NORTH HAVEN -- The North Haven Police Benevolent Association on Saturday will hold a tag sale to benefit the family of Detective Jason Janosko.

Erica Janosko, his wife, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February and is undergoing treatment. She will need several surgeries following a double mastectomy and more than a year of chemotherapy. They have two young children.

The tag sale will take place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the Police Department parking lot on Linsley Street.

There will be a wide selection of appliances, clothes, tools, books, electronics, toys, baby items and more. Donations will be accepted through Friday. Money donations will be accepted.

All proceeds will help the Janosko family with expenses that insurance doesn’t cover.

For more information, contact Officer Val Queiroga at 203-239-5321 ext. 268 or Joanna Stavrides at HelpJanoskos@gmail.com.

The rain date is Sunday.

HAMDEN -- The Police Department will hold its annual “Tip –A-Cop”  to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Mickeys Restaurant, 2323 Whitney Ave.
Police will also be participating in the Special Olympics Connecticut Torch Run. The event, which is slated for June 8, will commence on Whitney Avenue at the Cheshire town line at 3 p.m., arriving at the Hamden Police Department at 4 p.m. It will then continue southbound on Dixwell Avenue to Southern Connecticut State University.

Students from the Sacred Heart Academy Softball Team will join in the run with members of the Hamden Police Department. Students needed to raise $30 for Special Olympics Connecticut to participate.

To donate to Special Olympics Connecticut with “Team Hamden Police Department” follow the link  http://soct.convio.net/ridefortheflame2012  

NORTH HAVEN -- The community is in shock and starting the mourning process over the death Friday of Assistant Superintendent of Schools Patricia K. Brozek.
Brozek spent 39 years in the district, starting as an English teacher following her graduation from Salve Regina College. The Branford resident became assistant superintendent in 2008 after serving for a year on special assignment in the central office as director of personnel and instruction. She was North Haven High School principal for 15 years prior to coming to central office.
Superintendent of Schools Robert D. Cronin said he and Brozek had a good working relationship and that she was welcoming and supportive of him when he came to the district in April 2011.
Brozek hadn't felt well lately, and had been having problems with her asthma. She went to the hospital Thursday and died Friday. He was contacted late Friday afternoon that she passed away and reached out to school board members, while assigning others to call staff members.
The district's crisis team and grief counselors will be in schools on Tuesday.

HAMDEN -- Light heavy weight world boxing champion Chad Dawson will appear at the Connecticut Food Bank’s Mobile Food Pantry from 11 a.m. to noon in the rear parking lot of the Abdul Majid Karim Hasan Islamic Center, 870 Dixwell Ave.

Dawson will sign autographs and assist with food distribution.

"We thank the town of Hamden and the Connecticut Food Bank for providing this opportunity for people who may be struggling and needing a little help feeding their family," Dawson said in a prepared statement. "I will be out supporting this good effort and assisting people wherever I’m needed."

Last month, the Mobile Food Pantry served more than 235 families, according to site coordinator Shahid Abdul Karim, who said more are expected Friday.

People need to bring their own bags. No identification is necessary. For more information call 203-605-3844 or email accounts4mj@comcast.net

FROM THE HAMDEN VETERANS' COMMISSION AND MAYOR'S OFFICE:

More than 450 high school and middle school students and 100 veterans with visual displays of their service experiences will share in the Veterans Awareness Day events at Quinnipiac University’s Athletic Center on Friday, May 25, from starting at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The annual event builds on the increased awareness of the Memorial Day weekend to enhance students’ understanding of the freedoms we often take for granted.

This year, CDR. Gabrielle McGrath, Assistant Commandant of Cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, will speak to the students about her experiences in the U. S, Coast Guard. Commander McGrath received her commission in 1996 and has a Master of Science degree from University of Rhode Island. CT Veterans Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz, a Vietnam veteran, and others will also speak on the importance of remembering those who served and continue to defend the freedoms we share.

“Veterans Awareness Day is a great opportunity for students and veterans to discuss one-on-one, and learn what has made this nation great,” said Abner Oakes, Chairman of the Hamden Veterans Commission.  “Veterans bring exhibits and memorabilia of their time in the service and the students really enjoy the interaction.” In addition to veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, there will be exhibits from the Civil War and many groups that support veterans. The Hamden Veterans Awareness Day was conceived by Daniel Levy, a Coast Guard veteran and middle school Principal, and has always been about speaking WITH students, not at them. 

If the displays don’t prompt interaction with the students, new ‘Scavenger Hunt’ booklets will get things started.  Each student has a copy and the questions require an observant eye and thoughtful inquiries to fill out the pages.  This year’s booklets include questions about current events in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as living history details from earlier conflicts.  There are many new exhibits and surprises this year both inside the Athletic Center and outside in the nearby ball field.  Now in its 12^th year, Dan Levy noted “Quinnipiac University has been a great host and once again we look forward to filling the Athletic Center with a living example of the meaning of service.”

For more information, contact Abner Oakes at 203-215-4675, Dan Levy at 203-407-7131 or Guy Ortoleva at 203-843-2202. To see a video of a previous event posted on YouTube, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xOIrPvk2lQ. 

The Hamden Arts Commission will join Steve Rodgers – owner of Hamden's music venues, The Space and The Outer Space – Thursday night in presenting an evening tribute to poet Franz Douskey, whose recent collection, “West of Midnight: New & Selected Poems” was nominated for a 2012 Pulitzer Prize.

Here is Franz:
 

The event, entitled “West of Ordinary: A Celebration of Pulitzer- Nominated Poet, Franz Douskey,” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at The Outer Space, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden. The informal festivities will include a reception with soft live jazz and light snacks, followed by Douskey's reading of select works, and interspersed with a few toasts by friends and colleagues.

Douskey is regarded as an influential contemporary American writer who has been published in nearly two hundred publications, including The Nation, The New Yorker, Georgia Review, New York Quarterly and Rolling Stone. He has read from his works at hundreds of venues, and occasionally read with Allen Ginsberg, who was a longtime friend and correspondent. Douskey is noted for his larger-than-life personality, his brutal honesty and his irreverent wit.

“West of Ordinary” is free and open to the public, although there will be a cash bar. For information, contact the Arts Commission at (203) 287-2546 or https://mail.journalregister.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=sJsoAmQ28kGwPBHFL3zHg3yJHl2cDM8IoHinW2b35tLbeIIGkihWFMueUxnaRKqlss1mdM-J6aI.&URL=mailto%3amcoleman%40hamden.com.

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF MAYOR SCOTT JACKSON:

HAMDEN - The Town of Hamden and the Town Center Park Commission will feature a Friday night outdoor movie series in Town Center Park in August, and residents will be able to vote on the final choices.

Jackson announced that the town will offer four themed movie nights with five

possible choices for each night. “We had a very positive response from last year's event, and we are pleased to be able to offer expanded programming through August that will complement the annual Fireworks and the July summer concert series.”

Members of the public can vote for their choice by logging on to merrimanriver.com/movienight and can even view the theatrical trailers. Up to 10 votes may be cast per individual I.P. address.

The choices are as follows:
Friday, August 3 is Musical Night, and voters will choose from Chicago, Grease, Moulin Rouge, The Producers and The Wizard of Oz.

 

Folks,
Just talked with Laurie Brangi, Republican registrar of voters, and she tells me that only 446 of the town's 15,102 registered voters voted in today's budget referendum as of 4 p.m.
The proposed budget is $85.05 million and there is no tax increase.
They were also talking about the very, very low voter turnout on facebook.com.
Granted, there's no tax increase, but the town is spending lots of money -- about $10,000 -- for you to exercise your right to vote.
Here's a discussion from Walt and Michelle Spader and Ruth Bryant:
Michelle said: Sadly, at 8 am I was only the fifth voter at Green Acres. Polls opened at 6 am.

Walt (North Haven's Democratic town chairman) said:  At 1:15 I was the 25th...
Ruth said:  My husband was the 3rd at 7:30....

So what do you all think? Did you vote today?

HAMDEN -- If you feel like skating for a cause, or just contributing to one tonight, slide over the the Hamden ice rink on Mix Avenue for the second annual Skate to support Jordan's Journey.
Miss Connecticut Morgan Amarone, a Hamden resident, will host the event to raise money for Jordan Jacques, 18, a repeat cancer survivor who is still in treatment.
The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is $5 and skate rental is $5. Event is from 6 to 8 p.m.

HAMDEN -- You can get a glimpse of the artistic talents of students at public and private high schools in Hamden tonight at 7 when the Hamden Arts Commission presents the 27th annual Salute to Young Artists in Thornton Wilder Hall of Miller Library.
The public is invited to the free event, which will include performances in music, theatre, dance and literature as well as an exhibition of work by the visual artists.
The honorees this year are: Rubaied Alam, Alfred Boah, Amira Brown, Audrey Campbell, Hillary Dadio-Perrone, Melissa Dechello, Kevin Downing, Fernanda Goncalves, Helen Katherine Homa, Micayla Hutton, Ariana Jankovic, Liba Judd and Sierra Kaptain.
Also, Beatriz Lopez, Max Moran, Darrien Murphy, Darrell Nixon, II, Tiara Pearson, Bonnie Rhee, Joan Rhee, Brian Rodriguez, Sarah Rybacki, Angela Stong, Ceilidh Aileen Summach and Taylor Teulings.
Mayor Scott Jackson will make welcoming remarks. Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge and Town Clerk Vera Morrison will present certificates of merit to each honoree. Eric Nyquist of the Hamden High School Theatre Department will serve as master of ceremonies.
The students were selected based on nominations from their teachers.

HAMDEN -- Girl scouts from Hamden will be hosting a public forum on Thursday to raise awareness about child abuse and human trafficking. It will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. May 17 in Thornton Wilder Hall of Miller Library, 2901 Dixwell Ave.
Maria Anthony, co-leader of Cadet Troop 61224, said the forum will be held so that the six girls in the troop can earn their Silver Award, the highest award a Cadet can receive.
Professionals from the state Department of Children and Families, the Clifford Beers Clinic, The Children's Center of Hamden, the Love 146 Organization, Kony2012 and the Nurturing Families Network distribute information and talk about their organizations and how they are connected to the topics of child abuse and human trafficking, Anthony said.
The public is invited to browse and ask questions to find out how the organizations are helping children. Questions? Call Anthony at 203-623-9917.
In other Girl Scout news, Nikki Pallotto and Peri Sosensky of Hamden are earning their Girl Scout Silver Award by promoting the recycling of cell phones and ink cartridges. They are members of Cadet Troop 60122. Here is their photo:

 Picture is at the Hamden Middle school conferences where we presented our project to parents.  Pictured from left to right are Nikki Pallotto,Coffey, Jessica(Assistant Principal - Grade 8), Peri Sosensky and Daniel Levy (Principal)
Here is the rest of the info:

What: Donating your used cell phones/pda’s and inkjet cartridges

while helping save the environment from toxic waste.

 

When: Through June 3 at Various Collections stations

 

Where:

Hamden Middle School- 2623 Dixwell Ave, Hamden

Posh Salon-1658 Whitney Ave, Hamden, Ct

Eastern Pulse Snow and Skate-1895 Dixwell Ave, Hamden

Hamden Ice Rink- 595 Mix Avenue, Hamden

Westwoods School- 350 West Todd Street, Hamden CT

June 3, 2012 Don's Hat Rack Motorcycle Rally  Hamden Ice Rink (9am)

Willing to meet to pick up Cell phones or ink cartridges

 

About : Improper disposal of cell phones/pda’s is a serious threat to our environment.  Every cell phone/pda contains no less than 8 hazardous materials, including Arsenic, Antimony, Beryllium, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Nickel, and Zinc.  We are collecting old cell phones and ink cartridges in order to help our environment. We are then sending them to a company who will pay for these products and dispose of them the proper way. Your unwanted cell phones/pda’s and inkjet cartridges will be recycled in accordance with EPA regulations or refurbished and sold. Any monies we receive will be donated to Don’s Hat Rack was established in 1999 in memory of Donald Perrotti who lost his battle to cancer.  In his honor Don's family wanted to keep his spirit alive with what started out as a cabinet in the infusion room at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital and now has grown to an organization known all over Connecticut. 

 

 

Raymond Gambardella, D.M.D. – CLASS OF 1961

 

Dr. Gambardella has been in oral and maxillofacial surgery practice in the greater New Haven area since 1975.  He has proudly cared for thousands of patients and takes an individual and undivided approach to each one.

            After graduating from Hamden High School in 1959, Dr. Gambardella earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from SCSU, graduating cum laude in 1963. He taught for two years at Michael J. Whalen Junior High School and then attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where he earned a DMD and graduated cum laude in 1969.  He completed his residency training in New York City and then served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1972-1975 as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, attaining the rank of Major.

            Dr. Gambardella belongs to many professional societies including the Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Dental Association, Connecticut State Dental Association and the New Haven Dental Association.  He has served as an oral surgeon attending at Hospital of Saint Raphael for over 30 years and during this time has been involved in the training of oral and maxillofacial surgery residents for 25 years.

          Dr. Gambardella considers it an honor indeed to have been selected for this recognition. He is married to the former Jean Sidoli and they have two children, Raymond Jr. and Dr. Lee Gambardella-Mamdani.  He and his wife have five grandchildren. 

           

Carl Porto, J.D. – CLASS OF 1960

Attorney Carl M. Porto graduated from Hamden High in 1960, playing both varsity hockey and baseball. Carl then received degrees from Boston University and the University of Connecticut School of Law.  

Mayor William Adams appointed Carl to the Hamden Civil Service Commission, the Hamden Code of Ethics Committee and an Assistant Town Attorney. 

Carl became Hamden’s Town Attorney during the administration of Mayor Richard G. Harris, whose mayoral campaign Carl chaired.

Carl has been involved in the greater New Haven community serving on the boards of Hamden Hall Country Day School, the Bank of New Haven and Citizen’s Bank of Connecticut and Rhode Island.  He is a past president of the New Haven Country Club and the Quinnipiak Club, and a former board member of the Hospital of St. Raphael Foundation, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, the Shubert Theater, as well as Grand Knight of Council 3605.

In 2004, Carl received the Hamden Chamber of Commerce Notable Citizen Award. He is also an Associate Fellow of Timothy Dwight College, at Yale University.

Professionally, Carl is a past president of the New Haven County Bar Association and currently serves as chair of the CBA Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law, and in that capacity authored the definition of the practice of law in Connecticut.

He was elected as a member of the CBA House of Delegates and has been recognized as a James W. Cooper Fellow.  He has served on numerous CBA Committees and co-chaired the US District Court Master’s Program.

Carl is the managing partner in the law firm of Parrett, Porto, Parese and Colwell, P.C., with offices in Hamden and Guilford.  He resides in Hamden with his wife, Terry, a first grade teacher at Hamden Hall.  They have three sons, Attorney Carl M. Porto, II, Attorney Joseph M. Porto and Attorney Mark M. Porto.  Carl and Terry are the proud grandparents of 5 grandchildren.

           

Jack O’Donnell, J.D. - CLASS OF 1972

Attorney Jack O’Donell attended Hamden Public Schools graduating from Hamden High School in 1972. While at Hamden High, Jack played baseball and football and served as Senior Class President.  Thereafter, he attended Wesleyan University where he also played baseball and football and graduated in 1976.  He earned his Juris Doctor at Western New England College School of Law in 1980.

Attorney O’Donnell has practiced law in Hamden and New Haven since 1981 and served as a National Football League Players’ Association player agent from 1982 to 1986.  Over the years, his law firm has employed numerous young lawyers and law school interns from the area.  Although he has been a general practitioner for most of his 31 years, Jack is primarily known as a criminal defense attorney.  He is particularly proud of the work he has done assisting Hamden’s youth in the criminal justice system.

As many young people as Attorney O’Donnell has helped with legal matters, he has worked with even more as Coach O’Donnell. 

He has been a coach for 27 years (and counting) for the Hamden Soccer Association, Hamden Fathers’ Baseball and Softball Association, Hamden Regional Youth Basketball League and the Connecticut State Nutmeg Games.  These experiences have been some of the most rewarding in Jack’s life.

Jack is married to the former Karen Jacobs (HHS 1971) and they have four children: Sam Morley (HHS 1997), Jack (HHS 2004), Hank (HHS 2007), and Maggie (HHS 2015).  They reside in Hamden.

           

Joseph Camilleri, M.D. – CLASS OF 1977

Joe Camilleri graduated from Hamden High School in 1977 and was a member of the National Honor Society and the varsity basketball team.  He then attended Trinity College where he received his BS in biochemistry.   He was awarded the Louis Arone Prize for excellence in chemistry & graduated with honors in biochemistry.  He obtained his MD degree from New York Medical College where he was a member of AOA, the national medical honor society, and also completed his residency in urology there.

     Joe has been in the private practice of urology in the New Haven area as a member of Urology Group PC since 1991.  He has been a voluntary member of the faculty of the Yale School of Medicine in the section of urology.  He is currently a member of the medical board of Yale New Haven Hospital, and has been recognized by Connecticut Magazine as one of the state’s top doctors in the field of urology for the last four years.  He is a member of multiple professional organizations. 

     Joe has been a sponsor of Hamden youth basketball, softball and baseball.  He continues to reside in Hamden with his two children, Joe and Anna.

            Leslie Paier aceto, j.d. – CLASS OF 1990

Leslie Aceto grew up in the Centerville area of Hamden and attended the Hamden Public Schools, graduating from Hamden High School in 1980.  While at Hamden High, Leslie was a member of the national honor society, student council and yearbook committee.  In her senior year she was tri-captain of the varsity cheerleading team.  Upon graduation, Leslie attended Boston College and then returned to Connecticut to attend law school at the University of Connecticut, graduating cum laude from both educational institutions.

            In law school, Leslie focused her studies on corporate and tax law. However, she was also member of the Moot Court Team and a semi-finalist of the Louiselle Moot Court Competition. 

Upon graduation from law school, Leslie joined the law firm of Zeldes, Needle & Cooper, P.C. in Bridgeport, Connecticut where she continues to practice today as a managing partner and member of the transactional department.  Over the years she has also served on the firm’s hiring committee.  Her practice largely consists of hotel development and management, and real estate transactions through the representation of developers and corporate clients. 

In addition to her professional efforts, Leslie has remained active in the Hamden community through her many years of participation as a member of the executive board of the Bear Path PTA, serving as secretary and co-president.  She routinely volunteers as room mother and team parent for the sports teams that her children participate in. 

Leslie and her husband reside in Hamden with their three children who are currently attending Hamden Public Schools.  

LOUISE ROZETT – CLASS OF 1988

                                               

Louise Rozett had the good fortune to attend Shepherd Glen, Spring Glen, Sleeping Giant, Michael J. Whalen and Hamden High. After getting a BA in psychology from Vassar College and an MFA in acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University, she moved to New York to pursue a career as an actor and a playwright.

As a playwright, her work has been produced in various incarnations by great companies such as the Naked Angels and Reverie Productions; at great places like New York Stage & Film, the New York International Fringe Festival, the Chicago Dramatists Workshop, and the Victory Gardens Theatre; and by great actors such as Tony Award-winner Frank Wood and John Finn (Cold Case, The X-Files). Louise won the 1988 Connecticut Young Playwright’s Award; received honorable mention in the 1998 Jane Chambers Playwriting Award; and was a finalist for the 1998 Princess Grace Awards Playwright Fellowship, the 2004 Stanley Drama Award, the 2006 Heideman Award, and the 2007 Next Generation Playwrights Contest. She is published in New Monologues for Women, by Women, and Young Women’s Monologues from Contemporary Plays. As a performer, Louise played the role of Hope in the original production of Urinetown at the 1999 New York International Fringe Festival.

            Louise’s first novel, Confessions of an Angry Girl, published by Harlequin Teen, comes out in August. She lives in Brooklyn with her boyfriend, Alex Bhattacharji, and their giant dog, Lester, and sings in a band every once in a while.

NICHOLAS COLLICELLI - Distinguished Service Award

Nick Collicelli began his career in Hamden as a teacher and later administrative assistant at Whalen Junior High School.  His career led to positions as team leader and assistant principal at the Hamden Middle School and finally as K-12 Director of Social Studies.

            Nick was the founder of the Hamden High School Human Relations Club (HRC). The purpose of this group was to develop the leadership qualities of students while at

the same time planning and implementing activities which reduced prejudice and discrimination.

            The HRC has received local, state and national recognition including being named Multicultural Program of the Year in 2002 by the Connecticut State Department of Education and the National Association for Multicultural Education. In 2004 The HRC received the National Civic Star Award in a ceremony in San Francisco.  This award was given by the American Association of School Administrators.

Nick’s work has been recognized by the Hamden Board of Education, the Anti-Defamation League, United Way, The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, and the Hamden Chamber of Commerce.  Nick received the Hobart and William Smith Colleges “Touching the Future Award” in 2009.  This award, which was presented at the college commencement, was especially gratifying since a former HRC president, Colleen Carpinella, nominated him for impacting her life in a positive manner.  Nick presently serves as an Affiliate Faculty Member and Coordinator for Field Experiences at Albertus Magnus College.

Nick is the father of three children, Nicholas, Adam, and Steven. He and his wife Chris reside in Ansonia.

 

On May 15 at 6 p.m., the Hamden Education Foundation will celebrate its 11^th annual Alumni Awards Dinner at Laurel View Country Club.  For additional information or to purchase tickets, contact Wendy Ocone at (203) 407-2202 or by email at wocone@hamden.org. Graduates from the 1960s are leading the way this year.

I interviewed Woodrow Clark, a man that has had an amazing life since he left the high school in 1963.  Today, he is known as an expert in sustainable communities, looking for solutions to climate change. Years ago, Clark and his brother, Wayne Clark, had their own business, Waynewood Nurseries, and used the proceeds to go to college. Both obtained their PhD's. You can read his bio below. Woodrow Clark said it is a "real honor" to come in from California to be named a distinguished alumnus. When he was a member of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the   organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in December 2007. Clark said he didn't travel to get the prize, instead staying home during the birth of his 4-year-old son, Paxton. When it comes to climate change and the environment, Woodrow Clark says his son's life is at stake, as well as the lives of our children and grandchildren, unless something is done today.

Here are the bios, as provided by the foundation:

        

Woodrow Clark, Ph.d. - CLASS OF 1963

Dr. Woodrow Clark, a long-time advocate for the environment and renewable energy, is an internationally recognized author, lecturer, public speaker and advisor specializing in sustainable communities. Dr. Clark was one of the contributing scientists to work on the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UNIPCC). This organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in December 2007.

            In 2004, he founded, and now manages, Clark Strategic Partners (CSP), an environmental and renewable energy consulting firm, using his political-economic expertise to guide and advise public and private clients worldwide on sustainable smart, green communities.

Dr. Clarks’ five books and 50+ peer-reviewed articles reflect his concern for global, sustainable communities.  His last book, Global Energy Innovations concerns the “green industrial revolution” and explains the solutions to climate change through public policy, science, economics and finance. Clark also teaches graduate courses in these areas throughout the world.

            Prior to launching CSP, Dr. Clark was Senior Advisor on Renewable Energy, Emerging Technologies, and Finance to California Governor Gray Davis from 2000-2003. From 1999-2000, he was a Visiting Professor of Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship at Aalborg University, Denmark, where he was a Fulbright Fellow in 1994. Dr. Clark was the Manager of Strategic Planning for Technology Transfer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) for the University of California and U.S. Department of Energy, during the 1990s. In 1980, he founded a mass media company, Clark Communications, in San Francisco. This company specialized in the production and distribution of documentary and educational films focused on “social issues” such as “sexual harassment”, “health issues” and older workers.

            Dr. Clark earned three masters’ degrees from different universities in Illinois and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. He lives with his wife, and their four-year old son in California.

   

HAMDEN -- My teen and professional reporting years collided on Saturday night when I was invited to be at Hamden High School when a professional actor who grew up in Hamden, Ray DeMattis, nee DeMatteis, spoke to theater students after their fifth and final performance of Grease.
Ray graduated HHS in 1963 and told them he hadn't been to the high school since graduating. He told the students how he and 16 others became the first national touring cast of Grease out of the 1,750 who auditioned. In that first cast was the late Jeff Conaway and John Travolta. Travolta at the time predicted he would one day play Danny Zuko and DeMattis said that everyone scoffed at that possibility at the time. Obviously, they were wrong.
I have always loved the Hamden Theater Department, of which I am a graduate. Also, while at Hamden High, I was a reporter and editor for the school newspaper, The Dial.
Long ago, those of us in the drama club were friends with a senior, John Colello, who worked at the Shubert in New Haven. He told us if we acted as ushers at the shows we could watch them for free! A number of us took advantage of the offer.
I don't remember exactly how things transpired, but one day in 1973 or 1974, I was lucky enough to interview Ray DeMatteis, who was performing as Roger in Grease at the Shubert. My story appeared in the Dial.
So, imagine how thrilled I was when the HHS drama director, Eric Nyquist, invited me to the high school after the final performance of Grease on May 5 to watch as Ray spoke to the students. I told Nyquist that I had interviewed Ray in the past and would love to be there.
So, after the show, I was on stage with the students while Ray was talking, and the whole thing brought tears to my eyes. He was saying that a show like the Mainstage Ensemble did never would have come off the ground when he was a student at HHS. "When did it become cool for guys to be in musicals?" he asked.
He also called Nyquist a "genius" for producing such an upbeat, professional show, and said the students were wonderful.
One of the reasons why the tears were rolling down my cheeks, I now believe, is that I was emotionally connecting with how today's students feel about Nyquist: It's the same wonderful connection we alumni had with our drama coaches, Julian Schlusberg and Joseph Juliano.
Also, it's just thrilling for me as a reporter and a Hamden alum, to meet someone who has done so well in a career. And, the fact that I interviewed Ray when I was a student at HHS and then got to do so on Saturday night, was just an awesome thing in and of itself.
Read more about what Ray had to say in the New Haven Register or on nhregister.com.
Here is the video of some of what Ray had to say to the students:

NORTH HAVEN -- The North Haven Clean Energy Task Force made a presentation at Thursday night's Board of Selectmen meeting.
Two task force leaders, Hugh Davis and Lettie McPhedran, talked about the progress the task force has made since 2007, when the 20 by 2010 campaign began. Davis said that as a result of that initial effort, 20 percent of the energy that is used in the town's 12 buildings -- including schools -- is clean energy.
"Our mission is to sign up residents for the clean energy option. We're also trying to raise public awareness of the benefits of clean energy," Davis said.
Because 450 households signed up for clean energy, the state has awarded North Haven with 22 solar panels on top of North Haven High School that produces 4 kilowatts of energy. This saves the town $4,800 annually, McPhedran said.
"The more who residents who sign up, the town receives free solar panels," said First Selectman Michael J. Freda.
Freda added that one of the major initiatives of his administration is to reduce energy costs.
Buildings are in the process of being retrofitted. The Clean Energy Task Force needs more members and anyone interested can call the selectman's office at 203-239-5321.
Here is a video with McPhedran talking about how to sign up.

News from the Hamden Arts Commission...

The Hamden Arts Commission will spotlight the talents of high school students from Hamden with exceptional talent in the arts at the commission’s 27th Annual Salute to Young Artists.

The program is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 18 in Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Ave. A reception in the students’ honor follows the entertainment. The public is cordially invited to attend free of charge. The evening will include performances by students gifted in music, theatre, dance and literature as well as an exhibition of work by the visual artists.

The honorees this year are: Rubaied Alam, Alfred Boah, Amira Brown, Audrey Campbell, Hillary Dadio-Perrone, Melissa Dechello, Kevin Downing, Fernanda Goncalves, Helen Katherine Homa, Micayla Hutton, Ariana Jankovic, Liba Judd and Sierra Kaptain.

Also, Beatriz Lopez, Max Moran, Darrien Murphy, Darrell Nixon, II, Tiara Pearson, Bonnie Rhee, Joan Rhee, Brian Rodriguez, Sarah Rybacki, Angela Stong, Ceilidh Aileen Summach and Taylor Teulings.

Mayor Scott Jackson will make welcoming remarks. Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-17) and Town Clerk Vera Morrison will present certificates of merit to each honoree. Eric Nyquist of the Hamden High School Theatre Department, will serve as master of ceremonies.

The Salute to Young Artists gives recognition to public and private high school students from Hamden, offering them an opportunity to share their talents with the community. Through this program, the Arts Commission hopes to provide encouragement to Hamden’s young people interested in the arts, and to express gratitude to parents and teachers who have nurtured and supported them in their pursuit of excellence. The students are selected based on nominations from their teachers.

The Miller Complex is an accessible facility. For details contact the Arts Commission at (203) 287-2546, or mcoleman@hamden.com.

NORTH HAVEN -- The Conservation Commission invites the public to the town’s fourth annual Earth Day celebration Saturday.

The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Haven Middle School, 55 Bailey Road.

There will be displays on organic gardening and lawn care, environmentally friendly products, green businesses, fuel efficient cars, chidlren’s activities and music for children, among other free activities.

Federico Garcia Lorca’s

 “Blood Wedding”

to be performed at North Haven High School.

(Info provided by the Drama Club) 

Performance Details:

Performance Dates & Times: Thursday March 3^rd at 6:30pm, Friday May 4^th at 7:00pm, and Saturday May 5^th at 7:00 pm at the North Haven High School Theater. 

Ticketing Information: 

Tickets will be available to the public during the nights of the show at the ticket window. The tickets are $5 for student admission and $7 for general admission, and seating is not assigned.  

Production Credits:

“Blood Wedding” is a tragedy by the Spanish dramatist Federico García Lorca. It was written in 1932 and first performed in Madrid in March 1933 focusing on a confused Leonardo, from Madrid, Spain. Taking place in 1933, young Leonardo once in love with the bride, eventually found love and family in her cousin. But in the end their true feelings for Leonardo and the bride come to a bloody bash.     

North Haven High School’s Production involves approximately 30 students (including the cast and crew)

World Language Faculty member Scott Bonito will be reprising his role as director for North Haven High School’s Drama Club’s performance of “Blood Wedding”.   Since his start at North Haven High School, he has directed numerous productions as Co-Advisor of the North Haven High School Drama Club and  is also the director of the North Haven High School’s Improvisational Comedy group, “Children Running With Scissors.”

The extracurricular community at North Haven High School has been incredibly supportive as they too have lent their time to presenting different presentational facets (movies, posters, pictures and art) that connect with this season’s theme adopted by the North Haven High School Drama Club.

Director – Scott Bonito
Assistant Director – Olga Herget  
Student Assistant Director – Natasha Flath
Producer – Andy Cirioli
Stage Manager – Thomas DeChello

Synopsis: The young, wealthy Bridegroom (played by Michael Battista) lives alone with his Mother (played by Jennifer Royka). He has recently bought a vineyard and is planning to get married. As the play opens, the Bridegroom announces he is going out to check on the vineyard, but Mother bombards him with questions about his safety.
Leonardo Felix (played by Jackson Reed) comes home from work to find his Wife (played by Rachel Balzano) and his Mother-in-Law (played by Katie Kirtland) caring for his son. He chats with his Wife, who excitedly reveals to him that the Bride is about to marry the Bridegroom.
The Bridegroom and his Mother go to visit the Bride at her home. The Bride’s Father (played by Myles Morcarski) and the Bridegroom’s Mother get along well, discussing land purchases and the virtues of their respective children. Finally, the Bride enters and meets the Bridegroom’s Mother for the first time. His Mother reminds her that, as a wife, her duty will be to give the Bridegroom many children.
Bonito said: “This was my first play that I read as a student at UConn, and its profound message and well written style still resounds today. It has truly been a dream come true to direct this production at North Haven High School, a school in which I was once a student and drama club actor. What’s more, I have had the absolute pleasure to direct with an amazing directorial staff and have been blessed to work with such a talented group of actors and a devoted group of technical crew members. The bar can never be set high enough for this talented group of students and they continue to impress through their understanding of their roles and execution of the play as a cohesive family.”

Folks,

"Welcome to the Jungle" is the theme of this year's annual water show sponsored by the Hamden Heronettes; see info below. The performers are age 7 and older. The Heronettes also will be having a clinic for girls who think they may want to try synchronized swimming. The clinic starts May 7 at the Hamden High pool and runs for nine sessions, with the first session being free so girls can determine if they like it, said treasurer Patty Simell. You have to be able to swim 25 yards in order to sign up. For more info:

HAMDEN HERONETTES

www.heronettes.org

Tel: 203-507-3561

info@heronettes.org

Synchronized Swim Team

Presents

ANNUAL WATER SHOW

Friday, May 4 & Saturday, May 5, 2012

7 – 9 p.m.

HAMDEN HIGH SCHOOL POOL

2040 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT

$7.00 General Admission

HAMDEN -- The Brown Stone House, one of Hamden's favorite breakfast and lunch places, is reopening on Friday (May 4) from renovations that began on Monday.
Owner George Giosmas said that prices from the 1960s will be in effect Friday only during regular hours from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 2365 Whitney Ave., corner of Dixwell.
The Brown Stone has been in business for more than 60 years and its location across from Memorial Town Hall has made it a popular stomping ground for local politicians and town hall workers to chew the fat, so to speak.
Mayor Scott D. Jackson is scheduled to appear at the Brown Stone at 10 a.m. Friday to provide a proclamation to Giosmas and his crew.