Earlier today, START Community Bank announced that the organization has received its final federal approval from the FDIC, and will be preparing to open its doors at its two branches on Whalley and Grand Avenues in the coming weeks. START Community Bank will offer traditional banking products and services, with an emphasis on serving those who are unbanked or underbanked and often targets of predatory financial services; small businesses aiming to grow in Greater New Haven; nonprofits that serve the New Haven community; and organizations with an interest in creating a larger and better stock of affordable housing. START Community Bank will be a great addition to our residents and our neighborhoods. Be sure to keep an eye out for the branch openings in the upcoming weeks.

Here’s what else is happening in New Haven:

Press Conference to Oppose Takeover of New Alliance Bank

On Tuesday, December 7 at 2:30 p.m, I, along with various elected officials and community leaders, will hold a press conference to speak against the proposed takeover of New Haven-based New Alliance Bank by Buffalo, New York-based First Niagara Bank. We will discuss First Niagara’s poor track record when it comes to lending to low-moderate income communities and small businesses and will share statistics on the loss of jobs and other consequences that have taken place in other communities where First Niagara has taken over banks.

Non-Toxic Air Sealing and Insulation Demonstration Project

On Wednesday, December 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a live demonstration project, bringing together a group of Owens Corning leaders, real estate developers, AIA and HBA association leaders, green building program managers, utilities, state housing officials, architects, specifiers, builders, building code officials, distributor and contractor partners. The demonstration will include a live non-toxic air sealing and insulation installation training as well as a discussion on how Owens Corning and its partners can build stronger and mutually beneficial alliances with the Connecticut Affordable Housing Community. The demonstration will take place at 57 Truman Street, a property acquired through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. To RSVP, contact Michlle Roberts at michelle.ann.roberts@owenscorning.com by December 7.

Fire Safety

On Wednesday, December 8 at 2 p.m., there will be a fire safety event at the Fire Training Academy, 230 Ella T Grasso Blvd, New Haven. At this event, Chief Grant and Fire Marshall Cappucci will discuss measures you can take to keep your family safe during the holiday season and winter months.

Emergency Preparedness News

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages seniors and people with disabilities to prepare for winter weather. Visit: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=53310 for more information on how you can prepare for the winter season.

Green Tip

Use LED lights instead of traditional incandescent lights for holiday lighting. LED's save up to 90% in electricity costs.

Cultural Events

Dec. 7. Youth Unplugged Youth Art Exhibit presented by Citywide Youth Coalition. 3-5:30 p.m. 2nd Floor Mtg Rooms 1 & 2

Dec. 9. Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night. Bring or pick up a music player (boombox, CD player, mp3 player). Departs from Yale Bookstore, 77 Broadway. 5:30pm. www.artidea.org.

Dec. 9 Listen Here! Short Story Reading Series: Close Calls. Lulu: A European Coffeehouse 7-8pm. www.newhavenreview.com/

Dec. 9. Artist Reception: paintings by Herb Rogoff at Main Library. 5-7pm. http://azothgallery.com

Dec. 9. Grove New Haven #grovenhv will host the Un-Office Christmas Party. The Office Party for those without an office. 6pm. http://grovenewhaven.com

Dec. 10. Mario Pavone Orange Double Tenor. 8:30/10p.m. $18/$12. http://firehouse12.com

Dec. 10-12. The Nutcracker. Performed by New Haven Ballet. Shubert Theater. Tickets www.shubert.com.

Dec. 10. Berkeley College Orchestra Winter Concert. Battell Chapel. 8pm. www.berkeleycollegeorchestra.com/live/

Dec. 11. Wreath Making. Common Ground. 10am-2pm. $8-$15. www.commongroundct.org/

Dec. 11. Downtown Culinary Walking Tour. Departs from the top of the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale. 10:45am. $69 and reservations are required 203-777-8550

Dec. 11. Oliver Stone's South of the Border, with discussion led by John Lugo. Main Library. 2-4pm Commission.grnhpeacecouncil@gmail.com

Dec. 11-12. Free Photos with Santa. Barnes & Noble at Yale. Broadway district. 2-5pm. www.infonewhaven.com/holidays

Dec. 11-12. Saturday Shopping Strolls. Caroling, in-store promotions Chapel and Broadway districts. 2-5pm. www.infonewhaven.com/holidays

Dec. 11. U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty holiday concer. SCSU Lyman Center, New Haven. 7pm. www.tickets.southernct.edu/.

Dec. 11. Poemetry: Readings by Mark Horosky, Nancy Kuhl, and Jasmine Dreame Wagner. Detritus, 71 Orange St. 7-10pm.

Dec. 11. GNH Community Chorus winter concert Gloria! Battell Chapel. 8pm. $15 advance/$20 door. www.gnhcc.org.

I hope you have a happy and healthy week!

Very truly yours,

John DeStefano, Jr.

Mayor

Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660

[12/5/2010]