United Way: Neighbor to Neighbor

from Travis Carbonella

Maybe This Year, We Will Try.

New Banner Mysteriously Posted.  

Famed electrician Ian Dunn, known for assembling Pecha Kuchas and providing electrical support to theater companies in the area, is now illustriously celebrated in a "Chapel West" themed banner, with Dunn pointing.

Said the Yale Rep in a post on Facebook:

"So this happened. We don't know who's responsible but we're always glad when members of our own community are recognized and celebrated. We're also glad it was installed soundly."


The banner reads: "The New Haven raised 2013-14 George Award winner, Ian Dunn has changed the quality of life at the Yale School of Drama. Students, faculty and staff unanimously agree that Ian's "Get it Dunn" attitude has shaped a superior working and learning environment for all. He has coined the Operations Dept's encouraging new motto for the 2014-15 year: Fortasse hoc anno, conabimur.

That last statement in Latin reads as the title of this article. For a full map listing of official (and now unofficial) Chapel West "New Haven Notables" see below.


View New Haven Notables in a larger map

Pie Tasting in 9th Square on Friday

CitySeed presented a pie tasting event on Friday afternoon in the 9th Square, on Orange Street between Center and Crown; a popular place for downtown block parties. Mayor Harp was in attendance, as a judge for the best kids' pie recipe. 

We revealed the winner of that category on Instagram, just as it was announced.

Stay tuned to Nhv.Org for continuous local social media coverage, and quality videos about the city you love.

Popup55 features a new lineup of creative entrepreneurs

Popup55 features a new lineup of creative entrepreneurs

A new eyecatching, colorful display graces 55 Church St.  It features merchandise by creative entrepreneurs made in New Haven and meant for export to other places.

The installation by Ray Figlewski includes:

Postcards and prints from The Hill Museum of the Arts, showcasing the persistent pencil of Krikko Obbot and his fascination with local and regional cityscapes.

Dolls made of beads, buttons, scrap wood and found materials by Rashmi Talpade. They function as window accents, decorative elements in the home or automobile or an unusual luggage tag and come in three sizes.

An information kiosk made by Liam Doherty from recycled wooden pallets. His startup builds furniture that empowers communities, including benches commissioned for the MLK Peace Garden that will enable Bridging Families of New Haven County to turn their garden into a space for organizing meetings and outdoor evening theater performances.  The kiosk is a prototype; orders may be placed for similar models with customizable features.

Entrepreneurs and vendors of creative products wishing to be included in future popups can submit information via this link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CHla-j6kdftMsBs7wTK4LQ4iu6Dqms6QC6xZStid_Xg/viewform

World Cup Village Wins

Regardless of who's playing, we're all winning here in #Nhv because of World Cup Village, part of the 99 Days of Summer in downtown New Haven (great article here). As part of Town Green District's plan to make living in our city more interesting, you're invited to watch any of the remaining World Cup games in Pitkin Plaza, which is near the corner of Orange Street and Chapel.

At the Intersection of Bicyles and Workers' Rights

On an eventful final Friday of the month of October, the Halloween ride of Critical Mass, a beer-swilling national cyclist movement, convened on the New Haven Green.  Led by Matt Feiner, the man behind The Devils Gear Bike Shop on Orange Street, a crowd emerged wearing costumes of many varieties; such as killer bees, Fred and Wilma Flintstone, and Matt himself as a gorilla.

Drone Spotted in Downtown New Haven

The first documented use of a "drone" was recorded last night on State Street and Elm, as it was noted that a large, buzzing object was flying overhead.  It can be rationally concluded that the machine belonged to @WTNH Channel 8.  Based on the location and trajectory of the aircraft, it seems likely, as it would be difficult to have navigated the aircraft above the building from any position nearby on the ground, and the radius of the path of flight seemed central to the building on the corner of Elm and State.

There has been some conversation about the ethics of unmanned flight vehicles, particularly the technology referred to as "drones" in media.  Some towns in Colorado are actually seeking to pass legislation awarding the disablement of such instruments.   About a week ago, one fell from the sky in New York City and almost landed on a pedestrian.  The topic has been discussed locally, although not in the context of how citizens feel about unmanned aircraft in their own backyard.

Most likely culprit

What comes to mind, for any U.S. citizen encountering one of these devices face to face, are the images from international news, pertaining to the use of drones on military targets, which are reported as frequently as just a couple weeks ago.

The drone seen in the sky last night probably doesn't have any weapons capability; but the question that it raises is a matter more aptly described as a 'surveillance' issue; do we consent to being watched from above, whether by the ABC local affiliate, in this case, by private citizens, by the federal government, or by local or state jurisdiction?  The answer is likely to wind up being part of a discussion within legislative groups as the topic has now become less hypothetical upon us by this recent discovery.

Historical Record
A preliminary search of "New Haven CT Drone" revealed no documented evidence of anyone actually using one of these remote-controlled quadrocopters anywhere in New Haven; all mentions of the technology were speculative  in nature (one New Haven Register report cited an event which took place as far away as in Maryland). While that might be evidence that there's simply no documentation, it could also mean that this video footage is the first evidence of drone flight on public record available.

If you have any evidence of a drone in flight and would like to challenge that assertion, do so in the comments section. Time stamp information will be used to assess the validity of any claim.



Comments Question
How would you feel if you heard a loud buzzing sound, directly overhead?

A Party In Every Vacant Lot

This was the opening.  There are less people there now.

In nearly vacant lot, here in New Haven, you will find that there is inevitably a party going on.  That's just how we do in this town.

Eventually, perhaps a skyscraper like 360 State might take the small acreage of this plot; but in the meantime, let's enjoy it with a nice game of mini golf.  You're invited to play (wed-sat).

Artspace, the illustrious studio on the corner of Orange and Crown, hosts exhibits here in town all the time.  This autumn, treat yourself to a game of minigolf with your friends, on a course made, of course, by local artists here in town.

Public Works: Dialing It In

Traffic and Parking worker replaces traffic light 

If you're a fan of amazing weather, then today's the day for you.  Lots of things happening this week; from the Shakespeare in the Park plays going on until Sept.1 to an opportunity to help plan a new neighborhood with some architects.

You'll also find that tomorrow at 3pm, the Dream Project will be happening on the Green. Declare your dreams there; I'm sure that to say it will be interesting is an understatement.

Get to know this place, because, if even for the time being, you call it home.  ET Phone home!


Elsewhere in town, there have been some minor other traffic lane closures.  This one is on Park and Chapel Streets.  It appears that there is a Ninja Turtle excavation project under way at that location.  There were also some lane closures on Howe Street; all in the name of civic improvement.  It takes much effort to keep a city running.  Stay tuned and we'll try to keep you informed on the latest developments, opportunities, and news in town; all in the same high definition quality of video and imagery, with all links functional and most of the spelling and grammar correct.

Kayak the Sound, Rock Climb on Broadway

Kind of an awesome thing here.  They've got a climbing wall, and it's on Broadway.  People can walk up and climb on Broadway to get a better view of the art above and behind American Apparrel.

Instructor Mike talks about the meaning of life, and Qiana who works at Hull's makes an ascent. The New Haven Parks Department also partnered with Trailblazer to help make this event possible.

They also have a list of events available on their website.  It's part of the "CityOfNewHaven" website system.  You can try it if you like.  That can be found here.

Mentioned by Mike, who belayed in the video, is also the opportunity to participate in the Kayak rides at Lighthouse Point.  Says the Parks site:

"This tour is for those who want to get out and enjoy an evening on the water, whether you are a beginner or experienced paddler. On this tour we will show you how to do basic paddle strokes (power, turning and correction strokes). We will also talk about basic safety procedures, equipment care and handling for canoes and kayaks. All equipment will be provided."

Upcoming Parks Department Events

Kayak Rides at Lighthouse Point
Thursday July 23 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Instructional Tours - Canoe at Mill River
Thursday July 25th 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

These tours are for those who want to get out and enjoy an evening on the water, whether you are a beginner or experienced paddler. On this tour we will show you how to do basic paddle strokes (power, turning and correction strokes). We will also talk about basic safety procedures, equipment care and handling for canoes and kayaks. All equipment will be provided.

Instructional Tours - Kayak at Lighthouse Point ParkAug 8, 2013  9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

These classes are for paddlers with little or no kayaking or canoeing experience wanting to take the sport to the next level. Participants will learn to be confident and safe paddlers with the skills to participate in kayak or canoe touring in protected waters. These courses will cover equipment needs, trip-planning, paddling strokes, and recoveries. Each course is a 12-hour program, taught over the course of two days. Bring snacks and plenty of water.

Windows are Clean.

It doesn't happen often, but the window washers were in full effect on Church Street today, hanging harnessed from ropes with buckets.

One of probably the most interesting jobs on the planet, also coincidentally an occupation with its own set of risks, these guys were as professional as it gets.  All proper safety equipment and precautionary measures were made, leading to what was an interesting view looking up, and probably as equal of a great view from their location.  The building they are washing belongs to Chase Bank.