West Hartford CT Community Notes

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Family Resource Cente offer series for childcare providers

Do you take care of other people's children in your home? Are you a relative, a neighbor or a licensed provider offering childcare? All are welcome to join one or more of these free workshops at Charter Oak Academy, West Hartford. Materials, door prizes and a light dinner provided. Each workshop is limited to 15 participants. To register call the FRC at Charter Oak at 860-233-4701.

Wed. Feb. 6 from 6:15 to 8:15 PM "Our Providers, Our Families, Our Community": An introduction to the workshop series and to professional resources including guest speakers from Nurturing Families, the Bridge Family Center and Great by 8.

Wed. Feb. 13 from 6:15 to 8:15 PM "The Importance of Play". Let's discuss why play is important in the lives of the children we care for and how play sets the stage for learning. Create prop boxes and other homemade materials that encourage dramatic play.

Wed. March 6 from 6:15 to 8:15 PM: "Growing a Home Childcare Business" We will identify tax, contractual and business issues, learn how to advertise and how to create effective promotional materials. A guest speaker from "All Our Kin" will answer your questions.

Wed. March 13 from 6:15 to 8:15 PM: "Music, Movement and Meaning" Come and get your groove on with a special guest early childhood educator/musician. Learn some new ways to incorporate traditional nursery rhymes, puppets and read alouds into your daily routines.

Wed. April 3 from 6:15 to 8:15 PM: "Growing Up Reading" Share your ideas about using books in your program. Learn why it's so important to introduce books to even the youngest children in your care and how to encourage parents to read to their children. You will receive books to take home.

And providers who attend at least 4 of the workshops will be invited to participate in a special field trip!

Sat. April 6 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM "Kid Friendly West Hartford" It's breakfast at the Family Resource Center and then hop on our bus for a tour of West Hartford's best sites for kids. We will visit the Noah Webster House, the main library, Westmoor Park and the Children's Museum. Each of these local resources has lots to offer your home child care program.

Call the FRC 860-233-4701 and register for one or more of these learning experiences.

The Family Resource Center at Charter Oak International Academy, 425 Oakwood Ave., West Hartford

Monday, January 28, 2013

SBM Charitable Foundation scholarship applications available

Manchester - Applications for college scholarships for the 2013-2014 academic year are available from the SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc. The Foundation annually awards scholarships in amounts up to $5000 per year to help fund undergraduate study at institutions of higher learning in Connecticut.

In June of 2012, $200,000 in scholarship assistance was awarded by the Foundation.

Applications are available at the Foundation web site: www.sbmfoundation.org, or by calling (860) 533-1067 to request that an application be sent to you by mail.

Eligibility requirements include residency in Hartford, Tolland, or Windham Counties; high school students must be in the top 40 percent of their class; college students must maintain a 2.5 GPA or better, and exhibit an exceptional commitment to school and community activities. Applicants must be a U. S. citizen and plan to attend a College or University in Connecticut. Full time enrollment is required. Scholarships are renewable for students who maintain academic and other eligibility requirements in college.

The deadline for applications is March 31, 2013. For more information, call the SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc. at (860) 533-1067.

Business After Hours: At The McAuley

WEST HARTFORD -- The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce partnered with The McAuley of Mercy Community Health, to host a Holiday Business after Hours. This signature chamber event was held on Thursday, December 13th, 2012 and gathered over 120 business professionals within the community. The evening included gourmet refreshments provided by The McAuley Catering team, as well as generous raffle prizes donated by the host and other Chamber members.

The West Hartford Chamber is almost 500 hundred members strong and offers many networking and community events, as well as exclusive discounts.
For more information, please visit: www.whchamber.com.
Photo from left: Barbara Kreitner, Cindy Cicchetti, Bill Fiocchetta, Christine Looby, Tomas Casul, Maryellen Milio

West Hartford resident's philanthrophy recognized

WEST HARTFORD – The Connecticut Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure held its annual volunteer reception on Tuesday, December 4th at the Mark Twain House in Hartford. The reception honored the efforts of the organization's top sponsors, fundraisers and volunteers from communities across Connecticut.

Diane Greenfield of West Hartford was the recipient of the organization's esteemed Promise of One award. This award is given to a volunteer making exceptional contributions to Komen Connecticut and the local fight against breast cancer. After Greenfield lost two close friends to breast cancer, she wanted to give back in Connecticut. In 1997, she founded the Play for a Cure golf tournament at Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield to help find a cure for breast cancer.
"I wanted to raise money to help save lives and put an end to breast cancer," said Greenfield. Although Greenfield never takes credit for the hard work she puts into the event all year, her leadership and guidance is crucial to the event's success.
"I am thrilled to have been presented the Promise of One Award," said Greenfield. "It is with great pride I accept this award. I appreciate the recognition but must acknowledge the support of all those who have worked so hard to make our event a success. Without their help we could not have contributed $1.33 million dollars to Komen Connecticut."
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. 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. For more information, visit KomenCT.org or call 860-321-7806.

Photo caption: Representatives from the Komen Connecticut Board of Directors honor Diane Greenfield with the Promise of One Award. Left to right: Board Member, Ann Hogan, Board President Gail Marcus, award recipient, Diane Greenfield, Board Member, Kia Murrell and Board Vice President, Nancy Meyer.

Dyson honored as Fan of the Year semi-finalist by New England Patriots; team acknowledges his humanitarian work

The New England Patriots Football Organization and Bank of America honored David Dyson from West Hartford, CT as a semi-finalist for the 2012 New England Patriots Fan of the Year. For the last nine years, Dyson has raised over $112,000 for the Tabor House, an AIDS program in Hartford. Under Dyson's leadership, he continues to increase revenue for the Tabor House every year by hosting the annual GIANT Tag Sale.
Dyson, along with his son Sean, 9, attended the game at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 7 vs. the Denver Broncos, where he was recognized at a pre-game ceremony. The taped video footage was then broadcast to the entire stadium during the game.
"The Patriots as well as Bank of America are very much involved in the betterment of the community, and I am very impressed with what they have done to assist the needy here in Hartford" quotes Dyson. "On to the Super Bowl!"
Photo submitted.

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Youth Rowing is focus of West Hartford Exchange Club

West Hartford -The West Hartford Exchange Club welcomed guest speaker Chris Hayes, assistant rowing director for Riverfront Recapture, at its most recent meeting. Numerous West Hartford students participate in the Riverfront Recapture's successful Youth Rowing Program. Presenting Chris with a check from the West Hartford Exchange Club to Riverfront Recapture's Youth Rowing Program is West Hartford Exchange Club member Pete Pendrey (left).

St. Agnes to receive funding for repairs

State Representative Joe Verrengia and State Senator Beth Bye announced that the Saint Agnes Home in West Hartford is expected to receive much needed funding for improvements and repairs. The $15,820 grant-in-aid for improvements is expected to be approved at the next meeting of the State Bond Commission scheduled for Jan. 25. The funding will be used for fire alarm upgrades and plumbing repairs.
"Supporting local non-profits who in turn support our local citizens in their time of need is a responsibility I'm proud the state consistently delivers on," said Rep. Verrengia.
"The St. Agnes Home has been an important community resource for years. This funding is welcome news," said state Sen. Bye.
The Saint Agnes Home was established in 1914 by the Sisters of Mercy, with help from the St. Agnes Home Guild. Its mission is to provide residential care and supportive services for pregnant and parenting adolescent mothers and their infants.#end

University of St. Joseph presents Romance de la Guitarra

Where: University of Saint Joseph (formerly Saint Joseph College) · Hoffman Auditorium

1678 Asylum Avenue · West Hartford

When: Saturday February 9, 2013, 8pm

Tickets: Connecticut Guitar Society (860) 249-1132 or online at www.ctguitar.org

Experience the exhilarating rhythms and beautiful melodies of Spain and Latin America at Romance de la Guitarra! Now in its ninth year, Romance de la Guitarra has become a Valentine's tradition for hundreds of music lovers. Acclaimed guitarist Daniel Salazar, Jr., a favorite of Connecticut audiences, returns with his ensemble of international musicians and guest dancers in a spectacular program of music and dance. Order your tickets now to this highly anticipated concert.

This special event will include romantic Spanish guitar selections, and will feature original music from Daniel Salazar's highly popular repertoire combining elements of Flamenco, Latin and world rhythms, all with a classic Spanish guitar influence. Highlights of the program include alluring Tango selections with special guest, Juan Pablo Jofre from Argentina on the Bandoneon, an accordion-like instrument with a uniquely beautiful sound. Mr. Jofre will be performing the exciting Libertango by Piazzolla , El Dia Que Me Quieras by Gardel as well as other tango selections. The program will also feature gorgeous choreography of authentic Argentine salon style Tango with renowned guest dancers.

Romance De La Guitarra will include beautifully crafted arrangements classic Latin romantic songs such as Besame Mucho and Solamente Una Vez, featuring the expressive singing of guest vocalist Jose Paulo. Also performing will be The Daniel Salazar Ensemble, an outstanding group of internationally renowned musicians: bassist extraordinaire Genevieve Rose, flautist Gonzalo Cortes from Chile, Esteban Arrufat from Puerto Rico playing Latin Percussion, Roberto Clavijo from Chile playing charango (Latin American string instrument), zampoña (pan flute) and percussion, flamenco-fusion guitarist Daniel Salazar III, Andre Balazs and Abraham Sanchez on keyboards.

Daniel Salazar's style fuses the traditional Spanish guitar with contemporary and world music sounds as well as classical elegance. Known to Connecticut audiences for his highly popular Guitar Under the Stars concerts, this renowned musician has appeared in many prestigious international venues throughout the U.S., Latin America and Europe. Daniel has held the distinguished titled of United States Artistic Ambassador, and was recipient of the 2011 Public Service Award from The State of Connecticut for his artistic contributions. For additional information, log on to www.danielsalazar.com.

Artist Information:

Jose Paulo, vocalist

He was born in the slums of Rio de Janeiro but never felt limited by that. Rather, he believed that the efforts of his mother in raising him against all odds, with strong moral values, would make him the strong and self-confident person he is. Singing was in his blood from the very beginning and after six years living in Hartford, CT, Jose Paulo is releasing his first CD, through Albatroz Music, the most prestigious Brazilian Jazz and Bossa Nova label in the world.

"Canzoni Stonate", the first Jose Paulo CD had a world premiere in Hartford, Connecticut, a city Jose Paulo call his own. Jose Paulo has lived in Hartford since 2002. Since then, he has been working hard in all kinds of jobs, like thousands of immigrants searching for their own way to achieve the American Dream.

His "big break" came after he was discovered by Brazilian art patron and philanthropist Ester Sanches-Naek, who campaigned for him to appear at the most prestigious Brazilian event in the U.S., the "Brazilian International Press Awards", in Fort Lauderdale, in 2006. Since then he is one of the most praised newcomers in the Brazilian music scene in the U.S. earning himself a nomination for the same award in 2007 and 2008. Theses performances caught the attention of Albatroz Music who chose him and multi-award winning singer Rose Max to be the two first talents under contract of the new Albatroz / Green Music partnership.

Northwest Catholic students inducted into language honor societies

Seven West Hartford residents were among the 31 students inducted into Northwest Catholic High School's World Language Honor Societies on Jan. 24, during a beautiful ceremony that featured the recitation of the "Our Father" in French, Spanish, and Latin. Margaret Rose was inducted into the French Honor Society. Owen Eagan, Christopher Gosselin, Molly McDonald, Hyewon Shin, Alejandro Tobon and Victeria Vu were inducted into the Spanish Honor Society.

NWC Librarian Helga Phillips, who was born in Germany and is fluent in the language, was the guest speaker. She stressed the value of knowing a second language, telling the inductees, "You have been given a unique opportunity to relate verbally with confidence, to build bridges between nations, peoples and communities."

To qualify for membership, students had to be juniors or seniors carrying a 4.0 average in the language they study, as well as a minimum 2.67 average in all other classes. Of the 31 inductees, 21 were inducted into the Spanish Honor Society, seven into the Latin Honor Society, and three into the French Honor Society.

A complete list of students is available at www.northwestcatholic.org.

Since 1961, Northwest Catholic's mission has been to educate the whole person: mind, body, spirit, and soul. Enrollment for the Class of '17 is now under way, and prospective students are invited to attend an Information Session at the school on Feb. 7 at 7pm. For more information, contact Maryann Lacouture (860-236-4221, x140 or mlacouture@nwcath.org).

Photo caption: New inductees (front row from left) Alejandro Tobon, Hyewon Shin, and Victeria Vu. Back row from left: Molly McDonald, Margaret Rose and Christopher Gosselin (not pictured: Owen Eagan)

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Talcott Mountain Academy - Civil War Reenactment

Talcott Mountain Academy students Devon Beirut, Kana Chavez, Randy Cohen, Abigail Marmer-Adams, Randy Cohen, Drake Muth and Max Nobel, with their teacher Miss Petit performed a Civil War Reenactment. The students each took on the persona of someone from the Civil War and presented that person to the rest of the school. Students chose a variety of personas from the Governor of Connecticut, to surgeons, soldiers and female spies. Each student brought in their own uniform and accessories in order to bring their person from the pages of a history book into the world of the 21st century. The students answered various questions from "what is your job," to "Why did you decide to fight for the North/South?" Students researched their persona thoroughly and were able to give in-depth monologues and answers to questions from the students and teachers at Talcott Mountain Academy. The Civil War Reenactment served as a wonderful learning experience for all involved.

Residents listed on CCSU Dean's List

NEW BRITAIN, CT - Central Connecticut State University President Jack Miller is proud to announce the students who earned a spot on the Dean's List for the Fall 2012 semester. To achieve this academic distinction, an undergraduate student at CCSU must carry at least 12 academic credits during the semester and earn at least a 3.50 GPA out of a possible 4.0. The students in your area who earned a place on the Dean's List are:

WEST HARTFORD

Valeria Alfano
Nathan Campagna
Olivia Carnegie
Lauren Casale
Ashley Casey
Maria Castillo
Jingfen Chen
Ashley Crawford
Mariah Da Rocha
Cherraine Davis
Kathleen De Wolff-Morris
Alexandre Dlugoborski
Jessica Drost
Rebecca Duenas
Paige Dzialo
Katelyn Fournier
Hillary Galanos
Raymond Gauvreau
Dylan Geisler
Solmarie Gonzalez
Michael Haims
Ashley Hanse
Heather Hawkins
Hal Hinostroza
Ryan Honyotski
Ruslan Hsia
Alayna James
Kevin Kapushinski
Michelle Kayser
Sohail Khan
Brittany Koziol
Michael Lacy
Rebecca Larson
Nicole Leon
Kevin Ly
Harrison MacDonald
Brian Martin
Samantha Metcalf
Keith Millette
Olga Mirontchik
Michael Moffitt
Jennifer Moran
Roopesh Motiram
Khoa Nguyen
Nhu-y Nguyen
Steven Norris
Szczepan Olszewski
Neysha Ortega
Francesco Petraccone
Astha Pokhrel
Elsa Reyes
Luis Rivero
Daniel Rodowicz
Laurie Scammon
Qian Shen
Stuart Sidewater
Alicia Sierra
Mark Smith
Shane Smith
Sneh Srivastava
Erika Steinhauser
Eduardo Tigre
Trang Tran
Dina Varlamova
Ashley Vinas
Ashley Volpe
Jessamyn Ward

'The History of the Love Song' the focus of Watkinson 'Freshly Squeezed' series

Watkinson School announces the second event of the series Freshly Squeezed with Colin McEnroe on Valentine's Day eve for "The History of the Love Song" at 7 p.m. on Feb.13.
McEnroe will moderate a discussion on how popular music is frequently our entree to our often-misunderstood first encounters with romantic love. Panelists include award-winning vocalist Dana Lauren, 2010 winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocal Competition and a Bloomfield native; Steve Metcalf, director of Instrumental Music at the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music; and Emma Walker, a Hartt School of Music graduate who currently is a copyright administrator for Sony Music Entertainment. The evening will also feature Watkinson School 9-person a capella vocal group, called Vox Wat.

Based on the premise that everyone loves a juicy conversation and in the best tradition of Connecticut conversation, Freshly Squeezed with Colin McEnroe is a series of nimble, participatory and personal events hosted by Colin McEnroe. All of the profit from ticket sales benefits the education programs of three shining Hartford institutions: Billings Forge, Hartford Stage and the Mark Twain House. The series is generously sponsored by Fiduciary Investment Advisors.
Tickets are $15 each. All events are held in the Foisie Amphitheater at Watkinson School. Seating is very limited and general admission, so order today. Purchase tickets at brownpapertickets.com (search Watkinson School) or by calling 800-838-3006.

West Hartford Chamber: January's 'Business After Hours' networking event

WEST HARTFORD – The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce and Pompanoosuc Mills Corporation of 21 Brace Road, hosted a Business after Hours event on Jan.10.

Over 100 business professionals and local entrepreneurs attended for networking opportunities. Guests enjoyed delicious appetizers courtesy of Whole Foods, Back Stage Pizza, and A Little Something Bakery, as well as refreshments provided by Wine Cellars 4.

The West Hartford Chamber is over 400 members strong and offers many networking and community events, as well as exclusive discounts. All are encouraged to visit our website to learn more about Chamber benefits.

For more information, please visit www.explorewesthartford.com.

'Go Red for Women' approaches 10th national campaign on Feb. 1

Wallingford, CT - Hundreds of local businesses, community groups, hospitals, towns and schools will wear red on Feb. 1 to help raise awareness and funds to fight - the number one killer of women – cardiovascular disease. The campaign is part of the American Heart Association's 10^th annual Wear Red Day in which participants wear red, donate $5 to join the Go Red For Women® movement and receive a red dress pin, all to help raise awareness of heart disease.

Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red has become linked with the ability all women have, to choose heart health and live longer, stronger lives. For 10 years, Go Red For Women has been educating and connecting hundreds of thousands of women with knowledge and tools to help women make lifesaving choices. More than 627,000 women's lives have been saved and 330 fewer women are dying per day. But the fight is far from over.

"Now is the time to act. Heart disease is still the number one killer of women, and ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease," said Donna Arnett, Ph.D., M.S.P.H., president of the American Heart Association. "With the right information, education and care, heart disease in women can be treated, prevented, and even ended."

In recognition of the 10^th National Wear Red Day, Go Red For Women asks that Women Go Red, across the country in new and bold ways. In the past, people have proudly worn red. But this February, the American Heart Association asks that landmarks, Main Street, organizations and homes in America also go red and turn America RED to shine a spotlight on heart disease in women.

Visit GoRedForWomen.org or visit us on Facebook to learn more.

USJ Lecture Series: The Real World of Forensic Science

WEST HARTFORD, CONN. – The Office of Alumni Relations at the University of Saint Joseph presents the Mercy Lecture Series (formerly Lunch & Learn) led by outstanding members of our faculty and professionals from our alumni community. On Wed., Feb. 5, Elaine M. Pagliaro'73, DAA '93, J.D., Forensic Consultant & Director, Grants & Research for the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science will present the Real World of Forsenic Science.

Pagliaro was honored as a recipient of USJ's prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award in 1993 and co-authored "The Real World of a Forensic Scientist: Renowned Experts Reveal What It Takes to Solve Crimes," with Dr. Henry Lee. The program begins with lunch at 11:00 a.m. followed by the presentation at 11:40 a.m. in Mercy Hall, Crystal Room, located on the University's West Hartford campus at 1678 Asylum Avenue. The community is cordially invited to join USJ alumni and friends at this event:

Admission is $25 per person; registration is strongly encouraged.
Registration deadline is Fri., Feb. 1- contact Stephen Kumnick, manager of the Annual Fund & Alumni Relations, at 860.231.5323 or alumni@usj.edu.

With the success of shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Bones and Criminal Minds viewers learn about the application of high-tech forensic science to criminal investigations. These accounts are based in the realities of forensic investigation, but provide a viewpoint that is meant to be more entertaining than factual. As a result, many people expect that all crimes involve physical evidence and any case can be solved using scientific techniques. The impact of these expectations on jury trials and other legal proceedings is very real and has been dubbed the "CSI effect." This presentation will examine both the myth and the reality of forensic science in such areas as DNA analysis, hair and fiber comparisons, firearms and fingerprint testing. Several famous and infamous cases will be used to examine the current status and future expectations of the application of the principles of chemistry, molecular biology and other physical sciences in this exciting field.

Middle schools can register now for Model United Nations at Kingswood Oxford

West Hartford >> Kingswood Oxford School is still accepting registrations for the first-ever Model United Nations conference for middle school students in the Greater Hartford area. The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sat., March 23 at KO. All middle schools are invited to participate.
No prior Model UN experience is needed, and parliamentary procedures will be taught at the conference itself. Each middle school will represent an assigned country in various mock UN committees, such as the Security Council, the UN Environment Programme, the World Health Organization, and the UN Commission on Human Rights, where they will discuss current issues and propose solutions. The day will include lunch and an awards ceremony.
Delegates must be sponsored by their school, and all delegations must include an adult; registration fee is $25 per school and $20 per delegate. To reserve a spot, schools must submit a $65 deposit (covering the school and two delegates) by Jan. 31, 2013. Payment for additional delegates is due by Feb. 15.
Schools will be given country and committee assignments after registration closes. The application and committee topics will be posted at www.kingswoodoxford.org/komun.
KOMUN – Kingswood Oxford Model UN -- will be run by Stacey Savin, a lawyer and KO history teacher and Model UN advisor for the past 10 years, as well as members of KO's award-winning High School Model UN team.
KO competes annually in the Yale Model UN conference in New Haven. In addition, in 2011, KO, was one of only three U.S. high schools to compete at Yale's inaugural Model Government Europe conference in Prague, where they won several awards.
"...Our students are very excited to have the opportunity to introduce the Model UN concept to middle schoolers," said Savin, who also teaches Model UN at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth during the summer.
Global awareness is a critical component of Kingswood Oxford's mission to graduate well-rounded students who are at home in the world.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Kingswood Oxford alumna shines at Presidential Inauguration

West Hartford, Jan. 22 – It was bitter cold at 5:30am, when Kingswood Oxford's Hope Jackson, MD '99 got in line for the best-possible seat at President Barack Obama's inauguration – so she was glad she'd grabbed her favorite red fleece KO blanket on her way out the door.
"When I walked through the National Mall gates, I felt a little overwhelmed with emotion, as I realized that so many of the positive, wonderful opportunities I've had in my life were because of the amazing education, nurturing and support I received at KO," said Jackson, who earned her Bachelor's degree at Emory University and her medical degree at George Washington University. "It has been the catalyst to so many things, including even choosing to pursue medicine as a career -- which ultimately brought me to DC. So KO is always with me, and I was thinking especially about the school that day."
Jackson has two years left in a six-year surgical residency at GW, and then plans to pursue a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery, as well as continuing to work on enhancing the surgical education experience for medical students and residents.
"It was truly moving, electrifying and powerful to be (on the Mall) with almost a million people to celebrate a new term and recommit to continue to do our best to make our country better," she added. "The entire ceremony was wonderful, and I felt so blessed to be able to witness and be a part of such a historic moment in time."

Photo: Kingswood Oxford alumna Hope Jackson, MD '99 bundled up in a red fleece KO blanket during President Barack Obama's inauguration on Jan. 21, 2013. Submitted by KO

Monday, January 14, 2013

West Hartford's Connecticut Family Theatre's The Little Mermaid a big success

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Adapted from Disney's 2008 Broadway production, Disney's The Little Mermaind Jr. features the hit songs "Part of Your World," "She's in Love," and the Oscar-winning "Under the Sea."

Under the direction of Lori Solak, Connecticut Family Theatre is increasingly recognized as a leading teaching theatre in Connecticut. CFT offers theatre education and performance opportunities to youth ages 6-18, serving students from all corners of Connecticut and Massachusetts. Although several students under Ms. Solak's direction have gone on to perform in Broadway productions and film, CFT's mission is focused on helping children develop confidence, discipline, teamwork and leadership skills, as well as their individual potential for acting, song and dance.

In commenting on the quality of CFT productions, Melissa Millan of Simsbury, whose children, Zeke, age 13, and Tori Hodkin, age 10 have been performing with CFT for years, describes how a friend of hers who teaches in Boston came to see Zeke perform in Alice in Wonderland when he was 9 years old. Impressed, her friend said "I've seen a lot of children's theatre and this is the most professional show I've ever seen."

It's clear that for the kids themselves, the culture of working together and supporting each other is a huge part of CFT's appeal. Brian Hanshaw, 13, of Simsbury, says "Everyone has an important part of the cast and crew; we all pull together because we are friends and we want to be the best we can. We work hard, but every aspect of the show, the singing, the choreography, the costumes - it's all fun and professional." Dan Butler, father of Katie Butler, age 14, of Plainville agreed, observing that although she knew none of the other actors at first, Katie was quickly accepted and made many friends whom she continues to see outside of theatre. He also commented, "I was impressed with the staff's professionalism and genuine concern for bringing the best out in each performer yet with the understanding that they are kids and need lots of support and encouragement."

Attached Photos:

Cast2.jpg

Remy McCoy, West Hartford; Avery St. Germaine, West Hartford; Erin Conway, West Hartford; Claire Peikes, West Hartford; Brian Hanshaw, Simsbury; Katie Butler, Plainville; Zeke Hodkin, Simsbury; Savannah Freitas, Plainville; Caroline Kriesen, West Hartford; Cordie Zito, Hartford

Archbishop's annual appeal inspires people to help others

HARTFORD – Archbishop Henry J. Mansell launched the 2013 Archbishop's Annual Appeal at a Sunday luncheon at which over 270 donors attended. Joe and

Ann Marie Marsilio of Seymour were among the guests who said they support the Appeal every year, because it is "always inspiring" to see how the proceeds help people who are in dire circumstances.

The Archbishop first thanked the audience for their overwhelming support of last year's Appeal, which raised a record-breaking $10,055,967, surpassing the previous year's record by over $260,000.

He talked about the many services that the Appeal is able to provide such as the Malta House of Care mobile health clinics in Hartford and Waterbury that have treated over 25,000 people, who were uninsured.

"People are helped and in some cases their lives are saved because of your generosity," said the Archbishop.

The Emergency Assistance program is another vital program supported by the Appeal, which is available through parishes and administered by Catholic Charities. It helps people who have fallen behind on their rental payments, have trouble paying their utility or grocery bills, or need help with urgent bills like medical or car repairs.

Hundreds of vicariate outreach programs across the state such as food kitchens and homeless shelters as well as tuition assistance for Catholic students, faith formation, and seminarian

programs also benefit from the Appeal.

"You make this explosion of care possible. It is you, the donors, who make this wide variety of services possible," continued the Archbishop. "The Catholic Church enjoys an extraordinary record in this regard."

He also thanked the priests of the Archdiocese of Hartford for their generous donations to the Appeal. On average, they each donate $1253 a year.

For a complete listing of programs supported by the Appeal, visit: archdioceseofhartford.org and click on Archbishop's Annual Appeal.

Photo: Joe and Ann Marie Marsilio of Seymour support the Archbishop's Annual Appeal every year, because they say it's "always inspiring" to see how it helps people in need. Submitted

Preschoolers donate to Huricane Sandy relief

Preschoolers at the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Early Childhood Center at the Mandell JCC, Zachs Campus, 335 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT gather around Mario Bruno, CEO of the Connecticut and Rhode Island Region Red Cross. Bruno came to personally thank the students after they donated $100 to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy victims. Submitted

Kingswood Oxford teacher releases book on contemporary art

West Hartford – Patricia Rosoff, the Academic Dean of Humanities at Kingswood Oxford School and a longtime artist and art critic published a new book recently.
The book, Innocent Eye: A Passionate Look at Contemporary Art, is a collection of essays Rosoff wrote for such publications as The Hartford Advocate, Art New England and Sculpture Magazine between 1995 and 2004. A 37-year veteran at KO, Rosoff served as chair of the Creative Arts Department for 32 years before being named the Humanities Dean this year. She lives in West Hartford.

West Hartford wealth manager earns CASL designation

SIMSBURY – Stephen P. Whittemore, CLU, ChFC, CLTC, CASL of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company has earned his Chartered Advisor for Senior Living designation from The American College.

Founded in 1927, The American College, located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, is the nation's leading educator of professionals in the financial services industry. The College offers an array of specialized designation programs, a master of science degree in financial services and customized continuing education programs for those pursuing a career in financial services.

With a CASL designation, Whittemore has completed one of the most comprehensive curriculum available addressing the many financial and lifestyle considerations affecting both seniors in retirement and individuals preparing for retirement. As wealth management advisor, he is part of a network of specialists offering a wide array of services. The CASL designation allows him to continue to provide expert guidance and innovative solutions on a broad range of financial topics.

Whittemore is associated with The Zuzolo Financial Group in West Hartford. He graduated from the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford in 1982.

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company – Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual) has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 150 years. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments. Further information can be found at http://www.northwesternmutual.com.

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Lock It or Leave It: West Hartford Firearms Safety and Disposal Program

WEST HARTFORD – When it comes to having firearms in your home, the West Hartford Police Department recommends that you lock it or leave it.

The West Hartford Police Department is committed to the overall safety of firearms in the community. As a public service to the residents of West Hartford free gun locks are available at the police department 24 hours a day. If you posses a firearm, it should be properly secured at all times; it's the law.

Residents who own an unwanted firearm may dispose of it by "leaving it" with the West Hartford Police Department. Disposal of a firearm may be accomplished by either dropping it off at the West Hartford Police Department, 103 Raymond Road, or by calling the Police Department at 860-523-5203 and an officer will come to the home and pick it up. The police officer will give the resident a receipt with a case number that documents that the firearm was relinquished. The gun will then be destroyed. There is no cost to the resident.

Firearms brought to the police department should be transported unloaded and in a safe condition. Residents who do not have a valid CT Pistol Permit should not transport pistols or revolvers. If you are unsure, an officer will come to your home or business and pick up the firearm.

The Police Department has found that firearms that are handed down or no longer have any value to the owner oftentimes pose more harm than good because they may be improperly stored, misused or stolen. Turning in an unwanted gun to the Police Department is a good solution. Remember to lock it or leave it.

For more information, call the Community Relations Division at the West Hartford Police Department at (860) 523-2013.

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