Week in Review: March 22-29

by Lauren Milka

DT Hartford Staff

Over the past week, much of the news in Hartford has centered on the tragedy in Newtown and the gun protection laws that have followed.  Last Saturday, March 23, downtown Hartford was the epicenter of the Sandy Hook Run for the Families 5K, which had about 15,000 participants from all over the state and throughout the region. Real Hartford, a blog that DT Hartford follows and learns from, posted many pictures and a video from the event, which can be seen here. The course began in front of the Old State House on Main Street, finishing on Trinity Street in Bushnell Park. It was a good day for an even better cause, something that looks like it will be a tribute each year. 

After the 5K, later in the week on Thursday, CT News Junkie posted a story about how the negotiations and vote on gun control legislation are moving fast. The story's author, Hugh McQuaid says, "Legislative leaders from both parties plan to meet in private with rank-and-file lawmakers Monday to discuss negotiated gun control legislation. A vote on a bill is expected as early as Wednesday." For weeks now the general public has heard about the ongoing discussions about gun control laws for the state of Connecticut, and now there may finally be a conclusion -- or at least the beginning of what will hopefully bring positive change to a healing state. Governor Malloy says he is "[hoping lawmakers] take up a bill".

Real Hartford's author Kerri Provost also posted a story on Tuesday, March 26 about a cartoonist's work currently on display at the Broad Street Gallery, located at 1283 Broad Street. The cartoonist, Gerardo Hernandez Nordelo, was one of the "Cuban Five". Explains Provost: "[He] was given two life terms in the United States for 'conspiracy to commit espionage' and other various charges, while gathering information about groups possibly planning terrorism against Cuba." Nordelo's political cartoons are on display at the Broad Street Gallery, and a small version of one of his works can be seen here on Provost's blog. On Thursday, March 28, the gallery held an opening reception for his exhibit entitled "Humor from my Pen". There is another viewing time on Saturday, March 30 from 1:00-5:00 PM that is free and open to the general public. 

Another current event in the local art world came last Friday, March 22, when Trinity College's Widener Gallery announced that its upcoming Studio Arts Annual Exhibition will feature the work of students enrolled in the college's studio arts program. The Hartford Guardian explains that this exhibition "highlights a selection of student artwork from foundation through advanced levels. Included is a selection of media and styles ranging from representational drawing, abstract painting and color prints to documentary photography and mixed media sculpture", clearly showing the diversity of the college's students and its art curriculum's offerings. With that much variety, the exhibit is sure to please those who visit and admire the work. 

On Thursday, April 4 from 4:30-6:30 PM, there will be an opening reception that if free and open to the public, and afterwards the exhibit will run until April 28. The Guardian posts email addresses to use to contact for more information and the hours of operation of the gallery that can be found here. 

Also coming up next Friday, April 5, is the appearance of three members of the 1980 Olympic USA Gold medal winning Hockey Team -- Jack O'Callahan, Dave Silk, and Steve Janaszak -- at the Connecticut Whale's home game against the Springfield Falcons. This game is also in support of "A Miracle for Justina", a foundation to help raise funds for a "14-year-old West Hartford girl who is dealing with a complicated set of health issues", explains a story on one of the Hartford Courant's blogs, Whale Tales, written and modified by Paul Doyle. The three former teammates will sign autographs before the game and during the first intermission on April 5. There is also going to be a silent auction, which is including items such as autographed t-shirts signed by members of the team like their goaltender, Jim Craig, and Mike Eruzione, who was the captain of the 1980 team that scored the winning goal against the Soviet Union's team. The proceeds from the auction will go to the Miracle for Justina foundation, as well as portions of the ticket sales. More information can be found on Doyle's story's page.