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Tip a Cop
Applebees Restaurant at 526 Boston Post Road in Orange will be hosting a Tip-a-Cop event to benefit Special Olympics CT on Thursday, May 17th from 5pm-8pm.
Members of the Orange PD, both sworn and civilian, will be assisting the Applebees waitstaff in serving patrons. A special tip envelope will accompany your check, and all of the "Tips" received by the Orange PD members for their services go directly to Special Olympics CT,
Please come out with your family and friends to support a worthy cause! See you on May 17th!
First Selectman Jim Zeoli is joined by members of the Orange Board of Selectman as James Torgerson, president and CEO of UIL Holdings Corp., and Anthony Vallillo, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of UIL Holdings Corp., cut the ribbon at the new United Illuminating corporate headquarters located on Marsh Hill Road in Orange.
By Richard Weizel – Orange Town News Correspondent
ORANGE - The long-anticipated opening last week of United Illuminating’s (UI) corporate headquarters in Orange that consolidates six scattered sites across the region at one central location is expected to jump-start the local economy in a very big way. “This is one of the most important economic development projects ever in the town of Orange,” said First Selectman Jim Zeoli, after he joined a group of UI executives during a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week to commemorate the official opening of the 125,000-square-foot building on Marsh Hill Road.
The overall project, that includes moving the corporate giant’s headquarters from New Haven to Orange, and adding an adjacent operations center, which UI employees will begin occupying in June, cost an estimated $120 million, according to UI officials. Officials said about 90 percent of the construction work was carried out by Connecticut companies. The 57-acre, two-site location that will be connected by a private road, is situated on a 34 acre-Marsh Hill Road site right off I-95 Exit 41 that had been home to the former Orange Cinemas and a nearby 23-acre parcel. “I would say this is definitely my biggest achievement as first selectman and that it will be tough to top it,” said Zeoli, who has served as the town’s top elected official since 2005. “We worked hard to bring UI’s corporate headquarters to Orange, along with its other sites, for nearly eight years. Now, it’s a reality.” Zeoli said UI will instantly become “the town’s top taxpayer by far,” infusing millions of tax dollars a year into the grand list, as well as providing local businesses with much-needed revenue that will greatly “add a boost” to the local economy.
With 200 employees having started to work in the headquarters building “local businesses are already seeing the benefits,” Zeoli said. “The new employees are starting to occupy local eateries, restaurants and gas stations. Merchants tell me UI employees are spending on everything from a cup of coffee and a bagel or hamburger, to a full sit-down dinner.” And that’s expected to only intensify by the time more than 1,200 UI employees are working in the two buildings this summer, according to Zeoli and local business leaders such as Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Paul Grimmer. “All kinds of businesses like restaurants and daycare centers are going to benefit, as well as gas stations, doctor’s offices, and any service oriented business,” Grimmer said. Grimmer said that’s why his group and the Chamber of Commerce decided to put together a comprehensive directory for UI employees listing a wide range of Orange businesses. “We want to make sure they know where to find whatever they need in Orange,” said Grimmer.
UI officials said the company’s 26 employees living in Orange will also help provide other workers with guidance on where to shop and obtain needed services in both the commercial district and around town. “Everyone at UI is very excited about the move, it is a wonderful centralized location and easily accessible,” said Jennifer Gelbrand, senior communications specialist. “Having our headquarters and other sites at one location will be much more convenient and cost effective and will help us to provide enhanced services to our customers in different service areas that cover 17 towns and cities.”
Gelbrand, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremonies last Thursday morning under sunny, clear skies, along with about 250 other employees and town officials, said it is the start of a new era for the corporate giant. “It was a great day to celebrate our company’s consolidation and move to Orange,” said Gelbrand. “This is a busy time, as our employees will be moving to the site in waves between now and the summer.”
United Illuminating Providing Expected Jolt to Local Economy
By Richard Weizel – Orange Town News Correspondent
ORANGE - The long-anticipated opening last week of United Illuminating’s (UI) corporate headquarters in Orange that consolidates six scattered sites across the region at one central location is expected to jump-start the local economy in a very big way. “This is one of the most important economic development projects ever in the town of Orange,” said First Selectman Jim Zeoli, after he joined a group of UI executives during a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week to commemorate the official opening of the 125,000-square-foot building on Marsh Hill Road.
The overall project, that includes moving the corporate giant’s headquarters from New Haven to Orange, and adding an adjacent operations center, which UI employees will begin occupying in June, cost an estimated $120 million, according to UI officials. Officials said about 90 percent of the construction work was carried out by Connecticut companies. The 57-acre, two-site location that will be connected by a private road, is situated on a 34 acre-Marsh Hill Road site right off I-95 Exit 41 that had been home to the former Orange Cinemas and a nearby 23-acre parcel. “I would say this is definitely my biggest achievement as first selectman and that it will be tough to top it,” said Zeoli, who has served as the town’s top elected official since 2005. “We worked hard to bring UI’s corporate headquarters to Orange, along with its other sites, for nearly eight years. Now, it’s a reality.” Zeoli said UI will instantly become “the town’s top taxpayer by far,” infusing millions of tax dollars a year into the grand list, as well as providing local businesses with much-needed revenue that will greatly “add a boost” to the local economy.
With 200 employees having started to work in the headquarters building “local businesses are already seeing the benefits,” Zeoli said. “The new employees are starting to occupy local eateries, restaurants and gas stations. Merchants tell me UI employees are spending on everything from a cup of coffee and a bagel or hamburger, to a full sit-down dinner.” And that’s expected to only intensify by the time more than 1,200 UI employees are working in the two buildings this summer, according to Zeoli and local business leaders such as Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Paul Grimmer. “All kinds of businesses like restaurants and daycare centers are going to benefit, as well as gas stations, doctor’s offices, and any service oriented business,” Grimmer said. Grimmer said that’s why his group and the Chamber of Commerce decided to put together a comprehensive directory for UI employees listing a wide range of Orange businesses. “We want to make sure they know where to find whatever they need in Orange,” said Grimmer.
UI officials said the company’s 26 employees living in Orange will also help provide other workers with guidance on where to shop and obtain needed services in both the commercial district and around town. “Everyone at UI is very excited about the move, it is a wonderful centralized location and easily accessible,” said Jennifer Gelbrand, senior communications specialist. “Having our headquarters and other sites at one location will be much more convenient and cost effective and will help us to provide enhanced services to our customers in different service areas that cover 17 towns and cities.”
Gelbrand, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremonies last Thursday morning under sunny, clear skies, along with about 250 other employees and town officials, said it is the start of a new era for the corporate giant. “It was a great day to celebrate our company’s consolidation and move to Orange,” said Gelbrand. “This is a busy time, as our employees will be moving to the site in waves between now and the summer.”
Bulletin Board
Al-Anon Parents Meeting, Monday nights, 7:30pm year-round, United Church of Christ, Plymouth Building, 18 West Main Street, Milford – supporting parents of alcoholics and/or substance abusers. For more information, go to www.ct-al-anon.org or call Margaret at (203) 877-4313.
Nicotine Anonymous Meetings, Mondays, 6:30 – 7:30pm, Trinity Lutheran Church, 21 Robert Treat Parkway, Milford, open to all, no dues or fees, only requirement is the desire to be free of nicotine. For more information, call Bridges, 203-878-6365.
Trumbull Stitch 'n Bitch, Tuesdays, 9:30-11:00am, Panera Bread, Westfield Shopping Park. Spend a pleasant time with fellow knitters and crocheters. All levels of experienced knitters and crocheters are welcome. For more information, call Sylvia at 203-268-6570.
Zumba Gold Classes At Congregation Or Shalom, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., Congregation Or Shalom, 205 Old Grassy Hill Road, simple and easy routines to follow, designed for people of all ages and no experience is needed. If interested, call Robin at 203.314.8176 or temple office at 203.799.2341.
St. Vincent's Medical Center Family Support Group, 1st Tuesday of each month, 4:00-5:30pm, Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, Level 3 Medical Oncology Conference Room, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, for adult patients, family members and friends who are coping with a diagnosis of Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, and Hodgkin’s Disease, no reservations required, free parking, facilitators are Eileen Bohan, MSW and Teresa Money McLaughlin, RN, MSN, AOCN. For more information call the SWIM line @ 203-576-6158or email tmclaugh@stvincent.org.
St. Vincent's Medical Center Breast Cancer Survivor Support Group, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month, 5:30-7:00pm, Level 4, Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, St. Vincent's Medical Center, 280 Main Street, Bridgeport, no reservations required, free parking w/validated ticket, Facilitators are Maureen Pellletier, RN, OCN, Nannette Persico, RN, OCN, and Joyce Flynn, Network of Strength Volunteer. For more information, call 203-576-6158 or email tmclaugh@stvincent.org.
Clean Energy Task Force of Orange, meets on the third Tuesday of every month at HPCC, 525 Orange Center Road, conference room, 8 o'clock. The public is invited.
Orange Arts & Culture Council meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month, 7:30pm, Case Memorial Library, 176 Tyler City Road. The public is invited.
Orange Recycling Committee meets every 3rd Wednesday except for January, July & August, 7pm, HPCC conference room, 525 Orange Center Road, public is invited to attend. For more information, email Orangerecycles@gmail.com.
Blood Pressure Clinic presented by Gentiva & Maplewood of Orange, 1st Thursday of every month, Maplewood of Orange (formerly Laurel Estates), 245 Indian River Road, 1:30-2:30pm in the Community Room. No appointment necessary.
The Rotary Club Of Orange meets every Friday, 12:15pm at the Racebrook Country Club, 246 Derby Avenue; prospective new members may contact Diane Eger at 203-530-4526 or visit www.orangectrotary.org for information about the club.
Chabad of Orange~Woodbridge Weekly Puppet Show, Saturday Mornings, 11:30am, 261 Derby Avenue, puppeteers will captivate your children’s attention each week while learning about their Jewish Heritage, history & values; geared for children ages 3-8.
Orange Rotary Club Rose Sale, Friday, May 11, 2012, HPCC, 525 Orange Center Road, 11:00am-2:00pm; Clark Building, 605A Orange Center Road, 2:00-6:00pm/Saturday, May 12, 2012, Orange Transfer Station, South Orange Center Road, 8:00am-12pm. For more information, call Paul Grimmer at 203-891-1045 or email to p.grimmer@snet.net.
Used Book Sale, Saturday May 12, 2012, 9:00am - 2:00pm, White Elephant and SERRV stores, large selection of books, including children' s books, free admission, donations accepted. For more information, contact Gert Beckwith dgbeckwith@sbcglobal.net or 203 934-6921.
Orange Masonic Lodge Scholarship Application Deadline, Tuesday, May 15, 2012, two $1,000 medical scholarships for college students studying counseling, social services, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, medicine, social work, gerontology or pharmacology and having completed a minimum of two semesters in their chosen field, maintain minimum GPA of 2.75, must be a daughter, son, granddaughter, grandson, niece or nephew of a member of Orange Lodge #143 or a resident of the town of Orange. Also two $1,000 Orange Lodge Family Scholarships for a daughter, son, granddaughter, grandson, niece or nephew of a member of Orange Lodge #143, must have completed a minimum of two semesters in their chosen field, and maintained a minimum GPA of 2.75. Interested students should send a synopsis of credentials and accomplishments within their chosen field along with a current school transcript to: Orange Lodge Scholarship Committee, Mr. Elmer F. Manley, Chairman, 1014 Fernbrook Road, Orange, CT 06477-1011. For information call (203) 799-2651 or email hcbyPolly@yahoo.com, Subject: Scholarship.
Garden Club of Woodbridge Plant Sale, Saturday, May 19, 2012 (rain date Sunday, May 20, 2012), Massaro Farm grounds, 41 Ford Road, Woodbridge; annual flowers, hanging baskets, perennials, organic vegetables and herbs. For more information, visit www.massarofarm.org.
Orange Strawberry Festival, Saturday, June 2, 2012/Rain Date Sunday, June 3, 2012, Orange Town Green. For more information, call Orange Congregational Church 203-795-9749.
Milford Knights of Columbus Lancaster Show Trip, October 2-4, 2012 includes 2 nights lodging, 4 meals, Jonah Show at the Millennium Theatre, Guided Tour of Lancaster including Amiish Country, visit to Kitchen Kettle Village, Landis Valley Museum & Village, Harley Davidson Factory; cost $315.00. For reservations or more information, call John Bernard at 203-877-2737.
Nicotine Anonymous Meetings, Mondays, 6:30 – 7:30pm, Trinity Lutheran Church, 21 Robert Treat Parkway, Milford, open to all, no dues or fees, only requirement is the desire to be free of nicotine. For more information, call Bridges, 203-878-6365.
Trumbull Stitch 'n Bitch, Tuesdays, 9:30-11:00am, Panera Bread, Westfield Shopping Park. Spend a pleasant time with fellow knitters and crocheters. All levels of experienced knitters and crocheters are welcome. For more information, call Sylvia at 203-268-6570.
Zumba Gold Classes At Congregation Or Shalom, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., Congregation Or Shalom, 205 Old Grassy Hill Road, simple and easy routines to follow, designed for people of all ages and no experience is needed. If interested, call Robin at 203.314.8176 or temple office at 203.799.2341.
St. Vincent's Medical Center Family Support Group, 1st Tuesday of each month, 4:00-5:30pm, Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, Level 3 Medical Oncology Conference Room, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, for adult patients, family members and friends who are coping with a diagnosis of Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, and Hodgkin’s Disease, no reservations required, free parking, facilitators are Eileen Bohan, MSW and Teresa Money McLaughlin, RN, MSN, AOCN. For more information call the SWIM line @ 203-576-6158or email tmclaugh@stvincent.org.
St. Vincent's Medical Center Breast Cancer Survivor Support Group, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month, 5:30-7:00pm, Level 4, Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, St. Vincent's Medical Center, 280 Main Street, Bridgeport, no reservations required, free parking w/validated ticket, Facilitators are Maureen Pellletier, RN, OCN, Nannette Persico, RN, OCN, and Joyce Flynn, Network of Strength Volunteer. For more information, call 203-576-6158 or email tmclaugh@stvincent.org.
Clean Energy Task Force of Orange, meets on the third Tuesday of every month at HPCC, 525 Orange Center Road, conference room, 8 o'clock. The public is invited.
Orange Arts & Culture Council meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month, 7:30pm, Case Memorial Library, 176 Tyler City Road. The public is invited.
Orange Recycling Committee meets every 3rd Wednesday except for January, July & August, 7pm, HPCC conference room, 525 Orange Center Road, public is invited to attend. For more information, email Orangerecycles@gmail.com.
Blood Pressure Clinic presented by Gentiva & Maplewood of Orange, 1st Thursday of every month, Maplewood of Orange (formerly Laurel Estates), 245 Indian River Road, 1:30-2:30pm in the Community Room. No appointment necessary.
The Rotary Club Of Orange meets every Friday, 12:15pm at the Racebrook Country Club, 246 Derby Avenue; prospective new members may contact Diane Eger at 203-530-4526 or visit www.orangectrotary.org for information about the club.
Chabad of Orange~Woodbridge Weekly Puppet Show, Saturday Mornings, 11:30am, 261 Derby Avenue, puppeteers will captivate your children’s attention each week while learning about their Jewish Heritage, history & values; geared for children ages 3-8.
Orange Rotary Club Rose Sale, Friday, May 11, 2012, HPCC, 525 Orange Center Road, 11:00am-2:00pm; Clark Building, 605A Orange Center Road, 2:00-6:00pm/Saturday, May 12, 2012, Orange Transfer Station, South Orange Center Road, 8:00am-12pm. For more information, call Paul Grimmer at 203-891-1045 or email to p.grimmer@snet.net.
Used Book Sale, Saturday May 12, 2012, 9:00am - 2:00pm, White Elephant and SERRV stores, large selection of books, including children' s books, free admission, donations accepted. For more information, contact Gert Beckwith dgbeckwith@sbcglobal.net or 203 934-6921.
Orange Masonic Lodge Scholarship Application Deadline, Tuesday, May 15, 2012, two $1,000 medical scholarships for college students studying counseling, social services, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, medicine, social work, gerontology or pharmacology and having completed a minimum of two semesters in their chosen field, maintain minimum GPA of 2.75, must be a daughter, son, granddaughter, grandson, niece or nephew of a member of Orange Lodge #143 or a resident of the town of Orange. Also two $1,000 Orange Lodge Family Scholarships for a daughter, son, granddaughter, grandson, niece or nephew of a member of Orange Lodge #143, must have completed a minimum of two semesters in their chosen field, and maintained a minimum GPA of 2.75. Interested students should send a synopsis of credentials and accomplishments within their chosen field along with a current school transcript to: Orange Lodge Scholarship Committee, Mr. Elmer F. Manley, Chairman, 1014 Fernbrook Road, Orange, CT 06477-1011. For information call (203) 799-2651 or email hcbyPolly@yahoo.com, Subject: Scholarship.
Garden Club of Woodbridge Plant Sale, Saturday, May 19, 2012 (rain date Sunday, May 20, 2012), Massaro Farm grounds, 41 Ford Road, Woodbridge; annual flowers, hanging baskets, perennials, organic vegetables and herbs. For more information, visit www.massarofarm.org.
Orange Strawberry Festival, Saturday, June 2, 2012/Rain Date Sunday, June 3, 2012, Orange Town Green. For more information, call Orange Congregational Church 203-795-9749.
Milford Knights of Columbus Lancaster Show Trip, October 2-4, 2012 includes 2 nights lodging, 4 meals, Jonah Show at the Millennium Theatre, Guided Tour of Lancaster including Amiish Country, visit to Kitchen Kettle Village, Landis Valley Museum & Village, Harley Davidson Factory; cost $315.00. For reservations or more information, call John Bernard at 203-877-2737.
