Jim Welbourne, librarian of the City of New Haven, and his staff were genial hosts to an “action oriented dialogue on economic development” as a follow up to the dynamic United Way kick- off event at which Tom Friedman, author and journalist, discussed the Flat World of the 21st century. Gerry Rosenberg, V.P. at Bayer and chairman of this initiative for United Way, extended a welcome and stayed to participate. A large group assembled, at the Courtland Seymour Wilson branch, to consider the community question, “What will it take for the New Haven region to compete in the global economy?”
Bob Santy, president of the Regional Growth Partnership, provided the overview. RGP is a nonprofit economic development corporation covering 15 towns and cities from Milford to Madison and from New Haven north to Meriden. Topics for break-out groups included K‑14 education, lifelong learning, entrepeneurship, transportation and the internet and the creation of a good business climate. Economic development, workforce development and transportation professionals, business and community leaders and interested citizenry brainstormed and discussed assets and obstacles of the region.
Moderators and resource representatives from the Community Foundation, Community Mediation, ConnCan, RGP, United Way, the Volunteer Center for Greater New Haven,Workforce Alliance and Yale University included: Kathleen Conway, Lee Cruz, Kazi Belalm Ginny Shaw, Charlie Pillsbury , Crystal Baron, Jack Healy, Fay Brown, Alex Johnston, Freeman Holloway, Richard Pearce, and Jean Stimolo. Gerald Clark and Len Smart of the Greater New Haven Business and Professional Association, Peter Curtis, lecturer at the University of Hartford entrepeneurship program, Lindy Gold of CT State Department of Economic and Community Development. This was clearly a case of people doing for a life what they do for a living!
The groups will continue to meet with a culmination on February 8 at Gateway Community College; at that time, questions, concerns and ideas will be presented to elected officials in preparation for a long term strategic plan for which the RGP takes responsibility.
The library staff provided reference book lists for the attendees.
The Community Engagement sessions are inclusive and productive. More participation is welcomed and invited; as they say, “ Be part of the solution, not part of the problem!”
Restoration Underway
Is someone trashing the holocaust memorial? Alerted to the possibility, Gone Dishin’ paid a visit with her camera to show that, au contraire, a restoration effort is underway.
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The Holocaust Memorial, on Whalley Avenue, has inspired renewed interest and increased anxiety. It is the first such monument to be erected on public land in the United States; its significance is historic. It speaks volumes about our city and resonates across the country.
Lew Lehrer, a Holocaust survivor , recounts the efforts of the general community joining with the Jewish community for approval and in raising the funds when the memorial was built. When Doris Zelinsky and Eric Epstein evaluated the integrity of the structure and components, they dedicated themselves and recruited family, friends and other concerned citizens to restoration efforts.
The volunteers and contractors represent the same wonderful diversity that was so special in the original effort. The answer to the questions and concerns that observant folks have called to ask the Dish about the mysterious activities is, of course, —¬¶..ALL FOR THE GREATER GOOD!!
