Hello Supporters, The devastation in Haiti is unlike anything the world has ever seen before.  Thankfully the worldwide community is coming to the aid of the people of Haiti. The greater Bridgeport area is getting involved as you would expect.  At Burroughs we know firsthand just how supportivethe local community can be.  We know that our closest friends and supporters think globally as well as locally.   It is for that reason that we have decided to postpone our 3rd annual "Freezin' for a Reason" event from February 13th to Saturday, March 27th. The plunge will now take place at 11am.  We hope that this decision will allow each of us and all our friends and family to play whatever role we can possibly play in the relief effort in Haiti.    We hope that you will be able to plunge with u... 02/04/2010

There will be a Mardi Gras celebration to benefit the Children's Summer Reading Program: Location:    Black Rock Library at 2705 Fairfield Avenue When:       Saturday, February 13, 2010 Time:        6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Tickets:     Advanced sales $25 per person/$40 for two                  At the door $30 per person For advance tickets:   Purchase them at any Bridgeport Library or reserve them by calling Dolores at 203-296-4039 and pick them up the door. There will be live jazz, hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction. Visit www.blackrockonline.org for a formal invitation and information to enable you to make a donation, donate an item for the silent auction, and/or purchase an ad for the ad book. 02/04/2010

According to the Warren Group, publishers of the Commercial Record, Foreclosures spiked 76% in December 2009 versus December 2008: www.commercialrecord.com/news136715.html Connecticut homeowners are still feeling the pain of foreclosure, and failed loan modification programs are only making the situation worse. If you or someone you know is in trouble and needs help, a CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) could be just the person you need to guide you through the nightmare you are experiencing. Go to our FREE informational website at: www.ForeclosureFREEWorld.com to learn more. When you are ready, contact us for a FREE Initial Consultation! 02/03/2010

                              Save the Date! The Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library have announced the date for the 3rd Annual Mardi Gras: Saturday, February 13 at Black Rock Branch Library. If you are interested in volunteering or donating please email: friends@bridgeportpubliclibrary.org Stay tuned for more information! Black Rock Branch Library 2705 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT  06605 Source: www.blackrockonline.org   01/30/2010

At the January 25th Black Rock NRZ meeting, the Black Rock Garden Club revealed plans to create outdoor reading areas in gardens behind the Black Rock Library.  Still in the design stage and in need of funding, the concept consists of ecologically friendly pavers flanked by a bamboo fence to screen off the chain link fence, a Shakespeare garden with boxwood hedges, a Garden Reading Room with golden privet and European hornbeams, and a second Garden Reading Room with emerald green arborvitae hedges.  There will also be hydranga bushes and other plants providing color.  There will be a "green wall" consisting of woody vines and periennials.  There will also be benches, tables, and a sculpture.  They also sketched plans for a Phase II Children's Garden along the side of the library.  The B... 01/25/2010

At the Black Rock NRZ meeting on January 25, residents got a preview of the the plans for the Metro Center Rail Station that is now slated to be up and running in mid-2011.  Earlier media reports predicted that the station would be operational by the end of this summer based on earlier plans for a temporary parking lot.  It has since been decided to move forward with the permanent parking lot, so the time for completion has been moved back.  You'll note that there are buildings in the plans, but the developer currently has no plans to build them at the moment as there is little or no demand for commercial office space.  The site will be remediated environmentally, including the banks of Ash Creek.  The issue of storm water runoff and storm drains has been addressed on a temporary basis,... 01/25/2010

Framemakers Picture Framing and Art Gallery 3142 Fairfield Ave Black Rock, Bridgeport, CT  06605 203-338-0332   Presents :  Michael Johnston on February 5th from 6-8 with a reception. Multimedia artist with Multimedia Time Pieces. Show will run through March 3rd. Small works and jewelry, artisan boutique open daily Tuesday - Saturday 8:30 - 5:00. Custom Framing specials daily !! For more information please call 203-338-0332 Source: www.blackrockonline.org  Black Rock's Community Blog 01/21/2010

Once a year we publish an 8-page comprehensive review of the Black Rock real estate market, including analysis, graphs, and details of every public sale (and notable private sales that we are aware of). This full-color newsletter is available in PDF format only to subscribers to the Black Rock Community Blog. If you are not a subscriber, please visit www.blackrockonline.org and in the upper right hand corner, you'll see an icon you can click on which will bring you to the registration page. As a subscriber, you'll also receive monthly updates on the Black Rock Real Estate market. Don't miss this once a year opportunity. Whether you are a buyer, a seller, or a real estate agent who wants to stay on top of the Black Rock market, you'll want to subscribe. The newsletter will be published t... 01/18/2010

You are invited to the Open House for Black Rock Rotary Club from 6-7 PM on Tuesday, January 19.  Come on over to the Dish Restaurant at 2889 Fairfield Avenue and meet great people, find out about the exciting community projects we have planned for 2010 and hear a little about who and what Rotary is. So come join us for wine, food, and a door prize you won't want to miss. For more info call: (203) 521-4686 Source:  www.blackrockonline.org  Black Rock's Community Blog Black Rock is a historic, coastal community in Fairfield County, Connecticut 01/18/2010

Please join us for our Open House and Registration at St. Ann School on Sunday, January 31 from 10:30 AM to 1 PM at 521 Brewster Street in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport.  For more information call 203-334-5651 or visit www.stannblackrock.org Tour Our School Smart Boards in all Classrooms, Science Laboratory, Art Room, Media Center/Library Full-Size Gymnasium, Before & After School Programs, Struggling Learners, Gifted Talented Program  See the Curriculum Aligned to and Exceeds State Standards Advanced Math to Algebra I, Spanish K-8, Extensive Integration of the Arts Technology used to integrate and deliver the curriculum. Collaborations with Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, Yale University Acropolis Museum Athens, Housatonic Community College Museum, MACH, Award Win... 01/18/2010

Our guest speaker for the meeting of the Black Rock NRZ will be Mark Barnhart, the Director of Community & Economic Development for the Town of Fairfield.  He will discuss the new Black Rock train station project (Fairfield Metro Center). Date:            Monday, January 25, 2010 Time:            7:00 pm Location:      Cathedral of Faith,  2329 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut Source:  www.blackrockonline.org  Black Rock's Community Blog Black Rock is a coastal community in Fairfield County, Connecticut 01/18/2010

Please join us at The Gallery of Black Rock on Friday evening, January 22nd, for the opening reception of Desaturation or the Revelation of Coloration featuring the work of Artist Ted Mikulski.  The Reception will be from 6 pm until 9 pm.The Show will feature a large scale installation by the artist. **The gallery is requesting that attendees help with the Haitian relief effort with a donation to Doctors without Borders. Checks made out directly to the organization will be preferred but cash will also be accepted. The Gallery at Black Rock is proud to Desaturation or The Revelation of Coloration featuring the work of Ted Mikulski. The Gallery at Black Rock will be showing the paintings, sculpture drawings and a large-scale installation by Ted Mikulski.  Mikulski is a Connecticut artist ... 01/18/2010

Acoustic Cafe, 2926 Fairfield Avenue, Black Rock (203-335-3655) - Latin Night with Johnny Durkin, Rick Reyes, Tony Clinton on Thursday evening. Comedy Night with Jackson on Saturday evening. Open Mic on Tuesdays at 8 pm. www.acousticafe.com The Field, 3001 Fairfield Avenue, Black Rock (203-333-0043) - Mystic Bowie on Friday evening at 10:30 PM. Ray Kelly's Pub, 2720 Fairfield Avenue, Black Rock (333-6278) - Eldon "El" Lowery from the Bernadettes on Thursday evening. Watusi Kings on Friday evening. Source: Black Rock's Community Blog www.blackrockonline   01/14/2010

Featured Database of the Month   The Bridgeport Public Library now subscribes to a comprehensive online automotive repair database called Auto Repair Reference Center (ARRC). With content from some of the most recognized repair manual publishers, such as Nichols and Delphi, ARRC covers more than 33,000 vehicles and dates back to 1945. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a backyard tinkerer, this resource is sure to meet your needs. Here’s just some of what you have access to from home or anywhere as a Bridgeport Public Library card-holder: Nearly 800,000 Drawings and Step-by-Step Photographs Approximately 83,200 Technical Services Bulletins & RecallsOver 99,800 Wiring Diagrams Labor Time Guide & EstimatorSpecifications & Maintenance Schedules To log in just click here Auto Repair... 01/13/2010

All levels of yoga students are welcome to participate in hatha yoga classes taught by a Kripalu certified yoga instructor, Edie Cassidy.  Classes are offered at Black Rock Pilates studio and at 245 Ellsworth St. both in Black Rock. Mats, blocks and straps are available at the studios but each practitioner is urged to bring his/her own mat. SCHEDULE:  Beginning the week of  January 11, 2010 The cost is $55.00 for a series of 6 classes or $10 per class.  To register for a class or for more information contact Edie at 366-2415 or eabc@optonline.net;  www.blackrockyoga.com Source:  www.blackrockonline.org  Black Rock's Community Blog Black Rock is a coastal community along the Fairfield County shoreline in Connecticut 01/02/2010

Congressman Himes will hold a Q&A discussion on what this financial reform means for you on Friday, January 8th at 5pm at the Black Rock Branch Library in Bridgeport. At this event, Congressman Himes will give an overview of the prospective duties of the CFPA and answer questions from constituents about how this new regulator will help protect consumers and arm them with the tools and information to make smart financial decisions. When: Friday, January 8, 2010   4:30 - 6:00 PM Where: Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605   (203) 337-9676 A Gathering Place for the Entire Community For more information and directions to the library please contact: John Soltis, (203) 337-9676, jsoltis@bridgeportpubliclibrary.org   Source: www.blackrockonline.org  Black Roc... 01/01/2010

A  VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU WE WILL HAVE A RECEPTION TO START THE NEW YEAR ON FRIDAY EVENING  JANUARY 8TH FROM 6-8 PM . SHOW WILL RUN THROUGH JANUARY 31ST. "HERBS AND BURBS"  FINE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOBBIE LOSS AND POETRY READING BY PROFESSOR JANET KRAUSS. PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS VERY SPECIAL EVENT. ARTFUL GIFTS WILL BE ONGOING . THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT DURING 2009. LOOKING FORWARD TO SERVING YOU FOR ALL YOUR FRAMING AND GIFT NEEDS DURING 2010 SUE AND MAUREEN FRAMEMAKERS PICTURE FRAMING AND ART GALLERY 3142 FAIRFIELD AVE BRIDGEPORT, CT  06605 203-338-0332 01/01/2010

The New Year brings new energy and opportunity to enhance vitality! Maryann Charmoz and I have joined together under the name The Flowing Motion to offer Tai Chi Qigong & Chinese Brush painting classes  Tuesdays beginning January 5th. Our brochure with information about Tai Chi Qigong and with the class schedule can be downloaded at www.blackrockonline.org . Please Note:  One does not have to do Tai Chi Qigong in order to do the Chinese Brush painting or vice versa!  We hope you will come and try a class or 2.  The first Qigong Class is free.  Tuesday's Starting 1/5/2010  Qigong/Tai Chi Easy   10:00-10:45am   2:00-2:45pm   4:30-5:15pm   Tea served after every class  Drop in: $12.00 5 Sessions $50.00 10 Sessions $90.00 First class is free!!  Chinese Brush Painting  11:30-12:30 pm  3:00-4... 01/01/2010

Upcoming events at the Black Rock Branch for kids.  Please join us for the new series of Little Rocks! (The storyhour once known as Twees.) on Wednesdays at 10:30. This is geared for little guys ages 3 and under.  Our new schedule for Terrific Tuesdays is ready as well. Tuesday January 5th  Science Fair Boot Camp for all ages will be a fun introduction to the scientific method! Tuesday, January 12th, Pajamarama Tuesday, January 19th  Drop In Craft Tuesday January 26th Games for the whole family!   Watch for news about the Girls, Inc. program starting later in January!   See you at the Branch! Bina Williams Children;'s Librarian 01/01/2010

Our next meeting on January 6, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Black Rock Library will bring several individuals as a panel to discuss Bridgeport Housing Perspectives & Our Grand List. You may think of this session as Housing and Taxes 101! Hold that evening open for this educational session with plenty of time reserved for Q & A. City budgets run on taxpayer money, of local, State and Federal origin. How the local funds are raised (or not raised, as the case may be) is a great starting point for understanding the "economics in Bridgeport". More detailed information on this meeting to come. But please save the date! Reminder: If you have not remitted your Annual Dues yet, please send a check for $50 per home or $30 per home with seniors to P O Box 3551, Bridgeport, CT 06605. We are attempting to... 01/01/2010