Awards announced for 2012 Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee has announced that the Northeast Judging Association selected the following organizations for an award based on their appearance in the 2012 Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade. An award ceremony, with the Knights of St. Patrick acting as hosts, will be held at the KOSP Club, 1533 State St., at a date to be announced.Hydraulic Flanged Tube and Four-Bolt Split Flange Type.

Grand Marshal's Award: James Hillhouse Marching Band and JROTC & Honor Security Color Guard.Best fire department marching unit: New Haven Fire Department Local 825 and New Haven County Emerald Society Color Guard.Best fire department color guard: NHFD American Legion Post 132.Best police department marching unit: New Haven Police Department and Connecticut State Police.Best police department color guard: Bridgeport Police Department Honor Guard and Stratford Police Department.

Best volunteer fire color guard: Charters Hose Co. #4 Volunteer Fire Department - Ansonia; and M. P. Rice Hose Co. 2.Suction dredge mining for gold has been pervasive on many California rivers and streams for years. This form of mining uses a powerful motor and pump, attached to a hose that is used to suction up gravel from the stream bottom. Gold is then sorted out from the gravel, and the remaining sediment-laden water is flushed back into the stream. The adverse impacts of this mining are well documented by scientists and government agencies.