By Violet Nastri

ORANGE -- The oil paintings of local artist Violet Nastri will be on display during December at the Case Memorial Library in Orange as part of the library's "Art in the Library" series, according to a release.

All are invited to join Nastri at an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 8.

Nastri, an Orange artist, specializes in paintings that "capture the natural beauty of the outdoors," the release noted. "An avid drawer and painter since childhood," Nastri "has always had a keen eye for color and light. With a love for traditional oil painting, she today works to evoke emotion through landscapes set in some of her favorite places along the East Coast."

Nastri's current show "is an expression of the artist's love of New England with landscapes inspired by local farms, woodlands, ponds and streams. Her seascapes capture the many changing faces of the ocean. Whether the scene is of the crashing of a wave, or the calm of a marsh at sunrise, the viewer is transported to the moment, imparting feelings of calm and tranquility while staying true to the places represented. This show contains paintings using both plein-air and studio techniques to create scenes from Connecticut, Cape Cod and Maine."

Also: Nastri is a graduate of Fairfield University, where she studied art and interior design. After a 25-year career in interior design, she decided to focus exclusively on her lifelong love of painting. "She has continued to expand her artistic skills through studies with various Connecticut artists, and has achieved elected artist member status in the Madison Art Society, where her paintings have been shown in juried shows," the release said.

Nastri is a member of the American Society of InteriorDesigners and holds national interior design accreditation. Local interests include membership in the Garden Club of Orange and the Orangewood Woman's Club, the release said..

 

Editor's note: All information and the photo in this post were contributed. Click one of the buttons below to share it.

The staff at the historic Stone-Otis House, over the years, has made grape jelly from the vine in back of the 1830 homestead, but this year, without any attention from the gardeners, the vine has flourished and found its way here and there, according to a release.

Recently, Jan Clarke and Orange Historical Society President Ginny Reinhard cut the grape clusters, which totaled more than 30 pounds, the greatest yield ever seen produced by the vine, the release said., Normally when making one jelly batch, 6 pints are produced. Each batch produced 10, 8 ounce jars, the release said.

“It is understood that Mr. Dennis Stone, planted the vine where it is located, using a letter to his nephews, Fred and Clark Stone, to send him some shoots as he had moved to Twelve Mile Creek in Kansas in the mid 1800's to help his son, Legrand start a community of New Haven families there,” the release said.

“Since Mrs. (Sarah) Stone had died earlier, we can assume that the grapes, in Kansas, would be for wine but…can imagine that while her children were growing up that she too made jelly, maybe even jam.”

Society members are “sure Mr. Stone would be very happy to know that the Orange Historical Society has kept his precious plant alive and well.  It has not been neglected over the years but this year, it did itself proud, all by itself,” the release said.

The Stone-Otis House will be open Oct. 3 and Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment by calling  203-795-3106.

The event is seeking help in the food tents

The Orange Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival will be held July 30 through August 2.
Help is again gratefully accepted and very much needed in the main food tent, organizers said ina release.
Those interested in giving of time for a few hours, it is especially needed on Saturday,
beginning at 11 a.m. for the day shift, or the evening time, beginning at 4 p.m.
Help is also needed on Sunday, beginning at noon. The carnival does not go
into the evening on Sunday.
Assistance also is needed on Thursday and on Friday beginning at 4:30
p.m., the release said
Company employees who would like to volunteer together, as a group, would be
very much appreciated, the release said..
Coldwell Banker-Orange volunteers on Thursday night and Weichert Realtors
Orange comes in on Friday night.
"Remember that aside from having a good time pitching in with your
neighbors and friends to help, the volunteer fire department also helps keep our
town taxes lower," the release said.
Call or email Denise Mirto to add your name. 203-795-1080  or 203-464-9972 or
denise.mirto@gmail.com

Housatonic Community College recently held the awards ceremony


Milford resident and 2015 Housatonic Community College graduate Melissa Mickolyzck (at right in photo) walked away with three awards at HCC’s recent Awards Night ceremony, according to a release.

Mickolyzck received awards for Excellence in the Engineering Science Program, Achievement in the Engineering Science Program, and the Elizabeth Lombardi Doane Endowed Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, the release said.

Shown with here in the contributed photo is Prof. Rob Ryder, of Ivoryton

 

 

Rudy Valme

STRATFORD - The Stratford Library Board of Trustees will present its annual major fund-raiser for the library on beginning at 6:30 pm. April 25. according to a release 

The 12th annual event, entitled “Midnight Train To Stratford,” "will feature New York City’s Crossing Midnight band and have a Motown party theme," the release said. "It is a gala evening of hot music, dancing, appetizers, dinner, fine beverages and delectable desserts.  A silent auction will also be included in the festivities. This year’s event will be held at the Oronoque Country Club in Stratford and all proceeds will benefit the library’s collections."

           "Crossing Midnight performed together for several years before founder/singer Rudy Valme decided to take them to the next level. The group has performed in countless stages, bars and private homes in the United States and recently won 1st place at a battle of the bands for Resort World Casino. They have also performed at numerous important events at various venues from corporations to weddings, gracing the stage for veterans, the Mayor of Bristol and the Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. Playing Top 40, Motown, Disco, Jazz, Rock and more, Crossing Midnight has become one of the most highly sought bands out of New York City."

Also in the release:

            Major sponsors for the library benefit include People's United Bank, Stratford Land Development, Aquarion Water Co., Berchem, Moses and Devlin, Milford Bank, Joel Pleban, CPA, Curran Volkswagen, Hubbell Electric Water Heater Company and Pistey Funeral Home. Benefit sponsors receive a variety of special perks and are still currently being sought.

For more information or ticket reservations for “Midnight Train to Stratford”, call the Stratford Library at 203-385-4166 or order online at: www.stratfordlibrary.org/midnight-train-to-stratford.

In the photo :   Lead singer of Crossing Midnight Rudy Valme

                          

Participants can then tour historic Bryan-Andrew House

 

ORANGE >> The Orange Historical Society and the Milford Historical Society will hold a joint meeting to talk about restoration at 7 p.m. March 24 at the Orange Congregational Church, 205 Meetinghouse Lane, organizers said.

The meeting will include a talk on the restoration of historic homes by restoration contractors Edd Oberg, Karan Oberg and Orange society President Ginny Reinhard. At 8:30 p.m., guests will be invited to visit the Bryan-Andrew House on Old Tavern Road for a tour. Refreshments will be served. For information call 203-795-6465.

Find our where and when:

MILFORD -  Jerry O'Sullivan, uilleann pipe player, will take part in the free, traditional Irish music session at 7:45 p.m. Jan. 15 in St. Gabriel Parish hall, 26 Broadway.

The monthly event is sponsored by the P.V. O'Donnell Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and includes other musicians.

There may be visiting storytellers, poets, singers and dancers.  O'Sullivan also plays the tin whistle, the low whistle, the Highland pipes and the Scottish small-pipes.

Bring your own food, beverages. Info: 203-257-8737.

The building is right across from the town Green and there is parking behind the old library.


ORANGE - There will be a tag sale at Historical Society's "The Academy" building  - "most likely the last one until spring" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at 605 Orange Center Road, organizers said.

"The antique shop will be open as well so do some thrift shopping and holiday shopping at the same time," organizers said in a release. " Don't forget those fall weddings and hostess gifts for the unusual and distinctive collectibles."

 For information call 203 795-3106

Coming this Saturday right across from the town Green

ORANGE - The Orange Historical Society Outdoor Dollar Sale is  scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Academy Building at 605 Orange Center Road, organizers said in a release.


Each item outside The Academy at 605 Orange Center Road will be marked for sale for $1, organizers said.



Check out some of that the Historical Society is up to here.








Check out a video of a recent sale at the Academy here:




"Take advantage of this one-time sale for those unusual items that can be mixed and matched
for a gift basket or surprise package for that special person or occasion," organizers said in a release.'

For information call 203 795-3106

The shop is right across from the town Green on Orange Center Road

 

ORANGE - Saturday July 12 is the last day for the Orange Historical Society 20% off sale on antiques and collectibles is July 12, according to a release.  

 

"Come find that special gift for the summer occasions  that need something different to highlight the event," the release said.

 

The Academy Museum is  located at 605 Orange Center Road in Orange across from the town Green.

 

For  information call 203 795-3106.  Come visit the museum and shop.

 

(Please note the sale does not include the  museum collections. )

 

The bottom photo depicts a room at the society's nearby circa 1830 Stone-Otis House.

 

ORANGE - The Orange Historical Society will be "on the road" again with participation  in the Orange Congregational Church Strawberry Festival from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday on grounds of the High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, according to a release.

"All but the kitchen sink will be available at this wonderful event with the society adding to the festivities with their antiques and collectibles," the release said.

"In keeping with the day, the Church will present a Red Car and Truck event held in commemoration of the event.
Look for the red, white and blue antiques' and collectible table at the OHS
booth, the release.  For information call 203 795-3106.

Read more about the society's work.

Check out a video of some of the antiques and collectibles:

Milford student Alexis Smith was honored at Housatonic Community College’s recent Awards Night ceremony for academic achievements that won her statewide recognition, according to a release.

"At a ceremony normally reserved for graduating students, Smith, who will graduate next year, was presented with two prestigious awards for her academic achievement and community involvement," the release said.

Smith received the All-State Academic Team/Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Award and the Phi Theta Kappa All USA & Connecticut Community College Academic Award., the release said 

"Smith has maintained a 4.0 average while becoming extensively involved in the community. This includes work with the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, the Urban Impact Community Outreach Program in Bridgeport, Operation Hope in Fairfield, and the Urban Impact Adolescence Program in Bridgeport. "

Smith she has been a tutor in statistics, a student orientation leader, and participated in the You’ve Got Mail Day(s) initiative, the release said.

"Smith was one of five Milford students who were honored at Awards Night. Another student, Vanessa M. Bunyak, also received two awards, a Housatonic Foundation Scholar award and an award for academic achievement in the psychology transfer program."


Other award recipients, also according to the release, include:  Lisa M. DeBiase, Certificate of Achievement in Business Administration: Finance;  Dominic P. Figueiredo, Housatonic Foundation Scholar;  Erica Gibbons, Academic Achievement in the field of Early Childhood Education: AA.

According to a release: Summer Reading at the Stratford Library begins June 2 for children to age 12.

 

More in the release:

 

 

The 2014 theme is “Explore the Universe from A to Z.” The program encourages children to read books, receive prizes and enjoy special Library programs. For children not yet reading on their own, the Read to Me Program offers weekly prizes and an end of summer party with a “Family Music Extravaganza” performance.

 

This year, the Stratford Library teams up with Mayor Harkins for the Summer Reading Challenge for independent readers. Children who read eight books will receive an invitation to the end of summer ice cream party with Casey Carle’s Bubble-Mania, Mayor Harkins and the Stratford Librarians. Stratford children who read at least eight books from their school’s summer reading list can qualify to be recognized as a “Harkins Hero” at the party. For more information about this exciting opportunity, contact the Library or the Mayor’s office.

 

Summer Reading begins with special events for children at the Library. Turtle Dance Music will perform on June 23 at 10:30 am for toddlers to age 7. On June 21, Critter Caravan will bring their traveling exotic mammals and reptiles with shows at 2 and 3 pm for ages 4 to 12. The kick-off events are sponsored by the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund. To register or for further information and a list of summer programs and storytimes, call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

 

In the contributed photo: Kathryn from Critter Caravan talks about each animal’s country during her exotic mammals and reptiles show scheduled at the Straford Library on June 21 as part of the Library's annual summer reading program.

 

The Orange Volunteer Fire Department, in conjunction with the Yankee Council of Boy Scouts, is starting a Fire Explorer Program for young members of the Orange community, according to a release.

Any male or female between the ages of 13 and 17, and their parents, who would like to participate in this program, are encouraged to attend an open house at Station - 2 on the Post Road,  from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. April 30, the release said

This meeting will explain the program to the participants and their parents and will have applications for those who would like to sign up, the release said.

Refreshments will be served.  Parents may call advisor Peter Boppert at 203-799-2760 for additional information.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Click one of the buttons below to share it.

 

 

The following is a release from the White House, recounting First Lady Michelle Obama's remarks (unedited here) on the Subway Let's Move! announcement Thursday:

 

 

REMARKS BY THE FIRST LADY

AT SUBWAY’S LET'S MOVE! ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Subway

Washington, D.C.

 

 

11:17 A.M. EST

 

MRS. OBAMA:  Hey, everybody.  How are you all doing? 

 

CHILDREN:  Good.

 

MRS. OBAMA:  Are you as hungry as I am?  I am starving.  (Laughter.)  We're going to eat, right?  You ready for that?

 

Well, it is a pleasure to be here today.  I want to start by thanking Michael for that very kind introduction, but more importantly, for everything that he is doing to make sure that kids like you grow up healthy, that you eat healthy and you stay active so that your brains work right and your bodies work right, and you can live long like me and your parents. 

 

But thank you, Michael.  We're thrilled that he could join us, along with Justin Tuck and Nastia Liukin, who are here as well.  They're going to help fix our sandwiches.  So you're going to be able to meet a couple of other great athletes who believe in eating healthy as well.

 

But more importantly, thank you guys for being here today.  Is there school today?

 

CHILDREN:  Yes.

 

MRS. OBAMA:  Oh.  (Laughter.)  So how did you get to come here? 

 

CHILD:  The bus.

 

MRS. OBAMA:  They took the bus.  (Laughter.)  We are glad that you're here -- and staying warm, I hope, right?  Okay.  Well, let me talk about a few things before we eat, all right, and then we'll get to eating. 

 

I want to recognize Jim Gavin -- Jim, where did you go?  I heard you out here, Jim.  Hey, Jim, how are you?  Thank you for all of the work that you're doing with the Partnership for a Healthier America.  And of course, most of all, I want to say a huge thank you to Suzanne Greco and everyone here at Subway for making this day possible. 

 

For years, Subway has been providing meals that are healthy, but also easy, tasty and affordable -- right, parents?  And today, with these new initiatives, Subway is once again stepping up to provide even more healthy choices for our families. 

 

The new Fresh Fit for Kids meals here at Subway are a terrific example of what a kids' menu should look like.  And that’s because Subway is offering all kinds of healthy options for kids.  Instead of every single -- worrying about whether what's on the item -- what's on the menu is actually healthy, what you can do with this meal is that -- you know that every single item on the kids' menu meets the highest nutrition standards, from the lean dairy products to the fresh fruits and veggies to the non-sugary beverages. 

 

So this is a big deal, which is one of the reasons why we're here.  And I have to tell you that I’m excited about this initiative for a couple of reasons.  First, because I'm First Lady, and I've been -- of course, you guys know because you come help me with my garden -- we're doing Let's Move.  But I'm also excited about this as a mom, just like your parents are.  Because there was a time in my life when I was like a regular parent.  And for me -- (laughter) -- it's a little different now, I have to admit.  (Laughter.) 

 

But I remember on Saturdays, I would spend the entire Saturday driving my kids around -- is that what you're still doing?  I don’t know about you, but Saturday I was basically a chauffeur, driving the girls from dance class to soccer, and then to somebody's birthday party somewhere on the other side of town.  That’s what I was doing.  And I hardly ever had the time or the organizational skills to think ahead and pack snacks.  Sometimes I would remember the snacks, but I definitely never remembered to pack lunch. 

 

So there we would be, on our way to the second or third activity -- I don’t know how you feel about this -- and then you think somebody -- you hear a voice in the car, in the backseat, going, I'm hungry.  (Laughter.)  That’s how you all talk -- I'm hungry.  (Laughter.)  You've heard that voice before.  And then you suddenly think, oh, man, what am I going to do about lunch?  We don’t have time to go back but these kids need some food, they're not going to make it through the day without food. 

 

And when that happened, I didn’t have the time to drive all the way home.  I needed something close, nearby; something that would be quick and affordable, and also offer my kids some decent nutritious options.  That was the big part for me -- where could I go where I would be certain that what the kids would order would be a decent and healthy meal for them.

 

And that’s really why these new initiatives at Subway are so important, because they make it easy for parents like us to do the right thing by our kids.  With the choices on Subway’s kids' menu, you don’t have to argue with your kids about what they can and can’t have.  How many people argue with their parents when they go into a restaurant and your parents are trying to get you to order something decent, and you're like, I don’t want that?  (Laughter.)  That’s how you sound -- I don’t want that.  And then you're arguing with your parents. 

 

But here at Subway, you don’t have to say no to this or that or the other thing.  You can pretty much guarantee when they go to the kids' menu that anything they order is going to be right on par.  And that helps us.  You can let them loose and no matter what they choose from the kids' menu, you know it’s going to be good for them. 

 

And with the new Playtime: Powered by Veggies campaign, the menu here isn’t just healthy for kids, it’s also fun, because it lets the kids take control.  That’s one of the things that my kids like to do.  They like to think that they were in control of everything they ate.  So essentially giving them the opportunity to pick out what meats they want and what they want on their sandwiches, that makes them feel like they're in control.  And kids -- you guys like control, don’t you?  Especially if you're fourth, fifth graders, you like control.  It lets them choose which veggies they want to pile on, and what other things they want on their sandwich. 

 

And to all the kids here today, I want to also echo what Michael said earlier about the importance of eating right and making good choices about what you eat -- not just because that will make your moms happy -- which it will -- but it's going to actually help you make your bodies work better.  And that’s serious.  I don’t know how many kids are athletes here, or who are dancers, who are movers, who want to do something important with their bodies -- what you eat, what you put into it makes a huge difference, just as Michael said.

 

So if you don’t do it because you want to make mom happy, do it because you want to make yourself happy and you want to put yourself in a position to be excellent -- not just what you do physically, but what you do at school.  Michael mentioned that what you eat at school absolutely affects how well your brain works -- and that’s the truth.  You may not see it or know it right now, but it absolutely does.  So it's so important for you guys to make good choices about what you eat so that you move well and you study hard and you can do great things. 

 

And all of that goes for the adults in the room, too.  This isn't just about kids.  We know that how we eat affects how we feel, and how much energy we have to deal with you, right?  (Laughter.)  That’s why this new initiative isn't just for kids -- and that’s something to keep in mind.  Adults, we can pile it on, too.  We can make the choices about what we eat.  We have some flexibility so that we can actually feel comfortable eating with our kids when we take them out, right?  Because there's always some healthy option no matter what you're doing in your life.  That’s why this initiative is good for adults.

 

And, moms and dads, if you want a treat every once in a while, the beauty about Subway is that you can still order that meatball sub, because it's still on the menu.  And that’s the beauty of what's going on here at Subway -- you have choices.  You can still indulge every now and then and get that big foot-long with all the stuff and the cheese on it, and when you want to play it right, you have an option of doing something that’s more healthy as well. 

 

But there are also plenty of healthy options to choose from.  And, even better, Subway isn't just offering healthy choices -- this is the thing I like -- they're putting real money behind marketing these choices to kids.  They’re actually working to get kids excited about eating their vegetables. 

 

And I know we get them excited about doing lots of stuff.  We can market a lot of things to kids.  But one of the things that I've been urging companies to do -- and I did this last fall at our White House Summit on Food Marketing to Children -- I asked companies to stop targeting kids with ads for unhealthy products and start doing more to promote healthy products.  And I am thrilled that Subway is one of the first companies that answered this call by starting these initiatives.  And that’s wonderful.  Congratulations.  (Applause.)  And I am grateful for all that you're doing to step up on behalf of our kids. 

 

But of course -- and here's the thing -- in the end, it’s not enough just for Subway to simply offer and market these healthy options.  As parents and consumers, we actually then have to buy these products.  That’s the ticket.  The trick is we've got to put our money where we want products to go. 

 

When companies do the right thing, like Subway, when they give us the healthy options we’ve been asking for, we need to vote with our wallets.  That’s how we need to send a clear message that this is what we want for our families.  And that’s how we get even more fresh food in our communities, because when companies see that we're going to buy this stuff, then they'll keep making it.  Their argument is, we're making what people want.  And they're never going to stop making what we want if we keep just buying stuff that’s not healthy.  So now that we have the options, we've got to step up and show companies like Subway and others -- other companies that if you make it, we'll buy it. 

 

So with that, I want to close by once again thanking Subway for everything they are doing on behalf of kids and families.  And in the coming months, I hope that businesses across the country will take the lead and figure out how to make some changes in their menus that will help kids in our communities grow up healthier. 

 

So with that, are you ready to eat?

 

CHILDREN:  Yes.

 

MRS. OBAMA:  Who's coming with me to order a sandwich?  Let's do it.  Let's move!  Come on, let's go, let's go.  (Applause.)

 

                        END                11:27 A.M. EST

 

BRIDGEPORT — St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Saxon-Kent Lingerie of Orange partnered to create the St. Vincent’s SWIM Center Boutique to offer "specialty products and services to individuals undergoing treatment or in survivorship," according to a release.

 

The boutique is on the third level of the Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care.

 "Products include skin products, garments that are hospital and IV-friendly, as well as spiritual items. Trained and sensitive expert fitters will provide individualized attention in a private setting for those needing mastectomy bras and garments, breast prostheses, swimwear, and specialty apparel following breast surgery. Specialists will be available to fit lymphedema  compression sleeves/garments, and for those experiencing hair loss, to assist in the selection and fitting of wigs, hair pieces and bangs, turbans, scarves, hats and sleep caps, and scalp and wig care products."

 

Also in the release: "Individuals are asked to bring Medicare and insurance cards and staff will assist in completing paperwork. St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound assistance is available to those who qualify."

The boutique is open Monday -Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special fitting hours for wigs, prostheses, mastectomy bras, lymphedema sleeves etc. will be Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p,m and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – noon or by appointment, the release said

Free parking in the garage immediately in front of the Medical Center front door with validated ticket, the release said.
For information, call the SWIM Line at 203-576-6158.

To view a listing of health and wellness programs offered here at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, visit : www.stvincents.org/events

 

 

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Click one of the buttons below to share it.

The Temple Emanuel Band, Children’s Choir and Hebrew School invite you to join them for a morning of singing and celebration in memory of the music and legacy of Debbie Friedman.

Here are the details:

D. Friedman 2014 Press Release

Hospital has serveral locations

According to a release, Bridgeport Hospital has opened a new blood draw station in Suite 203-A of the Barnum Professional Building at 1825 Barnum Ave., Stratford.
Hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., the release said.
The hospital also operates draw stations in many other area communities, including Bridgeport, Fairfield, Monroe, Shelton and Trumbull, and has a second draw station in Stratford at 3115 Main St., the release said.

 For more information about locations and hours, call 1-888-357-2396 or visit www.bridgeporthospital.org.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Click one of the buttons below to share it.

To commemorate the 69^th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on Jan. 27, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven and the JCC will screen two showings of the documentary "Nicky’s Family."

The first showing, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, Shoreline Hadassah and The Grove School begins at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at Polson Middle School, 302 Green Hill Road, Madison, according to a release.

The second showing begins at at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at the JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge, the release said.
 

Suggested donation is $5.

"Proceeds of the movie will help fund scholarships for March of the Living, a program that sends Jewish teens from around the world for a two-week experiential journey to Poland and Israel for an educational experience about the Holocaust," the release said. 

 

"'Nicky's Family' tells the nearly forgotten story of Nicholas Winton, an Englishman who organized the rescue of 669 Czech and Slovak children just before the outbreak of World War II. Winton, now 104 years old, did not speak about these events with anyone for more than half a century. His heroic efforts might have been forgotten if his wife had not found a suitcase full of documents and transport plans many years later," the release said,. 

 

Also from the release:

 

The showing of "Nicky’s Family" is part of the Beckerman Lecture series. Sponsored by the Beckerman Family Foundation, the series is designed to promote engaging conversations about topics and themes that have shaped our world and continue to impact tout place in the global community.

 

Following the January 27 screening, Mr. Ivan Backer will discuss his personal experience on the Kindertransport. Mr. Backer’s mother boarded him on a train in Prague bound for London in May 1939 along with 668 other children. Unlike many of them, however, Mr. Backer’s story is atypical of that time period as many of his peers never saw their loved ones again.

 

“Mainly the question that it (the experience) poses is why was I spared when so many perished,” said Backer. “The answer is that I need to lead a life of service to others out of gratitude for being saved.” He said he hopes to “instill in young people the need to live a life beyond their own enjoyment and satisfaction.”

 

His own life journey brought him to New York in 1944 at the age of 15. Mr. Backer went on to graduate from Moravian College in Pennsylvania with a history degree and from Columbia University, where he earned his master’s degree in social ethics. For the past quarter century, Mr. Backer has served as the director of Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance in Hartford, which works to improve the neighborhoods around Trinity College, Hartford Hospital and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

 

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At the Orange Historical Society Antique Shop, "Snow Storm Sale" prices continue, organizers said in a release.
This means that any purchase, with a total of $10 or more "will receive 10% discount on that purchase," the release said.
The store is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday. The shop offers "unique antiques and
collectibles for that hard-to-buy-for friend or family member."
"If you didn't get what you wanted for the holidays stop by and buy yourself something from the OHS Antique Shop."
 For information call 203 795-3106. The store is located at 605 Orange Center Road, Orange. Editor's note:



All information in this post was contributed. The photo is an item really bought at the store!

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 Columbus House has announced that the organizarion will be the beneficiaries of the next 5 percent Day at Whole Foods Market in Milford, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 11, according to a release..

 During that time, 5 percent of every purchase will go directly to benefit Columbus House’s programs to help those experiencing homelessness, the release said.. Whole Foods Market is at 1686 Boston Post Road in Milford.

 

"Those shopping at Whole Foods Market in Milford will be doing much more than filling their carts with healthy groceries; they will be helping those experiencing homelessness get the support and attention they need to identify and overcome those factors that contributed to their homelessness while helping to secure a place to call home," the release said. "Five percent of every purchase will go directly to support Columbus House programs of– a non-profit organization serving adults, families with children and Veterans who are experiencing homelessness.

 “We are so grateful that Whole Foods Market - Milford chose to partner with Columbus House,” Columbus House Executive Director Alison Cunningham said, also in the release. “We encourage all of our friends and supporters to use this opportunity to visit Whole Foods Market in Milford, stock up on those items needed for the Holidays so that we can raise much-needed funding for our efforts to help those who are homeless.”

 "Five Percent Days are part of Whole Foods Market’s commitment to support non-profit organizations in their community," the release said.

 

 "We’re so excited to be partnering with such a wonderful community organization,” says Tiffany Chiappetta, Marketing Team Leader for Whole Foods Market in Milford.

For more information on Columbus House or their programs, contact John Brooks, Director of Development & Public Relations, (203) 401-4400 x108 or jbrooks@columbushouse.org.

 

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ORANGE - The Orange Historical Society "is ready to present its holiday collection of antiques and collectibles for the Christmas season:" at its Antique Museum, according to a release.
The shop, 615 Orange Center Road, is open each Saturday from 10 am. to 3 p,m. 
"Come visit the museum and shop for those hard to buy for friends and family. You are sure to find something for everyone," organizers said in trhe release
For information and directions to the shop call 203 795-3106.

Editor's note: All information contributed. Photo by Helen Bennett Harvey at the historic Stone-Otis House in Orange.

MILFORD - The Orange Arts and Culture Council will present its 4th annual youth concert, "Young Artists in Performance" at 3 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Eastbound Theatre, Milford Fine Arts Center, 40 Railway Ave. North.

"The performers are all in their teen or early twenties and come from the area. Included are Courtenay Durso, Helen Liu, Michael LoPiano, Heather O’Connor, Andrew Salerno, Luke Sofair and Patrick Weber," organizers said in a release.

"The music is eclectic -- show tunes, classical music and jazz. There will be something for everyone." Tickets are $10 for OACC members, students and seniors. Tickets for non-members are $15.

Call 203-397-8915 for tickets, which also will be available at the door.

The OACC has, as part of its mission the charge to support young artists, and the "concert gives them a venue to showcase their talents," the release said.

 The Fairfield Public Library will celebrate the 50^th anniversary of "Doctor Who" from noon to 4 p,.m. Nov. 23 in the Rotary Room at the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road, according to a release.

"Doctor Who," was the longest running science-fiction television show ever, the release said.

"Stop by the Library and celebrate your love of all things Whovian" at this event for all ages, the release said.  

"There will be screenings of favorite episodes, games, trivia, crafts, raffles, snacks, prizes and fun before the highly-anticipated anniversary special airs later that night," the release said.

 

No registration is required.

All programs at the library are free, the release said.  For more information visit www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160.  Follow the Fairfield Public Library on Twitter  and Facebook


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The Orange Historical Society will hold its last tag sale of the season from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at
the Academy Museum at 605 Orange Center Road.
"Combining it with the antique sale, the staff has priced a number of historical society items purchased for the Bryan-Andrew house which are no longer needed," organizers said in a statement.
Ironware, crocks and other items will be available as well as the items in the shop. For information call 203-795-3106.

In a press release, state Sen. Gayle S. Slossberg, D-Milford, offered tips on celebrating "safely when using fireworks this Independence Day."

The release, unedited here, is shared as a public service:

“July 4^th is a time for tradition and celebration,” Sen. Slossberg said. “As you celebrate, take the necessary steps to protect your children and families. Thousands of people visit emergency rooms every year seeking treatment for injuries sustained while using fireworks. Taking simple precautions will dramatically reduce the likelihood of this happening to you, and will keep your family and friends out of harm’s way.”

A study by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that an estimated 8,700 people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2012, with more than 5000 seeking treatment in the month surrounding Independence Day. Over half of these injuries included burns to the hands, head, and face.

Most fireworks-related injuries are associated with malfunctioning fireworks or improper use. Malfunctioning fireworks often result in unexpected flight paths and dangerous debris. Improper use includes igniting fireworks too close to someone and lighting fireworks in one’s hand. If proper precautions are ignored, fireworks can cause serious burns, eye injuries, loss of limbs, and even death.

To stay safe, follow these safety tips when using fireworks:

· Make sure the fireworks you want to buy are legal in your area before buying or using them.

· Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Nearly a quarter of reported fireworks-related injuries involve sparklers and bottle rockets, fireworks that are frequently considered safe for young children.

· Always have an adult closely supervise fireworks activities if older children are allowed to handle devices.

· Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper. This is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.

· Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.

· Light fireworks one at a time, and back up to a safe distance immediately.

· Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

· Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.

· Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

· Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

· After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device to prevent a trash fire.

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