Short on reading time? Newsletters offer excellent information in just a few pages:

• The Hulbert Financial Digest is a monthly newsletter that rates the performances of monthly financial newsletters. So if you are looking for investment advice, check the analysts' performance first. The Jan 2006 issue of Hulbert Digest provides long-term performance ratings of over 180 stock and mutual fund newsletters, including Value Line Investment Survey (to which the library subscribes). Value Line is in 2nd place on a risk-adjusted basis, for its 1700- stock portfolio's performance since 1980. No-Load Fund X is in first place.
• Major Gifts Report January issue includes: 5 Ways To Motivate Your Board Members; Landing Corporate Sponsorships; Successful prospect receptions; Five Ways to Jumpstart Stalled Campaigns; Share Real Examples of Planned Gifts on Your Website; Attract Local Celebrities To Your Event; The Art of Asking for the Right Gift...
• Special Events Galore! Feb. issue contains Two Ticket Options for Sell-Out, Women-Only Crowd; Post-Event PR Tips; Sell Themed Keepsakes To Bring Them Back Year After Year; Ask Last Year's Guests: What Did You Love? Hate?; Follow-Up Is Key To Wooing Special Event Attendees...

Spanish Saturdays at Yale Peabody Museum include bilingual tours, gallery guides and children's activities. All offerings are free with museum admission. Details: www.peabody.yale.edu or 432-5050.

Guidezilla.com has launched a new online community events calendar--free, easy to use, organized by a wide variety of categories, with soon-to-come linkage to local newspapers. Guidezilla allows you to add listed events to your own calendar and sends you an email reminder prior to event date. www.guidezilla.com.

Christian Community Action Advocacy and Education Project announces a Public Policy Institute with free classes Tuesday & Thursday evenings, Jan. 31-Feb. 16, 5:30–7:30 pm at Christian Community Action Lifeworks Center, 85 Willow St, bldg. 52, New Haven. Discussions will include:

• What is Public Policy--How to influence it
• Holding elected officials accountable
• Understanding the budget process

To register and for more information please call: Carolyn at (203) 777-6072.

Community Foundation for Greater New Haven has a new interactive webpage for grantseekers who want to find out more about their grantmaking process, and is currently listing the grant schedule for 2006: www.cfgnh.org.

There are 2658 nonprofit organizations in 15 towns comprising the Greater New Haven region, according to Guidestar (as of 1/26/06). Town-by-town breakdown:
Bethany 24; Branford 139; Cheshire 106; East Haven 40; Guilford 107; Hamden 347;
Madison 93; Milford 292; New Haven 1019; North Branford 5; North Haven 80; Orange 58; Wallingford 153; West Haven 110; Woodbridge 85.

The Soul-o-ettes Drill Team and Drum Corps are conducting a PHONERAISER to raise money for a trip in Aug. to the National competition in Kentucky. They will work with a company that gives recycled cell phones to the elderly and to abused & battered women, and rebates the Soul-o-ettes for donated cell phones. Donate your used cell phones to the Winchester Ave., New Haven, police sub-station any Mon., Wed., or Fri. between 5-7 pm. Details: Shirley Banks, 946-0220

Volunteers needed for Therapeutic Riding Program for Young Children on Sundays, 9-11am, at the Yale Polo and Equestrian Center. Contact bgnorton@aol.com or (203) 687-8772

A special workshop, Moving from the Margins To the Mainstream: Using the Federal Surface Transportation Law To Meet the Mobility Needs of Your Community, will be held Feb. 9-10 at Amarante's Sea Cliff, 62 Cove St., New Haven. Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP) coalition reps from CT, DE, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI & VT will meet with a cross-section of public and private leaders from organizations including, but not limited to, AARP, American Soc. of Landscape Architects, Rails-To-Trails Conservancy and American Planning Association. Register by visiting www.transact.org/2006workshops (and indicate that STPP invited you).

Creative people are invited to participate in the International Festival of Arts & Ideas' Village of Villages June 10-24 on the New Haven green. A Village of Villages will focus on dance traditions from around the world, but anyone can take part. Visit www.artidea.org for application forms, or call 498-3726.

Free energy conservation workshops sponsored by United Illuminating will be held at a variety of New Haven locations January-March. Bring a recent heating and electric bill to determine potential usage reduction. Register at 562-0598 or visit www.cityofnewhaven.com/news/saving_energy_101.pdf .

Certified tax preparers will provide free tax preparation assistance for qualified individuals, and help people find out if they qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), at the following New Haven locations beginning Jan. 23:

• New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St., M, T, W, 6-8:30pm; Sat 10-2
• Community Action Agency of New Haven, 781 Whalley Ave., M, T, W, 6-8:30; Sat 10-2
• JUNTA for Progressive Action, 169 Grand Ave., M,W, 6-8:30pm
• National Student Partnerships, 178 Temple St., by apt. only--call 848-6967 x213
• Spanish American Merchants Assn., 235 Grand Ave., T, Th, 6-8:30pm, Sat 10-2
• Rose Center at Yale-Dixwell Community Center (corner Ashmun and Locke Sts.) W 6-9pm, Sat 2-5 starting Jan. 25

To make an appointment or get more information, call 848-6967 x213. This service is made possible through a collaboration between the New Haven Economic Security Coalition, the Office of the Mayor of the City of New Haven, Empower New Haven, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Live Free Homework Help is now available online from from 3-9pm every day at www.cityofnewhaven.com/library. Designed for students in grades 4-12 and college intro. level--and also helpful for adults looking to refresh their knowledge--Tutor.com's trained educators offer individualized, real-time help with math, science, social studies, GED and English. Tutor.com is available at any of the New Haven branch libraries, or from a home, office or school computer using a valid New Haven Library card.

Looking for a list of nonprofit organizations in New Haven? I have Guidestar's list of over 1000 501 (c)(3) organizations in New Haven that are arranged into broad categories, and include missions--I will email the list on request (cbrown@nhfpl.org). You can also get a list of 638 New Haven public charities from the IRS charities website (see links, left)--or ask me to email it to you. Neither of these lists contains contact or financial info--for this, visit the Foundation Center (link at left) and do a 990 search for each organization.

This all got harder when Guidestar started charging for access to its nonprofit database--which provides the ability to create the lists and download the details about the organizations in the list. I'm hoping to obtain funding to make this resource available from the library.

New at New Haven Public Library:
Introduction To Grantwriting: a workshop on DVD + workbook
How To Negotiate Like a Child: Unleash the Little Monster Within To Get Everything You Want
Starting From Scratch: Secrets from 21 Ordinary People Who Made the Entrepreneurial Leap
Benefit Auctions: a fresh formula for grassroots fundraising
Managing Transitions: making the most of change
Starting and Managing a Nonprofit Organization: a legal guide
Strategic Legal Thinking Seminar, a DVD of Pfizer's Seminar on Entrepreneurial Ventures for Nonprofits that took place at the New Haven Omni last November

Mutual Housing of So. Central CT offers Homebuyer Workshops in English and Spanish for potential purchasers of affordable home on Wolcott St., and in other locations. Participants will learn how to qualify for Downpayment Assistance Programs. Classes will be held in Feb. and March at 235 Grand Ave., New Haven. Details: Magda at 562-4514 x25.

Federal Assistance Monitor is a semimonthly report on Federal and private grant opportunities (at the New Haven library's nonprofit center). Jan. 5 issue reports on highlights of recent legislation to fund programs in health and human services, education, and labor with charts that break down appropriations by category. New student loan rules include higher interest rates (up to 6.5%/no variable-rate loans); amounts of loans increase to $3500 first year/$4500 second year.

I'm keeping a 12-month calendar file for future events! Send your listings for the entire year, check with me for other listings when planning your events--and work out overlaps with other organizations before they occur! (The Bulletin's Community Calendar runs 4-6 weeks out). And the Event Planning Forum at the New Haven Library on Jan. 25 is a good way to find out about upcoming regional events! See Community Calendar for listing.

Girl Scout Cookie sale launches on January 14! www.girlscoutscttrails.org or (800) 922-2770.

Winter/Spring 2006 Free Workshops

at New Haven Public Library

133 Elm Street

Register at 946-7431

Thurs., Jan. 19, 6:15-7:30----Resume Q & A
Scott Bennett, author of The Elements of Resume Style: Essential Rules & Eye-Opening Advice for Writing Resumes & Cover Letters That Work, will offer pointers on creating a successful resume.

Wed.., Jan. 25, 9:30-11----Event Planning Forum
A panel of experienced event planners will discuss a variety of special events for nonprofits, including running events, tennis tournaments, membership events, progressive parties, galas, and annual merchandise benefit sales. Bring your ideas & questions/share your experiences/jump start your creativity!

Tues., Feb. 7, 4:30-5:30pm----What Do Corporations Look for in Community Partnerships?
Heather Tolley, Citizen’s Bank VP of Marketing & Sales, will provide insight into corporate philanthropy—and how nonprofits can cultivate valuable relationships with the business community.

Thurs., Feb. 9, 5-6:30pm----Legal Aspects of Starting a Business
An attorney from the New Haven County Bar Association will address issues in developing a legal structure to suit your business.

Wed., Feb. 22, noon-1----PowerPoint Wake Up!
Linda Wellins & Melanie Scheibenpflug, partners of CT Computer Assistants (New Haven), will discuss common mistakes made with this popular presentation software—and demonstrate how to breathe new life into your PowerPoint presentations.

Thurs., Feb. 23, 5-6pm----Effective Website Marketing
Back by popular demand, web consultant Dave Ambrose will discuss simple and free or low-cost ways to increase traffic on your website.

Thurs., March 9, 5-6:30----Contracts made Simple
An attorney from the New Haven County Bar Association will help you understand the elements of a simple contract, an essential organizational document.

Thurs., March 16, 5-7pm----Complimentary Website Evaluation
Back by popular demand, web consultant Jeffrey Tottenham will evaluate your existing website and offer practical and easy-to- implement ways to improve it. Call to reserve your free 15-minute appointment with a professional!

Tues., March 21, 4-5:45pm----Hitting Your Mark with Funders
At this very hands-on workshop, Grantwriters Development Network founder Kim Collier presents strategies and groundwork for making a good first & lasting impression with funders.

Thurs., April 13, 5-6:30----Hiring & Firing Do’s—and Don’ts
An attorney from the New Haven County Bar Association will lead participants through the legal maze of human resources basics.

Mon., May 8, 5-7:30----Hitting Your Mark with Funders
Chris Hayden, New Haven representative for the Grantwriters Development Network, presents strategies and groundwork for making a good first & lasting impression with funders.

Thurs., May 11, 5:30-6:30----PowerPoint Wake Up!
Linda Wellins & Melanie Scheibenpflug, partners of CT Computer Assistants (New Haven), will discuss common mistakes made with this popular presentation software—and demonstrate how to breathe new life into your PowerPoint presentations.

Thurs, June 1, 5-6:30---- Introduction to QuickBooks
Ben Coppolella, retired university professor, author & CPA, will show you how to use this popular accounting software for essential business accounting, including tracking income, customers, expenses, vendors, employees & payroll taxes.

Marrakech, Inc.'s Association of Artisans to Cane program is designed to provide a supportive work environment for people with mental and physical disabilities who learn to restore and repair cane, rope, splint or rush chairs, which are sold at the Marrakech Community Center, 597 East St. , New Haven. www.marrakechinc.org or call 389-2970.

Host families for Russian children between the ages of 5 and 11 are needed for this summer’s Bridge of Hope Program (in conjunction with Jewish Family Service of New Haven). The deadline for applying to host a child is March 1. For more information, call Lina Lawall, LCSW, x 106, or Amy Rashba, x 113 at (203) 389-5599 or toll free (866) 389-5599.

Sacred Heart University adds Center for Strategic Planning for Not-for-Profit Organizations to its MBA program at its College of Business. The Center will provide business assistance to qualified groups at no cost, while giving Sacred Heart University business students practical field experience. The Center is accepting applications for assistance and reviewing proposals from prospective clients: contact Dr. "Pete" Fairbaugh at 203-365–7571 or fairbaughr@sacredheart.edu.

Jewish Family Service of New Haven offers L’Yad Training Program to meet the demand of the elderly in the community. After 8 weeks of training (16 hours), which includes extensive information about aging, volunteers are matched up with Jewish elderly in the community. There are no formal requirements to become a L'Yad volunteer, except patience, good listening skills, and the desire to make a difference in the life of an elderly person. Details: Alice Raim (203) 389-5599 x117 or (866) 389-5599. www.jfsnh.org

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

(new entries in green)

Send your listings to cbrown@nhfpl.org, and be sure to include contact info.

Jan. 11, 8:30-10am--Keeping Track of Clients & Prospects, free workshop presented by CT Computer Assistants, at GNH Chamber of Commerce, 900 Chapel St. Unique opportunity to survey various methods of tracking and serving your important contacts. Register at CCAregister@consultcca.com or call 624-0305.

Jan. 16, 5:30-6:30pm--Financial Fitness for 2007, a free personal financial planning session presented by Diane Mull of the CT Center for Financial Education (www.creditcounseling.org). At New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St. (free parking). Free to first 10 registrants: Understanding Money and Credit ($9.95 value)Register online at www.guidezilla.com/nhfpl or email me.

Jan. 17, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Business EXPO, plus Business After Hours, at Science Park. www.gnhcc.com.

Jan. 17, 6:30-7:30pm--The Paper Chase: Organizing for 2007, presented by Professional Organizer and owner of The Organized Lifestyle, a retail store in Guilford (www.liveablesolutions.com). Helpful tips on dealing with piles of documents and papers BEFORE tax season! At the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St. Free Parking. No charge, but registration is required: online at www.guidezilla.com/nhfpl or email me.

Jan. 17, 6:45-9pm--Greater New Haven SCORE free evening seminar: Alternative Financing When the Bank Says NO, at Gateway Community College, Room 207B. www.newhavenscore.com.

Jan. 18, 8:30-9:30am--Greater New Haven Development Roundtable: Surveys, how and why, at Wilson Branch Library, 303 Washington Ave., New Haven. Christina Ciciola of Community Foundation for Greater New Haven will inform our discussion. Participants are invited to bring examples of surveys that do and don't work, as well as flyers about upcoming events. Free, but registration is required at www.guidezilla.com/nhfpl or email me.

Jan 20, 8:30 am--Ice Climbing. Meets at the Parks Office, 720 Edgewood Ave., New Haven. Learn the basics of top-rope ice climbing with experienced guides. All gear (harness, boots, crampons, axes and more) is provided, though participants should bring their own cold-weather attire. Note: mandatory training session Jan 19 at 5:30 pm at West Rock Nature Center. $80 New Haven residents and students/$120 all others. Transportation provided to/ from climbing site. Reservation required: 946-8016 or cguerett@ newhavenct.net or jmilone@newhavenct.net.

Jan. 23, 8:30-10--GNH Chamber of Commerce Not-For-Profit Resources Council meeting, location TBA. www.gnhcc.com or pscussell@gnhcc.com.

Jan. 24, 6:30-7:30--The Life & Times of William Webb, an African American Civil War Soldier from Connecticut, enacted by Kevin Johnson at the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St. Johnson will bring to life scenes from the Hartford native's experience in the 29th (Colored) Regiment on the Civil War battlefields in Virginia. For information about a project to erect a monument to the 29th Regiment in New Haven, visit www.thect29th.org. Free, but registration is requested online at www.guidezilla.com/nhfpl or email me.

Jan. 26, 8-10am--GNH Chamber Human Resource Council: Winter Breakfast Social, How Easy It Is To Be More Relaxed! Guest Speaker: Millie Grenough, author of Oasis in the Overwhelm -60-second strategies for balance in a busy world. $10 members; $20 nonmembers. Register at www.gnhcc.com or call 782-4342.

Feb. 2,6 am-5 pm--Mount Snow Downhill Skiing Trip. Call Ranger Joe Milone at 946-8016 for information and to register for this event.

Feb. 9, 9-2pm-- New Haven Job Corps Center blood drive through the American Red Cross, in the Recreation Center on 455 Wintergreen Ave. For apt. please contact Tamica Webb at (203) 907-4349.

Feb. 13, 5:30-6:30pm--Chocolate Truffles for Valentine's Day, with chocolatier Maria Poirer Brandriff. Learn about making hand-rolled and dipped chocolate truffles. $5 materials fee includes samples and a gift box with 2 truffles. At New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St. Free parking. Registration required: online at www.guidezilla.com/nhfpl or call 946-8835.