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Clemons champions raising school drop out age

State Representative Don Clemons, who represents Bridgeport in the Connecticut General Assembly, helped lead passage of a bill in the House of Representatives that raises the age students are allowed to drop out of school from 16 to 17.

 

Clemons backed the change in state law because he believes dropping out at 16 is not sufficient for surviving in today’s economy. In particular, he finds the disproportionate number of drop outs in the African American, Latino and urban communities as a principle reason for the state’s swollen achievement gap.

 

“Dropping out at 16 is simply not an adequate standard, and having a law on the books that allows kids to do that sends a wrong message,” said Clemons, who chairs the legislature’s Black & Puerto Rican Caucus. “If we are going to advance the needs of generations coming after us, then this is one important change we can make that will have a positive impact.”

The proposed change was approved by a vote of 130-16 in the House.  Students who have reached the age of 17 and wish to withdraw will need the permission of a parent or guardian. If the legislation becomes law, it will take effect on July 1, 2010.

Mateo signed by Rays

Bridgeport Bluefish team officials today announced that infielder Henry Mateo has had his contract purchased by the Tampa Bay Rays organization. The switch-hitter will report to Triple-A Durham of the International League.

 

“It’s great to see a player like Henry receive another chance at the big leagues,” says Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin. “He has been a staple in our lineup for the past two years and we wish him the best of luck.”

 

Mateo played 24 games for the Bluefish in 2009, posting an Atlantic League leading .416 batting average in 101 at-bats. He also scored 25 runs, while recording a .473 on-base percentage and seven stolen bases. In 154 career games with Bridgeport, the 32-year-old owns a .333 batting average with 47 extra-base hits, 125 runs scored and 42 swipes. Mateo has played 190 games at the Major League level.

 

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

Joseloff announces re-election bid

By ROB SULLIVAN
During last Thursday’s meeting of the Westport/Weston Ys Men, Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff made an informal announcement that he will indeed seek re-election to the town’s highest office.
In response to a question from an audience member about whether or not he would run for a second term Joseloff replied, “Yes, I will be running for re-election this year.” He added that he and running mate Shelley Kassen will make a formal announcement at a meeting of the Democratic Town Committee on May 28th.
The First Selectman’s remarks occurred during the question and answer section of the Ys Men’s annual Westport and Weston forum, featuring Joseloff and Weston First Selectman Woody Bliss.
Joseloff has been in office since defeating Republican John Izzo by a comfortable margin in November 2005.
Joseloff, a Westport businessman and journalist by background who had served as moderator of the Representative Town Meeting for 1o years, was elected by a 59-41 percent margin.
Joseloff replaced two-term incumbent Diane Farrell, who also twice ran for Congress against former Congressman Christopher Shays in 2004 and 2006. In a statement to the Westport Minuteman following his victory, Joseloff said, “Diane Farrell has set the agenda for the town. It will not be easy to fill her shoes. I am eager and excited to face the challenge. I want to encourage residents to volunteer their time. It doesn’t have to be 12 hours a week; it could be four hours a year. The key is to participate.”
If re-elected, Joseloff knows both he and Westport will face challenges in 2010. “Next year will be a tough year,” he said. “I’m fairly certain of that.”

New playground for Dunbar School

Mayor Bill Finch, accompanied by education leaders and private benefactors, today cut the ribbon for the new playground at the Dunbar School, the only playground in Bridgeport’s East End.

“We’re thrilled that the children of the East End now have a place to play and really be children,” said Finch. “It’s something that will provide joy for many, many years.”

Joined by Dr. John Ramos, superintendent of schools; Charmaine Worthy, principal of Dunbar School at 445 Union Ave.; Jennifer Toli of Weston, who lea the fundraising effort for the project; Richard Bieder of the Bridgeport law firm of Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder, which organized a penny drive to help fund the construction of the playground with the East End Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ), Mayor Finch officially opened the playground.

The playground, consisting of special tubes for children to climb through, modular decks for them to walk on, climbers, an overhead challenge, ramps and bridges, was built entirely through private donations, including thousands of pennies collected by the students of Dunbar School.

A conversation with A.R. Gurney

Westport Country Playhouse will present a Sunday Symposium, “A Conversation with A. R. Gurney,” following the Sunday, May 31, 3 p.m. matinee performance of Gurney’s vital and insightful family drama, “Children.”

The Playhouse Sunday Symposium program, free and open to the public, provides the audience with guest speakers’ in-depth insights and observations about the production, followed by an interactive dialogue.  David Kennedy, Westport Country Playhouse associate artistic director, will moderate the Sunday Symposium. It is open to all, including those who attend a performance of “Children” at another time. The Sunday Symposium is supported, in part, by the White Barn Program of the Lucille Lortel Foundation.

“I’m so excited to have this conversation with Pete Gurney,” said Kennedy. “How often do we get to ask questions of such a legendary writer? ‘Children’ is such a complex and beautiful play, and Pete has such a history with the Playhouse, I know that there will be a lot of fascinating ground to cover.”

A. R. (“Pete”) Gurney has been writing plays for over 50 years. Among them are: “Scenes from American Life,” “The Dining Room,” “The Cocktail Hour,” “Love Letters,” “Sylvia,” “Far East,” “Mrs. Farnsworth,” “Indian Blood,” “Crazy Mary” and “Buffalo Gal.”  He has also written three novels, a few television scripts, several unproduced movies, and the librettos of two operas. Gurney is a member of the Theatre Hall of Fame and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He has honorary degrees from Williams College and Buffalo State University , and taught literature at M.I.T. for many years.  Westport Country Playhouse has staged 13 Gurney plays, two of which were world premieres.

Street cleaning parking rules are in effect

 City residents are asked to comply with the alternate-side-of-the-street parking ordinance which is in effect through November 15.

“Moving your car to the alternate side of the street helps our public works crews do their jobs more efficiently, and ultimately, helps keep our city cleaner,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “We are asking for the public’s cooperation in making this possible so that we can all enjoy a cleaner, greener Bridgeport .”

Residents are urged to heed posted signs on the streets. Cars parked in violation will be ticketed and/or towed. Copies of the alternate-side-of-the-street parking ordinance are available at  the City Clerk’s office, City Hall, Room 204, 45 Lyon Terrace.

City Public Works crews will begin street sweeping operations on Monday, May 4.

The street sweeping schedule divides the city into three sections – red, blue and  green. Please observe the color of the sign in your area.

Parking or standing will be allowed on the even-number side of the streets on even-numbered days during such periods, and parking or standing will be permitted on the odd-number side of the streets on odd-numbered days during such period as follows:

Red Section:             The red section includes the area of the City north of North Avenue (Route 1), including North Avenue to Trumbull Town Line between Fairfield Town Line East to Route 8/25 and Seltsam Road from the 1^st to the 10^th day of every month. (North End & North Side of  City)

Blue Section:            The blue section includes the area of the City south of North Avenue (Route 1), but not including North Avenue to Ash Creek and Waldemere Avenue between Fairfield Town Line east to  (but not including) Knowlton Street, Water Street and including south end of Main Street, from the 11^th to the 20^th of every month. ( West End , South Side & Black Rock)

Green Section:         The green section includes the area of the City south of the Trumbull Town Line  to Pleasure Beach between Beardsley Park, Glenwood Avenue and Knowlton Street (including Knowlton Street) east to the Stratford Town Line from the 21^st to the last day of every month. (East End & East Side)

Scholarships available for current college students

The Fairfield County Community Foundation is offering scholarships to students from the Greater Bridgeport area who are currently enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs.

Students from Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Milford, Monroe, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull and Westport

are eligible to apply.

The deadline for applying is Monday, June 1. Applications and more information can be found online at www.fccfoundation.org under the “Scholarships” section.

Scholarships are available in four areas of study: Special Education, Health, Legal Studies and Industrial Arts.

For additional information, please contact Jeanette Allam at the Fairfield County Community Foundation at 203.750.3200.

Calhoun to speak at SWIM fundraiser

St. Vincent’s 6th Annual SWIM Prostate Cancer Institute Celebrity Dinner is set for Thursday, June 11, 2009 at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport , Connecticut .

The event will begin with a Celebrity Meet & Greet Reception at 6:00 p.m., a silent auction of unique sports memorabilia, and a dinner program at 7:15 p.m. with live sports commentary.

Chaired by Frank Morse of Carter, Morse and Mathias and Bill Mitchell of Mitchells Westport, the event raised more than $100,000 last year to benefit the SWIM Prostate Cancer Institute (PCI) at St. Vincent's Medical Center . 

The funds raised from the dinner will allow the SWIM PCI to continue its free monthly community screening program. The SWIM PCI provided free prostate cancer screenings to more than 600 men in 2008. The SWIM PCI also sponsors monthly support groups, the Prostate Cancer Buddy Network, clinical trials and assistance to cancer patients and their families when needed.

Himes amendment passes

The United States House of Representatives has passed an amendment by Congressman Jim Himes (D-4) that establishes the Microenterprise Training Center Program. The amendment was part of the Job Creation through Entrepreneurship Act of 2009, both of which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“These small business training opportunities will make the difference between success and failure for our entrepreneurs,” said Himes. “There is no better way to improve our cities and provide opportunity than to create jobs.”

Bluefish downward spiral continues

The first two games between the Bridgeport Bluefish and Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the 2009 season had been decided by a total of three runs. Game three of the four game series played at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, MD was no different. In another low scoring affair, the Blue Crabs were able to sneak past Bridgeport 3-1.

The Bluefish struck first in the top of the second inning, going up 1-0 on an Adam Greenberg single to right field that scored left fielder Brandon Sing, who had reached base on a broken bat single. Sing moved into scoring position because Blue Crab’s starter Kenny Baugh could not handle Ed Roger’s bunt attempt, throwing the ball wildly to first base. Southern Maryland battled back though, tying the game in the bottom of the third inning on a mammoth home run by designated hitter James Shanks.

The game remained deadlocked at one until Richard Giannotti, the hero of Tuesday night’s eleven inning thriller, laced a double down the left field line, scoring Chuck Jeroloman. Giannotti’s seeing-eye single in the first extended his team-high hitting streak to nine games.

 

U.S. Transportation Secretary pledges funds for Norwalk Transit District

 Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced that Norwalk Transit District will receive $1.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds that will allow the city to proceed with plans to improve its downtown transit hub.

            “By reinvesting in our nation’s transit infrastructure, we are making our communities more livable, invigorating the local economy, and putting America back to work,” LaHood said.

The project has been in the design phase, but because of lack of funding, NTD has not been able to begin construction. However, with ARRA funding in place, construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The facility serves as the transfer point for all local NTD buses, as well as connecting service to Danbury, Stamford, Milford and Bridgeport. The project consists of the erection of a 300-ft canopy, lighting, street and sidewalk repair, paving, curbing, fencing, street furniture, and the installation of security cameras. The total project is projected to cost $3.5 million, of which $2 million has already been awarded by the Federal Transit Administration.

The ARRA, signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009, includes $8.4 billion for transit capital improvements.  These funds are made available through the Federal Transit Administration assistance programs. 

Zoo's News

By CARYN KAUFMAN

If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a Zookeeper, this is your big chance...  One lucky bidder will have a chance to experience this unique prize as part of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo's annual "Bidding Green for the Zoo" auction.  This year, the auction will be even "greener" than ever because it is completely online!  Items on the auction block include everything from the once in a lifetime chance to be a Zookeeper for a day to week-long vacation getaways to coveted sports tickets, and more.

"Everyone wants to see what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes, so here's their chance," said Zoo director Gregg Dancho.  "Now, more than ever, we are counting on the community to bid on great prizes to support Connecticut's only zoo."

The Zookeeper for a day package includes a three hour adventure for two - behind the scenes at the Zoo - with your choice of area: Predator, Rainforest or Farmyard.  "Keepers" under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult.  The minimum eligibility for winners is age 6.  Tour runs from 8:00 am - 11:00 am, with lunch from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm in our Café!

Other bidding opportunities include:

Cape Cod house for a week: Get away for three to seven days with up to 10 people.  This classic and charming Cape Cod house in North Eastham has two double beds and six twin beds - perfect for your closest friends or family!  Walk to the beach or drive a few blocks to the panoramic National Seashore.

Bluefish fall in extra innings

By PAUL BRAVERMAN

Off the bat of Richard Giannotti, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs roared back in the bottom of the 11th inning to claim a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Bridgeport Bluefish at home on Tuesday night. However, the Blue Crabs’ win was not an easy one.

The Bluefish threatened early, putting a man in scoring position with two out in the top of the first inning against Blue Crabs starter Kenny Rayborn. However, recently named team captain Jeremy Owens was able to gun out Bridgeport’s Luis Lopez from centerfield at home plate to end the inning after a Brandon Sing single.

The Blue Crabs carried the momentum of Owens’ throw into the bottom half of the inning, pouncing on former Oriole and Tampa Bay Devil Ray Esteban Yan early, the starting pitcher for Bridgeport. Though they only recorded one run, it was an impressive one as first baseman Eric Crozier smashed a triple to right field, scoring Patrick Osborn.

Yan got himself into further trouble in the third inning by giving up two walks, but the Blue Crabs were unable to capitalize. During the top of the fourth the Bluefish tied the game 1-1 with an RBI triple by Charlie Lisk.

Coastal Carolina wins national rugby championship

Myrtle Beach, S.C. is the home of a team of very happy rugges today -- some National Championship ruggers!

Coastal Carolina completed an undefeated 2009 season Sunday with a 36-15 victory of Oswega State and won the National Small College Rugby Organization Championship.

Defeating Head Coach Robert Kegler's mentor, and previous CCU coach, on the way in the guise of Final-Four opponent Longwood, the Chanticleers capped an unimagined season.

From NSMRO:

Led by the stellar play and speed of scrumhalf Clayton Haley and the power of their forwards, Coastal Carolina defeated Oswego State (New York State RC) 36 to 15 to capture the 2009 Men's Collegiate Division 3 National Rugby Championship.

Oswego's staunch defense kept CCU from scoring early in the match with solid goalline stands before flanker Alexandre Marchon finally broke through at the 23rd minute to put CCU on top 5-0. Just before halftime prop Alex Nazon drove over to give CCU a 10-0 lead at halftime. Oswego led inside center Dave Shaut's running and the speed of flanker Matt Moir gave Oswego some early signs of a comeback early in the second half. However, it was CCU winger Eric Beard who make his speed count scoring with just 6 minutes into the 2nd half. Beard also made the conversion and CCU was up 17-0. Another forward lock Ben Jenkins powered over to run the score to 22-0. Flyhalf Steve Pease off a quick tap penalty score and with Beard's conversion CCU seemed to have it all their way at 29-0 but Oswego's Kandu Agbimson found the in-goal area and scored. Clayton Haley quickly answered for CCU with a try. Late Oswego trys by winger Jason McGuckin and Matt Moir resulted in a 36-15 final score to CCU.

In the 3rd place match, Longwood (Virginia RU) held off Salve Regina (New England RFU) to win 24 to 12.

Player of the Game: Jason McGuckin (Oswego)
Championship MVP: Clayton Haley (Coast Carolina)

Black Rock businesses searching for new logo

Community Association Organizes Contest to Find a Special Symbol for a Distinctive District

The Black Rock Business Association needs a symbol to identify its member businesses, professionals, and neighborhood groups. The Association is sponsoring a competition to create an original logo to promote Black Rock,the thriving historic district in Bridgeport. The contest is open to all artistic professionals and students in the Bridgeport area.

Black Rock restaurateurs Dominick Modugno and Miguel Tomasio, the organizers of the Logo Competition, saw the need for the area¹s numerous businesses and organizations to work together. 

"There are so many great places to eat, shop, and have fun,² says Modugno, the co-owner of Viale Ristorante Bar & Grill. At Viale, which opened in 2005, everything is made in-house, including all pastas, breads, and Patricia Modugno¹s decadent desserts.

Tomasio, the owner of Taco Loco, adds, ³We have it all ‹ movies, music, ethnic food stores, even a design district ‹ as well as great restaurants and unusual shops." 

The 27-year old Taco Loco won the Fairfield County Weekly Readers¹ Poll awards for Best Mexican Restaurant and Best Margarita in both 2009 and 2008.

Entry forms can be picked up at Viale, Taco Loco, and Burroughs Community Center, all on Fairfield Avenue, and at other stores and restaurants in Black Rock.  Design criteria, submission requirements, and rules and regulations are available with the entry forms.  Entrants should bring their logo designs to Burroughs Community Center by June 26, 2009. The winner, to be decided by a committee of community leaders at a special reception at Viale, will have the opportunity to design a guide to Black Rock for a fee.

Summer Camps at Fairfield Museum

By LAURA ROBERTS

The weather is finally turning and thoughts of summer are not far away.  If you haven’t made your summer camp plans yet, consider the Fairfield Museum’s camp programs.  Kids can travel back in time to discover what life was like in colonial times, learn about museums by going behind the scenes, enjoy arts and crafts or journey abroad this summer without ever leaving home. 

Fairfield Museum summer camps are based on the rich history of our region.   Kids will travel back in time . . . become a spy for George Washington, go to school in a 19th century one-room schoolhouse, dip candles, create artwork, play games and much more!   Along the way, kids will explore our history and develop new skills in a creative museum environment.

Bluefish add lefty Youman

The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the signing of pitcher Shane Youman. Youman returns to the Atlantic League after a stint with the Lancaster Barnstormers last year.

“Shane adds a left-handed arm to our pitching staff,” says Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin. “His mix of experience in the Major Leagues and the Atlantic League will translate well to our team.”

 

“A Taste of Tuesdays” at Westport Country Playhouse

 

 

By PATRICIA BLAUFUSS

Westport Country Playhouse will present “A Taste of Tuesdays” during preview week of A. R. Gurney’s vital and insightful family drama, “Children,” on Tuesday, May 26, 6:30 p.m., featuring pre-show wine from Castle Wine and Spirits, appetizers from Collyer Catering and live music by Tony Aiardo, composer, pianist and vocalist, followed by a preview performance at 8 p.m.

Admission to “A Taste of Tuesdays” is $25 per person. Advance reservations are required by calling the Playhouse box office at 203-227-4177.

“A Taste of Tuesdays,” launched last year, attracts more than 200 people to each event.

Suggested by a John Cheever story, “Children” is directed by Tony Award nominee John Tillinger. The cast includes Mary Bacon (Tom Stoppard's “Rock ‘n’ Roll” on Broadway; “Arcadia” at Lincoln Center), Katie Finneran (2002 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for “Noises Off”), Judith Light (“Who's the Boss?,” two-time Emmy Award winner for “One Life to Live,” 2007 Emmy Award nominee for “Ugly Betty,” Helen Hayes and Eliot Norton awards for national tour of “Wit”) and James Waterston (Westport Country Playhouse’s “Relatively Speaking” and “Time of My Life”; A.R. Gurney's “Buffalo Gal” at Primary Stages).

“Children” takes place as a wealthy family gathers to celebrate the Fourth of July in their summer home on an island off the New England coast. With the return of an estranged and mysterious brother secrets are revealed, loyalties tested, and the shifting tides of generations challenge everyone’s assumptions about their place in the family. Loosely based on John Cheever’s short story “Goodbye, My Brother,” “Children” probes the heart of one family to discover wider truths about the American social landscape.

Blue Crabs make Bluefish blue

Continuing his dominance over Atlantic League hitters, John Halama struck out five over eight innings of work in a 4-2 Blue Crabs victory on Monday night. He only surrendered two earned runs while scattering seven hits. Blue Crabs closer Jim Ed Warden would relieve Halama in the ninth, posting his fifth save in as many chances this season. Despite Halama’s mastery on the mound, the Blue Crabs offense was another story.

In what amounted to a night of missed opportunities for the Blue Crab’s offense, Southern Maryland was only able to scratch across four runs. Twice the Blue Crabs loaded the bases, but only scored once when newcomer Jermy Acey was hit with a pitch in the second inning with the bases juiced, which tied the game at one at the time. Acey led the way all night offensively for Southern Maryland, as he also recorded two doubles, a single and a walk in his Blue Crabs debut. Catcher Lance Burkhart also contributed a RBI single in the third.

Brooklyn is coming to Bridgeport

City Lights and Co., downtown Bridgeport’s community arts center and gallery, is pleased to present INDOOR/OUTDOOR on May 30 & 31, 11 am to 4 pm.  This arts showcase will kickoff the summer-long Sweetport Art, Music and Heritage Festival.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR will expand upon Sweetport’s tradition of innovative music programming.  McLevy Green will once again host the Main Stage, featuring such area acts as Caravan of Thieves, The Zambonis, St. Bernadette, M.T. Bearington and Cosmic Jibaros between 2:00-9:00 pm.  Special guest band is Mates of State who will perform at 6:00 pm.  Music will also be hosted that evening at establishments in Bijou Square on Fairfield Avenue.