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Daily Commentary: The utter laughingstock that is the Bridgeport school system

By ROB SULLIVAN

Most likely, the top issue in Bridgeport in the Year of our Lord 2011 was the state, or stagnation if you will, of the city’s school system.

Individually, there are many success stories in the Park City’s schools: there are good students, teachers, principals and administrators. There are good schools. Collectively, however, the system is a glaring failure.

Although the school system is top heavy with administrators who earn six figure salaries, the city’s schools are essentially cash strapped. Each year the Board of Education pleads for more funding from the city, but they are usually denied. And who ultimately pays for that? Bridgeport’s children.

The elected Board of Education has by nature always been a political entity, but this year the political process through the entire Bridgeport school system under the bus. After being unable to establish a budget for the year ahead, the Board of Education voted 6-3 to dissolve itself, an act of extreme political cowardice, although the move was undoubtedly ordered from a smoke filled room somewhere in the Park City.

Shortly thereafter, a state appointed Board of Education was in place, causing uproar among Bridgeport parents, students and community activists. One of the first actions the new board took was to fire Superintendent of Schools John Ramos.

Political opponents of Mayor Bill Finch, who helped orchestrate the maneuver, filed a lawsuit that is still pending.  So Park City students now have this situation: no superintendent, no school budget, a neutered school board and an unresolved lawsuit that will determine their fate. Pretty nice, isn’t it?

Finch is championing charter review in the hopes of permanently eliminating the elected school board, but that will be a story for 2012.

 

 

 

Donation of Refrigerated Truck Gives Bridgeport Rescue Mission Access to Greater Food Resources

“This truck gives us the capability to pick up produce we normally could not receive from organizations throughout the community . . .” 

                                              —Linda Casey, Director of Development and Strategic planning

By DONNA ROMANO

BRIDGEPORT ––Bridgeport Rescue Mission now has access to a greater number of resources for donated food, thanks to the gift of a refrigerated truck from Wholesome Wave, a local organization that works to improve access to and the affordability of nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables for under-served communities.

 

“This truck gives us the capability to pick up produce we normally could not receive from organizations throughout the community such as Whole Foods, Target, Creative Meats, Nivo Pasta, Wade’s Dairy, and Westport Farmer’s Market,” said Bridgeport Rescue Mission Food Service Manager Paul Byron.

The fresh produce allows the Mission to provide healthier meals to its residents and homeless and working poor men, women and children.

Wholesome Wave bought the truck in 2008 through a generous grant from an anonymous donor who receives philanthropic advisory services from the Fairfield County Community Foundation. At the time farmers markets struggled to survive in the city. With the truck, Wholesome Wave was able to transport fresh produce from local farms to Bridgeport and then sell it at a affordable prices. The demand for the local harvest grew significantly. Over the next two years, one farmers market and two farm stands were established in Bridgeport. These direct markets also run Wholesome Wave’s Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP), a program that doubles the value of federal benefits spent at the farm stands.

Modern Day Slavery: Right in Our Back Yard

Please Join Us for a "Rise and Raise Awareness" Breakfast

Wednesday January 11th from 8:30am to 10am

Fine Arts Room at Bridgeport Public Library (Main Branch), 925 Broad Street

Participants will learn about human trafficking, a form of modern day slavery, which exists right here in our community. Here about this startling crisis and ways the nonprofit community can help combat human trafficking.

Light breakfast will be provided. $5 suggested donation at the door.

Remember to wear navy blue!

Psychostick coming to Hartford

Psychostick live:

Friday, January 27th

Up Or On The Rocks

Hartford

Ground Truth : Mapping the Senses/ Charting Experience

Bridgeport --The Housatonic Museum of Art will begin the new year with an exciting

exhibit,  Ground Truth : Mapping the Senses / Charting Experience.  The  show

opens on  January 13^th and will run through February 10, 2012.  Housatonic Museum

director Robbin Zella and artist Susan Sharp are curators for the exhibit which will

consist of works from approximately fifteen artists,  including a variety of pieces

from Merce Cunningham and John Cage’s video collaboration, “Points in Space,” to

Chip Lord’s video Movie Map: SF 03 that connects fantasy spaces and real places, to

Eve Ingalls large drawings on canvas of her experience hiking the mountain 

range near her Idaho home.

The Housatonic Museum is open to the public at no charge Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The Museum is closed when the college is closed. For further information contact 203-332-5052 or visit www.housatonicmuseum.org.

Rex Reed will lecture at Fairfield U's Open Visions Forum

By MICHAEL HORYCZUN

Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, presents the outspoken movie critic and columnist Rex Reed at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2012. Mr. Reed is also an author, journalist, television personality and sometimes movie actor. His lecture is entitled "Hollywood Notebook: Glory or Gory?" Following Mr. Reed’s presentation, there will be an informal conversation with OVF moderator Professor Philip Eliasoph and special guest, Peter Fox. Mr. Fox, a resident of Essex, is a screenwriter, active consultant to Hollywood, “script doctor,” and an instructor of screenwriting. He is also the Film & Entertainment Editor for Venü magazine. “Having grown up in show business, I have read Rex Reed’s reviews, literally, since childhood,” said Fox. “He is the most important film critic of our time, or any time, for that matter.” This Open VISIONS Forum event is presented with the support of several partners including the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, The Office of Film, Television & Digital Media of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and Venü magazine. Single tickets are $45.

Letter to the Editor: Action by Obama Administration will greatly reduce air pollution hazards

To the Editor:

The American Lung Association applauds the Obama Administration for adopting public health safeguards to reduce mercury and toxic air pollution from power plants. The new Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for Power Plants are long overdue and will reduce the harm from air pollution like mercury, lead, arsenic and a host of other pollutants.

Air pollution emitted by coal-fired power plants contains 84 of the 187 hazardous pollutants identified for control by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many of these pollutants, such as, dioxins, arsenic, and lead, can cause cancer and cardiovascular disease; harm the kidneys, lungs, and nervous system; and even kill. The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards will reduce these pollutants and prevent 130,000 asthma attacks and 11,000 premature deaths each year.

These new proposed standards are especially critical to those of us in New England since we are at the tailpipe of the nation’s air pollution exhaust system. We need a strong Clean Air Act to protect us from secondhand smog. According to our 2011 State of the Air report, thousands of Connecticut people and visitors are put at risk from the health effects from air pollution each year. To view the full report, visit www.stateoftheair.org. 

Michelle Marichal

Manager, Health Promotion and Public Policy

American Lung Association in Connecticut

Daily Commentary: Looking back at a mayoral election that was far more fizzle than fizz

By ROB SULLIVAN

The Bridgeport issue that was probably most analyzed and discussed during 2011 was undoubtedly Mayor Bill Finch’s quest for a second term and his challengers’ determined efforts to see him voted out of office. However, the race for the seat in City Hall Annex turned out to be more fizzle than fizz as Finch coasted to easy wins in both the Democratic primary and the general election.

It didn’t start out that way, however.

The first major development occurred when the three most well-known possible challengers to Finch – former Mayor John Fabrizi, former Mayor Joe and Ganim and then-State Representative Chris Caruso – each decided not to pursue the corner office. This was certainly a major boost for the incumbent.

Most likely Fabrizi didn’t run because he was loath to give up his job as the city’s Adult Education honcho. Hey, why should he? It pays a healthy six figures and there’s a lot less tension on Lincoln Boulevard than on Broad Street. For Ganim, the timing was not right. After his prison release, he had to get his life in order in terms of paying his fines and reacquiring his law license, so the time frame was not there for him. But look for Joe to return in four years, if not sooner. Caruso received a nice position in the Gov. Dannel Malloy administration, which took him out of the running and silenced the Mayor’s most vocal critic. Perhaps Finch and Malloy, who have had their political differences, struck a deal to get Caruso out of their collective hairs, but in any event he is no longer a player in Park City politics.

So what Democrats were going to step up to the plate and run? In the end there were three: John Gomes, Charlie Coviello and Mary-Jane Foster. Coviello, a well-known activist and political gadfly, and Gomes, a city businessman, quickly dropped out of the race to back Foster.

Foster was often described during the campaign as a political newcomer. Technically that’s true. But Foster entered the race as an extremely well-known Bridgeporter, being involved in many organizations and also being revered as a founder of the beloved Bridgeport Bluefish.

Foster received two major boosts in her attempt to dethrone Finch. First was the citywide outrage against Finch’s thinly veiled dissolution of Bridgeport’s elected Board of Education. Foster seized the issue and quickly became a champion of parents and students. She is still one of the lead plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Finch-backed state appointed school board.

The challenger also picked up steam when Democratic Registrar of Voters Santa Ayala, in a major gaffe, denied Foster’s petition to be placed on the ballot. Perhaps Ayala was ordered to deny Foster by Democratic Town Chairman Mario Testa, but it didn’t matter as the courts backed Foster and Finch and company were left standing with collective egg on their collective faces.

In the end organization prevailed. Foster’s proved to be amateurish and inadequate and Testa and Finch had perfected a well-oiled machine. The challenger was steamrolled by more than 19 percentage points and returned to her job at the University of Bridgeport.

In the general election, Republican nominee Rick Torres tore into Finch at every opportunity and in every media outlet. He was colorful as well, driving around in a large red campaign van and arriving at political events on a Segway. Independent candidate Jeff Kohut played the role of the policy wonk, specifically detailing his vision for the city at every oppoortunity. In the end it didn't matter as Finch smoked them both. The incumbent withstood a lot of barbs during the prolonged campaign, but at the end of the day the average Bridgeport voter - and there weren't many of them - apparently believed this guy's doing a pretty good job.

The English Beat return to FTC

Having fallen in love with the StageOne lights after playing eleven shows over the last three years -- and one at the Klein -- the 2 tone ska/punk rockers from across the pond are back for more. The Beat (as their known in England) fuses their rhythmic roots reggae/ska core with soul, pop and some ripe old punk rock. Watching their tight, fiery live show from the dancing room in front of your seats, you’re almost in the band! It is an amazing opportunity to see the classic band perform in your FTC living room, and learn the ins and outs of the music from 10 feet away.

President Obama Finalizes Life-Saving Mercury and Air Toxics Rule

Rule is expected to save 11,000 lives each year

By LIZ DiMARTINO

Hartford – The American Lung Association applauds the Obama Administration for adopting public health safeguards to reduce mercury and toxic air pollution from power plants. The new Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for Power Plants are long overdue and will reduce the harm from air pollution like mercury, lead, arsenic and a host of other pollutants. “Cleaner, healthier air will save lives,” said Daniel Gerardi, M.D., pulmonologist and former president for the Connecticut Thoracic Section of the American Lung Association’s Medical and Scientific Branch. The standards will help protect children, seniors and people with chronic lung diseases like asthma.”

Air pollution emitted by coal-fired power plants contains 84 of the 187 hazardous pollutants identified for control by the EPA. Many of these pollutants, such as, dioxins, arsenic, and lead, can cause cancer and cardiovascular disease; harm the kidneys, lungs, and nervous system; and even kill. The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards will reduce these pollutants and prevent 130,000 asthma attacks and 11,000 premature deaths each year.

The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments required tighter standards on power plants in an effort to reduce toxic emissions in communities across the country. However, big polluters have fought for and won delays for more than 21 years.

“This action means that people will soon begin to breathe easier,” continued Dr. Gerardi. “No more delays for healthier air in Connecticut. Here in New England, we're especially thankful for this rule, as our location makes us more vulnerable to out-of-state air pollution. Healthy air is not a Democratic issue, or a Republican issue, but it's certainly a New England issue.”

To join the fight for healthy air, visit www.FightingforAir.org. To see how Connecticut ranked in the American Lung Association's most recent State of the Air report, visit www.StateoftheAir.org.

About the American Lung Association in New England

The American Lung Association of New England is part of the American Lung Association, the oldest voluntary health organization in the U.S. Established in 1904 to combat tuberculosis; our mission today is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The focus is on air quality, asthma, tobacco control, and all lung disease. ALANE serves CT, MA, ME, NH, RI and VT. www.lungne.org

Come to the Zoo and Party with the Animals This Winter!

By CARYN KAUFMAN

BRIDGEPORT: - Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, the state's only Zoo, is pleased to release their calendar for late December through February 2012. The Zoo offers fun events for the entire family all year round, most of which are free with the cost of admission. Calendar subject to change without notice. Please check BeardsleyZoo.org or Facebook for the most up to date information.   Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think! The Zoo is open every day from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $12.00, children (ages 3 -11) and senior admission (62 and older) is just $10.00, and children under 3 years old and Zoo members are admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge.   HOLIDAY 2011 SCHEDULE The Zoo will be open for half days on New Year's Eve. The last visitor will be admitted at Noon and the doors will close at 1:00 p.m. New Year's Day - CLOSED   Holiday & Winter Carousel, Café, and Gift Shop Hours: Monday and Tuesday - Café and Carousel closed Wednesday thru Friday - Café and Carousel open at 10:00 am and close at 3:00 pm Monday thru Friday - Gift Shop opens at 10:00 am and closes at 3:00 pm Saturday and Sunday Café - Carousel and Gift Shop open at 9:00 am and close at 4:00 pm     Through December 30, Happy Zoo Year (Come Party with the Animals)! Get ready to ring in the New Year at the Zoo with half price admission! Viktor, our adorable tiger cub born in 2004, is all grown up and he's come home for the holidays. Help us welcome him back to Bridgeport and, while you're at it, say hello to our two new Maned wolves, two new lynx, baby pronghorn, and rare Chacoan peccary piglet, too!   January 2012 January 16, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day The Zoo is honoring the civil rights leader's life and achievements by offering $5.00 admission today.       February 2012 February 4, Asian New Year Celebration, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Join your Zoo friends in celebrating the Year of the Dragon with special stories, crafts, a children's parade, and many more fun activities. Snow date is February 11. February 11, Summer Internship Application Deadline Internships are available for college level students in Animal Care, Education, or Veterinary Care. An application and program details may be found on our Web site under Get Involved; Volunteer; Interns. February 11, Wild at Heart Event 2012, 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo invites you to add a little Wild to your Valentine's Day at our Wild at Heart Event 2012. Indulge yourself with food, drink, animal encounters, entertainment, and a fabulous silent auction with lots of love! Dress up in your finest cocktail attire and treat yourself to tantalizing appetizers served alongside a pasta station. For a sweet ending to the night, enjoy chocolate fondue courtesy of The Melting Pot in Darien. NOTE: This is an adults only event. $75 per person / $125 per couple. Tickets are limited. To purchase, please contact Emily Bobowick at (203) 394-6569 or ebobowick@beardsleyzoo.org. February 14, Valentine's Day Show your honey some love! Anyone wearing red today gets 15% off admission! February 21, 22, 23, Paint with the Animals Create one-of-a-kind artwork by collaborating with our very own animal artists-in-residence. This premium program is the first of its kind in the country and is open by reservation only. Please call 203-394-6563 for details. ONGOING Visit our Tropical Winter Greenhouse Enjoy a visit to a tropical paradise at our Victorian Greenhouse. As you stroll through, you can see several species flowering. It's a short walk through another world! Free with Zoo admission. 90 Years... It's Closer Than You Think! Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Celebrates its 90th Birthday in 2012

Bridgeport Holiday Schedule for Trash and Recycling Pickup, and Transfer Station Hours

BRIDGEPORT – The City’s Public Works department announces the following schedule for the week of January 2:

Trash and recycling pickups will occur as scheduled the week of January 2.

The city’s Transfer Station located at 475 Asylum Street, will be closed on Monday, Jan. 2 and will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 7 a.m.

The Transfer Station winter hours are as follows: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 12 noon.

Bridgeport Beat: Ordinance Committee moves City Charter revision initiative forward

By ROB SULLIVAN

The City Council’s Ordinance Committee has taken the first step in enacting Mayor Bill Finch’s request for a revision of Bridgeport’s City Charter. At its Wednesday, Dec. 28 meeting, the committee voted to send the mayor’s request to establish a City Charter revision committee to the full City Council for consideration.

Finch has said that the process of overhauling the City Charter is long overdue and many provisions in the current charter are outdated. The last time there was a major update of the City Charter was in 1993. To begin the process, Finch recommended the creation of the Revision Commission to the Ordinance Committee in mid-December.

Finch explained the number one reason Bridgeport needs charter revision is to drastically improve its school system.

“It has become clear that we need to modernize, simplify and make our Charter more constitutional in style in order to face the challenges of a 21^stcentury municipality. One of the primary recommendations I will forward to this commission will be creating more public accountability for education reform in order to ensure that our students receive the best education possible,” said Finch.

Any way you look at it, the Park City education system is a mess. Most importantly, Bridgeport’s students are woefully underserved. Among other problems, classroom sizes are too large, textbooks are outdated, standardized test scores are pitiful and the high school drop out rate is astronomical.

And if that isn’t enough, politics have made the question of exactly who is running the city’s schools unanswerable. The elected Board of Education voted to dissolve itself by a 6-3 vote last summer, and was replaced by state appointed board. However, that move is currently being challenged in court and a decision has not yet been rendered. Also, the newly appointed state board canned Superintendent of Schools John Ramos, and a new permanent schools chief has not yet been hired.

Many observers believe that Finch’s call for charter revision is mainly to permanently eliminate an elected Board of Education.

Business leaders have long said one of the main reasons new businesses are not flocking to Bridgeport is its poor education system. Finch certainly believes economic development and a strong school system go hand in hand, and thus the request for charter revision.

“Finding ways to make our City government more effective and accountable is something that the City Council has been grappling with for some time. I’m happy that the Mayor has taken the lead on the issue of Charter reform, and I’m sure the Council will support his action, and the creation of a Charter Revision Commission,” said City Council President Thomas McCarthy, who is almost always a Finch ally.

It is anticipated that at its next full meeting on the council will initiate the charter revision process by a resolution that must be adopted by a two-thirds vote of its entire membership. On January 17, (or not more than 30 days after initiating the charter revision process) the council will, by resolution, appoint the commission consisting of between five and 15 electors. The first order of substantive business for the commission will be to conduct the first of two mandatory public hearings.

“We expect to pursue an aggressive timeline in order to place the Charter revision on the November 2012 ballot in order to maximize voter participation during the Presidential election cycle,” said Finch. “This all-volunteer commission will have its work cut out for it in order to meet this deadline,” he added.

City residents who are qualified electors that are interested in serving on the Charter Revision Commission should contact the Mayor’s Office at 203-576-7201.

TOKARSKI OUTDUELS POULIN, ADMIRALS BEAT SOUND TIGERS 2-1

Norfolk netminder stops 26 of 27 shots, Gallant nets lone Sound Tiger goal
By JAMIE PALATINI

NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk goaltender Dustin Tokarski stopped 26 of 27 shots, including Dylan Reese’s one-timer from point-blank range with 7.9 seconds left in regulation, and the Admirals defeated the Bridgeport Sound Tigers 2-1 at Scope Arena on Wednesday night. With the win, Norfolk improves to 19-11-0-1. The Sound Tigers fall to 12-15-3-1.

The Sound Tigers controlled play for the majority of the first period, and got their first goal courtesy of an unlikely source. Sound Tigers forwards Brett Gallant and Tomas MArcinko entered the Norfolk zone on a 2-on-1 rush. Gallant carried the puck into the right circle, and fired a centering feed into the slot that deflected off of Norfolk forward Mike Angelidis’ stick and past Admirals netminder Dustin Tokarski. It was Gallant’s second goal of the season and the Sound Tigers led 1-0 8:12 into the game.

The Sound Tigers carried that lead into the second period after outshooting Norfolk 13-5 in the opening frame. However, the Admirals evened the score just 2:41 into the second period. Penalties to Tomas Marcinko and Matt Donovan left the Sound Tigers at a 5-on-3 disadvantage, and Mike Kostka’s shot from above the right circle got through traffic and past Kevin Poulin to tie the score at one. The Admirals added to that lead midway through the period, when Carter Ashton skated the puck behind the Sound Tigers net and found Philip-Michael Devos in the slot. Devos beat Poulin for his second goal of the season, and Norfolk held a 2-1 lead.

The Sound Tigers had a great opportunity late in the period after Norfolk forward Trevor Smith was given a five-minute major for spearing Scott Howes as well as a game misconduct. However, the Sound Tigers could not convert on the five-minute power play and trailed 2-1 after two periods despite being outshot by the Sound Tigers by an 18-11 margin.

Bridgeport continued to create opportunities in the third period, including a 5-on-3 power play for 1:55 midway through the period, but Tokarski made save after save to preserve the lead for Norfolk. The Sound Tigers mounted one last charge in the final two minutes as Poulin was pulled for the extra attacker, however Bridgeport could not find the equalizer.

The Sound Tigers will close out their two-game series with Norfolk on Friday evening at Scope Arena at 7:30 p.m.

Acoustic Celebration series all set to kick off in Ridgefield

The Acoustic Celebration singer/songwriter series resumes Jan. 15, with performers Joe Crookston. and Amy Speace. The two of them will each perform a solo set and hopefully accompany each other on a number of songs. Join us for what will be a magical afternoon January 15 at 4:00p.m. Tickets are available now online at www.acousticcelebration.org and are priced at just $17 in advance, $20 at the door of Temple Shearith Israel, 46 Peaceable Street, Ridgefield.

Tom Pacheco returns to Ridgefield on Sunday, January 22, at the Acoustic Celebration. This concert will be held at St. Stephen’s North Hall, 351 Main Street. Time is 4:00 P.M. and tickets can be purchased for $17 online at www.acousticcelebration.org. Remaining tickets, $20 at the door.

Hoosier singer/songwriters Tim Grimm and Krista Detor perform Sunday, Jan. 29th. This concert will be held at St. Stephen’s North Hall, 351 Main Street. Time is 4:00 P.M. and tickets can be purchased for $17 online at www.acousticcelebration.org. Remaining tickets, $20 at the door.

Feb 12, 2012 Pierce Pettis and Grace Pettis - Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at door, Temple Shearith Israel, 46 Peaceable St. Ridgefield.

Imaginations soar when Jack and the Beanstalk comes to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Saturday, January 28

By SUZANNE DUMONT-BENGSTON

Jack and the Beanstalk spins the tale of trading the family cow for three magic beans when this Pepsi Children’s Series show will inspire children at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Saturday, January 28, at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. This event is presented by Theatre IV and underwritten by Wooster School of Danbury with media sponsor Star 99.9fm.

Jack, a modern day hero, uses his imagination to become the famous Jack from the book he is reading. The giant beanstalk grows as our hero climbs through the clouds to meet an ill-tempered giant, find a bounty of treasures and have more adventures than you can shake a stalk at. “Everything is always top of the line. Thanks again for extraordinary children’s theater,” wrote a teacher whose students attended a Theatre IV Production.

For tickets ($15) and further information about The Ridgefield Playhouse, call the box office at 203-438-5795, or go online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield.

BIG SAM'S FUNKY NATION @ INFINITY HALL

20 Greenwoods Road West, Norfolk Sunday, January 8th @ 7:30 PM

Don't miss one of New Orleans' most celebrated bands live in Norfolk! Break out your dancing shoes and get ready for a night of high energy, hip-shaking funk. Mark your calendars for a New Orleans style dance party on January 8th at Infinity Hall!

Proudly hailing from New Orleans, Big Sam's Funky Nation has been electrifying audiences with his brand of high-voltage funk for years. Formerly the trombone player of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Big Sam has been an innovator of the music flowing from a revitalized New Orleans.

The music of BSFN, (described as Noladelic Powerfunk) converges omni-present influences of rock, hip-hop, jazz and funk together into an unexpected and distinctively bold sound. The master musicians comprising BSFN-- Andrew Baham on Trumpet/Vocals/Keys, Andrew Block on Guitar, Chocolate MILK on Drums, and Eric Vogel on Bass-- provide a sturdy platform to keep the musical party rolling strong as Big Sam, their charismatic front man, engages and delights the crowd. BSFN is a musical force with a memorable live show and the chops to keep it funky all through the night!

Aquarion Water Company Receives Awards Recognizing 2011 Achievements

Connecticut’s top-rated water utility concludes highly successful 2011 with honors from Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce and Bridgeport Regional Business Council

By JUSTIN MAY

BRIDGEPORT– Aquarion Water Company has announced that it is the recipient of the 2011 Business Growth Award from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce and the 2011 Consumer Service Unit Award from the Bridgeport Regional Business Council.

The Greater Valley Chamber’s Business Growth Award honors businesses that have demonstrated significant growth through acquisition and a solid record of accomplishment. One key component of Aquarion’s successful 2011 was the purchase and integration of 40 water systems in Connecticut into its portfolio, which strengthened the company’s ability to improve the availability and quality of water in communities throughout the state.

“Through our acquisition of smaller companies, we had a great year in terms of growth and are now in a position to deliver improvements to even more local water systems in Connecticut,” Aquarion President and CEO Charles V. Firlotte said. “We are honored to be recognized by one of the region’s leading business organizations, the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, and we look forward to exploring ways to expand our operations in 2012.”

For the fifth year in a row, Aquarion was awarded the Customer Service Award by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for having the fewest number of customer complaints in the state. This includes water, electric, natural gas, cable and telephone companies.

“Over the years, Aquarion has earned a stellar reputation among our customers and our employees because of the high level of respect we have for both,” said Firlotte. “At Aquarion, we strive to consistently exceed our customers’ expectations while adopting innovative and fresh ideas. We appreciate this special recognition from the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, and we will continue to provide our customers with the highest level of service for many years to come.”

In addition to the awards bestowed by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce and the BRBC, Aquarion was also recognized in 2011 by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund for leadership in reducing its carbon footprint, cutting its electrical consumption by up to 50 percent; and by Hearst Connecticut Newspapers for being ranked the second best place to work among large companies in a multi-company employee survey.

For more information on Aquarion Water Company, please visit www.aquarionwater.com or www.facebook.com/aquarionwater.

About Aquarion Water Company:

Aquarion Water Company is the public water supply company for more than 590,000 people in 39 cities and towns throughout Connecticut, as well as serving customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It is the largest investor-owned water utility in New England and among the seven largest in the U.S. Based in Bridgeport, Conn., it has been in the public water supply business since 1857. Across its operations, Aquarion strives to act as a responsible steward of the environment and to assist the communities it serves in promoting sustainable practices as well.

 

 

Daily Commentary: Farewell 2011!

By ROB SULLIVAN

Well, it’s great to be back at the old keyboard and I hope that everyone reading this had a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a joyous holiday season in general.

The holiday season is not quite over yet, though. New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and the Feast of Epiphany are all arriving in the days ahead. And with those holidays there will be plenty of champagne toasts but there will also be plenty of the Year in Review Lists.

Here at the Bridgeport Banner as we look back at 2011 we’ll be focusing mainly on events and milestones that took place in Bridgeport and its surrounding communities, but we’ll also touch upon some national happenings. We’ll say good-bye to some legendary Bridgeporters such as Jerry McDougall and Nick Ashford and also look at some of the triumphs of our local residents. And we certainly hope our readers enjoy the package that will unfold here in the days ahead.

So for one last time until 2012, Merry Christmas! And for the first time this year, Happy New Year!

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Encourages All to “Make the Call”

By TAMMY MARZIK

With the Holiday Season in full swing, Commissioner Linda Schwartz reiterates that “Rate of suicide in military sounds an alarm”

The darkness of winter in and of itself does have an effect on people’s outlook. Short days and long nights can be cause for negative feelings and isolation. Coping in a healthy way with some of our emotional needs is indeed a challenge.

Commissioner Linda Schwartz and the staff at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs are reaching out with a reminder that the holiday season can be both an enjoyable and stressful time. We want to take this opportunity to remind folks that there are several services which are set aside to support recently returning military personnel, veterans and their families who might be experiencing symptoms of depression, post traumatic stress and problems coping during this time of year.

Often friends, coworkers and family members are the first to notice when a veteran or military member is experiencing difficulties. If you have any of these concerns about a veteran, we want you to know that there are several avenues available to help you help your veteran or their families.

Several State agencies in Connecticut and the Federal VA have services to address the very special emotional and mental health needs of veterans. Many times people feel that these issues are none of their business, however we are asking for everyone to be a “Battle Buddy” by taking steps to approach any veteran you see in need.

Coaching into Care is a new program supported by the Federal VA which offers professional counseling for friends and relatives on how to speak to veterans if they are concerned about their welfare. Another program exclusively for Connecticut veterans is our Military Support Program which is a 24/7 hotline answered by individuals who are available to connect callers with mental health services and programs sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs has a toll free number which is available to assist in guidance and support services.

Very recently, 2-1-1, Connecticut’s free information and referral service has collected a comprehensive listing of services and programs specifically directed to assist military members, veterans and their families.

Please help us get the word out especially during this holiday season. Commissioner Schwartz has been receiving numerous calls for help and people who wish they had known about these special services. We are asking people to have the courage to take the steps to “Make the Call” and reach out to veterans who can use this help. We want a Happy Holiday for everyone.

Coaching into Care: 888-823-7458

Email: CoachingIntoCare@va.gov

Military Support Program: 866-251-2913

Department of Veterans’ Affairs: 866-928-8387

2-1-1: 211 (Ask for Military/Veteran Listings)