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Upcoming events at the Black Rock Library

Tuesday January 19th 6:30 - 8:00 PM


Cosmic Discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope




Join us for a discussion and viewing of some of the awe inspiring discoveries of the Hubble Telescope with David Mestre, Discovery Museum Manager of Space Science Education.





Tuesday January 26th 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Traditional Chinese Culture Seminar



China, a country rich in culture, history, and tradition, is one of the world's oldest civilizations. The seminar introduces the important aspects of traditional Chinese philosophy and religion, classical Chinese dance and martial arts, as well as to other important topics pertaining to language, family, and science / technology / medicine. Multimedia materials are integrated with PowerPoint presentations, and class discussions to enable everyone to gain a better understanding of traditional Chinese culture.

Presented by:
Tracey Zhu, Vice President of Connecticut Chinese Culture Association
William Cheung, President of Connecticut Chinese Culture Association



Thursday January 28th 6:30 - 8:00 PM



Community Forum - Wines of the World

Please join us for a fascinating discussion and even more fascinating tasting of - Wines of the World with renowned wine connoisseur and Black Rock resident Mark Tillinger. Sponsored by the Arts and Entertainment Committee of the Black Rock NRZ.



Tuesday February 2nd 6:30 - 8:00 PM

RFK in the Land of Apartheid: A Ripple of Hope

Black History Month Celebration

Kickoff Event

RFK in the Land of Apartheid: A Ripple of Hope explores the impact of Senator Robert F. Kennedy's visit to South Africa in 1966 during the worst years of Apartheid. This penetrating documentary makes connections between the Anti-Apartheid struggle in South Africa and the American Civil Rights Movement.

Filmmaker Larry Shore will be present to introduce the film and answer questions.

Prostate screenings slated for December

Free prostate cancer screenings will be offered by St. Vincent ’s SWIM Prostate Cancer Institute on:

 

• Tuesday, January 12^th    Monroe Immediate Health Care   401 Monroe Turnpike     Monroe 5:30pm – 7:30pm
• Wednesday, February 3^rd   Park City Primary Care Center     64 Black Rock Ave     Bridgeport      5:30pm – 7:30pm
• Tuesday. March 9^th   St. Vincent’s Family Health Center    762 Lindley Street     Bridgeport     5:30pm   - 7:30pm

 

Assagio is in Stratford!

Please come join the Stratford Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Assaggio Ristorante with a Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, January 7, 2010 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Assaggio Ristorante brings contemporary Italian cuisine to Stratford .  Owners Waldir Correia and Executive Chef Miguel D’Onofrio have created a unique Italian trattoria and gathering place set against a stunning harborside backdrop.  Patrons may remember Chef D’Onofrio from such popular Fairfield County dining establishments as Finalmente Trattoria in Westport and Luca’s in Wilton .  Chef D’Onofrio’s signature dishes and fresh, simple approach to Italian cuisine is the foundation for Assaggio Ristorante.

 

For more information, please contact Mary Dean, Executive Director of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, at 203.335.3800 or dean@brbc.org Please come join the Stratford Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Assaggio Ristorante with a Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, January 7, 2010 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Assaggio Ristorante brings contemporary Italian cuisine to Stratford .  Owners Waldir Correia and Executive Chef Miguel D’Onofrio have created a unique Italian trattoria and gathering place set against a stunning harborside backdrop.  Patrons may remember Chef D’Onofrio from such popular Fairfield County dining establishments as Finalmente Trattoria in Westport and Luca’s in Wilton .  Chef D’Onofrio’s signature dishes and fresh, simple approach to Italian cuisine is the foundation for Assaggio Ristorante.

 

For more information, please contact Mary Dean, Executive Director of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, at 203.335.3800 or dean@brbc.org

Action for Bridgeport Community Development will get Early Head Start grant

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) announced today that six organizations in Connecticut, including Action for Bridgeport Community Development, are slated to receive more than $3.1 million in Early Head Start grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The funds are being made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

 “For years, the Early Head Start program has provided critical health and educational benefits to low-income children during their most formative years—from birth until age three,” said Dodd. “This funding will create dozens of new jobs and provide an invaluable service to hundreds of Connecticut families. It’s just another example of how economic recovery funds are being put to excellent use by investing in our communities while creating jobs at the same time. On behalf of families across Connecticut, I was proud to help secure this vital funding.”

 Early Head Start provides comprehensive early education, health, nutrition and social services to low-income infants and toddlers and their families. Dodd has been a long-time champion of early education programs, including Early Head Start and Head Start.  

The following Connecticut organizations will receive Early Head Start grants:

  Connecticut Institute for Communities, Danbury — $723,758

·
Thames Valley Council for Community Action, New London/Norwich — $368,102

·
Eastern Connecticut Regional Educational Service Center — $250,491

·
Area Cooperative Educational Services, Middlesex County — $522,998

·
Action for Bridgeport Community Development — $769,301

·
United Way of Greater New Haven — $552,619

 

Dodd is a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and chairman of its Subcommittee on Children and Families.

 

Mary Pat Curran Healey is new BCAC executive director

The Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition's Board of Directors is pleased to announce Mary Pat Curran Healy as our new Executive Director.  

Mary Pat is no stranger to Bridgeport.   She has extensive knowledge of the Bridgeport community and has been actively involved as a board member in numerous non-profit organizations.   Most recently, she served as the community relations and government liaison for AT&T.   Mary Pat has a passion for the well-being of Bridgeport's children and families and the issues that have long engaged members of BCAC.  

Mary Pat brings to BCAC deep knowledge and experience in fund development and community relations.   She is well-known in the business and non-profit communities in Bridgeport and the region and will build on the foundation and community respect established under Marilyn Ondrasik's leadership.  

The BCAC Board would like to thank Barbara Edinberg for serving as our acting director for the past four months.   Barbara will continue to work hand-in-hand with the new Executive Director by continuing to conduct research on the current issues and moving the Action Agendas of our Task Forces forward.  Mary Pat will begin working with Barbara and the rest of the staff on the transition process and will join the organization full time early in February.

Fawcett: Seniors should review Medicare Part D coverage

I am writing this letter to urge seniors who are state ConnPACE clients to review their Medicare Part D coverage to make sure they are in compliance with changes recently adopted by the state Department of Social Services (DSS). A major change now requires that ConnPace clients must be enrolled in a benchmark Medicare D Plan to have their Medicare D premium paid under the ConnPace Program.

To ensure the State Department of Social Services (DSS) continues to pay for your Medicare D premiums you must be covered by a benchmark plan and the enrollment must be done during the current Medicare D enrollment period which runs until December 31, 2009. If you are not already enrolled in such a plan, it is important to switch your coverage to one of these plans by December 31st to ensure that your Premiums will continue to be paid under the ConnPACE program. Fairfield residents are urged to contact the Fairfield or Westport Department of Social Services for assistance. Other residents can contact the Connecticut CHOICES program at 1-800-994-9422. The Medicare D benchmark plans that qualify for Payment of Premiums under Conn PACE are:

• Aetna Medicare Rx Essentials

• Bravo Rx

• Cigna Medicare Rx Plan One

• First Health Part-D-Premier

• Health Net Orange Option 1

• Health Spring Prescription Drug Plan-Reg 2

• Medco Medicare Prescription Plan-Value

• Advantage Star Plan by RxAmerica

• Silverscript Value

• AARP ¬Medicare Rx Saver

• Community CCRx Basic

• PrescribaRx Bronze

Contact my office immediately at 860-240-8488, should you experience the loss of the state premium subsidy, are denied coverage of a drug previously covered under ConnPace or have difficulty attaining the maximum supply of refills.

Kim Fawcett

State Representative

Santa Claus is coming to Black Rock

A quick reminder that Santa Claus is coming to town or, at least, the Black Rock Branch Library at 2705 Fairfield Ave.
Stop by any time between 5:30 and 7:15 to take pictures with Santa. Please bring a can or box of non-perishable food for each child you bring. We will donate them to the two local food banks.

Wondering what your kids can do during school vacation week after they get bored with all their new toys, clothes and books? Trying to find things to do with your visiting relatives? Come to the Black Rock Branch Library for our first ever Vacation Week Extravaganza. See the attached flyer for the specifics. We will also have Little Rocks story hour for kids 3 and under as usual on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Himes supports sanctions against Iran

Legislation Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) helped pass late yesterday will extend and expand the current sanctions against Iran to pressure the country into suspending its nuclear weapons program. Congressman Himes is a cosponsor of the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (H.R. 2194), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support.

“Iran must suspend its illegal nuclear proliferation program. As the President chooses the best course of action to keep Iran from becoming a nuclear power, this bill will ensure he has the full range of tools at his disposal,” said Himes. “While our ultimate hope is that diplomacy can succeed in convincing Iran to suspend its nuclear enrichment program, this bill strengthens the President’s hand in dealing with perhaps our most pressing national security threat.”

 

New funding secured for Bridgeport, area

By ELIZABETH KERR

Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) has secured an additional $8.5 million for federal investment in local projects with the passage of a comprehensive agreement between the United States House and Senate on remaining 2010 fiscal year spending bills. The bill passed the House yesterday and is expected to be taken up by the Senate over the weekend. The Consolidated Appropriations Act combines the appropriations bills for the Departments of Transportation, Labor, Housing and Urban Development, Education, Health and Human Services, and Commerce and the agencies related to spending in the areas of commerce, justice, science, military construction, financial services, and state and foreign operations.

“This funding for local community projects creates jobs and helps make our communities even better places to live, work, and raise a family,” said Himes. “These investments are an essential piece of my effort to turn the economy around and put us on a path toward economic stability.”

 

Candelight Service of Remembrance at St. Vincent's chapel tonight

A Candlelight Service of Remembrance will be held at  St. Vincent's Medical Center on Wednesday, December 16 at 7pm in the  Chapel on the main level.  The service is open to people of all faiths who are grieving the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillborn or newborn death, and is hosted by the “We Care” Perinatal Grief Support Group. Family members, including children are welcome

    “The service is for people of all faiths to remember the lives of the babies lost by each family either prior to or after delivery,” said Perinatal Grief Support Group Coordinator Sr. Joann Apicelli.

    The group, which normally meets on the third Wednesday of each month, is for those grieving the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillborn, or newborn death.

    The group is facilitated by bereavement counselors with training in the area of perinatal grief.

    There is no charge for attendance, but pre-registration is requested.  For additional information on the Service or the We Care Perinatal Grief Group, call Sister Joann Apicelli in St. Vincent ’s Pastoral Care Department at 203-576-5119.

Stanley Boxer exhibit at Chernow Gallery

The works American artist Stanley Boxer, known for the exuberant qualities of his thickly brushed abstract paintings and energetic works on paper and sculptures, will be on display Feb. 11 to March 28 at the Housatonic Museum of Art. The exhibit, Rememberingstanleyboxer: A Retrospective 1946 – 2000, features more than sixty works from this period that explore his manipulation of surfaces, textures, and colors in various media. The exhibit includes both figurative and abstract compositions. The opening reception will be will be held Thursday, Feb.11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Burt Chernow Galleries in Lafayette Hall on the campus of Housatonic Community College. This event is free and open to the public. Housatonic Community College is located at 900 Lafayette Blvd. in Bridgeport, less than 150 yards off I-95 (Exit 27) and Rte. 8 (Exit 1), a block from the Arena at Harbor Yard.

Weston girls look to return to postseason

By ROB SULLIVAN

The Weston High School girls basketball team qualified for the CIAC state tournament last season, a major accomplishment for then first-year coach Pat Cole. Although the Lady Trojans lost in the first round to Ellington, the team’s 8-13 overall record signaled a major step forward for the program.

Entering the 2009-10 campaign, the Westonites have most of last year’s state tournament team returning. The lone Weston loss to graduation was starting guard Marissa Diaz, and now senior tri-captains Natalie Odierana, Jessica Welsh and Brittany Swanson will provide the leadership the Lady Trojans need to compete for a slot in the South-West Conference (SWC) playoffs.

Swanson is already one of the premiere players in the league, being named All SWC-Patriot Division as a junior. Last season Swanson had tremendous numbers in a highly competitive league, averaging 15.7 points pre game along with collecting seven rebounds and dishing out seven assists per game. The senior has committed to attend the University of Pennsylvania, where she will play varsity lacrosse for the Quakers. The tri-sports star was also named to the SWC All-Patriot Division for girls volleyball this past fall season.

Happy Holidays from Port Coffeehouse

We wanted to take this opportunity wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

We know almost everyone will have busy moments during this time of year whether it be gift or grocery shopping; party planning or party cleanup; trip planning or guests arriving.

We will be here to provide you with a steady supply of delicious motivation to get those necessary tasks complete or to provide a get away from all of the hustle and bustle this season can bring.

And remember, we might be able to help with some of your holiday gift shopping.

Port Coffeehouse sells gift certificates, coffee by the pound (whole bean or ground), tea by the ounce, pastries by the dozen and to-go mugs. We wish you all the very best this holiday season!

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Pies are Available to Order!

If you are ordering for a specific date, be sure to get your order in early. You can order one for holiday dinners, parties, dinner parties or maybe just because it's Thursday and you want one! Whatever your need for pie, they are made to order, so get your order in today!

Warde cagers seek to build on late season wins

By ROB SULLIVAN

After suffering through a winless 2007-08 season and then losing its first 14 games last year, there is little question that when the Fairfield Warde boys basketball team finally snapped its losing streak with a 47-40 win on Fen. 10th the team and its fans were simply overjoyed. The fact that the victory came against crosstown rival Fairfield Ludlowe made it all the more sweeter for the Mustangs.

The Fairfielders also defeated Norwalk 60-45 to finish the season with an overall 2-17 record. A two-win season is ordinarily not something to smile about, but for the Warde cagers those wins are certainly something to build on for this season.

So can the Mustangs take the next step and win the eight games necessary to reach the CIAC state playoffs?

"We are cautiously optimistic," said Warde basketball coach Walter Fitzgerald. "We don’t have any set goals: just to improve as the season goes along."

George Winston to play FTC in March

 

George Winston, pianist is best known for his "melodic rural folk style." He has found much inspiration in the pianists of New Orleans and is now working to raise money to benefit those who suffered from the hurricanes.

He is going to donate all of his royalties from his new album Gulf Coast Blues & Impressions - A Hurricane Relief Benefit to hurricane relief organizations. His new album has been receiving great reviews and Tom Jurek from All Music Guide said anyone who has ever been interested in his music should own this album.

Biden stumps for Dodd in Connecticut

By Daniela Altimari

Hartford Courant

HARTFORD -- Vice President Joseph Biden came to Connecticut Friday to praise and raise money for the man he called his best friend, U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd.

During the lunchtime fundraiser at the new Connecticut Science Center, Biden heaped compliments on his fellow Democrat, calling him "the single most gifted legislator in Congress, now that Teddy Kennedy's gone" and said he was the right man to tackle the enormous and complex problems facing the nation today.

The senator, who is struggling in the polls and faces the fight of his long political life, wasn't there to hear the praise. He stayed in Washington to work on legislation to overhaul the nation's health care system and other congressional business.

Instead, he dispatched his wife Jackie Clegg Dodd, who stood alongside Biden and gave a few brief remarks of thanks prior to the vice president's speech.

The crowd of about 175 people included most of the state's Democratic party power brokers. They paid $500 each to hear Biden, sip passionate fruit bellinis and snack on house-made sea salt chips, hummus and local farm vegetable wraps and ham and brie sandwiches amid science center exhibits on robotics and wind power.

A message from The Gallery at Black Rock

The Gallery is open Thursday - Sunday 11 until 5:30 through Christmas.
We have transformed the space into a gift Boutique
Featuring Pottery, Small works, prints, collectibles, clothes, and jewelry. Over 300 new items in stock.
We have something for everyone with work from $3 to 100 dollars, as well as the current exhibit of Charlie Walsh's work on display.
Please take a minute this weekend to stop by and see what we have
Your support keeps the arts community and the gallery going and we thank you very much for it!

Otis Taylor coming to FTC

 By TREVOR SILVESTRO

With Otis Taylor, it's best to expect the unexpected. While his music, an amalgamation of roots styles in their rawest form, discusses heavyweight issues like murder, homelessness, tyranny, and injustice, his personal style is lighthearted. "I'm good at dark, but I'm not a particularly unhappy person," he says. "I'd just like to make enough money to buy a Porsche."

Part of Taylor's appeal is his contrasting character traits. But it is precisely this element of surprise that makes him one of the most compelling artists to emerge in recent years. In fact, Guitar Player magazine writes, "Otis Taylor is arguably the most relevant blues artist of our time." Whether it's his unique instrumentation (he fancies banjo and cello), or it's the sudden sound of a female vocal, or a seemingly upbeat optimistic song takes a turn for the forlorn, what remains consistent is poignant storytelling based in truth and history. On his seventh CD, Below The Fold , due in stores this Summer, Taylor rolls out a set of stylistically varied songs that point to a blues-based center but are awash with Appalachian country overtones and moody, psychedelic rock.

Mercy Learning Center Hosts Annual Holiday Tea Parties

 

 

Volunteer literacy tutors and their adult education students at Mercy Learning Center were treated to festive Holiday Tea Parties to celebrate their first semester accomplishments and to thank the dedicated tutors for their gift of time. More than 200 ESL, math, and/or reading tutors, volunteers, and students attended parties that were held on December 8, 9, and 10. An array of tea sandwiches and desserts were donated by the Westport Chapter of the National Charity League and coordinated by Tammy Barry of Westport. The tea party hosts included Mercy Learning Center’s Tutor Coordinator Diane Holmes, Student Enrichment Coordinator Sharon Sanford, Learning Specialist Evan Levinson, and President and CEO Jane Ferreira.

 

Women enrolled in the Center’s literacy and life skills programs hail from more than 40 countries, many of whom shared stories of their holiday traditions. Mercy Learning Center President and CEO Jane Ferreira congratulated students, thanked volunteers, and led a sharing of holiday customs, while Tutor Coordinator Diane Holmes orchestrated a gift raffle and sing-a-long. Holmes remarked, “This is a special time each year when we take time to celebrate the holidays with our passionate volunteers and their hardworking students. It gives us the opportunity to affirm their efforts to increase their language and math skills.”

 

To learn more about Mercy Learning Center, make an end-of-year donation, or explore volunteer opportunities, visit its website www.mercylearningcenter.org or call 203/334-6699.

Tips to Winterize Your Vehicle

 

- Twelve Simple Steps to Help Maintain Mint Car Condition and Optimize Safety This Winter -

 

With the official first day of winter quickly approaching on December 21, now is the time to prepare for the season and there’s more to getting ready for winter than digging out the winter coats and sleds. Cold and snow are harsh on cars so savvy drivers prepare for the season’s challenges by winter-proofing their vehicles. Splash Car Wash co-owner and car care expert, Mark Curtis, helps breakdown the process into three simple prep steps to make it painless to protect your car’s condition and optimize your safety this winter.

 

Splash Car Wash, the leading car care company in Fairfield, Westchester and Putnam counties with over twenty-eight years of experience, reminds car owners of the importance of winterizing their cars each year. Just a few simple steps can reduce the impact of winter on your car; helping to keep driving hassle-free and to maintain the integrity of your vehicle.