Bridgeport Banner

Himes' statement on State of the Union Address

Congressman Jim Himes has released the following statement regarding President Obama’s address to the joint session of Congress this evening.

 

“The President’s honest assessment of where our country stands and his courageous leadership is critical to our work to turn the country around. We must repair the broken economy, restore jobs, modernize our regulatory structure, and bring fiscal discipline back to the way we do businesses—both in Washington and on Wall Street. Returning to stability will not be easy. But the future of our country and our way of life depend on it. For generations to come, we will either be praised for our ability to lead or condemned for our failure to do so. I am hopeful and encouraged that we have, indeed, begun our recovery.”

Bluefish offer EZ Pass

The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced a new “E-Z Pay” system to make purchasing season tickets and mini plans easier, greener and more affordable than ever before. The Bluefish are making it easier to become a valued member of the team by giving fans the option to pay as they go on a monthly basis throughout the season. The E-Z Pay transaction form, which lets you pay for your tickets through convenient, automatic and paperless monthly payments, can be accessed by clicking HERE.

 

HCC earns national recognition

Housatonic Community College’s offering area businesses free access to a Fortune 500-type strategic planning tool. has won the college finalist status in the prestigious national Bellwether Award competition

      Housatonic  is offering companies free use of OneSource, the worldwide leader in the high-end business research field. OneSource delivers business information on more than 27 million companies worldwide. That information can be used to identify industry trends, markets for new products, potential customers, potential competition, and sales prospects. In addition, it can be used to develop strategic marketing plans based on this information – everything a company needs to survive in a global economy that is leaving domestic industries behind.

Walter's two goals spark Sound Tigers

By KIMBER AUERBACH

It has been nearly two months since the Sound Tigers’ offense has exploded for five goals. Behind the offensive punch of Ben Walter’s two goals, including the game-winner, the Sound Tigers beat the Portland Pirates this afternoon by the score of 5-2.  Pascal Morency opened the scoring in the first period with his first tally of the season and Mike Iggulden and Tyler Haskins also added goals in the victory. Colin Murphy and Felix Schutz had the two tallies for the Pirates.  In goal for the Sound Tigers this afternoon was Nathan Lawson who earned his 13^th win of the season, making 21 saves on 23 shots. The Sound Tigers now have a 33-17-3-4 record which gives them 73 points in the East Division and moves them within two points of the second place Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. 

 

Jane Smath weighs in on sewage question (Letter to the Editor)

I am writing about the deal in the works to build a new continuing care retirement community to replace the Jewish Home Skilled care facility.

The Jewish Home will need to pump 85,000 daily gallons into our already overburdened sewage system because Monroe has no sewage treatment.

 The Deal is yet unclear but is said to include $200,000 in upgrades to city plumbing systems to help offset the extra sewage.

The city's sewage treatment is capable of handling the daily flow as it is, UNLESS IT RAINS. Due to the single pipe system that is Bridgeport's infrastructure, if it rains even a couple inches the sewage can, and does overflow.  Now I may be naive but a system of treatment that does not allow for rain is already fatally flawed.

More than Trumbull or Monroe Bridgeport derives much of its economy and quality of life from a healthy thriving Long Island Sound.  We stand much to loose by burying our heads in the sand over this somewhat complex issue.

I don't think we should let the city decide this issue without asking:

1) What long-term arrangements will be made for all contributors to our sewage treatment to pay for upgrades and maintenance as needs change. This should include a payment in perpetuity!

2) What can be done to up grade the system by separating the sewer from the storm water drains?

This needs to be done to stop the already unacceptable amount of overflow we have regularly. This deal should address the inevitable need for this major (possibly $100 million dollar) improvement.

3) Will this arrangement open the floodgates to the entirety of Monroe piggybacking on our system.

We must learn from our recent past that short-sided solutions to financial problems lead to later catastrophe. We cannot neglect Long Island Sound's health. It is our health after all, both physically and economically that will inevitably suffer the consequence.

Jane Smath

Bridgeport

Some in city say sewer deal stinks

By ROB SULLIVAN
Who would have thought a proposal to move the Jewish Home for the Elderly from its present location on Jefferson Street in Fairfield to a brand new facility in on Main Street in Monroe would cause such a ruckus in Bridgeport?
Well, it has.
The problem simply is that Monroe does not have a sewer system and the Jewish Home for the Elderly would be too large to operate on a septic system. Therefore, Trumbull’s sewer line would have to be connected to the new facility. Since, Trumbull’s sewage flows into Bridgeport and is treated at the Park City’s Water Pollution Control Authority’s (WPCA) facilities.
First Selectman Ray Baldwin of Trumbull, Tom Buzi of Monroe and Mayor Bill Finch of Bridgeport all support the plan, as do the project’s developer Robert Scinto of Shelton and Andrew Banoff, President and CEO of the Jewish Home for the Elderly. Bridgeport Regional Business Council President and Trumbull resident Paul Timpanelli is also a proponent (broker?) of the deal.
After all, it’s a win-win situation. A state-of-the-art facility will be built and generate much needed tax revenue for the three communities involved. So, what’s the big deal?

The Black Rock Library is back!

By ROB SULLIVAN
Mardi Gras is Tuesday and celebrations will abound throughout the world. And for residents of the Black Rock section of Bridgeport this year’s Mardi Gras represents the end of an Odyssey.
Maybe it wasn’t as daunting as Odysseus’ navigating between the Scylla and Charybdis or evading the wiles of Circe, but navigating the waters of Bridgeport and Connecticut politics can certainly be daunting.
But a victory will certainly be achieved when the new Black Rock Branch Library is unveiled Tuesday night at 7 p.m. when the Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library host their annual Mardi Gras celebration at the newly completed facility at 2705 Fairfield Avenue.
“Anything that helps the library system is a good thing,” says George Comer, President of the Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library. “It’s definitely a good thing for the city and the availability of a branch library is a good thing for the neighborhood. Believe me, that branch was sorely missed in Black Rock.”
Comer isn’t kidding. The branch has been shuttered since 2003 and there have been times during that interval when it appeared the library’s doors would never re-open. For a neighborhood that is overly rife with political partisanship, this has been the one issue that has galvanized Black Rockers.

Faith-based organizations get grants

STAFF REPORTS

Mayor Bill Finch recognized the efforts of 15 local faith-based organizations by  awarding grants ranging from $8,000 to $20,000 from Bridgeport Advancing Capacity Together (ACT) program. ACT is a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grant-funded program to build capacity in local faith-based organizations that serve those who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The event took place on Tuesday at Taste and See Outreach Ministries, Inc., in Bridgeport , one of the 15 grant recipients.

“The City of Bridgeport is proud to partner with the Compassion Capital Fund and HHS, United Way , The Council of Churches, duBay-Horton Associates and The Workplace, Inc to provide funding to these organizations that are helping to bring an end to poverty in our city and the surrounding towns,” said Finch. “I am pleased to present the first-round grant awards, which will help these 15 organizations an opportunity to build their capacity to more effectively serve Bridgeport residents. This program, along with the City’s Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness, is part of a concerted effort on the part of the City of Bridgeport to bring an end to poverty in our city.”

Sound Tigers call up Rechlicz

Utah Grizzlies Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin Colley announced today that forward Joel Rechlicz has been assigned by the New York Islanders to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

The Grizzlies are proud to be the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s New York Islanders and their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.

Rechlicz appeared in 45 games with Utah tallying one assist and 110 penalty minutes.

In addition, Colley also announced that goaltender Dan Turple has been recalled and reassigned by the Atlanta Thrashers.

Utah continues their four-game home stand tonight hosting Bakersfield at the E-Center at 7:05 p.m. The Grizzlies entertain Stockton Friday and Saturday.

Hoyer, Himes highlight job creation

U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Congressman Jim Himes today met with the Business Council of Fairfield County to discuss the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which President Obama signed into law yesterday. The bill is expected to create over 40,000 jobs in Connecticut and help lead businesses and communities toward long-term economic prosperity.

“Our economic recovery begins now,” said Himes. “The Recovery Act will provide immediate relief to working families as we address the remaining pieces of our economic crisis. We must get home foreclosures and the credit crunch under control to complete our economic turn-around.”

Specifically, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will:

• Create and save 3.5 million jobs to help rebuild America transform our economy
• Give 95 percent of American workers an immediate tax cut
• Invest in infrastructure, including needed upgrades to roads bridges and mass transit 4
• Restore science and innovation as the keys to new American-made technology
• Invest quickly into the economy – over two-thirds of the funds must be spent by next year
• Provide unprecedented accountability and transparency to ensure that your tax dollars are spent wisely. There are no earmarks or pet projects, and all projects can be tracked at www. recovery.gov.

Lawson shuts out Wolf Pack

By KIMBER AUERBACH

Nathan Lawson saw a barrage of shots and words come his way all game from the Hartford Wolf Pack but he was able to fend them all off, stopping 23 shots to earn his second shutout of the season and give the Sound Tigers a 1-0 win. The Sound Tiger net-minder got into two separate confrontations with well known NHL instigator and now Wolf Pack winger, Sean Avery throughout the contest but was able to keep his head and deny Hartford the tying goal late in the game.  Kurtis McLean scored the only goal of the game in the opening period.  The Sound Tigers improve to 32-17-3-3 and now have 70 points, three behind the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for second place in the East Division. 

 

'Funny Stages' coming to Playhouse on the Green

By PEG BLAUFUSS

Playhouse on the Green, Bridgeport's not-for-profit theater company, is proud to announce that New Haven Theater Company brings its unique improv comedy show, The Funny Stages, to Bridgeport for 3 shows this spring. The Funny Stages performs at the Playhouse on the Green (177 State St., Bridgeport CT) on Sunday, March 15; Sunday, April 5; and Sunday, May 3, all at 7PM.

Director Peter Chenot leads the troupe of comedians in audience favorites "This Just In: You Choose the News, We Make it Up", "America's Next Great American Super Hero", "CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation" and "Musical: The Improv" as well as short videos that will to play at the shows and online.

Admission is $10, cash only at the door. Playhouse on the Green's bar will be open at each performance starting 6:30PM.

Nikiforov returns to Utah

Utah Grizzlies Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin Colley announced today that forward Vladimir Nikiforov has returned to the team from the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

The Grizzlies are proud to be the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s New York Islanders and their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.

Hartford Children's Theatre to collaborate with National Theatre for the Deaf

Tree Wise, a production for all ages, offers audiences the opportunity to experience the profound beauty of sign language in theatrical art form.
A collaboration between Hartford Children’s Theatre and the National Theatre of the Deaf’s Little Theatre of the Deaf, Tree Wise opens on Friday, March 20th at the Carol Autorino Center for Arts and Humanities on the campus of Saint Joseph College in West Hartford.  
 
Presented by Lincoln Financial Group Foundation, Tree Wise, adapted by Garrett Zuercher from the book by Antionette Abbomante, tells the story of Reed, a boy who has deaf parents, on his first day at school. Through the help of a very special tree, Reed learns how to help his classmates understand more about deaf culture.  Not only do the boy’s new friends learn, the tree teaches the audience some basic sign language in this fun, interactive, brand new play.

Entrepreneurship on tap at HCC

Housatonic Community College business students will get a taste of real-world entrepreneurship next week, when a slate of business experts offers its insights on a wide range of entrepreneurship subjects as part of National Entrepreneurship Week. Entrepreneurship is seen by Gov. M. Jodi Rell as “vital to Connecticut ’s growth and prosperity in the near and distant future in this highly competitive, global economy.”  Speakers and their topics include:

Monday, Feb, 23, 6:30 p.m.; Room 365, Beacon Hall.

• HCC faculty member, Financial Education Consultant and CFP Frank Metrusky, “Small Business Retirement Plans.”
• Tia Martinson, Small Business Development Center .

Tuesday, Feb 24, 9:30 a.m.; Room 331, Beacon Hall.

§         Mike Roer, Executive Director, Connecticut Venture Group, “ Success-Skills Building .”

Thursday, Feb. 26, 9:30 a.m., Room 331, Beacon Hall.

§         Timothy Cataldo, Uppity Shirts, “Sales and Profits for Small Business Start-up.”

HCC offers a wide variety of business degrees, including a Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship Option.

 

Fraser's goal lifts Sound Tigers

By KIMBER AUERBACH

Jamie’s Fraser’s goal with 20 seconds remaining in overtime, gave the Sound Tigers 3-2 victory over the Norfolk Admirals tonight at Arena at Harbor Yard.  Sean Bentivoglio opened the scoring in the first period but the Admirals countered with two tallies, both from Brandon Segal.  In the third, Ben Walter tied the score at two with his 12^th goal of the season coming on the power-play to eventually send the game to overtime where Fraser sixth goal of the season earned the Sound Tigers the extra point.  The Sound Tigers remain in third place with 68 points and improve their season mark to 31-17-3-3.  

 

Bentivoglio opened the scoring two minutes into the first period when he converted on a rebound chance in the slot for his sixth goal of the season.  Joe Callahan and Chris Lee had the assists on the goal, giving the Sound Tigers the 1-0 lead.  Segal, evened the score with less than a minute to play in the opening frame.  Radek Smolenak sent the puck into the left corner where Segal was able to retrieve the bouncing puck.  Segal looked up for a pass and then snapped a shot on goal that snuck through Sound Tigers’ starting goalie Tobias Stephan’s legs for his 17^th goal of the season to tie the score at 1-1.

 

Complete text of President Obama's speech on the signing of the economic stimulus package

It is great to be in Denver. I was here last summer to accept the nomination of my party and to make a promise to people of all parties – that I would do all I could to give every American the chance to make of their lives what they will and see their children climb higher than they did. I am back today to say that we have begun the difficult work of keeping that promise. We have begun the essential work of keeping the American dream alive in our time.

 

Today does not mark the end of our economic troubles. Nor does it constitute all of what we must do to turn our economy around. But it does mark the beginning of the end – the beginning of what we need to do to create jobs for Americans scrambling in the wake of layoffs; to provide relief for families worried they won’t be able to pay next month’s bills; and to set our economy on a firmer foundation, paving the way to long-term growth and prosperity.

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that I will sign today – a plan that meets the principles I laid out in January – is the most sweeping economic recovery package in our history. It is the product of broad consultations – and the recipient of broad support – from business leaders, unions, and public interest groups, the Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, Democrats and Republicans, mayors as well as governors. It is a rare thing in Washington for people with such different viewpoints to come together and support the same bill, and on behalf of our nation, I thank them for it, including your two outstanding new Senators, Michael Bennet and Mark Udall.

 

Bridgeport artist featured at Akus Gallery

On the heels of Kelly Bigelow Becerra's triumphant debut at The Sundance Film Festival 2009, the Julian Akus Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University presents the exhibition, "Kelly Bigelow Becerra: Bittersweet" a solo show. There will be a gallery talk with the artist on February 19 at 3:00 followed by a reception from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. with a special performance by the Quiet Corner Fiddlers. The exhibition runs through March 12.

 

Kelly Bigelow Becerra is a contemporary artist who uses the labor-intensive process of direct, flatbed scanning of objects and people to create a digital vocabulary. Images are created by literally placing objects in direct contact with the glass of the scanner which creates shadowy, softly modeled shapes that are oddly foreshortened. The resulting archive of imagery is used to piece together scenes from her sometimes idyllic/sometimes abusive childhood in the rural Midwest. Both the heavily patterned images and the process itself of piecing the digital works together are inspired from traditional American sampler patterns. The viewer is drawn in by the unassuming, familiar, and homey patterns and taken aback by the deeper message of a family in disarray.

 

Spirit of Orthodoxy Concert

Spirit of Orthodoxy Concert

Sunday, February 22nd at 5:00 p.m.

 

tickets $10

 

The Reverend Fr. Geoffrey Hahneman, D.Phil.
St. John's Episcopal Church
768 Fairfield Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604
(203) 335-2528

Sound Tiger prospect on 9-game scoring streak; Utah's May on a tear

Utah rookie Tom May has scored a goal in nine consecutive games.

He is the first player since Brett N. Smith of Phoenix, who had 10 goals from Nov. 25-Dec. 16, 2006, and only the 10th player in the last 17 years to have a nine-game goal streak.

The 23-year-old May began his streak on Jan. 16 at Ontario and he has scored nine goals, including two game winners, and 12 points (9g-3a) in the nine games. He is second on the team with 17 goals and tied for second with two game-winning goals while ranking third with 30 points in 43 games.