Introducing New Apparel

Introducing a new line of "I love Bridgeport, CT 2009" apparel. Go green @ the Park City! 5% of all sales donated to Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library, Inc.
Show your Bridgeport spirit. Wear proudly. Give gifts. Be Bridgeport.

Diversity in Decision Making

Community centers like Burroughs Community Center are vital to cities. This weekend I attended a neighborhood "Summit" meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to bring all the community organizations together in the same room to ensure no duplication of services and discuss ways to work more closely aligned. While a great deal was accomplished over the course of the day, I was struck by how homogenous the group was, even in light of our truly diverse neighborhood. We brainstormed ideas to bring other organizations to the table. I feel strong that a Community Center is one of the few locations (other than a library or school) which is comfortable for individuals of many different backgrounds. Programs are offered for kids and senior citizens alike. English and Spanish language. We need (Bridgeport) need to capitalize on these capabilities and do a better job of reaching individuals who have been traditionally marginalized or not had a seat at the table. It's time for neighborhoods to have welcoming groups, welcoming newcomers to each neighborhood (home-owners and renters alike). Also, information about community organizations needs to be disseminated in the local churches and translated into Spanish and marketed in the local hispanic businesses. It's time we start creating real "relationships" between neighbors, regardless of their economic, racial, cultural, or religious backgrounds. Diversity is more than living within a three block radius of someone grew up different than you, real diversity is branching out, and creating real lasting relationships. Our children are great at doing this while in school, why can't we???

Great sandwich find!

The Chavez bakery on State Street, next to Cesar Batalla School was a great find! I drive by almost daily, yet never stopped until Friday... yum! We had two delicious sandwiches, warm roast-beef and turkey with vinagraitte dressing. Both of my toddlers loved the sandwiches too! The smell of cakes and cookies when we walked in was incredible. I walked in and said to myself "finally!" I have been truly missing having a traditional Italian bakery with yummy bread, sandwiches, and good cupcakes! This may not be an Italian bakery, but the Portugese bread is absolutely delectable and well worth the stop... Now, to find more great hidden stops in Bridgeport!

Mexican Gelato? A fresh taste of heaven!

Helados Vazquez has the BEST food/dessert on the cheap around- HANDS DOWN!!! I waited with my family for months for the new "ice cream store" in Black Rock to open. We noticed the painstaking renovation of the building, completed to absolute perfection and became even more excited. We wondered what kind of ice cream place would make renovations as beautiful as theirs. Then, the sign came up- Helados Vazquez. Wow, we were excited, a Latino business purporting to sell the traditionally Italian gelato. Hmm, we would really have to try this place. Our curiosity was at its pique. Upon opening, we arrived to discover a brilliant Mexican oasis with the most incredible FRESH, true to taste gelato I've ever had--- I have lived in Rome, this is the first gelato in the States that comes close in taste... Plus, an even better surprise-- the FOOD! WOW! Mouth-watering traditional, fresh, Mexican cuisine. Every meal I have had (6-7 thus far!) has been unbelievable. I love to eat out but I usually leave feeling a bit guilty, that I should have just cooked at home for the price of the meal. However, at Helados Vazquez-- the price is cheap, but the quality and taste is gourmet. This is my new favorite spot. Anyone else tried it yet? What are your thoughts???

Mardi Gras Library Fundraiser!

SAVE THE DATE!
The Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library present
The Second Annual
MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION
featuring a sneak peek at the newly renovated Black Rock Branch

Fat Tuesday
February 24, 2009
7-10 pm Bridgeport Public Library, Black Rock Branch 2705 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605

Live Music, Silent Auction, Cajun Food, Beads...
Gumbo Jumbo Dixieland Band
Two Boots of Bridgeport


Tickets: $30 per person or $50 for two tickets.
Contact: 203.576.7777
email: friends@bportlibrary.org

Let's Open the Black Rock Branch!!!!

Work on the Black Rock Branch Library is almost finished! After 6+ years, the impending opening seems like a dream for neighborhood residents. Although the money to finish the construction was in place before our economy tanked, funding for programming, materials, and staff has been sharply cut. As a strong neighborhood community, Black Rock residents and friends are hoping to come together to endow the branch library.

Want to help? Join the Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library http://bportlibrary.org/support/. Note that you want your donation to go towards the Black Rock Branch endowment fund.

Various naming opportunities are also available, starting at just $50! Contact Jill Hughes, jdugashughes@hotmail.com, 518.859.6251 for more information.

Attend the 2nd Annual Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library Mardi Gras Celebration on Tuesday, February 24 (live music, food, beads, and silent auction!) contact the Bridgeport Public Library: 203.576.7777 (tickets $30 per person/ $50 for two)

Advertise in the Mardi Gras program book. Ad's starting at just $25 ($25 1/8 page, $50 1/4 page, $100 1/2 page, $200 full page). Contact: Jill Hughes: jdugashughes@hotmail.com, 518.859.6251

Donate goods or items for the Mardi Gras Celebration Silent Auction. Contact Jill Hughes: jdugashughes@hotmail.com, 518.859.6251

Donate $ for the "Aidan's Corner" (a memorial in the Children's Area in remembrance of Aidan Lambo. Contact the Bridgeport Public Library: 203.576.7777 or make an online donation http://bportlibrary.org/support/donation/ (in the notes field write "Aidan's Corner Fund")

Other ideas? Contact Scott Hughes, City Librarian shughes@bridgeportpubliclibrary.org

Thanks!

Burroughs Community Center Fundraiser

Freezin' for a Reason
Saturday, February 9th
Registration & Post Party is at the Gaelic American Club.
Plunge at 11am at Jennings Beach in Fairfield.
Questions? Contact Laura at Laura@BurroughsCC.org.

Calling all Businesses...

Black Rock, Bridgeport, and Fairfield businesses....

If you want an inexpensive way to market your services/goods while at the same time supporting a great community cause, BUY A PAGE for the 2nd Annual Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library Mardi Gras Celebration. The Mardi Gras will be the first event held at the newly renovated (not yet opened!) Black Rock Branch Library and is sure to be filled to capacity! Business sponsors will be recognized in a Artistically Designed keepsake program booklet. Here's your chance to advertise in your own community...

$25 1/8 page

$50 1/4 page

$100 1/2 page

$200 Full page

For more information, contact Jill Hughes jdugashughes@hotmail.com or 518.859.6251

Thank you!

Looking for Silent Auction Items

Do you have a vacation home? Or frequent flier miles, art work, cases of wine, or even business services to offer?
The Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library are holding their 2nd annual Mardi Gras Celebration next month. All funds raised will be presented to the Bridgeport Public Library as a gift from the Friends.

This year, Bridgeport residents and friends will be able to have a "Sneak Peek" of the newly renovated Black Rock Library Branch! The Mardi Gras Celebration will be held at the Black Rock Branch on Tuesday, 2/24. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for two.

If you would like to donate items or services for the silent auction, please contact Jill Hughes (jdugashughes@hotmail.com) or 518.859.6251.

Thank you!!!!