As we come off a weekend of heavy snowfall, I want to remind all New Haven property owners that clearing the snow on the sidewalks and around your homes is your responsibility. This rule applies to both commercial and residential property owners and it requires that sidewalks be cleared within 24 hours of the end of a storm. In addition, I encourage residents to check the City’s website or call 203-946-SNOW for information on parking bans, service changes, and other weather-related messages during inclement weather. The City of New Haven also utilizes the 3N Emergency Notification System to communicate emergency information; however, residents with unlisted phone numbers and those who have placed their phone numbers on the national Do Not Call List will not receive a phone call in the event of a City emergency. I strongly encourage all residents to add your phone numbers to the notification system by visiting: www.cityofnewhaven.com/emergencyinfo/optin.asp

Here’s what’s happening in the City this week:

“Safe at Home” News Conference

On Tuesday, January 13th, I will be joining Chief Lewis and Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz at a news conference to raise awareness about the “Safe at Home” program. This program keeps the addresses and personal information of enrolled domestic violence and sexual assault victims confidential. The press conference will be held in the second floor Atrium of City Hall, 125 Church St., at 1 p.m.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

On Wednesday, January 14th, the American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the Public Hearing Room located in the lower level of 200 Orange Street. To schedule an appointment, please call: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit: www.givelife.org.

Chinese New Year Festival

On Saturday, January 17th at 4 p.m., the Neighborhood Music School, located on 100 Audubon St., will be holding an inter-generational, inter-cultural celebration of the Chinese New Year. The festival will include music, crafts, and a pot-luck supper. Participants are encouraged to bring a Chinese dish to share. For more information, please call: 203-624-5189 or visit: www.nmsmusicschool.org.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

This weekend, the Yale Peabody Museum, located on 170 Whitney Ave., will be holding Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice 2009. The event, which will take place from noon to 4p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, will include world-class performances and educational activities for visitors of all ages to illustrate Dr. King’s efforts to ensure environmental and social justice among all people. For more information, please call: 203-432-5050 or visit: www.peabody.yale.edu.

Green Tip of the Week

Did you forget to set back your thermostat as recommended in last week’s Green Tip? Use a programmable thermostat (certified by Energy Star) to change your temperature settings automatically. An average household will save approximately $150 annually!

The following events are taking place in the New Haven Public Schools this week:

Family Science Night

On Wednesday, January 14th from 6-8p.m., the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring Family Science Night at Nathan Hale School. The fifth graders and their parents will participate in a hands-on experiment to give parents the opportunity to experience science with their children and to get students and parents prepared for the upcoming Science Fair in May.

Book Bowl Playoffs

Middle school children from the district will compete in the Book Bowl playoffs on Thursday, January 15th at 10 a.m. at the New Haven Field House, located on 480 Sherman Parkway.

Night of Comedy and Magic

On Saturday, January 17th at 7:30 p.m., the Wilbur Cross High School Class of 2009 will be hosting an interactive show in the school’s auditorium, with the illusions of Dave Garrity and the humorous touch of Charlie Hayden’s magical comedy. The event is being sponsored by Sterling Security Systems and ticket prices are $15 per adult and $10 per student with I.D. For more information, contact: 203-946-6983.

Celebration of the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Saturday, January 17th from 8 a.m. to 1p.m., the Annual Martin Luther King Conference will be presenting, “A Celebration of the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Building the Beloved Community, A Day of Nonviolence.” The event will be held at Wexler Grant School, located on 55 Foote St., and is free and open to the public. Hot breakfast and lunch will be served. For more information, please call: 203-676-6207 or e-mail: mlkday@akanewhaven.org.

Do you know someone who might want to receive my weekly message but isn’t on my mailing list? If so, please e-mail a request to: jmayorga@newhavenct.net from the e-mail address you’d like us to add on. Requests will generally be processed within 48 hours of receipt.

Have a happy and healthy week!

Very truly yours,

John DeStefano, Jr.

Mayor