Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Gov. Malloy speaking in Hamden

HAMDEN -- The crowd was standing room only at DeMil's where the governor was about to speak.
Attorney Ned Burt was the emcee and Hamden Chamber of Commerce president Nancy Dudchik  thanked everyone for attending.
Nancy thanked all the sponsors for helping with "An Evening with the Governor."
Mayor Scott D. Jackson said the governor is moving things in the right direction.
Dr. Mary Papazian, new president of Southern Connecticut State University, came to the podium as SCSU was a co-sponsor of the event with DeMil's, Whitney Center and Rumanoff's Fine Jewelry, which hosted the governor prior to him moving on to DeMil's where the crowd was waiting.
"I can already see that the town of Hamden and the state of Connecticut are an extraordinary team," she said. "We need our partners in business and government to help us to provide to you what you need to thrive."
She said she was "very fortunate to receive such an opportunity in building Connecticut's knowledge- based economy and community-based partnerships. Both of our institutions promote economic vitality of citizens. These are times for resolve, for creativity and a range of knowledge that institutions together can provide. Southern is uniquely placed to address the needs of Connecticut's work force. It is my job and my hope to brag about SCSU. I brag because our success is your success," she said, referring to Southern's degree programs that prepare many to work in numerous occupations.
Papazian said a large number of graduating classes work in Connecticut.
Malloy, she said, has "laid a clear path for Connecticut's economic revival" because of his reform proposals for teacher preparation standards. "All of these initiatives are designed to enhance the teaching profession" and lead to student success in school and life. "I  look forward to working with Governor Malloy to develop an educated work force."
Papazian presented Malloy with an SCSU sweatshirt, which he joked he'll be able to get away with wearing in Hartford but not in his hometown of Stamford, because his two brothers and sisters-in-law attended Central Connecticut State University.
Malloy started out by saying he wanted to  "cover a lot of ground with you all," and he recognized other officials in the room, such as state Rep. Peter Villano, who was with him when he toured several businesses next to DeMill at 4133 Whitney Ave.
"They signed me up for Jazzerscize. Someone tried to sell me jewelry for my wife," he quipped.
He added that state Rep. J. Brendan Sharkey, D-Hamden, will be the speaker of the House after the next election and is a "great advocate for this community, a tireless and hard worker I very much look forward to working with."
He added he thinks highly of Jackson and wanted to thank him publicly for serving on the two-storm panels after the last two storms that struck the state. "It's important to have municipal government on the panel. They did it very well and came up with 82 recommendations. I want you to know how highly I think of you as a person and a leader and thank you for serving on that panel," Malloy said to Jackson.
He also said he looks forward to Papazian bringing SCSU to new heights, and to the university doing an "ever-better job to preparing the work force."
Malloy noted that the four regional universities and three others in the state prepare 98 percent of the state's teachers.  He said he appreciates Papazian's support to make sure the state is recruiting the "absolute best and holding them to the absolute highest standards. A big part of what I want to do in public education."
Malloy reminded the crowd that last year he talked to them about controversial budget proposals and changes to right the ship. He said he is committed to early childhood education and better funding ECS and holding districts to higher standards. He said that things need to change rapidly.  "We need to expand high quality school models and replicate them in our cities and towns, those systems we know work and we need to remove red tape and bureaucracy and hold all of our teachers ... to a higher standard and reform the rules by which they work and operate, and have a good evaluation system. Why? I just met with fellow governors in Washington and every one of them would like to take jobs out of Connecticut. We have to compete with other states and other nations."
           

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

St. Luke's and Giacomo Gates on a Sunday

Hamden Arts, Recreation & Culture Department Sensational Sunday Performance Series Continues...
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The popular St. Luke’s Steel Band will return to the Hamden stage at 2 p.m.  February 26 for a concert entitled "Joyous Sounds of the Caribbean." The high-energy, award-winning band, with 15 members of all ages, is hailed as one of the most unique and exciting performing ensembles in the state. Their repertoire includes calypso, reggae, popular, and island folk music.
The  performance on March 4 will feature Giacomo Gates, the renowned American Jazz vocalist known for "scatting" or "vocalizing as an instrument". His current CD, "The Songs of Gil Scott-Heron: The Revolution Will be Jazz," was recently number 1 on the National Jazz Weekly Radio Charts for over three weeks.
 
The events will be held in the handicapped-accessible Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden. Admission is $7 general admission/ $5 for senior citizens, students and children 12 and under. Tickets are sold at the door only. The series is presented with support from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and Commissioner Emeritus Peter Hereld. For information, please call the Arts Commission at (203) 287-2546.

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North Haven police and G-Salon helping St. Baldricks Foundation

From the North Haven P.D. -- 
The North Haven Police Department and G-Salon are hosting a fundraising event at J-Roos Resturant, 249 State St., on Tuesday February 28th starting at 5 p.m.  Anyone who comes and presents a flyer to their server will automatically have 20% of their bill donated to the St. Baldricks Foundation.  This event at J-Roos is to help raise money and awareness of the March 4 event being hosted by G-Salon, 344 Washington Ave, North Haven, at 11 a.m..  During this event the stylists at the salon will be shaving the heads of several people, including over 10 North Haven Police Officers to show support for children with cancer.  Anyone can attend either event and give donations if they do not wish to stay. 
 
This is G-Salon and the North Haven Police Department's second year hosting a head shaving event at the salon.  Anyone interested in obtaining flyers for the February 28th Event at J-Roos can contact Officer Val Queiroga at 203-903-6151 or Sgt. Bob DePalma 203-589-2759
 

 
 

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Since it feels like spring, here's something about tennis

4 NEW TENNIS PROGRAMS
OFFERED  THRU
HAMDEN RECREATION DEPT.

 The Hamden Recreation Dept. in cooperation with USTA New England are happy to be offering four Tennis programs designed for boys & girls ages 5 – 14.  The programs will consist of stroke development to drills and fitness. This experience will help the player become a more inspired athlete as they gain new skills and make new friends!

Session 1:  3/26 – 3/29 from 4:30-5:30 pm - ($65)
Session 2 : 4/16 – 4/19 from 9-10:15 am during April School Vacation - ($75)
Session 3: Saturday mornings, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28 from 9 – 10:15 am - ($75)
Session 4: Saturday mornings 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26 from 9-10:15 am - ($75)

All sessions are held at the Mix Avenue Tennis Courts next to the Ice Rink.
Director/Coach/Instructor, Nils LeBlang, 30+ years, PTR Scholastic Coach

For additional information or to download registration form go to  nilsnation.com  or visit www.hamden.com, or stop by Recreation Office at 2750 Dixwell Ave., 203-287-2579.

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Want to get involved in your community?

Press Release from the Mayor's office:  

HAMDEN – Mayor Scott Jackson is requesting Hamden residents interested in volunteering to serve on one of the Town’s Boards & Commissions to send a letter of interest and a resume to Town Clerk Vera Morrison, 2750 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden 06518.   Mayor Jackson is looking to increase citizen input to Town Government through participation in its Boards and Commissions. 
There are 33 plus volunteer Boards and Commissions in Hamden.  Information on each Commission may be found on the Town’s web site at www.hamden.com under Government, and includes mission statements, meeting schedules, etc.  Availability on Commissions occurs when terms expire or volunteers resign.  The lengths of terms vary from Commission to Commission, but most are three years.  Town ordinances require that Boards and Commissions include representatives of more than one political party.  The majority of the Boards and Commissions meet one evening each month, but some do meet during business hours.     
            There is a vacancy on the Civil Service Commission for a person that is not a registered Democrat.  The Commission meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m. In the Town Attorney’s Conference Room.  There is a vacancy on the Energy Use & Climate Change Commission for a person who is not a registered Democrat.  Its meetings are held at the Hamden Government Center at 7:00 p.m. on the third Monday of each month.  The Fair Rent Commission meets as needed, and has a vacancy for a citizen representative (not a landlord or tenant) who is not a Democrat.   The Human Services Commission is in need of two members who are not registered Democrats      and they meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Government Center.  The Natural Resources and Open Space Commission is in need of a new member that is not a registered Democrat.  The NROS Commission meets on the last Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Government Center.  Hamden has a vacancy on its Personnel Appeals Board, which does not meet regularly, but exists in case the need arises.  There is a vacancy on the Planning & Zoning Commission which meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.  An opening currently exists on the Retirement Board, which meets at 3:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Government Center.  The Town Center Park Commission meets at the Government Center on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. and is in need of two new members.  The Zoning Board of Appeals needs one alternate member that is not a registered Democrat.  That Commission meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. At the Government Center.
Hamden is a member of Connecticut’s Regional Mental Health Board Catchment Area Council 7 and is in need of a representative to that Board.  This Board is responsible for assessing the mental health needs of the community, evaluating available and proposed mental health services and making recommendations regarding the distribution of state funds to the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.  Other Board activities include public education, advocacy, monitoring legislative and budget decisions and planning.  Applicants to this Board should have a desire to help others in the community and do not necessarily need to have experience in the mental health field.  Meetings are held one Wednesday afternoon each month in Orange. 
For schedules and responsibilities regarding all Boards and Commissions please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 203 287-7112.
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Teaching scholarship available

From a prepared statement:

Application forms for the Elizabeth Doyle Memorial Scholarship Fund are available, beginning March 12th.  This fund was established to honor the memory of former North Haven resident and educator, Elizabeth Doyle, and to assist fellow North Haven residents, who are pursuing a degree in teaching at an accredited college.  Interested applicants must demonstrate that they are involved in a realistic plan for continuing their education, need financial assistance in order to continue school and intend to teach upon graduation.

Application forms, which contain the information necessary for pursuing the scholarship, are available at the North Haven First Selectman’s office in Town Hall, the North Haven Community Services office at the Town Hall Annex on Linsley Street or on the Town’s webpage: www.town.north-haven.ct.us.  They are also available at North Haven High School, at other area private and parochial high schools and area colleges and universities.  Completed forms must be returned on or before April 23rd to the First Selectman’s office.  An independent committee, working under the auspices of the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, is responsible for overseeing the application and selection processes.  The disbursement of funds is administered completely by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. 

The selection committee emphasizes that any North Haven students, who are currently seniors in an accredited high school (North Haven High School or other private or parochial high schools) and any Town residents, who are pursuing or planning to pursue a teaching career, may apply.  All past applicants are welcome to reapply. 

For further information, please call Louise Ciulla at (203) 288-5195.

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Limited income folks can get free food on Friday

HAMDEN -- The Connecticut Food Bank’s mobile food pantry will be holding a free distribution for people with limited incomes from 11 a.m. to noon Friday in the parking lot behind the Abdul Majid Karim Hasan Islamic Center, 870 Dixwell Ave.
Members of the Hamden Fire Department and students from the Amistad Academy in New Haven will be assisting, according to Fire Commissioner Shahid Abdul-Karim, an Islamic center official.
The mobile food pantry will have a variety of fresh products and goods to families in need.
"Hunger is so pervasive in today’s tough economy. One of the ways of showing support, is volunteering at events like these and assisting in the community where needed." Fire Chief David A. Berardesca said in a prepared statement.
Anyone may attend the distribution. People need to bring their own bags.

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Monday, February 20, 2012

7th Annual Hamden PTA Camp Fair

An announcement from the Hamden PTA Council --

Summer is just around the corner. The annual PTA  Camp Fair is from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 24 at the Spring Glen School Gymnasium, 1908 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06517, just south of Skiff Street.

The public is invited collect free brochures and information from many area and regional programs. Come talk to representatives from local day camps, like the Eli Whitney Museum and overnight adventure programs from all over New England and the NY Metro area.

Are you a camp and want to have a booth? Download a form here.

More questions about our camp fair?  Contact Marjorie Clark or 203-812-9654.
Stay tuned to www.hamdenpta.org as we add to the list of attendees:
We look forward to seeing you soon!
About Hamden PTA Council:
The Hamden PTA Council is made up of PTA representation from each of Hamden’s public schools, eight elementary, Hamden Middle School and Hamden High School.  Our mission is to not only promote the ideals of the greater PTA organization, but to offer support, advice, advocacy and community to our member PTA units, their members and all of Hamden’s children.

Marjorie Clark
VP of Membership
Hamden PTA Council
203.288.6831 (h)
203.812.9654 (o)

"Nothing we do for children is ever wasted.  They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them i s never wasted."
    - Garrison Keillor

 
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Sunday, February 12, 2012

Lost dog at Meadowbrook

This was posted on SeeClickFix by Lora Sapir.

Lexie was last seen on 2/12/12 at 6pm near Meadowbrook / Hamden Town Center Park / Hamden Middle School. She is very shy and timid of people and will probably run away! She has a blue collar on with her name and our phone number plus a tag hanging off of the collar with the same information. Please help!!

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Friday, February 10, 2012

Wine and Chocolate....

HAMDEN -- The Whitneyville Civic Association, in connection with Lake Whitney Wine, offers a pre-Valentine's Day wine and chocolate event from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.
The location is Lake Whitney Wine, 1226 Whitney Ave., next to the Playwright.
Info? 203-248-2446.

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Thursday, February 9, 2012

Time to comment on the school budget

HAMDEN -- There will be a public hearing on the 2012-13 Board of Education budget at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at the central office at 60 Putnam Ave.
The board will vote on the budget during a meeting that starts at 7.
The board's finance committee cut $240,753 from the $81.8 million budget proposal from Fran Rabinowitz, school superintendent. The latest proposal is $81,587,427, a number that's 3.13 percent more than the current $79 million budget.

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Time to buy the Maselli farmhouse

HAMDEN -- Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven is accepting applications from prospective homebuyers for the old Maselli farmhouse at 390 Gilbert Ave.
Habitat is completely restoring the 1892 Queen Anne-style house, situated adjacent to 32 acres of undeveloped land, Habitat officials said in a prepared release. The sales price is $125,000. Habitat sells its homes to partner families at no-profit, via 25-year, 0 percent interest mortgages.
The home is being fully refurbished and will have new mechanical systems, including natural gas heating, electric and plumbing. Other features include a newly designed and outfitted kitchen; bathrooms with ceramic tile floors; a large wrap-around porch; original mahogany staircase and stained glass window; newly restored oak floors; and historic trims and accents that are not often duplicated in modern homes.
For additional application criteria, including eligibility, income and ownership requirements, visit the Habitat website at www.habitatgnh.org (click on Homeownership). Applications may be downloaded from the website and are also available at the Habitat office at 37 Union St., New Haven. Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. Feb. 17.

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