(Sorry I copied the ad from the Register website.)

By Alessandro Powell
Special to the Register

HAMDEN — The town’s fireworks extravaganza takes place Friday evening, but it also includes the kick off of the Hamden Arts Commission’s free summer concert series at Town Center Park at Meadowbrook.

Masters of Swing, a U.S. Coast Guard band, kicks off the concert series at 7:30 p.m.

The concert, at which a disc jockey also will play, is to be followed by fireworks at about 9:25. The rain date is Saturday.

Free music will be played every Friday night of July at the park, starting at 7:30 p.m. with opening acts featuring Connecticut bands, and followed by better-known bands requested by the public, according to Mimsie Coleman, director of arts, recreation and culture.

Hamden’s own Wing It! opens July 6, followed by the Doo Wop Show, a selection of doo wop artists. Washboard Slim and the Bluelights opens on July 13, followed by the nationally-known NRBQ. Southside Johnny and the Ashbury Jukes bring their “New Jersey sound” to Hamden on July 20. The opening act is Remember September. Dizzy Fish opens July 27, and the featured artist is Chuck Negrone, formerly of Three Dog Night. He will perform classics like “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog” and “Old Fashioned Love Song.”

In the event of rain, performances may be moved to Hamden High School.

“The Hamden Arts Commission worked really hard this year to keep costs down. We spent the least amount since 2006 for performance fees. We booked groups requested many times by Hamden residents,” said Coleman, adding that Quinnipiac University, TD Bank and the Hamden Rotary Club are among the sponsors.

Although the town pays for police and firefighter presence at the fireworks, the fireworks themselves are paid for through donations and the sponsorships of area businesses and groups. The Hamden Volunteer Firefighters Association, which orchestrates the event each year, has sold T-shirts and collected donations outside the Hamden Stop & Shops the past few weekends. But Chairman Karl Olson said in order to meet their budget they’re counting on donations on the night of the event.

“If every group that came would donate one dollar, we’d make our budget, no problem,” Olson said.

Olson estimates 20,000 to 30,000 will be in attendance at Town Center Park.

Although in past years the volunteer firefighters have been skeptical of the event’s future, this year Olson says they’re optimistic.

“It should be as good a display as last year,” said retired Fire Cpt. Dave Johnson. “If not, better.”

Johnson, however, expressed concern that because of the poor economy donations haven’t been what they have in past years.

T-shirts, featuring new and vintage designs, will be sold at the fireworks for $12 each.

Alessandro Powell is a Register intern.

   On-line Survey to collect residents’ concerns HAMDEN -- Fitzgerald and Halliday Inc. of Hartford has initiated a traffic study of the Westwoods area. The study was commissioned by the town and is aimed at improving traffic safety and pedestrian and bicycle accommodations in the Westwoods area, according to Francisco Gomes, AICP, ASLA.
The study team is currently soliciting input from area residents regarding their concerns about traffic and roadways in the Westwoods area. To participate, residents can go online to the following site and fill out a brief survey (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Westwoods). For those without computer access, hardcopies of the survey will be made available at Hamden Government Center.
The study will continue through the summer and a public workshop is expected in late summer or early fall, Gomes said.

Didn't want to any more time to pass without saying congratulations and Godspeed to 16 staff members of the Hamden public schools who have retired. Their dedication to students and the school system is to be admired and respected. I am leaving special recognition notes to the people I knew personally, and I apologize for not knowing the rest of you.
Going by school, here's who you won't see next year:
West Woods School: Principal Barbara Nana, a very special person who has been with the system for 35 years. I will miss your smiling face and your willingness to spread the good news of West Woods School. Michelle Coogan, who has been the principal at Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School, is taking her place. Also, kindergarten teacher Betsy Barker.
Spring Glen School: Cynthia Hecht, grade 2.
Dunbar Hill School: Sharon Houck, grade 1. (Thanks for teaching my nephew.)
Shepherd Glen School: Judy Feather, clerk.
Hamden Middle School: Elissa Lupi, social studies teacher, who also taught plenty of kids about caring for the Earth and about recycling; Carolyn Wayne, Spanish teacher.
Hamden High School: Patricia Taylor, English teacher; Margaret McHale, special education teacher; Lorraine Stevens, Spanish teacher; Nancy Graham, chemistry teacher; Peter Laffin, physical education teacher and an outstanding veteran; Valarie Canalori, a very special English teacher. Enjoy life!; John Farley, science teacher, you went out on a high note with that great award you received; Lenora Henderson, English teacher, always an understanding and friendly face to me and many others. The district will miss you dearly.
And last but not least, my friend, Jane Glynn, office manager of Hamden High School. Jane was a second mother to many, many students over the years, taking her duties as office manager to a much higher level than the job description ever required. Besides being tough on students when necessary, thus gaining their respect, she listened to them and guided them to stay on the right path. Her rewards were 1,000-fold, as they continued to stay in touch with her over the years. Her office was decorated with thank-you notes and pictures of student's babies, etc. (She also started the Dream Girls prom gown program for girls who couldn't afford gowns on their own.) Jane was the administrative assistant to the late Superintendent of Schools Alida Begina, a position that was a stepping stone to the office manager's job. Jane worked closely with Principal Gary Highsmith and also was the district's transportation coordinator, a very challenging and frustrating job, I'm sure.
While current and future students will miss Jane's tutelage and caring, her time at Hamden High has made her realize that, in the next chapter of her life, she wants to work with young people, helping them to attain success in their lives.
My best wishes to all retirees.

By Alessandro Powell
Special to the Register
HAMDEN — A fundraiser tonight at Aunt Chilada’s, 3931 Whitney Ave., will benefit the Hamden Responsible Dog Owner’s Group, known as R-DOG.
Money raised will go toward the upkeep and improvements of the Hamden Dog Park at Bassett Field.
Vice President Lenny Young said the 10th anniversary of the park is a milestone because the park has provided a safe, reliable, free playspace for dogs from all over the state.
"We have a wishlist," Young said.
Among the changes R-DOG’s new board would like are to make the agility area permanent, to remove a dead tree, to install a new brick memorial, necessitating more benches, and to initiate a sanitation program. The program would call for spring, summer and fall purging of naturally forming bacteria.
Tonight, 20 percent of all money spent at the restaurant goes towards the cause, but patrons must bring event fliers that are found at the Hamden Dog Park and at www.HamdenDog.org.
The new R-DOG Board hopes to do something new for the park each month in order to raise and awareness.
"We are already handicapped accessible," said Young. "But a lot of people don’t even know we exist.
Alessandro Powell is a Register intern.

HAMDEN -- Members of Eli Whitney's Skills USA team met Gov. Dannel P. Malloy when he and his staff toured the Connecticut Food Bank Distribution Center in East Haven. The students volunteered after school at the facility, sorting and packing food items for distribution across the state. Malloy spoke to the students, thanking them for their community service efforts, according to teacher Gabe Ardito.

Team members were Gabriella Cuapio, Terrell Jones, and Yessica Perez along with Advisor Karen Etheridge, Hairdressing Department Head, and Drafting Instructor Jonathan Encarnacion.  As a part of Whitney's school awareness program for Susan Komen Foundation's Race for the Cure Marketing Project, all team members showcased our pink Whitney shirts.

The SkillsUSA members have volunteered at this facility in the past and were excited to help host Malloy's visit on June 12.

HAMDEN – The annual Hamden-North Haven Relay for Life runs from 10 a..m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday in the football field and track of Hamden High School, 2040 Dixwell Ave.
Relay events are held across the country to raise money for the American Cancer Society and its programs.
The opening ceremony is at 10 a.m. Saturday, and the survivor recognition lap starts at 10:30 a.m. A lap for caregivers follows at 10:45 a.m.
There is a reception for cancer survivors at 11:30 a.m., and survivors who wish to participate can come to the track to register, according to Mary Kate Doherty of the cancer society.
The luminaria ceremony is at 9:30 p.m., and more than 320 people in 42 volunteer teams plan to spend the night at the field, and will take turns walking around the track. So far, the teams have raised $63,165.
The closing ceremony is at 9:30 am. Sunday.
The event is open to the public, and 500 people are expected, Doherty said.

HAMDEN – The annual Hamden Farmer's Market opens Friday (June 22) and will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays through Oct. 5.

The market is the Miller Library lower parking lot at 2901 Dixwell Ave., an area that is accessible to the handicapped and has plenty of free parking.

This year's market will showcase locally grown produce vendors, bakers, Soup Girl, and other new and diverse products from local vendors, according to a prepared statement from the office of Mayor Scott D. Jackson. In addition, Hamden Youth Services will once again be present to provide arts and craft activities for children and Experience Corps will be there with free children's books.

Also, the Elderly Services Department will be providing nutrition vouchers to Hamden senior citizens who meet certain qualifications, according to Director Suzanne Burbage.

Individuals must be 60 or older or must be permanently disabled and living in subsidized senior housing, and meet certain income guidelines. For more information or to obtain vouchers, call Elderly Services at 203-287-2547.

HAMDEN -- The fourth annual Wing Fling For Cancer is from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2630 Whitney Ave.
All proceeds will benefit the Hospital of Saint Raphael’s Father Michael J. McGivney Cancer Centers and The Looking Forward Program.
Admission is $20 per person. Eight area restaurants within the New Haven County will be participating and serving their famous chicken wings. Participants can vote on the best chicken wings in New Haven County. 

North Haven Press Release FPS International Conference 2012

North Haven Students earn Awards at This year’s International Future Problem Solving Individual Competition

Sunday June 10^th 2012 – Indiana University, Bloomington IA - Future Problem Solving International Conference awards.

Two North Haven teams were recognized as top ten senior Division Global Problem Solving teams for 2012. Seniors Evelyn Fisher, Myles Mocarski, Jennifer Royka and John Savenelli placed 2^nd and Sophomores Matt Ennis, Jesse Morrow, Amanda Royka and Meredith Whitcomb placed 7^th out of over 60 other state and affiliate program championship teams from across the United States and ten other countries.

The topic addressed by the students concerned a hypothetical situation (Future Scene) set in the future in which medications for illnesses one has or is genetically predisposed too could be tailored to a person’s genetic makeup through DNA screening. 

This is the 26^th consecutive year a North Haven students have represented Connecticut at the FPS International Conference Problem Solving Competition.

Teacher Tom Marak who coaches the high school teams said, “The Future Problem Solving Program enhances our student’s education through teaching critical thinking, problem solving and methods to analyze complex situations. These students have worked hard to achieve this and we are all very proud of their accomplishments”

These students along with two of their North Haven classmates qualified to represent CT in a variety of competitions at the international conference from Wednesday June 6th – Sunday June 10^th 2012. The best problem solvers from around the world earn the right to participate based on their performance at their state and national conferences. Only 2,100, of the 200,000+ students from Australia, China, Korea, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Great Britain, South Africa, Portugal and the United States who participate in the FPS program, earn the right to attend the conference.

All of the North Haven participants did a great job in representing their school and the state of Connecticut. “It is impressive that they understand, and can address the issues regarding critical topics that have current and future global impact such as water quality, genetic testing, healthy living and planning for emergency” commented teacher Paul Castiglione who coaches the North Haven Middle School teams and assisted as a coach and chaperone for the students.

High school junior Haya Awwad, one of the students attending the competition, said, “It was amazing to be able to compete in something I love, especially with all of my friends close at hand. The experience was unforgettable. I hope to qualify again next year and am excited by the possibility of entering the competition after graduating in the new adult division.

High school coach Tom Marak said, “ I am always impressed the abilities, dedication and accomplishments of our teams and students.  They constantly challenge each other to do their best work.  The ideas and creativity they use in addressing these issues should leave us all very optimistic about our future.” The Future Problem Solving Program is a yearlong educational program in which students are challenged to solve problems related to topics of global significance. Students work in teams or as individuals.  They are given a scenario set 20 or more years in the future, from which they use the six-step future problem solving process to analyze the situation, determine potential issues or challenges, choose a problem to solve, brainstorm solutions, evaluate their solutions and develop an action plan to fully explain their best solution. Their work is then evaluated for understanding of the topic and situation, and the development of futurism and creativity of ideas.  The program also has Scenario Writing and Community Problem Solving components.

Costs for this and future year’s International Competitions (including transportation, rooms and food) were over $1,000 per student.  Students and the C.L.A.P.S. parent support group have been raising money to fund the trip.  If you would like to help, please send your contributions to C.L.A.P.S. c/o Tom Marak at North Haven High School 221 Elm Street North Haven CT 06473.  Make checks payable to North Haven High School/C.L.A.P.S.

The following three 2012 IC events were presented live on streaming video this year and may be accessed for the next few weeks through the FPSPI website www.fpspi.org

FPSPI 2012 International Conference Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony 2012 features the attending Affiliate Programs and Countries with the Traditional Flag Ceremony.  After welcome to Indiana University, the conference commences with the presentation of International Scenario Writing, Adult Awards, and recognition of scholarship winners.

2012 Variety Show

The FPSPI Variety Show begins with the presentation of awards to Presentation of Action Plan winning teams.  Next entertainment is varied as participants from various Affiliate Programs join together to sing, dance, and use various talents.  The event concludes with the performance of the FPS Choir.

2012 International Conference Award Ceremony

The FPSPI Slide Show of IC 2012 starts off the Award Ceremony, followed by the 1st place Presentation of Action Plan teams performing their winning skits.  The winning teams and individuals in all components are awarded.  The ceremony ends with the recession of flags.

About the Future Problem Solving Program of Connecticut, Inc.

FPSPofCT, Inc. is a not for profit 501 c 3 educational organization dedicated to preparing Connecticut’s students for the future by teaching them essential problem solving skills.  The challenging materials of the program are designed to help students learn how to think, not what to think.  Future Problem Solving motivates and assists students to develop an active interest in the future, improve written and oral communication skills, work cooperatively, develop research skills while learning about complex social and scientific issues, and think creatively, critically and analytically.  FPSPofCT, Inc. is an affiliate of the International Future Problem Solving Program. 

For more information about the conference, students and/or the FPS Program please contact Tom Marak at North Haven High School (203) 239-1641 or Nancy Wogman Administration Director of the Future Problem Solving Program of CT. Inc. at FPSPofCT@aol.com or visit the FPS web site www.FPSPofCT.org.

HAMDEN -- Hearings the Board of Police Commission were to hold this week in connection with disciplinary charges against Officer Timothy Brown have been postponed.

Chairman Michael Iezzi Sr. said that scheduling issues have forced changes in meeting times, and that the commission will meet again at 4 p.m. June 11. The hearing, which has been closed to the public, is expected to take place in a basement conference room at Hamden Government Center. Meetings were to take place Tuesday and Wednesday.

Police Chief Thomas J. Wydra has filed charges against Brown for actions the officer took on Sept. 19, 2011, in connection with the deployment of a Taser on a New Haven man, Vester Williams. Charges against Officer William May have been resolved, according to his lawyer, Daniel Young. May is among the officers that have been called to testify in the case, though the commission last week appears to have only interviewed Lt. Michael McNeill, who conducted the internal affairs report on the case.

Williams claims he was struck with the Taser seven times and was bleeding about the head after the incident in the Newhall area of town. However, he never complained to police. An internal review of reports led to questions and an internal investigation and in January, Wydra brought charges against the officers.

News from Pearl Dental of Hamden:
Free Dental Care Available at Pearl Dental Care a Dentistry from the Heart Event


Who: Pearl Dental Care will host free dental care event through Dentistry From The Heart offering the residents of Hamden, CT and surrounding areas free dental care services on Wednesday, June 6th 2012.

What: Event registration and will begin at 7 a.m. at the offices of Pearl Dental Care. Patients are encouraged to come early and will be seen on a first come, first serve basis. The first 100 patients will receive treatment.  Pearl Dental Care is located at 1834 Dixwell Ave.,Hamden, CT, 06514. Dr. Gary Pearl will provide patients with one free filling, extraction or cleaning.

When:                       Wednesday June 6th , 2012 - Registration begins at 7 a.m.

Where:                           Pearl Dental Care
                                         1834 Dixwell Ave
Hamden, CT 06514

Contact:        Deneen Pearl, (203) 281-7722 or Shani Harriott, (727) 849-2002


Dentistry From The Heart is a registered non-profit organization that provides free dental care for people in need. Dr. Vincent Monticciolo founded the organization as a means to give back to the community and address the growing number of people without dental insurance.  In the past ten years, DFTH events have contributed more than $ 6 million in free dentistry and helped more than 60,000 patients across the country.  For more information please visit, http://www.dentistryfromtheheart.org/.

News from the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority and the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund:

On Wednesday, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority and the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, in partnership with the Hamden Clean Energy Committee, will host a workshop on the Clean Energy Communities program, an initiative that provides Connecticut communities with the opportunity to support energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy.

The workshop will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Keefe Community Center on Pine Street in Hamden, and is free of charge and open to the public.

The Clean Energy Communities program starts with communities taking a pledge to commit to reducing municipal building energy consumption by 20 percent by 2018.  The community also works with CEFIA to make a commitment to purchase 20 percent of its energy needs from clean sources by 2018.  Then, through participation in energy and cost saving programs, the community earns points; the more points a community earns allows them to become eligible to receive free clean energy systems and grants towards energy efficiency projects.

The workshop will help local Clean Energy Task Forces develop plans of action for their towns to become Clean Energy Communities, reduce their overall energy consumption through energy efficiency programs and strategies, and encourage the purchase of renewable energy.

Additionally, residents that are passionate about renewable energy, energy efficiency and the environment are encouraged to attend and will receive valuable information on available programs that also help reduce energy costs.

The upcoming Clean Energy Communities workshop will:

·         Provide an overview of the Clean Energy Communities program

·         Share examples of towns that have successfully implemented these programs

·         Help municipalities create a Municipal Action Plan (MAP) in order to take the necessary first steps towards becoming a Clean Energy Community

·         Provide local Clean Energy Task Forces with tool kits on different programs, such as Home Energy Solutions, and guidance on setting up successful clean energy events (lighting fairs, clean energy fairs)

Dinner and refreshments will be provided.  For more information, please contact Diana McCarthy-Bercury at mccard@nu.com or call 860-665-5061.

About Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA):

CEFIA was established by Connecticut’s General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80. This new quasi-public agency supersedes the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA’s mission is to help ensure Connecticut’s energy security and community prosperity by realizing its environmental and economic opportunities through clean energy finance and investments. As the nation’s first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

About Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund:

The Energy Efficiency Fund promotes efficient energy use, helps residents and businesses save on their electric and natural gas bills, advances economic development, reduces electric demand, and helps reduce air pollution. Energy Efficiency Fund programs serve residential customers, including limited- and fixed-income customers, as well as business and municipal customers. Connecticut’s energy efficiency programs are funded by a charge on customers’ utility bills and administered by the state’s electric and gas utilities including: Connecticut Light and Power, United Illuminating, Yankee Gas, Connecticut Natural Gas, and Southern Connecticut Gas. Additional information on Connecticut’s energy efficiency programs can be found at www.ctenergyinfo.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE.

HAMDEN -- The eighth annual Don’s Hat Rack Motorcycle rally and picnic takes place on Sunday, starting at the Louis Astorino Rink on Mix Avenue. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.  Donations are $25 for the rider and $10 for the passenger. They will leave the rink at 10, with a police escort and ride through New Haven to the Smilow Children’s Hospital. Riders will meet hospital officials and present them with a $10,000 check for the Children’s’ Center.  At that point some of the children from the hospital will visit with the riders and spend some time sitting on the bikes. The ride will end at the Polish American Club on Spring St. in West Haven. A picnic lunch will be provided.  Non riders are welcome to join the picnic. They will accept donations at the gate.

NORTH HAVEN -- The North Haven Police Benevolent Association has postponed its tag sale to benefit the family of Detective Jason Janosko until Sunday, due to expected rain.

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. Sunday 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.