The Black Rock Garden Club wants to thank COLORBLENDS BULBS and Lisa Miro, Conservation Coordinator for the City, for contributing over 400 bulbs to us for planting in Black Rock! They were donated to us with the proviso that they be planted ASAP in Black Rock.  The Van Renesses, Garden Club members, have donated their time to plant at a variety of spots including the former Black Rock Art Center, the Black Rock Branch Library, the circle on Brewster St, and in St Mary's planters. We continue to Beautify Black Rock with Bulbs!  Thanks all!! 12/04/2009

Sat., Dec. 5 11-4 pm Feral Care Adoption Event, wonderful cats and kittens looking for a good home. Sun., Dec. 6 10-4pm  Holiday Photo Day, take photos with your pets, of your pets, just the humans in your family.  20% donated to Stratford Cat Project and Smilin Pit Bull rescue organizations.  $25.00 for one 8"x10" or 2 5"x7" Refreshments will be served and Natura Pet, makers of California Naturals, Evo, Innova will be serving samples of their dry foods. Gen Barthe, Owner Happy Tails at Ash Creek  203-382-1301                                3008 Fairfield Ave (down from Timothy's Ice Cream, across from The Field) Black Rock, CT  06605   Visit us online for natural and organic foods, fine supplements, and services at www.happytailsatashcreek.com   Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6  Sunday 11-3 S... 12/04/2009

The new provisional Black Rock Rotary Club is hosting its first community fundraiser December 5th - a jazz night to support the Friends of the Black Rock Library from 7 to 9 PM at the Black Rock Branch Library.  There there will be Jazz music, a wine tasting sponsored by Harry's, hors d'oevres, and dessert - all for $25 per person.  The invitation reply form is attached.  Please fill out and mail with your check to: Black Rock Rotary Club 1730 Commerce Drive, Suite E Bridgeport, CT 06605  If you can't make the event, tax-deductible checks payable to the "Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library" will also be much appreciated. For more information or tickets, contact me or Catherine Milton at camilt@gmail.com. Thank you. Source:  www.blackockonline.org 12/04/2009

Please Help us Celebrate our First Anniversary... First year Anniversary Celebration CHARLIE WALSH 2.0 WORKS ON PAPEROpening Reception December 3rd. 6pm until 9pm. HOLIDAY GIFT SHOWOpens December 4th Hand made and artisan gifts Under $100 over 30 artists.  Shows run concurrent through January 7th 2010-- The Gallery at Black Rock2861 Fairfield AvenueBridgeport CT 06605203.814.6856www.thegalleryatblackrock.com 12/04/2009

Acoustic Cafe, 2926 Fairfield Avenue, Black Rock (203-335-3655) - Photographer Michelle A. Beaulieu's opening reception party. Joining her after a wine and cheese reception will be singer/songwriters Heather Fay, Sarah LeMieux and Chelsea Genzano on Saturday, December 5 at 8 p.m. Admission: $5. (203) 335-3655, www.acousticafe.com.  Field Restaurant, 3001 Fairfield Avenue, Black Rock (203-333-0043) - Greensky Bluegrass with Todd Shaeffer of Railroad Earth on Friday at 10 PM.  Ray Kelly's Pub, 2720 Fairfield Avenue, Black Rock (333-6278) - Spiral City on Friday evening and Talking to Walls on Saturday evening.  Source:  www.blackrockonline.org 12/03/2009

If you are interested in learning more about Fairfield County's Hidden Gem, Black Rock, please visit our community blog at www.blackrockonline.org If an urban location in a waterfront community with great natural beauty is of interest to you, Black Rock may be the hidden gem you've been looking for.   11/30/2009

A new osprey nesting platform has been erected on Burr Creek in Black Rock.  The Arthur Street Neighbors Committee received city permission to build and install a wooden nesting platform for ospreys on an unused utility pole on a small city green space directly on Burr Creek.  The platform was put into place on November 21, 2009.  Bridgeport School of Aquaculture students constructed the 40 inch wooden square with mesh bottom and support beams with help from school teacher Charles Johnson. Material for the platform was donated by Wood, Steel and Glas Inc. of Madison. Local tree company, Bartlett Tree Experts and neighbor Steve Patalano installed the platform on top of the 35 foot pole using their bucket truck. Madeline Dennis, Arthur Street resident and Connecticut Audubon Society empl... 11/25/2009

Happy Thanksgiving and Thank You from the Black Rock Food Pantry.  It is that time of year again when we pause, count our blessings and give thanks for what we have. During this time we also look outward and realize that there are many families that struggle each day to provide for their families the most basic of necessities.  The volunteers at the Black Rock Food Pantry work throughout the year on a mission to seek out, help and feed families in need. Over the last year we have had the privilege of serving over eight hundred families with an ever increasing demand. Last month alone we handed out a record 7,400 meals. Although we are proud of our accomplishments, we feel that we receive in personal satisfaction much more than we give.  This holiday season we are most thankful for the ... 11/21/2009

  Ted Grabarz, Deputy Director of Public Facilities, has provided us with his notes from the November 12th community meeting on Ellsworth Park which was co-sponsored by the BRCC and Black Rock NRZ.  These notes are attached in PDF format and can be printed out.  We have also included them in this post for easier access.  There were approximately 180 people at the meeting which was held on November 12 at the St. Ann's School Auditorium.  The Parks Department reports in to the Public Facilities Department.  Mr. Grabarz was present at the meeting and took notes so that the City of Bridgeport can address concerns about the proposed improvements to Ellsworth Field.  The major concerns focused on the lack of parking for users of Ellsworth Field, accompanying safety issues for kids and residen... 11/21/2009

Please Help us Celebrate our First Anniversary... First year Anniversary Celebration CHARLIE WALSH 2.0 WORKS ON PAPEROpening Reception December 3rd. 6pm until 9pm.   HOLIDAY GIFT SHOWOpens December 4th Hand made and artisan gifts Under $100 over 30 artists Shows run concurrent through January 7th 2010-- The Gallery at Black Rock2861 Fairfield AvenueBridgeport CT 06605203.814.6856www.thegalleryatblackrock.com   Source:  www.blackrockonline.org  Black Rock's Community Blog 11/21/2009

Get ready to roam the Streets of Black Rock!  Saturday, December 5th.  To participate you must pre-register & pay online at www.BurroughsCC.org  by December 1!  Sign-in between 12-12:45pm at the Black Rock Tavern.  21+ is a must.   $20 includes an event t-shirt & food at each restaurant.  Drink Specials will be offered.   Wear the craziest, most festive Holiday Sweater you can find! Prizes will be awarded!  Any questions, please contact Laura@BurroughsCC.org .   Restaurants include: Taco Loco, Viale Ristorante, The Field, The Black Rock Tavern, Lady Luck, Ash Creek Saloon, Matty's Corner, Ray Kelly's Pub & Frankie's Sports Lounge 11/21/2009

The new provisional Black Rock Rotary Club is hosting its first community fundraiser December 5th - a jazz night to support the Friends of the Black Rock Library from 7 to 9 PM at the Black Rock Branch Library.  There there will be Jazz music, a wine tasting sponsored by Harry's, hors d'oevres, and dessert - all for $25 per person.  The invitation reply form is at www.blackrockonline.org.  Please fill out and mail with your check to: Black Rock Rotary Club 1730 Commerce Drive, Suite E Bridgeport, CT 06605  If you can't make the event, tax-deductible checks payable to the "Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library" will also be much appreciated. For more information or tickets, contact me or Catherine Milton at camilt@gmail.com. Thank you, Yours in Rotary Service  Rick BensonRotary Distr... 11/21/2009

New York Life Insurance Company will be sponsoring a free "Child Safety & Protection Festival" at the Black Rock Branch Library on Tuesday November 17th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. FREE ADMISSION  Activities Include:     Fingerprinting & Photos for Child    Identification Cards * Children must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian to have an ID made.   For more information contact New York Life: Call (203) 385-5159 or (203) 521-0217   11/14/2009

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you from the Black Rock Food Pantry.  It is that time of year again when we pause, count our blessings and give thanks for what we have. During this time we also look outward and realize that there are many families that struggle each day to provide for their families the most basic of necessities.  The volunteers at the Black Rock Food Pantry work throughout the year on a mission to seek out, help and feed families in need. Over the last year we have had the privilege of serving over eight hundred families with an ever increasing demand. Last month alone we handed out a record 7,400 meals. Although we are proud of our accomplishments, we feel that we receive in personal satisfaction much more than we give.  This holiday season we are most thankful for the ... 11/14/2009

WINES FROM AROUND THE WORLD ST ANN'S WINE TASTING SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 at 7:30 pm MUSIC, DANCING, SILENT AUCTION, APPETIZERS BY: LADY LUCK $25.00 pp ADVANCE TICKET/$30.00 at the Door.   Looking Forward to a Great Evening With Great Friends For more details visit  www.blackrockonline.org Black Rock is one of Fairfield County's finest water communities with waterfront and water view homes 11/14/2009

COMMUNITY FORUM AT THE BLACK ROCK BRANCH LIBRARY "Bridgeport - How It Works"  A Discussion of the inner workings of Connecticut's largest city.  Presented by Fairfield University Professor of Politics and Black Rock resident, Don Greenberg , and Author, Journalist and Blogger Extraordinaire, Lennie Grimaldi. Please join us for a fascinating discussion of how our municipal government is designed to function in Bridgeport and how it actually works in practice. Professor Greenberg and Lennie Grimaldi will share their unique perspectives on the Bridgeport political scene - the good, the bad and the ugly. Date: Tuesday, November 17th  Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM For more information please call: (203) 337-9676 Black Rock Branch Library 2705 Fairfield Ave. Bridgeport, CT 06605 A Gathering Place ... 11/14/2009

The Black Rock Homeowners' Association is publishing a monthly newsletter (which can be downloaded at www.blackrockonline.org ).  BRHA has changed its schedule of meetings from monthly to quarterly and will use the monthly newsletter to keep members up-to-date between meetings.  They are also promoting a "Stimulus Package" to encourage current members to ask new members to join.  Both old and new members will get 50% off of their membership dues. See letter from BRHA Board below: Dear BRHA Members & Neighbors: For those of you who attended our meeting last week we hope you found the agenda informative. In an effort to continue to keep you informed we will be emailing a monthly newsletter highlighting important development and land use projects in Black Rock. Please click here to read th... 11/12/2009

Black Rock School Fall Festival on Saturday, 11/7 from 1pm to 4pm at the Black Rock School Gymnasium.  Fast becoming an autumn tradition, the Black Rock School Fall Festival includes plenty of activities and games for children including arts and crafts project tables, cupcake decorating, face painting, and more!  Food and drink items available for sale include hot dogs, popcorn and drinks.  Sponsored by:Black Rock School PAC Source:  www.blackrockonline.org   Black Rock's Community Blog Black Rock is one of Connecticut's Most Beautiful Waterfront Communities 11/06/2009

Rep. Auden Grogins announced that Bridgeport will receive more than $22 million in state funds to build more classroom space at Longfellow School. "Longfellow School students and teachers deserve these long-awaited improvements, which include plans to enlarge classrooms, so the educational environment is enhanced and one that is conducive to learning," Rep. Grogins said. Rep. Grogins, Bridgeport's only member of the legislature's Education Committee, announced that the State General Assembly approved more than $22 million in school construction funds to be used for improvements to classroom space at LongfellowSchool. The funding was part of a school construction package passed by the General Assembly last week. Grogins has been along-time advocate for these much needed funds to update ... 11/05/2009

Like most kids, the children in the programs at Burroughs look forward to the holidays.  However, many of their families are struggling to make ends meet in this difficult economy so gifts are tough to come by.  Can you help make the holidays a whole lot brighter for these great kids?    If you would like to help you can choose from a variety of games, gadgets and warm winters clothes by Clicking Here to visit our holiday wish list on Target.com. If you are able to help this year, please choose to send the gifts unwrapped ~ Burroughs elves will check Santa's list, wrap the presents and put them in the hands of a very appreciative youngster!   You will get a thank you letter that combined with your receipt can be used for tax purposes.  You will also get the satisfaction of knowing that ... 11/05/2009