“We are hoping to encourage a passion for literacy and fitness,” said Cynthia Lord, clinical associate professor and director of the physician assistant program at Quinnipiac. “We hope the ACES Mill Road students will influence their families to make healthy choices.” After working one-on-one each week, the students from both schools came together for a day of fun and learning. Through encouragement, the school students demonstrated all they learned to the support of the graduate students.

“This is one of our most valued programs,” said Michelle Goldstein, a second- and third-grade teacher at ACES Mill Road School. Lord said her students also benefit from the experience. “It puts things into perspective,” said Jen Fahey, a first-year physician assistant graduate student who was dressed as the tooth fairy to better motivate the younger students of the value of strong oral hygiene. “This partnership has given me a better understanding on the various backgrounds from which my patients may come.”

Cristina Comparetto, who is also a first-year graduate student in the program, said she enjoyed working with the students throughout the past eight months. “It’s been an eye-opening experience for me,” Comparetto said. “It’s nice to see that we’ve made a real impact in these students’ lives.” The Quinnipiac physician assistant students read to the ACES Mill Road students twice each week during the academic year. In addition, the graduate students work with the children to help them develop healthier eating habits by assessing their lunches using the Nutrition Detective Program, which teaches them how to read food labels and detecting marketing deceptions while learning to identify and choose health foods.

Quinnipiac is a private, coeducational, nonsectarian institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university enrolls 6,200 full-time undergraduate and 2,300 graduate students in 58 undergraduate and more than 20 graduate programs of study in its School of Business and Engineering, School of Communications, School of Education, School of Health Sciences, School of Law, Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, School of Nursing and College of Arts and Sciences. Quinnipiac consistently ranks among the top regional universities in the North in U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges issue. The 2013 issue of U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges named Quinnipiac as the top up-and-coming school with master’s programs in the Northern Region. Quinnipiac also is recognized in Princeton Review’s “The Best 377 Colleges.” For more information, please visit http://www.quinnipiac.edu Conne.ct with Quinnipiac on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quinnipiacuniversity and follow Quinnipiac on Twitter @QuinnipiacU.

For information and to register, call 1.800.978.7953 or visit Aaaretire.com.

Realtors from the company’s Hamden office left flyers throughout our local Spring Glen neighborhood, asking for donations of non-perishable food items accompanied by Calcagni bags, and then went door-to-door to collect them on the specified pickup date.

“We are overwhelmed by the generous response of our neighbors and fellow local residents,” said Steven Calcagni, President. “This was a community-minded effort, and the amount of food we collected speaks to the benevolence of the people who live in our towns.”

For more information on how you can help, please contact your local food bank.

Calcagni Real Estate has offices in Cheshire, Hamden, Southington, Wallingford, and is a fully diversified real estate company offering residential properties, new construction, land consulting, and commercial properties. All Calcagni offices provide a range of real estate services including market analysis, appraisals, residential foreclosures, property management, and relocation services. Learn more at Calcagni.com and follow Calcagni Associates at Facebook.com/calcagnirealestate.

An online survey about traffic and transportation in the neighborhoods is also currently available. All those interested are encouraged to participate. The survey for the East Side neighborhood can be accessed at Surveymonkey.com/s/east-side. The survey for the Wintergreen and Hamden Plains neighborhoods can be accessed at Surveymonkey.com/s/Plains-Wintergreen. Both surveys will be available until May 22.

The price of $35 includes the round trip to Mohegan Sun Casino, a $15 Food Voucher, and a $15 Spin on the Big Wheel. Join us for fun, laughs, and special treats. 

For information or to make reservations, call Linda at 203.230.5948.

Abandoned Animals, Inc. believes that all animals have the right to a decent life. Our purpose is to give them shelter, food, medical attention, and a forever home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to acknowledge the Hamden Fire Department, which saved her life 19 years ago, with donations to the Hamden Volunteer Fireworks Fund, “HVFF,” P.O. Box 5104, Hamden, 06518.

The distinguished panel of judges for the competition included, William Braun, Russell Hirshfield and Eric Trudel. The judges selected winners in Elementary/Middle and High School Divisions, who will receive monetary prizes in addition to the opportunity to perform. “These outstanding young musicians have an admirable level of commitment and dedication to their music,” said Michelle Zingale, NMS piano teacher and coordinator of the Competition. “Neighborhood Music School is thrilled to facilitate this event and is so proud to witness the performances of such talented and passionate students.”  Performances on May 11th included Jordan Groff and John Alstott, both of Hamden, who tied for second prize in Commissioned Work in the Elementary and Middle School Divisions.

Neighborhood Music School (NMS), established in 1911, is one of the 10 largest community arts schools in the country. NMS offers private music lessons on more than 30 instruments; group music classes; classical, rock and jazz ensembles; and a Suzuki program. The school’s dance program offers classes for adults and children in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, hip-hop and yoga. NMS also offers a state-licensed, arts-based preschool for two, three and four year olds. NMS programs are made possible in part with support from the Connecticut Office of Economic and Community Development and the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, along with many other generous foundations and individuals. For more information, visit neighborhoodmusicschool.org.

We are always in need of convertibles to drive our World War II Veterans. Many local organizations have registered to march in the parade. If your group is interested in participating or providing a Veteran with a ride, please contact Gail Vasil in the Mayor’s Office at 203.287.7102.

Credit: Nancy Dudchik

Dr. Anthony Prezioso is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has patients from one to 100 years old. For additional information on oral health, feel free to visit the office website, Prezidental.com, or call them directly at 203.281.1233.

Kyle Branday, MSPT, is a licensed physical therapist and partner at Amity Physical Therapy with offices in Woodridge and Hamden. He is a graduate of Quinnipiac University with his Master’s in Physical Therapy. He works with patients of all ages and ability levels, treating high-level athletes with fractures and sprains as well as gait and balance dysfunction in the elderly. Kyle can be reached to set up an evaluation at 203.389.4593.

Ruth Carr RN, MA, CH is the owner of Behavior Options Hypnosis at 3074 Whitney Ave, Hamden. She can be reached at 203.915.0480 or 203.933.5188.

Research shows that some foods can contribute to weight management as a part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. For example:
• Replacing simple carbohydrates with eggs during breakfast helps improve satiety and reduces daily caloric intake. A high-quality source of protein, choline, folate, iron and zinc, eggs may promote loss of body fat and stabilize glucose levels.
• Replace white potatoes with sweet potatoes. They are rich in vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber, and have been ranked as a very satisfying food. French fries, however, don’t count. Their energy density is rapidly increased by the fats added in the frying process.
• Eating yogurt with nuts and fruit in place of foods with the identical number of calories may also help in weight loss. Emerging evidence shows that calcium and protein from low-fat dairy products may help to burn fat.
• Calories count. It takes an excess of about 3,500 calories to gain a pound, and a loss of 3,500 calories to shed a pound. One hundred extra calories a day can put on ten pounds a year. To determine caloric intake in foods, you can go to a calorie counting website such as DrBryanBarry.com. There you can also keep track of the foods you eat throughout the day, as well as calculate the caloric intake you will need to maintain your current weight or to lose weight.

Ready to finally start living a healthy lifestyle? Dr. Barry is a leading expert in nutrition, health and wellness. He is always available for a free consultation to discuss your health concerns in private. His office accepts most health insurances. Visit DrBryanBarry.com for great health information, or call 203.288.2821 to speak with Dr. Barry directly.

Caption: Assistant Superintendent of Hamden Public Schools Christopher Melillo, State Representative Brendan Sharkey, MADD Program Specialist Allison Champlin, Youth Development and Training Resource Center Director Deborah Stewart of The Consultation Center, and MADD Teen Influencer Chair Lauren Papillo.

Courtesy: Josephine O’Neil

For more information, visit whitneycenter.com.

I am always late for my next thing in life. My challenge to each of us is this: “Take it easy, smell the roses, enjoy the journey.” Until next time, Faith Matters.

Richard “Rick” Rocco is the Pastor of Frontline Christian Church, 2340 State Street, Hamden. For more information, please visit Frontlinecc.com or call 203.287.9417.

The show is based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig. It was originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions. The book and lyrics are authored by David Lindsay-Abaire, with music by Jeanine Tesori.

The auditions will be held Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24 at Thornton Wilder Auditorium on 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Only the first 100 people to sign in will be seen Thursday. Please bring sheet music to sing (songs from Shrek are an acceptable choice). Dancers should be prepared to tap dance. This is an open call, casting all ages. Small children will audition in groups. Everyone auditioning should prepare to portray their favorite fairytale character and be willing to play ensemble roles including walk-ons. This is an educational program and anyone under the age of eighteen who is cast will need to pay a registration fee. Rehearsals begin in June and the show will run from August 14 to August 17 at Hamden High School.

For more information, call 203.281.6007.

The Whitney Players is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization supported by the Hamden Board of Education and co-sponsored by the Hamden Arts Commission. Visit their new website at Thewhitneyplayers.org.

Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the education of young Apostles in formation; the care of retired and infirm Apostles; and the Apostles’ ministries in education, healthcare, and social and legal assistance for the poor and marginalized. The Apostles have shared the love of Christ for over 100 years. In 1906, the sisters arrived in New Haven to minister to orphans and the poor. They established their first US provincialate, or “mother house,” on Greene Street. In the 1950s, they moved the provincialate and Sacred Heart Academy to Hamden on 125 beautiful acres known as Mount Sacred Heart.

The 2013 honorees and their awards are: Clelia Merloni Charism Award, Ann DeLucia; Clelia Merloni Leadership Award, Clifford and Jane Bechtold and Thomas P. Smith, Jr. for the Knights of Columbus; Clelia Merloni Service Award, Atty. Frances Granquist and Josephine Carosielli and family.

The Legacy Dinner begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. For sponsorship or event information, contact Katherine DiGiulio, Director of Mission Advancement, at 203.281.2562 or advancement@ascjus.org.

Upon arrival, officers spoke with the complainant who stated that she had to run from her home because she was afraid of her son. Investigation revealed that her son, Toby Tassmer was allegedly acting irrational. As his mother attempted to contact Hamden Police, Tassmer grabbed the telephone and threw it, causing it to malfunction.

Officers Nicholas D’Angelo and Derick Manning attempted to arrest Tassmer. Tassmer resisted and subsequently threw several punches at the officers. Tassmer then assaulted an officer, causing 2 large scratches to the officer’s neck. He was eventually subdued and taken into custody. The Hamden Police Officer and Tassmer were treated for injuries at Yale – New Haven Hospital. 

Hamden Police arrested:

Toby Tassmer, 49, of 134 Pearl Street, Hamden. He was charged with Assault on a Police Officer, Interfering with a Police Officer, Interfering with an Emergency Call and Disorderly Conduct. Tassmer, who was detained at police headquarters on a $25,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in court in Meriden today.

“Communication is our major job, and we are here to assist our patients communicate with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and the world around them,” added Stark. “We have a great staff devoted to helping people hear better and to live better lives.”

Prior to his work at HBSC, and the invention of Vivatone, Dr. Bauman was the director of the Hearing, Language and Speech Center at Yale-New Haven Hospital for ten years, and he also served as an assistant clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine. In 1997, he opened The New England Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Clinic, and in 1988, he opened Hearing, Balance and Speech Center in town.

“Both establishments offer patients the finest technologically, advanced devices and testing procedures for their hearing health,” said Stark. “The New England Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Clinic is the only certified treatment center in Southern New England. Tinnitus, most often described as ringing or buzzing in the ears, can be a nerve-wracking condition that robs a person of the joy and tranquil of life, but there is help.”
 
Dr. Bauman has published numerous articles in professional journals. He is a frequent guest speaker and lecturer at audiological symposiums both nationally, and internationally. Recently, he held a seminar on Vivatone that was educational, informative, and well-attended.

The anatomy of the ear can be a little confusing especially since the ear is responsible not only for hearing, but also balance. Adults and children who are suffering from hearing disorders need not be cut off from communicating with their loved ones.
“Let us help you hear better,” added Stark. “And let us help you live better by celebrating the sounds of your life.”

For more information, please call 203.287.9915 or go to hearingbalance.com.
Photo: The practice of Hearing, Balance, and Speech
Courtesy: Michelle Stark

Business After Hours: On June 20 at 5:30 p.m. join the Chamber at Aunt Chilada’s, 3931 Whitney Ave., Hamden for great food and great networking. Please RVSP by phone 203.288.6431, or by e-mail at hcc@hamdenchamber.com. Cost for member is $10 and future members is $20.

Iron Man, despite his beautiful shiny finish, was never one of Marvel’s golden boys. He sat on the sidelines of the comic universe while bigger names such as Spider Man, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four stole the spotlight. Marvel rode these prize horses to financial stability and began making movies based on their best comic book franchises. After adapting their most famous characters to film, they turned their attention to the Iron Avenger himself in 2008 with the simply titled Iron Man. Though it was expected to be one of their lesser titles, Robert Downey, Jr. epitomized Tony Stark and made Marvel a fortune in the process.

By meshing his own loveable personality, with the egotistical humor of Tony Stark’s character, he made a winning combination that audiences latched on to. They continued to enjoy the unique mix of action, wit, humor, and charm he brought to the character in the sequel, 2010’s Iron Man 2. Robert Downey, Jr. retained his trademark Tony Stark charisma once more in last year’s summer blockbuster The Avengers, shining as the brightest star amidst many great actors. Now, in 2013, Iron Man is on the scene once more and trying to maintain the quality he has brought to Hollywood for the last five years. But does it deliver?

For me, the answer to that question is a resounding “no.” Iron Man 3 has all the flash of its prior installments, but lacks the depth and grounding we all have come to expect. Though the actors remain their charming selves, the new director makes changes to the tone of the entire work. The first two films were directed by John Favreau, a man who also portrays Tony Stark’s loveable chauffer, Happy. His comedic edge was always potent and present, as was his understanding and adaption of the original comic book material.

This new movie has Shane Black at the helm, a man who clearly has different priorities than Favreau. Rather than a constant flow of action smattered with comic relief, Black creates an awkwardly paced movie full of radical highs and lows. Most of the movie seems sluggish because it shows Tony without any of his Iron Man suits, slowing down the explosive scenes we are used to in the franchise. The action scenes often show Tony using whatever tools he can find to survive, rather than utilizing all the technology he spent countless years creating. This leaves the audience craving a bit more. The few action scenes that do include his suit do not make up for the excess of time without it, as they become explosion-heavy moments of gratuity.

The main complaint I have with the film, beyond its odd pacing, is the director’s obvious lack of care for the original comic books that inspired it. While each movie in the Marvel canon has somewhat varied from the pages of the comics, most changes were made to modernize and otherwise culturally integrate stories that were created in the 1960s. In Iron Man, Tony is captured by a Middle Eastern terrorist cell rather than the Vietnamese, an obvious modernization that makes sense. What Black decides to do with the script lacks this logic; his changes are both shocking and upsetting to anyone who knows the original comics. Even the incredibly talented Ben Kingsley can’t save his villainous role as the Mandarin from Black’s despotic changes, which results in one of the most profound let-downs in recent comic book movie history.

Is Iron Man 3 a bad movie? No, not by a long shot. But it slips where its prequels stood tall, and thus provides a shallower experience more fit for the casual viewer than the die-hard fan.

A bridge between today’s indie folk troubadours and the delta guitar slingers of the 1930s, Jacobs-Strain is a six-foot-two Jewish blues singer from Oregon, a Stanford dropout in a trucker hat, and a left coast poet; one part Leo Kottke, one part Ken Kesey, and one part Robert Johnson. Known for both his virtuosity and spirit of emotional abandon, Jacobs-Strain’s live show moves from humorous and subversive blues to delicate balladry before swinging back to swampy rock and roll.

“I try to make art that you can dance to, but I love that darker place where in my mind, Skip James, Nick Drake, and maybe Elliot Smith blur together.” Jacobs-Strain’s new album, Geneseo, which will be released June 25, speaks of open roads, longing hearts, and flashbacks of Oregon—a record of emotions big and small, and lyrics that turn quickly from literal to figurative. “I’m fascinated by the way that rural blues inscribes movement and transience,” says Jacobs-Strain. “The music that frees a singer keeps them on the run. There’s a crossroads where a thing can be enchanting but dangerous; damaging but beautiful.”

David Jacobs-Strain has appeared at festivals from British Columbia to Australia, including Merlefest, Telluride Blues Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Hardly Strictly, Bumbershoot, and Blues to Bop in Switzerland. He has instructed at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch, and at fifteen years old was on the faculty at Centrum’s Blues and Heritage workshop. On the road, he’s shared the stage with Lucinda Williams, Boz Scaggs (more than sixty shows), Etta James, The Doobie Brothers, George Thorogood, Robert Earle Keen, Todd Snider, Taj Mahal, Janis Ian, Tommy Emmanuel, Bob Weir, T-Bone Burnett, and Del McCoury.

David Jacobs-Strain’s new release will be available June 2013. For more information about David and Geneseo, go to Davidjacobs-strain.com.

We followed them during a yard reno, and here is what we saw. They took into account what the owners requested, took their work to the next level in helping them determine what was best suited for their needs, they were very polite, their follow-through as contractors was excellent (we have seen a lack of communication and follow-through many times, but this fortunately wasn’t one of them), they were done in a timely manner, were right on budget for what they told the owners, and they communicated during the entire project. (Please see the before and after pictures at the left for this project.)

Augie and Andrew, the owners of ASAP Landscaping Services LLC, are licensed and fully insured, and provide full-service lawn care and screen enclosures. They specialize in landscaping, walkways, mulching, tree and stump removal, snow plowing, leaf removal, spring cleanups, and hedge maintenance. They provide free estimates, along with veteran and senior discounts.

For more information about ASAP Landscaping, please call them at 203.988.0844 or 203.641.4560. You may also email Augie and Andrew at ASAP_Landscapes@yahoo.com.

The data revolution has brought business and legal challenges for financial institutions and other businesses that hold confidential information about customers, employees, and business partners. Threats of costly and embarrassing breaches due to intentional theft and negligent mishandling have grown exponentially. Federal laws such as HIPAA/HITECH, Gramm Leach Bliley, and various state laws now require detailed protections of confidential electronic and paper records, and may impose onerous consumer disclosure requirements.

In order to gain insight into some of these complex business and compliance challenges, Quinnipiac Bank and Trust welcomes Attorney Robert Munnelly, Chair of the Murtha Cullina LLP Information Security and Privacy practice group, to discuss current data protection issues and to highlight the best practices for data holding businesses.

The event will be sponsored by Murtha Cullina, Attorneys at Law, and Quinnipiac Bank & Trust, FDIC.

For further information on this seminar or to register, please contact Jaime McElhill at 203.407.0756 ext. 212 or jmcelhill@quinnipiacbank.com. This seminar is free and open to the public.

Another thing that happens in the summer is that our Friends’ Bookstore, the Secondhand Prose Shop, will be moving to their summer schedule to give their staff a little break. They won’t be open quite as many hours but will still have great bargains on the lower level, just in time for summer beach reading! Pick up a handful of paperbacks to take with you on vacation or browse through the great selection of children’s books—yes, they count toward our summer reading tally! Plus, the “friend”-ly volunteers will be glad to help you find whatever you need.

We’ll also be seeing some new faces around the library this summer. So far, I’ve heard there will be a new intern in the Children’s Room, and we’ll once again be hosting a Quinnipiac Presidential Public Service Fellow who will have a variety of duties both here at Miller and at the Branches.

For day-to-day news at the library, be sure to follow me (@TotemTom) on Twitter. Besides my own observations about what’s happening, I love to pass along tweets with local connections or information of special interest to readers and web surfers. See you on the ‘net! 

The screen itself is larger this time. The five-inch, at 1920x1080, displays a Samsung Super AMOLED panel that is absolutely stunning. The phone features the latest version of Android with some additions, which are nice, but can sometimes cause a few hiccups. The build quality of the device is probably the only major disappointment. The phone is constructed out of a slippery plastic that can make holding the device somewhat uncomfortable and give you the feeling of having sweaty hands, when it’s really just the texture of the plastic. This can be alleviated with a nice case, which is recommended regardless for protecting your device, but it’s disappointing to see that Samsung hasn’t put more serious effort into making the outside of the device match the quality of the inside.

Overall, the new Galaxy S4 is a fantastically powerful Android product. It has excellent performance, a mind blowing high-quality display, and a powerful camera. However, the build quality can leave something to be desired, which seems to be a recurring weakness of the Galaxy series. If you are not concerned with having to buy a case, you will find nothing but pleasure while using this tool. It is available from T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, and soon Verizon.

To reach James with your questions or comments, please email tminustech@gmail.com.

“This is our fourth year hosting this charity drive. The items collected today will go to help others in developing countries,” stated Donna Chervenak, head of fundraising. “A company will come to collect the donations, we get paid by the pound, and that money goes to offset travel costs for the Heronettes. People have the opportunity to do spring cleaning while helping out those in need, and our swim team has the chance to give back.”

Chervenak explained that the Hamden Heronettes is a competitive synchronized swimming team founded in 1970, and is a member of the Connecticut Association of United States Synchronized Swimming, Inc. It is sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Hamden. The team’s name comes from the heron, which is a graceful bird.

“Synchronized swimming has come a long way since its early beginnings as ‘water ballet’ in Esther Williams movies. It has been an Olympic event since 1984,” said Chervenak. “Today’s synchronized swimmer must have the grace of a ballerina, the strength and flexibility of a gymnast, the skills of a speed swimmer and water polo player, the lungs of a pearl diver, and the endurance and stamina of a long distance runner, with the dramatic flair for musical interpretation and choreography.”

Maura Murcko, the team’s travel planner, explained that the team travels in-state, out of state, and all over the country to compete in competitions. At the end of June, they will be going to California for the nationals.

“The ages of the girls range from seven to nineteen years old. The older girls practice five days a week and the younger girls practice two days a week plus Saturdays,” said Murcko. “We have 11 coaches, 26 swimmers, and 24 families who are all very involved.”

Murcko added that everyone is very supportive of each other and the older girls assist the younger ones. “This sport is extremely athletic with lots of teamwork, commitment, dedication, lots of practice, and many smiles with sore muscles. We are one big family.”

Nancy Samela, president of the parent association, agreed with Murcko about the team being one big supportive family. “My daughter Christina is a team member of the Heronettes. She started in the fourth grade and now she’s in the eleventh grade. Christina was never a swimmer, but she took lessons at the YMCA, and then she got involved with the Heronettes clinic where she learned the basics for eight weeks.”

Samela is very supportive of the team, and the wonderful people involved, including the coaches who guide with their whole hearts and souls. Head Coach, Anna Montgomery, is a former Heronette who returned to coach the team after college.

“I swam for nine years as a competitor, and after college I returned as a coach and have been coaching for the past nine years,” said Montgomery. “There are so many aspects to this sport and it’s filled with great challenges, but the end results are very rewarding, especially when I see the swimmers achieve their goals while caring [for] and supporting each other.”

Montgomery enjoys the competitions and admits they are very exciting. She also said that at the competitions, she is more nervous than the swimmers.

The fundraiser was successful due to generous donors, and the dedication of those who helped, including team members: Christina, Sara, Erinn, and Carly, who collected donations.

“Teamwork combined with determination, caring, strength, and imagination makes our team very special,” said Montgomery. “And the team’s accomplishments are a labor of love.”

For more information, please call 203.507.3561 or email info@heronettes.org. 

Captions are: Swim team members and parents collecting donations in HHS parking lot.
Courtesy: Paul Colella

Mark Candido, President and CEO, commented that the results continue to demonstrate the community’s support for a locally owned independent bank. Candido added that “these results reflect the determination and the hard work of the entire staff, as well as the contribution and support of the bank’s Board of Directors.” Candido went on to say, “We take a great deal of pride in our bank and it is extremely gratifying to report these terrific results to our shareholders and the general public.” Their new state-of-the-art Main Office, soon to be completed at 2704 Dixwell Avenue, is a sight to behold and a testament to their commitment to the Town of Hamden and to the entire Greater New Haven community. They have every reason to believe that this new building will have a dramatic impact on their growth, and ability to bring a full service bank, serving consumers and local businesses. They are currently “staffing up” to accommodate the anticipated influx of new customers who are seeking a friendly, local alternative for their banking needs. 

Financial results, as of March 31, 2013 reflect an increase in total assets of $6.1 million to $95.9 million. Moderate loan demand resulted in a loan portfolio increase of $2.8 million to $77.6 million by March 31, 2013. During the same period, deposits increased by $5.4 million to $85.3 million by March 31, 2013.

Unaudited financial highlights are as follows: On March 31, 2012, the net interest income was $997,000. By March 31, 2013, it had been reduced to $866,000. On March 31, 2012, the provision for loan losses was $25,000. By March 31, 2013, it had risen to $70,000. On March 31, 2012, the non-interest income was $54,000. By March 31, 2013, it had dropped to $44,000. On March 31, 2012, the non-interest expense was $778,000. By March 31, 2013, it had lowered to $695,000. On March 31, 2012, the pretax income was $248,000. By March 31, 2013, it had reduced to $145,000. On March 31, 2012, the income tax provision was $97,000. By March 31, 2013, it had dropped to $57,000. On March 31, 2012, the net income was $151,000. By March 31, 2013, it had lowered to $88,000. By March 31, 2012, the loans at the end of the period were $77,691,000. By March 31, 2013, they had shrunk to $64,294,000. On March 31, 2012, the deposits at the end of the period equaled $85,332,000. By March 31, 2013, they totaled at $75,323,000. On March 31, 2012, the assets at the end of the period were $95,931,000. By March 31, 2013, they amounted to $84,557,000.

The Hamden Road Race will include a 5k run, a 1k Kids Fun Run, and a Health & Wellness Expo.  The 5k road race will start at 9:00 a.m. and will offer runners some rolling hills in the first mile but reward them with a downhill finish. The 1k Kids Fun Run will be held entirely inside Hamden’s Town Center Park and will start at 8:30 a.m. The Health & Wellness Expo will be a great opportunity for vendors, sponsors and advertisers to showcase their products and services to a large, healthy-minded audience.

Hamden has joined forces with one of the largest event management companies in Connecticut, Team Mossman Events (TME), to organize the race. Clayton Tebbetts, a Race Director for TME, is thrilled about the partnership and says “Together we plan to host a first-class fitness event to bring not only the town of Hamden together, but to attract others from around the state to see all that Hamden has to offer.”

In its first year, the Hamden Road Race is expecting 2,000 combined runners, spectators, volunteers and vendors for the event. “The Hamden Road Race is not just for runners.  It’s a family-oriented event with opportunities for everyone to enjoy. There will be plenty of exciting activities for kids, including a bounce house, food from area restaurants, and services such as free blood pressure checks from Walgreens,” explained Julie Smith, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Hamden.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Hamden youth through the Town of Hamden’s Community Services Department CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND. This fund helps families with financial need to afford the cost of summer camp for their children.

The Hamden Road Race promises to be a premier event in the region and will continue to grow in size and scope over the years. The event venue is ideally located offering easy access from all across the state.

To participate in the race, please visit the Hamden Road Race page on TeamMossman.com. There you will find easy online registration as well as information about group discounts and volunteer sign up. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the event, please contact Clayton R. Tebbetts, Race Director, at 203.691.7349 or by email at clay@multisportsacademy.com

Hike registration begins at 1 p.m., and the hikes will start at 1:30. Meet at the bulletin board by the kiosk near the park entrance at 1 p.m. Hikes will probably range from about 2.5 hours for the Nature Trail hike to about 3.5 or four hours for the most demanding hike. Those joining the advanced group should wear hiking boots. Bring water and additional snacks if you wish, preferably in a day pack. T-shirts and other offerings from the Sleeping Giant Trading Post will be available for purchase.

The Sleeping Giant Park Association also invites you to join our new Insects-of-the-Giant Hike Sunday, June 9. Hike along with us and learn about the rich diversity of insects that can be found within the various habitats of the Sleeping Giant Park. Representatives of many of the major groups of insects will be examined and aspects of their natural history explored. Meet at the bulletin board by the kiosk near the park entrance at 1:30 p.m. The hike is expected to last about three hours and involve traveling over uneven, rocky terrain, possibly with a degree of rock scrambling. Hikers should be in good physical condition.

For all hikes, please wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good traction. Bring snacks and water if you like, preferably in a day pack. The hike is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is not necessary. However, minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult and have signed permission of a parent or legal guardian. Out of consideration for other hikers, dogs are not permitted.

The Sleeping Giant Park is located on Mt. Carmel Avenue in north Hamden, off Whitney Avenue. The park entrance is directly across the street from Quinnipiac University.

For additional information, please check our website, Sgpa.org. Inquiries can be directed to the SGPA Hiking Committee at hike_the_giant@yahoo.com.

Mrs. Ceravone was born in Gioia Sannitica, a province of Caserta, Italy, on February 24, 1911. She was a daughter of the late Alexander and Philomena Pascale Ferraro. Catherine is survived by her daughter, Carol A. Ceravone of Wallingford; two sons, Peter (Marie) Ceravone, Jr. of Wallingford and William J. Ceravone, Sr. of Branford; her brother Alexander Ferraro of Hamden; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by four sisters, Rose Erico, Angie Esposito, Bella Romano, and Mary Mangini; and six brothers, Fred, Alphonse, Carmen, Joseph, Arthur, and Marshall Ferraro.

For the first clinic, The Town Clerk’s office needs to update their dog licensing program for the new dog licensing year, beginning June 1 and continuing through June 30. This program applies to Hamden residents only. If you no longer have the dog, or the dog is deceased, the office sends their condolences for the loss of your pet. Please immediately contact them at 203.287.7028, and they will remove your name from their computer. If the dog is still in your possession, please know the fee for licensing is $8 for a spayed or neutered dog, and $19 (as of Oct. 1, 2003) for an un-spayed female or un-neutered male. State law requires dog licensing in the month of June every year, and there is a state mandatory $1 monthly fine for registering after June. Please note: If you do not license your dog before June 1, your dog’s name will be deleted automatically from the computer system. You will not receive a reminder notice for next year’s license.

Please remember that dog owners who have not licensed their dogs should do so immediately per state law. A dog without a dog tag and proper rabies vaccination tag is presumed to be unlicensed, and thus not protected by law. The fine to a dog owner for failure to license is $75 (CGS 22-349), and failure of the owner to vaccinate against rabies is $136 (CGS 22-339b). The fine for allowing dogs to roam is $92 (CGS22-364a), and owners are liable for prosecution for any damage done by your dog, including damage to shrubs, flowers, and trees.

A mail-in dog license application is available online at Hamden.com, which you may return to the Town Clerk’s office with the rabies certificate and the appropriate fees, including any late fees. All original certificates will be returned, along with the license and tag.

Please make your “Beagle Legal” as soon as possible, or call the office at 203.287.7028 with any problems. 

The Town of Hamden, in cooperation with the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is also holding their 29th Annual Rabies Vaccination Clinic Saturday, June 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the M.L. Keefe Center, 11 Pine Street on Dixwell Avenue.

This second clinic will be located at corner of Dixwell Avenue & Pine Street, in the 960 block of Dixwell Avenue. If you are parking, you must enter the lot on George Street.

There are no residency requirements. Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers.

The fee is $20, cash only. State assistance ID cards shown will be allowed one free vaccination. Written proof, either a valid rabies certificate showing prior vaccination, or a prior license, must be presented to receive a three-year vaccination. (Tags are not sufficient proof.) Otherwise, a one-year vaccination will be given.

Public ACT 91-46 requires that all dogs and cats three months of age or older must be vaccinated against rabies. Dr. Arnold Cary will be volunteering his time for the vaccinations as well as Animal Control Officers. Because rabies is a public health threat, it is important to protect your pets from this virus.

The people of the Town Clerk’s office hope to see you at these two essential clinics.

“We are ecstatic for the support of Connex to the After-Prom,” said Pam Miller, Hamden High School PTSA president. “The After-Prom is a school-sanctioned event after the Hamden High School Prom that relies solely on donations to happen every year.”

If you are a local non-profit or charitable organization interested in participating in the “Coins for Change” program, please contact Chris Whalen of the Connex Credit Union at 203.603.5787 or cwhalen@connexcu.org.

As the Unbank, Connex Credit Union is one of Connecticut’s largest credit unions, serving more than 45,000 members at seven branches throughout greater New Haven. Headquartered in North Haven, Connex is a full-service, member-owned credit union that offers members a full range of financial services and products including savings and loans, Unbank Checking, Smart Score credit score range, free online banking, and more. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in New Haven, Hartford, or Middlesex Counties. It’s time to Unbank! For more information, please call 1.800.CR.UNION or visit Connexcu.org.

Captions: Pictured: Pam Miller, Hamden High School PTSA President; Gezim Stroka,
Connex Hamden branch manager; Donna Elkin, Hamden High School PTSA.

Credit: Mayya Medved

1. Anagen: The active growth cycle of the hair follicle – length of time in this phase is dependent on breed type and other factors.
2. Catagen: Temporary phase where growth has stopped.
3. Telogen: In this phase, the hair is considered dead and ready to be removed from the follicle in order for new hair to grow.

When it is released may depends on heredity, nutrition, or environment.

Dogs who are labeled “non-shedding” have a much slower rate of growth in the initial phase, thus shedding far less hairs. Also, these dogs need to be groomed more regularly to avoid painful matting, during which much of the dead hair is removed by bathing and brushing.

Shedding is a year round event, though it can be more intense seasonally, especially in springtime when the changing temperature and increased sunlight trigger a dog to shed its insulating layer of undercoat in preparation for warmer weather. Since dogs are a part of our families now, they are treated to heated houses and consistent lighting; thus, shedding much of the year, but at a more consistent pace.

So, how do you combat the tumbleweeds? Brush your dog regularly. Now that it is warm outside, it’s a great bonding experience to bask in the sunlight and brush and comb your furry friend.

• Short coated breeds like Labs, Beagles, and Pugs should be brushed at least two times a week, possibly more. Remember, these are the coat types that have a fast turnover, so you’ll frequently be cleaning up dead hair if you are not actively removing it from the dog. 

• Medium coats like Goldens, Aussies, and Cavaliers should be brushed at least three times a week, paying special attention to thick areas around the chest, neck, hips, and rear. Be sure to finish off with a thorough comb out.

• Long coats include breeds like Bichons, Lhasas, and Yorkies and should be brushed every day and, if kept up, may take only 10-15 minutes; pay special attention to high friction areas like the armpits, collar area, and behind the ears. Finish up with a full body comb out to ensure you didn’t miss anything and to help prevent mats from forming. 

• Double coats like Huskies, Akitas, and Poms have thick undercoats that may require some extra elbow grease in the spring. Because their coat is so thick, dead coat gets trapped and is not shed out even though it has detached from the follicle and a new hair is beginning to grow. If left untreated, these breeds can become overheated due to the extra insulation and can also lead to severe matting.

Each breed and coat type requires particular brushes, as well as some dogs’ particular coats respond better to some brushes than others. Instead of buying expensive brushes again and again. only to find they do not work on your baby, stop in. We are more than happy to assist you in finding the brush combo that works best for your individual pet. Once we have your pets needs met, we will give you a brief tutorial on how to use the brushes effectively. We offer this service free with the purchase of either the massaging bath or full styling package. Lastly, it is essential that you finish off every brushing session with a sturdy comb. This tool prevents future mats from forming by reaching all the way to the pet’s skin, instead of brushing over the top of problem areas and making the topcoat look well groomed, while underneath is a plethora of problems.

Erin McLaughlin is the Owner of Little Shop of Howlers Pet Salon and Spa, creating an enchanting escape for your pet.  Little Shop of Howlers is located at 26 Corporate Ridge in Hamden, and can be contacted at 203.288.3330.  For more information, please visit www.LittleShopOfHowlers.com.

The pricing and schedules are as follows:

• Session 1: Tennis skills and fitness clinic - 3/25 to 3/28 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm ($65)
• Session 2: Tennis only - Saturday mornings, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27 from 9 to 10 a.m. ($65)
• Session 3: Tennis only - Sunday mornings 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28 from 9 to 10 a.m. ($65)
• Session 4: Tennis only - Saturday mornings, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25 from 9 to 10 a.m. ($65)
• Session 5: Tennis & skating program (1 hour of each sport) - 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22 from 9:30 to 11:30 ($150)
• Session 6: Tennis & running program (3/4 hour of each sport) - 6/10, 6/11, 6/12, 6/13, 6/14 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. ($100)

All sessions are held at the Mix Avenue Tennis Courts next to the Ice Rink and the Hamden Ice Rink. The Director/Coach/Instructor, Nils LeBlang, has had over thirty years of experience as a PTR Scholastic Coach.

For additional information or to download the registration form, go to Nilsnation.com or visit Hamden.com, or stop by Recreation Office at 2750 Dixwell Ave., 203.287.2579, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.