Here are some upcoming December events at the Black Rock Branch Library.   Mondays 10:30 – 11:30AM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Free Computer Classes for Beginners. The Black Rock Branch Library announces a series of free computer classes designed for beginners. All classes begin at 10:30 AM or and will last approximately 1 hour. Space is limited so register for one or more classes now. Call: 203 337-9676   Mondays & Wednesdays – 1:00 PM. The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Get Fit Bridgeport – The Black Rock Branch announces a physical fitness series using exercise DVD’s, that are available at the library. They are simple to use and appropriate for those who have not exercised regularly, or who need a gentler way of exercisi... 11/21/2011

An International Children’s Art Exhibition – at the Bridgeport Public Library       Flower of Your Region – An International Children’s Art Exhibition – All Bridgeport Public Library Locations The Bridgeport Public Library and Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library are honored to present 75 Children’s works of art from ten different countries.  The ages of the children are from 3 years old to up.   The exhibit will be on display November 1st ~ December 1st 2011 in the Bridgeport Public Library and Branches.It features children artwork of all ages from:   Bangladesh ~ China ~ Estonia ~ Finland Latvia ~ Lithuania ~ Malaysia ~ Philippines Russia ~ The United States 11/19/2011

Thursday, December, 15th7:00 PMBlack Rock Branch New England’s Other Witch-Hunt: The Hartford Witch-hunt of the 1660s and Changing Patterns in Witchcraft Prosecution. Lecture by Doctor Walter Woodward: professor at the UConn Department of History and Connecticut’s State Historian. Co-sponsored by the Bridgeport Digital Humanities Initiative and the Black Rock Branch Library. Everyone knows about the witch hunt at Salem in 1692. But few people know that in the years before Salem, Connecticut was New England’s fiercest witch prosecutor. The first person hanged for witchcraft in New England came from Windsor, and every single person indicted for witchcraft in Connecticut in its early years was convicted and hanged. .Walt Woodward brings this extraordinary, but nearly forgotten story to li... 11/19/2011

Thursday, December 8th 6:30 PM Black Rock Branch Save and Burn - A documentary by Julian Samuel (A part of the Library Science/Artspace statewide Film Festival and New Haven exhibition in collaboration with the Connecticut Library Consortium.) Click here for Film Festival and Exhibit info. Save and Burn deepens our understanding of the history of civilization through the phenomenon of the library. From ancient China, India, Islam, and the Graeco Roman world, we see how the library radiated knowledge and spiritual values, and facilitated the cross fertilization of ideas from one culture to another.  Save and Burn puts the institution of the library within a startling political context. Generally considered a preserver of culture, the documentary points out how libraries are subject to t... 11/19/2011

Thursday, December 1st6:30 PMBlack Rock Branch Bridgeport – City Budgets and Balance Sheets: 101 (a view from the “cheap seats” as a taxpayer….) Civic leaders often use words like “open, accountable, transparent” (O.A.T.) to characterize their activities and processes. However, when you follow the money processes (according to the Charter, City ordinances, or best practices in ‘top-rated’ communities) that are frequently hidden from view, you may question whether O.A.T.s is an accurate description in Bridgeport. This is a one hour primer for curious taxpayers and voters who believe in fiscal “checks and balance”, timely and informed oversight and competent watchdogs over City fiscal processes and purchases. Presenters attended the 2011 City Budget and Appropriation hearings and believe... 11/19/2011

Tuesday, November 22nd3:00 – 4:15 PMBlack Rock  Branch – Children’s Craft Area. Drop In Craft: Recycled Crafts! Please join us in making some nifty crafts using all recycled materials! Will it be old CDs? Candy wrappers? Jigsaw Puzzle pieces? Newpapers and magazines?Find out. Fun for all ages! And you will be helping out with keeping our city green! In conjunction with the new Recycle Bank program!!!   Wednesdays10:45 – 11:45 AMBlack Rock Branch Little Rocks Join us for our popular Little Rocks program for children up through age 3 with a caregiver. Stories, rhymes, music, movement, short films, and time for play are all part of the mix! Contact: Miss Bina:   203-337-9676 11/19/2011

Mondays & Wednesdays 12:00 – 1:00 PMBlack Rock Branch Get Fit Bridgeport – “Walking Down Your Blood Sugar” The Black Rock Branch announces a physical fitness series using exercise DVD’s, that are available at the library. They are simple to use and appropriate for those who have not exercised regularly, or who need a gentler way of exercising, yet want results. The first program is entitled “Walking Down Your Blood Sugar” from the Leslie Sansone ‘Walk at Home’ DVD Series.  It includes an educational ‘Talk’ offering a doctor’s expert advice on the importance of fitness walking while managing diabetes The format will be 15 minute welcome and education, 30 minute walking with the video, 15 minute handout /repeat education and close. This program is free but registration required. Please ca... 11/19/2011

Today in Bridgeport:Join Jim Motavalli for a discussion of his fascinating new book, High Voltage When: 2:00 PM on Saturday November 19th, 2011Where: Bridgeport Public Library – Fine Arts room 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604Electric automobiles in Connecticut are not a new phenomena. Electric cars were built as early as 1897 in Fairfield County. This riveting book by Jim Motavalli explores the current race to market the electric car.The auto industry of 2020 is likely to be very different from the field of troubled auto giants we see today. Just as in the 1980s it was unimaginable that the home computer would become as common and easy to use as a toaster, so the days of electric cars and plug-in charging stations seem like something still far off in the future.But the combination... 11/19/2011

Gail Robinson, GRI,e-Pro | William Raveis Real Estate | (203) 521-0768 65 Scofield Ave 3rd Fl, Bridgeport, CT Upscale renovation of large third floor apartment with central air, floating glass shower, W/D & one bay of garage. 2BR/1BA Apartment $1,150/month Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Sq Footage 1,039 Parking 1 dedicated Pet Policy No pets Deposit $2,300 see additional photos below RENTAL FEATURES - Air conditioning - Central heat - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Living room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside LEASE TERMS First and two month's security. Must fill out landlord application. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1Photo 2Photo 3Photo 4 Contact info: Gail Robinson, GRI,e-Pro William Raveis Real Estate Licensed in Connecticut (203) 52... 11/06/2011

       Many "free money" or "forgivable loan" programs offered by towns go unnoticed!!        A prime example are 2 local programs in Bridgeport, CT & Stratford, CT!  If a        homeowner qualifies for the program, they can get up to $15,000 to fix up their        home.  Interestingly enough, I never heard of these programs until I seeked        out the information.  If you happen to live in Bridgeport or Stratford, click the links        below.  If you live elsewhere, I would suggest googling your town name followed by        "housing rehabilitation." So for Plano, TX, you would google, Town of Plano, TX,           housing rehabilitation program.  You will be very surprised at what you find available.  Then, call         your clients to let them know what may be available to them!  I... 11/03/2011

Thursday, November 17th6:00 – 8:00 PMBlack Rock Branch Monsters, Inc. Please join us for the Disney Pixar hit MONSTERS, INC. This animated movie was one of the first to make use of Pixar technology….but besides that, it is a LOT of fun.   Monsters generate their city’s power by scaring children, but they are terribly afraid themselves of being contaminated by children, so when one tiny and loveable girl named Boo enters Monstropolis, top scarer Sulley finds his world disrupted. With John Goodman as the giant monster Sully and Billy Crystal as his short round pal, Mike, this movie is sure to make everyone in the family laugh….. Black Rock Branch2705 Fairfield Ave.Bridgeport, CT 06605(203) 337-9676 Hours:Monday 10-5Tuesday 12-8Wednesday 10-5Thursday 12-8Friday 10-5Saturday1-5Sunday: CLOSED 11/02/2011

Wednesday, November 16th 1:00 PMBlack Rock Branch Food for Thought – Book Discussion The Black Rock Branch Library’s lunchtime book club meets the 3rd  Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM - bring your brown bag lunch, we will provide coffee, tea and dessert. Our next book up for discussion is: My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliviera The Civil War offers a 20-year-old midwife who dreams of becoming a doctor the medical experience she craves, plus hard work and heartbreak, in this rich debut that takes readers from a small upstate New York doctor’s office to a Union hospital overflowing with the wounded and dying. Call the library today and reserve your copy: 203 337-9676 Upcoming books: .December 14th The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler Swedish Detective Inspector Joona Linna investigating the ... 11/02/2011

Thursday, November 10th6:30 PMBlack Rock Branch Madame Bovary’s Daughter by Linda Howard Join Black Rock’s own, Linda Howard for a discussion of her new and widely acclaimed novel - Madame Bovary’s Daughter. Linda’s Bio. Whatever happened to the only daughter of the scandalous Madame Bovary, literature’s greatest adulteress and worst mother? Picking up after the shattering end of Gustave Flaubert’s classic novel, this beguiling novel answers the question: how does a daughter survive the legacy of a mother’s sinful past?   One year after her mother’s suicide and just one day after her father’s broken hearted demise, twelve-year-old Berthe Bovary is sent to live on her grandmother’s impoverished farm. Amid the beauty of the French countryside, Berthe becomes a model for famed painter Jean... 11/02/2011

Fridays, starting October 21st 11:00 AM – 12 NoonBlack Rock Branch Free Computer Classes for Beginners The Black Rock Branch Library announces a series of  free computer classes designed for beginners. All classes begin at 11:00 AM or and will last approximately 1 hour. Space is limited so register for one or more classes now. Call:  (203) 337-9676.   Topics covered will include: Computer Basics Intro to the Internet Email Social Media Microsoft Word/Excel Desktop computers will be provided for all students. 11/02/2011

Thursday, November 3rd4:00 – 5:00 PMBurroughs & Saden and Black Rock Branch Career Webinar Series: Making a Career Change Find out how to decide if a career change is right for you! Learn the 15 questions you need to ask before making a career change. Discover how to create and execute a successful career change plan. Avoid the most common mistakes people make when changing careers. Course instructor Barbara Safani, owner of Career Solvers, has over fifteen years of experience in career management, recruiting, and executive coaching. She is a triple-certified resume writer, a six-time award winner in the international Toast of the Resume Industry competition, and her work has been featured in over two dozen resume writing and career management publications. Presented By Tutor. Com For ... 11/02/2011

Black Rock Senior Center October & November Events 2676 Fairfield Avenue 203-576-7258   Lunch every day at noon - $2 donations, call (203) 579-1323   October 21, 2011 (Monday) 10-12 Senior Emergency Preparedness, Friday Free Lunch Ocrober 25, 2011 (Tuesday) 12:30 Wellcare's Medical Plan October 27, 2011 (Thursday) 12 OctoberFest/Halloween Party. Contest for best 3 costumes. $6.00 Weiner schnitzel, sweet & sour red cabbage, potatoes, & apple studel November 9, 2011 (Wednesday) 10 AM Veteran's Pancake Breakfast. Pancakes and bacon. Free to Veterans and family and Bridgeport seniors November 14, 2011 (Monday) 8:30 AM - 6 PM Foxwoods Trip $20 November 15, 2011 (Tuesday) Arthritis Lecture - Dr. Christopher Goodwill   WEEKLY EVENTS   Tuesday 10 AM, Thursday 9:30 AM Tai Chi classes Tuesday 11... 11/01/2011

Gail Robinson, GRI,e-Pro | William Raveis Real Estate | (203) 521-0768 125 Gilman St, Bridgeport, CT Black Rock Colonial at gateway to St. Mary's-by-the-Sea. Updated kitchen, 1st flr laundry, LR w. fpl, open flr plan. 3BR/1+1BA Single Family House offered at $219,000 Year Built 1930 Sq Footage 1,458 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 1 Uncovered spaces Lot Size .14 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central heat - Fireplace - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Dining room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Attic - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard ADDITIONAL PHOTOS ExteriorLiving RoomLiving RoomKitchenKitchenDining RoomFamily RoomPorch & Yard Co... 10/29/2011

BARTRAM HOUSE - 427 Brewster Street - $475,000 Thomas Bartram, the builder of the house at the corner of Bartram avenue and Brewster street . He followed the West India trade, and he died of yellow fever in the West Indies, in 1803. Thomas Bartram was married to Sarah Burr in 1797. He kept a careful record of his business transactions commences in 1801, the year he set up his house at Black Rock, and continued through 1835, three years before his death.  Three volumeshave been preserved, covering the years between 1801 and 1819, and the period from 1830 to 1835. Two and perhaps three volumes, from the period 1819-1830, are missing, but the surviving volumes provide historic details. This is one of my listings and is still currently on the market.  It is now a two-family home, but could ... 10/27/2011

Hillside Cottage on Thorne Place was one of the summer cottages of the George Hotel at the turn of the century in Black Rock. Bridgeport, the ‘Park City’, was once the most popular summer vacation resort between New York City and Newport, Rhode Island.  Black Rock Harbor was home to what was perhaps the Sound’s grandest summer resort hotel. The George Hotel, which opened in 1874, was built on Grovers Hill, near what is now St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea. The French Second Empire style George Hotel was built by George A. Wells, who was the public relations director for Bridgeport’s most famous resident, P.T. Barnum, the hotel’s main financial backer.  Wells apparently learned the art of shameless promotion from Barnum: the George Hotel’s promotional material promised “a bath with every room,” th... 10/27/2011

CLARKSON HOUSE The  house was built by John Clarkson, Sr., an Englishman. The house was moved from its original location, Fairfield Avenue, corner of Gilman Street, to make way for the Beverly Theatre Building. It is now located on 36 Livingston Street. I listed and sold this 2,078 SF Colonial with 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths in 2005 for $341,550 "as is" in need of restoration.  A couple who love historic homes purchased it and did meticulous research to restore it to it's full historic period beauty while adding modern conveniences.  I love looking up the history of homes and understanding what makes each one special.  The sellers grew up in this home and were glad that the buyers appreciated it and restored it.     10/27/2011