Radio Debut
The Chase Collegiate Varsity boys basketball game will be broadcast on WATR radio Feb 14th at 7 pm. Chase head coach Paul Vance said “It’s our first game ever on WATR and it’s breast cancer awareness night.”
Vance said, “Come, wear pink and donate to help fund a cure. We are excited to be on the radio, but my team is more enthused about raising funds and awareness.”
The game is against Forman school of Litchfield.
Kay Wyrick Scholarship
FAM, the Foster Adoptive Mission, announce that it has amended its Kay Wyrick scholarship to include students from any town in CT. This annual $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a current or former foster youth of color who plans a career in the community in social services or a related field and who most closely embodies Mrs.Wyrick’s ideals. Please visit the website and download the application on the homepage for more complete information: www.fosteradoptivemission.org. This year’s applications are due by April 1, 2011.
Kay Wyrick, a lifelong community activist for social justice was born on May 18, 1923 and resided in Waterbury for many years. Mrs. Wyrick was a long time volunteer who worked with abused, neglected and pregnant youth. She surmounted overwhelming odds to become a community leader in Connecticut. Mrs. Wyrick was a ward of the state form the age of 13 to the age of 21. She was brought to Waterbury as a domestic caretaker. Several years later, she decided to become a foster parent. Mrs. Wyrick and her husband nurtured over 75 young adults by helping them stay off the streets develop good work habits and learn the value of money. She established a group home for girls. Mrs. Wyrick crusaded against racial injustice throughout her life. She was a lifetime member of the NAACP and fought to have Black History taught in local schools.
Over the course of 55 years of service, Mrs. Wyrick received numerous awards for her commitment to young people. She was honored by the Waterbury Bar Association as the first recipient of the Liberty Award. She was also honored by the NAACP as the first to receive the Region II Youth Advisor Award. She was one of the five people to earn the Connecticut Jefferson Award given to people who go above and beyond the call of duty volunteering n their community. Mrs. Wyrick won the Hiram Hayden Award that recognizes those who have given their time and talent for the betterment of their fellows citizens. She also received the Humanitarian Award by the Anderson Boys Club Boys Club. In 1999, Mrs. Wyrick was honored as an outstanding parent for National Parents Day. Mrs. Wyrick was also the founder of the PRIDE NAACP YOUTH CENTER in Waterbury.
On July 12, 2006, at the age of 83, Mrs. Wyrick passed away. FAM chose to recognize her with this scholarship because of her consistent devotion to the well-being of young people. She encouraged children to get an education and pressed parents to be involved in their children’s educational goals. She urged men to be fathers to their children and she encouraged adults to be good role models for youth. Mrs. Wyrick’s determination and dedication to young people make her the perfect role model and inspiration for today’s foster youth.
Up For Bob
On Feb. 1st Naugatuck firefighter Tim Andrews ran the famous Empire State building stair race for the 15th time for charity, his second time for Bob Veillette. Racers came from around the world for the 34th running of this unique race, run by the New York City Road runners.
Bob Veillette was a runner, pianist, veteran. Bob dedicated much of his musician ship time to charity, and was the managing editor for the Waterbury Republican newspaper, working there for over 40 years.
After playing a free concert April 8, 2006, at the Silas Bronson library in Waterbury, Bob suffered a massive stroke leaving him with locked-in syndrome. Bob is paralyzed from the eyes down. He can only speak using his eyes, and needs a feeding tube and 24/7 care. Bob’s medical needs are only met to a certain point and Andrews run to the top of NYC will help offset a few of the uncovered costs. More is needed. Consider a donation and send it to Bonnie Veillette, 119 Timothy Rd., Naugatuck, Ct. 06770. Checks can be made out Bonnie Veillette. Check out Bob’s story at www.bobveillette.com
$500,000 For Platt Park In South End
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced it has approved the City of Waterbury’s proposal for the use of $500,000 from the settlement of environmental violations at a local company. The city will use the funds toward creating a park that will serve as the first portion of the Waterbury Naugatuck River Greenway.
This portion of the Waterbury Naugatuck River Greenway, when completed, will consist of a seven-acre nature park along with parking, a trailhead, rest area, boat launch, nature trail and other park amenities. The park will anchor the southernmost section of the Waterbury greenway, which will be the first section to be designed and constructed.
The funds are available as the result of a February 2010 settlement between DEP and G&K, which operates an industrial laundry facility in Waterbury. At that time, G&K agreed to pay $1.8 million in penalties for emitting toxic substances that threatened public health – $500,000 of which was earmarked for an environmental project that would benefit the residents of the city.
The park land was donated to the City of Waterbury by Miriam Camp Niederman and her sister Nancy Camp, who inherited the land from their father, Orton Camp. Orton Camp ran Platt Brothers and Co. for much of the 1900s. According to Niederman, known affectionately as “Mimi,” her father always wanted to preserve the property in hopes of sharing it with the public.
When Mimi learned of the greenway plans, she enthusiastically endorsed the project, joined the City’s Greenway Advisory Committee, and worked with city officials to make her father’s dream a reality.
“The City of Waterbury submitted an excellent proposal for the use of these funds,” said DEP Commissioner Amey Marrella. “The construction of this portion of the greenway will provide wonderful recreational opportunities for the citizens of Waterbury and also ensure the preservation of seven acres of open space in the city.”
According to Waterbury Mayor Michael L. Jarjura, “The greenway project serves to reconnect our citizens to the natural resource that was the heart of Waterbury’s past economic success as the center of the brass industry. Today we are looking at the river and the greenway as the centerpiece of a new sustainable vision for our City linking transportation options, recreation, livable communities and jobs for the 21st century. We value and appreciate the substantial investment that Connecticut DEP is making in that vision.”
The park will be a showpiece for the entire 7.1 mile greenway that will serve as a linear open space corridor with a paved multi-use recreational and alternative transportation trail extending throughout the City. The greenway will provide residents access to the Naugatuck River and will help redefine Waterbury’s historic industrial urban core into a new green infrastructure for the City. In addition, it will become a key piece of a future 44-mile long greenway stretching from Torrington to Derby.
G&K operates an industrial laundry facility in Waterbury where it launders uniforms, floor mats, mops, garments, linens, continuous roll towels, and dust products. The settlement with G&K was the result of a lawsuit filed on behalf of DEP by the Office of the Attorney General after G&K violated its DEP permits and state regulations by failing to install proper pollution control equipment on its washers and failing to obtain required permits for the construction and operation of its industrial dryers, which are considered a stationary source of air pollution.
Bereavement Support Group
“New Day”, a ten-week interfaith Support Group for bereaved persons, will be offered by Saint Teresa’ Church in Woodbury, CT, beginning March 15, 2011. The purpose of the group is to help individuals who are coping with the death of a loved one move from grief towards emotional healing. The group program is geared towards guiding participants through the grieving process that follows the loss of a spouse, other family member or friend. Members are encouraged to accept the reality of their loss, discuss their pain and grief, begin to adjust to life without the deceased, and move toward growth in a restructured life situation.
Weekly seminars will be held on Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the Conference Room at St. Teresa Church Parish Office through May 17, 2011. The group will be led by a facilitator with several years of bereavement support group experience. Privacy and confidentiality will be maintained. There is no charge for the group sessions.
Applications may register by calling Barbara Bouley at (203) 267- 7845 before March 4th to join the “New Day” Bereavement Support Group.
Maia At Bronson Library
There were will no silence in the Silas Bronson Library, 267 Grand St. Saturday Feb 19 as Christi Maia & Company present A Musical Tribute to African American recording artists in the Main Reading Room at 2:00 pm.
The concert, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Silas Bronson Library and funded by Friends as well as the Connecticut Community Foundation and the Waterbury Arts & Tourism Commission, is part of the citywide Black History Celebration which is coordinated by local educator and businessman Robert H. Wright and sponsored by the library and ten other organizations.
Maia is a popular singer in the greater Waterbury Area, appearing at various night clubs and restaurants, appealing to all age groups and specializing in the sounds of favorite African American artists. The program is open to the public. Admission is free.
NVCC Autism Courses
According to the Autism Society of America, 1 in every 110 children born in the United States is diagnosed with autism. This upward trend has introduced a growing need for educational programs that help prepare for and address the challenges specific to this population.
Naugatuck Valley Community College is currently the only higher education institution in Connecticut to offer Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) education at the two-year level. These courses enable students to work with individuals with developmental disabilities, including those diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, while under the supervision of licensed professionals. Students who successfully complete the four core ABA courses and internship will partially meet Behavior Analyst Certification Board requirements and be prepared for entry-level job opportunities in public and private agencies, school systems, residential treatment centers, mental health organizations and youth service agencies. In addition, students that complete the certificate program as part of an associate degree will be eligible for immediate employment as paraprofessionals in school districts working with children diagnosed with autism or other developmental and emotional disabilities.
In addition to immediate employment, students will also have an opportunity to transfer their courses to Eastern Connecticut State University as required courses and elective courses toward a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.
Currently, there are fewer than 200 Board Certified Behavior Analysts in the state and according to the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Connecticut Occupational Forecast for 2006-2016, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers (24.4% growth rate), Mental Health Counselors (29%), Special Education Teachers in Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary (16.1%), and Behavioral Disorder Counselors (35.5%) are among the top occupations requiring postsecondary education. For more information, call 203-575-8004 or email lvenuk@nvcc.commnet.edu.
Palace Interns
The Palace Theater is pleased to announce that the Sovereign Bank Foundation has awarded the not-for-profit organization a $3,000 grant to provide 45 students from the Greater Waterbury area with the educational opportunity to participate in Learning in the Wings, a theater-related trade and customer service internship program at the Palace.
Learning in the Wings is a hands-on initiative, in which students ages 15 years and older participate in a unique full week job shadowing experience alongside some of the most experienced backstage technicians in the departments of sound engineering, lights, wardrobe, carpentry, props, stage management and technical direction. The program also provides students interested in aspects of customer service, patron management and theater operations with the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive, full season internship alongside the Palace’s Front of House Management Staff.
Students enrolled in Learning in the Wings are immersed in a unique interactive trade and technology learning environment that explores potential career possibilities, while offering students legitimate “real world” internship experience within a professional organization. The program is primarily offered to students attending the Waterbury Arts Magnet School, but is also available to public high school students who apply and interview for a position.
Students interested in participating in this program should contact Educational Programs Manager Dawn Alger at 203-346-2016. Students must submit a formal request proposal and a teacher recommendation to be considered.
Almeida Named All-Academic
Barbara Almeida, of Waterbury, has been named to the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Fall All-Academic team for 2010. Almeida maintained a cumulative 3.72 GPA while studying to obtain a degree in Environmental Science at Post University. Almeida, a junior women’s cross-country runner graduated from Sacred Heart High School.
“Post University is career focused and student driven,” said Anthony Fallacaro, Post University Athletic Director. “To have Barbara named to the Fall All-Academic Team demonstrates her commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the cross-country course.’
It is the first time Almeida has made the all-academic team and is consistently one of the Eagles’ top three runners. This season her efforts contributed to Post University winning all of their regular season meets. A total of 151 student-athletes among the 14 conference schools have earned a spot on the team this fall.
In order to be named to the CACC All-Academic team, recipients must have participated in a CACC Championship sport in the fall. They must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically, have been a student-athlete at their current school for at least two semesters, and achieve a cumulative grade-point-average of 3.50 or higher through the fall semester. Freshmen are not eligible.
New Dean
The New Year has brought a new face to Naugatuck Valley Community College. President Daisy Cocco De Filippis is excited to announce the appointment of Lillian Ortiz, Ed.D., as the College’s new interim dean of student services.
Ortiz comes to NVCC from Middlesex Community College, where she had held the post of interim associate dean of academic and student affairs since August 2010. Prior to this position, she served as the dean of institutional development and community engagement at Manchester Community College, overseeing the college’s foundation, alumni association, marketing, public relations, publications, website and media services.
“I am excited and energized by this opportunity to become a part of the evolving culture of Naugatuck Valley,” said Ortiz. “Student services is a core support function that can shape and have a very positive impact on a student’s collegiate experience.”
During her twelve-year tenure in Manchester, Ortiz strengthened student and academic programs by securing financial support through private dollars and grants. She raised a total of $7 million for scholarships, programs, equipment and renovations and secured building-naming opportunities totaling $1,200,000.
“Dr. Ortiz brings to this position an understanding of the student-centered mission of community colleges and the capacity to work effectively and maintain strong credibility with faculty, staff and students,” said President De Filippis. “She has a record of successful implementation of strategic initiatives, a demonstrated ability to manage finite fiscal resources effectively, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the capacity to sustain a sense of humor, energy and optimism while carrying out the demanding role of a community college leader. We are exceptionally fortunate that Dr. Ortiz has accepted the offer to join our management team during this time of transition.”
Ortiz holds a doctorate of education with a concentration in educational leadership from the University of Hartford, an M.A. in human resources development from American International College and a B.A. in political science from Central Connecticut State University.
After School
The Palace Theater is pleased to announce that the American Savings Foundation has awarded the not-for-profit performing arts organization a $22,500 grant to support the longevity of its after-school character development program, I Give My Word.
Integrating academic curriculum with current events and the performing arts, I Give My Word is a program designed to celebrate diversity, promote tolerance and reduce bullying in local high schools. This year’s program is centered on Shakespeare’s classic play Romeo & Juliet and focuses on the themes of prejudice, discrimination, social pressure, depression and suicide and how these topics are relevant to current events and everyday student life. Through the creation of original poetry, students will draw on personal experiences to communicate the urgency of embracing tolerance, vowing to give “their word,” as they pledge to practice respect, responsibility, fairness, citizenship, caring and trustworthiness to create positive change in their community.
As I Give My Word enters its third year, this year’s program will feature a new social project component. Students will be responsible for creating and implementing a project that raises awareness on a chosen social issue affecting their community. The funding provided by the American Savings Foundation will make it possible for 70 underserved students attending Title One Schools in the Greater Waterbury area to participate in the program, as well as attend Shakesperience Productions Inc’s full length stage presentation of Romeo & Juliet.
Schools and students from the Greater Waterbury area interested in participating in this program are encouraged to contact Educational Programs Manager Dawn Alger at 203-346-2016.
The Webster Difference
Webster Bank gave $143,000 to help feed the hungry in the fourth quarter of 2010. And in December, its employees completed their annual “Making a Difference” food drive, collecting almost eight tons of donated items.
“Giving a helping hand to those in our community who cannot afford to put food on the table is one of the core missions of Webster’s Community Affairs Program,” said Kathy Luria, vice president, community affairs. “The food banks and soup kitchens in our communities continue to experience higher than normal requests for their services — and when they are in need, we find a way to respond.”
More than 35 organizations that feed the hungry in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York received donations from Webster in the fourth quarter, including local food pantries and shelters, soup kitchens and statewide food banks.
The “Making a Difference” food drive, which collected donations at Webster branches and offices, lasted five weeks, wrapping up just before Christmas. Webster’s Customer Care Center in Wallingford, Conn., collected 2,300 items after seven teams of employees struck up a friendly rivalry to see who could collect the most food. The result was a 40 percent increase over what the Customer Care Center collected last year.
Scholarships
The Arts and Tourism Commission will award two $500 scholarships to assist any Waterbury resident who is a graduating high school senior and continuing their education beyond a high school level. The purpose of the Arts and Tourism commission is the encouragement of activities which enrich the arts and cultural life of the citizens of Waterbury. The commission established an Arts Scholarship program for city high school students. This program requires that the student enter a formal institution after graduation and he/she continue study of his/her particular form of art throughout the school year that the grant is awarded. All completed scholarships are due by April 14, 2011. Applications are available at your guidance counselor offices, or for Pick up at the Mayor’s office on 236 Grand Street. For more information, Please call Lynnette Letsky- Piombo at 203-755-4462
Comic Exhibit
William H. Foster III, professor of English at NVCC, will host a reception for his exhibit “Changing Image of African Americans in Comics,” which features original paper collage art, on Thursday, February 24 at 1 pm in the College’s Leever Atrium, 750 Chase Parkway. Foster, a Middletown resident, is a long-time comic book collector and researcher. He has appeared on CNN and National Public Radio as a commentator on the issue of blacks in comics. His exhibit has been displayed at a number of venues across the country, including Temple University’s Paley Library and the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art in New York City.
Waterbury Connection
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Connecticut in Waterbury has announced that Waterbury residents, Raechel Guest, Nunzio DeFilippis, Diego Cardenas, Dr. Eashwarlall Ramdhani, Aileen Singleton, Anthony DiGennaro, Donna Bonasera and Sheila Waters Fucci of CT Dance Theatre, along with former resident Sue Matsuki, Bethany resident Jude Hsiang and UConn Waterbury faculty members Dr. Ruth Glasser and Dr. Stuart Brown, will be leading programs in the upcoming session. The spring course offerings and special events will take place from March – May and the summer session of courses will be held in June, 2011.
OLLI at UConn is offered at the Waterbury campus and is one of a national network of Institutes associated with the prestigious Bernard Osher Foundation. Bernard Osher, a New England native, is ranked among the top fifty most generous philanthropists in the United States. Beginning its fifth year, OLLI currently provides non-credit courses, special events, author talks, research lectures, and current events forums to over seven-hundred older adult participants (usually age 50 and up). Since its inception in 2007, OLLI has served over 900 individuals from over 72 cities and towns in Connecticut representing five of Connecticut’s eight counties.
Raechel Guest will present an 8-week course (Mar. 18 – May 13, from 3:00 – 4:30 PM) entitled, What is More Lasting than Brass? a view of Waterbury’s industrial history – past, present and future. Guest is author of Houses of the Hillside Neighborhood, as well as a series of articles about Waterbury’s brass industry.
Nunzio DeFilippis will lead two courses – an 8-week class during the spring session, Opera: A Passion for the Ages, Part II from 3:00 – 4:30 PM, followed by Opera: A Passion for the Ages, Part III on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 7 – 30 from 1:45 – 3:15 PM. A businessman for 35 years, DeFilippis began teaching opera to share his passion for the subject.
Diego Cardenas will offer a 4-week class, Mar. 18 – April 8 from 8:15 – 9:45 AM entitled South America: Ally on the Loose. A Columbian native, Cardenas has a degree in Industrial Engineering from Universidad del Valle in Columbia. He has always had a passion for the cinema and history.
Dr. Eashwarlall Ramdhani will lead a 4-week course, April 15 – May 13, from 8:15 – 9:45 AM entitled Using Ayurveda, an Indian Alternative Medical System, Part II. Ramdhani is an Alternative Medical Doctor who has dedicated a greater part of his life to the practice of Health and Alternative Medicine.
Aileen Singleton will conduct a 6-week course entitled Beginning Art / Drawing. The art classes will be held on Tuesdays March 22 – April 26 from 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM in the Mattatuck Museum’s Munger Room. Singleton began her artistic career fifteen years ago. Today she is best known for her painted collages – art that combines a painting, and fabric collage.
Anthony DiGennaro will lead a 4-week class from April 15 – May 13 from 11:40 AM – 1:00 PM, entitled, You Can Fight City Hall. DiGennaro has served on political town committees, ran campaigns at the local level and served as chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Judith Hsiang will lead a 4-session class during the summer session, on Tuesdays, June 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 8:30 – 10:00 AM entitled, How Does Your Garden Grow? A Certified Advanced Master Gardener, Hsiang is Connecticut Accredited Nursery Professional and employee of Broken Arrow Nursery.
Donna Bonasera and Sheila Water Fucci will teach three dance classes at the new location of CT Dance Theatre in the Howland Hughes building on Bank Street in downtown Waterbury. Dance for the Love of It, Tuesdays (March 15 – May 3) from 12:00 – 1:30 PM (taught by Donna), along with All Tapped Out – Part I (taught by Sheila) from 12:00 – 1:30 PM, also on the eight Tuesdays, followed by Sheila’s second class, All Tapped Out, Part II from 2:00 – 3:30 PM.
Dr. Ruth Glasser, UConn Waterbury Urban Studies professor will offer a class entitled, Culinary Waterbury, visiting and enjoying lunch at ethnic restaurants for 4 weeks, from March 18 – April 8 from 11:40 AM to 1:00 PM (culinary adventures paid by each member).
Dr. Stuart Brown, UConn Waterbury’s Director of Student Services, will present a 6-week course from 8:15 – 9:45 AM entitled The Words and Music of Irving Berlin. Course dates are March 18 – April 29. Brown has been the Trinity College radio music show host of “On Broadway” for the past 18 years.
Sue Matsuki will conduct an 8-week class from 1:15 – 2:45 PM entitled, Life is a Cabaret! Matsuki, a 20-year jazz/cabaret singer, grew up in Waterbury and held the title of Miss Waterbury in 1976. During her musical career, she played in legendary jazz clubs and in some of the best Cabarets in New York City.
Classes are held at the Waterbury campus and other downtown locations. The program will offer 54 courses in the upcoming spring and summer sessions. In addition to class offerings, there are university research lectures, author talks, special events and discounts offered by community partners such as The Palace Theater, Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, Mattatuck Museum, and CT Dance Theatre.
The annual membership cost is $60, allowing participants to sign up for courses (from $20 – $50 each), to participate in OLLI Café lunchtime presentations, university research lectures, receive discounts to OLLI partnership events, attend special OLLI events, obtain an OLLI membership card and a UConn Waterbury parking pass for OLLI classes. Membership is “first come, first served” and courses fill up quickly.
For additional information or receive a spring/summer brochure, please call 203-236-9924, 203-236-9925 or e-mail Osher@uconn.edu.
Sasala Scholarship
Following the Sasala Community Partnership Award event held last June, Main Street Waterbury has established a scholarship to be awarded to an eligible high school senior with an intended college major of political science, economics, sociology, or urban studies. This scholarship helps aid in the memory of the late Stephen R. Sasala II) (former Main Street Waterbury Board Chairman) and his legacy as a partnership builder and community leader. Like Steve Sasala, Main Street Waterbury strives to make a difference for the community by cultivating partnerships and boldly facing challenges with optimism and commitment. Steve advocated for quality planning and policy development, and practiced the leadership approach of setting goals and staying the course while recognizing and working toward the bigger picture. With these qualities, he continually provided support for addressing local work in ways that ultimately benefited the more global good. The scholarship amount this year is $750.
The successful applicant must possess the following attributes of public policy(via academics), leadership and community involvement while fully understanding how each attribute is linked together for the greater good of a community. Applicants must demonstrate their leadership interests by being actively involved in the classroom, in student clubs, and community organizations. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate how their involvement has contributed to their development as a future community leader.
To apply for this scholarship, the student must be a Greater Waterbury resident and attend one of the following high schools: Crosby, Kennedy, Wilby, Waterbury Arts Magnet, Chase Collegiate, Holy Cross, Sacred Heart, WF Kaynor Tech, Naugatuck, Wolcott, Watertown, Pomperaug, Woodland, or Nonnewaug.
Main Street Waterbury CEO Carl Rosa states, “I can’t think of a better way to commemorate Steve’s legacy than to encourage young men and women to aspire to his leadership qualities and dedication to our community.”
In addition to the guidance offices of the listed high schools, applications may be picked up at the Main Street Waterbury office at 83 Bank Street in downtown Waterbury or downloaded off the Main Street Waterbury website at www.mainstreetwaterbury.com.
Applications need to be sent to the Main Street Waterbury office and post marked no later than March 29, 2011. The recipient of the scholarship will be notified by mail and also posted on the Main Street Waterbury website by April 30, 2011.
For more information, contact the Main Street Waterbury office. 203-757-0701 ext. 302 or email at crosa@mainstreetwaterbury.com
Smith Joins Roundtable
Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS), the holding company for Webster Bank, announced today that James C. Smith, its chairman, president and chief executive officer, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Financial Services Roundtable in Washington, D.C.
The Financial Services Roundtable represents 100 of the largest integrated financial services companies providing banking, insurance, and investment products and services to the American consumer. Roundtable member companies, which include Webster, provide fuel for America’s economic engine, accounting directly for $92.7 trillion in managed assets, $1.2 trillion in revenue, and 2.3 million jobs.
”Jim is highly respected by his peers, and a leader in the financial services industry,” said Steve Bartlett, the Roundtable’s president and CEO. “He is well known for his fairness and above all, his integrity. We are honored to have him join our board of directors.”
Smith was appointed to the Roundtable board for a three-year term. He is also co-chairman of the American Bankers Council, is on the executive committee of the Connecticut Bankers Association and recently completed a three-year term as a member of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
“The Roundtable exists to protect and promote the economic vitality and integrity of its members and the United States’ financial system,” Smith said. “The Roundtable’s leadership will be critically important during the implementation phase of the Dodd-Frank Act regarding regulatory reform. Our nation’s economic recovery will benefit from an American financial system that efficiently and effectively meets the needs of business and consumers for credit, savings, insurance and investment products.”
La Tavola Chef Selected
The American Liver Foundation presents Flavors of Connecticut, its 10th annual culinary gala, April 12, 2011 at the Aqua Turf in Southington, CT. Over 30 chefs will offer their talents to Flavors guests when they arrive at the event. After a silent auction, with live music, passed hors d’oeuvres, each 12-person table receives a five-course meal with wine pairings served by a celebrated chef. The popular TV personality, Marc Summers will MC the event and the renowned ESPN sports commentator, Chris Berman, will be the Fund-a-Grant speaker. “Liver disease is an extremely common problem in America, and approximately 60,000 people die from liver failure each year,” said Dr. Robert Leventhal, Co-Chair of the Event. “25% of all Americans have Fatty Liver Disease, 4 million Americans have Hepatitis C, and liver cancer is on the rise. Presently there are 16,137 candidates waiting for a liver transplant. Many die waiting for transplant as there aren’t enough organs to handle the demand,” he said.
The only local chef involved is Nicola Mancini, Jr. of La Tavola in Waterbury.
The mission of the American Liver Foundation (ALF) is to facilitate, advocate and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.
Individual tickets: $225 per person, all inclusive. Sponsor information available upon request.
Scholarship Deadlines
Scholarship applications for the 2011 school year are currently available from the Connecticut Community Foundation in Waterbury. Students may obtain applications online by visiting www.conncf.org/guidelines-applications. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, March 15, 2011.
For most of the Foundation’s scholarships, first-time applicants must be entering their first year of college in 2011 and live in Greater Waterbury or the Litchfield Hills including Beacon Falls, Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Cheshire, Goshen, Litchfield, Middlebury, Morris, Naugatuck, New Milford, Oxford, Prospect, Roxbury, Southbury, Thomaston, Warren, Washington, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott, or Woodbury.
Helping students achieve their dreams of attending college since 1989, the Connecticut Community Foundation is the region’s largest scholarship provider. Last year, students in our region received more than $600,000 in scholarships from funds established by area donors. For more information, contact Josh Carey, program officer, at jcarey@conncf.org, 203-753-1315.
Noujaim Named Whip
State Representative Selim Noujaim (R-74) has been named as a Minority Whip for the House Republican caucus.
“I am privileged to have been selected to assume a leadership role in the General Assembly.” Rep. Noujaim said. “A position of this magnitude would hopefully lead to more benefits for our city of Waterbury. I look forward to continuing to serve our constituents with the utmost integrity and to face head-on the challenges that stand in our way.”
He also announced his legislative committee assignments for the upcoming two years.
Rep. Noujaim will serve on the Commerce Committee, Regulation Review Committee, Program Review and Investigations Committee and the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee.
Noujaim was first elected in a special election in 2002 and won his re-election bid in November handily defeating his opponent by earning 92% of the vote. Noujaim represents the East End of Waterbury in the Connecticut General Assembly.
Municipal Stadium Improvements
House Chair of the Commerce Committee, State Rep. Jeff Berger (D-Waterbury) today announced that $750,000 to make improvements to the 80-year-old Municipal Stadium in Waterbury has been approved by the state Bond Commission.
“The approval of these funds is the culmination of four years of effort and a project total of $2.25 million for municipal stadium so the spectators, players and coaches will have a premium facility for sports events and other activities,” Rep. Berger said. “This ongoing effort in partnership with the Waterbury Development Corporation is the 3rd phase and includes the incorporation of a grandstand, baseball footprint, scoreboard, backstop and dugouts.”
Waterbury Municipal Stadium has been in operation since 1930 and is used by varying groups from the Waterbury Youth Leagues, Waterbury High Schools, Teikyo Post University, AAU, American Legion and the Twi-Met league, among others.
Post University’s football team played its first home game on October 30th at the Ray Snyder Sr. field at Municipal Stadium.
Rep. Berger serves the 73rd General Assembly District and is Chairman of the Commerce Committee. He also serves on the Finance, Revenue & Bonding and the Judiciary Committees.
Webster United
Webster Bank announced today that it raised $1.16 million through its recently completed 2010 Employee Community Campaign for the United Way.
The amount raised makes Webster one of Connecticut’s largest contributors to the United Way. The money will go to more than 40 United Way chapters and more than 100 United Way partner agencies across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Westchester County, N.Y.
The theme of Webster’s 2010 Employee Community Campaign for the United Way was “75 Years of Caring,” because it coincided with the bank celebrating its 75th anniversary year. The campaign consisted of several one-time fundraisers over the course of the summer and fall, which were designed to raise awareness about the United Way and lead up to a three-week online employee pledge campaign in the fall.
“Since Webster was founded in the Great Depression, giving back to the communities we serve has been a defining part of who we are,” said Bob Twomey, the campaign chairman who is also Webster’s regional president for Massachusetts and Rhode Island and a senior vice president at the bank. “Despite the continued challenges in today’s economy, more Webster bankers pledged this year than ever before to help the United Way provide its broad safety net of human services, a fitting end to a campaign that came to a close as the bank celebrated its diamond anniversary.”
Experience Senegal
LaVerne Campbell of Waterbury is visiting Senegal during February and upon her return will give a power point presentation on her visits, the work of the Safety Nets Project, and a description of the people, the culture and the medical conditions she found there Thursday, Feb. 24th in auditorium of the Silas Bronson Library, 267 Grand St. at 6:00 p.m.
She will appear in Senegalese dress and will exhibit various crafts and souvenirs from her visits.
Ms. Campbell, an eligibility service worker for the Connecticut Dept. of Social Services became involved in the program when a friend of hers from Minneapolis MN initiated it three years ago after hearing about conditions in Senegal from an acquaintance who had visited there.
Every 30 seconds a child under the age of five dies of malaria in Africa — that’s more than 3,000 every day, more than 1,000,000 a year. Fortunately, Americans are getting involved in alleviating the diseases and poverty in various African countries.
One such organization is Project Safety Nets, a program with which Campbell has been associated for the past three years. Its mission is to provide medical, educational, and financial support as well as cultural connections to members of underserved communities in Senegal. This support includes, but is not limited to: mosquito bed nets to protect against malaria, school and health supplies, educational opportunities to empower women entrepreneurs, and a student pen pal program.
Ms. Campbell’s church, New Bethel Church of God in Christ, has since partnered with Project Safety Nets under the direction of Pastor Eddie Styles.
Arrive Alive
The Law Offices of Carter Mario Injury Lawyers is pleased to announce the 2011 Arrive Alive Scholarship Program. Each applicant will be asked to prepare a presentation on the dangers of distracted driving and using their cell phone while behind the wheel, which will be judged by Connecticut’s Injury Lawyer, Carter Mario and his staff. The statewide firm will award $1,000 a piece to (10) ten high school seniors in the state of Connecticut attending a four-year college or university in the fall. Carter Mario Injury Lawyers and the law firm’s community relations arm, Carter Cares is dedicated to helping individuals, especially youth in the state who have been affected by injury due to negligence. The firm is also concerned with the prevention of accidents and the safety of others before personal injury even occurs.
“Our goal is to help educate the young people of Connecticut in making smart decisions regarding safe driving practices “, says Carter. “If we can save one life, it is worth it. If we do nothing, auto accidents and tragedies resulting from teen’s texting and talking on their cell phone while driving will continue to rise here in Connecticut. This scholarship program, now in our second year with this focus, is our firm taking a stance on distracted driving and cell phones usage by our state’s teens.”
Since the scholarship program’s inception in 2006, Carter Mario Injury Lawyers has awarded over $32,000.00 in scholarship money to graduating high school seniors in Connecticut. The Arrive Alive Scholarship program’s importance is strengthened by the striking fact that an estimated 8 in 10 drivers do in fact talk on their cell phones (despite the laws) while behind the wheel. Add that to the fact that over 1 million people are chatting behind the wheel at any given moment in America, as reported by the National Safety Council; and it is now fair to say that the combination of texting and cell phone use while driving is becoming as lethal as getting behind the wheel intoxicated.
Last year in 2010, the law firm introduced a series of advertising throughout Connecticut on busses and billboards, all aimed at drawing awareness to the epidemic of distracted driving here in the state by Connecticut’s motorists. This campaign became the catalyst to raising the awareness in Connecticut on the issue of teen distracted driving, and led to the unique focus of the Arrive Alive Scholarship Program.
Connecticut high school seniors interested in the scholarship can obtain the application by visiting www.getcarter.com and downloading a copy, or by visiting their school’s guidance department or guidance counselor. All entries must be postmarked no later than March 25th, 2011 to qualify for the scholarship. For more information about the Arrive Alive Scholarship Program, including scholarship rules and eligibility, please visit www.getcarter.com and click on the “Arrive Alive” logo.
Volleyball Players wanted for sports event
Join in the action at this popular volleyball tournament Saturday, March 26, at the Connecticut Sports Center in Woodbridge, CT. The tournament is designed for all skill levels. Divisions range from Just-for-Fun to Highly Competitive. The event also includes a post–event celebration at Señor Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant, 280 Cheshire Road, Prospect.
Registration deadline is March 16. For more information or to register a team, contact
Eddie Bruneau, Easter Seals Events Coordinator, at 203- 754-5141, ext. 251
Proceeds benefit the programs and services of Easter Seals, serving the special needs of infants, children and adults with disabilities in greater Waterbury, central, and northwestern Connecticut. www.waterburyct.easterseals.com
Berger Re-appointed Chair of Commerce
State Representative Jeff Berger (D–Waterbury) was appointed by Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan to continue to serve as House chair of the Commerce Committee.
“I am honored and privileged to be re-appointed as House chair of the Commerce Committee. As a committee we have created important legislation to enhance economic development and business development throughout the state of Connecticut,” Rep. Berger said. “As we head into the 2011 legislative session, we will be facing unprecedented fiscal issues but I am prepared to continuing the work to keep Connecticut competitive.”
“Jeff has done an outstanding job as Chair of the Commerce Committee and he has had a direct hand in growing business. If we are to jump-start our economy, we will continue to need Jeff’s experience and knowledge,” Speaker Donovan said.
The Commerce Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Development Authority and Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated.
Rep. Berger serves the 73rd General Assembly District and is Chairman of the Commerce Committee. He also serves on the Finance, Revenue & Bonding and the Judiciary Committees.
State Releases Money For Bridge Repairs
State Representative Selim Noujaim (R-74) today announced his support for the state bond commission for funding work on two bridges over the Mad River.
Recently, the state bond commission approved funding for the Local Bridge Program that included $986,329 for work on two bridges that span the Mad River in Waterbury. The grants are for work on the East Liberty Street and East Main Street bridges.
The money was allocated four years ago but then was held due to budget constraints. However, the City of Waterbury took it upon itself to repair the bridge at the intersection of East Main Street and Southmayd Road on the perimeter of the former site of the Mattatuck Manufacturing Company.
“I am grateful to the administration of our city for undertaking the work even though the money had not yet been released,” Rep. Noujaim said. “The city will now be reimbursed and the bridge is safe for pedestrians and motorists. I applaud the commission for making sure that Waterbury’s taxpayers did not have to undertake this expense.”
Rep. Noujaim begins his 5th term when the legislature convenes January 5, 2011.