Free Walking Tours of New Haven

Go to http://walkingtoursofnewhaven.com/for one of the recent great ideas that started as a project of The GNH Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Center. Six leadership class graduates have recorded four walking tours of New Haven that can each be completed in a lunch hour. Featured sites include Audubon Street; the Beinecke Library and environs; the Green; and the museum and theater district. Detailed article in New Haven Register, 8/30/07.

Volunteers needed for Annual International Coastal Cleanup Sept. 15

On Sat., Sept. 15, volunteers will remove trash and debris from area lakes, rivers, beaches and other waterways and record what they find in this international effort to reduce marine debris. Cleanups are scheduled for Branford, East Haven, Milford, New Haven, West Haven and other areas. Please call Save the Sound for details: 787-0646 x 113. http://www.savethesound.org/.

"Marine debris is not just an eyesore, it is dangerous. Wildlife can eat and get entangled in trash, such as plastic bags and discarded fishing nets... For a list of ways to stop marine debris, visit http://www.orcanconservancy.org/icc.%22 --New Haven Register, 8/30/07, p. B7

Microsoft Excel for Beginners class in Bridgeport

September 13, 9–noon

Learn the basic functions of one of the most popular spreadsheet applications. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• navigate through an Excel workbook
• create and modify a basic worksheet
• enter data
• create basic formulas and calculations
• format a worksheet (change fonts, column size, add color to cells, etc.)
• print the contents of a workbook
• customize the layout of the Excel window
  

Prerequisites: working knowledge of mouse and menu-based computer applications, and the Windows or Macintosh operating system.
Facilitator: Wayne Pankey, BAYM Computer Genesis™ http://www.baym.org/
Fee: $50 per person/$35 per additional person from same organization
Location: Bridgeport Area Youth Ministry, 506 Logan St, Bridgeport

Details: Erica Perez, Nonprofit Resource Center, Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation
203-334-7511
www.GBAFoundation.org

Funding opportunity for advocacy training

The State of CT Children's Trust Fund, seeking proposals to support
parent leadership training that offers participants an opportunity to develop advocacy skills.

Details: http://www.ct.gov/ctf/lib/ctf/RFP_8-20-07.pdf

The deadline for proposals is Oct 19; there is a proposers conference on 9/4.

Submitted by
Lindylee.Gold@ct.gov

Audition now for New Haven Oratorio Choir

Set up your audition to sing with the New Haven Oratorio Choir and Chamber Orchestra by calling Tanya at 506-1162. Rehearsals start Sept. 5. http://www.newhavenoratorio.org/.

Upcoming Bridgeport Area Foundation Workshops

Sept. 13: EXCEL for beginners
Sept. 18: Power of Individual Donors
Sept. 27: Intermediate EXCEL

Details: http://www.gbafoundation.org/ or call (203) 334-7511.

New monthly Scrabble Club in Hamden

A Scrabble Club has formed in Hamden for the Southern Connecticut area. The group meets on
the first Saturday of every month: next meeting September 1, 7pm, at Towne Billiards, 17 Marne St., Hamden. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own boards.
All ages/skill levels welcome! Details: 281-7665 after 5pm or http://www.townebilliards.com/.

Submitted by
Mavis Florio
Towne Billiards

Got a question about a film?

Academy of Motion Pictures
Center for Motion Picture Study
333 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Tel: 310.247.3020 ReferenceFax: 310.247.3035
Web Address: www.oscars.org/cmps/mhl

This reference library and film information service can help you find the distributor of a particular film, track down an actor or director you want to invite to your screening or answer virtually any film-related question.

Submitted by
Seth Godfrey
New Haven Free Public Library
946-7431

November 15 is Connecticut Recycles Day

And the CT DEP has an Event Planners Guide for anyone interested in participating at a group level. Visit http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/reduce_reuse_recycle/ct_recycles_day/ctard_2005_event_guide.pdf

Literacy Volunteers for GNH seek ESL Program Manager

20 hour/week position to help LVGNH expand, manage and support literacy partnerships with businesses, agencies and neighborhoods in the New Haven community. Ideal candidate is super organized with great people and communication skills; ESL and teaching experience is a plus. For complete job description, contact Doss Venema, Executive Director, 776-5899. http://www.lvagnh.org/

Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

These fellowships provide opportunities for able and accomplished New Americans to achieve leadership in their chosen fields. The fellowships are grants for up to two years of graduate study in the United States. A "New American" is an individual who 1) is a resident alien (i.e., holds a Green Card); or 2) has been naturalized as a U.S. citizen; or 3) is the child of two parents who are both natural- ized citizens. application guidelines. RFP Link: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008510/pdsoros.

See sidebar for additional funding opportunities.

ARTE Inc. 2007 Scholarship

Arte Inc. is a non profit organization whose mission is to develop and promote Latino art and culture. Arte establishes partnerships with community agencies and groups to improve the quality of life of residents through artistic and cultural development. Arte commissions artists, organizes programs, events, shows and exhibits, and provides education, employment and scholarships to Latinos.

Arte awards annual scholarships to Latino students and individuals of any age interested in pursuing the arts. Scholarships may include performing or visual arts, including but not limited to music, dance, theater, painting, drawing, architecture and other art forms. Scholarships (mostly between $400 - $700) may be awarded for art classes, workshops, lessons, supplies, tuition assistance, etc. Deadline: 5pm, Friday, August 31, 2007.

For full guidelines and application call 787-2783.

CT Gay Men's Chorus Auditions 9/11 & 9/18

The Connecticut Gay Men's Chorus is seeking experienced singers and/or dancers (age 18+) for its 2007-08 season. The CGMC produces musical comedy shows that are fully staged and costumed, in December and March/April on Connecticut's premiere stages, including the Shubert in New Haven and the Bushnell in Hartford.

Auditions will be held in New Haven on September 11 and 18 at 7:00pm. Please prepare one vocal piece; pianist will be provided. For more information call 1-800-644-2462 or email info@ctgmc.org. http://www.ctgmc.org/.

Independent Film in Pomfret Needs Extras and Featured Extras

Cannes Film Festival award-winning production crew is filming a feature film at the Pomfret School in Connecticut. Looking for students ages 14-23 and teachers ages 30+. Thursday, Aug. 23-28.

All positions are unpaid.

Students: Boys should wear khakis, button-down shirt, navy blue blazer or any other similar color blazer. Girls should wear a skirt or dress pants and a polo or button down top or sweater. Teachers: professional attire. Details: extracastingct@yahoo.com

Elm Haven Youth Build Seeks Construction Trainer

Purpose: To teach young adults the skills necessary to do a gut rehabilitation or construction of a new house and provide supportive guidance and encourage the development of youth leadership skills.
Some responsibilities include: Oversight of Construction site(s); Scheduling, Implementing and assigning tasks and timelines for projects; Monitor & supervise students on the construction site .
Qualifications include: At least three years construction experience working with all elements of housing construction; Experience managing work crews and construction sites; Ability to work enthusiastically with At-Risk Youth, most who have not completed High School; Reliable transportation. Details: Carlah E. Bragg, Empower New Haven, 776-2777 x 210.

New Features at Guidezilla

I've been using guidezilla for a long time to spread the word about library events and to register people for events (all free). New features have just been announced:

• message boards to events, which allow event organizers and attendees to easily communicate with each other
• add a picture to your user profile and all of your events

For details about this free, easy to use online calendar, visit http://www.guidezilla.com/. And to register for upcoming library events: www.guidezilla.com/nhfpl.

Carol Brown, editor

Casa Otonal Offers Child Development Training Program

Child care workers and home/family daycare providers for infants through age 5 may apply for a Child Development Associate credentialing program at Casa Otonal. Orientations will be held Aug. 21 & 23, 6-9pm and Aug. 25, 9-noon at Casa Otonal, 135 Sylvan Ave., New Haven. Training classes begin Sept. 4. This credential is required for paraprofessionals in public schools through the Leave No Child Behind law.

Details 773-8910/8911 or tomastmir1818@aol.com.

Three Openings at Graustein Memorial Fund

The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund in Hamden has created three new positions:

• Communications and Knowledge Development Officer --http://www.nonprofitprofessionals.com/searches/gmf-ckdo.htm
• Communications Associate--http://www.nonprofitprofessionals.com/searches/gmf-ca.htm
• Policy Associate --http://www.nonprofitprofessionals.com/searches/gmf-pa.htm
  For full job descriptions and application instructions:
  email: deb@nonprofitprofessionals.com
  phone: 212-628-0419
  

New Site offers Discount Rush Tickets

CTheatreNow.com offers visitors up to 50% off the price of admission on the day of a show.

The new site offers 25 and 50% discounts on tickets available the day of a show at Westport Country Playhouse, Hartford Stage, Long Wharf, Yale Repertory, and Goodspeed Opera House.

Submitted by Lindy Gold, Lindylee.Gold@ct.gov

PeaceJam is nominated for Nobel Peace Prize!

I'm delighted to let you know that PeaceJam and its co-founders, Dawn Gifford Engle and Ivan Suvanjieff, have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Mairead Corrigan Maguire for “their work to inspire and mobilize the youth of the world to address the root causes of violence and suffering in our local and global communities (which has) created a worldwide movement of young people working for social justice and peace.” Several other Nobel Peace Laureates have added their support for the nomination, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Adolfo Perez Esquivel, Betty Williams, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, and President Jose Ramos Horta.

We are deeply honored and humbled by the nomination, and very excited to share this news with you.

Submitted by Barry Felson
http://www.nextgenleaders.org/

WealthEngine Screening Leads to $650,000 from New Prospects

The Hampton Library in Bridgehampton, Long Island, has raised $650,000 through two lead gifts in the first months of its $2 million campaign, partly thanks to WealthEngine screenings. According to Marc Saffren of m3 Development, “These lead gifts came from donors that we never would have known about without WealthEngine and research.”

Saffren knows the value of using research to accomplish fundraising goals for the organizations with which he works. Typically, he uses WealthEngine every day to obtain individual profiles on prospects, do additional research before making solicitations and, most importantly perhaps, to find prospect opportunities that might never be identified.

Saffren describes how he used the WealthEngine screening to launch the campaign for the Hampton Library. He explains, “When I looked at the screening, I recognized the names of three siblings who were all trustees in their family foundation. I called the executive director of that foundation and told her that three of the trustees had homes in Bridgehampton. The connection was made – and resulted in a $150,000 gift. This was a gift we would never have gotten without research.”

“Another profile in the screening was for a man who was on the Forbes list of top hedge fund managers, making over $100 million annually. It turns out he was also a 39-year-old father who brings his kids to the Hampton Library each Saturday morning. That gift was for $500,000.”

“An organization should not be asking people for significant gifts without first having done their research,” stresses Saffren. “Otherwise, how would you ever know what to ask someone for? You need to know where someone has given, what they have given and how they have given.”

“Also, make sure that you utilize WealthEngine on a regular basis, beyond the screenings,” advises Saffren. “You need to access WealthEngine every day to do your job. The importance that research plays in the outcome of a fundraising effort should never be underestimated,” concludes Saffren.

The New Haven Public Library offers access to WealthEngine (thanks to funding by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven). Call 946-7431 for details.

Council on Foreign Relations Offers International Affairs Fellowship

Fellowships are designed for individuals who seek to bridge the gap between analysis and action in foreign policy by supporting a variety of policy studies and active experiences in policy-making. Academic and other professionals from the private sector spend fellowship tenures in public service or in a policymaking setting, while government officials have the opportunity for systematic assessment of foreign policy issues in a research environment. The one-year fellowship program is open to U.S. citizens between the ages of 27-35. Deadline: September 19, 2007. Details: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008300/cfr

Arts Council seeks volunteers for Aug. 12 event

The Arts Council is looking for people to proxy for ticket holders of Off the Wall who can't attend on the night of the event.

How Off the Wall works: Ticket purchasers choose the photographs they like most and number them in the order of preference using the grid on the back of the program available at the gallery.

On Sunday, August 12th at 7pm the random drawing of ticket numbers begins. When the ticket number is drawn, the ticket holder selects the photograph they want and takes it Off the Wall.

As a Proxy, you would stand in for the ticket holder who couldn't be there and when the ticket number is drawn, choose a photograph for them from their wish list.

Please let me know if you would be interested in helping out. The event is a lot of fun and the food at the reception (which starts at 5pm) is always great. (Think you might be interested in purchasing a ticket for yourself? Call the Arts Council of Greater New Haven at 772-2788 - But hurry, tickets sell out quickly!)

submitted by
Ms. Winter Marshall
Arts Council of Greater New Haven
772-2788
arts.council@cshore.comhttp://www.artscouncilgnh.org/

Adopt a burro or horse?

US Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Land Management Eastern States, will hold a special wild horse and burrow adoption at the Horsebarn Hill Arena at UConn on Aug. 11 & 12. Details: 1-866-468-7826 or www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.

Yale Pro Bono Assistance Available

The Yale School of Management invites local businesses and nonprofits to submit applications to receive pro bono consulting assistance through a new MBA course to be offered in fall 2007.

The Yale SOM Management Clinic will pair teams of second-year MBA students supervised by experienced faculty with a limited number of participating organizations.

• The program will select participants based on the following criteria:
  Organizations must be small- to mid-sized businesses or nonprofits that are established and not in the start-up phase;
• Have a challenging, defined problem or project that will engage students for one semester and allow them to make a meaningful contribution during this time period;
• Be committed to making employees available to the students on an ongoing basis from September through December to ensure the success of the project. To this end, organizations must be located in the areas surrounding New Haven to facilitate meetings. The program will consider organizations located as far north as Hartford, and as far south as New York City.

“We are looking forward to creating partnerships that will be mutually beneficial to local organizations and our students,” said Bruce Judson, a senior faculty fellow at Yale SOM who will run the program. “Whether a business needs help analyzing the viability of an expansion, or a nonprofit is looking for a plan to accomplish its social mission more efficiently, we encourage them to apply.” Judson is one of the nation’s leading experts on entrepreneurship and a bestselling author, most recently of Go It Alone! The Secret to Building A Successful Business on Your Own. His work focuses on building successful businesses with limited manpower.
Organizations interested in being considered for the clinic may submit a brief statement of interest form online at: http://mba.yale.edu/news_events/clinic.shtml. All applications will be considered on a rolling basis starting immediately and organizations are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Once the program’s limit of five organizations is reached, additional applications will not be accepted. All submissions will be reviewed, and where appropriate, applicants will be contacted with follow-up questions and to schedule meetings. Organizations that the program is not able to accept will be notified at the conclusion of the application process.
Contact:
Tabitha Wilde, 432-6010 tabitha.wilde@yale.edu