Early reading advocate and author Diane Frankenstein visited United Way of Greater New Haven this week to share her approach to “conversational reading” with a group of about 30 early childhood care providers from throughout the region.

Frankenstein discussed ways attendees can incorporate a simple approach – “Read a book, ask a question, start a conversation” – in their programs to instill a love of reading in children at a young age.

The City of West Haven this week became the latest area municipality to kick off its annual campaign for United Way of Greater New Haven. 

The city, a long-time supporter of United Way's work and mission, launched the 2012 campaign Thursday at City Hall. Department leaders, who serve as campaign coordinators, listened to United Way CEO Jack Healy speak about the importance of their role – motivating their colleagues to give.

Steve Kirck, regional vice president of Community Health Charities of New England, also spoke to the group.

Hello! My name is Emily Siefken and I am an Americorps Vista working here at the United Way on the Boost! team. I am one of the youngest Boost! Service Corps Members, having graduated from St. John’s College last May. At St. John’s I studied the Great Books and helped to run the Gay Straight Alliance.

As a way of introducing myself to the United Way blogosphere, I decided that it may be useful to address some of the Frequently Asked Questions that I get from the students at Clinton Avenue School (a public  K-8 school in New Haven). That way you blog followers can find out who I am and what I do, while getting a sense of the inquisitive and hilarious children that I get to interact with at Clinton Ave.

Here is who I am in FAQ form:

1.       Uhmm… Misss….. Uhmm, What’s your name again?

Everyone, start to move. Just move around the stage however you like, with constant motion. The ceiling is getting lower. The ceiling is only 3 feet tall. Keep moving, keep moving, as low as you can go. Now, freeze! This position is your shape #1, so remember this position, and return to it when you hear the words #1. Now the ceiling is rising, keep moving, stretch your arms as high as you can go! Constant motion. … #1! Now let’s move again, going to any level, and try to find a different way to go down to #1 each time it is called. Move around, move around. … #1! Now there’s peanut butter everywhere, and it’s time to walk through thick, chunky peanut butter. Keep moving, move all over through the peanut butter. Freeze! This is shape #2. Move again, keep moving. … #1! #2! #1! #2! #2!

The grins and giggles ensue.

John Cannon, Area Manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car for the Greater Danbury area, wanted to gather his former New Haven area employees for a worthwhile volunteer project. In planning the project, his initial thought was to work with the United Way of Greater New Haven and collect items for a local shelter to help with holiday needs. Then Hurricane Sandy hit and the focus changed quickly. 

The City of New Haven’s United Way Federated Campaign recently kicked off for city departments and the Board of Education. The campaign launched with many presentations, starting with the New Haven firehouses, whose employees have been phenomenal supporters year after year.

I met with firemen from Dixwell, Grand Avenue, Lombard Street, Woodward Avenue and Howard Avenue. Every firefighter heard information about United Way of Greater New Haven, Community Health Charities (CHC), and the United Negro College Fund.