Businesses negatively impacted by Hurricane Irene are eligible for state assistance

CT's Dept. of Economic and Community Development announces assistance for businesses that includes bridge financing and loans covering uninsured losses up to $200,000, and  loan guarantees of up to $200,000 for banks and other lenders to spur local lending to businesses impacted by the storm. Grants and technical assistance will be available to businesses for assistance in disaster recovery, such as temporary help and training. Read more here.

Click here for latest RFPs posted by Foundation Center

About the library's upcoming anniversary...

Library Power: Viva Italy! tonight

Tonight: Aug. 29, 5:30 pm--VIVA ITALY! Bitter Rice  (1949): Robbery, love and murder in Northern Italy. Jacinto Lirola introduces film.  203-946-7431.

Wednesday night: Aug. 31, 6 pm: VIVA ITALY! Singer/guitarist Enzo Boscarino offers musical tour of Italy. Claire's Cornercopia and Lucibello's Italian Pastry Shop provide refreshments, in program co-sponsored by New Haven Sister Cities: Amalfi.  All ages. 203-946-8835.

New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.

no charge/free parking.

Volunteer to plant pinwheels for peace on New Haven Green Sept. 21

New Haven schools are celebrating International Day of Peace, Sept. 21, with a program on the Green starting at 10:30 am. Art teachers are helping students to construct the pinwheels; Social Studies teachers are helping students examine the meaning of peace;  music teachers will lead a chorus of students singing a song of peace; students will perform peace-themed original dances. There is a planned linkup with students in Kragujevac, Serbia, who are also celebrating.

Volunteers are needed no later than 7 am to get 6000 pinwheels in place before the students arrive at 9:45 am. Please RSVP immediately to Henry Lowendorf, 203-389-9547 or grnhpeacecouncil@gmail.com.

Admittance to Peabody Museum is FREE this Saturday, Aug. 27

Arts Council needs volunteers for Sept. 12 event

The Arts Council of Greater New Haven needs volunteers Monday, September 12, 1-3 pm,  to help hang Somewhat Off the Wall annual fine art exhibition and fundraising event at the Odonnell Company, 760 Chapel St, New Haven. Even an hour will help--no experience necessary.  info@newhavenarts.org to sign up.

Sept. 22 Grantwriting class at library is full, but waiting list has opened

Please call Seth Godfrey (203-946-7431) at the library if you would like to be placed on the waiting list. Another class will be scheduled in December, and the waiting list will have first dibs.

Columbus House needs clothing

Columbus House is running low on items for folks staying in the shelter. Can you or your church or community group run a drive to collect some of these items?
- Depends Undergarments for men and women
- NEW T-shirts all sizes men and women
- NEW Boxers for men
- NEW Underwear for women
- NEW Socks for men and women
- Feminine Hygiene Products, especially sanitary pads
- Deodorant
- Toothbrushes and Toothpaste

Details: Sara 203-401-4400 x 116

New Haven Restaurant seeks servers

Bespoke is looking for experienced servers. Send resume to contact@aristologyrestaurants.com.

Click here for latest RFPs posted by Foundation Center

RFP for public artwork for Elm City Market

Elm City Market is seeking proposals from an artist or artist team to design and create artwork for wall spaces within the market. There will be a walk through the space on Sunday, August 21st at 4pm. Meet at the entrance to Elm City Market on State Street.

Application Deadline:  August 31
Selection Date:  September 5
Installation Date:  September 26

Does your organization have a data-driven culture?

The nonprofits that embrace measurement have a data-driven culture. That is, they make decisions based on meaningful data, rather than solely by gut.



Not all nonprofits are born with the spreadsheet gene. And it isn’t simply a technical problem that can be solved through training or purchasing analytics software. The challenge has to do with organizational beliefs and work styles. Whether it be a widely held belief that measurement practice is not worth investing resources. Or a practice that swings the other away where there is an excessive investment in collecting gobbly gook data to appease a funder.


What is needed for nonprofit organizations to make this shift?


It is helpful to look at making the switch as an evolutionary process. In the end, it comes down to leadership. Read more

Macy’s 6th annual Shop for a Cause benefiting charities nationwide is Aug. 27

VNA Community Healthcare will be one of many nonprofits participating and they are currently selling all-day shopping passes for $5 each, valid in all Macy's stores and online at MACYS.com. Pass entitles customers to 25% discounts on regular, sale and clearance merchandise thoughout Macy's--and this offer falls during Connecticut's Tax Free Week (August 21-27).

Details: 203-458-4277.

Library's Summer Reading Final Party is TODAY August 19,1-2:30 pm

At downtown branch, celebrated with Chris Merwin’s One World Music Show

Hope to see you!

Quinnipiac invites organizations and businesses to free annual Career Fair Oct. 26

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Booth/Table Set Up in the Recreation Center
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Career Fair
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Complimentary Lunch

Promote your organization to over 2,000 students. Students in all classes are invited to the Career Fair: seniors, to investigate professional employment opportunities; juniors, to look for internships and establish contact with employer representatives; and freshmen and sophomores to seek summer and part-time experiences.

There is no fee to attend the Career Fair. Registration includes: an eight-foot table with tablecloth and two chairs;
*Complimentary lunch  between 11am and 1pm; listing in the Career Fair Company Contacts.

Register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3XXVZ6Q by Wednesday, Oct. 19.  Details here or call 203-582-3655.

Long Wharf holds Non-Equity auditions for its 2011-2012 Season on Aug. 31

Local Non-Equity actors aged 18+ are invited to audition for the 2011-2012 Season at Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven. Actors will be seen at the theatre from 10am-1:30pm and 2:30-6pm on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Actors should prepare one classical monologue and one contemporary monologue, not to exceed three minutes in combined length. Bring a current resume and headshot.  Walk-ins will be accommodated, but appointments are strongly recommended:  203-787-4282 between 10am and 5pm. 

Nominations Sought for Arts Awards

In 2011 the Arts Council of GNH Arts Awards pay tribute to Great Adaptations, the creations of ambitious and industrious minds, flights of imagination and forces of will that have provided the drive for transformations born of inspiration and necessity.
Please help to interpret this year's theme by identifying visual and performing artists, writers, directors, educators, administrators, supporters and organizations, whose great adaptations have set an example for us all. Nominees must live or work in GNH.
Fill out your nomination online (500 words or less). Nominations due Friday, September 16. Arts Awards Luncheon is Friday, Dec. 2, 11:45am, at New Haven Lawn Club. 203-772-2788.

F/T Library Assistant position open in Wethersfield

Duties include coordinating library shelving staff, shelving management, running computer reports and daily check out desk coverage. Works at other service desks as needed.   Minimum qualifications: BA/BS, excellent computer and customer services skills, public library circulation experience.  Knowledge of SIRSI preferred.  Evenings and Saturdays in rotation.  $40,150/full benefits. Submit letter of application and resume by Sept. 16 to Library Director, Wethersfield Library, 515 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield CT 06109. 

Click here to vote for New Haven’s food truck

The New Haven healthy food truck could be destined for Food Network greatness, but it needs a little help getting there.The truck was nominated for a contest sponsored by the Food Network TV show, “The Great Food Truck Race.” Members of the public can vote for their favorite truck and the one with the most votes by Sept. 12 wins $100,000 and a chance to appear on the next season of the show. Click on “Vote: Local Food Truck Faves.”

The New Haven food truck bridges the gap between when the district’s summer meals program ended last week until school starts at the end of the month. It is also supported by the Connecticut No Kid Hungry Campaign, which aims to end hunger in Connecticut by 2015.

Professional educator or librarian wanted this year to volunteer in Hosanna, Ethiopia

Person will organize new library and train teachers and librarians to improve reading instruction for children in Ethiopia.
* Dates: Fall 2011-June 2012 in Hosanna, Ethiopia
* All expenses paid - airfare, insurance, a monthly stipend, free housing, training and more.
* In conjunction with International Foundation for Education and Self Help's Teachers for Africa program that supports volunteers to go to various countries at the request of African nations to work to improve education.
* This position is also supported by USAID Ethiopia

Masters degree is required; area of specialization is flexible. http://www.ifesh.org%20/or bjewing@ifesh.org for further information.

Free U.S. Citizenship Classes Start this Wednesday, Aug. 17

Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services is teaming up with the library to offer free citizenship classes on Wednesday evenings, 6-7:45 pm, at the Main Library. Details: 203-946-8130 x381.

Blues, Berries and Jam free concert series on New Haven Green through Aug. 31

Some of the area's best blues performers are showcased every Wednesday from noon-1:30pm. Concert-goers can pick up a fresh snack to enjoy with the music or some goodies for dinner on the grill at CitySeed's Downtown Farmers Market, 11am-3pm through November on Church Street in front of City Hall.  203-773-9494.  

Greater New Haven Community Chorus Call for Singers

Rehearsals begin September 1 on Thursdays from 7:30-10 pm at 311 Temple St. in New Haven. No auditions required, and all parts welcome, but especially tenors and basses. 203-303-4642 /or info@gnhcc.org. The Chorus' December 17th concert, "Legends of Christmas," will feature Benjamin Britten’s St. Nicolas cantata, and will include beloved carols of the season.

Scottish Country Dancing in New Haven Sept. 13-Dec. 13

Enjoy the social dances of Scotland on Tuesday evenings 7:45-10 pm at Whitney Arts Center, 591 Whitney Ave., New Haven. New dancers welcome, with or without partner. All dances taught. Leslie 203-281-6591 or newhavenscottish@gmail.com.

Help us design our upcoming computer classes at the library?

Click here to take survey

I Love My Librarian Award

Nominate your librarian for the Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award! Nominations for 2011 stay open through September 12.

There are more than 122,000 libraries nationwide, and librarians touch the lives of the people they serve every day. The award encourages library users like you to recognize the accomplishments of exceptional public, school, college, community college, or university librarians. We want to hear how you think your librarian is improving the lives of the people in your school, campus or community.

Up to ten winners will be selected this year and receive a $5000 cash award, a plaque and $500 travel stipend to attend an awards reception in New York hosted by The New York Times. The award is administered by the American Library Association with support from Carnegie Corporation of New York and The New York Times.

Click here for newest RFPs from Foundation Center

The Study at Yale has openings

Current openings include

•Night Auditor (overnight position)
•Front Desk Supervisor
•Front Desk Agent
•Doorman/Bellman/Valet Attendant
•Restaurant Manager
•Breakfast Cook
•Line Cook
•Host(ess)
•Bartender
•Cocktail Server
•Banquet Server

Details: 203-503-3939 or mayam@studyhotels.com

Post University Job Fair Aug. 18 in Meriden

Post Uni­versity will hold a job fair Thursday, Aug. 18, noon-8 pm, at Four Points by Sheraton hotel, 275 Research Parkway, Meri­den.

The university is seek­ing to fill positions in several different departments, including admissions coun­selors, financial aid counselors, academic advisors, a marketing and search-engine optimization expert, an executive assistant, and adjunct professors. Applicants for the aca­demic advisor and adjunct pro­fessor positions must hold a master’s degree, at minimum. The largest number of open­ings are in the admissions department for the Post Univer­sity Online Education Institute, home to the university’s accel­erated degree programs for working adults. The school also has openings in its academic advising, financial aid, and marketing depart­ments, and within the Post Uni­versity Military Program.

The university offers competitive salaries, health and tuition benefits, a 401(k) pro­gram, flexible work schedules for many positions, and regular opportunities for career advancement. Applicants who can’t attend the job fair may submit a resume and three let­ters of recommendation to: Human Resources Department, Post University, 800 Country Club Rd, Waterbury CT 06723-2540.

Comcast offers internet access and basic computer for eligible families for $10 a month

If you have a child enrolled in the federally subsidized school lunch program, you may qualify. Comcast is offering the deal as a condition of the cable giant's purchase of NBC Universal earlier this year. For information, call 1-855-8-INTERNET.

Casey Foundation addresses state budget on Sept. 7

Annie E. Casey Foundation Lunch and Learn: The Connecticut State Budget and its Implications on Wednesday, September 7, noon-1:30 pm, at 127 Church St, New Haven.
Office of Policy and Management Secretary Ben Barnes offers an interactive discussion of the state’s budget and its expected impact on nonprofits, programs, and services that work to serve vulnerable children and families in New Haven. Lunch will be provided.

RSVP to tdiaz@aecf.org no later than Friday, August 26.

Scholarship opportunities at Gateway

A new collaboration between Gateway Community College and the Connecticut Green Jobs Partnership makes 11 scholarships available for the fall semester to students who commit to completing GCC’s new SOAR Clean Water Management Certificate Program by May 2012. The deadline to apply for the scholarships is Aug. 26.

 For scholarship requirements and application information, contact Carla Roehrich, SOAR Regional Coordinator: 203-285-2324 or croehrich@gwcc.commnet.edu.

Darien Library seeks weekend assistant

A substitute Library Assistant is sought to work with the Library’s reference department.

The successful candidate will have a willingness to learn and a passion for public service. Responsibilities include staffing active information services and technology help desks, answering questions in a variety of formats, including in person, by telephone, email, and instant messaging, as well as other types of social networking and departmental tasks and projects.

Qualifications: college degree (enrollment in library sciences or information sciences graduate program is preferred); superior interpersonal skills; proficiency with basic office computer applications; working knowledge of information literacy principles; familiarity with downloadable technology and a variety of devices.

Ten hours per week, Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM; Sunday, 1-5 PM. Additional hours will be available on an as-needed basis as a weekday and evening substitute. Hourly wage: $15.
Send cover/resume to Sally Ijams at sijams@darienlibrary.org by August 26.

Does Your Organization Have a Special Event Planned for 2012?

I'm looking for calendar listings for any large events that are planned for the coming months in Greater New Haven, into and through 2012. I will be plugging events into the Community Calendar, and the better response, the better your resource for avoiding scheduling conflicts! Just email them to me.

ARTISTS: City-Wide Open Studio registration website is now live!

Register now for one of three open studios weekends October 12–30 (grand opening reception is October 14).  If you already have an online profile through an active CWOS or Artspace membership, you will enjoy a discounted registration fee. Deadline to register: Tuesday, September 6.

PT Computer technician needed at West Hartford Public Library

Install, maintain and troubleshoot computer hardware and software for staff and public use. Requirements: Proficiency with Windows desktop operating systems and Microsoft Office applications, plus experience with computer networking and hardware repair, including printers and monitors. Previous experience with library software or commercial desktop security products is desirable. The successful candidate will also have good customer service skills and their own reliable transportation. 12 hours per week, $16.75 per hour to start. To apply, please
send resume and cover letter to jobs@westhartfordlibrary.org by August 19, 2011.

3rd Annual Tour Des Farms August 20

This day-long bicycle takes place on Saturday, Aug. 20,  starting and ending at Treat Farm in Orange. Cyclists will travel to local farms, gardens, and other agricultural treasures along the 25-mile route, including Messaro Community Farm, Savino Vineyards, Field View Farm, and the Ansonia Nature Center.


CT Folk has a line up of independent singer-songwriters from across the state to entertain riders at each farm stop.  At Tour’s end, everyone is invited to an outdoor concert at Treat Farm for a song swap with singer-songwriters heard along the route. Pre-register here.

Click here for latest RFPs posted by Foundation Center

Free Exporting Webinar Nov. 7

The U.S. Commercial Service, in cooperation with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC), will present A Basic Guide to Exporting: SBA Financing Information & Useful Export Resources on Monday, Nov. 7. This webinar will focus on SBA export loan guarantee programs and export assistance resources available for small-to-medium-sized companies. Read more here.

Anne Evans, Middletown USEAC Director
860-638-6953 or mailto:anne.evans@trade.gov

The Animal Haven Fundraising Bus Tour

The Animal Haven will offer a Connecticut Vineyard and Fall Foliage bus tour on Saturday, October 15.  $85 includes transporation, lunch and tastings at Rosedale Farms & Vineyards, Cassidy Hill Vineyard and Sharpe Hill Vineyard.  The bus will depart North Haven at 11:30 am and return at 7:30 pm.  Advance payment is required: 203-249-7355 or events@animalhaven.com.

New Haven Promise offers Financial Literacy Classes

New Haven Promise is offering an introductory financial literacy course on three consecutive Wednesdays—Sept. 28, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12 from 6-8 pm at New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.—for residents of New Haven who have children enrolled in New Haven public schools. Saving for College 101 will cover useful tools for parents like basic banking skills and how to open a 529 college savings account, as well as information about college scholarships and how to apply for financial aid. Read more here

RFP for Grant-Writing Consultant

New Life Corporation is a small 501(c)(3) organization based in New Haven. Its mission is to improve the economic security of low and moderate-income families living in GNH through a combination of financial education and asset-building services.
New Life Corporation seeks a grant-writing consultant to provide the following services:

1. Prepare up to five (5) renewal applications by August 31, 2011.
2. Research new private and public funding opportunities and prepare a feasibility analysis of the opportunities.
3. Prepare grant applications for new funding opportunities.

Consultants are asked to prepare a brief proposal outlining their approach, cost of services, and background for this project. Consultants are also asked to submit a writing sample from a successful grant application. Proposals should be submitted electronically by July 15 to Ariel Martinez, Executive Director.

Click here for latest RFPs posted by Foundation Center