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Friday, June 5, 2020

Black-Owned New Haven



Stand up, New Haven. Given the recent current events, the message is clear: it isn't enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist and take a stand against injustices. While What's Up New Haven is not a political blog, it is important to uplift a group in our community that is clearly hurting at this time. Below is a list of black-owned businesses in the New Haven area. Please show some love if you can.
This list may be updated periodically. If anything is inaccurate, or to request a business be added, please drop a note! info@whatsupnewhaven.com

ARTS + CULTURE

Artifex Custom Gallery
No Physical Address - Online Gallery
Website

The Urban Collective
85 Willow Street
New Haven, CT 06511
203-668-6040
Website

Tia Russell Dance Studio
17 Hazel Terrace
Woodbridge, CT 06525
203-389-7599
Website

FASHION

Neville Wisdom
903 Whalley Avenue
New Haven, CT 06515
203-891-6691
Website

Tucci Polo, Inc.
800-379-3616
Website

FOOD + BEVERAGE

J.A. Bar & Grill
1372 Dixwell Avenue
Hamden, CT 06514
475-238-6597
Website

Kool Breeze
1400 Whalley Avenue
New Haven, CT 06515
475-238-8260
Website

Mama Mary Soul Food
372 Whalley Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511
203-562-4535
Rhythm Brewing Co.
203-809-2431
Website

Sandra's Next Generation
636 Congress Avenue
New Haven, CT 06519
203-787-4123
Website

Uncle Jimmie's
173 Arch Street
Hamden, CT 06511
203-553-4488

Woody's Wings
1378 Whalley Avenue
New Haven, CT 06515
203-859-5410
Website

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Bodyworkers, LLC
New Haven, CT 06510
203-772-8464
Website

Debbie's CPR Class & Mobile Notary Services
P.O. Box 203
230 East Grand Avenue
New Haven, CT 06513
203-891-6600
Website

One Village Healing
216 Crown Street, 4th Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
203-397-6001
Website

MISC. SERVICES

A.B.E. Moving & Labor Company
203-996-5964

Nate the Snake Drain Cleaning
209 Shelton Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511
203-654-5187
Website

NON-PROFIT

Guns Down, Books Up
Website

#BlackLivesMatter

I'm certain this list is the tip of the iceberg of all the incredible, black-owned businesses in the New Haven, CT area. Please feel free to post on the What's Up New Haven social media about which businesses you've tried and anything you recommend.
#BlackLivesMatter today and every day. 2020 is only halfway done. Let's do what we can to get on the up-and-up to 2021!

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Q & A with Russ Lyman, AKA New Haven County's Own "Super Mario Bro"

Meet Russ Lyman, the man behind the M-Kart and the Super Mario Bros. persona!

What's Up, New Haven! While I write this post in hopes of giving you a fun, social-distance friendly idea for upcoming parties, I also wanted to feature a creative and interesting person we have living amongst us. It's amazing to me how curiosity over a custom car grew into a full-blown blog post for this page. You just never know when inspiration will strike! 

I can tell you the precise day that the intrigue with our local Nintendo hero started. On April 23, 2020, I was on a Target run for some essentials. I spotted a vibrant, unique, incredibly cool Mario-themed car was parked in the lot. I'm not one to take photos of random cars, but how many times does one see a Mario Kart brought to life? (Update: I have since learned that the M-Kart has its own Facebook page!) Anywho, I snapped a photo as a keepsake and continued on with my day.

Say cheese! Here's the Mario Kart that caught my eye, and the rest is history.

Fast-forward to May 18, the day that the New Haven Independent published an article about "Super Mario" making guest appearances at birthday parties. Prominently pictured was the car that I'd seen just a few weeks prior! In the article, I'd learn that Russ Lyman was the name of the M-Kart owner and our local "Super Mario". As fate would have it, my son is newly into Mario Bros. and had a birthday coming up. After a quick Instagram message to Russ, we scheduled an appearance for my son to meet Mario. 

A birthday appearance by Russ Lyman, AKA Mario. Cool sound effects included!

Russ executed the appearance flawlessly. He arrived on time, in full costume and with enthusiasm. He even got the two quasi-shy toddlers to come out of their shell and truly enjoy the moment. And of course the adults, who grew up in the '80s, were just as excited as the kids about this surprise appearance! 😄 

Russ' appearance helped make an excellent day out of a birthday celebration that was altered due to COVID concerns. He is available for future parties, so even during the middle of a pandemic, a birthday can still be a unique and a memorable one.

With the success of the appearance, I had to take another gamble and ask if Russ would be willing to do a Q&A for the "What's Up New Haven" blog. As down-to-earth as he is, he agreed to it! 

Get to know the person behind the "Super Mario Bros" persona, and of course, keep Russ in mind for upcoming birthdays for your favorite Nintendo/Mario/video game aficionado!

Q&A Time


Are you a lifelong Mario/Nintendo fan?


Yes, I always loved Mario and Nintendo. My dad got me the NES a few years after it came out, and of course I got the pack in game Mario/Duck Hunt. I always enjoyed all the Mario games, 2 & 3 on NES and then Super Mario World On Super Nintendo. It's just such a simple, yet fun game.

What inspired you to transform an everyday Scion into a super-cool M-Kart?


Well, I bought my Scion new back in 2006, and they were really pushing their brand to customize your car and make it your own. I ended up joining a nationwide Scion car club called Scikotics. They would hold monthly meets at a Scion dealerships, and we would attend car shows. Around this time, the Fast and Furious movies were pretty big and showed some modified cars. It always intrigued me and made me want to make my car special. No one in the car scene had a Nintendo theme, it was mostly putting your PlayStation or Xbox in your car. I figured Mario was a pretty well-known character, so I went with him as my theme. It seemed to fit because he did have a racing game.

Did the car inspire you to make appearances at parties? How did you get started on that?


Once the pandemic started, kids could no longer have parties with their friends. I’m part of a Facebook group for my town called West Haven - The Way It Is, and people were posting about car parades with people driving by and honking to celebrate. My co-worker, Dawn, brought it up to me and suggested that I should go with my car. I was like yeah, my car stands out way more than anyone else's car. So I made a post on the page and got a huge response. I ended up shooting a quick commercial showing off the car and me dressed as Mario.

Checking out the M-Kart. Every corner had a Mario-inspired detail!

Every detail in your M-Kart, from the turtle shell rooftop to the sub speaker warp pipes, makes your car a true sight to be seen! Do you have a favorite feature to show? Are there any additions or changes in the works?


There certainly is a lot going on with the car. One of my favorite modifications, and gets the most attention, is my steering wheel. It's a see through blue acrylic wheel. It has nothing to do with Mario Kart, it just looks cool. Other than that, my giant blue turtle shell with wings on my roof is an attention getter as well. I’m always looking to add more stuff or change things with the car. It's a project car, and you're never really done with the car.

Are appearances a seasonal thing or a year-round gig?


Well, I started it in March, and I don't see why I can’t go all year, weather permitting of course. If it happens to snow on the day of the appearance, I’ll have to reschedule.

What is the craziest request you received for an appearance?


Craziest request, huh. Nothing too wild yet, I did go to a 25 year old's birthday per his fiance's request ,and just this past week, a girl messaged me for her 28-year-old brother. I’ll show up to anyone's house, age makes no difference to me. Someone did request for me to come to a party in Monroe, NY, but that would have been a 3-hour drive, and I wasn’t comfortable making the trip just yet, since I had just replaced the cars transmission.

(Note: My 49-year-old cousin requested an appearance in Oceanside, NY. Something tells me you may grow from our local Mario Bro. to our regional Mario Bro soon!)

When you're off-duty as Mario, what do you like to do for fun?


When I’m not driving around to birthday parties, I make YouTube videos and, of course, play video games. I put out weekly videos about gaming-related stuff and me working on the car. I actually have a full playlist of videos of me buying the car, painting it, doing the interior and more. I do occasionally livestream some video games from the old school Nintendo, the Nintendo Switch to the PlayStation 4. I also enjoy playing the guitar and writing music. I basically know how to keep busy with my time, and there is always something fun to do.

Indeed, there is always something fun to do. Thank you for your time, Russ!

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Here's To New Beginnings

To New Beginnings


"Greetings from New Haven" wall art on State Street
"Greetings From New Haven" wall art on State Street.

The time has come. It is May 20th, 2020, and we are about to enter Phase One of Connecticut's re-opening since the coronavirus-mandated shutdown. If we learned anything from the state's abrupt closing, we learned that New Haven business owners are adaptable to new needs. Stores such as Neville Wisdom and Picadilly Tailor created masks in response to the sudden demand. Westville's annual ArtWalk went virtual this year, as did the Shubert Theatre's Next Stop: New Haven event. Restauranteurs hurdled regulation challenges by offering curbside pick up and delivery -- some even offering to-go cocktail packages as seen at Oak Haven Table & Bar. Social media was critical in businesses supplying up-to-date information to its customers, and most businesses updated regularly. New Haven business owners have an abundance of heart, and they have an entire city ready to support. While the first phase will undoubtedly be met with a mix of excitement and uncertainty, we will all get through it this phase with patience and compassion!

What's Open New Haven: Updated 5/25/20

Businesses that received the green light to open are: restaurants (outdoor only), museums and zoos, retail stores and malls. Venues that are ordered to remain closed are movie theaters, indoor dining, and gyms. Hair salons were initially provided the go-ahead to open at this time, but the opening date was ultimately pushed back, likely to June 1st.

While some businesses have been counting down the days to open again, others are taking a more cautious approach to re-opening. This information is current as of 5/20/20, the day of re-openings, in hopes of providing the most accurate list of what's open in New Haven and the surrounding areas.

This list indicates what is physically open to the public. Many places still offer virtual events, and they will be noted. It's a gorgeous, sunny day today! Should you choose to venture out, please be safe and enjoy!

Art + Entertainment
  • ArtPlus Studio - Closed, but open for virtual events
  • Barcade - Pick-up only
  • Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport) - Opening 6/1/20 - see details here
  • The Clay Date - Pottery To-Go available
  • College Street Music Hall - Closed, but open for virtual events
  • Handwood Games (Milford) - Pick-up only
  • Hull's Art Supply and Framing - Open
  • Shubert Theatre - Closed, but open to virtual art camp
  • Space Ballroom (Hamden) - Closed but open for virtual events
  • West Rock Ridge State Park - Open

Libraries

  • Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library - Closed indefinitely
  • New Haven Free Public Library - All Locations - Closed indefinitely, but open for virtual events
Museums

  • Ely Center of Contemporary Art - Closed
  • Peabody Museum - Closed
  • Yale University Art Gallery - Closed indefinitely, connect online
  • New Haven Museum - Closed
  • Yale Center for British Art - Closed 

Misc. Services
  • A.B.E. Moving & Labor - Open
  • Wash and Wag Pet Grooming - Open
Retail
  • Apple - New Haven Location - Closed, open to virtual support
  • College Street Cycles - Open
  • Connecticut Post Mall (Milford) - Open, restrictions apply
  • FatFace - Closed, shop online
  • GANT - Open
  • Idiom - Opening 5/27/20, curbside pick-up available
  • J. Crew - Closed, shop online
  • Knit New Haven - Closed, curbside pick-up available
  • Lady Olga's Lingerie (Hamden) - Curbside pick-up only
  • LL Bean - Closed, shop online
  • Material Girls (Orange) - Open, curbside pick-up still available
  • Patagonia - Closed, shop online
  • Raggs for Men & Women - Open
  • The Write Approach (Woodbridge) - Open, curbside pick-up and delivery still available
  • Urban Outfitters - Open

Bear's Smokehouse and BBQ prepares for a 5/20 re-opening (top) and a 5/22 drive-in movie night (bottom)!

Restaurants
  • Amity Brick Oven Pizza - Takeout and delivery only
  • Andes International Gourmet Deli - Takeout and delivery only
  • BAD SONS Beer Co. (Derby) - Open
  • Bear's Smokehouse and BBQ - Open
  • Bella's Cafe - Closed
  • Blue State Coffee - Pick-up only
  • Cask Republic - Takeout and delivery only
  • Cave a Vin Wine Bar - Open
  • Christopher Martin's - Takeout only
  • DaLegna Pizzeria - Takeout only
  • El Amigo Felix - Pick-up only
  • Elm City Social - Closed
  • Five Guys - New Haven - Takeout and delivery only
  • Geronimo Tequila Bar + Southwest Grill - Open
  • Goodfellas - Open, reservations recommended
  • Harvest Wine Bar - Open
  • J.P Dempsey's - Takeout only
  • Latin Roots - Open
  • Lena's Cafe and Confections - Pick-up and delivery only
  • L'Orcio - Open by reservation only
  • Mamoun's Falafel - Open
  • Manjares Fine Pastries / Tapas Bar - Open
  • Moon Rocks Gourmet Cookies (Hamden) - Takeout and curbside pick-up only
  • New Haven's Taste of China - Takeout and delivery only
  • New West Cafe - Takeout and curbside pick-up only
  • Oak Haven Table + Bar - Open
  • Ola Restaurant (Orange) - Pick-up and delivery
  • Olives and Oil (New Haven Location) - Pick-up and delivery only
  • Olives and Oil (Seymour Location) - Opening 5/21
  • Olmo - Takeout only
  • Pacifico Restaurant - Open, reservations highly recommended
  • Rawa Mediterranean Fusion - Pick-up only
  • The Original Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - Takeout and delivery only
  • Savin Rock Roasting Company (West Haven) - Open
  • Shell and Bones - Open
  • Solun Restaurant + Bar (Woodbridge) - Open
  • South Bay Mediterranean Kitchen - Open
  • Tavern on State - Opening 5/28, takeout services available
  • Temple Grill - Open
  • Three Sheets New Haven - Takeout only
  • Tre Scalini Ristorante - Open by reservation only
  • Union League Cafe - Open
  • Walnut Beach Creamery (Milford) - Open

Sunday, April 19, 2020

COVID-19: What's Open, New Haven?

It has been some time since I've posted on the What's Up New Haven blog. In fact, it has been over half a decade since last post. Time flies when you're having fun, I suppose!

Illustration courtesy of Center for Disease Control's Public Health Image Library.

This blog is coming out of hibernation because I would be doing New Haven a disservice by neglecting to use this platform to serve our community in our time of need. Life, as we know it, has been put on pause as we navigate our new normal.

The purpose of this blog was to connect the people of New Haven with events and entertainment in the area. While it is difficult to offer entertainment while we practice social distancing, it is not impossible to offer. Many restaurants now offer delivery and takeout options. Events are being held virtually vs. physically. The purpose of this post is to promote awareness of social events and to know which restaurants in New Haven County remain open for business.

Please let me know if I am missing any venues on these lists!

Additionally, many have been asking what they can do to help. While the best thing we all can do to flatten the curve is to stay inside, What's Up New Haven is happy to kickoff some ideas for how you can assist our community. Please check out this post on how you can help.

Please find below the places that are offering services at this time. It will be updated periodically, so please be sure to bookmark this page and check back!

New Haven Happenings

Art
Environment
Fitness

Libraries

Museums

Misc. Services
Virtual Events

Open Restaurants - New Haven County

  • Amity Brick Oven Pizza
    • Phone: 203-397-9300
    • Website
    • Availability: Order online / Pick-up / Delivery
  • Amity Meat Center
    • Phone: 203-397-5060
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • Andes International Gourmet Deli
    • Phone: 475-209-9385
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • Blue Check Deli
    • Phone: 203-387-3810
    • Website
    • Availability: Order online / Pick-up / Delivery
  • Cask Republic
    • Phone: 475-238-8335
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • Christopher Martin's
    • Phone: 203-776-8835
    • Website
    • Availability: Curbside pick-up / Delivery
  • The Common Bond Market - Shelton
    • Phone: 203-513-8200
    • Website
    • Availability: Curbside Pick-Up
  • DaLegna Pizzeria
    • Phone: 203-495-9999
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • Elm City Market
    • Phone: 203-641-0441
    • Website
    • Availability: Online order / Pick-up / Delivery
  • Fireside Bar & Grill
    • Phone: 203-466-1919
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up / Delivery
  • Five Guys - New Haven
    • Phone: 203-285-3016
    • Website
    • Availability: Curbside pick-up / Delivery
  • Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill
    • Phone: 203-777-7700
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • Insomnia Cookies
    • Phone: 203-763-4949
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • J.P. Dempsey's
    • Phone: 203-821-7585
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • Massaro Farm Market
    • Phone: 203-736-8618
    • Website
    • Availability: Drive-Up Farm Stand (Pre-Order)
  • Milkcraft - New Haven
    • Phone: 475-888-9091
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • Moon Rocks Gourmet Cookies
    • Phone: 203-404-4964
    • Website
    • Availability: Order online / Pick-up / Delivery
  • New England Cider Company - Wallingford
    • Phone: 203-793-7646
    • Website
    • Availability: No-Contact Pick-Up
  • Nica's Market
  • Oak Haven Table & Bar
    • Phone: 203-915-9413
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • Olmo
    • Phone: 203-624-3373
    • Website
    • Availability: Order online / Delivery
  • Pacifico Restaurant
    • Phone: 203-772-4002
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • The Original Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
    • Phone: 203-865-5762
    • Website
    • Availability: Order online / Pick-up / Delivery
  • Solun Restaurant & Bar
    • Phone: 203-298-9741
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • South Bay
    • Phone: 475-241-3996
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • Street N' Savory Food Truck
    • Phone/Email: 203-868-1839 or jake@streetnsavory.com
    • Website
    • Availability: Family Meal Delivery (Pre-Order)
  • Tavern On State
    • Phone: 475-202-6883
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • Temple Grill
    • Phone: 203-773-1111
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up / Delivery
  • Three Sheets New Haven
    • Phone: 475-202-6909
    • Website
    • Availability: Curbside Pick-Up / Delivery
  • Texas Roadhouse - West Haven
    • Phone: 203-937-2222
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up
  • Tre Scalini Ristorante
    • Phone: 203-777-3373
    • Website
    • Availability: Curbside pick-up
  • Whole Foods Market - Milford
    • Phone: 203-874-0883
    • Website
    • Availability: Delivery. Call for availability.
  • Woody's Wings
    • Phone: 203-859-5410
    • Website
    • Availability: Pick-up / Delivery



Tuesday, March 31, 2020

COVID-19: Giving Back in New Haven County


With a full heart, I thank you for checking out this fairly-retired Elm City blog. When I published my previous post on Sunday, I did not realize how much information I would have about places that are still open + how to give back to the community. I've decided to split the information into two separate posts: one dedicated to places open for business, and this current post about ways to give back.

Photo Credit: Engin Akyurt. Instagram @enginakyurt.


Hearing From You


If you have ideas for giving back to New Haven, please let me know!

If you have photos of yourself in action, committing acts of kindness, please be sure to tag #whatsupnewhaven to be featured on our social media!


Giving Back & Donation Opportunities


Tavern on State - Meals4Healers

This idea was initiated by beloved resident, Claudia Fernandes, and carried out by Tavern on State. To donate a meal to frontline healthcare providers, you may send money via Venmo: $20.00 to Tavern on State (Venmo name: TavernOnState) with message "HCP". This will ensure that Tavern knows your money is intended to donate a meal to a healthcare provider. $20.00 provides a meal, tip, and delivery for a healthcare provider. 

$20.00 is the suggested amount, but don't let that limit you! The more you can provide, the more mouths that will be fed!

Yale New Haven Hospital - Call for Donations

Provide monetary and/or equipment donation to Yale New Haven Hospital. Show your support with their social media icons and ready-to-print flyers. 

Supportive icon for social media use. Please share.

Yale New Haven's COVID-19 Support Fund will be used for testing, medication, supplies, and staff support.

Some items that YNHH is calling for, unopened and in original packing, includes:
  • Disposable head covers, disposable gowns and gloves
  • N95 Masks
  • Coveralls/Scrubs
  • Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers
Please submit offers to donationsppe@ynhh.org.

Full list of requested items are detailed on YNHH's page, here


Griffin Hospital - Call for Donations

Provide a monetary and/or equipment donation to Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT. Griffin Hospital is a short drive down Route-34 from New Haven, and they also need assistance in caring for staff and clients.

Donations to the Griffin Health COVID-19 Fund aims to protect the health and wellness of Griffin's caregivers.

Griffin is requesting unused/unopened equipment, including:
  • N95 Masks
  • Medical-Grade Isolation Masks/Gowns
  • Face Shields
  • Medical-Grade, Non-Latex Gloves
For donation questions and deliveries, please contact Griffin at covid19donations@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7539.

Details here.

99.1 WPLR - Chaz & AJ Coronavirus Supply Group

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, WPLR personalities Chaz & AJ formed a Facebook group dedicated to addressing community needs in the community. It is a private group, but you may request to join the group here.

Olmo Restaurant - Gift Card Proceeds to Benefit Employees

If you purchase a gift card from Olmo restaurant from now to April 10th, 100% of the purchase will go to Olmo employees. Please help Olmo support its staff while treating yourself to a delicious meal! You may purchase a gift card on Olmo's website.

With Gratitude


If you are a retail employee, truckdrive, first responder or frontline healthcare worker, I thank you for all that you're doing at this scary time. While most of you don't do what you do for the "thanks", you must know that we are appreciated and indebted to your services. I say "we", in hopes that I'm speaking on behalf of our entire community.

Frontline Healthcare Providers: Please remember that Starbucks and Dunkin' are offering free tall/small drinks, to say thank you, with appropriate proof of identification.

Trivia:
This photo is from the 1970s. These cute, pretend doctors grew up to become renowned doctors in the New Haven area. Any guesses as to who they are? Hint: They're also siblings!
Wishing everyone to be healthy, to be smart, and to know that we will come out of this situation stronger, more unified, and more appreciative for all that we have!

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Summer in Elm City: A Collaborative Slideshow

**CALL FOR PHOTOS**

Some photos from my summer in Elm City to be added to our slideshow! :)

Long time no speak, New Haven! I hope everyone has been making the most of summer 2014. With Labor Day Weekend quickly approaching (translation: summer, as we know it, is coming to an end), I thought it would be fun to wrap up with a slideshow created by me and you. Yes, you. ALL of us can participate in the action!

The slideshow will be called "Summer in Elm City", and I would love for you to submit your family-friendly New Haven photos so I can add them to our slideshow, to be aired on What's Up New Haven's primary social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blog) shortly after Labor Day.

How to submit photos: E-mail your photos to info@whatsupnewhaven.com or you can always @whatsupnewhaven me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Please submit photos by Monday, September 1st. You are welcome to include your name, a caption for your photo(s), etc., but it is not mandatory.

Looking forward to working with you, my friends! #NewHavenUnite ;)

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Earth Day 2014 -- Events and Ideas!

Happy Earth Day, New Haven!



Earth Day this year is April 22nd, 2014. Although we should strive to celebrate Earth Day every day, this designated day is a nice reminder to care for our environment. Let's do our part to keep New Haven and surrounding communities clean so we can enjoy cleaner air, better health, and an improved quality of life!

Here's what we can do to celebrate and help:

Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride is coming to New Haven on Saturday, April 26th! Enjoy New Haven by bike and raise funds for 20+ local organizations. Register/donate by visiting the Rock to Rock New Haven page.

Carpool with a friend and check out some other Earth Day CT events (courtesy of the Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection)! 

Recycle! Don't let water bottles become landfill. Dispose of them in blue recycling bins for curbside recycling service. For those without curbside service, you may use the Recycling Center located at 260 Middletown Avenue, off I-91 exit 8. 

Donate! Before you junk that dinner set or laptop, think about local schools (i.e. St. Martin de Porres Academy) or shelters (i.e. Columbus House) that may be able to put your old material to good use.

Garden! Enjoy pesticide-free, GMO-free fruit and vegetables courtesy of your very own garden! This would be an especially fun project for families with younger kids.

Cut the loops! We've all seen those plastic pieces that hold 6-pack cans togerher, but did you know that they could wrap around an animal's neck? Remember to "cut the loops" and possibly save an animal's life. Let's not let any of our Long Island Sound birds end up like this poor little guy pictured below.

Cutting the plastic from cans of six-packs can save this guy's life!