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St. Vincent's names Employee of the Year

By LUCINDA AMES

Maria Duque-Ferreira, RN, of Easton, a staff nurse at St. Vincent’s Medical Center for 25 years, received the Pasquariello Award as St. Vincent’s 2009 Employee of the Year for personifying the mission of the hospital patron, St. Vincent de Paul.

The award was presented before almost 500 people at St. Vincent’s 51^st Annual Employee Recognition Dinner held recently at the Waterview in Monroe .  The presentation was made by St. Vincent’s President Susan L. Davis, RN, EdD,  also of Easton , Corporate Vice President of Human Resources Pamela Tarulli and Duque-Ferreira’s supervisor Lori Boncher, RN, as part of the event recognizing employees marking service anniversaries ranging from five to 40 years with a combined total of 5000 years.

Duque-Ferreira was nominated by co-workers for her dedication to the Medical Center , the community and her family.  A wife and the mother of three children, Maria came to the United States from Portugal at age 13 and had to learn to speak English and adapt to a new culture. Boncher described Duque-Ferreira as “an extremely competent, highly respected and well-liked nurse who consistently demonstrates the utmost compassion and reverence for patients and families, and is resource for both new and experienced nurses.”  Duque-Ferreira devotes much time to volunteering at her church, Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Bridgeport , serving as a nurse for youth group retreats and delivering food to the homebound and elderly.

The event also featured a popular slide show of almost 300 employees captured in their work setting who were marking service anniversaries. Chairperson of the Board Sr. Louise Gallahue delivered the invocation, Susan Davis the welcome  and Tarulli served as mistress of ceremonies.

You can nourish the spirit, body and mind at a unique Black Rock shop

By ROB SULLIVAN
When walking past an eclectic row of shops called Quarterboard Row in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, passersby can’t help but notice a unique little shop named Spiritual Insights For Living.
First of all, what does a store called Spiritual Insights For Living sell? The name itself sparks interest and beckons curiosity seekers to step inside and see what this is all about.
The second and more dramatic enticement for Black Rock pedestrians is “The Chick,” a life-size female mannequin that is always fashionably dressed and positioned right outside Spiritual Insights For Living.
And The Chick has become a tourist attraction in her own right.
“People stop the cars and pull over to have the pictures taken with her,” laughed partners Kathy Sheehy and Lee Korchman, who opened the store nearly a year-and-a-half ago.
According to the shop’s website, www.spiritualinsightsforliving.com, customers will find a variety of inspiring items designed to “empower your soul inside and out.” And that’s exactly what they do find.
There is a wide array of goods on display at Spiritual Insights For Living ranging from a variety of Activewear, jewelry, childrens clothing and an intriguing selection of books focusing on having both a healthy body and a healthy soul.

New dates for HCC art exhibit

The dates of the PostSecret art exhibit at the Housatonic Museum of Art have changed.  The exhibit will now open on Aug. 3 and run through Sept. 13. The opening reception will be held Thursday, August 27, from 5-7 p.m. in the Burt Chernow Galleries at Lafayette Hall on the campus of Housatonic Community College. Summer gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday to 7 p.m. through Aug. 28.  After that, on days when the college is open, normal gallery hours are scheduled to resume. Those are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to3 p.m. and Sunday, Noon to 4 p.m. The college is located at 900 Lafayette Blvd. in downtown Bridgeport, less than 150 yards off I-95 and Rte. 8 in downtown Bridgeport.

Connecticut receives energy funding

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced $15.4 million in Recovery Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Connecticut.  Under DOE’s State Energy Program, Connecticut proposed a statewide plan that prioritizes energy savings, creates or retains jobs, increases the use of renewable energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.  This initiative is part of the Obama Administration’s national strategy to support job growth, while making a historic down payment on clean energy and conservation.

Secretary Chu announced a total of more than $204 million for State Energy Programs in 10 states including: Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington.  Each of the states is receiving 40 percent of their total State Energy Program (SEP) funding authorized under the Recovery Act.

“This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help to put Americans back to work, and move us toward energy independence," said Secretary Chu. "It reflects our commitment to support innovative state and local strategies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while insisting that taxpayer dollars be spent responsibly."  

Lopez sparks All Star win

The Liberty Division defeated the Freedom Division 7-5 in the 2009 Atlantic League All-Star Game at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium in downtown Newark.

The Bluefish were well represented offensively by starting left-fielder Brandon Sing who went 0-for-3 and by third basemen Luis Lopez. Lopez came into the game off the bench in the sixth inning and went 1-for-2 including an RBI single to tie the game in the top of the ninth scoring Mike Just. In the same inning, Lopez scored the go-ahead run to put the Liberty division ahead for good.

Freedom put three runs on the board in the first two innings of the game. Barnstormer Lloyd Turner’s RBI double plated Newark ’s Michael Hernandez and York ’s Tom Collaro.

Freedom maintained the lead until the ninth inning, when Liberty put four runs on the board off of five hits. Blue Crab Mike Just’s RBI single to left field scored Camden’s Jason Jacobs and Vito Chiaravalloti and first baseman John Knott’s RBI double sealed the win for Liberty.

Long Island Duck Bill Simas notched the win after pitching one and two-thirds innings and striking out one. The loss went Newark ’s Armando Benitez after allowing four earned runs.

Bluefish starting pitcher Esteban Yan made the first pitching appearance of the game for Bluefish pitchers. Yan went one inning and allowed three hits, two runs, and struck out one. Andy Weimer added a scoreless frame allowing no hits, no runs and struck out one. Following Weimer was teammate Matt Pike, who went one innings and allowed one hit, no runs and struck out one.
Southern Maryland ’s Mike Just was awarded the Stephen R. Shilling Memorial MVP. Just gathered two runs off two hits, two RBI and a stolen base.

 

Park City Regatta to set sail in Black Rock

The 2009 Park City Regatta will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at the Fayerweather Yacht Club (FYC) in Bridgeport , CT. Now in its eighth year, the Regatta will be presented by FYC, Black Rock Yacht Club in Bridgeport and Housatonic Boat Club in Stratford. Proceeds from the Regatta will benefit St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound, Connecticut ’s premier cancer charity.

“The Park City Regatta is an incredible event that raises money to support the SWIM Across the Sound, an organization that provides assistance to cancer patients and their families right here in our community,” said Regatta Chair Betsy Sorensen. “Cancer is so prevalent in our society that everyone we know has been affected by it in one way or another, and this regatta is something that we can do to help.”

The Park City Regatta has partnered with Connecticut Community Boating, Inc. (CCB), a non-profit public sailing program located just across Black Rock Harbor from Fayerweather Yacht Club at Seaside Park . CCB is making their fleet of 14-foot Hunter sloops and 8-foot Optimist prams available to introduce a whole new aspect of racing to the Regatta: small boats. The Hunter 140 and Optimist “Green Fleet” races will be sailed on a separate course from the “big boats,” and the small boat divisions will be open to both junior and adult sailors.

“This is an awesome way to bring our community together for a great cause,” said Captain Chris German, Executive Director of CCB. “Our fleet is here for everyone to use and we’re happy to be able to work with so many of our neighbors to bring a whole new breed of sailing to this event.”

Two races are scheduled for the big boats (conditions permitting) for PHRF Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker divisions, and one-design classes (i.e. J/24, Melges 24, Catalina 30) will have a separate start (with sufficient entries). A six-race series is planned for the small boat division, on a course near Fayerweather Lighthouse.

The Skippers Meeting begins at 10:00 a.m. in the FYC Penfield Room, the Harbor Start will be at 11:00 a.m., and the First Gun is at Noon. A picnic on the FYC lawn kicks off at 4:00 p.m., with an awards presentation, prizes, raffle and live music.

Trophies will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishers in each division, and all skippers and crew are urged to solicit donations for their boat. The five boats that raise the most funds will receive special awards. All donations to the Park City Regatta are tax deductible.

The crew that raises the most funds will be awarded the Jan Williams Memorial Trophy, honoring the SWIM Across the Sound Co-Chair and volunteer who was perhaps the charity’s staunchest supporter. This perpetual trophy, engraved with the name of each year’s winning boat, will be on permanent display at Captain’s Cove Seaport, a Bridgeport landmark that, thanks to the tireless efforts of this remarkable woman, is truly the home of the SWIM.

With the FYC/ BRYC Invitational Regatta scheduled for Sunday, July 19, this promises to be a great weekend of racing and revelry. Free overnight dockage for boats sailing in the Park City Regatta is available on Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 18 at Fayerweather Yacht Club and Captain’s Cove Seaport (an event sponsor). Captain’s Cove monitors VHF channel 18 and their phone number is 203-335-1433. FYC monitors VHF channel 14 and their phone number is 203-576-6796. Skippers docking overnight at FYC should be prepared to raft up. Black Rock Yacht Club is offering free overnight moorings to participating boats.

At press time, a few VIP spaces were available aboard Denny Donahue’s Dyer 40 Little Zip ($100 including lunch & cocktails) or the Park City Regatta Flagship, the America’s Cup 12 Metre yacht America II (US 42; $200 including lunch & cocktails) owned by the 12 metre Yacht Development Foundation (an event sponsor; www.12mydf.com).

Other Park City Regatta sponsors include WindCheck Magazine, Pepsi, Heineken , Connecticut Screen Print & Embroidery, Fairfield Minuteman, North Sails, Milford Boat Works, Hathaway, Reiser & Raymond, McMichael Yacht Yards & Brokers and the Donahue family.

Visit www.parkcityregatta.com for more information including Notice of Race, entry form and sponsorship form, or to make an online donation with PayPal. Betsy Sorensen may be contacted by E-mail at esoren1@aol.com. Connecticut Community Boating’s website is www.ctcommunityboating.org.

 

Pike added to All Stars

By PAUL HERRMANN    

Bridgeport Bluefish team officials have announced that reliever Matt Pike has been added to the Liberty Division squad for the 2009 Atlantic League All-Star Game.

“We are excited that Matt has been added to participate in the All-Star Game,” says Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin. “He has been a key component to our bullpen all season long and is well deserving of this accolade.”

Pike is having one the best season of his nine-year minor league career. The righthander has posted a 1.83 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 13 appearances and leads all Bluefish relievers with 19.2 innings pitched.

Pike began his pro baseball career when he signed as a non-drafted free agent with the Cincinnati Reds in 2000. After two seasons as a Reds farmhand, he was released and signed by the Elmira Pioneers of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. Pike posted a 2.01 ERA in Elmira, leading to the New York Yankees purchasing his contract.  He made seven appearances for the Tampa Yankees (Advanced A – Florida State League) in 2002, tossing a total of 10.2 innings.  Following his brief stint with New York , Pike bounced around independent baseball from 2003 to 200, before landing in Bridgeport for the 2008 campaign.

Pike joins fellow teammates Esteban Yan, Andy Weimer, Brandon Sing and Luis Lopez on the Liberty Division squad at the 2009 All-Star Game, which takes place June 23 at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium, home of the Newark Bears, in Newark , New Jersey

Book tales at the Barnum

While your children are out of school this summer, consider bringing them to the Barnum Museum for some creative learning. Three events titled, “Book Tales and Fun” will be held at 11:00 a.m. at The Barnum Museum on the following Tuesdays: June 23, July 21 and August 25.

 

All materials will be supplied for the children to create a craft to take home. The crafts will be reflective of the theme of each book. The program is designed for children from age three to six and is free with general admission to the museum.

 

On June 23 the story will be, “21 Elephants” by April Jones Prince and the children will make elephant headdresses.

 

So you thought Tim Quinn was a clown? Well, the Barnum Festival says you're right!

2009 BARNUM FESTIVAL ROAD SHOW

By TIM QUINN        

  Clown. Look it up in your Webster’s Dictionary: a grotesquely dressed comedy performer, as in a circus. OK, a picture is worth a thousand of Mister Webster’s words, so just look at the picture in this story and you will see that old Daniel Webster has once more very accurately described the word, clown!

          It was only a few months ago I was a professional broadcast journalist, a member of the electronic fourth estate, blah, blah, blah. Today, I am merely a clown. But you know what? I got more being a clown for two days as a member of the Barnum Festival Road Show than 36 years as a radio reporter and anchor.

          To see the smiles on the faces of the several hundred senior citizens we visited for two days was one of my life’s most heartwarming experiences. For those who don’t know, my radio days ended in February when the owners of WICC radio had a national talent fire sale due to the economy. That’s when an old friend called and said come work for me. Mike Niedermeier is a Certified Public Accountant with a long, distinguished track record of community service. He is now Partner-in-Charge BlumShapiro, southern Connecticut. They’re the largest tax, accounting and business consulting firm based in the state. Mike had been named Ringmaster of the 2009 Barnum Festival and he and BlumShapiro wanted me onboard for publicity. So I did it, picturing myself sitting behind a large desk and writing a few words here and there. Well, this economy has hit more than radio stations, newspapers have also been blasted so I find myself writing a great many pieces for area papers, including this story for old friend Rob Sullivan. 27 newspaper articles, and the entire Barnum Festival Magazine later, I thought I had done it all. Nope! Ringmaster Mike Niedermeier had more plans for me. Next up was becoming a float-builder. Two floats later, I was starting to feel like Andy Hardy in a 1940s movie. What could be better than that, I asked myself? Well, I found out because before I knew it, along came the Road Show.

  One thing led to another and the next thing I know I had talked four women who work at BlumShapiro in the office and some as CPAs, to step out of their very professional lives and turn into clowns. They said to help Mike, why not, and, Tim, of course you’re joining us, right? OK, right. I think.

  We ordered some costumes, then Jammie, a professional clown turned us all into clown-look-alikes with some masterful makeup. All we had to do was hand out balloons, smile and ride on a bus to visit 16 senior nursing homes and other facilities for two days.

  Then the magic hit the clown brigade of Ann Leona, Anne Glatt. Debbie Wlodarski, Nancy Freiler and me. It was as startling as getting a whipped cream pie in our faces!  We began to meet people, hundreds and hundreds of seniors from all over greater Bridgeport. T

One by one, they smiled, and tightly grasped our hands, and with twinkling eyes said thank you without ever speaking a word. Many laughed at our antics or make-up, and told us they felt years younger and had been waiting for the Road Show all year. Ringmaster Mike, the Festival’s King, Queen, Prince, Princess, Tom Thumb, Lavinia Warren, the Clamdiggers Dixieland band, backup singers and dancers, they were the real show, and what a show they were! But those quiet moments when we clowns would walk away to stop in the rooms of those who couldn’t come to the show, well, that’s when we clowns discovered that WE had the best job of all. Just a wave of a gloved hand, or a smile from a made-up face, or a hug, or handing out a balloon along with a few words, and it was magical!

  Do I miss “being Tim Quinn”? Nope. I’m a clown now. I’ve got greasepaint in my blood, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. If all goes well, the 2009 clowns hope to be back in 2010 and re-live some very special, magical moments, just making people smile. Barnum Festival Executive Director and former Ringmaster Bill Murphy often says “whenever you’re feeling really serious about yourself, put on a red nose.” Bill, as usual, you’re 100% right!

  Barnum Festival 2009 has lots of smiles still in store for you. Go to www.barnumfestival.com or call 367-8495, and don’t forget to smile when you see the clowns.

Lighthouse Program receives federal funding

Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) announced the United States House of Representatives has designated funding for three public safety projects in Fairfield County as part of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act (HR 2847). The broad bill makes critical investments in the nation’s public safety, including $298 million to hire more police officers and $529 million in grants to help law enforcement entities fight and prevent crime.

“Investing in public safety helps keep our communities great places to live and run a business,” said Himes. “These are smart investments in less-costly preventive and monitoring measures that will save us in the long-run.”

The Light House After-School Program in Bridgeport will receive $350,000 in federal funding. This program provides productive, safe, and secure learning alternatives for disadvantaged youth who have little access to more costly tuition-based after-school activities.

Bruins Tim Thomas wins the Vezina Trophy

Former ECHL and current Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas received the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender in the National Hockey League during the 2009 NHL Awards at the Palms Hotel on Thursday. He was also presented the William Jennings Trophy with teammate Manny Fernandez as the goaltenders finishing the season having surrendered the fewest goals.

Olaf Kolzig, who played in the ECHL from 1990-92, won the Vezina Award in 1999-2000.

Thomas had a career-high 36 wins and led the NHL with a goals-against average of 2.10 and a save percentage of .933 while helping the Bruins to their most wins (53) and points (116) since 1971-72.

Calhoun comes to town to promote a good cause (and talk a little hoops)

By ROB SULLIVAN
If anyone thinks UConn basketball coach Jim Calhoun sits at home and relaxes during his free time in the offseason, they are very much mistaken.
Calhoun, a cancer survivor, was the guest speaker at last Thursday’s annual SWIM Across the Sound dinner to benefit the SWIM’s Prostate Cancer Institute (PCI), and he explained that his downtime is usually packed with appearances designed to raise both funds and awareness for cancer.
“I think this is my 20th speaking engagement since the season ended on April 5th in Detroit,” explained Calhoun. “On Saturday we have our annual bike race. Then next week, I’m going to Springfield. I’m on the Board of Directors at AIC College and we have a meeting and I’m also on the Board at the Basketball Hall of Fame and we have a meeting there, too. Then I’m going to Hilton Head for 12 days. Thank God.”
Calhoun did indeed ride in the annual Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride, tackling the 50-mile course. Unfortunately for the coach, he took a tumble off his bike and broke five ribs, but in typical Calhoun fashion he finished the remaining 17 miles of the ride. He spent a night in the hospital and then presumably resumed his busy schedule.
But at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport on Thursday, Calhoun was eager to help educate those in attendance about the importance of early detection of prostate cancer.
“That’s what I want to talk about,” said Calhoun. “If one out of every six men has prostate cancer and if every 20 minutes someone dies from prostate cancer and this is 100% curable, that’s why it is so important to get tested. If you live long enough the chances are you will get prostate cancer. There’s no reason why a 41-year old should die of prostate cancer. I’m here to help get the word out again. The greatest gift you van give to your loved ones is your own health.”
Accompanying Calhoun to the event was Westport’s own Bill Mitchell, President of Mitchells. He was joined by an inspirational young man, 12-year old cancer survivor Ben Goldman of Wethersfield, who happily told the Minuteman that he was “feeling great.”
Sponsored by St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound and founded in 1998, by Frank Morse and Ronald J. Bianchi, PCI has a goal to educate men about the importance of prostate screening in detecting cancer at the earliest and most treatable stage, hence Calhoun’s appearance.
The PCI staff screens more than 650 men every year and has grown to include support services, such as the Prostate Cancer Buddy Network and the Prostate Cancer Support Group. In addition, the SWIM helps individual cancer patients on a case-by-case basis with specific needs, such as medication assistance, free transportation to treatments and appointments and other personal financial hardships.
But there was still plenty of talk about basketball and Calhoun discussed a wide range of topics, including the futures of forward Ater Majok and assistant coach George Blaney, and the ongoing NCAA investigation at UConn.
At the time of the SWIM dinner, Majok had declared himself eligible for the NBA draft, but has since pulled out. However, the possibility remains that the 6-10 freshman, who was born in Sudan and lives in Australia, may still play in Europe. Of course, Calhoun wants him to suit up in the Blue and White.
“I’ve talked to an NBA GM who says he has at least five years to develop before he can be an elite NBA player,” said Calhoun. “The only reason he entered the draft was because of family considerations. He still may play in Europe, but in those leagues if you don’t do well in the first few weeks they send you home. I want him to come back to UConn, but if he does his family will have to bite the bullet.”
Calhoun expressed confidence that his program will be vindicated when the NCAA investigation is completed.
“If I were a fan, I’d want to know, too,” he said. “There are people who felt that after 37 years I was suddenly trying to take short cuts. I’ll work with the people who say, ‘Let’s see what happens.’ The bottom line is that they are purely in the review process. They’re tied up with USC and other situations right now.”
The coach explained the NCAA has already dismissed three of the four allegations against the program, leaving open only the investigation of disgraced agent Josh Nochimson, a former UConn student manager.
As for Blaney, rumors have surfaced that the UConn assistant and Calhoun pal is a leading candidate to return to Worcester, Mass. and replace Ralph Willard at Holy Cross. Blaney was a successful coach for 20 years for the Crusaders, so the idea of returning could be tempting.
“My advice would be for him to take it,” said Calhoun. “We did talk it over and he said he’s not really interested. I think he likes what he’s doing right now, but it his alma mater. He could do it: he’s the youngest 70-year old I know and he has a five-handicap on the golf course. But it’s a different thing to say you don’t want the job than when you’re actually in the room and they make you an offer.”
For more information on PCI, call (203) 576-5521 or visit www.stvincents.org. For more information on the SWIM Across the Sound, contact St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation at (203) 576-5451 or www.swimacrossthesound.org.
See you at the games.

 

Manolo Restaurant opens in Westport

By LINDA KAVANAUGH

Chef/Restaurateur Pedro Garzon, known for his culinary prowess while acting as Executive Chef for the popular Barcelona Restaurant Group, brings his own style and sensibility to Manolo Restaurant in Westport (formerly Zest). Named after Garzon’s great grand uncle who served in the Spanish Army and is responsible for exposing his nephew to numerous cuisines throughout Spain, Portugal, France and Italy, Manolo is that comforting respite where good food is matched with service and a sense of being transported to an European brassiere.
The below street level space has a speakeasy cavernous feel to it, with pale yellow and brushed earth tones, soft lighting, and artwork throughout that provide guests with a virtual tour of Spain and Portugal. A stunning maple wood communal table, while functioning as 12–person gathering place, decorates the charming space, and carpet flooring softens the noise level.
Chef Garzon’s vast gastronomic palette pays homage to traditional Spanish, French and Italian cuisines, respecting the ingredients, much of which is resourced locally. The menu is designed to give guests control over their dining experience. All dishes are offered in full and tapas style portions. Food enthusiasts can look forward to crisp veal sweetbreads with frisse lettuce, smoked bacon, red wine shallots, and soft poached egg. Pan seared Atlantic halibut with Basque style peppers, chorizo, and cockle broth shares the stage with forest mushrooms and asparagus risotto. A charcuterie of cured meats and artisanal cheeses are offered throughout the day, ideal for a mid-afternoon siesta over a glass of wine.
Choosing a great wine is made easy at Manolo. The list is comprised of 6 reds, 6 whites, and sparkling wines, all under $70, from France, Italy, Spain, and America. Served in an 8 ½ ounce quartino, this style of wine service is ideal for sharing and experiencing a variety of wines throughout your meal. Wine collectors are welcome to bring their own bottle for a corkage fee, or wine lockers can be rented on a monthly basis, which allows for complimentary corkage and “wine club” benefits such as wine education classes and tastings. Top shelf spirits and house made infused vodka round out the bar offerings.
Manolo is located at 8 Church Lane in downtown Westport,  203.227.0703; www.cafemanolo.com.

NBA star weighs in on Senate Bill 981

To The Editor:

I may play in the NBA for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but my heart has never left my native Connecticut.  A few years ago, I was made aware of the need for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) when my AAU coach told me that one of his former players died suddenly of cardiac arrest at age 19 while exercising.  There were no warning signs.  Since then, I started a non-profit organization called Hoops For Heart Health to educate student athletes and administrators about sudden cardiac arrest and advocated for the placement of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) in schools and other public locations.
Each year, more than 325,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest.  Some of these tragic deaths may be prevented if CPR and a shock from an AED are administered quickly. The use of an AED is the only effective treatment for most cardiac arrests.  For every minute a person in cardiac arrest does not receive treatment, their chance for survival decreases by 10%. 
Recently, Senate Bill 981, An Act Concerning The Availability of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Schools, passed in both chambers of Connecticut’s legislature.  On May 27 th , Governor Jodi Rell signed the bill into law.  Public Act 09-94 requires schools in the state to have at least one AED accessible both during the school day and after hours for school sponsored events including sports by July 1, 2010.  No state funding is required as schools are allowed to accept donations, seek grant funding, and fundraise in order to acquire an AED.
Just last month, I joined the American Heart Association, the Connecticut Athletic Trainers Association and some heart disease survivors at the State Capitol to call for support of this important, lifesaving legislation. Today, I am so gratified because our efforts paid off.  With great pride, I’d like to thank Governor Rell and the state’s General Assembly for making Connecticut’s schools safer. 
Just this past December, a 10-year - old Stamford boy was saved with an AED at school when he went into cardiac arrest during recess.  Think about what could have happened if an AED wasn’t readily available.  With the new law, Connecticut won’t have to. 

Ryan Gomes
Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves

Former Boston Celtic

Prep lax dynasty continues

By ROB SULLIVAN
As a certain New York Mets announcer might say, ‘Put in the books!’
The dynasty that is the Fairfield prep lacrosse team won its fourth straight Class L lacrosse championship, pummeling Simsbury 15-3 Saturday at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk. That feat followed the Jesuits winning their third straight Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) title by beating Cheshire 10-6.
Chris Smalkais’ squad let it be known from the get-go that they were not going to mess around in the title match. The Jesuits opened up a commanding 9-2 lead after the first quarter and never looked back.
Chase Bailey had five goals for the winners with four coming in the first period while Griff McGoldrick potted three first period goals and finished the game with four tallies. Brendan Baldwin scored a pair of goals for Fairfield Prep and Peter Gruppo, Brendan Rotanz, Tucker Shanley and Michael Carey all scored a goal apiece in the game.

Lancers win state baseball crown

By ROB SULLIVAN
And now they are state champions.
The Notre Dame High School baseball team won the Class S state championship at Palmer Field in Middletown on Saturday afternoon, blasting Stafford by a score of 11-1.
Winning the title was especially gratifying for the sixth-seeded Lancers, who earned their second straight South-West Conference (SWC) runners-up trophy, losing the league championship to Newtown in a 9-7 slugfest at Bethel High School. In that game, the locals rallied from a pair of six-run deficits, but couldn’t climb all the way out of that hole.
After the game, Notre Dame coach Paul Fabbri told the Fairfield Minuteman, “I’m getting tired of getting runner-up trophies.” Thanks to Saturday’s victory, that’s something Fabbri and the Lancers no longer have to worry about.

The WorkPlace nets $600K grant

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Himes (CT-04) has announced a $604,846 grant to The WorkPlace, Inc. to fund their YouthBuild Bridgeport program, which assists at-risk, out-of-school youth obtain their diplomas or GEDs while providing vocational training in the construction industry. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant was awarded through the Department of Labor.

“YouthBuild will provide education and job training opportunities for the kids who need them most,” said Himes. “Giving at-risk youth this type of support gives them the chance at success they deserve, provides local businesses with a skilled workforce, and helps keep communities safe. Congratulations to the fine people of The WorkPlace, Inc.”

The WorkPlace, Inc.’s YouthBuild Bridgeport will target sixty 17-to-24 year-olds over a three-year period. A partnership that includes the Bridgeport School System Adult Education Division, Carpenter’s Union Local 210, Home Builders Institute, Bridgeport Police Department Division of Community Service, and the City of Bridgeport Housing Authority will support YouthBuild.  The WorkPlace, Inc. will administer and lead the program.

“We are thrilled to be part of the national YouthBuild initiative and to be able to invest these resources to help at-risk youth in Bridgeport build better futures,” said Joe Carbone, President and CEO of The WorkPlace, Inc. “A huge thanks to Congressman Jim Himes for his support for the Recovery Act and this important project.”

 

That Championship Season coming to Westport Country Playhouse

Mark Lamos will direct “That Championship Season” at Westport Country Playhouse, his first production since being named artistic director in February 2009 at the historic theater in Westport , Connecticut . Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and New York Drama Critics Circle Award, “That Championship Season” by Jason Miller will be the fifth production in the Playhouse’s six-play 2009 season.  It will run August 25 through September 12.

“This classic American play is a richly dramatic feast for five actors---a raucous, savage, occasionally riotous examination of men who can't escape their shared past and their present illusions,” said Lamos. “ David Kennedy , our associate artistic director, drew my attention to the play, and as soon as I read it I was compelled by its dazzling dialogue and swift dramatic action. I think it's a great balance to the rest of the season so far.”

Bluefish quartet named to All Star team

By PAUL HERRMANN

Bridgeport Bluefish team officials today announced that four members of the team have been selected to participate in the 2009 Atlantic League All-Star Game. Pitchers Esteban Yan and Andy Weimer will be joined by outfielder Brandon Sing and infielder Luis Lopez on the Liberty Division squad

“We are very pleased to have these four players represent the Bluefish during the 2009 Atlantic League All-Star Game,” says Bluefish general manager Todd Marlin. “They have been key members of our team during the first half of the season and are deserving of this accomplishment.”

Sing has become one of the premier power hitters in the Atlantic League during his first season with the Bluefish. He is currently tied for the Atlantic League lead in home runs with 10 on the year and paces the ‘Fish in RBI (32), slugging percentage (.517) and walks (26). Lopez, a four-year Atlantic League veteran, is batting .271 with five home runs, 28 RBI and 25 runs scored. The former big leaguer has only committed three errors in 49 games this season.

Former Major Leaguer Yan owns a 4-2 record in 11 appearances (eight starts) this season. He has slated himself as one of the top starters in the Atlantic League this season, ranking third with 42 strikeouts and fifth with 63 innings pitched and a 2.57 ERA. Weimer has been a staple in the Bluefish bullpen this year, posting a 1.04 ERA in 12 appearances. He has allowed only 15 hits over 17.1 innings of work, while striking out nine batters and having the league bat .227 against him.

Yan, Weimer, Sing and Lopez will represent the Bluefish on the Liberty Division squad at the 2009 All-Star Game, which takes place June 23 at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium, home of the Newark Bears, in Newark , New Jersey . All-Star selections were the results of fan, media and front office polling, which took place throughout the league and individual team Web sites.

A fitting tribute for Orator Jim

By ROB SULLIVAN
There was a large group of smiling faces on the field at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard prior to last Wednesday night’s Bluefish/Lancaster Barnstormers ballgame and the reason was to celebrate the life of a man who died 90 years ago.
The drive to establish a permanent tribute to James “Orator Jim” O’Rourke began in earnest with those smiling faces, A statue of O’Rourke will soon be erected at the entrance to Harbor Yard and a large group was on hand Wednesday to witness the unveiling of a model of the statue, which was designed by West Haven sculptor Susan Clinard. Among those in attendance for the celebration were Clinard, Mayor Bill Finch and assorted politicians, officials from the First Hit Association including founders Bernie Crowley and Michael Bielawa and a host of O’Rourke descendants.
Perhaps this is a good time for a disclaimer. I am one of the nine members of the Board of Directors of First Hit, and was one of those dreamers who wanted to see the O’Rourke House survive. You’ve seen it; it’s located on Pembroke Street and was the sole house left in the area that will become the Steel Point development project. The house was demolished on Monday, a sad but inevitable occurrence.