CT Mirror offers online look at our state

A promising start for a new online "newspaper" that collects useful information and news... Check it out: www.ctmirror.org/

Community Mediation offers Introductory and Certification programs

Introduction to Mediation ($400*) 16-hour training introduces participants to conflict resolution skills and the six-stage mediation process to gain an understanding of  mediation as a form of dispute resolution. DATES: Saturday, March 6 & Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 8, 9 & 10.  TIMES: Sat. 9:30 am-2 pm; Mon.-Wed. 5-9:30 pm.
Mediation Certification ($400*)  Training consists of small group role plays to give participants a chance to practice their mediation skills as well as lectures and discussions; includes a mediation manual. DATES: Sat., March 20 & M, T and W, March 22, 23 & 24. TIMES: Sat. 9:30 am-2 pm: Mon.-Wed. 5-9:30 pm.

Dinner will be served from 5 - 5:30 pm each day for both courses.

*Community Mediation offers a package deal combining Intro. to Mediation AND Mediation Certification for $700. A $100 deposit is required to register. Payment in full is due at least one week before the first day of the training. Details: https://www.community-mediation.org/

Cell Phone & PDA Renewal Program

Connecticut Technology Council  offers an electronics recycling program for its member companies and others of the Connecticut technology community. Beginning this month companies and/or its employees can recycle their cell phones with CorporateRenew, a CTC partner and New Haven company.
Example of Pricing (assuming good condition for each device):
Blackberry World Edition 8330: $26 per device
Blackberry Curve 8330:  $68 per device
Samsung i760:$44 per device

Details: Mike Scricca, Director of Membership, Connecticut Technology Council
mscricca@ct.org or 1-860-289-0878 x 334

Poets: to the Anchor Bar Feb. 16

The Ordinary Evening Reading Series welcomes poets from the new anthology Visiting Wallace: Poems Inspired by the Life and Work of Wallace Stevens (University of Iowa Press, 2009). Join us for poems by Dennis Barone, Richard Deming, James Finnegan, Susan Howe and Clare Rossini 7PM on Tuesday, February 16, in the Anchor Bar’s Mermaid Room, 272 College St., New Haven.


The spring 2010 series includes novelist Susan Barr-Toman and journalist Robin Abrahams (March 23); novelist and poet Allan Appel and journalist Jake Halpern (April 20); and novelist Rebecca Chace and non-fiction writer Sven Birkerts (May 18). Check our website for author biographies, links to poems and other information: http://ordinaryevening.blogspot.com/.

Proton Energy Scholarship applications due Feb. 10

High school seniors with promise in the fields of science and technology are invited to apply for a four-year undergraduate scholarship from Proton Energy Systems.  Details: http://www.protonenergeyscholarship.org/.

Apply Now for Neighbor to Neighbor Grants

The Jewish Federation and United Way of GNH are working together again to raise awareness and funds to address hunger and housing needs in Greater New Haven. The N2N 2010 effort will invest locally to meet emergency needs (housing, food, one-time emergency relief) and to help people not only get out of crisis but also stay out of crisis with supports like financial coaching, skills training, resume development, etc. N2N 2010 will raise financial contributions and distribute grants to nonprofit, faith, and government agencies to support the increased needs in food, housing, and emergency relief. N2N 2010 will make grants from $1,000 up to $50,000. The grant application is available at n2nlifeline.org.

Application Deadlines:
1. Emergency Food applications: February 12, Noon
2. Emergency Housing applications: February 26, Noon
3. Emergency Relief Fund applications: March 12, Noon

Details:  n2nlifeline.org or call Amy Townsley at United Way at (203) 691-4223.

Long Wharf Theatre offers children's classes starting Feb. 8

Introduce your child to the art of theatre with a new class Telling the Tales of Tails, for ages 6-9,  February 8-March 8, 3:30-5pm.  Each week theatre staff will encourage children to rediscover beloved stories like The Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, The Ugly Duckling through vocal and physical exploration on stage. $175. Details:  203-787-4284 x 294 or  jim.clark@longwharf.org.

Researching the government?

I just spoke with these folks in Washington DC and it seems like they are doing some wonderful work in terms of government openness and accountability:

OpenTheGovernment.org is a coalition of journalists, consumer and good government groups, environmentalists, library groups, labor, and others united to make the federal government a more open place in order to make us safer, strengthen public trust in government, and support our democratic principles. Our coalition transcends partisan lines and includes progressives, libertarians, and conservatives. http://www.openthegovernment.org/

Seth Godfrey
New Haven Free Public Library

The 2010 conference will take place on Sunday, March 14, 8am-4pm at  Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa. A wide variety of keynote speakers, informational booths and seminars will address topics in cutting-edge medicine, wellness, alternative therapies, and nutrition. Conference participants can choose from 11 choices in each of three breakout sessions. New this year is a "Wellness & Health Screening Room" breakout option, which offers a selection of spa-like treatments, health screens (stroke assessment and blood pressure, BMI, glaucoma, skin analysis, fitness and strength. Mammograms provided by the Yale New Haven Hospital Mammography bus will be available by appointment.

In addition to the breakout sessions, the conference will present two keynote speakers: Dr. Marie Savard, ABC News Medical Contributor and New York Times best-selling author Amy Bloom. Full details and registration at http://www.womenandfamilylifecenter.org/healthconference.html

Computer Assistance Available for those Ages 50+ at New Haven Public Library

The downtown branch, 133 Elm St., will resume its T.A.G. program on Tuesdays, with two one-hour classes at 4-5 pm and 5-6pm.  These classes are offered by Yale student volunteers and are designed for older adults who wish to develop computer skills. No computer experience is required, and instruction will be tailored to student need.

Reservations are required, and space is limited. For more information, call 203-946-8130 x384.

Foundation Center Seminar: Developing a Fundraising Plan

Wednesday, February 10, in NYC:
Developing a Fundraising Plan is taught by Michael Seltzer,  author of Securing Your Organization's Future, and is designed to help organizations

• recognize organizational assets that will attract prospective funders
• select a mix of funding partners
• set a financial goal for diversity of funding and knowing how to reach that amount
• build and commit to a strategic fundraising calendar
  

$195. Details: http://foundationcenter.org/marketplace

Call for 10 Minute Plays by Connecticut Playwrights

PlayMakers Theatre is seeking new 10 min. plays written by Connecticut playwrights for a staged reading  at their "SHORTS" Festival on June 18, 7 pm, at the Thornton Wilder Auditorium in Hamden. Guidelines are available at http://www.playmakersct.webs.com/. Deadline: April 3, 2010.

PlayMakers Theatre is sponsored by the Hamden Arts Commission.

Deadline for ARTE scholarship applications is Jan. 29!

ARTE awards annual scholarships to Latino students and individuals of any age interested in pursuing the performing or visual arts. Scholarships may be used for art classes, workshops, lessons, supplies, tuition assistance and other purposes the awards committee deems appropriate. Arte’s scholarship funds range between $400-$700.  Details at www.arte-inc.com

Executive Director sought for Community Mediation, Inc., New Haven

Community Mediation enables individuals, families, organizations and communities to resolve their conflicts through mediation, dialogue, training, facilitation and education. The Board of Directors is seeking someone who is energetic and visionary with administrative, financial management and grant writing experience as well as organization leadership and experience with mediation and related approaches to resolving conflicts. Details at: http://www.community-mediation.org/.

Lobby Talk and new Arts Ning site

LOBBY TALK: Have you experienced an exceptional performance, cultural event, or exhibition recently? If so, you might want to share your experience in a new Arts Paper feature called "Lobby Talk."
sample submission:

In mid-October, actor, activist, and author Mike Farrell discussed his new book, Of Mule and Man, at the Yale Bookstore. As a longtime fan of the beloved television series M*A*S*H, and having read about Mr. Farrell's involvement with organizations such as Human Rights Watch and others, I felt compelled to drop by and hear what he had to say. Mr. Farrell discussed his latest book, the yield of a cross-country book tour in support of his previous effort, Just Call Me Mike: A Journey to Actor and Activist, and the people he met along the way. He talked about the exchange of ideas and the childhood and experiences that have shaped his thinking. I had an opportunity to chat with Mr. Farrell for 20 minutes or so before he began his scheduled discussion. That interaction, and watching him engage with others, allowed me to feel a little less cynical about celebrity altruism. -- Arts Paper staff

You are invited to send up to 200 words about an arts or cultural experience you've had  in New Haven to dbrensilver@newhavenarts.org (write Lobby Talk in the subject line. Please refrain from raving about your own program or event.)  March Arts Paper deadline is January 26.

New Haven Arts NING site: visit http://newhavenarts.ning.com/. Sign up!

Long Wharf Theatre seeks musicians, actors, singers, dancers, comedians who are 70+!

Early Bird Cabaret Sunday, Jan. 17, 1-3 pm on the Mainstage in conjunction with the world premiere of Lil’s 90th. As Lil nears her milestone birthday, the one where she’ll make her singing debut, there’s much to be done: a speech to be written, a band to rehearse, and what will she wear? Discover the power of love that stands the test of aging in this playful and comedic new work.

It’s free. Performers will have 3 minutes on stage. Details:  Leah Dudley (203) 772-8242 or leah.dudley@longwharf.org

Recently received Columbia (Magazine of Columbia University and my Alma Mater Class of 1983).  "Changing Minds on Climate Change" points to Columbia's Center for Research on Environmental Decisions' 43-page guide, "The Psychology of Climate Change Communication" for scientists, journalists, or educators looking to talk sense to the doubters. Available at http://cred.columbia.edu/guide.
Seth Godfrey, New Haven Free Public Library, 203-946-7431

Entries Invited for 2nd Annual New Haven Free Public Library Poetry Contest

Entries are now being accepted for the 2nd Annual New Haven Free Public Library Poetry Contest. City residents are invited to submit poetry inspired by the theme “New Haven + puzzle,” which may be explored as a personal, civic or geographic subject. Contest guidelines are as follows:
• One poem per person, New Haven residents only

• Poems must be submitted in 12 point type, double spaced, on one side of 8 ½ x ll page (max.)

• Entry must include separate page with poet’s name, address, age category (child, teen [ages 13-17], adult), phone number and/or email

• Submission deadline is March 15, 2010. Submissions may be dropped off at any New Haven Free Public Library branch or emailed to nhfplevents@gmail.com

2010 NHFPL Poetry Contest judges include librarians Bill Armstrong and Sunnie Sette; New Haven Cultural Affairs Director Barbara Lamb; poet Claire Zoghb; cultural historian Frank Mitchell; Shola Cole, Greater New Haven Arts Council; Rachel Shapiro Alderman and Jean Webb, International Festival of Arts and Ideas.

Judges will select one winning poem in each age category. Finalists and winners will be invited to read their poems at a reception sponsored by Starbucks at 2pm on Saturday, April 17, at the Main Library, 133 Elm St. The Patrons of The New Haven Free Public Library will present a cash prize of $100 to each winner and selected poems will be published in The New Haven Register and displayed at the Main Library.

For more information, please call the library at 203-946-8835 or visit www.cityofnewhaven.com/library

Job opening: Husky Care Coordinator United Way at Rocky Hill

As part of a specialized unit, the HUSKY Infoline Care Coordinator provides detailed information about HUSKY eligibility requirements and health benefits coverage, makes referrals, documents cases, mails information packets, and follows up to determine outcomes for families. The Care Coordinator also handles calls related to Connecticut’s Medicaid managed care system and Early, Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) services for Medicaid eligible children. Services provided include information and answers to questions, resolution of complex issues and complaints, advocacy and intervention, as needed, care management and follow up. Hours: Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Qualifications and skills required include the following:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, or a related field plus one year of experience working in a human services position OR an Associate’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, or a related field plus three years of experience working in a human services position

• Ability to use the computer to complete job functions.

• Ability to relate effectively to people from all economic, racial, age, ethnic, and social groups.

• Strong desire to provide appropriate help and assistance to any person in need.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to adapt to a changing caseload while maintaining standards of high quality.

• Willingness to stay informed on human services in general.

• Bilingual Spanish-English strongly preferred.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Human Resources by email to Recruitment@ctunitedway.org, or by fax to 860-571-7505 by Feb. 4, 2010.

The Emotionally Intelligent Manager at Chamber tomorrow, Jan. 22

David Caruso, co-author of  The Emotionally Intelligent Manager, will discuss how to develop and use the four key emotional skills of leadership in understanding, developing and applying emotional intelligence in the workplace. Caruso is co-founder of the EI Skills Group Research Affiliate in the Department of Psychology at Yale University. He is the also co-author of the Mayer, Salovey, Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). He has published a number of scientific articles on intelligence and emotional intelligence, and has spoken around the world on career development, leadership, and emotional intelligence.

This presentation will take place on Friday, Jan. 22, 8-10 am at the GNH Chamber of Commerce, 900 Chapel St., New Haven. There is no charge for members; nonmembers pay $10. Register at http://www.gnhcc.com/ or call (203) 787 6735.

New RFPs announced through Foundation Center

For details visit http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/rfp_bulletin/newsletter.html

Arts and Culture
Harry Ransom Center Announces 2010-11 Humanities Research Fellowship Program. Fellowships or travel stipends of up to $3,000 will be awarded to fifty recipients to support scholarly research projects in all areas of the humanities, including literature, photography, film, art, the performing arts, music, and cultural history....
Deadline: February 1, 2010

Children and Youth
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes Accepting Nominations. Ten national winners between the ages of 8 and 18 who have helped their communities and other individuals will receive $2,500 to support their service work or pursuit of higher education....Deadline: April 30, 2010

Community Improvement/Development
ConAgra Foods Foundation Invites Letters of Interest for Community Impact Grants. Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded to grassroots nonprofits working to address childhood hunger and nutrition needs in communities where ConAgra Foods' employees live and work or where 20 percent or more of children are food insecure....Deadline: January 29, 2010 (Letters of Interest)

Environment
Earth Island Institute's Brower Youth Awards to Recognize Young People for Environmental Activism.
Six young people will each receive a $3,000 cash prize in recognition of their outstanding activism and achievements in the fields of environmental and environmental justice advocacy....Deadline: May 15, 2010

Medical Research
American College of Medical Genetics Foundation/Genzyme Clinical Genetics Fellowship in Biochemical Genetics Award to Support Training in Genetics.Grants of up to $75,000 will be awarded to clinical geneticists working to advance education, research, and standards of practice in medical genetics by developing a broad-based infrastructure and expanding clinical and laboratory expertise....Deadline: January 29, 2010

American College of Medical Genetics Foundation/Luminex 2010 Award to Promote Effective Genetic Testing and Research. Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded to medical geneticists undertaking activities aimed at promoting safe and effective genetic testing and services....Deadline: January 29, 2010

James S. McDonnell Foundation Invites Applications for 21st Century Research Awards. Grants of up to $450,000 to be disbursed over a period of up to six years will be awarded for brain cancer research and the study of the brain's complex systems....Deadline: March 17, 2010

Mary Kay Foundation Invites Applications for Cancer Research Grants. At least eight grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded to investigators to support research in ovarian, uterine, breast, or cervical cancer....Deadline: February 12, 2010

NARSAD: The Mental Health Research Association Announces Deadline for 2010 Independent Investigator Award Program. Two-year awards of up to $50,000 per year will be given to scientists at the associate professor level or equivalent conducting research on schizophrenia, major affective disorders, and other serious mental illnesses....Deadline: March 5, 2010

Philanthropy and Voluntarism
Sodexo Foundation Accepting Applications for STOP Hunger Scholarships. Up to five students selected as national winners will each receive a $5,000 scholarship award and a matching $5,000 grant in their name for the hunger-related charity of their choice....Deadline: February 26, 2010

Social Science
Social Science Research Council Accepting Applications for Dissertation Proposal Development Fellowship Competition. Research grants of up to $5,000 will be provided to help early-stage graduate students in the humanities and social sciences working over the summer on their doctoral dissertation proposals....Deadline: January 29, 2010

Have you visited gnhcommunity.com yet?

Now's a good time...http://www.gnhcommunity.ning.com/

Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) offers webinar on using Google Grants

Jan. 14, 2- 3:30 pm--Google Grants Beginner Webinar Series: Learning to Use/Maximize Your Google Grant


$75 for NTEN Members / $150 for Non-members
Is your organization using a Google Grant? Are you wondering where to begin with your Google Grant?
This webinar series is targeted to Google Grantees who are either new to the program or are newly re-engaging with their existing Google Grants AdWords account. The sessions in this series will cover many Google Grants basics, including terminology, how-tos, resources;  hands-on strategies for your ads and keywords, helping you to make the most of your organization's grant.
Details: http://www.nten.org/.

Ordinary Evening Reading Series Spring 2010 Schedule

Drinkers and teetotallers welcome for an evening of readings by writers of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry on Tuesday nights at 7 pm in the Mermaid Room at the Anchor Bar & Restaurant (272 College St, New Haven).


January 19: Sheila Kohler and Lisa Siedlarz

February 16: A Tribute to Wallace Stevens, with work by poets including Richard Deming

March 23: Susan Barr-Toman and Robin Abrahams

April 20: Allan Appel and Jake Halpern

May 18: Rebecca Chace and Sven Birkerts

To join email list, send a note to news.ordinaryevening@gmail.com.

Annie E. Casey Foundation Direct Services Grants

Applications for Direct Services Grants are now available. Come learn about the application process at one of the information sessions being offered by The Annie E. Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services.  RSVP to rswilliams@aecf.org or call Roslyn Williams at (203) 401-6964.


Location: Casey Family Services, 127 Church Street, New Haven

Thursday, January 7, 2010, 1:30–3:30 pm
Thursday, January 14, 10 am–noon