West Hartford CT Community Notes: December 2012

Conard grad receives doctorate from Drexel University

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West Hartford native Joshua O'Connor has received a doctorate in higher educational leadership and management from Drexel University.

The son of John and Janet O'Connor, the graduate presented a dissertation titled "Factors that Support or Inhibit Academic Affairs and Student Affairs from Working Collaboratively to Better Support Holistic Students' Experiences: A Phenomenological Study"

Joshua O'Connor is currently employed in the student affairs division at the University of California, on the Davis campus, in Davis, California. O'Connor also sits on the board of the Sacramento chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (www.pflag.org) and serves as the vice president of the Western Association of College and University Housing Officers (www.wacuho.org).

O'Connor graduated from Conard High School in 1999 and acknowledged his West Hartford public school education in his dissertation dedication.

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President Herbst talks Hillel at The Harmonie

The University of Connecticut Hillel recently sponsored an informative luncheon for more than 50 alumni, friends, and patrons at the Harmonie Club in New York City.

This first time event offered the community at large to learn about the UConn Hillel and its student community. Previously, communication has been through personal phone calls, emails, or gatherings within Hartford County

At the luncheon, speakers included Shari Cantor, president of the board of directors, Executive Director Gary Wolff, students Jessica Anavim, Chantal Ghalchi, and Lauren Kirshblum. The keynote address was given by president of the University, Susan Herbst.

Each speaker detailed the imperative nature of UConn Hillel at the University for sustaining a vibrant Jewish community for the next generation. Students spoke of how Hillel has impacted their college experience. It is through storytelling that the true importance of the UConn Hillel is understood.

To learn more about this experience and other related opportunities please contact Gary Wolff at (860) 4 29-9007.

Photo 1 - Gary Wolff , Lauren Kirshblum, President Susan Herbst, Chantal Ghalchi, Jessica Anavim, Aviva Ron, Algom and fellow Ben-Horin.

Photo 2 - right to left – Chantal Ghalchi, Lauren Kirshblum, Jessica Anavim

Photo 3 - Chantal Ghalchi

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Exchange Club hosts former state Senator at weekly meeting

West Hartford Exchange Club recently hosted former state Senator Jonathan Harris, now the executive director of the Connecticut Democratic State Council Committee. The West Hartford Exchange Club's mission is to make its community a better place to live through programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities and its national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse. The club sponsors the West Hartford Police & Firefighters Annual Service Awards and provides annual scholarships to Hall and Conard graduates. The club also donates to a variety of local charities including The Bridge Family Center.

Photo - Jonathan Harris and West Hartford Exchange Club members John McCormick and Pete Pendry.

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Hospital of Central Connecticut surgeon receives service award

NEW BRITAIN – Dr. David A. J. Belman, an orthopedic surgeon from West Hartford, was presented with the Hospital of Central Connecticut's William A. Petit, Jr. Physician Service Award.

The award was presented recently at the hospital's New Britain General campus. Belman's name will be on a plaque in the campus lobby. The annual award recognizes extraordinary commitment and service to the hospital, the community, the medical staff or patients.

Belman has a long history of community service worldwide. A member of the Christian Medical and Dental Association, he has done medical missionary work in Honduras, Zimbabwe, Mexico and Jamaica, and educated medical missionaries in Kenya.

Belman's non-medical mission work includes helping to build a church in Jamaica; participating in reconstruction efforts after Hurricane Katrina; and serving as religious educator at Bethany Covenant Church in Berlin, where he participates in church-sponsored activities for Feed My Starving Children, an international famine relief organization. Belman also tutors students at Lincoln Elementary School in New Britain and the Children's Home of Cromwell. For the past 30 years he has also narrated books on tape for the blind.

"Dr. Belman's faith-based community service is an example for all to admire and emulate for its breadth and depth, for the lifetime nature of his commitment, and for his definition of community as all of the people of the world," said Michael McNamee, M.D., director of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine.

Petit was previously medical director of the Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at the hospital and director of the section of endocrinology, metabolism and diabetes. He is very active in the community. The Petit Family Foundation he created to honor the memories of his wife, Jennifer Lynn Hawke-Petit, and their daughters, Hayley Elizabeth Petit and Michaela Rose Petit, funds programs focused on education, chronic illness and those that support people affected by violence. Nominees for the Physician Service Award embody Petit's spirit of altruism, commitment and excellence.

Photo - David A.J. Belman, M.D., right, of West Hartford, received The Hospital of Central Connecticut's William A. Petit, Jr., M.D., Physician Service Award Dec. 6. The award was presented by Petit, left, and Akella Sarma, M.D., the hospital's chief of staff.

FW: Pooches Go Pink: Uberdog Supports Local Fight Against Breast Cancer

EAST HARTFORD –West Hartford- based Uberdog raised $1,000 recently during a "Bark for Boobies" fundraiser recently. The business sold t-shirts and collected donations throughout the month to raise money for Komen Connecticut and the local fight against breast cancer.

Komen Connecticut's primary focus is on our local community – educating Connecticut residents on the importance of early detection, funding free screening services and providing support to those diagnosed with breast cancer. Anne Morris, executive director of Komen Connecticut expressed appreciation to Dan and Isabella O'Brien, owners of Uberdog.

Komen Connecticut will invest seventy-five percent of the proceeds in local education, screening and treatment programs across the state, and the remaining twenty-five percent will be invested in national research to find the cure.

For each of the past three years, Komen Connecticut has made over $1 Million in community grants to local organizations providing lifesaving services for women in need across our state. Komen Connecticut relies on the support of the local community to continue investing in cutting-edge research and local breast cancer programs for Connecticut women and their families.

Regents offers opportunities for 'retired gentlemen'

The West Hartford Regents, an organization of "Retired Gents" will celebrate its 38^th birthday.

The group, with members from West Hartford and the surrounding area, meets at 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Elmwood Senior Center.

Each meeting features a brief business discussion, followed by a guest speaker. A Q&A session and a social hour, including refreshments follows.

One of the main goals of the Regents is for members to volunteer time for the good and betterment of the community. Many friendships are formed during group activities like golf, bowling, bridge, table tennis, and lawn bowling, etc.

Some of our recent speakers have been Ron Van Winkle, West Hartford Town Manager, Sid Elkin, a probate attorney, Scott Slifka, West Hartford Mayor, Rabbi David Small, Denise Nappier, Conn. State Treasurer, and Jonathan Harris, formerly a state Senator.

The group is open to the visits by individuals considering membership.

Photo - The 2012-2013 Regents officers (from left) Mel Gerrol, Jerry Cohen,Joel Neuwirth, Ron Fishman,, Bob Werdelin and Joe Caraceni.

Kingswood Oxford robotics team scores at FIRST competition

WEST HARTFORD – Kingswood Oxford's Robotics team received some honors at the FIRST Tech Challenge championship held at Clarkson University, in New York.
Traveling with two coaches and the robot the team built, the KO students competed against 28 other teams.
KO honors included the 'Think' award given to the team that best understands the role of the engineering notebook in the robot-design process. KO was a runner-up for the 'Motivate' award given to the team with greatest spirit and community outreach.
KO placed ninth In the Ring It Up game, a tic-tac-toe-line contest in which robots compete. KO was the second runner-up for the championship's prestigious 'Inspire' award.
Coach Donna Balcezak said each team member contributed impressively during interviews with the judges.
The next open house at KO will be held Sunday, Jan. 6. For more information, contact admissions@k-o.org.
Photo - Kingswood Oxford's Robotics team. submitted

Students sing, spread holiday cheer in West Hartford

Members of the Watkinson School new musical singing group Vox Wat performed holiday songs for the elderly at Saint Mary's home and in various areas of Blue Back Square, in West Hartford, to spread some holiday cheer.

The group has nine Watkinson students that sing in three- and four-part harmony, mostly a cappella, and is student conducted.

Watkinson School is Hartford's oldest independent day school serving students in grades 6-12/PG. Their next open huse is Sunday, January 27th at 1pm. Visit www. Watkinson.org to learn more.

Second annual Stuff-a-Cruiser a big sucess

The second annual Stuff-a-Cruiser was held at the Toys-R-Us in West Hartford recently. The West Hartford Police Department Community Relations Division joined the Farmington Police Department held to gather hundreds of toys to be distributed to families in the West Hartford and Farmington area.

A number of toys were given to a family the West Hartford Police Department adopts each year through its Giving Tree.

"The generosity of our communities and the support of our police departments makes this event very successful, which in turn, helps a lot of great families, " said Officer Rob Riccobon.

In addition to collecting toys, the West Hartford Police Officer's Association donated $500 to buy gift cards for West Hartford Social Services division to distribute to sponsored families.

Photo: (L-R) Officer Leigh Cogle, Officer Rob Riccobon, Officer Courtney Grant, and Lt. Kevin McCarthy.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Brooklyn group home benefits from local charity effort

Recently, the Knights of Columbus made a donation to Sunrise Northeast at a recent Council Meeting. A check for $672 was presented to Sunrise Northeast, a group home in Brooklyn, CT. that provides care for Patty Schweitzer and other residents with intellectual disabilities. This was a joint venture between Saint Peter Claver's Council and the Council from the Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle in West Hartford.

Kids organize soup drive for Loaves and Fishes

Some West Hartford kids helped organize a canned soup drive for Loaves and Fishes recently. The neighborhood kids made up a flyer and rode their bikes and scooters all over the neighborhood to deliver the flyers in mailboxes. Later, the kids went to homes to collect soup cans that were loaded into a red wagon. Parents helped transport soup to Loaves and Fishes

Back row: Owen McGoldrick, Emmy Delaney, Rosemary Collins, Julia Tucker, Bella HoyeFront row: Caroline Collins, Peter McGoldrick, Torin McGoldrick and Annabelle Collins. Participants Jack Hoye, Maddie Montgomery and Julian Schneider not pictured.

Sedgwick Unified Theater performs UTube 2012

Sedgwick Middle School’s Unified Theater presented its ninth theatrical performance called UTube 2012.Student leaders , co-directors Joe Celio and Mary Looney, assistant director Grace Andrews, co-producers Jessica Celella and Carly Gorman, assistant producer Owen Hyland, and stage crew co-leaders Maggie Venora and Michael Woods, guided a cast of 168 members.

The sixteen students created numerous skits and three dance performances

The mission of Unified Theater is to create and support theatrical troupes equally featuring the talents of individuals with and without special needs. In Unified Theater productions these two populations work side-by-side throughout a student-led theatrical process as equally contributing members. Faculty advisors, Melissa Lotstein and Denise Brezinski assisted as needed.

The 2012 Unified Theater student leadership team from Sedgwick Middle School

left to right: first row: Grace Andrews, Maggie Venora, Carly Gorman and Michael Woods

second row: Mary Looney, Jessica Celella, Owen Hyland and Joe Celio

Lollipop Tree Nursery helps St. Agnes Home babies in West Hartford

The Lollipop Tree Nursery School's Parents Association recently coordinated a school-wide baby clothing and baby item drive to benefit the young moms at St. Agnes Home in West Hartford, resulting in one of the largest donations the home has ever received.

"The tremendous outpouring of support for our mothers and children in the program really helps us achieve our mission of Raising the Future," said Lorna Little, Executive Director at St. Agnes Home. "The baby furniture and clothing provided brought smiles to all residents, and some of them even plan to wear the clothes for their Holiday portraits. We really appreciate the generosity of the Lollipop Tree Nursery School Parents Association."

Parents and children brought in good condition clothing, baby items, accessories, baths, baby gates, and much more to fill a Pak Mail truck. The boxes and delivery transportation to the home were donated by Pak Mail of West Hartford.

"We wanted to donate very locally, especially to an organization that was not in the market of reselling items. The St. Agnes home is right in our backyard and is in need of so many essentials. When we learned about how this home benefits the lives of young people, we knew they were the perfect fit for our donation drive," Jocelyn Hawkins, PA member.

St. Agnes Home provides residential care and supportive services for pregnant and parenting adolescent mothers and their infants. For more information about St. Agnes Home, visit: www.stagneshome.org

Monday, December 17, 2012

Nutcracker dancers visit Montessori students

The students of the Montessori School of Greater Hartford had a special visit from professional guest dancers from NYC, currently featured in Ballet Theatre Company's The Nutcracker. Much to the delight of the students, the dancers demonstrated movements from this weekend's upcoming performance, they described the tools and dedication needed to be a professional dancer and answered numerous questions about dance and ballet. To the delight of the dancers, the Montessori students took this as an impromptu opportunity to have professional dancers review their chorography and signing as they shared a few songs from their upcoming Winter Sing Along performance.

Photo: Lukas Hunt (The Nutcracker), imitates a mouse to MSGH Primary students. Roman Baca, Director and Choreographer of The Nutcracker, and fellow dancers: Jennifer Cadden (Snow), Chloe Slade (The Kissing Doll), Maggie Baum (Flower), and Hillary Reiter (Clara).

Kingswood Oxford mock trial team wins first competition

West Hartford – The new Upper School mock trial team from Kingswood Oxford won the first two rounds of a regional competition on Dec. 6 in Waterbury Superior Court.
KO's team now advances to the quarterfinal competition at the end of January.
The KO team is competing in Connecticut's Civics First High School Mock Trial Program along with 700 students from 50 schools.

Hundreds join “Fire on Ice” Chanukah at Blue Back

Chabad of Greater Hartford hosted a "cool" Chanukkah celebration for the entire community Sunday night, Dec 9 in Blue Back Square.

A large crowd had gathered by 4 p.m. to observe a master ice carver sculpt a giant menorah from a block of ice.

Hundreds celebrated throughout the afternoon and evening in a tent & throughout the square. Activities included a menorah-building contest for children, a Magician, Chanukah crafts, Jewish music, food from Yosi's Kosher Catering, and photos with "Judah Maccabee."

The celebration of "Fire on ICE" was ultimately achieved when Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan and Dana Keller were honored with the lighting of the giant menorah.

Chabad hosted the event with the purpose of bringing the community together, to celebrate Chanukah and to have the light and message of Chanukah reach as many people as possible.
Chanukah is the holiday of light and freedom, where few overcame the many, light triumphed over darkness; freedom overcame oppression, and good prevailed over evil. This is the universal message of Chanukah.

The event was free of charge and open to all. For more information about Chabad of Greater Hartford, please call the Chabad House at 860-232-1116 or check our website: www.ChabadHartford.com

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Emanuel Synagogue choir sings songs of Hanukah, lights burn bright

Lighting the Hanukah menorah at Crown Supermarket at Bishop's corner in West Hartford on December 10, the third night of Hanukah, are Emanuel Synagogue Junior Choir members (from left) Talya Geoghegan, Max Plenby, Dov Geoghegan, Abby Azia, Lillian Black and Hazan Sanford Cohn.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Connecticut-Israel tech summit honored

WEST HARTFORD -- The Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) annually hosts Celebrate Connecticut!, an event which gathers economic development and business professionals from across Connecticut to honor top companies, projects, programs, organizations and individuals for their contribution to the state's economy.

At the November 28, 2012 event at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, a joint effort by the Alliance's International Business Council and the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford - the Connecticut-Israel Technology Summit - was recognized for the Best Program Award. The Technology Summit was launched in 2011 to foster business and cultural relationships among the Hartford Region, the State of Connecticut and Israel. The 2012 Technology Summit attracted over 150 participant companies from the United States and 12 from Israel to the Rentschler Field facilities in East Hartford.

PHOTO: Laura Zimmerman, associate vice president of Jewish Public Affairs, accepts the Best Program Award from DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith and CERC President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Santy.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Ambulance toy drive scheduled for Dec. 20 at Toy Chest

Joining forces with We Are The Children, American Medical Response, West Hartford's ambulance provider, will staff a toy drive on Dec. 20 at the Toy Chest in West Hartford Center.

An AMR ambulance will be parked in front of the Toy Chest Store on Farmington Avenue with its red and white lights flashing in an effort to draw attention to the event. Last year the community filled one ambulance of donated toys. This year, the goal is to fill two ambulances from floor to ceiling.

We Are The Children continues to support children and their families by bringing the spirit of the holidays to Connecticut's kids, one child at a time. Inquiries or donations may be sent to Gary Craig, We Are The Children, c/o 96.5 TIC, 10 Executive Drive, Farmington, CT 06032. We Are The Children is a registered non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status.

We Are The Children organization was founded in 1985 by Gary Craig, morning radio personality 96.5 TIC-FM in Hartford, Connecticut. To date, We Are The Children is a 100% volunteer organization with all goods and services donated by members of the local community.

For more information, visit http://www.965tic.cbsradiohartford.com/we-are-the-children.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

CT DEEP suggest holiday ideas for nature lovers

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) store offers a wide variety of unique and affordable holiday gifts for children and adults -- whether you're shopping for an avid hiker, birdwatcher, angler or hunter. Books for adults or children, pocket guides, maps, and other "environmental" gifts are available whether you shop online at www.ct.gov/deep/store or in person at 79 Elm Street, Hartford.

Online orders placed by December 17, 2012 will arrive at your home in time for holiday gift giving. DEEP Store Hours are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

"The store has a full repertoire of books and other ideal gifts for your family and friends. From specialized books for hikers, bikers, anglers, and children to up-to-date maps you will not be disappointed in the selection at the store when you shop for environmental and affordable gifts this holiday season," said Commissioner Daniel C. Esty.

Highlights include:

State Park Vehicle Pass 2013: Allows unlimited vehicle access to any state park or recreation area that has a parking fee. Valid every day of the week, including weekends and holidays. Cost $67 resident and non-resident $112. Now available for immediate shipping.

Fishing and Hunting Licenses for the 2013 season: For sale through the on-line sportsmen system, at participating bait and tackle shops, town clerks, and DEEP field offices. Give the great gift of fishing and hunting. For the Online Sportsmen Licensing system: ct.outdoorcentral.net/InternetSales

A Fisheries Guide to Lakes & Ponds of Connecticut: The 2nd printing of the DEEP Store's bestselling book is back in stock just in time for the holidays! This book contains full page color depth maps of popular fishing waterbodies including 113 lakes and ponds, featuring bottom contours, inflowing stream locations, fish species, neighboring roads, water surface area size, directions and launch ramp conditions. In addition, there are 20 pages of excellent color plates depicting and describing the natural history of 25 fish common to Connecticut's waters. $24.95. In store by December 10, 2012

Connecticut Wildlife Magazine – A subscription to the DEEP Wildlife Division's 24-page, full-color, bi-monthly magazine is the perfect gift for those who like to stay informed about fish, wildlife, and natural resource issues and events in the state. Articles are written by DEEP staff members who are responsible for the management of Connecticut's natural resources. Connecticut Wildlife magazine is your best source for fishing, hunting, wildlife, and conservation information in the state. Every issue includes great wildlife photography, in-depth features, and natural history articles -- plus no advertising. It is published six times a year, and is available by subscription for $8 a year, $15 for two years, or $20 for three years. To receive a subscription or order a gift subscription, send a check or money order payable to: Connecticut Wildlife, P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013-1550. Credit card orders can be taken through the DEEP Store via the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep/WildlifeMagazine. Recipients of gift subscriptions will be sent a postcard to notify them of their gift.

Bluebird Nest Boxes: Visitors to the DEEP Wildlife Division's Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area and Conservation Education Center in Burlington have the opportunity to purchase bluebird nest boxes for $5 each. Helpful information on installing, monitoring, and maintaining boxes to encourage nesting bluebirds on your property accompany each box. The nest boxes are being sold by the non-profit, volunteer Friends of Sessions Woods to raise funds for educational projects and programs at Sessions Woods. Please Note: Nest boxes are only available at Sessions Woods, 341 Milford Street, Burlington – not available online or at DEEP store. Hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. (860) 675-8130

Candlewood Lake Navionics HotMap: This premium high-definition fishing map features unmatched detail derived from surveys conducted by the Navionics Official Survey Team. Key features include color shaded depth contours, top-down satellite photo overlay, detailed area insets, and a 3D lake overview. Tear-resistant and water-resistant. $14.95

Connecticut Wild & Scenic 2013 Wall Calendar: Sunset in the vicinity of Lighthouse Point, New Haven; the Connecticut River viewed from Gillette Castle; Pine cones and hemlocks in Pauchaug State Forest; these are just a few of the images that adorn this stunning wall calendar. Perfect for adding a piece of Connecticut's natural beauty to your home or office. $14.99

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West Hartford CT Community Notes

Sunday, December 23, 2012