Before I mention the activities in our towns that are coming up, I'd like to tell you what I'm working on. The Hamden Board of Ed the other night gave out raises to the two assistant superintendents. And, Hamden Mayor Scott D. Jackson said that the town is getting close to solidifying a contract for the takeover of the transfer station.
Also coming up in the New Haven Register are profiles of the candidates running for state representative and senator.

FALL FEST AT BROOKSVALE
Saturday Oct. 16 marks the 11th annual Brooksvale Fall Festival. It's from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park at 524 Brooksvale Ave., off Route 10 in Hamden. New this year is Farmer Brooks' Barnyard. There will be 11 food vendors, so bring a little cash for that, as well as for some of the activities. Most of the activities are free. There will be a lot to do, from hayrides, to a climbing wall, to pony rides from 1 to 3. There's also a hay maze, face painting and you can bring old clothes for scarecrow making. There'll be mustic in the Big Red Barn all day. Exhibitors include the Hamden High Reptile Club, New Haven Mineral Club and Lops R Us. Sounds like a great time. In case of inclement weather, check the website, http://www.brooksvale.org/, or call the park after 8 a.m., 203-287-2669.

IS IT THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN?

The Arresting Souls Motor Cycle Club will have its first annual Officer Andy Sanchez Memorial Toy Run to benefit U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots on Oct. 17.

The event will begin at the Foxon Community Center on Route 80 in East Haven, with registration taking place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The ride will go to JRoo’s, 249 State St., North Haven.

Riders and the public are invited to bring an unwrapped toy to JRoo’s for Toys for Tots.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

On Tuesday Oct. 19, 2010, the West Woods Neighborhood Association will meet at 7 p.m. at the Mount Carmel Congregational Church on Whitney Avenue in the parish center. Informative guest speakers on the docket in addition to updates on the DOT project, student housing and traffic calming issues. Please mark your calendars.

ENERGY ACTION

American Legion Post 76 is sponsoring a talk by John Betkoski, vice chairman of the Department of Public Utility Control. He will be talking about electric rates and other energy issues. The free meeting is at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Post home, 20 Church St., North Haven.