THE INNER-CITY NEWS

Snow in July? Snow in July?

At First Symphony, Students Hear A Starburst

By Lucy Gellman

Strings jolted the audience awake, cellos singing their low-bellied hello to the violins. Viola glided in behind them, the sound sailing into the front rows.

Above the musicians, an animated star catapulted through space, shedding pinpricks of violet light as it traveled.

On the edge of their seats in Row O, seventh graders Rhayn and Kelly sat transfixed, imagining galaxies they’d never seen before.

Tuesday afternoon, the two were among hundreds of New Haven Public Schools students at the New Haven Symphony Orchestra's (NHSO) 90th Annual Young People’s Concert, held at the John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). Designed to introduce students to live music, the performance included selections from Georges Bizet, Jessie Montgomery, Antonín Dvořák, Paul Dukas, Amanda Harberg and Russell Peck.

In an era that is increasingly digital, it became part rock concert, part close listening session and part prayer, students slack-jawed and wide-eyed as musicians took them on a journey through time, space, and sound.

“It’s just amazing,” said Eliel Martinez, a music teacher at Fair Haven School who resurrected the band when he arrived last year. Behind him, two dozen students filed into their rows, English and Spanish drifting through the space as they chatted. “I’m so happy to have them watch these musicians.”

From the moment lights went down, a sense of excitement crackled through the air. In the audience, conversation fell to a hush, a few sharp whispers weaving through the darkness. Across the auditorium, a shrill, uniform cheer rippled back through the aisles, some students raising their arms as if ready to dance. When Maestro Tom Duffy made his way out onto the stage, a listener could have mistaken the space for a stop on the Eras Tour.

Back in row O, Rhayn sat back and studied each movement on the stage, a ballet of tuning instruments and rustling sheet music. On dozens of music stands, Bizet’s “Los Toreadors” waited expectantly for a cue. Before it came, Stephan Tieszen stood with his violin, and turned toward Olav van Hezewijk for an A. Across the auditorium, Rhayn took mental notes, ready to bring what she had learned back to the school band. “It feels nice,” she had said just moments before the concert started, adding that it was her first NHSO performance. As the audience stilled, she and Kelly watched as Duffy raised his

arms—"my job is to tell the orchestra how fast they’re supposed to play,” he noted—and traveled instantly back in time, conjuring the warm winds of southern Spain. Woodwinds trilled their entrance. Strings entered at a clip and horns bellowed below. On a screen over the musicians, a bull pawed the earth, hooves sending up clouds of dust. In the audience, a murmur of approval rippled through the dark rows, growing louder as the projection shifted, and a flamenco dancer moved in slowmotion, his chest glowing beneath an unbuttoned shirt. Baton gliding through the air, Duffy half-bounced in place,

leaning in just so as strings slowed, then resumed their quick march forward. When a smattering of applause came early from somewhere left of the stage, he held up a single finger as if to say just wait for it. When the end came, the room erupted in sound.

They were just getting started, Duffy said from the podium. He jumped from 1875 to 2012, when a young Jessie Montgomery first introduced her composition “Starburst” to the world. The piece, commissioned by the Sphinx Virtuosi just over a decade ago, places ebullient, erupting strings beside sections that slow and sweeten the piece,

West Side Story flickering in the dark auditorium as students joined in on the hook. It bloomed into color as Damali Willingham joined musicians for Peck’s “The Thrill of the Orchestra,” and a pair of arms rose and danced in place somewhere around row H.

But nowhere was it clearer than during Harberg’s “Prayer,” written in 2011 as a prayer for her mother, who was sick at the time. As students came down from a raucous “Mambo,” Duffy described the importance of listening closely to the piece, in which harp starts a gentle dialogue with the strings and orchestra. As the piece deepens, there is something sublime that weaves each section together, transforming the stage into a house of worship. While it is entirely Harberg’s own, a listener can close their eyes and hear the soft footfalls of “Ave Maria” folded into the work.

“Do you hope for things?” Duffy asked as a chorus of agreement rose up from the audience. “Does anybody hope for a world where we don’t fight each other? Does anybody hope for a world where we can be accepted, just as we are? Does anybody hope for a world where we can preserve our natural resources?”

sewing a sort of short, thrilling sonic tapestry.

“Imagine a thousand suns exploding all at once in a galaxy,” Duffy said, and that was all it took for students to snap back to attention. Above his head, a star began its journey through space. As if playing a soundtrack to its journey, musicians launched into the work, the sound spilling from the stage and drifting towards the ceiling.

Close to the back of the auditorium, Rhayn and Kelly made sure not to miss a moment, taking mental notes. As young Fair Haveners, the two play clarinet in the school band. Outside of school, both are students at Music Haven, where they study violin with Patrick Doane. In a room where silence itself felt miraculous and delicate, the two held onto each note.

“It made me imagine the worlds outside of ours,” Rhayn said in a conversation after the concert, already interested in learning more about Montgomery. “How beautiful they can be.”

“It made me feel like I was experiencing my favorite instruments again for the first time,” Kelly said.

That sense of revelation flowed through Dvořák’s “Serenade for Wind Instruments,” a projection dancing above the orchestra as the piece unfolded. It gained speed as musicians opened Dukas’ “Fanfare” from La Péri, horns blaring. It tittered and thrilled with Bernstein’s “Mambo,” a video from

In row O, Rhayn was thinking about a world without conflict and a friend who was sick. Beside her, Kelly was too. “I thought about if we could all be kind to each other,” she said afterwards. “It helped me learn how to improve and enjoy what I’m doing,” Rhayn added. That’s the hope, said NHSO Chief Executive Officer Elaine Carroll. While the concerts have continued largely uninterrupted since the 1930s, they’ve taken on a new kind of significance amidst the rise of tech platforms like Instagram and TikTok. In the past two years, both NHPS teachers and NHSO staff have found that the addition of projections and video help keep students engaged.

Following the performance, Carroll likened the experience to watching a professional baseball game, or listening to music through earbuds. It’s possible to follow along and enjoy the game— or the music—on a television screen or iPhone, but there’s no substitute for seeing it in person. “What you do in a live audience is so different.”

“This is a great experience for our kids,” added Ellen Maust, NHPS supervisor of performing and visual arts. She pointed to the significance of having concerts designed for young people, many of whom have not attended the symphony before, and may not be quite as buttoned-up as some of the symphony's decorum-conscious silver-haired patrons “When you’re at a live concert, it’s community.”

NHPS' Ellen Maust, who will be retiring this year, receives recognition from NHSO Operations Director Jeremey Lombard. Lucy Gellman Photos.

Composer and NHSO Operations Assistant Damali Willingham narrates Russell Peck's "The Thrill of the Orchestra.”

The new haven independent

Mentors Link With Next Generation

by MAYA MCFADDEN

The inaugural cohort of the New Haven Links’ “Tea Time with Teens” celebrated its first five middle school graduates.

The ceremony took place Saturday at Highville Charter School, where the New Haven students were celebrated for their dedication to the program for the past six weeks.

Family members and supporters also gathered for that final session of Tea Time with Teens with the New Haven Chapter of The Links Incorporated. The New Haven Links chapter was established 52 years ago. The six-week program originated from past church traditions of hosting tea after a service. The program goal is to empower, uplift, and encourage girls aged 12 – 14. The students attended sessions Saturday mornings.

The group included seventh- and eighth-graders Taraji Wharton-Robinson, Akayla Wilson, Tiana Young, Janae Callens, and Juliana Holmes. The grads attend Highville Charter School and Mauro-Sheridan Interdistrict Magnet.

Around noon at Saturday’s event students made jewelry and vision boards alongside Links members. This was followed by a celebratory lunch with their families.

The students recalled sessions teaching them about human trafficking, budgeting, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), communication, and healthy relationships.

“It’s really sad today’s the last day, because every Saturday for the past six weeks has been a way out the house,” Wilson said.

Wharton-Robinson added that she enjoyed learning “how to move up in life” through mentorship from professional women like Links chapter President and former Mayor Toni Harp and other professional women. Callens added that the Links program showed her that there are “people that look like me that are capable of helping the community.”

“They understand us because they look like us and know what we go through,” Wharton-Robinson said. “As professional women, we have given you our hard-earned time, because we value you,” Harp said during Saturday’s ceremony.

Holmes said the session about human trafficking taught her that “anywhere you are, watch your surroundings.” The human trafficking session was co-

taught by Links members state Department of Children and Families (DCF)

Commissioner Jodi Hill Lilley and pediatrician Tamiko Jackson-McArthur. From the healthy relationships session, Callens said, she learned that “there is always going to be someone that will care for you.”

Links member Sheila Carmon described the graduates as the “faithful five.”

Callens and Young earned additional awards individually for arriving early and for each session throughout the program and winning a heathy relationships bingo night.

Carmon concluded Saturday’s program by announcing the Links Tea for Teens will host another cohort in the fall and will invite the inaugural class back to co-facilitate a fall session.

Laurel Callens, mother of eighthgrader Janae, thanked the Links members after Saturday’s ceremony and Highville Charter School members for hosting the program. Callens, secretary of Highville Charters ParentTeacher Organization (PTO) said she is happy her daughter could learn more about finances and dining etiquette.

“Now Janae tells me every single time I put the forks on the wrong side,” she said.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTOS New Haven Links' inaugural cohort for winter session of Tea Time With Teens.

Links chapter President Toni Harp helps 12-year-old Tiana Young make a bracelet.

Saturday's jewelry making session.

The new haven independent

Advocates, Democratic Lawmakers Call For A Permanent Child Tax Credit

by Izetta Asikainen

HARTFORD, CT – Trinity College students partnered with the United Way of Connecticut this year to investigate and document financial hardships faced by families with children in Hartford.

Their work, which is still ongoing, was cited Wednesday as advocates called for a permanent, state-level child tax credit – support for which the Lamont administration does not appear to be willing to provide.

Lisa Tepper Bates, President and CEO of United Way of Connecticut, explained the intent of the project during the event at Trinfo Cafe.

“We asked the students here at the [Liberal Arts] Action Lab to help us to lift up the voices of people in our state, in this community, who are experiencing financial hardship with a special focus on those with children as we look together with our coalition partners for passage in Connecticut of a state-level child tax credit,” Bates said.

Specifically, Trinity students have been interviewing Hartford residents in line to receive Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) at Trinfo Cafe across Broad Street from the Trinity campus.

The VITA program offers free tax help for low- to moderate-income people who need help preparing their tax returns.

Jude Staples, a Trinity freshman, explained the interview process and its findings in Wednesday’s presentation. “We were looking to interview Hartford residents to gain a better perspective on how the child tax credit could benefit Connecticut families who need it most,” Staples said, adding that thus far they had interviewed 19 families. Staples said that all of them were in support of the Child Tax Credit (CTC). Their interviews also indicate that

60% had lived in Hartford for 20 or more years, 61% struggle to pay rent, and 39% struggle to pay utilities.

Bates cited the United Way of Connecticut’s 2023 ALICE Report that she said provides a look at the financial hardships of households across Connecticut that don’t meet the poverty threshold, but are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE).

“What that data tells us is that 39% of households in Connecticut are either just barely making ends meet, paycheck to paycheck every month, or are falling behind,” Bates said. Bates described the Child Tax Credit (CTC) as a proven and practical way to “put money into the wallet of that family who is struggling to pay the basic costs of living,” and highlighted their hope that elected leaders will lis-

ten to those who voice this struggle in order to understand what many families in Connecticut are experiencing.

Rep. Kevin Brown, D-Vernon, reiterated the importance of elected leaders understanding the adversity many Connecticut families face.

“I would challenge any of my colleagues in the legislature who maybe haven’t had those adverse experiences themselves to get out and see how other people are living,” Brown said. “Then maybe, just maybe, they’ll understand why a Child Tax Credit is so important and how far it could go and how it could be transformational and change people’s lives and allow them to be able to participate.”

House Majority Leader Jason Rojas referred to the state’s budget as a “moral document,” as “policies like this really reflect the moral direction

that we need to head in if we’re really serious about serving the needs of the people who just need that additional support.”

According to the fact sheet provided by the Trinity students, Connecticut is the only state with personal income tax that does not adjust for number of children.

DataHaven also researched the issue and produced a report indicating that 75% of households with children would benefit from a child tax credit, translating to $306 million in refunds distributed to 268,000 eligible families.

Rep. Kate Farrar, D-West Hartford, said a permanent, refundable tax credit would support 75% of the families across the state, “predominantly women-led households and families of color.”

DataHaven’s analysis assumes the child tax credit would $600 per child annually, for up to three children per filing family. Single-filing families making less $100,000 per year, and joint-filers making less than $200,000 per year, would be eligible to receive the credit. The credit would be fully refundable, meaning that families without tax liability would receive the full value.

Despite bipartisan support for a child tax credit or a deduction of some type, Gov. Ned Lamont and his administration are opposed to the idea.

Following a request for comment on where they stand today on adding the child tax credit, Lamont budget spokesman Chris Collibee responded by email with the following statement:

Gov. Lamont is always willing to listen to ideas from the General Assembly to make Connecticut a more affordable place to live and work. His often stated goal is to increase the number of taxpayers, not taxes. Any changes to our tax laws must be part of a balanced budget and adhere to all constitutional and statutory requirements, without impacting our state’s competitive position in the regional economy.

During the Lamont administration, with strong bipartisan support from the General Assembly, we delivered the largest personal income tax cut in state history, increased the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and capped motor vehicle taxes, while continuing to pay down legacy pension debt – thereby reducing fixed costs allowing for increased spending on essential services such as education and childcare. Residents and businesses have taken note of our progress, while other nearby states are losing population, Connecticut is experiencing an increase in population.

The Office of Vital Records Implements New Policies for Marriages and Hours of Operation

Bridgeport, CT— Today, Mayor Ganim announced that after a collaborative effort between the Chief Administrative Office, Health Department, and elected officials, as well input from other municipalities in Connecticut, the Office of Vital Records is instituting the following changes effective Monday, April 15, 2024:

• Weddings being performed for individuals who are NOT Bridgeport

residents must fill out a digital marriage license application form on the City’s website and submit copies of photo IDs for both individuals being married. The online application is already available for people to begin the process of booking their appointment.

(https://www.bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/vital-records/ marriage-licenses)

• The Office of Vital Records, upon

review and acceptance of the application and supporting documents, will reach out to each couple via email or phone call to set up an appointment. Payment will be due at the time of the appointment.

• Bridgeport residents will still be allowed same-day marriage license service; however, they are also encouraged to fill out the application online and set up an appointment.

• The Office of Vital Records will be open from 9 AM through 4 PM. The office will no longer close during lunchtime from 12 PM to 1 PM.

Due to these new policy changes and the digitization of marriage license applications, the Office of Vital Records will be able to process marriage licenses much faster and serve customers requesting birth certificates, filing death certificates, applying for Park City Resident IDs, among other requests much faster.

“My biggest priority is our residents,” stated Mayor Ganim. “While we remain open for service to nonresidents, we need to ensure that we are putting the interests of our own residents first and providing them with efficient and effective service.

Keeping Vital Records open at lunchtime and taking measures to cut down lines in the office will ensure that we are providing the kind of quality service that the public expects of us.”

Lisa Tepper Bates, President and CEO of United Way of Connecticut, advocates for a child tax credit during a news conference Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Trinfo Cafè in Hartford, alongside (from L to R) Trinity College students Jude Staples and Thaddeus Hempel, Liliana Polley, Director of CHER Strategic Partnerships, and Maria Nùñez, an interviewee from the study. Credit: Coral Aponte / CTNewsJunkie

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All-Women Jazz Trio Breaks Sound Barriers

JAMIL RAGLAND

GATHER Women in Jazz: Interview and Concert with Mimi Jones Hartford Public Library Center for Contemporary Culture Hartford March 26, 2024

I’d never seen an all-women jazz performance before, but that was only one of the unique aspects about the GATHER Women in Jazz concert held at the Hartford Public Library’s Center for Contemporary Culture.

The other is that it featured an interview with the performers before the concert got underway. Audiences usually show up primarily for the music, but those in attendance seemed to greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn more about Arcoiris Sandoval, the pianist; Shirazette Tinnin on drums; and of course, Mimi Jones herself, who played the bass and provided vocals.

The three women are accomplished professionals with decades of musical training and experience between them, professorships at leading music programs, and fans and students all over the world. But as they spoke, they shared stories of frustration that they’d experienced as a result of being treated as lesser than for being women in a field that is dominated by men.

“It’s a problem to put people in a box when we all have the DNA of both men and women inside us,” Tinnin said. She shared how she has often been told by both men and women that drums are a “boy’s” instrument,. “People think that I’m setting up for my husband when I show up to gigs,” she explained. “I let them think that until I sit down and start performing, and I love the look on their faces.”

Sandoval spoke about how important it is to find community when trying to make it as a woman in the world of jazz. “It’s hard to overstate how hard it is to be alone,” she said. “But that’s why I’m so glad I found Mimi. We’ve been able to build a community right here.”

For her part, Jones shared the struggles she faced as well, where many wanted to assign her a role they felt suited women better, such as strictly performing vocals. She fiercely fought back against such stereotyping. “There’s an essential reason why you’re here, why you’re alive,” she said to the audience. “You can’t know what mine is any more than I can know what yours is, so how can either of us tell each other what we must do?”

Once the music began, it actually became clear what Jones’ essential reason for existing is, and that’s to play jazz. I have to admit that sometimes I feel like jazz goes over my head. I respect the skill involved, but the music sounds so esoteric that it feels like I’m listening to a theory of music instead of music itself.

The Mimi Jones Trio was about as far away from navel-gazing jazz as anyone I’ve ever heard. Their sound was rooted in music, the joy and passion that it elicits. Jones’ bass thrummed with the sound and urgency of a performer who has endured the slights of ignoramuses not to prove a point, but because the essential reason of her life compels her to do so. She looked like a woman possessed as she drew sweet,

melodic sound out of an instrument that many consider a background instrument a boy’s background instrument. On piano, Sandoval commanded the multitude of tones from the instrument as her fingers danced across the keys. At times she seemed possessed by the same spirit moving Jones, standing as the songs reached their crescendo. Tinnin was on fire, switching between instruments and styles as the songs required, bringing the energy of three men to percussion.

But it was still Jones’ show. Her name headlines the band, and she showed the audience why.

The Mimi Jones Trio’s concert is easily my favorite jazz concert ever, and I think that’s in no small part due to the fact that the performers were all women. They brought a different kind of energy and perspective to the sound of jazz- not over-intellectualized ego or pompous technicality. It was a love of music that has endured treatment that no one should have to go through. A love that radiated out from the stage and has become one of my favorite musical performances.

NEXT

Hartford Public Library’s next concert is the Baby Grand Jazz series featuring Nino Ciampa and the Hartt Salsa All-Stars on April 7. Jamil gives some first-class takeout a try.

The Mimi Jones Trio, from left to right: Mimi Jones, Shirazette Tinnin and Arcoiris Sandoval by

Won’t You Be My Neighbor, “Dr. Robinson Way”?

Dr. Ann Garrett Robinson, the future namesake of Dixwell & Argyle?

by LAURA GLESBY

The corner of Dixwell and Argyle might soon bear Dr. Ann Garrett Robinson’s name, in honor of a beloved champion of local Black history who, in 89 years of life so far, has made a mark on history herself.

Dixwell Alder Troy Streater has begun gathering petition signatures to rename the street corner “Dr. Ann M. Garrett Robinson Way,” positioned so that Robinson can see an emblem of her impact simply by looking out her window.

The petition drive follows a recent street corner naming that Robinson herself had championed in honor of the first known Black resident of New Haven, a woman enslaved by the colony governor until eventually securing her freedom. In 2022, after years of Robinson’s research and advocacy, the Downtown corner of Orange and Elm was officially named Lucretia’s Corner.

Now, Streater and other community members have received Robinson’s blessing to try and honor her own legacy: the path she forged for generations of Black female psychologists, the lessons she imparted upon thousands of her students, and the impact of her everyday actions as a “good neighbor.” A group of petitioners have embarked on a quest to gather the requisite 250 signatures for Robinson’s own street corner. The petition would then head to the Board of Alders for review and a potential final vote.

“It’s a wonderful feeling,” Robinson said of the honor. Addressing Streater and other petitioners, she said, “Thank you for giving me my flowers.”

In 1970, Robinson moved with her family from North Branford into the red house where she still resides on Dixwell Avenue.

“People were fleeing the city, out to the suburbs,” Robinson said. “There were questions about why we would do such a thing.”

To some, civil unrest against racial oppression and rising unemployment had cemented the reputation of Black neighborhoods like Dixwell as “dangerous” or “undesirable.” People would warn her, “be careful, be careful,” she said.

But Robinson found a sense of purpose in moving to the neighborhood, where she already attended Dixwell United Congregational Church. “We wanted to contribute to peace by being good neighbors,” she said. She would tell naysayers, “I need the city and the city needs me.”

By then, Robinson was no stranger to forging her own path and thwarting expectations.

Her professional life was marked by many “firsts,” she said. “I became a first of this, a first of that” the first Black woman to join the Trinity College faculty, one of the earliest Black women to be a researcher at Yale, and the first Black certified psychological examiner in the New Haven Public Schools system.

As a professor at Gateway Community College, Robinson left her mark on a sea of students who passed through her class. Former students often approach her with fond memories of her class, to the point that her son George used to ask her, “Did you teach everybody?”

One former student, Trina Greene, has become an “adopted Goddaughter” to Robinson. In class, Green recalled, Robinson pushed her to put her best effort into everything, even when she could slack off and still earn an “A.”

All the while, Robinson and her family set down roots in Dixwell-Newhallville. Her kids attended the former Martin Luther King School up the street. She shopped for groceries at Bob’s Market “Bob had the best food of all kinds.” She found friends in her new neighbors, despite the warnings she’d received.

She had absorbed an idea of neighborliness from her childhood in Greenville, North Carolina, where “people cared about each other and never let litter be on their yard.” She sought to carry on that culture in Dixwell-Newhallville whether in “a cheerful ‘Thank you,’ a pleasant ‘Good morning,’ ” or in weightier ways of “helping each other in need.”

The Robinsons hosted cookouts and con-

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO

No Limits for College Bound BIPOC Students

By Sebatian Ward, ICN Student Correspondent

A group of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (“BIPOC”) high school students across the New Haven area were initially intimidated by the daunting process of college applications, especially after the abolition of affirmative action. Together, they have united and formed an organization called College Bound BIPOC Students Alliance (CBBSA) to help them and other BIPOC students find free college advisory resources.

CBBSA is a community based organization that guides grade 6-12 and gap year BIPOC students to free college advisory and preparation programs. These include academic enrichment programs, free SAT test prep/boot camps and academic tutoring, college essay and college supplements support, internships, fellowships, mentorships and entrepreneurship programs.

“CBBSA recognized my ambitions and provided a tremendous amount of guidance to me.” said Aleisha Luna, a junior at Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School, during an interview with the CBBSA leaders. “Not only did they further my desire to attend college, but they eased all of the growing doubts and struggles I was facing with the search for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.”

CBBSA’s efforts have begun to pick up significant traction around the New Haven area. While interviewing their Vice President, Jonas Ward, he discussed some of CBBSA’s recent initiatives.

“In 2021, CBBSA created and facilitated student panel college information sessions in New Haven at St. Martin de Porres Academy and Horizons at Foote School. Most recently, we co-hosted a series of virtual college information workshops with the assistance of Ms. Katherine Viera, the former Co-Chair of Yale Latino Networking Group.” These information workshops have received support from various affinity groups at Yale University, and even national organizations such as the Ron Brown Scholar Program, Ron Brown Guided Pathway Support College Board, Questbridge, Schoolhouse, and Matriculate.

In 2023, Jonas and his brother Tristan, the president and co-founder of CBBSA who is currently a freshman at Brown University, decided to pivot from CBBSA’s initial direction based upon what they observed and experienced up to that point. It had become clear to them that the long term project would require an influx of college bound students working with them in the short term. The plan was for these students to become youth leaders themselves, both in their schools and within their home communities. Students from their school, who were aware of CBBSA and needed support beyond what was provided by their schools and

families, led to the organic development of the six students becoming CBBSA Leaders-In-Training.

“Our new direction after this development was to find organizations that were open to allowing students of color the opportunity to have a leadership position within their organization.” said Jonas.

“This placement component has now become a fundamental part of CBBSA’s mission. We seek leadership positions in organizations that provide services to the youth in the New Haven area and ensure that youth leaders are seated at the decision making table where they are seen, heard, valued and respected.”

In addition to placing students in positions of leadership in local organizations, CBBSA also works to find free opportunities for their members to take advantage of. The Leaders-In-Training discussed some of these opportunities in a recent interview.

“I was able to learn about the City of New Haven Youth Commission and I was appointed as a youth Commissioner” said Angelo Sevilla, a senior at New Haven Academy. “I got into a three week sum-

mer program at NYU and was able to receive a recommendation letter from a professor there. I also learned about college fly-in programs, and was accepted to the fly-in program at Wesleyan University.”

Aqueelah Irshad, a senior at James Hillhouse High School, also chimed in: “Right now I am an ambassador and member of Hemispheres, a club for high school students run by the Yale International Relations Association. Through that, I was selected to attend Yale Model United Nations Europe (YMUNE), an international Model UN conference in Belgium.” Aqueelah also volunteers at New Haven Reads, a local non-profit that assists students who are reading below grade-level.

In the wake of elite universities requiring SAT scores in college applications, The CBBSA team has also been making a concerted effort to connect their members with SAT preparatory programs.

According to Yael Cervantes-Nava, there are a plethora of programs out there, so students don’t have to figure it all out on their own: “There are many free college advisory and academic tutoring programs

The Leaders-in-training of the first CBBSA cohort all agreed that the program has profoundly affected their trajectory with respect to higher education. “Not only did CBBSA further my desire to attend college, but they eased all of the growing doubts and struggles I was facing with the search for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.” said Aleisha. The students not only saw a shift in their horizons for college, but also said they each saw areas of personal growth and learning within themselves and as a team. Jameelah Irshad, a gap year student who relocated to New Haven after graduating from high school in Florida, discussed how she has changed over these past eight months: “I have always been a shy person, but with CBBSA, I have learned to get out of my shell and work with others towards a common goal. I am also learning that my voice should always be heard and that I need to be seen, valued and respected wherever I go.”

Azaad, a senior at New Haven Academy followed up on the importance of sharing a common goal with his team members saying “it is gratifying to see the others around me develop just as much… When we aid other team members in their victories, the feeling is shared between all of us.”

Angelo mentioned how his own growth led to some reflection on student support in New Haven. “Being part of CBBSA, I learned that there is a vast network of opportunities available for all students, but that a lack of knowledge remains a barrier to many students from less privileged backgrounds. I believe that public schools can do more to break these barriers in the way that CBBSA helps its members to expand their options.”

designed to help college bound students, more than I could ever have imagined. I worked hard to get good grades, and I did all that I could on my own to prepare for the SATs, but I knew that I needed help to get the results that I desired. In addition to the support that I received from my school, I turned to CBBSA.”

Aleisha Luna, said that, “as a collegebound BIPOC student, I knew that it was ultimately up to me to search out an appropriate path to higher education. She said this was a daunting task coming from “a background within a disadvantaged community and with low expectations concerning higher education.” She highlighted how this task was more difficult while attending a high school that does not focus on college preparation.

“CBBSA is familiar with this issue and understands that I was amongst many in the same predicament.” Aleisha said. Both Aleisha and Yael were directed to free college preparatory services like Higher Heights and Urban Improvement Corporation, and utilized Schoolhouse and Yale Education Tutoring Initiative (YETI) for SAT prep and tutoring resources.

Yael agreed with Angelo, and stressed how it important it was to give all students access to important information about the college application process: “Every day, I learn more and take advantage of free opportunities to apply for scholarships, and I would like to share with students like me what I have learned within CBBSA so that all students can reach university successfully and hopefully avoid taking on student loan debt as well.”

Although most of the leaders-in-training have already submitted their college applications for this year, they are not losing any steam. According to Jonas, CBBSA plans to deliver college preparation information sessions this upcoming spring, and they “will be a community collaboration with some of the organizations that supported us in the past.” He encouraged all college bound students in grades 6 through 12 (and their parents/guardians) and all gap year students to email cbbsainfo@gmail.com so they can be notified as soon as the dates, times and locations of sessions or other events are released.

Fire Department Bleeds Paramedics

by THOMAS BREEN

The number of paramedics employed by the city’s fire department has plummeted from around 40 a few years ago to just 15 today — hiking mandatory overtime and prompting the city to recruit workers from out of town and state.

Fire Chief John Alston and Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Coughlin delivered that sobering news at a budget workshop before the Board of Alders Finance Committee.

The workshop marked the latest step in local legislators’ review of Mayor Justin Elicker’s proposed $680 million general fund budget for Fiscal Year 2024 – 25 (FY25), which begins on July 1. Alston, Coughlin, City Budget Director Michael Gormany, and Chief Administrative Officer Regina Rush-Kittle told the alders that the fire department’s budget would increase by around $415,000, from $39.9 million to $40.35 million, under the mayor’s proposal.

Included in that departmental budget would be a $410,000 increase in overtime, from $5.3 million to $5.71 million. The Elicker administration has proposed covering $400,000 of that $410,000 fire overtime bump with one-time soon-to-

expire federal pandemic-relief dollars. Alston, Coughlin, and Gormany said that the department currently has 53 vacancies among the 316 budgeted firefighter positions in its “fire suppression” ranks. Since the city fire union contract requires a minimum staffing of 72 firefighters at all times, Coughlin said, that means some 15 to 20 city firefighters working any given shift are usually working mandatory overtime. Which in turn stresses the department’s overtime budget.

Alston and Coughlin stressed over and over again during the workshop held at City Hall this past Thursday evening that one of the biggest staffing challenges the fire department has right now is in its dearth of paramedics.

Those city fire department staffers are trained and qualified not only to fight fires, but also in Advance Life Support (ALS). They have “a lot of life-saving skills that the average EMT doesn’t have,” including “cardiac monitoring” and the ability to intubate people, Coughlin told the Independent.

The city has three emergency medical units which, ideally, would be staffed by two paramedics each. They are more

CHRISTOPHER PEAK FILE PHOTO

NHFD Paramedic Keith Kerr treats man who overdosed on heroin.

The new haven independent

A&I Gives Sneak Peek At 2024 Festival

by KAREN PONZIO

Shakespeare in circus, choral fusion, climate activism and optimism talks, making your own empanadas: this eclectic mix of events and more is part of this summer’s International Festival of Arts and Ideas, which is returning with a full schedule of programming that covers just about anything an arts and culture lover would have a taste for and maybe something they have never tasted before.

The festival community gathered last night at 195 Church St. for a 2024 sneak peek and reception, where patrons mingled and chatted up the new season’s events as they snacked on tasty tidbits such as polenta bites and orange lavender fairy bites provided by Claire’s Corner Copia.

Posters hung throughout the room advertised a few of the events before Shelley Quiala, A&I’s executive director, came to the front of the room to address the crowd. Kevin “RevKev” Ewing, chair of A&I’s board of directors, gathered everyone together to get the evening started and to introduce Quiala. “I’ve been around the festival for about 15 years and I’ve always looked forward to the day that we announce what’s coming that year,” said Ewing, adding that he was “excited about everything that’s on the ticket.”

“If I only just met you this year, it’s because I started in the middle of a pandemic,” Quiala said, noting how she experienced the festival in 2020 online from her home in Minneapolis. She recalled how her first festival in person had the Green fenced off “not because we wanted to, but because we had to.” “And now we’re back,” she added with a smile. This year will be A&I’s 29th festival, and they were already starting the “momentum” toward next year’s 30th celebration.

A two-minute video of some of the highlights of this year’s festivities included a few words from some of the festival’s performers, such as jazz vocalist Samara Joy, who will be performing at College Street Music Hall on Wednesday, June 26; Brazilian bossa nova artist Caro Pierotto, who will perform a free show on the New Haven Green on Thursday, June 27; music director Perry So, who will conduct a free show with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra on the Green on Saturday, June 15; performers from Contra-Tiempo’s dance theater, who will perform at the University Theater on June 27 and 28; and a cast member from The 7 Fingers arts collective, who will perform at the University Theater from June 21 to June 23.

There will be over 150 events, and 85 percent of them will be free.

“What you just saw is a big chunk not all of it, but a big chunk of what’s happening June 14 through the 29th,” Quiala said after the video ended, adding that “that’s not all we do.” Events have already begun and will continue through until June. One of those is the Big Read Program, in partnership with the New Haven Public Library. The book for this year is The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui, which Quiala described as a “story of migration” of the author’s Cambodian family.

“It’s also a story that’s intrinsic to who New Haven is,” she added. “We’re using that opportunity as a starting off point to talk about migration beyond that book,” noting that she was talking about all migration: “The Great Migration, stories about Cambodian residents who live here in CT, and other families who have come from different parts of the world: Italian families, European families, South African families, who found their way to Connecticut for a multitude of reasons.” Migration

is a theme that, according to Quiala, we will see throughout the entire festival’s programming.

May 1 through May 5 will find Compagnia TPO, an interactive theater company from Prato, Italy, offering an interactive show that will be held at The Legacy Theater in Branford “for young people and their grown-ups,” with the young ones being invited up to the stage to dance with the projections that they use to create an imaginary city in a piece called Erba. The show has an environmental theme, which Quiala noted will be another theme that runs through the festival.

“The rest of May is all about our neighborhoods,” said Quiala as she spoke about the neighborhood festivals that will occur during that time. Quiala said they have had five such celebrations in the past 10 years, in West Rock, West Hills, Newhallville, The Hill, Fair Haven, and Dixwell, but will be adding Long Wharf this year as the sixth. They received support from the National Endowment of the Arts’s My Town program to help them create a documen-

Haven artists. Earlier that evening, Yale Choral Artists will perform Malhaar: A Requiem for Water at Albert Arnold Sprague Memorial Hall.

Another New Haven-based group of artists, the Regicides, will have a show on Sunday, June 16 that will be framed around “funny and not so funny” dad jokes, since that day also happens to be Father’s Day. That night, a Celtic band Cecelia, from Montreal will be performing, as well as The Ebony Hillbillies, an African American string band that has performed at the festival previously.

Quiala walked through the rest of the programming, including films, photography exhibits, food tours, cooking demonstrations (including the everpopular Grand Avenue Gastronomy Tour that this reporter still remembers fondly from a couple of years ago), concerts on the Green including an “R&B blowout” with Stoli Williams on June 21 and the return of circus to the festival.

She said people wanted circus back, and this year they will get exactly that from Montreal’s 7 Fingers arts collective, who will perform their take on Romeo and Juliet, called “Duel Reality.”

Speaking of comebacks, the recently reopened Peabody Museum will be the setting for renowned author Amy Tan’s talk with WTNH’s Ann Nyberg about her new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles, on June 18.

tary about “all of those neighborhoods and the process of creating festivals and community with them.” That documentary will be shown on the Green.

Quiala then spoke about the June events that will kick off on Friday, June 14. They will begin celebrating Juneteenth that weekend, since it lands in the middle of the following week. Compagnia De’Colombari’s production of King Lear also kicks off that night for three days of performances at The University Theater. An ensemble of ten actors “of all races, of all genders, of all identities,” will play Lear.

The Ideas summits “daylong explorations of content” also start that weekend, and are all free this year. Saturday, June 15 will focus on environmental voices. The week after, on June 22, the events will focus on how we live and the basics of everyday life: loneliness, aging, and happiness. Summit Day Three, on June 29, explores intersections in the arts.

Perry So’s conductorial debut on the Green on June 15 will be a show called Celebrate New Haven, featuring New

Other special events that will be celebrated during the festival are World Refugee Day on June 23 that will include a World Food Bazaar on the Green and Caribbean Heritage the last weekend of the festival, as June is Caribbean Heritage Month.

Add to the mix Italian folk music, Brazilian samba, Inuit soul, bomba, and that College Street show with Samara Joy the announcement of which garnered shouts of joy from the crowd and so much more. Quiala said she did not mention every single event, but she did say that the website will continue to be updated. As her presentation ended, she encouraged everyone to keep checking it as more information is added and to join in where and when they could.

“We can’t wait to start this journey with you all,” she said. “It doesn’t mean anything unless there are people to experience it. It is your co-creation, it is your participation in making events we can talk about.”

Please visit the Arts and Ideas website for a calendar of events, as well as information about any and all programming.

ARTIDEA.ORG Jazz vocalist Samara Joy, an A&I headliner this year.

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Ground Broken On Housing, Not Highway

by THOMAS BREEN

Officials joined West River neighbors to celebrate the government-backed construction of 56 new affordable apartments where Urban Renewal’s bulldozers once plowed through the Oak Street neighborhood six decades ago to make way for a mini-highway.

Speaker after speaker after speaker took to the microphone at the tentcovered press conference Thursday morning to mark the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Curtis Cofield II Estates.

Roughly a year from now, builders expect to complete that complex on a 4.3-acre site bounded by Legion Avenue, Ella T. Grasso Boulevard, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and Tyler Street. Plans include 56 new townhome-style rental apartments, as well as a clubhouse, a community center, a coffee shop/bakery, parking, a playground, and a gazebo.

Forty-four of those apartments will be rented out to residents making up to 60 percent of the area median income (AMI), or around $55,000 for a family of two, and the remaining 12 apartments at 100 percent AMI, or around $90,000 for a family of two. Of the 44 apartments set aside for low-income households, 14 are reserved for supportive housing in partnership with Columbus House.

The nonprofit development duo behind the project consists of the New York City-based NHP Foundation and the locally-based West River Self Help Investment Plan (WRSHIP).

The developers bought the land at 104 Tyler St. from the city last November for $840,000 after putting together a mix of public and private financing for the $20 million project. Money came from the state Department of Housing, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), the City of New Haven, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, among other sources.

“This could be the most complicated one I’ve ever seen,” NHP Foundation CEO Richard Burns said about the West River housing project’s financing. But, every speaker said or alluded to in a collective sigh of relief Thursday, the financing is now in place. The plans are approved. Construction has begun. And, a year from now, 56 families should be able to move into new affordable housing constructed in a part of the city that for so long has been vacant publicly owned land serving as a reminder of urban planning mistakes of the past.

“This is the first housing to be built in the Rt. 34 corridor in 60 years,” said longtime West River community mem-

ber Jerry Poole, who received a standing ovation from Thursday’s crowd for his work over the years advocating for this project. “60 years!”

Anthony Dawson, a former alder and police commissioner who is now the president of WRSHP, said that this housing complex has been “22 years in the making.” It’s named for the Rev. Curtis Cofield, longtime former pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church and the

first president of WRSHP.

“I know Rev. Cofield is smiling on this neighborhood, because he loved this neighborhood so much,” said former Livable City Initiative (LCI) Executive Director Serena Neal-Sanjurjo, standing alongside current LCI director Arlevia Samuel and Board of Alders President, West River Alder, and press conference emcee Tyisha Walker-Myers.

The Curtis Cofield II Estates aren’t the

first development to take root in the Rt. 34 corridor over the past two decades.

Large swathes of publicly owned land have been built up over the years with a now-closed Rite Aid, The Learning Experience daycare center, The Cambria Hotel, Continuum of Care, a hospital-adjacent parking garage, and, closer to downtown, the 100 and 101 College lab and office buildings (with another biomed building in the works for an-

other nearby West River block).

As speakers like Poole and WalkerMyers and Mayor Justin Elicker emphasized over the course of Thursday’s event, this project represents the first housing to be built in this stretch in a long time.

“Mr. Poole,” Elicker said during his time at the podium, “let’s knit these neighborhoods together.”

THOMAS BREEN PHOTOS Ceremonial shovels, at the ready...

Thursday's press conference crowd.

The new haven independent

Black Families Beg Cops to Take Action When Loved Ones Go Missing

By Trina Reynolds-Tyler,

Invisible Institute, and Sarah Conway, City Bureau | Word In Black | The Sacramento Observer

This story is part three of Chicago Missing Persons, a two-year investigation by City Bureau and Invisible Institute, two Chicago-based nonprofit journalism organizations, into how Chicago police handle missing person cases reveals the disproportionate impact on Black women and girls, how police have mistreated family members or delayed cases, and how poor police data is making the problem harder to solve. (WIB) – Some say it’s simply a mother’s intuition: a lump in the throat or a throb to the heart that warns their child is in danger, even when police suggest otherwise.

It guided Latonya Moore when her 26-year-old daughter Shantieya Smith still wasn’t home as night fell on May 28, 2018. It was out of character for her to not reach out, especially on a school night. Moore worried officers would be dismissive if she called in, so her cousin suggested they head to a nearby 10th District police station. “I wanted them to see my face so that they could understand my concern was real,” remembers Moore.

It guided her even as the officer at the front desk told her not to worry, she remembers. Maybe she is with a boyfriend, the officer suggested. It wasn’t uncommon for young women like Smith to run off with a man. “Give it 48 hours” before filing the report, Moore remembers the officer saying.

But Moore didn’t want to give it 48 hours. She thought about 15-yearold Sadaria Davis, another girl who had gone missing in the neighborhood that spring, who later was found decomposed in a trash-strewn abandoned building. It was the latest in a spate of missing women and girls; in fact, the whole neighborhood was on edge.

Moore’s cousin, part of their tight-knit family group, was adamant the officer accept the report and said they would not leave the station without one. They mentioned Smith’s bipolar disorder, which — unknown to the family at the time — meant police could have immediately characterized her case as “atrisk” and started an investigation.

Finally, offi cers told Moore her request  was accepted.

“If she shows up, give us a call,” officers told Moore. She wouldn’t hear from them for the next four days.

RELATED: Black Children Deserve to Be Children

In Illinois, it’s against state law for

any law enforcement official to refuse an in-person missing person report on any grounds, regardless of the missing person’s age, affiliation, lifestyle, or amount of time missing. Nowadays, the first 24 to 48 hours after someone goes missing are widely understood as the most vital part of a police investigation — critical to finding leads, collecting evidence and, in some cases, saving lives. The Chicago Police Department even collaborated with the network A&E on a show called “The First 48: Missing Persons,” showing (as research confirms) those crucial early hours can make or break a missing person case. And yet, Moore clearly remembers an officer telling her to wait before filing a missing person report. City Bureau and the Invisible Institute spoke with multiple people who had similar experiences. In an analysis of police complaint records from 2011 to 2015, City Bureau and Invisible Institute found 17 complaints against officers for allegedly refusing to file missing person reports. None of the officers named in these complaints were disciplined. Black women made a majority of the complaints against officers, often when attempting to report their children missing.

Additionally, at least three complaints alleged that officers at stations where they tried to file a report in-person told them to instead call 911, even though Illinois law clearly states police can-

not refuse in-person reports. One father, who asked to remain anonymous, told City Bureau and the Invisible Institute that police would not allow him to report his 17-year-old daughter missing in 2020 because police told him she was an adult and could move freely in the world.

“They were saying you have to wait 48 hours before you can actually report the person missing,” says the Rev. Robin Hood, who remembers hearing this from police officers starting in the 1990s. The West Side activist preacher has raised awareness and led communi-

possible to prove a hypothetical, these heartbreaking stories demonstrate how important urgent police response can be.

On July 24, 2016, Shante Bohanan called her sister and said she was being held against her will. Bohanan’s boyfriend had recently died in a shooting, and the 20-year-old had gone to her boyfriend’s family’s house in order to grieve, family members told City Bureau and the Invisible Institute. A police document stated that during the phone call, Bohanan told her sister that she had a “gun held to her head.”

Bohanan’s mother, Tammy Pittman, says she went to the boyfriend’s house herself the same evening, but residents of the home said Bohanan had already left. Worried for her daughter’s safety, she attempted to report her missing. Instead, officers suggested Bohanan had run away, and urged Pittman to wait another 24 hours before reporting her daughter missing, against state law and their own policy. Police did not search the boyfriend’s home until the next evening, and they found nothing.

Three days after her mother first tried to file a missing person report, Bohanan’s naked body was found inside a black plastic garbage bag on 92nd Street in Burnside. As of 2023, Pittman says she hasn’t heard from detectives in five years.

Ultimately, whether it’s a refused report, confusion about whether or not they can file a report, or a delay in investigation, the process leaves families in limbo as leads are lost and cases go cold.

Tammy Pittman talks about her experience with police after filing a missing person report for her daughter Shante Bohanan.

“The police failed me,” Pittman says. “Even though she’s dead, she’s gone, I don’t have no answers and that’s what hurts most of all. It hurts more than anything.”

CPD media affairs did not respond to a request for comment.

ty searches for missing Black girls and women on the West Side for decades.

In response to this accusation, police spokesperson Thomas Ahern wrote in an email statement: “The Chicago Police Department takes each missing person report seriously and investigates every one consistently. Under state law, CPD is required to take every missing person report regardless of how long the person has been absent or who is submitting the report.”

In some cases, families believe if police had acted more urgently, their loved ones might still be alive. While it’s im-

Editor’s Note: In this article, anonymous sources have their names and credentials checked and double-checked by reporters and editors, though their identities are not revealed to the public. Sources may be granted anonymity if they provide unique and critical perspective or information and are at risk for personal or professional harm if their identities are revealed.

This story is part of the Chicago Missing Persons project by City Bureau and Invisible Institute, two Chicago-based nonprofit journalism organizations. Read the full investigation and see resources for families at chicagomissingpersons.com

At least three complaints alleged that offi cers at stations where they tried to fi le a report in-person told them to instead call 911, even though Illinois law clearly states police cannot  refuse in-person reports. One father, who asked to remain anonymous, told City Bureau and the Invisible Institute that police would not allow him to report his 17-year-old daughter missing in 2020 because police told him she was an adult and could move freely in the world.

Photo Captions:

Tammy Pittman holds a portrait of her daughter, Shante Bonahan. Pittman says police asked her to wait 24 hours before reporting her daughter missing in 2016, even though her daughter had called in distress. (Photo: Natasha Moustache)

Arts & Ideas Takes Flight

Markeshia Ricks, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

The International Festival of Arts & Ideas turns 29 this summer. As it does, the upcoming celebration promises to weave together the cultural, political and intellectual threads of migration into a tapestry that is uniquely American and undoubtedly New Haven.

Festival insiders got an intimate look at this year’s festival last Thursday, during a reception highlighting the upcoming 2024 celebration. This year, the festival boasts a robust calendar that begins in April and May and crescendos with a blitz of events between June 14-29. (Check out the Arts & Ideas calendar here.)

“We actually have already started festival-ling,” Arts & Ideas Executive Director Shelly Quiala said to the crowd that gathered at the festival’s headquarters at 195 Church Street Thursday.

Some of that activity begins this week. Once again, the festival is partnering with the New Haven Free Public Library for the “Big Read,” an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts that takes place in cities across the country. Starting with a kickoff at Stetson Library on April 3, readers will discuss Thi Bui’s illustrated memoir “The Best We Could Do,” which tells the story of Bui’s parents’ life in Vietnam and migration to the U.S.

During the kickoff Wednesday, Bui will participate in a virtual conversation hosted by the University of Connecticut Asian and Asian American Studies Institute and the Asian Pacific American Coalition of CT.

The book tells the story of the author and her family’s escape from Vietnam and their migration to the United States. Quiala said the narrative of migration has an intrinsic connection to New Haven’s own story of receiving immigrants from all over the world and Black American migrants from the Jim Crow South.

Like Bui’s memoir, the 2024 festival will fête performers, thinkers, and events from the many countries and cultures that have helped write the Elm City’s story. Those include Italy, Ireland by way of Montreal, and several countries in Latin America, as well as a World Refugee Day celebration with the Ukrainian folk quartet DakhaBrakha and a world food bazaar.

Some of those cultures, Quiala added, are distinctly American. In a nod to the city’s jazz roots and “up South” bonafides, festival goers will have a chance to see Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy at College Street Music Hall and the Ebony Hillbillies on the New Haven Green.

The second performance may feel like a homecoming; the group has graced the festival with its sound before. Quiala said that bringing them to New Haven this year felt especially fortuitous after musical

superstar Beyoncé dropped her 27-track country-influenced album on Good Friday.

“They’re amazing,” Quiala said of the Ebony Hillbillies, “and it’s so timely. We could not have planned it better. This is our call and response with Beyoncé.”

Circus performers, which Quiala said have been highly requested (and are part of the festival's decades-long roots), will make a return with Montreal-based troupe The 7 Fingers. The group will perform their act “Duel Reality,” which she characterized as a “circus fight” based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The Red Trouser Show! Circus will also be staging roving performances all over the Green. Arts & Ideas Board Chair, the Rev. Kevin “Rev. Kev” Ewing, said he’s looking forward to all that the festival has in store for attendees this year.

“I’m excited about everything on the ticket, including the stuff I’m sure I’m not going to like,” he said, drawing a laugh from the crowd. “I’m excited to see it anyway.”

A good portion of the ideas track of the festival will also be dedicated to climate change and its impact on migration. Best selling author Amy Tan will be talking about observations on a migratory creature whose wellbeing is intrinsically linked to climate from her latest book “The Backyard Bird Chronicles.” Marine biologist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson of the Urban Ocean Lab will be in conversation with John Dankosky from Science Friday on June 15.

Quiala said Johnson will share more than “gloom and doom,” but also the good news of “what it looks like when we get it right.”

Festival goers can also look forward to the return of neighborhood festivals starting with Fair Haven on May 4. Arts & Ideas has produced neighborhood festivals for more than a decade.

For the first time ever this year, Quiala announced, Long Wharf will get a neighborhood festival, which will be held at the Canal Dock Boathouse. The area is often seen as a non-residential space between Wooster Square, downtown New Haven, and the Hill (which has its own neighborhood festival May 18).

“Come out to every neighborhood festival,” Quiala urged the crowd. “This doesn’t mean anything unless there are people to experience it. Your co-creation is your participation.”

Quiala said this year’s festival lays the groundwork for the celebration of the festival turning 30 next year.

“We’re really starting that momentum now so by the time we get to 2025 it’s a full blown party,” she said.

Quiala talks about all things Arts & Ideas Festival 2024 at the kickoff reception. Markeshia Ricks Photos.

Ewing: “I’m excited about everything on the ticket, including the stuff I’m sure I’m not going to like."

April: Sisters’

Journey Survivor of the Month- Traci Frasier

I told myself a lot of things. I had known there was a lump in my right breast for a couple years, but I didn’t think much of it. I thought that before I get checked out, I must finish school to make enough money to send my son to college.

At the time I felt the lump, it was just me and my son living towns away from my family. So, I pushed to the side going to the doctors. It was not about me. I have always put the needs of my son before mine. I have also put the needs of my family before my own. But here I was in my gynecologist’s office, getting my annual physical. She of course discovered the lump in my right breast. I know now I was in denial or the fear of hearing the word “cancer.”

My doctor referred me to Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale for a mammogram around February 2020. I put it off twice and rescheduled the appointment because at the time, going to work was more important to me. At least that’s what I told myself. Then the Yale Breast Cancer Center called and convinced me to come in for the mammogram. I remember that day. I do not know if I was angry, in denial, or simply scared.

Once they completed the mammogram, they wanted to do an ultrasound so they could get a more in-depth image of the tumor in my breast. The doctor came in and said that they also wanted to do a biopsy. I refused it for that day and asked to come back another time. This was March 2020. They told me I must come back before the end of the week.

I went back on Friday so they could take a biopsy of the tumor. I remember being so scared. I began to cry because I already knew what the result would be. The nurse with me held my hand, and it was then that I felt like I would not be fighting this battle alone. I was still more than terrified of what wasto come. All I know is that I had to get through this no matter what and that I was not going to give up at all.

On April 3, 2020, I received the call confirming my worst fears. The biopsy was positive for breast cancer. I remember because I was talking with my sister, who had recently put her husband to rest. I was only 33 years old and would turn 34 on April 29. A lot was going on in my life. When I met with my medical oncolo-

gist, my only concern was what the plan was to get rid of this awful disease. All I knew was that I had to fight this. I was not going to allow this cancer to get the best of me in any way. I knew without a doubt that it was not going to stop me from accomplishing everything I wanted to do in life. My son needed me, my family needed me, and most of all I needed me. So, with all the strength I had, I made sure that I attended every appointment so that I could move on with my life.

After 16 chemo treatments, multiple hospital stays, 25 radiation treatments, and a mastectomy in November 2020, I am still here! I see this as taking time to realize what I want from life.

From this experience, I tell everyone, no matter what is happening in their lives, never give up! See yourself through it and know that everything will be okay.

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We’re on the web @ Sisters Journey Inc. or Dimitria Ford Sisters’ Journey Inc. Digital Media Coordinator

In 2022, she starred in her first film ‘The military unit.

er Women Summit, Thuso Mbedu tearfully

In 2017, Mbedu was nominated for the ‘DSTV Viewers Choice Awards’ and the ‘International Emmy Awards for the ‘Best Performance by an Actress’ for her role ‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the 2016 -2017 television drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’

In 2018, she won the ‘South African Film and Television Awards’ for ‘ Best Actress – TV Drama’ for her role ‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the 2016 -2017 television drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’ She was also nominated for the ‘International Emmy Awards for ‘Best Performance by an Actress’ for her role ‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the television drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’

In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Television Critics Association Award’ (Individual Achievement in Drama), the

da Lane happened in 2016. The role that Amanda Lane gave me was the difference between life and death for me. Receiving that audition brief, I told myself that tion. I gave it the last of everything that I had, that at the time I got the callback, I had nothing left. I secretly made the decision

ing left to give. But fortunately, I received the callback. So I didn’t do the callback because the role was mine. I had given up. I was in a very dark place at the time, and the character, the role, the opportunity, was a much needed light. And I told myself that I will act as if it was the last character that I will play. And through a great script and an amazing director, I earned two International Emmy Awards for that role…”

DNC Slams NBC for Hiring of ‘Proven Liar’ Ronna McDaniel

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia

In a scathing rebuke, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has lambasted NBC News for its decision to bring on board former Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, labeling her a “proven liar” and a lackey for the twice-impeached and four-times indicted former President Donald Trump.

DNC Chair Jamie Harrison minced no words in his criticism of NBC, asserting that the news outlet’s employment of McDaniel, known for her staunch defense of Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud, undermines the integrity of journalism.

“The free and independent press is fundamental to our democracy and has and continues to face unprecedented attacks by Donald Trump and his lackeys—including Ronna McDaniel—to chip away at its credibility and allow space for MAGA lies and deceit,” Harrison declared in a statement.

capacity as a paid contributor.”

Harrison further emphasized the gravity of McDaniel’s role in perpetuating falsehoods about the 2020 election, which culminated in the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

“Lying about the 2020 election results culminated in Donald Trump encouraging his supporters to stop the peaceful transfer of power,” Harrison asserted. “Allowing one of the key architects of that shameful period in our country the platform to whitewash her role in what happened, and then provide ongoing ‘commentary’ about American politics, does a disservice to the journalists who put themselves in harm’s way to cover the violence and brutality at the Capitol, so the American people knew the facts.”

DNC Chair Jamie Harrison minced no words in his criticism of NBC, asserting that the news outlet’s employment of McDaniel, known for her staunch defense of Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud, undermines the integrity of journalism. tion.

The controversy erupted following McDaniel’s appearance on Sunday’s edition of Meet the Press, where she faced intense questioning from host Kristen Welker regarding her defense of Trump’s “Big Lie” surrounding the 2020 presidential elec-

Following McDaniel’s segment, Chuck Todd, another program host, attacked NBC for hiring her, stoking the flames started by the DNC’s criticism.

Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, the hosts of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” also ripped the network. “We weren’t asked our opinion of the hiring, but if we

were, we would have strongly objected to it for several reasons, including, but not limited to, as lawyers might say, Miss McDaniel’s role in Donald Trump’s fake elector scheme and her pressuring election officials to not certify election results while Donald Trump was on the phone,” Scarborough asserted.

Brzezinski added, “To be clear, we be-

lieve NBC News should seek out conservative Republican voices to provide balance in their election coverage. But it should be conservative Republicans, not a person who used her position of power to be an anti-democracy election denier. We hope that NBC will reconsider its decision. It goes without saying that she will not be a guest on Morning Joe in her

He stressed that there should be no room for falsehoods in political discourse. He reiterated McDaniel’s lack of credibility, asserting she has no place in honest and objective discussions about the nation’s future.

“There should be no debate about the truth in our political discourse,” Harrison declared. “Ronna McDaniel is a proven liar and has no place in an honest and objective conversation about the future of this country.”

Fire Department

regularly staffed by one paramedic and one EMT, Coughlin said. Those three units respond to medical calls all over the city for everything from chest pain to difficulty breathing to seizures to overdoses. He said that the city’s Emergency 3 unit out of Goffe Street does “630 runs per month.” “Nationally, that’s mind blowing,” he told this reporter.

Alston told the committee alders that the fire department “normally” has between 48 and 50 paramedics in its ranks.

In this 2018 article, the Independent reported that the fire department had 38 paramedics on staff at that time.

As of now, Alston and Coughlin told the alders, the department only has 15 paramedics.

“Paramedics are being ordered in [for overtime] at an alarming rate,” Coughlin said. “This is a national problem.”

He and Alston pointed to the fire department’s brand new designation of all fire fighter positions as “fire fighter / paramedic / lateral,” thanks to a Board of Alders position resdesignation approval granted late last year.

Just like with the police department, they said, that “lateral” designation allows the city’s fire department to recruit trained and certified paramedics from other cities and states to allow for a shorter on-boarding process with the New Haven Fire Department. Lateral paramedic recruits need to come to New Haven’s fire academy for only two months, Alston said. “We’re accelerating the process.”

He and Coughlin said that the city currently has five paramedic laterals in the academy, one of whom from is from Massachusetts, one from New York. Alston also said that Yale New Haven Hospital Center for EMS now has an accelerated paramedic program that takes only one year and comes at a significant discounted price for those training to work for the New Haven Fire Department. Training to become a paramedic in Connecticut costs between $10,000 and $23,000. This Yale course costs $11,000.

These recruitment efforts are designed to beef up the city’s number of paramedics at a time of surging medical calls, and more and more burnout and PTSD among emergency medical providers who find themselves responding to such traumatic incidents as, for example, “fetal infant mortality.”

“When you have to order them in or hold them over for a shift,” Alston said about the city’s few remaining paramedics, “and they’re going out on medical calls over and over and over again, we worry about their mental health.” So, he continued, “lateral paramedics” — the ability to recruit certified paramedics from outside New Haven — “was a good move for us.”

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA PARA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR

NOTICE

THE ELM CITYCOMMUNITIES, AUTORIDAD DE VIVIENDA DE NEW HAVEN (ECC/HANH)

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

PROPUESTA DE ENMIENDA AL PLAN ADMINISTRATIVO DE AVC (PLAN ADMIN)

THE ELM CITYCOMMUNITIES, HOUSING AUTHORITY OF NEW HAVEN (ECC/HANH)

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE HCV ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN (ADMIN PLAN)

Elm City Communities, la Autoridad de Vivienda de la Ciudad de New Haven (ECC/ HANH) propone modificar secciones de su Plan Administrativo de Vales de Elección de Vivienda (HCV) (Plan Administrativo).

Las copias de la enmienda al Plan Administrativo estarán disponibles el lunes 25 de marzo de 2024 en el sitio web de la agencia www.elmcitycommunities.org o vía Twitter, www.twitter.com/ECCommunities o vía Facebook www.facebook.com/ElmCityCommunities o vía Instagram, @elmcitycommunities_hanh.

HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

NOTICIA

Le invitamos a proporcionar comentarios por escrito dirigidos a: ECC/HANH, Revisiones del plan administrativo; A la atención de: Evelise Ribeiro, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511 o por correo electrónico a: eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org.

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Elm City Communities, the Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (ECC/ HANH) is proposing to amend sections of its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan (Admin Plan).

Copies of the amendment to the Administrative Plan will be made available on Monday, March 25, 2024 on the agency website www.elmcitycommunities.org or via Twitter, www.twitter.com/ECCommunities or via Facebook www.facebook.com/ ElmCityCommunities or via Instagram, @elmcitycommunities_hanh.

You are invited to provide written comments addressed to: ECC/HANH, Admin Plan Revisions; Attn: Evelise Ribeiro, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511 or via email to: eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org.

Una audiencia pública donde se aceptarán y grabarán los comentarios públicos está programada para el lunes 22 de abril de 2024 a las 4:00 p. m. a través de RingCentral: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/307751545?pw=8265

ba3239c2e37a306d11180624e736

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510

ID de reunión: 307751545

Contraseña: vTft9zu5Mh

NEW HAVEN

Cualquier persona que requiera una Adaptación Razonable para participar en la audiencia puede llamar al Gerente de Adaptación Razonable (203) 498-8800, ext. 1507 o al Número TDD (203) 497-8434.

242-258 Fairmont Ave

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the

A public hearing where public comments will be accepted and recorded is scheduled for Monday, April 22, 2024 at 4:00pm via RingCentral:

https://v.ringcentral.com/join/307751545?pw=8265ba3239c2e37a306d11180624e736

Meeting ID: 307751545

Password: vTft9zu5Mh

Any individual requiring a Reasonable Accommodation to participate in the hearing may call the Reasonable Accommodation Manager (203) 498-8800, ext. 1507 or at the TDD Number (203) 497-8434.

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing

Proposals must be received at the NBHA Office no later than Monday, March 04, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. To obtain a copy of the RFP visit www.nbhact.org

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms for Environmental Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 3:00PM.

STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

NOTICE

DRAFT 2025 STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

In accordance with the provisions of Title 23, Section 135 of the United States Code; as amended by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA); the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has prepared a draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

The draft STIP compiles all highway and public transit projects that CTDOT intends to pursue over the next four years, utilizing Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding. STIP documents can be found on the CTDOT website, at CTDOT Headquarters, and at all Councils of Government offices. It is suggested to schedule an appointment at these locations. To make an appointment at CTDOT, please call (860) 594-2040.

HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

CTDOT is conducting two hybrid public informational meetings regarding the draft STIP on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at CTDOT Headquarters, 2800 Berlin Turnpike in Newington. Both meetings will also be held on Zoom; registration is required. To register, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/ PP_Bureau/ConnDOT-Plans/State-Transportation-Improvement-Program

NOTICIA

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

CTDOT staff will be available 30 minutes prior to each meeting to informally discuss the draft STIP with members of the public.

Language assistance and/or ADA accommodations are provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance. Persons needing language assistance or ADA accommodations may request assistance by contacting CTDOT’s Language Assistance Line at (860) 594-2109, at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting. Persons with a hearing and/or speech disability may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) and instruct the operator to contact (860) 594-2243.

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510

Parking is available in the rear of the building. The meeting facility is ADA accessible, and persons with disabilities can access the building from the main entrance of the building.

The draft STIP will be available for review for a 30-day public comment period from May 1-31, 2024. Comments from the public must be received on or before May 31, 2024. Comments should be emailed to DOT.STIPComments@ct.gov, or mailed to Maribeth Wojenski, Bureau of Policy and Planning, Connecticut Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 317546, Newington, Connecticut 06131-7546.

242-258 Fairmont Ave

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center

Town of Bloomfi eld

Salary Range:

$87,727 to $136,071

Deputy Finance Director/Controller

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE.

For Details go to  www.bloomfieldct.org

Town of Bloomfi eld

Finance Director

Salary Range - $101,455 to $156,599 (expected starting pay maximum is mid-range)

Fully Benefited – 35 hours weekly

Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website –www.bloomfieldct.org

Portland

Police Offi cer  full-time

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

South Central Regional Council of Governments

Draft Fiscal Year 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program

The public is invited to offer comments until April 22, 2024 as the mayors and first selectmen of the South Central Region of Connecticut shape the Draft Fiscal Year 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the companion Draft State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Copies of the Draft TIP and STIP are available at www,scrcog.org. Hard copies of the draft documents will be mailed upon a request made by email to jrode@scrcog.org.

The TIP document, framed together with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, guides the flow of funding for major improvements to the region’s roadways, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian transportation systems. The public comment period for the TIP/STIP also satisfies the public participation requirements of the Greater New Haven Transit District’s and the Milford Transit District’s Program of Projects (POP). Public comments may be emailed to jrode@scrcog.org or mailed, postage prepaid, to James Rode, Principal Transportation Planner, South Central Regional Council of Governments, 127 Washington Avenue, 4th Floor West, North Haven, CT 06473 with receipt in both cases by no later than April 22, 2024. Public comments may also be offered at a Hybrid Public Meeting on April 10, 2024 at 11 am. Instructions for participating in the Public Meeting will be posted at www.scrcog.org no later than 10 days before the event.

MONROE HOUSING AUTHORITY/FAIRWAY ACRES IS NOW  ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ELDERLY HOUSING!

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

APPLY NOW!

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Request for Proposals Independent Audit and Tax Services

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms for Audit and Tax Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Monday, April 1, 2024, at 3:00PM.

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

Listing: Mechanic

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

Immediate opening for a part time mechanic; maintenance to be done on commercial diesel trucks and trailers. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or emailhrdept@eastriverenergy.com

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

***An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disabled and Veterans***

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay.

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for an Information Technology Technician (40 hour).

APPLICATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM FEBRUARY 1st, 2024 – MAY 1st, 2024. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED OR POSTMARKED AFTER MAY 1st, 2024, WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Eligible applicants must be 62+ OR 18+ if disabled. Rent calculation is based on 30% of your income. Tenants cannot pay lower than the base rent: $420/efficiency, $430/one -bedroom and ADA. Applications can be picked up at the office Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9-2 pm at: 358 Wheeler Road, Monroe, CT 06468, or by email at: housing@monroect.gov. Those that need assistance with obtaining the application and/or applying can call 203-261-7685. Assistance in another language will be made available to those that need it. Eligible applications will be chosen by lottery system and subject to background checking. The Monroe Housing Authority does not determine eligibility based on age, ancestry, color, sex, race, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, lawful source of income, familial status, learning disability, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

PURCHASING AGENT

Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230927&R2=7602FR&R3=001

Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

The Town of Wallingford is seeking a highly motivated manager to lead its purchasing program in accordance with the Town charter and ordinances. Applicants should possess 5 years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing work, plus a bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Salary: $88,811 to $113,630 annually. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, individual and family medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and deferred compensation plan. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be faxed or mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct. gov by the date the 50th application or resume is received or the closing date of April 15, 2024, whichever occurs first. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

NOTICE

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

Construction

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Sale of Surplus Rolling Stock

New Haven, Connecticut

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Contact: Tom Dunay Phone: 860- 243-2300

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing and clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 6211720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V Drug Free Workforce

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

New Haven Parking Authority Project #24-024

Bids due April 15, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

Bid Documents will be available beginning April 1, 2024 at no cost by downloading from the New Haven Parking Authority/Park New Haven website at https://parknewhaven.com/request-for-bids/ or visit the Temple Street Garage Office at One Temple Street, New Haven, CT to obtain a copy.

New Haven Parking Authority is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

NOTICIA

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Union Company seeks:

Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipment. Must have a CDL License, clean driving record, capable of operating heavy equipment; be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com

Large CT Fence Company looking for an individual for our PVC Fence Production Shop. Experience preferred but will train the right person. Must be familiar with carpentry hand & power tools and be able to read a CAD drawing and tape measure. Use of CNC Router machine a plus but not required, will train the right person. This is an in-shop production position. Duties include building fence panels, posts, gates and more. Must have a valid CT driver’s license & be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com. AA/EOE-MF

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Full Time Administrative assistant position for a steel & misc metals fabrication shop who will oversee the daily operations of clerical duties such as answering phones, accounts payable purchase orders/invoicing and certified payroll. Email resumes to jillherbert@gwfabrication.com

TOWN OF EAST HAVEN PURCHASING AGENT

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center

Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s

Program.

The Town of East Haven seeks a qualified candidate to serve in the position of Purchasing Agent. This is a highly responsible position involving purchasing and directing the purchasing functions of the municipality. Qualified candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field preferably including or supplemented with special course work in purchasing/municipal bid processes and materials management plus five (5) years’ of progressively responsible purchasing work or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience. Must have valid class 3 Connecticut Driver’s License. The salary for this position is $62,841/year, 35 hours per week and the Town offers an excellent benefit package. Please send cover letter and resume with references to: Town of East Haven, Ed Sabatino, Assistant Director of Administration and Management, 250 Main Street, East Haven, CT 06512 or jobs@easthaven-ct.gov. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. The Town of East Haven is committed to building a work force of diverse individuals. Minorities, females, handicapped and veterans are encouraged to apply. The Town of East Haven is an equal opportunity employer. Andrea M. Liquori / Chief Examiner Civil Service Commission 250 Main Street East Haven  CT 06512 (203)468-3375

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Water Utility

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Water Treatment and Pumping Supervisor. The Town of Wallingford Water Division is seeking qualified applicants to perform highly technical and supervisory work involving the operation and maintenance of the municipality's water treatment facilities, pump stations, and well facilities. Applicants must have 4 years of progressively responsible experience with 2 years as a supervisor in the operation of a municipal water treatment and pumping system, plus an A.S. degree in engineering or chemistry, or any equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience. Must possess or have the ability to obtain within the probation period, State of Connecticut Department of Health Services Class IV Water Treatment Plant Operator and Class II Distribution System Operator Certifications. Must possess and maintain a CT driver’s license. Salary: $73,068 to $93,488 annually, plus an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, medical insurance, life insurance, paid sick and vacation time. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of April 23, 2024. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32

Black-Owned Media: Key to a 2024 Biden-Harris Campaign Victory

OP-ED: Why the Biden campaign should invest in the Black Press

By Charles Cantu and Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

President Joe Biden wouldn’t have won the 2020 presidential election without the Black vote. In this Groundhog Day redo four years later, if President Biden wants to defeat Donald Trump again, he needs the Black vote more than ever. The GOP knows this and has been courting Black men in particular, with Trump suggesting in a bizarre and racist remark that Black men will root for him because they identify with his legal troubles.

The 2024 national elections will be the most consequential elections in American history. The Black Press and the Black Vote will be determinative factors in the outcome of the elections this year. Insider Intelligence predicts that campaigns will spend more than $12 billion on advertising during this election cycle, a new record. Dollar for dollar, the biggest ROI the Biden campaign can get is by advertising in Blackowned and -operated newspapers and media. Specifically, this means the Black Press—the more than 200 Blackowned newspapers and their respective websites. There are also more than 1000 other kinds of Black-owned media that include websites, podcasts, CTV channels, and radio stations.

It’s not just the Biden-Harris campaign. Democrats down the ticket and around the country will see immense advertising amplification by advertising in Black-owned media. In other words, advertising in Black-owned media isn’t just another insertion order because the Black Press is a different kind of media. Over decades—in some cases since the 1800s—Black-owned newspapers have

built deep trust with their readers. Their coverage or endorsement can positively influence voter opinions, building credibility for Democratic candidates and the issues they champion. By advertising in the Black Press, Democrats can directly impact how Black voters perceive their policies and candidates. Here are a few of the unique qualities and advantages of advertising in Blackowned media.

Targeted Reach: Black-owned newspapers and websites have a dedicated readership within the African American community. By advertising there, Democrats will directly engage with a crucial voting bloc.

Increased Visibility Beyond Urban Centers: Advertising in the Black Press provides deeper visibility beyond the mainstream media. It allows the Democrats to reach Black voters who might not otherwise encounter their campaign

messages. Moreover, national polls may not capture the diversity of Black communities among urban, suburban, and rural areas. Black-owned newspapers reach readers in small towns, big cities, and beyond. Advertising in these platforms is part of a comprehensive outreach strategy for reaching Black Americans.

Community Connections: These publications serve as vital sources of information for Black communities. Advertising in the Black Press demonstrates a commitment to understanding and addressing the unique concerns of Black communities. The ad buy itself demonstrates that the candidate is doing more than paying lip service to Black issues.

From Polling to Policy: The Black Press plays a critical role in shaping public opinion within diverse Black communities. Advertising in Blackowned media will allow Democratic

candidates to highlight specific policies that affect Black Americans, such as criminal justice reform, economic empowerment and debt reform, overseas wars, and access to affordable, quality healthcare.

Historical Context: Black-owned newspapers have a rich history of advocating for civil rights and social justice. Advertising within these platforms reinforces Democratic commitment to equality and progress for all Americans.

Solidarity: Advertising in the Black Press sends a powerful message of unity. It shows that Democrats value Black voices and are committed to uplifting marginalized communities.

Local leading to National Impact: The cliché that all politics is local happens to be true. Many Black-owned newspapers focus on local news and issues that then gain national attention. By advertising with the Black Press, Democrats

will connect with voters at a grassroots level, emphasizing their commitment to community development.

Fighting Misinformation and Disinformation: Russia has already started intense election interference in the U.S. and other democracies facing 2024 elections, including websites masquerading as local news outlets. Blackowned newspapers are established and reputable within their communities. By advertising in the Black Press, Democrats can support high-quality journalism that counters conspiracy theories that circulate elsewhere.

Getting out the Black Vote: Recently, the DNC announced a historic Get-Outthe-Vote (GOTV) campaign in Nevada and South Carolina. These are paid ad campaigns. Directing media investment for such campaigns in the Black Press can increase turnout for this key voting bloc.

Battleground States: Black voters are influential in key battleground states. Advertising in the Black Press can help sway opinion and mobilize voters in critical regions.

In the most recent Census, Black Americans represented 12.4% of the U.S. population. The amount of money that advertisers of all sorts spend on Black-owned media comes nowhere close that percentage.

However, Democratic candidates shouldn’t advertise in the Black Press just because it’s the right thing to do. It’s also the smart thing to do.

Charles Cantu is the founder and CEO of RESET Digital, the first Blackowned DSP.

Dr. Benjamin Chavis is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

For the first time, DR Congo has a woman prime minister

by Dollita Okine, Face2FaceAfrica.com

President Felix Tshisekedi has appointed Judith Suminwa Tuluka as the first female prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

According to Africa News, the historic decision satisfies a pledge made by President Tshisekedi during his campaign and is a major step in the direction of gender equality in Congolese politics.

The just-appointed minister, a former planning minister and an economist, takes up her position at a pivotal moment for the country, especially in the war-torn East where violence has been unrelenting for years, forcing millions of civilians to

flee their homes amid one of the worst humanitarian crises in history.

During her inaugural speech, Prime Minister Tuluka committed to emphasizing peace and development efforts, particularly in the conflict-affected eastern provinces.

She also voiced deep concern for people affected by the ongoing violence, reaffirming her commitment to finding longterm solutions to the problem.

According to the publication, her election coincides with the difficult process of building a new government, which is anticipated to result in lengthy negotiations with different political divisions.

Notwithstanding the difficulties that lie ahead, her appointment represents a ma-

The

jor turning point in Congolese politics and gives hope for increased inclusivity and representation in the political process.

The situation in eastern Congo remains terrible, with multiple armed factions competing for power, sustaining a cycle of violence and instability. The violence has been difficult to contain for both domestic and international peacekeeping forces, which has made the suffering of the civilian populace even worse.

As Prime Minister Tuluka takes on her new post, she has the arduous task of directing the country toward peace and prosperity amidst daunting circumstances. Her selection marks a watershed moment in Congolese politics, emphasizing the significance of gender equality and

women’s empowerment in national leadership.

Before being appointed as minister of planning, economist Tuluka was working for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a coordinator. An expert in strategy management, budget monitoring and program monitoring and evaluation, Tuluka has a master’s degree in Labour Sciences – Administration and personnel management. She also earned a degree in applied economics and is a graduate of accounting from the School of Promotion and Continuing Education (EPFC) for Brussels.

Tuluka takes over takes over as prime minister from Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde.

Charles Cantu is the founder and CEO of RESET Digital, the first Black-owned DSP. Dr. Benjamin Chavis is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

just-appointed minister, a former planning minister, takes up her position at a pivotal moment for the country. Photo

Vinylistic Crew & FreeRiders MC. Deadly Assassins Dj Battle!

By Allen Jackson aka Dooley-O, contributing ICN Artist

Ok it's Sunday, but on the real, I gotta go check out the Vinylistic Crew in Bridgeport CT. Dj Prime And Madd Flava is hosting a Dj Battle With all Vinyl, What did he just say Vinyl? You mean records?

Yes, records. What I haven't seen is a battle with vinyl since the last DMC (Disco Mix Club) contest in NYC since 1999 the world finals. Smh.

I pulled up to the place not knowing what to expect from an industrial area. The address saids 402 Knowlton St BPT, but I heard music but the place was empty. What The Freak? So then I saw A Arrow sprayed in graffiti with the address pointed towards a flight of stairs so I called Dj Kamakazi and he said come upstairs. It Looked sketchy but once I got in I felt the love in this place. Oooh I get it, this is a motorcycle club owned by the FreeRiders MC who helped sponsor the DJ event along with Dj Prime & Dj Madd Flava of The Vinylistic Crew.

As I headed towards the bar I ordered two drinks and a beer. The Bartender Lady was very clear and nice and I was amazed at how the club had a full bar and great room for events. As I'm looking around Dj kamakazi said you made it up the stairs lol. I'm also greeted by Dj Remarkable, then my eyes popped to see Hip hop Pioneer Tony Crush From The Cold Crush Brothers as one of the judges accompanied by Dj Kool Keith from Bridgeport. I Got there just in time and to my surprise a Beat Battle was about to set off with Kronzilla vs Face Eastwood.

Yo! Kronzilla came out with a hey mak-

er! Drums, kicks, snares and a funky bass line are all the sounds I love to hear in a beat. His boy Face Eastwood who he's battling came back with the ill melody and a heavy drum loop shizz was sick. I was like yeah, after a few rounds they both were on my radar as winners but Kronzilla won the battle. Next up was the Dj battle. More people are here. I'm like yo, ok now it feels like I'm in some underground basement or attic listening and watching some real hip hop. Dj Prime

was hosting the event on the M.I.C while Dj Madd Flava was cueing up music for the future interludes. My Bro Dj Groove 7 ordered a fish sandwich and gave me a piece and it was the cleanest tasting fish I ever had. Definitely coming back for that one day! Then Somebody shouted let's go! (Ding Ding ding) Dj Remarkable Vs Dj Creative the Turntable Tyrant was on deck ready.

The first set was the Blend battle Dj Remarkable played a r&b song with a

sweet drum beat blend that was as if he took apart the music then recomposed his personal touch to it. Now it's Dj Creative turn as he puts it down with a classic Krs BDP Song over another dope beat I was like whoa then Came Dj Rob B Rob from the Bronx he came with the ill reggae blend it was sharp and clean the crowd loved it. The next few rounds were going there where a few Djs who couldn't make it possible 3 so we rocked out with what we had Dj Prime saids. Next category was beat juggling Dj Remarkable did his thing then Dj Creative was being scientific on the turntables making sounds and double beats it was crazy this dude did not sweat at all. Dj Rob B Rob was killin it with traditional styles of beat juggling he def was in the pocket. They were neck to neck scratching and everything but at some point Dj Rob B Rob got discouraged and went off the beaten path due to tech issues. They asked me to be a third judge and

I was honored. Me with Tony Crush And Kool Keith Hell Yeah!! So it came down to Rob B Rob and Dj Creative and we agreed that Dj Creative Won the battle. Both djs were incredible but Rob b Rob gave up in his set felt turntables weren't working for him. So since the house agreed they both was winners we decided to split the $500.00 grand prize And Trophy sponsored by the FreeRiders MC Club was handed to Dj Creative from Hamden Ct. I can't wait to see the next events and get one of those fish sandwiches.

You can see Dj Creative @ The Hi Fi Arcade (arcade mall) in Bridgeport @hifiarcade

Special thx to DJ Prime@djprime808 and Mr. Roomkeyz President of FreeRiders. Look out for more upcoming events from the Vinylistic Crew!! Story by Dooley-O @dooleyo on the gram..

Remembering Dr. King, And Adam C. Powell

Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, a day those of us who are old enough will never forget. But April 4th is significant for another reason, because on April 4, 1972, the Rev. Dr. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Congressman from New York, died in a Florida hospital. His death, although not related to Dr. King’s, occurred exactly four years, four months, and four days after the death of Dr. King. Both men represent great losses to humanity and to African Americans in particular.

We know of Dr. King’s achievements and sacrifices but so much of Adam Clayton Powell's record, which has gone unnoticed. Powell is the member of Congress that President Lyndon Baines Johnson went to in order to pass the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act and the War on Poverty under the Economic Opportunity

Act. He is responsible for the Arts and Humanities Endowment Act, Elementary and Secondary Education, Higher Education Act, the Title VI Public Accommodatons provision of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act.

In all he authored more than 60 major pieces of legislation in his six years as Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee on which the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm also served. He authored the Older Americans Act and the Black Lung Legislation for those suffering from years of working in the nation’s coal mines and he was a voice for all Black Americans in particular, whether or not they lived in New York’s Harlem as his Congressional District.

Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. died of cancer. Martin Luther King, Jr. died of an assassin's bullet. We must never forget either even as we honor others who came before and after them.

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The New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (NHE3) is a business-support network partnering with entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) to build an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem for historically marginalized entrepreneurs in Greater New Haven.

With a focus on funding BIPOC-and Woman-owned businesses, NHE3 intentionally provides grants to help small businesses thrive.

Grant round dates:

2nd round opens on Dec 1st and closes on Jan 31st (review and awards: end of February)

3rd round opens on Mar 1st and closes April 30th (review and awards: end of May)

4th round opens on June 1st and closes July 31st (review and awards: end of August)