City Librarian Scott Hughes is proud to announce that starting October 15th the Bridgeport Public Library plans to provide seven days of service for the first time since 1989. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the voters of Bridgeport, the BPL will be providing 7 days of service a week including Saturdays at all branch locations. Commenting on the additional hours of service, Jim O’Donnell, President of the Library Board of Directors, stated, “We are so pleased, in the face of all the administrative challenges presented, to finally be able to open our doors seven days a week.  These additional hours will give patrons more opportunities in these difficult economic times to use the essential services provided by our libraries.  All of us connected with the Library are grateful to the ... 10/27/2011

  Greening the City of Bridgeport, Ct.                        With the help of Mayor Bill Finch  the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut is turning over a new leaf with many Green Sustainable projects underway. At the opening remarks of the Green Market Exposition hosted at the Bridgeport City Hall Annex on October 20th, 2011 Mayor Finch outlined the many benefits that the city is enjoying by going green.    From keeping the city clean with b-green public garbage receptacles’ to the new 1,500 Fairchild Wheeler Multi Magnet High School that will be the first new high school to be built in Bridgeport in 50 years. The school is slated to be one of the “greenest” buildings in the region with features such as rooftop rain gardens, solar power, nature trails, living walls, high efficiency mechani... 10/22/2011

I enjoy photography.  It's a long time hobby of mine.  Of course the best photos occur when you don't have your camera with you.  That happened to me tonight, so I pulled out my iPhone 4 and using the ProHDR app, I took a couple of pictures. The photo below was taken looking at the same horizon, just shifted to the east a bit.  It's not as interesting a photo as there is no foreground object and the composition is simpler. At times like this I wish I had my tripod and my digital camera with me, but the iPhone 4 is always with me and it does capture the moment.  I'll bet the 4S takes even better photos as it is supposed to have a better camera. These photos were taken today at The Anchorage Condominium complex in Black Rock Connecticut.  To learn more about the Black Rock coastal lifesty... 10/21/2011

Mondays & Wednesdays starting November 7th12:00 – 1:00 PMBlack Rock Branch Get Fit Bridgeport – “Walking Down Your Blood Sugar” The Black Rock Branch announces a physical fitness series using exercise DVD’s, that are available at the library. They are simple to use and appropriate for those who have not exercised regularly, or who need a gentler way of exercising, yet want results. The first program is entitled “Walking Down Your Blood Sugar” from the Leslie Sansone ‘Walk at Home’ DVD Series.  It includes an educational ‘Talk’ offering a doctor’s expert advice on the importance of fitness walking while managing diabetes The format will be 15 minute welcome and education, 30 minute walking with the video, 15 minute handout /repeat education and close. This program is free but registratio... 10/21/2011

Friday, October 28th 4:30 - 7:00 PM Ellsworth Field & Black Rock Branch    3rd Annual Halloween Parade and Block Party    Put on your costume (or come as you are) and gather at Ellsworth Field between 4:30 and 5:00 PM. From there we will parade, with music and Mounted Police escort to the Black Rock Branch Library where there will be ghoulish treats, storytelling and fiendish fun for all ages!    Don't miss this event. In three short years, it has become a Black Rock tradition. In the mean time, here are some pictures and videos from past years.   .1st annual Black Rock Halloween Parade & Party Parade video: click here   2nd annual Black Rock Halloween Parade & Party Parade video: click here images: click here 10/21/2011

Saturday, October 22nd 3:00 - 5:00 PM Burroughs & Saden - Popular Library   Bridgeport Votes Candidate Reception   Bridgeport Votes invites you to a "Meet the Candidates" reception at the Bridgeport Public Library. All candidates appearing on the November 8th ballot will be invited and we expect a large turnout. Don't miss this opportunity to meet the candidates and share your views and concerns with them about making Bridgeport a better place to live.   Bridgeport Votes is a non-partisan long-term group whose members include Common Cause, the Bridgeport Public Library, GBLN and community leaders. Bridgeport Votes' mission is to provide voter education, voter registration with the goal of increasing voter participation in Bridgeport's electoral process.   Free finger food and refreshmen... 10/21/2011

  To Members of the Board and Friends of the Black Rock NRZ:   The next meeting of the Black Rock NRZ is:   Date:               Monday, October 24, 2011 Location:        Cathedral of Faith at 2329 Fairfield Avenue Time:              7:00 pm   Our guest speaker for the October 24th meeting will be Max Perez.  He is the Manager of Major Projects and Real Estate in the City’s Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED).   Mr. Perez will discuss the sale and development of the old Black Rock Bank & Trust building on the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Brewster Street.  This corner is at the heart of the Fairfield Avenue business corridor and is a major gateway into Black Rock.   The City Council on Monday, October 3rd approved a new developer for the building.   The following attachm... 10/20/2011

  Track repairs will cause a delay in the opening of the Fairfield Metro train station.  The new date for the opening is scheduled for December 1, 2011.  The opening had been scheduled for the end of this month until recently.  There are still a few more hurdles for the completion of the train station including agreements between the state Department of Transportation and United Illuminating on easements and the placement of utilities.  The town of Fairfield is also waiting for a written agreement from the state for an additional $3 million in funds help with $7.5 million in cost overruns.  To complicate matters, the RTM must vote on the agreement and and new RTM is due to be elected November 8. Thank you to Stephanie Barnes of Black Rock for this great photo of the nearly completed tr... 10/20/2011

  GAIL ROBINSON, GRI, e-PRO William Raveis Real Estate2525 Post Road, Southport, CT 06890 Licensed in Connecticut cell: 203-521-0768robinsong@raveisre.comwww.blackrockhomesforsale.com listings | about me | visit my website       Courtland Ave  [map]Multi-Family, 2 units 4 bedrooms2 full/0 partial baths2,080 sqft $329,000 Bridgeport, CT 125 Gilman St  [map]Single Family House 3 bedrooms1 full/1 partial baths1,458 sqft $219,000 Bridgeport, CT 81 Nash Ln # 4  [map]Co-Op 1 bedrooms1 full/0 partial baths750 sqft $92,000 Bridgeport, CT 62 Prescott St  [map]Single Family House 3 bedrooms1 full/1 partial baths1,632 sqft $318,900 Bridgeport, CT 427 Brewster St  [map]Multi-Family, 2 units 5 bedrooms4 full/1 partial baths5,105 sqft $475,000 Bridgeport, CT 606 Brewster Street, #1  [map]Co-Op 2 bed... 10/15/2011

Tuesday, October, 18th3:00 PMBlack Rock Branch – Teen Center  Doodling workshop with CT Author Karen Romano Young Teens are invited to join Karen Romano young for a Doodling workshop, based on her newest novel, Doodlebug – a finalist for the 2011 Connecticut Book Awards. . Karen Romano Young takes doodling to extremes!  She has doodled her way to a novel, Doodlebug: A Novel in Doodles, and to a comic strip, Humanimal Doodles.   . In her doodling workshop, Karen seeks to find out about what YOU doodle and what doodling means to you, and passes on some things she knows about doodle-journaling, creating characters through illustration and doodling, lettering, comics, and more. You — and your doodling — will be energized and inspired. . Ms. Young’s visit is part of the national Teen Read W... 10/15/2011

  Green Market Exposition In Bridgeport, Ct. ~ October 20th, 2011.   The 3rd annual Green Market Exposition (GME) will be on Thursday October 20th, 2011 at the City Hall Annex in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The full day event has FREE admission and offers a large display of Exhibitors, Speakers and opportunities to network. The Green Market Exposition has grown and features over 45 exhibitors, along with panels, workshops, seminars and speakers which focuses on supporting a green market economy and promises to provide everyone who attends a wonderful learning opportunity that supports the promise of a green future.   David Popoff is a license Realtor in Connecticut with William Raveis office in Darien.    A resident of Fairfield County for over 40 years with a background in residential con... 10/12/2011

Language Center Instructed by Renzo Kian Sundays 10:15AM-2:00PM Mondays 5:15-8:00PM Fridays 11:00AM-2:00PM     Pimsleur software for English speaker who want to learn: Arabic, Mandarin, French, German, Greek, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Russina & Spanish  For non-English speakers: Rosetta Stone software is availalbe to learn English English Classes with a tri-lingual tutor    COST: NO COST Contact Information   Paul Farina Burroughs Community Center 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 203-334-0293 paul@burroughscc.org 10/09/2011

Needle Crafts Club Hosted by Lizzie Rockwell & Anne Watkins Date and time TBD   Pleae contact the Center with Date & Time suggestions    The Needle Crafts Club is for anyone interested in quilting, knitting, needlepoint and the other needle crafts to gather and share personal projects, techniques and artistic pursuits.  The Club is also for those interested in creating communal works of art, be they stitched, woven, quilted or knit.  Experienced and novice needle crafters welcome!  COST: Donations appreciated Contact Information   Paul Farina Burroughs Community Center 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 203-334-0293 paul@burroughscc.org 10/09/2011

Self Defense Class Instructed by Gerry Manning Wednesdays & Thursdays starting November 2 - December 1 7:00-8:30PM   Learn basic striking and escape techniques, awareness and reflex training, economy of force through a sensible and achievable approach for women and men.   Gerry Manning  holds a Black Belt in Gojo Ryu karate,  Calasanz System.  He is a  Black Rock resident.    COST: $10 per class donations to Burroughs Center are requested but no mandatory fee required for each class Contact Information   Paul Farina Burroughs Community Center 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 203-334-0293 paul@burroughscc.org 10/09/2011

  Relax & Release Pilates Instructed by Laura Pennock Tuesday, October 25 6:30-7:30   A pilates based class using Therabands, exercise and massage balls to stretch and release tight and sore muscles. Just what you'll need to relieve stress and reward yourself!  Please bring a yoga mat if you have one.  COST: $15  Contact Information   Paul Farina Burroughs Community Center 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 203-334-0293 paul@burroughscc.org 10/09/2011

Managing Your Credit Rating Instructed by Jennifer Buchanan Monday, October 24  7:00-8:30pm    Currently afffiliated with MetLife Bank, Ms. Buchanan has over eleven years of experience helping people understand and manage their credit scores.  NO COST. Contact Information   Paul Farina Burroughs Community Center 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 203-334-0293 paul@burroughscc.org   10/09/2011

Introduction to Yoga for Men Instructed by Edie Cassidy Wednesday October 12 5:45pm-6:45pm   Introductory hatha yoga class concentrating on increasing flexibility, balance and stess reduction.  COST: $15 donation.  Contact Information   Paul Farina Burroughs Community Center 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 203-334-0293 paul@burroughscc.org   10/09/2011

Watercolor Workshop  Instructed by Lizzie Rockwell Saturday, October 8th 10:00am-3:00pm   Lizzy is the writer and illustrator of several popular children's books.  The workshop is for all levels including those who have never enjoyed the fun of painting with watercolors or any other media.   COST $45 includes lunch and supplies.  Contact Information   Paul Farina Burroughs Community Center 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 203-334-0293 paul@burroughscc.org   10/09/2011

Introduction to Chess & Chess Club Hosted by Joe Provy Beginning Tuesday, October 25 at 7:00   Whether you're a beginner just learning the game or an experienced player, Burroughs is the place to make new friends while enjoying this great game.  COST: Donations appreciated  Contact Information   Paul Farina Burroughs Community Center  2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 203-334-0293 paul@burroughscc.org   10/09/2011

Oil Painting Instructed by Peter Konsterlie 8 Mondays starting Sept 26th.  Limited space is still available! Peter teaches studio art and art history on the college level. He has exhibited his work in several prominent art shows nation wide. This course is for all levels for those interested in painting. Course fee: $125.   Burroughs Community Center | 2470 Fairfield Avenue | Bridgeport | CT | 06605     Contact Information   Paul Farina Burroughs Community Center 203-334-0293 paul@burroughscc.org 10/08/2011