"Sunday Afternoon Talks" Series Offers World War I talk on Feb. 12

 The Stratford Library will continue with "Sunday Afternoon Talks", its monthly series of informative and entertaining talks featuring prominent local guest speakers, 2 p.m. Feb. 12 with author/Professor Mark Albertson. 

"The popular program invites notable locals to speak in an informal atmosphere on a wide range of topics," the statement said.

Albertson will discuss "The Causes of World War I".  

"Sunday Afternoon Talks" is free and open to the public, the statement said.

"Albertson has been a member of the United States Naval Institute for more than 25 years.  He is an historical research editor at Army Aviation magazine.  He has published articles on issues of history and current events in newspapers and magazines," the statement said 

(refer to his web site, MARKWRITER.COM; proceed to the ARTICLE ARCHIVES for published clips). 

"Albertson has authored three books:  "USS Connecticut:  Constitution State Battleship; They'll Have to Follow You!",  "The Triumph of the Great White Fleet "and "On History:  A Treatise."

  In 2005, Albertson was presented with a General Assembly Citation by both houses of the state legislature in Hartford for his efforts in commemorating the centennial of battleship Connecticut, the statement said.  He teaches World War II history at Norwalk Community College for the Lifetime Learners Institute. 

The series will continue on March 11, with speaker Gerry Gillespie.  For more information call the library's Public Relations & Programming Office at 203.385.4162 or visit its website at: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Also, a book signing event for  Albertson will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at LaLuna's Restaurant, 168 Main St., Branford. He will be available to sign copies of his history book, "U.S.S. Connecticut."

Photo:  Mark Albertson is the special guest speaker at the Stratford Library, courtesy Stratford Library.

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

Several Milford organizations are bringing a series of environmental films to the Milford Library on Saturdays in February and March. The series is being co-sponsored by the Friends of Milford Library, Milford’s Environmental Concerns Coalition, the Benson-Crump Community Gardens Program, and the Milford Garden Club.

On February 11 at 2 PM, Carbon Nation will be shown. This film highlights the small changes that each individual can make to help the environment. It has been called a “climate change solutions movie that doesn’t even care if you believe in climate change.” Environmental Concern Coalition’s Mike Ludwig will be on hand to lead a discussion following the film. Mr. Ludwig, formerly with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA / NMFS) Northeast Aquaculture Center Laboratory at Milford, Connecticut is now Senior Biologist with the oceans &Coastal consultants, located in Trumbull, CT.

On Feb. 25 at 2 PM, local beekeeper and member of the Connecticut Beekeeper’s Association Ralph Harrison will lead a discussion following a screening of the film “The Vanishing of the Bees”. Mr. Harrison has promised to bring up-to-minute news on the scientific thinking about Colony Collapse Disorder, a disease that is threatening the existence of the honeybee worldwide.

On March 3 at 11 AM, Milford Library Children’s Dept. will screen Dr. Seuss’ famous environmental work The Lorax, along with Toxic Toys, a short documentary about the hazardous material that can be found in some toys made overseas. There will be an arts & crafts program for the youngsters. A discussion will follow, lead by Susan Eastwood, Outreach and Communications Director for Clean Water Action, and Joyce Acebo, chairwoman of diesel clean-up for the Environmental Concerns Coalition.

Finally, on March 24 at 10:30 AM, Dirt, a film about the role our earth’s soil plays in our survival as a planet will be screened. Following the film, a short discussion will be lead by Terry Halwes, a scientist who, having 'retired', is free to devote his time to studying how we can create a society that works with nature (including human nature) rather than struggling, in vain, against it. He supports, and is supported by, the Greater New Haven Transition Initiative, the New Haven/Quinnipiac Bioregional Group, the New Haven Shambhala Meditation Center, The Grove (New Haven), and two co-housing communities: Green Haven and the ARC (the Atwater Resources Cooperative).

These events are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. For more information, please call 203-783-3307.

Information submitted by Mayor Blake as a press release

MILF0RD--On nights, weekends and other non-traditional office times, Mayor Blake often returns to City Hall to focus on work when the building is unoccupied and not in active use. “It seemed no matter what time I came back to the office, the building was always fully heated,” Blake said. “I know in my house we turn the thermostat down in the evening or when no one will be home in order to save on heating costs. I expect at least the same in our city buildings.”

In addressing this concern, Blake discovered that not only City Hall, but all City buildings were being heated to an average of 72 degrees, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “I looked at improving this less-than-efficient system as an opportunity to drive waste out of City Government,” Blake said. He cited the Parson’s Government Center as an example of fuel inefficiency, “the Parson’s Building burns thirty-five gallons of fuel an hour.”

Blake met with the City Building Superintendent and set down a directive: have all city buildings on programmable thermostats or energy conservation mechanisms within two weeks. This includes the Parson’s Government Center, City Hall, the Fowler Memorial Building, West Shore Recreation Center, Margaret Egan Center, the Board of Health Building, Fannie Beach, Stern Hall, the Library and the Senior Center.

The efforts have already made considerable progress. “We’ve already purchased fifteen programmable thermostats through our energy management account and have begun installing them,” Blake said.

“I appreciate the teamwork we have seen with Public Works partnering on the effort and helping to drive us toward success.” While definite cost savings numbers are not yet available, it is expected that Blake’s program will save the City tens of thousands of dollars in heating and cooling costs over the

The meeting is free and open to the public.
SHELTON - The next monthly meeting of the low vision support group,  Learn to See the World, will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 15 Crosby Commons at Wesley Village, 580 Long Hill Ave.
The event will be held in the second floor Nautical Lounge.  Light refreshments will be served.
Speaker will be Mark Leventhal, president of the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Regional Group for Blind Veterans. He will discuss coping skills for those with low vision.

Individuals with low vision or are legally blind are encouraged to attend for fellowship and support.Contact the group facilitator, Mary Ann Milano, Activities Director at Crosby Commons, 203-225-5018 or at mamilano@umh.org.

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

Information submitted by the MBA
MILFORD--The Downtown Milford Business Association hosted its second annual Wine Trail and as usual it was a tremendous success. It was a fun evening as people gathered at the various downtown shops and businesses to sample flights of wine provided by Milford Wine and Spirits and fabulous food from local restaurants. In addition to sampling wine and food at the 13 shops and businesses, everyone received a commerative downtown wine glass and enjoyed special promotions. It was a perfect evening filled with laughter, great conversation, and meeting old friends all while shopping and dining throughout downtown. What could be better than that? But wait there is more.
This event raised money for two very worthy causes too. The DMBA’s 2012 President, Paul Mangels, presented a check in the amount of $4425.00 to Joe Pelaccia, President and CEO of Milford Hospital. The same amount was also donated to the Tommy Fund For Childhood Cancer. The DMBA committee is very grateful for the help we received from Dick Popilowski who spearheads Milford Hospital’s fundraising activities.
The Downtown is committed to supporting local charities while at the same time encouraging people to get to know our beautiful, historic downtown. So come downtown to Shop, Play and Dine and support our local businesses and charities.
For more information please contact Louise M. Hebert at louisemariehebert@gmail.com

State Senator Gayle Slossberg, State Representatives Paul Davis, Kim Rose and Richard Roy and Mayor Benjamin G. Blake announce that they will be holding joint, formal office hours on Thursday, February 2, 2012, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium for all interested Milford residents. While the Mayor and State Delegation always maintain an open door policy, this gives all citizens the opportunity to meet and discuss City and State issues and initiatives in a combined forum.

For further information, contact Benjamin G. Blake, Mayor 203 783-3201.

Joan Mancini, who teaches kindergarten at Orange Avenue School, will represent the State of Connecticut at the National VFW competition in March. She will be honored at the State VFW Convention at the Rocky Hill Marriott in June.
"The news not only represents a well deserved honor for State Teacher of the Year Jon Mancini, but once again shows the commitment of the Milford school system to instilling the values of citizenship, and promoting America’s history, traditions, and institutions. We are very proud of Milford's teachers and students" -- Greg Smith, VFW District Commander for New Haven County.

"I am very proud that Joan Mancini has been named State VFW Grade K-5 Teacher of the Year. This is the second year in a row a teacher nominated by Devon Post 7788 has achieved the distinction of being named a VFW State Teacher of the Year. Last year Tom Acri from West Shore Middle School won that award in the Grades 6-8 category. Ms. Mancini instills in her students a love of country at a very early age and teaches her kindergartners patriotic songs, introduces veterans and servicemen to her class, and instructs the children about important holidays such as Flag Day and Veterans Day. She is a very dedicated teacher and patriot. We are so lucky to have teachers of her caliber in Milford." -- Post Commander Robert Paddock

"Ms. Mancini is so deserving of this award. She has taught in the Milford School System for over 35 years, and I am so happy her dedication to her students and her country is being recognized and celebrated. She was nominated by Carole Swift, the principal of Orange Avenue Elementary School, who explained how Ms. Mancini teaches her young students about our servicemen, our veterans, important figures in American history and important holidays, and how she weaves them into her classes by teaching patriotic songs and acting out plays. We are so proud of Ms. Mancini and wish her much success as she now competes against other teachers around the country for the title of National Teacher of the Year."-- Post Ladies Auxiliary President Nancy Paddock

And it's free.

The Stratford Library’s “Friday Night Movies” series will continue with a screening of the 2011 Oscar nominated comedy, “Midnight in Paris"  at 7 p.m. Feb. 10.   

The film showing is free and open to the public, according to a statement.

"'Midnight in Paris' is director Woody Allen’s valentine to the European city and the great literary figures of the past.  The comic fantasy finds a newly engaged Hollywood writer (Luke Wilson) in Paris with his fiancee (Rachel McAdams)," the statement said. "One late night he walks the Paris streets alone and suddenly is thrust back into time meeting such literary giants as Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein and F. Scott Fitzgerald."

The film was recently nominated for four Academy Awards including “Best Director” and “Best Picture.”.

Movies in the series are shown uncut on widescreen in the Stratford Library Lovell Room, the statement said.

“Midnight in Paris” is rated PG-13 and runs 94 minutes.  Complimentary snacks are served.

For more information, call the library at 203-385- 4162 or visit www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. (Nicely done. Tom)

MILFORD--In celebration of Black History Month, Lauralton Hall is pleased to announce that Darryl Mace, Ph.D., will be a visiting lecturer as part of the school’s innovative and highly successful Scholar-in-Residence program.

On Thursday, February 9, and Friday, February 10, Dr. Mace, Assistant Professor of History and Political Science at Cabrini College, will provide college-level lectures to 11th and 12th grade history students. Dr. Mace will take the students on a journey through a watershed moment in the US Civil Rights Movement: the brutal murder of 14-year-old African American Emmett Till by white supremacists in 1955. He will examine how Till’s mother’s courageous decision to expose the savagery of his death during the boy’s funeral shocked the nation into action.

Dr. Mace believes in the importance of humanizing history and the Till tragedy is a powerful point of connection for young people who may no longer be aware of the extent of racial oppression in the last century. He says: “I love stories. Telling students stories helps them develop a love for history. If students can see the historical actors or even place themselves inside the narrative, they are more open, more anxious, and more able to learn.”

Dr. Mace did his undergraduate work at Pennsylvania State University and earned his doctorate at Temple University. He has presented at numerous conferences, including the American Historical Association Annual Meeting and the Annual James A. Barnes Conference. He also is a bibliographer for the Pennsylvania Historical Association
Members of Lauralton’s diversity-oriented student club, LH CARES (Lauralton Hall Community Always Respects Everyone), have prepared a thoughtful response to Dr. Mace’s visit in the form of a short video on diversity both at Lauralton and in the local community.

“We are very excited to have Dr. Mace as part of our Scholar-in-Residence program,” says Lauralton President Antoinette Iadarola, Ph.D. “Inviting distinguished scholars and artists to lecture, teach master classes and perform, adds depth to the curriculum. The Residency program aims to enrich the academic experience for Lauralton students as well as benefit the community at large.”

Dr. Mace’s engagement at Lauralton is made possible thanks in part to the generosity of a community grant from the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation.

About Lauralton Hall

State Representatives Richard Roy (D-Milford) and Kim Rose (D-Milford) received the 2012 Citizenship Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7788 during a ceremony in Milford. The award is given for outstanding patriotism and citizenship; promoting the principles of Justice, Freedom and Democracy; and dedication to the American Spirit on which our nation was founded.
“This award honors me greatly,” said Rep. Roy. “A society is often judged on how they treat their veterans. Having been involved with the VFW Local 7788 has meant a great deal to me.”
“I have been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Devon Post 7788 for over eight years and currently serve as Jr. VP,” Rose said. “It is one of the most rewarding experiences anyone can enjoy. It is a great honor to be recognized and I thank the VFW for thinking of me.”
“The VFW recognizes individuals in the community those who go above and beyond their position or responsibility for the citizens of that community,” said Robert Paddock, Director of Local 7788.  “At Post 7788 we recognized these individuals who have met and continue to meet these standards for the citizens of Milford
For more information: vfw7788.org
Rep. Roy is in his 10th term serving the 119th House District in Milford.
Rep. Rose is in her 2nd term serving the 118th House District in Milford.

And there's magic in the air...

The Stratford Library will celebrate 'Take Your Child to the Library Day' on Feb. 4.

"The day encourages families to visit their local library and discover its many resources," according to a statement.   

Special events have been planned throughout the day, the statement said.  

Magician Ed Popielarczyk will present his 'Magical Moments' show at 2 p.m. for children ages 3 to 12.  

At 3:30 p.m. .children ages 8 to 12 can participate in a workshop and learn magic tricks, the statement said.  

Also, sign up to participate in the Library's 'Reading Challenge.'  

Parents or caregivers are invited to stop by the Library to read with their children for 15 minutes and receive a snack and a goodie bag.  

To register for events, call 203.385.4165 or visit:  www.stratfordlibrary.org.

In the photo: Magician Ed Popielarczyk (center) will be the special guest performer for "Take Your Child to the Library Day."

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is largely unedited here.

The Fairfield Public Library will participate with the Fairfield Museum and History Center’s six-month exhibition entitled Bravo!  A Century of Theatre in Fairfield County. 

The Library will screen the film "Our Town," a PBS production, featuring actor/director Paul Newman in the Westport Country Playhouse production of Thornton Wilder’s classic play at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 1 in the Rotary Room of the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road, according to a statement.

 The movie will be shown on a 120” Hi-Definition projection system complete with surround sound and Blu-ray player, the statement said. 

All programs at the Fairfield Public Library are open to the public and free of charge, the statement said.  Registration is necessary.  Register at 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.

But there is still time to sign up for the March course
MILFORD — United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 24-3  “About Boating Safety” course scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled.
An official said the next class will be held March 3 at the Flotilla 24-3 Training Center, 1 Helwig St. Walk-ins are welcome.
Registration can be made in advance at http://a0142403.uscgaux.info.
The “About Boating Safety” instruction will cover all basic topics in the safe operation of recreational boating and seamanship, as well as safe personal watercraft operation. Successful completion of this eight-hour course satisfies the Connecticut licensing requirements for both boats and personal watercraft. Family participation is encouraged. Cost is $60.
For additional information about Coast Guard Auxiliary courses, please call 860-663-5505 or visit
http://a0142403.uscgaux.info.

WOODBRIDGE - A panel discussion on drugs at Amity High School is scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2, according to Amity High School Principal Charles Britton’s Friday Highlights email.
The Amity administration is holding the presentation, which also will include representatives from area agencies, legal experts and health professionals.
According to Britton’s message “the panel presentation will address the realities and misconceptions related to illegal drug use by students at Amity Regional High School.”
While the email did not note particular cases, in December one Amity student was arrested for heroin possession and five students were arrested for possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to sell.
In April, police used dogs to search lockers of all the 1,640 students and the schools parking lot, which led to one student’s arrest. No drugs were found in lockers.
Superintendent of Schools John Brady had said he requested the dog search because about 20 students last school year showed symptoms of being under the influence of prescription drugs while on school grounds.
The presentation follows parent conferences and the goal of the presentation is to present the facts related to drug problems in the community, the email said.

State Senator Gayle S. Slossberg (D-Milford) has scheduled ‘Office Hours’ for January 31st in Orange to meet with constituents there and hear directly from them about issues facing the state. The General Assembly’s 2012 Regular Session convenes February 8th and some topics to be addressed include off-year budget adjustments, economic development and job creation, and public education reform.

Tuesday evening, January 31, 2012, Senator Slossberg will be in the First Selectman’s office at Orange Town Hall to answer questions and to take suggestions from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Orange Town Hall is at 617 Orange Center Road in Orange.

“Throughout my tenure in the state Senate many of the best ideas we have considered at the Capitol have originated with suggestions from members of the community and this event will be another opportunity for that type of exchange,” Senator Slossberg said. “Residents of the district are always invited to contact me by mail, telephone, and e-mail, but there’s no substitute for these face-to-face meetings.”

Senator Slossberg will be joined for these ‘Office Hours’ by Orange First Selectman Jim Zeoli and State Representative Themis Klarides.

Senator Slossberg is presently serving her fourth term in the Connecticut State Senate. She is the Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Government Administration and Elections Committee, vice-Chair of its Public Health Committee, and vice-chair of its Select Committee on Veterans Affairs as well.

Just a reminder if you have community activities occurring in Milford and Orange, and would like them publicized on this blog please email Brian McCready at bmccready@nhregister.com

Also if you have news tips involving Milford and Orange please also email me, and find me on Facebook and on Twitter @nhrbmccready

We do our best to keep you updated on all of the news. Please let us know how we can serve you better,

Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
New Haven Register

On Saturday, January 21, 2012, Milford will kick-off its fourth Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI)class. The Parent Leadership Training Institute program was developed by the State of Connecticut’s Commission on Children to enable parents to become leading advocates for children. PLTI students participate in an 18-week comprehensive program designed to provide the civic and leadership skills needed to work in the community on behalf of children.
WHO:
Benjamin G. Blake, Mayor, City of Milford
A. Dennis McBride, MD, MPH, Health Director, City of Milford
Elizabeth E. Feser, EdD, Superintendent, Milford Public Schools
Paul Davis, State Representative
Kim Rose, State Representative
PLTI Facilitators
2012 PLTI participants
WHEN:
Saturday, January 21, 2012
8:15AM
WHERE:
First United Church of Christ, Congregational
34 W. Main Street
Milford, CT 06460

A group of twenty (20) parents have signed on to participate in Milford’s 4th Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) that will start on Saturday, January 21. The Parent Leadership Training Institute program was developed by the State of Connecticut’s Commission on Children to enable parents to become leading advocates for children. The cornerstones of the program are respect, validation, and a
belief that when the tools of democracy are understood, the public will actively engage in civic life.
The program comes to Milford as the result of a collaborative effort between the Milford Health Department, Milford Public Schools, the United Way of Milford, and Kids Count of Milford.
“We are proud of the way that various community organizations—public, private, and nonprofit—have come together with the goal of empowering and supporting parents and caregivers to improve the lives of children at home, in school, and in the community,” said A. Dennis McBride, MD, MPH, Health Director
of the City of Milford.
PLTI students participate in an 18-week comprehensive program designed to provide the civic and leadership skills needed to work in the community on behalf of children. Each student completes a community project that contributes to the well being of Milford’s children. The community project also gives students a hands-on opportunity to apply the skills learned in the program. The 18-week program
begins with an all-day retreat to be held this Saturday, January 21, 2012.
Several organizations have been involved with the Design Team for the program, including the Milford Health Department, Kids Count of Milford, United Way of Milford, First United Church of Christ, Congregational, Milford Discovery Initiative, and several early childhood education representatives.
For further information about PLTI in Milford, please contact Lesley Darling, PLTI Coordinator, at the Milford Health Department at 203-783-3314.

 Many classes will be held

WOODBRIDGE — The Center for Jewish Life and Learning will hold its annual Taste of Honey program Jan. 28 and 29 at the Jewish Community Center, 360 Amity Road.
Taste of Honey is designed to provide classes for almost every taste and interest. Offerings range from Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic’s session, “Is the Penn (State Brand) Mightier than the Truth? Judaism and Moral Responsibility”;  a presentation by Yonatan Moss, a post-doctoral fellow at Yale, on “How an Iraqi Bishop Helped Invent Jewish Philosophy: The Newly Discovered Evidence of a Yale Manuscript.”; and Adam Segulah Sher,  program director at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center in the Southern Berkshires, will lead a session with Sarah Chandler, associate director for the Adamah Fellowship, on the Jewish spiritual dimensions of eco-consciousness and how it improves other aspects of our lives.
On Jan. 28, Rabbis Alvin Wainhaus of Congregation Or Shalom and Michael Farbman of Temple Emanuel will lead a session celebrating the legacy and music of Debbie Friedman as well as lead the Havdalah service with Friedman’s melodies.
Cost is $18 per participant, or $10 for students and seniors.
Also, Richard Gans and a host of local musicians and local Hebrew school students will perform a free  concert celebrating Friedman’s music at 10 a.m. Sunday.
For more information about the many interesting programs, visit www.jccnh.org or contact Rich Walter at 203-387-2522, ext. 300 or richw@jccnh.org.

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