Shave Against Cancer
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research, has issued a lofty challenge to everyone who wants to help raise money for childhood cancer research: Be a hero for kids with cancer by shaving your head in return for pledges of financial support from friends and family.
Participants find that shaving their head in solidarity with the 160,000 children who are diagnosed with cancer each year is a small sacrifice in comparison to what these children endure, and want to raise money to help find a cure for children with cancer now and in the future.
A local event will be held on Monday April 11, 2011 at the Waterville Fire House, 1551 Thomaston Ave, Waterbury, Ct and will be hosted by the Waterbury Fire Fighters Association, IAFF local 1339. The head-shavings will commence at 4:00PM and will run until 9:00PM. There will be a magician, balloon animals and face painting. News 8’s Teresa LaBarbara will be in attendance for a meet and greet and will be a celebrity barber from 4:30 to 6:00
For more information, to sign up to be a shavee, or to make a donation: please visit www.waterburyfire.org and click on the St. Baldricks flyer.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation makes grants to research institutions to find new cures for childhood cancer, and to find treatments to ensure a better quality of life for patients and survivors. The foundation funds research projects conducted by established pediatric cancer experts, as well as younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow. Funds also enable hundreds of local institutions to participate in national pediatric cancer clinical trials, offering the best available care for every child. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is grateful to its many volunteers (bald or not!) and donors, including Allied World, Barbicide, Dowling & Partners, elope and PartnerRe. For more information about St. Baldrick’s, please call 1.888.899.BALD or visit www.StBaldricks.org.
Henry Lee at NVCC
Dr. Henry Lee is the guest speaker at this year’s “Biotechnology and Forensic Science Seminar” at Naugatuck Valley Community College. Dr. Lee will speak from 9 am – 10 am on April 27 in the College’s Mainstage Theater, 750 Chase Parkway. The event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Lee’s work has made him a landmark in modern-day forensic sciences. He has been a prominent player in some of the most challenging cases of the last 40 years including the O. J. Simpson trial and the “Woodchipper” murderer. He has also worked with law enforcement agencies in helping to solve more than 6000 cases including the murder of Jon Benet Ramsey in Boulder, Colorado, the 1993 suicide of White House Counsel Vincent Foster, and the reinvestigation of the Kennedy assassination. In recent years, his travels have taken him to England, Bosnia, China, Brunei, and other locations around the world.
This event is organized by NVCC Student Activities and Human Biology Club. For more information contact Jianyu Zheng, instructor of biology at 203-596-2162 or JZheng@nvcc.commnet.edu.
American Design
The Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center will host a Tea and Tour of our new Rooms with a View: 200 Years of American Design Exhibit with Wayne Mattox on Wednesday May 11, 2011 from 1:00-3:00pm. Wayne Mattox, antique collector and dealer known for his weekly column, Antique Talk will discuss the history of the furniture in each setting and how they reflect the times in which they were made.
This exciting exhibition draws from the museum’s store rooms to showcase furniture, textiles, costumes and objects d’art not usually on view. Explore 200 years of history and how and why home design changed from simple furnishings of the Colonial era to the lavish Victorian era followed by the sleek industrial elegance of the modern movement. The Victorian era’s spirited, luxurious forms are captured in the parlor of the home of the Luther White family of Waterbury; the furniture, paintings, mirrors and ornamental articles will be displayed as they were in the family home.
In collaboration with the curatorial staff of the Mattatuck Museum, antique dealer Wayne Mattox was an integral part of procuring many of the antiques seen in the show. Hear the show explained from a collector’s perspective and get a behind the scenes tour of this gorgeous exhibit. Following the guided tour participants will enjoy tea, finger sandwiches and sweets in the BMuse Café.
Admission to Rooms with a View: 200 Years of American Design Tea and Tour with Wayne Mattox is $7 for museum members and $14 for non-members. Space is limited, reserve your spot early. Join the museum to immediately qualify for the member discount. Please register in advance at www.MattatuckMuseum.org or by calling (203) 753-0381 ext. 10.
First Thursday
The Mattatuck Museum will feature renowned pianist, Helen Sung, accompanied by vocalist, Carolyn Leonhart, at the First Thursday event on May 5, 2011 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. All are invited to come and enjoy a heart-felt performance by an award-winning jazz pioneer sponsored by TD Bank.
Winner of the Kennedy Center’s Mary Lou Williams Piano Competition, Helen Sung has been called “one of the brightest emerging stars in jazz today”. She has worked with jazz master Clark Terry, Wayne Shorter and T.S. Monk. Ms. Sung honed her skills in the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at the New England Conservatory in Boston.
Jazz singer Carolyn Leonhart is the daughter of bassist Jay Leonhart. She sang back- up for Steely Dan for years. Her style is has been described as “tinged with the edginess of a soul or R&B singer.”
First Thursday is a great way to meet up with friends, network with business associates and enjoy live music. To purchase tickets in advance call Cathy Filippone at (203) 753-0381 ext 10. Or go to the website at www.mattatuckmuseum.org for more information and to register online. Admission is $7 for museum-members, and $15 for non-members. Join the museum or renew your membership on First Thursday at get in free.
This Jazz First Thursday is produced through the generous collaboration of Litchfield Jazz Producer and Director, Vita Muir and sponsored by TD Bank. The Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center is located at 144 West Main Street, Waterbury; the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Convenient, free parking is located directly behind the museum on Park Place. For more information about First Thursdays, the museum’s collections, or other programs please call 203-753-0381 ext 10 or visit the website at www.MattatuckMuseum.org.
Guest Speaker
History Bites, the annual lecture series offered by cultural organizations throughout Northwestern Connecticut, is back and offering plenty of insight into the history of our region. On Thursday May 12, 2011 the Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center will host the series with a lecture by Raechel Guest at 12:00pm. The lecture, “Twenty-First Century Manufacturing: Waterbury, Naugatuck and Thomaston” will tell the story of three companies that have endured and prospered in spite of economic setbacks. This program will highlight three companies: The Platt Brothers & Company in Waterbury, The Eastern Company in Naugatuck, and Stewart EFI in Thomaston.
Metal manufacturing was once the lifeblood of the Naugatuck Valley. As global economies changed, the largest corporations left the region, creating a popular misconception that the industry is gone. In truth, numerous metal manufacturers are still based in the Valley. History Bites is a collaborative program co-sponsored by ten area cultural organizations and funded by the Connecticut Humanities Council. Admission is free, though donations are requested. Beverages and dessert will be served; attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch or purchase from the BMuse Cafe. For more information or a schedule of the lectures visit: www.ctlandmarks.org and click on Bellamy-Ferriday, or e-mail historybitesct@gmail.com. To register for this lecture, visit www.MattatuckMuseum.org or call (203) 753-0381 ext. 10.
Chef Series
Introducing the Chef Series at the Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center! Our first guest Chef will be our own exclusive caterer, Bob Bourassa, from Bourassa Catering & Events on Monday, May 9, 2011 from 6:00-9:00pm. Bob will teach culinary versatility with a special dinner featuring: Caesar Salad Three Ways, Filets of Beef in a Pasilla Chili Sauce and Flourless Chocolate Cake. Learn valuable cooking techniques and tips from this well known, local chef then enjoy the meal in the elegant museum setting.
With over 30 years of culinary experience, Bob Bourassa is one of the area’s finest chefs. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Bob has honed his craft running the food service operations in some of the world’s finest hotels. In the kitchen, Bob brings a superior level of creativity and flavor. If it doesn’t match his high expectations for taste and quality, he doesn’t serve it. It’s that simple.
Nothing equals the learning experience of a real cooking class. Participants will interact with the chef and ask questions to better understand the concepts and techniques. Participants will have a clear view of all the cooking action and learn how to transform fresh ingredients into a beautiful, delicious menu. The classes will be taught in the museum’s kitchen. The lesson ends as participants enjoy the meal they just learned to prepare.
The fee per session of the Chef Series at the Mattatuck Museum is $90 for museum members and $100 for non-members. The price includes the class, enjoyed over a glass of wine, and an elegantly set table to savor the meal they learned to create. Join the museum to immediately qualify for the member discount. Space is limited; please register in advance at www.MattatuckMuseum.org or by calling (203) 753-0381 ext. 10.
Civil War
The Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center will host Dr. Matthew Warshauer, author of Connecticut in the American Civil War: Slavery, Sacrifice and Survival, on Thursday May 26, 2011 at 5:30pm. Dr. Warshauer is a Professor of History at Central Connecticut State University and co-chair of the Connecticut Civil War Commemoration Commission.
He will discuss his new book as well as the plans that are underway for the state’s 150th anniversary of the war. Although most may not immediately think of Connecticut when considering the Civil War, the state was extremely involved in the conflict. We sent more than 30 regiments to the front, had an extensive industrial capacity, and an active home front. Connecticut is also home to more than 130 Civil War monuments.
Connecticut in the American Civil War offers a remarkable window into the state’s involvement in a conflict that challenged and defined the unity of our nation. The war is followed through the many facets and stories of battlefield, home front, and factory. The varied attitudes toward slavery and race before, during, and after the war are revealed. Connecticut’s reaction to the firing on Fort Sumter; the dissent in the state over whether or not the sword and musket should be raised against the South; the raising of troops; the sacrifice of those who served on the front and at home; and the need for closure after the war are all discussed.
Admission to Looks at Connecticut’s Role in the American Civil War is free for museum members and $10 for non-members. Join the museum to immediately qualify for the member discount. Please register in advance at www.MattatuckMuseum.org or by calling (203) 753-0381 ext. 10.
“Undressing” History
Actress Kandie Carle comes to The Mattatuck Museum to teach history through fashion as The Victorian Lady on Wednesday May 25, 2011 at 7:00pm. Join us for a night of laughter, fun and intrigue with this one-of-a-kind performance, Dress and Undress in the Edwardian Era!
Well known for her role as The Victorian Lady, Kandie Carle brings to light some of the differences as well as some of the similarities between us and our turn of the century ancestors. While dressing and undressing in actual vintage and authentically reproduced undergarments, clothing and accessories, Kandie Carle adds humor, history and intriguing anecdotes about fashion, home life and etiquette of men and women during the Edwardian era of the early 1900s when the Gibson Girl look became the fashion to follow. Created by graphic artist Charles Dana Gibson, the Gibson Girl represented the beautiful and independent American woman.
Ms. Carle has been working in the theatre since 1980 as an actress, dancer and singer throughout the U.S. and abroad. Her resume covers the spectrum from Shakespeare to Musical Comedy. Her love of history and years of research and experience as a performer have culminated in the creation of her one-woman show, The Victorian Lady. Since 1996, she has been touring with this program and has entertained audiences throughout New England and beyond.
Admission to Rooms with a View: Dress and Undress in the Edwardian Era with Kandie Carle
$15 for museum members and $20 for non-members. Join the museum to immediately qualify for the member discount. Please register in advance at www.MattatuckMuseum.org or by calling (203) 753-0381 ext. 10.
Dimo At Museum
Lee Dimo, Sinatra-style vocalist extraordinaire, returns to the Mattatuck Museum for TGI Third Thursday on May 19, 2011 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Crooning the tunes of the big band era, the similarity of Lee’s voice and mannerisms to Sinatra’s astounds audiences, and this performance is one that fans of Ol’ Blue Eyes won’t want to miss. Come enjoy, remember, and dance.
TGI Third Thursday is a great way to meet up with friends, network with business associates and enjoy live music. To purchase tickets in advance call Cathy Filippone at (203) 753-0381 ext 10. Or go to the website at www.mattatuckmuseum.org for more information and to register online. Admission is $7 for museum-members, and $15 for non-members. Join the museum or renew your membership on TGI Third Thursday at get in free!
The Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center is operated with support from the Connecticut Commission on Cultural & Tourism, and is a member of the Connecticut Art Trail, fifteen world-class museums and historic sites (www.arttrail.org). Located at 144 West Main Street, Waterbury, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Convenient, free parking is located directly behind the museum on Park Place. For more information about First Thursdays, the museum’s collections, or other programs please call 203-753-0381 ext 10 or visit the website at www.MattatuckMuseum.org.
Chairman Dupont
Richard DuPont, President of Resource Development Associates LLC in Watertown, chairman of the Manufacturing Advisory Council of The Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, has accepted the position as Chairman of the Board for the Watertown-Oakville Chamber of Commerce in the Town of Watertown. Effective March 24th, DuPont, a 30-year resident of Watertown, will replace outgoing Chairman, Joe Seacrist, who has admirably served the Chamber in that capacity for the past four years.
Highly-respected and well-known in the Waterbury/Watertown/Torrington business arena, Richard DuPont is a past president and active member of the Smaller Manufacturers Association of Connecticut; he serves as a director for Waterbury Development Corporation and the State of Connecticut Apprenticeship Council. He also serves as a consultant to the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, the CT Department of Labor Business Collaborative, the CT Community Colleges, SMART program, and as Co-Chair for Well Path, Behavior Health for Children & Families annual golf fundraiser. DuPont is also a member of the Watertown Golf Club, and a member of the Sacred Heart High School Advanced Leadership Committee.
“My ambition is to reach out to every business in the Watertown-Oakville community,” stated DuPont. “The Chamber of Commerce is the platform from which we will build a keener awareness of business to business opportunities, local and statewide, plus share value-added information and services. Additionally, we will take advantage of a public policy collaborative for a stronger voice and connection to our leaders and representatives in the State Capitol, all in support of business, job retention and job creation”.
The Watertown-Oakville Chamber of Commerce is a division of the Waterbury Regional Chamber, one of Connecticut’s largest chambers with 1,100 members. “We have over 70 area businesses participating in this chamber,” stated DuPont. “Our members run the gamut from manufactures, bankers, home improvement contractors, auto dealerships, catering groups, restaurants, massage therapists, and physical therapists to well-known institutions such as the Taft School, Siemon Company and Webster Bank.”
DuPont will be working closely with the current Board of Directors of the Watertown-Oakville Chamber of Commerce who include Uma Bahn of Mental health Association of CT; James Bucko of People’s United Bank; Sherry Cosmos, Envoy Mortgage; Barbara Fortier, Mutual Security Credit Union; Theresa Gorman, Century 21 Access America; Joseph McGrail, Remote Automation Solutions; Louis Palios, Wachovia Bank, N.A.; Debra Telman, Litchfield Bancorp; Ronald Webb, Edward Jones; Gary DeCavage, CT Shirt Man; Joe Seacrist, Town of Watertown Economic Development; The Honorable Sean Williams; State Representative and State Senator, Rob Kane.
“The Watertown-Oakville area is a wonderful place to live and grow a business,” commented DuPont. “I am grateful for the opportunity to actively help support our entire community as Chair of the Watertown-Oakville Chamber.” DuPont’s Watertown-based company, Resource Development Associates, builds strategic partnerships and revenue opportunities for commercial and industrial clients across the continental United States and Ontario, Canada with a unique Energy, Labor and Quality Management System™
To learn more about the Waterbury Regional Chamber and the Watertown-Oakville Chamber, visit www.waterburychamber.com/Watertown-OakvilleChamber.com.
Amensty Week
If you are a Waterbury resident and have fines from April 1, 2003 thru
May 21, 2011, the Silas Bronson Library will FORGIVE one-half (1/2)
of those fines if you come to the library and check out items during the
week of May 16 – 21, 2011.
If you are a Waterbury resident and have fines from April 1, 2003 – May 21, 2011, the Silas Bronson Library will FORGIVE ALL (100%) Waterbury fines if you come to the library and check out items during the week of May 16-21, 2011, AND if you bring a friend who is eligible to register for a Waterbury library card.
The Silas Bronson Library DOES NOT forgive “Lost” items. LOST items will have to be paid.
Also, we DO NOT forgive fines from other libraries.
Baker Fundraiser
Bryan Baker, Republican Candidate for Mayor, will be holding his first fundraiser of the season on Thursday April 28, 2011. The event will be held at Mario’s Pizza, 1650 Watertown Avenue, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. The suggested donation is $15.00, with checks made payable to “Baker for Waterbury”. If you have any questions, contact Melissa Hughes at 203-527-6727, or e-mail Bryan Baker at bryan@bakerforwaterbury.com.
Tulip Time
“The 2nd Annual Waterbury Tulip and Flower Festival is going to be on Saturday April 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Fulton Park. Rain Date will be April 30th. The Opening and welcoming ceremony will commence at 10:00 am for approximately a 1/2 hour, including, unveiling of the tulips, a blessing, short orations, followed by kids coloring their paper bags with an Easter Bunny and a drawing for gift certificates to local restaurants. The candy will be provided by five neighborhood associations surounding Fulton Park, and face painting will done by an artist and teacher in Naugatuck. Several local vendors will be on hand. Music will be provided by a DJ, Diana Drysdale from the Chamber.
NVCC Improvements
State Senators Joan V. Hartley (D-Waterbury) and Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) welcomed news about the imminent release of state funding to underwrite the design phase of major on-campus site improvements at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury. A total of $1.325 million will be allocated for detailed plans of the comprehensive project.
This item was recently included on the agenda for the State Bond Commission and is expected to be approved at that time, the lawmakers said. The General Assembly originally authorized this bonding in legislation enacted in 2005.
“Naugatuck Valley Community College offers degrees or certification in 100 separate disciplines, provides classes during the day, at night, and on weekends to accommodate every schedule, and has been serving our community for more than 45 years,” Senator Hartley said. “Its programs and services are currently in great demand so I’m delighted to know this funding will be made available to underwrite the preliminary design phase for this improvement project.”
More specifically, campus renovation plans call for new traffic signals and a realignment of the East Campus entry onto West Main Street, repaving the campus perimeter loop, improvements to the storm drainage system, and new lights, curbs, striping, sidewalks, paving, and landscaping for the school’s 1,777 parking spaces.
“Many of my constituents from Naugatuck and Beacon Falls commute to Waterbury and capitalize on the opportunities available at Naugatuck Valley Community College, and I know they’ll benefit from these campus-wide improvements,” Senator Crisco said. “Whether these students are working toward a degree, toward a career change or upgrade, or simply for self-improvement, they’ll be one more step ahead if and when they can study in a clean, safe, and encouraging learning environment.”
Chase Avenue
House Chair of the Commerce Committee, State Rep. Jeff Berger (D-Waterbury) announced today that $900,000 has been authorized by the Bond Commission for the Chase Avenue widening project in Waterbury.
The Chase Avenue project addresses increased traffic and congestion during peak hours. The avenue will be expanded to four lanes and turning lanes added as needed to address bottlenecks on the road as well as making necessary improvements to side streets and driveways.
“I am pleased the funds have been released to get these improvements off the ground as they have been in the works for some time,” Rep. Berger said. “This project will address long-standing issues on this busy road and will go a long way in easing the traffic flow during critical rush hours.”
Funding for the $18 million project is shared among federal, city and state governments with the bulk of the funds coming from the federal government with a $10 million contribution. Waterbury will invest $8 million and the state another $1.6 million.
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.
End-of-Life Care
Religious issues and spirituality are as much a part of hospice care as are adequate pain control and home care visits. VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® and the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) will describe the ways that spiritual issues and spiritual coping may emerge throughout an illness and assess the ways that spirituality can complicate and assist end-of-life care and grief in patients and families at an upcoming national conference and local panel discussion.
The HFA’s 18th annual Living With Grief® educational program takes place Friday April 15th, 2011 at TIMEXPO-The Timex Museum, Conference Room, 175 Union Street, Waterbury, CT 06706 from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Registration begins at 1:00 pm.
Healthcare professionals, social workers, counselors, funeral professionals, clergy and laypeople will hear from a national panel of grief experts, including Martha Rutland, DMin, BCC, ACPE, director of clinical pastoral education for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care®. Following the national panel discussion, local experts in grief and bereavement will lead a live discussion. They include: Rev. Kimberly Wadhams, VITAS Chaplain; Rabbi Ronald Herrmann, Southbury Training School Chaplain; Dr. Hamid Khalfi, United Muslim Masjid of Waterbury; Rev. Carla Ivison, Founder of the World Alliance of Interfaith Clergy and Dr. Clare Cherney, VITAS Medical Director and Team Physician.
The conference will also discuss approaches to meaning-making at the end of life including reminiscence and life review and dignity enhancement approaches and describe approaches toward helping patients and families use and enhance spirituality as they cope with end-of life issues.
The program is free and open to the public, sponsored by VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Waterbury and the Foundation for End of Life Care. Continuing Education Units will be offered and light refreshments will be served. To register contact Karen Hale, VITAS Volunteer & Bereavement Services Manager at 203-437-3127 or Karen.hale@vitas.com. For information visit www.hospicefoundation.org/teleconference/
Foreclosure Mediation
State Representatives Larry Butler (D-Waterbury) and William Tong (D-Stamford), along with Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) held a news conference to detail the legislature’s effort to continue and improve the state’s mortgage foreclosure mediation process. A pair of bills making their way through the General Assembly would continue to fund Connecticut’s foreclosure mediation process, while exploring the idea of delaying legal action while the mediation process is attempted. Funding for the existing assistance program is scheduled to sunset in June.
“For most homeowners, mediation is the first opportunity they have to meet face to face with a representative from their mortgage company,” said Rep. Butler, who chairs the legislature’s Housing Committee. “One of my legislative goals is to have mediation happen before any litigation.”
The news conference highlighted existing resources and assistance available through the Connecticut Fair Housing Center. Mediation classes are offered across the state and feature an 80-page manual which walks homeowners through the Connecticut foreclosure process, including all forms needed for court. To date, some 5000 owners have kept their homes thanks to this mediation process.
“We’ve been working collaboratively with homeowner advocates and Connecticut banks to improve our foreclosure mediation and foreclosure processes,” said Rep. William Tong, who chairs the legislature’s Banks Committee. “We are all trying to make the process is fair and efficient, and avoid undue hardship on homeowners who find themselves in a difficult financial situation.”
“We need to continue exploring all possible options to keep people in their homes,” said Speaker Donovan. “This proposed legislation gives people the power to help themselves without worrying about looming legal action.”
HB 6463 aims to extend the foreclosure mediation program to 2014 and to offer homeowners facing foreclosure an opportunity to participate in the foreclosure mediation program without simultaneously engaging in litigation. HB 6351 proposes similar goals.
“The Connecticut Fair Housing Center is the only non-profit organization in the state that provides legal assistance and resources, free of charge, to homeowners facing foreclosure,” said CFHC Staff Attorney Jeffrey Gentes. “One in 13 Connecticut homeowners is either 90 days behind on their mortgage or in foreclosure. It is critical that we continue to support and educate people about resources like the state’s Foreclosure Mediation Program so that we can prevent as many foreclosures as possible.”
Building Smiles
The Smile Builders program recently received a grant totaling $5,000 from the Connecticut Community Foundation. The funding will be used to purchase portable dental equipment to be used for students attending Crosby, Wallace, West Side, Enlightenment and State Street Schools.
Until this academic year, services have been offered only in preschool and elementary school settings. These students have HUSKY insurance or do not have private dental insurance.
“The grant will allow us to better serve additional patients in the Middle and High Schools,” said Dental Coordinator Rubina Ramirez. “Funds will allow us to have the necessary equipment to serve these additional students who have been unable to access this opportunity previously.”
At the conclusion of the 2009-2010 academic year 2,182 dental visits were completed at 21 elementary schools and 8 child development centers. There was a 4% decrease in the number of students identified with caries (cavities), compared with the previous two fall seasons. Accessing additional schools will improve continuity of care and further our success in reducing the caries rate for students. An estimated 114 students received a dental cleaning as a result of the expansion and 47 students (41%) in need of treatment had those needs identified and triaged into care. The service will be offered at Crosby and Wallace again in the Spring. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children so that they can receive a comprehensive hygiene service without missing school time.
For more information, please call Christine in the Community Programs, Grants and Marketing Department at (203) 756-8021, extension 3018.
Seven Angels
Julia Kiley (The Irish and How They Got That Way, Anything Goes) returns to Seven Angels April 28 through May 22 starring in this actors’ tour de force about an ordinary housewife who sets out on an extraordinary journey. As Shirley prepares dinner for her husband, she ruminates on her life and an invitation from a girlfriend to join her on holiday in Greece to search for romance and adventure – an adventure full of laughter and heart, transformational and timeless. Everyone, male and female, has a little ‘Shirley’ in them. “Absolutely smashing” New York Post; “A joyful, captivating piece of theatre” New York Daily News; A thrilling, cheer raising piece of theatre” Financial Times. Part of Our Mainstage Season.
Special food and drink nights are available throughout the run of the show. Check the Seven Angels website for details.
Tickets are $29-$37.50 and on sale now. Evening and matinee performances available. Call 203-757-4676, online at sevenangelstheatre.org. Seven Angels Theatre is located on Plank Road in Waterbury. Free Parking
Berger Appointed
House Chair of the Commerce Committee, State Rep. Jeff Berger (D-Waterbury) has been appointed by Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) to serve on the National Council of State Legislature’s Labor and Economic Development Committee.
The NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee is one of 12 standing committees of the National Conference of State Legislatures that works on state and federal issues related to labor, employment, workforce and economic development, international trade and cultural affairs.
“I am honored to be able to serve in a capacity that is directly related to work I do at the Capitol,” Rep. Berger said. “I look forward to applying my experience to this NCSL committee and to be able to make a positive contribution to the benefit of Waterbury.”
“I have no reservations about this appointment,” said Speaker Donovan. “As Chair of the Legislature’s Commerce Committee, I am sure Rep. Berger will be an asset to this national committee.”
The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and to advocate for the interests of states in the American federal system.
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.
Karen (Miele) Phipps
Artist Karen (Miele) Phipps will present new works inspired by landscape and nature at Waterbury Hospital during the month of April. The exhibit can be seen in the entry to the Pomeroy Pavilion, off the Hospital’s main entrance.
Karen grew up in Naugatuck and entered her first art competition there, where she won a pair of blue and yellow roller skates for her efforts. Encouraged by her early artistic success, she went on to attend the San Francisco Art Institute and the University of Chicago, and has been painting ever since.
She now splits her time between Chicago and Taos, New Mexico where she spends many of her days painting “en plein air”, that is, on site in the landscape. The same plein air tradition that inspired Monet and the Impressionists is what continues to draw Karen outside each day. The beauty of light and peace in the landscape and the natural world are constant sources of inspiration for the work, and whether the painting is completed on site, or later in the studio while using the plein air piece as as a reference, the paintings always maintain their initial inspirations from the natural world, and aim to capture the beauty found there.
Karen has exhibited her work throughout the country and is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, both for her floral and plein air work. She is a member of the Chicago Plein Air Painters Association, the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico, and the Oil Painters of America. Her work is represented in private, college, and corporate collections throughout the country.
Karen’s new body of landscape and floral paintings opens at Waterbury Hospital on April 5th and runs through April 26th. Waterbury Hospital is located at 64 Robbins St. in Waterbury, CT. Exhibit hours coincide with hospital hours. For more information, please contact Karen Phipps at 773.344.7490 or karen@karenphippsfineart.com.
Gold Star Mothers
The Waterbury Veterans Committee are raising funds to have a Gold Star Mothers statue created and placed in the newly refurbished City Hall at 236 Grand Street. The total cost of the Gold Star Mothers Statue is $65,000 and they plan to raise it through tax-deductible donations and fund raising. Any persons or organization that contributes $1,000 or more will be listed on a plaque which will accompany this statue.
The image of the statue is of a Mother grasping the dreaded Western Union Telegram in her hand. She is looking off in the distant but cherished memory of her warrior son. Grief stricken, with tears flowing as a sign to us, we may never know her grief, her sacrifice. Our nation’s greatest heroes and their mothers can be honored by being acknowledged and remembered in this special way through the statue. The statue stands at 5’7” tall, cast in bronze and weighs 402 lbs. For information regarding the Gold Star Mothers Statue please contact Wendy or Doc D’Occhio at 203-757-0295 or 203-592-6183 Donations: Checks can be made out to W.B.A.- VETS and sent to WATERBURY VETERANS COMMITTEE 1625 Thomaston Avenue, Waterbury, CT 06704
Korporate Karaoke
Seven Angels Theatre is proud to announce Korporate Karaoke, a very special fundraiser event to celebrate their 20th Anniversary. Representatives from local companies and organizations have been preparing to battle it out in a Karaoke Contest to benefit Seven Angels Theatre. Tom Chute will be the Emcee for the evening, and a panel of local celebrity judges will add to the hilarity.
Date and time: Friday, May 6 from 6:30PM to 10:30PM. The tickets are $75.00 and include: Casual Friday Night Dinner from 6:30PM-8:00PM, one specialty drink (Cash bar will be open all evening), dessert (at intermission), a seat in the theatre to take in the show (beginning at approximately 8PM)
There will be a Live Auction just after intermission (so bring your checkbook if you want in on the action!) Items include a vacation rental, Broadway tickets, and a radio spot.
Seating is based on availability, so if you are coming with a large group, order SOON! Seven Angels Theatre expects this to be a SOLD-OUT event! •
This event is sponsored by PowerStation Events, Dinova’s Four Corners Market and Mayor’s Commission on Arts and Tourism.
Seven Angels Theatre is located on Plank Road. For tickets call 203-757-4676, SevenAngelsTheatre.org, or at the box office. Free parking.