All About Milford and Orange

SPRING ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES SET TO BEGIN AT AMITY

2012-02-17T13:40:00.000-05:00

Give Your Brain a Treat, Learn Something New!
The spring program of Amity Adult & Continuing Education is set to start the week of Monday, March 5th with several new courses to choose from, as well as your standard favorites. The full catalog is on the Amity website at www.amityregion5.org. Just click on the Adult Ed option across the top of the page, and then click on “Spring Catalog”. Have you ever wanted to create a Tiffany style window? Take our Stained Glass course and bring home your own masterpiece. Try your hand at acrylics, watercolor, oil, or maybe one of our brand new art classes, including; Open Studio Drawing & Painting, Figure Drawing, or Painting and Color Theory. There are bus trips galore. Among the offerings are trips to take you to Block Island, Little Italy & South Street Seaport, Tall Ships & the US Navy, A Taste of Manhattan, Pennsylvania Dutch 3 day trip, Nordic Lodge and Mohegan Sun Casino, Majestic Cruise Newport, RI, Circle Line Cruise, and many more. Classes on Resume Redesign will help you prepare for a new job. If you want to start your own on-line business or take computer courses to update your skills there will be opportunities to learn from our expert instructors. Check out the Crafts, Music and Dance, Entertainment and Finance programs. There will be Bridge, Mah Jong, and Pinochle classes. Our expanded fitness and sports offerings include Boating Safety and Personal Watercraft, Golf, Fly Fishing, Tai Chi, Yoga, Zumba, Womens’ Self Defense, Japanese Bujutsu, and our fun new Hoop Dance Workout Class. In the Language Department, do you speak Arabic, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin or Sign Language? If not, come and see how easy they are to learn. Several Health offerings, such as Adult, Child & Infant CPR, First Aid, Pet First Aid, and How to Raise Healthy Kids are being offered. In addition, some very special offerings with noted professionals addressing issues near and dear to us are on the docket. Dr. Bernie Siegel will teach “Reflections on the Art of Living and Healing”. Robert Klancko, expert on environmental and energy issues, will give a course on “Contemporary Environmental/Energy Issues”. Noted Psychic Medium and local Woodbridge resident, Richard Jackson, will teach a class on “Relaxation and Meditation”, and also the “Spirit World“. In the Craft Department, you’ll learn how to Organize Your Photos, make a “Tree of Life Pendant”, Design Your Own Jewelry, and learn to use that Cricut Machine you got for Christmas. But the list doesn’t stop here. Please call for a catalog or contact Karen Wade at 203-392-2005 for more information.

Milford Management Re-Employment Workshop Workforce Alliance Helps Job-Seekers Take Control of Their Job Searches

2012-02-17T13:37:00.000-05:00

From the Milford Mayor's office
Mayor Benjamin G. Blake and Workforce Alliance invite job-seekers who are currently out of work to take advantage of a special all-day workshop. The workshop will be held at the Milford Public Library, Tuesday, March 27, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Re-employment workshop is an interactive experience for job-seekers with management experience who have been out of work for an extended period of time. Topics include:
• Setting smart job targets in light of today’s job climate
• Your network/your message
• On-line search and applications
• Using social networking media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Job Boards, etc.)
• Managing your time
“Workforce Alliance wanted to assist management workers who have had difficulty finding a job in this recession. Mid and high-level people have found themselves unemployed for longer periods of time”, stated Mayor Blake. “We requested this workshop for Milford because it offers local residents great advice for a new way to approach their job search. In addition, we will have guests who will outline retraining opportunities and available social services.”

The workshop will be led by Laura Collins of Collins Group, a Human Resources consulting firm that brings over twenty years of corporate and consulting experience. She has held leadership roles in Staffing and Development in both the finance and pharmaceuticals industries. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Human Resources at Gateway Community College.

“These workshops are our response to an employment crisis that has left no family untouched”, said William Villano, Executive Director of Workforce Alliance. “Many people have been unemployed for an unusually long period: more than 6 times longer than in the last major recession in 1991.”

The workshop is free and includes lunch. Residents who are interested in participating should reserve a seat by emailing: info@workforcealliance.biz. Or call Robert Fort at 203-624-1493 Ext. 242. Seating is limited, so please respond ASAP. All requests will receive replies.

Follies Stars Sing Cole Porter

2012-02-14T22:31:00.000-05:00

Follies Graduates to Return to Bridgeport for Follies Benefit

The stars from past Fairfield Follies shows will be coming to Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret Theatre to dazzle audiences with their professional talents in a review of Cole Porter’s musical gems. Each of the ten performers has used Follies as a springboard in pursuit of further theatrical education and performance careers. By appearing in this benefit show, these rising stars are saying thanks, Follies, for teaching and refining their stage skills and motivating them to follow their dreams.

“Follies Stars Sing Cole Porter” will take place at 7:30PM on Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport. Tickets, priced at $35, can be reserved by calling 203-452-9375. Tickets will be held at the box office for pick-up prior to the performance. Tasty boxed dinners (choice of grilled chicken, sliced sirloin of beef, or vegetarian) can be ordered for $14 if order is included with ticket purchase. Audience members can also bring their own food. Beverages, desserts and snacks will also be available for purchase at the theatre. The Downtown Cabaret is easily accessed off of Exit 2 on the Route 8/25 Connector. Attended parking is available for $2. The doors will open at 6:45 for those wishing to start their dinners before the show.

A major part of the Great American Song Book, Cole Porter’s music has been beloved for decades and continues to endure as favorites among audiences today. The Follies alumni will perform nearly thirty Cole Porter songs including such classics as “I Love Paris,” “Begin the Beguine,” “Night and Day,” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” Many of the songs come from Broadway shows such as “Kiss Me Kate,” “Can Can,” and “Anything Goes.”

Established in 2000, Fairfield Follies has impacted the lives of nearly1,000 high school students from the greater Bridgeport region and throughout Fairfield County, and has introduced audiences to the immense talents of these youngsters. Follies, which takes place for three performance each year in May, consists of expertly staged, costumed and choreographed musical numbers from current and past Broadway shows. Cast members from Bridgeport and suburban schools, are chosen in open auditions early in February. Garret Stack, the host of Broadway Bound, a radio program on WMNR Fine Arts Radio, has said, “Ever wonder where the next generation of Broadway stars is coming from? Take it from me, they’re in Follies today and they’re Broadway Bound.” The Follies Stars Show will provide convincing proof of Stack’s prediction

The net proceeds from “Follies Stars Sing Cole Porter” will benefit the Fairfield Follies Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization responsible for producing the annual Follies show and promoting and supporting theatrical and musical arts education in the region.

Seating for this memorable one-night performance is limited, so early reservations are highly recommended. More information about Follies, including performance schedules, and tax-deductible financial support opportunities can be found on the website www.fairfieldfollies.org.

The cast of “Follies Stars Sing Cole Porter” consists of:

Amanda Bilger, originally from Trumbull, was part of Follies in 2004 and 2005. She studied musical theatre at Marymount Manhattan College. Ms. Bilger was seen as the female understudy in the Off-Broadway children's musical The Ohmies which played at The Peter Jay Sharp Theater. She sang roles on several Stage Stars Records CDs including the track of Serena in Legally Blonde. Amanda says “I hope to help keep Follies flourishing in order to give others the same artistic opportunities I had, so that their lives, too, will be changed forever.”

Brett Boles, a graduate of Newtown High School, received his degree in Music Composition from Ithaca College. He served as Follies assistant music director in 2008. In theatre performances he has appeared as Tony in West Side Story, Radames in Aida, Mickey in Blood Brothers, Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, and an ensemble role in Les Miserables on Broadway in 2003. A member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop in NYC and the Advanced Writer's Lab of the New Opera and Musical Theater Initiative in Boston, Mr. Boles’ musical Foreverman (for which he wrote the book, music, and lyrics) will soon receive its debut performance.

Latoya Edwards, currently perusing a BFA degree in musical theatre at Pace University, is a graduate of Bridgeport’s Central High School. Ms. Edwards appeared in Follies 2011as Felicia in Memphis the Musical, Whatsername in American Idiot, Dynamite in Hairspray, and Marcy Park in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Latoya credits her participation in Follies as instrumental in helping her achieve her educational and theatrical goals.

Molly Garbe, who hails from Fairfield, and was a cast member of Follies 2004 and 2005, has been featured in many stage productions including the national touring company’s production of Little Women: The Musical and a motion picture called Local Warming. Other recent credits include Big River (Westchester Broadway Theatre), The Producers (Ivoryton Playhouse), Parade (The Secret Theatre), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (The Downtown Cabaret).

Kyle Garvin, a graduate of Bridgeport’s Central High School, appeared in Follies 2003 and 2004. He received his BFA degree in Theatre Arts from the University of the Arts. His credits include touring internationally in various Nickelodeon and HIT Entertainment shows: Go Diego Go LIVE!, and Thomas and Friends LIVE! In the United States, Canada, Australia and Asia. Mr. Garvin has appeared in the Broadway National Tour of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Debbie Allen’s Twist: An American Musical.

Carissa Massaro, a graduate of Trumbull’s St. Joseph High School, was featured in four Follies shows from 2004 through 2007. She received her BFA degree from Wagner College majoring in Theatre Performance with a minor in English. Some of her theatrical credits include: the Broadway production of Jane Eyre as the understudy for the role of young Jane Adele, Olive Ostrovsky in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Delee Lively in Smokey Joe's Cafe, Karessa Johnson in tick...tick...BOOM!, Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella in Into the Woods. Ms Massaro is a member of Actors’ Equity.

Kenny Metzger is a recent graduate of Syracuse University holding a BFA in musical theatre. He was a part of Follies from 2004-2007 when he was a student at Trumbull High School. His regional credits include Kiss Me, Kate, Footloose, Damn Yankees, Singin’ in the Rain, Beauty and the Beast, and Bye Bye Birdie (MUNY). At Syracuse University he was featured in Cabaret (Cliff), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Valentine), Little By Little (Man 1), and Oklahoma! (Chalmers), The Man Who, I Love Him, and Rocky Horror. Mr. Metzger is a member of Actors’ Equity.

Jim Nassef, from Fairfield and a cast member of Follies 2004 through 2006, has already had a varied and active theatrical career, including playing Hugo in the National tour of Bye Bye Birdie. He has also appeared as Link Larkin in Bridgeport Theatre Company's production of Hairspray. He has been in Little Women and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Hartford Children's Theatre; Xanadu and The Rocky Horror Show at the ReVision Theatre; School House Rock, Live! at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre; Violet and Johnny Guitar at The Theater Barn. Mr. Nasser received his BFA training from The Boston Conservatory and is a candidate member of Actors’ Equity.
Garth West graduated from Bridgeport’s Central High School in 2005. Since then he has performed in numerous productions throughout Connecticut with different theater companies. Most recent credits include Hairspray (playing the character of Seaweed J Stubbs), Songs for A New World (Man 1), Chicago (MC), Rent (Tom Collins) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Comfort Counselor). Mr. Garth is excited about being part of the Follies alumni show so he can help today’s Follies cast obtain the experiences that helped him pursue his dreams of a theatrical career.

Michael Wright, a graduate of Trumbull High School and a cast member of Follies 2001 and 2002, received his B.A. in Theatre Studies at Emerson College. He has been in the National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar in the role of Annas with Ted Neeley and Corey Glover. He appeared in Bat Boy: The Musical, and Rent both at the Red Mountain Theatre Company in Birmingham, AL, and in the world premiere of Battle Cry in Gettysburg, PA. He played Simeon in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Downtown Cabaret. Mr. Wright is glad to participate in “Follies Stars Sing Cole Porter” to help this year’s cast obtain the opportunity it gives “young people from different financial, spiritual, cultural, and religious worlds to all work together towards a common goal and form countless lifelong friendships.”

Safe boating class to be held at U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 24-3 in Milford

2012-02-14T18:37:00.000-05:00

MILFORD — The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 24-3 is offering an About Boating Safety course at 8 a.m. March 3 at the Flotilla 24-3 Training Center, 1 Helwig St.
Registration will be held 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 26 at the center or online at http://a0142403.uscgaux.info/.
The course will cover all the basic topics involved in the safe operation of recreational boating and seamanship. It will also cover safe personal watercraft operation.
Completion of the eight-hour course satisfies the state licensing agreements for both boats and personal watercraft. Cost is $60.
For more information, call 860-663-5505 or email skperrone@hotmail.com.

Housatonic Community College professor to speak about Harlem Renaissance on Feb. 22

2012-02-14T18:20:00.002-05:00

Housatonic Community College Professor David Koch will continue his area history speaking tour Feb. 22 at the college when he will discuss the Harlem Renaissance, according to a statement.
"The Harlem Renaissance, he relates, was a literary and musical movement that offered some of the most compelling 20th Century American works of poetry, jazz, and prose," the statement said. "His presentation will center on the hardship, migrations, and new literary currents that fed the Renaissance, its main practitioners, and the bright hope, cut short, that it offered to a burgeoning African-American middle class."
The event begins at 2 p.m. in the Beacon Hall Events Center, 900 Lafayette Blvd., the statement said.

It is open to the public at no charge.
"Koch, a regular on the area history circuit, kicked off his Spring tour Feb. 15 at the Monroe Public Library with a talk on Connecticut Indian Wars," the statemetn said. "Early in its history, Koch noted, the state saw bloody battles, both between Native American tribes and between natives and colonists. His talk focused on two of these: King Philip's War and the Pequot-Mohegan War, which ended in a battle in Fairfield in 1637."

Other stops on Koch's speaking tour and the topics to be discussed include (all contained in the statement):

March 4, Wilton Historical Society, 4 p.m.; March 6, Trumbull Library, 7 p.m., Connecticut's African-American Soldiers. The talks will center on the 29th and 30th Connecticut regiments, which saw service in the Civil War and ushered in an era of sweeping change in the state's treatment of its African-American citizens.

March 7, Housatonic Community College, 2 - 3:15 p.m. Civil War Newspapers in Connecticut. The talk will center on the media coverage of the war, the partisan nature of newspaper coverage at that time, and the sometimes hostile clashes between newspapers and, at times, citizens, of the state.

March 11, Trumbull Library, 2 p.m. Animal Mascots of the Civil War. This talk will focus on unit mascots. The idea of using animals to represent military units throughout history will be discussed, as well as the particular animals honored in Civil War lore and memorialization.

March 13, Trumbull Library, 7 p.m. Connecticut in the Civil War. Connecticut was the arsenal of the Union, with factories producing uniforms, guns, and equipment for the Union armies, making Union armies the best-equipped in human history up to that time. This presentation paints a portrait of Connecticut in the Civil War, a contradictory picture of a state on the cusp of change, struggling to retain a way of life rapidly fading into a bucolic past.

March 20, Trumbull Library, 7 p.m. The End of the Civil War. This talk will discuss the end of the war, the associated confusion, and the impact of the war on settling the west, which was largely a result of refugees and ex-soldiers seeking sanctuary from the fighting and blame that would inevitably ensue. Participants will see that, much like the beginning of the war, confusion rather than national cohesion ruled the day.

April 22, Stratford Public Library, 2 p.m. Connecticut in World War II. Connecticut was the state Franklin Roosevelt had in mind when he called the United States the "Arsenal of Democracy," Koch said. This presentation will center on the valuable contribution in personnel and material given by the Nutmeg State to the war. It will discuss the contributions and the result of these efforts after the war, which changed Connecticut in a way that we are only now beginning to see fade. This presentation is a single chapter, but an exciting one, in the story of the single greatest industrial and military effort in human history.

April 23, Housatonic Community College (Weather dependent), 12:30 p.m. A Hundred Yards of History. In honor of Earth Day, this talk will show the history of planet Earth in linear fashion, using the length of a football field to demonstrate the profound effects that a short period of human existence has wrought on the planet. Attendees will be able to understand the scope of the biological milestones that have led to the development of the environmental and human conditions we now see around us. The program, to be held in the HCC Courtyard, will last about an hour.
In addition, Koch has arranged a re-enactment of the Daily Life of the Civil War Soldier April 4 (April 5 rain date) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the college. Civil War re-enactor Jay Hull, representing the 27th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, will hold a display and demonstration of the daily life of the Civil War soldier in the College Courtyard. He will be showing visitors the daily routine, clothing, equipment, and weapons of soldiers in the nation's biggest single crisis.
To learn more about the college: www.hcc.commnet.edu

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is largely unedited here and posted a s public service

Rabies low-cost clinic to be held in Milford; official says he has seen rise in cases in area

2012-02-14T17:08:00.000-05:00

By Register Staff
MILFORD — A rabies clinic will be held Feb. 25 at Milford Animal Control, 664 E. Broadway at the edge of Silver Sands State Park.
Animal Control Officer Rick George said he scheduled the clinic because he has seen an increase in animals that are not up-to-date on their inoculations.
Rabies inoculations are required by state law.
George said he has seen a number of domestic animals that have had to be quarantined after exposure to potentially rabid, wild animals. In fact, he said the shelter has a dog that must be quarantined for six months.
That means the animal has limited interaction with other animals and visitors. The dog, George said, “tangled with a rabid raccoon.’
Milford-Orange Animal Control, Dr. Stan Weill and Amity Animal Rescue Fund are holding the rabies clinic 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Inoculations are $15. Bring proof of rabies shots to receive a three-year booster. Animals must be on a leash or secured in carriers. Cash or checks. No credit cards accepted.
To receive breaking news first, text the word NHNEWS to 22700. *Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.

Need some help with networking? This free event at the Fairfield library might be for you

2012-02-14T11:10:00.000-05:00

And it's free

FAIRFIELD - The Fairfield Public Library will hold a "presentation by networking expert Ron Drew" that "hits all the job search must- haves: networking, finding opportunities, resume/cover letter tips, submitting an application, and interviewing," according to a statement.

"Appropriate for all levels of job candidates, the program is full of useful information designed to improve all aspects of your search," the statement said.

The event begins at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road.

Drew is an information technology executive and member/presenter at many area networking groups, the statement said.

"He is the founder of Exec2Tech, a management consulting group of executives providing services to various industries," the statement said. "Ron is an IT security consultant to Diageo, but in the evenings he can often be found presenting workshops on everything from job transitioning to identity theft."

The talk is part of the library’s weekly speaker series, Jobs 2012, now in its third year, the statement said. "The talks are supplemented by the Library’s Friday morning networking group, a LinkedIn networking group, one-on-one career counseling sessions, Job Search Boot Camp, podcast recordings of over 100 past presentations online (www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org), and an updated collection of job-hunting books."

As with all programs at the Fairfield Public Library, the event is free, the statement said.

Follow the Fairfield Public Library on Twitter: and Facebook.

Editor's note: All information and the photo in this post were contributed; information is only lightly edited here and posted as a community service.

New Haven Register Milford Community Forum this Wednesday!!

2012-02-13T13:34:00.001-05:00

By Angela Carter, Community Engagement Editor
acarter@nhregister.com / Twitter: @reachangi

In December, the New Haven Register introduced a voter-focused election project we refer to as “Citizens Agenda.”

The Register, along with its sister papers in other parts of Connecticut, the Middletown Press, Register Citizen in Torrington and Litchfield County Times, has been polling readers about the issues that matter most to you, so we can have candidates in Senate and congressional races address them during the 2012 election cycle.

On Friday, my colleague Ed Stannard — also a community engagement editor for the Register — and I went to The Grove and attended a meeting of the New Haven Votes Coalition, a diverse group working on voter education, registration and overall voter participation in the nation’s democratic electoral process.

As we join with voters to determine the top issues we will cover, other alliances are developing along the way. The League of Women Voters of Connecticut sent a representative, Jean Rabinow, to our first public forum at the New Haven Free Public Library, held Jan. 25.

The next one will be 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Margaret Egan Center, 35 Matthew St., Milford.

We look forward to the league’s continued involvement and, now, the participation of New Haven Votes Coalition as well.

But we also will be lending our resources in ways we had not anticipated when Citizens Agenda began. The coalition brought our attention to additional ways we jointly can reach disenfranchised communities and how the Register can lend its resources to spreading the word about voter eligibility and other matters, as well as upcoming activities designed to encourage registration and voting during party primaries and on Election Day.

As much as we designed Citizens Agenda to be a public service, we are being helped in this project by our audience and civic groups such as the League of Women Voters and New Haven Votes Coalition.

We thank all of you and invite you to our next forum to continue our discussion about your concerns. Poll respondents have identified the economy as the most important issue to date, followed by the unemployment rate, taxation, national debt, health care and financial industry/banking reform. Those attending our New Haven forum raised concerns about corporate influence in politics, the media’s neglect of lesser-known candidates and the platforms of smaller parties, such as the Green Party and Libertarians, and how the government will redirect resources previously committed to the war in Iraq.

Thanks to a member of New Haven Votes, we now have contact information for the Working Families Party. Continued...

We hope you will chime in by taking our poll, attending the forum Wednesday, commenting on our blog and by all means, come Nov. 6, 2012 — get out and vote!

You may also send questions and ideas to Ed and me at nhrvoices@nhregister.com.

Call Angela Carter at 203-789-5752 or follow her on Twitter @Reach Angi. To receive breaking news first, text the word NHNEWS to 22700. *Msg+data rates may apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.

Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut Inc. holding PSA Contest against underage drinking

2012-02-10T17:29:00.000-05:00

WEST HAVEN —The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut Inc. is holding its fifth annual WSWC PSA Contest.
Entrants are called to submit a thirty-second television public service announcement addressing the important role parents play in the prevention of underage drinking.
Any student enrolled at any Connecticut college or university or a Connecticut resident may participate in the contest.
All entries will be displayed at Southern Connecticut State University April 23rd at an awards ceremony that will include News Anchor Eric Parker from WFSB as keynote speaker. Entries will be judged by an independent panel of experts. The winning PSA will be telecast on local broadcast and cable stations.
Application for entry forms confirming intent to enter the contest are due by Feb. 15. Final submissions are due by April 4.
For application forms and more information, contact Jackie Carlino, community programs manager, at 203-624-9900 or jackie.carlino@wswc.org, or visit www.talktomenow.org.

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

Program for the bereaved to be held in West Haven

2012-02-10T17:18:00.002-05:00

It begins Feb. 21

WEST HAVEN — A New Day 10-week seminar for bereaved will start 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 at Our Lady of Victory Parish, 634 Jones Hill Road.
To register or for more information, call 203-934-6357.
This program is sponsored by the Family Life Office, Archdiocese of Hartford.

My First Murder Trial

2012-02-10T15:36:00.002-05:00

When I was hired by the New Haven Register, the day after the Florida hanging chad fiasco in November 2000 I was named the Milford schools' reporter. We used to have six reporters covering Milford back then. Crazy I know. We actually had an Inland Wetlands beat, and that is all the reporter did. Wow the good old days. Anyway I digress.
Over the years I have covered numerous beats, pretty much everything in Milford except courts. We've always had a brilliant court reporter including Tucker McCormack, Meggan Clark, Phil Helsel, who is now with the New York Post, and most recently James Tinley, who is in law school.
It's the one beat I was loathe to cover. It never interested me. I have zero patience and waiting around for attorneys is not my definition of fun.
But things happen. People leave and I was asked to cover Milford court cases the past two years.
It's been pretty slow. A few sentencings and arraignments. No trials.
That changed last week. It was interesting. The case involved three alleged drug dealers from West Haven, who shot and killed a New Haven man for allegedly stealing drugs. The shooting occurred in Milford. That's Milford's only connection to the homicide.
It was still fascinating for me to see Defense Attorney Carmine Giuliano try to attack the prosecution's witnesses, especially a co-defendant. That was his whole case. He called no witnesses.
Equally, it was compelling to see Senior Assistant State's Attorney Charles Stango try to prosecute a case that essentially boiled down to a co-defendant's testimony. The same co-defendant, who agreed to a plea deal before testifying.
After a week the testimony concluded and that was when things got interesting. A juror was tossed Tuesday for bringing a dictionary into the jury room despite the judge's admonishment that they not use any outside sources.
Then a juror wrote a note essentially saying the other jurors were making fun of her because she didn't believe the state's witnesses. I asked veteran court observers whether this was all normal, and they laughed and said absolutely no. I told them I asked because I didn't know better.
In between waiting for a verdict I got to spend significant time with Giuliano, who seemed curious to know what I thought. He spent time with me to explain what he was attempting to do.
I got to speak with Stango briefly, and numerous other court observers, who were all eagerly anticipating a verdict. And finality was reached this morning when it was revealed one juror would not support a conviction.
The woman was passionate in her explanation. She said she just didn't believe the testimony of the state's witnesses. But it was clear to see the passion and anger on the faces of other jurors, who felt like they let an accused murderer get away with exactly that. One juror told me they'd offer to serve on the second jury for free, though I don't think that can legally happen.
It was all an adrenaline rush to see it all unfold. It's definitely much different then how legal cases play out on television. I actually like this version much better.
I will be ready for the second trial. Because of the back log in the Connecticut courts, the next trial won't happen for at least another year. Expediency not so much.
Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
New Haven Register
bmccready@nhregister.com
Twitter @nhrbmccready

Orchard Hills 50th Anniversary!

2012-02-10T15:35:00.000-05:00

MILFORD--Orchard Hills Elementary School is celebrating 50 years of excellence in education this school year. Anyone who has been part of the school is invited to participate in several celebratory events.

The school first opened its doors on Marino Drive in 1961 under the guidance of Principal Michael Nicefaro. Today the school hosts 371 students in grades 3-5. Principal Dr. Cliff Dudley is very proud to be at Orchard Hills during this landmark year. “Orchard Hills’ 50th Anniversary marks a time for celebration – for the students, teachers, staff and administrators of the last 50 years who have made OHS the proud and highly reputable school that it is.”

The PTA is working closely with Dr. Dudley to arrange several events in celebration of the anniversary. “Our hope is to bring together alumni from each of the past 50 years in the school’s history” said Lauri Ross, President of the PTA. A special 50th Anniversary Committee has been formed under Ms. Ross’ direction and plans for anniversary memorabilia, open house and Flag Day celebration are under way.

“Flag Day has traditionally been an important day of celebration at Orchard Hills,” notes Dr. Dudley. “We hold an outdoor student assembly around the American Flag. There are speeches, singing and instrumental performances in honor of Old Glory with students, faculty and families all in attendance. We intend to make Flag Day 2012 extra special.”

Future announcements for Orchard Hills’ Golden Anniversary will continue to be published in local newspapers, or you can contact the school by following the “Our Schools” link to Orchard Hills at www.milforded.org.

Junior Woman’s Club of Milford seeks nominations for Milford Living Treasures Award.

2012-02-09T16:57:00.000-05:00

The deadline is Feb. 28
MILFORD — The Junior Woman’s Club of Milford Inc., in conjunction with the Panel of Common Good, is seeking candidates for the 2012 Milford Living Treasures Award.
The award will be bestowed upon a candidate whose community service has enriched Milford and made it a better community in which to live. Candidates must be 65 years of age or older, a current resident and lived in Milford for a minimum of 10 years.
To nominate a candidate, submit Your Name, Telephone Number and Email Address; (2) Nominee’s Name, Address, Telephone Number, Email Address and Date of Birth and (3) a statement as to why you consider this nominee A Living Treasure. The statement should include a detailed resume of accomplishments and contributions and that the nominee made to the city of Milford (e.g. volunteerism, organizations, awards won, club memberships, offices held, etc.).
Nominations must be mailed, post marked no later than Feb. 28, to Jerilyn Shannon, Milford Living Treasure Program, Jr. Woman’s Club of Milford, 91 Todd Drive, Milford 06461.

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

Get your Animal's Rabies Shots

2012-02-07T12:57:00.000-05:00

MILFORD – Milford-Orange Animal Control, Dr. Stan Weill and Amity Animal Rescue Fund are hosting a rabies clinic Saturday, Feb. 25, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Milford Animal Control, 664 East Broadway in Silver Sands State Park. Inoculations are $15. Bring proof of current rabies to receive a three-year booster. Area residents are encouraged to make sure their animals are up to date on their rabies. Animal Control has seen an increase in dogs that have come in contact with wild animals. Animals must be on a leash or secured in carriers. Cash or checks. No credit cards accepted.

Flash Mob at Milford mall Saturday

2012-02-03T15:33:00.000-05:00

Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Sponsors A Pink Goes Red Flash mob in Support of “Go Red for Women”

WHAT: Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter will be participating in a flash mob in support of “Go Red For Women” which is a national campaign to bring awareness to the fight against heart disease. Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of one in three women each year. Although the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha traditionally wear pink and green, on February 4 we will wear red in support of the “Go Red” campaign. Our high energy flash mob will demonstrate that there are fun ways to engage in activities that can help prevent heart disease. We will also distribute pamphlets addressing women’s health and wellness. This free event will take place Saturday, February 4 at 12:00 pm at The Westfield Mall in Milford.

WHO: Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

WHERE: Westfield Mall (Lower Level Courtyard by MACY’S)
1201 Boston Post Road
Milford, CT

WHEN: Saturday, February 4, 2012
12:00pm

CONTACT: Nicole Murphy
President
Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Evelyn Williams
Ivy Leaf Reporter
Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

BACKGROUND

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-trained women. The sorority, which was established in 1908, was formed to foster high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and sisterhood, and improve the social stature of African-Americans. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s influence extends beyond college campuses and student interest, and it has a legacy of service that extends beyond college graduation. Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of more than 200,000 college-trained women in 950 chapters throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Africa who believe in “Service to All Mankind.” More information can be found at www.akanewhaven.org or www.aka1908.com.

Just a short trip away: History awaits at the David Humphreys House

2012-02-03T14:19:00.000-05:00

ANSONIA — David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., will be open for guided tours 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 18, and every third Saturday of the month.
Led by docents, the tour covers the keeping room, Sarah Riggs Humphreys’ parlor, The Rev. Humphreys’ study and a bedroom off the keeping room, know an as the borning room. Spinning and weaving rooms are also included in the tour.
Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children ages 8 and older and free for children younger than 8.
For more information, call 203-735-1908.

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

Come Meet the Milford Aldermen Monday night

2012-02-03T13:43:00.001-05:00

Milford Board of Aldermen Chairman, Philip J. Vetro, announced that the Board of Alderman will initiate constituent meeting opportunities on nights that the board convenes in regular session. The new program starts on Monday, February 6, 2012.

This initiative, “Good of the Community,” enables Milford residents to meet informally with their aldermanic representatives at City Hall on the evening of regularly-scheduled meetings. Residents are encouraged to meet with their aldermen between 7:15 and 7:30 which precedes the opening of their formal meeting at 7:30. The Board of Alderman will continue to hear public comments addressed to the entire board at the opening of the session.

“We believe in open, representative government, and this procedure provides Milford taxpayers and residents an additional opportunity to speak informally with their aldermanic representatives. We encourage residents—including small groups—to avail themselves of this opportunity," Chairman Vetro said.

Atrial fibrillation topic of free lecture in Trumbull Feb. 28

2012-02-03T12:01:00.002-05:00

Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery Dr. M. Clive Robinson, and cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Murali Chiravuri, of Bridgeport Hospital's Joel E. Smilow Heart Institute will discuss the causes of and treatments for atrial fibrillation (a-fib) during the free lecture, "Heart All A-Flutter? Get Your Rhythm Back!" at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Trumbull Marriott, 180 Hawley Lane, according to a statement.

Registration is required. Call toll free 1-888-357-2396.
"A-fib is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder, affecting two million Americans. People with a-fib have abnormal electrical signals in the heart's upper chambers that cause the heart to flutter, quiver or shake, rather than beat steadily," the statement said. "This irregular beating causes blood to pool in the heart's chambers, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. These clots can travel to the brain and trigger a stroke."
Further: "Symptoms of a-fib include chest palpitations, fatigue, dizziness and trouble breathing. However, half the people who have the condition are at risk and don't even know it because they experience no symptoms," the satement said. "The easiest way to detect a-fib is by taking your pulse." Bridgeport Hospital's Ring for Your Rhythm provides step-by-step instructions for taking a pulse via a recorded message available toll free at 1-855-BH-PULSE (1-855-247-8573).

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

Annual Milford Oyster Festival announces 2011 Charitable Contribution

2012-02-03T12:00:00.001-05:00

The Annual Milford Oyster Festival committee, along with representatives from the 2011 recipients, gathered at the Milford Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, January 26th for the presentation of the 2011 charitable contributions.

The 2011 recipients include Milford Fire Department Toys for Tots, Milford Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy, the Department of Human Services Heating Assistance Program and Adopt-a-Family Program, Give 2 The Troops, Milford Food Bank, Rape Crisis Center of Milford, Milford Boys & Girls Club, Milford Red Cross, Literacy Center of Milford, Milford Animal Shelter, the Boy Scouts, Prostate Cancer Center and LIVESTRONG, Jonathan Law Post Prom and Foran High Post Prom.

“The Oyster Festival committee is dedicated to supporting these and the other 70+ important civic and non-profit organizations that participate at the Festival each year” stated Jay Pinto, President of the 2012 Festival. “Each of these groups relies on the support of the community and, as the largest tourist event in Milford; the Festival provides an effective forum for highlighting their programs and services in order to expand their reach. In our own small way, we all can support these organizations and I encourage the community to do so.”

The 38th Annual Milford Oyster Festival will be held, rain or shine, on Saturday, August 18th 2012, 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. Oyster Eve, in conjunction with the Downtown Milford Business Association, will be held Friday, August 17th 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. For more festival information please check our website, www.MilfordOysterFestival.com, or call the festival hotline 203-878-5363.

Milford Kindergarten registration begins February 29th

2012-02-02T15:28:00.000-05:00

MILFORD – Kindergarten registration dates have been set throughout the Milford public school district. Parents with children who will be entering kindergarten in the fall (for the 2012-13 academic year) are asked to call their local school to schedule an appointment to register. Parents can pick up registration materials at the school beginning February 13th during normal operating hours prior to the official registration date. Parents need to complete the required forms prior to attending the official registration session.
A child must reach the age of 5 before January 1, 2013 in order to start kindergarten in the fall. At the time of registration, parents must bring the following items to complete the registration process:

- A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate (with a raised seal);

- A record of any communicable diseases the child may have had;

- A record of the child’s immunization schedule; and

- Two proofs of residency (examples include a current utility bill, mortgage receipt/rent receipt).

Before entry into school in August, each child must have a physical examination that includes a hemoglobin or hematocrit test, vision, hearing, and speech screening. The physical examination cannot have been done earlier than 12 months prior to the date the child enters school.

For more information, please contact your neighborhood school or search our website at www.milforded.org. The dates for kindergarten registration are as follows:

John F. Kennedy: Feb. 29, March 1, 15, 16

Orange Avenue: March 12, 13, 28, 30

Mathewson: March 5, 9, 15, 16

Live Oaks: March 5, 6, 19, 20

Foran High Students Ponder Life’s Big Questions

2012-02-02T15:26:00.000-05:00

Submitted by the Milford Board of Education
MILFORD – What is the purpose of life? Are the decisions you make your own? Or are they predetermined from times past? Does a God exist? Is there validity to ‘Good vs. Evil’? Do we have a mind? A soul? Both?
Tough questions -- on any given day -- but the students of Foran High School and several invited guests were up for the challenge during the school’s 3rd Annual Philosophy Day held on Wednesday, Feb. 1st.
Designed as an extension of the Introduction to Philosophy class, the community-style forum brought students, teachers, parents, grandparents and several other members of the community together to share their thoughts on a wide variety of life’s big questions. While students have deliberated many major philosophical issues over the past several weeks, they realized that perhaps their views were limited since all of their discussions were from a student’s perspective. With nearly a dozen adults joining the tabletop discussions during Philosophy Day, everyone enjoyed the renewed depth and breadth of the dialogue.
Teacher Paul Turtola organized this year’s event and was very pleased with the discussion taking place. “As a teacher, I can introduce the prominent philosophers of the past – and my students can learn the basic themes of each one. We can have discussions in class about prominent issues. But to be able to apply the things the students have learned in this type of forum is fantastic.”
Four tabletop discussions were conducted at a time, each lasting 45 minutes. At the conclusion of the session, participants then rotated to a new table – with a new question to ponder. At one tabletop discussion, a lively conversation took place while tackling the question of ‘planning’ vs. ‘the unexpected’ when going through life and how that impacts the decisions we make.
Several students felt that while routine is a good thing, a marginal amount of unplanned time is a necessity in life. They felt that extreme ‘planners’ may find themselves disappointed most of the time when they do not reach their planned expectations. A wonderful offshoot of this discussion was the consideration of ‘going with the flow’ rather than creating one’s own path and the level of self-awareness a person has.
Another table of participants pondered the concept of ‘an idea’ and whether there was, indeed, original thought or if people are just re-engineering ideas of the past. Formal concepts from past philosophers such as the existence of universal energy and the theory of form made their way into the conversation, as well as the existence of the mind and the soul.
Mr. Turtola reported the Philosophy Day continues to get better and better every year. He hopes that the program continues to gain strength – and even offered that perhaps there could be a combined Foran/Jonathan Law Philosophy Day program in the future, to give yet another perspective on philosophical issues.

CT Free Shakespeare to hold auditions in Bridgeport

2012-02-01T11:50:00.001-05:00

The summer production is of Romeo & Juliet

CT Free Shakespeare invites Equity and Non Equity adults and teens to audition for this summer's production of Romeo and Juliet.

Auditions are Tues. Feb. 21, Wed. Feb. 22 and Thur. Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bridgeport City Hall Annex- First floor- CT Free Shakespeare Office- 999 Broad Street, Bridgeport.

Rehearsals begin on June 26 in Bridgeport.

All rehearsals are during the day. Romeo and Juliet opens on Friday night July 13 and runs through Sunday, August 5.

Prepare a brief monologue from Romeo & Juliet. No Appointments necessary.

Equity Principals are paid.

For information see www.ctfreeshakespeare.org or email ellen@CTFreeShakespeare.org.

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

Author Mark Albertson To Speak at Stratford Library February 12

2012-01-31T22:27:00.003-05:00

"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.

Milford Organizations to Host Environmental Film Series

2012-01-31T19:43:00.001-05:00

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.

Milford Mayor Blake Puts Brakes on Heating Costs

2012-01-31T19:35:00.000-05:00

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

'Learn to See the World:' Low vision support group to meet

2012-01-30T19:08:00.000-05:00

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.

Downtown Milford Business Association donates once again!

2012-01-30T13:37:00.000-05:00

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

Office Hours with Milford Mayor Blake and State Lawmakers

2012-01-25T15:56:00.000-05:00

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.

State VFW Honors Milford Teacher

2012-01-25T15:05:00.001-05:00

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

Stratford Library to show Woody Allen's 'Midnight in Paris' as part of its movie series

2012-01-25T14:10:00.000-05:00

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)

Lauralton Hall’s Scholar-in-Residence Program to Host Darryl Mace, Ph.D., Noted Historian and Civil Rights Expert

2012-01-24T16:51:00.001-05:00

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

Milford State Legislators Kim Rose and Richard Roy Honored

2012-01-24T16:47:00.001-05:00

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.

"Take Your Child to Library Day" is on February 4

2012-01-23T17:46:00.002-05:00

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.

"Our Town" to be shown as part of celebration of theater in Fairfield County

2012-01-20T18:50:00.000-05:00

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.

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Milford flotilla safe boating class cancelled

2012-01-20T18:37:00.000-05:00

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.

Amity High School to hold discussion on 'realities and misconceptions' of drug use by students

2012-01-20T17:28:00.000-05:00

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.

Sen. Slossberg Office Hours

2012-01-20T16:35:00.000-05:00

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.

Topics of Interest

2012-01-18T12:54:00.002-05:00

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

Milford Begins Parent Leadership Traning Saturday

2012-01-18T12:49:00.002-05:00

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.

The annual 'Taste of Honey' is coming up soon at the JCC in Woodbridge

2012-01-16T19:20:00.001-05:00

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.

A great pair? Books over coffee

2012-01-16T17:51:00.000-05:00

And you can find out why death will come to Pemberley

STRATFORD - The Stratford Library “Books Over Coffee” program will begin its 2012 series "with a discussion of P.D. James’ current bestseller, "Death Comes to Pemberley" at noon Jan. 25, according to a statement.

Stratford educator and author Kathleen Faggella is the host of Book Over Coffee, the statement said.

"Pemberley, Jane Austen fans will recall, is the large Derbyshire estate owned by Fitzwilliam Darcy, who weds Elizabeth Bennet at the end of 'Pride and Prejudice.' In Death Comes to Pemberley, P. D. James’s surprising new sequel to that novel, the estate becomes the scene of a murder. The story is set in 1803, six years after the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy took place. They have two young sons now and the arrival of a third child is shortly to be announced. But their tranquility is interrupted one wet and windy evening when an unexpected carriage comes rocketing up the drive."

“Books Over Coffee” will be held in the Library’s Lovell Room and participants are invited to bring a bag lunch to the program and coffee and tea is also served, the statement said.

Limited reading copies of Death Comes to Pemberley are available for loan at the library’s Circulation Desk, the statement said. The new 2012 book discussion schedule is also at the library.

For more information call the library’s Public Relations and Programming Office at: 203- 385- 4162. Or visit www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. (Folks at the library wrote it, we edited it ever so slightly)

St. Vincent’s Healthy Hearts Club sponsoring trip to Mohegan Sun Casino

2012-01-16T13:58:00.000-05:00

The trip is open to the public

BRIDGEPORT — St. Vincent’s Healthy Hearts Club is sponsoring a trip to the Mohegan Sun Casino, which includes a ticket to the “From Mystic with Love” musical Feb. 13.
The trip is open to the general public.
Price is $55 per person, which includes the musical, $15 meal credit, a $20 surprise betting bonus, shopping and gaming, deluxe motor-coach transportation, all taxes and service charges and driver’s gratuity.
The motor-coach leaves at 8 a.m. from the rear of the new garage on (Main Street facing north) and returns at about 6:30 p.m.
Send checks payable to “Healthy Hearts” c/o Andy Gatto to 505 Hart Street, Bridgeport 06606. For reservations, call Andy Gatto at 203-372-5097.

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

Lauralton Students Share Art with the Community

2012-01-13T14:41:00.001-05:00

MILFORD--Lauralton Hall students were out in full force yesterday talking about their creative inspiration at the opening of an exhibit at Café Atlantique in Milford. The show is comprised of portrait, still-life, landscape, and abstract works created in state-of-the-art studios on campus. The show includes nineteen artworks in pencil, pen and ink, pastels, acrylic and digital design. Lauralton Art teacher Judith Doherty described the opportunity for students to share their work publically as “a learning experience”. “It’s a great opportunity for our young women to display their work in a public space like this.”
Café Atlantique owner Tina Roberts said she was thrilled to be able to display the student’s creations. “Displaying our community’s artistic talent is a way that I can give back to the community. We love having the students here and to display their art is an added plus.”
The exhibit runs until January 31. Café Atlantique is located at 33 River Street in Milford, CT and is open seven days a week.

Milford man named parade grand marshal of the Bridgeport 2012 Columbus Celebration

2012-01-12T19:41:00.000-05:00

A reception will be held to introduce him

BRIDGEPORT — Frank T. Gennarini of Milford will be introduced as the parade grand marshal of the 2012 Columbus Celebration by the Council of Italian-American Societies of Greater Bridgeport at a special reception Jan. 19 at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn, 1070 Main St., according to a statement.
At the reception from 6 to 8 p.m., Gennarini will “officially assume his parade grand marshal duties of the 104th Columbus Day Parade, making it the oldest running one in the state, the statement said.”
“A third-generation Italian-American, Gennarini has a long record of overseeing parades and volunteering in the community. He served as the Parade Grand Marshal twice in 2000 and 2007 for the Barnum Festival and taken part in a total of 15 parades. He has been involved with the Barnum Festival since 1995, and was named the Festival Volunteer of the Year in 1999. He also was twice elected President (2004 & ‘05) of the Festival.”
“This is a great honor,” Gennarini said in the statement. “I have a great deal of experience putting on parades and enjoy it. This one has a lot of sentimental meaning since I grew up in Bridgeport and many of my relatives still live near the actual parade route. This parade celebrates the spirit of the Italian-American culture that is so strong in this area.”
Gennarini, vice president of Real Estate for D’Addario Industries and private real estate investor, “plans to build on the tradition of the Columbus Day Parade and continue to improve it. He foresees reaching out to new organizations and businesses to join in the Columbus Day celebration as sponsors,” the statement said.
“For the 25th consecutive year, the popular Marine Band Concert will take place on two consecutive nights prior to the parade at the Klein Memorial Auditorium as part of the Columbus Day Celebrations.”
The staging area of the parade route, which starts at Jewett Ave in the North End and runs down Wayne Street to Madison Avenue, finishing at Central High School, proceeds along former farmland that was owned by Gennarini’s great-grandfather in the early 1930’s, the statement said. Gennarini also grew up in the area where the parade will pass, the statement said.
“Gennarini also acted in The Playhouse on the Green production of “Barnum, The Musical.” He is a graduate of Trumbull High School and Sacred Heart University and has been a volunteer at the Kennedy Center of Bridgeport and the Sterling House of Stratford. He is an active member of Toastmasters International and BACIO, the Bridgeport Area Cultural Italian Organization.”
“The Council of Italian-American Societies of Greater Bridgeport will sponsor the parade and all the Columbus Day festivities for the 33rd consecutive year. The CIASGB was formed in 1978 to operate exclusively for charitable, literary and education purposes in recognizing the contribution of Italian-Americans to this country. In 1979, CIASGB became the official sponsor of the Columbus Day Parade and the Columbus Day Celebration,” the statement said.

Editor's note: All information and the photo in this post was contributed. (Nice job organizers!)

Jewish Community Center Fitness Center holding 8th 'Largest Loser' competition

2012-01-12T14:51:00.000-05:00

The 'casting call is next month

WOODBRIDGE — The Jewish Community Center Fitness Center, 360 Amity Road, is holding its eighth "Largest Loser" competition March 4 to May 13.
All interested participants are required to attend a casting call for the spring 2012 program Feb. 12-14.
The JCC’s program differs from other variations in its focus on an entire lifestyle change. Participants work with personal trainers as well as a registered dietician and fat loss coach. The program includes educational lectures on various aspects of wellness.
Participants are divided into three teams of 10, each with a support team of personal trainers and instructors. Teams meet with their trainers three days per week for workout sessions, which include all areas of the JCC Fitness Department and involve a variety of activities. Fitness focused competitions take place throughout the contest against other teams. Weekly weigh-ins determine individual, as well as team, weight loss. Prizes are awarded in several categories for men and women.
For more about the Largest Loser, contact Susan Donovan at 203-387-2522, ext. 265 or visit www.jccnh.org.

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

'Women and Heart Disease' program to be held Feb. 2

2012-01-12T14:33:00.000-05:00

Reservations are required.

DERBY — In conjunction with National Heart Month, the Women and Heart Disease Committee will hold its seventh annual Women and Heart Disease program Feb. 2 at Grassy Hill Lodge.
Reservations for the event, which is open to the public, can be made by calling 203-732-7584 or 203-732-1137. The cost is $35.
Event registration and a silent auction will start at 5 p.m., followed promptly at 6 by dinner and the program, which features guest speaker Samantha Heller, nutrition coordinator at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.
Highlighting the evening is the presentation of the Annual “Caring Heart” Awards. This year’s recipients will be the Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys and Girls Club and Father Leonard Kvedas, pastor of St. Michael’s Parish in Beacon Falls.
For more information on the event, call 203-732-7584 or 203-732-1137.

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

One Voice One Gift: A Cabaret to Benefit the United Way of Milford

2012-01-11T14:23:00.000-05:00

Where:
Lauralton Hall
200 High Street
Milford, CT 06460

When:
Saturday January 21, 2012 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM EST

Broadway comes to Milford on Sat. Jan. 21, 2012! Join us for a night of entertainment as our own Kristin Huffman and her talented Broadway Babes showcase the work of the United Way in song. Kristin and her Babes have performed in such Broadway musicals as Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins, Chicago, Les Mis, Jekyll and Hyde and more. Doors open at 6:30; Cabaret begins at 7. Tickets are $35 and include hors d'oeuvres and entertainment; cash bar available. For more information call the United Way of Miford at (203) 874-6791 or
click below to reserve your ticket or table of 10.

MLK Ceremony this Sunday in Milford

2012-01-11T13:03:00.000-05:00

King’s Alma Mater Alumnus to Speak at Milford Observance
MILFORD--The annual observance of REFLECTIONS: A TRIBUTE TO THE REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. will be held Sunday, January 15 at 4:00 p.m. in Milford City Hall auditorium. This is the 26th year that the Milford Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, a women’s service organization, has sponsored the event, but the first since the dedication of Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The Stone of Hope Statue of Dr. King is the first on the National Mall devoted, not to a United States President or war hero, but a citizen activist for civil rights, peace and justice for all mankind. The figure of Dr. King was sculpted by renowned artist Master Lei Yixin, who captured him in a moment of reflective thought.
The Milford Chapter, one of 6 in the state, was chartered May 17, 1986 and has continued to impact the Greater Milford Community in their programmatic endeavors. The chapter has sponsored annual Walk For Health and Hunger Walk-A-Thons to benefit Beth El Shelter and the Clothes Closet in Milford. The chapter is also a supporter of the Robert McInnis Hospice Suite at Milford Hospital. The chapter’s present program initiative is PROJECT L.I.N.K.S. (Little Individuals Need Kinder Services). The chapter was the recipient of the Eastern Area’s 1st place award in Umbrella Programming and second place for their initiatives in international programming.
The annual address will be delivered by the Reverend Brian O. Bellamy, a graduate of King’s alma mater, Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and Yale University Divinity School. He pastors the Friendship Baptist Church in Hamden and is also a Faculty Associate at the University of New Haven in the Department of Global Studies. Other program participants will include Foran High School Chorus under the direction of Ms. Theresa Voss; The Celentano Museum Academy Chorus in New Haven under the direction of David Minnella; US Senator Richard Blumenthal, US Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro; State Senator Gayle Slossberg, and State Representative Richard Roy. Milford’s new mayor, Benjamin G. Blake will present a proclamation on behalf of the City of Milford.
A reception will immediately follow the program in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church at 28 North Street. The program is open and free to the public.

Milford Adult Education registration taking plance now

2012-01-10T12:42:00.001-05:00

Milford Adult Education is now taking registration for Spring/Summer evening classes. Registration can be done in person at the Adult Education office at 70 West River Street in Milford from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by mail addressed to Milford Adult Education, 70 West River St., Milford, 06460. An evening registration will be held on Monday, Jan. 23, snow date Tuesday, Jan. 24. If you have not received an Adult Education course brochure, you can access it on our website: milforded.org. Click on Programs and Services and choose Adult Education from the dropdown list. Registration deadline is Jan. 27.

It's time for an event that could only be known as the Pequot Library's Mid-winter Book Sale

2012-01-09T19:50:00.003-05:00

All proceeds benefit the Pequot Library

From Jan. 14 through Jan. 17, the Pequot Library will hold its annual Mid-Winter Book Sale.

"The little sister of the Library's nationally known Summer Book Sale, the Mid-Winter sale is smaller but more intimate with many treasures and bargains to be had," organizers said in a statement.

There is no admission charge for the sale, the statement said.

"The primary focus of the Mid-Winter sale is fiction and the Library's auditorium, where the Mid-Winter sale is held, will be full of a broad array of works of fiction in all genres in both hardcover and paper back," the statement said. "There will also a good selection of children's books and videos, and vintage paper backs."

further, "There are so many books sorted and priced this year, that the Library will begin to "restock" the tables during the sale," the statement said "Patrons looking for just the right book are encouraged to return each day to see what new books have been brought up out of storage."

These will also be a large selection of prints, thanks to the work of book sale volunteer Stephanie Weaver, the statement said. The prints, which are donated to the Library during the course of the year, are "colorful, interesting, and often humorous," the statement said.

"Paige Gillies, the book sale volunteer in charge of LP records, has actively been pursuing donations of these items to the Library, and there will be a large selection at the Mid-Winter Sale in mint condition and sorted into the following categories: Jazz, Rock, Folk and Country, Latin, and the Spoken Word. The LP is enjoying a surge in popularity recently and has become very collectible."

Mark Naftalin and Friends will perform both Saturday and Sunday starting at 1 p.m., the statement said

Members of the group are: Mark Naftalin - piano; Chance Browne - guitar, harmonica & vocal; Paul Gabriel - guitar & vocals; Daniel J - guitar, harmonica and vocals; Steve Russell - guitar, harmonica & vocals; Washboard Slim - washboard, harmonica & vocals; Gerry Manning - clarinet, harmonica & vocals; and Paul Bluestein - guitar & vocals.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. (Because folks at the library know a lot about words, we're sharing what they have to say!)

Fairfield Child Is Honored and Remembered For His Fight Against Cancer

2012-01-09T18:09:00.002-05:00

With dreams of becoming a scientist who would cure cancer, and mosquito bites, Teddy was a smart, funny, kind and sometimes stubborn boy. He liked soccer, basketball and hanging out with his friends. He also enjoyed reading "Goosebumps" books and his favorite TV shows were "Sponge Bob" and "The Simpsons."
In November 2009, Teddy's life changed forever when he was diagnosed with an undifferentiated sarcoma, a large malignant soft-tissue tumor that was located in his chest. He endured seven rounds of chemotherapy, two life-threatening operations and seven weeks of radiation to get rid of his tumors, but even then, new tumors were discovered in his chest less than a month after he finished treatment. Despite the exhaustive efforts of his oncologists, Teddy passed away on August 16, 2010, at the age of 9. Teddy's courage and determination were an inspiration to his family and those around him during his cancer battle. His memory continues to remind us of the need for research so no child will have to suffer as Teddy did or have their promising futures stolen.
Recently, Teddy was honored by the St. Baldrick's Foundation as one of the five 2012 Ambassador Kids. The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money to fund the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. The five Ambassador Kids serve as the faces of the St. Baldrick's Foundation throughout the year and share its mission to Conquer Kids' Cancer! The kids are a reminder that cancer affects more than 160,000 children worldwide each year and in the U.S. one in five kids diagnosed will not survive.

Check out his Honored Kid Page on the website.
Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is unedited here and posted as a tribute and a public service.

Game dinner to be held in Derby to help in fight against Cystic Fibrosis

2012-01-09T17:55:00.000-05:00

The 11th annual game dinner for Colby McMahon and the fight against Cystic Fibrosis will be held Feb. 3
at A M Club on Hawthorne Avenue in Derby.
The donation is $35 and participants must purchase tickets in advance.
For more information, call Elaine Marcucio at 203887-5047 or email elainemarcucio@yahoo.com.

Shown in contributed photo: Colby McMahon

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

Lifeline Program coordinator at Hospital of Saint Raphael will be special guest speaker at Milford event

2012-01-09T17:40:00.000-05:00

The event is open to the public
MILFORD - Jennifer Cotter, Lifeline Program coordinator at New Haven’s Hospital of Saint Raphael will be the special guest speaker when Saint Ann Parish opens its new season of Wellness presentations at 2 p.m. Jan. 29 in the church.

Cotter "will give background on Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Service, explain how it works and the various options available," according to a statement.

The hospital has offered the 24/7 service to the surrounding community for more than 25 years, the statement said.

Cotter, "who began her career at the hospital in 1989, has been the Lifeline coordinator since 2002," the statement said.

"She finds her work 'very rewarding' and enjoys 'helping the elderly stay independent and in the homes they love,'" the statement said.

Statistics indicate that more than 13 million people ages 65 and older will experience a fall or some other medical emergency in their homes this year. When time is of the essence a medical alert service can be invaluable, the statement said.

The public is invited to attend this event. For more information call 203-874-0634.

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

Neighbor-to-Neighbor LifeLine Grant Applications Now Available

2012-01-07T09:14:00.001-05:00

The grants are available for residents of many area towns

NEW HAVEN -- United Way of Greater New Haven and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven will begin their 4^th year of Neighbor-to-Neighbor LifeLine, a partnership to help meet emergency housing and hunger needs in the Greater New Haven and Shoreline regions. The campaign, which began in 2009, has provided nearly $2 million to help individuals and families avert or pull-out of crises caused by the economic downturn.

This year, N2N will make grants to nonprofit organizations, government institutions and/or faith-based organizations to help them meet the emergency food or housing needs of residents of the region.
Grant applications are now being accepted by Greater New Haven organizations that provide emergency food or emergency housing services to residents of New Haven, Bethany, Cheshire, East Haven, Hamden, Milford, North Haven, Orange, Wallingford, West Haven, and Woodbridge. Applications for Greater New Haven are due February 8th at 12:00 noon and must be submitted online.

A separate Shoreline application will be available on January 18^th for organizations that provide emergency food, housing, and relief fund services to residents of: Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, North Branford, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. Organizations may submit multiple applications to either process, or apply to both application processes. Visit www.n2nlifeline.org/application for more information.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. (Yes, United Way wrote every word) It is unedited here.

Milford Police Promotions

2012-01-04T12:55:00.001-05:00

For Immediate Release

Date: January 4, 2012

Contact: Lieutenant Vaughan Dumas

The Milford Police Department will be conducting a promotional ceremony for five members of the department on January 5, 2012 5:00 pm at Milford City Hall, 110 River Street. The ceremony is open to the public and members of the Milford community are free to join us during this historic event and recognize the achievements of these individuals.

Below is a list of the personnel, their newly achieved rank and a brief bio of each individual;

Captain Tracy L. Mooney will be appointed to the rank of Deputy Chief and will assume second in command overseeing operational functions within the department. Tracy Mooney joined the Milford Police Department in 1994 and is a seventeen year veteran of the department In 1997 she was chosen to represent the department as both an undercover and investigative officer at the South Central Office of the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, where she received two (2) Unit Citations. She returned to the Patrol Division in 2000 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2002, to Lieutenant in 2004 and to her current position as Administrative Captain in 2007.

Her responsibilities included heading the Internal Affairs Unit, acting as the Freedom of Information Officer, overseeing the Records and Traffic Divisions, coordinating the hiring of employees, as well as participating in and supervising the Recruitment Team. Deputy Chief Mooney was the Project Manager for the recent procurement and implementation of the department’s computer system.

Deputy Chief Mooney served on the Departments’ Bike Unit, Tactical Unit, and Honor Guard. She is a P.O.S.T Certified Municipal Academy Instructor in Search and Seizure, Laws of Evidence, Constitutional Law and Career Development. She instructs in the Milford Police Academy, and other regional academies.

Deputy Chief Mooney received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, from Keene State College and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven. She is currently pursuing additional graduate studies in the National Security Program at the University of New Haven. She has attended the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association’s (LEEDA) Command Institute and most recently graduated from the 246th Session of the FBI National Academy.

She has been awarded a Commendation and two Unit Citations fom this department, as well as additional Unit Citations from the Connecticut State Police.

Deputy Chief Mooney is a past recipient of the Milford Rotary’s 2007 and 2009 Daniel S. Wasson Scholarship and the 2007 Connecticut Police Chiefs Association William Kirkby Scholarship.

Captain Gerald Butler will be promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief and will assume third in command overseeing administrative functions within the department. Gerald Butler is a 26-year veteran of the Milford Police Department and is currently assigned as Captain of the Detective Division.

Gerald Butler entered the Milford Police Academy in 1984. Became a probationary Officer in March 1985 and was assigned to the Patrol Division. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1996 and promoted to Lieutenant in 1998 where he was assigned to the Patrol Division as a Shift Commander. He was transferred to the Administrative Division in 2001, following his promotion to Captain in 2004 he served as the Administrative Captain and in 2007 he was transferred to the Detective Division, where he served as the Division Commander.

Deputy Chief Butler has been a member of the Police Department’s Marine/SCUBA team since 1986 and is the Unit’s Commanding Officer.

Deputy Chief Butler graduated from Amity H.S. in 1981 and attended Southern Connecticut State College and Housatonic Community College graduating with a Major in Business and received his Associates Degree. In 2007 Deputy Chief Butler attended and graduated from the F.B.I. National Academy’s 230th Session in Quantico, VA. Deputy Chief Butler received his Bachelor’s Degree in the spring of 2008 from Charter Oak State College and in 2011 he graduated from Albertus Magnus College with a Master’s Degree in Leadership with honors.

Deputy Chief Butler has received the Department’s Meritorious Service Medal, 3 Commendations, the 20-year service award, the Red Cross lifesaving award and several letters of recognition. Deputy Chief Butler and his wife Barbara are residents of Milford and have 2 children, Jerry and Alexandra.

Lieutenant John Alexopoulos will be promoted to the rank of Captain and will be assigned to the Detective Division as a Division Commander. Captain John Alexopoulos graduated from the Milford Police Academy in 1984 as a Probationary Officer and was appointed as a Regular Officer, assigned to the Patrol Division, one year later. Captain John Alexopoulos is a 28-year member of the Milford Police Department.

Captain Alexopoulos served as a member of the Marine/SCUBA Team, the K-9 Unit, he is a P.O.S.T.C. Certified Municipal Police Instructor and a Firearms Instructor and Armorer. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1993 and was assigned to the Patrol Division. He was transferred to the Detective Division in 2003 and was assigned to general investigations. Captain Alexopoulos served as the department’s Intelligence liaison Officer to state and federal agencies exchanging information for terrorism, criminal and homeland security issues. In 2009 Captain Alexopoulos was promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to the Patrol Division. Captain Alexopoulos was selected to participate in the development and implementation of the department’s computer system and is as a system administrator.

Captain Alexopoulos received three Commendations and two Letters of Recognition from the Milford Police Department. He also received the1988 Chamber of commerce “Young Officer of the Year” award and was awarded the Courage of Connecticut Award.

Captain Alexopoulos is the recipient of the Milford Rotary’s 2011 Daniel S. Wasson Scholarship and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety Administration through Charter Oak State College.

Captain Alexopoulos currently resides in Milford with his wife, Debbie, and two daughters, Christina and Nicole.

Sergeant William Cable will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and will be assigned to the Patrol Division as a Patrol Shift Commander. Lieutenant Cable is a 17 year veteran of the Milford Police Department and is currently assigned to the Patrol division as a Patrol Sergeant.

Lieutenant Cable Graduated the Milford Police Academy in November 1994, and became a part time Officer. He was hired as a full time - probationary Officer on Jan 6, 1995 and was assigned to the Patrol Division. He served on the S.W.A.T. Team from 1998 to 2010. In September of 1999 he entered the Connecticut State Police Canine Academy with his partner Canine Bogey. They graduated the 89th Canine Training Troop on December 17, 1999. Lieutenant Cable and canine Bogey worked together until June 2007 when he was promoted to Sergeant and Bogey retired. As a team they made numerous criminal apprehensions and were responsible for locating several missing/endangered persons. Lieutenant Cable and canine Bogey went with the S.W.A.T. team to New York City serving the city for five days immediately following the terrorist attack on Sept 11, 2001. As a Sergeant in the patrol division, he served as a supervisor of the Canine Unit.

Lieutenant Cable graduated from Frank Scott Bunnell High School in 1988. He attended Western Connecticut State University and graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Justice and Law Administration in.

Officer Evan Beauvais will be promoted to the rank of Sergeant and will be assigned to the Patrol Division as a Shift Supervisor. Evan Beauvais is a 10 year veteran of the Milford Police Dept and is currently assigned to the Tactical Squad of the Detective Division.

Sergeant Beauvais graduated from the Milford Police Academy in May of 2001 and was assigned to the Patrol Division. In June of 2004 he was assigned to the Tactical Squad. He returned to the Patrol Division in October of 2004 and served as a Field Training Officer from 2005 to the present. In September of 2011 Evan once again was assigned to the Tactical Squad of the Detective Division.

Evan has received three Unit Citations, one Commendation and one Medal of Merritt from the Milford Police Dept.

Mayor Blake Announces Christmas Tree Pickup Schedule

2012-01-04T12:52:00.000-05:00

Recycling of Christmas Trees is Encouraged

Milford, CT, January 3, 2012: The Milford Public Works Department will pick up Christmas trees again this year. However, Mayor Benjamin G. Blake is encouraging residents to recycle their trees. Anyone wishing to recycle trees can bring them to the Walnut Beach and/or the Tri-Beach Parking Lots on Saturday, January 14, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Department of Public Works will be there to chip the trees.

For those residents who choose not to recycle their trees, the Public Works Department will pick up Christmas trees along with regular garbage pickups throughout the month of January. Trees must be cut into lengths no longer than four feet or they will not be picked up.