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By Kerri Provost, February 4, 2012 3:43 pm

People move around, in, and out of Hartford all the time.

Usually, these moves involve a borrowed pick-up or rented U-Haul.

On Saturday morning, Tony Cherolis transported his possessions from East Hartford to his new home in the South Green neighborhood using his bicycle.

He was not alone.

About six friends helped Cherolis lug boxes, a sofa, chairs, and an assortment of other belongings across the Charter Oak Bridge and Founders Bridge with nothing more than muscle and a few wheels.
Continue reading 'An Urban Move: No Gas Required'»

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By Kerri Provost, February 1, 2012 8:26 am

It has been reported that a sharp increase in crime is the reason for the controversial discussions about possible security measures at Trinity College .

Statistics provided by the Hartford Police Department suggest a slight increase — rather than spike — in crime for the district this campus is in:

Continue reading 'Spike in Crime?'»

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By Kerri Provost, January 22, 2012 3:31 pm

The American experience in Jamaica is typically limited to visiting resorts.

The documentary Life and Debt explores what happens behind the scenes at these resorts, along with how globalization has affected the rest of the island.

This film, released in 2001, will be shown at the Charter Oak Cultural Center at 7p.m. on January 26, 2012.

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By Kerri Provost, December 22, 2011 10:39 am

During what he called a “grueling 3 1/2 years” without a permanent address, Harry Mitchell, who recently found a place to call home, learned firsthand about the “ridiculous stigma” surrounding homelessness.

During Wednesday’s memorial service for the homeless in Hartford, Mitchell spoke about what how society treats homelessness and those who experience it. Of this problem’s cause, Mitchell said “people say it’s the system,” but it’s actually caused by “our own neighbors” who do not want shelters “in their backyards.” Continue reading 'A Full House for Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service'»

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By Kerri Provost, December 15, 2011 3:49 pm

Two years ago, a handful of vocal residents and stakeholders more or less evicted the homeless population from Downtown. Center Church had offered part of its property for use as a no-freeze shelter, as demand for housing exceeded spaces available in existing year-round shelters. A compromise was reached when a location on Lafayette Street, outside of Downtown, was determined as another possibility.

The message was very clear: this population was not welcomed by all in the business community, and certainly not by all Downtown dwellers. It was also clear whose voices mattered, and whose did not.

In the thick of that controversy, and since then, people living with homelessness and their supporters have begun to speak up.

In January 2011, the newspaper Beat of the Street, hit the streets. Though a few of those directly involved expected it to fizzle out after a few issues, it still appears to be going strong a year later. The newspaper includes poetry, narratives, resource lists, and articles about issues related to homelessness, written by those who are experiencing or have experienced it, as well as by advocates for those in need of shelter.

On December 21st, in the sanctuary of the Charter Oak Cultural Center, there will be a memorial service beginning around 12:45 for those in the homeless community who have passed away in the last year. Rabbi Donna Berman will be saying a few words; a poem for the occasion will be read by Justin Sweetwater. There will be musical performances by Margaux Hayes and Richard McGhee.

Today, in the middle of December, homeless individuals could be seen sleeping in Bushnell Park. This does not take into account those who select more hidden locations, like under the bridges, to rest. For many, homelessness is something they can avoid confronting.

To make this issue visible, on December 21st, after the indoor service, there will be a procession from Charter Oak Cultural Center to the Ancient Burying Ground, which is located next to Center Church Continue reading 'Taking Action on Homelessness'»

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By Kerri Provost, December 7, 2011 11:12 am

December 21st is National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. This will be marked here in Hartford with a service held at the Charter Oak Cultural Center.

Typically, the names of homeless people who have passed on in the past year are read to “bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember our homeless friends who have paid the ultimate price for our nation’s failure to end homelessness,” explains the National Coalition for the Homeless. Continue reading 'Save the Date: Memorial for the Homeless'»

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By Kerri Provost, November 28, 2011 7:00 am

Making 'Of Lamb' on display at Real Art Ways through December 11th

December tends to be a whirlwind of activity, between festive events, office parties, and the gatherings for family and friends. Here are just a few of December’s open-to-the-public highlights:

December 1, 2011

December 1st is World AIDS Day, which means it is also The Day With(out) Art. Real Art Ways will be participating by screening Untitled all day. This is free. While there, check out the “Making ‘Of Lamb’” exhibit.

In the evening, there is the opening reception for Andres Chaparro’s artwork at Theatreworks (233 Pearl Street) from 5-7:30pm. Continue reading 'Your Guide to December'»

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By Kerri Provost, October 28, 2011 6:37 pm

“These make us look like the Village People,” Mayor Segarra commented while he and other officials donned construction helmets before digging with their ceremonial shovels at Friday afternoon’s groundbreaking for the “Capewell Townhomes.”

Future site of the Capewell Townhomes

Although plans had been announced months ago for the development of townhouses on the vacant parcel of land between Wyllys Street and Popieluszco Court, some details have changed. Continue reading 'Groundbreaking Ceremony for Capewell Townhouses'»

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By Kerri Provost, September 20, 2011 7:33 am

Photo courtesy of Monika Leon

While most Connecticutians were navigating the crowded grocery stores, topping off their gas-guzzlers, or filling their bathtubs with water early on that Saturday morning in anticipation of Hurricane Irene, others set out for a bicycle education class arranged specifically for members of the media. Given that I typically walk or bike to events that I cover when wearing my media hat, I thought it appropriate to attend.

Real Art Ways hosted the event, which was coordinated and taught by Bike Walk Connecticut instructors who received certification from the League of American Bicyclists. Coffee and bagels made the dreary morning more manageable as we settled in for a video that demonstrated street cycling techniques. This was followed by a Powerpoint presentation mainly concerned with “taking the lane,” something that new road cyclists tend to not know they can do, not understand the best way to do so, or are completely terrified of trying. The main point of this lesson: bicyclists should behave like motorists in terms of which lanes to use. Making a left turn? Get in the left turn lane.

For me, a lot of this was review, so I asked questions about more complicated maneuvers. I envisioned how I might run errands in the West Farms sprawl region and asked what apparently amounts to survival techniques. Continue reading 'Schooled on the Street'»

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By Kerri Provost, September 1, 2011 9:38 am

Continue reading 'Flooding, from a Safe Distance'»