Elm City Beat

Mayor Destefano Proposes Lower Mill Rate And Announces Homeowner Fairness Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Mayor John DeStefano Jr. on Monday introduced a Homeowner Fairness Initiative to alleviate the impact of rising values for owner-occupied residential properties. The Homeowner Fairness Initiative will be complemented by a decrease in the mill rate from 43.9 to 40.56, resulting in a tax decrease for most owner occupants.

The Homeowner Fairness Initiative will:

• Implement immediately all decreased property values; and

• Will phase-in property values over five years for owner-occupied residential properties whose values are going up.

The phase-in will be based on 2010 property values, the values used as the basis for the most recent tax bills. The proposal will require state enabling legislation as well as Board of Aldermen approval.

The Homeowner Fairness Initiative will be complemented by a reduction in the mill rate from 43.9 to 40.56. The initiative and the lower mill rate will be a component of the Mayor’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013, which will be submitted to the Board of Aldermen on March 1. The proposed budget will include only slight expenditure growth, and will limit tax revenue to the existing level of taxes, and tax revenue from net new growth in the Grand List.

“Property values are based on fair market value, and it is fair for tax bills to reflect that. But it is also fair that we consider reasonable and affordable measures to mitigate large shifts in value that impact homeowners at a time when we are all feeling the effects of a challenging recession,” said Mayor John DeStefano Jr.

In considering what reasonable and affordable measures were most feasible for the implementation of the 2011 property revaluation, several choices were considered. Those choices were:

• Do nothing and fully implement the 2011 revaluation as required by state statute;

• Implement the only option permitted under state statute: a phase-in of all values;

• Seek state enabling legislation to enact the lower values immediately and cushion homeowners from increases through a phase-in.

The Homeowner Fairness Initiative was drafted after gathering community input from eight public meetings throughout the City late last year, and from weighing the impact to all taxpayers. The Mayor will continue to seek community input on the Homeowner Fairness Initiative and the budget at four public meetings. Those meetings are:

• Saturday, March 3 at 11 a.m. at St. Bernadette’s Church Hall

• Wednesday, March 7 at 6 p.m. at Wilbur Cross High School

• Thursday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Lincoln/Bassett School

• Saturday, March 10 at 10 a.m. at Mitchell Branch Library

Revaluation is a state-mandated process of determining the fair market value of all taxable property. State law mandates that municipalities perform a revaluation every five years, and a full visual revaluation once every ten years. The last revaluation was performed in 2006 based on a statistical analysis of market values. That revaluation was only partially implemented. The 2011 revaluation included a statistical market analysis as well as interior inspections that were performed between summer 2010 and summer 2011.

Of the 20,701 residential properties in New Haven, 46 percent increased in value in the latest revaluation, while 54 percent decreased. When considering only owner-occupied residential property, 28 percent experienced an increase. While more properties decreased in value, the size of the increases outpaced the size of decreases.

Business IS Social-Social Media Marketing Made Simple Seminar

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:22:00 +0000

Location: 827 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515
When: March 7, 2012
Time: 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Lyric Hall
827 Whalley Avenue
New Haven, CT 06515

Business Is Social! Social Media Marketing Made Simple
Presented by Ellen DePasquale

Join Constant Contact as we host this event take a look at how to use social media to grow your business in 2012!

Socializing has been part of doing business since the beginning of business. We have been communicating, building relationships, negotiating, trading, and referring with each other forever! Come and continue the tradition of business being social!

This is a combination seminar/networking event! It will be interactive, informative, and fun! And to get into the spirit of things - invite a friend to attend with you.

Social Media Marketing Made Simple
Keeping in touch is the most important element to building relationships that sustain and grow a business. The Internet has evolved into an amazing, low-cost, “right now” tool to communicate with your customers, clients, and prospects. But it is not just about websites and emails anymore. Social media has changed the playing field for reaching the masses, as well as giving them a way to respond.
Today’s businesses need to be aware of all the avenues people are using to make buying decisions, and when it comes to social media, there are plenty of options. The most popular social media sites are Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and users have different expectations from each one.
In this seminar, you will learn social media best practices and what it takes to quickly implement them. You will take away knowledge of how to:

•Create a social media marketing plan that fits your schedule
•Measure the return on your activities
•Leverage the strengths of each social media site
•Contribute to each community in a meaningful way
•Gain exposure for your business
•Attract new business
Come learn how to build strong relationships that will lead to more business and growth through the social media marketing.

Website: http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&invite=0yxwdvx9fzpud7w5hr4mg2nze2e31tfkzu7254x2rr169fr0s9t1
Price: Free
Light fare served

Delauro, Courtney Applaud $5 Million Grants For Technical Skills Training

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:46:00 +0000

Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) and Joe Courtney (CT-) praised the award of two grants to Connecticut from the United States Department of Labor for technical skills training. The Workforce Alliance, Inc. in New Haven received a $4.97 million grant and the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, Inc. in Waterbury received a $5 million grant to provide workers education, training, and job placement assistance in high-growth industries like advanced manufacturing and technology.

The H1-B Technical Skills Training grants give local communities resources to support high-level training to employed and unemployed workers for jobs in occupations where skills shortages exist. These grants are funded through the application fees employers pay for H1-B non-immigrant visas and support programs that raise the technical skills of American workers so that businesses do not need to look outside of the U.S. for appropriately-skilled employees.

“Connecticut workers cannot afford to lose employment opportunities due to a lack of technical skills needed for the job,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “Making smart investments in education, training, and job placement will not only have an immediate benefit of matching workers to jobs, but it will also strengthen and diversify Connecticut’s workforce. These awards fund strategic public-private partnerships that will move some of Connecticut’s unemployed into high-growth, high-skill occupations.”

“New Haven’s Workforce Alliance will partner with the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board to make substantial investments in eastern Connecticut’s workforce,” said Congressman Courtney. “This critically needed injection of funds will deliver valuable new skills to employees competing for the jobs of the 21st century right here at home. These funds will strengthen American workers while addressing head-on the dynamic of businesses relying on temporary foreign worker visas,” said Courtney.

SCSU One-Woman Show: Palestine

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:11:00 +0000

PALESTINE, written and performed by Najla Saïd, was produced Off-Broadway by Twilight Theatre Company in association with New York Theatre Workshop. It was performed at the The Fourth Street Theatre, 83 East 4th Street, New York City, in the winer and spring of 2010. PALESTINE attracted worldwide attention. 40 of the 49 performances were sold out.

Najla Saïd was raised in a privileged environment on the Upper West Side. Her father was the eminent Palestinian Edward Saïd. Her mother is Lebanese. Her best friends growing up were Jewish.

PALESTINE is a personal journey from the “toniest private schools”, to the “stench of Gaza,” through two wars, the horrors of 9/11, encounters with the likes of Yasir Arafat, “cheeky” photographers and, of course, her esteemed family.

Rich, honest, and very funny, PALESTINE is a compassionate look at the Middle East from another point of view.

"[Palestine] offers no remedies for Mideast tensions or blanket assessments of a complex situation. Ms. Said just tells her tale (with generous helpings of humor)" - New York Times

"In PALESTINE, Ms. Saïd provides a unique passage into one of the most volatile and historic corners of the earth. With compassion, humor and honesty she makes a case for Palestinian and Arab points of view in ways that truly allow them to be heard." - BroadwayWorld.com

The one woman play “Palestine” will be shown in the Charles Garner Recital Hall (C112) Saturday, March 3 at Southern Connecticut State University. The show begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be bought at www.TheStruggle.org.

Najla Said, the writer and performer of Palestine, omes from Palestinian intellectual royalty, so to speak. Her father is Edward W. Said, the Columbia University professor who until his death in 2003 was the most prominent advocate in his country for the cause of Palestinian independence. Najla Said grew up in New York City far from the troubles and concerns of the Middle East, but, later in life, through the guidance of her father, she eventually took up the Palestinian cause.

“Palestine” was first produced Off-Broadway by Twilight Theatre Company in association with New York Theatre Workshop. 40 of the 49 shows were sold out. Said’s performance at Southern is the first performance of the play in all of Connecticut.

UNH Dean’s Scholarship Challenge Extends Deadline

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:41:00 +0000

The University of New Haven’s College of Business has extended the deadline for its Dean’s Scholarship Challenge to Sunday, March 18, to allow more students to take part in the national online competition that will award four full-tuition scholarships – each worth more than $120,000 and worth in total nearly $500,000.

The entrepreneurial plan competition on Facebook is open to any incoming freshman or transfer student who has been accepted to UNH College of Business. The admissions office will expedite applications from new students who decide to apply so they can enter the competition. It is the first time in the university’s nearly 100-year history that such a challenge has been given to incoming students.

The original deadline for the competition was March 1, but due to popular demand the deadline was extended to March 18.

“The competition has attracted attention from all over the country and has become so popular that we felt we should extend the deadline,” said Lawrence Flanagan, executive dean of the college, who, as the former chief global marketing officer for MasterCard, spearheaded the famous “Priceless” advertising campaign. “We want to be sure that outstanding students have every opportunity to participate.”

The Facebook competition seeks out students who have a passion for entrepreneurship, which the UNH College of Business emphasizes, Flanagan noted.

“We’re looking to discover students who have the potential to become future leaders in the business world, as many UNH College of Business alumni already have,” said Flanagan, himself a UNH alumnus. “We want to use Facebook to launch the next great business like Facebook. We want students with an entrepreneurial spirit to know their education here will prepare them for a successful career.”

Participants are asked to create a Facebook page for a business they wish to launch. As part of the project, they will have to define what the business is, what it does, why it is unique, why it is needed, and how it will be positioned to achieve and sustain long-term success.

The student also must state why he or she is the person who should lead the business. Participants are encouraged to demonstrate ingenuity and to be creative. Entrants will be judged by Flanagan and a panel of faculty, alumni and business leaders.

In order to enter, prospective students must first visit the Dean’s Scholarship Challenge Facebook page at www.facebook.com/deanschallenge. A brief overview of the contest can be found within the “Info” tab, and the full contest rules, as well as the process for submitting an application, can be found under “The Challenge” tab located on the left side of the page.

Students who have already entered the competition in anticipation of the March 1 deadline may revise their submissions. None of the entries will be evaluated until March 18.

The scholarships will cover tuition for four years, provided the student maintains a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Up to four scholarships will be awarded.

For more information please visit www.facebook.com/deanschallenge.

Civil Rights Legend Honored in One-Women Show

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:18:00 +0000

“This Little Light: The Fannie Lou Hamer Story” will be shown on March 1 at 5pm as part of Southern Connecticut State University’s 64 Days of Nonviolence. The performance will be held in room A120 of Engleman Hall. Admission is free.

“The Fannie Lou Hamer Story” is a brilliant portrayal of the life, challenges and triumphs of Fannie Lou Hamer, who, in the 1960s, helped disenfranchised blacks in the American South realize their right to vote. This timeless and courageous story of the civil rights activist from Rulville, Mississippi is a testament to personal growth and of dedication to social justice and equality.

In 1962, when Hamer was 44 years old, SNCC volunteers came to town and held a voter registration meeting. She was surprised to learn that African-Americans actually had a constitutional right to vote. When the SNCC members asked for volunteers to go to the courthouse to register to vote, Hamer was the first to raise her hand. This was a dangerous decision. She later reflected, "The only thing they could do to me was to kill me, and it seemed like they'd been trying to do that a little bit at a time ever since I could remember."

When Hamer and others went to the courthouse, they were jailed and beaten by the police. Hamer's courageous act got her thrown off the plantation where she was a sharecropper. She also began to receive constant death threats and was even shot at. Still, Hamer would not be discouraged. She became a SNCC Field Secretary and traveled around the country speaking and registering people to vote.

She was instrumental in organizing Mississippi Freedom Summer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and later became the Vice-Chair of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, attending the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in that capacity. Her plain-spoken manner and fervent belief in the Biblical righteousness of her cause gained her a reputation as an electrifying speaker and constant activist of civil rights.

The mind behind this one-woman show is Billy Jean Young, an actor, lawyer,
activist, poet, educator and MacArthur Fellow. She wrote the play herself, and has been acting it out for more than two decades. Young has performed this play almost 800 times, bringing Hamer’s struggles to life for countless audiences.

International Scholar on Victims’ Rights Named Dean of Lee College at UNH

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:01:00 +0000

Mario Gaboury, interim dean of the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, has been named the dean following a national search.

A full-time professor of criminal justice in the Lee College since 1996, Gaboury, replaces Richard Ward, who last fall was named associate vice president for special programs and sponsored research at UNH.
“Dr. Gaboury will provide strong leadership to the Lee College due to his exceptional academic background, his extensive knowledge of the college’s programs and faculty, and his bold vision for enhancing the college’s international reputation,” said President Steven H. Kaplan. “He has strong credentials in budgeting and research administration and is known for communicating well with faculty and students and involving them in the activities of the college.”

An internationally- recognized scholar on global human trafficking, victimology, victims' rights, juvenile justice and community policing, Gaboury has published numerous books, chapters and articles. He served as the Oskar Schindler Humanities Foundation Endowed Professor at UNH from 2007 to 2009 and as the president of the American Society of Victimology from 2000 to 2010.

"It is a tremendous privilege to be chosen as dean of this outstanding college,” said Gaboury. “We have a very proud history and we are poised to distinguish ourselves even further with world-class education and scholarship. With our focus on fundamental issues of justice, safety and security, the college and its graduates, will continue to contribute greatly to confronting today's challenges and to improving the human condition."

Gaboury also served as the former deputy director of the Office for Victims of Crime of the U.S. Department of Justice. He has also held significant positions with the National Organization for Victim Assistance, the Legal Services Corporation, and the Bridgeport Police Department and mayor’s office.
Gaboury earned a law degree from Georgetown University, a doctorate from Pennsylvania State University, a master’s degree from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut.

Over 50,000 Diapers Will be Brought to this Sunday’s WPLR ShamRock & Roll 5K presented by Connex Credit Union

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:50:00 +0000

This Sunday, March 4th, the 15th Annual WPLR ShamRock and Roll 5K will take over the streets of New Haven and participants and sponsors will give over 50,000 diapers to The Diaper Bank. A record crowd of 2,500 runners are expected to participate in the event presented by Connex Credit Union. The race begins and ends at Toad’s Place, 300 York Street, and kicks off at 9:00 a.m. The WPLR ShamRock and Roll 5K is one of the largest foot races held in Connecticut. Due to the size of the venue, the race is limited to 2,500 runners this year and race entries are already approaching 2,000 entrants. Race day registration may not be available.

Participants can run or walk the 5K (3.1 miles) in costume. The costume divisions are best group and individual costumes in St. Patrick’s Day and Diaper divisions. Traditional awards will be given to the fastest runners along with special prizes for the slowest finisher, shortest finisher, tallest finisher, and weirdest finisher. Runners, walkers and spectators will again enjoy rock bands playing at Toad's Place and on the 5K course.

The Diaper Bank encourages all runners and walkers to participate in the Huggies Diaper Challenge! This year Huggies will match diapers donated by race participants. Over 50,000 diapers will be donated to The Diaper Bank at the race. The Diaper Bank is a local organization dedicated to helping those in need by giving diapers to families in the New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford area. Receive a complimentary entry for participants who raise $100 or more for the Diaper Bank.

"We are always excited about the WPLR ShamRock and Roll presented by Connex Credit Union. Our St. Patrick's celebration combines fitness along with fun, music and helping local families” states WPLR's Sam Tilery, Director of Marketing and Promotion.

John Bysiewicz, coordinator of the New Haven Road Race and Fairfield Road Race, directs the event. Participants enjoy technical running t-shirts, B-tag timing, on course entertainment and food and refreshments courtesy of WPLR and Toad’s Place. For race information call (203) 481- 5933 or visit jbsports.com. Online registration is available at jbsports.com. The event's major sponsor is 99.1WPLR and Connex Credit Union. The race's participating sponsors are ABC Printing, Chabaso Bakery, Huggies, Julia’s Bakery, Red Hook Brewery, Toad’s Place, Woodbridge Running Company and Yale-New Haven Hospital.

University of New Haven's New Record Label: Charlie Horse Records

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:03:00 +0000

The University of New Haven has a brand-new record label, Charlie Horse Records. Charlie Horse Records is a fully functioning, student run record label at the disposal of the University of New Haven and the community at large.

The organization’s purpose is to provide students with a variety of experiences that emphasize their education and promote creativity in applying themselves to real-world issues and topics. The music industry is an ever-changing environment that requires continuous exposure and revitalization and this record label serves as a vehicle for UNH students to establish themselves and commit to the future of the industry as a whole.

Charlie Horse Records are currently searching for artists to work with. Any local (New Haven, CT area) artists or bands (students or non students) who would like to be part of this record label, please email links to: CharlieHorseAR@gmail.com Or Post them on Facebook (Search "Charlie Horse Records")

Yale Youth Day -- March 3

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:31:00 +0000

The Yale Basketball season is coming to a close and the Yale Athletics
Department would like to take this opportunity to invite the community, your family, and your basketball group to the annual *Yale Women's Basketball Youth Day.

Join in for a special night as our Seniors compete in their final home game.

Gateway Community College Culinary Events

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:56:00 +0000

The Gateway Community College Foundation will be holding two fundraising events on April 29, an afternoon tour of four fabulous gourmet kitchens in greater New Haven and an evening Tapas Reception at Delia, the Viking Center of New England in Wallingford.

Proceeds from the events will benefit the foundation and GCC's culinary and hospitality programs.

The Kitchen Tour will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. It will feature a local personality accompanying participants on a coach bus that will take them to each site, where they will learn interesting facts about the kitchen and enjoy a beverage or tasting of local food treats. Each participant will also receive a program book with information about the kitchens, delicious recipes from well-known area chefs and culinary trivia.

The Tapas Reception will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and will feature guest speaker Claire Criscuolo, author chef and owner of Claire's Corner Copia and Basta Trattoria. Criscuolo will be introduced by Jane Stern, co-author of dozens of cookbooks who is best known for her "Roadfood" series and "Roadfood" column in Gourmet magazine.

Emmy-winning TV journalist Jocelyn Maminta will emcee the event, which will include a silent auction and tapas prepared by six of Connecticut's most well-respected chefs. Participating this year are: Jean Pierre Viullermet of Union League; Patrick Hogan of Kelly's Restaurant; Prasad Chirnomula of Oaxaca, Thali and Thali Too; Franco Camacho of Tacuba and Swill; Manuel Romero of Ibiza and Jason Carmon of Soul de Cuba.

Tickets to the Kitchen Tour are $65 per person. Tickets to the Tapas Reception are $90 per person. Combination tour and reception tickets, which include a copy of Claire Cirscuolo's "Welcome to Claire's" cook book valued at $24.95 (photo), are $145 per person. To make a reservation for either or both events, please contact Susan Swirsky at 203-285-2617 or sswirsky@gwcc.commnet.edu.

GCC Professor Stephen Fries, coordinator of GCC's hospitality management program and a food columnist with the New Haven Register, and GCC Board Member Carol Marianaccio are co-chairing the events.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific Comes To The Shubert - March 8–11, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:04:00 +0000

odgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC comes to the Shubert Theater in New Haven March 8–11, 2012. The five performances – Thursday 7:30pm, Friday 8pm, Saturday 2 & 8pm and Sunday 2pm – are sponsored by Citibank, Whitney Center, Lexus, and media sponsors New Haven Register and News 8. Tickets are now available online at shubert.com, by phone at 800-228-6622 and at the Shubert Box Office (247 College Street, New Haven).

This breathtaking new production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC is based on the 2008 Tony Award-winning Lincoln Center Theater production, directed by Bartlett Sher. Based on James Michener’s Pulitzer Prize winning book Tales of the South Pacific, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan.

Set in the South Pacific on a Polynesian Island during World War II, this timeless musical tells the sweeping love story of two couples – US Navy nurse Nellie Forbush from Arkansas and native French plantation owner Emile de Becque (a widower with Polynesian children), and Navy Airman Joe Cable and a young local native girl, Liat. The story follows how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices – themes that are relevant today. Considered by many the finest musical ever written, the score’s songs include such enduring classics as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Younger Than Springtime,” “Bali Ha’i,” “There is Nothin’ Like A Dame,” “This Nearly Was Mine” and “A Wonderful Guy.”

The original production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC made its World Premiere at New Haven’s legendary Shubert Theater on March 7, 1949 and starred Mary Martin and Ezio Pinza. By the time the show arrived on Broadway on April 7, 1949, South Pacific was already legendary, opening to the biggest advance sale of the time. The show received the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, 9 Tony Awards (including Best Musical, Book and Score) and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

The Shubert was the “birthplace” of many of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s greatest triumphs. In all, seven Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals had their premiere at the Shubert Theater, beginning in 1943 with Away We Go! (later renamed Oklahoma!), and including Carousel (1945), The King and I (1951) and The Sound of Music (1959) which was Rodgers and Hammerstein’s last score together.

SHOW: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC
DATE: March 8–11, 2012
LOCATION: Shubert Theater, 247 College Street, New Haven, CT
SCHEDULE: Thursday 7:30pm, Friday 8:00pm
Saturday 2:00 & 8:00pm, Sunday 2:00pm
TICKET PRICES: $15 – $78
FOR TICKETS: Order online at shubert.com Call tickets.com at 800-228-6622
Visit the Shubert Box Office Mondays thru Fridays 9:30 am – 5:30 pm,
Saturdays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm and prior to all performances
For Group Discounts call the Shubert Box Office at 203-562-5666 or 888-736-2663

10th Annual Women's Health Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:31:00 +0000

Location: 155 Temple St, New Haven, CT 06510
When: March 4, 2012
Time: 8:30 am–4:00 pm
Registrations accepted until February 29th! www.womenandfamilylifecenter.org

The 10th Annual Women's Health Conference is presented by Women and Family Life Center and
Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman

Sunday, March 4, 2012
@ THE OMNI HOTEL, NEW HAVEN
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Mary Jane Minkin
OBGYN and Certified Menopause Clinician

24 SESSIONS
Take a quick course in Pilates, Yoga, or Tai Chi; Meet with medical professionals to learn about HPV, the heart and breast health; Discover self hypnosis, home-spa remedies, aromatherapy and clean eating; and so much more!

FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS
Blood Pressure Check * Glaucoma Screening
Skin Screening * Body Fat Analysis * Stroke Assessment Glucose Analysis * Oral Health Screening
Plus Chair Massages and Reflexology!

VENDOR EXPO & MARKETPLACE
Visit vendors and sample products for health and wellness, make-up, skin treatments, food and beverages; Local artisans will showcase jewelry and creative items for everyone; Learn about fun and exciting new adventures for you and the family too!

Please call us at 203-458-6699 for more information.

Website: http://www.womenandfamilylifecenter.org
Phone: 2034586699
Email: mdoheny@womenandfamilylife.org
Price: $90

Walking The Wards Of New Haven #3: Sustainability Tour Of Fair Haven Feb. 26

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:35:00 +0000

Sunday, February 26, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m

Meet at Fair Haven Furniture, 72 Blatchley Avenue, New Haven
Join us for the third installment of our "Walking the Wards of New Haven" series as we explore some of the environmental challenges facing Fair Haven and some of the ways that Fair Haven is striving to become a sustainable community. (This walk will feature different sites than the Fair Haven sustainability tour we organized last October.) We will visit the Phoenix Press wind turbine, which was funded through state government clean energy programs and generates 5500 kilowatts of electricity annually for its owners; a site along the Quinnipiac River being considered for use by a new initiative that uses abandoned city lots for urban agriculture; a polluted brownfields area at the southern tip of Fair Haven that is part of a $20 million redevelopment project; and an EPA air quality monitoring station, one of only 14 in the state. We will also discuss environmental justice issues related to the mothballed English Station power station, which has been in the news lately.

Whether you are a philanthropist, policy-maker, student, longtime resident, new resident or visitor to New Haven, you will not want to miss this tour. The walk will be at a leisurely pace and will cover about two miles. Please bring water and appropriate footwear.

We will meet at 1 pm in front of Fair Haven Furniture at 72 Blatchley Street. Parking is available on the street. The "G" bus line runs at frequent intervals along Chapel Street (one block away) and connects with Downtown.

The tour will return to Fair Haven Furniture at 3 pm.

Questions? Contact Aaron at aaron.goode@gmail.com or (203) 589-9445.

Creative Arts Workshop Annual Open House

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:33:00 +0000

Sunday, February 26, 2 to 5 pm

Join us from 2 to 5 pm this Sunday for our annual Open House! Tour the studios, meet the faculty, take part in demonstrations and more. Faculty and staff will be available to answer your questions and help you select the perfect class.

At the same time, don't forget to stop by the opening reception for Department Show II.

Spring Session for Adults and Young People
March 12 - June 2, 2012

Explore your creative side this spring with classes and workshops in Book Arts, Design, Drawing and Painting, Fiber, Jewelry, Pottery, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and more! Creative Arts Workshop offers classes for all levels -- from the absolute beginner to the experienced artist.

Visit http://www.creativeartsworkshop.org/ to see our full range of classes and workshops or click here to download a brochure!

calling all printmakers!

Boundless: New Works in Contemporary Printmaking, with Juror Anne Coffin
Deadline: February 27, 2012
Exhibition: May 18 - June 22, 2012

Creative Arts Workshop is currently seeking entries for its annual international juried show Boundless: New Works in Contemporary Printmaking. Printmaking offers a rich menu of opportunities for experimentation, imagination and innovation. While the core techniques of the medium are centuries old, methods are constantly evolving as artists explore boundless possibilities for creative expression. This exhibition seeks recent prints in which concept and technique come into balance to create works of art.

This year's show is juried by Anne Coffin, founder and director of International Print Center New York. Two winners will be awarded a joint exhibition in 2013. Deadline: February 27, 2012.

Hats Off!
An Evening of Fashionable Festivities to Benefit Creative Arts Workshop
Saturday, May 12, 6 pm

Join us at 6 pm on May 12 for a party celebrating headwear of all descriptions, from the quotidian cap to the fanciful fascinator!

Think this is gonna be the same old charity event? Not a chance! Wear your most fabulous chapeau, whether you whip it up yourself or unearth it from grandma's attic. Walk your fiercest walk on our runway. Yell your head off to help your favorite hats win our coveted, crowd's choice awards. Drive a hard bargain while you convince other partygoers to buy your topper to benefit CAW. (Come on, it's for a good cause!)

Click here for more information about Hats Off.

Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital Collaborates with Rothman Healthcare

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:20:00 +0000

Rothman Healthcare Corporation announced a strategic partnership today with Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital to work in a collaboration developing a pediatrics version of the Rothman Index. The Rothman Index generates regularly updated health scores synthesizing routine vital signs, nursing assessments, and lab results, for display in a user-friendly graphical format, summarizing thousands of pages of patient data at a glance making it easier to detect rapid and subtle declines in health. Clinicians have the ability to intervene earlier through at-a-glance summaries of a patient, unit or hospital. Rothman Healthcare will work with Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC to develop a Rothman Index for pediatrics and neonatal ICU patients.

The Rothman Index was deployed as a patient management tool at YNHH last year for use in adult patients. The hospital is also collaborating with Rothman Healthcare on analyzing the cost of treatment as a function of acuity and patient condition. "We have been able to do a number of unique things by integrating utilization of services with the Rothman Index scores," said Stephen Allegretto, vice president of Financial Planning at YNHH. "We look forward to our research and work in developing the Rothman Index for pediatric patients."

Rothman Healthcare Executive Vice President of Business Development, James Thottam, commented on the growth of Rothman Healthcare's partnership with YNHH over the past year. "The joint development of a pediatrics version of the Rothman Index is a natural extension of our great work with Yale-New Haven," said Thottam. "Together with our research with other hospitals we are on the verge of a renaissance in leveraging data from the Electronic Health Record to increase quality of care and reduce costs."

About Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital is a dedicated pediatric hospital with world-class experts who offer a full spectrum of primary and specialized medical care. As a leading academic medical center that is the primary teaching hospital of Yale School of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital offers cutting-edge therapies to children long before they're available nationwide. Nationally recognized for the exceptional care it provides to thousands of children each year, Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital's specialty programs -- diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology, urology, neonatology and pulmonology. -- have been spotlighted for their excellence by U.S. News "America's Best Children's Hospitals." For more information, visit http://yalenewhavenhealth.org/ .

Elm City Buzz: Seychelles Dress Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:55:00 +0000

Have you been to Seychelles Dress Shop in New Haven? Not yet? Well it's a must if you are looking for a one of a kind fancy dress! We at Jaki's Buzz love Seychelles Dress shop and all the good charity work they do for the local community! Did I mention the beautiful dresses like my pink hot number I wore here to Shoreline Arts Alliance Red Carpet? Catch it at http://www.JakisBuzz.com and be sure to check out there upcoming event below coming up!

Seychelles Dress Shop in New Haven would like to cordially invite you to buzz by this one-day conference at the Yale Club in New York City.

February 28, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Breakfast and Lunch are Included. 50 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, New York

The Fashioning Our Industry conference is a one-day event bringing together professionals in fashion, law, branding, and finance to discuss trends and possibilities for the fashion industry in New York City. Go http://www.nycfashionconference.com/ for more info.

Jaki Valensi-Lauper

Long Wharf Theatre Debuts February House

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:12:00 +0000

Long Wharf Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, presents the world premiere of February House, directed by Davis McCallum, with music and lyrics by Gabriel Kahane and book by Seth Bockley.

Long Wharf Theatre is uniting with the Public Theater in New York to produce February House, a new musical featuring the music of up-and-comer Gabriel Kahane. The musical will bow on Stage II February 15 through March 18. The press opening is Wednesday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45-$65.

The show will play at the Public Theater from May 8 through June 10, 2012.

The cast includes Stanley Bahorek (Benjamin Britten), Ken Barnett (Peter Pears), Ken Clark (Reeves McCullers), Julian Fleisher (George Davis), Stephanie Hayes (Erika Mann), Erik Lochtefeld (W.H. Auden), Kacie Sheik (Gypsy Rose Lee), A.J. Shively (Chester Kallman), and Kristen Sieh (Carson McCullers). The creative team is comprised of Riccardo Hernandez (sets), Jess Goldstein (costumes), Mark Barton (lights), Leon Rothenberg (sound), Andy Boroson (musical director) and Cole Bonenberger (production stage manager.)

Bringing together some of the greatest and most colorful minds of a generation, including W.H. Auden, Carson McCullers, Benjamin Britten, and Gypsy Rose Lee, George Davis tries to create his own utopia in a small house in Brooklyn Heights in the 1940s. The artists discover new ideas exploding at every turn as they find love, friendship and their own artistic voices in a time of war. “It is a kind of romp,” Edelstein said. “This musical is about breaking out. It is a celebration of eccentricity, artistry, and a kind of failed utopian dream. They are dreaming about making a better world. If they can make the better world in their home, maybe they can make one in the outside world.”

Written by up-and-coming composer Gabriel Kahane, the exciting score mixes elements of classical operetta, jazz, and musical comedy with modern folk-pop. In addition to his work on February House, Kahane has recently released his second album, entitled “Where Are The Arms,” debuted his song cycle “Orinoco Sketches” with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and embarked on a solo tour. He also performed with Sufjan Stevens, Rufus Wainwright, Punch Brothers, and Audra McDonald. “I am very excited about this new musical,” Edelstein said. “It is a fresh new work with fresh new talent making it.”

Edgewood Park Winter Farmers' Market & e-Waste Recycling Pilot

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:24:00 +0000

The Edgewood Park Winter Farmers' Market returns this Sunday, February 26, 10:00am-1:00pm

Celebrate your week with local produce and prepared foods!

The Edgewood Park and Wooster Square markets alternate weekends through April. For a full schedule, please check the CitySeed website. Check the Facebook page for updates and weather cancellations.

Winter Market Vendors joining in this week:

•Butterfield Farm: goats' milk cheeses, probiotic yogurts, & a full line of goats' milk bath & body care items from E. Granby
•Bodhichitta Farm: shoots, mushrooms, & maple syrup from Prospect, CT.
•Caseus Cheese Truck: delicious, hot sandwiches featuring all local ingredients!
•Four Mile River Farm: pasture raised beef, pork, and eggs from Old Lyme, CT.
•Little Something Catering
•Riverbank Farm: Certified Organic produce and prepared foods, including soups, applesauce, and pickles.
•Sankow's Beaver Brook Farm: Sheep and cow's milk cheeses, raw milk, yogurt, pasture-raised eggs, lamb and veal, yarn, roving, and wool products.
•Savor: locally made shortbread featuring seasonal produce.
•Star Light Gardens: Certified Organic vegetable farm specializing in year round greens from Durham, CT.
•Stone Gardens: local produce and eggs from Shelton, CT.
•Waldingfield Farm: heirloom tomato products, maple syrup, and honey from Washington, CT.
•Whole G Bread: German Style bread and pastries from New Haven, CT.
•CitySeed: support market operations and programs by purchasing delicious, local bread at the CitySeed table. Bakeries featured are Fabled Foods, Deep River, CT, SoNo Baking Company, Norwalk, CT, and Whole G Bread, New Haven CT. We also have long-sleeved t-shirts, the New Haven Cooks community cookbook, and children's storybooks for sale!

ELECTRONIC WASTE RECYCLING AT THE MARKET!

Start cleaning out the basement and storage unit! The City of New Haven Office of Sustainability, in partnership with the Westville Village Renaissance Alliance and CitySeed, will be hosting an E-waste recycling station by WeRecycle! at the Edgewood Park Market Sunday, February 26th from 10 am - 1 pm.

Accepted materials will include: TVs, monitors, computers/laptops, printers, fax machines, scanners, keyboards, mice, power cords, VCRs, DVD players, DVRs, cable receivers, PDAs, portable digital music players, cell phones, telephones, telephone equipment, calculators, etc.

Edgewood Park, West Rock Ave entrance off Whalley Ave.

Friends of Edgewood Park Poetry and Chili Slam

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:17:00 +0000

You're invited to the Friends of Edgewood Park and New Haven Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees Poetry and Chili Slam.

Why: Because you like to have fun, listen to poetry, and eat some great chili!

Bring a pot of chili, or cornbread and a salad.
Bring a poem or two you'd like to share.
Bring friends and family.

Prizes will be awarded for the best chili. Chili-themed projects available for kids.

Please RSVP to friendsofedgewoodpark@gmail.com by Thursday, February 23rd.

Coogan Pavilion, Edgewood Park at Whalley (enter lot from West Rock Ave)

Free Classical Guitar Concert Featuring ChromaDuo Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:11:00 +0000

Location: 60 Sargent Dr, New Haven, CT 06511
When: February 21, 2012
Time: 5:30 pm–7:00 pm
Gateway Community College (GCC) is hosting a free classical guitar concert Tuesday, Feb. 21, featuring ChromaDuo with performers Tracy Anne Smith and Rob MacDonald.

The concert, which is sponsored by the Esther Haseltine Schiavone Endowment Fund for the Arts at GCC, will be held at 5:30 p.m. in room 160 at GCC’s Long Wharf campus at 60 Sargent Drive.

A dedicated new voice in the contemporary music world, ChromaDuo is vigorously developing and presenting some of today’s most evocative, lyrical and exhilarating music. Classical guitarists Smith and MacDonald unveil refreshing and innovative programs of new works by some of the most exciting living composers of our time.

ChromaDuo has commissioned works from the incomparable Parisian Roland Dyens, irreverent British powerhouse Stephen Goss, genre-bending New Yorker Ben Verdery, and emerging major American talents Christopher William Pierce and Judah Adashi. Alongside these creations, their unique concert programs feature standout works from the late 20th and early 21st centuries, and they continue to seek out pioneering new voices to enrich the repertoire.

The Esther Haseltine Schiavone Endowment Fund was established in 2006 through the Gateway Community College Foundation by Schiavone’s daughter Jennifer Spinach, who set up the endowment in her mother’s memory to foster arts programs at GCC.

Website: http://www.gwcc.commnet.edu

Ansonia Native Appointed to Serve on Board of Directors at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:35:00 +0000

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the region’s community endowment and largest grantmaker, announces the appointment of James E. Ryan by the Trustees Committee to its Board of Directors. Mr. Ryan (photo right) is replacing Alan Tyma, whose seven-year term ended in 2011 and who served as past Board Chair and liaison to The Community Foundation’s affiliate, the Valley Community Foundation. Leadership of The Community Foundation’s Board for 2012 remains unchanged; Rolan Joni Young Smith and David I. Newton will continue as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. For more information about The Community Foundation’s 2012 Board of Directors, visit www.cfgnh.org.

“Jimmy served as Chair of our Valley Advisory Committee for many years and his generosity, depth of experience and local knowledge are well-known throughout the community and to our affiliate the Valley Community Foundation. I very much look forward to working with him in his role as a member of the Board of Directors,” said Will Ginsberg, President & CEO of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.

“It is a pleasure to follow in the footsteps of community leaders, such as Alan Tyma, Ken Schaible, Mary Pepe, Ed Miller Sr. and other leaders from the Valley who have committed themselves to the meaningful distribution of financial assistance where it is needed most, and to the encouragement of new philanthropic growth,” says Mr. Ryan. “The Community Foundation fosters strategic investments and collaborations in our communities that are critical to our long term success.”

Mr. Ryan is President of the Shelton Economic Development Corporation and has served in that capacity since 1984. He also served as Executive Director of the Ansonia Redevelopment Agency from 1997 to 1984, managing the City of Ansonia Community Development, Downtown Revitalization, Neighborhood Development and Fair Housing programs. The Shelton Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is a private not-for-profit local development corporation that provides economic and community development services to the City of Shelton specifically related to downtown revitalization, brownfields redevelopment, and infrastructure programs. He also manages local and regional economic development programs consistent with the SEDC mission.

Mr. Ryan is a Past Chairman of the Valley Community Foundation and one of its Founding Directors. He has provided service to the Valley Community as Chairman of the Valley Advisory Committee of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, for many years, and is a member of the Katharine Matthies Foundation’s Advisory Committee. He has previously served as a member and past Chairman of the Central Housing Committee of the State of Connecticut, member of the Connecticut Housing Authority, Past President of the Connecticut Community Development Association, former Director of the Valley United Way and former Trustee of Hewitt Hospital.

Mr. Ryan has been recognized by the Valley Community for his public service by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce as a Gold Seal Award recipient; he is also a recipient of the Good Scout Award from the Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America and Service to Youth Award from the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center. He is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University and lifelong resident of Ansonia.

The Community Foundation’s Board consists of eleven members, appointed either by the Board itself or by external appointing authorities as specified in The Community Foundation’s charter.
Since 1928, donors to The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven have built the Greater New Haven region’s community endowment valued at approximately $340 million as of December 31, 2011. For more information about The Community Foundation, visit www.cfgnh.org.

Pantochino Presents Imaginative New Family Musical: The Brothers Grimm And A Showgirl

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:33:00 +0000

Pantochino Productions Inc, Connecticut's ridiculously entertaining non-proft theatre company will present "The Brothers Grimm and a Showgirl" for a limited engagement of five performances, March 16 – 18th at The Off-Broadway Theatre at Yale in New Haven.

"The Brothers Grimm and a Showgirl" features book and lyrics by Bert Bernardi and music by Justin Rugg. The show is a super fun, wildly imaginative family musical featuring spoofs and goofs of favorite fairy tales such as Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty and many others. In the play, the Brothers Grimm themselves arrive to perform their best-loved stories and are joined by a sequined and feathered Showgirl who helps tell the tales in her own special way. "It's a great musical for all ages" said Bernardi. "Young audiences are going to love this one, and I know grown-ups will enjoy it just as much" he added.

Pantochino's Jimmy Johansmeyer will appear in the show along with Bernardi and Rugg. They will be joined by Shelley Marsh Poggio as the Showgirl. Bernardi and Johansmeyer, founders of Pantochino, are best know throughout Southern Connecticut for their inimitable brand for theatre for young audiences. Johansmeyer will also design costumes for the show which features sets by Von Del Mar and lighting by Shawn Boyle.

Pantochino's "Cinderella Skeleton, the Musical" recently won a Broadway World Award for Best New/Original work and it’s holiday offering “Teen Santa” enjoyed sold out performances. Their touring musical, "The Bookworms" continues to entertain audiences in Connecticut schools.

"The Brothers Grimm and a Showgirl" will be performed at The Off-Broadway Theater at Yale located at 41 Broadway (behind Toad’s Place) in New Haven. Performances are Friday March 16th at 7:30pm, Saturday March 17th at 2pm and 5:30pm and Sunday March 18th at Noon and 2:30pm. Special matinees for school groups are available on March 15th and 16th. For tickets and more information about the show and the company, visit www.pantochino.com.

New Haven Indie Band Ghost of a Chance: New Videos

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:22:00 +0000

New Haven based experimental band, Ghost of a Chance has released three new videos using Silent Film footage.

Ghost of Chance's Howe Howard Set to the Silent film "Le Diable Au Couvent" or "The Devil in a Convent" -- 1899

You can sample the other two videos here:

New Carthage (Video Pt 1) : http://youtu.be/1E9pysCZT9w
Pilot (Video Pt 2): http://youtu.be/Ak8o-g7ij70

The group’s distinctive style is characterized by subtle time signature changes and sonically open experimentation set to surrealist lyrics. Ghost of Chance’s sound takes its influence from 1960s psychedelica, math rock and post punk while maintaining the shimmer of classic pop sensibilities.

ConnCAN launches “Wake Up Connecticut!” legislative campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Everlasting Designs) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:54:00 +0000

ConnCAN (The Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now) today launched its 2012 legislative campaign, “Wake Up Connecticut!”

The campaign focuses on two core legislative priorities: Excellent Educators (improved school staffing policies) and Fair Funding (equitable, transparent funding for all students in Connecticut).

“Governor Malloy has issued a wake up call to the state of Connecticut – the time for delays, for procrastination, has come and gone,” said Patrick Riccards, ConnCAN’s CEO. “It’s time for state leaders to stop hitting the snooze button on change for our kids, and to embrace bold education reform.

“The changes that Governor Malloy has called for are very strong steps toward achieving meaningful education reform – but if we want to get this right for our kids, we must go farther,” Riccards continued. “In addition to the governor’s proposals, we must enact reforms that put students’ needs first in all of our education policies, from contract negotiations to the school funding system.”

In conjunction with the campaign, ConnCAN launched a petition to give advocates a chance to thank Governor Malloy for his leadership, and encourage him to continue to push the limit on meaningful education reform.

ConnCAN’s 2012 legislative priorities are:

Excellent Educators

* Establish a strong state model educator evaluation system that includes student achievement growth as a significant factor and requires every educator to be evaluated every year.
* Ensure that all staffing decisions, including layoffs/reductions in force, are tied to evaluation results.
* Require districts to report numbers of educators in each performance category.
* Establish a master teacher status for teachers who consistently excel on evaluations.
* Ensure that teachers cannot earn tenure unless they achieve satisfactory evaluation results.
* Require that tenure status be reviewed every five years and that teachers keep tenure only when they have satisfactory evaluations.
* Allow all educators, tenured or not, to be dismissed based on poor evaluation results, and shorten the dismissal timeframe.
* Fix binding arbitration by requiring binding arbitration decisions to account for students’ best interests.
* Grant certification to teachers and administrators based on their demonstrated effectiveness on the job, not on seat time or course credits.

Fair Funding

* Create a weighted student funding system at the state level that distributes money to school systems according to the actual students they are educating and provides extra funds for students with greater learning needs.
* Implement a mandatory common chart of accounts for all districts to create accountability and transparency for our precious school dollars.
* Encourage districts to adopt student-based budgeting at the district level so that once school districts receive equitable funding from the state, they distribute their funding equitably to schools according to the students they educate.
* Create an innovation fund that would allow districts to expand successful options or create new high-quality options so that no student is stuck in a failing school.

More information about the campaign can be found at www.WakeUpCT.com.