Dear friends,

This week marks the beginning on an innovative new program for at-risk teens in New Haven. CTRIBAT – a non-profit group founded by one of our police officers – will launch an after school program aimed at teaching youth about media production. The classes will take place at the Stetson Branch Library on Dixwell Ave. and will engage kids from neighborhoods all across New Haven. The program is funded by the New Haven Public Library, the New Haven Police Department, Empower New Haven, Yale University, and Yale-New Haven Hospital. It is one of many of efforts underway to help youth in New Haven make positive choices and learn valuable skills.

In other news, Lighthouse Point Park is about to get some upgrades that will help those with disabilities access the park. The State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's Long Island Sound Fund has awarded New Haven a $25,000.00 grant to help with our request entitled "Beach Access for All.” With the funds New Haven will purchase beach wheelchairs, make access improvements, and improve signage for next season. This will greatly improve the experience of wheelchair users when visiting the park.

Just in time for the holidays, the Elm City Parks Conservancy has commissioned its third annual medallion, the Angel of Peace, an item that makes a great holiday gift. The medallion is $12 and proceeds benefit the restoration of future statues. The medallions are available for sale to the public at the New Haven Colony Historical Society store, Info New Haven, a store at the corner of Chapel and College that sells city memorabilia, or on the web, by logging onto http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Parks/ecpc.asp.

Finally, if you’ve always wanted to start a business but didn’t know how – here’s your chance to learn. The Wilson Branch Library is offering a FREE Business Planning workshop, presented by Dennis Brown, Community Investment Corp. (CTCIC). The workshop is Wednesday from 12:30-2:30 and will provide a comprehensive

overview of the business start-up process. Bring your business plan and questions! Location: Wilson Branch Library, 303 Washington Ave. Please register online at www.guidezilla.com/nhfpl or call 946-2228 x207.

That will do it for this week’s Monday Message. Have a happy and healthy week!

Very truly yours,

John DeStefano, Jr.

Mayor

Contact Name: Derek Slap

Contact Email: dslap@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660

[12/12/2006]