Connecticut is a state that is well known for its rich culture. There are many events and activities that happen in the state every year, and as citizens of this great state, we should all feel proud of our history and culture.

There are many events and festivals we have in our state that throw light on Connecticut’s roots. Apart from that, we should also be proud to be part of that entire heritage. So what does it really mean for you to be part of this special state?

We at Howard K Hill have observed certain aspects that we can look at with pride when it comes to our state- the things we are all proud of and the things that we would like to touch up on to make ourselves better citizens of this great state.

As the state with the highest per capita income, things are not all hunky dory throughout Connecticut. There is a disparity of income levels among people in parts of the state. For instance, the capital city Hartford has the lowest per capita in the state. This should be a concern for most Connecticut locals, and we must come together to bridge that disparity.

The Connecticut government is doing a lot so far to ensure that incomes are well distributed among the people. Even the industrial progress of a state is a part of its culture, and as Connecticut citizens, we should all look to make the state economically stable. Since our state is also well known for the preservation of local culture, we must boost economic development without compromising on our roots.

Hartford is deeply ingrained in general culture and is a growing city that has been urbanized a great deal over the last few years. Even then, Hartford has done a lot to maintain the culture that exists here. Community involvement is high in Hartford as individuals all pitch in to contribute in some way or the other.

The music festivals in Connecticut are a source of pride to everyone, and draw visitors from around the world. Hospitality services are also well known in here, especially in New Haven and Bloomfield. The people of these towns are all known to extend a helping hand, and this is something that makes us all proud and inspires us.

Local culture should be extended to all parts of the state, and this will not be possible without a cumulative effort to do so. After all, progress and culture cannot be detached in Connecticut.

One success story about how a citizen who has pride and the will to give something back to the community is Howard K Hill funeral services. We have made an effort to reach out to people in our community with our empathy and support during troubled times.

The individual and the society should grow together, and Connecticut towns like Windsor are perfect examples of that. These towns have a suburban setting, and the organization of community services and other services is excellently done. Community cooperation is indeed admirable in towns like Meriden as well, and we are proud to present such model places of living to the world.

As always we are proud of our community and families we are honored to serve. If you have any questions about our services or are in need please feel free to contact Howard K Funeral Home to know everything you need to know about funerals and funeral services. Howard K. Hill Funeral Services has had the privilege of serving families in communities such as Suffield CT, Meriden CT, Hartford CT, New Haven CT, Bloomfield CT, Windsor CT and Hamden CT. We would like the honor to serve you too. Call us at (203) 551-9639 or visit our blog at: http://connecticutfuneralhomeblog.com/

Another local restaurant makes a national list - but this time, for its famous dish’s fat content.

Doogie’s two-foot-long hot dog, the Newington eatery’s notorious flagship item, has been featured on Travel Channel’s "Man v. Food" and honored by Every Day With Rachael Ray magazine. But it was also recently named as one of Health.com’s "50 Fattiest Foods". The report examines the country’s most caloric restaurant foods, state-by-state.

"The average foot-long hot dog will set you back about 24 grams of fat, 10 grams of it saturated, which is more than enough for an entire day," wrote the editors. "But this is double that, plus it has bacon, chili, and cheddar cheese."

Reached for comment, Doogie’s owner Rock Aronheim laughed.

"I don’t care what they say about me as long as they spell my name right," he said. (Every Day editors incorrectly identified the restaurant as "Dougie’s.")

Source: ctnow.com
(Photo credit: Nick Caito/ ctnow.com)

(WTNH) - This week’s Wednesday’s Child is a 12-year old girl who loves swimming, shopping and hanging out with her friends.

Her social worker, Nancy Horowitz, says, "She’s got a cute personality."

Those who know Julie say she’s a hard worker who wants to succeed, and would like to have a family with her along the way.

"She associates foster care with having to move, and she wants to stay put, and she says she really wants a family who is going to love her," Horowitz said.

"I would like to have two parents, a mom and a dad, and have an older brother or sister that could go out to places with me and hang out with their friends," Julie said.

Julie loves trying new things.

"I’m going to learn to skateboard this summer. I want to skateboard badly so I’m going to learn and maybe for my birthday I will get a skateboard," she said.

If you’re interested in adopting Julie or learning more about becoming a foster parent, please call 800-842-6348.

Source: News 8 wtnh.com

New Haven, Connecticut (WTNH) - Gun violence in the streets of New Haven leaves an innocent boy injured. He is recovering, but police say the incident points to a troubling trend.

It happened Tuesday just before 5:30 pm. An 11-year-old boy stopped at Moe’s Market at the corner of Division Street and Dixwell Avenue. When he walked out of the store, he unfortunately found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time when he was hit by a stray bullet.

"He wasn’t an intended target,” said Assistant Police Chief Thomas Wheeler. “He just happened to be an innocent bystander that happened to step out of the store."

The boy stepped out of the store and into the path of a bullet fired during some kind of neighborhood dispute. He was hit in the arm and is being treated for what police are calling a non-life threatening injury.

Regardless of the extent of the injury, Police Chief Frank Limon says the community should be outraged.

"It’s unacceptable for an 11-year-old to not be able to go to the store without facing any type of street violence that we’ve seen today."

Chief Limon says the biggest challenge now is getting people to break what he calls "the community code of silence."

"The community is not going to cooperate because everybody’s afraid of retaliation,” explained Donna Bridges.

Bridges — a life-long New Haven resident — says things are out of hand, and she’s not alone.

"It’s outrageous. I have grandchildren,” she added. “I worry about them all the time because of this. This is crazy."

"I had just come from the store when the boy was shot. That could have been me,” said Cynthia Jones of Petersburg, VA. “But I mean, if you need stuff from the store, you’re going to go to the store. So what are you doing, you’re taking a chance, right?"

New Haven police say they plan to increase patrols in this neighborhood until further notice.

Source: wtnh.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–June 12, 2010

Veteran Announces Exploratory Committee: Considering U.S. Senate and Gubernatorial Run

New Haven, CT–June 12, 2010–Brian K. Hill, former United States Army Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer, will establish an exploratory committee to determine the feasibility of running as an Independent candidate in the upcoming November elections in Connecticut.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: To Volunteer please click on this link: http://briankhill.com/volunteer

Hill, a Connecticut licensed attorney, was recently honorably discharged from the United States Army after 11 years of active duty military service. “Some people watch change happen, some people make change happen, while others sit around and wonder what change has happened. For too long while serving my country I have watched Connecticut and this country decline. Now it’s time to make real change in Connecticut. I left a secure federal job to establish an exploratory committee. I had a choice, collect a military retirement check after reaching 20 years of military service, or I try to make a difference in my community. I choose to make difference.” exclaims Hill.

“I am concerned that the middle class is not represented and that issues most important to the middle class and poor will not be adequately addressed by the current field of candidates.” Hill elaborates further, “Quite frankly, there are too many multi-millionaires running and they cannot possibly understand the needs of working class residents. Connecticut can do better!”

Hill, born and raised in Connecticut, is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University and Howard University School of Law in Washington, DC. Hill is also a former Student Trustee of the Connecticut State University system. He is considering a wide range of offices including the U.S. Senate and Governor.

“I have received a tremendous amount of encouragement and will be traveling the state of Connecticut over the coming weeks to assess the desire for an alternative to the declared candidates,” Hill states.

The exploratory committee will focus on five areas: assembling a team of advisors; understanding the needs of each community; identifying and organizing potential supporters; getting the requisite number of Connecticut registered voters to sign a nomination petition to get my name on the November ballot; and assessing the qualifications and experience residents are looking for in Connecticut’s next U.S. Senator and Governor.

For more information please visit www.briankhill.com or email brian@briankhill.com. Facebook is ‘Brian K Hill.’

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: To Volunteer please click on this link: http://briankhill.com/volunteer

The weather is hot, and we’re looking for fun. The sweet summer season is full of outdoor concerts, indoor summer theater and road trips.

Our critics point you to the best in pop, rock, jazz and classical concerts. Our theater writer guides you to warm-weather dramas. Share a blanket and picnic with a poetry friend on a sultry night for outdoor readings. Bring a lawn chair to Bushnell Park for free jazz. Read about all things Twain as the yearlong celebration continues.

Source- http://www.ctnow.com

A trio of Broadway legends, a screen and stage star in a world premiere and a new, perky orphan girl singing her heart out during the Depression are among the highlights of the 2010 summer theater lineup in the region:

La Stritch/Chita/Ben: Elaine Stritch presents her tribute to composer Stephen Sondheim as part of Hartford Stage’s annual SummerStage series. Chita Rivera follows with her solo show on June 22 to 27. And then comes Ben Vereen July 6 to 11 with his latest act, all at the Roberts Theatre at Kingswood-Oxford School in West Hartford while the Hartford Stage undergoes renovations. Information: 860-527-5151 or www.hartfordstage.org.

The nun’s story: Oscar- and Tony-nominated actress Kathleen Turner will brighten up downtown Hartford when she stars in the world premiere of Matthew Lombardo’s “High” at TheaterWorks, 222 Pearl St. in Hartford. She plays a recovering alcoholic nun who is trying to help a teen druggie. Hartford. Information: 860-727-4027 or theaterworkshartford.org.

Seasons of Love: The rock opera “Rent” launches the four-show return of the Nutmeg Summer Series on the University of Connecticut campus in Storrs. The Jonathan Larson musical plays May 27 to June 6 at the Jorgensen Theatre. It is presented by the Connecticut Repertory Theatre, the producing arm of UConn’s Department of Dramatic Arts. Information: 860-486-4226 or www.crt.uconn.edu.

The sun comes out again: An optimistic orphan girl during the Depression sings her way into our hearts. Can you say “Annie?” Well, it’s not her. It’s Rebecca, as in “of Sunnybrook Farm” and “Radio Girl,” a new musical based on the book and the 1938 Shirley Temple film. It will have a workshop production at Goodspeed Musicals’ Norma Terris Theatre in Chester. Information: 860-873-8668 or www.goodspeed.org.

Source:http://www.ctnow.com/

A six-month long investigation into drug and firearm trafficking in the city culminated Tuesday in 42 active arrest warrants, police Officer Joe Avery said.

As a result of the investigation, 19 people were charged with firearm-related violations and 23 were charged with drug-related violations.

Police have captured and incarcerated 27 of the warrant subjects. They are still pursuing the 15 who remain at large, Avery said.

The investigation, which involved undercover purchase of contraband, targeted violent felons in certain neighborhoods in New Haven.

It was a collaborative effort of the New Haven Police Department’s Tactical Narcotics Unit; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; the U.S. Marshall Service and the Connecticut Board of Parole.
Source- http://www.ctnow.com/news/connecticut/new-haven/hc-new-haven-42-warrants-0609-20100608,0,5120699.story

Wallingford may be synonymous with big box stores and bigger traffic troubles but we heard through the grapevine that there is another Wallingford — a much more placid place — just head for the hills. Perched atop the aptly named Whirlwind Hill Road sits Gouveia Vineyards where pop culture is uncorked daily in varieties of red, white, and rose. “It seems hard to believe, a lot of people do say that, they think we’re in upstate New York or California but this is Wallingford!” said Gouveia Vineyards Theresa Black. The scenes here are serene, from the charming guest house you can see the famous Castle Craig, Sleeping Giant, and parts of three counties. Black said, “the views are incredible, we really have 360 degrees all around this place, you can see everything from here.”

Walking amongst the grapes just beginning to develop for the fall harvest, it’s hard to believe that the Vineyard is just 5 miles from the Wallingford Wal-Mart. Gouveia makes ten different varieties of wine on premise and they will show you the process from the vine to the corking the bottle. Black says the 140 acre property is both a place to wine and to unwind, “I think this is a family place, this is not a bar, this is a vineyard and you’re supposed to bring friends and family here and just sit and relax,” she said.

Gouveia Vineyards is located at 1339 Whirlwind Hill Road in Wallingford, they are open all year round, Thursday-Sunday, admission is free. Tastings are offered at select times for $7. For more information go to gouveiavineyards.com or call 203-265-552.

Source- http://www.ctnow.com/travel/daytrippers/ctn-dt-0527,0,429941.story