Family Holiday Show in New Haven to Support Refugees

The Bethesda Music Series presents a performance of the family-friendly holiday opera Amahl and the Night Visitors at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 450 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, on Sunday, December 11, at 7:00 p.m. The one-act opera by Gian Carlo Menotti was first performed on Christmas Eve, 1951, by the NBC Television Theater.

Amahl features a child in the lead role. Catchy music, colorful costumes, and captivating dance scenes make up the hour-long performance. Front rows are reserved for children. The event is free and open to the public.

A free-will offering will be collected with all proceeds going to IRIS, a refugee resettlement agency in New Haven featured in the media for their welcome extended to Syrian refugees. The Bethesda Music Series is proud to help people in need in our city and around the world. We appreciate any gifts to the important work of helping refugees, which is so appropriate during the Christmas season.

Amahl and the Night Visitors is a story of a poor shepherd boy’s encounter with three kings and the miraculous healing of his crippled leg when he offers his crutch as a gift to the holy child. Performed by opera students from Western Connecticut State University, directed by Margaret Astrup, Amahl has become an annual tradition for the Bethesda Music Series.

About the Bethesda Music Series

For over twenty years, the Bethesda Music Series has presented concerts to raise funds for social outreach in Greater New Haven, supporting agencies such as Life Haven, Immanuel Baptist Shelter, Christian Community Action, Habitat for Humanity, area summer camps, and after-school tutoring. Concerts are free. Handicap accessible, free parking. Go online to http://www.bethesdanewhaven.org for information or to join our electronic mailing list.

Contact Information: Dr. Lars Gjerde, Artistic Director, [email protected], (585) 200-8903.
Dr. Margaret Astrup, Music Series Chair, [email protected], (860) 796-3444

Important Upcoming Events to Know About

Rekindling Kwanzaa’s Principles
Saturday, December 17, 2 p.m.
Join us for the 50th year of the creation of KWANZAA in
the U.S., the biggest and best of The Community Kwanzaa
Association’s presentations to date. At Bregamos
Community Theater, 491 Blatchley Avenue, New Haven.

New Haven Library Events
A listing of events at the New Haven Library and the branches. All of the libraries are wheelchair accessible.
Ives Main Library, 133 Elm Street
Fair Haven Branch, 182 Grand Avenue
Mitchell Branch, 37 Harrison Street
Stetson Branch, 200 Dixwell Avenue
Wilson Branch, 303 Washington Avenue

Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit Workshop
Saturday, December 3, 10:30 am-12:30 pm | Ives
Sponsored by the New Haven Preservation Trust. Learn one of the nation’s most generous rehabilitation incentive programs for individual home owners with architectural historian Julie Carmelich, State Historic Preservation Office. Made possible through the generous support of the State Department of Economic and Community Development and Petra Construction Corp. Please register by Thursday, Dec. 1 at [email protected] or (203) 562-5919.

Urban Life Experience Book Discussion Series
Underground Airlines by Ben H. Winters, Saturday, December 3, 12 p.m. | Wilson
Join the Book Discussion Series at Wilson Library for their next read. Underground Airlines is an alternate history, set in a present-day United States where the Civil War never happened. In this reality, there are still “Slave” and “Free” states, and of course, there are still runaways – and fugitive slave catchers. Unsurprisingly, there are also still abolitionists, and secret networks devoted to helping escapees make it to freedom.

Friday Movie Matinees, 2-4 pm | Ives
December 2 | Iron Man 3
December 9 | When Harry Met Sally
December 16 | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
December 23 | Love Actually
December 30 | Trading Places
Five fun movies that take place around Christmas!

Social Security Strategies Workshop
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m. | Ives
Geoffrey I. Kanner of Kanner Financial Services will conduct this free workshop on topics which include collecting SS early vs. collecting late, individual benefits, spousal benefits and government pension offset. To register, please contact Maria Tonelli at (203) 946-8696 or [email protected].

One-on-One Computer Help
Tuesdays, 4-5 pm & 5:10-6:10 pm | Ives 50+ years of age and just starting or have a computer dilemma?  Sign up for one-on-one free computer help at your own pace. To register call (203) 946-7001.
Announcing New Haven Free Public Library Academy (For All Your Database Questions)!
A set of ready-to-use tutorials for common electronic services like OverDrive, Zinio, and Mango Languages. NHFPL Academy is available on all pages of the NHFPL website by clicking the green “Tutorials” tab on the right hand side of the screen. Watch the video instruction or view the printable text with images as you learn how to use Lynda.com, Twitter and more!

Create New Haven: Works by NH Public School Students
Dec. 1, 2016 – Jan. 6, 2017, Ives Gallery.
Reception: Monday, Dec. 5, 5-7 p.m.
Students display their current work at the NH Free Public Library Ives Gallery.
Untitled, work in mixed media. Paola Gutierrez, 10th grade, Riverside Educational Academy
Rachel Mathieu, Art teacher

Naturalization Legal Clinic with New Haven Legal Assistance Association
Thursdays, 4-5 pm | Ives
Receive assistance with the U.S. citizenship application and test and other related immigration questions regarding becoming a U.S. citizen.

Immigrant Job Club
Thursdays, 4-5 pm | Ives
For those who are new to the United States and would like to learn to search for jobs, build a resume, prepare for a job interview and understand the workplace.

Listen Here Short Stories Reading Series

The Institute Library is proud to host the Listen Here Short Story reading series is a night of classic short stories selected by the staff of the New Haven Review and read by cast members of the New Haven Theater Company. Reading starts at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at the Institute Library, 847 Chapel St, New Haven, CT, with talk back at 8 p.m. that explores the background, meaning, and dramatic interpretation of that night’s stories.

Also, freshly baked cookies–a different batch at each reading–and tea are available.

Admission free! The next reading will be December 20. Our theme: “Short Shorts.” Our stories:  “Happy Endings” by Margaret Atwood, “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes, “A Clean Well-Lighted Place” by Ernest Hemingway, and “The Afterlife” by Amy Hempel. Please note that the Institute Library is one flight up and, most unfortunately, not wheel-chair accessible. For more information, visit us at http://www.institutelibrary.org.

Ben Ehrenreich to Speak in New Haven Nov. 11

by Shelly Altman, Jewish Voice for Peace

Ehrenreich

Ehrenreich

Jewish Voice for Peace New Haven (JVPNH) is partnering with Shalom UCC to present a book talk by Ben Ehrenreich on Friday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 at the First Presbyterian Church in New Haven, 704 Whitney Ave. Ben is the author of the recently published book, The Way to the Spring: Life and Death in Palestine. His book was reviewed in the New York Times this past July. The review is available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/17/books/review/ben-ehrenreich-the-way-to-the-spring-palestine.html.

Over the past three years, Ben Ehrenreich has been traveling to and living in the West Bank, staying with Palestinian families in its largest cities and its smallest villages, including Nabi Saleh, Hebron, and Umm al-Kheir. Along the way he has written major stories for American outlets, including a remarkable New York Times Magazine cover story, “Is This Where the Third Intifada Will Start?”.

The book offers a first person view of life in the West Bank: the daily challenges, pain and triumphs of resistance while living under oppressive military occupation. Reviewer Andy Shatz wrote: “As heart-breaking as it is, The Way to the Spring is also a strangely joyful book, because Ehrenreich grasps the essence of the Palestinian struggle. It’s not Islam, nor even nationalism, but the stubborn refusal of injustice, the restless search for ‘how it would feel to be free.’”

Reach JVP New Haven on the web: http://www.jvpnh.org, by email: [email protected], or facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jvpnewhaven, or twitter: @jvpnewhaven.

PACE to Honor Judi Friedman at Annual Meeting Nov. 12

by Mark Scully, chairperson, PACE

People’s Action for Clean Energy (PACE) will honor the legacy of long-time chairperson Judi Friedman and her husband Lou at the organization’s annual meeting at 7 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the Unitarian Society of Hartford, 50 Bloomfield Ave. in Hartford.

friedman-judi-louJudi Friedman led PACE for forty-three years and was a strong, impassioned voice in support of clean energy and against nuclear power and weapons. Judi, her supportive husband Lou and the PACE team whom they gathered and inspired have been tireless promoters of clean energy through house tours, public testimony and local radio and television programs. PACE looks forward to honoring Judi at the annual meeting with a film tribute on her legacy.

PACE will continue to live out its mission by presenting awards on Nov. 12 to the Governor’s Council on Climate Change (GC3) as well as to Lynn Stoddard, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University. The evening’s keynote address will be given by Ms. Stoddard about the GC3 and its strategies to meet the state’s aggressive targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Mark Scully, PACE’s new chairman and leader in municipal efforts to achieve 100% renewable energy, will present on the future direction of the organization. The evening will close with a musical tribute by the acclaimed musician Paul Winter.

PACE is a public health and environmental organization formed in 1973 by a group of concerned Connecticut citizens to:

  • Promote the development of alternative, renewable sources of energy,
  • Encourage the efficient use of energy,
  • Develop a spirit of conservation among Connecticut residents, and
  • Challenge Connecticut’s commitment to nuclear power and nuclear weapons.

Through its house tours, publications, radiation monitoring and recognition of environmental leaders, PACE has educated countless members of the public on energy issues. PACE is the largest all-volunteer organization in the state to be engaged with these issues, and its members are active at public events, legislative hearings and environmental forums, both in person and on state and local television and radio. PACE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For further information on PACE and to reserve a free ticket to the annual meeting, go to http://www.pace-cleanenergy.org.

People’s World Amistad Awards 2016, Dec. 4: “If There Is No Struggle, There Can Be No Progress”

by Joelle Fishman, People’s World

This year’s People’s World Amistad Awards are dedicated to carrying on the torch of Arthur L. Perry, a great friend, union leader, and warrior for justice who received the People’s World Amistad Award in 2009.

The event is Sunday, December 4, 2016 at 4 p.m. at Wexler Grant Community School, 55 Foote St., New Haven, on the theme “If there is no struggle, there can be no progress — We march united for Racial Justice, Jobs & Peace.”

Awardees Alder Jeanette Morrison, Dan Livingston and Juan Brito are outstanding leaders who have devoted their lives to the fight for economic and social justice for all.

A cultural program will highlight the event.

Alder Jeanette Morrison was elected to represent Ward 22 in New Haven as part of a labor-community coalition. She led the successful movement to rebuild the Dixwell Q House, a youth center in the heart of the African-American community next to Wexler Grant school.  As a social worker she fights to bring families together and for opportunities for children. She is a member of AFSCME.

Dan Livingston is a groundbreaking labor attorney and life-long union and progressive activist. As a member of a firm of “trouble making lawyers” (Livingston, Adler, Pulda, Meiklejohn and Kelly), he represents many public and private sector unions. He represents, works with, and serves on the boards of many coalitions, community and progressive organizations fighting for social justice in our state.

Juan Brito is a School Social Worker at Burns Latino Academy in Hartford and a member of the Hartford Feder-ation of Teachers. He is a writer for La Voz Hispana de Connecticut and a musician who has been performing with his wife Rebecca Delgado since 1977. He has published two books of poetry about his country and his experiences before, during and after the coup d’etat that affected Chile in 1973.

The awards are presented to allies by the People’s World on the occasion of the 97th anniversary of the Communist Party USA.

Tickets are $10. Adbook deadline is Nov. 18, 2016.  Information: [email protected].

Social Justice Week and Native American Issues at SCSU Nov. 15

by Isabel L Skarzynski, Grad. Asst., Women’s Studies Program

Southern Connecticut State University’s Women’s Studies Program will be hosting a Social Justice Week event, “NDN Country and Indigenous Issues Today: Why They Matter to You,” about issues facing NDN (Native American) and Indigenous peoples today in the United States and the world.

Modeled after a mini Powwow, the event includes speaking, singing, dancing, drumming and informational exhibition booths. Topics include #NoDAPL (No Dakota Access Pipeline), cultural appropriation, native language preservation, Two-Spirit traditions and Indigenous earth mysticism.
Please join us on Nov. 15, from 5-7:30 p.m., on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University in the Adanti Student Center, Room 301, for an evening of learning and celebration for social justice.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from NDN and indigenous presenters and their allies from Connecticut.

For more information, please contact the Women’s Studies program at SCSU (203) 392-6133 or email [email protected]. 501 Crescent St., New Haven, CT 06515.

Listen Here! Short Story Reading Series

by Bennett Graff, New Haven Review

The Institute Library is proud to host the Listen Here! Short Story Reading Series. Join us for a night of classic short stories selected by the New Haven Review staff and read by the New Haven Theater Company cast members. Reading starts at 7 p.m., with a talk back at 8 p.m. exploring the stories’ background, meaning and dramatic interpretation. Also, freshly baked cookies and tea are available.

Free! Join us every third Tuesday of the month at the Institute Library, 847 Chapel St.

The next reading will be Nov. 15.

Our theme: “Recreation.”

Our stories: “Nobody in Hollywood” by Richard Bausch and “Hershel” by Judy Budnitz.

Please note the Institute Library is one flight up and not wheelchair accessible. For more information: http://www.institutelibrary.org.

Register now for CABHN’s annual Legislative Forum Nov. 18

“The CT State Budget: What is it? What can you do about it?” Friday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m.-noon Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave., Room 2E, Hartford.

To register, go to http://www.cabhn.org/upcoming-events.

CABHN (CT Alliance for Basic Human Needs) invites you to its FREE annual Legislative Education Forum. Join Sen. Beth Bye, Rep. Toni Walker, legislative staff, advocates, and lobbyists to learn how the budget process works, when in the process one can have an impact, and the current state of CT’s budget. CABHN’s Legislative Education Series fills up fast so reserve your spot today!

Jeremy Scahill Keynote Speaker in New Haven Oct. 8

Between the Lines Press Release

Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker of “Dirty Wars,” Jeremy Scahill will be the keynote speaker at Between The Lines/Squeaky Wheel Productions’ 25th anniversary event on Saturday, Oct. 8 at United Church on the Green, 270 Temple St., New Haven, from 2-4 p.m. He’ll address ongoing U.S. wars, drone warfare and other foreign policy issues facing the U.S. during this presidential election campaign and long after.

scahill-democracynowAdvance tickets are $10/ $15 at the door. Ticket outlet for main event: Best Video Film and Cultural Center, 1842 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Online tickets available at BrownPaperTickets.com: BetweenTheLines25thAnniversary.brownpapertickets.com.

Democracy in Action Awards will also be presented to Barbara Fair, New Haven community activist, to The Dragonfly Climate Collective and to Unidad Latina en Acción.

Scahill is an award-winning investigative journalist with The Nation magazine, correspondent for Democracy Now! and author of the bestselling book, “Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army,” about America’s outsourcing of its military. He is a two-time winner of the George Polk Award and producer and writer of the Academy Award-nominated documentary film “Dirty Wars,” based on his book. His latest book is “The Assassination Complex.”

After the talk, a reception and silent auction will be held in New Haven, $50/ticket. Please RSVP by Saturday, Oct. 1 by calling (203) 268-8446. We’ll give directions when you reserve and/or send check made payable to Squeaky Wheel Productions, P.O. Box 110176, Trumbull, CT 06611. Please include email and/or phone.

For more information see: http://Squeakywheel.net or call (203) 268-8446.

Co-sponsors include Progressive Action Roundtable at PAR-NewHaven.org, The Greater New Haven Peace Council chapter of USPeaceCouncil.org, Promoting Enduring Peace at www.pepeace.org and Middle East Crisis Committee at thestruggle.org.

The Solution is Socialism: A One Day Conference Oct. 22, CCSU New Britain

by CCSU Youth for Socialist Action

socialism“The Solution is Socialism” conference will be held at 105 Ella Grasso Blvd. in New Britain (Central CT State University campus) on Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Lunch will be served and the location is handicapped accessible. Please help us plan lunch and RSVP!

Call (203) 400-3246 or visit facebook.com/CCSUYSA.

It has never been clearer. Capitalism is the problem. It is a system built on inequality and exploitation, poverty for the vast majority of the world’s people, racism, sexism, homo-phobia, and the destruction of the planet’s life-sustaining natural systems. But what is the solution? Come to an educational conference organized around the conviction that we can build a socialist future managed and enriched by working class democracy, creativity and solidarity.

Speakers:

  • Alix Shabazz: Freedom Inc., Movement for Black Lives Today
  • David Kiely: Youth for Socialist Action, Capitalist Crisis & Revolutionary Socialist Strategy Today
  • Hannah A. Holleman: Amherst College, Method in Ecological Marxism
  • Charles Post: Borough of Manhattan Community College, Origins of US Capitalism
  • Alan Sears: Ryerson University, Toronto, Marxism and LGBTQI Liberation
  • Wendy Z. Goldman: Carnegie Mellon University, Women, the State, and Revolution
  • Edmond Caldwell: Independent Scholar, The Revolutionary Culture of the Paris Commune
  • Johnny E. Williams: Trinity College, The Carceral State as a Social Control and Profit-Making Agent

    International Guests:

  • Juan Cruz Ferre: Partido de los Trabajadores de Socialistas, The Left and Workers Front (FIT) Electoral Strategy and Victory in Argentina
  • Student Representative: Movimiento Independista Nacional Hostosiano, The Fight Against Austerity in Puerto Rico

    Special Appearance:

  • Jeff Mackler: Socialist Action candidate for President

The conference is free. Donations are appreciated.

Listen Here! Short Story Reading Series at the Institute Library.

by Bennett Graff, New Haven Review

Join us for a night of classic short stories selected by the staff of the New Haven Review and read by cast members of the New Haven Theater Co.  Reading starts at 7 p.m., with a talk back at 8 p.m. that explores the background, meaning, and dramatic interpretation of that night’s stories.  Also, freshly baked cookies–a different batch at each reading–and tea are available.  Admission free!  Join us every third Tuesday of the month at the Institute Library, 847 Chapel St. Our next reading will be October 18.  Our theme: “Can’t Live with ‘Em.” Our stories: “Chez Lambert” by Jonathan Franzen and “The Magic Barrel” by Bernard Malamud. Please note the Institute Library is one flight up and, most unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit us at www.institutelibrary.org.

DOT Hearings Regarding Increase in Bus Fares, Metro North and Shore Line East

Department of Transportation Holds Hearings Regarding Increase in Bus Fares, Metro North Fares and Shore Line East Fares
New Haven Hearing is Thursday, September 15 from 4-6 p.m. and 7-9 p.m at the New Haven Hall of Records, Room G-2, 200 Orange Street.
According to Gov. Malloy’s proposal, on Dec. 1, CT Transit bus service will increase from $1.50 to $1.75 and train rides will increase 5 percent.
Written comments on the proposed fare changes must be received by September 15, 2016 at COMMENT ON FARE CHANGES, Bureau of Public Transportation, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, P.O. Box 317546, Newington, CT 06131-7546 or [email protected].
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