Annual Plant Sale and Conservation NewsletterThe Southwest Conservation District will be having the Annual Shrub and Perennial Plant Sale April 27th and 28th at Lockwood Farm in Hamden and Bethel Fairgrounds Barn in Bethel. Available are: Evergreen bare root seedlings, Native as well as ornamental shrubs and trees, perennials. Plants to be featured are: variegated, fragrant, compact and/or suitable for bird and butterfly gardens. Volunteer UCONN Certified Master Gardeners as well as North Haven and Wallingford Garden Club members will be on hand to assist the customers on site. Pre order forms are available from SWCD office at 900 Northrop Rd Suite A in Wallingford CT 06492. Call for a Newsletter and order form. Email address: swcd43emt@sbcglobal.net If you live outside of New Haven or Fairfield County check the other Conservation. Districts for their annual plant sales by checking the website http://www.conservect.org/
World Famous CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE DINNER
We will also be serving homemade pies. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 10th 5 to 7pm Westwood Court # 5 O. of A. Meriden Masonic Temple - 112 East Main Street, Meriden {enter rear entrance} Come out & join us ! Adult’s $10.00 Children 5 to12, $5.00. Children under 5 are Free.
Creative Lady expands line, Bicentennial items at Friends of Library Bookstore
Edna Roberts of Meriden has expanded her line of Creative Lady soaps and lotion gift products available at the Friends of the Library Bookstore, 1 Colony Street.
The newest addition to her creative products is her birthstone geodes, fancy scented soaps molded in the freestyle shape of rock crystals. The February crystal-shaped soap is done in amethyst purple and is a perfect gift for either a favorite person with a February birthday or even as a special valentine gift. New birthstones “geodes” will be added each month in appropriate jewel-tone colors.
The Creative Lady Soap line has also been expanded to include several new scents, all of which are specially packaged and perfect as hostess gifts or use in a guest bathroom.
Also available is the popular Woods and Water, the favorite neutral scent for woodsmen or hunters who want to blend into an outdoor environment.
The Friends Gift Shop is also selling the remainder of Meriden bicentennial products at sharply reduced rates. Commemorative plates, Afghans, golf shirts, teddy bears and key chains are available along with copies of the official bicentennial history book, Meriden historic mugs, postcards and notepaper.
The Friends Gift Shop is open during regular store hours: 9-5 Mondays through Thursdays, 9-8 Fridays and 9 to 3 Saturdays.
AIDS Project New Haven announces its first annual DINING OUT FOR LIFE
A fundraiser sponsored by the generous restaurateurs of New Haven County who feed their customers while nurturing their community.
On April 26th 2007, diners can enjoy a meal at any participating Dining Out for Life restaurant, at their leisure and on their own. There are no restrictions, special menus or extra charges: It’s diner as usual. The difference is that when the tab is paid, a portion of the total is automatically donated to AIDS Project New Haven.
Which makes your dining dollars go farther than you’d ever imagined.
This one-day opportunity is the first of its kind in New Haven. Simple and stress free, it was originally established 17 years ago in Philadelphia as an alternative to high-ticket black tie galas. Dining Out for Life restaurants range from casual to lavish, allowing patrons to dine – and thus painlessly contribute – at their own comfort levels.
In other cities, Dining Out for Life has become as annual happening that involves hundreds of eateries and attracts hordes of visitors. With New Haven County’s booming restaurant scene, APNH organizers feel the time is right to tap into our collective energy and lay the foundation for a celebrated New Haven tradition.
The group’s goal for 2007 is to recruit 50 restaurants from throughout the city and the suburbs, and to see them on Thursday April 26th 2007 filled with patrons who have come out to eat, drink and support APNH. Thus far, ten area restaurants have signed on, each agreeing to donate anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of profits on that date. We urge friends of APNH to approach their favorite eateries and encourage them to be an original sponsor of New Haven County’s first Dining Out for Life.
The need is great. Since 1983 APNH has been providing care and essential support to men, women and children impacted by AIDS and HIV, right here in our neighborhoods. Recent funding cuts (State, Federal) have robbed many patients and families of their independence, thus putting a server strain on APNH resources.
Every dollar donated to the cause is precious…so mark your calendars, make your reservation, bring your appetite and your compassion, and don’t skip dessert.
PARTIAL LIST OF PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS, DINING OUT FOR LIFE 2007
Tre Scalini, New Haven
Casa Nostra, New Haven
Sullivan’s New Haven
Katz 11, New Haven
MENU’ New Haven
Quattro’s, New Haven
Blue Pearl, New Haven
Chips Orange
Reno’s Orange
Assaggio’s Branford
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB COMPANY RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL HABITAT CONSERVATION AWARD
Employees at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company’s Wallingford Campus received international recognition for their contributions to wildlife habitat conservation at the Wildlife Habitat Council’s (WHC) 18th Annual Symposium, Connecting People & Nature. Bristol-Myers Squibb demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and increasing native biodiversity by achieving habitat recertification at the Wallingford Campus.
“At the Wildlife Habitat Council, we believe it is vital to improve approaches to the environment if our landscapes are to remain sustainable for future generations. As our organization moves forward into the global arena, we must involve more people in local initiatives to enhance open spaces,” said Robert Johnson, WHC President. “Developing this strong sense of place is the key to better connecting people to nature and ultimately the key to protecting nature. WHC members are leading the way and opening the doors to corporate habitats to educate and involve entire communities. Congratulations to Bristol-Myers Squibb for their exceptional efforts to responsibly manage our natural world.”
The 180-acre Wallingford Campus is located in Wallingford, Connecticut. The property contains approximately 100 acres of undeveloped land consisting of forests, meadows, fields and wetlands. The current wildlife team grew out of the former “Green Team” of the late 1990’s. As employee interest grew, the group refocused to promote and implement projects that would increase species diversity, preserve and enhance natural habitats and provide education regarding the value of habitat preservation. Today, the wildlife team has grown to over 35 participants and continues to expand.
This strong team has implemented a number of projects to achieve the goals set forth by the management plan. With the help of local Boy Scouts, nest boxes were built and installed around the property for eastern bluebirds and tree swallows. 25 boxes were placed around the site in locations near water and open meadows. A Pond Management Program will help create a diverse habitat for a number of insects, amphibians, birds and other species. No-mow zones will create buffer areas where native plants will establish themselves naturally in an early successional stage. Basking logs were added to the ponds to create perching, resting and cover resources for aquatic species. Additionally, algae growth and migratory geese populations are controlled. A self-sustaining pollinator habitat and two nature trails with interpretive signage are also found at the site.
The Wallingford Campus adopted stiff goldenrod, an endangered species in Connecticut, as part of their habitat management efforts. The perennial flower was planted in the flower garden and is highly attractive to pollinators and birds who feed on its seeds. This program was designed as an initiative to raise employee awareness while also protecting an important native species. The involved employees are very involved in community outreach as well. Each year, the wildlife team hosts an Earth Day event, which includes a children’s poster contest, flowering seed giveaways and plant raffles. Local students and scout troops also use the Wallingford Campus for educational purposes.
Future goals of the Wallingford Campus include planting a new pollinator garden, creating an invasive species management program, creating an upland meadow restoration program, developing an educational curriculum, and expanding both the pond edge naturalization program and the existing nature trails.
The Wallingford Campus was one of 175 sites recognized at the 2006 Symposium for creating a habitat program. Over 50 Corporate Lands for LearningSM programs now reach thousands of learners from schools and scout groups to master gardeners and university researchers. Since 1990, WHC has certified 408 programs worldwide. The certification program recognizes outstanding wildlife habitat management and environmental education efforts at corporate sites, and offers third-party validation of the benefits of such programs. Certification requirements are strict and require that sites apply for periodic renewal.
The Wildlife Habitat Council is a nonprofit, non-lobbying organization dedicated to increasing the quality and amount of wildlife habitat on corporate, private and public lands. WHC devotes its resources to building partnerships with corporations and conservation groups to create solutions that balance the demands of economic growth with the requirements of a healthy, biodiverse and sustainable environment. More than 2.4 million acres in 48 states, Puerto Rico and 16 other countries are managed for wildlife through WHC-assisted projects. For more information, visit WHC online at http://www.wildlifehc.org/.
City of Meriden Economic Development Department News
Factory H and Hub Cleanup
What was first expected to cost about $1 million for demolition has now increased to almost $5 million due to the hazardous material that has spread throughout the entire Factory H building. The state Department of Environmental Protection has contained the affected areas so there is no immediate hazard. The demolition and cleanup of this site is a major piece in the city’s flood control plan.
The other major component in the flood control plan is the Hub site. JR Contracting & Environmental Consulting Company out of Wayne, New Jersey, has been awarded a contract for the demolition of the Hub site. Asbestos removal and gutting of the interior will take about two months. April is the target date for demo completion and interim landscaping to be in place.
Milone & MacBroom, of Cheshire, CT, has been hired to produce three preliminary concept plans of the Hub site for public viewing and input.
March CFPA programs and news
Grant Monies to Fund Teacher Workshops
Middlefield, CT – Connecticut Forest & Park Association has been awarded a small grant by Project Learning Tree and Environmental Education & Training Partnership (EETAP). EETAP identifies and implements essential training and support services for educators to foster environmental literacy through America’s schools, nature centers, government agencies and other institutions. The Connecticut Forest & Park Association will offer three professional development workshops for educators: Places We Live, Forest Forensics and A Natural Path to Summer Camp Training. EETAP funds will cover the cost of thirty educators to attend these engaging programs as well as multidisciplinary Project Learning Tree (PLT) materials such as Forest Ecology, Greenworks Guide, Places We Live module, Energy & Society and more. This award-winning environmental education program is designed by and for teachers and other educators, parents, youth and community leaders working with youth from pre-school to grade 12. PLT uses the forest as a "window" on the world to increase students' understanding of our environment; stimulate students' critical and creative thinking; develop students' ability to make informed decisions on environmental issues; and instill in students the commitment to take responsible action on behalf of the environment. These funds will also cover the cost of substitute pay for teachers, so the teachers can attend the workshop while leaving their classroom in the hands of a qualified substitute teacher. Teachers who reach diverse and/or underserved audiences will be given preference to use these funds. For educators interested in these programs, please contact the Education Coordinator at Connecticut Forest & Park Association, 860-346-2372 or education@ctwoodlands.org. These trainings are funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Environmental Protection under Agreement number NT-83272501-1 between the U.S. EPA and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The contents of these trainings do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the United States Environmental Protection Agency or The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
Forest Forensics Teacher Workshop
Friday, March 9/9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
6th – 8th grade educators
CT Forest & Park Association, Middlefield
Entomologists, wildlife biologists, foresters – all are scientists who may study the forest. Join Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) on Friday, March 9 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for its Forest Forensics professional development workshop for middle school teachers. Forest Forensics focuses on the environmental issues of forest management. This hands-on field study will engage teachers as they work to resolve a “crime” committed in a forested area. By observing the forest through the work of scientists, the teachers will help their students become exposed to different scientific careers. This workshop will precede a middle school Forest Forensics student program in which the students work alongside scientists to learn identification skills and problem-solving techniques through the study of forestry. Ten educators, with preference to those who teach diverse and/or underserved students, will be awarded funding to attend this Forest Forensics teacher workshop at no cost, including materials. Reimbursement for substitute teachers will also be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. This will enable the teachers to leave their classroom to attend this engaging workshop. CFPA, as a co-coordinator of the Project Learning Tree program, will offer teachers hands-on science activities that are easily replicated in their school and classroom. Project Learning Tree activities are multidisciplinary and teachers are encouraged to participate as their team of science, social studies, language arts and math studies. For more information, or to pre-register, please contact CFPA at 860-346-2372 or info@ctwoodlands.org.
This training is funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Environmental Protection under Agreement number NT-83272501-1 between the U.S. EPA and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The contents of this training does not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the United States Environmental Protection Agency or The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
Get into Action with Project Learning Tree
Friday, March 23/9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
3rd – 8th grade educators
CT Forest & Park Association, Middlefield
Learn activities that introduce your program participants to many important concepts essential to the conservation of natural resources - our forests, water, soil and biodiversity. Project Learning Tree (PLT) encourages creativity, originality, and flexibility to resolve environmental problems and issues. Inspire and empower youth to become responsible, productive, and participatory members of society. Meet DEP Forester, David Irvin, as he shares insights into Connecticut’s forest firefighting crew. We’ll learn the history of forest fires in Connecticut, how forest fires are fought today, and how prescribed burns can be used to improve wildlife habitat. Participants receive the Project Learning Tree PreK - 8 Activity Guide, CEU's. PLT meets state and national education standards $35/participant; financial assistance is available.
CT Forest & Park Association’s WalkCT Family Hikes
Saturday March 31, 2007, 10AM-Noon.
Cockaponset Forest, Haddam
Are forestry, geology or history your interests? Then you’re in luck! Join us for a 2 mile hike along the historic Cockaponset trail where you will see and learn about the geology that shaped this area. Learn and witness the DEPs active forestry program. Letter boxers bring your stamps-we’ll have a surprise for you! Hike is along mainly flat terrain, with 2 short sections of steep rough footing. Ages 8 and over. Free as a public service to the children and families of Connecticut. Pre-registration required for all hikes. Locations are subject to change; please register ahead of time to learn the correct meeting place and ease or difficulty of trail. Call CFPA at (860) 346-2372. Visit http://www.ctwoodlands.org/ for additional family guided hikes.
Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA), founded in 1895, is a non-profit organization working to conserve the lands and natural resources of Connecticut through education, advocacy and stewardship. CFPA maintains the 800-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail system. Creating healthier communities, connecting people to the land, providing accessible trails and promoting Connecticut tourism arises through the WalkConnecticut initiative. http://www.ctwoodlands.org/
TIBETAN HERITAGE ANNUAL GALA
The Center for Dzogchen Studies invites you to its annual benefit for the community of Pukang Monastery in ArikDza, Kham, Tibet on Saturday, March 17, 2007. The gala and fundraising event will run from 7pm to 11pm at the New Haven Lawn Club, 193 Whitney Ave., New Haven, Connecticut and feature a cocktail reception, dancing, and silent auction. Black tie is optional.
Pukang Monastery is an active community of more than 3000 people dedicated to the preservation of their Tibetan Heritage. Located at 14,000 feet in the Himalayas, this remote community is primarily self supporting. Your offerings will be used to ensure the future of Arik Dza by supporting the cultural and religious heritage of the community as well as its educational and medical needs.
Tickets are $50 per person and all proceeds and donations will go to the Tibetan Heritage fund for Pukang Monastery. For more information about Pukang Monastery and The Center for Dzogchen Studies or to purchase gala tickets or make a donation, please visit our website at www.dzogchenstudies.com.
The Center for Dzogchen Studies is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization and the western branch of Pukang Monastery. All donations are deductible as permissible by law.
Contact information: Padma Karma, Center for Dzogchen Studies, 17 Tour Ave., New Haven, CT 06515, 203 387-9992 or info@dzogchenstudies.com.
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