National Night Out is a yearly event designed to build community, generate

support for anti-crime and drug prevention programs and strengthen policecommunity

partnerships.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Rochford Field

(across from MJW Activity Center – the former Hamden Middle School-550 Newhall Street)

Please join us for a fun, free evening…

out

tank

local entertainment, cook, arts and crafts activities, face painting, moon bounces, dunk, community resources, giveaways and much, much more!

Don't forget to bring your own lawn chair or blanket!

For additional information, please call Hamden Youth Services 203-777-2610.

 This press release just in ...

State Representatives Brendan Sharkey and Peter Villano of Hamden are pleased to report that funding was allocated for a new “all-abilities playground” during today’s meeting of the State Bond Commission. The $400,000 in state funds are a grant to the Town of Hamden for playground construction related costs.

“With the addition of this playground, Town Center Park will help re-knit the downtown, library, Farmington Canal Greenway, middle school and neighboring residential communities. It will become a destination for children and families, add vibrancy to the area that is vital to keeping our quality of life high here in Hamden,” Rep. Sharkey said.

The park, the first all-abilities playground in Hamden, will be named after Joshua Tramontano who brought the idea to the city several years ago.

"I join Majority Leader Sharkey in thanking Governor Malloy and the members of the bond commission for allocating these funds to construct the all-abilities playground at Town Center Park," said Rep.  Villano. "I also thank Rep. Sharkey for his leadership role in obtaining the release of these long-awaited funds.   The new playground will fill the need for an interactive recreation facility at Town Center Park and will add to the attraction of the park as a destination point for all residents."

The playground area will feature equipment for children with special needs but be open to children of all abilities. Construction should begin this fall and when completed by early next year, it will be the first of its kind in Hamden.

“We are extremely fortunate to live in a community that cares about all of its residents. Opening up opportunities for all children to enjoy themselves outdoors, move around and get some exercise is a worthwhile investment,” said Rep. Sharkey. “For years to come, this playground will truly be a destination for children of all abilities. I look forward to seeing this project move forward.”

"The Town of Hamden has long sought the establishment of a top-tier all-abilities playground in our town center, one that is inviting and accessible to everyone in our community,” said Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson.  “I am very grateful to our legislative delegation and to Governor Malloy for recognizing this critical need helping us create another community space where families can gather."

Hair Dimensions Salon, 117 Washington Ave., North Haven is hosting a cut a thon on Sunday July 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise money for the Jamelkowski/ Bassett family. Mom, who lost her hearing 17 yrs ago due to cancerous tumors, is having the same problem in throat area now and risks losing voice. Dad has severe lyme disease and 5 yr old Taryn is losing hearing and needs expensive hearing aids.  Contact  anyone at Hair Dimensions 203-239-2153.

Press Release from:

HAMDEN YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU · 11 PINE STREET · HAMDEN, CT 06514 · (203) 777-2610 · Fax: (203) 562-3498

e-mail: srubino@hamden.com

Susan Rubino

Telephone:

(203) 777-2610

Fax:

(203) 562-3498

HAMDEN -- On  Aug. 2, thousands of communities are joining forces for the National Night Out crime and drug prevention event.

National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and is

co-sponsored locally by the Hamden Police Department and Hamden Youth Services Bureau with

special support from TARGET, the national corporate sponsor.

More than 11,000 communities from 50 states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world will participate.

National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate

support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and

police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know

neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The Town of Hamden invites area families and individuals for a fun, free evening of activities and

entertainment at Rochford Field, 533 Newhall St., from 4 to 8 p.m.

Last year, Hamden ranked No. 33 in the entire nation compared to other

communities our size. This year, Hamden’s National Night Out will be bigger and better than ever, according to Susan Rubino of Hamden Youth Services.

Special emphasis will be placed on issues of Juvenile Justice and Crime Prevention in our community.

Hamden is partnering with New Haven Family Alliance to launch a Juvenile Review Board.

Representatives from New Haven Family Alliance will be on hand to answer questions and recruit

volunteers for this initiative.

Bicycle, car, child and pedestrian safety education, information and resources will be provided. Carter

Mario Injury Lawyers will distribute free bicycle helmets. Casey DelBasso, Miss Greater

Hamden 2011, will be on hand to discuss the horrific consequences of texting and driving; New York

Life will provide Child Identification cards; Hamden Elks will be on hand with a drug prevention

trailer and activities; and the NEOA Educational Trailer will also provide an abundance of information

on drug prevention.

Other organizations and businesses offering various resources, activities and giveaways include TD

Bank – WOW Zone, Walgreens (giveaways, personal photos and more), YDTRC at The Consultation

Center, The Elks Club, Domestic Violence Services of New Haven, Hamden Public Library,

Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance and Experience Corps.

Children and adults of all ages will enjoy: a Community Art Project with P.L.A.C.E.; Face Painting,

Spin Art, Jewelry making, with Hamden Youth Services’ Summer Youth Workers volunteers; Fire

Engine Exploration; K-9 demonstration; Bridgeport Sound Tigers; Hamden’s own Jus B. will round

off the evening.

In addition to arts and crafts, games, moonbounces, dunk tank, raffles, giveaways, community

resources and other activities, we will celebrate National Night Out with live performances by Maya

Butler, Hamden High Cheerleaders, Lady Dragon Steppers, Bashta’s Martial Arts Studio, Ginga

Brasileira (Brazilian Dance) (Sponsored by Young Audiences of Connecticut with funding from

PACK) The Whitney Players, music provided by a D.J. from Absolutely Awesome Entertainment and

the Master of Ceremonies will be Vincent Iezzi. Free refreshments will be offered including hot dogs

(fresh from the grill), chips, water and refreshing sno-cones. With support from the Town of Hamden

Office of the Mayor – Scott D. Jackson, Hamden Arts, Recreation and Culture, Fire Department,

Public Works, and Community Services, it is sure to be a great evening!

Space is still available free of charge to non-profit organizations that wish to set up a table with

resources for the community.

For more information, please contact Susan Rubino at (203) 777-2610 or

srubino@hamden.com

Or visit www.hamden.com

National Association of Town Watch (610) 649-7055 www.nationalnightout.org

In early celebration of its 80th anniversary, Tweed New Haven Regional Airport is hosting an amateur photo contest looking for the best examples of summer travel memories.

Visit CelebrateTweed.com for details on how to enter.

Entries will be posted to an album on Tweed's Facebook page. Facebook users who "like" Tweed's Facebook page are then able to vote for their favorite photos.

The entrant with the most "like" votes will win $100 in dining certificates to Antonio's Restaurant in East Haven.

Photo submissions will be accepted until 11:59 p.m., July 31. Voting on the Facebook page will take place from Aug. 1 - 7.

Tweed New Haven Airport was officially dedicated as the New Haven Municipal Airport on August 29, 1931. This year the airport will celebrate its 80th anniversary. In 1998 AFCO AvPORTS was hired to manage the airport on behalf of the Airport Authority. Currently US Airways is the current commercial carrier.

For immediate release
                        
Submitted by the League of Women Voters --
                                                 
The League of Women Voters of Connecticut, recently selected by the Washington-based Ruth S. Shur Leadership Institute for a nationally funded development initiative, held training for 24 members from nine of its 28 Connecticut local Leagues. The League of Women Voters of Hamden-North Haven was represented by its co-president Mary Bigelow and Eileen O’Neill; attending as an observer was Elona Vaisnys, former president and a Ruth S. Shur Fellow/National Coach.
The Ruth S. Shur Leadership Institute was established by the League of Women Voters of United States thanks to a gift by Walter Shur in memory of his late wife who had been an active League member. The Institute’s Membership and Leadership Development program will be implemented by the local leagues in all 50 states with the support of a national coaches team and a cadre of state coaches.
 
The Connecticut coaches are Nancy Donoghue of Canton who will coach the Cheshire-Wallingford and Hamden-North Haven Leagues; Jara Burnett of Greenwich will coach the East Shore, Ridgefield, and Stamford Leagues; Christine Lodewick of Ridgefield will coach the Fairfield and Mansfield Leagues; and Barbara Checksfield of Canton will coach the Greater Hartford and Westport Leagues.
 
During the training held at the Meriden Sheraton July 16-17, the participants attended “best practices” workshops conducted by national trainers, Cheryl Graeve of Washington, DC, Brenda Rogers of North Carolina, and Carol Reimers of Connecticut.  Training included techniques for empowering citizens to have a voice in their communities and for heightening League visibility. A national coach will advise state coaches, and the state coaches will advise their assigned Leagues monthly as they implement leadership and membership growth activities.
Commenting on the national development initiative, LWVCT President Cheryl Dunson said, “In this time of increased political incivility and growing polarization, the League of Women Voters is needed more than ever. A strong League in every community is the best way to ensure that we have an American citizenry that is informed on the issues, ready and able to cast a ballot, and to ensure that every vote is counted.”
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men that encourages informed and active participation in government and works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and to influence public policy through education and advocacy. For more information about the national leadership initiative or to join the League, contact the LWVCT at 203/288-7996, lwvct@lwvct.org, or visit www.lwvct.org 
###

Cheryl Graeve, trainer, League of Women Voters US,
Nancy Donoghue, state coach,
Mary Bigelow, co-president, LWV of Hamden-North Haven.

Obama for America activitists will be in Hamden Saturday so folks can sign a birthday card for President Obama. The last event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 30 at tables in the Miller Library parking lot, 2901 Dixwell Ave.

Residents of towns in this area are invited to write brief messages to be delivered to the White House for the President’s 50th birthday on Aug. 4.

Organized by local members of Obama for America, the events are designed to give the public a convenient way to express their good wishes and support for the President. Accordion folded 8.5 x 11 inch pages will be provided, along with pens and markers.

Residents of all ages, including kids, can sign and add a personal greeting among others on each page. Appropriate stickers can be added by well-wishers.

“We know there’s a big backlog of support for the President, despite current political issues,” said David Amrani, OFA planner. “This is a chance for people in the local community to get together and send a Happy Birthday, Barack Obama! message to our chief executive for his big Five-Oh celebration.”

The collective card, expected to take up 500 sheets, equal to a full ream or more, will be bundled and gift wrapped, then hand delivered to the White House by Chris Gilbert, long-time Hamden resident. More info: 312-282-8367 or maramaunder@juno.com.

For Immediate Release: July 7, 2011

Rep. Dave Yaccarino: 1-800-842-1423

Jamison C. Bazinet, Press Aide: (860) 240-8726

www.repyaccarino.com

It’s a disheartening new day in Connecticut.  July 1^st has come and our taxes have gone up.  The state sales tax has risen to 6.35% and many items we used to pay zero tax on have had their exemptions taken away -- clothing and shoes that cost less than $50 and non-prescription medications to name a few.  But as harmful as these tax hikes are, the recent power grab granted to Governor Malloy by the legislature’s majority is far worse.
Late last Thursday night June 30^th -- the deadline for a balanced state budget -- the majority Democratic Party voted to give almost unlimited power to the Governor to make revisions to an underfunded and unbalanced budget that passed without a single Republican vote.  That failed budget hinged on state workers giving back $1.6 billion in concessions which weren't obtained.  I said at the time that the legislature needed a backup plan, and to prepare a comprehensive budget that all parties could agree to.  Instead, July 1^st came with the highest tax increase in state history and the promise of even more pain as the Governor now decides which state offices and programs stay open and which employees keep their job.
 
The elected members of the state legislature are responsible for finalizing and approving a state budget.  By ceding this authority to the Governor this legislature has abdicated their authority -- and with it the will of the people who elected us -- and its ability to make the proper decisions to move our state out of the massive hole we find ourselves in and towards fiscal prosperity.  Our government was firmly established with three co-equal branches to make sure no single group or individual had more power or influence over the people. We must avoid making the mistakes our Founding Fathers warned us about.
Instead of taking the easy way out and allowing the Governor to pick “winners and losers,” the state legislature needs to go back to doing their jobs, return to session and work out the problems we were elected to fix.  If we have to sit down and go through the budget line-by-line then we should do just that.  Months ago an alternative budget was presented by the Republican minority that balanced the budget, didn’t increase taxes and preserved essential state and town services.  Instead of using those ideas- or even using them as a springboard for discussion- the Governor and the Democrat majority party went on their own and passed an impossible budget that relied on empty promises and failed concessions.
The question we need to answer going forward is how to get back to fiscal responsibility?
I believe we must cut out-of-control spending, eliminate overlapping state agencies, reduce overhead, become more business-friendly, sell off unused or underutilized state assets and reduce redundancies in the state workforce.
We all must work together for the common good of Connecticut, regardless of personal party or politics. Good ideas matter more than Democrat or Republican ideas.         

As always, my door is open and I’m here for you if you have questions or concerns, need help tracking particular legislation or want to share your opinion.  If I can be of service please do not hesitate to contact me at 1-800-842-1423 or dave.yaccarino@housegop.ct.gov

###

Rep. Yaccarino represents the 87^th district covering North Haven.

FRIDAY JULY 8, 2011

CONCERT MOVED INDOORS

The 2011 Free Summer Concert Series performance, the Doo Wop Show, scheduled for July 8^th at Town Center Park has been moved indoors to Hamden High School (2040 Dixwell Avenue).

Doors open for ticket give-aways at 5:30pm. Up to two (2) tickets per person. There is no assigned seating, but tickets guarantee seating. Doors to auditorium open after sound check, which will be around 7:00pm.

Hamden Arts Commission

(203) 287-2546

PUBLIC SAFETY DAY

The North Haven Fire and Police Departments will be co-hosting Public Safety Day on Saturday. The event will be held in the adjoining parking lots of Fire and Police Headquarters between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The rain date is Sunday at the same time.

Residents are to come out and visit with our public safety personnel, tour the buildings, see a display of fire and police vehicles, extrication equipment, hoses, ladders, and medical and SWAT equipment. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions of police and firefighters as well as department administrators. Food and cold beverages will be served.

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