| "Department of Energy names Bridgeport leader in fuel cell technology" - WTNH
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A recent U.S. Department of Energy report highlights Bridgeport as a leader in fuel cell usage, powering thousands of homes.
Due to the absence of combustion, fuel cells emit virtually no pollutants, such as the harmful products that create smog, acid rain, and aggravate asthma. The carbon footprint is also low.
“In Bridgeport, we’re making smart investments in the future by creating green jobs, and investing in clean energy that ensure our kids can breathe easier,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch in a press release. “Fuel cells play a vital role in my vision for our city’s future. We’re serving as a national leader on this front. We’re home to North America’s largest fuel cell, which power 15,000 homes with clean energy. And, soon we’ll be home to two new fuel cells. In the future, we’ll be generating enough clean energy from fuel cells to power up to 19,000 homes.”
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| "Bridgeport revels in Fletcher Thompson return" - Connecticut Post
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After 93 years in Bridgeport, Fletcher Thompson's departure for Shelton in 2002 was part of a long string of losses for the city. Its return has boosters convinced a reversal is underway.
Fletcher Thompson, an architecture and engineering firm, left a downtown that 12 years ago showed few signs of life. It was part of a trend away from cities and toward suburban office-park settings that drove development for decades, to the benefit of places like Shelton.
That trend is showing signs turning around. "Shelton is right for some companies, but our business is predicated on a lot of state and municipal work," said Mike Marcinek, managing partner at Fletcher Thompson. "We needed to be in a more vibrant area, and suburban Shelton doesn't suit us."
The company has moved its roughly 60 employees into the former Mechanics & Farmers Bank building at 930 Main St. after spending the past four years in temporary offices across Main Street. Mayor Bill Finch said the move is part of a wider trend. "It's really emblematic of what's going on," he said. "Instead of turning our back on cities, people are choosing to live here. It's happening all over. These large suburban complexes are losing their appeal."
The changing trends are helping Bridgeport attract companies. "I see us in a better position to compete, because we have something they can't offer," he said. "They can build offices, but they can't build a community."
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| "Connecticut to enhance pre-K access with federal grant" - Fairfield County Business Journal
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| The city of Bridgeport was recently awarded federal grant money to fund 180 new prekindergarten spaces for low-income children and improve pre-K programs for another 90 children.
The $12.5 million in discretionary federal funding will add pre-K spaces for 428 children across Connecticut. The money also will go toward improving 284 existing pre-K spaces in the state.
The grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services.
“As a parent, and mayor of the state’s largest city, I’ve seen firsthand how tough it is for kids who don’t have access to quality early childhood education,” Finch said in a statement. “And research is clear: If kids aren’t reading at the level they should be by third grade, they’re less likely to graduate. That’s why this is such great news for hundreds of Bridgeport kids. It will help ensure more kids are ready to one day compete for jobs in the future.”
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| Coming Up
in the
Park City
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| Disney on Ice presents
Treasure Trove
Webster Bank Arena
Thursday, Jan. 8 to
Sunday, Jan 11 Discover endless riches when Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt comes to your hometown! Disney On Ice sets the gold standard with a skating spectacular filled with classic Disney moments. Get tangled up in Disney's 50th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn and enter the worlds of your favorite Disney princesses: Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Aurora, Tiana, Mulan and, of course, the one who started it all, Snow White. Ahoy, Mateys! Set sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell and the cantankerous Captain Hook & his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Never Land! Trek the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the 'Circle of Life.' Tick-Tock! Tick-Tock! Don't be late to a very important date with Alice & the Mad Hatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts' Army Of Cards. You won't want to miss this show full of Disney treasures to remember.
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| It's All Fun and Games Improv Comedy Show
The Bijou Theatre
Friday, Jan. 2
8:00 p.m.
“It’s All Fun and Games” features the improv of Ron Hill, Anthony Reimer, Chris Booth, Rebecca Vigil, Nick Carillo, Josh Hurley, Langston Belton, Devin Heater, and Jack Carter. Many trained at NYC’s Gotham City Improv (formally Groundings East) which have given us the greats, such as Will Farrell and Lisa Kudrow.
Doors Open at 7:00pm
Show Starts at 8:00pm
Theatre Seating: $20
Table Seating: $25
Student Ticlets: $10 theatre seats
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| Stay Connected with
Mayor Bill Finch
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