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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.

Statement by the President on Ash Wednesday

Today, Michelle and I honor Ash Wednesday with Christians around the country and across the world. This is at once a solemn and joyous occasion, an opportunity to remember both the depths of sacrifice and the height of redemption. We join millions in entering the Lenten Season with truly thankful hearts, mindful of our faith and our obligations to one another.

Pierogy and Potato Pancake Dinner set for March 2nd at Holy Name in Stratford

Once again, the Holy Name Society of the Holy Name of Jesus Church parish will sponsor a Pierogy and Potato Pancake Dinner on Friday, March 2, in the church hall  at 50 College Street, Stratford, which is behind the church at 1950 Barnum Avenue, (Rt 1) Stratford.

Serving is between 4:30P.M. and 7:00P.M. All are welcomed including children. The dinner which includes pierogies, potato pancakes, applesauce, cake and beverages 
is $7.00 per person.

Cooked take-out dinners are available, and advance orders for uncooked pierogies at $4.00 per dozen, will be taken by calling  Mike Stifil at 203- 378- 3076. Uncooked pierogies to be picked up after 2:00P.M. on the day of the dinner.

It is a great time for good fellowship and enjoyment.

Bridgeport Rescue mission meets challenges head on - and faces them too

Boston Red Sox chip in by donating new bedding to Bridgeport institution

By ROB SULLIVAN

The occasion was certainly festive. There were only a few days left before Christmas and the Bridgeport Rescue Mission was certainly abuzz (not that it isn’t abuzz every day). Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch was hanging out with Wally the Green Monster, the official mascot of the Boston Red Sox, Mission Executive Director Terry Wilcox was reminiscing about his days growing up as a Pittsburgh Pirates fan and sports media types were flocking to the facility like there was a free meal involved, which of course there was.

So why all the hoopla? Why all this talk about baseball on the cusp of winter? And why at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission?

The answer is simple. Members of the Boston Red Sox organization delivered new bedding supplies to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission as part of a series of special festivities scheduled to commemorate the upcoming 100th anniversary of Fenway Park, which was built in 1912. The Red Sox also won the World Series that year, by the way.

As a way to highlight and support the important work done by the many charitable institutions throughout New England, the Red Sox are performing “100 Acts of Kindness” within various not-for-profit organizations—including Bridgeport Rescue Mission—throughout the anniversary season.

“The Red Sox have very generously purchased 100 complete sets of bedding—in red and blue—to replace our very old and worn-out sheets, blankets, pillows and pillow cases,” explained Bridgeport Rescue Mission Executive Director Terry Wilcox. “And we’re just thrilled Wally, the Green Monster mascot, is helping to deliver them in person!”

When asked about his reaction when he heard the news Wilcox said, Do I look like a deer in the headlights or what? Our beds are used almost every night. We can’t thank the team enough for choosing the Mission to be the recipient of this much-needed gift and be part of this historic celebration. We’re excited to welcome the Red Sox to Bridgeport Rescue Mission and have the opportunity to share our work with them firsthand. And if the Yankees don’t like it they can step up to the plate.”

Stephanie Maneikis, the Red Sox Manager of Fan Services and Entertainment told the assemblage, “Our visit is part of our 100 Acts of Kindness to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park. We’re beginning with a visit to each New England state. We haven’t had a long history with the Bridgeport area so we wanted to do something in this part of Connecticut. We did some research and the Bridgeport Rescue Mission was exactly what we were looking for.”

The bedding was much needed by the Rescue Mission and indeed a generous gift by the Red Sox organization. However, the visit also underlined the important work undertaken by the Mission and how much the organization needs the support of the community.

Finch took the opportunity to highlight the food services provided by the Mission and are managed by Chef Paul Byron.

“Let me tell you something, this is by far and away the most productive kitchen in the city of Bridgeport,” shouted the Mayor, referring to the hundreds of meals served each day, both on site and through the mobile kitchen. “And let me tell something else, Chef Paul’s relishes are the best you can find anywhere.”

The chef knows he could probably be making a fortune in a high end restaurant somewhere, but he is not interested in that type of cooking.

“This is about service. After all, we’re a Christian mission and this is what I believe in,” explained Byron. “But don’t be afraid for you or your readership let me know when there’s a chili cook-off somewhere ‘cuz I’ll come in there and blow them away.”

The Rescue Mission’s mobile kitchen is a strong presence in Bridgeport and services poor Park City neighborhoods and housing projects such as The Greens, P.T. Barnum, Stratford Avenue, Trumbull Gardens, Marina Village and Washington Park. The van also supplies residents with coats, toys and books.

Father Michael Moran, Director of Program & Ministry described the Mission by saying, “You’re asking me to talk about what I love. What we are is good stewards. We believe that everybody has personal dignity and we emphasize that. If God has said I’m important, who am I to say that I am not.”

Still there are challenges for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission and one of them will be here Jan. 31. With just a few days remaining until the close of its Restore Hope Campaign, Wilcox reports the Mission has $300,000 yet to raise.

As the new year begins, the Mission projects it will be called on to provide 55,918 meals and 3,430 nights of shelter each month through the year and will continue to see a steady demand for its long-term addiction recovery programs and vital community outreach services. Mission officials budgeted accordingly with the intent of raising $1.3 million through its four-month long Restore Hope Campaign, and Wilcox emphasized the importance of a continued push to meet the goal.

“We simply can’t let down before we reach our target,” Wilcox said. “Our $1.3 million goal is a major portion of our annual budget, which was carefully and prayerfully determined based on the assistance the community we serve will rely on the Mission to provide in the year ahead. What happens in the days ahead will seriously impact our ability to assist our neighbors in need throughout the year. I pray our donors will recognize the severity of this situation and help us secure the remaining $300,000 before the campaign deadline on January 31.”

Donations can be made online at www.BridgeportRescueMission.org or mailed to Bridgeport Rescue Mission, PO Box 9057, Bridgeport, CT 06601. For more information on Bridgeport Rescue Mission’s programs and services for homeless and hurting men, women and children contact Linda Casey, the Mission’s director of development and strategic planning, at (203)333-4087.

Statement by the President on Hanukkah

Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Hanukkah around the world.

This Hanukkah season we remember the powerful story of a band of believers who rose up and freed their people, only to discover that the oil left in their desecrated temple – which should have been enough for only one night – ended up lasting for eight.

It’s a timeless story of right over might and faith over doubt – one that has given hope to Jewish people everywhere for over 2,000 years. And tonight, as families and friends come together to light the menorah, it is a story that reminds us to count our blessings, to honor the sacrifices of our ancestors, and to believe that through faith and determination, we can work together to build a brighter, better world for generations to come.

From our family to the Jewish Community around the world, Chag Sameach.

5th Annual Hanukah Cocktail Party

A Taste of Chanukah

Come light the menorah, spin the dreidel, and celebrate the Holiday of Lights. What a great way to meet and mingle with new and old friends.

 

Tuesday, December 20th at 7:00 p.m.

Hyatt Regency of Greenwich

Pemberwick Room, 1800 East Putnam Avenue

Old Greenwich, CT 06870

Wine, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts will be served.

 

$36.00 (pre-paid by Thursday December 15th)

$45.00 (at the door)

 

Payable by check to Jewish Family Services of Greenwich

1 Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830

or call Tatiana at 203-622-1881 with credit card information

e-mail: jfsmeetandmingle@yahoo.com

Save that date froa pierogy and potato pancake dinner

Once again, the Holy Name Society of the Holy Name of Jesus Church parish will sponsor a Pierogy and Potato Pancake Dinner on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, in the church hall on 50 College Street, Stratford, which is behind the church at 1950 Barnum Av (Rt 1), Stratford.

Serving is between 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM. All are welcomed including children. The dinner which includes pierogies, potato pancakes, applesauce, cake and beverages is $7.00 per person.

Cooked take out dinners are available and advance orders will be taken by calling Mike Stifil at 203 378 3076 for uncooked pierogies at $4.00 per dozen to be picked up after 2:00 P.M. the day of the dinner.

It is a great time for good fellowship and enjoyment.

An invitation to Vines and Vignettes

We invite you to experience the splendor....   Please join us October 8th and 9th for the social event of the season.  Tickets are on sale now!   This is a unique garden event on the grounds of the historic Rose Cottage in the heart of Black Rock, CT.  Being that this is our "Fall Signature Event", Vines & Vignettes 2011 will evoke the spirit of the autumn season.    When you attend this fabulous event, you will spend the day strolling through the beautiful garden and terrace vignettes, enjoying wonderful food, wine, live jazz and garden-related lectures.  It will be a journey through the fall season, a celebration of harvest and holiday traditions, and a perfect opportunity to purchase that "special something" to take home.   Click on the link/s below to purchase tickets.

Garden Tour October 8-9

(raindate - Oct.10)   pre-sale $25 (before Oct.6), $30 at door   Toast the Designers October 8 $40 pp limited availability     I am unable to attend,   but would like to donate.

If you have any questions related to the event, please e-mail: vinesandvignettes@gmail.com.     Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the Rose Cottage!   The Vines & Vignettes 2011 Committee www.vinesandvignettes.com

Don't miss this rummage sale!

BRIDGEPORT RUMMAGE SALE – United Church 877 Park Ave, corners of Park & State St - Sat 10/1 9-1p; Sun 10/2 11:30-2p. Adults & children’s clothes, linens, household goods, toys, boutique and more; indoor: Rain or Shine - For info call office 203-335-3107.

Council of Churches to receive donation from KBE Building Corporation

By TONY BERRY    

Farmington – KBE Building Corporation (KBE) (www.kbebuilding.com <http://www.kbebuilding.com) today made an $850 donation to the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport Inc,  to help support the organizations mission. The funds are a portion of more than $3,800 raised by KBE associates that will also benefit other charities in Connecticut.

The new initiative involves associates contributing their ‘loose change’ to cash collection jars around the offices. Collectively, the firm’s Maryland and Connecticut offices contributed more than $3,850 since the beginning of the year. Their efforts prompted KBE Senior Vice President, and one of its three principals, Simon Etzel to issue a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge.

“ I am proud of what our people have accomplished to help others so I added this matching challenge to the program a few weeks ago to offer further encouragement,” said Etzel. “Knowing the competitive nature of our people, I knew the contributions would ramp up. The generosity of our associates has been truly amazing and the results speak for themselves. This money will help agencies in our communities serve their clients who are really in need.”

Catholic Health Initiatives Launches $1.5 Billion Clinical Information Technology Program

National health system ramps up hiring in New Jersey, several other large markets

DENVER -- Catholic Health Initiatives, a Denver-based nonprofit health care system that includes Saint Clare’s Health System in Denville, will hire more than 200 specialists across the country as part of a $1.5 billion program to enhance clinical information technology across its network of 72 hospitals in 18 states. The project, which will be implemented over the next five to seven years, is among the largest information-technology initiatives of its kind in health care, and will likely involve additional high-tech positions.

The clinical information technology project, which includes plans for a system-wide electronic health record in both the acute care and ambulatory settings, a health information exchange and physician and patient portals, requires a significant increase in a number of specialized positions – including technical analysts; clinical informaticists; engineers; managers; database administrators; application developers; and security- and identification-management personnel.

“Catholic Health Initiatives has launched a national clinical information-technology program that is very ambitious and very comprehensive,” said Cristina Thomas, CHI’s vice president for clinical information strategy. “We need the best people available to supplement our existing staff and to help us achieve our goal, which is to put new electronic tools to work for patients, clinicians and providers. We are making an aggressive effort to hire the best candidates for these important positions.”