West Hartford CT Community Notes

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

St. Thomas the Apostle School walk-a-thon a big success

St. Thomas the Apostle School community held its first walk-a-thon "STA Sets the Pace" on Sept. 12, including more than 250 students. St. Thomas the Apostle School community walked a total of 1,610 laps, totaling 402.5 miles in just an 80-minute period. More than 30 parents and 30 staff members walked with students. St. Thomas the Apostle School received more than $14,000 in pledges and donations. All proceeds will go directly to the expansion of its newly established "Multi-Purpose Learning Center," to put the latest technology into the hands of teachers and students.

Monday, September 24, 2012

West Hartford resident named 'Lawyer of the Year'

HARTFORD – Louis Schatz, a West Hartford resident and attorney with Shipman & Goodwin LLP, has been named Lawyer of the Year in Hartford Tax Law by Best Lawyers 2013. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, and designates only a single lawyer in each high-profile legal specialty in each large legal community as a "Lawyer of the Year."

Schatz was highly regarded in peer evaluations for his legal abilities as well as the professionalism and integrity he brings to the practice of law. Schatz practices in the areas of federal and State of Connecticut tax matters with attention to the representation of closely held businesses organized as limited liability companies, partnerships and S corporations; real estate joint ventures; and the representation of taxpayers involved in Connecticut tax controversies (at the audit, appellate and court levels). Schatz is co-author of Connecticut Limited Liability Act: Forms and Practice Manual, the leading treatise in Connecticut on limited liability companies.

-->

West Hartford attorney named 'Best Lawyer'

HARTFORD – Thomas Mooney, a West Hartford resident and attorney with Shipman & Goodwin LLP, has been named Lawyer of the Year in Hartford Education Law by Best Lawyers 2013. Best Lawyers has been universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence for 30 years, and designates only a single lawyer in each high-profile legal specialty in each large legal community as a "Lawyer of the Year."

Mooney received particularly high ratings by earning a high level of respect among his peers for his abilities, professionalism and integrity. Mooney is active in all areas of school law, including labor negotiations for certified and non-certified staff, teacher tenure proceedings, grievance arbitration, freedom of information hearings, student disciplinary matters, special education disputes and all other legal proceedings involving boards of education. He is the author of A Practical Guide to Connecticut School Law (7th Edition, 2012), a comprehensive treatise on Connecticut school law used by teachers, administrators and board of education members throughout the state.

-->

West Hartford church helps resupply food pantry

Caroline and Nicholas Schuck , members of First Church of Christ Congregational, prepare to take food items to West Hartford Pantry that were gathered during church service September 9. As part of its 300^th anniversary celebration, the church has set a goal of collecting 300 items per week during the church year as representation of fulfilling its mission of service.

Conard grad nominated for Faust Award

West Hartford native and Conard High School graduate, Lydia Steier, has been nominated for the Faust Award for Directing in the category "Musiktheater" in 2012, for a production of the oratorio "Saul" at the Staatstheater Oldenburg.
An Opera director, Steier also has experience as an opera singer at Oberlin and a stage director at Carnegie Mellon University, before leaving for Germany on a Fulbright Scholarship in 2002.
"Der Faust" is a national award in Germany, that is designed to draw attention to broad diversity of the theatrical world. It is presented to those artists whose work is considered to have pioneering potential as regards German theatre. The "Faust" organising bodies are the Deutches BÃ¼hnenverein, the Cultural Foundation of the Federal States and the German Academy of Performing Arts.
All theatres are entitled to make nominations. The prize-winners are selected by members of the Academy of Performing Arts from a shortlist of three nominees in each case. Those winning awards will be announced on the evening of the official prize ceremony in Erfurt on November 10, 2012 . The German Theatre Prize "Der Faust" is awarded in the following categories: director - spoken theater, achievement in acting, director - opera, achievement in opera performance, choreography, achievement in dance, director - children and youth theatre, costume/stage design.

Morley celebrates new school year

Dr. Ellen Stokoe, principal of Morley Elementary School in West Hartford, led students and staff in an the opening day ceremony outside the school recently.
Students at Morley are committed to the six important traits of good character: Respect, responsibility, fairness, kindness, caring, and citizenship.

West Hartford Resident takes flight with the U.S. Air Force

Hartford – Martin Magnusson, a West Hartford resident participated in the Westover Air Reserve Base 2012 "Operation Bosslift" last June.

Martin, an attorney in Wiggin and Dana's Defense, OFAC and Export Compliance Practice Group, joined thirty employers and business and community leaders on a flight aboard the Air Force's largest aircraft, the C-5 Galaxy. Once at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, the group toured the Lockheed Martin facilities where C‑5s are overhauled and C-130s are manufactured, tested aircraft simulators and night-vision technology, and received briefings on cutting-edge military technology, including the Air Force's fifth-generation stealth fighter, the F-22 Raptor.

-->

Kingswood Oxford student a National Merit semifinalist

Caley Henderson '13, the daughter of Michael and Ann Walsh Henderson of West Hartford, has been named a Semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
National Merit scholars are in the top 1 percent of scorers nationally among the 1.5 million juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT exam in October 2011 and continue in the competition for designation as a National Merit Finalist and for one of the Merit Scholarships that will be awarded next spring.
Henderson co-founded Kidz Kare, an outreach program whose mission is "kids helping kids." The children's group collects items for kids in need and donates them to local homeless shelters and organizations geared to children. Henderson is the president and of the Forensic Union, KO's debate team; a member of the varsity soccer and track and field teams; a senior editor of the KO literary magazine; a leader in Shield & Dragon, KO's tour guide program; and an Irish step dancer who qualified for the Irish Nationals in 2011.

West Hartford Teen Invited to Sing With British Choir

Alexandra Daley Whitaker, 15, a junior at Hall High School, was invited to sing with the Choir of the College of St. Hild & St. Bede, Durham University in their July 2012 tour of New York City. The Choir sang at services at St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, as part of the Distinguished Visiting Choir Series.
The Choir, selected by audition, consists of 20 to 25 singers under the direction of Dr. Iain Quinn assisted by two organ scholars. Alexandra was invited to join the choir's New York City tour by Dr. Quinn, who was her first choir director when he accepted her as a Trinity Chorister at Trinity Episcopal Church in Hartford as a 6 year-old. Iain Quinn served as Director of Music and College Tutor at the College of St. Hild and St. Bede, and was a 2012 Visiting Fellow at Harvard University. He has recently accepted the position of Organist and Director of Music at Trinity Church, Southport CT.
Alexandra has been the Head Chorister at St. James's Episcopal Church in West Hartford since 2009. She has toured England twice, in 2006 with the Trinity Choristers and in 2010 with the Choristers of St. James's, singing in several of the most renowned cathedrals in the United Kingdom.
Alexandra is a 2011 recipient of the Royal School of Church Music Bronze Award with Distinction. For the past four years she has attended the Royal School of Church Music King's College Training Course in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where 200 singers ages 10 through adult gather for one week each summer to study, rehearse and perform great sacred choral music. The course annually attracts outstanding choir directors, singers and organ scholars from throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, and culminates in a Choral Eucharist and a Festival Evensong at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
An Honor Student, Alexandra has been selected to sing in the select choral group, Voce, at Hall High School this year.-->

Back to school picnic at Saint Brigid School

Saint Brigid School hosted a welcome back picnic in celebration of the new school year. All students, families and staff members were invited to picnic together on the school's lawn and share in each other's company. As returning students and families reconnected, new students and families were formally welcomed into the Saint Brigid family as this was the first school event of the year. Entertainment included music, field games, and Valentine the Clown.

Hall High School’s 2013 National Merit Semifinalists

The National Merit Scholarship Program has announced the National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists for Hall High School for the Class of 2013.
Seniors Hannah Finn-McMahon, Clare Hern, Ashwini Joshi, Isabel Kornman, Kiernan Majerus-Collins, Ayushi Mishra, Kendall Teare, Leo Tinone and Jane Yu. The Hall High community is proud of the fact that this is among the highest number of semifinalists that Hall has ever had
These students have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. Semifinalists are the highest scorers in each of the 50 states, and scored among the top 1 percent of all the approximate 1.5 million juniors who took the PSAT test in the fall of 2011.

Neighborhood block party a big success in West Hartford

A group of about 85 West Hartford families in the Avondale-Lovelace Loop neighborhood recently held a successful block party. The band Fat Grip provided entertainment, along with other events, including a dog parade, a visit from fire and police cars, and s'mores in the firepit.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Northwest Catholic students recognized for academic excellence

Six Northwest Catholic High School seniors have been named National Merit Semifinalists. The students are Haley Derlinga '13 of East Granby, Sarah Gillespie '13 of Manchester, Emily Kearney '13 of Simsbury, Elizabeth Lathrop '13 of Plantsville, Edwin Vincens '13 of West Hartford and Eamon Wizner '13 of Wethersfield.

These students are in the top one percent of scorers among the 1.5 million juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT exam in October 2011. They will now continue in the competition for designation as a National Merit Finalist and for one of the Merit Scholarships that will be awarded next spring.

Savannah Gaston '13 of Enfield was named a Scholar in the National Hispanic Recognition program. The program recognizes nearly 5,000 Hispanic/Latino students for their high scores on the PSAT/NMSQT exam. In addition, the College Board has announced that 43 students from Northwest Catholic have been named AP Scholars for 2012, based on exceptional achievement on Advanced Placement exams. In addition, the school's AP grade average was 3.80 this year.

NWC had seven AP Scholars with Distinction; eight AP Scholars with Honor; and 28 AP Scholars. Agata Harabasz '12 of East Hampton was also named a National AP Scholar, a distinction awarded to students who earn an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and a score of 4 or higher on eight or more of the tests.

Derlinga, Gaston, Gillespie and Vincens were named AP Scholars. Wizner was named an AP Scholar with Honor. Several West Hartford residents were also named AP Scholars for 2012. Gina Bettencourt '12, Allison Denton '12, Melissa Donnelly '12, Julia Grieco '13, Christopher Laffin '12 and Christopher Lynch '12 were all named AP Scholars. Christopher Freund '12 was named an AP Scholar with Distinction.

Photo: NWC's National Merit Semifinalists are Edwin Vincens, Haley Derlinga, Elizabeth Lathrop, Emily Kearney, Sarah Gillespie, and Eamon Wizner. Submitted.

Bi-lingual Early Learning Center opens near Bishops Corner

Family and Childcare Matters LLC, announced the opening of its De Colores Early Learning Center, located at 134 Flagg Road, near Bishops Corner Shopping Center.

De Colores Early Learning Center offers a unique Spanish language early learning program for ages of 3-5; one which builds the foundation to become bilingual and bi-literate, maximizing their present and future academic potential in a multicultural global society.

This Dual language program offers English speaking preschool students the exciting opportunity to continue learning in their native language while acquiring proficiency in Spanish. This will include listening, speaking, reading, writing, mastery of school readiness and content area skills such as math, and science. The Dual Language program uses the CT Preschool Curriculum Framework and is based on a 50/50 model, in which half of the instruction is delivered in English and the other half is delivered in Spanish.

De Colores Early Learning Center is open from 7:30 am-5:30 pm-year round and offers families full day/half day program options. Enrollment is limited.

Financial aid may be available for qualifying families. For more information or to tour the Center, please call (860)-236-4773 or email info@familyandchildcaresmatters.com.

SummerWood celebrates Assisted Living Week

West Hartford – In recognition of National Assisted Living Week, Hoffman SummerWood Community hosted a resident art exhibit and other special events. The theme was "Art for the Ages," chosen by the National Center for Assisted Living to to encourage creativity and participation.

The Resident Art Exhibit featured photography, paintings, drawings, sculptures, needlework, and poetry. Among the participants, SummerWood resident, Mel Greenland, displayed a photograph of a stained glass light fixture he crafted, along with a New York Times editorial written about his artistic skill. Irene Rosenberg displayed a Canadian wool sweater she knitted and Bernice Veroff showcased several paintings and drawings. In addition to the exhibit, SummerWood scheduled other performing artists, a resident/staff variety show, and a culinary arts dinner in recognition of Assisted Living Week.

Jewish Community Foundation celebrates 40th anniversary

From left: Arnold Greenberg, Leigh Newman, Michael Suisman. Submitted.
West Hartford, CT September 2012 – More than 150 donors and friends of Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford attended a reception on September 6th at Beth El Temple to celebrate the Foundation's 40th anniversary.
The evening's activities included a video presentation by Steven Shaw Productions featuring stories from donors of multiple ages. Many reflected on what is means to them to be a philanthropist and how early family life shaped their concepts about charitable giving.

Michael Johnston, Lauren Shaw and David Miller
Michael Johnston, Foundation CEO, told donors, that "the Foundation's mission is not money. The remarkable generosity of individuals and families in this community is the foundation upon which we build our true purpose. We exist to assure the continuity of this remarkable Jewish community. . . we exist as a vehicle for our donors deepest and most heartfelt philanthropic dreams whether Jewish or secular. . . . And perhaps we exist for another purpose. All of us at one time or another look for the meaning in our lives. Often, we may find that purpose in our faith or our families or even in our work. Yet, some of us find purpose in life through philanthropy."

Foundation Chair, David Miller sincerely thanked donors and Foundation leadership for their generosity and paid tribute to Howard Siegal, a Foundation Trustee who passed way this year.
The Jewish Community Foundation was established in 1972 with a $50,000 grant from Federation as the Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. Today, the Foundation holds $80 million in assets and administers more than 1,100 funds on behalf of local agencies, synagogues, and donor advisors. The Foundation awarded more than $3.1 million in grants and scholarships during the 2012 fiscal year.
To learn more about the Foundation or about Jewish philanthropy in Greater Hartford, please call 860.523.7460 or visit www.jcfhartford.org.

Franciscan Golf Classic a success

Players: Mike Budlong, Jerry Roisman, Esquire, West Hartford; Mike Walsh, and Randy Hamilton, at Franciscan Golf Classic held recently at Tunxis Plantation Golf Club. Proceeds from the event benefit the Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care, Meriden, Connecticut.

Chamber's Business After Hours hosted by American Eagle Federal Credit Union

WEST HARTFORD, CT – The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce was happy to have American Eagle Federal Credit Union host the July Business after Hours during July.
Over 80 business professionals and local entrepreneurs attended the event for unlimited networking. Guests enjoyed catering provided by Café Louise and refreshments courtesy of Wine Cellars 4.

The West Hartford Chamber is almost 500 members strong and offers many networking and community events, as well as exclusive discounts. Guests are encouraged to visit our website to learn more about Chamber benefits. Our August Business after Hours event will take place on Thursday, August 9th from 5:30 – 7:30pm at John Boyle Decorating in Elmwood. All are welcome to attend! Please pre-register.
For more information, please visit www.explorewesthartford.com.

West Hartford's LCR celebrates its grand re-opening

LCR West Hartford is pleased to announce its Grand Opening date is Thursday, October 4.

LCR has been closed most of the summer after suffering smoke damage and inventory loss after a neighboring fire back in June.

"It has been a long process, but we are excited to reopen" said owner and lead designer Peter Robbin.

LCR is a full-service, nationally published design and decoration firm. Designers work on full-service interior decoration projects in Connecticut and throughout the country. Its retail shop sells specialty home furnishings, decorative accessories and everything for the dining table; including full gift and bridal registry.The new shop will feature beautifully designed room settings mixed with classic gift and new and amazing finds.

The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4 at LCR West Hartford, located at 981B Farmington Ave. and will include food, drinks and raffle prizes. Residents are invited to meet the LCR design team and ask questions that only a designer can answer. Representatives from many of the products carried by LCR will be on hand to answer questions and some will be bringing unique "one time only" surprises for this special grand opening event.

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation gets national award

WEST HARTFORD, CT -- The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living are pleased to announce the selection of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation as a 2012 recipient of the Silver – Achievement in Quality for its outstanding performance in the health care profession. The competitive award highlights select facilities across the nation that serve as models of excellence in providing high-quality long term care.
"This award is a benchmark of distinction in the journey to providing high quality care," said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL.
Hughes Health was one of 52 facilities nationwide to receive the Silver-level award this year. In addition, only 12 nursing homes in the State of Connecticut have achieved this distinction.
Implemented by AHCA/NCAL in 1996, the National Quality Award Program is centered on the criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. The program assists providers of long term and post-acute care services in achieving their performance excellence goals.
Hughes Health & Rehabilitation may now move forward in developing approaches and achieving performance levels that meet the criteria required for the Gold – Excellence in Quality award, which requires them to address the Baldrige Health Care Criteria for Performance Excellence in its entirety.
"Receiving this award is evidence of the staff commitment and successful leadership at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation and its ability to apply rigorous standards to operations and service," says Chick Stepahin, chair, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers. "Hughes Health has been consistent in its performance and dedication to providing high-quality care."

Resident promoted to Chief of Staff at Hospital for Special Care

NEW BRITAIN – New Britain-based Hospital for Special Care recently promoted Lynn Ricci to senior vice president, chief operating officer and West Hartford resident Paul Scalise, M.D., F.C.C.P., to senior vice president Medical Affairs, chief of staff.
"The promotion of these outstanding professionals represents a milestone in the growth and sophistication of our hospital," said HSC President and CEO Dr. John Votto. "Day in and day out, Lynn and Paul lead the charge in advancing HSC's mission and ensuring that we are on the forefront of trends in the long term acute care field."

Ricci is now responsible for the organizations strategic planning efforts as well as all aspects of daily operations of the hospital and its affiliates. "As our organization looks to the future, Lynn Ricci will play a critical and increasing role in leading our hospital. Our board has the highest level of confidence in Lynn, and her track record speaks for itself," Votto said.
Most recently, in response to a rising need to care for children living with Autism, Ricci led the development of the new HSC Autism Center. As a member of Governor Malloy's Healthcare working group, Ricci is currently participating on the Governor's task force to study the needs of individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Psychology, as well as a sixth-year degree in Psychology and is a licensed Long-term Healthcare Administrator. Lynn has over 20 years of healthcare management experience. Lynn is actively involved in the community through both professional and civic organizations.

Scalise joined HSC in 1993, and most recently served as Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs, a position he has held since 2010. Scalise will remain in his current capacity as chief of medicine, including his role as chief of pulmonary medicine. In his new position, he will be responsible for the overall direction of the medical staff, quality of care and patient safety. Scalise also will continue to conduct research in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.

"Dr. Scalise is a tremendous asset to HSC and its community, and his commitment to the profession helps us provide advanced care to our patients." said Votto.
Scalise developed the weaning unit at the HSC satellite within Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, and continues to be its medical director. He also maintains his teaching skills by attending and teaching fellows, residents and medical students from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and became an associate professor of medicine at UConn in 2008.

-->

Camp Courant gets donation from RBC Wealth Management

-->

HARTFORD, Conn. – Hartford's Camp Courant announced that it has received a $3,275 grant from RBC Wealth Management's Hartford office and from RBC Foundation–USA.
This donation allowed four children to attend camp every day for the entire summer. Hartford's Camp Courant is the largest free day camp in the nation, serving more than 1,100 Hartford children during the summer season.
The donation was presented by Aaron Scott, director of the firm's Hartford complex and Christopher Powers, a Financial Advisor.
"At RBC Wealth Management, we strongly believe in being a trusted partner to both our clients and our local communities," said Scott. "We are proud to support Hartford Camp Courant as they provide children ages 5 through 12 with a variety of recreational, educational and cultural programs."
The mission of RBC Foundation - USA is to improve the quality of life in the communities where RBC Wealth Management has a business presence by supporting non-profit organizations that make a positive difference. The Foundation focuses on three core areas: arts and culture, human services and youth education.
The culture at RBC Wealth Management is deeply rooted in being a trusted partner of its clients and to the communities the firm serves.

-->

Gov. Malloy appoints two residents to Housing Finance Authority Board

HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy has appointed three state residents to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA). Kathleen Corbet of New Canaan, Nuala Droney of West Hartford and Richard Orr of West Hartford joined the board recently.
Over ten years, nearly $500 million will be invested to create and revitalize affordable housing units in the state and reverse the decades-long neglect that has caused some units to fall into such disrepair as to render them unlivable. In the short term, this investment is expected to create or retain 6,700 construction or related jobs in Connecticut.
"I've made it very clear that improving housing options is critical to Connecticut's economic recovery and quality of life," said Governor Malloy. "For decades we have let our housing stock languish—it is long since time we reverse that trend. Over the next decade will invest $300 million to rehabilitate neglected state housing and support affordable housing options for Connecticut's workforce, an investment which will also create thousands of construction jobs in the state. Kathleen, Nuala and Richard are an important addition to the CHFA team—which plays a vital role in meeting these goals."
"Kathleen, Nuala and Richard bring a wealth of experience in finance and law that complements the strengths of the current board. The Governor has an aggressive agenda for affordable housing in Connecticut and CHFA will benefit from the knowledge and commitment the new board members bring to bear on the hard work ahead," said Catherine Smith, Chairwoman of CHFA's board and DECD Commissioner.
Kathleen A. Corbet is a business entrepreneur with over 30 years of leadership experience in financial markets, information and technology.
She is the founder and principal of Cross Ridge Capital, LLC, a firm specializing in private equity investing and strategic consulting in the alternative energy and financial information industries. Corbet also recently co-founded Municipal Enterprise Solutions, LLC which provides consulting services in financial and operational best practices for municipalities and non-profit enterprises.
Nuala Droney is an attorney at Robinson & Cole LLP. As a member of the firm's litigation section, Ms. Droney focuses her practice on complex litigation in federal courts, including antitrust, patent, trade secret, trademark, unfair trade practices, fraud, and contract disputes. For the past two years, Connecticut Super Lawyers has named Ms. Droney a Rising Star in Business Litigation.
Prior to entering private practice, Ms. Droney served as a law clerk to the Honorable Alfred V. Covello, United States District Judge, District of Connecticut. Ms. Droney received her undergraduate degree from Yale College, Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude, and her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. She is a member of the bars of Connecticut and Massachusetts. Ms. Droney is a resident of West Hartford.
Richard F. Orr is the General Counsel of the University of Connecticut and the first person to hold that position since it was created in 2012. He is responsible for providing strategic legal advice and coordinating the delivery of legal services in all areas of law affecting the University.
Prior to joining UConn, Orr was Vice President and General Counsel of a regional architecture and engineering firm where he managed the purchase of the company by management from the founder and, subsequently, conversion of the company to an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). His private legal experience includes business, commercial and complex litigation matters as a partner with the Connecticut firm of Tyler Cooper & Alcorn and with the Washington, D.C. firm of Arnold & Porter.
Orr serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Connecticut Legal Services, serves on the Board of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the Advisory Council of CT-N television and the Board of the UConn Health Center Finance Corporation.

Monday, September 10, 2012

West Hartford resident installed as the Rotary District governor

Eileen Rau of West Hartford was recently installed as the Rotary District governor for District 7890, a region that includes 62 Rotary clubs in Northern Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. Rotary International is a service organization founded in 1905 by Paul Harris and encompasses over 34, 000 clubs in over 200 countries. The installation dinner, hosted by the West Hartford Rotary Club, was held at the Bond Ballroom in Hartford.
Governor Rau is a past president of the West Hartford Rotary, a group of dedicated business professionals whose goal is to make their community a better place for all residents. The West Hartford Club supports the town food pantry, The Town That Cares, the Hillcrest Area Neighborhood Center, the dictionary project, as well as funding scholarships and youth sport teams.
Rotary International is partnering with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health organization, the Centers for Disease control and UNICEF in efforts to eradicate polio from the face of the earth. Rotary just reached and surpassed a $200 million matching grant from the Gates Foundation for polio eradication efforts. In total, the Gates Foundation has contributed $405 million to Rotary's campaign.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Kelsey's Auto Sales fundraising event to benefit special needs

Kelsey's Auto Sales located at 55 Talcott Road, in West Hartford, will host a grand opening fund raising event from 9 a.m. until 6 .pm. on Saturday, Sept 8, to support New Horizons Living Center, Inc., a non profit organization committed to improving the quality of life for children and adults with emotional, behavioral and medical needs.
For each car sold Saturday, Kelsey's Auto Sales will donate $200 to New Horizons Living Center, Inc.

Northwest Catholic names new vice principal

Brendan M. Canny '86 has been named Vice Principal and Dean of Students of Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford, succeeding Richard Callahan, who retired this summer after 21 years at Northwest Catholic.

"We are very pleased that Mr. Canny will be joining the administration," Principal Margaret Williamson said. "He is an experienced administrator who understands Catholic schools and is pleased to be returning to his alma mater."

Canny holds a master's degree in School Counseling and a 6^th Year Certificate in Counseling and Education from the University of Hartford.

West Hartford Kids take the stage in Aladdin

West Hartford children recently performed in production of Aladdin and his Wonderful Magical Lamp, the second production of the 2012 season for locally based Poppins Children's Theatre.

The show, set in the Arabian city of Shammar, entertained audiences with songs and dances telling the tale of Aladdin.

Poppins Children's Theatre, directed by West Hartford resident Vickie Culligan, will hold auditions for its Fall Fairytale Theatre production of Cinderella. Auditions, for children ages 8-16, are scheduled from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 18-20. Auditions will consist of reading from the script and learning a song from the show and will be held at Saint James Episcopal Church, 19 Walden Street (Parish Hall stage).

For more information on auditions and acting programs offered through Poppins Children's Theatre visit us at www.poppinsparties.net or check us out at facebook.com/poppinschildrens theatre.

Photo on top:

(From left) Lucy Paul, Joshua Parks, Elle Henry, Emily Cubbage

Photo on bottom:

(From left) Max Markowitz, Ellery Dressler, behind Joseph Oliveira, Jasmine Parks

Photos submitted.

Organizations to receive awards for social justice

Homefront, Inc., the Connecticut Network to Abolish the Death Penalty, St. Ann's Soup Kitchen and Emergency Food Pantry, and an individual standout will be recognized at the 44^th Annual Social Justice Dinner to be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville.

The reception, hosted by the Office for Catholic Social Justice, honors organizations that have made outstanding contributions to improve the lives of people in the Archdiocese of Hartford. Archbishop Henry J. Mansell will be present to acknowledge the following organizations and one individual as they receive The Most Rev. Joseph F. Donnelly Memorial Award for their service in special categories, and their commitment in ministry to the principles of Catholic social teaching:

Homefront, Inc. will be honored with the Organization Award for 25 years of offering both assistance to poor and disabled homeowners in Hartford, New Haven and Fairfield Counties, and for providing meaningful service opportunities to hundreds of volunteers.

Connecticut Network to Abolish the Death Penalty will be presented with another Organization Award for its commitment to educate the community and to advocate for the repeal of the death penalty in Connecticut. Its hard work and efforts paid off in April 2012 when Connecticut became the 17th state in the nation, and the 5^th state in five years to repeal the death penalty.

Ms. Migdalia Almedina, from Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Hartford, will receive the Individual Award for her on-going commitment to Parish Social Ministry and her tireless efforts on behalf of the poor.

Established in 2011 in honor of Charlie Schlegel, one of the founding members of the Cooperative Parish Sharing Committee, the Dr. Charlie Schlegel Award will be presented to St. Ann's Soup Kitchen and Emergency Food Pantry in Hamden for their CPS-supported project of providing hot meals and food assistance to thousands of individuals and families over a span of more than 20 years.

Dr. Meghan Clark, Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at St. John's University and lay consultant to the Domestic Justice and Human Development Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will be the guest speaker. She will discuss the relationship between charity and the work to advocate for the needs of the poor in a presentation entitled, "Charity Embraces Justice: Benedict XVI and St. Vincent de Paul."

For tickets to attend the dinner and celebrate the inspirational accomplishments of these community leaders, call the Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry at (203) 777-7279 or contact Linda Roberto at lroberto@catholicsocialjustice.org . Tickets are $70 each, or $650 for a table of ten. Parishes and individuals are also invited to purchase an ad in the Program Booklet to recognize the award winners.

Search: