The Connecticut Yuletide Carolers is seeking vocalists for the 2010 holiday season.

The carolers sing in several Victorian a cappella quartets, in Dickens-style costumes performing traditional holiday carols all over the state at various holiday activities.
Carolers must be able to read music, and a choral/theater experience is preferred.

Weekday daytime availability is a plus. There are paid engagements and major costume pieces are provided by the producer.

Anyone interested must have their own transportation, although the group does carpool when possible. Rehearsals are 6 to 7 p.m. Sundays in the Branford area, but we are looking for singers from any part of the state. Contact Lori Cartwright at 203-673-9485 or info@ctyuletide.com.

MILFORD — The Plymouth Men’s Club of the First United Church, Congregational will hold a public forum to meet state Senate candidates at 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at the church on West River Street.
This year the club has invited incumbent state Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford, and Republican challenger Vincent Marino, of Orange, who are running for the 14th district seat, which includes Milford, Orange and West Haven.
Sanctuary doors will open at 7:30 to the public. Questions will be taken from the audience.

BRANFORD — Mothers Against Drunk Driving will hold Walk Like MADD, the signature walk of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Oct. 16 at Town Hall, 1019 Main St.
Ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. and the walk is at 10 a.m.
The walk is a 5K, untimed.
Family and friends are invited to a festive walk atmosphere that includes fall decorated tents with face painting, tables laden with food and drink, The Balloon Man, pumpkin painting, health and safety tent and auction items.
Those interested in participating or becoming a virtual walker may visit www.walklikemadd.org.

FAIRFIELD - The Fairfield Public Library continues Jobs 2010, a special series for local job seekers, with "Cover Letters Are Key" by Ann Wright at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 in the Rotary Room.

"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," organizers said in a statement.

"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."

Wright, shown, has been assisting individuals with transition coaching for more than 20 years, the statement said.

The majority of her clients have been in job search mode while some have desired to improve their skills and visibility within their organizations, the statement said.

Wright has worked with the three major providers of outplacement services (Drake Beam Morin, Lee Hecht Harrison and Right Management) and presented stand-up training and one-on-one career coaching to a wide range of clients.

She was selected to work on major accounts including Accenture, American Express, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Frito-Lay, GE, Goldman Sachs, IBM, Morgan Stanley and Texaco. In addition to her work in outplacement, Wright has worked on both East and West coasts in corporate positions. She also served as assistant director of Career Development at Yale University’s MBA program, the statement said.

The Jobs 2010: Back to Work series (including the NEW Small Business Strategies track) offers weekly presentations on a wide range of topics including cover letters, interviewing, job seeking over 40, starting your own business, online marketing, and much more, the statement said.

A complete schedule of Jobs 2010 events, job and career resources, and podcast recordings of more than 50 past presentations are available on the library’s website.

Doors open at 6:30pm for informal networking.

All events are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Visit http://www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/ or call 203-256-3160.

STRATFORD - Debbie Gilbert Taylor is September Artist of Month with “Texture: Inspired by Nature and Man” at the Stratford Library.
“I have always been drawn to texture in any dimensional form,” Gilbert Taylor of Stratford said, “whether it is the feel of a soft fabric or cool stone, juxtaposition of colors, the play of light and shadow on an object or the (incongruity) of old architecture against the backdrop of a shiny, glass building.
"Even though a photograph is in only two dimensions, the play of light, composition, value and perspective are interpreted by our brains as three-dimensional," she said in a statement. "I am currently experimenting with many mediums, such as collage, sculpture, painting, altered books and others, but continue to use the camera to capture what appears around me.”
The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Gilbert’s last exhibit at the Stratford Library was a photojournalistic story of her trip to China in 2005, the statement said.
She has shown her work in many juried shows and won several prizes. The Stratford Arts commission purchased an ink drawing for the town’s collection in 1995, the statement said.
Gilbert also has been commissioned for photos in Positive People Magazine and for the cover of “The Best 10 Minute Plays for 3 or more Actors, 2008 edition,” the statement said.
She founded the Stratford Arts Guild in 2006 and currently serves as the Membership Chair of the Women’s Caucus for Art.
Gilbert is a member of the Connecticut Sculpture Society and the Valley Arts Council.
“Texture: Inspired by Nature and Man” is on exhibit in the Main Lobby of the Stratford Library through Sept. 30.
For more information call 203-385-4162 or visit: http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/.

Photo: The photography of Debbie Gilbert Taylor will be on exhibit throughout the month of September at the Stratford Library.

Editor's note: The information in this post was provided by the Stratford Library

MILFORD —The city will remember the events of 9/11 with a ceremony of song and prayer at noon Friday at the September 11 Monument on City Hall grounds.
All city residents are invited to attend.

Milford lost three former residents on the attack on the World Trade Center. Shown at top is Michael Miller, 39; in center is Avnish Patel, 28; and at bottom is Seth Morris, who was 35.

The Police Department and Fire Department Honor Guards will present the colors. Students from Harborside Middle School will participate in the short but meaningful remembrance, officials said in a statement.

The Rev. Andrew Osmun, rector of St. Peter’s Church, will lead attendees in prayer.

Stephen Johnson will sing the National Anthem and music will be provided by the Joseph A. Foran High School Choir.

The New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, the statement said.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved into the City Hall Auditorium.

Sponsored by a Milford-based company

NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Public Library will continue its popular free monthly Subway Seminar Series with "The Business Writing Code," presented by Charles Euchner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16.

The seminar is designed for business and nonprofit professionals who want to polish their communications skills, according to a statement.

"Euchner’s forthcoming book, "The Writing Code," shows "how stories can be used to master technique and improve analysis, the statement said. Euchner will demonstrate how using the Writing Code boosts organizational communications, more effectively engaging board members, staff and potential clients or donors, the statement said.

Euchner, shown, earned his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University. He served as executive director of the Rappaport Institute at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, coordinating research on urban and regional politics and policy, the statement said. He has written widely on public affairs, particularly grassroots politics.

Subway Seminars are held take the third Thursday of each month, 4:30 to 6:30 pm, at the downtown branch of the library, 133 Elm St. The series is funded by the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation and Subway restaurants. Free parking is available. Register at www.septsubway.eventbrite.com or call 203-946-7431.

BRIDGEPORT – St. Vincent’s Medical Center will sponsor a free talk open to the general public entitled “DISCOVER DA VINCI: Robotic Surgery at St. Vincent’s” from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at The Watermark, 3030 Park Ave.
The lecture is part of St. Vincent's 2010 Fall "Listen & Learn Lecture Series," according to a statement from the hospital.
"This unique lecture will feature a panel of physicians discussing the benefits of the daVinci Surgical System, recently purchased by St. Vincent’s Medical Center and how it can be used in gynecology, urology, general surgery, cardiothoracic and ENT surgeries," the statement said.

Dr. Douglas A Ross,chairman of the department of surgery at St. Vincent’s, is board certified and a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology, the statement said. Ross graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Columbia University, and earned his medical degree from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. After completing his internship and residency in the department of surgery at UCLA Medical Center, Ross then served as chief resident in the division of head and neck surgery also at UCLA, the statement said. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in head and neck reconstruction and microvascular surgery at UCLA.

Dr. Kenneth Kingsly specializes in urology, the statement said. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from Brown University and his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine located in New York, the statement said. He completed his residency at Tufts University/New England Medical Center Hospitals, Boston, and a fellowship in urologic oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, N.Y., the statement said. Kingsly practices medicine at Greater Bridgeport Urology in Fairfield.

Dr. Robert Weinstein is board certified and specializes in urology. Weinstein received his bachelor of science degree from State University of New York at Albany. He received his medical degree, magna cum laude, from SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, where he also was chief resident for the department of urology and a clinical assistant instructor for the departments of urology and surgery, the statement said. He practices medicine at Urological Associates of Bridgeport, PC, with offices in Bridgeport, Trumbull and Fairfield.

Dr. Daniel S. Gottschall, president of St. Vincent’s medical staff, is vice chairman of the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology at St. Vincent’s. He is board certified and specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, the statement said. He earned a bachelors degree in Theatrical Arts and Biology from the State University of New York in Binghamton, and his medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, the statement said. Gottschall completed his residency at the University of Connecticut in Farmington. In his private practice, Gottschall is a member of Alliance for Women’s Health in Bridgeport.

A question and answer session will follow the presentation, and light refreshments will be provided, the statement said.

For more information or to register for this lecture, call St. Vincent’s toll-free Care Line at 1-877-255-SVHS (7847).

Listen & Learn Lecture Series
"'Listen & Learn' is a free series of talks for the community by physicians on health and wellness topics in an effort to help area residents stay well. Participants learn from experts in the field about medical topics and prevention strategies, and how to sort through confusing consumer health information available to consumers. Topics will cover a broad range of issues. The program, a part of St. Vincent’s mission of outreach to the community and is open to the general public. The lecture program is a collaboration between St. Vincent’s Club 50/Boomers Group and its Physician Services," the statement said.

Experience Corps needs people age 55 and older to tutor children in literacy in Hamden schools 10 or more hours a week during the school year.

Volunteers also participate in fun community events, the agency said in a statement.

Small stipend and tuition help for children/grandchildren is available, the statement said.

No teaching or tutoring experience is necessary; training is provided, the statement said.

Volunteers must have a high school diploma or GED and be able to pass a background/fingerprint check, the statement said.

For more information, visit http://www.experiencecorps.org/

Those interested can call Sheila at 203-752-3059 x2900 or email volunteer@aoapartnerships.org

Experience Corps - Greater New Haven is a program of the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut in partnership with the United Way of Greater New Haven and the Hamden Public Schools, the statement said. This project is supported by the Connecticut Commission on Community Service, a partnership of the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Connecticut Department of Higher Education. For more information, visit http://www.experiencecorps.org/

But isn't that part of what October is about?

FAIRFIELD – Fairfield Museum and History Center plans a "ghoulish" October program in conjunction with its ongoing baseball history exhibition, “It’s a Hit!” A Hometown View of Our National Pastime, which will run through January 2, 2011, according to a statement.

Haunted Baseball & Field of Screams will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 20

"In a night for young and old alike, the Museum will play host to Dan Gordon, co-author of "Haunted Baseball," which combines a fun and freaky collection of otherworldly yarns collected from baseball players, stadium personnel, front-office folks, and fans," the statement said.

Gordon will explore the spooky connection between baseball and the paranormal. In addition to Haunted Baseball, he will discuss material from his new book, "Field of Screams: Ghosts, Curses, Legends and Eerie Events," the statement said.

There is not cost for members and for non-members the charge is $5.

Gordon's writings have appeared in newspapers and other publications and he co-authored the regional bestseller "Cape Encounters: Contemporary Cape Cod Ghost Stories" and contributed two essays to the global baseball book, "Baseball without Borders: The International Pastime," the statement said He lives and dies with the Red Sox.

A Spooky Stroll will begin at 6 p.m. Oct. 29.

Dubbed an "exciting, spooky walk around the town Green for children 6 to 10 with adult supervision, costumes are encouraged, the statement said.

Follow a costumed guide while hearing spooky stories. Cost is $5 for adults; $3 for children.

The Legends and Hauntings Lantern Tour begins at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 30

For anyone older than 15, this will be "an exciting walk around the Fairfield’s legendary town Green and Old Burying Ground with a costumed guide to hear legends and local lore," the statement said. Guaranteed to send a few shudders through the group. Limit of 40 walkers.

Members: $5; non-members $8. Please pre-register for all events.

There are many more events scheduled throughout October. For current program and exhibition information, visit http://www.fairfieldhs.org/ and for group tour reservations and information, call 203-259-1598.

According to the prepared statement, "The Fairfield Museum and History Center is a community cultural and education center established in 2007 by the Fairfield Historical Society. The 13,000 square-foot museum presents engaging exhibition galleries, a special collection library, a family education center, an 80-seat theater overlooking Fairfield's Town Green and a delightful museum shop. The Fairfield Museum and History Center believes in the power of history to inspire the imagination, stimulate thought and transform society."

The museum provides educational programs to schools in and around Fairfield County, and helps to enrich the cultural and social life of the area, the statement said. The museum serves more than 25,000 visitors each year. It is located at 370 Beach Road, Fairfield, and is open seven days a week.

WALLINGFORD — The Wallingford Public Library is offering free, one-on-one computer tutoring sessions at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Mondays and 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays.
Each hour-long appointment gives individuals the opportunity to work on a computer with a volunteer and learn about e-mail, online job applications, internet searching, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or Excel.
Appointments are open to the public. To schedule an appointment, call the library at 203-265-6754 and specify your topic of interest.

MILFORD — The Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, is offering a free, four-part family caregiver series for caregivers of people with any type of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays starting Sept. 14 at 300 Seaside Ave., auditorium C. Refreshments will be served
Topics will include:
- Sept. 14: Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease, other forms of dementia and treatment and research.
- Sept. 21: Communication techniques, behavioral challenges/strategies and safety.
- Sept. 28: Family dynamics, keeping the caregiver healthy and community resources
- Oct. 5: Legal and financial issues .
To register, call the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-356-5502 or 203-230-1777, ext. 14. Preregistration is requested.

WEST HAVEN — The West Haven Senior Center will offer an AARP driver safety program from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 14 and 15 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.

WOODBRIDGE — The Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven, at 360 Amity Road, is offering Zumba classes at 6 p.m. Tuesdays; 9 a.m. Wednesdays; 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursdays; and 9 a.m. Saturdays,
Zumba fuses Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program. For more information, call 203-387-2522, ext. 265.

BRIDGEPORT - Bridgeport Hospital will present free One-Day Cancer College on Sept. 25 at Trumbull Marriott, according to a statement.

Mount Everest climber and cancer survivor Alan Hobson, shown, is guest speaker.

Bridgeport Hospital’s Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute is the sponsor for its third annual One-Day Cancer College, Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., at the Trumbull Marriott, 180 Hawley Lane.

During the free event, Cancer Institute experts will provide information about the latest advances in cancer treatment and integrative therapies, the statement said.

Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Call toll free 1-888-357-2396.

In addition to Hobson, who will speak in the main ballroom during lunch, 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Bridgeport Hospital experts will present 45-minute lectures on a number of cancer-related topics, the statement said.

The lectures will cover six different tracks: Breast Cancer, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Genitourinary Cancer, Gynecological Cancer, Thoracic Cancer and Mind, Body & Spirit.

Participants can stay in one track of attend lectures in two or three tracks.

Lectures and speakers in each track are:

Breast Cancer

9:45–10:30 a.m. – “New Options for Breast Reconstruction,” Chief of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Dr. Harvey Bluestein

10:45–11:30 a.m. – “The Gene Factor,” Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center Senior Nurse Educator and Patient Navigator Sally Cascella

1:15–2:00 p.m. – “Recent Developments: Medical Management of Breast Cancer,” Medical Oncologist Dr. Neal Fischbach

Gastrointestinal Cancer

9:45–10:30 a.m. – “Is Colon Cancer Hereditary?” Gastroenterologist Dr. Darlene Negbenebor, 10:45–11:30 a.m. – “Zapping Pre-Cancerous Cells: Barrett’s Esophagus and Radiofrequency Ablation” Gastroenterologist Dr. Andrew Bedford

1:15–2:00 p.m. – “New Surgical Options for Colon Cancer,” Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute Co-Medical Director and Colon & Rectal Surgeon Dr. Scott Thornton

Genitourinary Cancer

9:45–10:30 a.m. – “GPS for the Prostate: Advances in Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer,” Radiation Oncologist Dr. Bruce McGibbon

10:45–11:30 a.m. – “Understanding Prostate Cancer,” Urologist Dr. Jeremy Kaufman

1:15–2:00 p.m. – “Advances in Kidney Cancer Treatment,” Urologist Dr. Milton Armm

Gynecologic Cancer

9:45–10:30 a.m. – “Robot-Assisted Surgery for Gynecologic Cancer,” Gynecologic Oncologist Dr. Dan-Arin Silasi

10:45–11:30 a.m. – “Radiation Treatment for Gynecologic Cancers,” Chief of Radiation Medicine Dr. Sheida Mani

1:15–2:00 p.m. – “Diagnosis and Treatment for Endometrial Cancer,” Chief of Gynecologic Oncology Dr. Masoud Azodi

Thoracic Cancer

9:45–10:30 a.m. – “Surgical Advances in Lung Cancer,” Thoracic & Vascular Surgeon Dr. James Lettera

10:45–11:30 a.m. – “Palliative Care for Cancer Patients,” Chief of Geriatric Medicine Dr. Beata Skudlarska

1:15–2:00 p.m. – “Advances in Lung Cancer Treatment,” Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute Co-Medical Director and Medical Oncologist Dr. Robert Folman

Mind, Body & Sprit

9:45–10:30 a.m. – “Caring for the Caregiver,” Chairman of Psychiatry Dr. Charles Morgan

10:45–11:30 a.m. – “Reiki for Stress Management,” Respiratory Therapist Gretchen May-Fendo

1:15–2:00 p.m. – “What to Eat/What to Avoid During and After Cancer Treatment,” Registered Dietitians Lise Sanchez and Andrea Valenti

Editor's note: The information in this blog was submitted by Bridgeport Hospital.

NEW HAVEN — New Haven Chorale, celebrating its 60th anniversary as a community choir, will hold auditions from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 9 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 11.
Concerts are scheduled for Dec. 12, Feb. 13, April 30 and May 1. The first rehearsal is Sept. 13, 7:30 pm. Auditions and rehearsals are held at ACES Educational Center for the Arts, 55 Audubon St. For information, call 203-776-SONG (7664) or visit www.newhavenchorale.org.