FAIRFIELD — The Women’s Auxiliary of The Jewish Home for the Elderly, Fairfield, has announced Trumbull residents Rosalind and Arthur D. Friedman as honorees at the 2007 Fall Gala. Edward I. Koch, former New York City Mayor, attorney and author, will serve as keynote speaker.

This exciting event, themed “A Celebration of the ‘40s and the People Who Made Them Great,” will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2007, at the Stamford Marriott in Stamford, CT. Co-chaired by mother-daughter team Arleen Cook, of Easton, and Tara Cook-Littman, of Fairfield, along with the Fall Gala Committee, the program marks the Women’s Auxiliary’s multi-generational support of The Jewish Home and commitment to community service throughout Fairfield county.

Parents of three grown sons, two daughters-in-law and twin granddaughters, Roz and Arthur Friedman’s involvement with The Jewish Home has ranged from holding leadership positions to being rehab patients themselves. Roz has co-chaired the Women’s Auxiliary Spring Luncheon and chaired the Publicity committee. Arthur has served three terms as Corporate Secretary and is currently an Executive Committee Member of The Jewish Home for the Elderly Board of Directors.

Roz spent three weeks at the Home’s rehab to recover from double hip replacements; Arthur spent three months there recuperating from a stroke. Additionally, Arthur’s parents lived their later years at the Home. As such, they have an intimate and emotional connection to the Home and are proud to be honored at the Fall Gala.

“Our work at the Home has helped us to recognize the extraordinary care and compassion offered by this special place to our aging population, as well as to those seeking rehabilitation,” said the Friedmans. “We hope that this honor, which we are truly thrilled to receive, will encourage generous support from the community so that the Home can continue to carry on its many vital services and programs.”

Currently, Roz is an award-winning theatre critic and broadcaster for WMNR FM radio in Monroe. After marriage to Arthur in 1956, Roz began her active community life, including as founding member and President of Congregation B’nai Torah Sisterhood, President of Booth Hill School PTA and Chair for ten years of the Trumbull Literary Competition. For the past 30 years, Roz has written, accompanied and directed numerous original musicals and other theatrical productions.

Arthur has exemplified community leadership and service in Jewish and secular capacities. An attorney for nearly 50 years, Arthur has served as President of the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association. Also, he has been President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Congregation B’nai Torah, and its legal counsel for over 30 years. Other memberships include the Board of the United Jewish Council as well as the Advisory Board of the University of Bridgeport Law School. In 2003, Arthur received the Liberty Bell Award for Outstanding Community Service from the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association. In 1988, B’nai Torah awarded Arthur and Roz the first Chai Award for their leadership in community and synagogue.

“We are delighted to be co-chairing this fantastic program,” said Co-Chair Mrs. Cook. “It is an honor and pleasure to pay tribute to Roz and Arthur Friedman and The Jewish Home by celebrating the decade that resonates so clearly with the Home’s residents and Mr. Koch. The event will be an exciting audio-visual homage to the 1940s, featuring The Fairfield Counts Big Band as well as a video presentation of seven Jewish Home residents and their reflections on life 60 years ago.”

Funds from past events supported The Jewish Home’s Osteoarthritis Program of Excellence, pet therapy program and music enrichment program. The Women’s Auxiliary has raised over four million dollars for the Home over the past 38 years.

“This is our most important fund raiser of the year,” said Barbara Leder of Westport, President of the Women’s Auxiliary. “The support of the Women’s Auxiliary makes a tremendous difference in enhancing and enriching the lives of our residents, and the funds raised by this evening will be used directly to support programs specific to the needs of our residents. I invite everyone interested in the care of the elderly to participate by coming to our Gala, sharing the evening with our honorees and placing a special message in our commemorative journal.”

During Mr. Koch’s three terms as Mayor from 1978-1989, his groundbreaking fiscal and judicial systems saved the City from bankruptcy and restored both financial stability and morale. Prior, he served as Congressman and New York City Council member. He was drafted into the Army in 1943 during his last year at City College of New York, where he received two battle stars and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1946.

Currently, Mr. Koch is a partner in the law firm of Bryan Cave LLP, as well as a weekly radio host and TV guest, columnist, lecturer and author of numerous books including his latest, Buzz: How to Create It and Win With It, which he will be signing at the event.

To make a reservation for the Fall Gala or arrange an ad in the journal, please call 203-365-6409 or email Dayna Hayden at dhayden@jhe.org.

FAIRFIELD- Tom Kreitler has been named Chair of Operation Hope’s Annual Golf Classic to be held on September 10, 2007. The outing, now in its ninth year, seeks to raise money to benefit those who are homeless and hungry in the Greater Fairfield and Bridgeport Area. The tournament will be held at the Country Club of Fairfield, which has been rated by Golf Digest magazine as the #1 course in the state of Connecticut. The entry fee is $2,400 per foursome. Additionally, Title ($15,000), Lunch ($5,000) Cocktail ($5,000), Cart ($250) and Hole ($250) sponsorship opportunities exist.

Registration and Range opening will kickoff at 10:00 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. Tee-off will be a Shotgun Start at 12:30 p.m. From 5:30-8:00 p.m., golfers will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres during which a raffle and auction will be held and awards presented.

“We are working to secure sponsors and players for this year’s event.” said Event Chair and Operation Hope Board Member Tom Kreitler of Fairfield. “In the past, tournament participants have had a great time at this event while, at the same time, contributing to an important local cause. Unfortunately, there are a growing number of people in our community who are in need of our services and this event has made a big difference in our ability to offer a helping hand to families.” Kreitler is a Principal with C.P. Eaton Partners, LLC, a fund placement firm in Rowayton, Connecticut.

Operation Hope’s Executive Director, Carla Miklos, said, “Operation Hope is grateful for the community support that this event has enjoyed in that past. Not only is it a wonderful day in a beautiful setting, but the funds raised support our efforts to help local residents avoid homelessness. We look forward to another successful event that allows all those who participate an opportunity to have a great time while also making a difference for our neighbors in need.”

Last year the tournament drew over 100 players from neighboring towns and New York and raised over $63,000 to support Operation Hope. “We were really pleased with the turnout last year, and are hoping to build upon that success and raise even more money for the organization at this year’s event,” said Kreitler. “It’s a top-notch course, and a day well-spent for a good cause.”

Operation Hope, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1986 by local citizens concerned about individuals in the community unable to meet their own basic needs of food and shelter. The organization works to end homelessness, one person at a time. Its stated mission is: “The mission of Operation Hope is to provide innovative solutions to homelessness in Fairfield and the surrounding community through housing development, advocacy, education and personalized support services for individuals and families. We help people to reach their potential in an environment where compassion inspires dignity and hope.

Those interested in making a donation to support the organization’s programs or volunteering time to help are invited to contact Lyndsey Ellis at LEllis@OperationHopeCT.org or 203-254-2935 or visit the website at www.OperationHopeCT.org.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. Fairfield University presents the world premiere of “RAVENOUS,” an ensemble-created work initiated, co-directed and performed by Jon Micheels Leiseth, assistant professor at the university. The show runs Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 20, 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. in the Wien Experimental Theatre at the Quick Center for the Arts. The performances are the culmination of a weeklong residency with “RAVENOUS” cast members, during which Fairfield theater students will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop with the professional troupe that focuses on ensemble-creation of original theater performance. In addition, the ensemble will attend theater classes and will enjoy an audience talkback after each show.

Through the dynamic retelling of the meteoric rise and fall of each of Henry VIII’s six wives, “RAVENOUS” brings to life a deadly competition. The seven-member ensemble does its best to please the king, a character who this lively group has unexpectedly designated as the audience. With this convention firmly in place, the exploration of power, gender and survival becomes an inevitable theatrical roller coaster ride. Audience participation in the crucial role of the king, informs a playful tone that allows for inventive perspectives on history. Leiseth describes “RAVENOUS” as “a theatrical martini laced with love, shaken not stirred.”

Leiseth joined the Fairfield University faculty in the fall of 2006 and, in addition to his teaching responsibilities in the theater program in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, he acted the role of God last year in Fairfield alumnus Jared Mezzocchi’s “The One Stoplight in Hollis.” His teaching focus is on acting with a specialization in the ensemble-creation of original theatre performance, also known as “devising.”

“Since ‘RAVENOUS’ is an example of a devised production — co-authored by the performers as opposed to a singular playwright — I see it as the perfect way to introduce my work locally. I look forward to developing a professional ensemble-creation right here in the Fairfield area,” Leiseth states, “And,” he continues, “my hope is that the show will draw out potential future collaborators.”

Leiseth secured funding for “RAVENOUS” through The Humanities Institute of the College of Arts and Sciences and Theatre Fairfield, the producing arm of the theater program at Fairfield University. The funding makes possible the weeklong artistic residency, which includes class visits, a workshop, performances, an opening night reception and performance talkbacks.

Sarah Gatti, a Fairfield sophomore, was invited by Leiseth to participate in the creation and performance of the “RAVENOUS” ensemble. As a winner of one of the Mary Louise Larrabee Prizes that are presented to a select group of students majoring or minoring in the arts at Fairfield’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts, Gatti was able to pay for her expenses to travel to Minneapolis where “RAVENOUS” was developed during the summer of 2007. “Sarah dove into the project with playfulness, integrity and a terrific ability to see with great clarity!” Leiseth commented. Fairfield students will have the opportunity to further explore ensemble-creation with the final show of the Theatre Fairfield season. In April, Leiseth will direct “dis/connect,” a devised production. The “dis/connect” company will concurrently enroll in a course that focuses on ensemble-creation methods. A development team comprised of Fairfield students and faculty members are already working with Leiseth to further define the project.

Tickets are $12 for general admission, $6 for seniors and university staff, $5 for students and can be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com or by calling the Box Office at 203-254-4010. The toll free number is 1-877-ARTS-396. For further information, please visit the website at www.quickcenter.com

Walgreens has filed another application to open one of its stores in the Stratfield building formerly housing the IGA supermarket. Local residents have been battling this intrusion into their neighborhood since the local market was forced to close. Samuel Lotstein Realty, LLC refused to renew the IGA lease and subsequently began dealings with Walgreens.

There have been several legal skirmishes in this battle so far with the local neighborhood association coming out ahead ... but Walgreens obviously isn't giving up. At this point one wonders why Walgreens wants to force fit a store into a location where they seemingly aren't wanted.

Click here to see previous What's Up Fairfield stories on this issue.

In an attempt to maintain the character of their neighborhoods four individuals, represented by Attorney Joel Green, have submitted proposed zoning regulations furthering the concept of "Neighborhood Design Business Districts".

The application for amending the zoning regulations states...

By way of background, several municipalities have adopted or amended their zoning regulations or ordinances in order to preserve the character of local neighborhoods and districts.

Section 12.5 of the Zoning Regulations of the Town of Fairfield provides, in part, that “the purpose of (neighborhood design business districts) is to provide local neighborhoods with needed and desirable convenience, goods and services in a manner which will not be detrimental to the surrounding residential areas.” My clients and I believe that the enclosed proposed amendments are consistent with this intent.

Click here to view the proposed amendments.

Recent disputes regarding Walgreens' attempt to replace the Stratfield local IGA market and attempts to develop apartments atop existing small stores in the Greenfield hill area have highlighted need for these proposed zoning regulations.

Click here to read prior What's Up Fairfield articles on this issue.

OOPS …. The controversial project to begin demolition of Penfield Pavilion has been delayed…..and consistent with previous cost projections by the Town’s First Selectman it will also cost more than projected.

The proposal by the First Selectman was to demolish the easterly wing of the 106 year- old Pavilion at Penfield Beach and rebuild the private lockers that were located there.

No architectural drawings or project plans were completed and reviewed prior to the First Selectman ensuring the Board of Finance and the RTM that this portion of the project would cost the Town $865,000.

The lowest bid received by the Town for demolition / reconstruction of this portion of the Pavilion was $989,000. Other bids received were in the range between $1,300,000 and $1,490,000.

Which makes the lowest bid received 14.3% higher than projected by the First Selectman. While the bids received from other companies ranged between 50% and 72% higher than the First Selectman’s estimates.

But that is not the total story. The bids did not include the expenses for the outdoor deck (est. at $97,000) lighting protection (est. at $10,500) needed skylights ($29,200) and most importantly the foundation ($118,000).

Adding those estimates to the lowest bid received leaves the project at a whopping 43.7% over original cost estimates. If the expenses are added to the other bids received for the project cost estimates are in excess of 80% to 102% of the First Selectman’s cost estimates.

Click here for previous What's Up Fairfield stories on this controversial project.

Stratfield Village Association is continuing its fight against the giant pharmaceutical, and everything but the kitchen sink, retailer Walgreens.

On January 29th SVA began circulation of an online petition urging the commissioners of the Fairfield Town Planning and Zoning Commission to reject an application by Walgreens to operate a store at 1280 Stratfield Road in Fairfield, CT.

By Wednesday evening this petition had already been signed by over 204 people! The petition will be presented to the TPZ on March 1st.

According to the SVA web site your name and address will only be given to the TPZ on the petition. None of your personal information will be distributed either by the SVA.

To help the Stratfield neighborhood in its efforts opposing the giant Walgreens Store you can sign the petition by following the link below.

Click here to view and sign the Petition Against Walgreens in Stratfield Village.

For more information on Stratfield Village Association visit their web site : http://www.stratfieldvillageassociation.org

Click here for past What's Up Fairfield stories on this issue.

• Walgreens, with 5,584 stores and $47.4 billion in revenue opens a new store every 18 hours and has plans for 500 new stores this year ………
• Walgreens has an alliance with Take Care Health Systems, an in-store clinic provider that has already opened walk-in ambulatory centers in some 50 Walgreens stores ….
• Walgreens has high hopes for its new European Beauty Collection, a high-end line of skin care products….

So why does Walgreens need to chase out the little IGA Market in Stratfield ??

Walgreens Corporation is now taking the Town of Fairfield to court … all because the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has said that Walgreens needs the Town Planning and Zoning Board’s (TPZ) approval.

On Friday, January 19th, Walgreens filed a lawsuit against the town’s ZBA for the January 4th ruling that the pharmacy chain needed another zoning board's approval before they could open at the location of the former IGA market in Stratfield.

No Town Board has, of yet, told Walgreens they cannot open at the location of the former Stratfield Supermarket. The ZBA merely stipulated that Walgreens must follow the standard change of use practice of going before the TPZ.

At the January 4th ZBA meeting John Fallon, attorney for Walgreens, contended the pharmacy conglomerate, did not need TPZ approval because it will not alter the building structurally and is a retail use, as was the supermarket previously located in the building.

Attorney Joel Z. Green, representing the Stratfield Village Association, noted the proposed Walgreens is in an area called a Neighborhood Designed Business District. There are twelve such districts in Fairfield: the Stratfield area in question is one, the foot of Greenfield Hill and the heart of Southport are also among those designated as Neighborhood Designed Business Districts.

Mr. Green quoted the regulations as saying the very purpose of such a zone is to "provide local neighborhoods with needed and desirable convenience goods and services in a manner which will not be detrimental to the surrounding residential areas. The uses permitted in this zone shall be limited to those which will primarily serve the local neighborhood.”

After listening to both attorneys, and the 30 or so neighbors who rose to address the issue, ZBA Chairman Robert Brennan stated "I do think when they created this Neighborhood Designed Business District, they truly had something in mind — stores that do primarily serve a local neighborhood, and I'm not sure Walgreens does fit that definition."

The Fairfield Zoning Board of Appeals agreed with their Chairman that the zone proposed for the store was intended for small businesses and not national chains. The ZBA ruled, by a vote of 4 to 1, that Walgreens would have to apply to the Town Planning and Zoning Commission for a change-of-use certificate.

So Walgreens, with its $47.4 billion in revenue and 5,584 stores, is taking the Town to court… Superior Court in Bridgeport… because they don’t believe they should comply with our Town regulations.

For more information on Stratfield Village Association visit the web site: http://www.stratfieldvillageassociation.org/

Plastic Wood & Tile at the Beach?

Many Fairfield residents have fond memories of Penfield Pavilion. And while most agree the bathrooms could use some work many residents seem concerned that this vendible old facility is in the sites of “The Wrecking Ball” and soon to be replaced by a facility constructed of “Plastic Wood” and “Tile”.

This grand, funky, beachy pavilion was built in 1901 and has survived the legendary hurricane of 1938 that devastated much of the town's shoreline, as well as less powerful hurricanes in 1956 and 1985. None the less, First Selectman Ken Flatto has led the pack in proposing that one of the last vestiges of Fairfield’s historic character be demolished and replaced with plastic!

The Board of Selectmen on Wednesday voted to approve spending $865,000 to demolish and replace the 105-year-old beachfront pavilion's easterly wing, which includes lockers, restrooms and showers. The town hopes to demolish and replace the westerly wing in early 2008, and the following winter, to do the same on the pavilion's center. So in fact the First Selectman has signaled the intent to demolish the entire building, yet there are no cost estimates for this entire job.

Plans for the new easterly wing include flooring made of “Plastic Wood” and “Tiled” bathrooms which seems more that a little incongruous with the beach and nature. Also the plans call replacement of l60 day lockers … a bonus for those lucky enough to have “first dibs” on these lockers.

Troubling many is that the Town plans to use a state grant for some of the expense. By doing so the Town is obligated to allow non-Fairfield residents to use the Pavilion.

Wilton, CT – A wily wolf, an astonishing owl, a slithery snake and a spindly spider are just a few of the live creatures that will visit Wilton Library this summer during the Fantasy Beasts & Books summer reading program for children up to age twelve. The reading program includes drop-in story times, drop-in crafts, and live animal events throughout June, July and August. To celebrate the long-anticipated arrival of the Harry Potter book and movie in July, the library has a seven-day extravaganza called Harry Potterpalooza that includes a potions class, fortunetelling, a day at Hogsmeade and a Hogwarts banquet. Registration week for the reading program starts Monday, June 18 with the program running through Friday, August 17. Kids can stop by any time to color their personal dragon- and hat-shaped posters. The children’s individual posters will be marked with stickers to record the progress of their summer reading whether they read the books themselves or are read to by family, friends and caregivers. The summer reading program is sponsored in part by Stop & Shop and The Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation. Activities from June through August are scheduled as follows:

• Summer Reading: June 18 through August 17 children of all ages can register for the program by simply signing up. Whether children are reading on their own or at the read-to-me stage, progress can be measured by the number of stickers each child puts on his or her individually decorated dragon poster.

• Drop-In Story Times: Various Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer for ages 1 – 6. No registration required and no charge for programs. Ones and Twos with Caregivers 10:15 – 10:45; Threes and Fours 11:15 – 11:45; Fives and Sixes 2 – 2:45. No program charge. No registration. June 19, 26, July 5, 19, 24, 31 and August 7 and 14.

• Take A Magic Carpet Ride to England: Wednesday, June 20, 4 – 5 p.m. for grades 2 – 6. Illustrator Emma Sutherland takes kids on a journey to England, home of Harry Potter, King Arthur and other wonderful tales. English tea served. No charge. Advance registration required.

• Drop-In Fantasy Beasts & Books Crafts Each week children of all ages can drop-in to make an assigned craft. Sample creations available for kids to follow. No charge and no registration required. Dates: June 21, 28, July 12, 17, 26, August 2, 9 and 16. Sponsored by The Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation.

• Incredible Creature Crafts Kids entering 4th grade and up can enjoy making more involved crafts. No charge for program. Advance registration recommended. Dates: June 21, 28, July 17, 26, August 2, 9 and 16. Sponsored by The Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation.

• Wednesday Wonders Children can enjoy live animal events and some pure fun times with these programs:
o Atka the Artic Wolf, June 27, from 2 – 3 p.m. Learn about wolves and the environment. No charge for program. No registration required. First come, first served basis for admittance starting at 1:30. The first 150 people (children and caregivers) to register at the door will attend the program. Sponsored by The Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation.

o The Lost Ark, July 11, 1 – 1:30 up to age 6; 2 – 3 p.m. for children entering first grade and up. Research and education program teaches kids about endangered species. No charge and no registration. Doors open one-half hour before programs begin. First 150 children and caregivers in each session will attend the programs. Sponsored by The Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation.

o Wind Over Wings, July 25, 1 – 1:30 up to age 6; 2 – 3 p.m. for children entering first grade and up. Birds include a laughing kookaburra, an owl, a parrot, a cockatoo and a macaw. No charge and no registration. Doors open one-half hour before programd begin. First 150 children and caregivers in each session will attend the programs. Sponsored by The Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation.

o A Day with the Princesses, August 1; Kids are invited to the library to enjoy their favorite fantasy princesses. The princesses will be on hand to give autographs, serve refreshments, and help with coloring sheets. Sponsored by Stop & Shop.

o Bubble-mania with Casey Carle, August 15, 2 – 3 p.m. Enjoy the big bubble, magical fun of bubble artist, Casey Carle. Children under 5 must be accompanied by adults. No charge for program. Doors open one-half hour before program begins. First 150 children and caregivers to register at the door will attend the program. Sponsored by Stop & Shop.

• Reel Fridays, July 27, August 3, 10 and 17, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. free movies for ages 3 – 5; 2 – 4 p.m. for older children. Children under 8 must be accompanied by adults; children 8 and over must have caregivers remain in the building. No charge and no registration required. Call library for details. Sponsored by Louis Dreyfus Corporation.

During Harry Potterpalooza week, children have an assortment of activities leading up to the movie and book releases as follows:
• Movie Countdown: Thursday, July 5, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 4 – 6:45; Friday, July 6, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, 3 – 5:45; Monday, July 9 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, 4 – 6:45 and Tuesday, July 10, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 4 – 6:45. Children under 8 must be accompanied by adults; children 8 and over must have caregivers remain in the building. No charge or registration required.

• Potions Class, Saturday, July 14, 2 – 3 p.m. Children can visit with Professors Snape and Trelawney to learn some potions. No charge. No registration.
• Puppet Shows, Monday, July 16, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
• Chess, Monday, July 16, 1 – 6 p.m. Children can come play chess with friends.
• Professor Trelawney Tells Fortunes, Monday, July 16, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
• A Day at Hogsmeade, Wednesday, July 18, 1- 3 p.m. Children can find their way around with a Marauder’s Map. Honeydukes, face painting, balloons, fortune telling and puppet shows abound, and at 2:30, a scavenger hunt for kids entering 2nd grade and up. No charge and no registration. Sponsored by Stop & Shop.
• Predictions Discussion, Thursday, July 19, 4 – 5 p.m. Professor Trelawney leads a discussion of the Harry Potter books with particular emphasis on predictions about the last book. For children entering 2nd grade and older. Kids are welcome to share their predictions. No program charge. No registration.
• Banquet at Hogwarts, Friday, July 20, 10 – midnight (or later). For children entering grades 3 and up. Fee is $50 per child which includes cost of new book which every child receives at midnight. The library will remain open for those who wish to stay and read -- a parent or caregiver must stay with the child for those who will be reading. Bagels, coffee and juice will be available throughout the night. Advance registration required. Call Lesley Keogh at (203) 762-3950 x 248. Open to first 30 registrants. Advance registration and payment required to secure the reservation. Proceeds benefit future Children’s Library programs. Sponsored by Stop & Shop.

To register for any of the programs or for more information, visit the library’s Web site at www.wiltonlibrary.org/events or call (203) 762-3950. Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center.

Bill Establishes Mandatory Minimum Jail Sentences for Sexual Assault of a Child, Takes Aim at Growing Threat of Online Child Predators

Hartford, CT – Senate Minority Leader John McKinney (R-Fairfield) took a giant step toward accomplishing a major legislative goal Tuesday when the Connecticut State Senate unanimously passed Jessica’s Law for Connecticut. The law, which Senator McKinney and fellow Senate Republicans have fought to enact since 2006, establishes mandatory minimum jail sentences (25 yrs for a first offense, 50 yrs for a second) for adults accused of sexually assaulting a child.

The bill also targets the increasing number of child sex crimes committed online by establishing mandatory minimum prison terms (5 yrs for a first offense, 10 yrs for a second) for adults who use the Internet to attempt to entice a child age 12 and under into sexual contact. This measure was a key provision of the Internet Child Protection Act introduced by Senator McKinney in January.

“This is one of the most important bills we will pass this session,” said Senator McKinney. “Our laws, for too long, have not been tough enough on child predators. With this new law, we are sending a strong message to parents and children that child molesters will be dealt with severely. We are sending a strong message to child predators that they will be caught and sent to prison for a very long time. And we are sending a strong message to our judges that sexual assault of a child warrants a serious punishment that fits the gravity of this heinous crime.”

Jessica’s Law for Connecticut creates a new crime, “aggravated sexual assault of a minor,” for adults who commit a sex offense against a child under the age of thirteen. The bill also sets out several aggravating factors that would trigger the new law including kidnap, stalking offenses and offenses against multiple victims.

“We know that child predators are more likely than any other criminal to repeat their offenses, and we know the physical and emotional scars on their victims never go away,” said Senator McKinney. “There is at present no reliable way to rehabilitate these offenders, and society simply cannot tolerate the threat of their addiction. Sentencing of these criminals must be severe. Not as a deterrent, but as a necessary measure to prevent these assailants from striking again.”

Subsequent to other sex offender proposals, some of which were met with widespread opposition, Senate Republicans began working with Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane to reach a workable solution to strengthen Connecticut’s laws regarding child predators. The bill passed Tuesday is the result of those discussions.

The original Jessica’s Law was passed in Florida in response to the kidnapping and killing of nine year old Jessica Lunsford. Jessica was abducted from her bedroom by a released pedophile. Her body was later found in a shallow grave, encased in two black plastic garbage bags, her hands clutching a stuffed animal. She suffocated to death after being raped and buried alive.

McKinney and fellow Senate Republicans pressed the General Assembly to pass Jessica’s Law throughout the 2006 session. Regrettably, while the Senate was able to pass a compromise bill, Jessica’s Law was quietly pigeonholed in the House and session adjourned before the measure was ever brought up for a vote. McKinney is more optimistic about the bill’s fate this year.

“We have fought hard to pass this bill and we’ve changed a lot of minds along the way,” said Senator McKinney. “Jessica’s Law for Connecticut is finally receiving the bi-partisan support it has always deserved. It passed the Judiciary Committee and the Senate unanimously, and we expect the House to pass this law before session adjourns on June 6. Parents and their children are counting on us.

It’s one thing to send your child away to college, it’s another when the college then sends your child to the other side of the world. Here is Bob Greenberger’s perspective….

Colleges these days push the idea that the junior year is a great time to explore the world. All tout their affiliations with programs and schools around the world and students will be encouraged to spend a semester, or even two, far, far away.

What they don’t tell you is how much you will miss your children when the miles apart grow by the thousands. Nor do they tell you what a marvelous opportunity it can be for families to have once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our daughter Kate is a junior at George Washington University’s Elliot School for International Affairs. A Middle East studies major, it was clear that she needed to be exposed to the lifestyle and culture of the Middle East and the best program for her appeared to be American University in Cairo. That institution was founded by the Egyptian elite, creating a place for their children to be taught in the American way. Since its founding in 1929, it has become a magnet for students from around the world.

Kate left just before Labor Day and thanks to the miracle of long-distance calling, instant messaging, e-mail, Skype (an internet-based calling system) and web cameras, she didn’t always feel so far away. But she wasn’t there for Thanksgiving or Christmas and things certainly didn’t feel the same.

Having loved Ancient Egyptian civilization since a youth, I had always hoped someday to walk where the Pharaohs ruled. Deb was less fascinated by the place but agreed that seeing Kate would make the trip worthwhile. Our freshman son Robbie, despite missing his sister terribly, wanted nothing to do with the trip so he got to stay home and watch the dogs.

Egypt used to be in the headlines, saber-rattling with Israel, but has since become a more moderate state. It certainly has stayed out of the horrors of the last few years so would be a safe place to study and visit. It’s also an interesting mix of First and Third world and certainly vastly different than America.

Our first idea that things were going to different were when we left the airport and had to negotiate with the cabbie for the trip to Kate’s apartment on the small island of Zamalek, nestled on the Nile. Cabbies don’t use the meters in their taxis and only use stoplights as suggestions. When Kate spoke to them in Arabic, they reacted differently, more comfortably negotiating in their native tongue. Being the man, I always rode up front while the women took the backseat. The drivers would often try and use their minimal English to make small talk, some succeeding better than others. Clearly, a good living can be made from the taxi. One driver told us that he was supporting three siblings in college and raising a child, expecting a second and did this on the income from two cars.

Zamalek is a relatively nice, English-built neighborhood, home to many embassies and specialized schools. It’s got many nice places to walk and most streets have crowded, tiny shops that sold specialties: fruits and vegetables, canned goods, heating supplies, pharmaceuticals, etc. A fine coating of dust, from the desert just beyond the city limits, was everywhere so people were constantly sweeping the sidewalks or wiping down cars. Often we’d see people walk by, carrying small trays with glasses of tea, supplying the local merchants.

Cairo itself is a city not unlike New York in that it is a mosaic, with old and new sections abutting one another with no rhyme or reason. The older sections look rundown, in need of infrastructure repair or at least a fresh coat of paint. The newer buildings look very western and could easily fit in around Europe or the US. People wore everything from traditional garb like the hajib to clothing you could find at the Gap. Everyone seemed to have a cell phone or pager and used them constantly. As people bustled to work, others lounged playing dominoes and smoking from the hookah. Unemployment runs high in Egypt despite mandatory military service that places bored-looking soldiers at almost every street corner.

In and around the city, there remain amazing relics from the past. Some are housed in the famed Cairo Museum while others, like the Citadel (Kate’s personal favorite), can be seen in person. It amazed me that we could get in a cab and less than an hour later be at Giza, home to the Great Pyramids.

We grow up thinking of vast sand dunes, sweeping deserts under blazing blue skies, and in the distance loom nothing but the pyramids. Instead, civilization has encroached closer and closer until the pyramids and the Sphinx had to be walled off, enclosed like a wild game preserve in Africa. The cab or tour bus drops you off by an entrance and then, before you get to the ticket booths, you’re inundated with vendors or pushy people trying to sell you camel rides. You could buy postcards, souvenir books, reproductions, and other bric-a-brac, none of it worth having.

Clearing the ticket taker, you can then approach the pyramids and only then do the years begin to drift away. Looking forward, all you see are the pyramids, the last remnants of the original Seven Wonders of the World. You can no longer climb the pyramids (don’t tell, but I scaled partway up one when no one was looking) but you can stand right beside them and gaze in wonder. These testaments to once great kings remain, weathered but impressive.

Before them, sunken and unreachable, is the Sphinx. Looking down on it, the enigmatic construct looks smaller than you would imagine and appears like a trapped animal in a zoo enclosure. And what is the Sphinx gazing at these days? Turn around, and just past the gates you can see KFC and Pizza Hut. Rather sad.

Our trip lasted two weeks and we traveled from Aswan to Luxor on a Nile cruise to see the Valley of the Kings and we trained to Alexandria for two days. All along, we sampled foods, bargained for goods at the famous Khan el Kalili bazaar, marveled at the sights and were never less than impressed as Kate played guide and interpreter. As awed and excited as we were to see these marvels from a world long gone, we were simply delighted to be seeing them with our daughter, enjoying her company for two solid weeks.

The colleges tell you the junior year abroad is a great opportunity for kids, but they really can be wonderful experiences for families.

You can read more of Bob’s writing on his web site. The link is listed on What's Up Fairfield under favorite blogs … click here to jump to that spot !

Summer 2006 - Stratfield Village Association protested Walgreens intrusion into neighborhood

In an effort to persuade Walgreens that they should not pursue opening a store in their neighborhood, members of the Stratfield Village Association (SVA) announced today that they would officially boycott all Walgreens stores.

"I will never shop in a Walgreens, ever again!" said SVA founding member Maryann Garcia.

"We are urging our friends and neighbors to join the boycott," said SVA member Heather Martens. "Walgreens does not need to invade our neighborhoods with their big box stores that all sell the same merchandise. Stores like that belong in commercially zoned areas."

Click here to read rest of the story. The boycott has already reached states as far away as Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico. "We are making calls and sending emails to everyone in our address books", said Garcia. "We hope that Walgreens will pay attention."

Walgreens has applied to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a parking variance at the proposed Stratfield site. The ZBA is expected make a decision when it meets on January 4th. Walgreens reportedly plans to open three additional stores in the town of Fairfield. Those site locations have not been announced—making other Fairfield neighborhood groups extremely interested in the ZBA's upcoming decision.

The SVA has been leading a battle to keep the national chain store out of its village center. Last summer, a small grocery store on the property in question, at the intersection of Stratfield and Fairfield Woods roads, closed when the owners of the property refused to renew the lease of longtime tenant Glen Rega, who managed an IGA grocery store at the site.

The SVA has forwarded more than 500 letters from area residents to Walgreens CEO Jeffrey Rein. SVA President Julie DeMarco was preparing to send more letters this week, this time wrapped in a festive holiday ribbon. "I truly hope that Walgreens will take the time to consider this case carefully," said DeMarco. "There is still time for them to back out gracefully, with little public relations damage." DeMarco continued, "If you check the Walgreens' website, you will learn that the Stratfield site falls far short of Walgreens' own established site criteria. I cannot understand why they have persisted in the face of public outcry; it's simply not an ideal site for them in the first place."

The Stratfield Village site is in a neighborhood-design district, not a commercial zone. The town of Fairfield has twelve neighborhood-design districts; if the Zoning Board of Appeals approves a parking variance to allow a Stratfield Walgreens, it will be a significant precedent for both the town and for the fast-growing chain. Other neighborhood groups such as Greenfield Hill Association and Southport Village Association are anxiously awaiting the ZBA decision.

The site's parking variance was originally granted specifically to a grocery store. "A grocery store makes sense in this neighborhood-design district," noted Martens. "A grocery stores provides fresh produce, meats, dairy products and Kosher foods, and it serves all ages of the community. Our senior citizens have been hit hardest by the IGA's closing. Many of them used to walk to the store daily. Now, the closest grocery stores are huge supermarkets the seniors have to drive to."

"If Walgreens backs out of the Stratfield site, the SVA will immediately revoke the boycott," DeMarco added. "We have nothing against Walgreens per se, we just feel that they should stay in Fairfield's commercial zones."

Posted by: Stratfield Village Association

Click here for previous What's Up Fairfield stories on Walgreens.

For more information, visit the Stratfield Village Association’s website: http://www.stratfieldvillageassociation.org/

December 7th, 2006
Fairfield Legislators, Residents Convince State Insurance Department to Reject Insurers’ Requirement for Costly Storm Shutters

HARTFORD, CT -- Citing mounting complaints and “the frustration and anger from homeowners” the State Insurance Department announced Tuesday it will reverse a June decision that would have required residents living within ¾ of a mile of Long Island Sound to install storm shutters at an estimated cost of $50,000 to $100,000 per home as a condition of their homeowner policy renewal.

The long awaited reversal was applauded today by Senator John McKinney (R-Fairfield) and Representative Tom Drew (D-Fairfield) who together led a wave of local opposition to the department’s earlier decision.

“Fairfield legislators and residents exposed the storm shutter requirement for what it was – an excessive and unfair imposition put on thousands of Connecticut homeowners,” said Senator McKinney. “Though long overdue, we are pleased by the Department’s reversal.”

"I am very thankful and pleased this hurricane shutter requirement was rescinded. This was an extremely ill advised ruling which would have resulted in economic and other havoc. We will now have an opportunity to review these issues in a more deliberative legislative process to the extent it is necessary. I thank all those who also opposed this ruling,” said Representative Drew.

New guidelines issued Tuesday by the State Insurance Department ban the shutter requirement and prohibit insurance companies from terminating coverage when customers fail to take certain steps to protect their homes from storm damage.

Regarding the Department’s new coastal underwriting guidelines, Senator McKinney commented, “Although today is a victory for all shoreline residents, we will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect citizens from further outrageous increases in insurance premiums.”

Click here to read the Insurance Department’s press release regarding new guidelines covering insurance for coastal homeowners.

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John Jones, President of Greenfield Hill Village Improvement Society, threw the switch and the Greenfield Hill Christmas Tree came to life! This annual Greenfield Hill Tree Lighting took place Sunday December 3rd.

Located on the Town owned Green at the intersection of Bronson Road, Hillside Road and Meeting House Lane the Tree is lit each year by GHVIS.

Festivities this year included the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church Junior Choir singing traditional holiday carols. In addition Alida Ward, Pastor at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, led the assembled group in a reflection and prayer. Following the tree lighting GHVIS invited everyone to share some hot cider and cookies.

Special thanks goes to Mr. Handy Man for donating his services to supply both the lights and the hard work to ensure the tree was lit to perfection! Click here to see more pictures of the festivities.

Photographs courtesy of: Len TavorminaFor more information on Greenfield Hill Village Improvement Society see: http://www.ghvis.org/

During the holiday season the requisite Poinsetta, holly and mistletoe can look uninspiring. Seeking another approach interior designer Ronald P. Marshall gave his interpretation of the holiday by working with the season’s colors, red and green, punctuating them with a sparkle of candlelight and ice.


Click here for more information on this event.

Click here to see more photos.

Photographs by: Jack Farrell

Tom Bremmer is the Chairman of the High Street Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA). The LRA is charged with determining the future use of the Army Reserve Center at 180 High Street.

The army is willing to deed the land to the Town of Fairfield … contingent on the Town developing a use plan for the space. Mr. Bremmer has been conducting meetings to hear from individuals and organizations who have proposals for use of the land.

Martha Brooks, a member of the RTM, is on the LRA committee. On Tuesday November 21st Mr. Bremmer was given presentations by the following organizations/individuals:

Johnathan Rose Companies …. a network of multidisciplinary planning and development firms with primary practices in New York City, the Hudson River Valley and the Rocky Mountains. Their web site states their mission as: "to repair the fabric of communities". To learn more about Jonathan Rose companies go to:
http://www.rosecompanies.com

New Samaritan Corporation: Their web site states their mission as follows: hereby recognize the need for Affirmative Action, whose purpose is to undertake positive actions to overcome present effects of past barriers to equal employment opportunity and practice equality in employment opportunities to achieve full and fair participation in the work force of qualified persons identified as Black, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American Indian, Women, Persons With Disabilities, and to comply with all anti-discrimination statutes of State, federal and local law as listed at the end of this section who may be underutilized in the company’s work force or affected by policies having an adverse impact on them. To learn more about New Samaritan Corpoaration go to:
http://www.newsamaritancorp.org/AffirmativeAction.htm

Mishkan Day Camp
For more information on the camp see:http://www.mishkanisrael.com

Click here to see the prior WhatsUpFairfield story.