,” David C. Harvey, president and CEO of ProLiteracy said, also in the statement. “Language barriers can also prevent them from understanding important financial, educational, health care, employment or legal rights issues. By raising awareness of our members’ ESL programs, adults in need will know where to find resources that can help them gain skills to address everyday matters.”
For more information on the Literacy Center’s ESL and other programs, visit www.literacycenterofmilford.com or call 203-878-4800.

BRIDGEPORT - A presentation on Mark Twain’s well known book, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" will begin at 3 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Barnum Museum, 820 Main St.


The presentation will be given by Craig Hotchkiss, program manager at the Mark Twain House & Museum, organizers said in a statement.


"The presentation will reaffirm the importance of Mark Twain’s masterpiece by placing it within the context of the larger history of race relations in America from slavery to the modern Civil Rights Movement," the statement said.


:The audience will have the opportunity not only to delve into some of the key turning points in ‘Finn,’ but also to investigate the context of the book as it relates to race relations historically in the United States, particularly during the so-called “Jim Crow” era."


Attendees will gain insight into Mark Twain’s personal motivations for writing the classic novel, the statement said.


Mark Twain lived in Hartford from 1874 to 1891. He wrote his most important works during the years he lived there, including "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", and "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court."


In addition to providing tours of Twain’s restored home, a National Historic Landmark, the institution offers activities and educational programs that illuminate Twain’s literary legacy and provide information about his life and times.


For more information, call 860-247-0998 or visit http://www.marktwainhouse.org/.


The Twain program is free with general admission to the Barnum museum: adults: $8, seniors and college students: $6, Cchildren 4 - 17: $5, no charhe for children younger than 4.

NOTE: At the Barnum Museum, the main historic building and core exhibits are still closed due to extensive damage from the tornado on June 24, but the back gallery is open for programs, including with "a glorious and spirited sculpture exhibition by North Haven's David Millen," officials said in a statement. Admission to the sculpture exhibit is free or with a donation towards restoration of the museum.

BRIDGEPORT – Housatonic Community College will offer non-credit certified nurse assistant and patient care technician programs this fall.
The CNA program, which consists of classroom instruction, laboratory work and hands-on training (36 hours of each), will prepare students to take the state CNA certification exam.
The course will cover providing all aspects of personal care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse.
The 108-hour PCT Program, which adds another layer of skills to those learned in a CNA program, prepares students to perform patient care activities that include such things as lab tests, electrocardiograms, simple dressing changes, phlebotomy, and physical and occupational therapy safety.
The program involves a combination of lecture, hands-on practical laboratory exercises, and real-world clinical experience at an off-campus medical facility.
“Offering these programs reflects HCC’s commitment to preparing students for careers that are in demand,” said Deborah S. Kuchmas, director of workforce and non-credit programs. “Nursing careers are projected to grow 17 percent over the next eight years.”
The two programs will provide a career ladder pathway that will enable unemployed individuals and underemployed health care workers to develop the skills necessary to seek higher-level positions in healthcare facilities, Kuchmas said.
The creation of the PCT program comes just in time to meet a growing demand for these medical professionals, Kuchmas said.
A new CNA/PCT Lab has been built at HCC to accommodate the new programs, Kuchmas said.
The lab will enable students to practice the skills learned in class. The PCT students must be currently state registered as a CNA.
The PCT program starts Sept. 13 while the CNA program starts Sept. 14. Tuition for the CNA program is $674, and, for the PCT Program, $1,299.
For more information, or to apply to the program, contact Continuing Education at 203-332-5057.

Editor's note: The information in this post was provided by Housatonic Community College

Cancer research to benefit
NEW HAVEN — The Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament will be donating 5 percent of all box tickets sales purchased through Geno’s Cancer Team until Aug. 20.
Geno Auriemma is asking the public to help fight cancer and “ Join Geno’s Cancer Team!” be a part of raising funds for The V Foundation with us. 100% of all donations made to The V Foundation go directly to cancer research.
To support Geno’s Cancer Team go to www.genoscancerteam.com,
once at this site just click the day you would like to attend and enter promo code: VF10 to support Geno’s Cancer Team to benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Tickets will be available to any of the 13 sessions of the 2010 Pilot Pen Tournament.
Special Discounts Days were also provided for Geno’s Cancer Team patrons and partners.
For more information, contact Angela Santacroce at info@genoscancerteam.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, are sought.
Donations are accepted 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Milford Animal Control, 664 E. Broadway,
The animal shelter is in Silver Sands State Park, with an entrance on Meadowside Road. For further information, call 203-783-3279.

WEST HAVEN — The West Haven Senior Center will offer an AARP driver safety program from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 24 and 25 at the Robert A. Johnson Community Center, 201 Noble St.
the program is designed to help sharpen driving skills, develop strategies to adjust to age-related vision changes, and develop hearing and reaction times.
Participants must complete both classes to receive a certification for insurance purposes.
The fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers, payable to AARP.
To register, call the senior center at 203-937-3507.

MILFORD - The Junior Woman’s Club of Milford has selected Joy Stonier as the 2010 Milford Living Treasure Award winner, the group said in a statement.
The award winner must be 65 or older, male or female, have been a resident of Milford for at least ten years and have contributions and actions that have enriched the community.
A Panel of Common Good comprised of community leaders helped to make the selection. The panel reviewed each application and after much consideration awarded the honor to Stonier, the statement said.
Stonier, 77, was founding partner of two non-profit organizations in Milford, The Rape Crisis Center of Milford and The Literacy Center of Milford. She is a member of the Milford Hospital Auxiliary, which she was president of for two years beginning in 1975, the statement said. During her time there, she helped implement the “art cart”, which long-term patients would be able to choose some art work to be hung on the walls of their rooms, the statement said.

Stonier became involved in literacy in 1988 when she became a tutor with the Literacy Volunteers of America, New Haven chapter. She then became more involved in the office end, volunteering in the satellite office located in the Margaret Egan Center, the statement said. Stonier became the executive director of The Literacy Center of Milford, an incorporated non-profit agency started by Frances O’Neill and Karen O’Neil in 1994, the statement said. Stonier was executive director until her retirement in December 2009.

Stonier continues to be involved in many organizations, Milford Hospital Auxiliary and Milford Garden Club since her retirement.

PHOTO: Stonier is shown with Milford Mayor James Richetelli Jr.

DURHAM — On August 15, antique and modern farm tractors, pedal tractors, and antique trucks will assemble on the Fair Grounds in Durham (Route 17) to take part in the eighth annual Tractor Cruise-In sponsored by the Durham Fair Foundation, Inc.
The event, that also includes a flea market, a die cast toy sale, back seat driver contest and a drawing for door prizes, kicks off at 9 a.m.
In the true spirit of a cruise-in, tractor and antique trucks owners do not need to pre-register and can simply arrive the morning of the event to join the excitement. Rain or shine, the vehicles will be on display throughout the day.
The first event of the day, an antique tractor pull at 10:30 a.m., will test the stamina of those not-so-new tractors. At 11:30 a.m., kids can hop aboard a tractor at the pedal tractor pull in the Cow Palace. Tractors will be provided.
At 10 a.m., the Back Seat Driver Contest where couples will maneuver through an obstacle course on a garden tractor with the male driver blindfolded and the female half of the couple providing directions from behind. New to the Cruise-In last year, it is back and better than ever.
In a contest for the finest tuned engine, tractors will participate at 1 p.m. in the oxymoronic “slow race.” The highlight of the day, the tractor parade, kicks off at 2:30 p.m.
Admission to the Cruise-In is $5 per carload, but anyone pulling or riding a tractor or antique truck will be admitted free.
The Tractor Cruise-In has become the signature event for the Durham Fair Foundation. The Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization founded in 1996 by the Durham Agricultural Fair Association. The Foundation’s mission is to preserve and promote Connecticut’s agricultural heritage, history, rural life and the Durham Fair by sponsoring educational events, programs and exhibits.
For more information, call Len Baginski, President of the Durham Fair Foundation at 860-349-3305, or Karin or Bob Thody at 860-349-9191.

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

ORANGE — St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road, will present its 30th annual Odyssey: A Greek Festival Sept. 3-6.
The event includes Greek food (gyro, souvlaki, moussaka, lamb on the spit, Greek salads and appetizers, Greek cheese, homemade pastries), live music, dancing, performances by the Odyssey Dancers, a marketplace, Greek cooking demonstrations, lectures on Greek Orthodoxy, giant raffle and kids’ area.
Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 3-5; noon to 8 p.m. Sept. 6; rain or shine
Parking and admission are free.
Senior citizens may get a 20 percent discount on meals from noon to 3 p.m. Sept.3.
For more details, contact 203-795-13467 or www.saintbarba.org.

MILFORD — A free performance by cellist Thirzah Bendokas will be presented at 4 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 8) in City Hall, 110 River St.
The annual "Dream" concert is presented by the Milford Fine Arts Council and Connecticut Classic Concerts.
The concert celebrates the birthdays of three composers; Frederick Chopin (200 years), Robert Schumann (200 years) and Victor Herbert (151 years).
The cellist will be accompanied variously by piano, guitar and clarinet. The program includes "I’m Always Chasing Rainbows," a polonaise, "The Flight Of The Bumble-Bee," "The Sound Of Music," a sonata, songs of Victor Herbert, and an Irish gigue.
Admission is free. Donations will be accepted.
An ice cream birthday cake will follow the concert.
For more information, call the MFAC at 203-878-6647 or Connecticut Classic Concerts at 203-824-3612.

STRATFORD - The Stratford Library has invited all children to a participatory performance of Reader’s Theatre at 8:30 p.m. August 12.
The library’s "talented young adult volunteers will entertain children with hilarious folktale drama," library officials said in a statement.
Stories will include “Anansi Goes Fishing” and “The Frog Prince,” the statement said. Children in the audience may even be assigned parts in the plays.
The program will be held in the Library’s Lovell Room.
Reader’s Theatre is part of the Stratford Library’s ongoing Summer Reading Program, “Splash into Reading” and registration is requested.
For more information, call the Stratford Library Children’s Department at 203-385-4165 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Shown in photo: Straford teens Kristy Ryan (left) and Meghan Anderson take part in the Children's Department Reader's Theatre program.

ORANGE— The Orange Community Services agency, Orange VNA, Weichert Realty, and Coldwell Banker Realty will sponsor the ninth Annual Senior Health and Safety Fair from 9:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 24 at High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Rd.
Vendors from Greater New Haven representing health and social services, housing options, insurance companies, banking services, emergency response systems, wellness programs, adult day care, and municipal services will be on hand to give information about products and services that benefit older adults, organizers said. Blood pressure and diabetes screenings also will be offered.
There will be a raffle and refreshments will be served, organizers said.