Michael Stein of Orange, an art professor at Housatonic Community College, was on the green at Kent State University on Monday, May 4, 1970, when Ohio National Guardsmen opened fire on student protesters, killing four students and wounding nine others.

The shootings culminated a weekend of student protects over President Nixon's invasion of Cambodia. Stein, a fine arts photographer whose photos of the incident have been published worldwide, will discuss the massacre and his experiences Wednesday May. 4,  at 3 p.m. in Room 232 in Lafayette Hall.

 

The leaders of the Housatonic River Cleanup LLC today announced that boaters, fishermen and environmentalists within their group are seeking additional volunteers to join in a massive river clean up in three area communities along the Housatonic River – Stratford, Milford and Shelton.

 

The Housatonic River Clean Up will be held from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 7 (rain or shine). The event will be held in conjunction with the Town-sponsored Project Green Sweep, which is also part of the national Great American Cleanup. Volunteers are asked to meet at one of the following locations:

 

§  Birdseye Boat Ramp, Stratford

§  Sunnyside Boat Ramp, Shelton

 

Organizers of the event have arranged for refreshments throughout the day and supplies that will be needed for the cleanup (bags, gloves, etc.) Participants do not need boating experience but they are advised to dress for working outdoors. If they have a pickup truck, they are encouraged to bring it along. All participants will be entered in a drawing to win gift certificates.

 

Organizers of this event include the Housatonic River Cleanup LLC, all of the boat clubs along the River and businesses in Stratford, Shelton, and Milford.

 

To volunteer, show up at either of the above locations, and you will be given an assignment. If you have any questions, call Stratford Town Planner Dave Killeen at 385-4017.

 

The Health Matters Series that the Fairfield Public Library is sponsoring will continue on at 7 p.m.  May 18. Dr. Veronica Waks, will begin her series of eight lectures. 

The topic for the first lecture is Nutrition 101.  The lecture will be held in the Memorial Room of the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road.

This lecture explains food structure:  proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and basic food groups such as meats, fruits and vegetables.  The main focus is on food absorption and use by individual cells and its impact on our health.  It answers the question "to be or not to be vegetarian?"  This lecture is essential for understanding topics of future lectures such as cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer prevention, osteoporosis and allergies.

Waks is a licensed naturopathic physician, who graduated from the University of Bridgeport's College of Naturopathic Medicine. As a naturopathic physician, she combines a contemporary naturopathic approach to healing with the keen insights of a medical doctor. Prior to earning her doctorate in naturopathic medicine, she received her MD degree from the Vladivostok Medical University and practiced internal medicine and family medicine. Upon her arrival in the United States Dr. Waks passed her United States Medical License Exams and obtained a United States Foreign Medical Certificate. While practicing conventional medicine Dr. Waks became concerned about the negative side effects and interactive effects of many standard pharmaceutical treatments, and initiated personal study of natural and alternative treatments. Instead of pursuing a conventional medical career Dr. Waks attended naturopathic medical school and practices as a naturopath.  Dr. Waks is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Each lecture will build upon the other; however, it is not necessary to attend all lectures to receive benefit.  All programs at the Fairfield Public Library are open to the public and free of charge.  Registration is necessary.  Please register by going online to www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org  or call 203-256-3160 for more information.  Follow the activities of the Library on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fairfieldpublib and Facebook:  www.facebook.com/fairfieldlibrary.

Editor's Note: All information in this post was contributed.

The Slovak Alliance of Greater Bridgeport is seeking applicants for a scholarship from any college student entering sophomore year or later, of Slovak/Slavic descent and family member a member of Slovak Alliance for at least three years.

The Slovak Alliance of Greater Bridgeport is not affiliated with any other fraternity or society.

An application is available by contacting Eileen S. Wilson, chairwoman, 395 Pilgrim Lane, Stratford 06614 and phone 203- 378-8837 by May 11.

 BRIDGEPORT – The Housatonic Community College student Celeste Roche of Milford has won national distinction with her work being published in a national honor society magazine.

            Roche's short story Guidelines for a First Date, which tells the story of a most unconventional first get-together, was printed in the 2010 edition of Nota Bene, the literary magazine of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Roche's work, one of 17 selected for inclusion in the magazine, was chosen from a field if 617 entries.

            "We extend congratulations to Celeste Roche for her outstanding short story Guidelines for a First Date," said Phi Theta Kappa Executive Director Dr. Rod A. Risley "Celeste's work shows a high level of creativity and excellent writing."

            "We commend Celeste for her achievement and Housatonic Community College for providing her with so many opportunities to succeed," he added.

Risely, who serves as founding editor of Nota Bene, said the magazine showcases outstanding writing by community college students. "Nota Bene emphasizes the opportunities for excellence found at community colleges," he added.

"The Note Bene competition is an outstanding example of Phi Theta Kappa's success in engaging our members to promote retention and encourage college completion," he said.

Roche is the daughter of HCC English as a Second Language Professor Maria Roche.

.           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.

Editor's Note: All details in this post were provided and are presented here as they were sent.

 

And you're invited

WOODBRIDGE : The public is invited to “Musical Movie Memories,” at 2 p.m. April 30 at Coachman Square, 21 Bradley Road.


The free celebration of the music of spring and summer will be presented by Michael Kerbel, director of Yale University Film Study Center.

Refreshments will be served. RSVP by calling Coachman Square at Woodbridge at 203-397-7544.

The event also will include the annual meeting

BRIDGEPORT — The Kennedy Center’s 60th awards dinner and annual meeting is set for April 28 at the Holiday Inn, 1070 Main St.


Keynote address will be given by motivational speaker Jason Crigler and his sister, Marjorie, of New York City.

The dinner will kick off with five educational sessions from 3 to 7 p.m. The following topics will be covered:

- “Siblings of Siblings with Special Needs: Unique Concerns/Unique Benefits” presented by Sibling Leadership Network chairman John Kramer, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

- “Alzheimer’s & Down Syndrome: What to Expect & Current Updates,” presented by Gerard Kerins, Hospital of Saint Raphael, 4 to 4:45 p.m.

- “The Importance of Advocacy: You Can’t Afford to Sit Back,” presented by Walter Glomb of the Parent Empowerment Task Force, 5 to 5:30 p.m.

- “Planned Giving: Decisions That Make a Difference,” presented by Michael Lynch and Barbara Green, 5:30 to 6 p.m.

- Question and answer session with Kennedy Center vice presidents, 6 to 7 p.m.

The social hour is at 6 pm., dinner is at 7.

Tickets: $20 per person for the breakout sessions only, $50 for the breakout sessions and dinner, or $40 per person for the dinner only.

Any tickets purchased at a higher level and any donations will benefit the clients of The Kennedy Center. Reservations are needed by April 22.

For ticket information, call 203-365-8522, ext. 213 or reserve at www.thekennedycenterinc.org.

If you are about to be 100 - or are older - you are invited!

WOODBRIDGE — The Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut will hold its 25th annual Centenarians Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 4 at the Jewish Community Center, 360 Amity Road.


Everyone who is celebrating their 100th birthday this year, or has already passed this milestone, is invited. It’s free to all centenarians and an escort. There is a small fee for additional family members and friends.

To register, contact Janiss at AASCC by April 27: jfowler@aoapartnerships.com or 203-785-8533. More information about the Agency on Aging can be found at: http://www.aoapartnerships.org/

The following information was sent by the Milford Fire Department and its Capt. Chris Zak

On Friday, April 22, 2011 at 1200 hrs at the Milford Fire Department Headquarters. Please join us in sending off and wishing a safe return to Probationary Firefighter Mathew Biroscak. Firefighter Biroscak recently graduated the Connecticut Fire Academy in December and is being deployed with the Marine Corps to Afghanistan.

The Milford Fire Department will be flying and displaying service flags with a single star to represent one of our Brothers is deployed overseas. The Service flag was first displayed in the front windows of homes during World War I to signify a son or husband serving in the Armed Forces. The flag quickly became known as the "son in service flag" with each blue star indicating one family member.

We are extremely proud of Matt’s accomplishments and his dedicated service to this Department and also to our Country. We wish him the best and hope that you can join us in his send off.

Celebrate the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, K.G. with Miss Catherine Middleton, Commoner at the Fairfield Public Library from noon to 2 p.m.  April 29.

The celebration will take place in the Rotary Room of the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road.

Historian Dr. Mona Garcia will speak at noon.  

Highlights from the ceremony will be shown on the Library's 120" Hi-Definition projection system complete with surround sound and Blu-ray player.   Tea will be served at 1 p.m.  Afternoon attire:  hats and gloves are highly recommended.  There will be some prizes awarded to the best dressed attendees especially those whose hats are stand-outs.   

Garcia taught European history at the college level and is on staff as a Reference Librarian in the Fairfield Public Library system.  She has presented papers at academic conferences in the United States and Great Britain, and has publications in her field of English history, one of which has been included in the Royal Historical Society Bibliography.

A reply is requested to:  Fairfield Public Library website www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160. 

Registration is necessary.  Follow the Fairfield Public Library for more exciting programs on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fairfieldpublib and Facebook:  www.facebook.com/fairfieldlibrary.

Celebrate the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, K.G. with Miss Catherine Middleton, Commoner at the Fairfield Public Library from noon to 2 p.m.  April 29.

The celebration will take place in the Rotary Room of the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road.

Historian Dr. Mona Garcia will speak at noon.  

Highlights from the ceremony will be shown on the Library's 120" Hi-Definition projection system complete with surround sound and Blu-ray player.   Tea will be served at 1 p.m.  Afternoon attire:  hats and gloves are highly recommended.  There will be some prizes awarded to the best dressed attendees especially those whose hats are stand-outs.   

Garcia taught European history at the college level and is on staff as a Reference Librarian in the Fairfield Public Library system.  She has presented papers at academic conferences in the United States and Great Britain, and has publications in her field of English history, one of which has been included in the Royal Historical Society Bibliography.

A reply is requested to:  Fairfield Public Library website www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160. 

Registration is necessary.  Follow the Fairfield Public Library for more exciting programs on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fairfieldpublib and Facebook:  www.facebook.com/fairfieldlibrary.

Linda Gottlieb will presents her book, "No Ifs, Ands, or Butts" on Wednesday, April 27 at the Fairfield Public Library. 

This is part of the Library's Health Matters Series.  There will be two presentations in the Rotary Room of the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road.   The first will be from noon to 2 p.m. and the second session will begin at 7 p.m.

This entertaining book is filled with a variety of simple, yet powerful strategies to help you overcome excuses for not exercising.  To develop and maintain a healthy body, you need to create a fitness program that meets your needs and find a way to stick with it.  With the help of No Ifs, Ands or Butts, you will recognize an excuse or two and learn how to skip right by them.  The content is easy to follow, fun, as well as excellent fitness advice for beginners or those more accustomed to exercise. 

Linda Gottlieb has a BA in Psychology, along with a Masters in Instructional Design.  One of the first nationally certified Cancer Exercise Trainers sanctioned by the American Council of Sports Medicine and the American Cancer Society, Gottlieb is also the first certified Cooper Institute Active Living Every Day behavior change program facilitator in the state of Connecticut.  She is currently on staff at Yale University as a cancer exercise trainer on gynecological cancer clinical trials.  Her wide-ranging knowledge of how to motivate clients, help them through behavioral changes right through to sticking to their fitness commitments, makes her book a wonderful tool for getting and staying fit for life.

To register, please go online to www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160.  All programs at the Fairfield Public Library are offered to the public free of charge.  Books will be available for purchase and signing at this event.  Follow the Fairfield Public Library on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fairfieldpublib
and Facebook:  www.facebook.com/fairfieldlibrary.

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

To help send kids to camp

As the brutal winter finally is behind us and we begin to believe there truly are hot days of summer around the corner, the New Haven Register Fresh Air Fund is launching its annual appeal to send needy children from Greater New Haven to summer camp.


The Fresh Air Fund was founded in 1905 by John Day Jackson, the Register’s owner. The fund made possible trips to the countryside and nearby amusement parks. It was a respite from summer idleness and the hot city streets for the immigrant children of the workers in the city’s crowded factories.

The city air is much cleaner now. The soot from turn-of-the century factories is gone. But, the goal, providing a summer experience to those who would otherwise be denied it, remains the same. Today, the Fresh Air Fund supports sending more than 100 children to 15 camps — from Woodbridge to Hebron — where they form new friendships and are occupied with vacation activities, from tug of wars to swimming and hiking and amateur theatricals.

Each camp determines which child will receive Fresh Air Fund assistance and the dollar amount each child will receive. Camp costs vary, depending on whether it is a day or overnight camp, the level of need and the length of experience.

The time spent at camp is a memory that many former campers cherish. As the years pass, they become donors to the Fresh Air Fund so that other children can enjoy the opening up of new worlds and the fun of their own long ago camping days.

The Fresh Air Fund long has depended on individual donations and those who have volunteered their services at fundraising events: concerts, variety shows, road and bed races, lemonade stands, even the Register’s newsroom book sales. The roster of contributors is a cross section of our community: retired government workers, hospital staff, baseball leagues, those who give in memory of a parent or friend or to mark a birthday or wedding anniversary.

People’s donations are usually modest, but they add up and they are effective. Every penny is spent on sending children to camp. The Register absorbs all administrative costs.

We would like to send even more children to camp this summer. To do this, we need your help. Please send your donation to New Haven Register Fresh Air Fund (attn: Jack Kramer, editor - and Register Fresh Air Fund president), 40 Sargent Drive, New Haven 06511.

The Fairfield Public Library will hold a book signing and talk with best-selling author, Mary Jane Clark. 

She will present her newest book, "To Have and To Kill," (William Morrow--Dec. 28, 2010) on Tuesday, April 26 at 11:00 a.m. in the Rotary Room of the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road. 

A light lunch will follow her lecture and book signing. 

To Have and To Kill is the first book in The Wedding Cake Mystery series. Down-on-her-luck actress Piper Donovan, returns home to assist her mother, who is suffering from macular degeneration, in the family bakery.  As Piper undertakes wedding cake preparations for a famous daytime soap opera star, deadly things start to happen around the bride-to-be. 

"My aim is lay out all the clues in such a way that you don't even realize that you've been given the answer to the mystery until you get to the end... and then realize "Aha... it was there all the time but I just didn't see it," said Clark.

This book introduces an intriguing cast of characters and is full of mystery, intrigue and mayhem. Clark is the author of thirteen novels, including twelve in the KEY News media thriller series.   Those twelve novels include: Do You Want to Know a Secret? Do You Promise Not to Tell? Let Me Whisper in Your Ear, Close to You, Nobody Knows, Nowhere to Run, Hide Yourself Away, Dancing in the Dark, Lights Out Tonight, When Day Breaks, It Only Takes a Moment and Dying for Mercy.

Clark spent three decades at CBS News' New York City headquarters.  She began her career as a desk assistant after graduating with degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Rhode Island and worked her way through the ranks to become a producer and writer.  Her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly and other national bestseller lists.

Register for this event by going to www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160. Books will be available for purchase at the event.  All programs at the Fairfield Public Library are free of charge.

And you can participate on the Internet

From May 11- June 1 go to www.biddingforgood.com to bid for Yankee, Long Wharf,

Pilot Pen, NY Philharmonic tickets and 100s more items to benefit students at
Ezra Academy in Woodbridge.
Any questions call Jamie Sadek at 203-389-5500.

Fine is up to $460

ORANGE - The Police Department is reminding motorists of the law that requires them to stop for school buses when passengers are entering or exiting the bus.


When a school bus is displaying flashing red signal lights, state statute requires that motorists come to a complete stop at least 10 feet away when approaching from either direction, police said.

This includes multi-lane roads such as the Boston Post Road, where there is no physical barrier separating the two directions of travel. Some recent concerns have been raised to the department about whether motorist understand the law, police said.

Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm mean the bus has stopped and children are boarding or exiting the bus, police said.

“We would like to ensure that motorists traveling through town, and in the surrounding area, are educated about the law’s requirements,” Assistant Police Chief Edward Koether said. “Our goal is to help keep children safe, and to hopefully prevent an avoidable tragedy.

“Passing a school bus in violation of the law is subject to a fine of $460. With the weather starting to warm up, police want motorists to be especially attentive to children in neighborhoods, and the department will be directing its efforts towards enforcement of violations,” he said.

BRIDGEPORT - St. Vincent's Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Support Group meets on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month (upcoming dates are April 20 and May 18) from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Hawley 3A of the Cancer Center at St. Vincent's Medical Center.   For April 20, Dr. Peter J. McAllister will be speaking on the topic of spasticity. 

McAllister earned his degrees at the University of Connecticut and completed his fellowship in neuromuscular diseases at the Medical College of Virginia. 

McAllister has numerous affiliations in the state of Connecticut including St. Vincent's Medical Center, Yale University, Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, and University of New Haven.

The Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Support Group addresses the concerns and needs of stroke survivors and their caregivers. It also provides an opportunity for participants to interact with others for emotional support as well as to share strategies and techniques to improve their quality of life.

Speech, occupational, and physical therapists as well as neurologists and social workers are also available to provide information and links to services in the community. The group is sponsored by St. Vincent's Department of Social Work and the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

There is no charge for attendance at the group. Parking is free with validated ticket.

For more information, call occupational therapist Melissa Kopp at 203-576-5361 or social worker Helen Polewoj at 576-5608.

 

Editor's Note: All information in this post was provided.

STRATFORD LIBRARY PLANS MAJOR BENEFIT

Eighth Annual "Broadway Comes To Stratford" Set for April 30^th

The Stratford Library Board of Trustees will present its annual major fund-raiser for the library beginning at 6:30 pm. April 30. 

The eighth annual "Broadway Comes to Stratford" will be a gala evening of musical vignettes, lavish hors d'ouevres, fine beverages and delectable desserts, according to a statement. 

All proceeds will benefit the library's book collection.  Major sponsors for the benefit include People's United Bank, Beth and John Morgan, Aquarion Water Company, Bishop, Jackson & Kelly, CT Distributors, Inc., Donation in memory of Walter & Dorothy Gelazin, The Milford Bank, Sierra Nevada, Stratford Development Company, Sutter Home with Ahlberg, Florek & O'Neill, Berchem, Moses & Devlin and the Pistey Funeral Home.  The library is currently seeking more corporate sponsorship and program book advertisers, the statement said.

The evening will feature top-notch entertainment including jazz vocalist Christiana Drapkin and her band.  Drapkin, accompanied by Charles Sibirsky on piano, Stephanie Greif (bass) and Robert Weiss (drums), will perform a variety of Broadway standards that had their roots in jazz.  Works by George Gershwin and Cole Porter will be included, the statement said.  In a separate venue, singer Schuyler Beeman will perform a medley of Broadway selections, new and old.  Beeman was most recently featured in the musical, "The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" in Westchester and has a host of local and regional theatre credits.  His accompanist will be John Sebastian DeNicola.  Stratford pianist David Childs will also perform in the main lobby during intermission breaks, the statement said.

The Stratford Library will be transformed for the benefit to accommodate two special performance areas and 200 guests.  A cocktail buffet of delicious edibles and fine desserts with an open bar will be catered by Events of Distinction.   The Event Decorators of Bridgeport will provide a variety of magical balloon creations for the benefit.  Vacation prizes and entertainment packages will be included in a special silent auction, the statement said.

Event co-chairpersons are Robyn Proto and Doreen Jaekle of Stratford with committee members Barbara Blosveren, Sheri Szymanski, Judith Crudo, Shelley Hall, Maria Ferrera, Karla Glad, Paula Nizzardo, Heather Silverman, Jim Duffy, Kristine Feeney, Tory Florek and Tom Holehan.  The honorary chairman for BCTS is Mayor John A. Harkins.  

Tickets for the event are available in three separate categories: Supporting Cast ($75), Orchestra ($100) and Producer ($150).  Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Seating is limited and reservations are required by calling the library at 203.385.4166.  Attire is semi-formal. 

In the photos:  Singers Christiana Drapkin and Schuyler Beeman will perform at the Stratford Library's annual "Broadway Comes to Stratford" benefit on April 30th.

Steve Munno, farm manager at Massaro Farm in Woodbridge, recently travelled to the nation's capitol to meet with Congressional leaders to show his support for small farm and sustainable agriculture federal programs, according to a statement.

Munno was joined by more than 30 farmers, ranchers and conservationists from around the country, an effort spearheaded by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.  

 Massaro Farm was recently awarded funding through Environmental Quality Incentives Program.  This award shares the cost of fencing to keep deer out, a high tunnel to extend the growing season, planting native species to prevent erosion, provide wind breaks and attract beneficial insects essential for pollination, the statement said. 

 "We are lucky to have received this grant before funding for the program disappears. With the current proposed cuts, there might not be any funds available next year," Munno said in the statement.

 "Recent proposed budget cuts have focused on programs that protect the environment, increase economic opportunity, serve beginning and minority farmers, and ensure proper nutrition for low-income families," the statement said. "In addition to EQIP, the programs facing cuts or complete elimination include: the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA), Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG), and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)."

Munno met with U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, and her staff, as well as members of U.S. rpe. Joe Courtney's staff and Senator Ricahrd Blumenthal's team.  "The message Munno brought was clear: The federal programs for small farms and sustainable agriculture have had a tremendously positive impact on Massaro Farm, farms" in Connecticut, and farms across the country. 

Munno said, also in the statement, "The support we've had through these programs has allowed us to make improvements to our farm that otherwise would not have been possible.  With these improvements, we're able to provide more food to our community and operate more sustainably."

"We're extremely fortunate in Connecticut to have representatives in Congress who understand the importance of agriculture to communities throughout the state.  I feel confident that Representatives DeLauro and Courtney, along with Senator Blumenthal, will work hard to protect farms and programs like EQIP that can be so beneficial" Munno said.  "I was not able to meet with anyone from Lieberman's staff, however I intend to have some dialogue with them about these serious issues in the near future."

 "Massaro Community Farm is non profit farm on a 57 acres parcel of land in Woodbridge, Connecticut. Our mission is to preserve the farm for growing food, to feed those in need, and to educate our community about sustainable agriculture, enhancing the quality of life for generations, the statement said.

Visit www.massarofarm.org

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

Donald Margulies, a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, will be the second speaker in the new Perspectives Series at 7:30 p.m. April 28 at the Jewish Community Center, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge.

His presentation is entitled "On Playwriting: An Evening with Donald Margulies."

The evening will revolve around a conversation between Margulies and Gordon Edelstein, the artistic director of Long Wharf Theatre.

They will discuss the playwright's work and life in the theater, and the dynamics of staging plays.  Students from the Yale Drama School will enact a scene from "Sight Unseen," Margulies' 2004 Broadway play, and perhaps another play.

Time has been scheduled for questions from the audience. This will Margulies' first speaking engagement at the JCC in a decade.

"My plays all seem to grapple with moral questions," said Margulies, "whether it's the ethics of photojournalism on the battlefield in 'Time Stands Still' or of fidelity on the homefront in 'Dinner with Friends.' Some of my plays (like Brooklyn Boy and The Loman Family Picnic) have dealt directly with my secular Jewish upbringing in 1960s Brooklyn, while it is arguable that a Jewish worldview permeates everything I have written."
A professor of English literature at Yale University, Margulies received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2000 for his play, Dinner With Friends. His other plays include Two Days; God of Vengeance, adapted from the classic Yiddish drama by Sholem Asch; The Model Apartment (Obie Award); Found a Peanut; Luna Park; and What's Wrong with This Picture? produced on Broadway in 1994. Time Stands Still, directed by Daniel Sullivan and starring Laura Linney, completed its premiere engagement on Broadway in January 2011.

Edelstein is in his eighth season as Long Wharf Theatre's artistic director. Edelstein has directed more than 100 plays, musicals and operas across the U.S. and Europe. 

 With the JCC on the cusp of its 100^th year, the Adult Programming Committee launched Perspectives to celebrate its long tradition of presenting thought-provoking topics by award-winning speakers.

 According to Marc Wortman, a member of the committee that developed the Perspectives Series concept, "The JCC is a great place for family fitness, educational and early childhood programs and recreation. This new series will help expand offerings for adults.  Our members and guests will hear from some of the brightest and most thoughtful people anywhere on issues of importance to our community and the larger world."

 Upcoming speakers in the Perspectives Series will be announced in the fall.  Please check www.jccnh.org.

Admission is $10 for members; $12 for non-members.  Register on-line at the web address above or call Cathy Lombardi, 203-387-2522, x225.  

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

Here is what you need to know

Winter has finally left us and now it's April. Is the gear ready? Have your license? Made the plans to meet up with family and friends? Opening day of trout fishing season is Saturday, April 16^th and the Department of Environmental Protection has the state's rivers, streams, lakes and ponds stocked and ready.

Since early March, nearly 387,000 trout have been released into over 100 lakes and ponds and 200 rivers and streams throughout Connecticut and are now awaiting the state's many anglers. DEP's spring trout stocking effort will continue through the end of May and when completed, DEP expects to have stocked over 650,000 catchable size trout.

"Opening Day is an exciting time for Connecticut's many trout anglers, and they can look forward to exceptional fishing this season," said Dan Esty, DEP Commissioner. "The fish are in excellent condition, nearly all of our trout waters are stocked and anglers can enjoy a wide range of fishing options. Additionally, Opening Day is a special time for many families, the traditional first time to get outdoors together after the winter."

Among the best places for families to fish on Opening Day are the designated Trout Parks. "Trout Parks are easily accessible, have picnic areas and other amenities nearby, and are stocked frequently so that there are plenty of trout for children, families, and novice anglers to catch," said Bill Hyatt, Chief of the Bureau of Natural Resources. "And as an added feature, families will be able to help stock trout at eight of the Trout Parks on Opening Day. We have found that these stockings are a real highlight for many families."

All eleven of the Trout Parks have already been stocked by the DEP. The areas that are scheduled to be stocked again on Opening Day are Black Rock Pond (Watertown), Chatfield Hollow State Park (Killingworth), Southford Falls State Park (Oxford), Stratton Brook State Park (Simsbury), Wharton Brook State Park (Wallingford), Mohegan Park Pond (Norwich), Valley Falls Park Pond (Vernon) and Great Hollow Pond/Wolfe Park (Monroe). All the remaining Trout Parks will be re-stocked shortly after Opening Day.

DEP will again have Keney Park Pond (Hartford), Lake Wintergreen (Hamden), Bunnells Pond (Bridgeport), Mohegan Park Pond (also managed as a Trout Park) and Upper Fulton Park Pond (Waterbury) stocked with trout for Opening Day. These waters are being managed as "Community Fishing Areas". This pilot program was begun in 2006 as part of the "No Child Left Inside" initiative, and is intended to enhance fishing opportunities in Connecticut's major population centers.

Trout Parks do have special regulations, a two trout per day creel limit. As many other specially managed areas including Trout Management Areas, Trophy Trout Streams, Sea-Run Trout Streams and Wild Trout Management Areas also have special regulations, anglers are advised to consult the new 2011 Connecticut Angler's Guide for the current fishing regulations that apply to the waters they plan to fish. The 2011 Angler's Guide is now available at Town Clerks Offices, many DEP offices and at tackle stores selling fishing licenses. Anglers can purchase their fishing licenses online or at particpating town halls, DEP field offices and fishing tackle vendors. Both the Angler's Guide and the online licensing system can be accessed on the DEP website at: www.ct.gov/dep/fishing.

Trout anglers will soon have a new convenience available to them on the DEP website, maps of a number of the state's trout streams and rivers showing the many stocking and access points. DEP expects to have these maps available online by the end of April.

DEP also reminds anglers that the invasive freshwater alga Didymosphenia geminata, known as "didymo" or "rock snot", was recently found in the West Branch Farmington River. Additionally, zebra mussels have expanded their distribution in Connecticut. Anglers are asked to take proper cleaning precautions to avoid spreading these and other invasive plants and animals to new waters. Anglers will find information specific to didymo on signs posted along the West Branch Farmington and Farmington Rivers, and information specific to zebra mussels will be posted at waters known to have zebra mussels and at other areas with suitable zebra mussel habitat. Invasive species information can be found in the 2011 Angler's Guide and on the DEP website (www.ct.gov/dep/invasivespecies).

 Editor's note: All information in this post was released by the Conn. DEP in a statement.

Bill McKibben, a leading environmental author, will be the featured speaker at an environmental educational event sponsored by the state conference of the United Church of Christ.

The latest of McKibben’s 13 books, “eaarth: Making Life on a Tough New Planet,” is a strong warning that action is needed to prevent environmental crisis.

“Fossil fuel is wrecking the one earth we’ve got. It’s not going to go away because we ask politely. If we want a world that works, we’re going to have to raise our voices,” McKibben writes in “eaarth.”

McKibben is co-founder of Step It Up and 350.org, an international campaign dedicated to climate solutions. It is named after the goal of reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million, considered the highest safe level. It is now 390 ppm.

The event, to be held May 6-7 at the Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon, will include 20 workshops on education, worship, conservation, stewardship, justice and advocacy.

Individual parishes will be featured, including one that created New Eden, including community gardens and an outdoor chapel. Congregations also can learn ways to conserve energy and become better environmental stewards of their buildings.

The event is open to all. Fees vary, on-line registration and more information are available at http://ctucc.org/greengod

Milford-Orange Judge Elected First Vice President-Judge of Connecticut Probate Assembly


Milford-Orange Probate Judge Beverly K. Streit-Kefalas was re-elected First Vice President-Judge of the Connecticut Probate Assembly at the assembly’s annual meeting. Judge Streit-Kefalas is past Executive Secretary, and past recording secretary of the assembly.

Judge Beverly was elected as Milford’s Judge of Probate in November 1998 and has been re-elected consecutively each term thereafter. She was elected this past November as Judge for the newly consolidated Milford-Orange Probate Court. She is current Chair of the Probate Assembly Weighted Workload Regulations Committee, Past Chair of Probate Assembly Planning Committee, and Member of its Executive and Legislative Committees. She is an originating judge of the New Haven Regional Children’s Probate, and was appointed as Temporary Administrative Judge to oversee and commence operations of the Meriden Wallingford and the New London Regional Children’s Probate Courts to begin implementing the New Haven Model on a state-wide basis.

In addition to her judicial duties, Judge Beverly serves locally on a number of boards and organizations. She is Chairperson of the Board of Communicare, Inc., a regional behavioral healthcare partnership; Vice Chair of Public Policy and Member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors Bridges...A Community Support System, Inc.; and board member of the United Way of Milford, and member of its Community Investment Committee.

Judge Beverly is also a member of the Board of Corporators of The Milford Bank; Board Member and past Vice President and past Secretary of Milford Kids Count; a Devon Rotarian; and a member of the Mathewson Elementary School PTA and St. Gabriel Home School Association.

Judge Beverly is a graduate of Milford Public Schools, and holds an A.B. in Economics from Smith College, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Law.

Story is about the adventures of a baby bird

WESTPORT – Local children's author Terrie Mingolello will sign copies of her new book, "Peep's Day Out," from noon to 1:30 p.m. April 16 at Fairfield County Bank 215 Post Road West.

In the story, even though Peep is just a baby bird, he's curious to see what the world below his nest has to show him. He tries to figure out a way to get down from his nest so he can smell, touch, and see everything he's always wondered about from his home in the trees.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book releases nationwide next week, and will be available through bookstores, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

This is also an eLIVE title, meaning each book contains a code redeemable for a free audio book version from TatePublishing.com. eLIVE – Listen, Imagine, View, and Experience!

Mingolello lives in Stratford. For more information, contact Chris Coffey, Marketing Representative, at (888) 361-9473 or email to ccoffey@tatepublishing.com.

Editor's note: Inofrmation in this post is from a press release. 

Amity Animal Rescue Fund, Inc. - AARF -  was recently awarded the American Red Cross Animal Hero Award, according to a statement.

AARF received the award for its efforts to support animal welfare on different levels from holding rabies clinics, the Spay/Neuter NOW program, assistance with feral cat colonies and work with private citizens in need of assistance, the statement said.

AARF also is holding a series of library discussions in May at the Woodbridge Library.

 

Pictured with the award are AARF members Beth Heller of Woodbridge; second from left; Bridget Albert of Orange; Margie Schenk, also of Orange; and Pat Rubin of Bethany. Flanking AARF are award presenters Woodbridge First Selectman Ed Sheehy, far left, and O. F. Mossberg & Sons, director of Media Relations Linda Powell.
WTNH News 8 anchor Kristen Cusato was the events emcee.

The Friends of the Woodbridge Library are pleased to welcome Craig Hotchkiss for his timely presentation about Mark Twain's classic, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," and its place in the larger history of race relations in America.

He will discuss the historical context of the book, Twain's intent, and how the book's message became a catalyst for social change at that time. Regarding the recent controversial revisions to the book, Hotchkiss writes: "Once again the trendy 'feel good' sentiments of modern political correctness have foisted on the public another redaction of great American Literature that purges from the original version the ugly truth revealed in the vicious language of racism that Mark Twain sought to expose during the Jim Crow era of the late nineteenth century."

"Hotchkiss has been the education program manager at the Mark Twain House and Museum for four years, prior to which he taught high school history for 32 years." He holds three advanced degrees, in educational psychology, world history, and American Studies.

The meeting will take place in the Woodbridge Library Meeting Room. It  is free and open to the public - all are welcome to join us! For more information, please call 203.389.3433.

The Friends' support of the library covers activities for all ages, from pre-school story times to Cancer Project cooking classes to statewide museum passes.  Annual contributions from the Friends provide for books, audio books, programs, and equipment that would otherwise not be funded.  Their used bookstore is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and they offer a fall Purves Memorial Lecture, as well as their April Annual Meeting.  Membership in the Friends of the Woodbridge Library is open to all interested people, organizations, and businesses.

Editor's Note: All information in this post was contributed.

There will be a meeting of the Sierra Club New Haven Group of the Connecticut Chapter beginning at 7:30 p.m. April 20 at the First Congregational Church on the green in Branford.

The meeting is open to the public.

Greg Zupkus, CEO of BNE Energy Inc. will discuss wind energy projects in Colebrook and Prospect, Connecticut. He will talk about the projects as well as the benefits of wind energy as a green energy source for the state, organizers said. 

 

For more information, contact Jennifer at (203) 533-5902.

Today was a busy day in Milford. This morning a West Haven man who is accused of raping and killing a 7-year-old girl he was babysitting was in court this morning, and waived his right to a jury trial. He has elected to have three judges hear his case. The trial begins Oct. 4. His attorneys said they elected for the judges because there is so much "emotion involved in this case."

Also in court a West Haven man who allegedly killed a New Haven man in Milford in 2009 was in court and is close to accepting a plea deal his attorney said.

And tonight at 7 p.m. at City Hall residents will get to speak out on next year's budget request, which cuts 24 city positions and up to 40 school positions.

For more information on all of these stories please check http://www.nhregister.com/ tonight and on Friday. And please follow me on Twitter @nhrbmccready.

Thanks

FAIRFIELD - An anti-bullying video made by a 13-year-old Westport girl has a lot of people talking about the tormenting problem of bullying. Recognizing the issue associated with peer bullying, students from Fairfield University's Psychology Club will host a bullying prevention rally on 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 10 at the Barone Campus Center. The program is free and open to the public.

Research shows nearly one out of four students in fourth through the sixth grade is bullied multiple times in his or her life, and the problem is not just confined to elementary schools, it is becoming an issue on college campuses, especially after the death of a Rutgers University student last fall.

Joe Calvaruso, a senior from Westchester N.Y. said an effort to raise awareness on the severity of bullying through Fairfield's prevention rally is just one way to bring the problem to light. "We want to educate people on what bullying is and how to deal with it in everyday life," said Calvaruso.

The rally will feature guest speakers and students from Fairfield University, Yale University, Sacred Heart University, and Southern Connecticut State University. Calvaruso said the Psychology Club also sent out invitations to Fairfield County elementary schools and high schools to attend the weekend rally. "It should be a pretty big event, and one of the highlights of the day will be a student giving a personal account of what it's like to be bullied," he said. According to event organizers there will also be live entertainment as well as arts and crafts. 

Calvaruso, a psychology major, explained that by coordinating the event, he hopes to grab the attention of as many people as possible. "We decided we should try to raise awareness of the nation-wide bullying problem, and we hope to address the issue during the rally," said Calvaruso.

For more information contact Mark Gregorio, director of media relations at 203-254-4000 ext. 2647 or e-mail at mgregorio1@fairfield.edu

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

At 3 p.m. new Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Feser will hold a press conference with the local media to give an update on what her first couple of days have been like.

Feser started with the district on Monday, after nine years as the schools' chief in Windsor.

On Monday the school system's spokeswoman Kathryn Bonetti sent an email to the local media stating "Feser spent a large portion of the day visiting schools with Assistant Superintendent of Schools Mike Cummings(she stopped at 9 today). She also toured the central offices at Parsons to meet the staff and get her bearings. She is delighted to be in Milford and is enthusiastically looking forward to the days ahead."

On Tuesday, Bonetti said Feser was expected to visit the balance of the schools (5 left) tomorrow and become a little more familiar with her new surroundings.

Check www.nhregister.com later Wednesday and Thursday for the latest on this story.

The Milford Police Department will be hosting a graduation ceremony for the fourth session of the Citizens Police Academy on Wednesday evening, April 20, 2011 at the Milford Public Library Community Room, 57 New Haven Avenue, commencing at 7:00 pm. The Milford Police Department began accepting applications for this session in December of 2010. After reviewing several applications, 25 participants were chosen to attend the fourth session that began on January 19, 2011. The class is made up of Milford residents and business owners ranging in ages from 21 to members of the senior community. The participants have gone through 12 weeks of sessions involving both classroom and hands on training, exposing them to a variety of law enforcement activities such as demonstrations of K-9 teams, SCUBA and SRT teams, as well as technology used by the department. Learning how to lift fingerprints, drive in an emergency vehicle-driving simulator, role play in a simulated “shoot don’t shoot” situation and firing a police issued firearm in the gun range were just a few more of the interesting topic areas the participants had exposure to. The opening of the graduation will be addressing “common police myths” followed by the presentation of certificates to the academy participants. In attendance at the ceremony we are expecting the graduates and their families, police commissioners, and elected city officials. Also, graduates from previous Milford Police Citizen Academy sessions are more than welcome to attend. There will be photo and interview opportunities at the completion of the ceremony. Any further inquiries regarding the ceremony please contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (203) 874-2366.

United Way and Jonathan Law Post Prom INTERNATIONAL WINE TASTING & HORS D ‘OEUVRES

Sponsored by Grand Vin Fine Wine and Spirits!

Wednesday, April 6
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Bridge House Restaurant
49 Bridgeport Ave.
Milford

$30 per Person
~
To benefit
The Junior Post Prom Event
~
Ticket Price: $30.00

Includes Wine, Hot and Cold Appetizers, Carving Station, Pasta and Salad

Silent Auction

To purchase tickets, contact
Michelle Craig michellecraig12@yahoo.com or call 203-877-4332
Toni Petrucci tpetrucci@optonline.net or call 203-570-3156

Milford Progress, Inc. is seeking nominations for the coveted “White Glove Award” to be presented at the Mayor’s State of The City Address to be delivered on Friday, May 20 at Aldario’s Restaurant at Noon.

“The White Glove Award is presented to a business expending extraordinary effort to beautify their building and surrounding grounds.” Milford Chamber of Commerce Trust Scholarships will also be presented at this event.

Kindly e-mail kalagno@milfordct.com or mail nominations to the Milford Chamber of Commerce. All nomination must be received by Monday,
April 18th

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

The Board of Aldermen voted unanimiously Monday night to approve bonding $1.1 million to acquire a 13.5-acre parcel at 462 Oronoque Road. The land is surrounded by a 50-acre oganic farm.

The owner's sought to construct a junkyard there, and also owed the city $450,000 in back taxes, which will be repaid to the city at the closing.

More than a dozen residents spoke in support of the purchase. No one spoke in opposition.

The city has no immediate plans for the land, but it is likely to be developed in the future. For more on this story keep checking www.nhregister.com, and to get Milford news as it breaks follow Brian McCready on Twitter @nhrbmccready.