Pilot Pen Casting Call for children to sing America the Beautiful

Children 12 and under are invited to audition to sing America the Beautiful on center court at the Pilot Pen. Details: www.pilotpentennis.com.

Taking Care of Your Household Hazardous Waste...

Avoid hazardous products in the first place if you can. Call 401-2712 or visit www.rwater.com/hazwaste for alternatives to household toxic products.

But when you need to dispose of them, take them to Regional Water Authority at 90 Sargent Drive, New Haven, on Saturdays, 9-noon, through Oct. 25 (closed holidays). For a list of what you can bring, and other details: www.rwater.com/hazwaste. (Residential only, and no electronics). Small businesses can get information about disposal at 401-2712.

Wesleyan Center for the Arts Seeks Part-Time PR/Marketing Assistant

Duties include research, writing press releases, creating and updating calendar listings, creating html-based emails, distributing marketing materials at concerts and performances, updating website and many other tasks. Strong writing and interpersonal skills as well as proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required. Candidates with experience using programs like Dream Weaver, Photoshop, FileMaker are preferred. Begins in August and runs through November 2008. 20 hours/week. To apply please submit cover letter and resume to akubota@wesleyan.edu.

Neighborhood Music School Seeks Development Director

Neighborhood Music School seeks accomplished professional to develop and execute structured fundraising plan. Responsible for all aspects of raising in excess of $700,000 annually, through individual, corporate, foundation, government and special event sources. Must be able to manage a small staff and work closely with senior management team on overall institutional strategy. Will be in direct contact with corporate, foundation and civic leaders as well as board members, requiring strong relationship building skills. Position requires both strategic and hands-on approach.

Successful candidate must have minimum of bachelor's degree, five years of related experience, previous management experience, proven track record of successful fundraising and strategic planning. Must be personable, detail oriented, highly independent. Strong writing skills and grant writing experience. Proficiency with Raiser's Edge and database systems strongly preferred.

Send cover letter and resume to Lawrence Zukof, Executive Director: info@nmsmusicschool.org or 100 Audubon St., New Haven CT 06510.

Want HGTV to film your home renovation?

HGTV producers are scouting Greater New Haven for properties to feature on their show, My Big Amazing Renovation in the Fall. They are looking for properties that are just about to undergo major renovation to increase the size of the house. They are looking for unique design projects with a set budget and timeframe for completion, and that will upgrade the exterior of the property.

Details available from Cindy Baggish at (303) 712-3093 or cbaggish@highnoonentertainment.com.

New Madison Train Station Opens Monday, July 28

The new station is located a short distance to the west of the old boarding platform. ConnDOT constructed the new Madison train station to replace the older existing platform deck as part of a $25 million effort to improve operations and enhance safety on Shore Line East.

The new station will offer a high-level platform on the south side of the tracks to allow for level train boarding, a commuter shelter, increased handicapped accessibility, a convenient commuter drop-off area, bike racks and enhanced lighting. A total of 199 free paved parking spaces will be available, an increase of 35 spaces over the current parking lot.

Madison is the fourth of five new Shore Line East stations to be completed. New stations were opened in 2005 at Branford, Guilford and Clinton. Westbrook is currently under design.

Details: sle@rideworks.com

Sail New Haven Harbor this Summer on the schooner Quinnipiack

Schooner Inc invites the public to set sail aboard New Haven’s flagship, the schooner Quinnipiack, for days and nights filled with fun and entertainment along Connecticut’s coastline. Check the schedule for Special Event Sails or any of the weekly sailing excursions at www.SchoonerInc.org . Details and reservations: 865-1737.

Federal minimum hourly wage increases today, July 24, 2008, to $6.55, the second increase since the law was passed in 2007. Next year it makes its third, final, increase to $7.25.

About half the states have higher minimums, including Connecticut. Connecticut's minimum wage will be increasing to $8 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2009 and to $8.25 on Jan. 1, 2010.

Ever wanted to report a problem in your neighborhood but didn't know whom to contact? SeeClickFix.com

Today's GNH Development Roundtable at the Main Library introduced the founders of SeeClickFix, an online troubleshooting service used by neighborhood residents, City Hall, LCI, Town Green, Upper State Street Association and local alderman. Read a recent NH Register article about SeeClickFix at http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19842056&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=624602&rfi=8.

SeeClickFix offers us a way to report non-emergency neighborhood or street problems (potholes, vandalism, etc), and have it viewed and tracked by everyone online --and maybe even by someone who will fix the problem! I've added it to my links. http://www.seeclickfix.com/

New Haven's African American Heritage Exhibit Runs Through August 29

New Haven’s African American Heritage: A Bridge to Today is open M-F, 10-3pm, Sun 2-4 pm, or by appointment. The exhibit provides glimpses of the rich and enduring fabric of New Haven’s African American community, with a special focus on churches, philanthropy, education, civil rights, sports, and the arts. Featuring documents, newspaper clippings, paintings, and a wealth of photographs, the exhibit draws from the archives of the old Connecticut Afro-American Historical Society (one of the Ethnic Heritage Center’s founding Member Societies), which, during its final years, was housed within the Dixwell Community House. The Ethnic Heritage Center has been appointed Custodian of the collection, and the Greater New Haven African American Historical Society (an EHC Member Society) and EHC staff are working to inventory the collection. This exhibit is the first of many as work on the collection progresses.

The Ethnic Heritage Center is located at 270 Fitch St., New Haven, on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University. Admission and parking are free. For group visits, please call 392-6126.

Casey Family Services announces Fellowship Opportunity

The Elm City Fellowship for Children and Families is a 9-month training program for emerging leaders whose organizations serve residents of the City of New Haven. Successful candidates will be committed to building as career in the public or nonprofit sector and have at least 5-7 years of diverse professional experience with increasing levels of responsibility in fields that serve children and families. First-time executive directors, deputies, program managers, and department heads will benefit most from the program. All fellows will receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The Fellowship will convene for two days monthly from Oct. 08-June 09. Application details are at http://www.caseyfamilyservices.org/.

Details: http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c2ef3ec205&attid=0.1&disp=vah&view=att&th=11b503336f31e18a or call John Padilla at 401-6899.

Make Mine a Million Dollar Business

Applications are currently being accepted throughout Connecticut for the Make Mine a Million Dollar Business Program, which supports women in growing their business to annual revenue of a million dollars or more. Details: www.makemineamillion.org or contact Victoria Hughes, AdmorEyes, LLC, (203) 269-5869.

Do You Qualify for New Connecticut Health Insurance?

The Charter Oak Health Plan is designed to meet the needs of the estimated 70,000 CT residents who are not covered by an employer's or government plan. These include employees of small businesses, people between jobs, young graduates, and early retirees. Premiums for the new Connecticut Charter Oak Health Plan range from $75-$259 with variable deductibles, and include the following benefits:

Primary Care Office Visit $25 co-pay
Specialist Office Visit $35 co-pay
Preventive Care Office Visits 100% coverage, no co-pay
Emergency Room Visit $100 (waived if emergency)
Prescription Medication 3-tiered co-pay from $10, with $7,500 annual benefit limit
Durable Medical Equipment $4,000, no co-pay
Behavioral Health Services $35 co-pay (provided through CT Behavioral Health Partnership)
Outpatient Rehabilitation $35 co-pay, 30 visits per year
Maternity Pre– and Post– Natal Care 100% covered
Inpatient Rehabilitation/Skilled Nursing 14 days per year, 80% covered after deductible met
Inpatient Hospital Visits 90% covered after deductible met
Outpatient Surgical 80% covered after deductible met
Lifetime Benefit Maximum $1 million
Annual Benefit Maximum $100,000

For details about the plan, visit http://www.charteroakhealthplan.com/coh/site/default.asp or call 1-877-77CTOAK.

New van at Mary Wade Home

The Mary Wade Home is the recipient of a new Van thanks to a grant from the Council on Governments (COG). This van will help us serve the transportation needs of residents, clients from the adult day center, and for persons in Greater New Haven who use our free Weekend Transportation program for activities such as shopping, attending worship services and visiting relatives.

Submitted by David Hunter, CEO
The Mary Wade Home, Inc.
http://marywade.org/news/news.html

Books Sandwiched In at New Haven Library

Books Sandwiched In is offered in the Fall and Spring, and consists of a series of one-hour noontime book discussions led by selected members of the local community. The New Haven Public Library is looking for a few good book activists who are interested in working on the BSI lunchtime program as part of a BSI Planning Committee.

We are looking for readers to help select a variety of interesting books for the series, and to assist in programming. Committee members might suggest and/or arrange for appropriate discussion leaders, help with publicity and refreshments, or provide other assistance. The time committment is flexible. Anyone who would like to become involved in the behind-the-scenes activities of this popular series is encouraged to contact Kathie Hurley at the library: 946-8125.

Empower New Haven is launching a Nonprofit Business Center.

This Center will provide adaptable office and conference space and supportive services at a discounted rate to multiple nonprofits in the Greater New Haven area.

Open invitation to a presentation and discussion about this new resource:
When: Monday, July 28
Where: Empower New Haven, 59 Elm St, Suite 410, New Haven
Time: 5:30 pm

RSVP by Friday July 25, to Eunice Rivera 776-2777 x222

AARP Foundation Women’s Scholarship Program

The AARP Foundation’s Women’s Scholarship Program provides scholarship funds to women 40+ seeking new job skills, training, and educational opportunities to support themselves and their families. The AARP Foundation Women’s Scholarship Program is available to eligible individuals with moderate to lower incomes and limited financial resources.

Scholarships may be used for any course of study at a public or private secondary school, including community colleges, technical schools, and four-year universities. Funds are payable to the institution and may be used to pay for tuition, fees, and books.

To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must be women age 40+ by August 31, 2008, and able to demonstrate financial need.

For more information about the AARP Foundation: www.aarpfoundation.org.

P/t Director sought for Orchestra New England

The director is responsible for day-to-day operations and management including concert logistics, coordination of advertising & marketing, working with artistic personnel, Box Office, payroll preparation and interaction with financial personnel/accountant, patron and volunteer relations, grant writing. Qualifications: organized and detailed oriented with outstanding communication skills; familiarity with Microsoft Office, QuickBooks and ability to learn “Donor Quest;" flexible work schedule includes occasional evening and weekends. 20 hours per week salary range $15,000-18,000. Send resume to bornick@sbcglobal.net.

Group forming for GLBTQ people who are deaf & hard-of-hearing

Kick-off Meeting for Gay Pride Month
6-7 pm, Wednesday, June 11 for deaf & hearing impaired who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning. Group will meet the second Wednesdays of each month during summer: June 11, July 9, August 13 at New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center, 50 Fitch St, 2nd Fl, New Haven. Details 387-2252 via Relay 711

Empower New Haven Seeks Loan Officer

Responsibilities: Market, underwrite loan applications, negotiate loan transactions, close loans, maintain data and files relating to loan applications, and monitor the Empower New Haven loan portfolio. Requirements: experience in real estate lending, underwriting, and/or loan processing with a demonstrated commitment to community development; ability to underwrite complex real estate loans, package financing, and structure transactions. The position requires excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, high levels of initiative and creativity, and the ability to manage multiple projects and to work on a team. Full job description and application guidelines: http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c2ef3ec205&attid=0.1&disp=vah&view=att&th=11b04988b8b4928a

Postage Meter Machine Available

ECCO has a postage meter machine that it no longer needs. The annual cost is $740 per year. The lease runs through June 2010. The machine is a Pitney Bowes DM 200, which can handle 40 pieces per minute. It has a built-in scale and can link into Pitney Bowes’ and the USPS’ website services.

Interested parties should contact Pat Speer at sheeaun@aol.com or 410-1398.

submitted by Ángel Fernández-Chavero
Senior Philanthropic Officer, Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
777-7072

Volunteers still needed for July 19th New Haven summer cycling celebration

Kick-off race begins at 10 am, climbing from the corner of Orange and Farnum Streets to the summit of East Rock. Volunteers who enjoy working with children and families can help throughout the day with entry and exit to family and children's activities, including kite flying, the carousel, the Ferris wheel, and the rock wall. Other children's activities include bike decoration station and parade. Volunteers can also assist by picking up volunteer lunches, filling in for "no-shows," and as needed throughout the day.

Details: Maryellen Kwasie, caintern@newhavenct.net or 946-7976.

P/t Computer Technician wanted in Middletown Library

Required: skills to install, maintain, and troubleshoot computer hardware and software; ability to work flexible hours (late afternoons and evenings, Saturdays, and occasional early mornings); speedy, polite responsiveness to staff and public calls for assistance; Associate’s Degree in Computer or Library Science, and 3 years’ experience in computer operations and software programs; proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office. Hourly pay $22.13. Applications available at: http://russelllibrary.org/about_us/employment.html

Looking for a few good yogis

WORKSTUDY
Fresh Yoga, New Haven, is looking for front desk help during business hours, helping people purchase cards, get signed in, answer questions, clean up the studios and other organizational tasks. The arrangement is a trade of an hourly basis for an unlimited card or a 5-class card per month. info@freshyoga.com

Shore Line East Weekend Service this summer

Governor Rell announces expanded and enhanced Shore Line East WEEKEND rail service starting on the Fourth of July, which will provide eight westbound trains to New Haven and eight eastbound trains to Old Saybrook, plus reverse stops at Guilford station throughout the day. The CT DOT plans to operate SLE rail service over weekdays, weekends and holidays throughout the year.

Timetable available at www.ShoreLineEast.com or 800-ALL-RIDE.

Get Ready for TechSoup's Special NOZA Event with 100 Free Charitable Giving Records!

Search Database of 34 Million Charitable Gifts to Find Donors Who Support Your Cause.

Are you looking for new individual, corporate, and foundation donors who support your mission? Find them with an exclusive one-day discount to NOZA, the world's largest searchable database of charitable gifts, available at TechSoup on July 23 only. For 8 hours on that day only, your eligible U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit or U.S. public library can request the specially discounted package of 4,175 records from NOZA's powerful database of donor information for a $99 admin fee (the retail value is $250). This offer gives you the ability to search and download 4,175 records of giving to U.S. charities. Find philanthropic history by name, region, gift amount, cause, donation type, and more.

If you would like to try NOZA for free before the special offer, click the following link to request 100 credits (to access 100 records of charitable giving) at no cost thanks to a special donation from NOZA:
Request 100 donated credits to try NOZA

Hurry! Credits expire July 9.

P/t Position at Woodbridge Library

The Woodbridge Town Library seeks outgoing and energetic person with excellent customer service skills with people of all ages. Library experience preferred. BA/BS degree a plus. Position requires 2 evenings a week (5-8) and some Saturdays. $12.02-$13.72/hr. Send cover letter, resume and the names and telephone numbers of 3 business references to Director, Woodbridge Town Library,10 Newton Road, Woodbridge CT 06525. Fax 203/389-3457.