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Historical Society to host fundraiser for the Barnum Museum

The Bridgeport Community Historical Society will host a fundraiser for the Barnum Museum on Sunday, February 19, at 1 pm in the Museum, 820 Main Street, with a PowerPoint presentation and a walking tour of the Museum to show the damage from the June 2010 tornado and the work to repair and restore the landmark and its collections. $5 admittance, light refreshments available, free street parking and also parking in the lot in the rear of Ralph & Rich’s. Snow date is Sunday, February 26. For more info, call Audrey at 203-371-6397.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE ANNOUNCES SUSPENSION

Tomas Marcinko suspended two games for boarding incident on Jan. 25 vs. St. John's

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The American Hockey League today announced that Bridgeport Sound Tigers right wing Tomas Marcinko was suspended for two (2) games as a consequence of a boarding incident in a game vs. St. John’s on Jan. 25.
 
Marcinko missed Bridgeport’s games Jan. 27 at Adirondack and Saturday Jan. 28 at Syracuse.

FIRST ANNUAL "TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE LIBRARY" DAY IS SET

Bridgeport -The Bridgeport Public Library will join other libraries throughout the country and participate in the first "Take Your Child to the Library" Day on Saturday, February 4.  Parents with children of all ages are invited to visit the Burroughs and Saden library downtown.  Discover the wonders of having a Bridgeport Public Library card. Check out a book, magazine, talking book or DVD. Find out how you and your child may learn another language, get free online tutoring, free early literacy software, access children's books online and more.

Special activities planned at the main Burroughs and Saden library will include:

Casting Announced for Comedy “Morning’s at Seven” Script in Hand Playreading at Westport Country Playhouse

Zoo to Host Asian New Year Celebration

BRIDGEPORT: Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, the state's only zoo, invites families to celebrate Asian New Year on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from Noon to 3:00 p.m. The Year of the Dragon festivities will feature activities for the entire family including a special children's parade around the Zoo grounds, story time, crafts, and many more fun activities. Please visit the Carousel to meet some of our special lizard guests and partake in the festivities. The snow date is February 11.

About Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo celebrates its 90th birthday in 2012 and is closer than you think! Connecticut's only zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won't want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers, Brazilian ocelots, Red wolves, and Golden Lion tamarins. Other highlights include our South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep, and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, pronghorn, deer, and more. Visitors can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful carousel. For more information, visit http://www.beardsleyzoo.org

Haviland Street Gallery listings

South Norwalk - 22 Haviland Street Gallery presents "Midwinter Mix" , February 12 - March 10; works from the kitchen, kiln, and studios of Karen Ford, Shiela Hale, Susan McCaslin, Nancy Woodward. Pre-Valentine Opening Reception: Sunday, February 12, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.; Artists Talk: Sunday, March 4, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Gallery hours through March 10: Wednesdays through Fridays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. By appointment please call 203-852-6727. PRESS RELEASE 22 Haviland Street Gallery is cooking up an earthy and tasty exhibition called "Midwinter Mix", a collection of inspired works from the kitchen, kiln and studio of artists Karen Ford, Shiela Hale, Susan McCaslin and Nancy Woodward. The Pre-valentine Opening is Sunday, February 12 from 2 p.m. - 4 p. m. "Midwinter Mix" runs through March 10.

An accompanying Artists Talk by all four artists will be presented at the gallery on Sunday, March 4, from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Shiela Hale's work includes installations, sculpture, and assemblages constructed with books, text and ephemeral natural materials. She also designs and builds furniture in her Katonah, N.Y. studio. Her artwork is intimately related to the materials and processes of daily living. For "Midwinter Mix" she'll add a dash of culinary arts by making sculpture and food on the theme of eggs. shielahale@gmail.com 914-232-8007 www.shielahale.com Karen Ford's award-winning Asian-inspired porcelain serving pieces are a fusion of clay, fire and glass. Strikingly beautiful, they also enhance the everyday ritual of eating, drinking, and living. More than 50 national exhibitions including Craft USA 2011 at Silvermine Arts Center, distinguish this Westport artist's career. info@karenfordceramics.com 203-856-7945 www.karenfordceramics.com

Susan McCaslin's muted ink and watercolor works on paper can be folded to keep in your pocket. Inspired by the sense of discovering hidden treasure, her small collections contain narratives on parenting, fertility, childhood, and genealogy. She lives and works in New Haven sharing studio space with Design Monsters, a graphic design studio she runs with her husband, George Corsillo. susan@susanmccaslin.com 203-559-8172 http://www.susanmccaslin.com Nancy Woodward photographs the natural world with a sense of meditation and deep concentration. Her series of Tree Spheres in "Midwinter Mix" are elegantly rendered evocations. Woodward works out of her New Canaan studio, where the digital darkroom, she says, "affords me the resources to coax out even the faintest of shadows and ethereal landscapes". ncwood@optonline.net 203-229-0294 "Midwinter Mix" is on view in the rooms of 22 Haviland Street Gallery's historic house on Haviland Street in downtown South Norwalk's design district. Through March 10 gallery hours are Wednesdays through Fridays, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.; and by appointment. For more information please call 203-852-6727.

Women’s Center Annual Breakfast February 8th

The Women’s Center’s 4^th Annual "Hearts of Hope" Breakfast to be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 7:30-9:00 a.m., at the Fox Hill Inn in Brookfield , will feature local Bullying Prevention Advocate Deborah Zegas Berman as this year's guest speaker.

Ms. Berman, a Ridgefield resident, will present “The Irreversible Effects of Bullying.” Her program talk focuses on the personal toll bullying has taken on her family, Connecticut 's updated Bullying Prevention Legislation and her role in its creation and passage, and ways to affect real change.

Please call the Women's Center at (203) 731-5200 to host a table of 10 for $200 or to register as an individual for $20.

Here are some upcoming February events at the Black Rock Branch Library

Mondays & Wednesdays from 12:00 – 1:00 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Get Fit Bridgeport – The Black Rock Branch announces a physical fitness series using exercise DVD’s, that are available at the library. They are simple to use and appropriate for those who have not exercised regularly, or who need a gentler way of exercising, yet want results. This program is free but registration required. Please call 203 337-9676 to reserve your spot. As with any exercise program, check with your doctor if you have any known health issues.

Wednesdays – 10:45- 11:45 AM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Little Rocks. Join us for our popular Little Rocks program for children up through age 3 with a caregiver. Stories, rhymes, music, movement, short films, and time for play are all part of the mix! Contact: Miss Bina: 203-337-9676.

Tuesday, February 7^th at 6:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Waiting for Superman – A Black Rock Documentary Film Series Presentation. Filmmaker Davis Guggenheim reminds us that education “statistics” have names: Anthony, Francisco, Bianca, Daisy, and Emily, whose stories make up the engrossing foundation of WAITING FOR SUPERMAN. As he follows a handful of promising kids through a system that inhibits, rather than encourages, academic growth.

Thursday, February 9th at 6:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Family Film Festival – Ratatouille. Remy is a young rat in the French countryside that arrives in Paris, only to find out that his cooking idol is dead. When he makes an unusual alliance with a restaurant’s new garbage boy, the culinary and personal adventures begin despite Remy’s family’s skepticism and the rat-hating world of humans. For all ages! Popcorn and juice!

Wednesday, February 15th at 1:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Food for Thought – Book Discussion. The Black Rock Branch Library’s lunchtime book club meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM - bring your brown bag lunch, we will provide coffee, tea and dessert. Our next book up for discussion is: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows have written a wondrous, delightful, poignant book — part Jane Austen, part history lesson. Call the library today and reserve your copy: 203 337-9676.

Saturday, February 18th at 2:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: The Underground Railroad with Pearlye Sams Allen. Please join the Black Rock Children’s Department in celebration of Black History Month with Pearlye Sams Allen’s interactive Underground Railroad Program.

Here are some upcoming February events at the Black Rock Branch Library

Mondays & Wednesdays from 12:00 – 1:00 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Get Fit Bridgeport – The Black Rock Branch announces a physical fitness series using exercise DVD’s, that are available at the library. They are simple to use and appropriate for those who have not exercised regularly, or who need a gentler way of exercising, yet want results. This program is free but registration required. Please call 203 337-9676 to reserve your spot. As with any exercise program, check with your doctor if you have any known health issues.

Wednesdays – 10:45- 11:45 AM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Little Rocks. Join us for our popular Little Rocks program for children up through age 3 with a caregiver. Stories, rhymes, music, movement, short films, and time for play are all part of the mix! Contact: Miss Bina: 203-337-9676.

Tuesday, February 7^th at 6:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Waiting for Superman – A Black Rock Documentary Film Series Presentation. Filmmaker Davis Guggenheim reminds us that education “statistics” have names: Anthony, Francisco, Bianca, Daisy, and Emily, whose stories make up the engrossing foundation of WAITING FOR SUPERMAN. As he follows a handful of promising kids through a system that inhibits, rather than encourages, academic growth.

Thursday, February 9th at 6:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Family Film Festival – Ratatouille. Remy is a young rat in the French countryside that arrives in Paris, only to find out that his cooking idol is dead. When he makes an unusual alliance with a restaurant’s new garbage boy, the culinary and personal adventures begin despite Remy’s family’s skepticism and the rat-hating world of humans. For all ages! Popcorn and juice!

Wednesday, February 15th at 1:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Food for Thought – Book Discussion. The Black Rock Branch Library’s lunchtime book club meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM - bring your brown bag lunch, we will provide coffee, tea and dessert. Our next book up for discussion is: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows have written a wondrous, delightful, poignant book — part Jane Austen, part history lesson. Call the library today and reserve your copy: 203 337-9676.

Saturday, February 18th at 2:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: The Underground Railroad with Pearlye Sams Allen. Please join the Black Rock Children’s Department in celebration of Black History Month with Pearlye Sams Allen’s interactive Underground Railroad Program.

Party with the Bridgeport Banner as we sail past 100,000 online readers!

Celebrate the Bridgeport Banner's 100,000 hit!

That's right! In less than 10 days, the 100,000th person to have logged on to the Banner to read about news, sports, politics, business entertainment and everything else under the sun will put us past the milestone!

The 100,000th reader will receive a speacial prize package to celebrate the occasion! Keep reading for details.

SO REMEMBER THAT LUCK NUMBER READERS AND ADVERTISERS! 100,000!

Black History Month programs scheduled at Newfield and Downtown Libraries

Saturday, February 4th at 2:00 PM, The Newfield Branch Library, 1230 Stratford Avenue presents: The Underground Railroad with Pearlye Sams Allen. Please join the Newfield Children's Department in celebration of Black History Month with Pearlye Sams Allen's interactive Underground Railroad Program.

Wednesday, February 8th at 6:30 PM, The Bridgeport Public Library, 925 Broad Street presents: The Underground Railroad with Pearlye Sams Allen. Please join the Children's Department in celebration of Black History Month with Pearlye Sams Allen's interactive Underground Railroad Program.

The University of Bridgeport and New York Times-bestselling author Dr. Peter D'Adamo announce the new Center for Excellence in Generative Medicine

By ANN QUASARANO

Bridgeport: The University of Bridgeport (UB) and Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo, internationally acclaimed clinician, researcher and author of the bestselling Eat Right 4 Your Type, announced today the collaborative launch of the Center for Excellence in Generative Medicine (COE) which will be located at 115 Broad Street across from the UB Health Sciences Complex on campus, and it is scheduled to open in Spring 2012.

The COE will continue to train naturopathic doctors while broadening the College of Naturopathic Medicine's curriculum. It also will sponsor research in the fields of nutrigenomics and epigenetics, which examines how human genes interact and are affected by the environment, lifestyle and diet.

University President Neil A. Salonen, Dr. David M. Brady, Vice Provost for Health Sciences, and Dr. D'Adamo signed the official agreement for the Center at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, at a ceremony held on the eighth floor of the BU’s Wahlstrom Library.

"Dr. Peter D'Adamo is a giant in the field of naturopathic and integrative medicine, and he has made transformational changes in the way thousands of doctors treat their patients. He has taught them to better manage and reduce patient's risk for various chronic health conditions. Having him here at UB uniquely allows our students and interns to be mentored by him while in their primary training and provides patients in the Greater Bridgeport area affordable access to this comprehensive approach to health care," said Brady.

"From our first discussions about the possibility of a Center of Excellence in Generative Medicine, almost three years ago, our goal was to investigate the use of new technologies, algorithms and philosophies as applied to a new type of patient care; one that is personalized and crafted according to these generative principles," said D'Adamo. "I believe that today we embark on a project that holds great promise for humankind and I am especially proud that this initiative has found a partner in the University of Bridgeport, a recognized educational world leader in the field of integrative medical education."

Dr. Elizabeth Pimentel, Dean of the College of Naturopathic Medicine, echoed Brady's enthusiasm. "We are thrilled that we are able to offer our students the opportunity to learn from someone who has been called the 'most creative scientist in the western world' and who is a true pioneer in our profession. Many people made this happen, not the least of which are the students who have embraced these changes whole-heartedly. Special thanks to the Curriculum Committee who were quick to see how this collaboration would benefit our college and the patients served by our clinic, and to the Clinic staff who go above and beyond to make the shift run smoothly."

As planned, the center builds upon D'Adamo's work, which became well known with the 1996 publication of Eat Right 4 Your Type, which promoted the ideas of blood type, diet and personalized nutrition. For the past 15 years, D'Adamo has continued his research on human biochemical individuality and he has published over 20 books, including the recent, Textbook of Generative Medicine.

The Center of Excellence in Generative Medicine is a revolutionary initiative, and it is without parallel or equivalent in any other school of medicine. With the addition of the new Center of Excellence, "we will enhance the naturopathic curriculum as well as provide patients the opportunity to receive this cutting-edge care," Brady said.

Shays Announces for United States Senate; Calls for balanced budget within six years

Hartford - Christopher Shays today officially announced he is a candidate for the United States Senate

By AMANDA BERGEN

He made the announcement just after noon before an enthusiastic crowd at the Old State House in Hartford.

During his speech, Shays said he would make it a #1 priority to balance the federal budget.  As Congressman, Shays sponsored and voted for a balanced budget amendment, and balanced the budget for four years despite a Democrat President.  

“When I am elected to the United States Senate, I will sponsor legislation that balances the budget within my six year term of office, and vote that way, regardless of the political consequences, and regardless of which party is in the majority,” said Shays.  “Until we get our financial house in order, nothing else matters.”  

WEBSTER BANK ARENA HOSTS PORTER AND CHESTER HARBOR YARD CLASSIC

Basketball tournament gets new name, new look

 

By MICHAEL FOLEY

BRIDGEPORT – Webster Bank Arena will host the Harbor Yard Classic basketball tournament on Monday, January 30^th, 2012, sponsored by Porter and Chester Institute. The tournament, formerly known as the Bridgeport Classic, will feature Bridgeport’s Harding High School, Bassick High School and Central High School; and St. Joseph High School in Trumbull.

“For over 30 years, students from the Bridgeport high schools have made up a significant percentage of our enrollment. With several students past and present that have played in the Classic, we are proud to support the Harbor Yard Classic, the high schools and the community,” John Goldbeck, campus director for Porter and Chester Institute, said.

The tournament will feature two female teams for the first time, Central and Harding.

The girls’ teams play at 4 p.m. The Harding and Central boys teams play at 6 p.m., followed by Bassick and St. Joseph at 8 p.m. All games are part of the conference schedules.

Tickets are $11 for adults, $9 for students and senior citizens. All games are included. Tickets are available at Webster Bank Arena’s Click It or Ticket Box Office.

Undefeated St. Joseph is the state’s top boys basketball team, according to the New Haven Register Top 10 Poll.

“We’re committed to presenting the best in high school sports,” said Howard Saffan, president of Harbor Yard Sports and Entertainment, which manages Webster Bank Arena.

The arena recently hosted the Northeast Christmas Classic basketball tournament and the New Year’s Eve High School Hockey Face Off tournament.

The Porter and Chester Institute Harbor Yard Classic has been one of the region’s most popular sporting events for years.

“Bridgeport has a rich tradition of high school basketball. The Harbor Yard Classic is an excellent opportunity to celebrate that tradition and provide today’s student athletes with a chance to perform on the grand stage of Webster Bank Arena,” Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch said.

Himes Statement on State of the Union

Congressman Jim Himes (D4) issued the following statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address:

“I was pleased by two things the President said tonight and one thing he did. First, he reminded us of the absolute importance of educating every one of our children, every one of our people, so that they can be competitive and help lead our shared effort to rebuild a nation that provides opportunity for everyone. We can’t expect to offer the American Dream if we don’t equip our young people with the capabilities and talents they need. Second, he called on us to make sure that we lead, not follow, on a clean energy future. Finally, the President struck an important—and needed—tone of optimism. At this moment when many Americans are discouraged and doubtful, he reminded us that our nation can accomplish anything if we work together.”

Himes Statement on Resignation of Giffords

WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (D4) issued the following statement regarding the decision of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-8) to resign from Congress:

“We will deeply miss the service and leadership of Representative Gabby Giffords, whose work, commitment, and unparalleled sense of duty embodied the true meaning of the title Representative. She set an example we will all continue to admire and strive to match. I wish the best for my courageous friend and colleague and look forward to the day she is able to return to public service. Her spirit, courage, and strength will continue to inspire me every day.”

City Lights tonight at The Bijou

City Lights, a Charlie Chaplin Classic,
Weds. 1/25. 6:30 at the Bijou Theatre

Ticket price is $10, Seniors $8.

A One Night Mini-Fundraiser for the public art and education programs produced by City Lights

A $5 donation will be made to City Lights from everyone who mentions "City Lights Gallery"

FOR MORE INFO:
www.citylightsgallery.org

BIJOU THEATRE: 275 Fairfield Ave. Bpt. CT. 06604
www.thebijoutheatre.com

Bridgeport Beat: Old Friend Ernie Newton returns to the Bridgeport political scene with gusto

By ROB SULLIVAN

He’s b-a-a-a-a-c-k!

Not that it’s any great surprise.

Ernie Newton is officially returning to the political scene, and will challenge incumbent State Senator Ed Gomes (D23) for the seat Gomes has held since Newton began serving his five-year Federal prison sentence. The seat was once held by Newton and the veteran Park City politician wants it back.

Newton didn’t exactly hide the fact that he was itching to return to the political fray. He has told numerous friends and observers since his release from prison in 2010 that “I’m going to do something.” The question at that time was what was Ernie going to do?

Originally there were thoughts that Newton might run for Mayor, an idea that has been bandied about before. There just was not enough time for the East Ender to put together an organization and launch an assault on incumbent Bill Finch, so the idea of running for City Hall Annex faded away.

That didn’t stop Newton, however. He quickly jumped on the Mary-Jane Foster bandwagon in her attempt to unseat Finch and soon became one of her most vocal and ardent supporters. And when Foster made her concession speech at the Bijou Theater after losing to Finch in the primary, there was Ernie, front and center, sharing the spotlight with his candidate.

Ernie Newton is a political animal. It’s what he knows. It’s what he’s done his entire life. His bid for elective office should surprise no one. Former Providence Mayor, and Fairfield University grad, Buddy Cianci, went to jail for attempted murder, got released and was once again elected mayor of Providence. Of course he went to jail again and served time in the same jail with Newton and former Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, but that’s a story for another day.

From this vantage point, there is no reason whatsoever that Newton should run for office. We’ve already heard from some of the holier than thou types who believe that once released from prison, former convicts should be banished to the outskirts of society, forever reminded of their past transgressions and never being able to be on equal par with those denizens of society who have never broken the law. Or, more accurately, have never been found guilty of anything. Excuse me, but that’s pure balderdash.

Ernie Newton took some payoffs. He got caught. He got arrested. He was found guilty. He went to jail. He went kicking and screaming arguing that he was the Moses of his people, but he went anyway. He did his time and paid his debt to society. Now is his chance to be a productive member of society once again. Who are we to deny him that opportunity? Aren’t we better off with Ernie out there fighting for some good causes?

And so Ernie is back. He has opted to challenge Gomes, a controversial move in and of itself. Gomes is popular in the district, which ranges from Whiskey Hill in the North End through the East End and into Stratford, so he will be tough to beat. Gomes has been a sick man in recent months, and has undergone triple bypass surgery. The veteran legislator is well on the road to recovery and fully expected to answer the bell when this year’s legislative session opens. Still, Newton may suffer the wrath of voters who feel it is unfair to challenge a man who has been in poor health.

The race itself is going to be interesting. Both candidates have pockets of strength: Gomes in the North End and Newton in the East End. Gomes, a former steelworker, will bring tremendous union support that Newton’s flair may have difficulty overcoming. (A bit of full disclosure here: Gomes and my father John, were both union officials and my father tapped Gomes to replace him as Civil Rights Director for the United Steelworkers of America’s new England District).

In any event, Ernie Newton is back and lots of Bridgeport residents will be casting their ballots for him this year. His campaign officially kicks off on Saturday at noon in front of the now-closed post office at 1234 Stratford Avenue.

He’s back and all I can say is “Welcome Back Ernie!”

 

 

 

Beginning Italian classes now offered at Black Rock Branch

The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Free Italian Language Classes for Beginners. Want to learn Italian but never had a chance? Going to Italy soon? Or, do you consider yourself someone who can’t learn a foreign language? Then this class is for you. The Black Rock Branch Library is offering a series of Italian language classes which uses a unique method for easy learning.The 4-week class series of conversational Italian classes will be offered Thursday evenings February 9th, 16th, 23rd and March 1st from 7:15 to 8:15 PM. Space is limited, so call the Black Rock Branch Library at (203) 337-9676 to register.

Complete text of president Obama's State of the Union Address 1/24/12

THE PRESIDENT:  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans:

Last month, I went to Andrews Air Force Base and welcomed home some of our last troops to serve in Iraq.  Together, we offered a final, proud salute to the colors under which more than a million of our fellow citizens fought -- and several thousand gave their lives.