Bridgeport Banner

Architecture: Art, Science & Energy is the focus at the Discovery Museum

Designed by John Johansen of the famous Harvard Five, The Discovery Museum building opened its doors 50 years ago as a result of a rich collaboration of regional towns, businesses, organizations, and residents. Join us as we celebrate Discovery's 50th anniversary, its exceptional architectural heritage, and the communities it serves.

 

Architecture: Art, Science & Energy

Saturday, May 26 -Saturday, September 15, 2012

 

An exhibition of architectural advances in design, energy conservation and sustainability created in partnership with participating architecture firms

 

Presented are distinct building types seen through the eyes of architects to help us understand how our built environment is created; how it can be made better, and how energy plays an important role.

School Ecologies

Svigals + Partners, Discovery Magnet School

A Green Home in Any Color

DeStefano and Chamberlain, Inc., Structural and Architectural Engineering

Skyscrapers

Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

Mixed-Use Buildings & Planned Communities

Robert Orr & Associates

Urban Space & Articulation

Touloukian Touloukian, Inc.

The Discovery Museum Retrospective

David Barbour Architects

 

Lecture Series Sponsored by Ring's End

Saturdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: June 16, 30; July 14, 28; August, 11, 25

June 16 Elizabeth DiSalvo, Trillium Architect

Foster Lyons, Coastal Point Construction

"How to Work with an Architect and Builder"

 

June 30 Joe DeRisi,Urbanminers

Fernando Pastor, Architect

"How to Incorporate Salvage into Your Project"

Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust Receives 10-Thousand Dollars in Grant from Near & Far Aid

By ROB SULLIVAN 

Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust (BNT) Executive Director, Elizabeth Torres announced recently that Near & Far Aid awarded it $10,000 to develop a social service program for families living in the housing owned by BNT. BNT will work with its residents to address barriers preventing families from remaining housed, build a strong sense of community engagement and participation between residents, and access mainstream benefits and resources, such as SNAP and energy assistance. “We want to give our residents a hand 'up' by helping identify issues that will jeopardize their housing and develop a plan of action to address them,” says Elizabeth Torres. 

 

Community Foundation Awards Grant to Women’s Center

By CHERYL KUNST

The Women’s Center recently received a $25,000 grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation. These funds will help to support the Center’s free and confidential, critically needed services for adults and children provided through our three major programs: Domestic Violence Services, Sexual Assault Services, and Resource Services. During the 2011 fiscal year, the Women’s Center served a total of 27,697 residents in our 13-town service area. These services, provided by specially trained and certified staff and volunteers, include: Crisis intervention, including two 24-hour hotlines and emergency response to area hospitals and police departments; emergency shelter for adult and child victims of domestic and sexual violence; individual and support group counseling; individual and system advocacy; comprehensive community education, primary prevention and training programs for a wide range of audiences from pre-school to senior citizens.

 

Pat Zachman, Executive Director, said “this funding could not have come at a better time, as the fiscal climate continues to challenge non-profits to do more and more with less and less. The Fairfield County Community Foundation not only recognizes this, but steps up their efforts to support organizations to meet the increased demand for their services. We are very grateful to them for this grant award.”

 

National Trust for Historic Preservation Awards The Barnum Museum a Preservation Grant from National Trust Preservation Funds

Grant Will Go Toward Interior Schematic Design

By KATHLEEN MAHER

The Barnum Museum was awarded a $10,000 grant by the National Trust for Historic Preservation from the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors.  The seed grant funds will be used to match funds to support the Interior Schematic Design for the Barnum Museum project.

The Barnum Museum was one of the most severely affected structures when the City of Bridgeport was struck by an F1 tornado on June 24, 2010. The Barnum Museum was designed by its namesake, P.T. Barnum with architects Longstaff and Hurd. Over the years, much of the design was lost through renovations that masked many of the building’s interior architectural features and lacked historic sensitivity. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund grant will enable the museum to create schematic documents of the historic interior that will restore the spaces as originally conceived by Barnum.

"The Barnum Museum is home to a collection as unique as Barnum himself and as an iconic building serves as an important anchor for Bridgeport," said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "The National Trust for Historic Preservation is honored to provide a grant to the Barnum Museum that will turn the destruction of a tornado into an opportunity to reclaim the historical character of this museum."

The National Trust for Historic Preservation dispenses small grants for local projects through the National Trust Preservation Funds grant program.  The grants range from $500 to $5,000 and have provided over $5.5 million dollars of funding since 2002.  They are awarded to nonprofit groups, educational institutions and public agencies, and must be matched, at least dollar for dollar, with public or private funds. Preservation Funds grants are being used nationally for such wide-ranging activities as consultant services for rehabilitating buildings, technical assistance for tourism that promotes historic resources and educating children about their heritage. These grants are often the deciding factor on whether historic buildings or sites can be saved for future generations.

For more information on National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preservation Fund grants, visit: www.PreservationNation.org/resources/find-funding/grants/.

The Man, The Myth, The Legend lecture to be first in lunchtime series on May 29 at noon

By ROB SULLIVAN

The first program being offered at The Barnum Museum since the re-opening last month, will be The Man, The Myth, The Legend, presented by Kathy Maher, Executive Director/Curator. The program will take place on Tuesday, May 29 at 12:15 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch to the lecture, which will be held in the People’s United Bank Gallery, connected at the back of the museum’s historic structure.

Ms. Maher’s talk will explore the many sides of P.T. Barnum and bring his spirit back to life in Bridgeport for the first time since the historic museum closed in June 2010 due to damage received during the tornado. The name alone conjures ideas of imagination and extravagance. Known to most of the world as the ‘Great American Showman,' Barnum did more than create shows of curiosities and oddities. P. T. Barnum embraced the dream of a truly democratic nation, and in doing so, inspired a new American society to reach beyond the limits of ordinary expectations and to see the world as a place of opportunity and wonder.

Following the lecture, visitors will be able to view a unique exhibition called Recovery in Action in the People’s United Bank Gallery. This exhibition allows visitors to gain insight into the complexities of disaster recovery for some 25,000 artifacts from the museum.

“The historic building itself is a work of art, but we have had to close it for public safety and so that restoration work can be done,” commented Kathy Maher, Executive Director/Curator for The Barnum Museum. “Since our goal is to keep educating and presenting programs reflective of the life and times of P.T., this talk is a perfect way to refresh the minds of the community about the many contributions he made, not only in Bridgeport, but statewide and across the continents,” raved Maher.

Recovery in Action is funded in part by the Department of Economic & Community Development’s State Historic Preservation Office and Bridgeport’s Downtown Special Services District. Grant funding from the Connecticut Humanities Council has allowed the museum to consult with top scholars in the field in order to plan new exhibitions that will be installed once the historic structure is restored.

What: The Man, The Myth, The Legend, the P.T. Barnum You Never Knew! The first in a lunchtime lecture series.

Where: The Barnum Museum, 820 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604 Visitors are asked to enter through the double glass doors at the back of the historic building, where it connects to People’s United Bank. The front doors are closed. Learn more at: barnum-museum.org or call 203-331-1104.

When: Tuesday, May 29 door opens at noon, lecture begins at 12:15 p.m.

Cost: No charge, however donations are always welcome

The original Barnum Institute building, designed by the architectural firm Longstaff and Hurd, was completed in1893. It is owned by the City of Bridgeport and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

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

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.

Fridays, June, 1^st – June 29^th 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Lee Y Seras: Read and You Will Be Spanish speaking parents of young children are invited to bring their little ones for a morning of food, stories and guidance in reading to a child.

Padres de habla hispana de los niños pequeños están invitados a traer a sus pequeños para una mañana de los alimentos, las historias y de orientación en la lectura de un niño. Contact: Bina Williams 203-337-9676.

Wednesdays, June 6th – June 27^th 3:30 AM – 5:00 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Learn to Knit at the Black Rock Branch knitting class for beginners of all ages. Learn basic stitches. Knit a scarf by the end of the course! FREE! Materials provided. Four Wednesday afternoons: June 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th from 3:30 – 5:00 PM. Taught by Jeanette Faison. Classes are free but space is limited to register call: 203 337-9676

Tuesdays, starting June 12^th 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Free Computer Classes for Beginners, a series of free computer classes designed for beginners. All classes begin at 6:30 PM or and will last approximately 1 hour. Space is limited so register for one or more classes now. Call: (203) 337-9676.

Thursdays, starting June 14^th 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents : The Black Rock Knitting & Crocheting Club. Please join us for a fun evening of knitting, crocheting and community. Knitters and crocheters of all levels are welcome. Free refreshments will be served and knitting and crocheting supplies will be provided for those who do not already have them. For more info call: 203 337-9676.

Saturday, June 2nd at 1:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Saturday Movie Matinee – GRAN TORINO Walt Kowalski is a grumpy, tough-minded old man whose prize possession is a 1973 Gran Torino he keeps in cherry condition. When a neighboring teenager tries to steal it, Kowalski sets out to reform the youth. Clint Eastwood, Brian Haley Warner Bros.; Directed by Clint Eastwood Rated R; 116 minutes; 2008 Free Refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Thursday, June 7th at 7:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: “Piano Creations” a Unique Musical Experience with Matthew Fishteyn. Matthew Fishteyn is an 19 year old, immensely talented musician with a high-energy repertoire that includes his original compositions written in different styles of music including jazz, Latin, blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Matthew calls his program “Piano Creations” because it transforms the musical experience, giving the listener more ways to relate to and understand the music, and making the performance a more personal, interactive experience. Refreshments will be served . For more information call 203 337-9676.

Saturday, June 9th at 1:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Saturday Movie Matinee – MONEYBALL The Oakland A’s general manager defies conventional wisdom and outsmarts his competition when forced to reinvent his team with bargain players. 2012 Oscar nominee for Best Picture and Best Actor. Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Phillip Seymour Hoffman Columbia Pictures; Directed by Bennett Miller Rated PG-13; 113 minutes; 2012 Free refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Saturday, June 16th at 1:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Saturday Movie Matinee – TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY Based on the classic novel of the same name, the international thriller is set at the height of the Cold War years of the mid-20th Century. George Smiley (Gary Oldman), a disgraced British spy, is rehired in secret by his government – which fears that the British Secret Intelligence Service, a.k.a. MI-6, has been compromised by a double agent working for the Soviets. Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy Focus Features; Directed by Tomas Alfredson
Rated R; 127 minutes; 2011. Free refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Tuesday, June 19th at 6:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: The Art of Critiquing Art Please join us for the third in a series of monthly programs focusing on the arts conducted by the World Artist Network. This particular art critique program, aims to help people integrate with more ease into the art world and assist to them in developing the analysis, synthesis and evaluation skills needed to enhance and fully appreciate all forms of art. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Wednesday, June 20th 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 Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Debut author Morgenstern doesn’t miss a beat in this smashing tale of greed, fate, and love set in a turn of the 20th-century circus. Supporting characters* are perfectly realized and live easily in a giant, magical story destined for bestsellerdom. Starred Review. Publishers Weekly For more info call 203 337-9676.

Saturday, June 23rd at 1:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Saturday Movie Matinee – ALBERT NOBBS Award-winning actress Glenn Close plays a woman passing as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland. Some thirty years after donning men’s clothing, she finds herself trapped in a prison of her own making. Adapted from a short story by Irish author George Moore. Glenn Close, Janet McTeer, Mia MasikowskaLionsgate; Directed by Rodrigo Garcia Rated R; 113 minutes; 2012. Free refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry. For more info call 203 337-9676.

Thursday, June 26th at 7:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: ITALYCIOUS with Vincenzo (Enzo) Boscarino In this program Enzo will present some of his most delightful Italian songs. He will also present some songs from other parts of the globe. The songs will be performed in their original language, some folk, some romantic, some classic and others modern-rock. Humorous stories about the predicament of an immigrant Italian family will also abound. Enzo will have a large poster to illustrate the experience of such a family and their struggle with learning English. There will be a sing-along and participation from the audience. Come early. The last time Enzo was here it was standing room only. Refreshments and Italian pastries from Luigi’s will be served. For more information call 203 337-9676.

Saturday, June 30th at 1:30 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Saturday Movie Matinee – MARGIN CALL This thriller revolves around the key people at an investment bank over a 24-hour period during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. Kevin Spacey, Zachary Quinto, Stanley Tucci Lionsgate; Directed by J.C. Chandor Rated R; 109 minutes; 2011. Free refreshments will be served – but feel free to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Black Rock Food Pantry. For more info call 203 337-9676.

SENIOR OFFICIAL TO VISIT NEW HAVEN TO HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN EDUCATION

Michael Robbins, senior advisor for nonprofit partnerships at the U.S. Department of Education, will lead a “Together for Tomorrow” town hall on the value of community partnerships in helping to propel school improvement. The event, which takes place on Thursday, May 24, at Wexler-Grant Community School in New Haven, will spotlight the New Haven Education AmeriCorps VISTA Project. There will be a question-and-answer session after the town hall. A media avail will follow.

 

The New Haven Education AmeriCorps VISTA Project, sponsored by the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut, is a collaboration of six nonprofit host organizations working together with a common goal of closing the achievement gap and turning around low-performing schools in New Haven. Specifically, the project focuses on things such as building community partnerships to support and expand existing services to support more students in grades K-12 and establishing College Access Centers to prepare students for college.

Together for Tomorrow is an initiative that spotlights and fosters partnerships among schools, families, national service programs, and community-based organizations in order to help turn around low-performing schools. The town hall is sponsored by the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

 

WHO:  
Michael Robbins, senior advisor for nonprofit partnerships, U.S. Department of Education

Ken Bedell, senior advisor for faith-based and neighborhood partnerships, U.S. Department of Education

Reginald Mayo, superintendent, New Haven Public Schools

Sabrina Breland, principal, Wexler-Grant Community School

Anne Ostberg, Connecticut state director, Corporation for National and Community Service

Neysa Stallman Guerino, executive director, Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut

Amy Faenza, Boost service corps member

Johnny Scafidi, Yale University

Jack Healy, United Way of Greater New Haven

WHAT:

Together for Tomorrow Town Hall

WHEN

10:30 a.m. ET Thursday, May 24th

Rev. Clifton C. Jones; Pastor of Black Rock's Second New Light O.F.W. Baptist Church

Rev. Clifton C. Jones, Sr., 72, of New Haven, entered into eternal rest on May 18, 2012.  Born in Tar Heel, NC on Dec 18, 1939, he was the son of the late Norfolk and Maggie L. Jones.  He was the pastor and founder of the Second New Light O.F.W. Baptist Church for 33 years.  Rev. Jones leaves to
cherish his loving memory, his son, Clifton Jones, Jr.; daughters, Angela and Veronica Jones and Maritzka Stevenson (Elmer, Jr.); a brother, Nelson Jones (Rose); a sister, Dianne Avery; five grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.  He was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn Jones and brothers, Norfolk, Jr., Edward James and Levern Jones.  A celebration of Rev. Jones' life and legacy will be held Friday, May 25th at 11:00 am at Bethel AME Church, 255 Goffe St., New Haven. Burial will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park. Veiwing and visitation will be held Thurs., May 24th from
5:00-8:00 pm at Second New Light O.F.W. Baptist Church, 25 Princeton St., Bridgeport.  Professional services entrusted to Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven. Online guestbook available at www.curvinkcouncil.com.

ANSON SMITH GREATER NEW HAVEN LABOR HISTORY ASSOCIATION BOARD

 By JOAN CAVANAUGH

BRIDGEPORT – Housatonic Community College public relations coordinator Anson C. Smith of Wallingford has joined the executive board of the Greater New Haven Labor History Association (GNHLHA).

In addition to his public relations position, Smith has taught courses in journalism and history at HCC. He is active in the labor movement, serving statewide Political Action Committee chair for the Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges (The 4Cs), and serving on that group’s executive board and legislative affairs committee. In addition, he is grievance officer for the HCC chapter and represents the chapter at the 4Cs’ delegate assembly.

“Connecticut is rich with labor history,” Smith said. “I’m delighted to join the board of a group that is so committed to preserving such an important chapter in the history of the state and its people.”

Smith joins the association just as it revs up for its June 3 annual meeting, which will feature an address by national labor leader John Wilhelm, president of the union UNITE HERE. Wilhelm, who began his labor career in New Haven, will discuss the current status and future of the labor movement.

Cyclists gearing up for MS ride

By JOHN OWENS

HARTFORD - The 31st annual Bike MS: Red Thread+Steelcase Ride, presented by Louis Dreyfus Commodities, will be held on Sunday, June 3, in Windsor and Westport.

More than 1,100 cyclists shifted gears to pedal up to 100 miles and raised more than $536,000 during the 2011 ride. This year, the ride hopes to raise $560,000.

The 2012 Bike MS: Red Thread+Steelcase Ride, presented by Louis Dreyfus Commodities, will feature two locations on Sunday, June 3; at Griffin Center in Windsor and Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. The Windsor ride features 100-, 50-, 25-, 12- and 2-mile routes while Westport offers 50-, 25-, and 10-mile rides as well as a kiddie ride.

FAIRFIELD ELKS SUPPORT COMMUNITY NEEDS

    By BILL GEORGE

 

        The Fairfield Elks Lodge No. 2220 resides on Brookside Drive, but its charitable

   arm extends around the entire town.  Through its Community Grants Program, it has enabled town organizations to enhance the charitable works that they do for the youth of Fairfield, as well as other needy happenings.

          In past years, as well as the current one, various groups received benefits from the fraternal order,  through the Elks multiple charity committees.  Thanksgiving baskets to needy families, as well as monetary grants to Operation Hope, scholarship to worthy high school seniors and ongoing donations to several town groups.

          In the past two  months, a repeat donation of over 1700 dollars was presented to the Beanery to furnish new game tables and furniture for the upgrade to our substance-free facility for high schoolers.

         Fairfield PAL has annually received 1000 dollars to support their activities for the

   youth of the community.  Two new basketball scoreboards were financed for that

   program.

         Operation Hope is another annual recipient of support from the Elks, the latest grant of 1000 dollars was presented this past month to that community support group.

         An annual program of scholarship provides $2000  awards to worthy seniors, with exceptional candidates being entered in national contests for more lucrative results.

         Having just celebrated its 50^th year of existence, its focus of commitment to the betterment of the community, youth, veterans and the needy has not diminished, but has strengthened with time.  Patriotism is foremost in the resolve of all Elks. The annual Elks' Flag Day Service will be held on Saturday, June 9^th at the lodgehome.  Local veterans' groups have beeen invited as guests and participants.

The Bridgeport Rescue Mission needs your help and needs it now!

By DONNA ROMANO

BRIDGEPORT.—Bridgeport Rescue Mission is making a plea to donors, friends, and the entire community to help secure $70,000 in contributions by May 31.  Two very generous Bridgeport Rescue Mission supporters have given gifts totaling $70,000 – these donors are challenging the community to ‘meet the challenge’ by raising another $70,000 for a total of $140,000 when the Mission needs it most!  To date, the Mission is more than $30,000 short of the target.

“These two special friends of Bridgeport Rescue Mission have stepped out in faith to give a total of $70,000 for our Matching Challenge Campaign,” explains Executive Director Terry Wilcox.  “If we reach our $70,000 goal, the Mission will receive $140,000 to relieve the burdens of the homeless and working-poor in Bridgeport and South Norwalk, and we simply can’t let this opportunity slip away.”

               

2nd Eco Kid Bash to be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Arcade Mall!

The 1st Eco Kid Bash was held in 2011 in honor of Earth Day which happens every April 22nd. This year, we decided to move this fun, educational event to May when spring will be in full swing. That way your family can enjoy other Earth Day events in April. Because, let's face it, there is never a bad time to learn how to be kinder to our planet. There will be lots to do and see. Children and families can learn about programs in our community, do activities, play games, and plant a seed to take home. Please dress young children in clothing that you won't mind if they get dirty. Some activities could get messy.

Her Haven, a new community-focused non-profit, launches May 17 at Fairfield University

By MEG McCAFFERY

Fairfield University Interior Design student Carey Dougherty, of Monroe, Conn., founder and CEO of Her Haven, the new nonprofit organization that focuses on designing a personal space in the home of a deserving woman in the community, has been transforming environments since the age of six.  On Thursday, May 17, from 6 to 8 p.m., Her Haven and Fairfield University’s student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) will unveil design plans for its first two Habitat for Humanity projects at a launch celebration, “Designing a Difference,” in the Dolan School of Business Dining Room. The public is invited to attend and learn more about ways in which it might support Her Haven and its mission to empower deserving women with limited resources through transformative design. Donations will be gratefully accepted. Light hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served. (For information about the event and the organization, visit www.herhaven.org.)

For this first venture as an official 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, Her Haven has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County, the Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and a team of Fairfield  Interior Design program students on two Habitat for Humanity projects for Nordia Black and Elizabeth Bosques, both of Bridgeport.

The students have split into two teams, each of which are working on designing a personal space for Black and Bosques in each woman’s new Habitat home.  The team members, all of whom enthusiastically volunteered to work with Her Haven for the unusual experience it offers, will present their team design concepts at the launch celebration.  Interior Design student Jenine Beck was energized by Dougherty’s “enthusiasm, professionalism, passion and philanthropy” and came on board to “use our education in such a positive way.  It really isn’t what I can get out of it, but rather what I can give to it.”  And student Jim Metzger said, “As a male, I am thrilled to be part of this organization…So many women in my own life have helped me so much, it is my way of giving back or paying it forward.”

Dolan School of Business students also played a role in Her Haven. Students in “Managing Nonprofit Organizations,” a special topics course taught by Catherine Giapponi, Ph.D., associate professor of management, helped Dougherty develop a complete business plan.

Dougherty sought out Habitat for Humanity as a partner because the two organizations share the common goal of community interaction with volunteers and donors as an element of their missions.  Both organizations do work that provide volunteers and donors an opportunity, as Caitlin Scanlan, director of development at Habitat for Humanity pointed out, “to learn about the challenges faced by low-income families and the impact safe, healthy and affordable housing can have in our community.”  Scanlan continued, “The opportunity to partner with Her Haven will be a wonderful experience for Elizabeth and Nordia…Creating a space that is designed specifically for each woman is a special opportunity that they would never have been able to provide for themselves.” 

UB Design Students to Showcase Work for Library Renovation

On Thursday, May 24th at 5:30 PM the Burroughs & Saden Library, 925 Broad Street Avenue Bridgeport. Presents: An exhibition and reception for the University of Bridgeport's Shintaro Akatso School of Design Junior Interior Design Students. Under the guidance of Professor Seung Hyeon Park, AIA, the Junior Interior Design Students created designs for the future renovation and repurposing of the former first floor Popular Library in new and innovative ways. Please join us as we showcase the extraordinary work these students have done. Refreshments will be served. For more info call 203 576-7777.

City Pays Homage to Aviation Pioneer Gustave Whitehead

Local, state, community leaders and Whitehead descendants join Mayor Finch during ceremonies at new fountain declaring “First in Flight”

By ELAINE K. FICARRA

BRIDGEPORT – Despite a steady drizzle of rain, a hardy group of 60 people joined Mayor Bill Finch on Tuesday to dedicate the new fountain at the corner of State Street, Commerce Drive and Fairfield Avenue as the “First in Flight – Gustave Whitehead” fountain.

“Whitehead has been overlooked by the writers of history. We know he flew first, and he did it here in his hometown of Bridgeport,” said Finch. “We’re very proud of his contributions to the world of aviation, and found it fitting to create this monument to his work.”

Finch was joined at the dedication by local and state dignitaries, members of the West End Business community and the Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, as well as descendants of Gustave Whitehead and descendants of one of the witnesses to Whitehead’s early flights.

The fountain, which features a black granite base with four burbling fountains is topped by a sculpture of Whitehead’s early flying machine. The sculpture features moving propellers, and the entire piece will move with the wind. A stone tablet will be installed across the street next to the McDonald’s Restaurant, courtesy of the Trefz Corporation, and will be inscribed with the following: “Gustave Albin Whitehead, born Gustav Albin Weiskopf in Leutershausen, Bavaria, emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1893, anglicizing his name to Gustave Whitehead. According to eyewitnesses: ‘I recall a time, which I think was probably July or August of 1901 or 1902, when this plane was started in flight on the between Pine and Cherry Streets. The plane flew at a height of about twelve feet from the ground, I should judge, and traveled the distance to Bostwick Avenue before it came to ground. I recall the incident very well because I was one of several boys who clung to the back of the plane as it rose into the air and carried us off our feet until we were driven away by some of the men working with Gustave Whitehead.’ ”

The fountain was designed by Theodore L. Grabarz, AIA, ASLA, Deputy Director of Public Works for the City of Bridgeport. The sculpture of Whitehead’s “No. 21” plane was designed and executed by renowned local artist Ron Cavalier. The black granite base was donated by local businessman Hakki Akbulak of AKDO Intertrade. The fountain was built by Merritt Contractors Inc., Bill Miko, president.

Gustave Whitehead, who is believed by many aviation buffs to have achieved powered flight nearly two years before the Wright Brothers made their historic flight in North Carolina, was recognized as the Father of Connecticut Aviation in 1968

Employers Needed for Job Fair

Area employers with job openings are sought to participate in the Summer Youth Job Fair on June 11, 3-6pm at Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Blvd in Bridgeport.

The event, which is expected to attract more than 500 youth looking for jobs, is being sponsored by Career Resources, The WorkPlace, The Connecticut Department of Labor and The City of Bridgeport. There is no cost to participating employers and groups.

To reserve free booth space, contact Baron Keel by emailing bkeel@careerresources.org or calling (203) 610-8679.

City Pays Homage to Aviation Pioneer Gustave Whitehead with new sculpture

Refurbished Fountain to Features Sculpture of Whitehead’s Plane

Updated with street closure information: Commerce Drive, westbound will be closed from Bedford Avenue to Ash Street during the event.

 

WHAT: The City of Bridgeport will pay homage to its own aviation pioneer Gustave Whitehead when it unveils the “First in Flight” sculpture and fountain at the intersection of State Street, Fairfield Avenue and Commerce Drive on Tuesday, May 15 at 11 a.m.

 

State and local dignitaries, descendants of both Gustave Whitehead and one of the witnesses to Whitehead’s early flights will be in attendance at the event. The sculpture of Whitehead’s plane was crafted by noted artist and sculptor Ron Cavalier. The fountain was designed by Theodore L. Grabarz, AIA, ASLA.

WHO: Mayor Bill Finch, City staff, City Council members, state and federal dignitaries, representatives of the German consulate in New York, Whitehead descendants, and community members.

WHERE: Corner of Fairfield Avenue and Commerce Drive, Bridgeport

WHEN: 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 15 (Rain or shine)

May events scheduled for the Old Mill Green Branch Library

Thursday, May 10th from 3:00 - 4:00 PM the Old Mill Green Branch Library 1677-81 East Main St. Bridgeport presents: Game On! Teen Gaming at Old Mill Green Library. Contact: Old Mill Green Library 203 576-7634

Tuesday, May 15th from 1:30 - 2:30 PM the Old Mill Green Branch Library 1677-81 East Main St. Bridgeport presents: Video Games Day for Children and Families. Contact: Old Mill Green Library 203 576-7634

Used iPads can be donated to help benefit Lighthouse Program

BRIDGEPORT – Do you have a used iPad collecting dust in your home because you recently upgraded to the New iPad? If so, the City of Bridgeport’s Lighthouse After School and Summer Program hopes you’ll consider donating your gently used iPad to students in the after school and summer program.  The goal is one iPad per student for a total of 2,800 iPads.  Donations can be made online via ipadappeal.org.   

“I strongly encourage corporate and individual donations and urge all residents to spread the word about this great program by sharing the information through social network sites like Facebook and Twitter,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “You can help make a difference in a young person’s life by helping close the digital divide, providing a wealth of information in the palms of our students’ hands with an iPad.”

This appeal would not have been possible without the generous support of Noah Brier and his company Percolate, a New York-based firm that helps brands create content at a social scale. 

Tammy Papa, Director of the Lighthouse Program said, “On behalf of Mayor Finch and our Lighthouse students, I want to thank Noah, and his company for his assistance in the creation of the website, which will help publicize this appeal.  Their ongoing support of our efforts in helping Bridgeport youth succeed is greatly appreciated.”