New Haven Independent

Posted by: walt bradley | January 21, 2009 8:01 PM

Good to see McGrath is not holding a grudge against melissa for outing him as bullying destefano vote getter.
Not exactly the person i think embodies the hope and flavor of Obama's presidency. Then again, not much about New Haven's current democratic party insiders is inspiring. Or democratic.

Posted by: friend of brian | January 22, 2009 9:18 AM

you were right mcgrath- they just don't understand you.

Posted by: friend of vito | January 22, 2009 11:39 AM

No we dont' brian, please explain to us what we don't understand. Maybe the independent can also tell us whatever happened to that little voter fraud investigation, and why we haven't heard anything again?
BTW, the New Haven Democratic leadership does not, in most humblest of opinions, represent the spirit of Obama's candidacy.

Posted by: lauralee | January 22, 2009 11:45 AM

So, where did all of the money raised in this event go? I've seen all of the signs around town, they were asking up to $125 / person. at a thousand people, that's a lot of money.
Organized by someone who doesn't vote in the elections and a nefarious vote puller, i'm suspicious. i'm sorry to be suspicious because this is a time of optimisim and hope, but we've got some suspicious folks here in town. Not quite Waterbury, Bridgeport or Chicago, but not quite fully legit either.

Posted by: Lesley Mills | January 22, 2009 2:16 PM

I can only comment on Brian's role on the Inaugural Ball: without his efforts we could not have offered the reasonable ticket prices we did. Anyone with a clue about event production knows that it costs far more than the tickets cover. Brian worked hard from the outset and provided much comic relief with his dry take on the world. I'd ask him to be on any committee of mine. My only regret is that I had to cut short all my comments so I couldn't thank all the volunteers, Brian, along with Henri Sumner and Pat DeMaio would be at the top of the list.
Lesley Mills, Event Chair

Posted by: east rock dan | January 22, 2009 3:06 PM

Lauralee,
the money - according to the thousands of posters around town - supposedly goes to the new haven public schools foundation. The foundation is a "private" foundation, however it i is not a 501(c)3, nor does it have a board of directors, even though it has an executive director. It's website is intertwined with that the the new haven public school system, which makes me (and other parents) suspect it is just another branch of the NHPS. of course we all know the NHPS school board has not one elected member, so i'm sure we will not really find out where all the money went. Ms. Mills has gotten us ready to believe though that there will be no profits left from the ball.
Good question though.
When did "The Independent" decided to refer to Mr. McGrath as a "democratic activist"?
I also think there must be a fantastic story about how Ms. Mills, in these horrible economic times, was able to take off six weeks of work to volunteer to help save our schools. Please share with us.

Posted by: Streever | January 22, 2009 5:13 PM

Wow

I'm so glad you people have 0 power.

New Haven Public School Foundation Inc.--who collected all of this money--is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity.

This is how I know:
http://tinyurl.com/bbpols
Straight from the IRS, people

Come on! Seriously?

As you may or may not know, 501c3s are required to submit detailed financial disclosures for each tax year.

Through my free membership at GuideStar (guidestar.org) I can see every Form 990 they have ever submitted.

Looks like a reputable group to me.

Maybe you all are bitter because you didn't go? It was a great event, kudos to Brian & Lesley for planning such a fun time.

Posted by: east rock dan | January 22, 2009 5:56 PM

Mr. Streever, we all know you are both a unicycle and computer god, the website you graciously gave us shows me nothing about a board or status, just that it is listed. nowhere on google, the nhps site, the new haven independent is there any mention of any board of directors, any mention of status nor is there any mention of anything pertinent.
since you are so knowing, please share with us, in terms we troglidites can understand, who runs the board members are and how they're elected, what kind of moneies taken in to monies directly spent on actions ratio they have, and why this information isn't listed on the website we regular joes are privy to.
By the way, had a great time watching on my big screen at home w/ close friends and beverages. Looking forward to a new era in american politics.
Thanks for the scolding.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | January 22, 2009 9:32 PM

Great event!
Just want to make a side comment...Brian you look like you have a violin case hidden somewhere in the pic! Love it

Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | January 23, 2009 8:49 AM

LESLEY MILLS

"Anyone with a clue about event production knows that it costs far more than the tickets cover."

Knowing McGrath's track record, this can only mean we owe someone. Can you say "Quid Pro Quo?", or "Pay to Play"? Blogoevich would be proud of this guy!

Posted by: Streever | January 23, 2009 5:28 PM

EAST ROCK DAN,

I will scold anytime that someone says, "HOW DO WE KNOW WHERE THE $$$ GOES GOSH DARN IT" about a public charity. This is basic knowledge if you have done anything in the world of nonprofits! I don't mean to take a difficult tone, but seriously, when I read anonymous whining about how other people spend money, it's a bit irritating. Especially when it's a 501c3 and I know darn well they are required to disclose all of the information you are looking for.

Further, as I said, you can register for a free account @ GUIDESTAR and you will see ALL of their disclosures--which are certified by the IRS.

Sorry, I am not going to look up the tax law for you. But that site--the IRS site--shows it's a 501c3 public charity. ERGO, it must disclose all of that.

As I said: you can join GUIDESTAR for free, they will show you the entire history of tax forms from the non-profit, their budget, EVERYTHING.

Go call a lawyer--any lawyer--and ask them how a 501c3 operates.

Sorry dude,
but I have a hard time doing others research for them!

Posted by: ParkStTaxPayer | January 24, 2009 4:42 PM

the event's proceeds went to charity. Lesley Mills (organizer) fronted ALL of the costs for the event and donated THOUSANDS of dollars to put on a celebratory event for ALL people of New Haven (and the surrounding area) to attend. There were three price tiers: $25, $50, and $125, and honestly those who bought the $25 tickets had just as good (if not better, through conversations with my friends) a time as those with the expensive tickets.

The event was celebrating the inauguration of Obama, and the proceeds went to a reputable local charity. Among the guests were the Superintendant of the New Haven Public Schools, local artists (one of whom had art featured on the publicity posters and program), and leaders in politics, neighborhood associations, local civic groups, and other upstanding citizens.

When bringing criticism, one should be better informed. The event was made possible by private funding, and supplemented by ticket sales. The Omni staff and the organizers did a wonderful job producing such a fancy and exciting event. Those who attended not only participated, they also BECAME the event.

Obama is encouraging ALL Americans to challenge their presumptions of our nation; he's encouraging "average" citizens to drop the criticism and pick up a positive, creative attitude. The despair we are feeling in our economy can be fixed not only by hope, but by average people taking positive steps in their communities.

The event was a success because the people involved believe in this Administration and the promise of a NEW America, one in which each and every person can not only survive, but thrive.

Posted by: Lesley | January 27, 2009 1:08 PM

Lauralee,
Forgive me if my response to your questioning my taking six weeks off from work to direct the New Haven Presidential Inaugural Ball is tardy; this is my first blogging experience.
I have worked at the same job for 16 years and, in many of those, not taken all my vacation time so it was 'banked'. I make a point of not spending what I don't have. Aside from that, I could not possibly re-dedicate my time elsewhere without the full support of my staff at Griswold Special Care, a staff that was as enthusiastic about this election as I and willing to cover for me ably in my absence. This is hardly the first time that I have undertaken such a project for organizations and causes about which I am passionate, ranging from the Sooty Six campaign (polluting energy plants) and the under-sound cable project to Orchestra New England and the YWCA and many others. I see it as an obligation of small (and large) businesses to share their skills and resources with their communities.

You had questions about the legitimacy of The New Haven Public School Foundation. It may help to know that they were formerly known as New Haven School Volunteers, organizing and assisting the schools since 1969. They are part of a group of national organizations of foundations with the same mission.

I invite you to be my guest on Thursday at Sage, 4-6, as we gather to honor mentors in the New Haven Public Schools. We will also be presenting a check to the Foundation. I'm sure that your inquiring and quick mind would be very welcome if you choose to commit your time to become a Mentor for a New Haven schoolchild or volunteer time for any of the other four core programs.

The proceeds raised by this event were supported by advertising revenues in the commemorative book and the auction.

We are proud of our New Haven Public Schools and pleased to offer the community a variety of ways to get involved. Check out the new site for news, volunteer opportunities and special events. If you are NHPS Alumni, please tell us who you are! Join our mailing list and receive an invitation to the annual NHPS Alumni Legacy Awards. http://www.nhps.net/NHPSFoundation/WhoWeAre/

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to clarify my role at Griswold Special (home) Care and that of the Foundation.

Lesley Mills, Chair
New Haven Presidential Inaugural Ball

Posted by: Patricia A. DeMaio | January 27, 2009 2:10 PM

As executive director of New Haven Public School Foundation, I'd like to address the question raised about our tax status. We are indeed a 501-c-3 non profit organization, formerly known as School Volunteers for New Haven. We changed our name three years ago when we expanded the scope of our services. The IRS and State of CT approved our name change and, we annually file all required tax forms and registrations. If you want to review our financial information you will find us on Guidestar under our name: New Haven Public School Foundation. You will also find that we are registered with the CT Attorney General and Secretary of State.

The proceeds from the Inaugural Ball, after expenses are paid, will be used for scholarships for New Haven Public School students. If you would like to learn more about this or about our other programs -- mentoring and tutoring, mini-grants for schools or the alumni recogntion program, please call me at 946-8446.

On behalf of NHPS foundation, I want to thank Lesley Mills and the event committee for countless hours spent organizing an event to commerate such a historic inauguration. We also offer our sincere thanks to the sponsors, patrons, supporters and guests who generously contributed to the Inauguarl Ball. Thank you!

Posted by: Bill Iovanne | January 27, 2009 4:01 PM

I have always enjoyed reading the blogs on the Independent website. This one is especially interesting considering the fact that some of the bloggers have not done their homework. The New Haven Public School Foundation is a regsitered 501 (c)3 not for profit organization whose mission is to mobilize and distribute resources that support and enhance New Haven Public School education. The mission statement would answer the question of why the Foundation is linked to the NHPS website. Our Board of Directors, all of who are volunteers, dedicate their time to raising awareness of public school education and the needs of the students and teachers. Our mentor program has been instrumental in helping students make the right choices in their lives. Our mini-grant program brings out the creativity in teachers that directly benefits the students and challenges them to do better. Our Alumni Legacy Awards Dinner reconnects graduates with the New Haven Public Schools and promotes interest, financial support and volunteerism which is much needed.
We were fortunate to be named the recipient of the proceeds from the New Haven Inaugural Ball. This was a first class event that celebrated a historic moment in our nation's history, brought a community together and raised awareness of the needs of education in the public schools. The monies realized from this event will be used for scholarships for New Haven Public School students. Rather than criticize a hard working committee with good intentions, wouldn't it be better to put that energy to use in helping to reinforce the values of public school education? The doors of the New Haven Public School Foundation are open to any and all that would like to help with our mission.

Bill Iovanne
President
Board of Driectors
New Haven Public School Foundation

Posted by: Lesley | January 28, 2009 5:27 PM

So, Lauralee,
Are you prepared to give of yourself to mentor a school child or otherwise assist or not?

Posted by: Lesley Mills | April 29, 2009 1:12 PM

"No answer" came the stern reply.
From The Walrus and the Carpenter