HAMDEN -- Residents still without power and in need of food and water can pick up ready-to-eat meals and water at noon Thursday, Sept. 1 at the M.L. Keefe Community Center on Pine Street and at the Miller Memorial Library at 2901 Dixwell Ave., according to Chief Administrative Officer Curt Leng.

The town is getting the food from the Federal Emergency Management Administration, which is stationed at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. Fire Chief David A. Berardesca arranged for Hamden to get the items, which will be picked up by a public works crew this morning.

Town staff will be directing people where to go at Keefe or the library. Volunteers interested in helping with distribution can call the mayor’s office at 203-287-7100.

Also, the town is opening the Keefe Center, the Senior Center and the library as charging stations for people who need to boot up electronics.

The Hamden-North Haven YMCA on Sherman Avenue is offering a free shower facility nightly from 6 to 9.

URGENT APPEAL!

As a result of the hurricane, 

Hindinger Farm, 

a fixture in Hamden since 1893,

has lost power and is unlikely to get power restored in time to 

save the produce in their coolers.  

Loss of all the tomatoes, peaches, string beans and corn 

that are in their coolers 

will wipe out a large part of their profits for the year.  

PLEASE GO TO THE FARM, 

on Dunbar Hill Road, 

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE 

to buy some of their wonderful fruits and vegetables, 

while they are at their peak, and 

help to save Hindinger Farm and the Hindinger family.

The farm store is open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday and to 5.00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hurricane Irene Recovery Information

The Town of North Haven has taken several steps to provide some assistance to our residents affected by the hurricane during these difficult times without power and/or water. First Selectman Michael J. Freda said he is working closely with United Illuminating and the Public Works Department to restore power and safety to residents.

Showers: Please bring your own towel and toiletries

Town of North Haven Recreation Center

7 Linsley Street

North Haven

Offering use of pool showers

Hours:

Wednesday	8/31	6:30 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday	9/1	6:30 am – 8:30 pm
Friday	9/2	6:30 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday	9/3	6:30 am – 12:30 pm
Sunday	9/4	7:00 am – 12:00 pm
Monday	9/5	7:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tuesday	9/6	6:30 am – 8:30 pm

YMCA

1605 Sherman Avenue

Hamden

203-248-6361

Monday to Friday 5:30 am to 9:30 am

Saturday 6:30 am – 5:30 pm

Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Planet Fitness

150 Universal Drive
North Haven
(203) 789-1474

(Located ½ mile beyond Raymour and Flanigan Furniture)Monday - Thursday 4:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 4:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Hours

Water:

Drinking water is available at the Fire Headquarters located at 11 Broadway

Meals:

North Haven Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center

189 Pool Road

Please call ahead if you can, otherwise just stop in between
203-239-5432

Thursday	9/1	12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Friday	9/2	12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Saturday	9/3	12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

WI-FI and Computer and Internet Services:

North Haven Memorial Public Library

17 Elm Street

North Haven

203-239-5803

Hours:

Wednesday	8/31	10:00 am  7:30 pm * extended hours
Thursday	9/1	10:00 am  9:00 pm
Friday	9/2	10:00 am  5:00 pm

The biggest problem in Hamden and North Haven is getting power restored and trees removed from power lines.

Police Capt. Ronald Smith reminded parents to keep children away from downed trees for safety reasons.

Officers are monitoring intersections while street lights are out at places like Dixwell Avenue and Arch Street and other major intersections.

Hamden Mayor Scott D. Jackson said the town and United Illuminating are working on the restoration of signals at Shepard and Mix Avenue, Mix and Benham Street, Ridge Road and Hartford Turnpike, Waite Street and Ridge, Dixwell Avenue and Woodin Street and Dixwell and Putnam Avenue. As of early afternoon, 9,800 customers were without power, or 38 percent of the town.

Jackson said he is concerned about the storm’s impact on businesses. "UI has to work with us to make sure no one goes out of business because they are out of power for an extended period," Jackson said, explaining that he stopped at four different spots on Dixwell Avenue to grab lunch on Monday afternoon but all four places were closed.

In North Haven, officials are monitoring dangerous situations with power lines and trees pushing against power lines.

"Trees are leaning on wires. The weight of the trees are forcing wires down lower. Many power lines are supporting trees," said North Haven First Selectman Michael J. Freda. "We’re working very closely with UI to identify all the problem areas. We’ve got a UI representative identifying every road, street and area."

A tree crashed through a house in the Clintonville Road area, Freda said.

"The goal is to ensure safety, first and foremost," he added.

To report power outages to UI, call 1-800-722-5584.

HAMDEN -- "The Back to School Extravaganza" is still taking place from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30 outside the M.L. Keefe Community Center.
"We have received many phone calls and emails asking if the event will still take place with the concern of the recent aftermath of Hurricane Irene," said organizer Shahid Abdul Karim.
"We are thankful that weather conditions have worked in our favor to give Hamden residents the opportunity to take advantage of the school supply giveaway."
Mayor Scott D. Jackson and members of the Legislative Council will be at the supply give-away.

Hamden Mayor Scott D. Jackson said the town is in "full-scale preparation mode." for the upcoming storm.

 However, there are steps that residents should

take over the next 24 hours to protect themselves, their families, and their property from this

anticipated storm, Jackson said.

1: CREATE AN EMERGENCY KIT. This kit should include the following items:

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days

— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices

— foods for infants or the elderly

— snack foods

— non-electric can opener

— cooking tools / fuel

— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not

cordless) telephone set

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Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be

available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic

bag insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items

— proper identification / immunization records / medications

— ample supply of food and water

— a carrier or cage

— muzzle and leash

2. CLEAR CATCHBASINS AND DRAINAGE CULVERTS NEAR YOUR HOME.

Although Hamden Public Works is working diligently to clear catchbasins, there are more

than 6000 catchbasin locations in the Town of Hamden. It would be extremely helpful if

all residents could look at catchbasins near their homes and clear the tops of any and all

debris so that water can flow smoothly into the storm sewer system.

3. CLEAR YARD OF ANY ITEMS. In hurricane-force winds, even small items in a yard

can become projectiles. Residents should garage or bring inside lawn furniture, toys,

potted plants, and other items safe to store indoors.

4. CHARGE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES required for communication or entertainment.

5. REVIEW YOUR FAMILY EMERGENCY HOUSEHOLD EVACUATION PLAN. An

emergency evacuation plan has two parts: evacuation from your house, and evacuation

from your neighborhood.

Important points to remember when creating an evacuation plan for your home are:

· You should have at least two (2) escape routes from each room.

· You should mark the locations of any escape ladders, or other special

equipment.

· You should mark the locations of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, first aid

kits, disaster kit.

· You should mark the locations of the shutoffs for gas, water, and electricity.

· For people with medical conditions or disabilities, mark their location as well as

the location of any special equipment they will immediately need.

· Hamden’s Emergency Shelter will be located at Hamden High School, 2040

Dixwell Avenue. You should plan multiple routes to this location.

www.hamden.com

Follow us on Twitter: @townofhamden

At the time of an emergency, your family may not be together. It is important to choose family

meeting places. Remember that bridges may be out and roads may be blocked by debris, so

choose your meeting places carefully with access in mind. Pick places that are easy to identify,

that can be reached on foot if necessary, and that are in an accessible, open area. You should have

a phone list of 3 contacts, outside of your area. Each family member should carry a personal copy

of this list. In an emergency, communications may be down in your area.

6. BE PREPARED TO SHELTER IN PLACE. It is not advisable to try to drive during a

storm event like Hurricane Irene. Once the winds pick up, you should be prepared to

shelter in place until the storm event subsides. Should roadways be underwater, DO NOT

DRIVE INTO OR THROUGH THE WATER. Water depths on submerged roadways are

easily misjudged and could result in vehicular damage and/or bodily harm.

General Guidelines

Please visit the Town of Hamden’s website at www.hamden.com for preparedness information and

links to additional helpful websites.

For up to date local information, please use the following media outlets:

TV

WTNH – Channel 8 Fox 61

WFSB – Channel 3 WVIT – Channel 30

New Haven Register, http://www.nhregister.com/

Radio

WQUN – AM 1220 WKCI – 101.3 FM

WELI – AM 960 WPLR – 99.1FM

FOR ANY NON-EMERGENCY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL (203) 230-4000.

IN THE EVENT OF A TRUE EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911.

# # #

www.hamden.com

Follow us on Twitter: @townofhamden

Scott D. Jackson

Mayor

TOWN OF HAMDEN

A statement from the Hamden mayor's office --

Hamden announces Movie Night at Town Center Park on September 9th

the Hamden Town Center Park Commission will be hosting

on Friday, September 9th

a choice of five family-friendly titles.

The choices are

The Town of Hamden’s Arts, Recreation and Culture Department in association withMovie Night at Town Center Park, and residents can decide the movie by casting their votes on-line fromCloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, E.T., Ghostbusters, The Incredibles, and

Rango

each of the movies.

“We are asking Hamden residents to choose from five quality movies, including three new

releases and two classics”. Mayor Scott Jackson said. “This is a great chance for our families and

friends to get together at Hamden's very own Town Center Park and enjoy these films under the

stars on the big screen”. The entertainment is free of charge and there will be a selection of

vendors selling refreshments, including fried dough, Italian ice, ice cream and kettle-popped

popcorn.

. To vote, log on to mrgvote.com/movie. The web page contains a link to the trailer for

www.hamden.com

Follow us on Twitter: @townofhamden

Town Center Park Chairman Matthew Fitch said voting is underway now and will continue

through 9:00 p.m. on August 31st. The results will be announced September 1st. “It’s all-star

game style voting, so moviegoers can vote up to ten times from the same IP address. If more than

10 votes are cast from an IP address, only the last 10 will count and earlier votes will

automatically void.”, Fitch said. “Just go to mrgvote.com/movie, watch the trailers and make your

choice”.

The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. In Town Center Park, located at 2761 Dixwell Avenue and

attendees are encouraged to use the parking lots at the Miller Memorial Library or the Hamden

Middle School. In case of inclement weather, the rain date will be Thursday, September 15, 2011

at 7:30 p.m.

For further information on this event, please contact the Arts, Recreation and Culture Department

at (203) 287-2579.

# # #

www.hamden.com

Follow us on Twitter: @townofhamden

From the Jackson for Hamden campaign --
Hundreds of
"I want to focus my campaign illustrating how government can help people. Hosting an event designed to help students with some free supplies for the upcoming school year is a symbol of this goal." said Mayor Jackson.
If you wish to be a volunteer for the event please contact Shahid Abdul-Karim at accounts4mj@comcast.net. For more information on the Jackson for Hamden Re-Election Committee activities, please visit www.jacksonforhamden.com.
###  Mayor Scott D. Jackson and the "Jackson for Hamden" committee invites Hamden residents to join us Tuesday, August 30th, from 5pm -8pm, at the Keefe Community Center, 11 Pine St. for one of the largest back to school events in recent history. Mayor Jackson, along with event co-hosts Councilman Ossie Brown, Councilwoman Kathleen Schomaker, Councilman Michael Colaiacovo and council candidate Berita Rowe, will be offering free school supplies to students in need. Free school supplies will be given out, including: Bags, Notebooks, Pencils, Rulers and more! This is a FREE event for the community and you do not have to pre-register. Hamden residents must provide photo I.D. and proof of residency for onsite registration.

NORTH HAVEN -- A benefit to raise money for research of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday at High Lane Club, 40 High Lane.
The doubles king of the court tennis competition will be held in honor of Scott Wilson, who passed away six years ago from ALS. He was the tennis pro at North Haven Health and Racquet.
Admission is $10 and will cover food and drink. Reggae music by INITY.
Info? Bryan Adinolfi, 203-376-8137 or Chris Pappas, 203-641-2300.

HAMDEN -- Mayor Scott Jackson  announced Thursday that Skiff Street will be reopened to through traffic by the end of the workday tomorrow, Friday, August 19^th,  three days ahead of schedule.  The closing was necessary in order to construct the Farmington Canal Greenway, 105 foot long tunnel under Skiff Street.  Although the project is anticipated to take another six weeks, the road excavation work that blocked the major east-west artery has now been completed.

The Mayor praised the Guerrera Construction Company for making an “Impressive

effort to keep the project on schedule and re-opening Skiff Street to through traffic three days early.”  He noted that both AT&T and the South Central Regional Water Authority had been instrumental in facilitating the construction.

He also thanked the business owners, employees and members of the greater Hamden community for the patience all have shown during the intense construction activity.  “I greatly appreciate the cooperation and patience everyone has exhibited, despite the inconvenience, as we have worked to make using the Farmington Canal Greenway an even safer experience. ”  

Any questions or concerns during the project should be addressed to Dan Kops, Assistant Town Planner, in the Town of Hamden Planning and Zoning Department at 203-287-7070.

A Hamden Juvenile Review Board  is being organized under the auspices of New Haven Family Alliance, Inc. and Hamden Youth Service Bureau, and funded by the Town of Hamden, town officials announced in a prepared statement.

Kyisha Velazquez, New Haven Family Alliance’s JRB Program Manager explained: "The Hamden Juvenile Review Board is community-based and founded on the principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice. These principles include accountability, competency and public safety. The Hamden JRB will assist youth in developing an understanding of how his or her behavior harmed the individual (s) who was the subject of the offense and the community in which he or she lives, acknowledging that the behavior was harmful to themselves and to others both directly and indirectly. The JRB also enable the youth to take action to repair the harm, either directly (where possible) or indirectly. Finally, through this process the JRB will assist the youth in developing competencies that will enable them to effect necessary changes in their behavior to avoid re-offending in the future. Balanced and Restorative Justice recognizes that crime is a wound and that justice should be healing."

Susan Rubino, Hamden Youth Service Bureau’s Coordinator added, "The JRB will consist of two

 panels of seven members each, comprised of three Agency Representatives and four  Volunteer Community Representatives. The Agency Representatives will come from the Hamden Police Department, the Hamden Board of Education and DCF. The Volunteer Community Representatives will live or work in Hamden. These community accountability panel members are individuals vested in the successful future of our youth; therefore they participate in a resolution to the incident which does not further harm any of those affected."

The Hamden JRB has scheduled two information sessions for volunteers: the first will be on Thursday, August 11th, from 1:30 – 3:30 pm, at The Keefe Community Center, Room - Lounge, 11 Pine Street, Hamden, CT; and the second will be on Tuesday, August 16, from 3:30 – 5:30 pm, at the Hamden High School, Room C107, 2400 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT. If you are interested in learning more about the JRB and/or interested in being a Community Volunteer, please attend one of the information sessions listed above or contact Kyisha Velazquez at New Haven Family Alliance, Inc. (203-786-5970) or Susan Rubino at Hamden Youth Service Bureau (203-777-2610). Help us help our youth.

Construction of Hamden's Farmington Canal Skiff Street Underpass is well underway.  Next week Guerrera Construction will excavate the trench across Skiff Street and install the box culverts forming the tunnel.  Starting on Monday, August 1st, Skiff will be closed to through traffic for two weeks -- from August 8th^th to August 21st.

All through traffic will be diverted to the Dixwell Avenue detour.  However, drivers will still be able to access all of the properties along Skiff Street. Those to the east of the Wilbur Cross Parkway, beginning with the Lee Partyka automobile dealership, can be reached via the Whitney Avenue/Skiff Street intersection. Those to the west of the Wilbur Cross Parkway, beginning with the Stop and Shop plaza, “Market Square,” can be reached via Dixwell Avenue or Skiff Street from the west. All existing driveways will remain accessible. No property will be cut off from vehicular traffic.

Please help spread the word.  Any questions or concerns during the project should be addressed to Dan Kops, Assistant Town Planner, in the Town of Hamden Planning and Zoning Department at 203-287-7070.

Construction of Hamden's Farmington Canal Skiff Street underpass began July 5th and is expected to be completed by October 4^th. The work will necessitate the temporary closing of Skiff Street to through traffic for two weeks. The closing is now scheduled to last from August 8th^th to August 21st.

All through traffic will be diverted to Dixwell Avenue. However, drivers will still be able to access all of the properties along Skiff Street. Those to the east of the Wilbur Cross Parkway, beginning with the Lee Partyka automobile dealership, can be reached via the Whitney Avenue/Skiff Street intersection. Those to the west of the Wilbur Cross Parkway, beginning with the Stop and Shop plaza, “Market Square,” can be reached via Dixwell Avenue or Skiff Street from the west. All existing driveways will remain accessible. No property will be cut off from vehicular traffic.

Any questions or concerns during the project should be addressed to Dan Kops, Assistant Town Planner, in the Town of Hamden Planning and Zoning Department at 203-287-7070.

PRESS RELEASE

On Wednesday, November 16, 2011 the Hamden Education Foundation and Hamden High School will sponsor the Seventh Annual Athletic Hall of Fame dinner to recognize distinguished Hamden High School athletes and coaches.  This event will be held at Laurel View Country Club, 310 West Shepard Avenue, Hamden.

In order to submit a nomination for an outstanding Hamden High School athlete who graduated prior to June 2001 or a distinguished coach, please contact Wendy Ocone, Hamden Public Schools at 203- 407-2202 or via email:  wocone@hamden.org  for an application.  Please submit all nominations no later than August 5, 2011.