MAYOR'S FORUM POSTPONED

HAMDEN

Emergency Plan of Action, the

Thursday, February 17

Library Complex, located at 2901 Dixwell Avenue. The meeting had been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

For further information on this important evening, please contact the Mayor's Office at (203)

287-7100 or email Curt B. Leng at cleng@hamden.com.

– Due to the upcoming inclement weather and the continuation of the SnowMayor's Community Forum has been rescheduled forth from 7pm – 9pm in Thornton Wilder Auditorium in the Miller

# # #

To prepare for the inclement weather, the North Haven Board of Education is postponing its superintendent's budget presentation. We were supposed to get the numbers on the night of Feb. 1, but now the meeting's been rescheduled to 5 p.m. Thursday Feb. 3. Hope we'll all be ambulatory by then.
Also postponed to a later date is the community outreach forum that was being organized by the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce, Yale-New Haven Hospital and the first selectman's office over the hospital's plan to open a 24-hour medical center in the Crossroads complex at 6 Devine St. The forum was to take place at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2 in Memorial Town Hall. First Selectman Michael J. Freda said they're going to try to reschedule for the end of the month, possibly later.
Hopefully the roads will be clear for Thursday, when American Legion Post 76 holds its annual Four Chaplains ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday Feb. 3 at the recreation center on Linsley Street. Post Commander Dan Riccio will officiate along with Charles Morrissey, the chairman of the Four Chaplains event. State Rep. Dave Yaccarino, R-North Haven and Sen. Leonard A. Fasano, R-North Haven, will be among the dignitaries in attendance at the event that pays tribute to the four clerics who gave their lives so that others were able to live on the USS Dorchester during World War II. Competing with an audience that night will be the monthly Board of Selectmen meeting, slated for 7 p.m. in the library's community room.

For any of you folks who were



























To prepare for the inclement weather, the North Haven Board of Education is postponing its superintendent's budget presentation. We were supposed to get the numbers on the night of Feb. 1, but now the meeting's been rescheduled to 5 p.m. Thursday Feb. 3. Hope we'll all be ambulatory by then.
Also postponed to a later date is the community outreach forum that was being organized by the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce, Yale-New Haven Hospital and the first selectman's office over the hospital's plan to open a 24-hour medical center in the Crossroads complex at 6 Devine St. The forum was to take place at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2 in Memorial Town Hall. First Selectman Michael J. Freda said they're going to try to reschedule for the end of the month, possibly later.
Hopefully the roads will be clear for Thursday, when American Legion Post 76 holds its annual Four Chaplains ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday Feb. 3 at the recreation center on Linsley Street. Post Commander Dan Riccio will officiate along with Charles Morrissey, the chairman of the Four Chaplains event. State Rep. Dave Yaccarino, R-North Haven and Sen. Leonard A. Fasano, R-North Haven, will be among the dignitaries in attendance at the event that pays tribute to the four clerics who gave their lives so that others were able to live on the USS Dorchester during World War II. Competing with an audience that night will be the monthly Board of Selectmen meeting, slated for 7 p.m. in the library's community room.

On Friday, Mayor Scott D. Jackson declared a snow emergency so that the town could keep public works working all weekend, and so that emergency expenditures can be made on things like new plow blades and IceBGone.
Meanwhile, the mayor and his staff want you to keep your cars off the odd sides of the road so proper plowing can take place. More info on http://www.hamden.com/. The plows need to "push back" the snow so that catch basins can be freed and sight lines can be restored.
Also, Superintendent of Schools Frances M. Rabinowitz announced that school will be in session on Monday. Originally, Jan. 31 was a professional development day. But, because there was no school on Jan. 27 and 28 because of the snow, professional development day will be canceled and all kiddoes need to be at their respective buildings on Monday. I wonder what would happen if we have a surprise snow storm on Monday?
In any case, Hamden High students have to go in and follow their mid-term exam schedules.
Fran said the professional development day was necessary to cancel "to keep the instructional needs of our students as our highest priority."

HAMDEN -- An active veteran, two firefighters and a police officer will be honored at the annual Hamden Community Service Awards dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Elks Lodge, 175 School St.

U.S. Army veteran and American Legion Post 88 Commander Fred McCarthy is the citizen of the year. Patrolman Stephen Baris is the outstanding police officer, and James McCarthy is the firefighter of the year. George Hindinger is being named volunteer firefighter of the year.

The evening will include dinner, cash bar and awards ceremony. The public is welcome. Tickets are $20 per person and are available at the Lodge evenings after 4 p.m. and by calling President Tim Mayer at 203-500-9246, Eileen Tozzo at 203-288-0455 or Bob Murphy at 203-641-9174.

The event is sponsored by the Hamden Elks, which serves Hamden and North Haven. Proceeds benefit the many youth and veterans projects and area charities.

Fred McCarthy has been Post 88 commander for seven years. He has been a member of the Hamden Veterans Commission for seven years and a member of the American Legion Department of Connecticut Personnel Committee.

He was instrumental in bringing the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall to Hamden in 2007. He has coordinated the collection of nine tons of supplies to send to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fred has been responsible for arranging the yearly Christmas luncheon for the V.A. Errera Center in West Haven. He has supported the organization, No Veteran Left Behind, in Ansonia with clothing collections for homeless veterans. In conjunction with the Governor’s Foot Guard and the Hamden Elks Club, Fred arranged for Post 88 to hold a dinner for the American Warrior Project which raised enough money to send 18 WWII veterans to visit their memorial in Washington, D.C. Fred has worked on the town’s veterans’ tax exemption program which is now in place. He has also been active in obtaining funding for the rehabilitation of the Veterans Memorial Pavilion at Brooksvale Park in Hamden. Fred has been involved in assisting more than 100 veterans in obtaining their enrollment and benefits in the Veterans Administration.

Fred has lived in Hamden for more than 30 years with his wife, Kay, and their dogs. In the warmer months, he’s very active in his garden.

Officer Baris grew up in West Orange, N.J. and moved to Milford in 1993. He attended the University of New Haven. He became a Milford police officer in 1999 at 21 years old. In 2002, he transferred to the Hamden. Baris has worked in the patrolm street crime and was assigned to the FBI Safe Streets Gang/Violent Crimes Task Force for 14 months. He is a certified field training officer and is a member of the Emergency Services Unit and the Hamden Police Honor Guard. He has received numerous commendations, several unit citations, and letters of recognition and received a United States Attorney award for a case worked while assigned to the FBI.

Stephen resides in Oxford with his wife and 2-year-old daughter, who will become a big sister in March.

Firefighter McCarthy was a junior member of the Madison Hose Company of the Madison Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 16. He was hired by New Haven Fire Department in 1998 and served as firefighter/paramedic until he was hired by Hamden in 2001. Jay was previously assigned to Engine 2/Rescue 2 and Squad Co. 1. He is currently assigned to Engine 5, Rescue 1 on Whitney Avenue.

He was a certified emergency medical technician and has been a state certified paramedic since 1995. He graduated from the New Haven Fire Academy in 1999 and has attended the New Haven Sponsor Hospital Paramedic Program.

Jay has worked as an EMT for Madison Ambulance; as an EMT then paramedic for American Medical Response and is a member of the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society. He lives in Madison with his wife and son.

Hindinger joined the Dunbar Hill Fire Company No. 8 in 1978 following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather who was a founding member of the company. He has served in every line officer position and has been captain for 20 years. He holds various Connecticut certifications and has also participated in training classes at the National Fire Academy in Maryland.

George, along with his family, have owned and operated Hindinger Farm, a 120-acre fruit and vegetable operation on Dunbar Hill Road, since 1893. He serves on the board of and is a member of many various agricultural organizations.

George and his wife have two grown children.

Folks,
Stay home tonight! If you want to hear the Board of Education budget presentation in North Haven, the meeting has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 1 in the board office on Linsley Street.
Also, cops are reminding us to obey the parking ban!! Otherwise, plows can't get through.
I see big violators on streets in Hamden such as Helen, Gorham and others in that part of town. Do your job so the plows can do theirs.

RECYCLING GUIDELINES REMINDER

HAMDEN

placed in recycling bins, properly labeled recycling containers or brown paper bags only.

Recyclables placed in plastic bags will not be accepted curbside. Place acceptable

paper/cardboard and glass/metal/plastic containers (empty and rinsed) out for recycling loose

in your recycling bin/container. You may recycle plastic shopping bags at Stop & Shop,

Bonton, Staples and Everybody's.

Mayor Jackson adds, “Increasing our recycling has a significant impact in reducing our cost for

the removal of waste. Every item you recycle helps the budget as well as the environment.”

For a full list of recyclable items or if you would like a recycling brochure, go to

– Mayor Scott D. Jackson wishes to remind Hamden residents that recycling must be

www.hamden.com

at (203) 287-7021 or

or contact Pamela Roach, Hamden's Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinatorp roach@hamden.com .

# # #

MAYOR JACKSON TO HOLD COMMUNITY FORUM:

PUBLIC INVITED TO DISCUSS OUTLOOK FOR 2011

HAMDEN

and business owners to a Community Forum discussion on Thursday, February 3

6:30pm to 8:30pm to be held in Thornton Wilder Auditorium, located at 2901 Dixwell Avenue

in the Miller Library Complex. The purpose of the forum is to invite Hamden's residents to

participate in a dialogue regarding their priorities, ideas and concerns for the coming year. In

addition, the Mayor will report on accomplishments from 2010 and related ongoing projects.

Following the Mayor's short remarks, he will open the forum to the public for questions and

discussion. Civic Association leaders are encouraged to poll their membership to prepare

questions that will be included in the discussion along with general Q&A from all attendees.

Mayor Jackson adds, “With budget season upon us, it is of the utmost importance to hear from

the residents who utilize the services the Town provides. I look forward to an evening of ideasharing

and discourse on how we can best meet the needs of our citizens.”

For further information on this event, please contact the Mayor's Office at (203) 287-7100.

– Mayor Scott D. Jackson is pleased to invite all Hamden residents, civic associationsrd from

# # #

Mayor Scott Jackson announces that the Town of Hamden's official website (http://www.hamden.com/) has been relaunched with a new look, more information and additional interactivity for residents. The updated site includes a complete design change, more information about all Town Departments, Boards and Commissions, as well as the latest news and events for Town activities. The goal of the update is to create a more user-friendly web environment with enhanced information content. In addition, in an effort to allow residents to access the latest Town information as quickly as possible, you can follow the Town on Facebook and Twitter, as well as sign up for email notifications on numerous town-related events and/or issues.

Mayor Jackson notes, “As the internet has steadily become an integral part of most peoples' lives, the need for our website to reflect that reality became readily apparent. We recognize that our citizens are busy and want to make sure that we provide quick access to information. The new website is a great resource for our residents and visitors alike.”

New updates include a quick-look section of “How Do I...?” drop-down questions, additional links to useful pages from Federal, State and non-profit entities, Legislative Council agendas and minutes, Charter Review Commission agendas and minutes, revamped Boards and Commissions pages, the latest news on events and opportunities provided by the Town, the inclusion of social media links and much more.

It is updated daily.

Hamden's Help Desk also wants to hear from residents about how it can provide more information to residents, and how the website can be more helpful. To participate, email at help@hamden.com. For further questions on the new website, contact the Mayor's Office at (203) 287-7100.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Hamden High School, the Venture yearbook staff, headed by editor-in-chief Jacqueline Williams, is seeking help from alumni.
Jacqueline is trying to garner community support and raise awareness to make alumni part of the book. In order to do so, she needs sponsors. She's mostly looking for money to pay for the back pages and the cover. Donations would be due in a month. For more information, contact yearbook adviser Al Oneto at 203-407-2040 or email him at aoneto@hamden.org. Put Venture Sponsor is the subject line.

Hamden's Office of Housing & Neighborhood Development is soliciting applications to provide funding for public services from its Community Development Block Grant entitlement for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
The program provides services that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Funding is open to any nonprofit agency that provides a public service directed toward improving the community, according to Chris Marchand, community development manager. Include in the range of services are those for children and the elderly, and health and public safety. Eligible activities also include those that aid in the elimination of slums or blight or those that address an urgent need that threatens the health or welfare of the community.
Application packages are available at the Office of Housing & Neighborhood Development, 11 Pine Street, Hamden 06514. All applications must be returned to the Office of Housing & Neighborhood Development by 4:30 pm., Jan. 28.
Questions about the application process may be directed to Lorrie Martindale, community development program specialist, 203-776-5978.
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development administers the Community Development Block Grant program.

The North Haven Memorial Library, 17 Elm St., will show the animated movie
Shrek Forever After on Saturday, January 22 at 2 pm in the Community Room.. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, all programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. For further information call 203-239-5803.

The North Haven Board of Education's Superintendent Selection Committee has picked its top candidate for superintendent of schools, but who it is still under wraps.

The man is a school superintendent in the Waterbury area, according to sources. He supposedly has already resigned from his job at that school district.

"We are in negotiations with the final candidate," said board Chairwoman Sandra Cummings.

The man toured schools last week.

Cummings hopes the school board will be able to act on the new superintendent’s contract by the beginning of February.

The man would replace Sara-Jane R. Querfeld, who left last summer to take a directorship with North Branford schools.

Scott D. Jackson Mayor

TOWN OF HAMDEN                   OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

              

               HAMDEN TO HOLD MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION,

               FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2011

Mayor Scott D. Jackson announces that the Town of Hamden will hold its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration on Friday, January 14, 2011 from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Library Complex.  This event offers attendees the opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s life and his mission, and how our lives have been affected by Dr. King.  Members of the public are invited to attend and light refreshments will be served. 

         Mayor Scott Jackson will welcome guests to this celebration.  The moderator for the event is Rev. Sallie Lowry of the Parks & Recreation Department.  Musical selections

will be presented by students from Hamden Schools.  The Keynote speaker will be Reverend Patricia Carroll, Associate Pastor of Shiloh Christian church in Middletown, CT and owner of Gifts of Excellence in Hamden. 

Hamden

for the rest of this week will be

whose regular pick-up is today, Thursday morning, January 13

morning and Friday's pick-up moves to Saturday. Given the high volume of snow accumulation

and snow banks, please ensure that refuse and recycling are easily visible from the street. Please be

aware that next Monday's holiday (January 17th)

The schedule will continue on its regular daily pick-up. Please contact the Mayor's Office with any

questions at (203) 287-7100.

– Mayor Scott Jackson wishes to inform Hamden residents that their refuse and recyclingdelayed by one day due to yesterday's storm. For those residentsth; your pick-up will take place Fridaydoes not affect refuse and recycling collection.

# # #

NORTH HAVEN -- Public schools will be closed in North Haven on Thursday, according to interim Superintendent of Schools Patricia K. Brozek.

The decision was based on safety and weather conditions, considering the town received 30 inches of snow during the storm.

Brozek said piles of snow at corners are causing sight line difficulties. She made the decision to close schools again Thursday after consulting with town public works and school transportation personnel.

"It's the best decision."

A decision of whether to postpone Thursday night's Board of Education meeting will be made Thursday during the day, she said.

Town Of Hamden Snow Policy Information

Snowplowing

·During snowstorms (usually greater than two inches of snow accumulation) Town crews will plow based on established routes.  Main roads are plowed first, followed by residential streets with one pass in either direction until the snowfall ceases.  Then all roads are plowed curb to curb to allow for the best drainage of melting snow.

·Cul de Sacs are generally the last residential streets to be cleared as they oftentimes require alternate equipment and/or a greater time commitment and priority must be given to clearing main roadway access.

Private Plowing/Snow Clearing

·Depositing of any snow from private driveways in the public streets that results in a hindrance to traffic is prohibited as per Town Ordinance (96.35).  Violators may be subject to a fine of up to $50.  Homeowners will be held responsible for the actions of their contractors.

Parking

·Residents are encouraged to refrain from parking on the street during and immediately following snowstorms.  A parking ban may be declared and will be broadcast on local television and radio, as well as the Town's website: www.hamden.com.  Parking bans prohibit parking on the odd-numbered side of all Hamden streets and allow for greatly improved road clearing.  Vehicles parked in violation may be towed and receive a fine of up to $50.

·Driveways

·The Town is not responsible for snow which is deposited in private driveways.  Plow operators have very little discretion as to where this snow can go.  The priority of the plow drivers is to clear streets to ensure safe travel.  If possible, wait until the road has been completely plowed to the curb before shoveling the last 5-10 feet of your driveway.  This way less snow from the road will end up in your driveway.

·If you cannot wait, it is best to place snow on the far side of your driveway away from the direction in which the plow is traveling.  In most cases, this means placing the snow on the right side of your driveway as you face the road.  This way the plow will carry the snow away from your driveway, rather than back into it.

·

Sanding/Ice-Melt

·One of the relatively new methods being used in the show and ice control field involves the treatment of roads with the ant-icing product Ice B Gone in advance of  and during snow storms.  The Public Works Department will continue to implement these measures and expand on them after last year's test program.

·A reduction in use of sand as a result of the ice melting product will result in less sand entering our streams and waterways; a reduction in Spring clean-up time both for property owners and the Town; a reduction in sand being tracked into homes and businesses and finally a reduction in air pollution from blowing sand particles.

Self-Serve Sand

·Sand is available to private residents only at the Public Works Garage located at 1125 Shepard Avenue, M-F, 7am – 3pm.  Private contractors are strictly prohibited from taking this sand.

·

Sidewalks

·Property owners are responsible for clearing of all snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 (twenty-four) hours of the cessation of a snow event.  If full clearing is not possible after reasonable effort, sand or a melting agent must be applied to sidewalk to provide traction and create a passable walkway.  Violators are subject to a fine of up to $100/per day.  The Town may charge violators for any expenses it incurs to remove the snow/ice and file a lien for unpaid expenses.

Mailboxes

·Residents should make certain that their mailboxes are set back slightly from the road and mounted on sturdy posts. In the event that mailboxes are damaged by the snow plows, please contact the Help Desk via (203) 287-7676 or via email: help@hamden.com.

Safety Reminders

·DO NOT allow children to play on snow banks along the side of the street.  The Town may need to push back snow banks days after a storm to create room for the next snow event.

Older residents and those with health problems are reminded to avoid the extreme physical activity connected with shoveling snow.  Also, skiers, snowmobilers and A.T.V. operators ar

North Haven Chief of Police James DiCarlo has announced a parking ban will be in effect starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Trash pick-up will be a day late.

Starting at midnight in Hamden, Mayor Scott D. Jackson announced that the town will open an emergency shelter at the Hamden Middle School, 2623 Dixwell Ave. The town's emergency management team will be in charge. The shelter will be open for emergency situations related to the storm. For more information, call 203-230-4000.
"This winter has been a challenge for Hamden with significant snow events. With the state of Connecticut putting an emphasis on the seriousness of this storm, I want to ensure that the town of Hamden was prepared to deal with any emergency situation that may arise," Jackson said.
Jackson also asks that residents assist with everyone's public safety by adopting the fire hydrant nexxt to their home or business by clearing snow away from it for faster access in an emergency.

Get ready for what is expected to be an awful budget season. Hamden Legislative Council President Jim Pascarella has announced tentative dates for budget public hearings and deliberations.
Expecting that Mayor Scott D. Jackson presents his 2011-12 budget in mid-March, the council will start meeting with department heads about their budget requests on March 22 and 24. The reviews begin at 6 p.m. both those nights and will be held in the third-floor conference room in the Hamden Government Center, 2750 Dixwell Ave.
The public hearing on the Board of Education budget will be held at 7 p.m. March 29 in the Hamden Middle School auditorium. The town budget public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. March 30, also at the middle school, 2623 Dixwell Ave.
Council deliberations on the budget will take place in April and May. The council, by charter, has to pass a budget by mid-May.
Pascarella said a lot of what the 2011-12 budget looks like will depend on the state. Dare I say that we shouldn't depend on too much?

SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL

Hamden – Please be reminded that all homeowners and business owners are responsible for the

clearing of sidewalks which abut their property within 24 hours after snow fall stops. This includes clearing of sidewalks on corners for access to the street. If you are unable to clear the snow or ice after a reasonable effort, you must spread an abrasive substance on the sidewalk to ensure that it is safe for pedestrian travel. Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Anyone with questions should call Julie Smith in the mayor's office, 203-287-7103.

Branch Library To Get HVAC Unit

Building Will Close During Installation

            Installation of a new air-handler unit is scheduled to begin Monday, January 10 at Brundage-Community Branch Library,

91 Circular Ave, Hamden

.  Officials say the project will take three to four days to complete. Hamden Library Director, Bob Gualtieri has arranged for the library building to be closed to the public on Monday January 10 and Tuesday, January 11.  This branch is not regularly open on Wednesdays and those who wish to use the it on Thursday should call 287-2675 after 10 a.m. to be sure the building has reopened.

            Loan periods for materials borrowed at the Brundage-Community Branch will be extended so that no items will be due during the time the building is closed. Both Miller Memorial Library at 2901 Dixwell Avenue and Whitneyville Branch Library at 125 Carleton Street will remain open their regular hours during this period and electronic services can be accessed through the library’s website at www.hamdenlibrary.org.