ConnecticutPlus.com

Bysiewicz sees slight improvement in representation of African-Americans and women on state boards and commissions

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:29:59

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz today released the latest results of the Office of the Secretary of the State’s Biennial Report on the Gender and Racial Composition of Connecticut State Boards and Commissions which showed slight increases in the representation of Women and African American members but a decline in the number of Latino representatives on these bodies. Compiled every two years by the Office of the Secretary of the State, the Biennial Report on the Gender and Racial Composition of Connecticut State Boards and Commissions provides a snapshot view of the diversity of state boards, commissions, committees and councils.

Discount Power, Inc., a low-cost electricity supplier in Connecticut, featured on News 12 Connecticut “12 On The Money” program

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:14:45

Discount Power, Inc., a supplier of low-cost electricity, today announced the airing schedule for Channel 12’s interview of its president, Jon Parrella, in which he discussed how all Connecticut residents and businesses can reduce their cost of electricity and outlined the easy, no risk steps to enrollment and savings. “During these challenging economic times, we believe that educating our viewers to the simple steps they can take to save on the cost of electricity is extremely relevant,” said Rebecca Surran, Anchor/Producer, Channel 12. “We are glad to have Jon Parrella of Discount Power on our program to explain and de-mystify the process.”

Alexis de Tocqueville Society - Community change requires exceptional leadership

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:57:34

Deloitte and its employees have been constant pillars in the community through their volunteerism, personal, and corporate philanthropy across the globe. The Wilton Deloitte office has been involved with United Way locally for years. Pictured from left are Cathy DeCesare, United Way staff; Russ Golden; Alan Kessler, Deloitte; Tracey Golden, Deloitte; William Platt, Deloitte; Richard Goligoski, Deloitte; David Kennedy, United Way staff; Guy Moore, Deloitte; Brian Gallagher, President & CEO, United Way Worldwide.

On March 4th, over 80 Alexis de Tocqueville Society members, CEOs and other United Way supporters including Mayor Richard Moccia and his wife Barbara, gathered at the Guest House at GE Headquarters in Fairfield for an evening of forging relationships. Alexis de Tocqueville Society members are individuals who target their philanthropic efforts at an exceptional level to United Way.

Families can dance, play, sing and learn at The Bushnell’s annual Family Fun Day

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:49:24

Kim and Reggie Harris

Come sing a song of hope and learn about the Underground Railroad with musician/storyteller duo Kim and Reggie Harris at The Bushnell’s Family Fun Day 2010 – “Planting the Seeds of Hope” – on Saturday, April 17, 2010 in Belding Theater. Family Fun Day activities will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Kim and Reggie Harris will perform at 11:00 a.m. Family Fun Day is a part of the Robinson & Cole Family Series. Additional support provided by the Charles Nelson Robinson Fund, Bank of America, Trustee and the George A. & Grace L. Long Foundation, Bank of America, Trustee.

Mystic Aquarium seeking recycled art for second annual Scrap Art Sculpture contest

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:58:58

Calling all scrap artists! Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., is holding its second annual Scrap Art Sculpture contest and is seeking marine-themed art created from recycled materials. Artists of all ages and abilities may submit their creations through April 23. Guests during the aquarium’s Earth Day Celebration on April 24 will select the winner, who will be announced on April 25.

Musical adventure “Are You My Mother?” at Westport Country Playhouse

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:58:22

The cast of “Are You My Mother?” at Westport Country Playhouse on Sunday, March 28

Westport Country Playhouse’s Family Festivities Series will present the musical adventure, “Are You My Mother?,” based on P. D. Eastman’s whimsical and well-loved picture book, on Sunday, March 28, 1 and 4 p.m. Recommended for grades K and up, the show is produced by ArtsPower and is approximately one hour in length. At long last, Baby Bird emerges from her shell and expects to be greeted by her mother’s song. But her mother is not there. Where is she? Why isn’t she home? With the help of Dog, Cat and Hen, Baby Bird sets out in search of Mother Bird.

Popular comedian/author Paula Poundstone comes to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Saturday, March 20

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:28:02

Paula Poundstone

Whether interacting spontaneously with her audience, delivering lines with her razor-sharp wit and candor or talking it up on her weekly radio show “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me” on WNPR , Paula Poundstone makes everyone laugh out loud. She’ll make the audience at The Ridgefield Playhouse roar during her performance on Saturday, March 20, at 8 p.m. Paula Poundstone’s show is part of the Benziger Family Winery Theatre Series and includes a one-hour complimentary wine tasting in the Playhouse lobby at 7 p.m. Media Sponsor is i95 - the Home of Rock 'n Roll.

“Ridgefield Band Jam”, a rock band competition created by kids, will take place at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday, May 2

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:07:14

Ridgefield students (front left to right) Cole Butchen and Michael Rosamalia, and (rear left to right) Tucker Hearon and Richard Hume have joined forces to create “Ridgefield Band Jam”, a talent competition for aspiring bands that benefits The Ridgefield Playhouse.

It is their love of music and their community spirit that inspired some Ridgefield students to make a difference. After learning that the not-for-profit Ridgefield Playhouse was struggling, 8th grader Michael Rosamilia was determined to do something to help. Assisted by two other middle school boys, Tucker Hearon and Cole Butchen, along with high schooler Richard Hume, the idea to create a benefit event to help The Ridgefield Playhouse keep its doors opened was born -- “Ridgefield Band Jam”. The kids put together a project schedule which included entries due in March and tryouts in April with the actual band battle taking place on Sunday, May 2nd at 4 p.m. at The Ridgefield Playhouse.

Budget workshop discussions continue in Hartford

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:48:08

Overtime and employee benefits topped the discussion as Mayor Eddie A. Perez and the Court of Common Council continued their Committee of the Whole (COW) budget workshop sessions. The goal is to exchange ideas in order to close a projected $30 million gap for the next fiscal year. Thursday night’s cooperative effort was once again facilitated by Leadership Greater Hartford.

Department of Consumer Protection alerts consumers to recall of several styles of children’s jackets and sweatshirts, due to strangulation hazard

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:41:25

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is alerting consumers to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s, voluntary recall of the following Jackets and Sweatshirts, due to strangulation hazard:

Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital affiliation plans move forward

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:28:02

The Boards of Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital announce that plans for a formal affiliation of the two organizations are moving forward, likely by fall 2010. Both Boards have approved the plan, moving into phase two due diligence with continued planning and development of a formal agreement, and reaching out to regulatory agencies for needed approvals.

Sound Tigers announced Clear Day roster

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:31:01

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers have released their Clear Day roster for the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs. The Clear Day roster consists of a maximum of 22 players. According to American Hockey League by-laws, only those players listed on a team’s Clear Day roster are eligible to compete in the remainder of the 2009-10 AHL regular season and in the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs, unless emergency conditions arise as a result of recall, injury or suspension.

Mosaic promotes inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:28:06

Mosaic believes in inclusion and is participating in National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (NIDDA) in March. This observance reminds us to recognize people with disabilities as valuable, contributing members of our communities.

Introducing Hartford’s people, places and possibilities

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:07:35

Are you new to the Hartford area? Recently relocated here for a job? Or returning here after some time away? Leadership Greater Hartford (LGH) has the perfect program for you. The Executive Orientation Program offered by LGH provides an excellent opportunity for senior level executives who are new to the area, to get acclimated to Hartford and the region. Over a 4-week period, participants are introduced to the leaders, issues, opportunities and dynamics of Greater Hartford.

Dodd receives Lifetime Achievement Award from National Child Care Advocacy Group

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:17:33

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) received a Lifetime Achievement Award on Wednesday from the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) for his work in support of quality, affordable child care. “As much progress as we have made in the last several decades, I know that the fight to secure quality, affordable child care is not over. Even as the cost of child care goes up, the recession is putting a bigger pinch on family budgets. And it is making it even more important for parents to be able to work longer hours, making child care all the more important,” said Dodd as he accepted the award. “I’ll continue to fight to make sure that no parent has to choose between a job and a child.”

Govenor Rell named Honorary Chair for 17th Annual Komen CT Race for the Cure

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:31:44

Governor M. Jodi Rell, a five-year breast cancer survivor, has been named Honorary Chair of the 17th Annual Susan G. Komen Connecticut Race for the Cure. She joins the leadership of Christa Allen, Marketing and Sponsorship Director for Westfarms Mall, who will serve as the event’s Chair.

Department of Consumer Protection offers limousine rental advice

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:29:20

Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes the annual surge of weddings, proms, graduations and other formal events that may call for a limousine. The Department of Consumer Protection has a few suggestions to help consumers ride in style.

Gov. Rell says more than 130 municipal leaders to participate in first Municipal Summit on Climate Change

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:10:44

Governor M. Jodi Rell said today that Connecticut will hold its first ever “Municipal Summit on Climate Action” this Saturday to support efforts of cities and towns to address climate change. “We need local officials to assume a greater leadership role on the issue of climate change, and this first-of-its-kind summit is designed to support them in making real and measurable progress,” Governor Rell said. “While the challenges posed by climate change may seem daunting, our local leaders are discovering that strategies to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions can actually help reduce municipal operating costs, stimulate our emerging green economy and foster healthy and livable communities.”

UConn Spring Break: Students serving the nation and learning outside of the classroom

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:56:23

This week, 141 University of Connecticut (UConn) students and 12 staff members are off campus on service trips to eight different areas around the US. These students are all involved in Alternative Break programs with the Office of Community Outreach (CO). These programs are designed to prepare students to successfully serve their communities throughout college and beyond. Students are participating in weeklong service-learning projects in Beards Fork, West Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia; New Orleans; Hartford; New York City; Pine Ridge, South Dakota; and Spotsylvania, Virginia.

Nature and Beyond: Studies in abstract expressionism and geometrics by Michael Horseman

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:29:03

“Nature and Beyond,” with the works of artist Michael Horseman, will be featured at the Stamford Art Association gallery starting Sunday, March 28. Mr. Horseman’s colorful paintings depict the bright and lively joyful expressions of nature, while others display intense geometric forms, many with “hidden meanings.” “The world we know and inhabit, as well as the universe ‘beyond,’ is filled with many wonderful shapes, forms and figures,” said Mr. Horseman.