HAMDEN -- Mayor Scott D. Jackson has endorsed Michael C. D’Agostino for state representative in 91^st Assembly District. D’Agostino is running in the Aug. 14 primary against former councilman John P. Flanagan. Rep. Peter F. Villano is retiring. The winner of the primary runs against Republican Joseph Bertini.

"These are challenging  times for any municipality and we need a leader who can get things accomplished for Hamden at the legislature” Jackson said in a prepared statement.  “Without question, Mike D'Agostino is that candidate.  I know he will work with me, and others, to improve the lives of every Hamden resident. As mayor, and as a resident of the 91st  District, I look forward to Mike representing us in Hartford."

D'Agostino is a lawyer who is chairman of the Hamden Board of Education.

He said in the same statement,  "I am very thankful to have the trust and support of such a great public servant like Scott.  We have worked closely together on issues facing Hamden, especially education funding.  We both are committed to making sure that Hamden receives its fair share of state funding and I am pleased that has confidence in me and feels he can best work with on the issues facing our town."

For more information about D’Agostino, email him at mikedagostino2012@gmail.com or visit MikeForThe91st.com.

HAMDEN -- It looks like the Legislative Council is going to be tackling a meaty topic when it meets at 7 p.m. Monday in Thornton Wilder Hall of Miller Library.
Mayor Scott D. Jackson has informed council members that the town has reached tentative agreements with five unions in connection with the proposed retirement incentive. The unions that represent library employees, dispatchers, supervisors, public works and parks have tentatively signed on.  More than 20 employees have said, in writing or orally, that they are interested in retiring, Jackson said.
"Savings from these anticipated retirements achieves approximately $1 million in savings, with additional savings anticipated from individuals waiting to make their decision following (council) action," Jackson said in a letter to the council. "If the savings is not fully realized or exceeded, other staff reduction alternatives would need to be considered to ensure the budget stays solvent." That could mean laying off 45 staff members, including police officers and firefighters. Jackson said he does not want to take that step.
The 2012-13 budget calls for retirement incentive reductions of $1.2 million.
In order to qualify for the incentive, employees must qualify for a normal retirement and must choose between a $10,000 incentive check or buying years of service with their accrued time, the mayor explained.
Jackson's letter to the council indicates that members will meet in executive session Monday night to go over the "best current estimate of operating budget savings based on the individuals from aforementioned five unions that have approved agreements and have either submitted or expressed serious interest in the program."
The names of potential retirees will not be released right now; employees have until Tuesday to submit their intentions to retire.
He also is not releasing the document because it is a draft, and because the numbers are not finalized because the town hall employees' union has not acted on the retirement package. The union is meeting to do so on Wednesday, according to spokesman Larry Dorman.

HAMDEN – DizzyFish, a local band, is opening for Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night, at 7 p.m. Friday (July 27), the last night of Hamden's Summer Concert Series,  at Town Center Park behind the library and the middle school.

“Bring a blanket, a cooler and the kids for a great night of family entertainment," said Eric Herbst of Cheshire. "It's going to be a great night."

According to Herbst, DizzyFish is a high energy band that plays its music in the moment.  No two shows are ever the same, he said.

DizzyFish has been together for about 14 months playing some originals, classic  rock and blues. Band members are Herbst on guitar and vocals; Scott Guberman of Springfield MA, keyboard and backing vocals; Michael Colavolpe of North Haven, guitar and backing vocals; Davey Dee of Meriden, bass guitar  and Tom Nagy of Wallingford.

You can find the band on You Tube by searchign for DizzyFish.

Herbst has worked with Smith and Barber of WPLR fame for many years and has written over 100 songs, including two recorded by B.B. King and Johnny Cash.

There is a benefit ziti dinner on Sunday for Matthew Jacques, a 5-year-old boy born with a complex congenital heart defect known as tetralogy of fallot with pulmonary atresia.

Matthew has undergone three open heart surgeries since birth to correct defects in his heart as well as reconnect his heart to his lungs, and his heart is failing, according to his father, Matthew Jacques, a North Haven resident and a son of Hamden resident Paul Jacques. The fundraiser is from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Wallingford Elks Lodge, 148 S. Main St. Tickets are $10 a person, $25 for a family and $5 for 12 and under. Info: George Gilhuly, 203-980-5890; Dee Waters, 203-537-2843 or Grand Central Sports Bar, 203-269-7115.

Donations can be made to Matthew Jacques, care of Liberty Bank, 174 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT 06473

Info from the North Haven Library

PICNIC AND PERFORMANCE – Al deCant

Monday, July 30 at 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

All ages

Enthusiasm is catching! Al deCant engages the audiences  in an interactive program of dancing, singing, clapping, marching, and playing percussive instruments..  In case of inclement weather, this program will be held in the library’s Community Room.  No registration is required.

The Wump World - Earth Friendly Craft Day  

Tuesday, July 31 at 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

All Ages

Back by popular demand! Stop by the library to make or design your own arts and crafts using leftover crafts and recyclable materials from the library.  Create your own fun.  No registration required.

Feeling Groovy

 Thursday, August 2 at 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Ages 8 - 12

Make your own tie-dye multicolor cupcake. Listen to music, and discover the fun of the 60’s.  Registration is required and begins on Friday, July 13 at 10 a.m. for residents and Friday, July 20 at 10 a.m. for non-residents.

  

PICNIC AND PERFORMANCE – Buzz Gordo

Monday, August 6 at 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

All ages

Buzz Gordo’s music is in the style of artists like Dan Zanes, incorporating elements of rock’n’roll, calypso, and other diverse styles.  Gordo, a funny, engaging performer, writes and sings about everything from annoying monkeys to the Dewey Decimal System.  Join Buzz and percussionist extraordinaire Tom Smith, at this fun-filled program.

Buzz Gordo (known around town as Gary Mezzi) is a longtime professional guitarist, singer and songwriter.  His original compositions have appeared in TV shows such as “90210” and “Justified.” And he has written humorous web content for the Blue Man Group.  In case of inclement weather, this program will be held in the library’s Community Room. No registration is required.

The Good Humor Man

Tuesday, August 7 at 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Ages 5 – 7

Cool yourself off with an ice cream cone and ice cream sandwich craft.  Make this fun craft using construction paper and cotton balls, and complete your creation with “sprinkles” and a “cherry”. Registration is required and begins on Friday, July 20 at 10a.m. for residents and Friday, July 27 at 10 a.m. for non-residents.

Cool Clay Creations

Wednesday, August 8 at 2:30 - 3:15 p.m.

Ages 8 – 11

Have fun creating miniature figures using polymer clay. Instructions will be given on how to take these home, bake, and gloss.  Registration is required and begins on Friday, July 20 at 10 a.m. for residents and Friday, July 27 at 10 a.m. for non-residents.

Off to Kindergarten

Wednesday, August 22 at 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Children entering kindergarten in September

This program is designed to help your child get ready for kindergarten with stories, a craft, songs and rhymes.  Registration is required and begins on Friday, July 27 at 10 a. m. for residents. Open to residents only.

The Summer Reading Club was created by the talented staff of the North Haven Library:  Angela Beach, Lenore Carlone, Katherine Donohue, Sue Griffiths, Noureen Hakim, Melinda Landino, Pat LaTerza, Rose Mangiulli, Kris Melillo, Meredith Modena, Pamela Naylor, MaryBeth Perfetto, Debbie Ward, Sue Weymann, and generously supported by the Friends of the North Haven Library.

Pat LaTerza
North Haven Memorial Library
17 Elm Street
North Haven, CT 06473
203-239-5803

HAMDEN -- The Dunbar Hill Elementary School community has been notified that its prinicpal, Steve Bergin, has left Dunbar Hill to become the new principal at Turkey Hill School in Orange.
Bergin's last day was July 12, according to school board Chairman Michael C. D'Agostino, who said the board will start to find someone to replace Bergin.
Superintendent of Schools Frances M. Rabinowitz said interviewing is taking place among internal and external candidates and that there will be a replacement before the start of school.
"I think Steve was an excellent principal and did a very impressive job of moving Dunbar Hill forward. Test scores significantly improved," she said, over the five years Bergin was principal. "He built a great team and Dunbar Hill staff will really miss him."

NORTH HAVEN -- A new Board of Education member has been chosen, though he won't be seated until next month.
Matthew Kerzner, a North Haven resident since 2001, has been recommended by the Republican Town Committee. The Board of Selectmen must act on his appointment before he sits on the board.
Kerzner was introduced to the Board of Education last week by Chairwoman Anita Anderson, who had worked briefly with Kerzner at Chemwerth Inc. She recently took a position with a different company.
"I've known Matt for quite a while and he will be a great asset to the board," she said.
Kerzner is director of human resources at the Woodbridge company. He brings to the board experience in personnel and union relations.
Kerzner replaces Republican Bert Mozealous, who moved out of North Haven.

A press release from the office of Hamden Mayor Scott D. Jackson:
Jackson said that this year's Hamden Farmer's Market is the largest and most unique. It offers many lunch options, all natural and recycled products and information stands, in addition to the usual farmers and fresh produce. The market also has free arts and crafts for children provided by Hamden Youth Services, and free children's books provided by Experience Corp.

One of the market's special attractions this year are the vendors Simply Natural Stuff and Paper Beads. Simply Natural Stuff offers a full line of bath and body products such as soap, lotion, lip balm, and laundry soap that is made entirely from natural ingredients with no chemicals added. Paper Beads is a small company owned by two sisters, offering bracelets, necklaces, and earrings made from recycled papers. This beautiful handcrafted jewelry is guaranteed for a lifetime and is completely individual.

The Farmers Market is a great place to stop by for lunch! There are many different food options ranging from Bread and Chocolate, The Soup Girl, Franks A Lot Hot Dogs, Authentic Brazilian Empanadas, and DiSorbo's Bakery. There are also many baked good options such as Gia's Greek Pastries and Lulu's Baked goods.

Information stands include Education First, Sunlight Solar Energy, CT Rides, and a town table.

The market is located in the lower Miller Library parking lot, 2901 Dixwell Ave., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays through October.

HAMDEN -- The two Democratic candidates for the 91st Assembly District, John Flanagan and Michael D'Agostino, will face each other in a debate at 7:45 p.m. July 26 in the cultural center in the new building of Whitney Center, 200 Leeder Hill Drive.

Flanagan has been endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee and the Aug. 14 primary will determine who will be the Democratic candidate for the 91^st House seat currently held by retiring state Rep. Peter Villano. Joseph Bertini is the Republican candidate. 

The debate is free and open to the public. Parking will be available on the upper level of the parking garage at Whitney Center.

Last month, D'Agostino raised the $5,000 necessary to qualify for campaign finance assistance from the state. Flanagan on Tuesday said he hasn't yet collected the money from 150 people. The deadline to qualify is July 15.

Also in a primary battle on Aug. 14 are the two candidates for probate judge, former mayor Craig B. Henrici, endorsed by the town committee, and attorney Edward "Ned" Burt. Burt gathered more than 1,100 signatures for his candidacy, exceeding by hundreds the number needed to qualify for the primary, according to a statement from his campaign.

The probate district includes Hamden and Bethany. Longtime Probate Judge Sal Diglio will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 in August 2013, and the town received permission to hold a special election this November, while other elections were taking place.

Noon on Aug. 13 is the deadline to enroll in a party if unaffiliated, according to the Hamden Registrar of Voters. You may also register at the Town Clerk’s office, the library, the DMV, or by mail; however, the deadline in these cases is  Aug. 9 (post-mark, if mailed). 

The Registrar’s office is located in Hamden Government Center, 2750 Dixwell Ave., and is open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM.  On Tuesday, July31  the office will remain open until 7:00 PM. 

To register, you should bring identification and something with your current Hamden address if not on the ID.   Examples of ID include driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document containing your name and address.

People who have moved into Hamden need to re-register, even if previously registered in another town.  Voters who have moved within town or changed their name should update their registration by filling out a new registration form.  Seventeen-year olds may pre-register if they will be eighteen on or before November 6 and they may qualify to vote if they register with a party.

The Registrars caution residents who registered by mail or at a location other than the Registrar’s office and who have not received a letter of confirmation to call the office to confirm their status. 

For absentee ballots, contact the Town Clerk at 287-7112.  For further information and registration forms, call 287-7081 or visit the town website, http://www.hamden.com/, and click on the Voting and Elections link under About Us. 

The  mayor's office sent out this press release last night. Sorry for the delay in getting the information to you, but I was unable to access my email due to a technical issue.

Hamden, CT— The Town of Hamden lowered the flags at Borgnine Park, located at the intersection of Dixwell Avenue and Putnam Avenue, to half-staff on Monday in honor of the memory of Hamden native Ernest Borgnine, who passed away Sunday at the age of 95.

“Ernest Borgnine had an incredible career and made a great impact on our town. We are saddened by his passing. He and his family often returned to the town of their youth and it has been wonderful to have them continue to be a part of the fabric of our community,” said Mayor Scott D. Jackson.

Sen. Len Fasano and Rep. David Yaccarino will conduct a public meeting to provide a legislative update on issues impacting seniors.  The public is encouraged to attend the meeting at the Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday July 10. 

The update will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The senior center is at 189 Pool Road.

The refuse and recycling schedule will be delayed by one day starting Wednesday, July 4, in observance of the holiday. If your garbage is picked up on Mondays or Tuesdays, there was no change this week. However, refuse and recycling pick up will not occur on Wednesday. As a result, collections will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week. Those residents whose pick-up is Friday will have a Saturday morning pick-up. On occasion during a delay week the refuse and recycling contractor may still pick up on the regularly scheduled day but they will return the following day as scheduled.

For more information, visit www.hamden.com or contact Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinator Pam Roach at (203) 287-7021 or via email at proach@hamden.com.