Dear Friends,

On Tuesday, March 1st I will present I will present to the Board of Aldermen for their consideration and adoption the proposed City Budget and Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2011-2012.

It is my firm belief that this budget will strike the right balance between necessary services, fiscal prudence and accountability to the taxpayers of New Haven. At the same time this budgets advances the City toward its 3 core goals:

• The academic success of our public school children;

• The transformation of a bigger city center into a strong job and tax generator; and

• The strengthening of our neighborhoods.

To accomplish these goals, every City department will be asked to do more with less and in some cases will have to do less with less. What is clear is that this is a reset moment for the City.

Later this week the City will post all the details at http://cityofnewhaven.com/.

Here’s what else is happening in New Haven:

Dr. Suess’s Birthday

On Wednesday, March 2nd at 4pm, the Main Branch of the New Haven Library (330 Elm Street) will celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with stories, crafts, and games.

Green Tip:

Protect indoor air quality by using green cleaners and other cleaning supplies that participate in EPA's Design for the Environment program. For more information see: http://www.epa.gov/dfe/

Health Matters:

Health Matters wants to encourage families to become more informed about the many benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is lean, green, clean and free! It provides perfect nutrition and promotes joyful bonding with your baby. Breastfed babies are at a lower risk of being obese children. Breastfeeding saves money and water; it doesn't use energy for manufacturing or pollute the environment. You don’t have to worry about the risk of contamination from bacteria or other substances. It’s always fresh, the right temperature, and ready to feed!

Upcoming Cultural Events:

Mar 1. Kavafian-Schub-Shifrin Trio. Morse Recital Hall. 8pm. $20-30, Student $10

(203)432-4158

Mar. 2. Wednesday Classics: From Here To Eternity. Main Library. 5:45pm. 203-946-8835.

March 3. Exhibition Reception: "Women in the Arts: Mother and Daughter"

Kasbah Garden Café. 6pm-9pm. On view thru Mar. 30. www.margophoto.net

Mar 4-6. CATS. Shubert Theater. Fri. 7:30pm./Sat. 2 & 7:30pm/Sun. 2pm. $15-$72. www.shubert.com.

Feb. 4. CT Folk's First Friday Concert Series: Tim Grimm and Michael Smith.. 7:30pm. www.ctfolk.com/fridays.html

Mar. 4. China Anhui Traditional Orchestra. Battell Chapel. $10-$20; $5 for students. 7:30pm.http://www.gotobus.com/shows

Mar. 5. Edgewood Park Farmers Market. 10am-1pm. www.cityseed.org

Very truly yours,

John DeStefano, Jr.

Mayor

Contact Name: Adam Joseph

Contact Email: AJoseph@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660

[2/28/2011]