STRATFORD - Children ages 5 to 8 can celebrate the art of a good story in the Stratford Library’s Winter Art Program at 4 p.m. Jan. 12, organizers said in a statement.

Children can listen to great stories and then create artwork that ties into the themes of the books, the statement said.

The class will be taught by local art instructor Sally Head, the statement said.


To register or for more information, call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.



In photo: Instructor Sally Head (standing) assists children in making art from books at a recent Stratford Library program.

“It’s for you” Conceptual Art and the Telephone at HCC

The Housatonic Museum of Art at Housatonic Community College will present an exhibit “'It’s for you' Conceptual Art and the Telephone" in the Burt Chernow Galleries and other areas of the HCC campus from Feb. 24 to March 25, according to a statement

"The exhibit is, in part, a response to the wide-ranging use of phones in the hallways and other areas on the campus of the college," the statement said.

"Each day students text, talk, surf the net, and listen to music on their phones. With this exhibition, artworks that use the phone as an artistic medium or mediator are brought together in an original exhibition curated by Terri C. Smith," the statement said.

"The projects range from the late 1960s to today and include sound pieces, videos, and objects that resonate with the functions, technologies, and physicality of the telephone. Artists in the exhibition include: T. Foley, Lukas Geronimas, Jeremy LeClair, Christian Marclay, Yoko Ono, Rachel Perry Welty, Robert Peters, Pietro Pellini, and Hannah Wilk."

"Many of the artists in “It’s for you” aim to democratize the artist/audience relationship, a quality that is intricately woven into the history of conceptual art. In “It’s for you,” Yoko Ono might call the gallery as part of her Telephone Piece, providing direct contact between artist and viewer. Students will work with T. Foley, creating their own ring tones as part of her Locally Toned project. Archival materials are also included as a way to represent ephemeral works from the past as with Robert Peters’ Naming Others: Manufacturing Yourself (1993) where the artist asked people to call an 800 number from pay phones and choose which stereotyping phrase described them best," the statement said.

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

Bridgeport Hospital radiation oncologist Dr. Bruce McGibbon, shown, will discuss “New Advances in Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer” during the next meeting of Man to Man, the hospital's prostate cancer support group, from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 18, at Spring Meadows, 6949 Main St., Trumbull, according to a statement.

The meeting is free and open to the public.
A light dinner will be served. For information or to register, call toll free 1-888-357-2396.

"The Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute at Bridgeport Hospital is approved with commendation by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer as a Teaching Hospital Cancer Program. The Cancer Institute delivers care to more than 1,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients each year—more than any other hospital in Fairfield County," the statement said.

Further, "Bridgeport Hospital is a member of the Yale-New Haven Cancer Network, an alliance of hospitals across Connecticut that provides access to the latest breakthroughs and delivers an unparalleled level of expertise in cancer, prevention, diagnosis and treatment," the statement said.

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Fairfield University collects more than 1,400

FAIRFIELD - A group of student volunteers at Fairfield University recently collected a record number of Teddy Bears for children in need.

In its 11th year, the annual Teddy Bears with Love program is a community service project spearheaded by Fairfield’s Student Alumni Association, according to a statement.

The group recently collected 1,477 bears for Connecticut children and some as far away as Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, the statement said.

Since its inception, the holiday giving program has collected and donated nearly12,500 Teddy Bears,  the statement said.

Colleen McGinn, associate director of alumni relations, who oversees the project said, also in the statement said, “Believe it or not, the recession hasn’t seemed to have made a huge difference on our collection. While the numbers do vary each year, we find it doesn’t have much to do with the economy, as it does with people choosing to give to other charities.”

McGinn also said there "was a concern at one point they wouldn't be able to accommodate a request from a Philadelphia-based children’s charity before Christmas," the statement said. Then, an organizer for Philadelphia’s regional collection sent out an e-mail to the Alumni Chapter reminding everyone in the area to donate, and a local alumnus offered to purchase over 100 bears to make up the difference. “It’s instances like this that show the true spirit of giving,” McGinn said.

Alumni chapters from Boston, Chicago, Northern New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC served as area contacts for local alumni to donate bears, and McGinn said the success of drive has led other universities to develop a Teddy Bear drive of their own, according to the statement. “Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst have established a program to fit the needs of their community,” McGinn said.

Erin Stahl, a senior and president of Fairfield’s Student Alumni Association says the Teddy Bears with Love program is a meaningful way for the Student Alumni Association, and the campus community to come together, and spread some holiday cheer. “I personally love the Teddy Bears program because each bear collected means one more smile on a child’s face, and I can’t think of a better gift to give each year,” she said, also in the statement.

The stuffed animals will be hand-delivered to 12 locations, including Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Georgetown Medical Child Life Program in Washington, DC, Variety-The Children’s Charity in Philadelphia, Overlook Hospital of Summit, NJ, and Suffolk County Child Advocacy Center in New York, the statement said.

Connecticut sites include Bridgeport and St. Vincent's Hospitals, Yale New Haven Children's and Connecticut Children's Medical Centers, St. Mary’s Hospital, and Action Bridgeport Community Development. “There’s something about driving up to the door of one of these hospitals and charities, and handing over hundreds of new Teddy Bears, knowing they’re going directly to a child,” McGinn said, also in the statement said.

For more information contact Colleen McGinn, associate director of alumni relations at 203-254-4280 or e-mail at cmcginn@fairfield.edu.

In photo: Fairfield University staff members left-right, Jessica Viner, Collen McGinn, and Maria Bolis

Editor's note: Information and the photo in this post was provided wholly by Fairfield University.

BRIDGEPORT - MainStateVentures will unveil new artwork by John Lawson at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 6.

The event is part of its 1st Annual Art Competition, according to a statement.

Lawson, a resident of Bridgeport, is the fifth finalist to be featured in this year-long rotating public art exhibit, the statement said.

Entitled "Diligence," thw new work will be on display outside on Broad Street directly across from the Burroughs-Saden Library at 925 Broad St. in downtown Bridgeport through early March, the statement said.

A reception with the artist will follow the unveiling at Tiago's Restaurant, 211 State St.
Lawson will be on hand to discuss his new work, which is entitled "Diligence," the statement said.
 
"I am very excited about this piece," Lawson said, also in the statement. "Whatever we endeavor to do in life requires focus, dedication, commitment, and diligence. This work speaks of the integrity of inner character and the universal elements of our humanity."

Both events are free and open to the public, the statement said.

For more information, follow "MainStateVentures Public Art Competition" on Facebook.

The work shown is "Finally" by John Lawson (2008)

The Milford Fire Department would like to possibly assist you with your holiday shopping

Need something for the person who you think has everything, or the people who are impossible to buy for every year? These ideas are not expensive, but can provide the precious gift of peace of mind. The other great thing is they are gifts that keep on giving long after the person receives them.

These suggested gift ideas come from the National Fire Protection Association and are endorsed by the Milford Fire Department.

Carbon monoxide detectors, these alert loved ones in the event that the silent killer carbon monoxide is present. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas formed when fuels don’t burn completely. Fuels include natural gas, propane, oil and burning equipment. Although not a fire safety device, it does protect the home where smoke detectors do not.

Smoke detectors, one of the best fire safety items for the home. Seventy percent of all deaths occurring in homes happen in residences that either do not have smoke detectors are they are not in working order. Consider a smoke detector for everyone on your list this holiday season. Most detectors have a ten year life cycle and many in our area have exceeded this time period and maybe ought to be replaced. For special needs individuals who are hard of hearing or hearing impaired some units now come equipped with strobe lights, high decibels are vibrate when they go into alarm.

The old standby “flashlight”, these prevent fire when used during power outages instead of candles.

If you are or someone you know uses candles, help prevent tip over’s when they are lit with a set of sturdy candle holders. Even better the lantern style candle holder can reduce the likelihood of something coming into contact with the flame of the candle.

For the person on your list who owns a fireplace, a secure fireplace screen which keeps embers from getting into the room. A box of long fireplace matches help prevent burns when igniting fuels.

What about a gift certificate for a cleanup service to come in and remove clutter that might be fire prone from basements, attics or yards. If that special purpose owns a fire place or wood stove maybe a gift certificate for a chimney cleaning to prevent creosote buildup that is a major cause of chimney fires.

On the more personal side, a bathrobe with tight fitting sleeves, that won’t touch stove burners while cooking. Or how about a down or synthetic comforter, flannel sheets or pajamas, these will keep your loved one warm and decrease the need for space or portable heaters, especially at night. In two-thirds of fire deaths blamed on home heating device the space heater (fixed or portable) were the cause.

Another item is fireproof oven mitts for both the stove and the barbecue. If someone you know smokes how about a large, deep, non tip ashtray, these help prevent smoking material from igniting nearby combustible items.

A portable fire extinguisher with instructions on its use in case the unspeakable happens, generally a multi-purpose dry chemical type is recommended.

Large house numbers to assist fire, police and EMS to locate a home quickly during an emergency, especially at night.

Batteries for the smoke detector or flashlight can make great stocking stuffers.

These items may not be at the top of everyone’s wish list, definitely not exciting, but can have a high reward factor if they save a life or prevent someone from getting injured.

Unfortunately, some eye opening facts regarding the holiday season and safety.

- December, January and February are the deadliest months for fires.

- The top 10 days for home fires in recent years were between December 24 and January 6.

- Cooking and heating fires are the leading causes of home fires in the months of December through February

- Candle fires have nearly tripled in the past decade. Nearly twice as many home candle fires occur in December than any other month, perhaps because of the holiday decorations and seasonal celebrations.

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MONTHLY REPORT
December 2010 Complied by Economic Development Director Robert Gregory

Smith Craft has an option to buy One New Haven Avenue. Plan to develop apartments on upper floors with office use on main floor.
EquiPower Resources Corp, owned by Energy Capital Partners, will acquire Milford Power.

Shelter Interiors announces the opening of their interior design store and studio at 50 Broad Street on the Green. Shelter Interiors offers residential and commercial interior design, remodeling and decorating services and products.

A new Zumba place is going in at the Goodwill location as they move to the former Tweeter location. Also Fulton Fitness is expanding into part of that building as well.

Karen and Glen Telep recently opened Ocean Spray Interiors, an 1,800sf shop at 374 New Haven Avenue. The store turns used furniture into timeworn pieces with a coastal theme.

Karen and Robert Bruneau have been approved by PZ for a vehicle repair facility at 60 Rowe Avenue.

Schick has approval to build a 2,833sf addition for a research and development facility to be used “Edge Gel” shaving cream.

Johnny Rays received approval to establish an outdoor dining patio at 1015 Bridgeport Avenue.

Excello Tool Engineering and Manufacturing is planning a 4,611sf addition at 23-41 Warfield Street.

In cooperation with the Workforce Alliance the City held a Management Re-Employment Workshop for job seekers.te that ailing td1ay due to Emergency Medical Services Corporation announced that an affiliate of its EmCare segment has entered into an agreement to acquire Milford Anesthesia Associates.

On a sad note Devon News and Devon Barber Shop are closed

The Stratford Library and Baldwin Center will present a special holiday music program as part of the Stratford LifeLong Learners series at 1 p.m. Dec. 21.
"The four-year old group of "third agers," still-active senior adults ages 55-70 who are interested in a variety of topics and activities, offers free programs that rotate between the Baldwin Center and the library," officials said in a statement.
"For the holiday program an elegant afternoon of classical and baroque music will be performed by the Baldwin Chamber Players."
The concert will be held in the Library’s Lovell Room.
Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome, the statement said.
For more information call the Stratford Library Adult Services Department at 203.385.4164 or visit http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/.

While Square One Theatre’s production of Agatha Christie’s "The Mousetrap" was in production, Square One’s ongoing Educational Program took its production of "Educating Rita" to Stratford Schools performing for students at both Bunnell and Stratford High Schools, theater officials said in a statement.
"In addition to the production, the Square One Educational Program, funded by People’s United Bank, provides the teachers with Educating Rita Study Guides for in-class preparation before and after Square One’s visit," the statement said.
Each performance featured Artistic Director Tom Holehan who introduced the actors, Frank Smith, of Milford and Vanessa David, of Stamford, portraying a down-on-his-luck college professor and a wants-to-learn-it-all student respectively, and set each scene of the play, the statement said.
The performances were followed by a Q&A with the students, actors, director and teachers.
A follow-up class assignment required each student to write a brief ‘review’ of the play to be shared with Square One Theatre, the statement said.
Square One Theatre has for 12 years taken one of its plays into school classrooms and libraries allowing for more intimate theatrical experiences while at the same time enriching each school’s curriculum, the statement said. In 2005, Square One Theatre received “The Friend of Education” Award from the Stratford Board of Education for its work with the schools and students, it said.
In the photo, l to r, Claire Rodriguez, Stratford high student; Frank Smith, of Milford, Square One Theatre actor; Mary Tourigny, Stratford high student; Vaness David, of Stamford, Square One Theatre actor; and Zachary Schaeffer, Stratford high student

Editor's note: The information in this post was provided wholly by Square One Theatre

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BRIDGEPORT - The 'Women at Heart Program' at the Regina L. Cozza Center recently sponsored a women’s cardiac screening fair in the Hawley Conference Center.
More than 30 women took part in the free cardiac screening, according to a statement.
"The fair provided health education literature packets, blood pressure/vital screenings, body composition evaluations, a nutrition assessment, exercise evaluations, cholesterol and blood sugar profiles," the statement said.
There was a lecture on nutrition by Karen Novak, and a primary prevention lecture by Kathleen Harper. Education videos were shown throughout the day and a yoga demonstration with yoga instructor Susan Kiley, the statement said.

St. Vincent’s Women at Heart at the Regina L. Cozza Center of St. Vincent’s is a cardiovascular program created exclusively for women of all ages designed to provide a holistic, woman-specific program of education and cardiovascular screening, the statement said.
The Women at Heart program helps women lower their risk with discounted cardiovascular screenings, nutrition counseling, stress reduction sessions, and education through free talks and heart health seminars, it said.
Prevention opportunities and information about the latest treatments and research findings are also provided, the statement said.

St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport,is a 473-bed community teaching and referral hospital with a Level II trauma center and a 76-bed inpatient psychiatric facility in Westport, the statement said.

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

And checking it twice?

In the interest of public safety the Milford Fire Department has issued a suggested "shopping list" of gifts folks might want to consider. No surprise, all are intended to help save lives.

Milford firefighers said:

"The Milford Fire Department would like to possibly assist you with your holiday shopping.

"Need something for the person who you think has everything, or the people who are impossible to buy for every year? These ideas are not expensive, but can provide the precious gift of peace of mind. The other great thing is they are gifts that keep on giving long after the person receives them," the department said in a statement.

These suggested gift ideas come from the National Fire Protection Association and are endorsed by the Milford Fire Department.

Carbon monoxide detectors, these alert loved ones in the event that the silent killer carbon monoxide is present. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas formed when fuels don’t burn completely. Fuels include natural gas, propane, oil and burning equipment. Although not a fire safety device, it does protect the home where smoke detectors do not.

Smoke detectors, one of the best fire safety items for the home. Seventy percent of all deaths occurring in homes happen in residences that either do not have smoke detectors are they are not in working order. Consider a smoke detector for everyone on your list this holiday season. Most detectors have a ten year life cycle and many in our area have exceeded this time period and maybe ought to be replaced. For special needs individuals who are hard of hearing or hearing impaired some units now come equipped with strobe lights, high decibels are vibrate when they go into alarm.

The old standby “flashlight”, these prevent fire when used during power outages instead of candles.

If you are or someone you know uses candles, help prevent tip over’s when they are lit with a set of sturdy candle holders. Even better the lantern style candle holder can reduce the likelihood of something coming into contact with the flame of the candle.
For the person on your list who owns a fireplace, a secure fireplace screen which keeps embers from getting into the room. A box of long fireplace matches help prevent burns when igniting fuels.

What about a gift certificate for a cleanup service to come in and remove clutter that might be fire prone from basements, attics or yards. If that special purpose owns a fire place or wood stove maybe a gift certificate for a chimney cleaning to prevent creosote buildup that is a major cause of chimney fires.

On the more personal side, a bathrobe with tight fitting sleeves, that won’t touch stove burners while cooking. Or how about a down or synthetic comforter, flannel sheets or pajamas, these will keep your loved one warm and decrease the need for space or portable heaters, especially at night. In two-thirds of fire deaths blamed on home heating device the space heater (fixed or portable) were the cause.

Another item is fireproof oven mitts for both the stove and the barbecue. If someone you know smokes how about a large, deep, non tip ashtray, these help prevent smoking material from igniting nearby combustible items.

A portable fire extinguisher with instructions on its use in case the unspeakable happens, generally a multi-purpose dry chemical type is recommended.

Large house numbers to assist fire, police and EMS to locate a home quickly during an emergency, especially at night.

Batteries for the smoke detector or flashlight can make great stocking stuffers.

"These items may not be at the top of everyone’s wish list, definitely not exciting, but can have a high reward factor if they save a life or prevent someone from getting injured."

Unfortunately, some eye opening facts regarding the holiday season and safety.
- December, January and February are the deadliest months for fires.

- The top 10 days for home fires in recent years were between Dec. 24 and Jan. 6.

- Cooking and heating fires are the leading causes of home fires in the months of December through February

- Candle fires have nearly tripled in the past decade. Nearly twice as many home candle fires occur in December than any other month, perhaps because of the holiday decorations and seasonal celebrations.

Editor's note: The post was provided wholly by the Milford Fire Department, it is reprinted here nearly in its entirety.

ORANGE - The Orange Conservation Commission recently held a gathering - shown in the photo - at the Case Memorial Library to thank those who have worked to preserve open space in town.
Chairman Sharon Ewen said she wanted to "thank all the hard work and dedication of time and efforts" of those who worked together to care for open spaces.
Resident Ed Tucker was honored for his leadership on the Conservation Commission from 1998 to 2010.
In recognition of all of his efforts the commission presented him with an engraved hiking staff, Ewen said.
Howard Treat and his senior leadership group took on the task of clearing trails at the Housatonic Overlook and holding CT Trail Days at the same area.
They were instrumental in bringing out almost 150 hikers who walked the trail that day, Ewen said.

STRATFORD - The Stratford Library will conclude its series of free, holiday Sunday concerts with "A Broadway Christmas with Claire Kaiser" at 2 p.m. Dec. 19.
The concert is free and open to the public, library officials said in a statement.
Stratford vocalist and actress Claire Kaiser, shown is currently a junior at Emerson College in Boston where she is pursuing her bachelor's degree in theater studies, the statement said.
"She was most recently seen as Nettie in Emerson's Musical Theatre Society's production of Carousel and originated the role of Marianne in an original musical, Zazou, in 2009 which was written and composed by fellow Emerson student Noel Carey," the statement said.
Before moving to Boston, Kaiser had the opportunity to perform locally at The Klein Memorial Auditorium, Playhouse of the Green and The Downtown Cabaret Theater, the statement said.
In 2007 she received the Square One Theatre's Subscribers Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in 'Doubt'. She was also featured in Square One's musical, 'The Grass Harp.'
Kaiser is currently a top ten finalist for Best Vocal Performer Emerson's Evvy Awards, the statement said.
A “mezzo-soprano with belt,” she will perform holiday music with a Broadway beat for the Stratford Library concert, the statement said.
Traditional holiday favorites will be blended with song selections from such Broadway musicals as Wicked, Meet Me In St. Louis, Carousel, Guys and Dolls, Ragtime and The Drowsy Chaperon.
Doors open at 1:30 pm. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information call the library at: 203.385-4162 or visit http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/.

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

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Mayor Richetelli Announces End of Extended Saturday Hours at Transfer Station for This Year

Extended Saturday Hours to Resume Again in the Spring of 2011

Milford, CT, December 9, 2010: Mayor James L. Richetelli, Jr. announced that Saturday, December 11, 2010 will be the last day for extended Saturday hours at the Transfer Station. The Transfer Station will resume regular hours on Saturday, December 18, 2010. Regular hours will be as follows: weekdays 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The Transfer Station will continue to close on weekdays from 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m. for lunch.

But not in the usual way

STRATFORD - A town Christmas tree made of recycled industrial products is “up and sparkling” on the West Broad Street Green, Neil Sherman, chairman of the Economic Development Commission, said in a statement.
The 11,000 pound tree, which is 25 feet tall, is the result of “collaboration” between the EDC and the CRRA Garbage Museum, the statement said. It was created by Christopher Curnan Connecticut painter, sculptor and photographer. Curnan is represented by Galleria D’Arte in Georgetown, the statement said.
The tree, painted forest green and topped with an eccentric gold star is decorated in icy-blue lighting, with more than 900 feet of LED strings, he statement said.
Curnan said, also in the statement, the tree “uses elements of weathering, heat, and the extremes of nature.” The tree’s branches are constructed from discarded home oil tanks which he flattened using a giant excavating machine resulting in a highly stylized Blue Spruce, the statement said.
The Holiday Tree Lighting Festival, in its second year, “is the culmination of three months work,” the statement said.
Sherman praised Curnan for his artistry and thanked Galleria D’Arte as well as the Stratford Garbage Museum for their effort and collaboration in completing the tree, the statement said.
The tree will be on view until Jan. 5, the statement said.

ORANGE - Wags & Whiskers TLC, will offer photos with Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 11 at Pet Supplies Plus, located at 471 Boston Post Road.

Cost for each photo is $10.

Grab your pet, holiday cheer and join us for Pet Pictures with Santa, organizers said.

For more information, contact Jim at pounddogs@yahoo.com or 203-937-3642

STRATFORD - The Sterling House Food Pantry "shelves are full thanks to many donations and contributions this Holiday Season, especially The Auto Glass of New England from Stratford who recently sponsored a “Stuff A Van” food campaign," officials said in a statement.
Food donation boxes were dropped off at various locations throughout Stratford and Greater Bridgeport, the statement said.
Auto Glass of New England then delivered to Sterling House a van full of non-perishable food and turkeys for the pantry, the statement said.
“We are so appreciative of what Auto Glass of New England has done for our pantry...Roseann and Andre Santamaria, the company owners, were wonderful to initiate this project…our shelves are over-flowing as a result of their hard work,” Ray O’Donnell, food pantry manager at Sterling House, said in the statement.

Photo: l to r, Andre and Roseann Santamaria, owners of Auto Glass of New England handing over a turkey to Lou Perno, executive director at Sterling House.

The Milford Recreation Department in cooperation with we sell hoops LLC is currently accepting registration for its fall Hula Hoopdance Exercise class beginning Thursday, January 6, 2011. Hoop crew leader, Mary-Beth Oliver, will instruct the class.

The Hula Hoopdance exercise class is a fun cardio and toning series that focuses on core muscle strength and balance, arm toning techniques and leg strengthening. You will learn to use a 40” hula hoop for fun exercise and dance and can burn up to 100 calories per 10 minutes of intense workout.

Hoopdance is also a great way to loose inches off your waist and increase your cardio endurance. This is open to beginners and hoops will be provided the first week of class.

The class will be held at the Tri-Beach Recreation Center from 7:45 pm to 8:45 pm on Thursdays and cost $50. Dance Hoops can be purchased through www.wesellhoops.com or at the Holiday Hula Hoop Shop, open now through Christmas Eve at 272 New Haven Ave. in Milford.

For more information please contact Bill Garfield at the Milford Recreation Department (203) 783-3388 or Mary-Beth Oliver at we sell hoops LLC (312) 714-7543.