INNER-CITY NEWS

50 New Homeless Shelter Beds Open In The Hill

by THOMAS BREEN

Fifty new emergency shelter beds came online in the Hill Friday to help provide a safe, clean, indoors place to sleep for the city’s — and the region’s — rising number of people without a home.

Those beds are located in a single-story industrial building-turned-dormitory at 209 Terminal Ln., just off of Ella T. Grasso Boulevard near the West Haven town line.

The building is owned by the homelessness services nonprofit Columbus House, and has most recently been used as a winter seasonal “overflow” shelter for Columbus House’s main shelter nearby on the Boulevard.

On Friday morning, Mayor Justin Elicker, city Coordinator for the Homeless Velma George, Columbus House CEO Margaret Middleton, Upon This Rock Ministries Pastor Valerie Washington, and a handful of other city officials and social-service staffers announced that the space now has 50 beds that will be open for homeless adults in need between now and the end of October.

The shelter will be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. seven days a week, and will be staffed by three employees from Upon This Rock. Adult men and women over the age of 21 years old are eligible to stay there, though they must be referred to the shelter by first calling the statewide social-service hotline 211, The shelter will not accept walk-ins.

The city will be paying Columbus House and Upon this Rock a total of around $128,000 to run this 50-bed site

for the next four months, city spokesperson Lenny Speiller told the Independent. That money will come in part from the city’s general fund, in part from its federal pandemic-relief American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) aid.

Mayor Elicker said that these 50 emergency beds add on to a network that, in New Haven alone, already includes 177 emergency shelter beds at four different sites, as well as 37 rooms for homeless families and 105 additional spaces at the city’s warming and cooling shelters.

He added that, according to the region’s Coordinated Access Network (CAN), as of June 30, there are roughly 537 individuals experiencing homelessness in the Greater New Haven region, as well as 90 families.

0“That number is staggering,” Elicker said.

“It is no secret to everyone here that our nation is struggling with a housing crisis, our state is struggling with a housing crisis, and our city is struggling with a housing crisis.”

Middleton agreed. “The problem of unsheltered homelessness is absolutely a crisis in our community and in communities across the country.”

She said that the number of “unsheltered households” in the region — that is, people are who not staying in shelters of any kind and who are “literally without a place to slep” — is up to 130. “This is a 68 percent increase from the same time last year.”

George said that these additional emergency beds should hopefully provide

places to sleep for people who currently seek shelter at night at Union Station. She also praised Liberty Community Services for sending social workers twice a day to the train station to “engage the residents there and help them move to a different station in life.”

Washington said there will that the three Upon This Rock staffers who will be at 209 Terminal Ln. every night will help take each shelter guest’s name and date of birth at the door. “We’ll feed them a light snack and drinks,” she said. Guests will be able to take a shower, too. And in the morning, they’ll get coffee, water, tea, and a light breakfast.

While these emergency beds are important and a big help, Middleton said, the root-cause issue here is that “homelessness is a housing problem, very clearly a housing problem. And as a community … we must commit to creating enough deeply affordable housing for everyone in this community to have a place to call home.”

In that vain, Elicker said, the city has seen 900 units of new and rehabbed affordable and deeply affordable housing come online over the past three years, we 900 more “in the pipeline.” He said the city dedicates $1.4 million from its general fund towards supporting services around homelessness, its expanded winter season warming shelters to be open during the summer with the help of the state, it’s set up a security deposit assistance program for low-income renters, and it’s helped facilitate the creation of more tenants unions and greater use of the Fair Rent Commission.

Whalley Social-Service Job Hunters Seek A “Fresh Start”

by ASHER JOSEPH

Milani Glass and her family once turned to the Community Action Agency of New Haven (CAANH) for help making ends meet. She’s now the Whalley Avenue social service hub’s health literacy and outreach coordinator.

On Friday, Glass sought to help recruit future colleagues to-be at a job fair focused on available work at her former lifeline-turned-current employer.

The fair, hosted by CAANH at its offices at 419 Whalley Ave., was the first of what Glass hopes will become an annual event to recruit New Haveners to join the agency in its commitment to community engagement — and to equip prospective hires with the necessary skills to navigate a job fair.

Established in 1978, CAANH is a social service agency dedicated to offering its patrons with “pathways to prosperity” through emergency assistance around, for example, water and heating bills, with the guiding mission of deconstructing gen-

erational poverty across New Haven. Friday’s job fair featured a dozen opportunities to get involved with CAANH, from entry-level to full-time higher up positions.

The organization’s employment offerings demonstrated the diversity of its team, with requirements ranging from a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) for roles such as that of a community health worker, who serves to conduct health screenings and provide referrals, to a Master’s Degree in relevant fields for roles such as that of associate director of programs & case management, which entails responsibilities such as overseeing the day-to-day operations of CAANH’s various programs and maintaining relationships with fellow New Haven organizations.

Glass began her term as CAANH’s Health Literacy and Outreach Coordinator last year after working as a clinical technician at Yale New Haven Hospital’s Saint Raphael Campus.

“CAANH served my family when I was

growing up, so my uncle knows the CEO well. He encouraged me to apply for this position considering my background, and it’s just been great,” she said.

Shiva Suttle, who has served as CAANH’s Special Assistant for Community and Organizational Advancement for the past eight months, manned a booth

that differed from the other tables. At that table, she was promoting CAANH’s annual Chili Fest, a fundraiser that will be expanded to include gumbo this year. That fest will take place on Sept. 7. “We’re seeking volunteers to team up to cook for our chili and gumbo competition, which is the highlight of the event. But this year, it’s also going to feature live entertainment, music, and other activities for the kids,” she explained.

The proceeds from the fundraiser will be directed into the organization’s unrestricted aid funds, which provides financial support to those interested in CAANH’s signature programs, such as its energy assistance initiative.

One attendee lingered by the fair’s social work table, intrigued by the prospect of serving others in the way that CAANH has served her. “They’re doing great work. I’ve been to a few of these events, including a workshop for single mothers. That one really helped me out,” she said.

Con’t on page

Mayor Elicker: The number of homeless individuals and families in the region is “staggering."

ASHER JOSEPH PHOTO At Friday's Community Action Agency job fair.

New Haven Independent

New Haven Independent

Abdussabur Eyes Retired Cops For Walking Beats

by THOMAS BREEN

A retired police sergeant-turned-mayoral candidate has a plan for beefing up the city’s walking beats: hiring back fellow retired cops to pound the pavement, without a gun or the power to arrest and with a civilian “ambassador” by their side.

Shafiq Abdussabur described that proposal Wednesday afternoon during a mayoral campaign press conference about his new public safety plan for New Haven.

A retired police sergeant who spent 21 years working for the New Haven Police Department (NHPD) and who served on a state Police Accountability & Transparency Taskforce, Abdussabur is one of three Democratic challengers to two-term incumbent Mayor Justin Elicker vying for the nomination in this year’s Sept. 12 party primary.

On Wednesday, he stood alongside fellow retired top New Haven cops John Velleca and Rebecca Goddard as well as former police commissioner Greg Smith, clergy supporters Rev. Boise Kimber and Pastor John Lewis, and Westville budget watchdog Dennis Serfilippi outside of his campaign headquarters at 347 Whalley Ave. to release his campaign proposal for how to make New Haven safer and improve policecommunity relations.

The plan includes renaming and reshuffling the responsibilities of the city chief administrative officer to focus solely on public safety departments; to assign a full-time nurse and provide showers and toiletries at the police department’s detention center; and to incentivize more officers to join the ranks “through competitive salaries and housing vouchers.”

A cornerstone of that plan as described at Wednesday’s presser is the creation of a new “Unarmed Auxiliary Constable Division.”

Translation: Retired police officers and trusted community members paid by city government to undertake non-cop “walking beats” to proactively identify everything from broken sidewalks to “clogged drains” to “dog barking complaints” to illegal dumping hotspots.

These teams would also connect with community management teams and neighborhood block watches to clearly communicate public safety concerns between civilians and the police force, and stay in touch with the Livable City Initiative’s anti-blight division. They would also relieve some of the pressures currently felt by a police department that, as of the end of May, has 73 vacancies among sworn police officer positions.

Abdussabur said on Wednesday that he picked up on such a proposal after visiting San Francisco last year for a Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)

conference. He learned from San Francisco’s police chief, William Scott, about an “ambassador” program they have that is a “volunteer retired non-armed police force.” A similar police auxiliary program exists in New York City.

“What we’re looking to do is bring the same program here,” he said. “Where we can take retired officers, put them in an unarmed position, have them work as walking beats in our communities to give us a presence” of more cops on the beat.

Except these retired officers would not respond to 911 calls or be able make arrests. They wouldn’t carry any weapons with them. Instead, they’d be equipped with “a radio, a flashlight, a cellphone, a pen and pad, a resource book, a smile, a lot of love, and a bunch of handshakes.”

They would be similar to the downtown ambassador program that the Town Green District runs today and that Abdussabur helped put in place during the DeStefano administration, he said.

“Imagine this: Imagine a retired officer coming back to New Haven for a lesser salary, four hours a day,” Abdussabur explained. “That officer would work with a civilian ‘officer’ ” who could be, say, a mom or grandma or teenager in need of a job.

“This creates opportunities in our community,” he said. “It also creates a pathway” for people to become police officers.

Velleca, a retired New Haven assistant police chief who teaches criminal justice at Albertus Magnus College, said that walking beats as they exist today are “not cost effective.” What an officer does on a walking beat, he said, is link people to resources and “interface with the community.” Such a program pitched by Abdussabur would “essentially supplement” existing walking beats with civilians capable of doing the same.

“The best part of a walking beat is you don’t need to be a fully certified, able-touse-force, making-arrest police officer” for much of the work of walking a beat now, he said.

Abdussabur agreed. He said many retired New Haven police officers he talks to are now working jobs at, say, Yale New Haven Hospital that pay $30 an hour. “For that same amount of money, we could be competitive” with bringing them back on the beat and boosting walking beats in all 10 of the city’s policing districts.

“They can use one of the most powerful things a police officer has,” Abdussabur said about these to-be-rehired retired cops. “Which is their ability to care.”

Click on the video below to watch Monday’s press conference in full.

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO Abdussabur on Wednesday: Check out the stats.

Rev. Kimber: "'Shafiq is the ideal person to deal with crime in this city."

Former Asst. Police Chief John Velleca …

New Haven Independent

by Ben Ebuka, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Connecticut State Rep Assaulted Leaving Eid al-Adha Prayer Service

was attacked on a holy day of peace and prayer. On a day she should be spending with her friends and family,” Ritter and Rojas said. “Rep. Khan is an amazing leader and person who is committed to faith, love and service – we are sending our well-wishes and support tonight to Maryam and her family.”

Growing up in the early 1990s, Thuso Mbedu never dreamt of being an entertainment figure. At a very young age, she wanted to be a dermatologist, but after taking a dramatic arts class in the 10th grade, she became interested in acting.

Her acting career has earned her fame and fortune locally and internationally, rising to become one of the most sought after actresses from South Africa. At 27, she was named in the 2018 Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 List, and one of the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine.

Desmond has been convicted of a handful of misdemeanor offenses over the last decade including low-level assaults, larceny, and breach of peace.

CAIR-Connecticut Chair Farhan Memon encouraged police to investigate whether bias was a motive for the attack. Memon said the size of Wednesday’s prayer service warranted a greater police presence. “All too often we have seen American Muslims, or those perceived to be Muslim, targeted by hate because of their attire, race, or ethnicity,” Memon said.

In a statement Thursday, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz encouraged police to investigate whether bias motivated the assault. She said she was “sickened” by the attack. “Such hate and violence is never acceptable, but the fact that this happened on a holy night, in front of her three young children and her sister, is particularly vile,” Bysiewicz said.

Born on July 8, 1991, at the Midlands Medical Center in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, to a Zulu mother and Xhosa and Sotho father, she never enjoyed the care of her parents who died when she was barely four years old. She was raised by her grandmother, a very strict school principal in school and at home. Her name reflected the multicultural tribes of her parents – Thuso is a Sotho name, Nokwanda is a Zulu name, and Mbedu is Xhosa.

Mbedu went to Pelham Primary School and Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School and graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa in 2013, where she studied Physical Theatre and Performing Arts Management. Earlier in 2012, she took a summer course at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City.

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Career

Khan, whose district includes Hartford, South Windsor, and Windsor, is the first Muslim member of the House. She was first elected in a 2022 special election to replace former Rep. Brandon McGee, who resigned to work on Gov. Ned Lamont’s re-election campaign and now serves as a deputy commissioner of the Housing Department. Khan was re-elected to serve a full term last year.

Her acting career began in 2014 when she played a minor role of ‘Nosisa’ in the popular South African Soap Opera ‘Isibaya’ from Mzansi Magic. In 2015, she played a guest role as ‘Kheti’ in the Second Season of the SABC 2 youth drama series ‘Snake Park.’

She got her first starring role in the teen drama television series ‘IS’THUNZI’ from Mzansi Magic where she played ‘Winnie.’ Her international debut was in ‘The Underground Railroad’ an American fantasy historical drama series based on the novel ‘The Underground Railroad’ written by Colson Whitehead.

The attendee, who declined to share her name or be photographed for this article, said she hopes to do the same for other people in New Haven who have encountered similar adversity, and to uplift them through her passion for giving back.

Although many of the fair’s attendees did not feel comfortable sharing their motivation to pursue a career with CAANH, they all seemed to echo a similar sentiment: “I want a fresh start.”

In 2022, she starred in her first film ‘The Woman King’ an epic historical drama about Agosie, where an entire female warrior unit protected the West African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 17 – 19th century. She played ‘Nawi’, a zealous recruit in the military unit.

Glass, who currently holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Studies and certifications in phlebotomy, nursing, and personal training, will be pursuing a master’s degree from Mercer University in Macon, Ga. later this year.

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.’

She leaves behind big shoes to fill, having successfully overseen a vaccination drive and the performance of health screenings for over 600 New Haven residents, and supporting CAANH’s PTS Hub, a center dedicated to providing emergency assistance to New Haveners experiencing homelessness.

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.’

“I’m definitely going to miss this place. The people here work hard year-round, so we need devoted individuals to fill these positions, because the [community’s] needs don’t stop.”

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

‘Black Reel Awards’ (Outstanding Actress – TV Movie / Limited Series), the ‘Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards’ (Best Actress in a Limited Series, Anthropology Series or Television Movie), the ‘Gotham Awards’ (Outstanding Performance in New Series), the ‘Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards’ (TV Breakout Star), and the ‘Critics Choice Television Awards’ (Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Movie), all for her role ‘Cora Randall’ in the 2021 TV series ‘The Underground Railroad.’

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She won the ‘TV Breakout Star’ award from the Hollywood Critics Association TV and won the ‘Outstanding Performance in New Series’ award from the Gotham Awards.

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National Association of Black Journalist

In 2022, Mbedu was nominated for the ‘Independent Spirit Awards (Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series), for her role ‘Cora Randall’ in the 2021 television series ‘The Underground Railroad.’ She won the ‘Critics Choice Television Awards’ for ‘Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Movie’ for her role ‘Cora Randall’ in ‘The Underground Railroad.’

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In her keynote speech at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit, Thuso Mbedu tearfully spoke of how she overcame the loss of her dear parents, grandmother, and aunt. But her role in Amanda Lane’s ‘IS’THUNZI’ gradually renewed her hope in life.

“…my world was that blur, until Amanda 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 I would audition like it was my last audition. 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 not to do the callback because I had nothing 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…”

Thuso Mbedu. Photo -IOL

Watermelon Man Brings Georgia To Whalley

by THOMAS BREEN

Watch out, Stop & Shop: There’s a new watermelon man in town.

And the summer-satiating, Georgiaoriginating seeded fruit he’s hawking out of a pickup truck on Whalley Avenue is reportedly the tastiest around. That watermelon salesman is named George Gee.

A 58-year-old Newhallville native and current Raleigh, N.C. resident, Gee has been selling his mammoth green ovoidshaped comestibles this summer out of the back of a GMC Sierra and attached U-Haul trailer parked on the north side of Whalley Avenue just east of Winthrop.

This reporter first caught wind of Gee’s enterprise on Friday evening while taking the bus downtown. The bus driver abruptly pulled over at Winthrop, hopped out of the vehicle, and darted across multiple lanes of traffic towards the other side of Whalley. A few minutes later, she returned to the bus and, all smiles, apologized to the riders, saying she had just purchased a watermelon which she’d be picking up later from the guy with the best watermelon in New Haven.

Fast forward five days, this reporter found himself at a mayoral campaign press conference on Whalley on Wednesday afternoon. Lo and behold, the watermelon man was open for business, and eager customers kept stopping by, trading $15 apiece for the truck-hauled fruit.

“They the best. Everybody tell us to go and get it over here,” said Israel Torres, who had driven with his wife Kathy from their home in North Haven to pick up the fruit.

Kathy said they hadn’t tried Gee’s watermelons yet. But they’d heard enough

rave reviews from friends to give it a shot. How will they be eating it? “Chop it up. She do it in a salad. She got me on a diet,” Israel said with a smile.

“He wants to go on a watermelon diet,” replied Kathy.

Victoria Batts was similarly enthusiastic and could speak from firsthand experience, having sampled quite a few of Gee’s watermelons already.

This is “the best place to get it from, the only person to get it from,” she said.

“They’re all sweet. They’re all seeded. I don’t have to worry about where they’re coming from. They’re coming from down South,” and are the real deal.

While she is from New Haven, Batts said, “if I had to drive from out of town, this is where I’d go.” Stop & Shop’s watermelon pales in comparison, she said. Because these are “homegrown … nice and juicy,” come in red and yellow varieties, and are plenty seeded.

So. Who is this guy? And what’s the deal with his watermelons?

Gee said he started selling fruits and vegetables across New Haven way back in 1977, when he “used to work on the back of a truck” with a “Bishop Smith,” whom he described as a pioneer of such fruit-tothe-people work in the city.

This latest watermelon-focused endeavor of his dates back to the Covid pandemic.

Gee said the fruit he sells on Whalley Avenue comes straight from Cordele, Georgia, the “watermelon capital of the world.”

He said he drives down to Cordele, loads up his truck and U-Haul trailer with up to 450 watermelons at a time thanks to a “connection” he has down South, and then ferries them back up to New Haven,

where he sells them for $15 to $20 each. “They’re the best watermelons,” he said. “They’re seeded. They’re sweet. They’re big and juicy. You can’t get them nowhere else.” He said each fruit can weigh up to 40, 50, 60 pounds, and come in a number of different varieties: Crimson Sweet, Jubilee, Yellow, Orange Krush, Cracker Jack.

His favorite kind of watermelon? “Charleston Gray. But they’re not ready yet.”

Gee said he has already driven down and back to Cordele six times since May filling up on watermelons to sell in his home city. “I just came [back] about an hour ago,” he said on Wednesday about his latest trip.

He said he’ll be selling watermelons on Whalley Avenue through Labor Day, and plans to drive back down to Georgia again and again so long as he keeps selling out of fruit up north. He stays with family and friends while in New Haven, and usually sleeps in his car while on the road during trips. “Once we finish,” he said, “we go back and get a load.”

How does he best like to eat watermelon? In a salad? As a juice?

“Just by itself,” he said. Is $15 a little steep for just one watermelon?

“All real watermelons start in Cordele, Georgia, at $13,” he said. And remember, these are “real watermelons. Not GMOs.” What’s his favorite part of selling Georgia-grown watermelons on the streets of New Haven?

“Seeing people I haven’t seen in a long time,” he said. “Making them happy. Putting smiles on their faces.” And introducing them to “real watermelons.”

Lamont Vetoes Five Bills, But Grumbles About One He Signed

by Christine Stuart and Hugh McQuaid

Gov. Ned Lamont issued his first vetoes of the year on Thursday when he rejected five bills passed by the state legislature and denounced as “environmentally and fiscally irresponsible” another bill affecting the disposal of solid waste in Connecticut.

In his first vetoes of 2023, Lamont struck down several measures including a notable one aimed at a major rise in municipal aid. Other vetoes addressed procurement, a local tax disagreement, and environmental matters, particularly waste disposal. To date, Lamont has signed 223 bills into law.

He vetoed HB 6496, An Act Concerning Test Bed Technologies, SB 73, An Act Establishing Local Representation on the Connecticut Siting Council for Local Projects, SB 1213, An Act Concerning

the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund, HB 6893, An Act Concerning Certain Adjustments to Gross Assessments of Taxable Real Property, and SB 1143, An Act Concerning Solid Waste Management Throughout the State. One of the bills he vetoed he said was duplicative and would have confused the process for requesting more information about what a solid waste facility should look like in Connecticut. “Running another similar but more limited RFI would at best be both duplicative for the Department and confusing for the private sector,” Lamont wrote in his veto message.

In an unusual move, Lamont wrote a letter to lawmakers letting them know he signed the solid waste disposal bill that seeks to begin to put an end to shipping 860,000 tons of solid waste per year to other states, but ended it letting them know he wasn’t happy about it and

thought his proposal was better. He said the bill he signed into law provides for “at best 45,000 tons per year of diversion and no clear path for developing new disposal infrastructure, addressing only 5% of this pressing problem. Further, House Bill 6664 imposes additional costs on consumers by increasing electric rates and by shifting escalating costs for waste disposal to taxpayers.”

Following the Bond Commission meeting, Lamont said the solid waste bill was “disappointing.” He said he wants legislators to take environmental issues seriously.

“I signed it with some reluctance because it doesn’t solve the problem,” Lamont added.

However, he said he took 10% of a loaf, instead of vetoing it.

The issue is likely to be back for debate again next year.

Gov. Ned Lamont chairs the Bond Commission meeting Friday in Hartford. Credit: Christine Stuart photo

New Haven Independent

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City Librarian Kicks Off Tenure With Kids & Kits

by ALLAN APPEL

There’s something especially cool and new to check out at and check out from the New Haven Free Public Library: See-through backpacks with books bundled with related toys, games, manipulables, all on a single theme like “My Pizza Shop” or “Me and My Emotions.” And you can check out these “kits” for the earliest readers just as you do a book, hoist it on your back or on your kid’s back and go home and help your child develop his or her reading skills and maybe even a love for books at a very young age, and have fun doing it.

That’s why on Monday, her first day on the job, new City Librarian Maria Bernhey made a bee line to the new Early Literacy Corner, a cozy spot on the second floor of the Ives Main Branch on Elm Street where a dozen of the new diaphanous kits a way to expand literacy beyond the library sat invitingly on the shelves, their first day available.

Bernhey, who began her career, as did her predecessor John Jessen, as a children’s librarian (though in the New York Public Library system), also read to kids Monday morning.

She helped to lead the warm-up singing and playing games and ringing bells prologue to the reading as well, part of the regular Monday morning “Stay and Play” program; it unfolds each Monday at 11:00 a.m. for young children and their families all across the five libraries in the New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) system.

And it’s part of the effort Bernhey said she is committed to leading during her tenure, a larger library-wide and city-wide effort to reverse the severe, pandemicinduced literacy slides among New Haven kids of all ages.

“This is the early literacy center,” she

said, “part of the mayor’s initiative to support literacy for school age kids, but we also think it begins at birth.”

Or, as she put it in kid-talk (with the help of Young Minds Librarian Sharon Breslow, and, btw, reader, feel free to sing along), “If you’re ready for a story, clap your hands. (Clap clap!) If you’re ready for a story, stomp your feet!”

And 15 adorable toddlers, along with their parents and caretakers, in a semi-circle on the rainbow carpet featuring colors, numbers, and letters, did precisely that. Among them were James Glatt and his daughters Lily, age four, and two-yearold Elle, who walk and stroller over from home in Wooster Square every Monday morning.

“We take 15 books out [each week],” he said as he and Lily gathered some right before the reading session commenced. “We show up often enough so we don’t even know the limit.” (It’s 30!)

In addition to focusing on children’s literacy, Bernhey said she hopes to have the branches, which are all currently open Monday through Saturday, also open on Sunday. While the city provided money in last year’s budget to make that possible, “We did not have the staffing,” Bernhey said.

The hope is for that to be soon remedied, said library Public Services Administrator Rory Martorana, with job postings for about half a dozen library positions having just closed due to a full complement of applicants.

Bernhey’s large goal for the library is also to continue its advance for inclusiveness (the book she chose to read to the kids was All Are Neighbors by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman), and that includes what Martorana called “digital equity:” More computers and work sites, infrastructure and additional staffing,

to help people access the internet, write those resumes, navigate social media, and prepare for those job interviews.

Martorana said that there is a kind of recurring core of 20 or 30 people who already use these services, but her guess is that there are a lot more folks out there who do not have the equipment or perhaps even the awareness of what’s available at the library, and it’s among her and Bernhey’s priorities to reach out and corral some of them in.

“We serve people who come in here,” Martorana said rhetorically, but what about those who do not?

To that end Martorana said two part time staff have just been hired through a city $250,000 grant in partnership with CfAL, a digital inclusion organization in town, and specifically assigned for this kind of outreach.

There are also 31 new hot spots the library has for checking out, devices that borrowers can take home if there’s no internet connectivity where they live.

Finally, Martorana cited a program she’s been reviewing in Stamford where librarians have become digitally mobile: They take computers and hot spots to, for example, barbershops, wherever the people are. That may be in the library’s inclusiveness future too. You never know.

It was all this reporter could do, however, to resist checking out one of those backpack kits. But which would it be? Me and My Emotions or Fish Country or Seasons of the Year or My Pizza Store?

Bernhey said it’s her hope that the kits, which were piloted over the last year or so by Soma Mitra, who was then a children’s librarian at the Mitchell library in Westville and is now in the central administration, will soon be available in all the NHFPL’s branches.

Housing Authority: "We Do Not Take It Lightly"

“We realize that one of the most significant things you can do in people’s lives is to end their rental agreement,” said Karen DuBois-Walton, the president of Elm City Communities (an umbrella organization including the Housing Authority and its non-profit development and property management offshoots.)

“We do not take that lightly. We do use it very sparingly. And we execute only after having tried a lot, a lot, a lot of things, to help people keep their family intact in housing that they can afford.”

Although DuBois-Walton said that the Housing Authority could not comment on specific eviction cases, she and four other Elm City Communities staff members provided general context for the agency’s approach to evictions in an interview.

They said that before an eviction is initiated, Housing Authority staff members

reach out to a tenant who’s fallen behind on rent with letters and face-to-face check-ins. They connect tenants with Elm City Communities’ Community and Economic Development (CED) department, which can connect tenants to social services, provides financial literacy education, and small grants.

Tenants who owe back-rent can form a repayment agreement with the Housing Authority, the staff members said. They can also request a grievance hearing before an independent arbiter.

While the Elm City Communities staffers said there is no specific amount of debt that would trigger an eviction process, they said they try to file court cases relatively early, before the debt accumulates. Most of those cases do not lead to an actual eviction.

“You gotta work kinda hard” to get kicked

out of public housing, DuBois-Walton argued.

“It takes quite a bit of time to get there and a lot of missed opportunities that residents did not take advantage of,” added Elm City Communities Executive Vice President Shenae Draughn.

Tenants who are evicted with outstanding debt to any public housing agency in the country are automatically placed on a federal database, preventing them from renting from a housing authority in another town. Those tenants are typically unable to afford a majority of housing options in their area.

“We work really hard not to evict families, because we recognize that we are a big part of the safety net, and if families can’t make it with us, there are not great options for them beyond that,” said DuBois-Walton.

... at Monday's Ives Branch "Stay and Play.”

ALLAN APPEL PHOTOS

New top city librarian Maria Bernhey, with see-through backpacks ..

At Elm City Communities' headquarters: Karen DuBois-Walton, Shenae Draughn, Yesica HernandezPerez, Monica R. Wolfork, and Karen Coleman.

Dalal To Leave For State Post;

Elm City Montessori Director Tapped As Next Social Services Chief

ARE YOU A YOUNG ADULT LOOKING TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT?

Soon-to-retire Community Services Administrator Mehul Dalal in April 2021.

by STAFF

Mehul Dalal will be stepping down from his role as the city’s top social services administrator for a policy advisor job in state government, and the mayor plans to replace him with the founder and executive director of a Blake Street public charter school.

City spokesperson Lenny Speiller made that announcement in a Thursday afternoon email press release.

He wrote that Dalal’s last day as community services administrator in the Elicker administration will be July 13. He has accepted a new job as chief policy advisor at the state Department of Social Services (DSS).

Mayor Justin Elicker has tapped Eliza Halsey, the founder and executive director of Elm City Montessori School and a former New Haven director for the childcare nonprofit All Our Kin, to be the city’s next social services chief. If approved by the full Board of Alders, Halsey’s first day on the City Hall job will be Aug. 28.

Speiller wrote that, in the interim between when Dalal steps down and Halsey takes her post, city Health Director Maritza Bond will fill in as interim community services administrator. The community services administrator oversees such social service departments at City Hall as the Department of Community Resilience, the Department of Elderly Services, the Office of

Housing and Homelessness Services, and, as of July 1, the New Haven Free Public Library.

During his three-year tenure with the city, Dalal helped create the non-cop crisis response team COMPASS and the Department of Community Resilience, and also played a key role in the city’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It has been an honor to serve in the role of Community Services Administrator for the City of New Haven,” Dalal is quoted as saying in the press release. “I have abundant gratitude for the confidence Mayor Elicker placed in me over the past three and a half years to carry out the vital functions of this office. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a leadership team and staff fiercely dedicated to improving people’s lives in New Haven. I hope they know their work is seen and appreciated.”

“The Community Services Administrator is one of the most important positions in city government, and we are fortunate to have had Dr. Dalal at the helm through some of the most challenging times we’ve faced as a city,” Mayor Elicker is quoted as saying in that same press release. “Since day one of my time as mayor, I have relied on Dr. Dalal’s counsel and judgement as we navigated through the pandemic and taken on the vexing challenges of substance use, mental health crises, homelessness and gun violence, among others. There are more New Haveners

alive, well and thriving today thanks to Dr. Dalal. He is an exceptional leader, innovative problem solver and dedicated public servant, and now the entire state stands to benefit from his service.

“Similarly, I am confident New Haveners will be well-served by Eliza Halsey who brings a wealth of local knowledge and over twenty years of subject matter expertise in child, youth and community development. Eliza has a proven track record of starting, growing and managing new and innovative programs and organizations that have changed the trajectory and improved the life outcomes of New Haven residents. I look forward to her fresh perspective and the new ideas she will bring to the table as we seek to further strengthen the important work of the Community Services Administration.”

Halsey is quoted in the press release as saying: “As a life-long New Havener committed to the well-being and inclusive growth of our city, I am thrilled to serve in this new capacity and build on the important work of Dr. Dalal and his team. I look forward to collaborating with Mayor Elicker, residents, community partners and our elected leaders to further the City’s progress, to provide high-quality services and impactful programs and to advance opportunity so that more New Haveners have the ability to thrive.”

B u i l d i n g B e t t e r F u t u r e s ( B B F ) p r e p a r e s y o u n g a d u l t s , a g e s 1 6 - 2 4 , f o r t o d a y ’ s w o r k f o r c e t h r o u g h a n i n n o v a t i v e a n d h a n d s - o n p r o g r a m .

D e s i g n e d t o e n h a n c e j o b - r e a d i n e s s , t h e B B F p r o g r a m w i l l t e a c h m o d e r n e m p l o y a b i l i t y s k i l l s a n d e m p o w e r y o u n g a d u l t s o n t h e i r c a r e e r j o u r n e y s .

P r o g r a m p a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l h a v e t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o g a i n s k i l l s t r a i n i n g a n d d i r e c t e m p l o y e r a c c e s s i n s e v e r a l r a p i d l y g r o w i n g s e c t o r s l i k e t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , h e a l t h c a r e , c o n s t r u c t i o n , a n d m a n u f a c t u r i n g

For more information, contact: Ken Laryea klaryea@workplace org (203) 930-1639 workplace org/BBF

Employees To-Be Meet Employers In-Need In Fair Haven

by MIA CORTÉS CASTRO

Kristin Washington showed up to the Fair Haven public library fueled by a dream to work in public health — and ready to find out if state government employment could be the right career path for her now that’s she graduated from college and hunting for a job.

Washington was one of around two dozen New Haveners who attended the Fair Haven Job Fair on Thursday night. Gathering at the Fair Haven branch of the New Haven Free Public Library at 182 Grand Ave., attendees discussed professional goals and shared a desire to move in new directions with employer representatives looking to hire.

The job fair was organized by New Haven Works, a city government-backed nonprofit that assists New Haveners in job searching, training, and hiring, and helps vouch for aspiring workers during their interview processes. At the fair, attendees could register with New Haven Works to take advantage of their services, as well as directly with the employers present. “I’m big on staying local and helping the community, so I’m here keeping my options open to see what they have to offer,” said Washington. “You don’t know what you like until you try it.”

Born and raised in Beaver Hills, Washington has seen how a lack of healthcare education has affected her family who, she said, with the right information, could have avoided many health scares in the past.

Washington has a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from the University of New Haven, and recently received a master’s degree in public health from that same West Haven university.

On Thursday, Washington was on the hunt to learn more about job opportunities in state government’s various health-related departments in order to help people like

her family.

At the job fair, Washington visited the booths hosted by by the state Department of Aging and Disability Services and the state Department of Children and Families. At these booths, she inquired about the job opportunities and programs these departments offered. The representatives followed with questions of their own, asking about her education, goals, professional interests, and about why she’s passionate about public health.

Looking forward to applying to positions that will push her towards pursuing her dream, she left with a wealth of more information about what’s available.

“We’re here to help the members of the community,” said New Haven Works Executive Director Ingrid Derrick-Lewis.

“Everyone is welcome.”

The Fair Haven job fair is just one of various hosted by New Haven Works in different locations in the city throughout the summer. At Thursday’s fair specifically, representatives from four state departments —the Departments of Aging and Disability Services, Administrative Services, Transportation, and Children and Families— presented and talked to attendees about their job opportunities. The State of Connecticut is one of New Haven Works’ employer partners, whose attendance varies across the different fairs.

Because of this, the fair attracted job seekers of all ages and from all different neighborhoods around the city, each stumbling upon the fair in different ways and attending with varied goals in mind.

“I happened to stop by the library at the exact right time,” said Joseph Crudup, who was at the library with his wife for a different event when he found out about the fair happening simultaneously. “Just this morning, my wife was yelling at me to get a job. It was perfect timing.”

Besides being helpful in providing infor-

mation and access to resources...

According to Crudup, the booths and their representatives were helpful in informing him and his wife of job opportunities around the New Haven area. He stopped for a particularly long time in front of the Department of Transportation’s booth, with whom he is interested in working.

As flyers describing job positions were being passed out and hands were shaken, attendees were able to hear about the differences they could make in the city by working in any of the positions being offered.

The positions advertised at the job fair included office assistants and employment counselors and help with job recruitment for people with disabilities. Representatives served as networking opportunities, means for research, and fountains of inspiration at the same time. They provided advice about job applications, shared their experiences in their positions, and explained the kinds of workers they were looking for.

Flyers detailed the Departments' missions, the job positions they had openings for, and descriptions for these positions.

“You get so much gratification from this job,” said the representative from the Department of Children and Families. “We want people with diverse backgrounds and lived experience who look like the people we serve and who they can relate to.”

With attendees curious about how long the process would take, New Haven Works team members closed off the fair by assuaging their concerns, reminding them that, realistically, the timeline can be long.

“Don’t get discouraged,” Interim Program Coordinator at New Haven Works Tyra Stanley optimistically told attendees. “The process is hard but it’s well worth the hard work.”

State Bond Commission Set to Green-Light $340M for Infrastructure Boost

by Mike Savino

The state Bond Commission is slated to approve $340 million in general obligation bonds Friday, including funding for the state pier in New London, the rehabilitation of an East Hartford plaza, and a statewide shift away from polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.

The agenda, if approved, would mean the commission has approved a total of $1.08 billion in GO bonds across two meetings, just under half of the cap of $2.38 billion for the calendar year.

Friday’s agenda also seeks approval for the Treasurer Erick Russell to sell $875 million in special tax obligation bonds to generate revenue for infrastructure projects.

The commission, chaired by Gov. Ned Lamont, is scheduled to vote on 36 requests, including $20 million to refund Lamont’s Time To Own program. The initiative gives low- and moderate-income homebuyers downpayment assistance in the form of a forgivable loan.

The commission is also likely to authorize $30 for the Connecticut Port Authority for the ongoing redevelopment of the state pier to meet the requirements for an offshore windmill.

The agenda also includes a combined $14.6 million for the Department of Economic and Community Development, including $13.6 million for various business assistance programs.

The remaining $1 million would go to help residents who abut Yale Golf

Course in New Haven whose properties have been damaged by flooding and erosion.

That figure is not part of the $72.5 million that would fund various urban development grants through the Office of Policy and Management.

Other development projects on the agenda include $6.5 million, through the Capital Region Development Authority, to help with the redevelopment of Founders Plaza in East Hartford. The money would pay for the demolition and abatement of buildings on and adjacent to the East River Drive parcel.

The commission is also slated to approve $1.2 million to help the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s shift away from PFAS.

The money would fund a study to find alternative aqueous film forming products, or AFFF, which are used to fight fires, instead of ones containing PFAS. The money would also help DEEP implement its PFAS take-back program. DEEP would also use the money to test public drinking water systems, and to supply bottled water and filtration systems to impacted residents.

PFAS has a range of uses that include fire-suppressing foams, nonstick cooking pans and waterproof clothes, but studies have found the chemical does not break down easily in the environment.

The chemicals are not harmful if ingested in limited amounts, but public health officials have expressed worry that some people could still feel impacts

if they’re exposed to small amounts for long periods of time.

Friday’s agenda also includes some routine items that come before the bond commission, such as $30 million for OPM’s Local Capital Improvement Fund grant program and $40 million to the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities for deferred maintenance and upgrades.

Additionally, the commission will vote on a combined $153.9 million for state and local roadways. Those projects will be funded by special tax obligation bonds, which are repaid by revenues from the gas tax, vehicle registrations and other transportation-related sources. The meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Legislative Office Building.

Ingrid Derrick-Lewis: "We are here to meet and help different people from different neighborhoods.”

Four state booths present at the Fair Haven Branch of the New Haven Free Public Library.

MIA CORTÉS CASTRO PHOTO

Kristin Washington meets with job-pitchers from state Department of Aging and Disability Services.

Gov. Lamont Enacts Prescription Drug Discount Cards and Expanded Facility Fee Bans

by Mike Savino

Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law Tuesday a series of changes aimed at bringing down healthcare costs, including a new prescription drug discount card and an expansion of a ban on certain facility fees. The new law also looks to halt practices that made it harder for insurers and patients to access high-quality care at lower costs.

“I know what it’s like to sit with a patient and help her try to figure out what lab tests or medications she can forgo and which she can afford, even though they’ve all been recommended for her,” Office of Health Strategy Executive Director Deidre Gifford said during a bill signing ceremony at the Capitol.

The new law was the byproduct of negotiations between Lamont, the hospital industry, patient advocates and the legislature.

Despite the law’s broad scope, even proponents acknowledged it’s just a step toward getting healthcare costs under control.

Lamont, for example, had to give up on cost caps when people have to seek care out of network.

Still, he touted the new law as making changes that will produce real savings for patients. One of the first changes Connecticut residents will see is a new prescription drug discount card.

“We’re trying to do something to give you a little more optionality, make sure it’s a little more transparent, make sure you get the very best value for your dollar,” Lamont said.

Connecticut is joining a consortium, along with three other states, to offer all residents a discount card that will be accepted at most pharmacies.

Comptroller Sean Scanlon said the card,

which he expects to be available this fall, will offer a discount of up to 20% for branded drugs and up to 80% for generic versions.

The state is also expanding the limitations on facility fees that hospitals and health networks charge for outpatient services that are provided off a hospital campus. Starting July 1, 2024, the ban will include certain services, including stays for observation, not provided in emergency rooms.

The law will also allow the Office of Health Strategy to impose fines of up to $1,000 for violations.

Neither Gifford or Scanlon has estimates for how much they expect the typical patient to save under the new law.

Other changes include an effort to crack

down on certain anti-competitive practices, such as tiering and steering.

Insurers can place healthcare providers into preferred tiers when they provide better care at lower prices. Larger health networks, however, have sometimes used their size to force insurers to put all of their providers into the highest tiers, regardless of cost or performance.

This law bans networks from including these clauses in their contracts. The law also bans so-called “all or nothing clauses” that force insurers to include all of a health networks providers in a plan or none of them.

Other practices prohibited under the law include insurers using incentives to steer patients to higher value providers and gag clauses that previously prevented provid-

ers from disclosing pricing, terms and other relevant information to patients.

While Lamont didn’t get everything he wanted in the bill, he said he wanted to work with the hospital industry in crafting the final version he signed Tuesday.

Hospital officials agreed Lamont has been more cooperative than other recent governors.

“These were full contact conversations,”

Griffin Health President and CEO Patrick Charmel said. “They were cordial but each party got to say its piece and there was a real commitment to understand each party’s perspective.”

Many at Tuesday’s ceremony said this bill is just a step toward bringing healthcare costs under control.

Lawmakers from both sides, including leadership on the Public Health and the Insurance and Real Estate committees, said the issue will remain a priority when they come back to the General Assembly in February.

Meanwhile, Giffords noted her office scheduled a hearing Wednesday to try and assess why healthcare costs continue to go up.

Lamont in 2020 set a benchmark goal for the increase in healthcare costs of 3.4%, a figure the legislature codified into law last year.

OHS reported in March, however, that healthcare costs rose 6% between 2020 and 2021.

Wednesday’s all-day hearing will include panels of employers, healthcare providers, prescription drug manufacturers and insurers.

Gifford said OHS’ research determined prescription drug prices and hospital costs were the two biggest drivers.

The new law wasn’t the only thing lawmakers approved to deal with healthcare costs. The budget includes $6.5 million this upcoming fiscal year to help families get out of medical debt.

That’s less than the $20 million Lamont is seeking, but he estimated it’s still enough to help erase a combined $600 million in debt.

Hospitals often sell unpaid bills for pennies on the dollar, and some organizations buy that debt for the purpose of forgiving it. Lamont said his office is already working with a group and he hopes they can start identifying families before the end of the year.

He called medical debt a “black cloud hanging over working families who got slammed with this through no fault of their own.”

Sisters’ Journey July Survivor of the Month - Monica Johnson

My name is Monica Johnson. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on September 29, 2021, at age 53. As I look back on my bout with breast cancer, it was a chapter in my life where God was showing me upfront and personally that he was guiding my steps. I am thankful for his continual Grace and Mercy over my life. With unwavering faith, I was truly blessed in knowing that our miracle working God would carry me through the process. I’ve been blessed to be married to a very supportive, loving and prayerful husband for 10 years and have one beautiful, amazing 8-year-old daughter who I am very proud of. They are both a blessing to me and I knew I had to fight this fight like no other. I knew there was no time to contemplate anything negative.

I went for my annual breast exam on August 3, 2021. As in previous exams, I

was told that I have dense breast tissue and would have to come back for an ultrasound. This was the first year that I actually thought about canceling the ultrasound appointment due to repetitiveness. But since I always dot my i’s and cross my t’s, I moved forward with the appointment. The ultrasound on September 13 revealed a 6 mm irregular asymmetry in the left breast with a high suspicion for malignancy. I was given the information and told I would need to set up an appointment for a guided ultrasound and biopsy. On September 27, I went to Yale Smilow Cancer Center for one of the most uncomfortable, awkward, but necessary procedures of my life, but I made it through. On Thursday, September 29, after fishing around on MyChart for results throughout the night and not fully understanding what I was reading, I received the call with the full impact

of the prognosis of my diagnosis… Cancer: Invasive ductal carcinoma of the left

breast. ER: Positive (95%,3+); PR: Positive (95%,3+); Her2: Negative (1+)

Before I could think or fully process what I had just been told, I went into immediate prayer over my left breast, my life and my family. Once I was satisfied, I picked the phone up and called Dr. Niamey Wilson, breast surgeon at Hartford Healthcare’s Midstate Hospital.

I was told there were no appointments; but when I was asked to hold, I went into prayer again. When they returned, I was given an appointment. I knew my process would be led by God’s grace and mercy…

“God is Good.”

In the first meeting with Dr. Wilson, I was told my options, and that what was going on with my breast was fixable. After several more exams, a failed MRI attempt (claustrophobic) and a Montrast

Mammogram, I was given the option of a nipple sparing mastectomy of the left breast with insertion of an implant. After meeting with Dr. Brian Allen, plastic surgeon at Hartford HealthCare, I expressed my concerns of a recurrence and was given the option of a double mastectomy. On November 10, I went in for my first surgery, which was a success. I left the next day with temporary spacers in both breasts. The healing process took a couple of months and was not so bad. I had visiting nurses, plastic appointments, and a meeting with my now oncologist, Dr. Rajani Nadkarni at Hartford Healthcare who informed me that based on my blood work I would not need chemotherapy or radiation.

Con’t on page 15

Gov. Ned Lamont signs the bill Credit: Mike Savino photo

“To God Be the Glory!!!”

Monica Johnson

Ct. News Junkie

Health Care Cost Hearing Reveals More Questions Than Answers

by Mike Savino

State officials tried to get a better glimpse of what’s driving healthcare cost increases, but a hearing Wednesday largely raised more questions than answers.

The Office of Health Strategy held its first ever hearing to look at some of the findings from its March report that found costs in the commercial health care market jumped 18.8%. That’s well above the 3.4% target the state has set and it ranked as the highest increase among the handful of states that have health care benchmarks.

“We have been trying to cut health care costs in the state of Connecticut for decades, but we’re still not able to do that,” said Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, a ranking member of the legislature’s Public Health Committee.

The purpose of Wednesday’s hearing was to examine the data and find policy recommendations for lawmakers and Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration.

Officials from Yale-New Haven Health and Hartford HealthCare, the state’s two largest health networks, pushed back on some of the report’s findings, though.

The report identified the two networks as being key drivers because of cost increases in 2021 tied to inpatient care. Officials said the methodology behind those findings were flawed.

“We throw those terms around and oftentimes we’re not understanding the prob-

lem,” Hartford HealthCare Chief Clinical Integration Officer Jim Cardon said. He said a major flaw is that many people delayed seeking medical attention in 2020, meaning they needed higher levels the following year.

At the same time, efforts to steer patients to more cost-effective outpatient options means those patients with more severe needs would skew the data. Yale-New Haven Health Chief Financial Officer Gayle Kosyla agreed, saying the March benchmark report is “misrepresenting what’s going on with the cost of health care.”

OHS Executive Director Deidre Gifford acknowledged the state is still trying to figure out how to evaluate costs, and that includes properly weighing data. She said her office will work with analysts on “creating a market basket that’s standard” before its next report is due in March.

Still, Families USA Frederick Isasi pushed back some of the hospitals’ stance. He said healthcare costs have risen 50% over the last five years in Connecticut, well outpacing wage growth.

“Do you see the idea that if you can’t afford care, then it’s not accessible?” he asked the health officials.

He also questioned the two systems on the role consolidation has played, noting hospitals around the country are buying doctors’ offices. Networks often send patients to their hospitals for routine services, including imaging, and charging large fa-

cility fees.

Cardon said Hartford HealthCare has been building ambulatory surgery centers to reduce the need for more expensive inpatient or hospital care.

The panel also questioned Bristol Myers Squibb, maker of the blood thinner Eliquis, over what’s driving prescription drug in-

creases.

OHS identified Eliquis and the immunosuppressive Humira as two key drivers in health care costs. Abbvie, maker of Humira, declined OHS’ request to attend the hearing.

Bristol Myers Squibb Senior Vice President Chris Mancil said his company is not

to blame.

“Contrary to popular belief, drug manufacturers are not the engine of healthcare cost growth in America,” he said, blaming middlemen in the pharmaceutical industry instead.

He said the public often focuses on list price, or the amount customers pay, but don’t account for rebates and discounts manufacturers offer from their net price.

He said Bristol Myers Squibb offered $115 million in discounts and rebates for Eliquis.

But he refused to offer up the net price for Eliquis or any other drugs when panelists asked, citing confidentiality agreements.

That drew frustration from the panel.

“I think it’s only fair to the state of Connecticut to articulate a ballpark figure of, you know, what the actual net price is at the pharmacy,” said Anna Kaltenboeck, principal and head of drug reimbursement practice with the health care and research consultants ATI Advisory.

Mancil said he’d like to work with state officials to get a better understanding of the difference between the net and list prices, but also said Bristol Myers Squibb wanted to protect its confidentiality agreements.

The legislature in recent years has tried to address the issue of pharmaceutical benefit managers and others negotiating lower prices with manufacturers, but pocketing the difference instead of passing the savings to customers.

OHS Executive Director Deidre Gifford Credit: Mike Savino photo

Ct. News Junkie

Harvard and UNC-Chapel Hill find a way forward after Supreme Court strikes affirmative action in college admissions

Courtesy of Deborah Bailey, AFRO Contributing Editor, afro.com

Claudine Gay, the 30th President of Harvard University, knew months ago that the Supreme Court would render a decision on Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College close to the end of the term in late June.

Gay quickly realized that a good deal of her early days in the role would be spent clarifying what the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action would mean for Harvard University going forward.

So, at the start of her presidency–which officially began on July 2– the cool, analytical political scientist and first Black chief administrator of the nation’s oldest university, spoke directly to the Harvard community. Gay addressed Harvard and all who care about moving forward with the mission of education in the face of continuing racial discrimination, with the measured, practical manner that has been her trademark since arriving to teach government in 2006.

“The Supreme Court’s decision on college and university admissions will change how we pursue the educational benefits of diversity,” Gay in a response to the ruling, live streamed on Youtube.

“But our commitment to that work remains steadfast. It is essential to who we are and the mission we are here to advance. We will comply with the Court’s decision, but it does not change our values. We continue to believe deeply that a thriving, diverse intellectual community is essential to shaping the next generation of leaders.”

The Coalition for A Diverse Harvard, a group in existence since 2016, has assembled a broad and diverse membership of close to a thousand current students, student organizations and alumni. Alumni supporters of the Coalition date as far back as the 1960’s and the organization is reaching out to new Harvard community supporters who believe the institution is better with a racially diverse student body.

“This case was never just about who goes to Harvard. It’s about who has the freedom to learn and to vote and to thrive in our multiracial democracy,” said Jane Sujen Bock, Harvard 1981 alumnus and Coalition for a Diverse Harvard board member.

Bock and hundreds of Harvard university students and alumni joined NAACP Legal Defense Fund Lawyers for a debriefing of the case on the evening of the Supreme Court decision.

The coalition met again on July 6 to discuss next steps and a way forward.

Meanwhile, at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC) students have formed the UNC Affirmative Action committee (AAC), a coalition representing many student organizations on campus, including the UNC Black Student Union in support of racial diversity. The North Carolina campus has had a much stormier history of admitting Black students than Harvard. Still, the U.S. Supreme Court said that affirmative action at the institution must come to end after ruling in favor of Students for Fair Admissions in the case against affirmative action at UNC.

In an interview with the AFRO, Julian Taylor, an AAC board member and junior public policy major, said the AAC has a lot of work to do to ensure administrators and students are committed to core principles of a racially diverse student body at UNC.

“We were bracing for this,” said Taylor, who is Black, and from Chapel Hill , N.C., the home of UNC’s main campus. “While students who are personally affected by the outcome of this case, one of the problems we have on this campus is there are a lot of students for whom this case will not matter,” said Taylor.

“UNC is the oldest public university in the United States, but our history

statement that was pretty positive after the Supreme Court decision,” said Taylor. “But oftentimes, he ends up having to bow to the (NC) state legislature. ”

Both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly are Republican, although the current Governor, Roy Cooper, is a Democrat. Top Republican leaders in North Carolina, including Speaker of the House Tim Moore, support the Supreme Court’s recent decision to end affirmative action.

The University of North Carolina System is managed by a board of governors, selected exclusively by the North Carolina General Assembly.

Both campuses are planning meetings throughout the summer to deepen their understanding of the Supreme Court decision and plan student and alumni response for the Fall of 2023. Most of all, Taylor and the AAC want students of color who are considering UNC to feel confident and apply.

For now, the decision means that these two campuses will need to ensure that race is not a factor in admissions decisions for students who are currently in the application process, or looking to start submitting applications this fall.

The majority opinion of the Supreme Court was issued June 29, with Chief Justice John G. Roberts writing that “the Harvard and UNC admissions programs cannot be reconciled with the guarantees of the equal protection clause.” The ruling was adopted by a vote of 6-2 in the Harvard case and a 6-3 vote in the UNC Case. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson recused herself from the Harvard case.

with racial diversity has been less than exemplary,” he added.

UNC was founded in 1789 but did not admit its first Black students until 1951, when Harvey Beech, James Lassiter, J. Kenneth Lee, the late Floyd McKissick and James Robert Walker enrolled in the UNC School of Law. Their admission followed a court order requiring the Law School to admit Black students.

Taylor said one of the main challenges for the North Carolina flagship campus is navigating state politics vs. campus priorities as UNC decides how racial diversity will continue to be implemented in the future.

“Our chancellor came out with a

In her dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomeyer presented a different understanding of the 14th Amendment (Equal Protection Clause) writing “Congress enacted a number of race conscious laws to fulfill the Amendment’s promise of equality, leaving no doubt that the Equal Protection Clause permits consideration of race to achieve its goal.”

Attorneys, legal scholars and civil rights organizations are reviewing the case to determine how broadly the mandate to end racial preferences should be interpreted. The AFRO will feature additional coverage on Affirmative Action and related court cases in upcoming editions.

Claudine Gay, president of Harvard University is grappling with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action. Two separate cases were brought by Asian students at both the University of North Carolina and Harvard.

(photo Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Fat Joe Speaks on his Special Needs Son: “He’s Such a Blessing”

by Christian Carter, BlackDoctor.org

Fat Joe, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena, is widely recognized for his influential career in the world of hip-hop. However, behind the scenes, he is a loving father who has demonstrated extraordinary strength and compassion.

Joe has not only embraced the responsibility of raising his son, who is a special needs child. But in a recent article with PEOPLE, Joe beautiful displays his dedication to navigating the challenges and embracing the joys of raising a child with special needs.

Although Fat Joe has remained private about the specific details of his son’s condition, his commitment to providing a nurturing environment is evident.

Speaking about his son on the talk show, The View, to promote his recently released memoir The Book of Jose. Joe talked about Joey, who is 32 and autistic, and why he included him in his memoir.

“My whole book is a book of transparency,” he shared. “It’s about failures, it’s about triumphs. It’s about going through dark times and knowing you can smile at the end.”

Explaining that he’s “so proud” of Joey, he celebrated him as the “Don of the family.”

“He inspires me. He’s such a blessing in our life, he’s almost like an angel,” said the rapper. “It’s the gift that keeps giving, little Joey, and I’m so proud of him.”

Fat Joe, who raised Joey as a single father from the age of 19 with the help of his parents until the time of his marriage, reflected on his fatherhood journey while celebrating Joey’s birthday last December.

“How do you tell someone who’s given you so much joy in life thank you???.

How do you tell your best friend and most loyal one thank you??. I am so proud of Joey he’s my heart & soul,” the “All The Way Up” rapper shared.

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Symptoms of autism can sometimes be so slight that it is hard to render a clear diagnosis. However, some of the most common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder include:

• Abnormal facial expressions or posture

• Monotone speech

• Lack of emotional reaction

• Delays in verbal communication

• Inappropriate social interactions

• Fixations on specific objects or repetitive physical movements

• Lack of ability to use verbal language to communicate

• High level of sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights

• Lower IQ

• Repetitive behaviors being enacted compulsively

• Sleeplessness

• Aggression

Overcoming Obstacles:

Raising a child with special needs presents unique obstacles that require patience, understanding, and adaptability.

Fat Joe has been a steadfast advocate

for his son, ensuring that he receives the necessary support and resources. He has emphasized the importance of education, therapy, and inclusivity in providing his child with the best opportunities for growth and development.

Community Support and Awareness:

Fat Joe’s journey has also shed light on the importance of community support and awareness for families raising special needs children. By sharing his experiences and challenges, he has become an advocate, fostering understanding and acceptance within society.

“We actually have a school in one of my stores in the Bronx, where kids can

come after school…computers for them, they get mentored…everything we could possible do to help our community, we do it,” explains Joe.

His platform has allowed him to engage in meaningful conversations about the needs of individuals with disabilities, promoting empathy and inclusion.

A Role Model for Others:

Fat Joe’s commitment to his son has inspired many parents facing similar circumstances. By openly discussing the challenges and joys of raising a child with special needs, he has become a role model for others. His unwavering love and determination demonstrate that with the right support system, it is possible to provide a nurturing environment for children with special needs.

Embracing the Joys:

While raising a special needs child can be demanding, it is also filled with moments of immense joy and triumph. Fat Joe cherishes the milestones, both big and small, that his son achieves. He celebrates his child’s individuality and unique strengths, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the incredible potential that lies within every person, regardless of their abilities.

Creating a Better Future:

Fat Joe’s dedication to his special needs son extends beyond the boundaries of their immediate family. As an influential figure in the music industry, he uses his platform to advocate for improved resources, support systems, and opportunities for individuals with special needs. By amplifying their voices and promoting change, he strives to create a better future for all.

Acclaimed Actor Hill Harper Seeking U.S. Senate Seat

Harper’s bid for the Democratic nomination sets him on a direct collision course with U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin.

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

Hill Harper, the well-known actor recognized for his roles in hit television shows such as “CSI: NY” and “The Good Doctor,” has declared his candidacy for Michigan’s vacant U.S. Senate seat.

Harper’s bid for the Democratic nomination sets him on a direct collision course with U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin. With Harper’s entry into the race, he becomes the sixth Democratic contender vying for the seat left open by retiring Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow. A four-term senator, Stabenow an-

nounced her decision not to seek re-election in 2024, adding to the significance of the battleground state’s upcoming election.

Although born in Iowa, Harper has established strong ties to Michigan.

He owns a residence in Detroit and made a notable investment in the city’s business landscape by purchasing Roasting Plant Coffee in 2017.

Before pursuing an acting career, Harper attended Brown University and Harvard Law School.

His extensive acting portfolio includes a nine-season run on the CBS show

“CSI: NY” and a current role on ABC’s “The Good Doctor.”

Harper’s involvement in public service

extends beyond the entertainment industry.

In 2012, President Barack Obama appointed Harper to his cancer panel because of his personal experience as a cancer survivor.

Harper’s background as a small-business owner, union member, and activist positions him as a unique candidate who emphasizes his status as a non-career politician.

He declared that his campaign would be “powered by the people, for the people,” hoping that this trait would give him an advantage in Congress.

In an interview with The Associated Press leading up to his announcement, Harper stressed the importance of repre-

senting the people rather than focusing on party lines.

He said he believed Michigan residents desired an independent voice in the U.S. Senate.

Harper faces the daunting challenge of catching up to Slotkin’s impressive fundraising efforts and established campaign.

Slotkin, who has garnered endorsements from fellow U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, has raised $5.8 million in just over four months, with $3.6 million remaining unspent.

Initially, many prominent Democratic candidates considering a Senate run chose not to compete after Slotkin’s announcement in February.

However, in recent months, the field of

Democratic candidates has expanded. State Board of Education member Pamela Pugh, former Detroit state Rep. Leslie Love, businessman Nasser Beydoun, and attorney Zack Burns have all thrown their hats into the ring.

Michigan holds significant importance for the Democratic Party, as the state represents a must-win for maintaining control of the Senate.

Democrats anticipate tough races in other battleground states like Ohio, West Virginia, Montana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.

In the 2020 election, Republican John James narrowly lost to incumbent Con ‘t on page 15

(Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

Caster Semenya wins testosterone case

Mildred Europa Taylor, Africa2Africa.com

Olympic champion Caster Semenya has won her discrimination case in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The South African runner had argued that she was discriminated against by World Athletics’ testosterone rules that banned her from competing in certain events due to her naturally high levels of the hormone testosterone.

In February 2021, the 32-year-old went to the ECHR after losing appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the Swiss Federal Tribunal (SFT). In its ruling on Tuesday, the ECHR said that the Swiss government did not protect Semenya from being discriminated against when its Supreme Court declined to overturn a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport which upheld the World Athletics’ testosterone rules.

“The court found in particular that the applicant had not been afforded sufficient institutional and procedural safeguards in Switzerland to allow her to have her complaints examined effectively, especially since her complaints concerned substantiated and credible claims of discrimination as a result of

her increased testosterone level caused by differences of sex development,” ECHR said in a statement.

“The high stakes of the case for the applicant and the narrow margin of appreciation afforded to the respondent State should have led to a thorough Institutional and procedural review, but the applicant had not been able to obtain such a review.”

Semenya may now be able to challenge again the rules that put a stop to her career. The middle-distance runner came into the limelight in 2009 after she captured the women’s 800m world title with a very impressive time. The sport’s world governing body later announced it would run gender verification tests on her.

“They thought I had a dick, probably,” Semenya recalled in an interview with HBO’s Real Sports. “I told them: ‘It’s fine. I’m a female, I don’t care. If you want to see I’m a woman, I will show you my vagina. All right?’”

Semenya’s gender test report determined she did not have a womb or ovaries. The report also showed that she had internal testes – which are the male testosterone-producing sexual organs – and her hormonal levels for that were three times higher than what a “normal” female would have.

Con’t from page 10

Sisters’ Journey

I kept a lot of positivity and peaceful thoughts around me at all times, because when going through a traumatic event I found it best to try to remain calm. Prayer and positivity were just what I needed to contain any anxiety that would attempt to fester. On February 2, 2022, I had my second and final successful surgery with Dr. Allen. Although I will have to take Tamoxifen (hormone blocker) for 5-10 years, my treatment is now completed and I could not be more grateful!!

The athlete is said to have a condition called hyperandrogenism. Females who have that condition have excessive testosterone, and that hormone expands muscle mass and strength and how the body can use oxygen, Reuters reported.

In 2011, the International Association of Athletics Federations (now World Athletics) ruled that female athletes with hyperandrogenism had to take medication that would suppress their testosterone levels. And though Semenya took the prescribed medication after that ruling, she recalled it had a negative effect on her, as it made her sick.

Semenya, in 2020, lost her appeal against the Court of Arbitration (CAS) after the Swiss Federal Tribunal (SFT) upheld the CAS’ 2019 ruling that said the new policy for athletes with differences in Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) was “necessary, reasonable and proportionate” to allow for a balanced competition in female sport, The Guardian reported.

The CAS had ruled that female athletes with high testosterone levels had to take suppressants if they wanted to internationally compete in distances between 400m and a mile.

Republicans

September 23, 2023 will mark my two-year anniversary. I cannot be more thankful for this journey's outcome. I feel so blessed when I look back on my way supporters, family and friends, coworkers, all who kept me in mind and prayed for me. God provided while I was out of work. I am thankful through it all that I was able to continue my studies and actually make the Dean’s List, and my daughter, who I was really concerned about her emotional state of mind, received Honors. In the midst of my journey God showed me how powerful and true to his word He can be!! By his stripes we are healed!!

Caster Semenya.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons/ Tab59

Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, who now serves as a U.S. representative. While two GOP candidates, including state Board of Education member Nikki Snyder, have declared their intentions to run, Republicans have yet to field a highprofile contender for the seat.

Notable figures like former U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer are reportedly considering bids.

have been successful in only one of Michigan’s last 15 Senate races, securing an open seat victory in 1994.

Bad Affirmative Action Decision Won’t Stop Equal Rights Progress

By Courtesy of the Forward Times

The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to end affirmative action in higher education is much more than just a bad ruling; this is an embarrassment on a global scale.

It’s based on the misguided notion that the Constitution, and even our society today, is colorblind. That’s so far from the truth. In reality, what we have is a judicial authority that is in denial; denial of racism, denial of facts, denial of the consequences of this decision, denial of the harm to the people affected, and denial of the hierarchy of human value that this nation was built upon and still reigns supreme in too many minds and institutions today.

Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts concluded that the approach used by Harvard University and the University of North Carolina violated the 14th Amendment and “cannot be reconciled with the guarantees of the Equal Protection Clause.” That is duplicitous – that clause was designed to remedy the harm caused by denying rights and protection to people of color over centuries. For this court to use it to deny educational opportunities to people of color in the 21st century is hypocrisy

at best and cruel at worst. Their decision lacks empathy and compassion for millions.

Our Constitution was conceived in an environment of racial hierarchy. It was dedicated to the proposition that some people were not human. Blacks could be enslaved and had no human rights. During the 1787 United States Constitutional Convention, the infamous Three-fifths Compromise relegated enslaved people to be counted as 3-5ths of Whites in a state’s population.

That created an inequitable and unfair American society. Harvard Professor Roland G. Fryer, Jr. has quantified the consequences. Relative to Whites, Blacks earn 24% less, live five fewer years, and are six times more likely to be incarcerated on a given day.

Hispanics make 25% less than Whites and are three times more likely to be incarcerated. At the end of the 1990s, there were one-third more Black men under the corrections system’s jurisdiction than those enrolled in colleges or universities.

Despite improvement by Blacks and Hispanics, there remain stark differences in access to quality education and opportunity that education affords. In a recent NCHE paper, Susan Eaton, Director of the Sillerman Center for the Ad-

vancement of Philanthropy at the Heller School for Social Policy at Brandeis University, cited the racial disparity in poverty nationwide. About 24% of Native Americans, 20% of Blacks, and 17%

of Latinos live in high-poverty neighborhoods compared to just 4 % of Whites. Disparities in schools are even more extreme, with 74% of Black and Latinos, 70% of Native Americans, and just 32 % of Whites attending schools where at least half of the students qualify for free and reduced lunches.

Clearly, American society remains far from a colorblind state where equity and equality are spread across all communities, rich and poor, Black, White, and Brown. It’s astounding that the Supreme Court chose to ignore centuries of racism that has created a society where Blacks, Native Americans, and other people of color are forced to confront bias daily in their everyday life, at school, at work, at play, and in their communities.

But there is hope for America. This Supreme Court is not a reflection of the people. This Court represents the opinions of a minority of our population.

That has been demonstrated by the political uprising after the Court’s rejection of a woman’s right to her own reproductive decisions. We may see a similar reaction to this Court decision limiting access to the nation’s top educational institutions to people qualified to attend but have faced discrimination because of their skin color every day since birth.

NCHE has conducted research, which will soon be released, demonstrating that the American people want to put racism and political divisiveness behind us and move forward to create equitable communities.

America made tremendous progress after the murder of George Floyd. A watershed of honesty and sincerity opened up to address the realities of police brutality and the legacy of denial of humanity. Anytime there is a moment creating a seismic wave in society, one representing a transformation from the norm, there will be resistance. In this case, the opposition has a high level of authority and power, but it contradicts the minds and hearts of the majority of America.

The march towards an equitable society will continue.

Dr. Gail C. Christopher is the Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity, Senior Scholar at the Center for Advancement of Well-Being at George Mason University, and former Senior Advisor and Vice President of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.

The post Bad Affirmative Action Decision Won’t Stop Equal Rights Progress appeared first on Forward Times.

Medical Pioneer Henrietta Lacks Nominated for Congressional Gold Medal in Recognition of Revolutionary Contributions to Modern Medicine

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

Leaders from the Congressional Black Caucus, alongside the family of medical pioneer Henrietta Lacks, gathered in the nation’s capital to announce their unanimous support for the pioneer to receive the esteemed Congressional Gold Medal posthumously.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, a prominent advocate for social justice, expressed his endorsement of this significant recognition.

“Today, I joined leaders from the Congressional Black Caucus and the family of medical pioneer Henrietta Lacks to announce our unanimous support for her to receive the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously,” Crump stated. “She is beyond worthy of this distinguished honor.”

Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) pledged to reintroduce legislation to honor Lacks with the nation’s highest civilian award in acknowledgment of what he called her indelible contributions to modern medicine.

Lacks, a Black woman from Baltimore, unknowingly propelled medical science forward when her cancer cells were used to advance breakthroughs in the polio vaccine and treatments for cancer, HIV, and

By unanimously supporting Lacks’ nomination, the Congressional Black Caucus, and its allies said they aim to celebrate her groundbreakiAng contributions to medical science and ensure that her legacy endures.

Parkinson’s disease.

Lacks died of cervical cancer in 1951, unaware of the profound impact her cells would have on future medical advancements.

During her treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital, the medical staff utilized Lacks’ cancer cells without her knowledge or

consent, to advance medical therapies. The groundbreaking HeLa cell line was created from those cells, marking the birth of the first immortal line of human cells.

The push to honor Lacks comes as her family wages a legal battle against a biotech company that they accuse of selling her tissue without their consent.

In a lawsuit against Thermo Fisher Scientific, the family alleges that the company used Lacks’ living cell samples that were collected in 1951 during a medical procedure.

They allege Thermo Fisher Scientific collected the samples without permission and that the company continues to unjust-

ly profit from Lacks without compensating her estate.

Christopher Seeger, one of the Lack family attorneys, vowed his team wouldn’t rest until the family has been properly compensated.

He also said Lacks’ family wants to safeguard the rights of all patients.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) acknowledged Lacks for her invaluable contributions to medical research, which he said have benefited millions of people worldwide.

“The debt of gratitude we owe Henrietta Lacks can never be fully repaid for her invaluable contributions to medical research that have benefited millions of people across the world,” Van Hollen stated in a news release.

“But we can work to ensure that Americans know her story and the critical impact her life-saving cells have had on global health, our quality of life, and patient rights.”

The Congressional Gold Medal is a prestigious honor bestowed upon individuals whose achievements have profoundly influenced the nation.

By unanimously supporting Lacks’ nomination, the Congressional Black Caucus, and its allies said they aim to celebrate her groundbreaking contributions to medical science and ensure that her legacy endures.

ARMED SCHOOL SECURITY OFFICER

NOTICE

Town of Bloomfield

Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership,Inc. (LEAP)

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The Town of Wallingford is seeking qualified applicants for Armed School Security Officer. The position pays $55,000 annually plus benefits and will follow the Wallingford Public Schools calendar. To view the position requirements and to register/apply, please go to: https://www.policeapp.com/Wallingford-CT-Police-Department/312/ by the registration/application deadline of Monday, July 10, 2023. Registration for PoliceApp requires a fee of $35.00 that must be paid online to PoliceApp.com. EOE

Salary Range: $87,727 to $136,071

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING SERVICES

Deputy Finance Director/Controller

Construction

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.

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) 621-1720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V Drug Free Workforce

NOTICIA

Listing: Estimator/Job Coordinator

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

HVAC department has an opening for a full time Estimator/Job Coordinator. Candidate must possess a HVAC Trade License. Construction or engineering degree preferred. Five years of experience in the HVAC industry. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@eastriverenergy.com

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE. For Details go to  www.bloomfieldct.org

Town of Bloomfield Finance Director

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

Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership, Inc. (LEAP) is seeking a qualified individual or firm to provide professional architectural and/or engineering services for the rehabilitation of its building at 31 Jefferson Street in New Haven, CT. The project is being funded through the Community Project Funding Grant under the federal 2023 Economic Development Initiative.

A detailed overview of the RFQ may be obtained at the LEAP Office at 31 Jefferson Street or through an email request to Allie Salazar Gonzalez at leapgrants@leapforkids. org.

Sealed qualifications (3 copies) must be received in the office of the Executive Director of LEAP, 31 Jefferson Street, New Haven, CT 06511 on or before July 20th, 2023 AT 11:00 A.M. at which time they will be opened. There will be two options for site visits prior to the submission of qualifications. They are listed in the full RFQ.

All questions regarding this proposal should be directed in writing to Allie Salazar Gonzalez via email at leapgrants@leapforkids.org. No questions will be answered within 5 days of the opening of the RFP.

**An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**

RESIDENT SERVICES COORDINATOR

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

Fairfield Housing Authority

Minimum Salary: $52,500 annual

Application DEADLINE is July 7, 2023

General Description of Work:

NEW HAVEN

Fully Benefited – 35 hours weekly Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website –www.bloomfieldct.org

Portland

Police Officer full-time

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

Minority and women owned individuals or firms are encouraged to submit proposals.

Metropolitan District Commission 2023R-17 Backwater Valve Program

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

The Resident Services Coordinator is a key Fairfield Housing Authority (FHA) staff position that insures residents’ services are the Authority’s first priority. The Resident Services Coordinator (RSC) is responsible for initial and ongoing engagement of residents and all administrative duties to assist the FHA in its operations. The RSC works closely with our supportive service provider and our property management team to insure residents’ needs are addressed, and support residents to fulfill their responsibilities under the lease. A full job description and employment application is available at https://www.fairfieldhc.org/ or by calling 203-366-6578. Applications must be postmarked on or before July 7, 2023 to be considered and the FHA reserves the right to begin interviewing candidates prior to the application deadline.

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

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

The Metropolitan District (MDC) is seeking the services of SBE certified, MBE or WBE plumbing firms, CCTV and/or sewer lateral inspection firms for on-call professional plumbing services in support of the District’s Backwater Valve Program. Mandatory Pre-Bid Meetings will be held on July 5, 2023 at 5:00 PM EDT, and July 11, 2023 at 5:00 PM EDT at 125 Maxim Road, Hartford, CT 06114 in the Training room. Prospective Respondents must attend only one of these Pre-Bid. Bid information will be available on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 8:00:00 AM Eastern Time. Requests for clarification are due Friday, July 14, 2023 4:00:00 PM Eastern Time. Bids are due Wednesday, July 19, 2023 2:00:00 PM Eastern Time. Visit this bid on our website at https://mdc.procureware.com/home to review this opportunity.

CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016

3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S.

1:30-

(203) 996-4517 Host,General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor ofPitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a background check, (2) a physical examination, including drug screening, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Applications & job descriptions are available at the Fairfield Housing Authority’s office located at 15 Pine Tree Lane, Fairfield Monday-Friday, 11 A.M. to 3 P.M, or downloaded from the website listed above. To be considered for this position, the applicant must complete the job application and attached a Resume which should be mailed to the address above. Fax, email or hand delivered applications will not be accepted. Minority and Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. The Fairfield Housing Authority is EOE, M/F/D employer.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

Electric Utility

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.

Distribution Engineer – The Town of Wallingford Electric Division is seeking a highly technical individual to work in the design and development of overhead and underground power distribution lines. The utility serves 24,700 customers in a 50+ square mile distribution area with a peak demand of 130 MW. The position requires a B.S. degree in electrical engineering plus 2 years of responsible experience in utility engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting on a year-for year basis. Salary: $84,586- $108,221 annually plus an excellent fringe benefit package. 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 July 11, 2023 Phone #: (203) 294-2080, Fax #: (203) 294-2084. EOE.

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

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for an Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee (Leadership Associate (Confidential) position, a Labor Relations Specialist position, and an Oracle Business Intelligence Analytics Manager (Information Technology Manager 1) position.

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:

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

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Fiscal/ Administrative Officer. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230605&R2=1308AR&R3=001

https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=230608&R2= 5989VR&R3=001

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

https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=230608&R2= 5256MP&R3=001

https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=230601&R2= 1561MP&R3=002

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

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

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Construction

NOW ACCEPTING PRE-APPLICATIONS

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

NOTICE

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Contact: Tom Dunay

Phone: 860- 243-2300

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.

Affordable Housing-CANAL PARK, Westport, CT

Preliminary Applications will be accepted beginning on 06/20/2023 AND ENDS with a postmark date of 07/14/2023. Pre-Applications received after the end date as postmarked will be automatically rejected. Pre-Applications are to be mailed only to Owner’s offices located at 5 Canal Street, Westport, CT 06880.

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

: 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

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.

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

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

Owner: Canal Park LLC

Funded by:

State of Connecticut Dept. of Housing, and U. S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development through its Section 8 housing program

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks

NOTICIA

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Applicants will need to meet the income requirements based on family size for 50% of Area Median Income, or less. Eligible applicant households must have a head, co-head, or spouse age 62 or older, or a disability determination from the Social Security Admin. to qualify. Preliminary Applications will be received during the period noted above and placement on the wait list will be made through the random selection method, once the period has ended. The maximum number of pre-applications to be placed on the wait list is one hundred (100). Pre-applications will not be accepted by hand-delivery, facsimile, email or any other electronic transmission.

Income Limits: One Person - $60,000 Two Persons $68,550

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

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

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

AA/EOE-MF

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

State of Connecticut

Office of Policy and Management

Pre-Applications will be provided to any & all interested persons. Individuals or families may pick up a hard copy of the pre-application at the Owner’s offices located at 5 Canal Street, Westport, CT or online at https://www.westportha.org/ You may request a pre- application be mailed to you by contacting us at 203-227-4672.

For Additional Information Contact Westport Housing Authority: Phone: (203)227-4672

TRS/TDD: (800) 842-9710

Listing: Commercial Driver

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

Immediate opening for a Class A full time driver for petroleum/like products deliveries for nights and weekends. Previous experience required. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email: hrdept@eastriverenergy.com

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**********

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

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

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Fiscal/ Administrative Officer position Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230419&R2=1308AR&R3=001

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Listing: Lead Installer

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.

HVAC department has an opening for an experienced, full time, lead installer for all mechanical systems (Hydronic, Duct-less, RTU’s). Candidate must possess a minimum D2 license, EPA Certificate, and a minimum of 5 years experience. Benefits, 401k, Paid Time Off, Company Vehicle. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or emailHRDept@eastriverenergy.com

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

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

Listing: Mechanic

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

Immediate opening for a full 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 email hrdept@eastriverenergy.com

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

********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**********

WANTED TRUCK DRIVER

Truck Driver with clean CDL license

Please send resume to attielordan@gmail.com PJF Construction Corporation AA/EOE

CONSTRUCTION JOB FAIR

HIRING ALL TRADES!

CURRENT/FORMER RESIDENTS OF WESTBROOK VILLAGE, HARTFORD RESIDENTS AND APPRENTICES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND

CONTRACTORS AVAILABLE FOR ON-THE-SPOT INTERVIEWS!

DATE: MONDAY, JULY 24, 2023

TIME: 3 PM – 6 PM

LOCATION

Handel Performing Arts Center at the University of Hartford 35 Westbourne Parkway, Hartford, CT 06112

**Please note the entrance to and parking can be accessed from the driveway off of Albany Avenue, Hartford, CT.**

For more information, please contact Jennifer Lacombe PH: 203-888-8119 EMAIL: jlacombe@haynesct.com The

REQUEST FOR BIDS

NOTICE

Sale of Surplus Rolling Stock New Haven, Connecticut New Haven Parking Authority Project #23-053

QSR STEEL CORPORATION APPLY NOW!

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

NOW ACCEPTING PRE-APPLICATIONS FOR HALES COURT

Affordable Rental Housing - TWO, THREE & FOUR-BEDROOM UNITS, 2-78 Hales Court, Westport CT 06880

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Bids due July 7, 2023 at 3:00 P.M.

Bid Documents will be available beginning June 26, 2023 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.

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.

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

Preliminary Applications will be accepted beginning on 06/20/2023 AND ENDS with a postmark date of 07/14/2023. Pre-applications received after the end date as postmarked will be automatically rejected. Pre-applications are to be mailed only to Owner ’s offices located at 5 Canal Street, Westport, CT 06880.

Owner: Hales Court Housing, LLC

Managing Agent: Millennium Real Estate Services, LLC

ARMED SCHOOL SECURITY OFFICER

NOTICIA

VALENTINA

MACRI

VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

The Town of Wallingford is seeking qualified applicants for Armed School Security Officer. The position pays $55,000 annually plus benefits and will follow the Wallingford Public Schools calendar. To view the position requirements and to register/apply, please go to: https://www.policeapp.com/Wallingford-CT-Police-Department/312/ by the registration/application deadline of Monday, July 10, 2023. Registration for PoliceApp requires a fee of $35.00 that must be paid online to PoliceApp.com. EOE

Classified Apt for Rent

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

Cheshire: Accepting Prelim Appl BY MAIL ONLY for wait list 62 yrs or older or disabled at Cheshire Hillside Village. Waiting List Open Wed, July 26, 2023 – Sat, July 29, 2023 ONLY. Subsidized. EHO. CHFA Financed. Completed Prelim Appl MUST BE POSTMARKED July 26th – July 29th, 2023 ONLY. Wait List Closed July 30, 2023. Contact Gibson Assoc. Inc. 175 E. Mitchell Av Cheshire Ph: 203-272-3781 TDD 800-545-1833x165

NEW HAVEN

Listing: Installers

242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

HVAC department has openings for experienced, full time, installers for mechanical systems (Hydronic, Duct-less, RTU’s). Trade license and 3-5 years of experience preferred. Benefits, 401k, Paid Time Off, Company Vehicle. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@eastriverenergy.com

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

**An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**

CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host,General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor ofPitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

Transportation Planner – GIS/Data Manager

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) is seeking to fill the Transportation Planner – GIS/Data Manager position. Visit www.scrcog.org for the full position description, qualifications, and application requirements. Applications are to be submitted by noon on Monday, July 31, 2023, or until the position is filled. Questions may be emailed to jobs@scrcog.org. SCRCOG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.

C.J. Fucci, Inc., a Heavy/Highway general contractor,

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.

seeks an experienced Project Manager based out of our New Haven, CT offices. Qualified candidates will have at least 10 years’ experience working as a project manager on heavy highway/bridge, concrete, demolition, and civil and site projects valued at $1M to $20M. A four-year engineering or construction management degree or equivalent experience, extensive knowledge of construction, effective management techniques and superior interpersonal and communication skills are required. Bridge, and CT DOT experience is preferred. Night/weekend work may be required. Applicants must submit project history with resume. AA/EOE M/F/Disability/Vet. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage qualified woman and minorities to apply. Please submit your resume and project history to lreopell@cjfucci.com

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

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Principal Labor Relations Specialist.

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230417&R2=6342MP&R3=001

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

WANTED TRUCK DRIVER

Applicants will need to meet the income requirements based on family size for 60% of Area Median Income, or less. Preliminary Applications will be received during the period noted above and placement on the wait list will be made through the random selection method, once the period has ended. The maximum number of pre-applications to be placed on the wait list is one hundred (100). Pre-applications will not be accepted by hand-delivery, facsimile, email or any other electronic transmission.

Four Person family 60% AMI Max limit $71,520/year: 2 Bedroom unit Maximum current rent- $1,200/month

Six Person family 60% AMI Max limit $82,980/year: 3 Bedroom unit Maximum current rent- $1,350/month

Eight Person family 60% AMI Max limit $94,440/year: 4 Bedroom unit Maximum current rent- $1,450/month

Pre-Applications will be provided to any & all interested persons. Individuals or families may pick up a hard copy of the pre-application at the Owner’s offices located at 5 Canal Street, Westport, CT or online at https://www.westportha.org. You may request a pre- application be mailed to you by contacting us at 203-227-4672

For Additional Information Contact Westport Housing Authority: Phone: (203) 227-4672

TRS/TDD: (800) 842-9710

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

Truck Driver with clean CDL license

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Full time experienced welder for Structural/Miscellaneous metals- email resume to jillherbert@gwfabrication.com

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

RESIDENT SERVICES COORDINATOR

PJF Construction Corporation AA/EOE

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT Assistant

Please send resume to attielordan@gmail.com

Fairfield Housing Authority

Minimum Salary: $52,500 annual

Application DEADLINE is July 7, 2023

General Description of Work:

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

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE.

For Details go to www.bloomfieldct.org

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

The Resident Services Coordinator is a key Fairfield Housing Authority (FHA) staff position that insures residents’ services are the Authority’s first priority. The Resident Services Coordinator (RSC) is responsible for initial and ongoing engagement of residents and all administrative duties to assist the FHA in its operations. The RSC works closely with our supportive service provider and our property management team to insure residents’ needs are addressed, and support residents to fulfill their responsibilities under the lease. A full job description and employment application is available at https://www.fairfieldhc. org/ or by calling 203-366-6578. Applications must be postmarked on or before July 7, 2023 to be considered and the FHA reserves the right to begin interviewing candidates prior to the application deadline.

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

EOE

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a background check, (2) a physical examination, including drug screening, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Applications & job descriptions are available at the Fairfield Housing Authority’s office located at 15 Pine Tree Lane, Fairfield Monday-Friday, 11 A.M. to 3 P.M, or downloaded from the website listed above. To be considered for this position, the applicant must complete the job application and attached a Resume which should be mailed to the address above. Fax, email or hand delivered applications will not be accepted. Minority and Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. The Fairfield Housing Authority is EOE, M/F/D employer.

Carlos Watson, Tech Founder of Ozy, Says Prosecution is Racially Biased

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor

Carlos Watson, the co-founder of Ozy Media, is loudly claiming on social media and in a well-produced video that he has been targeted as a Black entrepreneur in the mostly white tech world.

Ozy collapsed after Watson was indicted for fraud in February 2023. Federal prosecutors alleged that Watson and his company defrauded investors out of “tens of millions.” Prosecutors claim that Watson ran a company that was a fraudulent scheme to fool financial supporters based on false information about Ozy.

But in the tech world, over-inflating user data and success is generally standard practice. Watson is arguing that his prosecution is racially biassed and that he was using often used tactics by tech entrepreneurs.

“The U.S. legal system criminalizes the

actions of black #entrepreneurs such as OZY Media Founder Carlos Watson while giving their white counterparts a pass. Black entrepreneurs receive 1% of venture funding and 51% of the prosecution,” wrote Watson on social media on June 21.

Watson’s legal defense team is asking the Department of Justice to conduct a racial bias investigation on the Brooklyn prosecutors who are working on his case. Watson claims that the three white prosecutors focused on him have overwhelmingly prosecuted Black people and other people of color while only ten percent of their prosecutions are Black. In February, federal prosecutors accused Watson of running Ozy “like a criminal organization.”

“There's a not-so-secret track record of double standards in prosecution of Black people for identical allegations as our counterparts. Acknowledging this does

not suggest indifference, but of the reality we face,” wrote Dr. Nehemiah Mabry on twitter regarding Watson’s prosecution.

Ozy recently released a statement regarding ten one thousand dollar grants that have not been delivered to their “genius award” recipients.

Kenneth Montgomery, an attorney on Watson’s legal team, said in a statement that, “the unwarranted criminal charges brought the company to a complete standstill and forced the cessation of operations. The Watson family firmly believes in making higher education accessible to all, which is why they cofounded Achieva College Prep Service well before Mr. Watson founded OZY.” Carlos Watson, 53, is a graduate of Harvard University, Stanford University and Stanford Law School.

Ancestral Connections: Political Elite’s Ties to Slavery Revealed

Recent research conducted by Reuters has shed light on the genealogies of America’s political elite, revealing that a significant portion of members of Congress, living presidents, Supreme Court justices, and governors are direct descendants of ancestors who enslaved Black people.

Among the 536 members of the last sitting Congress, Reuters found that at least 100 have ancestors who were slaveholders.

Furthermore, over a quarter of the Senate, or 28 members, can trace their families back to slaveholding ancestors. This spans Democratic and Republican lawmakers, including influential figures such as Republican Senators Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham, and Tom Cotton, as well as Democrats Elizabeth Warren, Tammy Duckworth, and Jeanne Shaheen.

The examination also revealed that President Joe Biden and every living former U.S. president, except Donald Trump, have direct connections to slaveholders.

That list includes Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and even Barack Obama through his white mother’s lineage.

Additionally, two of the nine sitting U.S. Supreme Court justices, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, have ancestors who were involved in enslavement. The research conducted by Reuters also delved into the gubernatorial level, revealing that in 2022, 11 out of 50 U.S. states had governors who were descendants of slaveholders.

Eight governors hail from states that formed the Confederate States of America, which fought to preserve slavery.

Among them, Asa Hutchinson, the former governor of Arkansas, and Doug Burgum of North Dakota are seeking the Republican nomination for president. According to Reuters’ findings, at least 8% of Democrats and 28% of Republicans in the last Congress had ancestral ties to slaveholders.

This disparity reflects the historical strength of the Republican Party in the South, where slavery was concentrated.

South Carolina, where the Civil War began, exemplifies the familial connections between lawmakers and the nation’s history of slavery.

Every member of the state’s delegation to the last Congress has ancestral ties to slavery.

Sen. Tim Scott, a Republican presidential candidate, and Rep. James Clyburn, a prominent Democrat, both have ancestors who were enslaved.

All seven white lawmakers from South Carolina in the 117th Congress are direct descendants of slaveholders, as is the state’s Republican governor, Henry McMaster.

The unveiling of these ancestral ties to slavery comes at a time when the legacy of slavery is under renewed and intense debate.

The investigation by Reuters emphasizes the ongoing relationship between America and the institution of slavery, particularly among those who influence the country’s laws.

Henry Louis Gates Jr., a professor at Harvard University specializing in African and African American Research, emphasized in an NBC News interview that identifying these ancestral connections is not about assigning blame but recog-

nizing the close link between lawmakers and slavery.

Gates stated that it served as an opportunity for individuals to learn and for the American people to gain a deeper understanding of their shared history.

The Reuters analysis goes beyond previous documentation of ancestral ties to slavery by focusing on the most powerful officeholders of today, many of whom have taken stances on race-related policies.

The comprehensive research provides a broader and more detailed perspective on the extent of these leaders’ connections to America’s “original sin.”

It also explores the personal and significant implications for lawmakers and prominent officials as they confront the realities of their own family’s involvement in slavery.

The research focused on direct lineal descendants rather than distant cousins. c The sources analyzed included Census records, tax documents, estate records, family Bibles, newspaper accounts, and birth and death certificates.

To ensure accuracy, board-certified genealogists reviewed each case linking a contemporary leader to a slaveholding ancestor.

While the Reuters examination provided a valuable understanding of the ancestral ties between the political elite and slavery, it’s further acknowledged that the records available may not capture the full extent of those connections.

Many records have been lost or destroyed over time, leading to the possibility of an undercount.

OZY Co-Founder Carlos Watson sat down with President Clinton on Nov. 9th 2013 to get his opinion on a number of topics. Photo: Ozy Media / Wikimedia Commons.

Among the 536 members of the last sitting Congress, Reuters found that at least 100 have ancestors who were slaveholders.

GREATER NEW HAVEN CHAMBER

ANNOUNCING OUR 2023 HONOREES!

Attend GNHCC’s Health Care & Life Sciences Awards!

Prepare to be captivated by insightful presentations that delve into the latest innovations and updates within the health care and life sciences industry, presented by esteemed members of the Greater New Haven community. This prestigious awards program will honor remarkable individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions towards advancing health care within the regional business community. Join us as we celebrate these trailblazers and their remarkable achievements, inspiring further progress and fostering collaboration within this vital industry.

The event includes a lively networking reception with delicious food, drinks, and live jazz!

PANEL

Register today and be entered to win TWO RT TICKETS compliments of Avelo Airlines!

SCAN THE BELOW QR CODE TO REGISTER OR VISIT GNHCC.COM

Presenting Sponsors Media Sponsor

INDUSTRY VISIONARY Michael Taylor of Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center

INDUSTRY SUPER STAR

Marcella Nunez-Smith, MD, MHS of Yale School of Medicine

BIOSCIENCE INNOVATOR Jennifer Bradley of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

DISCUSSION: WHY BIOSCIENCE AND HEALTHCARE COMPANIES ARE THRIVING IN GREATER NEW HAVEN and how they are handling the challenges of an uncertain economy

Rebecca Frey Siduma Therapeutics

Moderator: Lou Gianquinto, Jr. Anthem BCBS of CT at Anthem, Inc.

Dorinda Manner Yale New Haven Health

Michael Taylor Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center

Rob Bettigole Elm Street Ventures

New Haven Public Schools

Early Childhood Programs

Programs for 3 and 4 Year Olds in New Haven

SCHOOL READINESS

NEW HAVEN

Free 6-hour early childhood programs for low-income New Haven families in the following New Haven Public Schools:

• Benjamin Jepson Multi-Age School

• Dr. Mayo Early Childhood School

• Fair Haven School

• John Martinez Sea & Sky STEM School

• Lincoln-Bassett School

•

Truman School

•

Additional community locations also participate in the program.

• Contact: Head Start Registration Office

Tel. 475-220-1462

NEW HAVEN

Sliding scale, fee-based 6-hour early childhood programs for New Haven families in the following New Haven Public Schools:

• Augusta Lewis Troup School

• Columbus Family Academy

• East Rock Community School

• Hill Central School

• Nathan Hale School

• Additional community locations also participate in the program.

• Free 4-hour programs available at East Rock Community and Nathan Hale Schools. Contact:

• School Readiness Registration

Tel.: 475-220-1482

The Early Childhood REGISTRATION OFFICE is located at:

Celentano Observatory

400 Canner Street

New Haven, CT 06511

In person REGISTRATION is Available

We are Accepting Applications!

How to Apply

The Office of Early Childhood is accepting applications electronically. Parents of 3 and 4 year olds are encouraged to apply online.

English: https://registration.powerschool.com/family/ gosnap.aspx?action=24982&culture=en

Spanish: https://registration.powerschool.com/family/ gosnap.aspx?action=24982&culture=es

What you will submit with your Application

1) Proof of Age

Child’s Birth Certificate OR Legal Custody/Guardianship Papers

2) Proof of Address

Current utility bill (Gas, Electric, Phone, Cable) in your name

3) Proof of Income

• 2 months of Current & Consecutive pay stubs OR W-2 or 1040 Tax Return

Budget Statement from the CT Department of Social Services or Social Security Office or Child Enforcement Bureau

• Notarized Statement indicating Parent is unemployed

• Additional forms may be requested

4)Proof of a Physical (within one year-to-date)

• CT Department of Education Early Childhood Health Assessment Record

• Anemia and lead level test results

TB assessment

• Immunizations records

• Seasonal flu vaccination

• Health insurance card

5)Proof of a Dental Exam (within 6-months-to-date)

Dental Exam record