Lauralton Hall is honored to host distinguished poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator Nikki Giovanni on Wednesday, March 30 at 7pm in the Claven Auditorium. She is the third and final speaker of the 2010-2011 season to participate in the school’s inaugural year of an “In-Residence” Program. The program began in October with a visit from United Nations Director of Mercy Global Concern Deirdre Mullan, RSM followed in November by Emily Dickinson scholar Dr. Jonnie Guerra. “Residency programs add depth to a school’s usual curriculum,” notes President Iadarola. Lauralton parents, alumnae, friends and the public at large are welcome to attend. Admission is free. Space is limited. For reservations, please contact the Development Office at (203) 877-2786, ext.137 or by email at development@lauraltonhall.org.

Nikki Giovanni’s engagement at Lauralton is made possible thanks in part to the generosity of a community grant from the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation. One of the most widely-read American poets in the world, Ms. Giovanni first came to prominence during the civil rights movement with her forthright examinations of race and injustice. Since then, she has received numerous honors and awards and authored several children’s books in addition to her many poetic works, essays and spoken recordings. Over the course of more than three decades of publishing and lecturing she has come to be called both a "National Treasure" and, most recently, one of Oprah Winfrey's twenty-five "Living Legends." Several of her books were honored with NAACP Image Awards and have reached the best-seller lists. She has been a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech since 1987 where she teaches writing and literature. To learn more about Nikki Giovanni, visit www.nikki-giovanni.com

About Lauralton Hall
Founded in 1905, the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall, is the oldest college preparatory high school for girls in Connecticut. Empowering women for life, more than 400 students from throughout New Haven and Fairfield counties attend. Lauralton Hall’s unique mission is to foster a community atmosphere enriched by the Mercy tradition and to educate young women to pursue knowledge, recognize truth and respond to the needs of others.


Nikki Giovanni Biography

Nikki Giovanni is a world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. Over the past thirty years, her outspokenness, in her writing and in lectures, has brought the eyes of the world upon her. One of the most widely-read American poets, she prides herself on being "a Black American, a daughter, a mother, a professor of English." Giovanni remains as determined and committed as ever to the fight for civil rights and equality. Always insisting on presenting the truth as she sees it, she has maintained a prominent place as a strong voice of the Black community. Her focus is on the individual, specifically, on the power one has to make a difference in oneself, and thus, in the lives of others.
NIKKI GIOVANNI was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and grew up in Lincoln Heights, an all-black suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. She and her sister spent their summers with their grandparents in Knoxville, and she graduated with honors from Fisk University, her grandfather's alma mater, in 1968; after graduating from Fisk, she attended the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University. She published her first book of poetry, Black Feeling Black Talk, in 1968, and within the next year published a second book, thus launching her career as a writer. Early in her career she was dubbed the "Princess of Black Poetry," and over the course of more than three decades of publishing and lecturing she has come to be called both a "National Treasure" and, most recently, one of Oprah Winfrey's twenty-five "Living Legends."

Many of Giovanni's books have received honors and awards. Her autobiography, Gemini, was a finalist for the National Book Award; Love Poems, Blues: For All the Changes, Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea, Acolytes, and Hip Hop Speaks to Children: A Celebration of Poetry with a Beat were all honored with NAACP Image Awards. Blues: For All the Changes reached #4 on the Los Angeles Times Bestseller list, a rare achievement for a book of poems. Most recently, her children's picture book Rosa, about the civil rights legend Rosa Parks, became a Caldecott Honors Book, and Bryan Collier, the illustrator, was given the Coretta Scott King award for best illustration. Rosa also reached #3 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Shortly after its release, Bicycles: Love Poems reached #1 on Amazon.com for Poetry.

Giovanni's spoken word recordings have also achieved widespread recognition and honors. Her album Truth Is On Its Way, on which she reads her poetry against a background of gospel music, was a top 100 album and received the Best Spoken Word Album given by the National Association of Radio and Television Announcers. Her Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection, on which she reads and talks about her poetry, was one of five finalists for a Grammy Award.

Giovanni's honors and awards have been steady and plentiful throughout her career. The recipient of some twenty-five honorary degrees, she has been named Woman of the Year by Mademoiselle Magazine, The Ladies Home Journal, and Ebony Magazine. She was tapped for the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame and named an Outstanding Woman of Tennessee. Giovanni has also received Governor's Awards from both Tennessee and Virginia. She was the first recipient of the Rosa L. Parks Woman of Courage Award, and she has also been awarded the Langston Hughes Medal for poetry. She is an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and has received Life Membership and Scroll from The National Council of Negro Women. A member of PEN, she was honored for her life and career by The History Makers. She has received the keys to more than two dozen cities. A scientist who admires her work even named a new species of bat he discovered for her! Black Enterprise named her a Women of Power Legacy Award winner for work that expands opportunities for other women of color.

The author of some 30 books for both adults and children, Nikki Giovanni is a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

There is no charge to attend

The Woodbridge Library will hold a program entitled "CT Tax Laws are Changing – Are YOU Prepared?" at 7 p.m. April 12 at 10 Newton Road.
Marshall Gibson, a tax attorney in the New Haven area and former Woodbridge resident, will speak about the new laws at this event, according to a statement. He will be sponsored by Barnum Financial Group, a MetLife office, and Richard Crane, also a Woodbridge resident and MetLife advisor.
There will be time at the end of the session for questions from the audience.

The program is free and open to the public. Registration is requested.

To register or for more information: please call 203.389.3433, stop by theCirculation Desk, or email pvalsecchi@ci.woodbridge.ct.us.

Camp Maud Isbell Berger, located on scenic Park Pond in Winchester Center, Conn. is now accepting applications for its 56th camping season.

While owned and operated by the Connecticut State Grange, Camp Berger is open to all children ages 7-14.

The photo of Park Pond shown is from state Conn. state DEP website. It does not show the camp.

Campers are given the opportunity to sample a large variety of programs or to concentrate on programs of special interest, according to a statement.

The daily program consists of four main program periods that allow campers to participate and receive instruction in such areas as: sailing, canoeing, fishing, rowing, archery, funyacking, sports, rocketry, arts and crafts, dramatics, swimming and nature, the statement said.

Special event programs offered throughout the summer include: dancing, music and campcraft. The Camp Berger program is designed to give campers a chance to select and participate in programs of their choice away from the pressures of highly organized and strictly scheduled activities. A balanced program is offered with both individual and group participation, the statement said.

Camp Berger is dedicated to providing an affordable camping experience for all children by keeping its rates among the lowest in the state.

Five weekly overnight sessions, and 5 weekly day camp sessions are offered beginning July 10, 2011.

The fee is $300 for each one week overnight session or $150 for each one week day camp session, with a $50 deposit required to hold space in each desired weekly session. All fees are payable in full two weeks prior to the start of the camp period.

Two Open Houses will be held on Sunday, May 22 and Sunday, June 25 at the Camp on Wahnee Road in Winchester Center. Tours will be provided from noon to 3 p.m.

Complete registration information and forms are available by contacting Camp Director Dorian Lockett at (203) 565-1724 or by visiting the Camp Berger website at: http://www.campberger.org/.

There is no charge to participate

BRIDGEPORT — St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Animas Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson company, are co-sponsoring a new monthly Diabetes Support Group at the hospital.
"Participants will learn important information regarding coping with diabetes and improving lifestyle, and will have the opportunity to share tips with other people with diabetes to overcome challenges and frustration," according to a statement.
The group is free. It is facilitated by a St. Vincent’s nurse and Animas representative both specializing in diabetes, the statement said.
Topics to be addressed monthly include: diet, meal planning and carb counting, monitoring blood glucose levels, administration of insulin through injection or pump, flexibility in daily regimens and exercise, the statement said.
Support Group meetings will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays in St. Vincent’s Level 3 South Conference Room. Next meeting is: April 27.
St. Vincent’s and Animas also co-sponsor regular seminars for people with diabetes at the Medical Center, the statement said.
To register, contact Kristi Young at Animas at 1-877-937-7867 ext. 1790 or kyoung1@its.jnj.com

MILFORD - The 3rd Annual Sharon Thomas Flag Football Tournament 4 Cystic Fibrosis will begin at 9 a.m. April 16 at Jonathan Law High School.

There are now 22 teams registered and PJ's Subway of Devon is donating subs for the players, Milford Bank donated half the cost and there are raffle prizes, including footballs autographed by Giants and Patriots players, tattoo gift cards, and much more, organizer and team leader Tara Brotherton said.

Thomas was Brotherton's sister.
The Red Bull car, Rita's Italian Ice, Tarot card readings, moonbounce, spas, natural products, Lia Sofia, and more will be on hand, she said. Cost is $100 per team.
The concession stand will be open; all to support Cystic Fibrosis CT, she said.

For more information, visit http://www.teamcherbear.com/ or www.facebook.com/teamcherbear

"This is just one of many fundraisers we do every year in loving memory of my sister Sharon Thomas," Brotherton said.
Thomas, shown in the photo, died in 2007 at age 19, Brotherton said.

The program is intended to help to prevent underage drinking

The Fairfield Police department in association with Fairfield University is sponsoring a training program for restaurants, bars, and liquor stores on how to spot fake IDs.
The forum is scheduled for 9:30 to 11 a.m. April 12 at Alumni House at Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road. The free event is free.
Scheduled speakers include Fairfield police Lt. Thomas Mrozek and Stanley Burk, a supervisory agent with the state Department of Liquor Control. The forum will address laws governing sale of alcohol, and event organizers said the goal of the forum is to raise alcohol sale compliance rates, according to a statement.
With close to 30 "years of law enforcement experience, Mrozek has earned a reputation of being an expert in detecting fake IDs," the statement said.
The Internet is also providing a way for those who are under 21 to obtain illegal IDs, and a quick Google search yields dozens of websites offering fake IDs for as little as $40 Mrozek said in the statement. “Either making or using a fake ID is illegal,” Mrozek said in the statement.
Employees from restaurants, liquor and grocery stores who participate in the program will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to recognize bogus IDs, the statement said.
“We did the program last year and it was well attended. Anyone who is involved with the distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages will benefit from the training session,” Mrozek said in the statement.
Funded by a grant from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the organization behind the fake ID program is Fairfield Corps Coalition; a group of trained professionals and student interns from across the campus community as well as members from the town of Fairfield who have significant experience with underage drinking prevention, the statement said.
Pam Paulmann, program coordinator for the university-based group said the no cost training is offered to assist and support community retailers by providing up to date information that addresses the fake ID issue, the statement said.
“We commend the police department for their hard work and their continued commitment to this important issue. And we appreciate their support of our programming,” she said, also in the statement.
For more information call Pam Paulmann, Fairfield Corps program coordinator at 203-254-4000, ext. 2369 or e-mail at ppaulmann@fairfield.edu.

The talk is free and open to the public

STRATFORD - The Stratford Library will continue its  “Sunday Afternoon Talks,” a monthly series of informative and entertaining talks with professional gardener Colleen Plimpton at 2 p.m. April 10.
"The popular program invites notable locals to speak in an informal atmosphere on a wide range of topics," according to a statement.
Plimpton’s springtime program, “Hello My Garden!” will also kick-off “National Library Week,” the statement said.
“Sunday Afternoon Talks” is free and open to the public.


"During the latter stages of an initial career as a clinical social worker, Colleen Plimpton switched gears and entered a part-time gardening track at the New York Botanical Garden," the statement said. "Her goal, subsequent to years of gardening all over the United States, was to become a professional gardener."

Plimpton is a member of Garden Writers Association, the Federated Garden Clubs of America, Tri-State Hosta Society, Mad Gardeners, The Nature Conservancy, The Garden Conservancy, Highstead Arboretum, the Connecticut Horticultural Society, the New York Botanical Garden and many other groups, the statement said.

For more information call the library’s Public Relations & Programming Office at 203-385-4162 or visit http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/.
The series will conclude on May 15 with historian Mark Albertson.

Here is how you nominate them

MILFORD — Nominations are sought for the 23rd annual Mayor’s Youth Award, which will be presented at 4 p.m. May 17 at the City Hall auditorium.

The award is sponsored by Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. and Youth and Family Services, according to a statement.
Any city resident, age 18 or younger, who has participated in activities to improve the quality of life in the city, or help its citizens, may be nominated, the statement said. Nominees will be recognized with individual awards in elementary, middle and high school; and group activity.
Nomination forms can be picked up and delivered to Milford Youth and Family Services, 150 Gulf St., the mayor’s office, or at www.ci.milford.ct.us. Send forms to Paul Levatino, program coordinator, fax 203-783-3238 or email plevatino@ci.milford.ct.us. Nomination deadline is April 8.
For more details, call Levatino or Christie Roche at 203-783-3253.

The Trail Work Day is for the Racebrook Tract

A trail work day for Racebrook Tract is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon April 2.

The work day is organized by the Orange Conservation Commission; participants will meet in the parking lot.

The Racebrook Tract encompasses 210 acres in Orange and 181 acres in Woodbridge, according to a statment. The land is one of the first professionally managed forests in the country, the statement said.

The areas to be worked on will be purple, red, green and white trails.

The Tract was purchased from two farmers, Asa Alling and Sylvester Colburn, by the New Haven Water Company early in the 20th century, the statement said. The stone walls which crisscross the Tract are the original farm fences.

The Brooks Trail, which is also part of Racebrook Tract will be done for an Eagle Scout project and that will also be done this spring, the statement said.

A utility cart that can carry people from different locations on the trails will be available as the longer trail is just over 2.5 miles, the statement said. Most of the trails are relatively level.

There will be a list of things that need to be done, which will also be marked when volunteers arrive, the statement said. Volunteers for the Parking Lot to tell workers where to go also are needed, the statement said.

Volunteers are asked to wear sturdy shoes, eye protection, and work gloves, the statement said. Hand tools to bring are clippers, loppers, and hand saws. Volunteers are responsible for their own snacks and water.

The trails will then be ready for CT Trail Days on June 4, the statement said.

Anyone wishing to work on Trail day will meet in the Parking lot. Please RSVP to Sharon Ewen, chairwoman, sme71@yahoo.com or call 203-799-3769.

Easter bread is on the menu

ORANGE — The Ladies Philoptochos Society of the St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, continues to offer their very successful cooking classes for traditional Greek dishes that are part of the Mediterranean diet. This spring it’s Easter bread and cookies.
The class will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 9 at 480 Racebrook Road.

Tsoureki is the traditional holiday bread for Pascha (Easter). With regional variations in flavoring, this brioche-like bread is traditionally shaped into large braids, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and adorned with red eggs. Kourambiethes are powdered sugar-covered almond shortbread cookies traditional in Greek homes for Christmas and Easter,
Cost for the class is $40, and includes ingredients, coffee and pastry, and one baked loaf to take home.
For registration, contact Olympia Hadjimichael at 203-397-5112 (daytime) or ohadjimichael@gmail.com; Jane Hadjimichael at 203-389-5251 (evenings) or jane.hadjimichael@gmail.com

Congregation Or Shalom will present a program on Inflammatory Bowel Disease at 3 p.m. April 3 at 205 Old Grassy Hill Road.
The symposium will run for about an hour, with time for questions from all of the attendees both during and following the talk, organizers said in a statement.
The program will be led by two local physicians from the division of Digestive Diseases at Yale, Dr. Ioannis Oikonomou and Dr. Judy Cho, the statement said.
Both physicians will discussg Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis; Oikonomou will speak about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of IBD, while Cho will discuss more about the ground breaking IBD research and studies that are currently underway at Yale, the statement said.
Also, both doctors will speak with the group about mechanisms for optimizing treatment and health.
Cho and Oikonomou will discuss treatment, advice, state of the art research, and answer any questions with regard to IBD, the statement said.
A “Q and A” session will be held following the conclusion of the talk, to address any questions still remain unanswered for the attendees.




Admission is free. Congregation Or Shalom is located at 205 Old Grassy Hill Road in Orange. For more information, call the office at 23-799-2341.

Experts will speak on a number of topics

MILFORD — The Environmental Concerns Coalition and the Connecticut Sierra Club are sponsoring a free symposium on sustainable transportation 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday March 24 at the Parsons Government Center, Conference Room C, 70 W. River St.


Experts will discuss alternative fuel, funding, infrastructure, land use, reducing oil dependency and consumption and increasing sustainability.

Speakers will be Lee Grannis, Greater New Haven’s Clean Cities Coalition coordinator; Patsy Kumekawa, Clinton’s BioFuel Initiative founder; and Joe Debs, ECC Energy Committee leader.

To attend, go to deerspirit@sbcglobal.net.

In the event of bad weather, call 203-283-1441 for a message on the meeting’s status. Learn more about the ECC here.

Fairfield Museum and History Center Executive Director Michael A. Jehle will share personal stories about his nearly three months at sea on the tall ship Picton Castle in an informal slide presentation at 7 p.m. March 24.
Jehle became part of a crew of some 50 others as the ship journeyed to the Galapagos Islands and Pitcairn, according to a press release. He joined the 186-foot ship in Panama and ended the voyage in French Polynesia, the release said.

The talk is part of current exhibit, From Sea to Shining Sea.
"For this program, Jehle will discuss life at sea aboard one of these training ships and his experiences as a part of the crew," the release said.

"The Picton Castle is an iron barque registered in the Cook Islands, that is employed in deep-ocean sail training and long-distance education. Jehle participated in a portion of the ship’s 5th round-the-world voyage."

Jehle, has been the executive director of the Fairfield Museum and History Center since 2006. He previously worked as a professional mariner aboard several tall ships, including the Brigantine Romance, sloop Clearwater and schooner Brilliant as well a more recent cruises aboard the brigantine Robert Seamans and Coast Guard barque Eagle, the release said, and is on the Board of Directors of the American Sail Training Association that represents all tall ships in North American and organizes national tall ship events

FAIRFIELD - Fairfield University’s College of Arts and Sciences will hold a roundtable discussion dubbed “Eating Animals: Eating Humanely,” which was "sparked by Fairfield Public Library's “One Book, One Town” program," organizers said in a statement.
"Area residents and members of the university are invited to attend the free program that will examine the issue of how people can eat meat and feel less guilty about it," the statement said.
The 90-minute presentation will begin at 7 p.m. March 14 in the Multimedia Room of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library.


“'Eating Animals: Eating Humanely' takes an in-depth look at the dilemma Americans face when choosing to eat animals," the statement said. Leading the discussion will be two prominent faculty members from Fairfield University, the statement said.

Dina Franceschi, associate professor of economics and Brian G. Walker, associate professor of biology will offer their perspective on the ethical and social issues that are associated with eating animals, the statement said.
Speakers will discuss the moral argument centered on Jonathan Safran Foer’s new book “Eating Animals.” A question and answer period will follow after the presentation.
"The professors say they hope to inspire a thoughtful debate on a topic that is both challenging and difficult for many people," the statement said,

For further information, please contact Elizabeth Hastings, director of community and lifetime education at 203-254-4000 ext. 2688.

Job shadowing event helped Milford students

Prudential Annuities recently brought the classroom to the office when the Shelton-based company acted as host to three students from the Milford. Three local students, Amanda Gieb, Kathryn Amenta and Mark Dillman, were paired with Prudential Annuities’ associates in various departments to experience how the skills they learn in the classroom can be applied to the real world, according to a statement.
Executives shared the importance of education and intellectual curiosity, as well as finding careers that fulfill their passions, the statement said. This was Prudential Annuities’ first year of participation in the effort.

In the photo, l to r, Amanda Geib, a student at Joseph A. Foran High School “shadows” Greg Moro, a Prudential Annuities’ customer service associate, as he assists a client.

The upcoming talk is free and open to the public

The Stratford Library continues its new season of “Sunday Afternoon Talks.”a monthly series of "informative and entertaining" events that will feature “Connecticut’s Changing Landscape and the Impact on Animals” at 2 p.m. March 13 at the library.

State Department of Environmental Protection representative Tom Guerin will be the guest speaker at the event, according to a statement.

“Sunday Afternoon Talks” events are free and open to the public.

The "Connecticut’s Changing Landscape and the Impact on Animals” will "take the audience back in time to illustrate how the Native Americans and then European colonists made use of the land and their impact on wildlife," the statement said.

"Present day land use and a discussion of current wildlife issues will then follow. Hands-on exploration of pelts, skulls and tracks will be included in the talk."

Guerin has been involved in the DEP Wildlife Division's "Master Wildlife Conservationist" program since its it began in 2002, the statement said. "The program is designed to train individuals already interested in wildlife issues to support Wildlife Division staff" and includes 40 classroom hours with DEP staff covering a range of wildlife topics and an annual time commitment by the volunteer, the statement said.

 Upcoming “Sunday Afternoon Talks” include horticulturalist Colleen Plimpton and historian Mark Albertson, the statement said. For more information call the library’s Public Relations & Programming Office at 203.385.4162 or visit its website at: http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/.

In the photo:  Tom Guerin (right) meets with children at a recent wildlife program.

Robbin Zella, Director of the Housatonic Museum of Art, has announced the gift of two prints by John Michelotti commemorating the events of Sept. 11, 2000.

The prints, “Flag of Honor” and “Flag of Heroes” are the work of Greenwich, CT artist John Michelotti. They have been given to the HMA by Sam Cotto who is a Building and Grounds Patrol Officer at Housatonic Community College.

Zella says, “We are pleased to have these images that memorialize the events of that day. It was such a major catastrophe and it is important that we have an artistic memory of what happened. We thank Mr. Cotto for giving these important pieces to the Museum.”

The originals of Flag of Honor and Flag of Heroes are in the Museum of the National 9/11 Organization. The artist is quoted as saying that he wanted the victims remembered not as numbers but as individuals.

Housatonic Community College provides an affordable and accessible education through two-year degrees, transfer preparation, and certificate programs, as well as a wide variety of continuing education and personal/professional enrichment seminars and workshops. In addition, HCC offers employee and occupational training for businesses, municipalities, government agencies, and professional associations to help develop the educated and skilled workforce required to meet regional business and industry needs. HCC is nationally recognized as an “Achieving the Dream” institution. To learn more, visit the college’s website at: www.hcc.commnet.edu.

HCC is located at 900 Lafayette Blvd. in downtown Bridgeport, less than 150 yards off I-95 (Exit 27) and Rte. 8 (Exit 1), a block from the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard. Free parking is available in the Housatonic garage.

Several Milford students earned a spot on Lauralton Hall’s second quarter honor roll.

Earning high honors were Freshmen: Natalie Ambrosey; Lindsey Attolino; Emily Castagna; Kelly Clancy; Abigail Janik; Cristina Kempf; Ariel Kovlakas; Kimberly Pritchard; Lauren Sell; Taylor Whittaker; Sophomores: Emily Bonzagni; Julia Elia; Deneca Minowa; Hannah Olsson; Rebecca Sherrick; Juniors: Megan Cogguillo; Catherine Gildea; Abbey Guerino; Meghan O’Connell; Nicole Peterson: Seniors: Abigayle Casey; Hannah Feldman; Kirsten Reed; Lindsay Warren.

Earning honors were Freshman: Victoria Aradillos; Juliette Arciuolo; Quinn Costantini; Rhiannon Crandley; Alexandra Ende; Brittany Galuppo; Anaka Mastrianni; Olivia Parise; Georgia Patrick; Ana Peruzzi; Emily Shea; Brianna Tantimonaco; Sophomores: Katherine Boynton; Carina de Lemos; Kelly DeHart; Shea Dolan; Deirdre Eason; Brianna Gray; Mary Landry; Katherine Leiper; Shannon Maloney; Bianca Robertson; Emma Soviero; Kathleen Sullivan; Natalie Young; Juniors: Lauren Bowlby; Taylor Criscuolo; Emily Janik; Catherine Knoedler; Tavia Mastrianni; Samantha Rozmus; Alexa Santiago; Jenna Saymon; Erin Siegman; Seniors: Dominique Bonessi; Dina Cashman; Stephanie D’Andrea; Joanna Dlugos; Madeline Ilioff; Mildred McGrath; Grace Patrick; Stephanie Simko; Rachael Thomas.

Founded in 1905, the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall, is the oldest college preparatory high school for girls in Connecticut. More than 400 students from throughout New Haven and Fairfield counties attend.

Find out when the Fairfield Public Library’s Small Business Strategies series discusses - you guessed it -  "The Power of Email Marketing" at 7 p.m. March 16 in the Rotary Room at the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road.

"In today’s world, marketing is about building relationships and sharing value with people online. Reach the people who matter most to your business with professional email communications that not only look great, but also provide valuable metrics for targeted marketing and communication," organizers said in a statement. "Learn the basics of email marketing, why it works so well, and how to use it in your business planning and strategy to achieve specific goals."

The presenter for the session is Corissa St. Laurent, shown, regional development director for Constant Contact in New England. She is a relationship marketing expert with more than 10 years experience creating powerful new media marketing and brand campaigns, the statement said. "She uses her public relations, business development, management, and leadership skills to help small businesses and non-profit organizations maximize the power of relationship marketing," the statement said.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for informal networking with other small business owners. The series is designed to generate a discussion with local businesses and concentrate on their specific needs, the statement said. All events are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Visit  http://www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/ or call 203-256-3160 to register.