MULTICULTURAL FUN

Partnerships in Learning and Creative Exploration, also known as PLACE, is having its annual Multicultural Children's festival at Town Center Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Oct. 2 at Town Center Park, 2783 Dixwell Ave, Hamden. If it rains, it will be at the Hamden Middle School next door.

There will be all kinds of demonstrations, arts and crafts, musical acts, a moon bounce, costume characters and more, like Bhoga Yoga, Brenna Traditional Thai Dance and the Konjo! African dance troupe. The Whitney Players and Play with Grace will be there to, as will Yale Jashan Bhangra and Shane Long with Native American traditions.

Info? 203-288-8600 or http://www.placechildrensmuseum.org/.

READY FOR BREAKFAST?

In an effort to raise money for ovarian cancer research, Paula Butler, in conjunction with the Carmel Council No. 3605 Knights of Columbus, is having a fund-raising breakfast on Sunday.

"Teal Time Breakfast Buffet" will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2630 Whitney Ave. in Hamden. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and children under 14. Children under 5 can get in for free.

Paula Butler, a 13-year ovarian cancer survivor from Hamden, is organizing the breakfast with the assistance of the Knights.

Money raised is going to the Discovery to Cure, a Smilow Cancer Hospital program that combats women’s reproductive cancers with a three-pronged approach, combining early detection, exceptional clinical care, and development of novel treatments. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Paula believes that not enough people know about ovarian cancer. Thirteen years ago, they thought she had a large cyst in her ovary but it was a 13mm malignant tumor. If she hadn't asked certain questions about hormones the doctor wanted to give her to decrease the size, then she wouldn't have had surgery right away.

"I wanted to find a way to give back to Yale," she said.

MENTIONING THIS AGAIN

The fifth annual Furr Ball to raise money for Halfway Home Rescue is from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday at Fantasia, 404 Washington Ave., North Haven.

Halfway Home Rescue founder Stephanie Mselli said the benefit dinner-dance is one of the ways the organization raises money to save the lives of abused, abandoned and homeless animals. It relies solely on donations. The organization provides trap-neuter-return services for feral cats in New Haven County and animals deemed unadoptable live in the organization’s sanctuary, Maselli said.

The 2008 New York Veterinarian of the Year Robert Reisman is the guest speaker. Reisman is the medical coordinator of animal cruelty cases at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

To purchase tickets, which are $35 a person, call 203-985-8338.

BANNED BOOKS WEEK

The Hamden Library system and the American Library Association are recognizing the phenomenon of banned and challenged books with a week-long event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States.

Intellectual freedom—the freedom to access information and express ideas, even if the information and ideas might be considered unorthodox or unpopular—provides the foundation for Banned Books Week, library officials said. The week  stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints for all who wish to read and access them.

The books featured during Banned Books Week have been targets of attempted bannings.

The top 10 most frequently challenged book of the past year were: 1. "TTYL; TTFN; L8R, G8R (series), by Lauren Myracle; 2. "And Tango Makes Three" by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson; 3. "The Perks of Being A Wallflower," by Stephen Chbosky; 4. "To Kill A Mockingbird," by Harper Lee; 5. Twilight (series) by Stephenie Meyer; 6. "Catcher in the Rye," by J.D. Salinger; 7. "My Sister’s Keeper," by Jodi Picoult; 8. "The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things," by Carolyn Mackler;

9. "The Color Purple," Alice Walker; 10. "The Chocolate War," by Robert Cormier.

Call 203-287-2680 for additional information or for library hours and locations.

BORROW AND BAKE

The North Haven Library, 17 Elm St., announces a new service available to the public. Cake pans and cookie cutters are available to borrow with your library card. Pans include themed pans such as Sponge Bob, Mickey Mouse, Enchanted Castle, Scooby Doo, plus shaped pans such as heart and bundt pans. The loan period for these pans is one week. For more information, search "cake pans" on the library’s website northhavenlibrary.net or call 203-239-5803.

I meant to take pen to paper sooner to pass on more juice about Restaurant Week.
Had some free time on Tuesday afternoon and had my first meal ever at Park Central Tavern on Whitney Avenue. It was delightful. Ate so much bread and butter with my lunch that I was so stuffed that I didn't have to have supper. Had a lovely caesar salad for an appetizer. The penne regate was surrounded by a mix of veggies...eggplant, spinach, red pepper, one other veggie and my absolute favorite, aspargus. (My grandmother used to grow it in her garden at our former homestead at Arch and Fitch streets in Hamden's Highwood section.) Dessert? A fruit tart.
Ran into Chamber of Commerce President Nancy Dudchik there, who also was planning to have lunch on Wednesday at Le Petit Gourmet. Town Arts Commission Director Mimsie Coleman and I had already made plans to meet there. Nancy invited the graphic artist who designed the Hamden Restaurant Week logo, Sylvia. We had a lovely time at Le Petit Gourmet. Chamber photographer John Columbus popped in with his wife to shoot a few frames, and Councilman Al and wife Betsy Gorman were among those who dined there that day.
I had a delicious crab cake for an appetizer, the black bean burger with rice salad for the entree and apple crisp for dessert.
Had a few minutes to meander after that and strolled through the gem of Whitneyville, Books & Co.
On Thursday, I had to run an errand that brought me next to DiMatteo's Pizza in the Hamden Plaza at lunchtime. My Restaurant Week goal was to only visit places I had never been, but I let my rule slip a bit. I hadn't had a meal at DiMatteo's (no relation) in quite some time. Had a great fried mozzarella dish for the appetizer. Was happily surprised at my entree, a tasty salmon over arugula. AND, THE RICOTTA PIE WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! May I say it rivaled, or maybe even exceeded, my mother's Eastertime ricotta pie.
After work on Friday night, I arrived at Sono Bana on Dixwell Avenue in the Bank Section just before 9 p.m. The place was packed. I could see the strain of the fast pace on the face of my waitress. In any case, I had the blue shrimp for my appetizer, a 1 roll and 10-piece sushi combo for my entree and cinamon apple roll for dessert. The seaweed salad was the best. The shrimp roll was good. I picked two, two, two, two and two of sushi samples. Couldn't tell you at this point what everything was. I didn't care for one piece of fish, but it wasn't that it didn't taste good. I just got overwhelmed by its consistency a bit. When I go for sushi I'm never really sure what I'm ordering. I wasn't crazy about the fish egg stuff, but again, that's just personal preference. The restaurant itself was very authentic and the service staff competent.
Saturday night, I hope to end Restaurant Week at either Thai Terrace or Ibiza Tapas, two of my very favorites in Hamden.

Upjohn plan approved...
Pfizer Inc. has announced that the EPA has approved its corrective measures study. Read the Register for more information.

An Excellent time...

Hamden Public Schools and the Hamden Education Association will host the third annual “Celebration of Excellence.”  It will take place on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Hamden High School, Room C-107.

This celebration will honor educators who have received special recognition for their outstanding accomplishments during the last school year.  Also being recognized are teachers who have mentored Hamden’s newest teachers by sharing their knowledge and experience.  Supporting and inspiring their colleagues, these mentors have demonstrated a true commitment to education.

In addition, 11 teachers will be honored as exemplary teachers representing their respective schools, including Larry Stein from Ridge Hill who has been chosen as Hamden’s Teacher of the Year.  These outstanding educators will be presented with awards donated by the Hamden Chamber of Commerce and individual Hamden businesses. If you haven't met Larry yet, he's worth the trip. He gave a hilarious yet serious talk at the opening convocation for teachers this year.

A time for creatures...
Halfway Home Rescue's fifth annual Furr Ball will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 1 at Fantasia, 404 Washington Ave., North Haven. It's a dinner-dance, raffle and silent auction to raise money for the cause. $35 a person, cash var. The organization relies solely on donations. To make a donation or purchase tickets, call 203-985-8338 or email HalfwayHomeOnline@yahoo.com.

Wine, Roses and Rotary...
The ninth annual Day of Wine and Roses sponsored by the North Haven Rotary Club takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday Sept. 26 at Forget Me Not Flower Shop, 39 State St., North H aven. Local wine makers will be bringing their vino and it will be judged professionally. The public also will weigh in. Wine, other beverages and light fare will be available. Tickets are $30 for people older than 21. Info? Call Luigi at 203-248-7589.

Hi Folks,
The coming weekend offers plenty to do in terms of benefits and fundraisers. But first, remember that IT'S RESTAURANT WEEK IN HAMDEN!!! I'm planning on going to a few places I've never been before, like Le Petit Gourmet and Park Central Tavern, but I'm chomping at the bit to get to Ibiza Tapas again.

DOLLARS FOR DUCKPINS
Sandi at Johnson's Duckpin Lanes is having a biggie right at her place in the Hamden Plaza, 2100 Dixwell Ave.
The Hospice Helpers fundraiser will take place this Sunday, Sept. 26 At either noon or 3 p.m. The entry fee is $40 per team and all the money from the entry fees will be sent to Hospice to assist them in their work. Sandi suggests putting a four-member team together, all men, all women or mixed. Info? 203-248-1563 or info@johnsonlanes.com.

WALK & MEET
The annual St. Rita School walk-a-thon steps off at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26. It's an opportunity for school families to meet and celebrate the start of the school year. Participants will walk from the school to the Farmington Canal and back. Family fun, games and activities, a DJ and food will be available at the school afterward. Info? 203-248-3114.

HELMETS AND FIREFIGHTERS
For the last 15 years, Local 2987 of the International Association of Fire Fighters has educated first-graders in North Haven about the importance of wearing helmets while they're riding their bikes. The firefighters visited first grade classes and on Saturday, Sept. 25, the kids will come to the firehouse on Broadway to get their free bike helmet coupons from 9 a.m. to noon. Firefighter Alan Riggs is in charge. Info? 203-623-1803.

THE MONGOLIANS ARE COMING
Former Councilwoman and state rep. candidate Ann Altman has been an emissary of sorts lately, visiting Mongolia and teaching the folks there about the ways of American government. She will be hosting a group later this week and for the two weeks following. The Mongolian political leaders will be seeing how government works, or doesn't work, here. They'll be visiting the upcoming meetings of the Legislative Council and will be holding court with Supt. of Schools Fran Rabinowitz, as well as Mayor Scott D. Jackson. More later...

REUNIONIZING
Word has it that the HHS Class of 1965 is holding its 45th reunion on Saturday at the Grassy Hill Country Club. The night before, some of the members of same class are participating in a State Street neighborhood reunion.

CELEBRATING
Sister Sheila O'Neill, ASCJ, PhD, has been named the first president of Sacred Heart Academy. She will be officially installed at a Mass of celebration at 2 p.m. Oct. 3 at the academy, 265 Benham St. Info? 203-288-2309.

TIARAS AND TUTUS

Miss Connecticut  Brittany Decker and Connecticut's Outstanding Teen Logan West will sign autographs on Saturday at The Dancer's Shop, now at 1935 State St. in Hamden, for the store's grand opening at its new location. The store, which sells things like tap shoes, ballerina slippers and dancewear, is a New Haven-area institution since 1953 when its founder, the late Herbert Howard, sold dancing supplies out of his van from dance studio to dance studio. He then had a storefront at the old College Plaza in New Haven and that's when current owner Tom Prete of North Haven started to work for him. Tom bought the store in 1981. He rented space in the Costume Bazaar on State Street for 15 years and moved to Hamden because the Bazaar's building is being sold.
On Saturday, Brittany and Logan will sign autographs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be refreshments and free drawings. Here's Tom in a video at his new location:

MELISSA MAKES THE GRADE

The Board of Education has appointed Dunbar Hill School kindergarten teacher Melissa Cifarelli as interim assistant principal at Hamden High School. More about this appointment in a day or two. I'm trying to reach Melissa to talk about it. Superintendent of Schools Frances M. Rabinowitz and high school Principal Gary Highsmith says she has all the qualifications for the position.

Hi Folks,
I'm now kicking off something I've wanted to do for about a year, have a timely blog about all things Hamden and North Haven. This blog will primarily be for announcements or for items that I'll be working on more in depth for the New Haven Register. If you want to notify me of a community event or news item, please contact me at ann.dematteo@gmail.com. Also feel free to comment below or email me at adematteo@newhavenregister.com.

JOHN MELILLO IS BACK!

At the Sept. 7 meeting of the Hamden Legislative Council, I was happy to see John Melillo, a well-known Highwood resident who has been recuperating after being stricken at a community forum in April. John has lost a little weight and looks great. Everyone was happy to see him. He collapsed at Hamden High School in April after speaking at a forum where gubernatorial candidates spoke at the Hamden Business and Community Expo.

TAKE A TROLLEY TOUR

The North Haven Historical Society is having its second annual Town Trolley Tour. It's an event that's going to visit several landmarks in town, including the Martha Culver House, built in 1858. Three are three tours scheduled, noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. Go to the North Haven Cultural Center at 27 Broadway to participate. For information call Sue Iverson at 203-239-3523.

THEY ALL HAVE BACKED JACK

John and Theresa Viele of North Haven lost their son, Jack, from leukemia in 1999. This year, Jack would have been 21 years old and in his honor, the Vieles raised money for one of Jack's favorite places, the Eli Whitney Museum. The Vieles will showcase what has been done with the funds at a Jack Viele Got 21? reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday Sept. 16 at the museum, 915 Whitney Ave. in Hamden.

HAMDEN APPOINTS...
The Legislative Council recently appointed the following residents to the following boards and commissions: Janice Crann and Andrew Wormser to the Solid Waste & Recycling Commission, and Lisa DeGrand to the Arts Commission. All are reappointments. Good luck!
 
GETTING IN THE WAY?
 
I'm sure by now you've seen all those Ducci Electric trucks on Whitney Avenue with members of Hamden's finest patrolling at the same time. It's the Whitney Avenue resignalization project. I'll be writing about this sometime soon.
 
O SOLE MIO
 
Two of my favorite singers, Aaron Caruso and Ray Suntino (they're pretty cute too) are performing in a free concert at 5 p.m. Sunday Sept. 19 at Town Center Park at Meadowbrook, 2761 Dixwell Ave. Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic or purchase Italian treats from vendors. Concert sponsored by the town of Hamden, the Greater New Haven Columbus Day Parade Committee and the Hamden Arts Commission.
 
DAN IS THE MAN
 
Dan Riccio of North Haven, the commander of American Legion Post 76, has been cancer-free for five years now. To celebrate, he will be walking in the Light The Night Walk on Oct. 2 at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven. Light the Night is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's annual evening walk that celebrates and commemorates lives touched by cancer. Join the team known as Dan's Crusaders. For info contact LuAnn Leclerc at 203-427-2073 or LuAnn.Leclerc@lls.org. You can also register online by going to: http://pages.lightthenight.org/ct/NewHaven10/DanRiccio.